Royal Canadian Legion Names Peterborough Woman 2025 National Silver Cross Mother

The Royal Canadian Legion has named Peterborough’s Nancy Payne a recipient of the 2025 National Silver Cross Mother, announced on Monday.

Payne grew up in Peterborough and has graduated from St. Peter Catholic Secondary School and St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. Photo courtesy of PVNC.

With the honour, Payne represented all Canadian mothers who have lost a son or daughter in military service during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on Tuesday.

She laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of all bereaved military families. She will continue to serve in this role throughout the year, attending national events that honour the Fallen.

Her son, Corporal Randy Payne, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2006.

“I just want people to know about him, and I don’t want people to forget him,” she said.

Corporal Randy Payne. Photo courtesy of PVNC.

Her husband, David, and eldest son, Chris, also served with the Canadian Armed Forces. Military service is a long family tradition for her, dating back to the First and Second World Wars.

Born and raised in Peterborough, Mrs. Payne attended St. Anne CES and St. Peter CSS. She became a hairstylist and then a personal support worker and activity director in Gananoque.

For nearly two decades, Mrs. Payne has honoured her late son’s memory through the ‘Captain’s Award,’ presented each year to a Gananoque Secondary School student who demonstrates leadership, athletic ability and academic excellence — qualities her son embodied as a beloved hockey player and team captain according to the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board.

As the 2025 National Silver Cross Mother, Payne says it is a privilege to represent families who have experienced such profound loss.

“Never forget what they did for us,” she explained. “They gave their lives, we can’t forget that… we have what we have because of them.”

She and her husband reside in Lansdowne. Her hobbies include quilting, knitting and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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 Public Library Appoints New CEO/Director

The Peterborough Public Library Board and the City of Peterborough have appointed Melissa Redden as the new CEO/Director of the Peterborough Public Library, effective Nov. 24. 

File Photo.

Redden currently serves as Manager of Public Service with the Ajax Public Library. She is part of the senior leadership team supporting the Chief Librarian and Executive Officer with strategic initiatives, operating and capital budgets and Town priorities. In this role, she oversees customer service, programming, community outreach, safety and operations. 

“We’re delighted to welcome Melissa to the Peterborough Public Library,” said Laurianne Gruzas of the Peterborough Public Library Board. “Her depth of experience and commitment to community-focused service make her an excellent choice to lead the library into its next chapter.” 

“I am honoured to be joining the Peterborough Public Library as the new CEO/Director,” said Redden. “Libraries are vital community spaces that inspire discovery, connection, and lifelong learning. I look forward to working with our team and partners to continue building a vibrant and inclusive library for everyone.” 

Before joining the Ajax Public Library, Redden held several leadership positions with the Clarington Public Library, Museums and Archives, including Deputy Director, Public Service Manager and Collections Coordinator. 

Redden holds a Master of Information, Library and Information Science, from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Brock University.

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 Petes Trade Forward For Two Draft Picks From Owen Sound

The Peterborough Petes have acquired a third-round pick in 2026 (Ottawa) and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2028 (Kingston) from Owen Sound in exchange for 2007-born forward Caden Taylor, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to thank Caden for his time here in Peterborough,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We wish him the best of luck as he continues his OHL career in Owen Sound.”

The Shanty Bay forward was originally selected by the Sudbury Wolves in the first round, ninth overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. He has appeared in 134 games across parts of three seasons with the Wolves and Petes, scoring 28 goals and adding 29 assists for 57 points.

This past summer, he participated in the Pittsburgh Penguins Development Camp.

The Petes host the rival Oshawa Generals for their Remembrance Day Game in support of Wounded Warriors Canada on Tuesday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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.

Milroy Drive Bulk Water Fill Station Temporarily Unable to Accept Credit Cards Due to Maintenance

The Bulk Water Fill Station at 280 Milroy Dr. is temporarily unable to process credit card payments due to ongoing maintenance and repairs.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Customers using prepaid PIN codes are unaffected and may continue to use the service.

The City will issue an update when the credit card payment system at the Bulk Water Fill Station is restored.

The station typically accepts only prepaid PIN codes and credit card payments; debit cards and cash are not supported.

Customers can create a PIN code by setting up an account and completing the Bulk Water Fill Station Prepayment Form; a minimum prepayment is required. Once the account is established, Water Services staff will contact the customer by phone to provide the PIN access code and equipment number.

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.

Trent Excalibur Men’s Lacrosse Stunned In Baggataway Cup After Major Comeback From Brock Badgers

The Trent Excalibur men’s lacrosse team faced major heartbreak as the Brock Badgers mounted a comeback from a seven-goal deficit for a 13-12 game in the Baggataway Cup at the Terry Fox Stadium on Friday night.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and Trent Excalibur.

The quarterfinal matchup saw a closely contested first period as Nick Fornier opened the scoring for Trent. After allowing two goals from the Badgers, Mason Tardiff regained Trent’s lead with a pair of scores for a 3-2 game after the first.

