Peterborough Humane Society Celebrates 85 Year Anniversary

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The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) celebrated their 85th anniversary milestone with an open house event Saturday.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Founded in 1941, the Peterborough Humane Society has spent more than eight decades serving animals and the people who care about them. Approximately 1,500 animals come through the doors of PHS each year to receive veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping and spay or neuter services prior to adoption.

@ptbo_canada Happy 85th birthday, @Peterborough Humane Society! 🐶🐈‍⬛🥳 #ptbocanada ♬ Summerdays - Truenoys

“This milestone belongs to the entire community,” says Shawn Morey, CEO of the Peterborough Humane Society. “For 85 years, animal lovers across Peterborough and the Kawarthas have supported PHS and its mission in many ways. Caring for both ends of the leash means supporting animals and the people who love them.”

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Nominations Now Open For 2025 Civic Awards

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Nominations are now open for the City of Peterborough’s 2025 Civic Awards.

file photo.

The annual Civic Awards recognize and honour local volunteers and those who had a positive impact or outstanding achievement in 2025 through sports, arts, culture or volunteer work.  

“The Civic Awards celebrate the dedication and contributions of individuals and groups across our community whose achievements deserve recognition. By submitting a nomination, residents can help honour those whose efforts have made a meaningful and positive difference in Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

Individuals or groups may be recognized across 12 award categories: 

  • Adult Athlete of the Year 

  • Athletic Award of Merit 

  • Community Betterment 

  • Cultural Betterment 

  • Environmental Stewardship 

  • Holnbeck Award 

  • Junior Athlete of the Year 

  • Lifetime Achievement Award 

  • Mayor’s Youth Award 

  • Senior Athlete of the Year 

  • Volunteer of the Year 

  • Youth Volunteer of the Year 

Nominees must be residents and/or property owners in the City of Peterborough. Individuals living outside the City may be recognized if they are part of a city-based group or team receiving an award. Nominees for the Holnbeck Award may be residents of either the City or County of Peterborough. All nominees must be volunteers. 

To submit a nomination, visit the website to complete the form and find information on award categories, the nomination process and past winners. Paper copies of the nomination form are also available from the Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

Nominations will close on Mar. 13 at 4:30 p.m. 

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Peterborough Housing Corporation Launches Strategic Plan For 2026-2031

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The Peterborough Housing Corporation (PHC) has launched its new 2026-2031 Strategic Plan to continue to support PHC’s role in delivering social and affordable housing services to residents in the City and County of Peterborough.

stock photo.

Informed by engagement and consultation with residents, staff and community partners, the Strategic Plan builds on existing strengths that will allow PHC to develop and support healthy, connected communities where residents live and grow within the housing continuum.

The five strategic goals provide clear direction to support:

  1. Providing and maintaining high quality properties

  2. Strengthening the sense of community for residents through engagement

  3. Increasing services to residents through community partnerships designed to meet resident needs

  4. Investing in our staff to enhance service delivery for stronger outcomes

  5. Pursue long-term financial sustainability through leveraging technology, operational efficiency and diversified revenue sources.

“PHC is driven by a dedicated team of professionals who care deeply about the people and communities we serve,” said Travis Doak, PHC CEO. “Every day, we contribute to building communities in the City and County where everyone has a safe, quality place to call home. Over the next five years, this Strategic Plan will guide our investments in our properties, people and systems, strengthening our services and improving outcomes for the residents we serve.”

For more information, visit the website.

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Peterborough Police Seize Drugs and Loaded Firearm During Traffic Stop

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A 28-year-old St. Catharines man is facing 10 Criminal Code charges and 4 Highway Traffic Act charges after drugs and a loaded firearm were seized during a traffic stop in Peterborough Thursday evening.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

At approximately 10 p.m. on Jan. 22, officers on general patrol in the O’Carroll Avenue and Aylmer Street area spotted a vehicle that failed to stop properly at two stop signs. Officers conducted a traffic stop and learned that the driver was suspended. The driver was taken into custody.

