Fleming College Invites Prospective Students to Annual Spring Open House Event
/Aspiring post secondary students and their families are invited to Fleming College’s annual Spring Open House event on April 11.
file photo.
Peterborough Blogs
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring CANCAST, EC3 and Canadian Canoe Museum
/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…
This week, we’re diving into a mix of fishing fever, arts investment and canoe culture—all signs of a vibrant spring season ahead.
Big Hooks and Bigger Crowds: CANCAST Meets Muskie Odyssey
This past weekend marked a milestone for outdoor enthusiasts across Ontario. The CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show teamed up with the Muskie Odyssey for what’s being called Canada’s largest fishing event yet.
Held across two venues—the Peterborough Memorial Centre (including the Morrow Building) and the Kinsmen Civic Centre—the expanded show doubled the vendors, speakers, and experiences. A free shuttle service kept everything connected and convenient for attendees.
This collaboration signals strong momentum in the Kawarthas’ tourism and outdoor recreation economy, a key growth area for the region. Organizers are already hinting that this new two-venue format could become the new standard, especially as 2026 marks CANCAST’s 5th anniversary in Peterborough.
If you missed the action, mark your calendars for next year—or check out what’s coming up.
Fueling Creativity: $35,000+ in Arts Grants
From fishing rods to paintbrushes, Peterborough’s creative side is also thriving. The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) recently announced over $35,250 in grants to 17 local artists through their Grants for Individual Artists program.
These funds support a wide range of creative projects and help strengthen the local arts economy—just in time for a busy spring and summer lineup of exhibitions, performances, and events. It’s a clear reminder that investing in culture pays dividends for community vibrancy and tourism alike.
Whether you’re an artist, arts supporter, or simply enjoy what our region has to offer, this boost is great news.
Adventure Stories on the Water: Backcountry Canoe Symposium
Next up on the calendar: a full day of inspiration for paddlers and outdoor lovers. On April 11, the Canadian Canoe Museum is hosting the Traversing Backcountry Canoe Symposium in partnership with Traversing.
The lineup features experienced adventurers and storytellers including Ben Beauchamp, Kirsten Graham-May, Eric Drost, Hilary Croft, and Katrina Van Osch. They’ll share tales from solo trips to epic northern expeditions across Canada’s backcountry.
Attendees can join in person at the museum or virtually from anywhere. Expect a full day of talks, connections and plenty of motivation to get out on the water this season. Tickets are $25 in-person or $10 virtual.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.
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U11AA Peterborough Petes Go On Undefeated Run To Capture OMHA Championship
/The U11AA Peterborough Petes were flawless in capturing the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) Championship title, defeating the Caledon Hawks, 3-1, at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby on Sunday afternoon.
(Back Row) Head Coach Bobby Christie, AC Jeremy Heffernan, AC Steve Thomas, Gavin Thomas, AC Mark Prentice and Trainer Jeff Taylor.
(Middle Row) antzen Taylor, Jackson Faught, Nash Prentice, Jonny Dewhurst, Case Hedges, Charlie Clements, Mason Smith, Oscar Selby, Jonah Vogler, Brandon Devereau and Jack Coveney.
(Front Row) Nash Bloomfield, Ronan Goselin, Luke Lipscombe, Kaden Grills and Lucy Christie. Photo courtesy of the U11 Peterborough Petes.
The Petes faced off against the South Simcoe Storm as the opening game of the tournament on Friday morning. Peterborough won by a score of 4-2 with a three-goal surge in the third period. They were also the last game of the day, capping off the night with a 6-4 victory over the Flamborough Sabres. Both teams traded pairs of goals throughout the game but Peterborough scored twice late in the game to seal the win.
The Petes had only one game on Saturday against the Richmond Hill Jaguars. Peterborough was down 2-1 going into the final frame but they scored three times including three power play goals for a 4-3 win to clinch a spot in the playoffs.
