The 54th-Annual Easter Seals Telethon to Support Children With Disabilities Hits the Air On March 22

The 54th-annual Easter Seals Telethon fundraiser to support children with physical disabilities is set for March 22, announced at Lansdowne Place on Wednesday morning.

(From left to right) Stuart Harrison, Easter Seals Telethon host; Zoe Gibbbons, Easter Seals Ontario Ambassador for Peterborough-Durham and Sarah-Lynn Gibbons, Zoe’s mother. The Gibbons were active partipants in the 40th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim on Friday morning. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Proceeds go towards Easter Seals Ontario so that children and youth with physical disabilities have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. The Telethon airs live from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on YourTV and Global Peterborough. The Telethon brings together stories, community voices and fundraising efforts to support Easter Seals kids across the region.

This year’s Easter Seals Ambassador (representing Peterborough-Durham) is seven-year-old Zoe Gibbons from Ajax. This is her second year participating in Easter Seals Ontario but her first as an ambassador.

Zoe was born with a rare condition known as congenital disorder of glycosylation type 2 (CDG Type-2) at birth and requires a wheelchair for mobility. She was the 49th person in the world to be given the diagnosis, according to her mother, Sarah-Lynne Gibbons.

“That's when the sugars and proteins, that mechanism is broken on one of her X chromosomes so there's a 50/50 chance that it can affect every system and organ in her body,” she explained.

Zoe uses her eyes and a Tobii Dynavox communication device to interact with others.

“There's heat sensors on the bottom so if she focuses on something long enough (like on one of the boxes), then it speaks out loud,” said Sarah-Lynn. “It's really cool. It took a really long time for us to advocate because it's one of those things that's hard to get covered but we did and we haven't stopped chatting since.”

The Gibbons were recipients of the Incontinence Grant through Easter Seals Ontario which is awarded to families with children who are diapered at the age of three and beyond.

“They also help with camps for all abilities and equipment so equipment that isn't covered by the government comes with a heavy price tag,” said Sarah-Lynne.

@ptbo_canada The 54th-annual Easter Seals Telethon is set for March 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Proceeds are for Easter Seals Ontario for children with physical disabilities access to tools and opportunities to thrive. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #eastersealscanada ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor, were in attendance for the launch. Leal had declared March to be Easter Seals Month in the City of Peterborough.

Throughout the month, Easter Seals Ontario invites the community to several fundraising events. This includes the Boston Pizza Celebrity Serving Event (1164 Chemong Rd.) on Sunday and the Peterborough Petes Alumni Celebrity Hockey Classic on March 12 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

“It's amazing to see the community to come together the way it does and for everyone to show up, it's pretty incredible,” she said.

Donations can be made online.

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Fergus Man Charged With Stunt Driving After Going 92 KM/H In 50 Zone

A 31-year-old Fergus man is facing a stunt-driving charge after a traffic stop, when he was going 42 km/hr over the limit on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 9:30 am, officers on general patrol in the Water Street and Marina Boulevard area stopped a vehicle clocked at travelling 92 km/hr in a 50 km/hr zone.

The man was charged with stunt driving, had their driver’s license suspended for 30 days and had the vehicle impounded for 14 days.

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Annual Roadway Pothole Repairs Underway in the City of Peterborough

Annual pothole repairs are underway in the City of Peterborough to address road damage caused by winter freeze-thaw cycles. 

stock photo.

Potholes develop as fluctuating temperatures allow water to seep into cracks in the pavement, freeze and expand, then contract as conditions warm. Over time this repeated process weakens the asphalt, and traffic passing over these areas can cause the surface to break apart and form potholes. 

Late winter and early spring typically bring increased pothole activity due to melting snow, rainfall and ongoing temperature fluctuations. 

Approximately 1,028 kilometres of roadway are maintained by the City’s Public Works department. Public Works staff regularly patrol roadways and respond to reported issues as weather conditions permit. High-traffic areas and locations where conditions pose safety concerns are prioritized.

Residents are encouraged to report potholes to assist in identifying and addressing issues. Reports can be submitted by completing the online Service Request form or by calling Public Works. When reporting a pothole, provide the exact location, including the nearest property address or intersection. 

Motorists are reminded to reduce speed and maintain a safe distance when approaching road maintenance operations. Half-load restrictions on designated municipal roads remain in effect until April 30. These seasonal weight limits help prevent additional deterioration when pavement structures are more vulnerable. 

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Telus Cup Single Tickets Now On Sale

The TELUS Cup is running from April 20 to April 26 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, with single tickets on sale.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Featuring the top six U18 men’s club teams from across Canada, the TELUS Cup is a national tournament that will bring elite competition and fast-paced action.

Single-game tickets are available at tiered pricing, with ticket costs increasing as the TELUS Cup progresses. Fans are encouraged to purchase early to take advantage of lower prices during the tournament’s preliminary round, with premium pricing in place for playoff games and the championship final. 

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting memorialcentre.ca. Group and family packages are available. 

