Municipal Election Nominations Open May 1

The campaign period for the municipal election on October 26 begins May 1 with the opening of the nomination period to file to run as a candidate for City Council or school board trustee. 

file photo.

Candidate guides and required forms are now available on the City website.  

The Municipal Candidate Guide includes information on:  

• nomination procedures  

• election sign guidelines  

• campaign expense limits  

• ward boundary maps  

• mandatory submission forms  

In addition to the City’s Municipal Candidate Guide, the Government of Ontario provides a 2026 Candidates’ Guide for municipal council and school board elections. The guide includes general information on nominations, campaigning, third-party advertising and campaign finance. 

To file for office, candidates must submit a completed nomination form, an applicable filing fee of $200 for mayoral candidates and $100 for councillor or school board trustee candidates, and endorsement signatures from at least 25 eligible electors in the municipality. An elector is a person who is eligible to vote in the City of Peterborough. Electors may endorse more than one candidate. The endorsement requirement does not apply to school board trustee candidates.  

In the City of Peterborough, positions for election are Mayor and two ward Councillors for each of the five wards (Otonabee, Monaghan, Town, Ashburnham and Northcrest) for City Council, as well as trustee positions for the following school boards: 

• Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board  

• Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board  

• Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir  

• Conseil scolaire Viamonde  

The nomination period will run until Nomination Day on August 21 at 2 p.m.  

Nomination filings are accepted by appointment through the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (500 George St. N.) To schedule an appointment, email or call (ext. 1619.) Valid photo ID showing proof of qualifying address in the City of Peterborough is required.  

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City Dignitaries and Organizations Mourn Loss of Community Leader John McNutt

Several city dignitaries and organizations have sent their condolences after learning of the passing of community leader John McNutt on Sunday.

John McNutt, JA-NEO President and CEO announcing the launch of the ‘When I Grow Up’ campaign at the Venture North Building in Novemeber of 2024. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

McNutt served as CEO and president of Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) and executive director for the Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD).

Several politicians have expressed their feelings on his passing, including Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. He said McNutt was a valued friend and left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

“Throughout his life, John demonstrated a genuine commitment to the people around him,” he said. “Whether through his work, his friendships, or his involvement in the community, he exemplified the very best of what it means to serve others with integrity and compassion.”

Mayor Jeff Leal also had words for McNutt after learning of his passing.

“John inspired students to think outside of the box and reach for the stars in the business world,” he said. “His work for Junior Achievement, coupled with his advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, will have a lasting impact on our community.”

Several notables also sent condolences on McNutt’s recent passing. Michael Skinner, former Innovation Cluster CEO, said he considered him to be both a friend and a mentor.

“He had a way of bringing clarity to multifaceted situations with long histories and always made time to support and recognize those building something new,” he explained. “His influence reached far beyond what most people saw, and many of us benefited from his guidance, insight, and steady support.”

Michelle Ferreri, former Peterborough-Kawartha MP, also had positive words for McNutt.

“John truly made Peterborough a better place,” she said. “He had a gift for bringing people together, shining a light on those who were building something meaningful and constantly creating opportunities for others to grow. He believed in this community, and he worked tirelessly to make it stronger.

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Porter Martone's First-Career Playoff NHL Goal Becomes the Game Winner

Peterborough’s Porter Martone has once again wasted no time in making an immediate impact with the Philadelphia Flyers, as his first playoff goal was a game-winner in his postseason debut on Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of the NHL.

His goal came late in the third period with 2:37 left in regulation to give the Flyers a 3-1 lead. Martone was leading the rush into the offensive zone and despite being defended well, he did a U-turn, snapped a shot and went in, bar down against Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Stuart Skinner.

“It was a good high flip out of the zone and T.K. (Travis Konecny) made a great play to me,” explained Martone. “I kind of stopped up, I saw an opening and shot it. Luckily it went in.”

Bruins forward Bryan Rust scored with 61 seconds left in the game to make it 3-2 in favour of Philadelphia, which made Martone’s goal the game-winner.

