Morrow Park Field Receiving $1 Million Upgrade From Ontario Government
/Morrow Park is getting an upgrade, receiving a $1 million investment from the Ontario Government.
File Photo.
Peterborough Blogs
A3 and A16 Lions Clubs Raise Over $100,000 For Pediatric Cancer Care at PRHC
/Lions Clubs from Districts A3 and A16 with 21 Clubs from across the two Districts, have collectively raised more than $100,000 in donations to the Foundation’s Campaign for Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
Representatives from Lions Club Districts A3 and A16 as well as individual Clubs present PRHC Foundation President & CEO, Lesley Heighway (front right), with a donation of $100,000 in support of the Campaign for PRHC and the expansion of the pediatric cancer care clinic at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation.
According to a press release, the money supports the construction of an expanded, purpose-built pediatric cancer clinic space at the hospital, meeting the growing needs of young patients close to home. The Lions’ donation meets the PRHC Foundation’s fundraising goal.
“It’s so exciting to be together here today to recognize the wonderful achievement of your collective pledge in support of the pediatric cancer clinic space at PRHC,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president and CEO. “We’re incredibly grateful for your commitment to your community, your regional hospital and the care of childhood cancer patients, and all the efforts it took to make this generous donation possible.”
Districts A3 and A16 and the following Clubs made contributions to the Lions for Pediatric Cancer Care initiative: Bobcaygeon District, Brighton, Campbellford, Chemung Lake, Bridgenorth & Ennismore District, Coboconk & District, East Peterborough, Fowlers Corners & District, Haliburton & District, Havelock, Keene, Kendal, Kinmount & District, Lakefield & District, Lakefield Village, Lindsay East & District, Marmora Crowe Valley, Millbrook & District, Norwood, Oakwood & District, Peterborough, and Stirling & District.
“The Lions’ childhood cancer focus came about because of a lack of services and care for kids with cancer in other countries,” said Lion Christine Weerdenburg, District A16 Chair for childhood cancer. “Now, we are very fortunate to be able to help support cancer services and care here. We want to do whatever we can to make a child's care easier. When we ask the Clubs for their support, they do everything they can to make it happen. District A16 and A3 are an amazing bunch of Lions who serve.”
“Not only has it been an honour to have been a part of this campaign, but it's also been a wonderful opportunity and learning experience to work with the many Clubs in District A3 and the organizing Club in District A16.” said Lion Lydia Elliott, District A3 Chair “The overall response from all the members has been spectacular and we’re thrilled that we’ve met our goal before the expected deadline.” She continued, “All the participating Clubs in both Districts A3 and A16 should be proud of their efforts in making this initiative for the much-needed expansion to pediatric cancer care very successful.”
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring CDC Inc., Optimized Solutions, HERmanas Boutique and The Willow Studio
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
CDC Inc. has acquired local appraisal firm McLean, Simon & Associates in a move to strengthen real estate appraisal services in the region.
This strategic acquisition brings together two experienced teams with a shared commitment to accuracy, integrity, and exceptional service. The transition will be seamless as all operations, personnel, and client relationships at McLean, Simon & Associates will remain in place. There will be no changes to contact information, existing service agreements, or the high standards of professionalism clients have come to expect. Peter McLean and his team are here to help with your full-service appraisal needs.
Tracy Logan has launched a new business, Optimized Solutions, to help small home-service businesses like arborists, landscapers, and contractors with getting organized, improving efficiently and growing with confidence.
Tracy has 18 years of experience running a successful tree service and understands the day-to-day challenges business owners face. Whether you need guidance or hands-on support, Tracy offers practical systems and tools to streamline operations and set your business up for long-term success. Find out more at optimizedsolutions.ca.
HERmanas Boutique is celebrating five years in business.
It’s a special milestone for this small, woman-led business that has grown significantly thanks to the support of the community. Located on Highway 28 in Apsley, HERmanas offers curated essentials by women for women — empowering women through intentional collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared vision of elevated everyday style. You can also shop the boutique online at shophermanas.ca.
The Willow Studio is partnering with Five Counties Children’s Centre to offer Adaptive Yoga classes for children with special needs this summer.
