Peterborough Petes Win Goalie Battle With 1-0 Overtime Win Over Ottawa 67's

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In a low-scoring affair, the Peterborough Petes escaped the Peterborough Memorial Centre with a 1-0 overtime win over their East Division rival, Ottawa 67’s, in front of a sold-out crowd on Thursday night.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 35-22-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen Photography and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes wore their winning design for the annual RCSS CHL Jersey Contest during the game. Designed by Lochlan Pherrill, they were being auctioned off online with all proceeds in support of the President’s Choice Children’s Charity. To date, the Real Canadian Superstore jersey contests have collectively raised over $864,900 to help feed one million kids each year. The auction runs until Sunday at 8 p.m.

Petes goaltender, Easton Rye, stopped all 38 shots, while 67’s netminder, Jaeden Nelson, made 25 saves before having to settle things in overtime.

The Petes broke out of their own zone as Petes captain Carson Cameron gained the offensive zone on the rush. He made a centring pass to Brennan Faulkner who found the back of the net off a tip-in and scored the game’s only goal for a 1-0 win over Ottawa.

Rye recorded his third shutout of the season with 41 saves, the most in a shutout this season. He recorded his league-leading 34th win of the season.

Faulkner’s lone goal was assisted by Cameron and Aiden Young.

The Petes hit St. Catharines to take on the Niagara IceDogs on Friday with puck drop at 7 p.m. at the Meridian Centre.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes defeat the Ottawa 67’s in a low-scoring affair, 1-0, in overtime. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

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Driver Caught Going 99 KM/H in 50 Zone; Peterborough Police Lay Second Stunt Driving Charge This Week

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The Peterborough Police Service have laid their second stunt driving charge this week, catching a 22-year-old driver going 99 km/hr in a 50km/hr zone on Thursday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The incident occurred at roughly 11 p.m., when officers on general traffic patrol stopped a vehicle on Water Street between Marina Boulevard and Carnegie Avenue

The driver was charged with stunt driving and speeding. Their driver’s license was seized for 30 days and the vehicle was impounded for 14 days.

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Celebrate International Women’s Day in the City of Peterborough

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City of Peterborough residents are invited to an event to recognize and celebrate International Women’s Day at City Hall on March 7.

Photo by david tuan bui.

International Women’s Day, which is held annually on March 8, is dedicated to acknowledging the achievements, contributions and leadership of women and girls. 

Mayor Jeff Leal has issued a proclamation in support of International Women’s Day.  

“International Women's Day is a day to celebrate achievements, leadership and resilience of women and girls in our community and around the world. It is an opportunity to recognize the countless ways women contribute to our families, workplaces and neighbourhoods, often while overcoming barriers and inequities,” Mayor Jeff Leal said. 

The day begins with a rally and march that begins at City Hall (500 George St. N.) at 11:30 a.m.  

City Councillor Joy Lachica will read the International Women’s Day proclamation. The rally will also include drumming from the group Naandewegaan (Healing with Drums) and a poem from Peterborough’s Poet Laureate, Ziysah.  

The rally will be followed by a march downtown with an afternoon of activities in Friends of the Library Community Room at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N.) Events include music, light refreshments and a discussion with Kat Owens from the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund.  

The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, the Kawartha World Issues Centre and the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton have also organized events on March 7.

All events are free to attend, though registration for the events at the library is encouraged. Registration can be done online.

"This day invites us to reflect on the work that remains to advance fairness, inclusion and equal opportunity for all. By marking International Women’s Day, we reaffirm the importance of recognizing women’s contributions, amplifying their voices and continuing efforts toward a more equitable future for current and future generations,” said City Councillor Joy Lachica. 

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Rebecca van Staalduinen Named Head Coach of Excalibur Women’s Volleyball 

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Director of Athletics and Recreation at Trent University Nathan McFadden announced the appointment of Rebecca van Staalduinen as the new head coach of the Excalibur women's volleyball program. 

Photo courtesy of trent university.

A longtime member of the program, van Staalduinen becomes the first female head coach in the history of Trent women's volleyball. Van Staalduinen '10 (Champlain College) brings more than a decade of experience with the Excalibur to her new role. After completing 10 seasons as associate coach, she begins her 11th season with the program as head coach.

A graduate of Trent's Biology program with a specialization in Health Sciences, she has been a dedicated contributor to Excalibur volleyball both on the court as a student-athlete, and on the sidelines as a coach. 

"Rebecca's commitment to Trent women's volleyball and her passion for our student-athletes and their holistic development make her an outstanding choice to lead our women's program," said McFadden. "Her experience as both a student-athlete and coach at Trent gives her a deep understanding of our values and how we want to continue to build a successful program." 

Van Staalduinen first joined the Excalibur coaching staff during the 2014–15 season and has played a key role in the program's growth and development ever since. 

