Peterborough Man Arrested and Charged With Theft After Local Business Shoplifting Incident

A 28-year-old Peterborough man is facing a theft charge after an incident at a local business Thursday afternoon.

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At approximately 3:15 p.m. on Jan. 8, officers were called to a business in the Charlotte Street and Aylmer Street area about a shoplifting incident. Upon arrival, officers learned that the man had run out of the store and headed northbound. After searching the area, officers located a man matching the description given to police in the Reid and Simcoe Street area and took him into custody.

It was further learned that the man was also wanted on warrants for theft under $5,000 and assault and mischief under $5,000 after an incident on Jan. 2.

As a result, a 28-year-old Peterborough man was arrested on the strength of the warrants and further charged with:

• Theft under $5,000

The accused was released on an undertaking with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 10.

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Integrity Commissioner Concludes Mayor Jeff Leal Did Not Breach Council Code of Conduct After Use of Racial Slur During Trent University Lecture

Peterborough Integrity Commissioner Guy Giorno has concluded that Mayor Jeff Leal did not contravene the Council Code of Conduct when using a racial slur during a guest lecture at Trent University in March of last year.

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During a guest lecture for a Trent business class on March 19, 2025, Leal used an anti-Black slur when quoting former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.

“Mayor Leal’s word was painful and harmful. By using such a charged acial slur, he normalized it, implicitly permitting others to spread similar contempt, disdain and hatred - especially toward Black communities,” said The Afrocentric Awareness Network of Peterborough in a statement. “It is deeply troubling to see the leader of our City express such regressive, outdated values in today’s society.”

As complainants petitioned for the mayor to resign, two stated “that Lyndon Johnson never made such a statement, and a third Complainant notes that the statement has not been sourced. Two Complainants note the Mayor was not quoting President Johnson directly, meaning the choice to say the N-word was that of the Mayor,” as noted under Complainant’s Positions in the Trent Central Student Association et al. v. Leal, 2025 ONMIC 11 Inquiry Report.

Following the incident, Leal apologized in a statement.

“…the quote that I used included a racial slur that is deeply offensive and hurtful,” said Leal. “I sincerely apologize. Regardless of the context or intent, using that word was wrong. I recognize the pain it carries and the responsibility I have to speak with care and respect. I apologize to Trent students and faculty, to Trent University and to my community.”

As a result of the incident’s investigation, Peterborough Integrity Commissioner Guy Giorno has found that the Mayor did not breach Council Code of Conduct.

“…my conclusion under the Code is not based on whether President Johnson actually said what was attributed,” stated Giorno in the Trent Central Student Association et al. v. Leal, 2025 ONMIC 11 Inquiry Report.

“I cannot conclude that the March 19 comment constituted harassment or breached paragraph 10 c) of the Code,” Giorno continued. “To be clear, what occurred on March 19 was not acceptable. Everyone agrees it was unacceptable. The Respondent agrees it was unacceptable. He has acknowledged that, both earlier this year and in this inquiry.”

In a recommendation through the Inquiry Report, Giorno says City Council may wish to ask the staff to report back on the recommendation of the Trent Central Student Association that the Strategic Plan be amended to include anti-racism and race relations as a strategic priority under the Community and Wellbeing pillar.

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Winnipeg Jets Prospect Kieron Walton in Trade With Sudbury Wolves

The Peterborough Petes have acquired Winnipeg Jets prospect Kieron Walton from the Sudbury Wolves in exchange for Petes defenceman Genc Ula, announced Friday.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

Walton is Flint’s seventh round pick in 2026, while Ula is a second round pick in 2029, Brampton’s third round pick in 2026, Brantford’s third round pick in 2027, Oshawa’s third round pick in 2029 and a fifth round pick in 2027.

Walton, a forward from Toronto, was originally selected by the Wolves in the second round, 28th overall, in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. In 210 career games with the Wolves, the 6’6” forward has scored 88 goals and added 112 assists for 200 points. In the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Walton was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the sixth round, 187th overall. In 2024-25, he finished ninth in league scoring with 38 goals and 92 points, leading to him signing an ELC with the Jets in April of 2025. This season, Walton sits second in the OHL in points with 52 in just 33 games.