During a search of the vehicle after arrest officers located and seized:

  • Loaded Handgun

  • 349.5 grams of Cocaine

  • 22.1 grams of Crack Cocaine

  • 7.3 grams of Fentanyl

  • Drug paraphernalia

  • Cell phones

  • Canadian currency

  • Cannabis paraphernalia

As a result of the investigation, a 28-year-old St. Catharines man was arrested and charged with:

  • Unauthorized Possession Of A Firearm

  • Unauthorized Possession Of A Prohibited Or Restricted Firearm

  • Knowledge Of Unauthorized Possession Of Firearm

  • Occupant Of Motor Vehicle Knowing There Was Firearm

  • Possession Of Loaded Prohibited Or Restricted Firearm

  • Possession Of A Schedule I Substance For The Purpose Of Trafficking – Cocaine

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Other Drugs (Fentanyl)

  • Possession Of A Schedule I Substance For The Purpose Of Trafficking - Crack-Cocaine

  • Possession Of Proceeds Of Property Obtained By Crime Under $5000 - In Canada

  • Failure To Comply With Undertaking

  • Driving while under suspension (Highway Traffic Act)

  • Disobey stop sign - stop wrong place (Highway Traffic Act)

  • Disobey stop sign - fail to stop (Highway Traffic Act)

  • Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available (Cannabis Control Act)

The accused is currently bound by an undertaking with the following condition: to not posses any firearm, crossbow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, firearm part, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance.

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court Friday.

There are several ways to report a crime to the Peterborough Police Service:

  • Emergency call 9-1-1

  • Non-emergency call 705-876-1122 x225

  • Online through the official Online Reporting Portal where you can also upload photos and/or video.

Reports can be submitted anonmously Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Petes Fall 4-1 At Home To Saginaw Spirit

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The Peterborough Petes hosted the Saginaw Spirit at the Peterborough Memorial Centre Thursday, losing to Saginaw 4-1.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

Despite outshooting the Spirit 49-21 in the game, Adam Levac’s power play marker early in the third period would be the only goal for the Petes. Leon Kolarik added an assist, while Kieron Walton also had an assist to extend his point streak to five games since being acquired from the Sudbury Wolves.

Saginaw’s Nikita Kelpov scored in the first, while Jacob Cloutier and James Guo scored for the team in the second.

After Levac’s third period goal, Kelpov scored again for Saginaw, taking the win 4-1.

The Petes are back in action on Jan. 24 when they head to Sarnia to take on the Sarnia Sting. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena.

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Emergency Shelter Services and Winter Overnight Warming Spaces In Place Ahead of Frigid Temperatures

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Emergency shelters and a winter overnight warming space in the City of Peterborough are being provided to help keep the community safe during the extreme cold forecasted over the coming days.

file photo.

On Jan. 22, Lakelands Public Health issued a cold warning for the County of Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County and the City and County of Peterborough for Jan. 24 to 25.

Environment Canada forecasts the temperature in Peterborough will fall to -28C in the evening on Jan. 23, with the wind chill reaching -36C. Environment Canada warns of the risk of frostbite. For Jan. 24, the forecast shows a low of -25C.

Information on protecting yourself from the extreme cold can be found on Lakelands Public Health’s website.

Those in need of shelter can contact one of the following emergency shelter locations:  

  • Brock Mission Men’s Shelter, 217 Murray St., 705-748-4766 ext. 1

  • YES Shelter for Youth and Families, 196 Brock St., 705-748-3851

  • Cameron House, 738 Chemong Rd., 705-748-4766 ext. 2

Trinity Community Centre, 360 Reid St., runs daytime and overnight drop-in programs, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., respectively.

There are 127 beds within the City’s emergency shelter network and the Trinity Community Centre overnight drop-in program.

Those experiencing homelessness who need help accessing shelter can contact Social Services by visiting the Social Services office, 178 Charlotte St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Those seeking after-hours assistance can call.

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,

Felicia Massey


Score For The Zoo Hockey Tournament Raises Funds For Accessible Playground Project At Riverview Park and Zoo

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The Score for the Zoo hockey tournament has raised $8,000 for the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Accessible Playground project at Riverview Park and Zoo. 

The Riverview Park and Zoo, in partnership with The Rotary Club of Peterborough, has committed to raising $1.5 million to bring their vision of a fully accessible playground at the zoo to life. The Rotary Club has pledged to match every donation made to the project, up to $125,000.

More details can be found online.