“This tournament is expected to draw some of Canada’s best athletes, their families and hockey fans to Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I would encourage everyone to grab a ticket for the TELUS Cup to make sure they don’t miss a moment of action as some of the nation’s best players take to the ice right here in Peterborough.”

The City of Peterborough is receiving support from the Government of Ontario through the Sport Hosting Program to help bring the TELUS Cup back to Ontario for the first time in seven years.

“Our government is proud to support the TELUS Cup through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program,” said Neil Lumsden, Ontario Minister of Sport. “This event gives our athletes a chance to compete on a national stage right here at home, while boosting tourism and supporting local businesses in Peterborough. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers and everyone involved in bringing this exciting event back to our province.” 

The full TELUS Cup schedule can be found at memorialcentre.ca.  

School packages for the TELUS Cup are also available. Tickets for school packages are $5 per seat, per game.  Educators can contact the Memorial Centre box office at 705-745-3561 or email MemCentre@peterborough.ca for more information on school packages.

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Trent University's Second-Annual 'Curl with Cathy Funspiel' Raises Over $12,000 Student-Athlete Support

The second-annual ‘Curl with Cathy Funspiel’ raised over $12,000 Peterborough in financial support for Trent University Excalibur student-athletes at the Golf and Country Club on Saturday.

Dr. Cathy Bruce (far left) with Trent Students and faculty during the second-annual Curl with Cathy Funspiel. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Hosted by Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor, the event offered a day of curling and camaraderie to raise support for Trent's Green & White Athletic Financial Awards. 

“I want to thank everyone for taking part and for supporting this important cause. The generosity helps student athletes’ balance academics, training, competition and life beyond sport,” said Bruce. “To date, the fund has benefited over 450 Trent student-athletes, helping remove barriers, open doors and create opportunities for students to thrive at Trent. The impact of this support is also reflected in the success we continue to see across Excalibur Athletics.” 

This year’s event featured two sold-out draws, with more than 60 participants taking to the ice. Through event registrations, sponsorships and a silent auction, the 2026 Funspiel exceeded the fundraising target for the year and nearly doubled the inaugural year’s fundraising total of $7,000. 

“I want to thank President Bruce for her leadership and for once again championing this event in support of our student-athletes,” said Nathan McFadden, director, Trent Athletics & Recreation. “Her commitment to the Green & White Scholarship Fund continues to make a meaningful difference and is helping us reach new levels of success, both on our respective fields of play and in the classroom. It was special to see the Peterborough Golf and Country Club filled for the second annual Funspiel, which speaks volumes about the strength of our Trent community and the belief our supporters have in Excalibur student-athletes.”  

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Ontario Government Invests Over $2 Million For Havelock Road Repairs

Ottawa Street in Havelock is getting road repairs this summer, as the Ontario Government has invested $2,026,194 in the Havelock-Belmont-Methuen (HBM), announced at Havelock’s Council Chambers on Monday afternoon.

Ottawa Street serves as the main road of Havelock as part of Highway 7. Municipalities can apply for the 2027-28 Connecting Links program funding when the intake opens later this year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, noted that most traffic comes from out-of-town rather than local vehicles which contributed to the road’s deterioration.

“The people of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen deserve access to safe, reliable transportation infrastructure—and that's what our government is delivering,” he said. “Ottawa Street is the lifeblood of this village, serving as a critical link for both local residents and the movement of goods along the Highway 7 corridor. By investing over $2 million into this rehabilitation, we are ensuring our roads remain resilient, supporting local jobs and driving economic growth for years to come.”

Havelock’s Council Chambers operaters from 1 Ottawa St. E. which is the township’s main road. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Funding is through the 2026-27 Connecting Links program, which supports the maintenance of vital municipal roads and bridges that connect provincial highways.

A connecting link is a designated municipal road or bridge that connects two ends of a provincial highway through a community or to an international border crossing. This year, the Ontario government is investing $45 million in 21 projects to repair roads and bridges in 20 municipalities across the province.

“The Connecting Link is infrastructure that is challenging for a small Municipality like Havelock Belmont Methuen to maintain," Jim Martin, Mayor of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen. “Unlike other roads within our Township, Highway 7 sees a tremendous amount of traffic daily. The over two-million-dollar grant announced today will allow us to do upgrades this summer that otherwise would be impossible for us to do.”

Eligible costs for Connecting Links include the design, construction, renewal, rehabilitation and replacement of designated municipal roads and bridges.

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Fleming College Releases 2026 Haliburton School of Art + Design Course Calendar

Fleming College has released its 2026 Haliburton School of Art + Design (HSAD) course calendar, featuring creative workshops, courses and programs designed to ignite artistic talent at all skill levels.

The cover designed by award-winning artist and HeAD instructor Kat Honey. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The cover was designed by award-winning artist and HSAD instructor Kat Honey, taking inspiration from the School’s signature red doors.

A new lineup of HSAD courses spans a variety of disciplines, including quilting, glasswork, ceramics, music, podcasting, art commerce and jewellery design. New courses, like Brushworks: A Weekly Painting Series, start as early as March 25.

