Fire Contained From Downtown Lakefield's Home Hardware; Several Streets Remain Closed

/

The structure fire at Downtown Lakefield’s Home Hardware has now been contained, announced by Selwyn Fire Services on Friday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Fire Department.

The fire occurred on Thursday as first responders battled the blaze for hours.

Several road closures remain in effect, including:

  • Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street (fully closed)

  • Burnham Street from Queen Street to Charlotte Street (fully closed)

  • Queen from Regent Street to Reid Street (local traffic only)

  • Charlotte Street from Reid Street to Burnham Street (local traffic only)

Water Street from Bridge Street to Concession Street has reopened to traffic.

Selwyn Township asks residents and visitors to remain cautious when in this area, as crews are still on scene.

Businesses in Lakefield can reopen (except for Lakefield IDA which has experienced significant water and smoke damage).

The Municipal Parking Lot located beside The Village Inn is the only open downtown parking lot at this time. Customers will need to walk to access open businesses.

The Township of Selwyn released the following statement after the fire’s containment:

”The Township of Selwyn extends sincere thanks to the first responders who have worked tirelessly to contain this fire, including neighbouring municipal fire departments from the Townships of Douro-Dummer, Cavan-Monaghan, Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Municipality of Trent Lakes, and Peterborough Fire Services. The Township also thanks the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County-City Paramedics, Enbridge and Hydro One for their support on scene.

The Township would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation to the many Township staff across departments who supported first responders on scene, as well as to members of the Salvation Army, County City Peterborough Disaster Supports, local businesses, and residents who came together to provide food, refreshments, and encouragement to those working to contain the fire and those affected by the fire. Their generosity and community spirit are deeply valued.

Our thoughts are with the residents, business owners, and first responders affected by this devastating event.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

New Indigenous Studies Dual Credit Program Launched In Partnership With Trent University & Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board

/

High school students in the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) can now earn a credit in Indigenous Studies from Trent University while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma with the launch of a new dual credit program.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“For decades, Trent has been creating curriculum and opportunities to engage students at all levels in Indigenous education. It has been wonderful to partner with the innovative team at Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board to create this unique pathway for students,” said Marilyn Burns, Trent vice president of Communications & Enrolment. “As HPEDSB students gain exposure to Indigenous scholarship and ways of knowing, they are also gaining real university academic experience and getting a head start on their degree.”

The program is in place for the 2025/26 academic year. It gives students in the HPEDSB enrolled in two high school credit courses (Contemporary Indigenous Issues and Perspectives in a Global Context or First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Governance in Canada) the opportunity to earn a 0.5 university course credit in INDG 1001H: The Foundation of Reconciliation at Trent. This means students who are accepted to Trent University in the future will begin their studies with half a credit already earned for their degree.

The Foundation of Reconciliation half-credit course at Trent also fulfills the University’s Indigenous Course Requirement (ICR), which was implemented in 2018 to ensure all undergraduate students take at least one course focused on Indigenous topics during their degree. Over 20,000 students have completed the ICR since its introduction according to Trent.

The new dual credit program will be piloted at Eastside Secondary School in Belleville. As part of the program, students will engage in land-based learning activities and events, receiving instruction and teachings led by faculty and staff from Trent’s Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies. Students will deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives and build real-world skills through university-level study.

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to advancing Indigenous education and creating meaningful learning opportunities for students that translate into strong community relations,” said Katherine MacIver, HPEDSB director of education. “This opportunity will no doubt help students strengthen their academic foundation, foster critical thinking, and build confidence for the transition to postsecondary education.”

“This is a perfect opportunity to support students along their learning journey, to build relationships and friendships across our institutions, and to connect students directly with professors, elders, and knowledge holders,” added Dr. Kevin Fitzmaurice, associate professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

A Pair of First-Career Goals For Peterborough Petes Leads Team to 5-2 Win Over Kingston Frontenacs

/

Adam Novotný and Kaden McGregor scored their first-career OHL goals to propel the Petes to a 5-2 win over the East-leading Kingston Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes are fourth in the East Division with a 3-3-0-1 record. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

It took 44 seconds for the Petes to get on the board as Leon Kolarik won the draw and Colin Fitzgerald took a shot from just outside the faceoff circle. Kolarik pounced on the rebound and scored for a 1-0 lead. Peterborough struck again when Blake Gowan forced a turnover in Kingston’s defensive zone. He took a shot but the puck ended up on Adam Levac’s stick and he buried it for a 2-0 lead.

While Kingston’s Kieren Dervin got one back for Peterborough, Novotný restored the two-goal lead, receiving a slot pass and outwaiting the goaltender to score. His first career OHL goal.

Dervin struck again for the Frontenacs and brought it to within one just over two minutes later to end the period 3-2 in favour of Peterborough.

