Public Input Sought on Waste Services Clean Streets Peterborough

The City of Peterborough is seeking community input to support Clean Streets Peterborough, a review of waste collection, litter management, and garbage on streets, in parks, on trails and in public spaces across the city. 

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The review will assess how waste services are delivered and identify opportunities to improve and modernize delivery. It will also evaluate how well current programs meet the needs of a growing and changing community, according to Cassandra Babcock, Public Works Operations Director.

“As our services evolve, it is important that we hear directly from those who rely on them,” she said. “Public input will help guide future improvements and ensure our programs continue to meet community needs.”  

Feedback is being collected to understand how current programs are working and where improvements may be needed.

Input will help inform the evaluation of:  

• Collection schedules and service levels  

• Waste diversion programs  

• Public education  

• Enforcement  

• Waste-related by-laws  

• Landfill operations

• Placement and maintenance of waste bins in parks, trails, and high-traffic areas

Survey feedback will inform future service planning and support ongoing efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable city and the survey will go live at a later date.

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Premiere of Comedy Series Janet & Steve Features Local Actors Tamara Bick and Drew Antzis

Local actors Tamara Bick and Drew Antzis star in ‘Janet & Steve,’ a series that showcases trivial and relatable quarrels of a 20 year marriage.

photo courtesy of tamara bick.

In the five episodes, Peterborough-based actors and improv artists Tamara Bick and Drew Antzis take their leisurely banter and good-natured ribbing to a whole new level, co-starring in ‘Janet & Steve.’ The series filmed in Peterborough over the past few months aired on March 13 and will be available on Bell Fibe TV1 until mid June.

Created and written by local actors and married couple Antzis and Bick, and produced alongside Paradigm Pictures founder and cinematographer Pawel Dwulit, the five 12 minute episodes explore the quarrels of a couple navigating life after their move to small town Peterborough from the chaotic life in Los Angeles.

Born and raised in Peterborough, Bick, an Adam Scott Collegiate graduate, moved to Los Angeles to hone her comedy skills and talent. There she met American born Antzis, who was working as a film director. The creative pair formed their own production company, Bick/Antzis and continued their work as filmmakers, writers, directors and producers. The production of ‘Janet & Steve’ leveraged local Peterborough talent, community support and personal anecdotes, providing a unique regional flavour to the comedy genre.

“Peterborough is a unique and special place,” says Drew Antzis. “We’ve got amazing talent and a lot of resources here as our city and county have a lot to offer. There is a wave of local filmmakers who are making some compelling work in our community. Peterborough is already well known for producing acclaimed sports athletes and musicians. Promoting our ‘Janet & Steve’ show and getting viewers to watch it is going to bring more recognition to our city and our region for film producers and directors to come to Peterborough and access our resources.”

The production is planning a public screening for the beginning of July. Visit the website to get notified when tickets go on sale.

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Woman Charged With Theft, Uttering Threats and Violated Trespass Order In Multiple Incidents

A 32-year-old woman is facing charges including theft, uttering threats and violating a Trespass Order after several incidents in Peterborough on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Polices Service.

At roughly 9 a.m., officers were called to a business in the Simcoe Street and George Street area about an unwanted person. They learned that a woman who was on a Trespass Order to not be in the building had initially refused to move and had verbally threatened a security guard before leaving the area.  

At approximately 3 p.m. on the same day, officers were called to a business in the Charlotte Street and Aylmer Street area about a theft in progress. They learned that the woman had left the store. They searched the area and located a woman matching the description given to police in the King Street and Aylmer Street area.  She was taken into custody.  During a search after the arrest, officers located the items taken from the store and returned them. While in custody in the police cruiser, the woman continually spat in the vehicle and verbally threatened the officer. 

The woman was arrested and charged with:

• Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm X2

• Theft Under $5,000

• Failure to comply with an Undertaking

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Wednesday.

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Gowan and Dwayne Gretzky to Kick Off 39th Season of Peterborough Musicfest

To help kick off the 39th season of Peterborough Musicfest, Gowan and Dwayne Gretzky have been unveiled as the first two concerts, announced on Wednesday.

Gowan (pictured) was born in Glascow, Scotland but was raised in Scarborough. Peterborough Musicfest attracts more than 100,000 attendees to Del Crary Park each summer. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

Gowan returns to the Fred Anderson Stage for his fourth appearance on Opening Night on June 27. Dwayne Gretzky makes their sixth appearance on July 29, both at 8 p.m. All shows take place at Del Crary Park and are free to attend.

Gowan is known for hits such as ‘A Criminal Mind,’ ‘Strange Animal’ and ‘Moonlight Desires.’

Dwayne Gretzky — known as Canada’s Greatest Party Band —brings a catalogue of more than 800 songs from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Their shows are built for big crowds and even bigger sing-alongs.

