Significant Weather Event Declaration Continues Into Dec. 31

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The Significant Weather Event declaration for the City of Peterborough remains in place, with additional snow and the potential for snow squalls forecast for Jan. 1 and 2.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City’s Public Works crews continue to address conditions following Wednesday's snow flurries, which came after significant freezing rain on Dec. 28 and 29 and a snowstorm on Dec. 26.

The City of Peterborough’s Public Works crews deploy 18 plow trucks, 11 sidewalk plows, two graders, seven loaders and backhoes and four light sanding units, with winter abrasives and de-icers. Crews maintain 1,028 km of roads, 412 km of sidewalks, 44 km of trails, 29 Municipal Parking lots and 650 bus stops are cleared.

Road users and pedestrians are asked to leave crews the space they need to safely and effectively clean city streets, sidewalks and trails. Residents are asked not to park on City streets during the storm to ensure effective snow clearing. During snowstorms, free overnight parking is available in municipal parking garages and surface lots. Drivers can use the parking garage entrance ticket for a free ride home on Peterborough Transit.

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David Tuan Bui's Top 10 Photos of 2025

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Another year passed and I have covered a multitude of stories in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

If there is one thing I love about this career, it’s going out into the community and getting involved.

As usual, I’ll note that photography isn't the strongest tool in my journalism belt but it’s a craft that improves with guidance and practice.

I have to give a shoutout to one of our local news photographers in Clifford Skarstedt. For a short time, I worked with him and now I have been working alongside him for almost five years. He has given me photography tips throughout my entire PTBOCanada tenure and taught me more than any classroom ever could. Thanks Cliff for the photography help!

Photo courtesy of Jordan Lyall Photography.

There could have been plenty of other photos that would have made the list; I took a ton so I’m bound to have missed what would have been a great one.

Here are my top ten photos that I have taken for PTBOCanada in no particular order:

Tom Thacker (left) and Theo Goutzinakis (right) of Gob, rock out at Musicfest before a huge crowd at Del Crary Park. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Even though I was born in 1987, I grew up a ‘90s kid. Gob has definitely circulated through the airwaves during my childhood and several of my friends knew them as their songs were featured in several NHL video games.

They transported me back to the moment I photographed their performance this year at Peterborough Musicfest.

Although older, Tom Thacker and Theo Goutzinakis still have the punk rock vibe going, having been founded in 1993. What a time the ‘90s and ‘00s were…

Hockey Benders Cole Lequier and Aiden Dale signing a young fan’s mechandised hoodie. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

As a hockey fan and one of only two Los Angeles Kings fans in Peterborough (that I know of), my short reel algorithms are filled with hockey and the Hockey Benders are definitely a part of it.

It was a cool experience to meet Cole Lequier and Aiden Dale in person and have a small conversation with them as young hockey fans went wild, waiting in line to meet them.

Captuing the moment of a young man getting his hoodie signed and knowing he put on a bright smile after this shot was taken has to be unforgettable for him.

Lexi Mills of Heeling Souls getting affection from her Australian Border Collie, Phoebe. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Who doesn’t love animals?

As Community Futures Peterborough celebrated its 40th anniversary at Farmhill Weddings, there was a pop-up market of graduates of the 2024 and 2025 Starter Company Plus program.

One graduate was Heeling Souls, where Lexi Mills was getting some love and affection from Phoebe. I’ve had a few dogs during my life and now I have a pet cat named Macaroon that has been with me for the past seven years.

Zain Kailsli, 12 (left), gets a hands-on quilling lesson from Sandra Moore of Creators Gifts Fabric & Art (right). Photo by David Tuan Bui.

I always had a soft spot for any time I do a story involving Indigenous and First Nations people. My last career before PTBOCanada was a sportswriter for an Indigenous weekly newspaper called The Eastern Door, based out in Kahnawake (just south of Montréal).

About 215 Catholic students from the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington school district enjoyed hands-on, fun learning at Trent University's Indigenous Skilled Trades Day.

Sandra Moore of Creators Gifts Fabric & Art taught the students (and me) about quilling and its process as Zain Kailsli gets a crash course.

