4th Line Theatre’s Box Office Opens Feb. 9 For Summer Season Ticket Purchases

The 4th Line Theatre box office will open to the public Feb. 9 to purchase play tickets for the theatre’s 2026 Summer Season.

wild irish geese returns to the 4th line stage after its sold-out 2025 premiere. photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.

Tickets, gift certificates and charcuterie snack boxes can be purchased by phone, toll-free, online and at 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office (9 Tupper Street, Millbrook.)

Schoolhouse

Set in 1938 in rural Ontario, Schoolhouse unfolds within S.S. #1 Jericho, a one-room school just outside the fictional village of Baker’s Creek. When 18-year-old Melita Linton takes on her first teaching position, she encounters a lively group of students and a community rooted in tradition.

Her resolve is tested by the arrival of Ewart, a withdrawn youth recently released from a reform school and sent to work on a local farm. As Miss. Linton strives to reach him, she uncovers the deep bonds and quiet fears of small-town life. Rich with humour and humanity, Schoolhouse beautifully evokes a vanished era in Canadian rural history.

Wild Irish Geese

Back by popular demand after its sold-out 2025 premiere, Wild Irish Geese returns to the 4th Line stage with a powerful story of migration and starting over. In the 1820’s, Peter Robinson led an emigration scheme that brought hundreds of Irish families to Canada as they fled famine and poverty. More than 2,000 arrived in Scotts Plains (later known as Peterborough) and began their lives anew. Wild Irish Geese reflects on the courage, displacement and enduring spirit of those who journeyed far to survive.

Through hardship and hope, these new Canadians forged a fragile beginning in a complex colonial landscape. Planting deep roots in the Peterborough area, these Irish emigrants now have tens of thousands of descendants both locally and across the globe.

“As we look ahead to our 34th season, we are excited to bring back two amazing plays from the theatre’s canon of work,” says Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell. “Both productions explore resilience, hope and the universal search for home.”

Visit the website to learn more.

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City Council Approves Procedure By-law Update

Council approved a new Procedure By-law, developed in consultation with the Procedure By-law Working Group, to govern Council meetings during their Monday night meeting.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The revisions in the proposed Procedure By-law focus on improving clarity, aligning with current legislative requirements and supporting efficient and transparent meeting processes according to Council.

It is customary during each term of Council to consider amendments to the current Procedure By-law. The Procedure By-law Working Group, comprising the Mayor, the Chair of the General Committee, the Chair of the Planning Committee, the CAO, the Commissioner of Legislative Services, the City Clerk, and the Deputy Clerk, met on several occasions to discuss procedural considerations. The Ombudsman’s Office was consulted and a review was undertaken of best practices from municipalities including Caledon, Cambridge, Chatham-Kent, Guelph, Pickering, Richmond Hill, St. Catharines, Whitby and Windsor.

The Procedure By-law updates certain aspects of how Council governs its meetings, such as the following examples:

• The authority and duties of the Chair in maintaining order, decorum and the effective conduct of meetings;

• Restricting the use of electronic devices during meetings to support transparency and uphold the statutory open meetings requirements;

• Aurally recording Council's closed session meetings, with the recordings kept confidential in accordance with legislative requirements;

• Using a consent agenda process for Council's closed session meetings, with Council having the option to approve reports through one motion prior to going into closed session and only matters not included as part of the consent agenda will be considered during the closed meeting;

• Requiring that notices of motion be introduced at Committee meetings, not at a regular Council meeting, to follow a two-step approval process;

• Setting a limit of four delegations per agenda item at a Council meeting to support efficient agenda management, with the delegations limit not applying to delegations heard as part of a statutory public meeting under the Planning Act or applicable legislation;

• Setting a limit of two questions per Council member for questions on delegations, with the question specifically related to the content of the delegation and the response to the question from the delegate not to exceed 90 seconds - this change was amended during Council's General Committee consideration of the proposed by-law to increase the limit to two questions from one question;