The semifinals were against the Oakville Rangers on Sunday morning. While the game was close, Peterborough never relinquished the lead and punched their ticket to the finals with a 4-3 win.
The finals were a battle of the undefeated as the Petes faced the Caledon Hawks. Peterborough scored the first three goals, including two in the second half of the third period. The Hawks finally responded with a score in the final 40 seconds of regulation but it was too little, too late and Peterborough completed their undefeated run to win the OMHA championship.
Ontario Government Invests $100,000 For Local Emergency Preparedness In Peterborough-Kawartha
/The Ontario Government is investing $100,000 in North Kawartha and Havelock-Belmont-Methuen to improve local resilience and respond to emergencies more effectively, announced on Monday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
This funding is delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) and is designed to help small and medium-sized municipalities accordinf to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.
“Last year’s March 2025 ice storm was a stark reminder of how quickly our communities can be cut off when the power goes out and roads are blocked,” he said. “This investment is a direct response to those challenges. By providing the tools for reliable communication in North Kawartha and ensuring the HBM Community Centre has a backup generator to stay open as a warming site, we are making sure our residents are never left in the dark again.”
The CEPG funding is being allocated to address specific infrastructure and equipment gaps in the region:
North Kawartha ($50,000): The township will use this investment to modernize emergency communications and field operations. Key purchases include radios for parks and recreation vehicles, communication upgrades, a backup generator, and chainsaws. These tools will ensure safer, faster road clearance and more coordinated responses during natural disasters
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen ($50,000): Funding will support the purchase of a permanent backup generator for the HBM Community Centre. This upgrade ensures the facility can serve as a reliable emergency shelter and warming/cooling centre during power outages—a critical need identified following the prolonged outages of the March 2025 ice storm
“The $50,000 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant will assist the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen with the purchase of a permanent backup power source for the local Community Centre,“ said Jim Martin, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen mayor. “This purchase will allow the Community Centre to be the Township’s main gathering spot in an emergency situation when the power is out.”
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PTBO Women’s Initiative Network Inc Formed to Support Local Athletes Competing in Ireland
/A new community-driven initiative, the PTBO Women’s Initiative Network Inc (PTBO WIN), has formed to support local athletes who have been selected to compete on the Canada 2 team at the 2026 Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) World Games in Waterford, Ireland this July.
photo courtesy of PTBO WIN.
Local athletes Zoe King, Ciara Gunn, Michelle Schevers and Tash Ennis, all members of the Peterborough GAA club, have been selected to compete on the Canada 2 team.
PTBO WIN originally came together to rally behind these athletes in their fundraising efforts. While the immediate focus is helping send the women to compete on the international stage, the network says they have a long-term vision of advocating for and supporting local women in pursuing their goals, whether in sport, business or beyond.
“What started as a couple of women meeting at a networking breakfast quickly turned into a dedicated group of women committed to supporting other women in the community,” said PTBO WIN President, Kelly Carbajal. “We recognized very quickly that there is a real need in the area for women pursuing their goals and dreams. Our hope is that the Ptbo Women’s Initiative Network can make a meaningful difference for these incredible athletes and for so many more women in the future.”
PTBO WIN aims to raise $20,000 to support these athletes and their journey to the World Games, including training, travel, and ongoing skill development by focusing on three main initiatives:
PTBO WIN Launch Food Festival
Date: June 6
Time: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Peterborough Square Outdoor Patio
This event will feature local food vendors, live music, shopping and an opportunity to meet the athletes and PTBO WIN members.
PTBO WIN 100 x 100 Campaign
Running now through July 1, PTBO WIN is calling on 100 community members or businesses to support local athletes by contributing $100 each, helping to directly fund their World Games journey.
PTBO WIN World Games Send-Off
Date: June 28
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 100 Acre Brewing Co.