“We are very excited to welcome Kieron Walton to the Peterborough Petes,” said Peterborough Petes General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke. “He is an elite offensive talent who has consistently produced at a high-level. His ability to capitalize on and create scoring chances will be a big asset for our team. Kieron is a player who can make an impact right away, and we believe his competitiveness and experience will complement our group well moving forward.”

Going to Sudbury in the trade along is 2008-born defenceman Genc Ula.

Ula, from Chappaqua, NY, was selected by the Petes in the fifth round, 99th overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. Through parts of two seasons, the defenceman has played in 94 games, scoring seven goals and adding 10 assists for 17 points.

“I’d like to thank Genc for his time and contributions as a member of the Peterborough Petes,” continued Oke. “Genc brought a strong work ethic and professionalism to our organization, and we appreciate the commitment he showed during his time in Peterborough. We wish him nothing but the best as he continues his career in Sudbury.”

The Petes are back in action on Saturday when they host the Guelph Storm. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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62-Year-Old Peterborough Pedestrian Struck By Vehicle on Sherbrooke Street

The Peterborough Police Service Traffic Unit are investigating after a 62-year-old Peterborough man was struck by a vehicle Thursday evening.

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At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 8, officers were called to Sherbrooke Street between George Street and Aylmer Street. Upon arrival, officers learned that a man had been struck while walking in a live lane of traffic.

Due to his injuries, the victim was flown to a Toronto hospital for treatment.

The road was closed for period of time as officers conducted a reconstruction investigation.

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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Peterborough Symphony Orchestra To Take Audiences Back To the Sixties With “Stars of the Silver Screen”

The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) will transport audiences back in time to the 1960’s with “Stars of the Silver Screen” Feb. 7 and 8 at Showplace Performance Centre.

photo courtesy of The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, facebook.

Music Director Michael Newnham has curated a list of film scores from iconic movies such as Pink Panther, Mission Impossible, The Sound of Music, James Bond and more.

Due to popularity, the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra will hold two concerts at the Showplace Performance Centre on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 8 at 3 p.m.

PSO recommends arriving 45 minutes early for Maestro Newnham’s pre-concert talk, and to get a sneak peek of what the show will entail.

Audience members are encouraged to dress in their favourite 60’s style.

“Will it be the Jackie Kennedy look, mini-skirt, slim-cut suit, 007 attitude, go-go boots, geometric patterns or hippie fringe and headbands? We can’t wait to see!” said PSO in a press release.

To purchase tickets or to check out Maestro Newnham’s Stars of the Silver Screen Spotify playlist, visit the website.

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Peterborough Petes Defeat Oshawa Generals With 3-1 Victory

The Peterborough Petes took the win over the rival Oshawa Generals Thursday, adding an empty net goal to wrap up the home game with a 3-1 score.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

Goaltender Easton Rye stopped an impressive 29/30 shots for his 21st win of the season.

Petes Brennan Faulkner, Adam Novotný and Aiden Young scored in the game, while Matthew Soto brought two assists. Garrett Frazer, Adam Levac and Carson Cameron also had an assist in the win.

The first period saw an Oshawa goal from Porter Byrd-Leitner, while the second  goals from Faulkner and Novotný.

Heading into the third with a one point lead, the Petes secured the win with 1:07 remaining in the period as Young scored an empty net goal.

The Petes are back in action on Jan. 10 when they host the Guelph Storm. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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City of Peterborough Encourages The Use of Local myAddress Verification Tool

The City of Peterborough encourages residents to use the interactive myAddress Verification tool to confirm officially recognized addresses within the City.

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myAddress Verification allows residents to check their property address and confirm all units associated with a single address are properly recorded.

Information maintained through myAddress Verification is shared with key external partners, including 911 Emergency Services, Canada Post and Hydro One, helping ensure consistency across these essential services. 

Accurate municipal addresses play a critical role in emergency response, helping first responders locate homes and businesses when a call for service is made.

The tool was developed by the City of Peterborough’s Geomatics/Mapping Division. It supports the City’s Municipal Address By-law, which establishes a standardized approach to assigning and modifying municipal addresses.  