@ptbo_canada Gowan and Dwayne Gretzky are the first two acts announce for the 39th season of @Peterborough Musicfest 🇨🇦🎤!!! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #peterboroughmusicfest ♬ 80's Hard Rock - Sandy Neo Classical

“This is just the starting point for what’s shaping up to be a strong 39th season,” says Tracey Randall, Musicfest executive director. “We’re focused on building a full summer experience—great live music, a vibrant park atmosphere and reasons for people to come back week after week.”

Returning this season are the on-site food vendors, the 50/50 draw and the Future Sound Series. Musicfest concerts are run every Wednesday and Saturday from June 27 to Aug. 19.

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Ontario Government Providing Over $9.9 Million For Ice Storm Recovery in Peterborough-Kawartha

To protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the provincial government is providing up to $9,931,000 for ice storm assistance in Peterborough-Kawartha.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is part of Ontario’s $90 million Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program to help cover cleanup and emergency response costs resulting from a severe winter weather event on March 28, 2025.

“The ice storm of March 2025 was one of the most significant weather events our region has ever faced, and I saw firsthand the immense strain it placed on our families, businesses, and municipal services,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “While the damage to our tree canopy and power grid was extensive, the spirit of our community remained unbroken. This $9.9 million investment is a vital step in our recovery, ensuring that the City and County of Peterborough have the resources they need to cover emergency costs without placing an undue burden on local taxpayers. Our government is committed to standing with our neighbors as we finish the cleanup and build a more resilient Peterborough-Kawartha.”

The storm resulted in widespread damage, leaving nearly 400,000 homes and businesses without power across Central and Eastern Ontario. In parts of Peterborough and the Kawarthas, the storm caused a declared State of Emergency following over 30 hours of continuous freezing rain and 20-25 mm of ice accretion which downed thousands of trees, snapped hydro lines and left some rural residents without power for over a week.

Allocations for municipalities in Peterborough-Kawartha are as follows (All numbers are the maximum provincial assistance, rounded):

• County of Peterborough: $676,000

• Douro-Dummer: $301,000

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen: $79,000

• North Kawartha: $49,000

• Peterborough: $7,950,000

• Selwyn: $373,000

• Trent Lakes: $503,000

“Our government will always protect Ontario, especially in times of need,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “The relief being announced today will safeguard local jobs and help PeterboroughKawartha rebuild – stronger than ever.”

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Spring into Learning Returns to Five Counties For a Second Year

The second annual Spring into Learning series returns to Five Counties Children’s Centre May 2 with a focus on helping attendees to rethink disability.

photo courtesy of five counties.

Presenters at the event include a former Canadian Paralympian, a Trent University professor/writer and a social worker/community activist. All three will discuss the importance of shattering pre-conceived notions and biases towards persons with disabilities.

Five Counties notes that the free event is not just for Five Counties families, anyone who supports or interacts with a person with disabilities or who wants to learn more about what it’s like to live with a disability is welcome to attend.

“We had wonderful response to our first-ever Spring into Learning last year, that focused on seeing the ability, not disability in every person,” says Hayley Hodges, the Client and Family Engagement Lead at Five Counties. “This year’s theme focuses on how we can ‘rethink disability’ and see resiliency in individuals who overcome challenges and achieve new things with their different abilities. This year, there will also be special emphasis on the vital role of caregivers and how they can be better supported in their work supporting individuals with a disability.”

The full lineup for the Spring into Learning series includes:

• • Keynote speaker Alec Denys (five-time Paralympian, sports enthusiast and accessibility advocate), sharing his personal story of suffering a life-altering injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down, and how his love of sports helped him discover new abilities.

• • Workshop facilitator Derek Newman-Still (a local author, Trent professor and activist) speaking on the importance of resiliency in their own life to respond and correct presumptions from those who diss their disability.

• • Workshop facilitator Maureen Pollard (social worker and compassionate bereavement care provider) explaining why caregivers need to care for their own well-being as much as the person they support, realizing self-care is not selfish.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Five Counties (872 Dutton Rd.)

Registration is now open for the Spring into Learning series online.

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Lindsay Opens New Integrated Care Hub After $850,000 Ontario Government Investment

Lindsay has marked the opening of a new 12-bed emergency shelter at an Integrated Care Hub, following an $850,000 investment from the Ontario Government, announced on Tuesday.

Google Maps Screenshot.

The funding was to help provide more supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness according to Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“Every person in Ontario deserves access to safe and stable housing,” he said. “Together with our municipal partners, our government is expanding supportive housing across the province to protect our most vulnerable residents and ensure they have a safe place to rebuild their lives.”