Eddy Sweeney (left), Abba Koshka (middle) and Kaza Hesselink (right) in their respective roles as David, Mary and Tim in the third act. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peter Robinson has always been a vital part of Peterborough's history, as he helped approximately 2,024 Irish settlers settle in Peterborough through the British government’s assisted emigration program for destitute Irish families.

Trent Valley Archives Theatre brought his story to life at Princess Gardens Retirement Residence, as I captured this scene of conflict during the trials and tribulations of one of nine ships transporting the families.

This production was a sneak peek for its full show at Market Hall this past May.

ex-Petes goaltender Zach Bowen signs the first autograph for Tyanna Martin, 7, after the team had finished practice at the Havelock Community Centre. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The Peterborough Petes typically hold one final practice before the regular season at the HBM Community Centre in Havelock.

Kids from the Havelock Hawks (Havelock Minor Hockey) got to skate with the team, get autographs and have dinner with the team.

In the case of seven-year-old Tyanna Martin, it was a surreal experience as no ex-goalie Zach Bowen signed an autograph and the expression says it all.

Vanessa Oake Hogan (left), Renee Oake (middle) and Lesley Oake triumphant after finishing their swim. Renee has had professional swimming experience and swam 129 laps. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

When doesn’t a Carl Oake Rotary Swim crack the list? Never.

This year’s photo featured all three of Carl Oake’s daughters in Vanessa, Renee and Lesley. However, this year’s event was the first time it was held without Carl, who passed away on Jan. 2.

While Carl’s passing came less than two months before the event, in a prior interview, Vanessa said, “We never had any intention of stopping and especially now, we always knew it was important to the community.”

There was $57,748 raised from the 39th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim.

Peterborough Challenger Kyla receives a medal from a London Challenger Baseball coach after a three-game series. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In a rare instance, I covered a story far beyond Peterborough and the Kawarthas: the Peterborough Challengers held their annual Friendship Games against other Challenger Baseball teams in St. George, Ont., in July.

I was here because I’ve been a volunteer coach for the past four years and conveniently visited my sister for the weekend, who lives in nearby London.

Challenger Baseball supports anyone with cognitive or developmental challenges, or with chronic health issues, who cannot play organized sports. Seeing all the kids and adults play a game they love without any barriers is something near and dear to me. You can see that here from Challengers Kyla and David (background), proud and happy to receive their medals after a hard-fought three-game series with the London Challengers.

Astrom points to himself 32 years ago when he joined the Blue Jays celebrating Joe Carter’s home run in 1993. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

While the Toronto Blue Jays came up one run short of winning a World Series, no doubt that their run was a magical one.

This takes us back to the 1993 World Series, where Joe Carter nailed a walk-off home run to win it for the Blue Jays, their last one. Among the celebrations was Peterborough’s Mark Astrom, who ran onto the field.

This photo captures him running onto the field during one of Canada’s greatest baseball moments. It’s remarkable how Peterborough can be connected to some of the nation’s most significant moments.

Keith Wightman Students have fun with monster truck Sabotage out at the school’s parking lot. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Keith Wightman students from junior kindergarten to Grade 6 got up close and personal with monster truck Sabotage as part of Edge Entertainment’s Monster Madness Tour that stopped at Kawartha Downs in early March.

The children got to explore the vehicle, ask the drivers questions and have a fun morning. They certainly enjoyed themselves as all the kids put their jubilation on display at the end of Sabotage’s visit.

And with that, I leave behind some joyous personal news. My wife and I welcomed our second daughter, Luna Diana Vy Bui, into the world on Saturday morning.

I am taking a month of parental leave starting Jan. 5 but I eagerly look forward to what 2026 has in store for my growing family of four and PTBOCanada.

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Assault With a 4x4 After a Break-and-Enter

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A 28-year-old Peterborough man wanted on warrants is facing new charges of assault with a weapon, break and enter and mischief after an incident on Tuesday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 7:15 p.m., officers learned of a break and enter in progress in the area of Rubidge Street and Townsend Street. While on scene, officers learned that a door to the home had been damaged, the house broken into and a victim assaulted with a 4x4 piece of wood. The victim sustained injuries and was transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for assessment. 

Officers located a man matching the description given to police and he was taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation, Police determined that the victim and the accused are known to each other.

