Taste of Syria Comes to Downtown Peterborough With Aleppo Castle Restaurant Grand Opening

Peterborough can get a taste of Syrian cuisine as the restaurant Aleppo Castle had its grand opening downtown on Wednesday morning.

Aleppo Castle owner Amhed El Nime puts the finishing touches on aji (egg and parsley fritter) before presentation. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 349 George St. N., the restaurant serves familiar classic Middle Eastern favourites inspired by Aleppo, Syria, such as shawarma, falafel and hummus. Aleppo Castle also serves traditional Syrian cuisine, including batatas faroojh, aji, fatoush and more.

Amhed El Nime, Aleppo Castle owner, arrived in Canada three years ago. He had help adjusting to a new country through the New Canadians Centre and his business was aided through Community Futures Peterborough.

Mayor Jeff Leal (left) samples Amhed El Nime (right) and Aleppo Castle's beef kebab as one of several dishes served for the attendees. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

El Nime said he is grateful to Canada and Peterborough for welcoming him to the country, where he can build a new life and start a business in a short time.

“Slowly, slowly, slowly, I’ve been working hard,” he said. “I’m so happy for the people who helped me. Thank you to god, thank you for everybody and thank you to Canada.”

Mayor Jeff Leal, Community Futures Peterborough and the Peterborough DBIA attended the grand opening and sampled the Syrian cuisine. It was capped off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

@ptbo_canada Peterborough can get a taste of Syrian cuisine as the restaurant Aleppo Castle had its grand opening in Downtown Peterborough. ##ptbocanada##journalism##news##fyp##syria🇸🇾 ♬ Síria Syria سوريا - DJ Reverb & Ads

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Butterfly Run Returns to Millennium Park April 26

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF), in partnership with the Partners In Pregnancy Clinic (PIPC), have announced that the Peterborough Butterfly Run 5K Run/Walk is returning to Millennium Park for its 10th anniversary April 26.

photo courtesy of the peterborough butterfly run, facebook.

“This year is the 10th anniversary of the inception of the run. To mark this milestone, our theme this year is gratitude” said Ashley Hickson and Kori Zwarych, Co-chairs of the Peterborough Butterfly Run Executive Committee. “We want to say thank you to the Peterborough community that has supported the run. Thank you to the volunteers and past committee members who have worked to make it happen. And most important, thanks to every runner, walker, donor and sponsor who has shown their support for the mission of the run. More than anything, the Peterborough Butterfly Run is about community. It takes a caring community to have an event reach a milestone like this.”

The run route will remain the same as in previous years, with registration opening at 9 a.m., the 1K Kids Fun Run starting at 10 a.m., 1K Memorial Walk starting at 10:20 a.m., opening ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. and the 5K chip timed run/walk starting by 11 a.m. The Memorial Walk will remain free as in previous years, with 1km Kids Fun Run registration at $5 and the 5K Run/Walk registration at $45, plus applicable fees. All registrations include a medal and customizable race bib. 5km Run/Walk participants who register before the April 6 deadline will also receive a race shirt and various other items in their race kit.

For those who are unable to join on April 26 but would still like to support, a virtual option is also available. Registration is now open through the link.

“It is both humbling and gratifying to see the impact that the Peterborough Butterfly Run has made over the past 10 years,” said Vince Bierworth, Executive Director for GPHSF. “This will be my 5th year being part of organizing the event. I have seen so many people in that time take it upon themselves to do whatever they can to support those who have experienced loss in our community. There is no other way we could mark the 10th anniversary of the event then to turn the spotlight on the community that has supported it and say thank you.”

Funds raised at the event have been used to provide ongoing specialized education in Perinatal Bereavement Care to healthcare providers across Peterborough City and County, establish more than 10 lending libraries for individuals and their families located across Peterborough City and County, as well as the development of bereavement kits for families and individuals who experience early and later pregnancy loss and infant loss.

