Peterborough Regional Health Centre Emergency Department Launches Online Wait-Time Clock

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has launched an online Emergency Department (ED) wait-time clock that provides real-time estimates of how long it may take to be seen by a physician.

File photo.

“Patients and families are already experiencing stress and uncertainty when they come to the ED,” said Dr. Nicole De Francesco, PRHC chief of emergency medicine. “By sharing wait time information in real time, we’re making a difficult moment a bit easier for people, improving their hospital experience by providing more and better communication to help them understand what they can expect.”

PRHC’s ED sees more than 75,000 visits annually, meaning a new patient arrives every seven minutes according to a press release. Pressures on the Emergency Department have continued to grow over the last decade, with rising demand for emergency services outpacing capacity said De Francesco.

“Our team in the Emergency Department has worked hard over the last few years on initiatives to reduce wait times, hospital admissions, and patient length-of-stay,” she said. “With the support of leaders and staff across the hospital, these efforts have already achieved incredible successes – which have largely been absorbed by the system pressures we are seeing in terms of patient volumes, complexity and acuity.”

The clock contains up-to-date information on how long it may take to be seen by a physician for an initial assessment.

“While the work has had excellent results, the improvements the team has made are helping us to manage the growth we’ve been seeing – but not to get ahead of the curve,” added Dr. De Francesco. “Our work in these priority areas will continue as we invest in new initiatives to improve the care we provide.”

PRHC reminds patients in the emergency department are always seen based on the urgency of their condition and not their time of arrival. Patients with more serious conditions will always be treated first. Wait times can change quickly and unexpectedly due to new or more urgent emergencies.

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.

Fleming College Creates New Bursary Program After $1.5 Million Gift

Fleming College is establishing its largest-ever endowed fund for student tuition assistance after a $1.5 million gift from The Joyce Family Foundation, announced on Thursday.

(From left to right)  oanne Spicer, Associate Vice President, Student Experience, Fleming College; Katie Pezoulas, Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations, Fleming College; Linda Ricker, Director of Finance, The Joyce Family Foundation; Maureen Adamson, President of Fleming College and Interim President and CEO of Colleges Ontario; Maureen O’Neill, Executive Director, The Joyce Family Foundation; Nick Stone, Associate Vice President, Health, Fleming College; Chris Jardine, Associate Vice President, Marketing and Advancement, Fleming College. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

This gift provides 11 annual bursaries of $5,000 each for students who face financial or other barriers to accessing post-secondary education.

“This historic gift, which establishes our largest fund for student tuition assistance, is a meaningful investment in Fleming College and in the young people of our region,” says Maureen Adamson, Fleming College president. “We are deeply grateful to The Joyce Family Foundation for their commitment to reducing barriers and supporting Canadian youth as they pursue education that enables them to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities.” 

The Program will disburse $55,000 annually to support young people in the Peterborough and Kawarthas region.

“This extraordinary gift from The Joyce Family Foundation demonstrates the profound impact philanthropy can have on students’ lives,” says Katie Pezoulas, Fleming executive director of advancement and external relations. “At a time when inflationary pressures are making education increasingly difficult for families to afford, this investment will be transformational. It will open doors for young people who might otherwise be unable to pursue post-secondary education and ensure they have the support they need to succeed.” 

The Joyce Family Foundation is a private family foundation created by the late Ronald V. Joyce, co-founder of the iconic Tim Horton’s coffee franchise and a champion of philanthropic causes. 

“Ron Joyce believed in the power of education to change lives, and he held great respect for the role colleges play in preparing young people for meaningful careers,” said Rob MacIsaac, Joyce Family Foundation board chair. “This bursary program reflects his steadfast commitment to empowering Canadian youth facing barriers, ensuring they have every opportunity to pursue education and build brighter futures.” 

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 Sputter In Close Low-Scoring Affair to North Bay

In a game where goals were few, the Petes ended up on the wrong side of the score, falling 3-1 to the North Bay Battalion at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 14-9-1-1 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Both teams failed to find the back of the net in the opening period. Petes goaltender Easton Rye stopped 15 shots while North Bay netminder Mike McIvor made eight saves.

