The Offspring and Bad Religion Concert at the Peterborough Memorial Centre Cancelled

The Offspring and Bad Religion concert at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Feb. 17 has been cancelled due to an assessment that found the venue’s roof was not able to accommodate the added weight of production equipment as a result of recent higher-than-normal snow volume and accumulation.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

The Peterborough Memorial Centre roof remains safe and is within its load bearing capacity with snow on the roof, without the added weight from video, lighting and speaker equipment from a major concert production.

The equipment weight associated with a major concert such as the one that had been planned is beyond the normal expectations for a concert production; that weight, along with the snow load capacity on the roof, would have exceeded the structural capacity.

A structural assessment was done to consider the PMC’s snow load capacity on the roof as well as the estimated weight from the rigging that would hang from the trusses for the major concert production, with significant video, lighting and sound equipment. The combined weight of the snow load capacity and the rigging for the major concert production would exceed the allowable limits for the structure.

Regular arena operations and other scheduled activities at the PMC are not affected and will proceed as planned.

“While the City of Peterborough appreciates the disappointment and inconvenience this situation causes for people who purchased tickets to the concert, safety must be the first consideration,” said the City in a press release. “The City worked closely with Live Nation through this situation to ensure the safety of concert goers.”

Those who purchased tickets will receive full refunds and exclusive early access to pre-sale tickets for The Offspring and Bad Religion concert in Oshawa on Feb. 18.

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Peterborough Man Charged With Impaired Driving After Running Red Light and Hitting a Pole

A 36-year-old Peterborough man is facing impaired charges after a single-vehicle collision involving running a red light and striking a pole, early Wednesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 5:30 a.m., officers were called to Lansdowne Street and River Road South about a vehicle that ran a red light before striking a pole. Officers located a man who was out of the vehicle and being treated by paramedics. In speaking with the man, officers noticed signs of impairment.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on March 24.

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Community Futures Peterborough Expands Entrepreneurship 101 Series For This Spring 2026 In Partnership with Scotiabank

Community Futures Peterborough has partnered with Scotiabank to deliver its most extensive Entrepreneurship 101 workshop series to date this spring, expanding the program in response to continued demand from local entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.

The Spring 2026 series builds on the success of the fall workshops, which supported more than 120 unique entrepreneurs and small business owners across seven sessions. Launched as a four-part series, Entrepreneurship 101 has rapidly expanded as more businesses across the region turn to Community Futures Peterborough for advisory and lending support. Feedback from participants and growing interest in business advisory services highlighted the need for additional, more specialized topics, leading to a partnership with Scotiabank to expand the series with two additional brand-new workshops.

“Scotiabank is proud to partner with the amazing team at Community Futures Peterborough to support the expansion of this valuable program supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses getting the advice they need to grow in our local community,” said Nolan Frazer, Scotiabank business banking team lead. “The success of local businesses and business owners is critical to the success of the community, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this to life.”

The new workshops added to the series are in direct response to clients asking for additional support in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Human Resources. Appear First – Search Engine Optimization & E-Commerce, delivered by Brendan Quigley, will introduce participants to building an online presence, improving search visibility and online sales, and Employer Essentials – Understanding Your Obligations as an Employer, a session developed to help business owners better understand their responsibilities when hiring staff, delivered by the Office of the Employer Advisor and Service Canada.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting entrepreneurs with access to programs that meet their needs,” said the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). “Peterborough continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering practical support that helps businesses in the region grow and adapt in a changing economy.”

Entrepreneurship 101 is designed to support individuals and businesses at various stages of their business journey, from those exploring an idea for the first time to existing business owners looking to strengthen their operations. The spring series places a stronger focus on practical areas such as e-commerce, search engine optimization, and employer responsibilities, reflecting the challenges business owners are seeking advisory support in.

“Investments in our local entrepreneurs help diversify and grow our economy, making success more inclusive across both the City and County,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By offering practical, expert-led workshops, Community Futures Peterborough is ensuring that every business owner has the confidence to take the next step. Our government is proud to see such dedicated local support for those who represent the best of the Ontario spirit.”

The expansion of Entrepreneurship 101 aligns with broader trends seen through the Business Advisory Centre. Since April, Community Futures Peterborough has supported more than 340 unique businesses through over 440 in-depth, one-on-one consultations. The workshop series complements this work by offering accessible, hands-on learning opportunities that help entrepreneurs build confidence and make informed decisions.

“Entrepreneurs across the riding of Peterborough have been clear that they need practical support to help their businesses grow. This expanded Entrepreneurship 101 series is a direct and thoughtful response to that,” said Emma Harrison, MP, Peterborough. “The strong turnout last fall showed just how committed and resilient our local business community is, and it makes me incredibly proud to see local organizations stepping up to deliver the tools and training that entrepreneurs need to succeed in a changing economy.”