The man was charged with:

  • Break and Enter – commit an indictable offence

  • Assault with a weapon

  • Mischief under $5,000

  • Fail to comply with Probation x2

Through the investigation, it was also determined that the 28-year-old Peterborough man was wanted on two warrants:

  • Mischief under $5,000

  • Fail to comply with probation x2

The accused was transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for assessment of injuries from the altercation. The accused is being held in custody and appearedin court on Wednesday.

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

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CMHA HKPR Partners with Local Artist to Create a Mural Representing Inclusive Mental Health Care

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In partnership with local artist Mickaela Baker, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) unveiled a new mural at the George Street office entrance on Tuesday.

The goal with the new mural is to create a more welcoming and inclusive space for those seeking mental health support, says CMHA HKPR.

“We know that the physical environment plays a critical role in how people feel when they reach out for help,” said Ellen Watkins, CMHA HKPR CEO. “This project is about more than art, it’s about creating a space that feels safe, inclusive and supportive.”

“The mural will act as a symbol of knowledge, hope and belonging, reinforcing CMHA HKPR’s commitment to making decisions guided by the needs and voices of the people we serve,” said CMHA HKPR in a press release. “By partnering with local artists, we aim to strengthen our connections to our community and demonstrate that we strive to listen to, learn from and truly see the people we support as a mental health organization.”

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Porter Martone's Three-Point Effort Helps Team Canada Coast to 9-1 Victory Over Denmark at World Juniors

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Peterborough’s Porter Martone had two goals and an assist to help Team Canada cruise past Denmark in a 9-1 victory at the 3M Arena in Minneapolis, Minn., for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship on Monday evening.

Photo courtesy of Hockey Canada.

Martone’s first goal came 6:21 into the second period on the power play on a one-timer from inside the faceoff circle.

He recorded his only assist in the game in the third period. He was the primary assist, controlling the puck from behind the net and set up Michael Misa’s one-timer goal.

Martone scored later in the game with a wide-angle one-timer as Canada’s ninth and final goal.

Gavin McKenna had a hat trick for Canada and Michael Misa had three points with one goal and two assists as the team’s point leaders of the game.

The win gives Team Canada a 2-1-0-0 record with eight points. They look to remain undefeated in the preliminary round when they face Finland on Wednesday night for first place in Group B.

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Three Trent Scholars In the Humanities and Social Sciences Renewed as Canada Research Chairs

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Three Canada Research Chair (CRC) appointments have been renewed for Trent University researchers Whitney Lackenbauer, Anne Pasek and Naomi Nichols.

(From left to right) Whitney Lackenbauer, Anne Pasek and Naomi Nichols. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the CRC program supports researchers whose work drives discovery, engagement and innovation, ensuring continued national recognition and support for their work in the humanities and social sciences, Trent University says.

Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North, has been renewed for a seven-year term with $1.4 million in funding. A leading authority on Arctic sovereignty and northern security, Lackenbauer’s research explores Canada’s evolving role in the circumpolar world and the intersection of Indigenous, national and international interests in northern policy and governance. Lackenbauer contributes directly to public policy as the network lead of the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (NAADSN) based at Trent.

Dr. Anne Pasek was renewed as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Media, Culture and the Environment, securing $500,000 over five years to advance work at Trent on climate change, media technologies and sustainability. Pasek’s research examines how digital companies are increasingly shaping energy policies and markets, for both good and ill. 

Dr. Naomi Nichols has been renewed for her second term as a Tier 2 CRC in Community-Partnered Social Justice. Through the program, Trent University will receive $500,000 over five years to support Nichols' research with community organizations on social inequities and the development of practical tools and policies to promote justice and systemic change. In her first term as a CRC, Nichols established the Research for Social Change Lab and, as principal investigator, secured more than $1 million in additional research funding. Along with CRC funding, the grants have supported training opportunities for student and community researchers, the publication of several peer-reviewed articles, the creation of open-access resources, and the organization of several knowledge exchange events. 

“These renewals speak to the extraordinary calibre and continued impact of Trent’s research community,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, Trent University vice-president of Research and Innovation. “Our Canada Research Chairs are advancing knowledge and action on issues that matter people across Canada and around the world.” 

