Peterborough Musicfest Recipient of SOCAN's Licensed To Play Award

Peterborough Musicfest has received the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada’s (SOCAN) Licensed To Play Award, presented at the 35th SOCAN Awards Gala in Toronto as part of SOCAN’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

(From left to right) Matt Williams, Tracey Randall and Raff Melito of Peterborough Musicfest. The 35th SOCAN Awards Gala in Toronto is part of SOCAN’s 100th anniversary celebration. Peterborough Musicfest Photo Courtesy of Brad Ardely.

The Award is presented to a Canadian business or organization that consistently demonstrates legal and ethical use of music by ensuring proper music licensing for the public performance of music.

“On behalf of everyone at Peterborough Musicfest, we are deeply honoured to accept this award,” said Tracey Randall, Musicfest executive director. “To be recognized by SOCAN during its centennial year, and in the same evening as Canadian icons like Joni Mitchell, Drake, and Boi-1da, is truly special. This award is a tribute to our founder Fred Anderson’s vision, our volunteers, staff, sponsors, funders, and above all, our community. Together, we have sustained what is now Canada’s Longest Running Free Admission Music Festival, operating as a not-for-profit dedicated to bringing world-class music to our region, barrier-free.”

Peterborough Musicfest was founded in 1987 (formerly known as the Festival of Lights and Little Lae Musicfest). According to a press release, they have had audiences totalling over 100,000 each season at Del Crary Park. The festival has had more than 700 artists on its stage.

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Peterborough DBIA's Halloween in the Booro Returns on Oct. 25

Downtown Peterborough is getting spooky as the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) hosts its annual Halloween in the Booro event on Oct. 25, offering an evening of trick-or-treating and downtown fun, as announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The family-friendly free event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. as over 45 local businesses in the Downtown and East City will hand out treats, have characters will roam George Street and a Family Friendly Zone. The zone includes a Halloween-themed photobooth and costume contests for kids, adults and pets.

“Halloween in the Booro is one of our favourite events. It brings local families and merchants together for a safe, welcoming night of family-friendly fun that highlights everything we love about our downtown,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “It makes our city feel like home and creates the kinds of memories that keep people returning to the downtown as a destination for their family to enjoy unique activities.” 

By drawing hundreds of families to the core, the event creates opportunities for residents to discover local businesses, increases evening foot traffic, and supports the small business community that is central to Peterborough’s economy according to Dylan Reinhart, Boardwalk Game Lounge co-owner.

“We’ve loved seeing how Halloween in the Booro has continued to grow each year, bringing more families downtown and shining a light on local businesses,” he said. “It’s become a tradition for many, and events like this are a great reminder of how vibrant and welcoming our downtown really is.”

Families can plan their route using the official trick-or-treat map which lists all participating businesses, accessible entrances, and family-friendly stops.

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City of Peterborough Adds New Online Customer Service Portal For Water Services

The City of Peterborough has announced the launch of a new online customer service portal for Water Services, scheduled for early November.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The portal enhances customer convenience by providing easy access to account information and facilitating the payment of water bills. 

Along with the launch of the new customer service portal, Water Services' customer service is being updated to reflect that Water Services is now a directly operated service by the City of Peterborough, following the transition from the Peterborough Utilities Commission on April 1.

Customer service 

Water Services customer service can be reached Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as follows: 

• Website: peterborough.ca/WaterServices

• Telephone: 705-742-7777 ext. 2650, Toll Free: 1-855-738-3755 

• Email: waterservices@peterborough.ca 

• In-person: Beginning Monday, November 3, 2025, in-person service will be available at Service Peterborough, City Hall, 500 George St. N. K9H 3R9  

With the transition of Water Services customer service to City Hall, the payment drop box for Water Services at 1867 Ashburnham Dr. will no longer be available, effective Oct. 15. 

After hours 

For after-hours calls regarding emergency issues, such as water main breaks, leaking hydrants, low water pressure, emergency water shut-offs, water quality concerns, and rental water heater problems, please call 705-748-9300. 

Online portal 

The City of Peterborough will launch the KUBRA MyHQ™ online customer service portal for Water Services in November. The City’s all-in-one portal for managing Water Services accounts, bills and payments will enhance service for Water Services customers, making it more convenient for them to access their accounts. Details about the features available through the new online customer service portal will be posted at peterborough.ca/WaterServices ahead of the launch of the service. 

