Electric City Culture Council Launching Artsweek to Places Across Peterborough This Sunday

Art is popping up all over Peterborough in unexpected places as the Electric City Culture Council launches Artsweek with opening ceremonies taking place on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Millennium Park.

EC3 is a not-for-profit arts service organization that supports the work of individual artists and arts and culture organizations across Peterborough and Peterborough County. Through a wide range of initiatives, EC3 supports the creation, presentation, and promotion of artistic work, while also enriching public engagement with the arts. Artsweek is funded by the City of Peterborough, Peterborough DBIA, Canadian Heritage, and the Ontario Arts Council. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The event will include remarks by Councillor Alex Bierk, who will also present a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Jeff Leal, as well as appearances by several artists, cake and face painting. Samantha Banton, Sahira, Janet McCue, Hank Fisher, the Poetry Cart, Elizabeth Jenkins, Victoria Yeh, Caylie Staples, Blues in the Bottle, Josh Morley and more are featured talents at the event.

Artsweek takes place from Sunday to Oct. 5. The lineup of events will take place across the city in unexpected locations - all free to attend.

The festival will showcase the creative talents of local artists through a diverse range of performances including poetry, visual art installations, aerial arts, dance, theatre, sculpture, painting, live music and more. Attendees can look forward to singers, dancers, front porch concerts, musical art collaborations, giant puppets, visual artists, and surprise pop-up events. 

“This year’s theme, Art in Unexpected Places, transforms everyday spaces into stages, galleries, and spontaneous creative encounters, bringing art to places you’d never expect,” said Leal. “Artsweek invites you to discover and celebrate the incredible creativity, talent, and diversity of our local arts community. Don’t miss this unique city-wide event, a remarkable opportunity to experience and support the work of many talented local artists.”

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Trent Excalibur's Team Bus Gets Makeover With Unveiling of New Wrap

Trent Athletics & Recreation can kick off the sports season with new threads as it unveiled the wrap for its first-ever Excalibur team bus, put on display on Wednesday.

The bus can hold roughly 56 passengers and there are over 320 student-athletes enrolled this year at Trent University. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“This is something when I came here from day one, it was certainly right at the top of the list and I told them as such that we'd be working on this and getting it for them,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent University director of Athletics & Recreation.

While the team had a vehicle to transport the athletes for road games, this is the first time in the school’s history that it has had a custom-wrapped bus for away games and championships.

“The unveiling of the Excalibur bus marks a true milestone for our varsity program,” said McFadden. “Our Trent Excalibur bus is more than transportation, it's a symbol of our commitment to the student-athlete experience, to building community, and to proudly showcasing the Excalibur spirit wherever we travel.”

@ptbo_canada Trent Excalibur has unveiled a new wrap on its team bus marked with the Justin Chiu Stadium, Otonabee River silhouette and motto, “Defend the River: EXcel. Excite. EXceed.” The bus can hold roughly 56 passengers and there are over 320 student-athletes enrolled this year at @trentuniversity #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #trentuniversity ♬ Sport Motivation - Eternal Waves

The new wrap on its team bus marked with the Justin Chiu Stadium, Otonabee River silhouette and motto, ‘Defend the River: EXcel. Excite. EXceed.’

“We very much wanted something that was dynamic and bold; two things hat are important to our program,” explained McFadden. “The 'Defend the River' was something we had student-athletes come up with about a year or so ago and we had used it a little bit in our branding. It was something they gravitated to and we did as well so we went through with that. With the river running through our campus, this is something that ties in for us.”

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Peterborough Petes Name Captains For the 2025-26 Season

The Peterborough Petes have named their captains for the 2025-26 season, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Third-year defenceman Carson Cameron was named the organization’s 64th captain in franchise history.

 “We’re excited to be able to announce Carson Cameron as the 64th captain of the Peterborough Petes,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “Carson has proven to be someone that our players respect both on and off the ice over his two years with the team and we’re very confident in his leadership moving forward.” 

The Bobcaygeon native was originally selected by the Petes in the first round, 13th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. In two seasons with the Petes, the 2007-born defenceman has played in 122 games, scoring 11 goals and adding 38 assists for 49 points. 