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Selwyn Township Lifts Significant Weather Event Declaration

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The Township of Selwyn’s Significant Weather Event declaration made on Sunday has been lifted, announced on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The decision came after the Township reviewed Environment Canada weather reports and observed current weather conditions, sidewalk and road conditions.

The end of the event means that the Township of Selwyn believes the weather has subsided enough to meet the required maintenance objective timelines.

Drivers and pedestrians are reminded to use caution when navigating in winter weather and that there is no overnight parking on all Township roads to allow for safe and effective snow clearing.

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Aylmer Street Fire Causes $250,000 In Damages

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Peterborough Fire Services have extinguished a structure fire at a home on Aylmer Street, resulting in an estimated $250,000 in damage, according to reports Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fire occurred on the main floor of the home. Peterborough Fire Services performed an aggressive primary search and fire attack to bring the fire to control.

No one was home at the time of the incident and one family pet was rescued. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

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Second-Degree Murder Suspect From Dec. 6 TVM Towers Homicide Has Been Arrested

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Michael Waterman, a 44-year-old Peterborough man wanted for second-degree murder in connection with a homicide in Peterborough at TVM Towers on Dec. 6, has been located and taken into custody.

Michael Waterman. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 3 p.m. on Friday, Investigative Services Unit officers became aware that the suspect was in Peterborough. The Emergency Response Team (ERT) went to a residence in the Dalhousie Street and Aylmer Street area in Peterborough.  Once officers called out to the suspect, the man exited the residence and surrendered to police.

Waterman was arrested and charged with second degree murder. 

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

Waterman was also wanted in connection with a homicide in Durham Region on Tuesday.

The Peterborough Police Service would like to thank the public for their continued vigilance over the past several weeks as well as colleagues at the Belleville Police Service and Durham Regional Police Service. 

The search is now over for suspects in the Dec. 6 homicide and all persons believed to be involved will now be before the court. 

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City of Peterborough Issues Efficiency and Effectiveness Review for Request of Proposals

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An Effectiveness and Efficiency Review of the City of Peterborough’s municipal operations and service delivery will be presented and considered by Council, ensuring the City is well positioned to meet the needs of the community.

File photo.

The City issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the independent review on Dec. 19, with a bid closing date of Jan. 21. The review will begin in April after the contract is awarded.

Municipalities across Ontario are facing growing fiscal pressures driven by inflation, aging infrastructure, climate impacts and a provincial-municipal funding framework that puts an unrealistic burden on property taxpayers, stated Mayor Jeff Leal.

“The current Canada-Ontario-Municipal fiscal framework is putting undue pressure on property taxpayers, particularly in the fields of housing and quasi-health services,” Leal said. “We need to do what we can for our property taxpayers within the constraints that are imposed on us. The independent review will examine how City services are delivered, how resources are allocated, and where opportunities exist to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability, while maintaining service quality for residents.

The review will assess service levels, organizational structure, staffing models and service delivery approaches, and will benchmark Peterborough against comparable Ontario municipalities.

It will be the City’s first independent, comprehensive effectiveness and efficiency review.

The Effectiveness and Efficiency Review will consider whether services continue to meet the public interest, whether the City is the appropriate service provider, and whether alternative or innovative service delivery models could improve outcomes or reduce costs.

City Council has supported Chief Administrative Officer Jasbir Raina’s recommendation for the City to undertake this Effectiveness and Efficiency Review, said Councillor Andrew Beamer.

“As a mid-sized city with a limited non-residential tax base, Peterborough faces many of the same challenges as municipalities across Ontario including rising costs, the need to replace or renew infrastructure, and constrained financial flexibility,” Beamer said. “This review will give Council a clearer understanding of where efficiencies can be achieved, how service levels compare to peer municipalities and how we can continue to deliver value for residents while maintaining responsible and sustainable budgets.”

“This work will provide Council with a clear, independent assessment of how we deliver services and how we can continue to improve,” said Raina. “It will help ensure the City has the right systems, structures and resources in place to respond to changing community needs, manage risk and strengthen operational performance over the long term.

The request for proposals to undertake the review is posted on the City’s bidding portal.

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