Community Futures Peterborough Celebrates 2025 Summer Company Program Student Graduates

The Business Advisory Centre (BAC) at Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) celebrated the achievements of six aspiring young entrepreneurs who graduated from the Government of Ontario’s Summer Company program at the Venture North Building on Wednesday afternoon.

(From left to right) Neha Mervin, 15, Sparks of Bollywood; Bisma Razaque, 17, Shirt Spark; Spencer Toth, 16, Farm Hands and Lauren Connolly, 18, Connolly Swim Academy after reciving their certificates of recognition from MPP Dave Smith. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The program lets students aged 15 to 29 take a business idea and bring it to life. Graduates receive $3,000 in grant funding and they have also received expert training and ongoing mentorship from CFP staff during their entrepreneurship. Along the way, these young entrepreneurs gained skills in problem-solving, financial management, customer service, and resilience – skills that extend far beyond the summer months.

“We know our economy — regionally, provincially and nationally — is made on small businesses,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “That is the future we are going in. It is important for all of us to recognize the importance of the idea of entrepreneurship through programs like this and the investment of the province but also to be at the high schools, that they're learning about these career options.”

“The Summer Company Program is igniting fresh ideas and building tomorrow’s businesses right here in Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough–Kawartha MPP. “With our government’s support and expert advice from the Community Futures Peterborough team, these young entrepreneurs get the funding, mentorship, and skills they need to hit the ground running—and their success fuels a stronger, more dynamic local economy.”

The 2025 Summer Company entrepreneurs are:

• Spencer Toth, Farm Hands – Cavan-Monaghan

• Neha Mervin, Sparks of Bollywood – Otonabee-South Monaghan

• Haydon Meade, Scrub Window Cleaning – City of Peterborough

• Bisma Razaque, Shirt Spark – City of Peterborough

• Lauren Connolly, Connolly Swim Academy – City of Peterborough

• Teaghan Hartnett, West End Property Care – City of Peterborough

The young entrepreneurs learned how to manage budgets, attract customers, deliver high-quality products and services and adapt to unexpected challenges. This typically is the first time they have been solely responsible for the success of a business.

“Youth entrepreneurship matters because it builds the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators,” said Allison Adam, BAC entrepreneurship officer. “When young people are given the chance to start a business, they learn first-hand how to take initiative, adapt to challenges, and create value in their community. Those lessons will serve them for the rest of their lives, whether they choose to continue as entrepreneurs or bring their skills into other careers.”

“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business; for young entrepreneurs, it’s about building skills, resilience, and confidence that last a lifetime while giving them the awareness of entrepreneurship as a career path,” said Rose Terry, BAC manager. “Through our first-ever Summer Company Program delivered by Community Futures Peterborough, we’ve watched each student grow in remarkable ways, turning their ideas into fully functioning businesses.”

Whether these young entrepreneurs keep up with their businesses or pursue new ventures, going through the program has developed vital life skills, said Girard.

“I hope one of their key takeaways is that financial literacy is important regardless of whether you're managing a budget for your family or a business,” she explained. “Areas of how you interact with others and how you present yourself through marketing and how you develop a brand and image. Those are all life skills that are critical to any facet of where they decide to grow.”

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Charged Laid on Peterborough Man From Suspicious Death On Charlotte Street

Detectives with the Investigative Services Unit have laid a charge in connection with a suspicious death investigation that occurred on Charlotte Street, reported on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the investigation, there was an ongoing police presence in the area of Charlotte Street and Rubidge Street.

A 40-year-old Peterborough man has now been charged with:

• Indignity to dead body

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Wednesday.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident 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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City Council Approves Recommendation to Make Physician Recruitment Program Regular

The Council approved an update on the City's physician recruitment pilot program and recommended making it a regular, ongoing program starting in 2026 during their Monday meeting.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to City Council, the recruitment and retention of family physicians in Peterborough is a critical issue for the community, which is highlighted in the City’s Strategic Plan as high-performing healthcare systems support community wellbeing and drive economic growth.

Analysis included in the report highlights that over 13,000 additional patients risk becoming unattached if aging physicians retire without replacements.