@ptbo_canada Score For The Zoo hockey tournament raises funds for the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Accessible Playground Project at Riverview Park and Zoo! 🛝🥅 #ptbocanada #accessibility ♬ Reflections on 52nd - AGM3

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Petes Sign Minor Petes Alumnus Ben Radley To OHL Standard Player Agreement

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The Peterborough Petes have signed defenceman Ben Radley to an OHL Standard Player Agreement, announced Thursday.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Radley, a defenceman from Iroquois, ON, was originally selected by the Brantford Bulldogs in the third round, 58th overall, of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. In parts of three seasons in the OHL, Radley has skated in 70 games for the Bulldogs and the Sudbury Wolves, scoring once and adding seven assists for eight points.

“Ben is a left-handed defenceman who has experience playing in the OHL,” said Petes General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke. “This move gives us some added depth on the blueline and the opportunity to use him as required. He’ll be a player that will be able to compete for a full-time spot next season.”

This season, Radley has featured in 20 games for the OJHL’s Stouffville Spirit, picking up 11 points. In 2022-23, Radley played for the Peterborough Petes U16’s, winning an OMHA Championship and playing in the OHL Cup.

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Peterborough Musicfest Announces Concert Dates For Its 39th Season

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Peterborough Musicfest has announced the dates for its 39th season as a summer of free live music returns to Del Crary Park from June 27 to Aug. 19.

file photo.

As Canada’s longest-running free admission music festival, Peterborough Musicfest has become a  summer tradition that welcomes audiences of all ages and showcases a mix of Canadian and international artists every Wednesday and Saturday nights.

“Musicfest has always been about bringing people together,” said Executive Director of Peterborough Musicfest Tracey Randall. “There’s something incredibly special about sharing live music by the lake, it creates connection, joy and lasting memories. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to Del Crary Park for another summer of free concerts and community celebration.”

Planning for the 2026 season is underway, with artist bookings, partnerships and community collaborations taking shape behind the scenes. Lineup announcements and season highlights are said to roll out in the months ahead.

Returning this season is the 50/50 Raffle Draw, Invest In Musicfest donation drive, food vending and pre-show activities. 

For updates and more information, visit the website.

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Community Futures Peterborough Opens Applications For The 2026 Summer Company Program

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Applications are now open for the 2026 Summer Company Program through Community Futures, offering students in the City and County of Peterborough the opportunity to start and operate their own business while gaining hands-on entrepreneurial experience over the summer months.

photo courtesy of community futures peterborough.

Funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade’s Small Business Enterprise Centre program, Summer Company provides eligible students with start-up funding, business training and one-on-one mentorship. The program supports young entrepreneurs in transforming business ideas into viable summer businesses. 

"Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and the Summer Company Program is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of innovators right here in Peterborough," said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. "By providing young entrepreneurs with the right tools, mentorship, and financial support, we are helping them turn their creative ideas into reality while building the vital skills they need for future success in Ontario’s economy."

Students between the ages of 15 and 29 who are returning to school in September 2026 are eligible to apply for Summer Company, which is delivered by Community Futures Peterborough through its Business Advisory Centre.

Those selected for the Summer Company Program receive up to $3,000 in grant funding, along with cohort training and one-on-one mentorship as they launch and run their business this summer. Past businesses have included services and products such as lawn care, window cleaning, farm help, dance and swimming lessons, clothing brands and more.

“Our community continues to show strong demand for entrepreneurship services, both lending and advisory,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “The Summer Company Program is designed to spark the idea of entrepreneurship amongst our youth and introduce them to the supportive and strong ecosystem we have to advise them in their small business journey.” 

In Peterborough, Summer Company students will participate in a blend of cohort and one-on-one training and learn skills such as developing a business plan, marketing strategies to launch and grow a viable business and how to develop an accurate budget and cash flow for their small business.

“The programming we have designed ensures our students gain transferable skills that they can use to pursue entrepreneurship or to contribute to future career success across all sectors,” said Rose Terry, Manager of the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough. “We can’t wait to see the business ideas we receive in this year’s applications that will become the next generation of leaders in our community.”

Summer Company is open to students with a wide range of interests and experience levels. Applicants do not need prior business experience or a fully developed business plan. Selection is based on motivation, willingness to learn and the potential of the business idea.

Applications can be submitted online.

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