Alf Curtis Home Improvements Celebrating 50th Anniversary With Free BBQ On July 4

As Alf Curtis Home Improvements gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary, they are inviting the public out for a free BBQ at its facility on July 4.

Photo courtesy of Alf Curtis Home Improvement.

In 1975, Alf Curtis began with two employees: Alf and his wife, June Curtis. During the first year of operations, it expanded to include two new employees, including Alf's son, Larry Curtis.

The business initially began as a supply and installation company of aluminum products, including sidings, soffits, eavestroughs, storm doors, storm windows, awnings, and railings. Alf already had years of experience in installing these products before forming his own company.

“Fifty years in business is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of and we attribute our longevity to a few key principles that have guided us from the beginning,” said Brent Perry of Alf Curtis. “We’ve been fortunate to have a dedicated team—many of whom have been with us for decades—who share our values and take pride in what we do. Our success is really a reflection of their hard work and the trust our community has placed in us over the years.”

Prior to the lunch, Alf Curtis is kicking off their summer contractor appreciation breakfasts, serving coffee, donuts and breakfast sandwiches to their customers running from 7 a.m. to 9-9:30 a.m.

Vendors such as Isolofoam and Ideal Roofing are on hand to answer any questions a contractor or homeowner may have about their products and with giveaways.

Lunch begins at 10 a.m. and features guests from Castle, Pete Dalliday and the Peterborough Lakers and retired NHL referee Don Koharski. Alf Curtis is hosting a Q&A session regarding Koharski’s career as a professional NHL referee and with the Peterborough Lakers players.

“It is my understanding that a number of years ago Don was involved in a promotion with another Castle Building Centre member store in that area (Nova Scotia), he knew the owner personally,” explained Perry. “Don was invited to other Castle functions as time went on and he became the ‘Official Brand Ambassador’ for Castle Building Centers. A few months ago, we were chatting at a function we were both at. It came out in our conversation that it was the 50th anniversary for Alf Curtis this year and right away he offered to come to our location to help us promote our 50th.”

Photo courtesy of Alf Curtis Home Improvement.

Giveaways and raffles for two Canada Day Lakers jerseys will also be at the event.

Alf Curtis has added bathroom renovations to its list of supply and installation services alongside siding, soffit, eavestrough, windows and doors.

To round out the celebrations, Alf Curtis is hosting a no-tax promotion from June 30 to July 12.

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Community Futures Peterborough Celebrates 40 of Fueling Local Businesses

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) hits a major milestone, celebrating its 40th anniversary during its Annual General Meeting at Farmhill Weddings in Keene on Thursday afternoon.

Lexi Mills of Heeling Souls getting affection from her Australian Border Collie, Phoebe. All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

Business leaders, politicians, board members, entrepreneurs and community partners were on hand to celebrate and mark the occasion.

“Forty years of Community Futures Peterborough means 40 years of believing in entrepreneurs, fueling businesses and strengthening our regional economy,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director.” We’ve played a key role in helping thousands of local businesses start, grow and thrive. Today, we are so proud to honour that legacy.”

CFP reported that it had received a record $4.6 million in loan applications in its 2024-25 fiscal year and distributed over $1.38 million to 26 local companies. CFP says that the loans created and/or maintained over 330 local jobs during that span.

At the meeting, CFP paid tribute to several previous board chairs and also honoured the late executive director, Judy Heffernan.

“Celebrating 40 years is more than a milestone, it’s a testament to the dedication, resilience and impact of Community Futures Peterborough,” says Wayne Harding, CFP board chair. “We’ve helped countless entrepreneurs turn dreams into reality, and as we look ahead, we’re more committed than ever to driving local economic growth and empowering the next generation of business leaders.”

A pop-up market of graduates of the 2024 and 2025 Starter Company Plus program was on hand to sell services and merchandise during the celebration.