During the current pilot project, the following have started practicing in the community as of May 2025:

• Six new Family Health Organization (FHO) physicians, keeping approximately 8,000 patients from becoming unattached

• One independent practice physician from the United Kingdom, who has rostered over 2,200 patients

• Three Community Health Centre (CHC) physicians who are looking after vulnerable sector patients, and they will add more once clinic construction is complete

Council endorsed converting the internal physician recruitment pilot program to a permanent program. This would establish a permanent in-house physician recruitment program, ensuring a sustained and coordinated municipal approach. The program will work closely with partners, including the Peterborough Ontario Health Team, Family Physician Think Tank and PRHC, to design and implement a strategic work plan.

The program includes a multi-pronged physician recruitment and retention strategy, including continued financial incentives, refinement of the Whole of Village incentive program, and enhanced participation in international recruitment efforts through partnerships such as the Eastern Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance (EOPRA).

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Wedgewood Park Getting Urban Forest Upgrades WIth Tree Planting and Ash Tree Removal

The City of Peterborough is enhancing Wedgewood Park’s urban forest and planting 515 new native tree species as part of the Trees 4 Peterborough initiative.  

Google Maps Screenshot.

This is due to significant damage from the Emerald Ash Borer. About 250 dead or dying ash trees will be removed this summer. 

Residents are encouraged to attend a community tree planting event on Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to help reforest the park. Volunteers can sign up for the event at peterborough.ca/trees. 

As part of the City’s Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, the City will begin removing approximately 250 dead or dying Ash trees from Wedgewood Park, which have succumbed to Emerald Ash Borer, beginning Monday. Removal work is expected to take five to six days.  

Work will also include clearing dense understory vegetation dominated by invasive Buckthorn.  

Wedgewood Park will remain open while removal work is underway. Residents are asked to keep a safe distance from working crews.

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Four Student-Athletes Graduates Receive 2025 Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Bursary

Four graduating student-athletes were recipients of the annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Bursary Award for 2025 at a presentation ceremony at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Tuesday afternoon.

(Left to right) Matthew Kathiravelu; Sydney Dobbin; Linda de Jeu, PDSHoF Second Vice Chair; Olivia McBride and Rutger Huntley. The award has been given annually to four recipients since 1996 (with 2020 having six) Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Matthew Kathiravelu, Sydney Dobbin, Olivia McBride and Rutger ‘Ru’ Huntley were this year’s winners, taking home $2,000 apiece from the bursary. Each recipient was a graduating high school student, attending University in the fall.

This year’s winners will have their headshots commemorated in the Hall of Fame and their names etched into the history of the awards’ beneficiaries.

Matthew Kathiravelu, 18. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

Kathiravelu, 18, is an honours student and a graduate of Kenner Collegiate.

He is attending the University of Pennsylvania, where he was accepted to the prestigious Wharton School of Business, studying Economics and working towards a Bachelor of Science degree.

He is a multisport athlete who played basketball, volleyball, badminton and track and field. He was named captain of his basketball, volleyball and track and field teams and named player of the year on all three of these teams.He led the Kenner Rams to an OFSAA silver medal this past year and an antique bronze two years ago. Kathiravelu is a two-time OFSAA triple jump gold medalist and an OFSAA  long jump silver medalist. He was named Kenner's senior male athlete of the year.

Academically, Kathiravelu was awarded the Governor General’s Award, given to the student who has the highest academic average with 97 per cent in his graduating class.

The 18-year-old has expanded his reach into coaching, helping the younger members of the Kenner track and field team. He has also been a representative on the student council and the athletic committee.

He has been a member of the Peterborough Power basketball program for two years and a player/captain with the Time to Hoop basketball program for two years.  He has also been a member of the United Tamil Sports Club for three years.

He has also volunteered as a coach for Peterborough Youth basketball, completed a co-op at Community Futures Peterborough, and coached youth at the Ferndale summer sports camp.

Sydney Dobbins, 18. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

Dobbins, 18, is an honours student and is a graduate of St. Peter Secondary School.

She will be attending the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, studying to become a doctor.

Dobbins played basketball, volleyball, soccer, ran cross country and track and field and competed in alpine ski racing and badminton. She captained her basketball and soccer teams. She was named Senior Female Athlete of the Year this past spring and has earned 10 MVP awards and two Most Dedicated awards throughout her high school career. Through her four-year education at St. Peter’s, she qualified for nine OFSAA championships in cross country running, soccer, basketball and Alpine ski racing.

