Routine Watermain Flushing Begins Monday

Routine flushing of water mains in various areas of the city will take place from Monday through November 21.   

Watermain flushing is a routine part of the annual system maintenance by the City’s Water Services Division to assist in maintaining water quality and reliability of the water distribution system.  Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Flushing will take place on weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.    

During flushing, residents may notice a temporary discoluoration or cloudy appearance in their water for a brief period, as well as possible changes in water pressure. The City of Peterborough says the water will remain safe for consumption.   

If water appears discoloured, run the cold water tap closest to the water source for 20 to 30 minutes or until the water clears. If the issue persists, contact Water Services by phone at 705-748-9301 ext. 1295.

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Peterborough Transit Making Service Updates to Fleming Due to College Strike

Peterborough Transit routes to Fleming College have been adjusted due to the labour disruption by Ontario college support staff that started on Thursday.

File Photo.

All Peterborough Transit vehicles that regularly stop at Fleming College are relocated to the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre for pickup, drop off and layover.

All routes travelling along Brealey Drive will continue to serve stops between Lansdowne Street and Spillsbury Drive, as well as stops on Stenson Boulevard at Pinewood Drive.

Temporary routing changes 

Route 5 Parkway and Route 8 Monaghan 

• To Fleming College: via northbound Brealey Drive to the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre 

• From Fleming College: southbound Brealey Drive to Airport Road and regular route 

Route 6 Sherbrooke 

• To Fleming College: via northbound Brealey Drive from Stenson Boulevard 

• From Fleming College: southbound Brealey Drive to Stenson Boulevard and regular route 

Route 7 Lansdowne 

Dobbin Road at Lansdowne Street stops will not be served 

• To Fleming College: south on Brealey Drive to the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre 

• From Fleming College: north on Brealey Drive, right on Lansdowne Street to regular route 

Route 9 Parkhill 

• To Fleming College: southbound Brealey Drive to the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre 

• From Fleming College: northbound Brealey Drive to regular route 

Wellness Centre stop information 

• The temporary stop is located in the loop for drop off and pickup only 

• Layovers will occur in the lower parking area

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Ontario Public Service Employees Union Has Full Walk-Off Strike of Fleming College

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has gone on a full walk-off strike at Fleming College and several other locations across the province as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.

more than 10,000 full-time college support staff, represented by OPSEU/SEFPO, are on strike across Ontario’s 24 public colleges. File Photo.

The OPSEU represents full-time support staff but does not directly involve full-time or part-time academic employees. It also does not include part-time support staff. According to OPSEU, over the last year, 10,000 faculty and support staff have been laid off, and more than 650 programs have been cut.

“We’ve lost 10,000 jobs across the system this year alone and more than 650 programs in every community across the province,” said Christine Kelsey, college support bargaining team Chair. “With our colleges plunged into chaos, job security is key to stabilizing the system – because the future of our work is the future of student support.”

According to their website, the OPSEU support staff want the following:

• Protect student supports: Job security measures like no contracting out services to for-profit providers, not replacing services with AI and protecting bargaining unit work.

• Bring stability to the student experience: An increase in provincial funding, including a moratorium on campus closures and layoffs.

• Support for members to take care of their families: Support staff are bargaining for time, such as paid domestic violence leave, leave to care for their families when they are sick and ensuring staff can take time off when needed to care for themselves and their families.

• Benefits: Ensuring access to dental care, hearing aids and prescription drugs. This includes life-saving measures and including gender affirmation care.

The strike occurred after a deal could not be reached between OPSEU and the College Employer Council (CEC) on a renewal collective agreement.

“A complete ban on campus closures, college mergers and staff reductions could force colleges into bankruptcy,” said Graham Lloyd, CEC CEO. “CEC has repeatedly advised OPSEU that these types of demands simply can never be agreed to. They are more about broader political campaigns than the benefits we have proposed at the table for their members.”

The CEC states that their final proposal was based on a previous offer of more than $145 million in wage and benefit improvements to the collective agreement.

The additions included:

• Enhanced vision and hearing benefits equal to those of academic staff

• Improvements to job security regarding new technology

• Introduced paid leave for domestic and sexual violence  

According to their website, the CEC’s offer is in addition to what was previously offered and includes:

1. Wage increases of two per cent in each year of the contract

2. Increased on-call premiums by 75 per cent

3. Increased shift premiums by 67 and 75 per cent

4. Enhanced employment stability committee rights

5. Enhanced vacation carryover rights

6. Increased recall rights by 50 per cent (to 18 months)

7. Severance enhancements increased by 50 per cent for employees laid off due to the current financial crisis facing the system

8. Guaranteeing employee rights to disconnect from work

9. Removal of CEC proposals that the union communicated as concessionary

“Our offer remains on the table for the union to consider,” said Lloyd. “We remain far apart on a number of important issues and we strongly encourage the union to agree to mediation/arbitration to help us reach an agreement.”