In the second frame, the Excalibur allowed two more goals from the Badgers but Fornier and Tardiff kept scoring as well. Both earned hat tricks this stanza as Fornier scored three goals, totalling four, while Tardiff scored once, his third of the game, to make it 7-4.

After allowing a Badger goal to open the third period, Trent went on a five-goal run to extend their lead to 12-5. Jordan Dool, Reed Chamberlin, Will White and Connor Curtis (twice) scored in the run.

Unfortunately for Peterborough, they received unsportsmanlike penalties which gave momentum to the Badgers. They rang off three straight power-play goals to start closing the gap. Brock scored one more goal to end the period 12-9 in favour of Trent.

Brock continued the pressure in the final stanza as they shut down Peterborough’s offense and scored two goals, the first on the power play. With 5:20 left in regulation, Colton Armitage scored the game-tying goal for the Badgers to make it 12 apiece going into overtime.

In extra time, both teams had opportunities to score. In the end, Noah Simonelli launched a shot from a wide angle, beating Trent goaltender Callan Baker to cap off the miraculous comeback from the Badgers to win 13-12.

The Badgers moved on to the semifinals as Trent was sent home with a quarterfinal finish.

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.

Bonnerworth Park Officially Open to the Public

The City of Peterborough celebrated the official grand opening of Bonnerworth Park on Saturday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The revitalization includes a new bike pump track, an expanded skatepark and 14 new pickleball courts, including two accessible courts.

“This revitalization brings fresh energy to Bonnerworth Park, creating a modern, inclusive space for a new generation,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This is a park built for everyone, from skateboarders, cyclists and pickleball players to families who want to enjoy a sunny afternoon in Bonnerworth’s green space. Finished on time and on budget, Bonnerworth Park reflects Peterborough’s active spirit and will continue to be a place where people of all ages can come together.”

“Bonnerworth Park is a modern, accessible park marking a new and energetic chapter for recreation in Peterborough,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. “The new amenities in this space are the result of collaboration with user groups, local organizations and the city. Together, we’ve created a welcoming, inclusive park that will serve residents for many years to come.”

A new shade shelter was constructed in the park after a $200,000 community investment from Hydro One through work on the Durham Kawartha Powerline project.

Other enhancements to the park include fresh sodding and a multipurpose trail linking all amenities. The park's perimeter is lined with 202 new trees.

Saturday’s opening celebration was followed by an afternoon of activities on the bike pump track, skatepark and pickleball courts, led by city staff and user groups.

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 Man Arrested After Stabbing Incident Involving Two Victims

A 30-year-old Peterborough male is facing weapons charges after police responded to a report of a stabbing on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:30 a.m., the Peterborough Police responded to the area of Aylmer St and Wolfe St after a report of a stabbing. They located two individuals with stab wounds who were in a verbal argument with a person known to them that turned physical. The two victims were taken to the hospital for treatment. The suspect was located in the area and taken into custody.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Assault with a Weapon x2

• Possession of Weapons for Dangerous Purpose

• Fail to comply with Undertaking

The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday court on Saturday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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 Petes Fight Off Comeback Bid and Escape With Road Win Over Sudbury

The Peterborough Petes almost saw the Sudbury Wolves make a huge comeback but they were able to hold on for the 5-4 victory at the Sudbury Community Arena on Sunday afternoon.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 9-7-1-1 record. Photo courtesy of the Sudbury Wolves.

Peterborough wasted no time getting on the scoreboard as Yanis Lutz took a drop pass from Leon Kolarik and roofed one home to make it 1-0 just 67 seconds in. With 87 seconds left in the period, Colin Fitzgerald chipped a puck to himself from the defensive zone. He opted for the solo mission going end-to-end and scored short side for a 2-0 lead going into the second period.

The Petes kept their feet on the gas pedal and struck again early in the second period. Aiden Young entered the offensive zone with numbers and scored from the high slot for a 3-0 lead. Just under four minutes later, Matthew Perreault thought he scored from a point shot but it went off the post. However, Adam Novotný picked up the loose puck and scored on the wraparound for a 4-0 Petes lead.

Sudbury got on the board six minutes later and made it 4-1 thanks to Rowan Henderson on the power play. Peterborough’s forecheck caused a turnover in Sudbury’s defensive zone and immediately capitalized as Young fired it from the point and scored for a 5-1 game going into the final frame.

The home team was not going to go away quietly as Nathan Villneuve scored just past the halfway mark of the period. Sudbury struck again 31 seconds later after an Artem Gonchar goal and the lead was down to two. Henderson scored his second of the game for the Wolves to pull to within one goal in the final 2:31 of regulation.

The Wolves had peppered Petes goaltender Easton Rye with 12 shots in the period, totalling 38 but could not find the back of the net one more time and Peterborough escapes Sudbury with a 5-4 win.

