YMCA to Host Free Community Open House This Saturday

The public is invited to visit the YMCA of Central East Ontario, which is hosting a Community Open House from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Available are studio demos like qigong, CPR & basic first aid, judo and fitness classes. Activites at the event are archery, NHL Street and a bouncy castle. Aquatic activities at the open house are open swim, lane swim, aquafit, water walkway and swim level assessments.

Information booths are set up throughout the build for more information on their programs, services, camps, rentals and more.

Families can also stop by the Treehouse and KidsKare space for kids.

Admission is free for all to attend.

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 Sends Call For Advisory Committee and Board Volunteers

The City of Peterborough is encouraging the public to get involved in local government by joining an advisory committee or board.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Advisory committees provide input and guidance on municipal services and programs for the Peterborough community.

The City selects volunteers through a formal selection process and some positions may require an interview. Applicants must reside or own property in the City of Peterborough.   

The following opportunities to join a committee or board are available:  

  • Accessibility Advisory Committee (two vacancies)

  • Community Investment Grants Advisory Committee (eight vacancies)

  • Property Standards Committee (one vacancy)

  • Peterborough Public Library Board (one vacancy)

  • Planning Advisory Committee (one vacancy)

All terms will end in December next year.  

Interested residents are encouraged to pick up an application form in person at City Hall 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.

Man Arrested For Allegedly Stabbing a Woman Gets Charges Upgraded to Attempted Murder

A 49-year-old Peterborough man wanted on an Ontario-wide warrant who was arrested for allegedly stabbing a woman with a knife has had his charges upgraded to attempted murder, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers responded to a residence on Southlawn Drive and Otonabee Drive area on Saturday. A 42-year-old woman was found with injuries and taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment.

The Peterborough Police Service Emergency Response Team (ERT) contained the residence. They arrested a male suspect, who was taken to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment of injuries sustained during the initial incident.

The man has now been charged with:

  • Attempt to Commit Murder

The accused is in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

The name of the accused is not being released to protect the victim's identity in this incident.

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 County School Zones to See Increased Traffic Enforcement

As students return to classrooms, an increase in traffic enforcement in school zones is occurring throughout Peterborough County this fall.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

The County reminds drivers to take extra precautions in school zones which include slowing down, planning to leave early, giving at least one metre of clearance to cyclists and stopping for school buses.

“As students return to the classroom, our roads will be shared by more cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This year, Peterborough County has taken extra steps to enhance road safety features and policies for school zones on County Roads. Please drive with extra caution in all school zones by staying alert, slowing down, and stopping for buses and pedestrians. Together, we can ensure a safe and successful school year for all students.”

The OPP and Peterborough Police Service would like to remind motorists of the following:

  1. You must stop for stopped school buses with lights flashing.

  2. Speeding in a school zone can result in fines and demerit 
    points. Speeding in Community Safety Zones results in double the fine.

  3. Crossing guards have the right to stop traffic at crosswalks – abide by their direction.

  4. Motorists must wait until the crossing guard is no longer on the roadway before proceeding.

  5. Drivers on multi-lane, undivided highways must stop for stopped school buses when their overhead red signal lights are flashing. This applies to both directions of traffic on roads without a median or physical barrier separating opposing lanes.

To keep school children safe, both the OPP and the Peterborough Police Service are monitoring the area and issuing tickets as required for offences in school zones and/or community safety zones.

“As the 2025–26 school year kicks off, children are full of excitement to see friends and start new adventures, while parents are juggling the return of early mornings, packed schedules, and structured routines,” said Inspector Chris Galeazza, OPP Detachment Commander. “The Peterborough County OPP reminds all drivers not to let the chaos and excitement of the season distract from the responsibility to drive safely. Stop for school buses, obey crossing guards, and stay alert for carefree children on sidewalks. Let’s make sure everyone gets where they’re going safely.”

“As another school year begins, we want it to be a safe time for students whether they are walking, cycling, or taking the bus,” Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service Chief. “We are asking motorists to please be aware of traffic calming measures and Community Safety Zones, which come with slower speeds and increased fines. Community Safety Zones are located, exclusively, in neighbourhoods where a school is located, or other location where children are present, so let that be your guide about the expected presence of children.  It’s a very exciting time of year and we ask for patience as students, crossing guards and school buses return for the school year.”

As part of the County’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), new policies have been developed to enhance safety and consistency across school zones in Peterborough County.

These policies include:

  • School Signage & Pavement Markings Policy

  • Community Safety Zone Policy

The Peterborough County Engineering & Construction division reviewed 12 school zones on or adjacent to County Roads. Here's what you can now expect:

  • New school pavement markings

  • New radar speed signs

  • Speed limit reductions

  • Established Community Safety Zones where criteria was met

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.

