Fleming College and Fairhaven Long-Term Care Celebrate first PSW Living Classroom Graduates

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Fleming College and Fairhaven Long-Term Care celebrated the first cohort of Personal Support Worker (PSW) students to complete the Living Classroom program with a ceremony on Friday.

photo courtesy of fleming college.

The event marked both the official recognition of the Living Classroom partnership at Fairhaven and the graduation of seven students who have completed their PSW training through this on-site learning model. 

The Living Classroom program enables students to complete their theory, skills training and clinical placement directly within a long-term care home. The approach provides hands-on experience in a real care environment, allowing students to work alongside care teams while developing practical skills and confidence for careers in health care.

This cohort represents the first group of students to complete the program at Fairhaven, following a pilot launch in Fall 2025.  

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Fleming College and St. Lawrence College Announce Merger

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To ‘create a stronger institution with greater scale, broader access for students to programs and services and improved long-term financial sustainability,’ Fleming College and St. Lawrence College have announced a merger on Friday.

File Photo.

According to Fleming, this is a significant step toward building a larger, more capable institution that can expand access and strengthen long-term sustainability. As a result of the integration, the merger will create greater scale and capability and better align programs and capacity with regional labour market needs. This will allow students to benefit from expanded academic pathways, increased access to specialized programs, enhanced research opportunities and broader work-integrated learning experiences, stated Theresa Knott, Fleming interim president.

“This integration represents a forward-looking investment in our students and communities,” she said. “By bringing our strengths together, we are positioning ourselves to deliver more opportunities, more innovation, greater access, and a stronger foundation for the future across our combined regions and campuses.”

Both colleges have been working closely with the Ontario Government to ensure a smooth integration with minimum impacts on students and communities. Both Colleges assure that there are no planned changes to local brands, programs, campuses, services or student supports from this announcement.

“We are committed to ensuring that students have the tools, programs, and support they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy,” said Glenn Vollebregt, St. Lawrence College president and CEO. “This integration gives us the scale and capability to serve more students, offer more opportunity, and build a stronger institution for the long term.”

The boards of both Fleming College and St. Lawrence College have approved an integration framework agreement that outlines the steps toward full integration.

“As governors, our responsibility is to help ensure our institutions remain strong, relevant and sustainable for the students and each of the communities we serve,” said Don Gillespie, Fleming Board Chair. “This integration process reflects a thoughtful, long-term approach to building greater capacity, expanding opportunities, and protecting the strength of college education across our region.”

“This is an important step toward creating a stronger future for students, employers and communities across eastern Ontario,” said Julie Caffin, St. Lawrence College Chair of the Board of Governors. “By bringing together the complementary strengths of our two institutions, we have an opportunity to build a more resilient college that can respond to changing needs while preserving our commitment to student success and community impact.”

The new college will have a single management team. Vollebregt will serve as the initial President and CEO and Knott will serve as the initial Associate President and Chief Academic Officer of the New College.

Both colleges have stated that the integration will proceed through the next phase of implementation, which includes detailed due diligence, operational planning, and community engagement. These steps will be undertaken under board oversight and in line with provincial requirements, with further updates to be shared as more information becomes available.

Fleming College has campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, Haliburton and Cobourg. St. Lawrence College operates in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall.

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David Tuan Bui


Peterborough Police Warn Community of Grandparent Scam

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The Peterborough Police Service have issued a warning after a report of a Grandparent scam in the community.

file photo.

On April 7 and April 8 an 83-year-old Peterborough resident received a call from someone impersonating a police officer from another police service stating that a family member was in trouble. The victim was coerced into paying over $5,000.

On both days, the money was picked up from the victim’s residence by a man described as:

  • white male

  • 5’10”

  • late 20's to early 30's

  • medium build

  • short dark hair, clean shaven

  • wearing an overcoat and a purple and grey scarf

Anyone can fall victim to a fraud or scam. The Peterborough Police Service is committed to ensuring residents are aware of the scams and frauds that are happening in our community.  It is important to report incidents to your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Law enforcement agencies will never ask you for money

  • If you are approached for money or crypto currency through unsolicited phone calls, emails or text messages do not engage

  • Call a trusted family member or a friend to talk about what is going on

  • Resist the urgency for action

Learn more by clicking the link.