The following clients were at the pop-up market:

• Common Thread Films

• Architecture of Wellness

• Layin’ Divots Golf

• Lark & Lemon Cleaning Co.

• The Willow Studio

• Jodilee Nutrition

• National Touring Museum

• T-Elle Boutique

• Home & Well

• Duff Acres

• The Doggery

• Summer Soul

• Urban Roots 47 Salon + Spa

• Heeling Souls

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Peterborough Police Warn Public of Release of Convicted Robber

The Peterborough Police Service is issuing a public warning after the release of Peterborough’s 42-year-old Adam Packer, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Packer is being released after serving his sentence for two robberies in 2022 and 2023.  According to Peterborough Police, he is well-known for his interactions involve approaching elderly or vulnerable people while they are in their vehicle and aggressively demanding money. Images and details of his actions were often posted by concerned residents on local social media groups according to Police.

In one case he got into the back of a vehicle; demanded the victim drive to a bank machine to get money; in the second he damaged an apartment and pushed a victim to the ground after being reported for chasing vehicles with a stick.

Given the nature of the crimes and that in the last five years The Peterborough Police Service is issuing a public warning after the release Packer. 

If confronted by him, seek assistance and contact police.

The Peterborough Police Service’s High Risk Unit is aware of the release from custody and that Packer will be on several conditions.

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PRHC Increasing Parking Rates Effective Wednesday

Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s (PRHC) hospital parking rates are changing effective Wednesday.

File photo.

According to PRHC, parking rates increased twice since 2016 yet maintenance costs have risen over the last decade.

“PRHC strives to keep our parking rates low, at a cost that's fair and aligns with provincial direction, while at the same time helping us to offset rising costs and support patient care across the hospital,” according to a press release statement.

The hospital will also continue to offer non-consecutive HPASS parking packages for five, 10 and 30 days. They can be purchased at the hospital’s Parking Office.

Monthly parking pass rates, including passes for Cancer Care and Dialysis patients, will not change.

Rates are as follows as of Wednesday:

• First half-hour $5.50; subsequent half-hours $2.25 (increase of $0.50 and $0.25 respectively)

• Maximum of $12.25 per single visit in a 24-hour period, no in-and-out privileges (increase of $0.25)

• Daily pass: $14.75 for 24 hours, with unlimited in-and-out privileges (increase of $0.50)

• Weekly pass: $45 with unlimited in-and-out privileges (increase of $2)

• Monthly pass: $95.75 with unlimited in-and-out privileges for 30 days (no changes)

• HPASS™ Pricing

  Non-consecutive use, unlimited in/out privileges. Can be purchased from the parking office only.

  • 5-day HPASS™: $30.60

  • 10-day HPASS™: $61.25

  • 30-day HPASS™: $183.75

• Cancer Care & Dialysis Pass: $50 per month (no changes)

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Siemens Canada Consolidating Operations; Moving 160 Jobs Away From Peterborough

Siemens Canada is relocating approximately 160 manufacturing positions from its Peterborough plant over the next two years as part of a broader global consolidation effort, announced on Wednesday.

Formerly known as Milltronics Ltd., Siemens acquired all of the former’s all outstanding common stock shares in 2000. Photo: Google Maps

Also known as Siemens Milltronics Process Instruments Inc., it is located at 1954 Technology Drive and is known for developing ultrasonic level measurement technology for process automation, focusing on industry, infrastructure, mobility and healthcare.

According to a press release, the decision was to optimize and consolidate the manufacturing capacities of two Siemens factories within its Digital Industries business in Canada in Peterborough and Concord. They add that these actions are necessary for Siemens' industrial automation business to become more competitive in a challenging market environment with increased competitive pressures. These measures are effective and are expected to be completed by September 2027.

During the transition, manufacturing is winding down at its Peterborough factory. The manufacturing of Measurement Intelligence technologies in Peterborough is moving to Concord. The Measurement Intelligence business roles, including product management and research and development teams, are planned to remain in Peterborough, according to Siemens.