Martone is the first player to score a game-winning goal as a teenager (19) in their playoff debut since 2019. On April 5, the Peterborough-born forward had his first NHL goal in his fourth-career game in overtime against the Boston Bruins for a 2-1 win.

The Peterborough forward was a member of the Petes U15 AAA team, scoring six goals and 15 assists in 36 games.

He spent most of his OHL career with the Mississauga/Brampton Steelheads and had a brief stint with the Sarnia Sting.

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.

@ptbo_canada #duet with @NHL on ESPN #NHL ♬ original sound - NHL on ESPN

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Peterborough County Advances Tourism Efforts Aligned with Provincial and National Priorities

As Canada marks National Tourism Week from April 20 to 24, Peterborough County Economic Development and Tourism is advancing a coordinated approach to tourism to strengthen The Kawarthas as a unified and competitive destination.

photo courtesy of peterborough county.

On April 21, the County will host Kollab in The Kawarthas at Elmhirst’s Resort, bringing together tourism operators, accommodation providers and industry partners to connect, collaborate and explore new opportunities to grow the visitor economy.

The event reflects a broader evolution in how the County is supporting tourism through more aligned, research-informed and business-focused initiatives that respond directly to the needs identified by industry.

“This work is about giving our tourism operators a clearer path forward. By aligning our efforts and focusing on what today’s visitors are looking for, we’re helping businesses collaborate, compete and grow while strengthening The Kawarthas as a destination," says Warden Bonnie Clark.

Turning Insight into Action: Three Initiatives Driving Change

This work is being delivered through three coordinated initiatives, each designed to strengthen how Peterborough County attracts visitors, supports businesses and drives economic impact across the region.

Moving Visitor Services to the Visitor

Peterborough County is rethinking how visitor services are delivered.

The traditional model, relying on visitors to seek out a single location, is being replaced with a mobile and digital approach that brings the destination directly to them.

Tourism staff will be active in communities, at events and across the region, connecting visitors to local experiences in real time while driving traffic to businesses.

This approach reflects evolving visitor expectations and aligns with the future direction of visitor services across Ontario.

Introducing the Travel Persona Framework

Grounded in national research and informed by feedback from Tourism Talks sessions in 2025, the Travel Persona Framework provides a clear and practical way to understand today’s traveller.

“We heard our industry clearly, and we’ve responded with action,” said Warden Clark. “This is a more focused, collaborative approach, built to deliver real results for our businesses and our communities.”

By translating complex segmentation data into a simplified, easy-to-use tool, the framework helps businesses better understand their customers, strengthen their marketing and develop experiences that resonate.

Because tourism success today isn’t about reaching everyone, it’s about attracting the right visitor and giving them a reason to stay longer, connect more deeply and return.

Launching the Anchor Property Program

The County is also introducing the Anchor Property Program, recognizing accommodation providers as key influencers in the visitor journey.

“Our accommodation providers are more than places to stay, they are the front door to The Kawarthas experience,” said Warden Clark. “They have a unique opportunity to shape how visitors explore our region, and through this work, we’re supporting their ability to connect guests to local experiences and drive longer, more meaningful stays.”

The program strengthens the connection between accommodators and the broader destination, helping increase length of stay, repeat visitation and overall economic impact across the region.

These initiatives are designed to provide businesses with practical tools they can apply immediately, supporting both day-to-day operations and longer-term growth.

By connecting research, marketing and engagement, Peterborough County is building a more cohesive tourism ecosystem, one that supports small businesses while strengthening The Kawarthas as a destination.

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Peterborough Police Issue Fraud Warning after 77-Year-Old Resident Scammed

The Peterborough Police Service is issuing a warning after a resident was scammed out of almost $8,000.

file photo.

The 77-year-old victim was initially contacted on April 16 by an unknown number with the female caller identifying themselves as being from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). The caller provided a badge number and indicated that the victim was in trouble because of the contents of a package that had been intercepted while it was being imported.

