Peterborough Challengers Baseball Hit the Road to St. Thomas for 2025 Friendship Games

The Peterborough Challenger Baseball teams went on the road to play their annual Friendship Games held at the Doug Tarry Complex in St. Thomas, Ont. on Saturday.

The Games have a host city where Challenger teams from Peterborough, Hamilton and London come together to compete against one another in baseball.

The event also had a home run derby, accuracy throwing and a base race contest. Representing the Peterborough seniors were Blake Mount (home run derby), David I. (accuracy throwing) and Blair Bastien (base race). Mount and Bastien came second in their respective events while David finished first in accuracy throwing.

@ptbo_canada The Peterborough Challenger Baseball teams hit St. Thomas to play in the Friendship games with the London and Hamilton teams! #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #challengerbaseball ♬ Baseball - Glow City

Challenger Baseball supports anyone with cognitive or developmental challenges or chronic health issues that prevent them from playing organized sports.

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.

Two Hat Tricks Propel Peterborough Lakers to Dominant Win Over the Cobourg Kodiaks

The Peterborough Lakers are finely tuned for the playoffs with two hat tricks, posting their most dominant win of the season, routing the Cobourg Kodiaks 15-4 at the Jack Burger Sports Complex in Port Hope on Sunday night.

Photo courtesy of Anna Taylor and the Peterborough Lakers.

The Lakers had a perfect period, disallowing any goals from Cobourg while netting six of their own. Brad McCulley, Dylan Hutchinson, Ben Trumble, Carter Page, Matt Gilray and Taite Cattoni all found the back of the net for Peterborough to make it 6-0 after the first period.

Cobourg finally got on the board 15 seconds in but McCulley answered 45 seconds later. After letting in another Kodiak goal, McCulley got a hat trick to keep pace with the home team. Page added two more goals to complete his hat trick while Cobourg got one more goal to end the period to make it 10-3.

The Lakers continued to roll, limiting the Kodiaks to one goal while potting five of their own. Frank Coyle found the score sheet, scoring first for the Lakers, followed by a Justin Sykes score. After letting in a Kodiak goal, Joe Resetarits got his first, Sykes got his second and McCulley got his fourth to rout Cobourg 15-4.

McCulley led the team with four goals in a hot arena where the air conditioning was not in service.

“Our staff does a fantastic job making sure we’re cool on the bench, getting fans blowing all over the place, water when we need it,” he explained. “Both teams have to deal with it so we kinda just have to make the most of it but that was a little uncomfortable by the end.”

The win gives Peterborough a 13-5-0 regular-season record to finish second place behind the Six Nations Chiefs.

“Sometimes it gets to these games where the playoff schedule is already set and we have a game on a Sunday night and not everyone can make it, so it’s easy to mail it in or you just stay on track doing what’s made you successful, but like this, getting the sticks going and making sure our confidence is up and chemistry is still there, going far into playoffs this won’t hurt us,” said McCulley.

The Lakers host the third-place Brooklin Lacrosse Club in the Major Lacrosse Series semifinals beginning Thursday at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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.

Attempted Arson Incident Leads To Window Broken For Local Business

The Peterborough Police Service are investigating an attempted arson at a Peterborough business early Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:22 a.m., officers were called after a gas can was thrown through a window of the business in a plaza near Lansdowne Street West and Webber Avenue. 

Although the sprinkler system activated, there was no fire but extensive water damage occurred. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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 Sign Second-Round Import Draft Pick to Standard Player Agreement

The Peterborough Petes have signed second-round import pick Yanis Lutz to an OHL Standard Player Agreement (SPA).

Photo courtesy of Philipp Hegglin EV Zug.

“We’re very excited to announce that we’ve signed Yanis Lutz to an SPA,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations.. “Yanis is a player that Rob Wilson, Patrick O’Connor, myself and other members of our staff have had a chance to see both in-person and on video. We feel that he has the abilities to succeed in the OHL and is a player that we’re excited to be able to add to our group heading into next season.”

Lutz, a 2008-born forward from Lachen, SUI, featured in 34 games for EV Zug U20 last season, scoring 14 goals and adding eight assists for 22 points. He also played in 12 games for EV Zug U17, scoring eight goals and adding five assists for 13 points. Lutz has represented his home country of Switzerland at the U17 level, accumulating 12 points in 16 games during the 2024-25 season. He is currently attending the Switzerland U18 camp in preparation for the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

“We are thrilled to announce the signing of Yanis Lutz to our organization for the 2025-26 season here in Peterborough,” said Patrick O’Connor, Petes assistant coach and director of player personnel. “Yanis is an offensive, skilled young player who is a strong skater with a very good hockey IQ. His track record has shown that he can produce offensively at every level that he has played in Switzerland, including his National Team. I would like to personally acknowledge Pat Pilloni and Nxtshot Sports for their work and assistance in making this exciting import deal possible. We very much look forward to Yanis arriving here in Peterborough and welcoming him to our city and the team.” 