"I've been part of this program since 2010; as a student-athlete, an alum, and an assistant coach, and it has shaped who I am," said van Staalduinen. "I'm honoured to now step into the role of Head Coach, building on the strong foundation Colin has established over the past three seasons while continuing to move the program forward. This program means a great deal to me, and I'm excited about the future and the opportunity to continue growing it alongside our student-athletes and staff." 

Prior to her coaching career, van Staalduinen enjoyed a decorated playing career. She competed for one season at Fleming College, where she earned National Scholar recognition, before continuing her career with the Excalibur at Trent. During her four seasons as a student-athlete, she was named an Ontario Colleges Athletic Association First Team All-Star twice and a Second Team All-Star once. She helped lead Trent to an OCAA bronze medal in the 2013 to 2014 season and was named an OCAA Championship All-Star. Van Staalduinen was also a two-time team MVP and represented the program at the OCAA All-Star Game on three occasions. 

Her development as a coach has also included national-level training opportunities. In 2022 to 20223, van Staalduinen was selected to participate in the U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program, an initiative designed to increase the number of women in coaching roles across Canadian universities by pairing developing coaches with experienced mentors.

As part of the transition, former head coach Colin Walker will remain with the program in a mentorship and senior advisory capacity with the women's team while continuing in his role as head coach of the men's volleyball program.

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The Two-Day Great Canadian Cheese Festival Comes to Peterborough This June

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The Great Canadian Cheese Festival (GCCF) of artisan cheese and Canadian food culture is coming to Peterborough June 13 and 14.

Photo courtesy of the great canadian cheese festival.

Relaunched last year, the festival established itself as a favoured gathering for cheesemakers, food artisans and culinary enthusiasts. Many vendors sold out on the first day, underscoring the strong demand for high‑quality, small‑batch Canadian cheese and artisan foods and beverages.

“The response in our first year was overwhelming,” says Festival organizer Patricia McDermott. “Guests were hungry for discovery, and our makers delivered. We listened, we learned and we’re thrilled to expand the experience even further in 2026.”

This year’s festival promises a lineup of returning favourites and newly added vendors, offering guests the opportunity to sample, shop and connect directly with the makers. General Admission includes access to all vendors, unlimited sampling and the chance to explore a curated marketplace of cheesemakers, bakers, chocolatiers, cideries, wineries and specialty food artisans.

"We are excited to welcome the Great Canadian Cheese Festival, its organizers and festival goers, to Peterborough this year,” shared City Councilors and Community Services co-chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “It’s a great fit for our City - adding one more reason to celebrate local food, restaurants and farmers' markets. It also gives the City an opportunity to highlight Ontario products, small businesses, and celebrate the way that food brings people together.”

For guests seeking a deeper sensory experience, GCCF will feature its signature Tutored Tastings, hosted by some of the most acclaimed experts in the dairy industry. These guided sessions explore the art of pairing exceptional Canadian cheeses with classic wines, ciders and other complimentary beverages.

The two day event spans from June 13 to 14 at the Morrow Building (151 Lansdowne St. W.)

Admission and Tutored Tasting tickets will be available for purchase online starting March 5.

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Felicia Massey


Fleming Phoenix Rookie Student Athlete Receives Provincial Recognition

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Fleming Phoenix’s Nathan Walters-Sundararajah of the varsity men’s basketball team was named a member of the Men’s Basketball East Division All-Rookie team by the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) last Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

He was one of five student-athletes to receive the honour.

Walters-Sundararajah is from Toronto and is in Fleming’s Carpentry and Renovation Technician program. In his first season with the Phoenix, Walters-Sundararajah logged 245 minutes of playing time in 16 games this season, earning six starts and 128 points over the course of the season.

According to Fleming, Walters-Sundararajah’s coaches rave about his immediate impact on the court, getting the ball up the floor quickly and drawing attention from the defence with his ability to get to the key. He also has an innate ability to draw fouls and create opportunities for his teammates.

Walters-Sundararajah’s efforts helped the Phoenix men’s basketball team secure a playoff spot this season.

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Township of Selwyn Gets $1,378,504 Investment For Critical Water Infrastructure From Ontario Government

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The Ontario government has invested $1,378,504 to rehabilitate water infrastructure for the Township of Selwyn’s George Street Watermain and Trunk Sewer.

Within the past few weeks, the Ontario Government has made announcements for provincial funding for Havelock, Peterborough and Selwyn’s water infrastructure. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS). It has been increased by $700 million to a total of $875 million to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation, and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This investment of over $1.3 million is a critical step in ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of water services for the residents of Lakefield,” he said. “By rehabilitating the George Street watermain and trunk sewer, we are not only addressing aging infrastructure but also creating the capacity needed to support new housing and economic growth in Selwyn. Our government remains committed to providing our municipal partners with the tools they need to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

Project upgrades include installing a new sanitary sewer to support future housing growth and replacing a section of aging watermain to increase water flow, improve fire protection and strengthen system reliability. Construction is expected to begin this spring, with excavation, pipe replacement, service reconnections and full roadway restoration.

