Peterborough Petes Earn a Point In Comeback Bid But Fall Short in Shootout to Windsor Spitfires

The Peterborough Petes made a valiant effort in a comeback but ultimately lost to the Windsor Spitfires in a 4-3 shootout loss at the WFCU Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 33-21-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Isabella Ruccolo and the Windsor Spitfires.

The first period went well for the home team as the Windsor Spitfires put up two goals thanks to Jakub Fibigr and New York Rangers prospect Liam Greentree to lead 2-0 after the first period.

Peterborough found their footing as just nearly five minutes into the period, Kieron Walton scored as he was all alone point-blank to cut the deficit in half. Calum Hartnell tied the game for the Petes just under four minutes alter with a wrist shot from the centre point for a 2-2 game. Greentree struck again for Windsor over halfway through the period to restore Windsor’s lead to 3-2 going into the final frame.

Only one goal was scored but it belonged to Peterborough on the power play. Aidan Young wristed one but it was saved. The puck was loose and both scrambled for it. Matthew Soto jammed away at the puck and it found its way through the net for a tie game for an eventual overtime.

With three-on-three overtime solving nothing, the game had to be decided in a shootout. Greentree scored the lone goal for Windsor to pick up the victory and knock off Peterborough’s comeback bid.

The following were the shootout results:

• PBO - Leon Kolarik (No Goal)

• WSR - Liam Greentree (Goal)

• PBO - Kieron Walton (No Goal)

• WSR - Ethan Belchetz (No Goal)

• PBO - Adam Novotný (No Goal)

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes made a valiant effort in a comeback but ultimately lost to the Windsor Spitfires in a 4-3 shootout loss. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Petes continue their three-game road trip as they head to Saginaw to take on the Spirit at the Dow Event Center at 7:05 p.m. this Saturday.

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Theft at a North-End Business

A 36-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges after an incident at a north-end Peterborough business on Thursday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 1:30 p.m., officers were at the business conducting a follow-up on a previous unrelated incident. While there, they were made aware of a theft in progress at the front of the store. Officers located a suspect matching the description given to police in the parking lot.  The suspect attempted to flee and ran into traffic while trying to discard items.  The officers stopped traffic and took the suspect into custody. During a search after the arrest, officers retrieved the stolen items and also found several cards with magnetic strips.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Theft under $5,000

• Failure to comply with release order

The accused is currently bound by a release order with the following condition: that he must reside with his surety and to not possess any cards with a magnetic data strip.  

They are being held in custody and will appear in court on Friday.

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Peterborough Musicfest Named One of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events

Peterborough Musicfest has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO).

Peterborough Musicfest is Canada’s longest-running free outdoor concert series. Each summer at Del Crary Park, over 100,000 people gather along the waterfront to experience music performances in a barrier-free, family-friendly setting. Photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest.

For nearly four decades, Peterborough Musicfest has operated, bringing music to Downtown Peterborough during the summer. FEO’s recognition highlights the calibre of performances presented each season, as well as the collective effort of volunteers, sponsors, artists, donors and audiences who make the series possible.

The FEO Top 100 designation is awarded by an independent panel of judges and recognizes innovation, economic impact, community engagement and overall excellence.

“This recognition belongs to our volunteers, our sponsors, our artists, our donors and every single person who brings a lawn chair down to Del Crary Park on a Wednesday or Saturday night,” said Tracey Randall, Peterborough Musicfest executive director. “Musicfest has always been about access, energy and community and this honour reflects the strength and spirit of our supporters.”

“Congratulations to Peterborough Musicfest on being named one of the Top 100 Festivals by Festivals and Events Ontario,” said City Councillors and Community Services Co-Chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “As we look forward to the 39th season beginning on June 27, we recognize the work of Musicfest's staff, board and volunteers in creating one of Peterborough's most beloved summer traditions: a celebration of culture, creativity, and community along the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, one of Ontario’s most beautiful settings.”

Concerts for this year’s festival start June 27 and continue through to Aug.19.

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Trent University Students Showcase Community Impact Projects at Year-End Celebration

Recipients of Trent University's Impact Microgrant Program presented project results showcasing work advancing food security, safe consumption and cybersecurity at the Trent Student Centre Wednesday.

fourth-year social work student bhawani persaud. Photo by Felicia Massey.