In preparation for the launch of the new portal, the Peterborough Utilities Customer Self-Serve Web Portal services will be limited to only viewing bills, with other services in the portal paused, starting on September 30, 2025 while the online functions are transitioned to the new online customer service portal. 

Water Services billing 

Customers will start receiving Water Services bills from the City Peterborough beginning Oct. 6. 

While the transition of Water Services operations from Peterborough Utilities to the City of Peterborough occurred on April 1, 2025, customers have continued to receive their bills from Peterborough Utilities until this point as the billing system was being upgraded before being transitioned to the City. Customers who receive their bills in the mail should now look for City of Peterborough Water Services on the envelope. 

Payments 

Every effort has been made to minimize or avoid impact on customers during the transition. Payment options are as follows: 

• Online portal: Kubra customer service online portal peterborough.ca/WaterServices, available after Nov. 3.

• Pre-authorized Payment Plan: No change 

• Online banking payments: No change. When making payments through online banking, continue to select Peterborough Utilities Water as the payee.  

• Payments by mail: Make cheque payable to City of Peterborough – Water. Mail to City of Peterborough – Water Services, 500 George St. N. K9H 3R9. Please include your account number on the cheque. 

• Drop-box payments: Make cheque payable to City of Peterborough – Water. Drop into black mailbox in front of City Hall, 500 George St. N. K9H 3R9. The drop box at 1867 Ashburnham Dr. will be closed effective October 15, 2025. 

• In-person payments: Beginning November 3, 2025 customers can go to Service Peterborough at City Hall to pay their Water Services bill by cash, debit or cheque.

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Trent University Adds New Indigenous Resource Hub to Advance Learning and Reconciliation

As part of actions to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Trent University has launched an updated Indigenous Protocol Guidebook and a new Indigenous Resources and Initiatives website to support ongoing work to advance learning and reconciliation across the campus and community. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“As part of Trent’s leadership and ongoing journey toward reconciliation, I recognize that sustained efforts in truth-seeking and education are essential to the whole process of reconciliation and taking action,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The updated Trent guidebook and new website represent important steps in advancing knowledge and supporting the learning of all, with resources that encourage understanding, reflection and respectful engagement.”  

The guidebook provides students, faculty, and staff with information and support on relationship-building and developing a deeper understanding of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg according to Trent. Their treaty and traditional territory is where Trent’s campuses are situated. First published in 2019, the now-expanded and updated guidebook includes information about Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous Peoples, alongside local history, treaty responsibilities and cultural practices.

The new Indigenous Initiatives website serves as a centralized hub with educational resources like the Protocol Guidebook, cultural knowledge and community-driven initiatives. It has video and written resources, including cultural teachings, academic programming, student support, community partnerships and information about Indigenous events and observances. Updates on institutional initiatives and tools to guide engagement with Indigenous communities are also on the website.

“Reconciliation begins with understanding where we stand,” said Professor Jack Hoggarth, chair of Anishinaabe Knowledge and assistant professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent. “As Senator Murray Sinclair-iban (Mazina Giizhik-iban) reminds us, ‘Reconciliation is not an Aboriginal problem; it is a Canadian one. It requires the whole of society to change.’ The Truth and Reconciliation Commission charged all of us with uncovering the full truth of Canada’s history and living out its 94 Calls to Action. To answer that call, we must learn about the Anishinaabeg and the many Nations across Turtle Island, face the enduring impacts of settler colonialism, and build relationships rooted in reciprocity. In doing so, our Trent community can honour those truths and walk together toward a future of justice, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.”

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Park Street Deemed Safe After An Evacuation on Monday Afternoon

The Peterborough Police Service have deemed Park Street safe after a call to service requiring an evacuation was made on Monday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 4 p.m. on Monday, Peterborough Police received a call to an address on Park Street where the Emergency Response Team (ERT) was required. They cleared the residence and determined that the area was safe.

The Peterborough Police Service thanks the public for their patience.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha Seeking Local Projects to Support

The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha invites local organizations and groups to submit project proposals for funding and support.

The Club has been involved in the Splash Pad at Nicholls Oval, the Outdoor Gym at Beavermead Park, Musical Instruments at Riverview Park and Zoo and has provided funding for Hospice Peterborough. Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha.

