Peterborough Petes Sign Illinois-Born Defenceman to OHL Standard Player Agreement
/The Peterborough Petes have signed defenceman Holden Carter to an OHL Standard Player Agreement, announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Photo courtesy of Dan Hickling
Peterborough Blogs
Upskilling Program at Trent University to Expand Registered Nurse Capacity in Primary Care
/Trent University is launching a new Primary Care Nursing Upskilling Program to build primary care expertise among registered nurses working in or preparing to transition into primary care.
photo courtesy of trent university.
The professional online program includes emphasis on Indigenous, rural and community health to strengthen nursing practice in primary care.
“This upskilling program reflects Trent’s long-standing commitment to community-focused health education and addressing system-level challenges,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, President and Vice-Chancellor of Trent University. “By creating accessible advanced primary care education for registered nurses, we are helping strengthen care teams and improve access to healthcare services for people and communities across Ontario.”
Trent University is leading one of four initiatives selected by the province to advance primary care nursing education and workforce capacity. Developed in collaboration between the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing and Queen's University, the program features online modules to equip RNs with interprofessional care expertise for working in team-based primary care models.
The Trent program, starting at the end of March 2026, is supported with $1.1 million from the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Health as part of its Primary Care Action Plan.
Over three years, funding awarded to Trent University will support the delivery of a 12-week, fully online postgraduate program. Faculty from the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing will contribute expertise in primary care, rural health, and Indigenous health, to deliver interprofessional learning experiences that bring together experts from across the health-care system. The funding will also cover tuition costs for Ontario registered nurses enrolled in the program. Up to 350 nurses are expected to complete the program over the initial three years, with the first cohort of 30 nurses beginning classes at the end of March.
Graduates of this program will be equipped to provide care for patients across the lifespan, including well-child visits, chronic disease management, pre- and post-natal care and care for older adults.
“Registered nurses are well positioned to provide care for patients and families within the primary care sector,” said Dr. Suzanne Braithwaite, assistant professor in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing and past president of the Canadian Family Practice Nurses Association. “Primary care registered nurses provide a wide range of services, including well-child care, chronic disease management, health promotion and episodic care. Strengthening primary care nursing expertise through targeted upskilling education supports nurses in working to their full capacity, eases pressure on interprofessional care teams and improves access to care for patients across the province.”
Registered nurses who complete the 12-week online program will be eligible for priority admission to the RN-prescribing program through the University of Windsor. Up to 70 per cent of those nurses will have their tuition fees covered, further advancing nursing capacity among the interprofessional primary care team.
As Trent works to implement the upskilling program, faculty in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing are also developing plans to embed these topics and primary care competencies more deeply into their undergraduate nursing curriculum to build workforce capacity in primary care for the long-term.
Registration for Trent’s new Primary Care Upskilling Program is now open.
Heated Rivalry In Olympic Women's Hockey Sparks Trent University Watch Party
/As the next chapter of a heated rivalry hits the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, Trent University hosted a watch party of the Canada/United States women’s hockey game on Tuesday afternoon.
Trent Faculty, staff and students cheer at Team Canada, facing off against the rival Americans at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The party was hosted at Champlain College which hosted Trent students, staff and faculty to enjoy the Olympics.
The Games also provided an opportunity for students to reflect on the mental, emotional, and social dimensions of elite sport and international competition according to James Onusko, Champlain College principal.
“These watch parties are about creating community and shared experience,” said James Onusko, principal of Champlain College. “The Olympics give us a chance to come together, learn from sport, and engage with moments that reflect perseverance, teamwork, and challenge. This matchup presents a demanding test for Canada’s team and makes for a compelling collective experience.”
Team USA defeated Team Canada 5-0.
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Strawberry Ceremony For Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women to Take Place This Weekend At Peterborough Police Station
/The community is invited to a Strawberry Ceremony held in remembrance of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, trans and two-spirited peoples on Feb. 14 at the Peterborough Police Station.
Photo by david tuan bui.
The ceremony will take place outside on the west side of the building near the flagpole.
"The strawberry is a symbol of love, healing and heart, a reflection of what this ceremony is about,” said Shelley Knott, Indigenous Relations Advisor with the City of Peterborough. “This is a time and space for remembrance and solidarity as families and community come together to honour loved ones and amplify Indigenous voices, ensuring that the lives and stories of missing Indigenous women, girls, trans and two-spirited people will not be forgotten.”
Hand drummers and jingle dancers are encouraged to attend and participate in the ceremony.
The Strawberry Ceremony is held in partnership between the City of Peterborough, the Peterborough Police Service and the Urban Indigenous Working Groups, and will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Peterborough Police Station (500 Water St.)
A screening of “This River” will also take place Feb. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N) in the Friends of the Library room. Told from an Indigenous perspective, This River tells the story of the devastating experience of searching for a loved one who has disappeared.