“This funding represents a major investment in the long-term sustainability and livability of our community,” said Sherry Senis, Mayor of Selwyn Township. “By modernizing critical infrastructure along the George Street corridor, we are proactively addressing capacity challenges, strengthening system resilience, and ensuring Lakefield is well positioned to support planned growth. Projects like this protect public health, enhance service reliability, and demonstrate our commitment to responsible infrastructure planning for current and future residents.”

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Local Unions Call for Early Bargaining as Underfunding and Staffing Crisis Deepens at PVNCCDSB and TLDSB Schools

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The Ontario School Board Council of Unions (OSBCU), CUPE 997 and CUPE 1453, representing education workers across the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) and the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) are urging the Ford government and Education Minister Paul Calandra to begin collective bargaining with unions.

file photo.

CUPE-OSBCU is urging the government to come to the bargaining table prepared to increase staffing levels in schools across the province, improve supports for students and make necessary investments in publicly funded and publicly delivered education in Ontario.

“There can be no ‘business as usual’ while education workers and students bear the brunt of chronic underfunding,” said Joe Tigani, President of the OSBCU. “Early bargaining is critical to stabilizing our schools and addressing the staffing crisis before it becomes even more severe.”

School boards are already warning CUPE locals that thousands of education workers could be laid off for September 2026 following the expiry of the current collective agreement in August. These potential cuts come at a time when schools are already struggling to meet students’ needs due to years of inadequate funding and chronic understaffing.

“We need to begin bargaining as soon as possible because the staffing crisis in our schools is already causing real harm,” said Lianne Barley, President of CUPE 997, representing education workers at the Trillium Lakelands District School Board. “There is a ‘Plan B’ in place so that when staff are absent, they are generally not replaced until the fourth day of absence. The lack of replacement workers means employees are coming to work sick, workloads are piling up and violence in the workplace is increasing because schools are simply understaffed.”

The OSBCU, CUPE 997 and CUPE 1453 say they are ready to go to the bargaining table at any time. “Early bargaining is essential to provide certainty for students, parents and education workers, and to prevent yet another school year marked by a crisis of underfunding and understaffing of public education,” said CUPE in a press release. “Minister Calandra can issue a regulation to allow bargaining to start up to 180 days before the expiry of the current agreement at the end of August and as early as the beginning of March.”

“CUPE 1453 is ready to get to the table immediately, and we fully support the OSBCU’s call for the Ontario government to begin bargaining as soon as possible,” said Nora Shaughnessy, President of CUPE 1453, representing education workers at PVNCCDSB. “Right now, our schools are extremely underfunded, and it’s our students who are paying the price. Many are not getting the supports they need, and our staffing levels simply aren’t enough to meet growing demands. The chronic shortage of Educational Assistants has led to escalating physical and mental health issues among staff, many of whom are working through breaks and lunches just to meet the needs of students. Violence in schools is on the rise, and workers are telling us it’s becoming increasingly difficult to maintain safe, effective learning environments.”

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Peterborough Petes Round One Playoff Tickets On Sale

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With the Peterborough Petes returning to the playoffs since their OHL Championship in the 2022-23 season, single-game tickets for the first round of the playoffs are on sale.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 34-22-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Charles Warburton and the Brampton Steelheads.

They are available on Ticketmaster as game dates and times will be confirmed playoff seeding is determined.

Single-game home tickets can be purchased by clicking online, at the Doane Grant Thornton Box Office or by calling 705-743-3561. Playoff packages are also available through the Petes Account Manager.

Petes Season Ticket Members have until March 20 at 10 a.m. to reserve their seats for the 2026 OHL Playoffs.

Season Ticket Members who need assistance setting up their Account Manager can attend the drop-in sessions below at the Peterborough Memorial Centre’s North Lobby (near Gate 1):

  • Tuesday, March 10 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

  • Wednesday, March 11 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

The Petes return home for their Thursday game against the Ottawa 67’s with puck drop at 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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PHOTOS: Trent Central Student Association Rallies Against Ontario Government OSAP Cuts

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Local post-secondary students gathered outside MPP Dave Smith’s office Wednesday morning in protest of financial aid cuts to come with the recent restructuring of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

“The Trent Central Student Association is deeply concerned about the recent restructuring of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) that will take effect starting in the 2026/27 academic year,” said the TCSA in a statement. “These changes substantially reduce the proportion of financial aid provided as grants to post-secondary students, and significantly increase the amount offered as loans. Under the new structure, grants will make up only 25 per cent of total financial aid, while loans will account for 75 per cent. This marks a major shift from the previous system, in which students could receive up to 85 per cent of their aid as grants and only 15 per cent as loans.”

For more on the TCSA’s statement, click the link.

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