Lakers Snap Three-Game Skid With Win Over Owen Sound; Peterborough Climbs to Second Place In Standings

The Peterborough Lakers snap a three-game losing streak and moved to second place in the Major Series Lacrosse standings after a 9-7 win over the Owen Sound North Stars at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The Lakers jumped out to a 3-0 lead after a pair of Braedon Saris goals and a tally from Brad McCulley. Owen Sound responded with a pair of Jackson Webster scores and it was 3-2 after the first.

Peterborough struck again to start the period as Adam Thistlehwaite and Joe Resetarits scored to extend the Lakers’s lead. The teams alternated the next three goals, including Holden Cattoni’s first score of the game, for a 6-4 lead into the third.

The Lakers scored twice to open the stanza for a third consecutive time. Carter Page scored shorthanded while Resetarits got his second of the game. Owen Sound scored two straight of their own and both teams traded goals with Cattoni getting his second of the game. The Lakers hung on and won by a score of 9-7.

“Finally, a good effort at home,” said Cattoni. “We’ve been struggling to find our rhythm and tonight we played a pretty solid game top to bottom. Kudos to their goalie, almost 60 saves. We pulled out a good win and one that we needed at home. We’d like to have probably more than nine goals on 70 shots, but that’s hopefully something to come in the near future.”

The win moves Peterborough to 8-4 and are solely in second place behind the Six Nations Chiefs.

“The wins and losses are one thing but it’s the way we were playing that we weren’t happy with,” explaing Cattoni. “You can’t always control when the ball goes in the net or if you catch a hot goalie, or their team has a good shooting night. That happens. We were more just disappointed with the way we were playing and the effort we were showing so this was a good step forward for us tonight and hopefully we can replicate that in the weeks to come.”

The Lakers play on the road on Wednesday to face the Brooklin Lacrosse Club.

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City of Peterborough Recognizes Employee Excellence with CAFÉ Awards

The City of Peterborough recognized several City employees for their excellence and dedication during the annual Corporate Awards for Excellence (CAFÉ) presentation on Monday evening at City Hall.  

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The awards are part of the City’s employee recognition program, focusing on service excellence. The awards recognize staff who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the City and support the City’s Strategic Plan.   

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding staff members who received a Corporate Award for Excellence,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “These awards highlight the dedication, innovation, and professionalism that our employees bring to their work each and every day. Your exceptional contributions not only support the goals of our Strategic Plan, they help build a stronger, more responsive City for all residents. Thank you for going above and beyond in service to our community.”

“The City of Peterborough’s greatest asset is our staff, whose skills and experience are combined with a deep personal commitment and sense of duty to the present and future of our great city. Though much of the work happens behind the scenes, the impact is visible in every service delivered, every street maintained, every program that is managed, and every citizen that is supported. The Corporate Awards for Excellence puts a spotlight on those who go above and beyond for our community, and I am proud to recognize these recipients,” said Jasbir Raina, Chief Administrative Officer with the City.    

Customer Service Excellence 

This award recognizes an individual or team that has demonstrated outstanding dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in customer service. 

Recipient: Dave Moore, Client Service Worker, Social Services Division, Community Services Department. 

Distinguished Teamwork 

This award recognizes individuals or teams who exemplify best practices of supportive and effective collaboration to achieve a shared goal that aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan. 

Recipient: Jocelyn Blazey, Manager, Homelessness and Data, Social Services Division, Community Services Department. 

Inspirational Leadership 

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities throughout their work. 

Recipient: Robert Dunford, Manager, Transportation Planning, Asset Management and Capital Planning Division, Infrastructure, Planning & Growth Management Department. 

Strategy & Innovation Excellence 

Recognizes an individual or team that has developed and implemented strategic and innovative approaches within areas of responsibility that lead to effective deliverables in support of the City’s Strategic Plan. 

Recipient: Joe Crooks, Innovation & Quality Assurance Manager, Social Services Division, Community Services Department. 

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CUPE Education Workers Raise Concerns Regarding PVNCCDSB Staffing Cuts

CUPE 1453 stated that they expressed deep concerns over the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) escalating staffing issues, which would result in the reduction of at least 23 educational assistants (EA) for the next school year, as reported on Thursday.

