Film Selected For Canada Day Movie Night

The City of Peterborough’s poll for the free Canada Day Movie Night has selected Fly Away Home as the feature film, held at Quaker Foods City Square on June 30.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A total of 500 votes were cast to select the film for the City of Peterborough’s Canada Day Outdoor Movie Night. Fly Away Home was the winner with 217 votes.  

Other options included The Legend of Sarila, Kayak to Klemtu and Cheaper by the Dozen. Each movie has a Canadian connection through cast and crew, filming location, or theme. The poll was open from June 9 to June 13.

Quaker Foods will provide snacks and treats for the evening, and the City will offer free popcorn. Movie-goers are encouraged to arrive by 8 p.m. as supplies are limited.

The City reminds movie-watchers to bring an outdoor chair and water. 

The movie night will kick off the Canada Day festivities on June 30 at dusk (around 9 p.m.). The City is asking residents to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to settle in. Free popcorn is handed out before the show.

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Denne Park Celebrates Grand Opening On Bensfort Road

The City of Peterborough celebrated the opening of Denne Park, located at 2401 Bensfort Rd., on Thursday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the City, the need to rejuvenate Denne Park was identified as part of a comprehensive examination of the City’s green spaces and parks. Construction began in the spring of 2024.  

The City has added a playground, sheltered picnic area with accessible seating, walkways and new benches within Denne Park. A bicycle rack has been installed, and Sugar Maple and Colorado Spruce trees have been planted alongside the park’s existing trees. 

“This new park is an investment in both physical and mental well-being, and a reflection of our commitment to accessible, inclusive recreation for everyone in Peterborough. Access to safe, welcoming recreation opportunities is essential for a healthy, thriving Peterborough, and this new park is a meaningful step in that direction,” said Councillors Alex Bierk and Lesley Parnell in a joint statement.  

“A park is more than just a green space, it’s the heart of a neighbourhood. This is a space where families will gather, children will play and neighbours will connect. This is a space where community can grow. This new park will benefit residents for years to come,” said Ashburnham Ward Councillors Gary Baldwin and Keith Riel. 

The City has also completed rejuvenation work at Dominion Park. Improvements to Dominion Park include upgraded safety surfacing, a shaded shelter, accessible seating, tree planting, a new walkway and a sensory play area.  

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Trent Valley Honda Hosting Customer Appreciation BBQ & Car Wash On 50th Anniversary to Support Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation This Saturday

To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Trent Valley Honda (TVH) is hosting a Customer Appreciation BBQ & Car Wash in support of Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Trent Valley Honda.

The family-run business has been in Peterborough since 1975, located at 851 Highway 7 East.

“Our commitment to, training around and living our brand promise, has helped us foster a culture, where customers truly do come first, employees are proud and empowered to always do the right thing, and are motivated to go above and beyond for each other and for our customers,” said Monika Carmichael, Trent Valley Honda general manager. “The loyalty of our customers and our employees has been the key to sustainable growth and success.”

The free event features a charity raffle for two Gold tickets to the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy in Toronto on July 21, as well as ice cream, bouncy castles, face painting and a gift for every 2026 model test drive as part of the Test Drive Event this month.

The event typically raises $500 but TVH is aiming to double that this year according to Carmichael.

“We have often chosen causes that support and empower children that are less fortunate, including the YES Shelter, YWCA Women’s shelter, etc., she explained. “Kawartha Haliburton’s Children’s Aid acknowledged our ongoing community work and submitted a powerful proposal on why we should make them one of our causes.”

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Peterborough Petes Announce 2025 Education Fund Award Winners

The 2025 winners of the Peterborough Petes Education Fund Scholarships have been announced, which are awarded annually to a player from the Petes U18 AAA and the Peterborough IceKats U18 AA, as selected by their coaches.

(From left to right) Mike Martone, Cameron Meek, Hannah McInnes and Rod McGillis. Each year, the Peterborough Petes Education Fund also awards six $500 scholarships to local high schools, to be presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated self-improvement through hard work during their high school years. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“The Peterborough Petes Education fund was established by former Petes Board of Directors member Pat Casey in the late 1970s,” said Rod McGillis, Petes Vice President. “We are proud to continue to give out these scholarships each year to deserving athletes and students. Pat always knew that education was a critical part of the Peterborough Petes program and his work has allowed for these scholarships to continue to current students and athletes.”

This year’s winner from the Peterborough Petes U18AAA is Cameron Meek. Meek, a forward from Port Perry, attends Port Perry High School and served as Captain of the team this season.