The Petes host the rival Oshawa Generals for their Remembrance Day Game in support of Wounded Warriors Canada on Tuesday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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 Remembrance Day 2025

In observance of Remembrance Day on, many City services and facilities will be operating under holiday hours or will be closed on Tuesday. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 Peterborough will host the Remembrance Day Parade and Service at the Citizens' War Memorial in Confederation Square, starting at 10 a.m.  

Peterborough Regional Airport will be open regular hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on Tuesday.

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

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 will be closed on Tuesday. 

The Peterborough Museum and Archives exhibitions and gift shop will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Peterborough Public Library and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch, 271 Lansdowne St. W., will be closed on Tuesday.

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

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre and the Miskin Law Community Complex will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, with all programs running as scheduled. A moment of silence is observed in the facilities at 11 a.m.  

The Kinsmen Civic Centre and Healthy Planet Arena are open for rentals that have previously been booked.  

Grant Thornton Box Office will open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Peterborough Petes play at 7:05 p.m. Peterborough Memorial Centre doors will open at 6 p.m. for the game.

The Facility Booking office and McDonnel Street Community Centre will be closed on Tuesday. 

The Riverview Park and Zoo is open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Otter Enrichment takes place daily at 1:30 p.m. The Miniature Train is closed for the season.

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

Emergency shelter services remain open. To access emergency shelter services outside regular business hours or on holidays, please call the After-Hours Service at 705-926-0096.    

City-operated child care centres Pearson Day Care and Peterborough Day Care will be closed on Tuesday.  

Before and After School programs in schools will be open and operating normal hours on Tuesday.

Peterborough Transit will operate on a regular service schedule on Tuesday. Temporary detours may be in place on some routes during the rolling road closures between 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. while the Remembrance Day parade is underway.

Curbside collection moves to Monday for zones 1 and 2.  

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

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 will be closed for in-person service on Tuesday, November 11. Customer service will be available by phone from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-742-7777 ext. 2650.

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.

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.

City of Peterborough Says It Is Prepared For Winter Weather

The City of Peterborough says it is ready for winter weather, with snow-clearing crews on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep roads, sidewalks and trails safe and accessible throughout the season.  

File Photo.

Snow is in the forecast for Sunday, and crews are monitoring radar to respond and maintain safe, accessible roads, sidewalks and trails throughout the community. 

“City crews are dedicated to keeping Peterborough moving safely through all winter weather conditions. Working around the clock, they respond swiftly to changing conditions, ensuring that residents and visitors can travel safely throughout the city,” said Councillor Keith Riel.

The City’s snow-clearing operations maintain: 

• Roads: 978 kilometres are cleared using 16 plow routes. These routes can be augmented with two graders, seven loaders, backhoes and four sanding units. 

• Sidewalks: 450 kilometres are cleared over nine plow routes. 

• Trails and bus stops: 40 km of trails and 650 bus stops are maintained. 

• Parking lots: Winter service is provided for 28 municipal surface parking lots. 

Snow clearing operations follow a priority route system. Roads with the highest traffic volumes, on transit routes or near the hospital are cleared first. Once these main routes are safe and clear, crews move to residential and local streets. 

The time required to complete snow clearing depends on the storm's severity and duration. Prolonged or heavy snowfall may increase the time needed to clear residential streets. 

The City follows the provincial guidelines set under the Municipal Act, 2001, O. Reg. 239/02: Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways. The regulations categorize and prioritize roads based on traffic volume and speed limits – the greater the traffic volume and the higher the speed limit, the higher the priority for snow and ice clearing. The guidelines also include standards for the winter maintenance of bike lanes along roads and sidewalks.  

As snow accumulates, City crews regularly remove snowbanks in the downtown area. To keep the area clear for this work, ‘No Parking’ signs are posted in advance of snowbank removal. 

Parking rules change during the snowy season to support snow-clearing work. Keeping streets clear overnight enables more efficient snow clearing on City streets.  

During a snowstorm, when snow-clearing operations are underway, no parking is permitted on any city street. The fine is $80 for this violation and vehicles may be towed. Snow-clearing operations typically take place between midnight and 8 a.m.

Free overnight parking is permitted at all municipal parking lots, including the King Street Parkade, 202 King St. and the Simcoe Parking Garage, 190 Simcoe St. Customers parking overnight at either garage can obtain a gate arm ticket upon entry, which can be used for a free transit trip home. 

From Dec. 1 to April 1, parking is prohibited on all city streets from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. The fine for a violation is $35. 

Municipalities can declare a Significant Weather Event when weather conditions pose a significant danger to road users. During such a declaration, the municipality’s roads are deemed to be in a state of repair with respect to snow accumulation, allowing for extended or altered snow‑clearing timelines. 

During a significant weather event, residents are advised to use caution, as standard winter maintenance service levels for roads may not be maintained. Motorists are encouraged to stay home and travel only if necessary. 

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.