Peterborough Police Not Participating In Assault Style Federal Compensation Program

The Peterborough Police Service will not be an active participant in the Assault Style Federal Compensation Program (ASFCP), a buy-back program for firearms, announced Wednesday.

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In a message from Peterborough Police Chief Betts, he breaks down the decision.

“After careful consideration and review of the information currently available, an operational decision has been made that at this time the Peterborough Police Service will not be an active participant in the Federal Assault Style Federal Compensation Program (ASFCP). This means, we will not be deploying officers or resources to actively seek out those with firearms that fall within the scope of this program. The Police Service Board is aware of this decision, and a report will be presented to the Board at its next Board meeting in Feb. 2026.”

“The federal government has been clear, ‘participation to obtain compensation through the ASFCP is voluntary, compliance with the law is not, therefore, all owners who do not participate in the program must dispose of or permanently deactivate their prohibited firearms and devices before the amnesty period ends on Oct. 30, 2026.’”

“We remain committed to public safety and to reducing firearm-related harm in our community; however, there are significant gaps within the ASFCP program, including insufficient clarity around the details and expectations of the program, such as the logistics of operationalizing such a program including the expectations of police services to safely engage with this program.”      

“While the ASFCP may help reduce the availability of domestically sourced prohibited firearms, our current priorities related to firearms investigations are focused on those who use firearms in the commission of a criminal offence, irrespective of whether they are legally or illegally owned: stated otherwise, if a person commits a criminal offence in our community, and uses a firearm in the commission of that offence, we will bring the full weight of our resources to bear to ensure that person is brought before the courts to answer for their actions.”

“The Peterborough Police Service has long-established procedures for investigations involving firearms, including how to respond to those who wish to turn firearms over for destruction, and our police service remains focused on disrupting criminal networks and preventing crime by deploying our limited resources where they will have the greatest and most immediate impact on public safety.  We recognize the federal government’s commitment to addressing gun violence and will continue working with them and the Province of Ontario, to disrupt and combat such activities in our community.”

On Jan. 19, the Public Safety Canada portal opened for individuals who wish to declare their firearms for possible compensation under the ASFCP. To determine the approach being undertaken in their respective community, Canadians are invited to consult the Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program website and direct any questions to the Public Safety Canada Help Centre.

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Marentette’s Mission Partners With MILK + TEA For New Community Fundraising Initiative

Marentette’s Mission, a charitable program founded by Peterborough Petes defenceman Thanasi Marentette, has partnered with MILK + TEA’s Brewing Confidence for community partnership and fundraising initiative.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

A portion of proceeds from MILK + TEA’s baked goods such as sourdough bagels, sourdough bread, sourdough cinnamon rolls, sourdough muffins, cookies and Bubble Tea Boba Kits will be donated to Marentette’s Mission. Funds raised will help provide resources for underprivileged individuals and families across the Peterborough community.

Marentette’s Mission was created by Thanasi Marentette to give back to the community that shaped his journey as a competitive athlete. Inspired by the values learned through sport, the donation-driven initiative is dedicated to making a meaningful and lasting impact for those who need support most in Peterborough.

“Marentette’s Mission is very excited to partner with MILK + TEA to continue to support the Peterborough Community,” said Marentette. “After the success of the Warm Hands, Warm Hearts Winter Clothing Drive, it was important to me that we kept the momentum going.”

In addition to supporting Marentette’s Mission, proceeds from the fundraiser will also help MILK + TEA Brewing Confidence initiative continue its own inclusive mission to offer hands-on employment opportunities for young adults with down syndrome and individuals with disabilities.

“Community partnerships like this allow us to give back while continuing to invest in inclusive training and employment,” said Philip Cho from MILK + TEA Brewing Confidence. “We are incredibly grateful for the support and excited to work alongside Marentette’s Mission to make a difference locally.”

Pre-orders for the fundraiser and baked goods can be placed online, with pickup available on Fridays at 57–360 George St. N. Registration for MILK + TEA’s training program is also currently open.

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Fleming College Launches Ontario’s First Immersive Veterinary Technician Program

Fleming College is expanding its School of Health and Community Services with the launch of a unique, accelerated Veterinary Technician (VT) program in partnership with the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS), driven by a province-wide shortage of veterinary professionals.

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The new program is the first in Ontario to provide students with on-site clinical learning starting in their first week of study, made possible through a strategic partnership with PHS. The accelerated format enables students to complete four consecutive semesters and enter the workforce much sooner than traditional delivery models.

Students begin training at PHS immediately and will use Fleming’s advanced simulation technologies to hone essential skills and refine techniques before administering care to live animals. This applied learning approach is furthered by a 150-hour placement in an animal care environment, allowing students to broaden their professional experience and master skills in real-world settings.

“Our new Veterinary Technician program reflects Fleming’s strategic commitments to providing innovative, career-ready education, addressing critical labour market needs, and enhancing student-centred learning through strong partnerships like the Peterborough Humane Society,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President. “We’re excited about the opportunity to provide students with an exceptional learning experience in the state-of-the-art veterinary clinic and animal shelter from day one. Combined with our leading-edge simulation technologies and industry placements, our graduates will emerge as highly skilled veterinary technicians that employers are actively seeking.”

