United Way Peterborough and PATH to Keep Everyone Warm With Coats For Community Campaign Launch

In an effort to address the needs of adults for the upcoming colder weather, United Way Peterborough & District, in partnership with Peterborough Action For Tiny Homes (PATH), has launched its annual Coats for Community campaign, announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Jim Russell, United Way CEO (far left); Bev Assinck of PATH (second from left) and PATH volunteers in the coat room in preparation for cleaning and repairing before being redistributed to the public. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign is an expanded version of the original Coats for Kids initiative which was started in 1986.

The Coats for Community campaign collects winter essentials—coats, boots, sleeping bags, blankets, and more-for infants, children, youth, families, seniors, and unhoused individuals across Peterborough. Items are distributed through United Way agency partners and other local organizations throughout the winter.

Donations are collected and distributed continuously throughout the season, rather than through a single-day pickup event.

Participating agencies include: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Children's Foundation, YWCA, One City, Good Neighbours, New Canadians Centre, Elizabeth Fry Society, YES Shelter For Youth & Families, among others.

Last year, 2,200 coats were collected and distributed, surpassing the 1,844 in 2023. While there is no specific goal for the number of items to be collected, Beverly Assinck of PATH says the campaign aims to gather as many as possible for this year’s campaign.

“We really are asking people to dig deep, as deep as we can,” she said.

In addition to winter jackets, the campaign is also asking for donations of the following:

• Extra-large boxes or bins for collection sites

• Heavy-duty coat racks

• Sleeping bags and blankets

• Winter boots

PATH is hosting a special three-day public drop-off event from Oct. 16 to 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at their facility located at 385 Lansdowne St.

Ongoing donation hours, starting Oct. 19, run on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their facility.

The majority of the donated items are being distributed through agencies in Peterborough and the County. PATH is open for community members to pick up coats individually on the first Saturday of each month at their facility, starting on Nov. 1, with April 4 as the last date.

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City Council Acknowledges Receipt Of Intention to Demolish Portion of GE Building

City Council has endorsed acknowledging receipt of a notice of intention to demolish a portion of General Electric’s industrial buildings at 107 Park St. N. during their meeting on Monday night.

The complex, which is currently developed with approximately 104,000 square metres (1.1 million square feet) of building area, dates back to 1891 and is a central part of Peterborough’s industrial heritage. Architecturally, the GE complex typifies late nineteenth and early-twentieth-century factory design through its integration of late Victorian design features onto the exterior of its industrial spaces. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Council states that it has no interest in pursuing heritage designation for 107 Park St. N., except for certain identified buildings. It will consult with the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee on the appropriateness of designating these buildings and report back to Council.

On Sept. 8, property owner GEPR Energy Canada Inc., (a subsidiary of GE Vernova) gave the City a 60-day notice of its intent to demolish almost 84,500 square metres (910,000 sq/ft) of industrial building area in accordance with subsection 27(9) of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.O.18 (“the Act”).

The Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) prepared on behalf of GE Vernova proposes a series of mitigation strategies to preserve heritage elements on site, including the preservation of certain buildings on the property, while also accommodating the proposed demolition. The HIA concludes that the proposed development for the site (i.e., building demolitions and retention) appropriately conserves the site’s cultural heritage value and attributes, and reflects best practice in Canadian heritage conservation. The author of the HIA, ERA Architects Inc., specializes in heritage conservation, architecture, planning and landscape and holds various professional memberships.

The General Electric Factory Complex at 107 Park St. N. is listed on the City’s Heritage Register as a property of cultural heritage value or interest. The property is not designated; it is a ‘listed’ property on the register according to the City.

After Council received the notice of intent to demolish (unless negotiated otherwise), they have until Nov. 7 to determine whether they wish to issue a notice of intention to designate the property under Part IV, subsection 29(1) of the Act; otherwise, the proposed demolition may proceed subject to applicable law.

The majority of the buildings on site have been vacant since 2018 ,except for 60 GE Vernova employees located in buildings at the southeast corner of the site along Park Street and approximately 300 BWXT employees located in buildings at the west limit of the site along Monaghan Road.

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Community Futures Peterborough Launches New Strategic Plan and Announces Two New Board Directors

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has unveiled its new strategic plan for 2025–2028 and announced its two new board directors at its annual general meeting at Farmhill Weddings.

Photo courtesy of CFP.

“Our vision is clear: every entrepreneur should feel they can access free, expert advice in their own community and every business should feel they can grow and expand here,” said Wayne Harding, CFP board chair. “Our updated strategic plan ensures we are not only meeting today’s needs but preparing for the future of business in Peterborough and defining our role in how to support them.”

Since 1985, CFP’s mission provides entrepreneurs and small businesses with financing, free advisory services and partnerships to strengthen the local economy. Their new plan outlines four key priorities to ensure businesses have the tools, capital and support they need to succeed:

• Increase Awareness of the Business Advisory Centre through targeted outreach and marketing so more entrepreneurs can access expert advice, training, and mentorship.