Trent Lakes Man Becomes Millionaire From LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball Draw
/Jeffrey Groome has become Trent Lakes’s newest millionaire after winning a LOTTO 6/49 prize worth $1 million in the Gold Ball Draw on Dec. 24.
Photo courtesy of OLG.
The 69-year-old said he found out about his big win when he checked his tickets at the gas station.
“I waved my friend over immediately to show him,” said Groome.
With his newfound money, he plans to pay some bills and travel to the Cayman Islands.
“All my life I’ve dreamed of fishing, so I’m finally going to buy a boat too,” said Groome. “This win couldn’t have come at a better time.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Petro-Canada on Highway 35 North in Lindsay.
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Three Oshawa Teenagers Charged With Robbery After Ripping Keys From Woman's Hand And Fleeing With Their Vehicle
/Three Oshawa teens are facing charges after a vehicle was stolen Sunday night.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
At roughly 11:30 p.m., officers were called to the area of Middlefield Road and Milford Drive area. They learned that owner of the vehicle had just arrived home when another vehicle stopped at the end of her driveway and two teens got out and demanded her keys. The woman attempted to flee into her house but the teens followed her and forced the keys from her hand.
Both vehicles then fled the area, heading toward Highway 115. Officers received word that OPP had attempted to stop the vehicles near Highway 7A but they fled police. OPP advised that they had located and stopped the two vehicles on the 401 westbound near Port Hope and three males had been taken into custody.
An 18-year-old Oshawa male was charged with:
Robbery with Violence
Dangerous operation
Flight from peace officer
A 19-year-old Oshawa male was charged with:
Robbery with Violence
Dangerous operation
Flight from peace officer
A 19-year-old Oshawa male was charged with:
Robbery with Violence
Dangerous operation
Flight from peace officer
All three were held in custody and appeared in court on Monday.
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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing Teen Girl Who Left Home With Suitcase
/UPDATED (10-02-26): The missing teen has been located and returned home.
The Peterborough Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Brooke.
She was seen leaving home with a suitcase between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday and was spotted again around 6 p.m. at the Tim Hortons on George Street. Throughout the night, officers checked known locations but she has not been located.
Brooke is described as:
White female
Brown hair
Brown Eyes
Slim build
Wearing a green coat, white and red Nike shoes and black leggings
Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Uride, HERmanas Boutique and MicroAge PW
/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…
Uride Launches $20,000 Student Support Fund
Ride-sharing service Uride has introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting students facing financial challenges. The company has committed $20,000 to its Student Support Fund, which will award $5,000 to one deserving student each week throughout February. These funds can be applied toward tuition fees or other school-related expenses.
The program is open to students residing in communities where Uride operates. By providing this direct financial assistance, Uride hopes to help ease some of the economic pressures that many students experience during the academic year. For full details on eligibility and how to apply, interested students should download the Uride app.
HERmanas Boutique and Bikinis by Bridget Nominated for National Awards
Apsley-based HERmanas Boutique and its swimwear brand, Bikinis by Bridget, have earned dual nominations in the 2025 Canadian SME National Business Awards. The boutique, owned and operated by sisters Bridget and Victoria, has been shortlisted for Small Business of the Year.
The business is celebrated for its original, sustainably produced swimwear made with innovative Truelife® ECO fabrics, as well as its carefully curated selection of global fashion pieces. In addition to the business recognition, founder Bridget has received an individual nomination for Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
With summer fast approaching, now is the perfect time to explore their latest swimwear collections and seasonal styles. Visit their website at shophermanas.ca to browse the full range.
MicroAge PW Expands to Become MicroAge PWK Through Kingston Acquisition
MicroAge PW, serving Peterborough and Whitby, has reached a significant milestone by acquiring MicroAge Kingston and rebranding as MicroAge PWK. This strategic expansion brings together three locations with a shared commitment to supporting local businesses.
The Kingston team brings decades of experience helping regional organizations with their IT needs. The newly combined group has emphasized that it will maintain the strong local focus that has defined each location while benefiting from greater resources, broader expertise, and fresh momentum. By uniting strengths across Peterborough, Whitby, and Kingston, MicroAge PWK aims to provide even higher levels of IT leadership, service quality, and innovation to clients throughout the area.
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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Irish Historical Geographer Named Grand Marshall For 26th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
/With the 26th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade set for March 15 at 2 p.m. in Downtown Peterborough, Irish historial geographer Christy Roche has been named this year’s grand marshall, announced at the Jack McGee Chevrolet-Cadillac dealership on Monday afternoon.
Brendan Moher, Peterborough Canadian Irish Club (left) and Tim Burke, St. Patrick’s Day Parade organizer (right) with Christy Roche on a FaceTime call to address the public with Roche’s book, “From Whence They Came: The Peter Robinson Settlers.” Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Roche was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1944. He was educated at Grange National School, Fermoy CBS and University College Cork, from where he graduated with a degree in historical geography. He has written about the Peter Robinson immigrant families for the past 35 years.