“It’s a big deal to be named Captain of an organization like the Petes,” said Cameron. “It’s something that I will take full advantage of moving into this year with the guys. The last couple of years have been tough but it’s time to start playing some winning hockey. I’m going to give everything I have this season and I expect nothing less from anyone else on this team.”

In September last year, Cameron was named as a part of the Petes leadership team, wearing an A throughout the 2024-25 campaign. Over the summer, he attended both the Florida Panthers Development Camp and Training Camp.

Cameron is joined by Braydon McCallum and Colin Fitzgerald, who serve as alternate captains at home while Aiden Young and James Petrovski get the As on the road.

The Petes return home to host the Soo Greyhounds for the first and only time this season at the Peterborough Memorial Centre this Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

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Brush Burning Ban Lifted In Selwyn Township

The Selwyn Fire Department has lifted the burn ban on brush, which was implemented on July 22, as announced on Wednesday.

photo courtesy of selwyn township.

With recent precipitation, the County’s fire department has permitted residents to resume open-air burning in accordance with the Township’s Open Air Burning By-law.

“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation during the burn ban,” said Gord Jopling, Fire Chief. “Your commitment helped prevent potential fires during a very dry period. While the burn ban on brush is lifted, everyone must continue to follow the rules and practice safe burning habits.”

Important Fire Safety Reminders:

• Open-air burning (such as campfires and outdoor fireplaces) is not permitted in built-up areas, including Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Ennismore, Young’s Point and Woodland Acres.

• Burn barrels are not permitted in the Township.

• Burning of noxious materials, leaves, grass clippings, or compost is prohibited.

• Burn permits are required for any fire that is not a campfire or outdoor fireplace.

  • Permits are issued only by the Selwyn Fire Department at Hall 1, 833 Ward Street, Bridgenorth. For information, call 705-292-7282.

• You do not need a burn permit for:

  • Campfires in a fire pit or fire container

  • Certified propane and natural gas appliances, fire pits, fire tables, or barbecues that are TSSA approved

• Maintain a 1:10 ratio for fire safe distance – for example, a fire that is two feet in diameter must have 20 feet of clearance in all directions.

• All fires must comply with the Township’s Open Air Burning By-law.

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Four Suspects Attempting to Flee From Police Charged With Drug Possession and More

Four people are facing charges after an investigation into a vehicle containing paraphernalia that kept fleeing from police on multiple occasions.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 4:15 a.m. on Monday, a general patrol officer attempted a traffic stop on an older model pickup truck. The vehicle did not stop and took off at a high rate of speed, almost colliding with several parked vehicles.  At about 4:45 p.m. that same day, another officer on general patrol in the Sherbrooke Street and Monaghan Road area spotted the same vehicle. When an attempt was made to stop, the truck fled from police at a high rate of speed, failing to stop at a stop sign. 

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, officers on general patrol spotted the vehicle again in the Aylmer Street and Brock Street area. Officers along with members of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Investigative Services attended the area to help assist. A short time later, the truck was located in a laneway near Sherbrooke Street and Medical Drive. Four people were taken into custody. 

Officers seized:

• 54.3 Grams of Cocaine

• 4.1 Grams of Psilocybin

• 11.6 Grams of Fentanyl

• Almost $3000 in Canadian currency 

• Cell phones

• Stolen license plate

As a result of the investigation:

A 49-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada X2

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Fentanyl

• Possession of a Schedule III substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Psilocybin

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order X2

• Flight from Peace officer

• Dangerous operation

• Careless driving (Highway Traffic Act)

• Disobey stop sign - Fail to stop (Highway Traffic Act)

• Fail to display two plates (Highway Traffic Act)

• Driving while under suspension (Highway Traffic Act)

A 29-year-old Linsday woman was arrested and charged with:

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada X2

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Fentanyl

• Possession of a Schedule III substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Psilocybin

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order X2

A 27-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Fentanyl

• Possession of a Schedule III substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Psilocybin

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order X2

A 32-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Fentanyl

• Possession of a Schedule III substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Psilocybin

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

All accused are being held in custody and appeared in court on Wednesday.

