Peterborough County Celebrates Canada’s Agriculture Day and 10 Years of National Recognition

Peterborough County is celebrating Canada’s Agriculture Day on Feb. 10, marking the 10th anniversary of this national recognition and highlighting the role that food producers, processors and agriculture-related businesses play in the community.

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These services aid in sustaining strong, healthy communities and encourage Canadians to participate in conversations about food, farming and the future of agriculture.

As agriculture is a cornerstone of Peterborough County’s economy, heritage and identity, the County says they remain committed to ensuring local agriculture continues to thrive.

“Our farms and food producers are the heart of our community and a source of immense pride for Peterborough County,” said Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark. “As we mark the 10th anniversary of Canada’s Agriculture Day, we honour the people, families and businesses who feed our region and contribute so much to our local economy. Our commitment is unwavering; we will continue to support a strong, resilient agricultural sector for generations to come.”

Peterborough County’s economic development plan, G.R.O.W. - Growth, Resiliency, Opportunity and Workforce - identifies agriculture as a key pillar. Several strategic programs are in place to help strengthen and diversify the agri-food sector including:

Kawartha Local Food Wholesale Project:

• Designed to help producers and commercial buyers including restaurants, retailers and institutions connect more easily through the Green Circle Food Hub, increasing the use of locally grown food across the region.

Kawartha Choice Farm Fresh:

• A well-established marketing brand that supports farm-gate sales, farmers’ markets and local food visibility, helping consumers identify and purchase products from area farms.

On-Farm Diversified Use Program:

• Supporting smaller farms interested in adding tourism or complementary commercial activities, helping them grow sustainably while celebrating the region’s local food and farming culture.

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Route 4 Bus to Follow Temporary Detour For Weekday Afternoon Trips

Route 4 Weller will follow a temporary detour for select weekday afternoon trips in East City from Monday through June 26.

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This change is necessary due to winter clearance challenges caused by snowbanks, on-street parking, and congestion during Kaawaate East City Public School dismissal times in the Museum Drive and Hunter Street area.

The detour will apply to the following afternoon trips:

• 2:53 p.m. departure from the Terminal (Monday to Friday)

• 3:23 p.m. departure from the Terminal (Monday to Friday)

Bus stops not served on these two trips:

• Hunter Street at Times Square (eastbound and westbound)

• Museum Drive

Alternative boarding locations:

• Westbound trips: Rogers Street at Hunter Street

• Eastbound trips: Hunter Street at Mark Street

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Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Announces HighSpeed Rail Advancement Event With ALTO

Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has announced the PK Conversations: HighSpeed Rail Advancement with ALTO event Feb. 19.

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The session aims to help local businesses understand the opportunities and economic advantages associated with ALTO’s highspeed rail development; an initiative poised to reshape travel, strengthen regional connectivity and enhance longterm growth prospects for Peterborough County.

“Highspeed rail stands to transform how our region connects to key markets, moves people, and supports business growth,” said Susan Dunkley, Chair of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. “This conversation is essential for businesses of all sizes who want to stay informed about this major infrastructure project that will shape our economic future.”

Attendees will hear from Martin Imbleau, the President and CEO of ALTO, regarding project timelines, corridor planning, economic impacts and opportunities for industry collaboration.

“Highspeed rail has the potential to strengthen mobility, reduce emissions and open new economic possibilities for communities like Peterborough County,” said Imbleau. “Engaging directly with local partners is an important part of our work.”

Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark will provide regional insights alongside Imbleau.

“Highspeed rail will be a tremendous asset for Peterborough County; enhancing connectivity, creating new economic opportunities, welcoming new visitors and supporting a more sustainable future,” said Clark. “We are pleased to collaborate with the Chamber to ensure businesses have access to the latest information.”

The event will take place at The StoneHouse Hall (2195 Lansdowne St. W) from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Feb. 19. Those interested in attending can register here.

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37-Year-Old Peterborough Man Facing Drug Trafficking Charges

A 37-year-old Peterborough man is facing drug trafficking charges after an investigation was conducted Wednesday.

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On Wednesday, officers with the Drug Unit initiated an investigation and a suspect was arrested.

During a search after arrest officers seized:

• 2.2 grams of Fentanyl

• 23.6 grams of Cocaine

• 2.8 grams of Methamphetamine

• 58 Dilaudid pills

• Canadian currency

• Cell phones

• Drug paraphernalia

• Folding knife

As a result, a 37-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Fentanyl

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Methamphetamine

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Hydromorphone

• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

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

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Peterborough Man Arrested On Child Pornography Charge

A 32-year-old Peterborough man is facing a charge as a result of an investigation by the Internet Child Exploitation Unit on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers conducted a search warrant at a residence in the Armour Road and Hazlitt Street area. 

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Thursday

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City of Peterborough Approved For Provincial and Municipal Funding After March 2025 Ice Storm

At a City of Peterborough Council meeting Monday, the City announced that municipal and provincial funding has been granted to help offset $11 million in unplanned response and recovery costs following the March 2025 ice storm.

Photo by david tuan bui.

The March 29 to 30, 2025 ice storm caused extensive damage across central and eastern Ontario, with the City of Peterborough experiencing significant impacts to transportation networks, hydro infrastructure and municipal operations. In response, the City activated the Emergency Control Group (ECG) and implemented a coordinated multi-agency emergency response supported by community partners, third-party contractors, Ontario Corps volunteers and other municipalities.

Throughout the event, emergency services responded to an increased volume of calls related to downed hydro lines, transportation concerns, and structural hazards caused by ice loading. Public Works and utility services crews were deployed to clear debris, manage road safety, maintain and restore municipal infrastructure and support Hydro One with access to affected areas.