Roche has given talks in Europe, Canada, the United States, Central America and has contributed historical articles to local newspapers and magazınes. Roche has written and edited several books, including “The Ford of the Apples,” “A Glimpse of Grange” and “From Whence They Came: The Peter Robinson Settlers.”
Members of Nine Ships 1825 suggested Roche to the parade organizer, Tim Burke, who immediately was on board with the recommendation. Selecting Roche continues to ride on the success of last year’s event, which celebrated the 200th anniversary of Peter Robinson, who supervised the emigration of impoverished Irish families to Upper Canada said Burke.
“He’s about as authentic as you can possibly get,” he explained. “We wanted to continue with the momentum they’ve (Nine Ships 1825) created, featuring our Irish heritage, as well as everything Peterborough has to offer.”
The parade is operating in its 26th year, a project Burke wants to continue, as Peterborough is rich in Irish heritage and he believes a parade like this does not exist until you get to around the Toronto area.
“I want to continue building the St. Patrick's Day Parade,” he said. “It's a tradition in Peterborough and it's part of our fabric.”
@ptbo_canada Historical geographer Christy Roche is this year’s Grand Marshall for Peterborough’s 2026 St. Patrick’s Day parade! #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #stpatricksday ♬ Irish Dance - Lofi Danny
Returning to the parade is a 5K run along George Street before the parade to raise money for Right to Heal to help those with mental health and addiction issues. The run begins at 1:30 p.m., starting at Roger Neilson Way and turning around at McDonnel Street before completing the circuit at George Street north of Lansdowne Street.
To sign up for the run, contact Dave Dame of Runner’s Life at 705-876-8960 or online. Donations can be given online at Right to Heal’s website.
A flag-raising will occur at City Hall on March 9 at 11 a.m. to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.
Over 70 entries for the parade have been submitted and more are expected to join.
To register for the parade, visit the parade’s website and apply. For more information, contact Tim Burke at timburke77@yahoo.com.
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Celebrate The Winter Season With The City of Peterborough's Annual Snofest Event
/Embrace the chills, thrills and fun of the winter season during Snofest, the City of Peterborough’s annual winter celebration from Feb. 13 to 16.
file photo.
“Snofest is a great way to embrace the cold by getting outside, staying active and having fun together,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Whether you’re swimming, skating, or enjoying one of the many free events happening throughout Family Day weekend, Snofest reminds us that the best way to stay warm is by sharing in the energy and spirit of our community.”
A schedule of events can be found below:
Free Workshop
Feb. 13
Snofest begins with a workshop, “Getting the Most from your Healthcare Appointment,” at the McDonnel St. Community Centre (577 McDonnel St.) 10:30 a.m. to noon. This free workshop focuses on what to do before, during and after an appointment, and uses action planning to optimize people’s health. Registration is required and can be done online. The deadline to register for this event is Feb. 12 at noon.
Hot Lunch and Social Hour
Feb. 13
A Snofest Hot Lunch and Social Hour for seniors begins at noon. The buffet lunch is free. Registration is required and can be done online. The deadline to register for this event is Feb. 12 at noon.
Free Fun Swim
Feb. 13
A free fun swim takes place at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.) on Feb. 13 from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Dinosaur Pop-Up
Feb. 13
A Dinosaur Pop-Up event takes place at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join Peterborough Museum and Archives staff for dinosaur-themed crafts and to learn about the Carnivorous Dinosaurs exhibit on display at the Peterborough Museum and Archives.
Snofest Square
Feb. 14
Quaker Foods City Square will be transformed into Snofest Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Snofest Square will feature cozy fire pits and seating for visitors to relax and enjoy the festivities. Programming includes Snoga (snow yoga) with Summer Soul Yoga & Wellness from noon to 12:30 p.m. followed by a Children’s Chorus led by Shannon McCracken from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can warm up with a Salsa Dancing session with Victoria of T-Elle Boutique from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. or enjoy free outdoor ice skating on the Square’s rink.
Snofest Story Time and Winter Crafts
Feb. 14
The Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St.) is hosting Snofest Story Time and Winter Crafts from 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Snofest Pancake Breakfast
Feb. 15
The mayor’s annual Snofest Pancake Breakfast takes place at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.) from 7 a.m. to noon. All residents are invited to come out and enjoy a plate of warm pancakes and a cup of hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
Snofest at the Art Gallery of Peterborough
Feb. 15
The Art Gallery of Peterborough (250 Crescent St.) is hosting a Gallery Scavenger Hunt and a “Snofest Pete” collage activity. Visitors can also view current exhibitions at the Gallery. Events take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Drop In Sports
Feb. 16
Visit the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.) for free drop-in sport sessions. The schedule is as follows:
Pickleball 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Basketball 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Badminton noon to 2 p.m.