Since 2018, 900 bereavement kits have been created to be provided to families and individuals by health care providers. Proceeds will support Bereavement retreats, in partnership with Hospice Peterborough, which began in 2025. Money raised at the race is also invested back into the race day itself as keeping costs affordable for participants, continuing to offer the free 1km Memorial Walk/Run, providing memorial bibs to all runners to write a personalized name or message, and the display of memorial banners are all important aspects to creating the sense of community that the Peterborough Butterfly Run has become known for.

“The Partners in Pregnancy Clinic is deeply grateful for the support items made possible through funds raised by the run,” said Tracy Condon, Social Worker with the Partners in Pregnancy Clinic. “Being able to provide patients with a care package or book that they can turn to between appointments offers meaningful, ongoing support as they navigate their loss.”

Registration is available online or in-person at Runner’s Life (174 Charlotte Street, Peterborough).

Sponsorship opportunities are available. To find out more, visit the website or email either Vince@GPHSF.ca or PTBOButterflyRun@gmail.com. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Lakefield Literary Festival to Host "Sons of Tecumseh" Novel Discussion with Maurice Switzer

The Lakefield Literary Festival has announced an upcoming novel discussion event with author, journalist and educator Maurice Switzer on April 9.

photo courtesy of lakefield literary festival.

Taking place at the Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield), the event will centre on Switzer’s latest novel, Sons of Tecumseh, an exploration of Indigenous political reality and the enduring challenge of unity.

Maurice Switzer is a citizen of the Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation, where his maternal grandfather served as Chief over a century ago. A member of the Order of Ontario, Switzer’s career spans roles as a publisher and editor at five Canadian newspapers, communications director for the Assembly of First Nations and adjunct professor at Laurentian University. He is the author of the widely acclaimed treaty education book We Are All Treaty People.

In Sons of Tecumseh, Switzer introduces readers to Billy Favell, the newly elected National Chief of the Congress of First Nations. Through the eyes of Favell and his advisor Peshu Butler, a descendant of the historic leader Tecumseh, the novel sheds light on the complex relationships that govern Indigenous lives today and serves as both an entertaining narrative and vital illumination of modern Indigenous politics.

Joining the conversation as moderator is Jackson Pind, a mixed Settler-Anishinaabe Historian and Assistant Professor at Trent University. Pind, the author of Students by Day: Colonialism and Resistance at the Curve Lake Indian Day School, brings a wealth of historical context to what promises to be a profound discussion on leadership, legacy and resistance.

The event starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $30, available at Happenstance Books and Yarns (44 Queen St., Lakefield) or online.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Three Man Arrested After Drug Warrant Search Conducted In West End Residence

Three men are facing charges after a drug warrant was conducted by Peterborough Police on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

As part of an ongoing investigation, officers with the Drug Unit and the Emergency Response Team searched an apartment in the Talwood Drive and Goodfellow Road area.

Officers took three people into custody and seized:

• 23.2 grams of Fentanyl

• 5.6 grams of Cocaine

• 179 Hydromorphone pills

• $4,000 Canadian currency

A 34-year-old Hamilton 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- Hydromorphone

• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5000 - in Canada

The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on Saturday.

A 62-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- Hydromorphone

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on May 5.

A 35-year-old Gilmour, Ont. man was arrested and charged with:

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

The accused is currently subject to a release order to remain at their residence at all times.

The accused was held in custody and appeared in WASH court on Saturday.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

City Council Endorses Robinson Street Reconstruction Funding After Prior Project's Completed Under Budget

City Council endorsed transferring funding from the recently completed Brealey Drive project, which was completed under budget, to help fund the Robinson Street infrastructure project during their meeting on Monday night.

Google Maps Screenshot.

The Robinson Street project could start construction this year if funded.

The Brealey Drive reconstruction project from Lansdowne Street West to Sherbrooke Street has been completed under budget with an estimated surplus of almost $2.9 million. According to the City, Council will consider transferring $2.6 million to the Robinson Street infrastructure project.

It includes installing concrete curbs and gutters, sidewalks, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, a new pavement structure, stormwater management infrastructure, and landscaping. The work will also include a pedestrian crossing at the Rotary Trail and Robinson Street.

