Check Out The Business Beat This Week: Hitting a High Note With the High-Speed Trains, Chocolate Creations and Community Swims

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Peterborough Rides the Alto: High-Speed Train to Bring New Opportunities

Peterborough is set to become a stop on Alto, the high-speed train connecting millions of people along the Toronto–Québec City corridor. With speeds reaching 300 km/h over approximately 1,000 km of dedicated and mainly electrified tracks, Alto promises to transform travel and create new opportunities for business and growth.

To give the community an inside look at the project, the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and The County of Peterborough are hosting Alto’s CEO, Martin Imbleau, on Feb. 19. For more information and to register, visit pkchamber.ca/events.

Alto is also hosting an open house on Feb. 26 at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Chocolate lovers unite! The Annual Chocolate Creations Festival is back.

From Jan. 30 to Feb. 17, the Lakefield Village Lions are hosting the sixth Annual Chocolate Creations Festival, showcasing 18 local businesses with unique chocolate creations.

Every treat enjoyed supports local organizations and families, making it a sweet adventure for the community. For a full list of participating businesses, voting information and event details, visit facebook.com/LakefieldVillageLionsClub.

Carl Oake Rotary Swim Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has kicked off its 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim, aiming to raise $1.5 million for Easter Seals, the YMCA’s Strong Kids Program and Rotary community initiatives.

This year’s swim will take place at 7 a.m. on Feb. 27 at the YMCA, with a fun 1980s theme. Anyone can participate or donate by visiting CarlOakeRotarySwim.com.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.

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PolarFest Returns To Selwyn Township January 30 To February 1

Selwyn Township is gearing up for another winter celebration as PolarFest returns for a weekend of outdoor fun, community spirit and seasonal traditions Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.

photo courtesy of selwyn township.

PolarFest kicks off on Jan. 30 with the opening ceremony and fireworks taking place at Chemong Lodge in Bridgenorth at 6:20 p.m. Following the fireworks, the Guns and Hoses Charity Hockey Game at the Ennismore Community Centre will start at 7:30 p.m., supporting the Bridgenorth and Lakefield Food Banks.

The Horse drawn Sleighrides at the Ennismore Community Centre, offered for the first time in 2020, will make its return this year. This PolarFest experience invites families to enjoy a winter ride on Jan. 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

On Saturday, visitors can also explore ice carvings in Lakefield’s Cenotaph Park and Bridgenorth’s Heritage Park. To help residents move easily between experiences, a free PolarFest shuttle bus will operate throughout the day on Jan. 31.

The weekend will wrap up on Feb. 1 with the Frosty 5K Run and the BEL Rotary Polar Plunge, featuring this year’s retro TV-themed costumes.

A full schedule of events and additional details can be found on the PolarFest website.

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Protect Your Plumbing As Peterborough Faces Extreme Temperatures

Due to the extreme cold weather forecasted for the Peterborough area, homeowners are reminded that the risk of freezing water pipes is significantly increased.

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Residents are encouraged to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of frozen water lines and potential property damage.

To help protect household plumbing systems: 

  • Drain and shut off exterior taps and hose bibs 

  • Ensure all internal plumbing is in areas maintained above freezing temperatures. In spaces like crawl areas, pipes near exterior walls should be insulated to reduce the risk of freezing

  • If water lines have frozen before, hire a qualified plumber to assess and fix any vulnerabilities. This may include adding insulation, relocating interior plumbing or lowering the water service pipe buried outside the building on private property

For City of Peterborough Water Services matters, including watermain breaks on public property, call (extension 1295) during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For after-hours emergencies, this number can be called.

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City of Peterborough Declares Significant Weather Event Monday After Weekend Winter Storm

Due to a winter storm this past weekend that brought significant snowfall to the area, the City of Peterborough has declared a Significant Weather Event effective Monday.

file photo.

Beginning on Sunday, a winter storm resulted in significant snowfall across the region. Snowfall continued into the early morning hours on Monday.

Snow accumulation has resulted in narrowed travel lanes and reduced bike lane widths. In addition, sidewalks at various locations require blower assistance or mechanical snow removal.

Crews are actively working through a prioritized list of winter maintenance operations. While these efforts are underway, the Significant Weather Event Declaration will remain in effect.

During a significant weather event, residents are advised to use caution and are reminded that typical winter maintenance service levels may not be met as crews respond to storm conditions.

Residents and pedestrians are asked to give snow-clearing crews the space needed to work safely and efficiently.

Peterborough Transit may adjust service, including the use of designated snow routes, in response to weather conditions.

The Significant Weather Event Declaration will be lifted once conditions improve and winter maintenance operations are able to return to normal service standards.

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Petes Fall To Knights In London 10-2

The Peterborough Petes were in London for an afternoon matchup against the London Knights on Sunday, ultimately falling to the Knights with a final score of 10-2.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

In the first, the Knight’s quickly took the lead with three goals by Ryan Brown, Jaxon Cover and Braidy Wassilyn. Brennan Faulkner put the Petes on the board with a goal, assisted by Matthew Perreault and Braydon McCallum.

The second period was eventful for the Knights as they secured five goals in total from Henry Brzustewicz, Jaxon Cover, Evan Van Gorp, Braidy Wassilyn and Jaxon Cover.

The third saw two more goals for London by Jesse Nurmi and Rene Van Bommel, while Peterborough’s Leon Kolarik brought the Petes final goal count of the night up to two.

The Petes are back in action on Jan. 29 when they host the Sudbury Wolves. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Peterborough Police Lay 19 Charges Against Local Man After Multiple Theft Incidents

A 28-year-old Peterborough man appeared in court for the second time last week after multiple theft incidents over several days at a local business.

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At approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday, officers from the Community F.I.R.S.T Unit located a man matching the description given to police after reports of several thefts from a local business earlier that day. 

As a result, a 28-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order x6

  • Theft under $5,000 x3

Between Jan. 18 and Jan. 22, officers responded to nine calls for service in connection with this individual and have laid 19 charges.

The accused is currently bound by two probation orders to not attend the business and to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The accused was remanded into custody and will appear in court Monday.

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Peterborough Man Wanted On Existing Warrant Faces New Theft Charges

A 33-year-old Peterborough man wanted on a warrant is facing new charges in connection with a theft Sunday afternoon.

file photo.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, officers on general patrol spotted a man on a bicycle that failed to stop at a stop sign in the Stewart Street and Dalhousie Street area. Officers conducted a traffic stop and further learned the man was wanted on a warrant, and in connection with a theft earlier that afternoon.

As a result of the investigation, a 33-year-old Peterborough man was arrested on the strength of the warrant and further charged with:

  • Theft Under $5,000

  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada

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

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

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Peterborough Petes Secure Road Win Over Sarnia Sting

The Peterborough Petes were in Sarnia for the weekend battle with the Sarnia Sting, taking the win 5-2 on Saturday.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

The first period saw three goals from Petes players Matthew Soto, Adam Novotný and Yanis Lutz, and two goals from Sarnia’s Easton Walos and Tyler Challenger.

As the Petes went into the second leading 3-2, Kieron Walton scored again for the team, and Aiden Young secured the game’s win with a goal in the third.

Easton Rye made 26 saves in the game, picking up his 24th win of the season.

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Peterborough Humane Society Celebrates 85 Year Anniversary

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

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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