When changes occur or new addresses are created, the City issues Address Notification Memos to inform stakeholders and property owners. Residents can search for Address Notification Memos issued since 2004 using the Search Address Memo tool.

Residents are encouraged to explore the City’s full range of online mapping resources by visiting the website.

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Peterborough Singers Reach $100,000 Campaign Goal Ahead of Artistic Director’s Final Season

The Peterborough Singers hit their $100,000 campaign goal for Syd Birrell's Legacy Fund ahead of his final season as Artistic Director.

photo courtesy of the peterborough singers, facebook.

Three weeks ago Birrell stood in front of the Peterborough Singers for the final time to conduct their annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. 1,300 people came to the show to witness his last musical event as Artistic Director.

“As I lifted my hands, I was keenly aware that this moment was both an ending and a culmination,” said Birrell in a press release. “I will carry the sound, the emotion and the shared energy of those evenings with me for the rest of my life.”

The $100,000 goal for the Artistic Director’s legacy fund was reached in the early morning of Jan. 1.

“Over the past 35 years, the Peterborough Singers has grown into something far greater than I could ever have imagined when we first gathered. Yes, it is a choir that strives for thrilling musical excellence,” he continued. “But more importantly, it has become a place of friendship, safety, inclusivity, kindness, joy and love. In rehearsal rooms and concert halls, in moments of laughter and moments of quiet support, this choir has reflected the very best of what community can be.”

The campaign for Syd's Legacy Fund will continue until the end of this season.

A new Artistic Director for Peterborough Singers has yet to be announced.

“Thank you for your trust, your voices and your hearts. Thank you for reminding me, week after week and year after year, why this work matters. I leave this role with immense gratitude, deep peace and unwavering confidence in what lies ahead for the Peterborough Singers,” Birrell concluded.

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Failure To Comply With Undertaking Arrest at Stenson Boulevard and Brealey Drive Area

A 38-year-old Mississauga man is facing a failure to comply charge after an incident in Peterborough Wednesday morning.

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At approximately 10:40 a.m. on Jan. 7, officers were notified of an unwanted person at a residence in the Stenson Boulevard and Brealey Drive area. Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect had hopped a fence and was now running through a nearby park. Officers caught up to the man and took him into custody.

As a result of the investigation, the Mississauga man was arrested and charged with:

• Failing to comply with undertaking X3

The accused is currently bound by an undertaking to not be at the residence above and to not communicate with the people who live in the residence.

He is being held in custody and will appear in court today, Jan. 8.

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Brett Hammond and Garrett Frazer in Trade Deal with The Otters

Ahead of Friday’s trade deadline, the Peterborough Petes have acquired forward Brett Hammond and defenceman Garrett Frazer from the Erie Otters in exchange for Pete’s defenceman Blake Gowan.

Photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

Hammond, a 2006-born native of Ottawa, was originally selected by the Otters with the first overall pick in the 2023 U18 Priority Selection. The 6’3” forward has played in 149 games for the Otters over parts of three seasons, scoring 17 goals and adding 14 assists for 31 points. This season, Hammond has scored 10 goals in 27 games while wearing an “A” for the Otters.

“Brett is a big forward who plays a gritty, two-way game,” said Peterborough Petes General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke. “He brings a physical presence, skates well and will be strong on the forecheck.”

Frazer, born in 2006 from Haymarket, VA, was originally signed by the Otters as a free agent in 2025 after spending time in the BCHL, USHL and the NAHL. The 6’0 defenceman has played in 71 games since being signed, scoring three goals and adding 14 assists for 17 points. Along with Hammond, Frazer also wore an “A” this season for Erie.

“Garrett is a solid right handed defenceman who is tough to play against,” said Oke. “He plays a very physical game and is someone who opposing players take note of when he’s on the ice.”

Heading to Erie in the trade along with three picks is 2008-born defenceman Blake Gowan. Gowan, from Kingston, has played in 75 games with the Petes in his OHL career, scoring once and adding 16 assists for 17 points.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to thank Blake for his time in Peterborough,” said Oke. “We appreciate his contributions to the team and wish him the best of luck as he takes the next step in his hockey career.”

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