The following are the funding allocation proposals from the Brealey Drive project to be transferred to Robinson Street:

• $1,250,000 of Wastewater Reserve funding

• $1,350,000 of Canada Community-Building Fund funding

The Robinson Street Reconstruction project was deferred from 2026 to 2027 as part of the 2026 budget process.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Public Information Centre Taking Place for Stage Two of Armour Road Traffic Operations Review

Residents are invited to attend a Public Information Centre (PIC) for stage two of the Armour Road Traffic Operations Review Feb. 24.

file photo.

Stage two was conducted in 2025 and focused on Armour Road between Hunter Street and Parkhill Road. 

The PIC will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Peterborough Rugby Club (725 Armour Rd.) 

The session will be held in an informal, drop-in format. City staff will be available to share the research and findings from stage two of the review, and residents are encouraged to ask questions and give feedback on the information.   

Residents who are unable to attend in person can still request information and submit questions or comments by emailing the Senior Project Manager Graeme Pickett.

The Armour Road Traffic Operations Review was initiated in response to community traffic concerns along Armour Road between Nassau Mills Road and Hunter Street. There was also an identified need for improved pedestrian crossing opportunities to better connect neighbourhoods with the Rotary Greenway Trail, transit stops and nearby retail areas.  

The review examines several factors, including traffic control, vehicle speed and volume, road design and sightlines, pavement condition, historical collision data, pedestrian activity and crossing needs and the potential impacts of future development. 

Due to the length of the corridor and the amount of data required to complete the study, the review was divided into two stages: 

• Stage One: Armour Road between Parkhill Road and Nassau Mills Road (completed in 2024) 

• Stage Two: Armour Road between Parkhill Road and Hunter Street (completed in 2025) 

A report to Council summarizing the findings and analysis from the review is expected in the spring of 2026. 

For more information, visit the City of Peterborough’s website. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Ontario Government Invests $6.4 Billion to Support Postsecondary Sector’s Long-Term Success and Sustainability

To protect postsecondary students’ access to education and help them launch successful careers, the Ontario government is investing $6.4 billion in postsecondary institutions to ensure long-term success and sustainability, announced at Trent University on Friday.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (left) and Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent University president and vice-chancellor (right) as joint announcements were made at Trent’s Bata Library. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Accroding to the Ontario Government, its plan to build a stronger postsecondary sector is based on three principles:

• Preparing students for rewarding, in-demand careers that meet labour market needs

• Preserving Ontario students’ ability to access high-quality postsecondary education, while supporting their ability to appropriately invest in their education and success

• Providing Ontario’s postsecondary sector long-term sustainability, while continuing to ensure funding for the sector is being used to further Ontario’s position as a centre for world-class research excellence while meeting student and labour market needs

Federal changes have significantly reduced international student revenues and the province is also facing increased domestic demand for higher-cost programs and a financial aid program (OSAP) that is dramatically out of line with other jurisdictions.

According to a press release, to ensure the province’s world-class institutions continue producing one of the most competitive workforces in the G7 for generations to come, the Ontario government is making the following changes starting in Fall 2026:

• A new long-term funding model will see universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes focused on delivering programs that align with student and labour-market demand supported by increased, predictable funding. This new long-term funding model will bring an additional $6.4 billion into the sector over four years and raise annual operating funding to $7 billion, a 30 per cent increase and the highest level in the province’s history. It will also fund 70,000 more in-demand seats, while better meeting the needs of small, rural, northern, French-language and Indigenous Institutes

• An updated tuition framework will support the postsecondary sector’s long-term sustainability while maintaining one of the lowest tuition increases in Canada. Ontario will allow publicly assisted colleges and universities to raise tuition by up to two per cent per year for three years, then by up to two per cent or the three-year average rate of inflation, whichever is lower, in the years that follow. This rate of increase will be among the lowest in Canada, comparable to that of British Columbia and Manitoba.