Road Rage Incident Leads to Assault Charge For Peterborough Man

A 34-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges, including assault, after a road rage incident on Saturday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:50 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Bowers Park area regarding a group causing a disturbance. It was determined that the call was unfounded.  However, in speaking with the group, officers learned that there had been a road rage altercation between a motorist and a person on an e-scooter a few hours earlier and that the person on the e-scooter had been hanging around the parking lot.  The latter was no longer in the area and there was no basis to the call for service; officers left. 

Shortly after, a second call came in stating that the man on the e-scooter had returned and brandished a knife at the group. One person received a minor injury during an altercation that ensued. Officers returned to the scene and took the male into custody as the group was holding him.

The man was arrested and charged with:

  • Assault with A Weapon

  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 7.

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.

United Way Announces Recipients of Neighbourhood Fund Grants of $30,000 In Total Funding

United Way Peterborough & District has announced 11 recipients of its 2025 Neighbourhood Fund grants, which will receive $30,000 in funding.

This year saw 27 applications requesting over $100,000 in support. Photo courtesy of the United Way.

The Neighbourhood Fund supports grassroots, community-led initiatives that foster connection, inclusion, and belonging across the city and county according to a press release.

The following are the 2025 Neighbourhood Fund Grant Recipients:

  • Big Sing Nogojiwanong-Peterborough ($2,240)

  • BIPOC Youth Environmental Justice Program ($4,200)

  • Building Community Through Creative Recycling & Reuse ($3,900)

  • Diwali 2025 ($4,000)

  • Healing Through Gardening ($900)

  • Lakefield Pride Picnic ($1,500)

  • Neighbourhood Welcome & Inclusion Project ($1,050)

  • Neighbourhood Winter Gatherings ($2,200)

  • Peterborough Volunteer Appreciation Day ($5,000)

  • The Community Table ($2,010)

  • Ukrainian Cultural Events ($3,000)

“These projects reflect the incredible creativity, diversity, and warmth of our community, it is amazing how far a little bit of money can go in building community,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO.

“We’re honoured to support initiatives that bring people together and build stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods. It’s not about the best grant writer, it’s about finding groups that really connect with their neighbourhood,” said Nancy Fischer, Chair of the Community Impact Committee.

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 Split Series With Erie Otters In Weekend Preseason Games

The Peterborough Petes and Erie Otters took a win each in a pair of weekend preseason games at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday and Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

It was the first preseason game for both teams as the Petes never relinquished the lead and defeated the Otters 5-2 on Saturday.

Caden Taylor led the way for the Petes, scoring twice and adding two assists. Leon Kolarik, Colin Fitzgerald and Braydon McCallum all scored and had an assist, while Carson Cameron and Matthew Soto both had two assists. James Petrovski and Yanis Lutz also had an assist in the game. Petes goalie Easton Rye played the first two periods in net, stopping 17 shots 18. Masen Johnston took over for the third period, stopping seven of eight shots.

The Otters got their revenge on Sunday, defeating the Petes in a shootout, 3-2, on Sunday.

Leon Kolarik scored his second goal of the preseason, while Genc Ula also scored. Liam Ladds, Gerry DiCunzolo, Adam Levac and Lutz all had an assist in the game. Johnston played the first period in goal, stopping 12 of 13 shots. New York-native Dylan Lee-Stack took over for the second and third, stopping 21 of 22.

After the game, the team has reassigned the following players:

  • Joseph Szarka

  • Eric Wood

  • Brody Robertson

  • Tyson Cartier

  • Sean Short

  • Pacey Adduono

  • Alexander Smyth

  • Kaiden Thatcher

  • Elijah Chavez

  • Nolan Davis

  • Luis Sturgeon

  • Harrison O’Connor

“After a competitive weekend of preseason games, we’ve been forced to make some more difficult decisions,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “We thought these players all showed well in camp and will continue to monitor their development and progress for future opportunities with the team.”

The Petes continue their preseason homestand as they host the Kingston Frontenacs at the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre on Sunday at at 2:05 p.m.

Ticket holders for this game will be able to attend a post-game autograph session with the Petes players. All tickets sales are in support of Norwood Minor Hockey and can be purchased for $30 online or in-person for $20 at J.J. Stewart Motors. The game will also be streamed on the Petes YouTube channel.

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.

PTBOSpotlight Template: Seductive Sounds

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 Seductive Sounds. It is owned by Stephen Fleming.