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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Volunteer Peterborough to Honour Local Contributors With United to Thank Volunteers Event During National Volunteer Week

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In honour of National Volunteer Week, Volunteer Peterborough is recognizing those who give time to strengthen our community with the United to Thank Volunteers event on April 22 at the Canadian Canoe Museum from 3 to 5 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Volunteer Peterborough.

This event will bring together community leaders, organizations and volunteers to recognize the extraordinary contributions of volunteers across the Peterborough region. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and are invited to take part in a complimentary self-guided tour of the Canadian Canoe Museum during the event.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our community,” said Tyler Chambers, Event Volunteer. “National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to come together and celebrate the incredible impact they make every single day. We are delighted that the United Way of Peterborough & District recognize the importance of celebrating volunteerism and have funded this event with one of its Neighbourhood Grants.”

Volunteer Peterborough is inviting local organizations to nominate their ‘Most Valuable Volunteers’ for recognition as part of the celebration. Nominations can be submitted online or by emailing names to info@volunteerpeterborough.ca.

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Peterborough Humane Society 50/50 Lottery Returns to Support Local Animals in Need

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The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has announced the 5th iteration of the PHS 50/50 Lottery, returning from April 9 to May 15.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Last fall, the PHS 50/50 Lottery achieved a new high as the pot reached $57,575, with Allyson Allin of Lakefield taking home the $28,787.50 grand prize.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery also features the Marlin Travel & Collette Ruffle, offering a $5,000 gift certificate for use at Marlin Travel Peterborough toward any Collette travel package. Last fall, it was won by Michael Walker of Highlands East.

The lottery will now feature two Early Bird Draws. On April 17, the Miskin Law Early Bird Draw #1 will be for $1,500, and on May 1 the Miskin Law Early Bird Draw #2 will be for $2,000!

“We love holding the PHS 50/50 Lottery as an exciting campaign the entire community gets behind,” said Shawn Morey, Chief Executive Officer at PHS. “As the cost of animal care continues to rise, the Lottery raises important funding to help both pets and people in our community. We are grateful for the support and excited to launch it once again.”

Running from April 9 to May 15, the PHS 50/50 Lottery raises funds to support animals in need at Peterborough Humane Society. Tickets may be purchased online, or cash purchases can be made in person at Peterborough Humane Society or Miskin Law. The 50/50 grand prize and Marlin Travel & Collette Ruffle draws take place Friday, May 15 at 1:05 pm.

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Ontario Government Announces Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Coverage Expansion For 29,000 Frontline Care Workers

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The Ontario Government says it is taking action to strengthen workplace safety protections for 29,000 additional frontline care workers by extending mandatory Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage, announced in Hamilton on Wednesday.

Screenshot.

The expansion applies to all privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes, and group homes. Examples of possible eligible workers include personal support workers, registered nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and operations staff.

It closes a long-standing gap that has left thousands of workers without protection if they are injured or become ill on the job and is another step in our government’s plan to protect workers and build a more resilient Ontario, stated David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“Every day, frontline care workers show up to support people who rely on them,” he said. “They do this work with compassion and dedication, and they deserve to know they’ll be protected if something goes wrong. By extending WSIB coverage across the sector, we’re closing long-standing gaps and making sure no worker caring for others in these facilities is left without support when they need it most.”

The legislation, if passed, would provide workers in all privately operated residential care facilities with the same protections as workers doing the same job in a publicly operated facility, creating a level playing field, improving safety outcomes, and ensuring consistent protections for workers doing the same work regardless of who operates the facility.

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Pools and Changerooms at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre Remain Closed As Boiler System Maintenance Work Continues

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The pools and changeroom showers at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre remain closed as maintenance work continues on the facility’s boiler system.

Dignitaries, sports notaries and Fleming College staff in front of the Wellness Centre during its 20th anniversary last summer.. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City anticipates that the pools and showers will reopen on April 16, with swimming lessons starting on April 18.   

The gymnasiums and fitness area remain open for regular use.  