Forty employees are being retained in Peterborough as the company looks to lease its facility to another manufacturer. The City’s Economic Development Division has already connected with Siemens and a new tenant is being sought as soon as possible, as stated in a press release.

“The company and its employees have consistently donated their time and money to charitable causes in our community, including the Salvation Army and the Peterborough Humane Society, “said Mayor Jeff Leal. “While the company is reducing its presence in Peterborough, it remains committed to our community as part of its global corporate restructuring.”

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PVNC Catholic Literacy Team Given 2025 Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Award

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has been awarded Dyslexia Canada’s 2025 Educational Excellence Award for its outstanding commitment to evidence-based literacy practices, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

The award recognizes the leadership of Superintendent of Learning Sheila Piggott, Literacy Consultant Lindsay Bowen, and Reading Coaches Maggie Sullivan, Sarah Hurley, Kate Keating, Kathleen Laroque and Dan Chronowic. It also honours the broader team of coaches and expert advisors from 2022 to 2025.

“We’re honoured by this recognition from Dyslexia Canada. It reflects the thoughtful, collaborative work of so many—reading coaches, educators, principals, and central staff—who have embraced change with a shared commitment to doing what’s best for students,” said Sheila Piggott, superintendent of learning. “This work continues to evolve, but we’re encouraged by the progress we’ve made together in building a stronger foundation for early literacy across PVNC Catholic.”

The team’s work is rooted in the recommendations of Ontario’s 2022 Right to Read report, according to a press release.

PVNC Catholic established a central literacy team and funded seven reading coach positions, supporting over 170 classrooms across 30 elementary schools.

Throughout the 2023–2024 school year, the Board expanded training for all K–6 educators, Special Education staff and principals, embedding structured literacy practices system-wide.

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Repeat Offender Known to Frequent Peterborough Wanted By Police

Ontario’s Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad is seeking the public's help in locating federal offender Lucan Watters, who is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant as a result of breaching their Statutory Release.

Photo courtesy of OPP.

He is described as:

• Caucasian Male

• 47 years of age

• 5"6' (168cm)

• 130 lbs

Watters has several tattoos throughout his body including:

• Left side of neck - wave

• Back of neck - 'FTW'

• Upper left arm - 'hard luck' with a green clover

• Upper right arm - barbed wire

• Chest - 'J.D.J.D'

• Lower back - ‘Watters’

Watters is serving a four-year, 11-month sentence for the following:

• Possession of schedule I/II substance for purposes of trafficking

• Break and enter with intent

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm, prohibited or restricted weapon in a motor vehicle

• Failure to comply with order - at large

• Failure to attend court

The offender is known to frequent Peterborough, Trent Hills, Campbellford, Norwood and Toronto.

Anyone with contact information or knowledge of this offender's whereabouts is asked to contact the Provincial R.O.P.E. Squad at 416-808-5900 or toll-free at 1-866-870-7673 (ROPE), Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or call 9-1-1.

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Trent University Launches Create Centre for Entrepreneurship

Trent University has opened the doors to the Create Centre for Entrepreneurship, a space that provides an inclusive entry point for students to explore problem-solving, leadership and collaboration, on Monday.

The fourth floor is known as the Moore Innovation Hub made possible through Dr. David Moore '93 (hon) and Joan Moore. The University also plans to expand the Create Centre for Entrepreneurship programming to Trent University Durham GTA. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“The Create Centre for Entrepreneurship reflects the spirit of Trent – collaborative, student-centred and deeply engaged with the world around us,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Our goal is to challenge the conventional ideas around what entrepreneurship means, allowing every student to think differently and take risks, and make a meaningful impact.”

The new Centre shares space with the Leadership and Democracy Lab. Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, leads it.