Located at 22 Peel St., the Integrated Care Hub provides drop-in space, life skills support and health-related services in partnership with local service providers and Ontario Health. The shelter is owned and operated by the John Howard Society of the Kawarthas.

“Our government is working in partnership with the municipality to deliver effective, community-based programs that address and prevent homelessness in the City of Kawartha Lakes,” said Laurie Scott, Haliburton-Kawartha MPP. “We are investing in local solutions to create pathways to stability for vulnerable residents and providing access to the supports they need, when they need them most.”

“The City of Kawartha Lakes appreciates the funding from the Ontario government, and we would like to thank the staff and volunteers at the John Howard Society for their work in making this Integrated Care Hub a reality,” said Doug Elmslie, City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor. “This emergency shelter will make a huge difference in our community and will allow residents to get the care they need. Our community is founded on compassion and coming together, and the Integrated Care Hub is emblematic of our collective commitment to lifting each other up.”

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City to Remind Residents to Review School Support Designation For Municipal and School Board Elections

Residents are reminded to review or update their school support designation ahead of the 2026 municipal and school board elections. 

Photo courtesy of Register to Vote.

Homeowners and tenants have until June 1 to confirm their designation through the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to ensure their information is accurate on the voters’ list. 

The designation determines which school board trustee candidates appear on a voter’s ballot. 

In Peterborough, voters can support trustees for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board or Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir. 

If no designation is selected, school support defaults to the English public system. The designation does not affect property taxes but is used to determine which candidates a voter can select for school board representation during the municipal election. It applies to both property owners and tenants, regardless of whether they have children enrolled in school.

Voter information maintained by Elections Ontario, along with school support data from MPAC, is used to help compile the preliminary list of electors for the municipal and school board elections. 

Residents can update their designation online or download the Application for Direction of School Support form through the MPAC website at mpac.ca/SchoolSupportDesignation.

The nomination period, during which papers may be submitted to become a candidate, runs from May 1 until Aug. 21, at 2 p.m., in accordance with provincial legislation. Additional information about eligibility requirements, nomination forms and key election dates is available at peterboroughvotes.ca.  

Residents, property owners and tenants in the City of Peterborough who are Canadian citizens and at least 18 years of age are eligible to vote.  

Students living in Peterborough while attending school can vote in the Peterborough municipal election as well as in their home municipality.  

Those experiencing homelessness, or without a permanent home or a fixed address, can still vote. 

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Three Stunt Driving Tickets Issued in Peterborough Over Easter Weekend

Officers with the Peterborough Police Service issued three stunt driving tickets on Water Street over the holiday weekend.

photo courtesy of the peterborough police.

At approximately 4 p.m. on April 5, officers on patrol recorded a vehicle going 99 kilometres an hour in a 50 kilometres an hour zone in the area Water Street and Marina Boulevard. As a result, an 18 year old Peterborough man was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with stunt driving and speeding. His license was suspended for 30 days and vehicle impounded for 14 days.

At approximately 3:45 p.m. on April 6, officers on patrol recorded a vehicle going 91 kilometres an hour in a 50 kilometres an hour zone in the area of Water Street and Marina Boulevard. As a result, a 21 year old Carlisle, Ontario man was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with stunt driving and speeding. His license was suspended for 30 days and vehicle impounded for 14 days.

At approximately 5:10 p.m. on April 6, officers on patrol recorded a vehicle going 94 kilometres an hour in a 50 kilometres an hour zone in the area of Water Street and Marina Boulevard. As a result, a 30 year old Lakefield man was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with stunt driving, speeding and failing to surrender their license. His license was suspended for 30 days and vehicle impounded for 14 days.

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City Hosting Public Drop-In Session For Riverview Park and Zoo Accessible Playground

Residents are invited to learn about proposed upgrades to the accessible playground at Riverview Park and Zoo and provide feedback to help shape the project.

Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

A public drop-in session will take place on April 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Rotary Education Centre in the Riverview Park and Zoo. Project staff will be available to answer questions and gather feedback from residents on the proposed accessibility improvements.

A public survey is also available online. Paper copies are available at City Hall (500 George St. N.) The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 1.

Accessible playground upgrades are part of a multi-year project focused on reducing steep slopes and improving access to the existing playground.  

Riverview Park and Zoo, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Peterborough, is working to raise $1.5 million to bring this vision to life. Project ROAR, a community-driven fundraising campaign, will support the development of an accessible, inclusive playground. 

“This project is about making sure every visitor to Riverview Park and Zoo has the opportunity to play, explore and feel included while enjoying the playground,” said Community Services co-chairs Councillor Lesley Parnell and Councillor Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “We encourage residents to share their ideas to help shape a space that reflects the needs of our community and supports a more accessible and welcoming experience for everyone.” 

Donations to support the Playground Accessibility Project can be made online.

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