Provincial Government Launches Classroom Supplies Fund of $750 For Elementary School Teachers and Students

The Ontario Government has launched the Classroom Supplies Fund, providing $750 to elementary school homeroom teachers for classroom supplies starting this September, announced at Highfield Junior School in Etobicoke on Wednesday morning.

Screenshot.

The fund is part of the province’s 2026 budget and teachers will access it through a Classroom Supplies Card. It helps teachers have classroom materials without paying up front for them according to Doug Ford, Ontario Premier.

“Our government is making record investments so that our students have the support and supplies they need to succeed and grow in school,” he said. “The new $750 Classroom Supplies Card will give teachers across the province access to the resources they need, without forcing them to cover the costs themselves or wait to be reimbursed. It’s just one of the ways we are supporting our students and teachers while ensuring Ontario’s education system is focused on student success.”

Homeroom teachers can access the funding through a new provincial website. It allows them to order classroom supplies directly, with materials delivered to their schools. The Classroom Supplies Card directs teachers to the website and includes instructions for accessing it. According to the provincial government, the website will offer a grade-by-grade selection of commonly used classroom items, including writing supplies, notebooks, calculators, chalk, arts-and-crafts materials, tissues and paper towels.

This process allows elementary teachers to order the necessary supplies without paying up front and waiting for reimbursement, according to Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance.

“Our government continues to make record investments to build an effective and strong education system. We are committed to protecting student learning and ensuring teachers have the support they need for every student to thrive,” he said. “We will continue to strengthen accountability across the system and ensure that every investment is focused on student success and reaches the classroom where it matters most.”

Providing a card also allows teachers to directly access funding rather than the chance of not seeing the money that school boards distribute to teachers said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.

“We know that many teachers have been paying out of pocket for supplies. That isn’t fair for teachers or students,” he said. “While school boards receive funding for classroom resources, we have not always seen those dollars consistently reach every classroom. That is why we are putting funds directly in the hands of teachers to ensure their classrooms are equipped to support student achievement.”

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Offering Thousands in Funding for Local Green Startups and Environmental Innovators

The Rotary Club of Peterborough is rewarding thousands of dollars in funding through the Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) to local green startups and environmental innovators.

The following were last year's recipients of REIF: Wildrock Outfitters / Kawartha Land Trust, Woodleigh Farms, Clean Energy Generation, Taproots for Tomorrow and Second Nature Studio. Last year saw 16 applicants for local projects. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) is an initiative of the Rotary Club of Peterborough, with the goal of identifying, funding and elevating local environmental innovators whose ideas can make a measurable difference in the region and beyond.

REIF is currently seeking proposals from students, entrepreneurs, community leaders and small businesses developing local solutions to environmental challenges.

Up to $3,000 is available for initiatives that address:

● Climate action and energy efficiency

● Land and water conservation

● Waste reduction and circular economy solutions

● Sustainable food systems and regenerative practices

● Eco-conscious innovation in product and service design

More than $30,000 has been awarded to successful applicants since the fund’s inception in 2023.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the website to download an application form and learn more about this opportunity.

The deadline for applications is April 2 with the winners announced at a reception on May 11. at the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s regular lunch meeting.

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City of Peterborough Encourages Temporary Water Conservation During Wet-Weather Events

The City of Peterborough is encouraging residents to temporarily reduce non-essential water use to help lower the volume of water entering the City of Peterborough Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City is issuing the warning following heavy snowmelt and a winter with substantial snow accumulation, with heavy rainfall forecast for Wednesday.

According to the City, heavy rainfall and spring snowmelt can significantly increase the amount of water entering the municipal wastewater system, placing additional pressure on the sewer infrastructure during wet-weather events.  

The Wastewater Treatment Plant is experiencing higher-than-normal flows of water into the facility for treatment. It is operating within capacity and treatment is taking place as expected. 

During major wet-weather events, rainwater and melting snow can enter the sanitary sewer through foundation drains, cracks in pipes, and improperly connected sump pumps or downspouts. This additional flow, known as inflow and infiltration, adds to the volume that must be carried and treated. 

To help manage these temporary increases, residents are encouraged to reduce non-essential water use for short periods during significant rainfall or snowmelt events. When many households take simple steps to limit indoor water use, these actions help lower peak flows and reduce pressure on sewer pipes and pumping stations during extreme conditions.

Residents can assist by delaying laundry and dishwasher use, taking shorter showers, avoiding full bathtub fills and turning off taps when not in use. Homeowners can also help reduce stormwater entering the sanitary system by ensuring sump pumps discharge outside, keeping downspouts disconnected from sanitary sewers, and directing roof drainage away from foundations. 

These actions help reduce pressure on the wastewater system during wet weather periods.

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Peterborough Police Conduct Commercial Vehicle Inspection Detail Resulting in Numerous Tickets Issued

Officers with the Peterborough Police Service Traffic Unit conducted eight full commercial vehicle inspections on Tuesday.

photo courtesy of the peterborough police.