“I’m honoured to receive this award,” said Meek. “I want to thank my coaches for giving me the opportunity to lead this team. Your support and belief helped me to be better every single day both on and off the ice. I also want to thank the boys for an amazing season and wish them the best with whatever they do next year.”

“Cameron Meek spent two impressive years with the U18 Petes, earning the captaincy in his second season,” said Scott Roche, Petes U18 Coach. “Known for his exceptional leadership, Cameron consistently led by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic both on and off the ice. His infectious attitude helped elevate the team's morale, making him a key motivator and a great teammate. Always putting in the effort and displaying a high level of commitment, he quickly became someone others looked up to, not just for his skill, but for his character and dedication to the game.”

This year’s winner from the Peterborough IceKats U18AA is Hannah McInnes. McInnes, a Peterborough native, plays defence for the IceKats and attends St. Peter Secondary.

“I feel very fortunate and grateful to receive this award,” said McInnes. “I want to thank the entire IceKats organization and all of my coaches over the years who have helped develop me as a player and a person along the way. As I have just graduated from  my last season of minor hockey; I will always remember all of my teammates and the memories we made over the years. I’m so lucky to have been part of such an amazing sport with awesome people. I’m looking forward to going away in the fall to university and putting this Peterborough Petes Education Fund scholarship towards my education. Lastly, I want to give a huge ‘thank you’ to the Peterborough Petes organization for this generous award.”

“Hannah McInnes has been a dedicated and inspiring IceKat,” said Cameron Mann, IceKats U18AA Head Coach. “She is an outstanding student, leader and teammate who always puts the team first. Her hard work, coachability and commitment, on and off the ice, make her a true role model. The University of Guelph is lucky to have her this fall.”

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Two People Charged After a Man Was Chased Out From a Break-And-Enter And Assaulted With a Bat

Two people are facing separate charges including assault and breaking and entering after an incident Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 11:50 a.m., officers were called to the area of Monaghan Road and Cameron Street about a man chasing another man with a bat. Officers located a man matching the description given to police walking with a bat and took him into custody.  Officers continued to search the area and located a second man matching the description given to the police, taking him into custody.  The second man was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment of injuries. 

Through investigation, officers learned that one man had broken into a home and the resident chased him out with a bat, striking him several times.

A 31-year-old Whitby man was arrested and charged with:

  • Assault causing bodily harm

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on Wednesday.

A 43-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

  • Break, Enter a dwelling house with intent to commit indictable offence

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court July 29.

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Peterborough Petes Release Full 2025-26 Regular Season Schedule

The Peterborough Petes have officially released their full schedule for the upcoming 2025-26 regular season.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes have their home opener on Sept. 18 against the Brampton Steelheads and finish out their 68-game season in Oshawa on March 22.

Key dates for the 2025-26 Petes season are as follows:

  • Sept. 18 - Home opener against the Brampton Steelheads

  • Oct.16 - Oct. 19 - Rivalry Week, featuring a home and home with the Oshawa Generals and a visit from the Ottawa 67’s

  • Oct. 30 - Petes host the defending OHL and Memorial Cup Champion London Knights

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Six Local Youth Startups Announced For Community Futures Peterborough's Inaugural Summer Company Program

Community Futures Peterborough’s (CFP) Business Advisory Centre (BAC) named six local youth startups for its inaugural Summer Company Program, announced on Wednesday.

In Ontario, young people under the age of 30 now make up nearly 12 percent of all self-employed individuals according to CFP. Photo courtesy of CFP.

This summer’s participants are Lauren Connolly, Teaghan Hartnett, Haydon Meade, Neha Mervin, Bisma Razaque and Spencer Toth.

The initiative is aided by the Government of Ontario, which supports the entrepreneurial aspirations of youth aged 15 to 29. Each year, the program provides eligible young people with up to $3,000 in grant funding to start and operate a business over the summer months. Participants also receive comprehensive business training, expert advice and personalized mentorship to help turn their ideas into real-world enterprises.

“I love seeing kids grow in their swimming skills and confidence,” said Connolly, Connolly Swim Academy founder. “I am really excited to make my business the best it can be for my clients.”

Businesses range from a swimming instructor, Bollywood dance classes, window washing, landscaping service and farm support.

“Young entrepreneurs are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also bringing fresh ideas to our region,” says Rose Terry, BAC manager. “The Summer Company Program is giving these six young entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain practical experience in launching and operating a business, while also equipping them with confidence, mentorship, and the skills they need to succeed beyond the program. We’re proud to lead a program that changes lives.”