• On average, this change will result in an additional cost of $0.18/day for college students and $0.47/day for university students. Low-income students will have this cost absorbed through an enhanced Student Access Guarantee (SAG)

• A stronger, more sustainable OSAP system will ensure financial assistance remains available for future generations while supporting students’ appropriate investment in their education and success. To strengthen the long-term sustainability of OSAP and align it with other provinces, Ontario students will be eligible to receive a maximum of 25 per cent of their OSAP funding as grants and a minimum of 75 per cent as loans. OSAP will no longer offer grants to students at private career colleges, in alignment with changes the federal government has made to its student support funding.

"This historic investment in our post-secondary institutions like Trent and Fleming will provide predictable, long-term funding,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By making this investment we are ensuring that students across Ontario will have access to world-class education in their own backyard. It’s also a recognition that our post-secondary institutions are the engines of our workforce and will continue to prepare generations of students in the high-paying and rewarding careers that will drive our economy for years to come.”

“This landmark investment in the postsecondary sector is greatly appreciated and comes at a pivotal time for our students - and for Ontario,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent President and Vice-Chancellor. “Trent University welcomes this funding as a substantial and positive step that strengthens planning, risk management and supports our efforts toward long-term sustainability. In addition, this investment will support Trent's ability to enhance experiential learning, grow high-demand programs, and continue delivering top quality programs for students that lead to career-ready graduates. This announcement will also support Trent’s regionally responsive approach. We look forward to reviewing the details of the announcement and understanding the specific rollout for Trent.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

First Responders Rescue Person Who Fell Into Water At Lock 19

An individual who fell into the water at Lock 19 was rescued and brought to safety by first responders on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Peterborough Police arrived at Lock 19 at roughly 12:30 p.m. and learned that someone was in the water. They were able to throw the fallen person some ropes to grab onto.

Peterborough Fire Services arrived as both first-responder organizations had moved the individual to safety.

They were taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre.  

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Residents Encouraged to Contribute to the City of Peterborough’s Corporate Accessibility Policy

Residents are invited to provide input into the City of Peterborough’s Corporate Accessibility Policy update.  

file photo.

The City says the Corporate Accessibility Policy will help strengthen and standardize accessible service delivery across all City departments. By providing staff with consistent guidance and improving procedural access to City services, the policy promotes equity, inclusion and customer-focused service. 

The update ensures the City continues to meet current accessibility legislation, adopts modern best practices and applies accessibility principles consistently across all City programs, services and operations. 

Residents can review the proposed policy and share their thoughts through the Connect Peterborough page. The draft policy can be viewed under the “documents” section on the webpage. Comments can be submitted directly through the online portal. 

Any feedback received will be used to inform the final policy and revise language where necessary. All comments will be reviewed by the Program Manager of Accessibility Standards and Integration, as well as the Accessibility Advisory Committee, before the policy is presented to City Council for final review. 

The public comment period will remain active until Feb. 27. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

The OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby Returns to Peterborough this April

The OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby is back to the Peterborough Lift Lock for its 37th year starting April 25.

Photo by david tuan bui.

The Youth Derby begins April 25, and is open to children aged 15 and under.

The All-Ages Derby casts off the following day and runs until May 3. Tagged fish sponsored by local businesses will be swimming with cash prizes, giving anglers even more reason to keep their lines in the water a little longer.

Businesses interested in sponsoring a fish can find details online.

“Local sponsorships play a huge role in making the derby possible,” said Nicole Lemke, Promotions Coordinator for the Under the Lock Fishing Derby. “They not only add excitement with prize fish, but also help cover the cost of stocking trout for the youth event.”

There are four grand prizes up for grabs, including the return of “Walter” the rainbow trout. Estimated to weigh between five and eight pounds, Walter carries a $1,000 cash prize for the angler lucky enough to land him.

The High School Derby also returns April 30, welcoming up to 1,000 students for five hours of fishing fun. Up to 500 trout will be stocked for instant prizes, and students will also have a shot at remaining grand prizes and tagged fish. Schools can register online. If there are still open spaces left on March 2, registration will open to individual students.

All participants must register online or in person (at Peterborough Canadian Tire locations) to take part. Anglers who register by April 10 will be entered for a chance to win one of 20 early-bird prizes.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.