BWXT Donates $5,000 to Rotary Club of Peterborough Towards Accessible Playground Project

The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Accessible Playground Project is $5,000 closer to its $1.5 million goal, as BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada (BWXT) donated $5,000 at its facility on Friday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project was launched in August to be developed at Riverview Park & Zoo.

Upgrades for the playground include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier and relaxing, shady spaces with great sightlines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

@ptbo_canada The Rotary Club of Peterborough has been donated $5,000 towards their Accessible Playground Project courtesy of BWXT Peterborough! #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #donation ♬ Awards Epic - Celebrity

“The Riverview Park & Zoo has been welcoming generations of families in our community since 1933 and this project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when local businesses come together to support our community,” said Betty Halman-Plumley, Chair of the project steering committee.-Truly for the community by the community.”

"At BWXT, we truly value the strength of community. We're excited to support the Rotary Club of Peterborough with a donation for their Rotary Accessible Playground Project,” said Andy Collyer, Vice President, Fuel and Fuel Handling at BWXT Peterborough. “Giving back to the community where our employees live and work means a lot to us, and we're honoured to help create inclusive spaces that everyone can enjoy.”

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Comedy For Kicks Stand-Up Fundraiser Show Supports Cavan FC U14 Boys Soccer Team

Get ready for a night of laughs as the Maple Leaf Cavan FC U14 Boys present Comedy For Kicks Stand-Up Comedy Night Mar. 5, a team fundraising event in support of the soccer team.

Photo courtesy of the cavan fc u14 boys team.

Jeff McEnery, a recognizable comedic voice in Canada for over a decade, will headline the show. McEnery has worked on Letterkenny, Just for Laughs, The Winnipeg Comedy Festival, The Comedy Network and Roast Battle Canada.

The show will also feature Ernie Vicente and rising comedy talent Evan Dubois.

“This is your chance to support local youth, sports, enjoy a professional comedy show and treat yourself to a night out that is long overdue,” said the team’s parent manager Steve Carmichael. “Proceeds support the Maple Leaf Cavan FC U14 boys team with equipment costs and tournament fees as they travel to Ancaster, Kingston & Montreal.”

The event will start at 8 p.m., with doors opening an hour earlier at the Millbrook Canadian Legion (9 King St. E, Millbrook).

The Maple Leaf Cavan FC Boys U14 soccer team invites the community to come out, share laughs and support their youth sports program. Please note this event is for those 19 and older. 

Tickets cost $30 (plus a $3.40 ticket and processing fee) and are available online.

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Peterborough Man Arrested On Sexual Assault and Interference Charges On a Teenage Girl

A 52-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges of sexual assault and sexual interference on a child after an investigation on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers were made aware of a 14-year-old girl who had not disclosed her whereabouts to her family. The family had concerns for her safety after finding conversations between the 52-year-old man and the 14-year-old girl.

During the investigation, officers visited various addresses in an attempt to locate both parties.

The 14-year-old was located inside a residence with the accused.

The 52-year-old man was arrested and charged with:

• Sexual Interference

• Sexual Assault on a Person Under 16 Years Old

• Luring a Person Under 16 Years Old

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

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New Stages Theatre Presents 3rd Annual Brand New Stages Festival Starting Feb. 24

New Stages presents its 3rd annual Brand New Stages festival, bringing new Canadian works to the stage with 7 plays in 6 days and over 40 artists featured at 2 venues from Feb. 24 to Mar. 1.

All photos courtesy of new stages.

From gripping dramas to absurd comedies and family-focused fare, there is something for everyone at the Brand New Stage Festival. New Stages promises a community of local and national theatre artists gathering to develop new work for the stag.

The festival includes 3 main stage shows at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and 4 events at The Theatre on King (TTOK).

The Cull

A staged reading by Michele Riml and Michael St. John Smith

Feb. 26, 7 p.m. at Market Hall

A group of old friends gather to celebrate a 25th wedding anniversary in the B.C. mountains, where wildfires burn, secrets spill out and a wolf cull is underway. First produced by Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre, The Cull is a timely modern drama in an exciting new stage of development.

