Police Warn Public Of Man Released From Custody After Several Indecent Act Incidents At Jackson Park

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The Peterborough Police Service is issuing a warning after a 41-year-old Peterborough man, Steven Watson, was released from custody on Dec. 6, having served his sentence of performing several indecent acts at Jackson Park.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

Watson has been arrested for several incidents where he was exposing himself and masturbating in Jackson Park between March 2024 and July 2025.

He is also on a prohibition order to stay away from areas where children could be.

The Peterborough Police is releasing his name and photo, in accordance with the provisions of the Community Safety and Policing Act (2019) and out of an abundance of concern for public safety, given the nature of the incidents.

The High Risk Unit of the Peterborough Police Service is aware of the release from custody and that Watson will be on several conditions.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Registration Opens This Week for The City’s Spring Recreation Programs

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Registration for the City of Peterborough’s spring recreation programs opens on March 11 and March 25 for aquatics programs.

file photo.

Registration opens at 7 a.m. for both March 11 and 25.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members can register for Wellness Centre programs a day early, beginning March 10 at 7 a.m., and beginning March 24 at 7 a.m. for aquatics.

For more information on the City’s spring recreation programs, including fees, policies and the City’s recreation fee subsidy, visit the website.

A full list of aquatic programming is available online. Aquatic programs fill up quickly, and early registration is encouraged. 

Registration for all programming can be done online or in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.) or by calling (ext. 2201).

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City of Peterborough Releases List of Activities For March Break 2026

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The City of Peterborough has released a list of activities for March Break starting next week.  

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“March Break is the perfect time to get out and enjoy a little adventure close to home,” said Community Services co-Chairs Councillors Alex Bierk and Lesley Parnell.  “With free skating opportunities, swimming and drop-in programs, and engaging activities across the city, there are plenty of ways for residents to stay active and enjoy time together right here in Peterborough.” 

Several free public skates are taking place at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

There is free drop-in swimming on Sunday at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Other drop-in swimming and sports sessions take place at the Wellness Centre throughout the week. 

Residents can pop by the Peterborough Museum and Archives to check out the Carnivorous Dinosaurs exhibit and participate in dino-themed activities taking place throughout the week.  

The Big History Show, a puppet show with Glen Caradus, takes place at the PMA on March 22 at 2 p.m.  

The Riverview Park and Zoo will be open from 8:30 a.m. to dusk throughout the week, with a special scavenger hunt taking place on March 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

A full list of events, including times and prices, can be found online. 

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PHOTOS: The Tiffany Show's International Women's Day Party

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Host of The Tiffany Show Tiffany Arcari hosted her third annual International Women’s Day Party on Sunday; celebrating local women, uplifting their stories and collecting menstrual products for the Period Promise initiative.

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City of Peterborough Commemorates Irish Heritage Week With Flag Raising Ceremony at City Hall

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The City of Peterborough is getting green for the next seven days as it kicked off Irish Heritage Week with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall on Monday morning.

Dignitaries and notaries helped kick off Irish Heritage Week, raising Ireland’s flag at city hall. pHOTO BY David Tuan Bui.

Members of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club, Nine Ships and dignitaries were at the ceremony to kick off Irish Heritage Week, as declared by Mayor Jeff Leal for Peterborough.

This year is the 201st year that politician Peter Robinson administered the passage and settlement of Irish Catholic families into Scott’s Plains, now known as Peterborough.

“It's important that we remember our Irish heritage and we have the opportunity to do that every year,” said Brendan Moher of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club. “It's important that we educate our children and educate others in the community that this community was built in many respects by the Irish in 1825 when they arrived with the Peterborough Robinson group. They've been building this community ever since (among with many other immigrants in the world and First Nations).”

@ptbo_canada The City of Peterborough raised Ireland’s flag to kick off Irish Heritage Week in Peterborough for 2026! 🇮🇪 #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #irishheritage ♬ Irish Jig Diddle Leprechaun Fiddle - Viral Sound Empire

Sunday is the 26th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at City Hall and running through George Street until the Peterborough Memorial Centre. This year's grand marshall is Irish historical geographer Christy Roche.

Moher encourages everyone to attend this year’s parade, regardless of anyone’s background or heritage. He says the main takeaway is that everyone has a sense of community, whether they have Irish roots or want to be Irish for a day.

“It is a way for the community to come together of every economic strata and every ethnic background, up and down George Street,” explained Moher. “It's a way to come together as a community and realize what good things we have there.”

A 5K run along George Street has returned for this year’s parade. It will raise money for Right to Heal to help those with mental health and addiction issues. The run begins at 1:30 p.m., starting at Roger Neilson Way and turning around at McDonnel Street before completing the circuit at George Street north of Lansdowne Street.

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Local Woman Faces Over Two Dozen Charges In Connection With Thefts

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A 31-year-old Peterborough woman is facing over two dozen charges in connection with thefts from local businesses.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

On March 6, officers with the Community F.I.R.S.T Unit were called to a store in the King Street and Bethune Street area after a woman walked into the store, selected some items and left without paying. Officers arrived in the area and located a woman matching the description given to police.

Officers were also aware the woman was wanted on warrants for theft under $5,000, failing to comply with probation and failing to comply with an undertaking. They further learned the woman was wanted in connection with two incidents reported to police; one earlier that day in which bakery items were stolen and another at an LCBO.