• When a motion to amend or a motion to defer a recommendation from City staff report is presented, the Chair of the meeting will ask staff to provide information on any implications on the amendment or deferral to ensure Council has the complete and accurate information prior to making a decision;

• A majority vote is sufficient for a Motion to Reconsider where the original matter was not decided by
  Council, or where it was decided by Council during a previous term of Council;

• A two-thirds vote will be required to pass a Motion to Reconsider where the original matter was decided by Council within the current term of Council; and

• To support efficient and orderly debate, it is proposed that Members be permitted to speak to a Motion no more than twice, with each speaking opportunity limited to five minutes during General Committee meetings and a maximum of three minutes during Council meetings.

Council amended the direction on the maximum number of delegations from the original recommendation to set a limit of 10 at a Council meeting, except for statutory public meetings under the Planning Act or other applicable legislation, where the limit does not apply. Council changed the limit to four delegations per agenda item at a Council meeting, except for statutory public meetings under the Planning Act or applicable legislation, when the limit will not apply.

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Two Peterborough Men Arrested For Choking Their Partners In Separate Incidents

Two Peterborough men are being held in custody on separate Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) incidents involving choking their respective partners on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 7 p.m., officers were called about a choking incident. Upon speaking with the victim, they learned that the incident had happened the evening before and that she had been choked and verbally threatened.

A 27-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Assault Cause Bodily Harm - Choke, suffocate or strangle

• Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm-Spousal

At approximately 7:15 p.m., officers conducted a well-being check and learned that an assault had occurred in which a woman was struck and choked. The victim was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment.

A 40-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Assault Cause Bodily Harm – Choke, Suffocate, Strangle

• Failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court

The accused is currently bound by a release order to stay away from the victim.

Both accused appeared in court on Tuesday.

For more resources in our community offering support on Intimate Partner Violence, please visit the Peterborough Police Service Victim Services information page.

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Peterborough Petes Annual Pink in the Rink Game Returns This Saturday

The Peterborough Petes 17th annual Pink in the Rink game returns to the Peterborough Memorial Centre Feb. 7, with the Petes supporting the Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Over the past 16 years, the Petes Pink in the Rink Campaign has raised over $1 million in support of cancer research, benefiting a number of different organizations. Now entering the 17th consecutive year, the campaign continues to be the OHL’s biggest ongoing fundraiser.

This season, funds raised from the Pink in the Rink Campaign will support Survivors Abreast, a group of breast cancer survivors from the Peterborough area in various stages of treatment and recovery. Known for hosting Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, their mission is to improve fitness, develop paddling skills required for dragon boating and to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer care in the Peterborough Community.

As of 2025, the Dragon Boat Festival has raised over $4.9 million dollars towards cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

“Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat Team is honoured that the Pete’s chose to support our organization through Pink in the Rink this year,” said Janice James, Survivors Abreast President. “Recovery after a cancer diagnosis doesn’t just end with surgeries and treatments. Survivorship is a journey of its own and Survivors Abreast plays a huge role in this. We look forward to seeing everyone on game night and connecting with anyone who would like more info.”

Fundraising opportunities on game night will include:

• A live game worn jersey auction on the ice after the game

• An in-person silent auction throughout the game

• A pass the bucket run by volunteers from Survivors Abreast

• Pizza Hut Chuck-A-Pep

• Pink in the Rink branded merch sales (replica jerseys, shirts, sweaters) at the Petes Store

• A special Pink in the Rink themed rink board featuring names of those who have battled cancer (in production)

• Ticket sales through Survivors Abreast

Fans are invited to submit their loved ones' names and pictures to be featured on the video board during the game. Submissions can be sent in via email. The deadline to submit photos is tonight (Feb. 2) at 11:59 p.m.

Limited tickets for Saturday’s Pink in the Rink game against the Sudbury Wolves are still available through Survivors Abreast.