Priority is given to initiatives that include a ‘hands-on’ component, allowing the club to contribute not just financially but also through volunteer efforts.

Any organization with a project can complete the Local Funding Request Form located under the ‘Documents’ section.

The deadline for submissions is Nov. 15, 2025.

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Peterborough Man Hits Top Prize of $50,000 With Instant Cash

Peterborough’s Cody Sears is $50,000 richer after winning a top prize with Instant Cash in Multi-Win, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of OLG.

The 32-year-old discovered his win while checking his ticket at the store.

“I shared the news with my family and friends, and everyone was so excited for me,” he said.

He plans to save his winnings and will take time to consider how to spend his prize.

“I feel pretty good,” he said. “$50,000 will do just fine.”

The winning ticket was purchased at Mister Convenience on Monaghan Road.

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Some City of Peterborough Services Disrupted From Canada Post Strike

Some City of Peterborough services will be affected by the Canada Post service disruption that started last Friday.

The CUPW had issued a strike earlier this year in late May. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Property tax bills, water services bills, and social services cheques will not be available through mail delivery.

Property tax installments 

The final property tax instalment is due on Tuesday.

To ensure tax payments are received on time during the Canada Post service disruption, residents can pay their property taxes in person at Service Peterborough, located in City Hall, 500 George St. N. or through their financial institution. 

Residents who are registered to MyTaxPortal can access their tax information by visiting peterborough.ca/mytaxportal. 

Drop box at City Hall

Cheque payments can be placed in a secured drop box outside the main entrance at City Hall, 500 George St. N. 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Through a bank

Property taxes can be paid like any other bill through online or telephone banking, or at a resident’s financial institution. The 15-digit roll number (XXX XXX XXXXX 0000) is used as the account number.

Service Peterborough

Tax payments can be paid by cash, cheque or debit card at the Service Peterborough counter at City Hall, 500 George St. N., during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

By credit card

Property taxes can be paid online by credit card through an online bill payment service provider, such as PaySimply or Plastiq. Applicable service charges apply. 

Please note that credit card payments for property taxes will not be accepted for in-person payments at Service Peterborough, City Hall.

Water Services

Residents will not receive water service paper bills, collection notices, access letters for water meter repairs and high water notices during the Canada Post service disruption.

Customers can call Peterborough Water Services at 705-742-7777, ext. 2650, or email waterservices@peterborough.ca for information about their accounts, including assistance with receiving water bills electronically and details on paying water bills by credit card over the phone. 

Water service bills can be paid online through most financial institutions.  

Social Services 

Social Services clients can pick up cheques, letters and paper statements at the Social Services office, located at 178 Charlotte St., during office hours, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff will notify those who receive cheques when their payments will be available for pickup.   

Social Services clients who receive payments by cheque should discuss Direct Bank Deposit or reloadable payment cards with their case manager to prevent delays in assistance.

People are required to show identification when picking up cheques, statements or letters at the Social Services office.  

Those receiving paper letters and statements can also sign up for MyBenefits at https://mybenefits.mcss.gov.on.ca, an online portal that allows users to access their file information. 

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Ontario Raising Minimum Wage to $17.60 This Wednesday

To support over 800,000 workers, the Ontario Government is raising the minimum wage from $17.20 to $17.60 an hour, effective Wednesday.

Under the Employment Standards Act, Ontario’s minimum wage increases annually based on the Ontario CPI, a measure of inflation that represents changes in prices experienced by Ontario consumers. Screenshot.

This annualized wage increase of 2.4 per cent is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI). It delivers on the government’s plan to protect and support workers while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs according to David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“At a time when many families are feeling the pressure of global economic uncertainty, our government will protect Ontario workers with a minimum wage increase that supports our world-class workforce,” he said. “We will continue to take action to build a strong, resilient workforce ready to face whatever comes our way.”

As a result of the changes, a worker making minimum wage and working 40 hours per week will get an annual pay increase of more than $800.

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McFarlane Street Bridge Closed Until Oct. 10 For Redecking

The McFarlane Street Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians for redecking starting Oct. 6 and will continue until 7 p.m. on Oct. 10, according to Parks Canada.

Google Maps Screenshot.

Detour signage has been posted for alternate routes.

Parks Canada recommends to cross at either Hunter Street East, Maria Street or Parkhill Road East during the closure.

Navigation will remain unaffected during this period.

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