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Inaugural Lemonade Stand Day Raises $7,000 For Riverview Park and Zoo's Rotary Accessible Playground Project

A classic drink helped the Riverview Park and Zoo move closer to their $1.5 million goal for the Rotary Accessible Playground Project, as the inaugural Lemonade Stand Day raised $7,000 towards the initiative.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains held its first-ever Lemonade Stand Day on Aug.23. The event saw 33 families raise $7,000 for the project, which was celebrated on Sunday.

“The priority was for Lemonaders to have fun and the feedback we have received about Lemonade Stand Day has been wonderful,” said Greg McLeod, Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains. “The Lemonaders are already looking forward to next year and so are we.”

The club added an $8,000 donation, while the Rotary Club of Peterborough matched the total of $15,000, bringing the grand total to $30,000 towards the initiative.

The concept was first presented to the Rotary Club in 2024 by Cathy Mitchell, Riverview Park and Zoo CEO. She was grateful for the community support towards the project from the inaugural fundraiser.

“We are so honoured to be the recipients of the funds raised through Lemonade Stand Day,” she said. “These funds will be put towards the Rotary Accessible Playground Project, which is an exciting playground redesign project that will rethink the space ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, can experience the fun of play.”

The fundraising campaign was launched in mid-August

Project upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, relaxing shady spaces with great sight lines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Donations towards the project can be made online.

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City Seeking Intersection Improvements For Fairbairn Street and Towerhill Road/Lily Lake Road

The City of Peterborough is seeking input on the upcoming project to improve the intersection at Fairbairn Street and Towerhill Road/Lily Lake Road. 

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The project is being designed to improve vehicular, pedestrian, and cycling accessibility according to the City.

Residents are invited to view the project scope and plans, as well as additional project information and resources and submit questions and feedback through the interactive features on the City’s community engagement hub.  

The general scope of this project is to: 

• Install traffic signals to improve the functionality of the intersection; 

• Implement dedicated turn lanes at the signalized intersection to improve vehicular traffic flow; 

• Improve the roadway geometry on the approaches to the intersection; and, 

• Improve pedestrian and cyclist access along Lily Lake Road by providing an off-street multi-use trail on the south side of Lily Lake Road from York Drive to the subject intersection. 

This project is planned to be constructed in multiple phases, with the anticipated phasing as follows, subject to funding approvals: 

• Phase 1 (2025): Preliminary design and utility coordination 

• Phase 2 (2026): Detailed design, property acquisitions and utility relocations 

• Phase 3 (2027): Construction 

With the information collected through the Connect Peterborough question and comment engagement tool, the Cityy says the project team will review and consider all feedback, implementing changes to the project plans where feasible. This feedback period will close on Oct. 31.

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23rd Annual Hike For Hospice Hits Millennium Park this Sunday

Hospice Peterborough’s 23rd annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser is ready to go at Millennium Park on Sunday.

Last year’s Hike Raised a record-breaking $138,000 and Hospice Peterborough wants to break that record this year. Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.

The walk launches alongside a story of last year’s top fundraiser, Kyle McConnell. According to the Hike for Hospice EasyPledge site, Kyle was part of an approximately 40-person team who hiked in memory of his late wife, Tash McConnell.

According to Hospice, Tash was known as ‘the life of the party.’ She loved summer, being outdoors, and had a penchant for pizza. She was a nurse who worked at Hospice Peterborough and PRHC until a Stage 3 melanoma began a four-year cancer journey. Despite her illness, Tash continued volunteering as a front desk volunteer at Hospice Peterborough. When her illness progressed in the late Summer of 2024, Tash’s final moments were spent in the care of hospice, passing away at 39.

Kyle (left) and Tash McConnell (right). Photo courtesy of Hike for Hospice.

A few weeks following her death, Kyle’s friends approached him about organizing a Hike for Hospice team in her memory called ‘Notorious T.A.S.H.’

“She would have thought that was funny,” said Kyle.

Notorious T.A.S.H. raised over $25,000. Attending Hospice staff wore light pink ribbons in her memory.

“It seemed like the best way to honour her memory,” said Kyle.