• Expand Access to Flexible and Inclusive Financing Solutions by enhancing loan programs and exploring new funding models to serve diverse business needs.

• Enhance and Diversify Services by developing new programs in collaboration with partners to respond to emerging trends and community priorities.

• Invest in Organizational Infrastructure by strengthening internal systems, staff capacity, and governance to ensure long-term sustainability.

“Our values are the foundation of our work,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “By continuing to lead with collaboration, inclusivity, and keeping a community-focused approach, we are ensuring every entrepreneur and small business has access to the expert services they need to succeed.”

In 2024, the Province selected Community Futures Peterborough to deliver the region's Small Business Enterprise Centre program (SBEC) – creating one door for businesses and entrepreneurs to access both expert business advisory and planning services, as well as flexible lending options. Delivery of this provincial program provided CFP with the opportunity to reflect on its strategic direction and set a bold vision for its future.

Sherry Hill and Evan Lyons were appointed to the CFP Board of Directors last month. Hill is the current CFO of Peterboro Matboards and Board Secretary of the Kawartha Manufacturers Association and Lyons is the Vice President of Digital, Strategy and Planning & Chief Information Officer at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

“This new strategic plan sets the stage for new voices at our Board table,” said Harding. “We’re thrilled to welcome Sherry and Evan, exceptional leaders in our community, who share our vision for driving business growth in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.”

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Health Care For All As Peterborough Community Health Centre Has Its Grand Opening In Peterborough Square

The Peterborough Community Health Centre (PCHC) has opened its doors with a community-wide grand opening celebration in Peterborough Square on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting, an opening ceremony and hand drumming. Visitors got to tour the newly renovated space, meet staff and learn about upcoming services and programs.

“We are so excited to open our doors and welcome the community in,” says Ashley Safar, Executive Director of the Peterborough CHC. “This space reflects our vision—a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported on their wellness journey. We’re creating something truly special: a community health centre that weaves together Indigenous knowledge and Western medicine to support holistic wellbeing for all.”

@ptbo_canada The Peterborough Community Health Centre has opened its doors with a community-wide grand opening celebration in Peterborough Square. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #health ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

The PCHC offers a wide range of services including primary care, traditional healing, community programming and advocacy supports. Safar says services are designed to meet people where they are—especially those who face barriers to care.

“Health care should be a doorway, not a barrier,” she said. “This centre was created with reconciliation at its heart. By blending Traditional healing with Western healthcare, we aim to improve not just individual health—but the health of our entire community.”

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Mayor Jeff Leal Endorses Automated Speed Enforcement Ban

Following the Ontario government's announcement that it plans to introduce legislation to ban automated speed enforcement cameras across the province late last month, Mayor Jeff Leal has endorsed this move, releasing a statement on Monday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his government announced that they will table legislation this month.

Leal has issued the following statement regarding Automated Speed Enforcement:

“I have sent a letter to Premier Ford to request that the provincial government continue to allow Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras in school zones.

I join with many other mayors across Ontario who have come together to propose the same exemption for prospective legislation dealing with this issue.

Peterborough City Council’s priority is the safety of children. We believe the implementation of ASE cameras will ensure the greatest safety level possible for our most vulnerable residents.

Our children will always remain our top priority when it comes to safety.”

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“Carnivorous Dinosaurs” Exhibit Roars Into the Peterborough Museum & Archives

The Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) has announced its next upcoming major exhibit, ‘Carnivorous Dinosaurs,’ opening this Saturday.

File Photo.

The PMA will be open extended hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the Thanksgiving long weekend until Monday. The exhibit runs until March 22.

The event offers activities for all ages and admission is a suggested donation of $20 per group.

Developed by Research Casting International, visitors will come face-to-face with some of the most fearsome predators ever to walk the earth. Highlights include life-sized skeletons, dramatic skull displays, and engaging bilingual interpretive panels that explore the fascinating world of theropods, a group of meat-eating dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex, Allosaurus, Albertosaurus and Deinonychus. 

“We’re excited to bring this high-calibre exhibit to our community,” says Susan Neale, PMA director. “Dinosaurs have universal appeal, and this exhibit not only captures the imagination but also shares cutting-edge paleontological science in a fun, family-friendly way.”

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Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival Raises Record-Breaking Amount of Over $400,000 For PRHC Foundation

The Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival organizing committee and the Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat Team have raised a record-breaking $400,104.01 for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation (PRHC) in support of cancer care on Monday morning.