She developed her leadership skills as a member of the Saints Athletic Council, where she organized sports events for elementary students, hosted athletic banquets, and advocated for the needs of student-athletes. The 18-year-old aspiring doctor has been a social media manager for athletics at St. Peter’s, where she also assisted with scorekeeping for boys and girls basketball games.

Dobbins was a member of the Peterborough Youth Soccer Association for 11 years and the Youth Basketball Association for nine. She was usually selected as captain.

Dobbins volunteered at the Peterborough City Soccer Summer Camp, Time to Hoop Basketball Academy and at the Special Olympics.

Outside of sports, Dobbins was a volunteer at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre with the Hospital Elder Life Program. It supports seniors with companionship and support in their recovery.

Olivia McBride, 18. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

McBride, 18, is an honours student and is a graduate of Adam Scott Collegiate.

She will attend Hamilton’s McMaster University in the fall, studying health sciences as she works towards an Honours Bachelor of Health Science Degree.

The 18-year-old competed in cross country running, basketball, volleyball, badminton, soccer, track and field and tennis. She was also a member of the school’s Special Olympics Unified basketball team this past year.

In her final year, Olivia was captain of the senior basketball and senior soccer teams.

During her four years at Adam Scott, she has earned nine different team awards, received her junior and senior athletic letter, was named Junior athlete of the year in grade 10 and senior athlete of the year in grade 12.

In her final year, she was one of the recipients of the Paul Burke Honour Athlete award, which recognizes commitment and dedication to athletics over a student's entire high school career, as well as receiving the Marilyn Tudhope OFSAA Award of Excellence.

McBride completed her Specialist High Skills Major program which allowed her to run a Grade 9 Olympics day, earn certifications in fair play and coaching and take part in career exploration and leadership positions. She has run volleyball intramurals for fellow students, assisted with junior girls basketball tryouts and officiated elementary basketball tournaments.

In the community, McBride has been a member of the Peterborough City Soccer Club and the Peterborough Power Basketball Club for four years.

She has volunteered at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre as a wayfinder, tutored Adam Scott Intermediate students, served as a basketball scorekeeper, and volunteered at Edmison Heights public school, where she assisted in a grade 6 classroom, organized pizza lunches, and coached dance and gymnastics.

Rutger ‘ru’Huntley, 18. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

Huntley, 18, is an honours student and graduate of Crestwood Secondary School.

He will be attending Queen’s University in Kingston, pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree.

Huntley played volleyball, badminton, tennis, ultimate frisbee, alpine skiing and a track and field athlete. He was captain of the volleyball team for each year of his career as a Mustang. He was named MVP of the volleyball team four times, the badminton team three times and earned two sportsmanship awards. He is a nine-time COSSA medalist and a five-time OFSAA participant.  

He received two of Crestwood’s most prestigious Dysart Awards of Athletic Excellence.

The 18-year-old has been a coach for the senior girls and junior boys volleyball teams at Crestwood, an official for four years for intermediate volleyball tournaments, a Soul beach volleyball coach for four years, a Durham attack U15 assistant coach and a private beach volleyball player coach.

Huntley has been captain and played volleyball for Durham Attack for three years, Peterborough Thunder for one year, Team Ontario Beach for one year, Soul Beach for four years, OVA beach tour for four years and has recently played badminton with the Peterborough Badminton Club for a year. He has received a Durham Attack leadership award three times, the Achievement of Excellence Award and the Lisa Ford Memorial Award.

Huntley has been a volunteer with the Millbrook BIA festival for 4 years, acting as an organizer and assisting with setup and he has volunteered with Mitchel’s Cakes and Desserts.

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Peterborough Police Investigating Suspicious Death On Charlotte Street

The Peterborough Police Service are assisting the Coroner’s Office with a suspicious death investigation at a Peterborough residence on Charlotte Street, reported Tuesday afternoon. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

There is expected to be an ongoing police presence in the area of Charlotte Street and Rubidge Street.

Police have one person in custody and are not looking for any other suspects. 