The Spring 2026 Entrepreneurship 101 workshops will be held at the Venture North Building in Peterborough on the following dates:

• Spark Tank – Brainstorm and Validate Business Ideas: March 4

• Launch Pad – Business Planning: March 11

• Brand Lab – Marketing and Branding: March 25

• Funding Fuel – Explore Funding and Financing: April 1

• (new for Spring 2026) Appear First - Search Engine Optimization & E-Commerce: April 8

• Staff Smart – Hiring Your First Employee: April 15

• (new for Spring 2026) Employer Essentials – Understand Your Obligations as an Employer: April 22

• Money Map – Cash Flow Forecasting: April 29

• Protect It – Intellectual Property for Small Businesses: May 6

The Entrepreneurship 101 series is open to anyone looking to start a business, grow an existing one, or sharpen their entrepreneurial skill set. Space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.

Registration and additional workshop information are available on the Community Futures Peterborough website at www.cfpeterborough.ca

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Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Luminary Awards Nominees for Women in Business

The Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the nominees for the 2026 Luminary Awards for Women in Business, celebrating women whose leadership, innovation and generosity are strengthening the region’s economy and community.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Established to shine a light on women whose contributions are often overlooked, the Luminary Awards recognize leadership across entrepreneurship, employment, community service and long-term impact. The awards honour women who lead visibly and behind the scenes in business, non-profit and community settings, and who create opportunities for others through their work.

The inaugural Luminary Awards sold out in 2025, drawing more than 200 attendees and recognizing five outstanding recipients: Sheena Howard, Jenisha Sanjit Arora, Rachel Stark, Tiffany Arcari and Jeannine Taylor. Taylor received the first-ever Legacy Award, which recognizes a lifetime of excellence, generosity and community impact.

“The Legacy Award reflects the heart of what the Luminary Awards stand for,” said Chair of the Peterborough and Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Board Susan Dunkley. “It honours women whose careers have not only achieved success but have changed lives and strengthened our community over time.”

@ptbo_canada @PtboChamber ♬ original sound PTBOCanada

The following five categories introduced in the inaugural year return for 2026:

Legacy

Honouring a woman whose career is defined by excellence, generosity and community impact. Her vision and success have created opportunities for others through employment, mentorship, philanthropy or long-term influence; leaving an enduring mark.

Nominees:

• Judy Byrne

• Monika Carmichael

• Dr. Kristy Hiltz

• Vanessa Oake Hogan

• Dr. Jenny Ingram

• Jenni Johnston

• Cathy Olley

• Anne Ryan

• Susan Tung

• Wendy Kelly

• Betty Halman-Plumley

Trailblazer (Entrepreneur)

Celebrating a business owner whose leadership, ingenuity and boldness have sparked success and inspired others.

Nominees:

• Winter Barringer

• Kinjal Shukla Clement

• Lisa Couture

• Leanne Crump

• Marsha Gaulton

• Richa Grover

• Catherine Hanrahan

• Tracy Minnema

• Ashley Flynn

• Danielle Turpin

• Rebecca O'Rourke

Emerging Entrepreneur

Celebrating a rising business owner who has launched a fresh, innovative venture that is already making its mark and shows exciting potential for the future.

Nominees:

• Kara Ainsworth

• Chasley Keepfer

• Karen Kerr

• Erin Shannon

• Elena Thomas

• Ashley Woollacott

• Ashley Flynn

• Marsha Gaulton

One to Watch (Employee)

Recognizing an emerging leader whose innovative ideas, meaningful contributions and proven success show outstanding potential for the future. Nominees may hold entry to mid-level management roles.

Nominees:

• Allison Adam

• Bethan Bates

• Amanda Bedford

• Lindsey Brodie

• Michelle Nguyen

• Rosalea Terry

“It still continues to be a big deal for women to be recognized and I think the Chamber’s doing an amazing thing with this,” said The Ten Spot’s Lindsey Brodie. “When you are being validated by other women it is so much more impactful.”

Barrier Buster

Celebrating a remarkable woman who has excelled in her field by breaking through barriers. She has faced challenges, whether gender-based, systemic, cultural, language, disability-related, or otherwise; and risen above them with skill, creativity and perseverance.

Nominees:

• Ashley Flynn

• Bridget McCluckie

• Jane Bischoff

• Jordan Lyall

• Kayley Duggan

• Nour Mazloum

• Stephanie Wilson

• Tori Silvera

• Marsha Gaulton

New for 2026, the Chamber has expanded the awards to include two additional categories:

Building Belonging

Celebrating a woman whose inclusive leadership and equity-driven innovation has reshaped how business is done, demonstrating that building for belonging is not just the right thing to do, it’s a strategic advantage. Nominees may focus on workplace culture, employee experience and/or customer-facing innovation.