Led collaboratively by the Office of Student Affairs and Careerspace at Trent, and funded in part by Canada Service Corps, the Impact Microgrant Program is a national movement for youth aged 15 to 30 to gain experience and build skills while contributing to their community. Over the last year, nearly $500,000 has been distributed to student‑led projects through this partnership, with a total of $1.5 million in funding committed over three years.

In the first year of the program, 101 eligible youth across Canada were each awarded up to $5,000 to advance proposed social, cultural, economic and arts initiatives, and participated in virtual training on leadership and event management.

Nearly 50 grant recipients presented their work at the year-end showcase, including projects that supported community organizations in the Peterborough region.

Trent Durham student Bhawani Persaud showcased her book “this is us,” a collection of poetry and prose from racialized second-generation immigrant youths.

“I grew up with this sort of in-between feeling of not really being in the Western culture but not really being from the culture my parents are from,” said Persaud. “I really wanted to make a space for those who identify with this.”

A digital copy of Persaud’s project is linked on the this is us Instagram.

trent peterborough student andrea sturgis. Photo by Felicia Massey.

Andrea Sturgis founded student-led project Nourish to Flourish, partnering with The Seasoned Spoon Café to prepare snack packs and meals for youth accessing services through the YES Shelter.

Sturgis delivered over 280 food supports to youth experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity in the Peterborough area with help from her community partnerships.

“Nourish to Flourish is rooted in dignity and care,” said Sturgis. “I am grateful for the Trent community’s support on this project.”

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Peterborough Lakers Unveil Season Schedule; Home Opener On May 21 Against Six Nations Chiefs

The Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season is set for the Peterborough Lakers as they have unveiled their schedule for 2026, with May 21 as the home opener against the Six Nations Chiefs, announced at the Peterborough & District Hall of Fame on Thursday morning.

(from left to right) Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement; Teddy, Lakers mascot and Ted Higgins, Lakers Board of Directors president banging the drum for a “Go, Lakers, Go!” chant. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This season has 18 regular-season games, with nine home and nine away, playing each of the other six MSL teams three times.

The MSL announced that this year’s first round of the playoffs is a best-of-five series but the finals remain a best-of-seven.

All Lakers’ home games are on Thursdays at 8 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC). Event nights such as Country Night, Peterborough Regional Health Centre Night and Canada Day are returning for this year.

“Our players love performing in front of this community,” said Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement. “When the building is full and loud, it’s a special place to play. We’re ready to give the fans something to cheer about all summer. We want every night at the PMC to feel like an event. We’ve got some fun surprises and some new exciting theme nights coming and we can’t wait to share them with our fans.”

@ptbo_canada The @ptbolakerslax have unveiled their schedule for 2026 with May 21 as the home opener against the six Nations Chiefs. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #lacrosse ♬ Sport - Syafeea library

The Lakers schedule is as follows:

• May 21 vs. Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• May 28 vs. Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• May 30 at Owen Sound North Stars at 4 p.m.

• June 1 at Oakville Rock at 7:30 p.m.

• June 4 vs. Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 10 at Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 18 at Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• June 21 at Cobourg Kodiaks at 6 p.m.

• June 25 vs. Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 29 at Oakville Rock at 7:30 p.m.

• July 2 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m.

• July 7 at Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• July 9 vs. Owen Sound North Stars at 8 p.m.

• July 16 vs. Oakville Rock at 8 p.m.

• July 23 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m.

• July 24 at Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• July 28 at Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• July 30 vs Owen Sound North Stars at 8 p.m.

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Peterborough Seedy Sunday Is Back March 8

The 21st Peterborough Seedy Sunday seed sale and swap will take place March 8 at the Peterborough Square Mall.

photo courtesy of Peterborough Seedy Sunday.

The seed sale and swap is a place to get all the knowledge, tools and resources needed to get growing for the season.

There will be a diversity of locally grown heirloom vegetable, flower and herb seeds, vermicomposting supplies and bulbs available for perusing and purchase from local farms and vendors. These locally grown seeds are adapted to the local climate and grown to thrive in your farms and gardens.

Community groups will be displaying information about their work and providing visitors opportunities to get involved with local food, farming, water and environmental programs and to answer questions about gardening, seed saving and growing this season.

Seedy Sunday is a free event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and everyone is welcome.

