Little Lakers Night Returns On Last Regular Season Home Game to Support Five Counties

For the third consecutive year, Little Lakers Night returns on the Peterborough Lakers’ last home regular-season game on July 24 in support of Five Counties Children's Centre (FCCC), announced on Tuesday.

Len Powers (left), Scott Pepin (middle) and Kennedy Meredith in front of a Lakers cutout and the warmup jersey designed by Meredith. Last year’s Little Lakers Night netted $15,295 to support children’s treatment services at Five Counties. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All proceeds from Little Lakers Night will support Five Counties’ Building Abilities for Life campaign. It enables more children and youth in the region to access life-changing treatment services when they need them.

“Each year, Little Lakers Night has grown in impact and excitement, and it’s certainly become a highlight of the summer season for us,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Lakers for their continued generosity and for giving our kids the chance to be part of something so special. It’s more than a game — it’s a celebration of community.”

“It’s an honour to again team up with Five Counties to host Little Lakers Night and support children’s treatment services in our community,” said Len Powers, Peterborough Lakers board chairperson. “We encourage everyone to come out to Little Lakers Night and show their support for the home side – cheering on the Lakers to victory as they prepare for the playoffs, and supporting the incredible work done by Five Counties in the Peterborough region.”

Little Lakers Night starts pre-game festivities at 7 p.m., one hour before the Lakers take on the Brampton Excelsiors. The event features face painting by donation, freezie sales, a ‘pass the bucket’ fundraiser, and the opportunity to purchase commemorative Little Lakers Night T-shirts in support of FCCC.

During the game, a silent auction is being held with prizes such as two tickets to Canada’s Wonderland, a Crayola Prize Pack and VIP passes to the 2025 Swimming World Cup.

The night also spotlights the children and families supported by Five Counties, with several of them in attendance and some participating in special roles such as the ceremonial pre-game ball drop and behind-the-scenes experiences with the team.

The Lakers are wearing a specially designed warm-up jersey created by Kennedy Meredith, St. Paul C.E.S. Grade 4 student. The jerseys will be available for purchase through an online auction with proceeds supporting Five Counties.

Tickets for Little Lakers Night on July 24 are available now through the Memorial Centre box office. The promo code ‘FIVECOUNTIES’ at checkout takes $3 from every ticket sold towards FCCC.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 13 Year-Old Girl Last Seen In the North End

UPDATE: Hayley has been found.

The Peterborough Police Service are requesting the public’s help in locating a missing 13-year-old girl, reported on Tuesday afternoon. 

Hayley was last seen on Tuesday at approximately 12:45 p.m. in the area of Towerhill Road and Hilliard Street.

She is described to police as:

• White female

• Blonde shoulder-length hair

• Approximately 125 lbs.

• Nose and ear piercings

• She was wearing a white tank top and shorts

Police are concerned for her safety as she does have some health issues.

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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Peterborough Folk Festival Releases Full 2025 Lineup

The Peterborough Folk Festival has released its full lineup for their 2025 edition, running from Aug. 14 to 17 throughout Downtown Peterborough and Nicholls Oval Park, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Folk Festival.

The event has over 30 artists and bands, including 12 local performers with all proceeds going back to the festival.

Featured acts include Joel Plaskett, Basia Bulat, Whitehorse, Jeremie Albino, Goldie Boutilier, Shub presented by Hiawatha First Nation, Bells Larsen and Colin Linden.

Full Line-Up:

Aug. 14 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

• Basia Bulat

• Jeanne Truax

Aug. 15

• Various venues downtown including the Pig's Ear Tavern

Aug. 16 at Nicholls Oval Park

• Joel Plaskett

• Goldie Boutilier

• Jeremie Albino

• Bells Larsen

• Shub presented by Hiawatha First Nation

• My Son The Hurricane

• Grievous Angels

• Songs Of Scratch Garden

• Sister Ray

• Quinton Barnes

• Doghouse Orchestra

• The Silver Hearts

• Benj Rowland

• Jeanne Truax

• Lancelot Knight

• Swindlers

• Caitlin Currie

• Tapes In Motion

After Parties Downtown 11 p.m.

• Jethros - The Jet Airliners featuring Jeanne Truax

• Pig's Ear Tavern - The Silver Hearts

Aug. 17 at Nicholls Oval Park

• Whitehorse

• Lemon Bucket Orchestra

• Colin Linden of Blackie and The Rodeo Kings

• Inn Echo

• Beau Dixon

• Sharon Lois and Bram Singalong with Sharon and Randi

• Kay Silver

• Babe Chorus

• Fittonia

• Jethro Blues Jam All-Stars

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No Injuries Reported From Arrowsmith School Structure Fire

No injuries were sustained from Monday’s Arrowsmith School structure fire as reported by the Douro-Dummer Fire Services (DDFS).