Directed by Peter Pasyk (Hamlet at the Stratford Festival, Old Times with Soulpepper), The Cull is a powerful new drama with a powerhouse cast, featuring some of Canada’s top talent on stage and screen today: Michael Riley, Tina Jung, Sergio Di Zio, Jenny Young, Matthew Edison and Sarah Wilson. 14+ (strong language)

Munsch Goes Wild

Stories by Robert Munsch, adapted and performed by M. John Kennedy. Directed by Dahlia Katz

Mar. 1, 10:30 a.m. at Market Hall

A fun one for the family! Join M. John Kennedy on a Sunday morning for an all-new, high-octane theatrical storytelling event for the young (and young at heart)! Featuring four of Robert Munsch’s most beloved tales, told in the most creative and energetic ways. If you saw Fireside Munsch in 2025, these are all-new stories being told. Every seat is just $12.50 all-in, incl. venue fees. 4+ (silly language)

12 Dinners

A staged reading by Steve Ross, directed by Randy Read

Mar. 1, 7 p.m. at Market Hall

An acclaimed semi-autobiographical play about a series of dinners that Steve shared with his parents during a particularly eventful time in their lives. Directed by founding Artistic Director Randy Read, 12 Dinners showcases Steve Ross’ meteoric emergence as an exciting Canadian playwright. Previously produced at Stratford’s Here for Now Festival and in Barrie with Talk is Free Theatre, 12 Dinners is catching the eye of theatres across the country. The reading features the original cast from the Stratford production: Jane Spidell, Geoffrey Pounsett, and Ben Skipper. 12+ (mature themes)

An Evening of One Acts (staged readings)

Feb. 24, 7 p.m.

I Started Collecting Teacups After My Grandma Died

By Ryan Pepper

An interprovincial love affair told through poetic dialogue, friendly banter, and the occasional croaking of frogs. Starring Colin Doyle and Andy Trithardt, directed by Mark Wallace. 14+ (strong language)

Are We Sleeping?

Written and directed by Esther Vincent

Florence, a renowned botanist no longer remembers her life’s work or recognizes her own children. Starring Dianne Latchford, Megan Murphy and Mark Wallace. 14+ (mature themes incl. dementia).

Story Slam 2026

Feb. 25, 8 p.m.

Story Slam 2026 hosted by Megan Murphy. The theme is “Well, that was unexpected.” Experience an evening of communal storytelling. Bring a true story to share (5 minutes max) or sit back and enjoy. All are welcome to participate.

Kennel

By Katherine Cullen

Feb. 27, 7 p.m.

An absurdly comic staged reading, directed by Mark Wallace. A kitten, a doggie and a guinea pig take the stage, but this play for young audiences goes way off the rails in its search for an ending. Definitely not for young audiences! Starring Hilary Wear, Stew Granger, Amy Keating, Annie Lujn and Jeff Yung. 14+ (strong language)

Picture Day

By Madeleine Brown

Feb. 28, 7 p.m.

It’s picture day at an elementary school, but when the school photographer doesn’t show up, a principal’s lie cascades into a series of disasters, as this brand new farce reaches hilarious heights. Starring Marc Rico Ludwig, Mark Rostrup, Dreda Blow, Linda Kash, Megan Walsh and Oaklen Conroy. 14+ (strong language)

Visit the website for festival info and to buy tickets, or visit the Market Hall and TTOK websites.

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Peterborough Petes Give Country Night Fans a Happy Hootenanny In 3-2 Overtime Win Over Owen Sound

It was a jamboree at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Country Night as the Petes walked off with a 3-2 overtime win over the Owen Sound Attack on Thursday.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 28-19-1-2 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The visitors struck first as Cole Zurawski tipped in the puck into a wide-open net after some excellent passing from Owen Sound to make it a 1-0 game. Peterborough responded just under four minutes later on the power play as Kieran Walton, on a give-and-go, scored after a fake toe drag and went top shelf to tie things up. The Petes were on the man advantage again and in the final minute of the first period, Adam Novotný faked a slap shot and gave it to Leon Kolarik instead to score on a wide-open net for a 2-1 lead after the first period.