Instruction is led by Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Registered Veterinary Technicians, who bring current industry expertise and mentorship into the learning environment. Their lessons equip students with the fundamental knowledge required to excel across a variety of sectors, including private clinics, emergency hospitals, zoos, research laboratories and shelters.

Applications are now open for the Fleming’s first Veterinary Technician cohort beginning in September 2026. Prospective students are encouraged to apply before the equal consideration deadline on Feb. 1. Applications received after this date will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.

For more information about the program or to apply, visit the Fleming College website.

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ReFrame Film’s 2026 Festival Launches Friday

This year’s ReFrame Film Festival opens on Jan. 30 with two concurrent screenings at Showplace Performance Centre and Market Hall Performing Arts Centre.

the nest, screening jan.30 at market hall. photo courtesy of reframe film festival.

The launch marks the beginning of ReFrame’s weekend-long in-person program of screenings and ancillary programming, followed by a Canada-wide virtual program running Feb. 3 to 8.

Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St N.)

Friday, Jan. 30 at 4:45 p.m.

Echoes in Steel (short, 13 min., also available in the virtual program)
Ocean Seen from the Heart (feature, 97 min., also available in the virtual program)

Echoes in Steel by Rob Viscardis centres on artist Garrett Gilbart as he adapts his sculpture practice following the closure of a long-favoured scrapyard. The screening is followed by a Q&A with Viscardis and Gilbart. The presentation continues with the beautiful and urgent feature Ocean Seen from the Heart by Iolande Cadrin-Rossignol and Marie-Dominique Michaud, featuring astrophysicist Hubert Reeves.

Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St.)

Friday, Jan. 30 at 4:45 p.m.

The Nest (feature, 89 min., also available in the virtual program)

The Nest follows writer Julietta Singh as she returns to her childhood home and uncovers generations of forgotten matriarchs and political rebels. The film unfolds as an innovative and spellbinding reckoning with legacy, memories and silenced voices. The screening is followed by a Q&A with co-director Chase Joynt and NFB Executive Producer Chanda Chevannes.

The festival launch on Jan. 30 marks the beginning of ReFrame’s in-person program, from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, with screenings and ancillary programming taking place across downtown Peterborough.

Following the in-person program, ReFrame’s virtual program begins from Feb. 3 to 8, offering audiences across Canada on-demand access to more than half of the films in the 2026 lineup. Select virtual screenings are accompanied by Q&A’s and further ancillary programming.

Tickets are available online.

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Downtown Peterborough On-Street Parking Restrictions During Snow Removal Operations

Snow removal operations will take place overnight starting at approximately 9 p.m. Jan. 27, and on-street parking restrictions in the downtown area will be in place this week to support safe, efficient cleanup. 

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Crews will require access to snowbanks that have built up along sidewalks and curbs adjacent to on-street parking spaces. No Parking signs will be posted each evening on streets where crews will be working, and vehicles must be moved before work starts. 

Parking is available in the King Street Parkade, the Simcoe Street Parking Garage and in municipal lots. 

Infractions will result in an $80 penalty and the vehicle will be towed. Anyone who has had a vehicle towed can contact Municipal Law Enforcement Services on the next business day for information on where to claim the vehicle. 

Snow removal crews will also be working along Lansdowne Street. Anyone travelling in an area where snow removal is taking place is reminded to give crews space to work safely. 

The Significant Weather Event that was declared on Monday remains in place. Sidewalk clearing and snow removal at bus stops is on-going across the City. Crews continue to remove from dead ends, cul-de-sacs and curb facing sidewalks as resources and conditions allow. 

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City of Peterborough Announces Virtual Public Meeting For New Stormwater Rate Study This February

A virtual Public Information Centre on the review of the City of Peterborough Stormwater Management Fee will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 4.

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The Feb. 4 virtual meeting is the first of two meetings focusing on the City’s stormwater management fee structure. An in-person Public Information Centre will take place in the spring. 

In 2025, the City transitioned from funding stormwater services through the general tax levy to a dedicated fee appearing on water bills for residential and business water services customers. This interim fee, based on assessed property value, is a temporary measure to provide a more predictable funding source while a study is undertaken to consider how the fee is calculated.  

The interim fee does not fully address the long-term financial needs of the City’s stormwater system or public expectations around fairness and transparency. 

A Stormwater Rate Study is underway to refine this model to ensure stormwater fees better reflect a property’s stormwater impact, improve equity, and support sustainable financial planning. 

Proposed fee models include:  

• Same Fee for Every Residence: Every residence pays the same fee, based on the average amount of impervious area for residential properties. 

• Residential Fee by Housing Type: Each residential property type (e.g., detached house, townhouse, semi-detached or condo) has a different rate based on the average amount of impervious area for each housing type.  

• Residential Fee by Housing Size and Type: Each residential property type has a different rate based on the average amount of impervious area for each housing type with different tiers for single-detached houses (for example, small, medium, large). 