The March 2025 ice storm resulted in significant unplanned expenditures across multiple City divisions. Response and recovery costs totalled approximately $11 million and included equipment deployment, contractor support, overtime staffing, debris removal, facility operations and the operation of Warming Centres.

In response to the storm, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) established the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) program to provide one-time financial support to eligible municipalities for incremental costs incurred because of the ice storm.

The City submitted its MISA application on October 31, 2025, identifying $9,359,201 in expenses eligible under MISA guidelines. The remaining $1.66 million in ineligible costs will be funded by the City and reflected in the 2025 operating budget. Based on the MISA funding formula, if the City’s claim is fully approved, the City would be eligible to receive $7,949,223 in provincial funding, with a municipal contribution totalling $1,409,978.

On December 18, 2025, the City received confirmation from MMAH of funding approval up to $7,950,000 for incremental costs incurred from the ice storm.

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Volunteer Peterborough Celebrates International Year of Volunteers With Two Events This Spring

As Peterborough marks the International Year of Volunteers, Volunteer Peterborough is hosting the inaugural United to Thank Volunteers event at the Canadian Canoe Museum and the annual Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair this spring.

The United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers. This marks the first time in 25 years that kind souls who give them time are highlighted in this way. Photo courtesy of Volunteer Peterborough.

United to Thank Volunteers is slated for April 22, while the return of the Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair runs on May 6.

Both events aim to recruit new talent to boost hundreds of non-profits in the region, according to a press release.

Volunteer Peterborough is a matchmaking service that pairs prospective volunteers with organizations to suit their needs.

For anyone searching for a role, Volunteer Peterborough hosts drop-in sessions at Venture North from 1 to 3 p.m. every Wednesday There are 185 Peterborough-area non-profits registered with Volunteer Peterborough.

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City of Peterborough Launches New Interactive Snowplow Map

A new City of Peterborough snowplow tracker has launched, providing residents with an interactive map to follow the plowing and treating of roads during winter maintenance operations in near real-time. 

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The map uses GPS/Automatic Vehicle Locating (AVL) technology to display the location and progress of snowplows as they work to clear roads and keep transportation routes safe throughout snow events. The data on the map is refreshed every five minutes and will be active for the winter season.

Residents can use the map to: 

• View plow activity in near real‑time 

• Track progress on prioritized routes, including major arterial roads, transit routes and residential streets 

The map shows latest plow activity using the following colour key: 

• Green - less than 1 hour 

• Orange - 1 to 2 hours 

• Blue - 2 to 6 hours 

• Pink - 6 to 12 hours 

• Purple - 12 to 24 hours 

• No colour - more than 24 hours 

The Plowing Update map was developed by the City’s Geomatics/Mapping Division working in collaboration with the Public Works Division. 

“This map is a valuable resource for our community,” said Municipal Operations Co-Chairs Councillor Keith Riel and Councillor Don Vassiliadis in a joint statement. “It allows residents to track snowplows and understand route priorities. It also helps the community see the scale and complexity of winter operations and shows how the City is actively managing winter road operations throughout the winter season.” 

Snowplow routes are designed to address arterial and collector roads first as required by legislated standards. These roads see the highest volume of traffic daily in the City, are on transit routes or pass by the hospital.  

Once the arterial and collector roads are clear or safe, resources are deployed to residential or local neighbourhood streets. 

“Our crews work tirelessly through all winter conditions to keep roads safe for everyone,” said Cassandra Babcock, Public Works Operations Director. “This new interactive map enhances the visibility of our operations and helps the community better understand how and when roads are being cleared.” 

Snowplow updates are provided for informational purposes only. They do not guarantee road conditions or snow/ice removal levels.

For more information about the interactive snowplow map and winter road maintenance, visit the website.

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Peterborough Man Charged With Stunt Driving Going 47 Km/H Over the Limit

A 21-year-old Peterborough man was charged with stunt driving after a traffic stop on Tuesday evening for going 97 km/hr in a 50 km/hr zone.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 11:20 p.m., officers on general patrol spotted a vehicle going 47 km/hr over the 50 kh/h speed limit. Police conducted a traffic stop in the area of Clonsilla Avenue and Whitefield Drive.

The G2 driver was charged with stunt driving; their driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and the vehicle was impounded for 14 days.

Peterborough Police Service urge drivers to slow down as we are all responsible for ensuring safe roads.

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Compliance Audit Committee Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for citizens interested in serving on the Compliance Audit Committee for the City of Peterborough’s 2026 municipal election.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Compliance Audit Committee is a requirement under the Ontario Municipal Elections Act. The Committee will address applications requesting an audit of a candidate’s or third-party advertiser’s election campaign finances and will oversee investigations into candidate finances. 

Interested applicants should have experience in accounting and auditing, law, law enforcement or related academic fields. The committee remains in place for the term of the newly elected Council until the next municipal election in 2030. This is largely a volunteer position and an excellent opportunity for individuals to assist with municipal election requirements. 

Applications may be submitted online with the interactive form. Packages are also available at City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

Applications will be accepted until March 20 at 4:30 p.m.

Purpose of the Committee

• To consider whether to grant or reject a compliance audit application made by an eligible elector;

• To appoint an auditor, if the application is granted;

• Receive and consider the auditor's report and decide whether legal proceedings should be commenced;

• Consider reports from the Clerk identifying contributors who appear to have contravened election contribution limits and decide whether legal proceedings should be commenced.

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