The ice was broken as North Bay scored on the power play with some tic-tac-toe passing that led to a point-blank one-timer from Ethan Procyszyn for a 1-0 lead from the visitors. Peterborough countered five minutes later as Matthew Soto won a board battle in the offensive zone from behind the net. He centred a pass to Braydon McCallum who scored for a 1-1 game after two periods.

Just over halfway through the third frame, Lirim Amidovski let a wrist shot go from outside the faceoff circle. Rye made the stop but a juicy rebound came to Kaden Pitre who scored on the wide-open net to give North Bay a lead. Peterborough tried to battle back but the visitors tacked on an empty-net goal for a 3-1 victory.

The Petes head south of the border to take on the Erie Otters this Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Erie Insurance Arena

Peterborough Police Launch Investigation of Stolen Vehicles Occurring Thursday Morning

The Peterborough Police Service Street Crime Unit is investigating after three vehicles were stolen and three attempted car thefts occurred early Thursday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The incidents occurred in the early morning hours, with several victims reporting activity between 4 and 4:30 a.m. Five of the vehicles were Toyota Tundra model years 2022 and 2024 and one was a 2025 Lexus. 

The vehicles were taken or attempted to be taken from several different locations, mainly in the west and south end of the city as reported by Peterborough Police. In two cases, tracking devices were ripped from the vehicles and found in other neighbourhoods.

Police say there was a series of similar thefts this past spring and the focus continues to be on Toyota vehicles, mainly trucks, larger and luxury SUVs. Peterborough Police asks residents with these vehicles to be extra vigilant.

Consider taking the following precautions:

• parking another vehicle in front of the vehicle or in your garage, if possible, to make it difficult for thieves to drive off

• if your vehicle comes with a tracking system, please make sure it is installed and activated

• using a theft deterrent device

• if you spot any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, please report it to Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x225 or 9-1-1 if it is an emergency or crime in progress.

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.

Free Two-Hour Holiday Parking Underway For Downtown Peterborough

Free two-hour parking at all downtown municipal parking spaces begins Friday.

Kawartha Food Share assists more than 14,000 people each month through meal programs, food banks, housing projects and food cupboards. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

This includes on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Parking Garage. The free parking program runs until New Year’s Eve.

Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers returns to sponsor the holiday parking program.

Parking fees voluntarily paid at pay-and-display machines, meters or through the HotSpot App during the free two-hour period will be donated to Kawartha Food Share.

“Wolfe Lawyers are happy to partner again with the City of Peterborough to offer free two-hour parking downtown during the holiday season. We encourage everyone to come and shop and dine downtown to support our local businesses,” said Bill Wolfe of Wolfe Lawyers. "For those who pay, know that all proceeds donated will go to Kawartha Food Share who support those who need our help.” 

“We’re thrilled to see the return of the free two-hour holiday parking program,” said Councillors Joy Lachica and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “It’s a great way to make it easier for people to visit our vibrant downtown, shop locally and enjoy all that our community has to offer during the holiday season. Not only does it encourage people to support local businesses, but it also gives back, raising funds for the Kawartha Food Share and helping our community during a time of year when it’s needed the most.” 

“Every year, the free two-hour holiday parking program helps bring more people into our downtown to shop, dine, and celebrate the season,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “We’re grateful to the City and to Wolfe Lawyers for making it easier for residents to support local businesses at the most important time of year.”

Anyone requiring more time is asked to park in the City’s surface lots or parking garages.

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.

Kids Wishes are Getting Fulfilled With Launch of Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation's 2025 Santa's Sleigh

In its 36th year, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation (KHCAS) is helping fulfill kids' Christmas wishes through the 2025 Santa’s Sleigh Program, launched at the Chemong Road Walmart on Thursday.

Amira Sharman and her mother Makaya Dafoe get a Merry Christmas and holiday cheer from Santa as Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation launches its Santa’s Sleigh program for 2025. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The program is in conjunction with the Central Lakes Association of Realtors, East Peterborough Lions Club, 101.5 The Wolf, Global Peterborough and 100.5 Fresh Radio.

Roughly 1,000 children are involved in the foundation, with gift requests written on tags and placed on a Christmas tree in Walmart. Shoppers can grab a tag, fulfill it, and put it in a drop-in sleigh at the store. The program runs until Dec. 8 at 1 p.m.