Fleming Student Administrative Council (SAC) says they are ready to support students during this time. They remain open during any labour disruption and continue to provide services, advocacy and events wherever possible, with adjustments as needed.

“We recognize this is a stressful and uncertain time for students,” said Charan Pitla, SAC Board Chair. “Our commitment is to provide clear information and advocate for student needs so they feel supported no matter how this situation unfolds.”

If required, SAC will help students understand their rights, navigate picket lines and access support if they face barriers to participation in classes or campus life.

Students will receive updates through their student email, FlemingSAC.ca and SAC social media channels.

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Market Hall Suplexes Cancer Care With Fourth-Annual 'Cancer Takedown' Fundraiser

Market Hall is body slamming cancer with its fourth annual ‘Cancer Takedown’ fundraiser for anyone touched by cancer on Nov. 4 and 5, starting at 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Market Hall.

The night shines a light on the mental burden of cancer and unites people through song, story and solidarity. All proceeds go to Cancer Care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Performances will be done by Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, The Weber Brothers, Nicholas Campbell, Anthony Bastianon and more. The show also features three women (all diagnosed under the age of 40) sharing their cancer stories. It focuses on the emotional and mental rollercoaster that the cancer experience brings.

New this year is a show done outside of Peterborough, at the Flato Academy Theatre in Lindsay on Nov. 4 on 7 p.m. Market Hall’s event is scheduled for Nov.5 at 7 p.m.

Husband and wife Rick and Amy Kemp founded the event. Rick has been a patient of PRHC since 2019. He was diagnosed with two separate cancers over the past seven years, including metastatic kidney cancer in 2019 and CNS lymphoma in 2021.

“The physical battle of cancer is tough but the mental battle is tougher,” said Rick. “It’s a battle you can’t really fight, you just make your way through. Cancer Takedown is an opportunity to remind people they can get through.”

Tickets can be purchased online for the Lindsay and Peterborough dates.

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Long-Term Care Home Underway For Trent University

Construction is underway to build peopleCare Peterborough, a new 224-bed long-term care home at Trent University’s Symons Campus, announced by Minister of Long-Term Care, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta on Tuesday morning.

Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care (pictured) visited Peterborough and the Kawarthas, making stops at Trent University and Station Place Long-Term Care Home in Havelock. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Following years of planning, breaking ground on this long-term care home marks a meaningful step forward for Trent, for peopleCare, and for the community,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “This project will help meet the urgent need for long-term care, while also creating a space where innovation, research, and learning come together to improve quality of life for older adults. It’s a place where care will be practiced with compassion, informed by evidence, and to benefit others.”

This project is a recipient of the provincial Construction Funding Subsidy top-up. Kusendova-Bashta says this is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by creating good jobs and building for the future, while ensuring long-term care residents get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.

“Our government is improving long-term care by building more homes, hiring more staff, and protecting those who reside in them,” she explained. “Once construction is complete, 224 people will have a new home where they can receive the care they need, when they need it.”

Located at the corner of Water Street and Woodland Drive, the home is designed with advanced Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) features and engineered technologies. The long-term care home will provide a safe, supportive environment for residents, families, staff, and students alike, and create approximately 200 local jobs in the Peterborough region.

“PeopleCare is thrilled to build and operate a new long-term care home that will be a centre of excellence for aging adults in Peterborough, as part of Trent University's Integrated Seniors Village,” said Brent Gingerich, peopleCare chairman and CEO. “We’re excited to collaborate with an innovative partner like Trent and create something truly unique, where clinical best practices, teaching, research and intergenerational connections come together.”

The home will also be surrounded by 55 acres of natural areas and trails.

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Peterborough Man Charged With Child Pornography Earlier This Year Arrested For Indecent Acts and Voyeurism

Twenty-three-year-old Mathew Saunders from Peterborough, who was charged earlier this year with harassment and possession of child pornography, is facing more charges after an investigation into more of his devices on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police.

Officers conducted a search warrant of a phone and located photos and videos of indecent acts and voyeurism while at his place of work, in his home and in the community.

Police say there’s no indication that any incidents involved members of the public, as the business was closed at the time of the incidents. 

Saunders was arrested and charged with:

• Indecent Act X5

• Voyeurism X9

The accused was held in custody after his arrest and was released on a release order with strict conditions earlier this week after his court appearance.  

The investigation is ongoing and officers are continuing to identify and connect with known victims. 

