Dalhousie Youth Support Services Gets Infrastructure Renovations From $150,000 Ontario Trillium Grant

Dalhousie Youth Support Services (DYSS) received several new structural upgrades thanks to a $150,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant that was shown to the public on Friday morning.

Last year, Ontario Trillium Foundation invested nearly $105 million in 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funds were used to renovate the exterior of the property, including the installation of a lifetime steel roof, new fascia, eavestrough and soffit.

A concrete sidewalk was laid to facilitate snow removal, creating a more health- and safety-conscious environment for staff and visitors.

A pressure-treated wood fence was also installed around the parking lot behind the building. Two picnic tables, made from recycled plastic, were purchased to create an outside educational space for their school program.

“Our students and staff are grateful for the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable, private outdoor space. These improvements have significantly enhanced our ability to host outdoor classes and events, fostering a more engaging and dynamic learning environment,” said Karen Carr, DYSS executive director. “The funding for a steel roof has relieved the concern of needing to secure funds for roof replacements every 15 years. We are excited about the positive impact these renovations will have on our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ontario Government for their invaluable support.”

DYSS is a not-for-profit organization that has been delivering programs to youth in conflict with the law for over 20 years.

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Peterborough Lakers Drop Third-Straight Game In Loss to Cobourg Kodiaks

The woes continue for the Peterborough Lakers as they lost their third straight game, 9-8, against the Cobourg Kodiaks at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Anna Taylor and the Peterborough Lakers.

The Lakers started strong with two goals from Joe Resetarits and Taite Cattoni. However, they allowed a three-goal run from Cobourg to cap off the period, 3-2.

Both teams alternated the first three goals with the Kodiaks striking first. Cattoni got his second of the game but the Lakaers found themselves trailing 5-3. On the next four-goal run, both teams traded scores with Thomas Hoggarth and Matt Gilray scoring for Peterborough but found themselves trailing 7-5 after two periods.

The Lakers opened with two straight goals from Hoggarth and a shorthanded goal from Cattoni for the hat trick. Special teams went in favour of Cobourg as they scored two straight on the power play and shorthanded respectively. Cattoni scored his fourth goal of the game to pull the Lakers to within one with 9:23 left in regulation. Despite 13 shots on goal, they could not find another past Cobourg goaltender Jackson Brown and the Kodiaks escape Peterborough with a 9-8 win.

“It’s a tough time for us. Our best players were not our best players tonight. We need to stick to our roles,” said Mike Hasen, Lakers head coach. “The guy are frustrated. They’re disappointed. We’re searching for answers within ourselves.”

The loss puts the Lakers at a 7-4 record but they remain in third place in the standings.

“We have to look at ourselves in the mirror and come back focused and ready to… commit to each other, trust each other and play our best because there are no easy games in this league,” said Hasen. “We have to consistently take that next step. We took steps on Tuesday, and tonight there were good moments, but overall we took a step back.”

The Lakers wore special Canada-themed jerseys that were auctioned off at the game in support of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation. Over $4,000 was raised through both a silent auction during the game and live auction after the game. Holden Cattoni’s game-worn jersey fetched the highest winning bid at $700.

The Lakers return to the Memorial Centre next Thursday for Country Night against the Owen Sound North Stars.

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List of City Services For Canada Day 2025

Many City services and facilities will operate under holiday hours or be closed on Canada Day this Tuesday.

File photo.

The Canada Day ceremonies start at 10 a.m. in front of City Hall. The decorated bike contest judging will take place at 10:45 a.m. The parade begins at 11 a.m., departing from George Street North near City Hall and proceeding south on George Street to Millennium Park. 

The celebration continues in Millennium Park, featuring an afternoon of free, family-friendly fun that includes music and dance, face painting, storytelling, a cultural marketplace, and food and beverage vendors. This event will run from noon to 6 p.m. 

The City will host a fireworks display over Little Lake starting at 9:30 p.m. on July 1, following the Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park. 

City Hall offices, including Service Peterborough, Building Services and the Clerk’s Office, will be closed on July 1. Online services are available at peterborough.ca. 

The curbside collection for Zones 1 and 2, which typically takes place on Tuesdays, shifts back one day to Monday. Residents are asked to place green bins, recycling and garbage (Zone 2 only) to the curb by 7 a.m. Tuesday.

There are no changes to the curbside collection schedule for the Downtown Business Improvement Area. 

The City-County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed on July 1.  

Peterborough Regional Airport will be open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on Canada Day.

The Peterborough Public Library and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch will be closed on Tuesday.

The Peterborough Museum and Archives will be open noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1. 

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre and the Miskin Law Community Complex will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 1. Summer hours will be in effect for the Sport and Wellness Centre starting Wednesday, with daily operation from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Sept. 1. 

The Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena, Peterborough Memorial Centre, Grant Thornton Box Office, McDonnel Street Community Centre including Peterborough Youth Space, and the Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on Tuesday

Lifeguards will be on duty at Beavermead Beach from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no lifeguard supervision provided at Rogers Cove. Peterborough Public Health tests the water at local beaches.

Splash pads in City parks are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The splash pad at the Riverview Park and Zoo is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Lifeguards supervise City wading pools daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  

Customer service at Peterborough Marina will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Riverview Park and Zoo is open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Guest Services is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Miniature train rides will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Otter Enrichment takes place at 1:30 p.m.and a Meet the Keeper session with Torti the African Spurred Tortoise will take place at 2:30 p.m. The Café is closed.  

The Provincial Offences office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Tuesday. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA. 

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Tuesday. Temporary detours will be in place for some routes during the Canada Day Parade.  

The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Social Services office will be closed on Tuesday. From Wednesday, August 30, to Friday, office hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  

City-operated child care centres will be closed on July 1.

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096.

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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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