As a result:

• 1 vehicle was taken out of service

• 4 Court Summons were issued

• 4 Provincial Offence Notices were issued

• 1 caution issued

Tickets were for improper tires, failure to enter defect into daily report, failure to move into another lane for emergency vehicle or tow truck and operate unsafe vehicle.

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Peterborough Jr. A Lakers Release Home Schedule; Home Opener On May 22 Against League's Newest Team

The Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers will welcome new faces to the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League as they have released their home schedule, with opening night against the newest franchise Elora Hawks, on May 22.

Photo courtesy of Cade Dunford and the Peterborough Jr. A Lakers.

The Hawks were granted ‘A’ status this year after competing in the Jr. B ranks since 1987.

All nine home games are set for 8 p.m at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Head coach Robert Hope says the home opener provides an opportunity to set the tone for the season in front of the hometown crowd.

“Opening night always brings a different intensity,” he explained. “It’s the first opportunity to see how everything comes together; the preparation, the pace of the league, the matchups. There’s a real energy around a new season, and we’re looking forward to getting started.”

Peterborough enters the 2026 season after finishing fifth in the standings with a 12-8 record last year. They swept the Six Nations Arrows in the first round of the playoffs but fell to the eventual league champion Orangeville Northmen in the semifinals in six games.

Hope says last season’s playoff run gave the group valuable experience that can carry into the year ahead.

“We learned a lot about our group during that playoff run,” he said. To get through the first round the way we did and then push Orangeville in the semifinals showed what this team is capable of. The goal now is to take that next step.”

The Lakers’ head coach emphasized that preparation and staying consistent will be key to success as the team gears up for another competitive OJLL season.

“This league is tough every night and there’s not an easy opponent on the schedule,” said Hope. “We need to be prepared to play a full 60 minutes each game and be ready for whatever comes at us throughout the season.”

@ptbo_canada The Peterborough Merit Precision Jr. A Lakers will welcome new faces to the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League as they have released their home schedule, with opening night against the newest franchise Elora Hawks, on May 22. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #lacrosse ♬ Winning - ROKKA

The Lakers’ 2026 home schedule is as follows:

• Friday, May 22 vs. Elora Hawks – 8 p.m.

• Friday, May 29 vs. Oakville Buzz – 8 p.m.

• Monday, June 1 vs. Kitchener-Waterloo LC – 8 p.m.

• Monday, June 15 vs. Mimico Mountaineers – 8 p.m.

• Thursday, June 18 vs. Brampton Excelsiors – 8 p.m.

• Monday, June 22 vs. Whitby Warriors – 8 p.m.

• Friday, June 26 vs. Orangeville Northmen – 8 p.m.

• Monday, June 29 vs. Six Nations Arrows – 8 p.m.

• Monday, July 6 vs. Toronto Beaches – 8 p.m.

The Lakers begin their season the night before their home opener, on May 21 in Toronto.

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Sulawesi Forest Turtle Hatches at Riverview Park and Zoo

A critically endangered Sulawesi forest turtle has successfully hatched at the Riverview Park and Zoo.

photo courtesy of the riverview park and zoo.

The zoo welcomed the hatchling, named Indy, on Feb. 9. Indy is the fifth Sulawesi forest turtle to hatch at the zoo, marking another important milestone in its ongoing conservation breeding efforts for this critically endangered freshwater species.

“The hatchling is currently under observation by our animal care team,” said Matt Dixon, Operational Support Manager of Animal Care at the Riverview Park and Zoo. “This is another exciting and meaningful step forward for this critically endangered species. Each successful hatch strengthens the population and builds valuable knowledge that supports conservation efforts. The zoo continues to be the only zoo in Canada working with this species and is one of only a few zoos globally to successfully reproduce it.”

Native to Indonesia, the Sulawesi forest turtle is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and are considered among the rarest freshwater turtles in the world. The species faces significant threats from habitat loss, as well as unsustainable collection for food and the illegal wildlife trade.

In 2014 two hatchlings named Blinky and Skippy were among the first Sulawesi forest turtles successfully hatched in Canada.

In 2017, Riverview Park and Zoo received the Colonel G. C. Dailley Conservation Award from Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums. The national award recognizes excellence in species propagation and conservation achievement.

The zoo continues to collaborate with accredited zoological partners to support the long-term sustainability of the species through coordinated breeding programs and conservation initiatives that contribute to global wildlife preservation efforts.

For more information or to support Riverview Park and Zoo, visit the website.

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YWCA Accepting Applications For the 2026 Hazel Education Bursary

The YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Education Awards Committee is now accepting applications for the 2026 Hazel Education Bursary.

photo courtesy of the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, facebook.

YWCA Hazel Education Bursary is intended to help women who have experienced gender-based violence reach their goals through education or training.

Since 1998, the YWCA has honoured Hazel’s vision of helping women pursue their dreams and overcoming barriers related to their experiences of violence and abuse. Hazel was a consumer, advisor and volunteer of several community services. Hazel passed away in 1996 after a long struggle with breast cancer. Soon afterwards an education fund was created by friends and admirers to honour her legacy.