Admission: $20 entry including a free drink or $40 for families (2 adults and 2 kids)
This send-off celebration will feature food and drink sales, a silent auction, live music and a Gaelic football demonstration with opportunities to engage and play alongside local athletes. Attendees can expect interactive challenges, prizes and a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere to help send these athletes off in style.
In addition to the PTBO WIN events, there are several other ways to support the local Team Canada 2 athletes:
Online Raffle
$20 tickets available now until May 1.
Prizes include a $1,000 flight voucher, a signed Toronto Maple Leafs jersey and more. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the athletes directly or at local events.
Square Dance
Date: April 10
Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: The Social
$15 admission at the door, an evening of live music, dancing, raffle prizes and community connection.
Arriba Indoor Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament
Date: May 2
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: TASS School
Registration: https://www.arribavolleyball.com/coed-tourney-registration-may-2/
VIVA Beach Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament
Date: June 6
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Whitby Free Methodist Church
Registration: https://www.vivavolleyball.ca/tournaments
“This is such an amazing initiative,” says King. “The community is really coming together to support us. The cost for the whole team is upwards of $60,000 so I hope we can build strong excitement and attendance at these events.”
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Two People Face Graffiti Charges After Spray Painting a Building, Streetlights and Electrical Boxes
/Two Peterborough residents are facing charges after several reports of graffiti being spray-painted on a building, streetlight poles and electrical boxes on Friday evening.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.
At roughly 10 p.m., officers were called to the Safe Consumption Site regarding a man and a woman spray-painting on the building. Officers located two people matching the description given to police and took them into custody. During a search after arrest, officers seized four cans of spray paint and a knife. While investigating this incident, officers were made aware of a reported incident involving people of the same description who were spray-painting street light poles and electrical boxes in the Sherbrooke Street and Bethune Street area.
A 35-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:
Carrying concealed weapon
Mischief Over $5,000
Mischief Under $ 5,000
A 32-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:
Mischief Over $5,000
Mischief Under $ 5,000
Both accused were held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday court on Saturday.
At this time, Police state that there is nothing to indicate these incidents are connected to the graffiti written on a fence in the west end of Peterborough on March 20.
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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Kieran Walton Plays Overtime Hero Twice to Give Peterborough Petes 2-1 Series Lead Over North Bay
/Kieran Walton played overtime hero not once but twice, winning Games 2 and 3 for the Peterborough Petes to take a 2-1 series lead over the North Bay Battalion.
The Petes ended the regular season with a 40-24-1-3 record for third place in the East Division. Photo courtesy of Tom Martineau and the North Bay Battalion.
On Friday, the Peterborough Petes hosted Game 2 after being down one game in the best-of-seven series.
Walton scored on the backhand after receiving a centring pass just under 14 minutes into overtime to give Peterborough a 4-3 win and tie the series at 1-1.
Brennan Faulkner, Braydon McCallum and Walton each had a goal and an assist, Adam Levac had two helpers. Francis Parish scored while Calum Hartnell, Aiden Young and Grayden Strohack each tacked on an assist. Easton Rye stopped 40 of 43 shots for his first career playoff win.
"It's Wally's world and we're just living in it!" 🌎
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 28, 2026
Kieron Walton evens the series for the @PetesOHLhockey with the winner in game two and secures a $2000 donation from the #OHLOvertimeHeroes program.#PBOvsNB | #OHLPlayoffs | #GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/dEZQikVaIS
The Peterborough Petes travelled to the Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens in North Bay for Game three with the series evened on Sunday afternoon.
Peterborough scored in the first 12 seconds of regulation for an early 1-0 lead thanks to Levac. He shot it from the high slot which was saved but he chopped at his own rebound and found the back of the net for a 1-0 game.
The visitors had a late power play in the second period but a Pete blew a tire which allowed the Battalion to counter on the rush. They had an outnumbered attack despite being a man short and scored to make it 1-1.