Lutz is the second import player to sign with Peterborough for the upcoming season, after the Petes signed Czech forward and 2024 first-round import pick Adam Novotný on July 9.

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 Pondview Estates, Of Whimsy and Wonder, Cosmic Charlie's and Lakefield Sidewalk Sale

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…

The Belsey family have launched a new wedding venue business at their Pondview Estates property.

Parents Mike and Linda own the property while their eldest daughter Samantha runs the wedding venue. Samantha has a decade of experience in the wedding industry, including her business Samantha Ann and Co. Booking Pondview includes the use of her wedding planning and coordination services. The property features a beautiful setting with a permanent tent, refurbished church pews, and thoughtful décor. Book your wedding or event at Pondview Estates for a picturesque and stress-free experience. Find out more at samanthaannandco.com.

Local artist and illustrator Susie Armstrong now has a physical shop where you find some beautiful creations.

Of Whimsy and Wonder is now open at 444 George St. N. in downtown Peterborough. The shop is a dreamy art boutique and gift shop specializing in unique art products such as prints, stationary, and custom paintings. They offer a wide selection of curated vintage and pre-loved clothing, gently used books, and antiques. Susie started the business in 2020 and it’s exciting to see it continue to grow.

This week is your last chance to go get some delicious food from Cosmic Charlie’s.

Maria and Mario Salalila are retiring after nearly 30 years. Cosmic Charlies has been a downtown icon, with original international cuisine. It will close as of July 31. Thank you, Maria and Mario, for all your hard work and all the delicious meals you’ve served the community. Drop by 170 Charlotte St. in Downtown Peterborough for your last chance to dine at Cosmic Charlie’s.

The Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Sidewalk Sale on Queen Street in Lakefield on Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The street will be closed between Reid to Albert streets for this fun outdoor shopping event where you’re sure to find some unique items, delicious food, and activities. There will be a community barbeque, fire trucks on display, activities for children, and of course, deals from local businesses. Vendor registration is open until July 31. Make sure to drop by downtown Lakefield on Aug. 9 to see what it’s all about.

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: First Five Club

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 First Five Club. It is owned and founded by Whitney Stoner.

Photo courtesy of Jordan Lyall Photography and First Five Club.

Located at 1-260 Milroy Dr., the First Five Club is a Montessori-inspired playplace and wellness studio designed for families with children up to the age of five.

Customers can drop in with an All-Day Play Pass, bundle visits with a discounted Multi-Pass or join one of our three membership tiers—Play Club, Explorer Club, and All Access Club—all packed with perks like unlimited play, guest passes, class access and exclusive discounts.

“Our space includes a main play area, a glowing sensory room and a cozy lactation and nap room. Every visit includes complimentary coffee, tea, snacks and WiFi—so parents can take a breath while their little ones explore,” explained Stoner. “We also run weekly classes in our studio like Music & Me, KangaDance and Nest & Stretch, plus free-for-member drop-in activities like Little Picassos and Sensory Lounge that run twice a week and are also open to the public.”

The Club is more than just a space to grow and learn for children.

“In addition to our regular play and classes, we host monthly special events and workshops for families looking for more education, support or just a little fun outside the day-to-day,” said Stoner. “We also host birthday parties, baby showers and have our studio available to local professionals to rent.”

Photo courtesy of Jordan Lyall Photography and First Five Club.

Founded in September 2023, the business emerged from the need for social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stoner became a mom in 2021, when restrictions were not yet fully lifted. She experienced firsthand the challenges of isolation and the struggle to find accessible resources for her family.

“I’m a mom to a spirited four-year-old, and like a lot of parents, I spent the early years of motherhood in the thick of the pandemic—pregnant, isolated, and desperate for connection,” explained Stoner. “First Five Club was born from that experience. I wanted to create a space where families felt seen, supported and surrounded by community. A space where kids could play freely and grownups could breathe for a minute.”

All photos courtesy of Jordan Lyall Photography and First Five Club.

The First Five Club offers a Montessori-inspired play area featuring calm aesthetics, open-ended toys and child-led materials that spark independence and curiosity according to Stoner.

“That means kids don’t just ‘stay busy’—they actually engage. They choose their own adventures, move at their own pace, and build confidence in a setting that feels both free and structured,” she explained. “Parents often tell us their kids leave calmer and more content—minus the few tantrums from those who don't wanna leave at all.”

To learn more about First Five Club, find it online:

Website: www.firstfiveclub.com
Instagram: @firstfiveclub
Facebook: First Five Club

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.

Ennismore Community Centre Receives Over $930,000 In Funding For Resurfacing From Ontario Government

The Ontario government is investing $931,750 to replace the floor at the Ennismore Community Centre, announced on Friday morning.

CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province. Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

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

“This investment in the Ennismore Community Centre is absolutely fantastic news for families in Selwyn Township,” he said. “It's more than just replacing a 54-year-old ice surface; it's about securing the future of a vital community hub. This funding ensures that local sports teams, recreational skaters, and community groups will continue to have a modern, safe, and accessible facility for decades to come. Our government is proud to make these kinds of direct investments that strengthen our communities and support active, healthy living right here at home.”

The project will include replacing the 54-year-old, 180-foot by 80-foot concrete slab floor, refrigeration piping and ice rink chiller. The arena has hosted sporting groups, youth leagues, recreational skaters and community organizations since its construction.

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.

Kawartha Credit Union and Libro Announce Plans to Merge

The Boards of both Kawartha Credit Union and Libro Credit Union entered into discussions about a merger.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Credit Union.

“The Boards of both credit unions believe this merger is in the best interests of Members/Owners, employees, communities and the credit union,” said Garrett Vanderwyst, Libro board chair. “By coming together, we can scale and be better prepared for the future, while at the same time maintain the benefits and advantages of a community-focused credit union.”

According to a press release, the credit unions are progressing well through the stages of the merger process. In August, a comprehensive application will be submitted to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and if approved, Members/Owners from both credit unions will participate in a democratic voting process, likely in the fall of 2025.

If approved, the new credit union would have approximately $11 billion in total assets under management, serving over 180,000 Members/Owners, across 57 locations in Ontario, offering a full range of personal and business banking, wealth management and insurance solutions.

“Both credit unions have a long history of helping Members/Owners achieve their financial goals. By coming together the merged credit union will focus on providing the products, services and advice our Members/Owners need, while continuing to invest in our local communities,” says Kawartha Board Chair, Allison Chenier.

Both companies state that the merger will provide the following benefits for customers:

• Better digital banking experiences – backed by the strength of a growing credit union with more to invest

• More in-person access through 57 locations across Ontario

• Access to deeper financial expertise and personalized advice for every stage of life and business

• A wider range of products and services across personal banking, business banking, wealth, and insurance

• Greater lending capacity and tailored support for business Members/Owners

• Enhanced agricultural banking support through dedicated specialists serving local farming 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.

Peterborough Man Arrested After Fleeing Police and Discarding Replica Firearm

A 35-year-old Peterborough man wanted on a warrant is facing several charges, including mischief and possession of an unauthorized weapon, after an incident on Thursday morning.

At roughly 9:30 a.m., a K9 officer on general patrol spotted the man riding a bicycle in the Aylmer Street and Murray Street area. The officer attempted to stop him but the cyclist ran, discarding an item as he fled.

Police Constable Wentworth and Police Service Dog Gryphon gave chase, caught up to the man in a nearby alley and took him into custody. Officers retrieved the discarded item which turned out to be a replica handgun. During a search of the man after his arrest, officers also seized three knives.

The suspect was arrested on the strength of the warrant (for Mischief under $5,000 and Fail to Comply with Probation Order) and further charged with:

• Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

• Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused is currently bound by a prohibition order with the following condition: to not possess any weapon or firearms as defined by the Criminal Code of Canada.

The accused is currently bound by a probation order with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on Thursday.

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 Finish Regular Season Home Finale With Win Over Brampton

The Lakers gave the home team what they wanted on Fan Appreciation and Little Lakers Night, as they finished their last home regular-season game with a 9-6 win over the Brampton Excelsiors at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The Lakers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard as Holden Cattoni scored 88 seconds into the game to draw first blood. Brampton answered on the power play to tie the game at one. Peterborough scored two straight from Mike Robinson and Carter Page to make it a 3-1 game but Brampton got one more to end the period.

The Excelsiors took their first lead of the game, scoring the stanza’s first two goals. Page scored his second but was quickly met with another Excelsior goal. Peterborough regained the lead thanks to Cattoni’s second score and Thomas Hoggarth found the scoresheet to make it a 6-5 game after two.

“I caught the ball, a defenseman jumped at me. It kind of tied my hands up, the only option I had was around the back and I just tried to get it on net and I got lucky and it went through his legs, not much to it,” explained Hoggarth.

He scored a second straight goal to open the third and give a little breathing room for the Lakers. Braedon Saris extended the lead on a shorthanded goal to give Peterborough a three-goal cushion. Brampton scored ont he power play nearly halfway through the stanza but Hoggarth completed his hat trick to seal the win and send the Laker fans home happy.

“The building was loud and rocking. They were an electric factory,” said Nick Rose, Lakers goaltender. “It’s always fun to see our fans up close; some don’t recognize us without the gear on at times, but it’s awesome to be able to get them some autographs and get fired up for playoffs.”

The Lakers finish out the regular season in Port Hope against the Cobourg Kodiaks at the Jack Burger Arena on Sunday at 6 p.m.

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.