Over the next two days the caller convinced the victim to get money from their bank and deposit it to an account through a Bitcoin ATM. The victim was also told they would get the money back once the issued was cleared up. They further asked the victim to withdraw as much money as possible over the weekend for payment on April 20. At that point, the victim realized they should contact police. 

Safety Tips:

• Be very suspicious of unsolicited calls from unfamiliar numbers

• Government and law enforcement agencies will never ask you to pay to resolve a situation

• Scammers and fraudster will often be very aggressive and rely on creating a sense of urgency for you to respond and act.  It is important to resist the urgency and speak to a trusted friend or family member to get a second opinion.

If you believe you have been the victim of a fraud, please report it to your local police service. Find more information here: peterboroughpolice.com/fraud

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TELUS Cup Takes Over Peterborough Memorial Centre This Week

The TELUS Cup hits the Peterborough Memorial Centre this week with seven days of high-action hockey featuring some of Canada’s best up-and-coming U18 players to town.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The tournament runs from Monday to Sunday, with three games daily during the preliminary rounds at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. Semi-final games take place at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, with the bronze and gold medal games taking place at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday.

“Peterborough is proud to welcome athletes, coaches, families and fans from across Canada for the TELUS Cup,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This is a chance to see some of the best young hockey talent in the country right here at home, experience the excitement of a national championship, and cheer on our own Junior Petes. I encourage residents and visitors to get their tickets now and be part of the action at the Memorial Centre.” 

“Bringing a national championship like the TELUS Cup to the Peterborough Memorial Centre is a massive win for our community,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This tournament puts a national spotlight on Peterborough, drawing families and fans from across Canada to our local hotels, restaurants, and shops. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our world-class hospitality and deep-rooted hockey heritage and I can’t wait to see the energy in the arena as we cheer on our very own Junior Petes on the national stage.”  

“Ontario is proud to support the TELUS Cup through our Sport Hosting Program,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. "For over 50 years, this championship has been a crucial launchpad for Canada's best young hockey talent — and we're thrilled to help bring that tradition to Peterborough. Events like this showcase emerging stars, drive local economic activity, and demonstrate that when it comes to sport hosting, Ontario has a deep roster of communities ready to deliver world-class events.” 

An official opening ceremony takes place on Monday at 7 p.m. Official greetings will be provided by Deputy Chief Jeffrey Jacobs from Curve Lake First Nation. Florence Osawamick, an Indigenous singer, will sing the national anthem in Anishinaabemowin.  

The tournament evenings belong to the Peterborough Jr. Petes U18 AAA team, who play each night at 7 p.m. during the preliminary round.  The Petes are making their national championship debut.

During the day, hockey fans watch some of the best players from across the nation as the following teams take to the ice:  

• Halifax Macs  

• Chevaliers de Lévis 

• Regina Pat Canadians  

• Okanagan Rockets  

• Waterloo Wolves 

One player to watch during the tournament is Regina Pat Canadians forward Maddox Schultz. Widely considered one of the brightest young stars in Canadian hockey, Schultz was selected first overall in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft by the Regina Pats, has represented Canada internationally at the U17 level, and was the 2025 TELUS Cup Tournament Most Valuable Player. 

The full TELUS Cup schedule is available online.

Peterborough won the bid to host the TELUS Cup in April last year.

The successful bid was led by Peterborough Tourism, the City’s destination marketing program, with the support and partnership of the community including the Ontario Hockey Federation, Peterborough Minor Hockey Council, local tourism business operators and organizations and the Peterborough Petes.

The City expects the event to generate more than 1,200 total room nights and over $1 million in economic impact, boosting hotels, restaurants, shops and local attractions during the tournament week.

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George Street to Undergo Road Resurfacing Work Beginning April 27

Road resurfacing work will occur on George Street between McDonnel Street and Hunter Street beginning April 27.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The work is expected to be completed by June 7, weather permitting. 