In the dying seconds of the third period, Walton had the chance to win it in regulation but was denied. Unable to reach a decision, the game went to overtime.
No one had scored for the first 15:39 of the extra frame but North Bay goaltender Mike McIvor had a costly match penalty for roughing that gave the Petes a five-minute power play.
Walton capitalized on his second chance, scoring uncontested on a one-timer from the faceoff circle and gave the Petes a 2-1 win and 2-1 series lead.
Walton had a two-point afternoon with a goal and an assist, Levac scored and both Garrett Frazer and Adam Novotný got an assist. Rye made a few highlight-reel saves, stopping 47 of 48 shots for his second-career OHL playoff win.
ANOTHER WALTON WINNER!
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 29, 2026
For the second straight game Kieron Walton sends the @PetesOHLhockey home victorious with an OT winner, contributing another $2000 donation from the #OvertimeHeroes program.#PBOvsNB | #OHLPlayoffs | #GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/AohXeFpAwp
The series continues with game four back at the Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens on Tuesday with puck drop for 7:05 p.m.
@ptbo_canada Kieran Walton played overtime hero not once but twice as he won Games two and three for the @Peterborough Petes to take a 2-1 series lead over the North Bay Battalion. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA
Porter Martone Signs Three-Year Entry Level Contract With Philadelphia Flyers
/Peterborough’s Porter Martone is one step closer to playing in the NHL as he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday.
Photo byJordan Cooper.
He was drafted to the Flyers, sixth overall, in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft last June.
Martone is the first player from Philadelphia’s 2025 draft class to ink an entry-level deal. He is the fifth prospect to sign with the Flyers in the last month, which includes Noah Powell, Cole Knuble, Alex Ciernik and Riley Thompson.
He committed to Michigan State University and the Spartans a month after being drafted. The team plays out of Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing, Mi.
In the 2025-26 season, Martone completed his first season of collegiate hockey with Michigan State University and had 25 goals and assists in 35 games. He scored once and racked up two assists through two games at the 2026 NCAA Tournament. He led his team in both goals and points as a freshman throughout the season. Martone was the only freshman selected to the All-Big Ten First Team. He also took home Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors.
He spent most of his OHL career with the Mississauga/Brampton Steelheads and had a brief stint with the Sarnia Sting.
Martone also captained Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship in Finland.
The Peterborough forward was a member of the Petes U15 AAA team, scoring six goals and 15 assists in 36 games.
Porter is the son of his father and former NHL player Mike Martone. The latter was known for scoring the game-winning overtime goal in the 1996 OHL Championship against the Guelph Storm.
Heming Landscape Equipment Recognized As Authorized John Deere Dealer For 50 Years
/Heming Landscape Equipment hit the 50-year milestone as an authorized John Deere dealer and was formally recognized with the distinction at their store on Wednesday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The business was founded in 1952 by Frank and Betty Heming, under the ownership of Scott and Donna Heming. The business and became a John Deere dealer in 1976.
“It was an opportunity we couldn't pass up,” explained Drew Heming of Heming Landscape Equipment. “It's a good quality product with a well-established name and you don't let an opportunity like that pass you by. I’m very proud to be a John Deere dealer.”
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Heming Landscape Equipment has been one of the longest-running lawn and garden equipment dealers in the Peterborough area, spanning three generations as a family-owned business. Drew has been part of the Heming for the past 20 years.
“My grandparents were farmers from Guelph, moved to Peterborough and started to get into the automated farming industry and electronic milking equipment,” said Drew. “Then they realized that farmers needed equipment, so they started to sell lawnmowers, chainsaws, garden tractors, tillers, everything that farmers might need.”
The business sells John Deere lawnmowers and snowplows.
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Peterborough Petes Hit Fundraising Total of $43,486 For 17th Annual Pink In the Rink Campaign
/The Peterborough Petes raised $43,486 during their 17th Annual Pink in the Rink Campaign in support of the Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team.
Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.