Angela Demeester is a parent of a child with cerebral palsy and her studio provides accessible and inclusive yoga rooted in connection. Children of all abilities are invited to explore movement, build confidence, and experience the joy of connection. There will be a class for children six and under on July 16 and one for children seven and up on August 6. Find out more at willowpeterborough.com.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
PTBOSpotlight: The Chill Desire
/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 The Chill Desire. The local business is owned by brothers Sarthak Juneja and Nitish.
Located on 366 George St. N., The Chill Desire started as an ice cream parlour but has since branched out, adding savoury food to their menu including burgers, wraps, fries, spring rolls and more.
“We serve everything from ice creams and waffles to specialty drinks, peri peri loaded fries, and our famous aalu patty burger, along with a variety of popular Indian snacks like momos (dumplings) and samosas, all made fresh in an open kitchen,” said Juneja. “Whether you're craving a sweet scoop or a savoury bite, we have something for everyone.”
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Prior to opening The Chill Desire, the brothers arrived in Peterborough as international students in 2019. The idea stemmed from Nitish visiting his home country of India, where his friends introduced him to waffles with ice cream during an outing. They eventually introduced authentic South Asian flavours that they could not find locally and often travelled to Toronto for the taste they loved.
As customer demand grew, they expanded to include chicken burgers, fries, wraps, momos, samosas and their unique aalu patty burger. Their involvement in local events and support from the community fueled further growth.
“The Chill Desire is more than just an ice cream shop — it’s a place to relax and enjoy good times with friends and family,” explained Juneja. “Our space is welcoming for students looking to study or do homework and it's lively enough for the bar crowd to indulge in sweet and savoury treats until 3 a.m., 365 days a year.”
The store is celebrating its second anniversary this month in Downtown Peterborough. Since then, the menu has broadened, extended their operating hours and is giving away a free scoop of ice cream with every order until July 15 to celebrate their milestone.
To continue the festivities, on July 16, the Chill Desire is giving away 100 free scoops of ice cream (no purchase necessary, one scoop per customer).
“We are proud of our community support and the variety we offer that keeps people coming back. Our goal is to create a fun, inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy a moment of happiness with quality food and treats.”
To learn more about The Chill Desire, find it online:
Website: www.thechilldesire.ca
Instagram: @thechilldesire
Facebook: The Chill Desire
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
City of Peterborough Announces Construction of Transit Garage and Maintenance Facility
/Peterborough’s public transit capacity is growing as the City of Peterborough announced the construction of a new 10,500-square-metre transit garage and maintenance facility.
File Photo.
This follows a combined investment of almost $42.9 million from the federal and provincial governments.
“Transit is key to connecting and creating complete communities,” said Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. “That’s why investments like the Peterborough bus garage are vital to meeting our growing housing and infrastructure needs.”
“Access to reliable, affordable transit plays a vital role in connecting people in Peterborough to jobs, housing and essential services. Ontario’s investment in a new transit garage will help ensure safe, modern transit is available to support our growing community — today and in the years ahead,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.
The garage and maintenance facility will house up to 110 buses, offer a range of transit maintenance services and have amenities and offices for transit employees.
“We’re incredibly grateful to both the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada for this significant investment in Peterborough’s transit future,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The funding for a new transit garage is not only timely, it’s essential. Our current facility is aging and no longer meets the needs of a growing city. A new, modern garage will support fleet expansion, improve maintenance capabilities, and prepare us for the future of transit, including the integration of electric and low-emission vehicles. This investment will help us deliver more reliable, efficient, and sustainable transit services for the people of Peterborough.”
According to the City, after construction, the facility will support Peterborough Transit into the future and help ensure the community has access to an efficient and affordable transit service that supports economic growth and connects residents to jobs and housing.
They continue to state that the investment helps build a stronger Canadian economy. Expanding public transit infrastructure to meet growing demand supports the development of more affordable, sustainable and inclusive communities.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Suspect Charged With Mischief After Smashing Several Business WIndows
/A 47-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges after a number of business windows were smashed overnight, early Friday morning.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
At roughly 12:50 a.m., officers were called to the area of Hunter Street between Aylmer and George Streets. They located a man matching the description given to police. Police also learned that the suspect was connected to two other incidents in that area.
The man was arrested and charged with:
Mischief - destroys or damages property x3
Fail to Comply with Probation Order x2
The accused is currently bound by two probation orders with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
The accused was held in custody and appeared in court later that day.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Lakers Down Season-Leading Six Nations Chiefs At Home
/The Lakers got their second home win against the two-time defending Mann Cup champion Six Nations Chiefs, defeating them 10-7 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.
Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.
The Lakers scored the game’s first three goals courtesy of Carter Page, Justin Sykes and Thomas Hoggarth. The Chiefs scored one back but Peterborough led 3-1 after the first period.
Peterborough started the period with another run, scoring the first four goals. Page scored shorthanded, Hoggarth (powerplay) gets his second, Braedon Saris (powerplay) and Matt Gilray scored their first of the game. Six Nations went on a three-goal run and closed the gap but Peterborough still led 7-4 after the second period.
Peterborough started the period with another run, this time, scoring two thanks to Page’s hat trick and Sykes’s second. The Chiefs battled for another three-goal run to cut the deficit to 9-7 but Mike Robinson sealed it with a powerplay goal with 66 seconds left to give Peterborough the 10-7 win.
The win keeps the Lakers in second place, four points behind the first-place Chiefs but four points ahead of the third-place Brooklin L.C.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Petes Seeking Billet Families For 2025-26 Season
/The Peterborough Petes are looking for billets for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.
Billet families are responsible for providing the following:
A clean, smoke-free, welcoming home that a player will feel comfortable in
A private room with a bed and good mattress
A private desk/workspace for homework
Nutritious meals and snacks
Support of team rule enforcement including curfew, community engagement, academic standards, etc.
Families receive the following as compensation:
Two lower bowl season tickets
A weekly stipend
Invitations to exclusive team events
Flex tickets for use throughout the season
Other team perks and benefits
All potential billet families will undergo a home visit by Petes security, Risk Management and Billet Liaison Walter Di Clemente and each adult in the family will be required to complete a police check.
Those interested in learning more about the Billet Family Program or applying can fill out a form online or email eebenbauer@gopetesgo.com.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Kia Makes Pledge Towards Ennismore Inclusive Playground Fundraiser
/Peterborough KIA is lending a hand to Accessible Playgrounds Ontario’s (APO) $250,000 fundraising effort for an inclusive playground at the Ennismore Waterfront Park in Ennismore.
Grant (left) pushing her son Jude (right) on a swing. According to Grant, 38 per cent of Canadian children with a disability almost never get physical exercise outside of school. Photo courtesy of APO.
Spearheaded by Paul Seminara, Kia is donating $100 from every vehicle sold in July towards the project known as ‘Jude's Joy,’ named after APO’s Julie Grant’s son Jude, days before turning four years old, who was born with cerebral palsy.
As of May, the project was a year into its fundraising efforts and had raised over $170,000 towards its $250,000 goal.
On June 2, ‘Jude’s Joy’ applied for the McDougall Insurance contest with the top prize of $5,000, while second and third place got $3,000 and $2,000, respectively. However, the Ennisemore-based project failed to reach the top three in a vote-based contest.
According to Grant, there are no accessible playgrounds in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
“The closest fully accessible/inclusive playground to Selwyn is 64 km away in Port Hope and the second closest is Port Perry,” she explained.
Jude cannot walk independently and requires a walker to travel. Grant says several playground features are not as accessibility-friendly as they seem.
Most accessible playgrounds have rubber surfacing and intentionally designed play elements such as ramps. Roughly half of the money raised goes towards that surfacing, and Grant attributes the wood chips as a cheaper alternative.
“The most common barrier at playgrounds is the surfacing choice, which is often wood chips, which limits Jude's ability at two to three years old to use his walker independently,” she explained. “Secondly, the absence of ground-level play elements does not permit the learning opportunities that fully abled people can experience. Therefore, potential learning is lost.”
The other half of the funds raised has already been deliberated on, as Grant explained how the money will be spent.
“Considerations include a ramp onto the main play structure, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, an accessible swing with a harness, various music elements at ground level, and a play-tot structure for younger children from 18-plus months,” said Grant.
Donations can be made through the Township of Selwyn in person or by mail via debit, cheque, or cash, Canada Helps or by cheque to the Optimist Club of Ennismore.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
ECCO Art Gallery Studios to Showcase Work of Lakefield Artist David Goyette
/ECCO Art Gallery Studios is showcasing the work of Lakefield-based artist David Goyette and his solo exhibition, ‘Force of Nature’ from July 9 to Aug. 9.
Photo courtesy of Gallery Goyette.