The Sport and Wellness Centre is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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City of Peterborough Running Drop-In Session For Community Input on Proposed Improvements to Kawartha Heights Park

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Residents are invited to learn more about proposed improvements to Kawartha Heights Park at a public drop-in session on April 30.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough, facebook.

Located at 2229 Kawartha Heights Blvd., Kawartha Heights Park currently features a playground, soccer field and basketball court.  

The City is looking to upgrade some existing features and add new amenities in the neighbourhood park. Residents are invited to provide feedback on what park amenities are best suited to meet the needs of the community.  

The drop-in session will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Peterborough Sports and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.)

The Kawartha Heights Park project is expected to happen over two phases. Phase 1 is planned for 2027 and includes upgrades to the ball diamond or the rectangular field to a Level B and formalize parking. Phase 2 is planned for 2028 and includes the addition of a splashpad, pet exercise area and a multi-use sport court. 

“Kawartha Heights Park is a valued neighbourhood space where residents come together to play and enjoy the outdoors. These proposed improvements represent an exciting opportunity to build on that foundation, enhancing the park as a vibrant, welcoming community hub with something for everyone. From new amenities to upgraded spaces, this project will help create more opportunities for people of all ages to be active, gather and make lasting memories in their neighbourhood,” said Monaghan Ward Councillors Matt Crowley and Don Vassiliadis in a joint statement. 

The opportunity to improve Kawartha Heights Park was identified as part of the City’s Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study. 

“The Parks and Outdoor Recreation Facilities Study is an important tool that helps us understand where there are opportunities to enhance parks and better meet the needs of residents across Peterborough,” said Community Services co-chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “Kawartha Heights Park is one of the locations identified through this work, and this engagement process will help ensure future improvements reflect what the community values most.” 

During the April 30 drop-in session City staff will be available to answer questions about the project. 

All proposed upgrades are subject to budget approval.  

A public survey is available online. Hard copies of the survey are available at City Hall (500 George St. N.) The survey will be open until 11:59 p.m. on May 8.

Further information about the project, including updates, a site plan and a summary of the public survey findings, will be posted online. 

Residents with questions or concerns can also call 705-742-7777 ext.1829.

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Felicia Massey


Citizens Encouraged to Report Graffiti Throughout the City of Peterborough's Public Spaces

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Residents and business owners are encouraged to report graffiti in public spaces throughout the City of Peterborough.

The Nogojiwanong Project Panels in Millennium Park were Vandalized with graffiti last June. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

City departments, including Public Works and Recreation, Parks and Culture Services, work together to address graffiti through inspections, environmentally responsible removal and cleanup of affected public spaces and infrastructure. 

Reporting supports a consistent, proactive approach to managing graffiti, emphasizing timely removal, clear reporting processes, and collaboration across City departments. 

Graffiti can be reported using the City’s Service Request form. Select “Graffiti/Vandalism” to submit a report. 

Graffiti can also be reported directly to the following departments: 

Public Works 

For graffiti on roads, sidewalks, and other municipal infrastructure:  

Recreation, Parks and Culture Services

For graffiti in parks, on trails, and at recreation or cultural facilities:  

Reporting Graffiti to Peterborough Police Service 

Graffiti is considered mischief under the Criminal Code of Canada and is a criminal offence when created without permission. 

All graffiti should also be reported to the Peterborough Police Service. This includes any that may be hate-motivated or involve threats.  

Report graffiti by calling the non-emergency line at 705-876-1122 ext. 225 or report online through peterboroughpolice.ca. 

If a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk to public safety, call 911. 

Providing photos and as much detail as possible can help support the investigation. 

Reporting graffiti supports ongoing efforts to keep public spaces clean and well-maintained across Peterborough. 

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Peterborough Man Arrested On Multiple Sexual Crimes Involving Minors

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A 32-year-old Peterborough man is facing several charges after an investigation by the Peterborough Police Service Sex Offence Unit.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers were made aware of incidents involving minors that occurred between September 2021 and March 2026. Investigators with the Unit conducted a search warrant at a residence on Aylmer Street and seized several electronic devices on Wednesday.

The man was arrested and charged with:

  • Sexual Assault X2

  • Sexual Interference X2

  • Voyeurism

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

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