McGregor, Peterborough’s first-ever number-one overall pick of this year’s Priority Selection, registered his first-career OHL goal by intercepting a defensive zone pass. He sniped it past Kingston goaltender Gavin Betts and scored to make it 4-2, unassisted.

Brennan Faulkner added an empty-net goal late in the third period and the Petes walked away with a 5-2 victory.

The Petes play again Friday as part of a home-and-home series in a rematch with Kingston at the Slush Puppie Place for 7:05 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fire Breaks Out From Downtown Lakefield's Home Hardware

/

A significant structural fire broke out at the Home Hardware in downtown Lakefield from Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Fire Department.

During that time, Queen Street from Albert Street to Reid Street is closed to all traffic. Other street closures include Water Street from Bridge Street to Concession Street, allowing fire crews to draw water from the Otonabee River. The selwyn Fire Department asked the public to avoid the area.

The Office of the Fire Marshall has been called and the fire department expects Queen Street may remain closed for several days. Until further information is available about the building's structural integrity, local businesses may be impacted according to the Selwyn Fire Department.

Due to the excessive amount of water being used to fight the fire, Lakefield water customers may notice water discolouration. Run cold water for 15 to 20 minutes until it runs clear.

The Selwyn Fire Department is being assisted by fire crews from the Townships of Douro-Dummer, Cavan-Monaghan, Otonabee-South Monaghan, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Peterborough Fire Services. The Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough County-City Paramedics were also on scene.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

List of City Services For 2025 Thanksgiving Day

/

Many City of Peterborough services and facilities will operate on holiday hours or will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Monday.

Wild turkeys have their feathers shimmer from the sun. Photo by Dave Ellis.

Airport  

Peterborough Regional Airport will be open regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit peterborough.ca/airport for more information.  

Art Gallery of Peterborough   

Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St., will be closed on Monday. For information about gallery exhibitions and programs visit agp.on.ca.  

City Hall 

City Hall offices, including Service Peterborough, Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and Provincial Offences Office will be closed on Monday. Online services are available at peterborough.ca. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA.  

Marina

Customer service at Peterborough Marina will be open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.   

Parking Services   

Parking in City-operated parking garages, surface lots and on-street parking spaces is free on holidays. The Parking Services office, located in the King Street Parking Garage, 202 King St., will be closed on Monday. Visit peterborough.ca/parking for more information, including locations.  

Peterborough Museum and Archives   

The Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. will be open with extended hours over the Thanksgiving weekend, Oct. 11 to 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A major new exhibit, Carnivorous Dinosaurs, opens Saturday, Oct. 11. 

Peterborough Public Library   

The Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N., and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch, 271 Lansdowne St. W., will be closed on Monday. Information and digital resources are available online at ptbolibrary.ca.   

Public Works 

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Recreation facilities and arenas   

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. and the Miskin Law Community Complex at 271 Lansdowne St. W. will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday.  

The Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena, McDonnel Street Community Centre, Peterborough Memorial Centre, the Box Office and the Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on Monday. Ticket sales are available online at memorialcentre.ca. 

Riverview Park and Zoo   

The Riverview Park and Zoo is open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Guest Services is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 11 to 13. Otter Enrichment takes place daily at 1:30 p.m.  

The splash pad is closed for the season. 

The Hatch Coffee Shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday. 

The Miniature Train is closed for the season. 

Social Services    

Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on Monday.  

City-operated child care centres will be closed.   

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, call the after-hours service at 705-926-0096.   

Transit   

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday. The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525.  

Waste collection and facilities   

There are no changes to the curbside waste collection schedule.  

The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed.  

The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed. The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot’s normal operating hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Water Services 

Water Services Customer Service will be closed on Monday. For after-hours emergencies including water main breaks, leaking hydrants, low water pressure, emergency water shut-offs, water quality concerns, or rental water heater issues, call 705-748-9300. For more information visit peterborough.ca/waterservices.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Instagram Reel Goes Viral For Peterborough Humane Society; Gets Over 1.2 Million Views

/

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is going viral after an Instagram reel got 1.2 million views, which was originally posted on Sept. 20.

The video was created in collaboration with Kate Ward of SimplyStrongMBC. It takes a fun and unexpected approach to promoting pet adoption showing that adopting just one kitten can leave you ‘off balance,’ even leading to ‘back pain’ from holding only one cat. The cure is to adopt two kittens which will help you regain your balance and protect your back.

“The message may be playful, but it carries an important truth,” said Désirée Kretschmar, PHS communication and development coordinator. “Kittens thrive when they have a companion, and this video captures that in a way that makes people smile, laugh, and think about adoption."

Since being posted, the video has gained over 43,800 likes and over 280 comments.

“We’re so grateful to Kate for her creativity and partnership,” said Kretschmar. “This collaboration shows the power of humour and community in helping spread an important message: there’s always room for more love and more kittens.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Woman Charged After Showing Knife to Victims During Building Altercation

/

A 28-year-old Peterborough woman is facing charges after an altercation with several neighbours in her building on Wednesday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9:30 p.m., officers were called to a residential building on Monaghan Road south of Lansdowne Street. 