CUPE workers protesting in front of Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith’s Action Centre formerly located on Water Street in 2022. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The union representing over 700 education workers at PVNCCDSB. The latter’s board stated that they are implementing staff reductions despite already facing a severe shortage of support staff, according to CUPE.

The move is unacceptable and will only exacerbate the already dangerous conditions in PVNCCDSB schools, according to Nora Shaughnessy, President of CUPE 1453.

“I am deeply concerned about the ongoing understaffing of Educational Assistants within our schools,” she said. “This chronic shortage places an immense strain on our workers, leading to significant mental and physical health challenges. Our EAs are being pushed to the limit every day—and now the Board plans to cut even more of them? It’s completely unacceptable.”

CUPE says the chronic shortage of EAs has led to escalating physical and mental health issues among staff, many of whom are working through breaks and lunches to meet the needs of students. According to a CUPE survey of Local 1453 education workers, over 96 per cent of EAs say they face violent or disruptive incidents at work and half say it happens every day. Overburdened and unsupported, EAs are facing burnout and an increased risk of workplace injury.

“Our members are forced to manage growing caseloads with fewer resources,” said Shaughnessy. “They’re running on empty—and students are paying the price,”

CUPE says this not only affects the workers but also the students. With fewer EAs in classrooms, students who rely on one-on-one or specialized support are being left behind. Classrooms are frequently evacuated due to violent episodes, disrupting the learning environment and putting both students and staff at risk.

CUPE continues to state that simultaneously, rising enrolment is adding new classrooms but without a corresponding increase in custodial staff. This means these spaces are not being properly cleaned or disinfected, compounding health and safety concerns for everyone in the school community, continued Shaughnessy.

“The Board continues to ignore the very real consequences of understaffing,” she explained. “Despite raising these issues repeatedly at health and safety and labour-management meetings, PVNC Catholic refuses to even acknowledge the workplace violence crisis unfolding in its schools.”

CUPE 1453 stresses that workplace safety must be non-negotiable and urges PVNC Catholic trustees and management to take immediate action.

PVNC says they are not reducing the number of special education workers.

They provided a statement rejecting that claim:

“The 2025–2026 budget includes funding for 300 Special Education Workers—an increase from 289 in the 2024–2025 budget. Special Education Workers include Educational Assistants, Autism Spectrum Disorder Workers and Itinerant staff.”

According to PVNC, this year’s draft budget also includes:

• An increase of 3.2 full-time equivalent Special Education Teachers

• Maintained staffing levels in Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology and Psychological Services.

In 2025–2026, PVNC Catholic says they are projected to support 1,972 pupils identified as exceptional, up from 1,921 in the current year. They claim their staffing decisions are informed by a careful analysis of student needs, enrollment trends and available funding.

PVNC also states that they recognize that the number of staff in place at the start of the school year is often lower than the number working by the end of the year. This is a regular and well-established part of PVNC’s staffing process, as each fall, as enrollment is confirmed and individual student needs are reviewed, additional positions are allocated to ensure appropriate levels of support across the system, according to Stephen O’Sullivan, Director of Education.

“Educational Assistants and support staff are essential to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for all students,” he said. “We are grateful for their ongoing dedication, and we remain committed to investing in the support our students need to thrive.”

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Rejuvenated Skatepark at Bonnerworth Park Now Open

The rejuvenated skatepark at Bonnerworth Park is open and ready for use.

Dan Post (left) performing a tailslide grind. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The upgraded facility grew from 8,400 square feet to 17,000 square feet.

“The expanded skatepark at Bonnerworth Park is opening just in time for the start of summer break,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The new elements and bigger size offer more space for skateboarders to gather, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors. This is a fantastic addition to our community, providing a safe and dynamic space for youth and families to connect and have fun all summer long.”