“It’s one thing to volunteer for Hospice, but when someone you love is admitted and you get to experience the love and compassion of that special place, then you want to give it as much support as you possibly can,” said John Muise, Hike committee co-chair.

“We’re really excited to see everyone come together again to raise funds for crucial hospice services for our community,” said Tom LaBranche, Hike committee co-chair. “If hospice has made an impact on you or your loved ones, then participating in this event is a wonderful way to celebrate and help continue that work.”

Funds raised from the event enable Hospice Peterborough to offer over 26 free programs and services to support individuals facing life-threatening illnesses and those grieving according to a press release.

Event participants can expect a brief opening ceremony, light snacks and refreshments, and a sweet treat at the end of the hike.

The route consists of a walk from Millennium Park — near the Silver Bean Café — to Beavermead Beach, with a halfway point for those seeking a shorter option. Participants are also welcome to participate virtually if they prefer.

Those interested in learning more about Hike for Hospice and registering for the event, which takes place on Sunday, can go online.

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Two Suspects Sought From Two-Vehicle and Business Theft In Lakefield

Officers with the Peterborough Police Service are seeking two suspects who broke into two vehicles, stole them and broke into a business on Monday.

pHOTO COURTESY OF THE pETERBOROUGH pOLICE sERVICE.

At roughly 6:20 a.m., officers were called to a business on Bridge Street in Lakefield. They learned that there had been a break-in at the business approximately 9:40 p.m. on Sunday. 

They learned from video information that two people pulled up to the business, got out of a vehicle — which was later found to be stolen — and checked the doors on several vehicles before disabling the security system. Police determined that a locked door had been pried open.

Several items were reported stolen during the break and enter:

• Firearm - Bolt Action Rifle (Photo for assistance)

• Black Pellet Gun with scope

• $1,600 cash total

• Power tools

• Food and Alcohol

It’s believed the suspects took a different vehicle from the one they arrived in and left the area.

Suspects are described as:

Suspect #1:

• Male

• Caucasian

• Light coloured hoodie

• Ball cap 

• Jeans

• Sneakers

pHOTO COURTESY OF THE pETERBOROUGH pOLICE sERVICE.

Suspect #2:

• Male

• Caucasian

• Dark coloured hoodie

• Light coloured t-shirt

• Ball Cap

• Jeans

• Black shoes/low-cut boots

pHOTO COURTESY OF THE pETERBOROUGH pOLICE sERVICE.

Stolen Vehicle:

• Chevrolet Cruze

• Four-door Sedan

• Burgundy colour

• License plate - CEPA431

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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GPHSF 2025 Senior Care Microgrant Open Until Sept. 30

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) Senior Care Microgrant program to support senior care projects and healthy aging initiatives in the Peterborough area is open for applicants.

These grants have been made possible due to funding provided by the June Towle Trust. She passed away in 2023. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

This is the second year that GPHSF is offering the microgrant.

“2024 was the first year we offered the Senior Care Micro Grants program, and it was a great success” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “We had a number of really great projects submitted for funding and we truly wish we had more grants available to offer. We are excited to see who applies for the grants and what project they are working on in 2025.”

Two grants are available, with an application deadline of Sept. 30.

The new Senior Care Microgrant program is meant to be a low-barrier applicant process according to GPHSF. The grants can be used as seed money to address a new need or as financial support to an existing program in Peterborough, Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation. 

Two grants are available, with up to $5,000 in funding available with each grant.

Applications are open to community and not-for-profit organizations, including medical organizations, that run programming and services or propose to run programming and services within the boundaries of Peterborough City and/or Peterborough County, as well as Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

Proposed projects must be general in scope (including and impactful on as many people as possible). Project completion must occur within one year of approval unless GPHSF grants an extension. Grant funding can be applied to existing projects or used as seed money for new projects.

A maximum of $5,000 is available for each grant, and a maximum of $10,000 is available across all grants (two total).

The project timeline and budget must be provided.

Senior Care Microgrant projects may include.

• Research

• Equipment

• Nutrition

• Physical Activity

• Mental Health

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Have a lasting impact on our community.

• Support emerging needs in our community.

• Improve the quality of life for seniors in the community.

Applications can be submitted online.

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