The new building serves as a connector between students and faculty, existing programming and services at Trent, as well as the business sectors in both Peterborough and Durham according to a press release. In addition to skill-building and mentorship, students will gain access to networking opportunities, hands-on experiences and curated programming.

“Create embodies the powerful engine of human progress at this seminal moment in the human journey,” said Gavin Marshall, Trent’s Momentous Campaign leader. “In a time when digital interaction often replaces human connection, this model emphasizes collaboration, shared problem-solving and real human leadership. Whether our students go on to launch a company, work in the non-profit sector or lead public policy reform, or however they do the essential work of tomorrow building, Create (Centre) will help them understand that big change never happens in isolation.”

The Centre’s physical space is in Bata Library on the fourth floor.

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Peterborough Lakers Fall In First-Place Battle Against Six Nations Chiefs

In a battle for first place in the Major Series Lacrosse Standings, the Peterborough Lakers could not claim the top spot after losing to the Six Nations Chiefs, 9-6, at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena on Tuesday night.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

Both teams alternated the games first five goals with the Lakers getting the elad after the opening period, 3-2. Joe Resetarits scored twice and Holden Cattoni got on the board for Peterborough.

The Chiefs took over the second period, scoring four times to Peterborough’s one thanks to a pair of Shayne Jackson tallies for Six Nations. Resetarits was the lone goal-scorer for the Lakers to complete the hat trick but the score was 6-4 after two periods.

The third period saw the Chiefs extend their lead with two goals but Peterborough responded with two of their own to keep it close. However, a late power play goal from the Chiefs dashed any hopes of Peterborough making a comeback and fell 9-6.

The Chiefs’ win improves their record to 9-1 and keeps them in first place, while the Lakers stay in third place as 7-3.

The Lakers return to the Memorial Centre this Thursday to host the Cobourg Kodiaks during a Canada Day celebration. Fans are asked to wear their best red and white outfits to match the Lakers, who will be wearing special Canada jerseys, to be auctioned off following the game in support of the PRHC Foundation’s $60 million Campaign.

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Emergency Shelter Repair Project Complete For YES Shelter

The YES Shelter for Youth and Families has completed its major repairs to its Brock Street emergency shelter, revealed to the public on Tuesday morning.

Members of YES Shelter and their donors celebrating the repair completion that totalled $266,394 in repairs. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project was funded by community support, including significant funding from the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough.

The building features reinforced structural elements, institutional-grade plumbing and fixtures, exterior aesthetic renewal and the installation of new generator.

This critical work ensures the long-term safety, function and dignity of the shelter, which serves youth and families experiencing homelessness across Peterborough City and County, according to Aimeé Le Lagadec, YES executive director.

“This project was a major undertaking,” she said. “Back in 2021, we asked the community to help us raise $200,000 to cover the cost of necessary repairs to our Emergency Shelter building. Thanks to the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough and many generous donors, we have raised just over $265,000 allowing us to cover the most necessary work and some new repair needs as they came up. As a community, we safeguarded this essential space for the future offering shelter and support with dignity.”

“This wasn’t just about fixing a building,” said Jennifer DeBues, Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough executive director. “It was about protecting the only emergency shelter for youth and families in Peterborough and ensuring it remains a safe, supportive place for those who need it most.”

@ptbo_canada The YES Shelter for Youth and Families has completed its major repairs to its Brock Street emergency shelter. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp ♬ Akon's Beautiful Day - Akon

The following were the project costs equalling $266,394:

• Fire safety upgrades - $26,807

• Shelter washroom renovation - $71,041

• Increase video monitoring of shelter exterior - $15,300

• Piping rerouting work in the front of shelter - $16,500

• Carriage House Roof Replacement - $17,415

• Shelter basement floor repair - $2,402

• Shelter generator install - $55,000

• Side fencing replaement - $8,253

• PurePave installation and landscape repair - $22,240

• Structural work and winterization of upper porch - $23,960

• Exterior prep and painting - $7,476

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