Officers learned there had been several run-ins between the suspect and two neighbours, including the suspect showing the victims a knife, verbally threatening them and breaking door cameras.

The woman was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

  • Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm x2

  • Mischief Under $ 5,000

The accused is currently being held in custody and will appear in court on Thursday.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough County Launches Circular County Community Hub

/

To empower residents and local businesses to adopt sustainable living practices based on the principles of a circular economy, Peterborough County has developed a Circular County Community Hub on Engage Peterborough County.

October is recognized nationally as Circular Economy Month. Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The Hub is built around sharing, reusing, repairing and recycling. The platform connects community members with local resources to help them reduce waste, extend the life of everyday items, save money and build a greener, more resilient Peterborough County according to a press release. 

The County says its current ‘take-use-dispose’ system is no longer sustainable. The project’s goal is that residents and businesses will engage in the platform and share their ideas to help offer practical, local solutions that help Peterborough County shift toward a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as 
possible. 

Key features of the Hub:

  • Interactive Share, Reuse, Repair, Recycle Map: Find local businesses and organizations that support sustainable practices, from repair shops to donation centers.

  • Community Engagement: Participate in forums, share ideas, and stay informed.

  • News Feed: Stay informed on upcoming Circular Economy events.

Trent University Names Its 2025-26 Ashley Fellow

/

The Honourable Tom Mulcair PC has been named Trent University’s 46th Ashley Fellow, a prestigious annual visiting scholar who offers insight and ideas to members of the Trent community through one-on-one and group interactions. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Munclair has been a prominent voice in Canadian public life and former leader of the New Democratic Party.

 “Trent University’s Traill College and Champlain College are thrilled to be co-hosting the Honourable Mulcair as Ashley Fellow for this academic year,” said Dr. Michael Eamon, principal of Catharine Parr Traill College. “The collegiate environment at Trent offers a rich interdisciplinary academic and social environment for this fellowship. “Traill is home to the School for the Study of Canada and the Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North, aligning with Mulcair’s knowledge of Canada. At the same time, Champlain’s founding principle of bringing together French- and English-speaking cultures provides an inviting platform for Mulcair’s roots and connections in Quebec.”

Mulcair has taught at several Quebec universities and has held many notable roles, including lawyer, provincial cabinet minister, federal parliamentarian and party leader.

Through the Ashley Fellowship, Mulcair will offer students, as well as the campus and broader community, insight into both yesterday’s and today’s political leadership, public administration, and the evolving landscape of Canadian federalism.  

“I am honoured to be invited to return to Trent as the Ashley Fellow,” said Mulcair. “When I was last hosted by the School for the Study of Canada, I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet with students in a variety of different ways, which I'll be doing again during this term. That experience left a lasting impression on me, and I am enthusiastic about returning to engage once again with Trent and Peterborough’s vibrant community of learners, leaders, and changemakers.” 

Mulcair will make two visits to Trent during his Ashley Fellow residency. His first visit, scheduled from Oct. 28 to 31, will feature workshops, informal student sessions and guest lectures in Politics and Canadian Studies courses.

On the evening of Oct. 29, he will deliver a public talk at Champlain College. With advanced registration, all members of the community are welcome to attend. Mulcair will return for his second visit as an Ashley Fellow March 24 to 26, highlighted by more student engagement opportunities and a special college dinner.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Rotary Club of Peterborough Seeking Nominations For 2025 Paul Harris Fellowship

/

The Rotary Club of Peterborough is seeking nominations for its prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Recognition for 2025 in honour of the founder of Rotary International in 1905.

All of the Paul Harris recipients from last year’s event. Vocational Service: Dr. Douglas Chenoweth; Youth Services: Don Barrie; Environmental Service: Mike Henry; Community Service: Gordon Bowley & Sandra (Sam) Whitmore; International Service: Laurie Heigh and Club Service: Wayne Harding Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

According to Rotary, the Fellowship recognizes local individuals for their leadership and service contributions within our community, the surrounding area and the world at large. It is considered the highest honour Rotarians can give.

Nominations in the following categories can be completed online with the deadline next Wednesday.

Categories include:

  • Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community. 

  • International Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant contribution toward to betterment of the communities in other parts of the world, and/or leadership toward work peace and understanding. 

  • Vocational Service: To recognize an individual who uses their vocational skills consistent wit Rotary ideals toward community and/or international matters.

  • Youth Services: To recognize an individual who makes significant contributions toward to youth (programs, services and/or related matters).

  • Environmental Service: To recognize an individual who supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of our environment.

  • Club Service: To recognize a Peterborough Rotary Club member for their outstanding service and dedication. 

For the first time, the Rotary Club of Peterborough and Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha will celebrate the recipients at a joint Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner on Nov. 20 at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

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.