As a result of the investigation, a 31-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested on the strength of the warrants and in total is facing:

  • Theft Under $5,000 X8

  • Fail to Comply with Probation X16

  • Fail to Comply with Undertaking X2

The accused is currently bound by two probation orders with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. 

She is also bound by an undertaking to not attend certain stores. 

The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on March 7.

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Peterborough Petes Get Two Points After a Pair of Weekend Road Games

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The Peterborough Petes earned two points after a pair of road games against the Niagara IceDogs and Ottawa 67’s.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 36-23-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of the Niagara IceDogs.

The Petes were in St. Catharines for the final time this season to take on the Niagara IceDogs on Friday night. The visitors won, 4-1, sweeping the season series 4-0.

Brennan Faulkner scored two shorthanded goals on the same penalty kill and added an assist. He is the seventh Pete in franchise history to score two shorthanded goals in a game. Matthew Perreault and Adam Novotny also scored, with Adam Levac and Matthew Soto each getting an assist. Easton Rye stopped 34 of 35 shots for his 35th win.

The Petes went to the nation’s capital on Sunday to take on the Ottawa 67’s. They erased a two-goal deficit early but fell behind again, failing to catch up a second time and lost 6-3.

Yanis Lutz led the Petes with two goals, while Aiden Young also scored. Kieron Walton and James Petrovski had two assists each and Calum Hartnell had a helper.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes earned two points on a two-game road trip. Defeating the Niagara IceDogs but falling to the Ottawa 67’s. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Petes return home to take on their heated rival, the Oshawa Generals, on Thursday at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for their Big Brothers Big Sisters game.

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New Pilot Program 'Elevate Peterborough' to Support City Events and Tourism Growth

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The City of Peterborough has launched a new pilot program, Elevate Peterborough, to support festivals and events that attract visitors to the city and contribute to tourism in the community.

Elevate Peterborough offers a robust range of support for eligible events and festivals, including in-kind city services, marketing, visitor information, event evaluation support, and ancillary programming. The City’s 2026 Budget includes $75,000 to support attracting and hosting major tourism events. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The program aims to enhance event experiences that encourage overnight stays, drive economic impact and build the city’s profile as a premier tourism destination. Peterborough Tourism, the City’s tourism service delivery and marketing program, is now accepting applications from event and festival organizers.

“We’re excited to launch this pilot program as a way to streamline how the City supports the passionate organizers who bring energy, creativity, and community spirit to our community year-round,” said Tanya Budgen, City of Peterborough Service Area Manager for Tourism & Events. “Through Elevate Peterborough we’re strengthening collaboration with event organizers to attract visitors, increase overnight stays, and generate meaningful economic impact for our community while elevating what’s possible here in Peterborough.”

The Elevate Peterborough pilot program will run for the remainder of 2026 and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for upcoming events. Applications must be submitted 120 days prior to the event's start date.

Eligible events include, but are not limited to:

  • Conferences or galas

  • Music or cultural festivals

  • Culinary festivals or events

  • Art festivals or events

  • Trade shows

  • Educational events or seminars

  • Sporting events, tournament seasons or championships

Elevate Peterborough will be open for feedback throughout the pilot phase. Next year, the program will be evaluated and refined to ensure it aligns with the evolving needs of the tourism and events community.

Peterborough Tourism staff will host two in-person information sessions for Elevate Peterborough on March 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and March 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

The information sessions are designed for event organizers, sports user groups, cultural tourism operators and other tourism stakeholders who wish to learn more about the pilot program and the support and resources available.

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One Person Taken to Hospital From Shooting Incident

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One person was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre then airlifted to a Toronto hospital after a shooting that occurred on Sunday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The incident occurred in the area of Parkhill Road and George Street North. Police increased their presence in the area for several hours and reopened in the early evening.

The event occurred around 4 p.m. inside a residence. Police believe this to be an isolated incident, with the investigation ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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City of Peterborough to Kick Off Irish Heritage Month With Flag-Raising Ceremony on Monday

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The Peterborough Canadian Irish Club and Nine Ships 1825 Inc. are hosting a flag-raising event at City Hall starting at 11 a.m. on Monday as part of the celebrations for Irish Heritage Month. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Cahal Sweeney, the Vice Consul General of Ireland in Toronto is also attending the event.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held starting at 2 p.m. on March 15 on George Street, from City Hall, 500 George St. N., travelling south to Lansdowne Street. 

Mayor Jeff Leal has released the following statement recognizing Irish Heritage Month in the City of Peterborough:  

“March is Irish Heritage Month in Canada. It’s a time to recognize, celebrate, and honour the remarkable history, vibrant culture, and lasting contributions of Canadians of Irish descent. 

Irish immigrants and their descendants have helped shape communities across our country, including here in Peterborough. Last year, our community marked the 200th anniversary of the Peter Robinson Irish Immigration, which brought 2,000 settlers to the Nogojiwanong-Peterborough region in 1825. Their legacy has endured. Through their contributions to public service, education, business, arts and culture, and community leadership, Irish Canadians have played an important role in building the city we know today. 

As we recognize Irish Heritage Month, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we recognize the deep cultural roots of Irish Canadians in our community and beyond. 

On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I extend my warm wishes to all those celebrating Irish Heritage Month.”

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