No further details are being released at this time.

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Fleming College Hosting Skills Ontario Summer Camp This Week

Until Friday, Fleming College will host 18 elementary school students from across the Peterborough region for the Skills Ontario Summer Camp.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Hosted in the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre, the week-long camp gives students entering Grades 7-9 a hands-on opportunity to explore careers in the industrial, construction, motive power and technology sectors according to Fleming.

Included is the Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck, a mobile learning unit equipped with interactive displays that introduce students to a wide range of skilled trades and technology careers. 

Campers will participate in activities related to carpentry, electrical, plumbing, computing technology, and welding, working with tools and materials in Fleming’s college-level lab spaces.

Midweek, students will visit Fleming’s Frost Campus in Lindsay for an introduction to arboriculture and heavy equipment operation, including time in the heavy equipment simulators.

The camp has team-building challenges and ends with a celebration where families are invited to see what campers have created and learned.

By the end of the week, Fleming says campers will have built wooden camp chairs and copper coat hooks, taken part in collaborative challenges and explored new skills in a supportive, engaging environment. 

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Quaker Foods City Square Has Mobile Water Station Available During Extreme Heat

The City of Peterborough’s PTBO H2O mobile drinking water station is available at Quaker Foods City Square for people to access water during the current heat event, announced on Tuesday.

File photo.

It is available from 8 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m. this week, Tuesday through Thursday and next week, Monday through Thursday.

It is equipped with eight drinking fountains and eight water bottle refill stations. The unit is filled daily with 1,400 litres of municipal tap water. 

The Water Services Division of the City of Peterborough operates the mobile drinking water station. It is regularly rented out for community events and can be deployed for public access to drinking water. 

Water Refill Stations

Outdoor water bottle filling stations are available at City facilities in the following locations:

• Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.  

• Eastgate Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.  

• Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N.  

• Beavermead Park washroom facilities, 2011 Ashburnham Dr.  

• Rogers Cove washroom facilities, 131 Maria St.   

Water bottles can also be refilled inside the following City facilities during hours of operation:  

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.  

• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.  

• Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W.  

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Total Burn Ban In Effect For Selwyn Township

The Selwyn Fire Department has issued a Total Burn Ban, effective immediately and until further notice, due to increased fire risk in the region.

photo courtesy of selwyn township.

The ban also voids all burn permits.

This ban applies to all open-air burning, including:

• Yard waste and brush burning

• Campfires and bonfires

• Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and chimineas

• Agricultural burns

• Fireworks

The Township will closely monitor weather and fire risk conditions and lift the ban once it is safe to do so.

The decision follows a period of dry weather and elevated temperatures, which have created hazardous fire conditions according to Selwyn Township. Violations of the ban may result in fines or other enforcement measures. Residents are asked to report any violations by calling 9-1-1.

Fire Safety Reminders:

• Dispose of smoking materials properly

• Use extra care when operating machinery outdoors

• Be aware of your surroundings when outdoors in open fields and wooded areas

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Peterborough Police Service Nominated For Canadian Excellence Award

The Peterborough Police Service has been shortlisted for an award at the 2025 Canadian HR Awards, announced on Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Service submitted a nomination in the Most Effective Recruitment Strategy category for their approach to recruitment over the past 18 months. Peterborough Police Service was selected as one of 11 nominees and is the only police service among those in the running.

According to a press release, the Peterborough Police Service recruitment strategy focused on three key areas:

• Partnership with Fleming College – our Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Coordinator is bringing real-world experience to the classroom

• Community Engagement and Inclusivity – Officers (many recent recruits) presenting to international students at orientation sessions

• The Shuttle Run Training Group

The Shuttle Run Training Group, developed in 2023 by the Peterborough Police Service in partnership with Fleming College and the Police Foundations Program, provides a safe space for potential prospects to test themselves against the physical requirements for policing. It ran every Wednesday from September to June at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. During that time, participants can try one of two of the physical requirements for policing - the “Shuttle Run”/ beep test or the ‘Prep Test.’

In 2024, the Service also introduced a ‘Women’s Only Shuttle Run Training Group’ to encourage more women to pursue a career in policing.

The Canadian HR Awards recipients will be announced on Sept. 18, at a ceremony in Toronto. 

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