Ontario Government Doubling Fire Protection Grant to Support Peterborough-Kawartha Firefighters

The Ontario government is doubling the total funding available for municipal fire departments this year from $10 to $20 million as part of its Fire Protection Grant, announced by MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith on Tuesday.

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Local fire services will receive $316,565 of this investment to purchase life-saving equipment, enhance cancer prevention initiatives and improve responses to lithium-ion battery incidents.

“Our firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our families,” said Smith. “By doubling this year’s Fire Protection Grant, we are ensuring our local heroes have the specialized equipment and training they need to stay safe on the job and return home healthy to their families.”

The Fire Protection Grant is an application-based program that provides municipal fire services with the resources needed to address contemporary safety challenges. This year's funding will benefit several municipal fire departments across the City and County of Peterborough, including Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Trent Lakes, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, North Kawartha and Peterborough.

Eligible projects under the 2025-26 grant cycle focus on three critical pillars; cancer prevention, including specialized gear decontamination units, Lithium-Ion Battery Response, providing tools for electric vehicle and electronics fires and Infrastructure Modernization, such as high-speed broadband for rural fire halls.

“This investment is a significant step forward in protecting the health and safety of our firefighters,” said Peterborough Fire Services Chief Chris Snetsinger. “Firefighting is a demanding profession that carries real and lasting health and safety risks. This support recognizes the importance of doing everything we can to reduce those risks. Whether that’s limiting exposure to contaminants or improving protective equipment, investments in firefighter safety are investments in the well-being of our entire community.”

For a grant breakdown between each local fire department, click the link.

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Peterborough Triathlete Tristen Jones Raising Funds For International Races

Local Peterborough triathlete Tristen Jones is fundraising to support his international travel costs as he represents Canada in competitions abroad.

photo courtesy of tristen jones.

Jones started doing triathlons in the Peterborough area at just 10 years old.

“I’ve spent my entire life in Peterborough. Anybody who lives near me probably knows me as the guy who runs down Ireland Drive,” said Jones in an interview with PTBOCanada.

As he progressed through youth rankings, Jones qualified at the junior level to race for Canada internationally. It was at the North American Junior Champs in 2019 that he placed second.

Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Jones decided to put his athletic ambitions on hold to prioritize his schooling, studying Kinesiology on scholarship at Queen’s University of Charlotte in North Carolina.

Choosing to study Kinesiology was a no-brainer for the athlete, whose parents both pursued degrees in the field.

“One fed into the other throughout my entire life. I’ve always enjoyed sports, and I’ve played every sport possible growing up. That got me into sports science and kinesiology,” said Jones. “Once I started studying it in University, it reinforced my love for what I do.”

After graduating in 2024, Jones continued his training throughout the spring and summer. He went on to compete in Hong Kong, China and Malaysia. The athlete made a goal for himself; if he could make the Triathlon Canada top five ranking during this competition, he would continue to pursue his dreams.

At his second race in China, he placed fifth.

“This reinforced for me that I can do this for real. I’m just going to go for it and see what I can do.”

Donations help Jones continue to pursue his athletic career internationally, where he will participate in races and training across the world.

“As you move up in the world ranking and in the level of competition, you need more time to prepare yourself for those races,” said Jones.  “Any donation or any tickets bought for the raffle is another chance for me to go and experience being a full-time pro athlete, and (compete) to the best of my abilities.”

The raffle runs until Jan. 31 and has a variety of prizes to be won. Tickets can be purchased to support Jones here.

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Named One of Canada’s Best Employers

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has been recognized for the second year in a row by Forbes as one of Canada's Best Employers, announced Tuesday.

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PRHC is among the top 20 hospital employers nationwide, and 245 overall among 300 Canadian employers across all sectors.

“Healthcare workers choose their careers because they care for people, and it is critical in turn that we take care of them,” says Dr. Lynn Mikula, President and CEO of PRHC. “This is why one of our top priorities as an organization is to be a workplace where people can thrive.

PRHC is the region’s largest employer, with more than 3,100 staff, 450 physicians and a group of 250 volunteers delivering acute healthcare to a population of 600,000 in Peterborough and the surrounding communities, including the First Nations of Curve Lake, Alderville and Hiawatha. The 2024-2029 Strategic Plan highlights the hospital’s commitment to being a workplace where people can thrive.

“Every day, our healthcare workers, staff, physicians and volunteers bring the best of themselves to their work, and together, they make this hospital the incredible place that it is,” continued Mikula. “It is wonderful to have PRHC recognized for a second consecutive year as one of the top hospital employers in the country, and we look forward to continuing our work to make PRHC even better as one team, here when you need us most.”

The annual Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers is developed by asking survey respondents if they would recommend their employer to others based on a range of criteria, including compensation, work flexibility, training opportunities and leadership programs.