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City of Peterborough's Virtual Public Meeting For New Stormwater Rate Study This Wednesday

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. this Thursday.

file photo.

The 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 on water bills for residential and business 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 email address provided.  

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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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Armour Heights Pharmacy, Senior Showcase and Trent University

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…

Faster Care Closer to Home: Armour Heights Pharmacy Joins Ontario's Access to Care Program

Armour Heights Pharmacy in East City has partnered with a new program called Access to Care, expanding the scope of pharmacist-led clinical services. Through the program, pharmacists can assess and prescribe for select acute conditions, including strep throat testing and treatment, shingles management, epipens, and symptom management for fever and malaise.

The pharmacy has also introduced a Travel Health Clinic, offering individualized risk assessments, travel vaccinations administered on-site, and prescription therapy for traveler’s diarrhea. Preventative services include prescribing and administering vaccines such as shingles, pneumonia, RSV, and HPV. Pharmacists can also prescribe medical devices and supplies, including diabetic sensors, test strips, inhaler spacer, and more. Appointments and online assessments forms are available via https://www.bookmypharmacy.com/7057400080.

Prescriptions are subject to clinical assessment, which through the Access to Care program involve fees for service. Armour Heights Pharmacy looks forward to supporting the community through this expanded range of services.

Booth Sales Open for 10th Annual Living Well Senior Showcase.

Booth sales are now officially open for Peterborough’s Living Well Senior Showcase, a full-day event dedicated to active aging resources, services, products, and workshops for seniors, their families, and community members.

Organized by the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce (PKCC) in partnership with Age-Friendly Peterborough and lead sponsor Living Well Home Medical Equipment, it caters specifically to those planning retirement or already enjoying their golden years.

The event takes place on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.). It will feature more than 100 exhibitors showcasing everything from health and wellness solutions to financial planning, home care, recreation, technology for independent living, and future-planning services.

Last year, the event drew more than 1,000 visitors, highlighting Peterborough's vibrant senior community (over 27,000 residents aged 65+). With the region's aging population

growing rapidly, this showcase is a prime outreach opportunity for businesses and organizations serving aging adults.

Exhibitor booths are selling fast so book yours now at pkchamber.ca/seniors-showcase or email Liam at liam@pkchamber.ca for details.

Level Up Your Skills Fast with Careerspace’s Winter Micro-Credentials

Trent University's Careerspace is kicking off its winter lineup of micro-credentials: short, flexible online courses (6–30 hours) that build in-demand skills with a shareable digital badge for your LinkedIn or resume.

Designed for professionals, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and anyone ready to level up, these courses are taught by local industry experts and emphasize practical tools plus networking opportunities.

Upcoming highlights include:

• Optimizing Fundraising Efforts – Starts Feb. 2, 2026

• Digital Marketing for Business Leaders – Starts Feb. 3, 2026

• AI for Business Leaders – Starts Feb. 5, 2026

• Intercultural Communication for Public Leaders – Starts Feb. 7, 2026 (Wednesdays 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Traill College for in-person elements)

• Project Management Basics – Starts Feb. 9, 2026

• Grant Writing for Nonprofits – Starts March 2, 2026

Plus, mark your calendar for Feb. 25, 2026: The Impact Microgrant recipients will showcase how these micro-credentials fueled their community projects, turning ideas into action with inspiring real-world stories.

Ready to grow? Explore the full schedule and register at trentu.ca/careerspace/micro-credentials or follow @trentucareerspace on Instagram for updates.

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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Peterborough Gets Less Sweet As Two Dessert Spots Announce Closure

Dessert options in Peterborough are declining, as BeaverTails and The Vanilla Room have announced on their social media accounts that they are closing their businesses.

Adam (left) and Michelle Levesque (right) showcasing a strawberry cheesecake BeaverTail and strawberry lemonade. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Vanilla Room had announced its closure on its social media platforms last Tuesday, citing rising costs and the current economic state.