Registration is required to attend the virtual meeting. Once registered, a link to the virtual meeting will be sent to the provided email address.  

Residents can learn more about the Stormwater Rate Study and share their input through an online survey. The survey closes Feb. 13. 

The Feb. 4 meeting will be recorded and posted online following the presentation. 

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City of Peterborough Invites Artists and Residents to Shape Public Art Projects

Peterborough artists, designers, creators and residents are invited to help create and shape the artistic experience through various projects in the City of Peterborough. 

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The City is launching several new projects focusing on public art, including a vinyl mural project at the Peterborough Transit Terminal, a Request for Proposals for digital artwork and the creation of a Public Art Jury.  

Public Art at the Peterborough Transit Terminal

Artists and artist collectives are invited to submit an Expression of Interest for a public art project at the Peterborough Transit Terminal.  

This project involves applying vinyl murals to the Terminal’s exterior concrete columns and façade surfaces. The artwork will improve wayfinding, help users identify entrances, pathways and key areas and enhance safety and accessibility.  

This public art project is part of an infrastructure upgrade at the Terminal, partly funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.  

Expressions of interest must be submitted by Feb. 23 at 4 p.m.  

Request for Proposals Open to Artists, Designers, Creators 

Local artists, designers and creators are invited to submit a proposal for the creation of an original, scalable digital artwork to support the City’s Culture and Sport Tourism marketing, communications and merchandise initiatives.   

The selected artist will be commissioned to create one original digital artwork that can be adapted and reproduced across a wide range of applications, including:  

• Apparel and merchandise 

• Printed promotional materials 

• Digital marketing and communications 

• Event branding and tourism campaigns 

Proposals must be submitted by Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. 

Join the Public Art Jury 

The City is seeking knowledgeable and passionate individuals to serve as members of its Public Art Jury.  

The five-member Public Art Jury will be responsible for reviewing and scoring artist submissions for public art projects, participate in meetings as required, provide professional and lived experience in making recommendations and support the City’s Public Art Policy. Jury members will make recommendations to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee.  

Selected Jury members will receive an honorarium for participating in meetings and reviews for up to six different art projects during the year.  

The deadline to apply is Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. 

For more information on these local art projects, including how to apply, visit the City’s website.

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Pulmonary Function Testing Services Resume at Campbellford Memorial Hospital

The Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) has announced Tuesday the return of Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) services, expanding access to diagnostic testing for patients in Trent Hills and throughout Northumberland, Hastings and Peterborough counties.

The return of PFT services is part of CMH’s broader efforts to expand access to diagnostic services within the community. photo courtesy of the campbellford memorial hospital.

The resumption of PFT services supports earlier diagnosis and improved management of respiratory conditions, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), while allowing patients to access testing closer to home.

“Having Pulmonary Function Testing available again at CMH means patients no longer need to travel to facilities outside their community for this important diagnostic service,” said Wendy Cross, Respiratory Therapist at CMH. “It allows us to support timely testing and helps clinicians make informed decisions sooner.”

Testing will be completed by CMH’s Respiratory Therapy team with results interpreted by a CMH physician. 

“Pulmonary Function Testing is a critical tool in diagnosing and managing respiratory disease,” said Dr. Shiyam Loganathan, who will be responsible for reading and interpreting PFT results. “Providing this service locally improves access, reduces delays, and ultimately supports better patient outcomes.”

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New Canadians Centre Seeking Two New Board Members

The New Canadians Centre (NCC) is looking for two board members to join the governance team that shapes the core priorities and advises on the strategic direction of the organization.

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The NCC is seeking to fill two positions for two-year terms. Board members may serve three consecutive two-year terms.

In a press release, the NCC outlines that they are looking for individuals with “well-rounded governance experience and with a specific background in Capital Asset Management (facilities and construction) and Fundraising (Capital campaigns).”

“The NCC serves more than 2,500 newcomer clients annually. Newcomers can access a variety of programs and services, such as settlement and employment counselling, language assessment, transitional support, workshops (e.g., taxes and citizenship), English conversation and women’s groups, skills training, youth programming and activities and recreational outings,” the release states.

More information and application forms can be accessed here, and will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 22.

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Temporary Shelter On Carnegie Avenue Remains Open As Negative Temperatures Continue

The temporary overnight emergency shelter located at 161 Carnegie Ave. is expected to remain open until the morning of Jan. 30.

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Located in a former fire services building, the temporary emergency shelter was opened as an overflow shelter and warming space on Saturday. This temporarily adds 40 new overnight emergency shelter beds to the City of Peterborough’s 127-bed emergency shelter system.

The temporary shelter will operate from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.  

Ten people stayed at the temporary shelter on Saturday night, and 11 people stayed Sunday night. 

People seeking emergency shelter will continue to first contact the regular emergency shelters and will be referred to the temporary shelter on Carnegie if a space is not available in the regular emergency shelters. Transportation will be provided from the regular emergency shelters to the temporary shelter if needed. 

The regular shelter network includes the following shelters and services:   

• 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

Environment Canada currently expects that temperatures in Peterborough will continue to remain low, with overnight lows ranging from –16C to –21C throughout the week. 

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