“After years of dedicated advocacy and meaningful collaboration with the City of Peterborough, we are proud to help open this new skatepark to a community that overflows with confidence and joy. This project reflects the culmination of untold volunteer hours and the resolve of local skateboarders to move our sport and culture forward. The goal was always to design a space that would have an immediate impact on Peterborough by making skateboarding more accessible to all ages and skill levels, while creating opportunities for community-building events and programs. We have now fulfilled that vision here at Bonnerworth Park at the centre of what will surely be an inspired recreational hub. To us, this is more than just a new skatepark; it’s a second home for local youth, a training ground to hone our skills, and a place we can all feel proud welcoming visitors to come discover. Skateboarders from all around will find this a beloved new addition to our region, and it will no doubt kick-off an exciting new era for skateboarding in Peterborough,” said Dan Post and Geoff Rix, Peterborough Skateboard Coalition cofounders in a joint statement.

New lighting standards are still under development and are expected to be completed by the fall.

Construction continues on other enhancements to the park, including the addition of 14 pickleball courts and a bike pump track. Construction is expected to be completed this fall. A grand opening celebration will take place at that time.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for Bonnerworth Park, including naming rights for key features, including the pickleball courts, the bike pump track and the skatepark.

The skatepark's hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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City Council Approves Conceptual Design of Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project

City Council approved the Charlotte Street conceptual design as part of a major infrastructure project that includes significant underground work to improve stormwater infrastructure during their meeting on Tuesday night.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Council also pre-committed $27.6 million in the 2026 to 2029 capital budgets, with $10,791,100 from the federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.

The Flood Reduction Master Plan identified the need for upgrades to the stormwater infrastructure beneath Charlotte Street to support the City of Peterborough’s broader flood mitigation objectives.

An investigation of Charlotte Street led to the recommendation for the installation of a 100-year stormwater conveyance pipe along Charlotte Street from Park Street to Bethune Street, from Bethune Street to Water Street, and along a portion of George Street from Simcoe Street to Charlotte Street. The proposed improvements are intended to extend flood protection benefits west of Bethune Street and align with the City’s long-term infrastructure resilience goals, according to the City.

Underground infrastructure projects of this nature typically necessitate the removal and replacement of surface-level streetscape elements. This disruption presents a strategic opportunity to reimagine and redesign the streetscape to better serve the future role and functions of a given corridor. Recognizing this, the City of Peterborough initiated a series of planning and design studies between 2015 and 2018 to develop conceptual streetscape designs for affected corridors.

This current project aims to finalize the proposed conceptual streetscape design for Charlotte Street from Park Street to Aylmer Street. Upon Council approval, this segment will be integrated with existing conceptual designs for Charlotte Street from Aylmer Street to Water Street, creating a comprehensive corridor plan.

The proposed streetscape concept retains existing road function, including full truck and bus movement, provides enhanced pedestrian space and separate cycle track facilities, removes mobility barriers and includes select on-street parking spaces and community flex space.

The proposed concept addresses requirements of the City’s Official Plan, Transportation Master Plan, Central Area Urban Design Guidelines, Central Area Master Plan, Climate Change Action Plan 2.0, the Transportation Association of Canada’s Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads and relevant Ontario Traffic Manuals, including Book 18: Cycling Facilities.

A pre-commitment of Capital budget is required through 2026 - 2029 to commit the City’s share of eligible costs under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and secure $11,359,152 in Federal Funding.

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City Opens Survey For Community Planning Permit System

The City of Peterborough invites the public to help shape the priorities and related development control measures of the draft Community Planning Permit System through a public survey.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City is preparing a City-wide Community Planning Permit By-law to replace the Zoning By-law, which will establish new regulations for development, including permitted and discretionary land uses, building heights, setbacks and more.  

Survey participants can identify which aspects of development are important to them when it comes to managing low-rise and medium-rise residential development within neighbourhoods, as well as high-rise residential and mixed-use development within the Strategic Growth Areas, such as the City’s downtown, the Lansdowne Street corridor, and the Chemong Road corridor. 

The survey can be found online. The Connect Peterborough project page also features the presentation and recording from a virtual community meeting held on June 24.

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Fleming College Starts Real Estate Salesperson/Broker Program

Fleming College has marked the official start of its Real Estate Salesperson Program and Real Estate Broker Program for this month, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The courses are offered online in an asynchronous format and developed by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO)

According to Fleming, the program ensures that graduates are well-prepared to work with buyers and sellers in smaller towns and rural areas—a key advantage for those planning to work in Peterborough and the surrounding regions.  