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Peterborough Man Arrested After Found Asleep In Vehicle Buried In a Snowbank

A 37-year-old Peterborough man is facing several charges after his vehicle was found in a snowbank with him sleeping inside on Wednesday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 8:45 a.m., a concerned resident called police about a vehicle in a snowbank in the Lily Lake Road and Dolman Street area.  Officers located the vehicle — which was still running — and the driver asleep inside. Officers woke the driver and observed additional signs of impairment. He was taken into custody, and during a search after arrest, officers seized 0.4 g of cocaine.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Cocaine

• Driver fail to surrender licence (Highway Traffic Act)

• Careless driving (Highway Traffic Act)

• Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle (Highway Traffic Act)

• Fail to surrender insurance card (Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act)

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 April 7.

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United Way Nearing Finish Line, 96 Per Cent of $1.6 Million Fundraising Goal Raised

The United Way Peterborough & District’s 2025-26 campaign goal of $1.6 million has reached 96 per cent of its fundraising target since its launch on Sept. 25.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“There’s real energy right now,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “As we enter the final stretch, we are committed to leaving no stone left unturned in reaching the finish line.

United Way has brought back its Donation Match, where new donors will have their gift matched 100 per cent, while returning donors who increase their previous contribution by 10 per cent or more will have the increased amount matched.

The organization also held its annual Pyjama Day on Dec. 12, with participation from workplaces and schools across Peterborough and the County and United Way Peterborough & District’s own office.

The United Way benefit concert Peterborough Performs has run annually since its inception in March 2020. This year’s event is at Showplace Performance Theatre this Thursday at 7 p.m.

Several new initiatives were launched this year to reach the ambitious goal. This included a brand-new monthly 50/50 raffle, its inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle in November.

“Every partnership, every event and every act of enerosity brings us closer,” said Russell. “Thank you for being part of it, for showing up, giving back and helping us build a stronger community together.”

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Parks Canada to Peterborough Start Multi-Year Project For Earth Dams Rehabilitation and Maria Street Swing Bridge Replacement In Coming Weeks

In the coming weeks, Parks Canada will begin a coordinated, multi-year infrastructure project along the Trent–Severn Waterway National Historic Site involving Peterborough Earth Dams and the Maria Street Swing Bridge.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The work includes rehabilitation of the Peterborough Earth Dams to improve canal embankment slope stability and erosion protection between Lock 20 and McFarlane Street Bridge, increasing safety along the canal corridor; repairs and maintenance of the Peterborough Lift Lock to address water infiltration; and replacement of the Maria Street Swing Bridge to support continued safe use and increase its vehicle load carrying capacity while preserving the heritage landscape.

Work within the canal is scheduled outside of the operational season to minimize impacts on navigation. Temporary road closures, detours, and short-term restrictions on pathways, sidewalks and green spaces occur during construction. Parks Canada says they are working closely with the City of Peterborough to coordinate traffic diversions and reduce impacts on emergency services and public transit. Advance public notice will be provided ahead of any major closures or changes.

Regular project updates are provided through a dedicated project webpage and an email subscription list. A public information session is planned for March, with more details (such as construction phases, timelines, and closures) to be shared shortly.

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The Peterborough Humane Society Marked World Spay Day with 36 Free Surgeries

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) completed 36 spay and neuter surgeries on cats and dogs for World Spay Day on Tuesday, provided at no cost to community members who had been identified through the organization's social services programming.

photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society.

Spay and neuter is the most effective way to reduce pet overpopulation. These surgeries help prevent unwanted litters, support rescue and animal welfare partners and reduce the number of animals entering shelters or living without homes.

By connecting families identified through this social services programming directly to free surgical care, PHS is addressing the issue at its source.

Since opening in 2023, the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic has performed over 13,000 surgeries, cementing its role as a critical community resource for affordable and accessible veterinary care in the Peterborough region.

photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society.

"World Spay Day gives us a chance to highlight just how real and widespread the need for affordable spay and neuter services is, both here in our community and around the world," says Shawn Morey, CEO of the Peterborough Humane Society. "We are truly thrilled to be able to offer these services to families in Peterborough, and days like yesterday remind us why this work matters so much. Every surgery we perform is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable future for animals and the people who love them."

To learn more or to book an appointment, visit the website.

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