The second period had no goals as Peterborough had 15 shots on goal to Owen Sound’s nine.

The final frame only had one goal late in the period. Owen Sound had Petes goalie Easton Rye scrambling during their power play. Pierce Mbuyi capitalized on a one-timer to tie the game and eventually send it to overtime.

With less than a minute of the three-on-three overtime period, Walton took matters into his own hands. He entered the zone, peeled back, found an opening and scored to send the home crowd home happy with a win.

Rye stopped 36 shots to record his 27th win of the season.

The Petes stay at home for Saturday’s Pin in the Rink game against the Sudbury Wolves in support of Survivors Abreast. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Alumnus Scores Twice In First Period In NHL Debut

It was a night to remember for former Peterborough Pete Avery Hayes, who scored twice in the first period of his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Thursday night.

Hayes is the third player in penguins history to score multiple times in his NHL debut, joining Jake Guentzel (2G on Nov. 21, 2016) and Rob Brown (2G on Oct. 21, 1987). Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Hayes’s first goal came at 9:18 of the opening period. Penguins defenceman Ilya Solovyov cleared the puck after a faceoff which lead to Hayes blowing by the defence and winning the race to the loose puck for a breakaway. He snapped it past Sabers goaltender Alex Lyon to score his first NHL goal on his first shot of the night.

First game.
First shot.
First goal.

Take a bow, Avery 👏 pic.twitter.com/oY2XcyCHWh

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 6, 2026

Hayes was not done making a statement as Penguins defenceman Parker Wotherspoon held the line and dumped the puck into the Sabres' zone. Penguins forward Anthony Mantha gave a one-touch pass to the slot for Hayes and the latter snapped it home for his second goal of the period to give the Penguins a 2-1 lead. Pittsburgh eventually defeated the Sabres 5-2.

An Avery Hayes world. We’re just living in it. pic.twitter.com/1G8IWvtZgu

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 6, 2026

“Honestly, I can't say much right now. I kind of blacked out but it was a big goal for the team which is most important,” said Hayes about his first goal.

Hayes is a two-time OHL Champion with the then Hamilton Bulldogs in 2022 and the Peterborough Petes in 2023. He was traded to the Petes from Hamilton on Jan. 7, 2023. He scored 16 goals and 20 assists in 32 regular-season games for the Petes. The Westland, Mich.-born forward tacked on another 12 goals and seven assists in 22 playoff games, en route to a championship with Peterborough.

Hayes went undrafted in the NHL. He signed a two-year deal with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. He accepted a contract as a free agent with Pittsburgh on March 13.

On the day after his NHL debut, he was reassigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

@ptbo_canada #duet with @Pittsburgh Penguins #NHL What a debut for former @Peterborough Petes, Avery Hayes! #ptbocanada #journalism #news ♬ original sound - Pittsburgh Penguins

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Otonabee Memorial Community Centre Selects Mural Artwork For Main Entrance

The Parks and Recreation Committee for the Otonabee-South Monaghan Township has selected Ellen Cowie’s artwork to grace the main entrance of the Otonabee Memorial Community Centre.

Ellen Cowie’s winning design. Photo courtesy of Otonabee-South Monaghan Township.

The long-time resident’s art will appear on a 24-foot-by-eight-foot mural. Cowie is deeply connected to the farming, sporting, Indigenous and artistic communities – all of which are represented in her design. She moved to Keene from Peterborough in 2019.

Since 1991, her work has been shown in fine art galleries, with her career highlight being two of her $200 coin designs produced by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Second prize went to Piper Lubbock, 8, for her colourful submission celebrating her love of hockey.

Community members are invited to help paint the mural before it is mounted on the arena’s outer wall this spring. This community project aims to bring residents together as they create a new landmark. Anyone wishing to participate can email OSMMuralProject@gmail.com.

Several artists submitted designs during a call for entries late last year after the committee approved the concept.

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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.

file photo.

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.

File Photo.

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.

file photo.

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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