“The reality is simply the state of the world right now. Rising costs, an uncertain economy, and the fact that many people just don’t have the extra room to spend on treats the way they once did. And we completely understand that,” said Kayla Da Luz, The Vanilla Room owner.

Located at 386 Water St., The Vanilla Room opened in early fall of 2024. The bakery and café served sandwiches and wraps, croffles, snacks and a variety of drinks.

An exact date for their closure has not been announced but the business said they will update the community as soon as they can.

Following suit with The Vanilla Room is BeaverTails who announced its closure on social media on Jan. 24.

“This was not an easy decision as we have some amazing customers we consider friends but we are lacking the consistency required for survival,” said Adam and Michelle Levesque of BeaverTails.

The couple opened their food truck in mid-September of 2023 just outside of Peterborough in Selwyn.

BeaverTails announced it will close no later than Feb. 15 or when it has sold out of product. Adam and Michelle are rebranding themselves as the food truck, Chemong Chuck Wagon. It will remain in the same location as their BeaverTails business at 1665 Chemong Rd. beside Home Hardware.

BeaverTails are deep-fried dough that can be topped with spreads, sauces, chocolate bar bits, fruit/fruit sauces and more.

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34th Annual Polar Plunge For Campbellford Memorial Hospital Exceeds Fundraising Goal

Despite chilly temperatures, the spirit of generosity was unmistakably warm this weekend as the 34th annual Polar Plunge in support of the Campbellford Memorial Hospital raises $40,000.

photo courtesy of polar plunge campbellford hospital AUXILIARY, facebook.

This year’s Polar Plunge exceeded its fundraising goal, with all proceeds going towards supporting quality patient care at Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

“We cannot thank our community enough,” said representatives of the Auxiliary to the Campbellford Memorial Hospital. “From the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, to the plungers who boldly took the leap, to the pledgers and spectators who showed their unwavering support; this event truly demonstrates what we can accomplish together for our hospital.”

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KPRDSB Director of Education Rita Russo Set To Retire This Summer

Rita Russo has announced her retirement after over five years as Director of Education with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB).

photo courtesy of rita russo, linkedin.

Her career spanned over three decades, serving schools in Toronto, York Region and the Kawarthas.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to serve public education in KPRDSB and to have shared this journey with such a wonderful community of students, staff, families and partners,” said Russo in an Update for Families.

She highlighted that the “KPR spirit” both humbled and inspired her during her tenure as Director.

“Throughout years of challenge and change, I have remained in awe of our students,” Russo reflected in her final Annual Report. “Their passion, brilliance and energy are the heartbeat of our board; they are the reason we do this work and they continue to be my greatest source of inspiration.”

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Peterborough Petes Leave Weekend Road Trip With Two Points

The Peterborough Petes left Ottawa and Kingston with two points after a pair of road games over the weekend.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 27-19-1-2 record. Photo courtesy of Robert John Boucher and the Kingston Frontenacs.

On Friday, the Peterborough Petes were in our nation’s capital for a matchup with the first-place Ottawa 67’s. The 67’s won the game by a score of 4-1.

Braydon McCallum scored the lone goal for the Petes, giving him seven points in his last four games. Aiden Young and Kieron Walton both picked up an assist on the goal. Masen Johnston made 38 saves in the loss.

The Petes bounced back in a Sunday afternoon matchup against the Kingston Frontenacs. Peterborough won the game 5-3.

Adam Novontý and Aiden Young led the way for the Petes with a goal and an assist each, while Matthew Perreault had two assists. Braydon McCallum, Brennan Faulkner and Matthew Soto scored, with Kieron Walton, Calum Hartnell, Ben Radley, Kaden McGregor and Yanis Lutz each picking up an assist. Easton Rye made 28 saves in the game, picking up his 26th win of the season which leads the league (tied with MasonVaccari of the Flint Firebirds).

The Petes return home to host the Owen Sound Attack for Country Night at 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.