Seductive Sounds is an automotive electronics retailer providing sales and installation of automotive accessories from remote starters and backup cameras to radios, speakers and large custom stereo systems. They also offer vehicle security, tracking and immobilizers as part of their product offering.

“With vehicle theft on the rise, we’re happy to offer vehicle immobilizers from Autowatch and Compustar that not only prevent theft but can also save on premiums with some insurance companies,” said Fleming.

His love of cars started in 1994 when a family friend dropped by in a customized vehicle. He became hooked on this car culture even before he could drive and was able to add a small stereo system to the family car.

Over time, building car audio systems for friends and family grew into a passionate professional career. Over thirty years later, Fleming remains at the forefront of new products, innovations, installation integrations, techniques, and technologies.

“My passion has never been stronger and is shown in every install, large and small. I take pride in doing it right the first time and the smile on my customers face is the most rewarding part my his job.”

Seductive Sounds purchases all its products directly from manufacturers, which helps pass the savings on to the customer.

“It cuts out the costly middleman and ensuring we only sell quality merchandise,” said Fleming. “This provides our customers with the best warranty available. We install all products we sell, guaranteeing the installation for as long as it stays in the customer’s vehicle.”

While his products are purchased from other manufacturers, everything else is kept local for his business.

“We use local vendors for business needs – Tools, signs, stickers, apparel, business cards, advertising etc.,” explained Fleming. “We provide services to local dealerships and businesses at a reduced cost to them. We also offer a first responder discount. We have supported local non-profit organizations with monetary and product donations.”

To learn more about Seductive Sounds, find it online:


Website: www.seductivesounds.ca
Instagram:
@_seductivesounds_
Facebook: Seductive Sounds

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.

Local Realtors Fourth Annual Lemonade Stand Juices Out Proceeds For Sick Kids Foundation

For the fourth consecutive year, local realtors and brothers Dan and Dion Gemmiti utilized the classic concept of a lemonade stand to raise money for SickKids Foundation at the Westdale United Church on Friday morning.

The Gemmiti and Hatzianastasiou families coming together for the lemonade stand. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Hundreds of people lined up to enjoy pizza from Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria, homemade chocolate chip cookies (made by Dan and Dion) and lemonade. The stand accepted donations for SickKids Foundation on a ‘pay what you want’ basis. Photos could also be taken in front of a large banner hanging on the side of a trailer.

The community came out in strong numbers, as this year’s turnout was significantly larger than in years prior, according to the brothers.

“Our community is the greatest,” said Dion. “The support they gave us was unbelievable, and we're just so grateful that people come out and support such a great cause like SickKids.”

“It's not just today, it's weeks before this,” explained Dan. “My Grade 1 teacher sent money to us just to support our lemonade stand. People are so enthralled with giving to SickKids, it's incredible. People are amazing.”

Guests show up and tell both brothers about their experiences and stories with SickKids that are inspirational and feel-good stories said Dan and Dion.

“We have so many people who are affected by issues that they need to go to SickKids and we hear so many great stories going to SickKids and how incredible this place is,” explained Dion. “It's helping our most vulnerable, our youth, which is wonderful.”

“It's year after year when people come and tell us a story,” said Dan. “Last year it happened and this year it happened, where we both got the tears in our eyes because people told us a story. My heart is breaking listening to it but it's SickKids, they save their kids' lives and then they're very generous with their donation.”

The brothers aim to continue the lemonade stand annually for as long as possible. Last year, they raised $5,295 for SickKids Foundation.

Donations can also be made by sending e-transfers to dananddionlemonade@gmail.com until Tuesday.

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 Reassign 13 Players Following Thursday Scrimmages

The Peterborough Petes have reassigned 13 players ahead of Friday’s annual Maroon and White game, announced on Thursday evening.

Photo courtesy ofthe Peterborough Petes.

The following players have been reassigned:

  • Jayden Mercier

  • Cohen Paquette

  • Ryan Wercholaz

  • Kasra Fathi

  • Owen Hunks

  • Matthew McKenna

  • Thomys Pyke

  • Anthony Lovisa

  • Thomas Lima

  • Cameron Martin

  • Jack McHyman

  • Gavin Haslam

  • Jackson Hone

“The last two days of scrimmages have been very competitive, forcing us to make some very difficult decisions,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “We will continue to monitor the progress and development of these players over the coming season for future opportunities with the Peterborough Petes.”

The annual Maroon and White game takes place at 4:05 p.m. on Friday at the PMC. The game is open to the public and will also be streamed live on the Petes YouTube channel.

The Petes preseason kicks off on Saturday with the first of back-to-back home games against the Erie Otters. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. 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.