Hockey Benders Hit Lansdowne Place July 16

Internet sensations Cole & Aiden, also known as “The Hockey Benders,” are hitting Lansdowne Place as part of their Canadian Summer Mall Tour on July 16th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Lansdowne Place.

The pair are known for their viral social media videos, mostly revolving around hockey humour.

The duo will be at Centre Court, where fans can take a photo opportunity, purchase exclusive merchandise from their hockey lifestyle brand at their booth, and experience them in person with a meet-and-greet.

Their tour has four Ontario stops including Kingston, Ottawa, Oshawa, and Peterborough, before heading west to Fort McMurray, Edmonton, Calgary, and Medicine Hat.

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Peterborough Police Issue Several Tickets During Traffic Blitz

Peterborough Police Service Traffic Unit officers conducted a traffic blitz in the subdivision near Lily Lake Road and York Drive in mid-June. 

Tickets were issued for:

• Failing to stop x9

• Careless Driving

• Brake lights not working

• Insecure load

• No muffler

• Improper Emission equipment

The police remind motorists to be aware of stop signs in neighbourhoods, to stop and look before proceeding.

“Thank you for your attention and to help keep our roads safe for everyone. The Traffic Unit will continue to conduct initiatives throughout the year,” in a statement made by the Peterborough Police Service.

If you have a traffic complaint and if it is a non-emergency situation, you can reach out to the Traffic Unit at 705-876-1122 x289 or through the online reporting portal.  In an emergency, call 9-1-1. 

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New Canadians Centre Appoint New Executive Director

The New Canadians Centre (NCC) has appointed Jeeniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam as its new executive director, effective Sept. 2.

NCC receieved 300 applicants for the executive director position. Photo courtesy of the New Canadians Centre.

He takes over the role left by former executive director Andy Cragg, who stepped down from the position at the end of last month, following an announcement made in late March. Cragg held the position for six years.

According to the NCC, he brings a wealth of experience in organizational leadership and a deep personal commitment to community development and supporting the successful settlement of immigrants and refugees.

“We are thrilled to welcome JJ as our new Executive Director,” said Kim Blackwell NCC Board Chair. “His extensive experience, commitment, and knowledge of the community and the NCC community make him the perfect fit for this role.”

After fleeing the civil war in Sri Lanka with his family, Thevasagayam grew up in the Regent Park community in downtown Toronto. As a newcomer refugee, he faced numerous challenges, including homelessness and precarious housing situations. NCC says while non-profit organizations with similar missions supported his journey, he recognizes and celebrates the vital role that organizations play in helping newcomers build a sense of home and belonging in Canada.

Before joining NCC, Thevasagayam held significant positions in various organizations, including most recently as Manager of Housing for the City of Peterborough. JJ has also served on many boards and committees, including locally for the YMCA and NCC.

“I am truly honoured to step into this role with the New Canadians Centre. As someone whose journey as a newcomer was shaped by the kind of support NCC provides, this opportunity holds deep personal meaning,” said Thevasagayam. “I understand the challenges many newcomers face and the difference that a warm welcome, meaningful support, and strong community connections can make. I am committed to building on NCC’s strong foundation and expanding its impact across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and Northumberland County. With the support of staff, the board, volunteers, and our community partners, I look forward to working together to build inclusive and vibrant communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the fabric of Canadian society.”

Marisa Kaczmarczyk, NCC’s director of client services, serves as the interim executive director.

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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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