Nominees:

• Mackenzie Annis

• Akshana Katoch

• Jennifer Lawson

• Peggy Shaughnessy

• Danielle Turpin

• Patricia Wilson

• Marsha Gaulton

Community Catalyst

Celebrating a woman whose leadership, collaboration and vision have sparked positive change in the community. A Community Catalyst brings people together, builds partnerships and drives meaningful progress on local priorities. Nominees can be paid staff or volunteers of a not-for-profit organization, or be an employee or owner of a business or enterprise.

Nominees:

• Ashley Woollacott

• Abby Zotz

• Ashley Collins

• Betty Halman-Plumley

• Chelsey Carberry

• Dana Hetherton

• Emma Featherstone

• Michelle Ferreri

• Sheridan Graham

• Tonya Kraan

• Kat McCartie

• Amy Muir

• Marcia Steeves

• Meryn Steeves

• Rosalea Terry

• Lois Tuffin

• Susan Zambonin

• Rebecca O'Rourke

• Nour Mazloum

“I’m a female-owned business in the boxing industry, which isn’t the norm,” said Marsha Gaulton of Eastside Boxing and Wellness, who was nominated for four Luminary Awards this year. “This is a huge honour for me to be recognized for what I’m doing. Just to be seen like this in the community, it feels like my heart is exploding.”

The 2026 Luminary Award Ceremony will take place on May 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Great Hall, Trent University (1600 West Bank Dr.).

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Province-Wide School Crossing Guard Appreciation Drawing Contest Now Open To Submissions

As part of School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, the Ontario Traffic Council’s School Crossing Programs Committee is hosting a province-wide School Crossing Guard Appreciation Drawing Contest for children across Ontario.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough, facebook.

This contest invites students to express their appreciation for School Crossing Guards through art, while helping schools and communities take part in the celebration in a meaningful and engaging way.

This year’s contest theme is Celebrating Our School Crossing Guards, and students aged 4 to 14 are encouraged to participate.

Winning drawings will be featured on official thank-you cards distributed during School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week from June 1 to 5.

The contest opened Feb. 2 and will close Mar. 31, with the winners announced on April 13. Artwork can be submitted via email.

For more information such as contest rules and artwork guidelines, visit the website.

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City of Peterborough Sends Condolences To Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Shooting That Left 10 Dead and 25 Injured

After 10 people died and 25 were injured from the Tumbler Ridge, B.C school shooting that occurred on Tuesday, Mayor Jeff Leal has released a statement regarding the incident.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“The City of Peterborough is shocked and deeply saddened by yesterday’s horrific shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. We join with people across the country to extend condolences to all those who have lost loved ones as a result of this terrible violence. We will hold the victims, and all who grieve their loss, in our thoughts and prayers.”

Residents were locked down during the incident for approximately four hours.

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Peterborough Man Given Eight Charges Including Driving With Suspended License and With Open Alcohol

A Peterborough man is facing eight charges after an incident including driving with a suspended license and with open alcohol on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 10 a.m., officers on general patrol conducted a traffic stop in the area of Aylmer Street and Townsend Street after the Automated License Plate Reader indicated the vehicle was registered to a deceased person. 

While speaking to the driver, the officer learned that the vehicle had been recently purchased. They also spotted open alcohol in the car and further learned that the driver was a suspended driver.

He was taken into custody and during a search of the vehicle officers seized:

• Two cans of opened alcohol

• 12 separate bags for a total of nine grams of cocaine

• Open cannabis container

• Cell phone

• $1,000 in Canadian currency

• Drivers license

• License plates

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 - in Canada

• Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available (Cannabis Control Act)

• Use plate not in accordance with Act (Highway Traffic Act)

• Fail to apply for permit on becoming owner (Highway Traffic Act)

• Driving while under suspension (Highway Traffic Act)

• Operate a motor vehicle without insurance (Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act)

• Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor (Liquor License Control Act)

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

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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

“Holden is a mobile defenceman with good size,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “He keeps a strong gap between attacking players and makes smart, quick passes to advance the puck.”

The 2007-born defenceman from Hoffman Estates, Ill, has featured in 35 games for the BCHL’s Cranbrook Bucks this season, scoring twice and adding seven assists for nine points. The Chicago Mission minor hockey product has also spent time in the USHL and NAHL over the past two seasons.

The Petes stay at home for their next game against the Ottawa 67’s for Boys and Girls Club night for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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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.

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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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