Local Sports Coach Arrested From Child Luring Investigation

Former Cavan FC and Peterborough Hockey Association coach Jeff Merrick has been arrested after a child luring investigation, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Belleville Police Servi e.

The 46-year-old Peterborough man was arrested by Belleville Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) and Emergency Response Unit (ERU).

He had allegedly been operating in online chat rooms under the username “Peterboroguy.”

Merrick was arrested and charged with:

• Luring a person under 16 x2

• Making written child pornography

• Invitation to sexual touching

Merrick has been held for a bail hearing since his arrest.

Police are aware that Merrick is the head coach of at least two U18 girls’ sports teams in the Peterborough and Cavan areas and are concerned that there may be other victims.

Cavan FC released a statement regarding the arrest on their Facebook page:

“Cavan FC was contacted this afternoon by the Belleville Police Service. Jeff Merrick has been removed from his role with Cavan FC effective immediately, pending an ongoing investigation. We will be cooperating fully with the police.”

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or who may be a possible victim is asked to contact Detective Constable Lacey Montgomery of the BPS ICE Unit at lmontgomery@bellevilleps.ca.

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Peterborough Petes Release Preseason Schedule

The Peterborough Petes have released their schedule for the 2025 OHL preseason with four games announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes’ first three preseason games will take place in local community arenas to be announced later this week. The fourth and final game will take place in Sarnia at Progressive Auto Sales Arena.

The Petes’ full preseason schedule can be seen below:

• Saturday, August 30 at 7:05 p.m. vs Erie Otters (location TBA)

• Sunday, August 31 at 2:05 p.m. vs Erie Otters (location TBA)

• Sunday, September 7 at 2:05 p.m. vs Kingston Frontenacs (location TBA)

• Friday, September 12 at 7:05 p.m. @ Sarnia Sting (Progressive Auto Sales Arena)

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City Hosting Public Information Centre for Clonsilla Area Transportation Study This Wednesday

A public information centre for the Clonsilla Area Transportation Study takes place at the Healthy Planet Arena, in the Banquet Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

A brief presentation will take place at 6 p.m., followed by an opportunity to ask questions and speak with the project team. A recording of the presentation will be available for review on the Connect Peterborough project page.

The Connect Peterborough project page will also host a survey to gather input on the preliminary study design, which will be available until Aug. 21.

The Clonsilla Area Transportation Study focuses on the need for transportation improvements along Clonsilla Avenue. The need for these improvements was identified through the City of Peterborough’s Transportation Master Plan, adopted in 2022, which identifies multi-modal transportation solutions to help address population and employment growth in the City up to 2051.  

The Study is in its first phase, which seeks to identify transportation problems and opportunities, determine potential alternatives, and outline the scope of work and a consultation plan that will need to be implemented.  

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Male and Female Suspects Sought After Brandishing a Knife and Stole Necklaces In Street Robbery

Officers with the Peterborough Police Service are seeking two suspects following a robbery early Saturday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 4:05 a.m., officers were called to the area of Rubidge Street and Sherbrooke Street regarding a reported robbery. A man and a woman brandished a knife at two other men and took two necklaces before fleeing the area and were last seen heading eastbound on Dalhousie Street.  The two victims did not wish for medical attention.

Suspect #1 is described as:

• Male, White

• 6 ft

• 140lbs

• 30-40 years old 

• White basketball jersey that said "St. Patrick's" on the front 

Suspect #2 is described as:

• Female, White

• 30 years old 

• Heavy set 

• Green cheetah pants

• Black sweater  

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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Youth and Holnbeck Civic Award Nominations Open Until Aug. 8

Civic Award nominations are open for the Holnbeck and Youth Volunteer of the Year awards.  

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.

The Holnbeck Award recognizes a couple or person who has made a lifelong contribution that has enhanced the quality of life for people with disabilities through volunteer work. Nominees for this award can live in the City or County of Peterborough.   

The Youth Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who was 18 years old or younger in 2025 and has made significant contributions to the development and delivery of community programs and services through volunteer work.  

Nominations close Aug. 8.  

Nomination forms can also be picked up at City Hall, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  

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PTBOSpotlight: Bin City Liquidation PTBO

Welcome to PTBOSpotlight! Every Friday, this segment showcases a business or organization in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the people behind the organization and the work they do for our community.

This week, we are featuring Bin City Liquidation PTBO. The local business is owned by Chloé Boisvenue and Samuel Quesnel.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located on 2704 Lakefield Rd. Bin City Liquidation PTBO is a bin store offering a wide range of items at heavily discounted prices.

“Bin City Liquidation is a small, family-run business offering a fun, affordable, and ever-changing shopping experience,” said Boisvenue. “We specialize in deeply discounted brand-name products, with new inventory stocked weekly. Our store is centered around bins, where prices drop daily.”

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store hosted its grand opening on Friday morning, where a huge line gathered to mark the occasion. Peterborough became the third city to have the family-run business open its doors.

“We discovered the bin store concept in the U.S. and immediately saw the potential to bring something unique and exciting to our community,” explained Boisvenue. “We opened our first location in North Bay in 2023, followed by a second in Cornwall and now we’re proud to be opening our third location here in Peterborough.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store has daily bin deals, including deals of the week. They also offer the following:

• Books, phone cases and screen protectors for $2 each

• Clothing starting at $10, following the daily price drop

• Big ticket items, including furniture and appliances at 30 to 80 per cent off retail

“As a small family business, we take pride in every detail. We’re hands-on, dedicated, and so excited to grow with the Peterborough community. Whether it’s your first visit or your 50th, we can’t wait to welcome you,” said Boisvenue. “We’ve fully committed to making this store a success — our family relocated to the area to open this location and we’re putting everything we have into building something special for the Peterborough community.”

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Open six days a week, Bin City Liquidation PTBO is closed every Thursday to restock their building on Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday morning.

The following are the store’s operating hours:

• Monday, Tuesday & Friday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Wednesday & Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Thursday: Closed

• Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We’re more than just a store — we’re building an experience,” said Boisvenue.” Bin City is a place to explore, save, and have fun doing it.”

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

To learn more about Bin City Liquidation PTBO, find it online:

Website: www.bincityliquidation.ca
Instagram: @bincityliquidation.ptbo
Facebook: Bin City Liquidation - Peterborough

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PHOTOS: Alf Curtis Home Improvements Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of Business In Peterborough

Alf Curtis Home Improvements invited the public to a free BBQ to celebrate its 50th anniversary in business at its facility on Friday.

Retired NHL referee Don Koharski (middle) breaks up a scuffle between Chase Curtis of Alf Curtis (left) and Lakers defenseman Broedie Birkhof (right). All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The event featured raffles, vendors, food and an appearance and Q&A session from retired NHL referee Don Koharski. After his interview, he signed autographs for the public.

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.

Alf Curtis is hosting a no-tax promotion until July 12.

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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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