Allison Adam, CFP Entrepreneurship Officer has been leading the program since May.

“You can really see their confidence build as they take charge of their ideas. It’s not about having everything figured out,” she said. “It’s about making progress, staying curious, and being willing to try.”

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Two People Arrested With Human Trafficking Charges Including One Peterborough Woman

31-year-old Raheem Smalling of Whitby and 41-year-old Kimberly Butt of Peterborough are facing several charges including human trafficking, reported Wednesday.

Kimberly Butt of Peterborough (left) and Raheem Smalling of Whitby (right) Photos courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Officers with the HT Unit conducted a search warrant at a residence in the Crawford Drive and Monaghan Road area, following an investigation involving victims being advertised online for the purpose of providing sexual services on Tuesday.

During the search, officers located and seized:

  • A double-barreled shotgun

  • A rifle

  • Quantity of cocaine and fentanyl

  • Canadian currency

Smalling was arrested and charged with:

  • Material Benefit – Trafficking

  • Material Benefit from sexual services

  • Advertising sexual services

  • Possession of a firearm knowing the serial number has been tampered with x2

  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm x2

Butt was arrested and charged with:

  • Traffick in person

  • Material benefit from sexual services

  • Material benefit resulting from Trafficking in person

  • Withholding or destroying documents in relation to trafficking in persons

  • Advertising sexual services

  • Procuring

  • Advertising Sexual Services

Both accused are being held in custody and appeared in court on Wednesday.

The Peterborough Police Service released the names and photos of the accused in the event some additional victims recognize them and wish to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Three People Found Guilty In Homicide Incident Of Shawn Singh On July 2, 2022

Three people charged in connection with the murder of 37-year-old Shawn Singh on July 2, 2022, have been found guilty. 

Chief Stuart Betts (pictured) outside the Peterborough Police Service Station informing the public of Eduardo’s arrest in Sault ste. Marie on Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The trial, held in Lindsay, concluded on Tuesday after three and a half weeks. 

37-year-old Eduardo ‘Tito’ Silva was convicted of second-degree murder, 30-year-old Jack Monine was convicted of manslaughter and accessory after the fact and 38-year-old Rebecca Silva was convicted of accessory after the fact in the murder of Singh. 

Eduardo ‘Tito’ Silva remained from the July 2 incident. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Singh was shot and killed on July 2, 2022 at approximately 2 p.m. in the street in the Park Street and Sherbrooke Street area just after 2 p.m.

The then 37-year-old succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving measures by civilians, officers, EMS and medical professionals.

“This positive result comes after almost three years after the killing of Shawn Singh and is a testament to the hard work of investigators to identify and bring those committing violence in our community before the courts,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. This shooting was a brazen attack in a public space.  It had far-reaching impacts on the victim’s family and public safety. I am proud of the dedication and hours of work from those in our Investigative Services Unit from detectives to victim services as this case took them from Peterborough to Toronto and Sault Ste. Marie.”

Silva was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant that the Peterborough Police Service obtained in August 2023. He was arrested following a joint operation between the Peterborough Police Service and Sault Ste. Marie Police Service.

At roughly 11 p.m. on Aug. 22, 2023, Silva was located and taken into custody after a two-hour stand-off with police at a Sault Ste. Marie residence.

Following his arrest, police obtained search warrants and conducted them at Silva’s Sault Ste. Marie residence.

“These investigations and trials show the partnership of the police service and the Crown to bring forward the best information for a jury,” said Betts. I am grateful to our prosecutors for their efforts in this case. Much of what the police do relies on a vigorous prosecution and together we are helping to ensure that healing can begin for Mr. Singh’s family. Outcomes such as this give the community a sense of justice being done.”

Sentencing is expected to be in the fall.  

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Four Draft Picks In Trade With Brantford Bulldogs

The Peterborough Petes have acquired three OHL Priority Selection picks and one Import pick from the Brantford Bulldogs in exchange for Peterborough’s first-round pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“We are excited about the roster that we are building for the upcoming season,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “This move falls in line with some exciting announcements that we will be making in the coming days and weeks as we continue to strengthen our team for this year and beyond.”

The following is the full trade:

To Peterborough

  • 2025 second-round Import pick (Brantford)

  • 2026 second-round pick (Owen Sound)

  • 2027 third-round pick (Brantford)

  • 2028 third-round pick (Brantford)

To Brantford

  • 2025 first-round Import pick (Peterborough)

The CHL Import Draft takes place on July 2 at 11 a.m.

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