Arrowsmith School is a private school for kids with learning disabilites from Grades 1 to 12. It was originally founded in 1980 by Barbara Arrowsmith Young in Toronto. Peterborough was its second location in May 2005 but closed on June 2021. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

DDFS received a call about the incident at 2:19 a.m. and observed that the fire had spread through the second storey of the structure, with flames visible above the roof.

Over 25 DDFS firefighters in the early hours extinguished the initial fire and fought the hotspots into the afternoon. DDFS have not determined the cause of the fire and the monetary loss to the property.

The building was not occupied at the time of the fire. A residence west of the structure was evacuated as a precaution and the occupants were able to return to their home the same day.

Parkhill Road East was closed to traffic from the Parkhill Swing Bridge to the intersection of Television Road and County Road 4/Parkhill Road East for the duration of the incident.

“DDFS crews responded quickly and worked hard to bring the fire under control, and as a result the fire did not spread to nearby structures,” said Deputy Fire Chief Huffman. “We are grateful for the time and effort that our firefighters dedicate to preparing for events like this.”

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City to Host Public Meeting Regarding Development Charges

The Council of the City of Peterborough is holding a public meeting to present and discuss proposed development charge rates and policies that would be applied throughout the City on Aug. 5, at 4:45 p.m.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the meeting, Council will consider approval of an updated Development Charges By-law on a date.

Development charges are imposed on new development to help fund growth-related capital costs of municipal services, as authorized by the Development Charges Act, 1997. The Development Charges Background Study supports the proposed charges and relates to eligible services, including: Development-Related Studies, Library Services, Fire Services, Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Recreation, Parks, Transit, Waste Management, Long-Term Care, Services Related to a Highway and Sewage Services.

The public meeting is an opportunity for the public to review and provide comments on the Development Charges Background Study and the proposed Development Charges By-law, as required under The Development Charges Act, 1997.

All interested parties are invited to join the public meeting by attending in person or by viewing the streaming of the meeting on the City’s website.

The proposed development charges bylaw will not be considered for approval at this meeting according to the City. Council will review and consider the by-law at a future meeting after considering comments received as part of the public meeting and consultation process.

A copy of the 2025 Development Charges Background Study was made available on the City of Peterborough’s website on June 11. The proposed Development Charges By-law will be available on or before July 22, 2025.

Any person may attend the public meeting and make written or verbal representation in support of or in opposition to the proposed by-law. Written submissions should be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at clerks@peterborough.ca no later than 11 a.m. on Aug. 5.

Delegations wishing to speak at the meeting must register in advance. Unregistered delegations will not be permitted. To register, call 705-742-7777 ext. 1820 or complete the online form.

The deadline to register is 11 a.m. on Aug. 5. Council will consider all written comments submitted before the meeting and all verbal and written submissions made during the meeting before enacting a new development charges by-law.

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Overnight Structure Fire Devastates Arrowsmith School

A structure fire has caused significant damage to the Arrowsmith School building which started early Monday morning.

Arrowsmith School is a private school for kids with learning disabilites from Grades 1 to 12. It was originally founded in 1980 by Barbara Arrowsmith Young in Toronto. Peterborough was its second location in May 2005 but closed on June 2021. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 266 Parkhill Rd., Peterborough OPP had closed Parkhill Road between Leahy’s Lane and Kingsdale Drive as firefighters dealt with the flames early Monday morning.

Douro-Dummer Fire Department removed police tape at the scene and left the school around 4 p.m. on Monday.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. We will continue to update the story as more details develop.

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Peterborough Man Charged With Voyeurism Faces Child Porn Charges

A 20-year-old Peterborough man who faced a voyeurism charge at Lansdowne Place in late May is receiving additional charges including possession of child pornography, reported on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers with the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit of the Peterborough Police Service conducted a search warrant at a Peterborough residence Friday morning.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of Child Pornography

• Fail to Comply with Undertaking

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on July 11. 

At this time, Police believe that there are no additional victims and no ongoing public safety concern.

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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.

This investment is part of the province's $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). It is a province-wide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Our government is delivering on its promise to support local communities with a $1 million investment for the Morrow Park upgrade. This project is vital for our residents, improving accessibility, extending the life of this beloved facility, and providing a Premier/Level A diamond for everyone to enjoy,” he said. "I'm thrilled to see this important funding come to our city, promoting active living and strengthening our community.”

This project focuses on a significant upgrade to Morrow Park, aiming to elevate its status to Premier/Level A. This upgrade extends the facility's overall lifespan while also enhancing local programming opportunities and vastly improving accessibility features. According to a Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities study, these improvements are directly aligned with meeting identified community needs.

“We're incredibly grateful to the Province of Ontario for this $1 million investment through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Morrow Park is a cherished gathering place in our community, and these upgrades will ensure it remains a premier destination for sport, recreation and community events for years to come. Enhancing accessibility, extending the life of the facility, and supporting active living are all priorities for the City of Peterborough, and this funding helps us move forward on all fronts.”

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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.”

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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.

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