“We are inviting the community to choose a child’s gift suggestion from our tree at Walmart, then shop for that gift in order to fulfill the child’s holiday wish” said Carrie Truman, KHCAS executive director. “The gifts will go directly to children in our community, so that together we can put smiles on the faces of local children this holiday season.”

@ptbo_canada The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation is helping fulfill roughly 1,000 kids' Christmas wishes through the 2025 Santa’s Sleigh Program. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #holidays ♬ Christmas Is Coming - DM Production

Presents, gift cards and monetary donations are accepted during the program. Donated money purchases gifts and gift cards for children and youth involved with the KHCAS.

Donors can make online monetary donations on the foundation’s website.

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.

Kawartha Home & Health Care Services Finds New Home At Pido Road

Kawartha Home & Health Care Services (KHHCS) has a new home, having relocated to 347 Pido Rd. Unit 17 and held an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

(from left to right) Lisa Smith-Maxam, Home & Health Care Services HR and operations manager; Patti Clancy, CEO and founder and Liam O’Connor of the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce cutting the ribbon at the organization’s open house. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Formerly located at 320 Water St, Unit 72, the home health care service moved to the new location on Oct. 1.

KHHCS HR and operations manager Lisa Smith-Maxam says that employee training is something the organization can do with its new location.

“We couldn't train our own employees to be better to help those that really need it,” she explained. “Now we have a training area that's upstairs.”

@ptbo_canada Kawartha Home & Health Care Services has a new home at 347 Pido Rd. Unit 17! #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #healthcare ♬ shine on - choppy.wav

The new space adds an extra floor and increased office space, an area that the staff are excited to work with, says Smith-Maxam.

“The other place was too small; we outgrew it,” she said. “Now we're here, we're growing, we're expanding and we're going to keep on growing.”

KHHCS has been a professional home healthcare service available 24/7 since 2015. Their services extend to Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

“Whether it's personal care, whether it's your home care or maybe it's something where you want somebody to drive you around for a couple of hours, we're here to help,” concluded Smith-Maxam.

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.

Rocklands Entertainment Pays Tribute to Country Music Legends at Market Hall With "Megastars of Country Music" Show Set For Marcg 29

Rocklands Entertainment is bringing a tribute to country star legends with the Megastars of Country Music to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre announced for March 29 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Market Hall.

The concert features tributes to country music’s most legendary singers and songwriters. It features Larry Turner and Doug Brewin paying homage to the incredible careers of such as Alan Jackson, George Strait and Brooks & Dunn.

Tickets are available in person at Market Hall, located at 140 Charlotte Street on the third floor. The box office is open Monday to Friday from Noon until 5 p.m. Call 705-749-1146 or visit tickets.markethall.org.

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 Ship Colin Fitzgerald to Soo Greyhounds For Six Draft Picks

The Peterborough Petes have sent forward Colin Fitzgerald to the Soo Greyhounds in exchange for six draft picks, announced on Thursday morning.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 14-8-1-1 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The picks are as follows:

• 2nd round 2028 (NB)

• 2nd round 2029 (OSH)

• 3rd round 2027 (OSH)

• 3rd round 2029 (OSH)

• 4th round 2028 (NB)

• 6th round 2029 (SOO)

Fitzgerald is a 2009-born forward from Otonabee. Originally selected by the Petes in the first round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Fitzgerald has played 72 games for Peterborough over parts of two seasons. He scored 18 goals and added 23 assists for 41 points during that span.

This past August, Fitzgerald played for Canada U18 at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He had two assists in five games, helping Canada win bronze.

“I’d like to thank Colin for his time as a Peterborough Pete over the last two seasons,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We wish him all the best as he continues his career in Sault Ste. Marie.”

The Petes play again on Thursday night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre when they host the North Bay Battalion. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Peterborough Police Seeking Missing Teenager

UPDATED: 27-11-25 The teen has been found, as reported by the Peterborough Police Service.

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing 17-year-old Rae Rae, reported missing since Wednesday.

He was last seen in the area of McDonnel St and George St at 9:50 a.m.

Rae Rae is described as:

• Male

• Native

• Brown hair

• Brown eyes

• 5'9''

• 150 lbs.

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.