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City of Peterborough 2026 Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Survey Now Open To The Community

The City of Peterborough has invited residents to provide input toward updating the Community Safety and Well-being Plan through a survey that is open until Feb. 13.

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The survey asks about perceptions and experiences in the community, and suggestions for how to improve safety and well-being. There is a map allowing community members to identify specific areas where they feel safe and unsafe. 

The Community Safety and Well-being Plan is used as a guide by the City and local social service providers to identify common goals for building a community where everyone is safe and included. 

Community members can provide input through the online survey and interactive map on Connect Peterborough. Paper copies of the survey and the current Plan are available at Service Peterborough in City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

“This survey is an important opportunity for residents to share what is working, where challenges remain, and how we can continue building neighbourhoods where everyone feels safe, supported and included. Hearing directly from the community will help guide the next chapter of this work,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

The Plan identifies five priority areas including; housing and homelessness, poverty and income security, healthcare and mental health, substance use and addictions and active transportation and connectivity.

The survey is open to all residents in the City of Peterborough, Curve Lake First Nation, and Hiawatha First Nation, including all permanent and seasonal residents, as well as those who are living unhoused.  

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Peterborough Police Service Launches N0H8 Awareness Campaign To Combat Hate Crimes

The Peterborough Police Service has launched the N0H8 public education and awareness campaign; which aims to reignite awareness about hate bias and hate crimes, how people can report such incidents and the role of law enforcement.

photo courtesy of the peterborough police service, facebook.

This campaign serves as a commitment made by the Peterborough Police Service to address hate through the support of the Proceeds of Crime Grant. Additional commitments included training made available to sworn and civilian members of the Peterborough Police Service and the development of an online visual tool that will help give more understanding to what hate looks like in the community.

Throughout the work funded by the grant, the Peterborough Police Service has connected with a group of community partners to help understand the needs and landscape of hate/bias in the community. 

The goals of the campaign are to:

  • Raise awareness about what hate and/or hate incidents may look like in our community

  • Promote personal stories of courage and acceptance

  • Provide access to educational resources and community supports

  • Encourage more residents to report hate incidents through the Peterborough Police Service online reporting portal

“We are happy to be able to bring this N0H8 campaign to life in our community. Over the past five years, on average, 46 hate/bias incidents are reported to our service,” said Peterborough Police Chief Stuart Betts. “In 2024, more than half of those incidents resulted in charges. We are also aware that these types of incidents are underreported and that is why we are reaching out to the community to encourage more people to report. This may result in a spike of hate-motivated incidents/crimes being reported, which is to be expected with a campaign of this nature.”

A website has been created that offers information about resources, provides a definition of what a hate/bias crime or incident is and a direct link to the hate bias crimes/incidents online reporting form.

The Peterborough Police Service is encouraging residents, businesses and schools to participate in spreading the message of N0H8.

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital’s Laboratory Reports Record Testing Volumes and Strong Performance In 2025

The Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) is highlighting the work and performance of its Laboratory Services following the release of the 2025 year-end results, which demonstrate high testing volumes, quality outcomes and timely results.

photo courtesy of the campbellford memorial hospital.

In 2025, CMH’s Core Laboratory collected more than 66,000 samples and performed nearly 149,000 tests. When broken down into individual components, this represents close to 470,000 reported results over the course of the year.

“These numbers really reflect both the volume and complexity of the work our team handles every day,” said Zoe Neilly, Laboratory Manager at CMH. “Behind every sample is a patient waiting for answers, and our staff are committed to delivering accurate, timely results that clinicians can rely on.”

In addition to routine testing, the laboratory made more than 3,300 critical result calls in 2025. These are direct, real-time communications to clinical teams when results indicated potentially life-threatening conditions. 

“Critical result calls are some of the most important moments in our work,” continued Neilly. “They require immediate action, clear communication, and absolute accuracy. Our team takes that responsibility very seriously.”

CMH’s laboratory also continued to invest in quality and modernization, implementing new equipment, introducing online booking for outpatient appointments and expanding in-house testing capabilities while.

Community members who have recently used the lab for outpatient services are encouraged to complete the new patient satisfaction survey.

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4th Line Theatre Breaks Ground With Maja Ardal’s The Legend of Pearl Hart

4th Line Theatre announces its 19th annual Breaking Ground event on Jan. 31 at Catherine Parr Traill College’s Bagnani Hall, with excerpts from Maja Ardal’s The Legend of Pearl Hart.

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Born in Lindsay, Ontario in 1871, Pearl Hart was the first woman tried and convicted of stagecoach robbery in the U.S. Pearl’s journey takes her from small town Ontario through Chicago’s World’s Fair, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West shows and rough mining frontiers of Arizona. Her trial, imprisonment and escapades while disguised as a boy made her a notorious celebrity of the times.