Curb and gutter replacements and structure adjustments will occur during the day.  

Grinding and paving operations are expected to take place overnight, between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., to minimize traffic disruptions. The decision to conduct work at night aims to minimize disruptions to businesses, pedestrians and traffic in the area. 

Temporary parking restrictions will be enforced as needed to accommodate this work. ‘No Parking’ signage will be posted in advance in affected areas. 

Vehicles parked in prohibited locations that interfere with the work will be subject to enforcement actions, which may include the issuance of a penalty notice, towing and impoundment of the vehicle, or a combination of these measures. 

Owners of vehicles that are towed or impounded can call the City of Peterborough Municipal Law Enforcement and Security Services Division at 705-707-3969 on the following business day for information on the towing provider and impound yard location. 

Residents in the area may experience some noise and minor disruptions during construction.

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Ten Local Women Facing Employment Barriers Complete Welding Training at Fleming College

Through a training and program-delivery partnership with the Canadian Welders Bureau (CWB) Foundation, 10 local women facing barriers to employment have successfully completed eight weeks of hands-on welding and computer training at Fleming College.

photo courtesy of fleming college.

The training is part of CWB’s free 16-week WeldHER+ pre-employment program, which also includes an eight-week paid placement with one of Fleming’s placement employers.

With the first WeldHER + cohort recently completing the program, each participant has now taken their next steps towards meaningful, skilled trades careers. Eight participants gained full-time employment with their placement employer and two chose to advance their professional skills through full-time studies in the Welding and Fabrication program.

Fleming College delivered a technical training experience, led by welding faculty in the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre. Through the program, the women had the opportunity to earn up to eight CWB welding qualifications and become well prepared for apprenticeships and immediate employment. Employers affirmed this high-skill-level training, consistently reporting strong performance, job readiness, and strong growth among WeldHER+ participants.

Applications are now being accepted for the next WeldHER+ pre-employment program intake. In-class sessions at Fleming College run from May 19 to July 3, followed by a placement opportunity from July to September. Community members, referral agencies and employer partners are encouraged to connect early to support participation and placement opportunities.

For more information or to apply, reach out via e-mail.

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OLG Makes Fourth-Quarter Payment of Nearly $600,000 to The City of Peterborough

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has made its fourth-quarter payment of $597,293 to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough, announced on Friday.

Since 1994, host communities have received more than $2.3 billion in non-tax gaming revenue. File Photo.

The fourth quarter ran from Jan. 1 to March 31. Peterborough has received $17,746,336 since the Shorelines opened in October 2018.

During OLG’s fiscal year of April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, Peterborough has received $2,651,125.

These payments to host communities are based on a formula consistently applied across all gaming sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site as stated in a press release. 

“OLG shares revenues with host gaming municipalities to help them invest in local priorities, including community services and infrastructure,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “These payments generated at Shorelines Casino Peterborough are part of our government’s commitment to support municipalities and to protect what matters most – those critical services families rely on.”

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Structural Watermain Rehabilitation Underway On Cherryhill Road

Structural watermain rehabilitation is now underway along Cherryhill Road from Redwood Drive to Kawartha Heights Boulevard.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

The City of Peterborough says that work is expected to continue through June. 

Structural rehabilitation work includes watermain cleaning and applying a structural liner within the watermain to protect the pipe from future deterioration. This work will improve the overall structural integrity of the watermain. 

Other work will include testing existing water services and main line valves, replacing valves and hydrants. 

Temporary watermains will be in place along the curb. Affected curbs, streets, sidewalks, driveways and boulevards will be restored when work is completed. 

Lane reductions and sidewalk closures will be in place where work is underway. Traffic control measures and signage will be in place to guide motorists and pedestrians. 

For City of Peterborough Water Services inquiries, including watermain breaks on public property, call (extension 1295) during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For after-hours emergencies, call this number.

For more information on water services, visit the website.

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