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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Five Counties Children’s Centre Celebrating Milestone With Family 50-Fest On Sept. 27

To mark its 50th anniversary, the Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is hosting its Family 50-Fest on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its facility on 872 Dutton Rd.

Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The free, fun, family-friendly event is billed as a community celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the children’s treatment centre being established in 1975 according to Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO.

“Five Counties has so much to celebrate as we mark our golden age of providing life-changing treatment for children and their families in our region,” he said. “And that’s what Family 50-Fest is all about – reflecting and celebrating on the Centre’s five decades of service to our communities.”

The event has kids’ activities, petting zoo, circus performers, touch a police cruiser, games, facepainting, story time, food, music and more. An open house/tour of the Five Counties site in Peterborough will be available, along with a display of historical articles and items from five decades of caring for children. Local dignitaries have also been invited to speak.

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City of Peterborough to Pay Tribute On Firefighters’ National Memorial Day

The City of Peterborough is paying tribute to some of its first responders on Firefighters’ National Memorial Day, which takes place this Sunday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The second Sunday in September is recognized as Firefighters’ National Memorial Day, a tribute to firefighters who have died in the line of duty while protecting Canadians. Red and white commemorative lights will be displayed at City Hall on that day.

“Firefighters put their safety on the line in service to their communities. It is with profound respect and heartfelt gratitude that we remember and pay tribute to the firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We honour their selfless contributions here in our community and across Canada,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Firefighters’ National Memorial Day serves as a vital reminder of the risks faced by these everyday heroes, and of the ultimate price some have paid in protecting the safety and well-being of our communities.”

A Line of Duty Death Memorial Ceremony occurred at Del Crary Park on Tuesday. The Honour Guard marched to the memorial monument. The ceremony honoured fallen firefighters John Bowker, Jim Cumming and Ralph Parker. Mayor Jeff Leal, Fire Chief, Chris Snetsinger, and Peterborough Professional Firefighters Association President, Wesley Lake spoke at the memorial.

“On this solemn day, we stand in remembrance of the firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty. Their courage, commitment, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. As firefighters, we carry their legacy with us every time we respond to a call, striving to uphold the same dedication to service and community,” said Snetsinger.

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Minister of Long-Term Care Visits AON Inc.'s Newly-Built Station Place In Havelock

As Minister of Long-Term Care, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta made a stop in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, she was happily greeted by the staff of AON Inc.’s Station Place long-term care home in Havelock on Tuesday afternoon.

Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care (left) and Michael OKeeffe, Station Place administrator (right) touring Station Place and all of its amenities. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Roughly 110 staff were out to greet the Mississauga Centre MPP with clapping and cheers as Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith escorted her to the facility.

The home has been newly built and is set to admit residents this Monday with a capacity of 128.

The groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 9, 2023. The project was to be completed by September this year but it was completed ahead of schedule in the summer.

The long-term care home was part of the provincial government’s $6.4 billion commitment to build more than 30,000 new beds by 2028, along with 28,000 upgraded long-term care beds across the province.

@ptbo_canada As Minister of Long-Term Care, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta made a stop in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, she was happily greeted by the staff of AON Inc.’s Station Place long-term care home in Havelock. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #havelock ♬ You Blues You Lose - Jeff Lofton

The site is approximately 86,355 sq ft. and is located at 628 Old Norwood Rd. in Havelock. AON won the bid to build the long-term care home on Feb 17, 2022.

The home features dining, activity areas, lounges and access to outdoor spaces, accommodating 128 beds.

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Peterborough Petes Hosting Season Ticket Member BBQ Next Tuesday

The Peterborough Petes’s Season Ticket Member BBQ is back this year, running at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Sept. 16 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Petes.

This year’s BBQ will feature food catered by Chemong Lodge, refreshments, and inflatables from Castle Kid. The event will also feature introductions to the 2025-26 Peterborough Petes roster, including a full-team autograph session as well as speeches from coaches and management.

“We’re very excited to announce that we will once again be hosting the Season Ticket Member BBQ here at the PMC,” said Tyler Hall, Petes Coordinator of Season Ticket Sales and Service. “The BBQ is always a great opening to the year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming back our Season Ticket Members as we get ready to open the 2025-26 season on the 18th.”

Only Season Ticket Members (including corporate partners and suite holders) are invited to attend the exclusive event along with their families.

Attendees are asked to enter the BBQ through the main entrance of the PMC (north side).

A minimal number of season tickets are still available for the 2025-26 season. Interested fans can contact Hall by email or at (705) 743-3681 ext. 209. 

The Petes conclude their 2025 preseason on Friday when they travel to Sarnia to take on the Sting at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena at 7:05 p.m.

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