It is designed for working professionals and those seeking a career change. Both programs offer flexible start dates, allowing individuals to set their own learning pace, according to Fleming.

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Careless Driving Charge Given After Two-Vehicle Collision With Hydro Pole; One Other Sent to Hospital As Precaution

A 30-year-old Peterborough driver was charged with careless driving after a two-vehicle collision Wednesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 7:25 a.m. on Tuesday, officers were called to the area of Parkhill Road and Water Street about the collision, which resulted in a hydro pole being struck. 

The driver of the second vehicle was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre as a precaution. 

The area was closed while the hydro pole was repaired. The road has been reopened.

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Peterborough Petes Select Three From 2025 CHL Import Draft

The Peterborough Petes have selected three players in Leon Kolarik, Yanis Lutz, and Melvin Fernström from the 2025 CHL Import Draft on Wednesday.

“We’re very excited about the players that we were able to select in today’s Import Draft,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “Over the course of the season, Rob Wilson, Patrick O’Connor, myself, and other members of our staff have had the chance to watch these players in person and on video. All three players displayed the abilities needed to succeed in the OHL and the characteristics that we look for in a Peterborough Pete.”

The Petes’ first pick in the draft was 63rd overall in round two, taking Kolarik, the Austrian forward from Red Bull Hockey Akademie Juniors.

A 2007-born forward from Vienna, he played in 36 games for the RB Hockey Juniors in the AlpsHL last season, scoring 10 goals and adding 13 assists for 23 points. He also played in seven games for EC Salzburg in the ICEHL (Austria’s top league), scoring once and adding two assists for three points. In the playoffs, Kolarik led EC Salzburg U20 in scoring, with eight goals and six assists for 14 points in eight games. Kolarik has also represented his home country of Austria at multiple levels. This past year, he scored seven points in five games at the U18 World Championship Division 1A, while also recording four assists in five games at the U20 World Championship Division 1A.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

With the Petes second pick, 109th overall, they selected Lutz from EV Zug U20 in Switzerland.

The 2008-born forward from Lachen, played 34 games for EV Zug U20 this season, scoring 14 goals and adding eight assists for 22 points. He also played in 12 games for EV Zug U17 this year, scoring eight goals and adding five assists for 13 points. Lutz has represented his home country of Switzerland at the U17 level. In 2024-25, he played in 16 games for the Switzerland U17 team, scoring six goals and providing six assists for 12 points.

Photo courtesy of Philipp Hegglin and EV Zug.

The Petes third and final pick in the draft came at 121 in round three, taking Fernström, a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect from Orebro HK in Sweden.

A 2006-born forward from Bålsta, he was initially selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round, 93rd overall, in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 1, along with Danton Heinen, Vincent Desharnais and a first-round pick in exchange for Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor. On June 13, Fernström signed an entry-level contract with the Penguins after putting up 17 points in 48 games with Örebro HK in the SHL in 2024-25.

Photo courtesy of Steve Ellis.

“We are very pleased with how the Import draft went today,” said Patrick O’Connor, Petes director of player personnel and assistant coach. “Rob (Wilson) and I spent extensive time in Europe doing a lot of research on these players and we’re very happy to be able to select them today. Leon is a talented, quick young player with a good hockey IQ, and is someone who we believe will put up good offensive numbers in the OHL. Yanis is an explosive, offensive player who is a little bit younger, but is also someone who we believe will succeed at the OHL level. Melvin has a good shot, knows where to be on the ice and has professional experience playing in the SHL.”

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City Providing Assistance For Air Conditioning Units to Eligible Residents

The City of Peterborough may provide financial support of up to $300 for those who receive either Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program to aid in the purchase of an air conditioner.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Eligible residents must have a diagnosed severe medical respiratory condition or diagnosed severe asthma and are required to submit a copy of a current prescription and at least one estimate for the purchase of an air conditioning unit. Recipients must also have an address in the City or County of Peterborough.

Additional information can be found at thier respective case workers or the Social Services office at 705-748-8830.  

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