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Board of Directors, through the Education Awards Committee, and with donations from the community, offers bursaries between $500 and $2,500 to women who:

• have experienced barriers related to the impact of violence and abuse

• have a dream to strengthen their economic security

• are a resident of Peterborough or Haliburton County

• seek to further their education or develop skills

Applications for the Hazel bursary can be submitted online before 4 p.m. on May 1.

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Trent University Exceeds United Way Annual Campaign Goal

United Way Peterborough and District and Trent University came together to celebrate another successful year of partnership, as Trent’s 2025 Workplace Campaign raises $124,847.

photo courtesy of the united way peterborough and district.

Since the mid-1960s, Trent University faculty and staff have united annually to host fundraising events like their signature kick off barbecue and chilli cook off.

“It’s always heartwarming to see our community show up for one another, but what I find especially touching is when we can do so with our friends and colleagues at Trent for 60 years in a row. Sixty years,” said United Way CEO Jim Russell. “Each year, our friends at Trent have shown up and approached their campaign with enthusiasm and energy. Our team looks forward to building on this remarkable relationship for decades to come.”

While Trent University’s workplace campaign has concluded, the broader community campaign remains active through March 31. United Way continues to fundraise and relies on the generosity of local donors to meet their community campaign goal of $1.6 million.

To make an impact with United Way Peterborough and District you can donate online, in person (277 Stewart St.) or over the phone.

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Peterborough Police Continue to Investigate Sunday Afternoon Shooting Incident

The Peterborough Police Service continue to investigate a shooting that occurred Sunday afternoon, which resulted in one person going to a hospital.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m, in an apartment of a multi-unit residence on George Street just south of Parkhill Road. One person was injured and taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre before being airlifted to a Toronto hospita for treatment.

Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief made the following statement:

“I understand that these incidents strike at residents’ feelings of safety in their community. To date, we have ascertained that this was a targeted shooting and that it is connect to the drug subculture. While I am unable to speak to the specifics of an investigation, the Peterborough Police Service and our officers are committed to working toward finding the people responsible and bringing them before the courts. Information is a key component of determining answers. My position on the presence and use of illicit substances in our community has been clear – I do not tolerate it; it leads to the proliferation of other crimes.  I ask that our community continue to help us by reporting any suspicious activity to police. I am also appealing to anyone with information or security camera footage/dash cam footage from the time of the incident to contact police.”

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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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Peterborough Museum & Archives, Butterfly Run and Community Futures Peterborough

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Business Beat: Dinosaurs, Community Events, and Entrepreneurial Success in Peterborough

The prehistoric era may be long gone, but dinosaur-sized excitement is still stomping through Peterborough.

The blockbuster “Carnivorous Dinosaurs” exhibit at the Peterborough Museum & Archives continues to draw crowds and will run until March 22. The exhibit features life-sized skeletons of theropods like Tyrannosaurus rex and Allosaurus, along with touchable fossil replicas and bilingual interpretive panels that bring the prehistoric hunt to life.

Since opening last fall, the exhibit has welcomed a steady stream of visitors, including many families eager for a winter adventure. Recent events, such as the packed Dinosaur Story Time and Craft session, showed just how popular the attraction has become with kids and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. Admission is a suggested $20 donation per group, and visitors can catch the exhibit at 300 Hunter Street East during March Break before these Mesozoic giants disappear for good.

But that is not the only local event that is encouraging residents to take part in a meaningful community tradition.

The Butterfly Run returns for its 10th anniversary on April 26 at Millennium Park. The annual event raises funds for bereavement and family health programs through Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation and Your Family Health Team Foundation.

Participants can choose from several ways to take part, including a 5K run or walk, the 1K Kids Fun Run, or the free Memorial Walk. Virtual participation options are also available. Registration is now open, and anyone hoping to receive an official race shirt is encouraged to sign up by April 6.

Meanwhile, new entrepreneurs are making strides in the business community.

Community Futures Peterborough recently wrapped up its NEXT Program—short for New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training—which helps individuals explore business ownership after job loss or career transitions. The first 2026 cohort saw seven participants complete the program after attending workshops on business planning, cash flow management, marketing, and participating in a final Pitch Day.

Graduates include Kari Walmsley of Kari’s Glass Works, Ryan Douglas of Hilltop Land Clearing, Steve French—also known as The Plant Guy, Lori Alexander of ALT Accounting, Peter Falconeri of Side Hustle Apparel, Yomi Olaoye of MantaHQ, and Sara O. Shahsavari of Borderless. The program aims to help turn fresh ideas into viable businesses, strengthening the local economy in the process.

Residents interested in learning more about the program or supporting these new ventures can visit Community Futures Peterborough online for additional details.

And finally, if your business or community event deserves a moment in the spotlight, the Business Beat team wants to hear from you. Send your information to businessbeatptbo@gmail.com and your story could be featured in an upcoming edition.

That’s the Business Beat for this week.

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