The 24th Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival took place on Little Lakeon June 14 with 73 teams and over 1400 paddlers in attendance. The Festival’s cumulative total is over $4.9 million for breast and other cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment for the PRHC Foundation.  Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This is the second-straight year that a new record for funds raised has been set. The festival has successfully raised more money than in the past year in at least three consecutive campaigns. In 2024, $312,025.18 was raised, $1290,025.18 in 2023 and $202,268.41 in 2022.

“I am in awe of the community’s enthusiasm, generosity and desire to make such a big difference for our hospital, our community and the people we love,” said Michelle Thornton, Festival Chair.  “Over 3,725 donations were made by individuals this year, ranging from $5 to $5,000 and every single one of them helped us smash our goal.”

Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO, said she could not be more grateful for this year’s Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival success and its record-breaking efforts this year.

“Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival continues to break records and show what’s possible when a community comes together for a cause that touches us all,” she said. “The money raised through this incredible event will help bring cutting-edge technology like digital pathology to PRHC for the first time.”

@ptbo_canada The Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival organizing committee and the Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat Team have raised a record-breaking $400,104.01 for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation in support of cancer care. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #dragonboatfestival ♬ LEVEL UP - Bazanji

In August, the PRHC Foundation announced that it had extended its fundraising goal of $60 million to $70 million. Since that announcement, over $55 million has been raised towards the campaign.

“With cancer diagnoses on the rise, this state-of-the-art advancement will mean PRHC’s care teams can provide faster, more accurate diagnoses and begin treatment sooner,” explained Heighway. “This outstanding fundraiser is possible because of the passion, dedication and generosity of everyone involved, from the paddlers to the donors, sponsors, volunteers, the Survivors Abreast dragon boat team and Festival organizers.”

“Some of you are here for your first time, witnessing the results of our collective efforts. I hope you realize just how much of an impact your contribution, big or small has made,” said Thorton. “Because of you and our combined efforts, someone’s cancer will be caught early and receive the best possible outcome.  Because of you someone won’t have to travel for their treatments and they won’t incur those additional expenses.  Because of you, someone will be able to stay close to their friends and family, during one of their most challenging times. You make a real difference, whether you know it or not and the value of that is immeasurable.”

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Legendary Punk Rock 'The Offspring' Hit Peterborough Memorial Centre On Feb. 17 With Bad Religion

Renowned punk rock band The Offspring is coming to town as part of their Supercharged Worldwide ’26 tour at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Feb. 17, announced on Monday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Fellow punk rock band Bad Religion are joining as special guests for the event.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.

An exclusive PMC Scoop Presale will take place online only on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., using promo code ‘WORLDWIDE.’

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday at 10 a.m. online, by phone at 705-743-3561 ext. 2 or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office.

Prices range from $149.50 to $61.50 (prices are subject to change) and are available at various seating levels throughout the arena. Capacity is limited to 4,144, and a ticket limit of eight per order will be in place.

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Peterborough Man Wanted On Warrants Arrested For Theft In West End Business

A 34-year-old Peterborough man wanted on five separate warrants was arrested by officers at a local business in the West End on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 8:30 p.m., officers were in the area of Lansdowne Street and Monaghan Road, attended the local business and located the man. He was recognized from previous incidents with the police. K9 Gryphon assisted in keeping the male from fleeing the business. Stolen property was recovered during the arrest.

As a result of the investigation, the man was arrested on the strength of the five warrants for failure to comply with probation x17, theft under $5,000 x8, mischief under $5,000 and further charged with:

• Theft under $5,000

• Mischief under $5,000

• Fail to comply with probation x2

Police say there is also an element of hate/bias connected to this incident.  These elements will be addressed during the court process.

The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on Sunday.

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Peterborough Petes Struggle Early Against Brantford Bulldogs On the Road

The Peterborough Petes allowed the first five goals of the game and could not recover, losing to the Brantford Bulldogs 6-3 at the TD Civic Centre on Friday night.

The Petes are fourth in the East Division with a 2-3-0-1 record. Photo courtesy of Logan Taylor and the Brantford Bulldogs.

Only one goal came in the first and it came late in the frame. Adam Jiricek scored on the power play and it was 1-0.

The Bulldogs ramped up the offense, scoring three times thanks to Luca Testa, Ryder Boulton and Marek Vanacker. Despite 14 shots on goal through two periods, Peterborough was getting shut out.

Just as Peterborough had an opportunity to get on the board with the man advantage, Jake O'Brien netted a shorthanded goal for the Bulldogs to make it 5-0. Petes forward Adam Novotný took a point shot but David Egorov made the save. It was a fortunate bounce for Gens Ula and he scored on the rebound to break the shutout. It only took 68 seconds for the Bulldogs to respond as Edison Engle responded to restore the five-goal lead.

Late in the period, Peterbrough had a few power play opportunities and saw both Leon Kolarik and Yanis Lutz score to ake it 6-3 but it too late and the Bulldogs easily held on for the 6-3 win.

The Petes play next at home on Thursday to host the Kingston Frontenacs for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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