HSAD revived March Break options for all ages and Youth Art Camps in July and August, giving youth a chance to discover new interests and access professional-grade studios.

For Spring and Summer 2026, the HSAD residence will open to Continuing Education learners, expanding access to a convenient and immersive on-campus experience.

The calendar is also an invitation for the public to engage with the arts through a variety of scheduled events:

• Wednesday Afternoon Walks, Talks & Demos: Insightful presentations from world-class guest artists in a variety of locations including the Sculpture Forest.

• Thursday Night Entertainment: Live performances and social gatherings in the iconic Great Hall. Studios and classrooms will be open before entertainment starts, giving visitors a chance to view student art projects and learn about HSAD courses.

Registration for HSAD 2026 spring and summer courses and programs is open. Registration for Fall 2026 courses will open on July 2. Spring 2026 courses start March 11.

A digital version of the 2026 HSAD Course Calendar is available online. Print copies are available at Fleming’s Sutherland (Peterborough), Frost (Lindsay), and Haliburton campuses.

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Send a Kid to Camp AXE-travaganza with the Peterborough Axe Club and Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation has announced they are hosting the Send a Kid to Camp AXE-travaganza fundraiser May 1st at the Peterborough Axe Club.

photo courtesy of the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation.

In partnership with Herod Financial Services and supported by AON Inc, Kawartha Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (KOMFS), Terra FirmConstruction and Camp Kawartha and Kawartha Gymnastics, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation will host an evening of friendly axe throwing competition to help enrich the lives of children in our community.

“This event is our largest fundraiser of the year and plays a vital role in helping us send children to summer camp,” said Carrie Truman, Executive Director of the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation. “Camp provides children involved with the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society the opportunity to build self-esteem and confidence, form meaningful connections and spend time just being a kid.”

Over the past 42 years, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation has sent over 5740 kids to summer camp.

Their goal is to help 150 children involved with the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society attend camp this summer. By participating in the Send a Kid to Camp AXE-travaganza presented by Herod Financial Services, attendees can ensure local at-risk children have the opportunity to experience the joy of camp this summer.

Tickets are available now for $50 per person or $500 per lane. Two axe-throwing time slots are offered on May 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.

Event sponsorship opportunities remain available, and those interested can contact carrie@k-hchildrensfoundation.com for more information. Monetary donations in support of the Summer Camp Program can also be made online.

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Peterborough Women Arrested On Impaired Driving Charge After Striking Pole and Rolled Over Vehicle

A 49-year-old Peterborough woman is facing an impaired charge after a single-vehicle collision on Monday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9 p.m., officers were called to the area of Lansdowne Street and Ford Street for a vehicle that had struck a pole and rolled. Officers saw that Peterborough Fire was extracting the woman and two dogs from the vehicle with no injuries. In speaking with the driver, officers noticed signs of impairment. The area was closed while officers investigated.

The woman was arrested and charged with:

• 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 undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on April 14.

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Peterborough Folk Festival Receives FEO Provincial Sustainability Award

The Peterborough Folk Festival has been recognized for their commitment to environmental leadership and sustainable practices, being awarded the 2026 Festivals and Events Ontario Sustainability Award.

photo courtesy of the peterborough folk festival.

The Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) 2026 Sustainability Award was presented to Peterborough Folk Festival’s (PFF) treasurer, Chad Hogan, at the FEO Awards Gala this week in Kitchener, amongst festival and tourism industry colleagues from across Ontario.

The FEO Sustainability Award recognizes festivals and events that demonstrate commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. The award highlights festivals and events that implement innovative and effective sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, community engagement and environmentally responsible operations.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of Peterborough Folk Festival, I want to express how honoured we are to receive the 2026 Festivals and Events Ontario Sustainability Award recognizing a value that has guided our festival for 37 years”, said Emma MacDonald, Chair of the festival’s Eco Committee. “This recognition is a testament to the extraordinary work behind the scenes by our volunteers and community partners: the teams scrubbing dishes, parking bikes, sorting waste and recycling and supplying on-site solar energy. It takes a village to run a sustainable festival, and this honour belongs to the dedicated community that makes it possible.”

Highlights of PFF’s sustainability efforts include a commitment to waste reduction, complimentary bike valet parking, a Generation Solar stage, park stewardship at Nicholls Oval and a commitment to supporting local businesses and vendors.

“Congratulations to Peterborough Folk Festival on being named the recipient of Festivals and Events Ontario’s Sustainability Award! In addition to capturing the essence of Peterborough’s culture community, the Folk Festival is an exemplary steward of the land, water and community surrounding Nicholls Oval Park," City Councillors, and Community Services co-chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk shared in a joint statement. "This award honours Peterborough Folk Festival’s long-standing commitment to sustainability through waste reduction, active transportation, supporting local businesses, and even having a solar-powered stage. The festival and the entire Peterborough community can feel very proud of this recognition.”

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