Breaking Ground is part of 4th Line Theatre’s New Play Development program, designed to support, nurture and encourage the creation of environmentally-staged historical plays

“Public readings are an important part of the creation of plays,” says Kim Blackwell, 4th Line’s Managing Artistic Director. “This forum gives the writer the opportunity to figure out what resonates with audiences. The audience’s feedback during the discussion afterward may be the most valuable aspect of Breaking Ground.”

Kim Blackwell will dramaturge the reading, directed by Anita La Selva, which will feature performers: Robert Winslow, Amy Keating, Colin A. Doyle, Lindsay Wilson, Ryan Tobin and Celine Gadoury.

The free event will take place at Bagnani Hall on Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. To reserve a seat call or email 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office.

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The Cheesy Fromage Owner Tanya Bailey Recognized With Rural Entrepreneur 2026 Award

The Cheesy Fromage owner Tanya Bailey was presented with the inaugural Rural Entrepreneur 2026 by Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs as part of the Rural Inspiration at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) event.

Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith poses with the cheesy fromage owner tanya bailey as she accepts the rural ENTREPRENEUR award. photo courtesy of the Office of M.P.P. Dave Smith.

“Tanya Bailey and the Cheesy Fromage embodies the spirit of rural Ontario,” said Hon. Lisa Thompson. “Rural small businesses like Cheesy Fromage are what keeps rural Ontario moving. It is rural small businesses in our rural communities that make Ontario the economic engine of Canada. That is why it is so important to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that is found each and every day in rural Ontario.”

The Rural Entrepreneur 2026 goes to a business that has displayed great efforts in delivering sustainable, local and healthy homemade meal options to assist residents with meal planning and nutrition.

“Tanya’s leadership was instrumental in revitalizing the Peterborough Agricultural Society, steering the 180-year-old organization back from the brink of permanent closure in early 2025, to being a strong voice in the local recovery efforts after the October 2025 fire in downtown Lakefield,” said Greg Bartlett, Vice Chair of the Peterborough Agricultural Society. “Tanya has proven that her dedication to the county’s agricultural community extends far beyond the walls of her Queen Street business.”

The Cheesy Fromage is Lakefield’s Original General Store. They promote local, sustainable, healthy meal options that support Lakefield and the surrounding rural communities.

“The success of our rural economy depends on local leaders like Tanya who bridge the gap between our farmers and our dinner tables,” said Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith. “By revitalizing the Peterborough Agricultural Society and championing sustainable food through The Cheesy Fromage, Tanya has created a blueprint for rural innovation.”

“I am very blessed to have a small business in a rural community which allows me to connect farming, and the production of Ontario cheeses with an amazing community like Lakefield in the heart of the Kawarthas,” said Bailey. “I hope that in some small way I can continue to raise awareness of the hard work of Ontario cheese makers and how they stand shoulder to shoulder with the best cheese producers in the world.”

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47-Year-Old Peterborough Man Facing Impaired Driving Charge After Traffic Stop

A 47-year-old man is facing an impaired driving charge after Peterborough Police conducted a traffic stop Monday night.

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At approximately 11:55 p.m. on Jan. 19, an officer on general patrol in the Sherbrooke Street and Clonsilla Avenue area spotted a vehicle speeding despite the snowy conditions. The officer conducted a traffic stop in the Sherbrooke Street and Goodfellow Road area. During the stop, the officer noticed signs of impairment with the driver.

As a result of the investigation, a 47-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

  • Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

  • Entire plate not plainly visible (Highway Traffic Act) (Plate Cover)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment. 

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 24.

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Professional Wrestler Cody Deaner To Guest Speak At Local Elementary Schools

Through a sponsorship with the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough, Chris Gray, known professionally as TNA Wrestling’s Cody Deaner, is doing his sixth guest speaker tour of several Peterborough schools this February.

photo courtesy of the kiwanis club of peterborough, facebook.

Gray will speak at St. Theresa Catholic Elementary School and Kawartha Montessori School on Feb. 2, and St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School and Keith Wightman Public School on Feb. 3.

“We’re very excited to bring Chris back to Peterborough for another tour,” said Kiwanis Club of Peterborough Past-President Jeff Westlake. “His previous tours have been tremendously popular with both students and staff. This will bring the number of schools we’ve visited to twenty.”

Gray is a recommended speaker with the Canadian Student Leadership Association, who’s mission is ‘to support and encourage student leadership in Canada.’

“I’m delighted to be returning to Peterborough next month”, said Gray. “The partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough has been outstanding these last few years, and I’m eager to inspire area kids with my stories and message of ‘Dare to Dream Big.’”

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