Peterborough County Announces 2026 Community Recognition Award Winners

Peterborough County has announced the recipients of the 2026 Community Recognition Awards.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The winners will be honoured at a private County event next month.

The following are the award winners:

Accessibility Recognition

• Douro Dummer - PARD Therapeutic Riding School

Acts of Heroism

• North Kawartha – Eva Mallory and Pat Kempt

Agricultural Leadership

• Asphodel-Norwood – Stephanie Warner

• Douro-Dummer – Leor Farms

• Otonabee-South Monaghan – Pat Learmonth

• Selwyn – Sanctuary Flower Field

Business Leadership

• Asphodel-Norwood – Papa’s Pizzaland – Tiffany Hickey

• Cavan Monaghan – Joshua Helm

• Douro-Dummer – Harrison Cedar Products

• Havelock Belmont-Methuen – Campbell’s Belmont Lake Marina

• North Kawartha – HERmanas Boutique

• Otonabee-South Monaghan – The Mane Intent

• Selwyn – Kawartha Home Hardware

• Trent Lakes - Kawartha County Wines

Community Volunteer of the Year

• Asphodel-Norwood – Hannah McLean

• Cavan Monaghan – Friendship Force

• Douro-Dummer – Debra Brown

• Havelock Belmont-Methuen – Orllyn Loney

• North Kawartha – Merle Post

• Otonabee-South Monaghan – Otonabee-South Monaghan (OSM) Food Cupboard

• Selwyn – Lakefield Trail Stewardship Committee

• Trent Lakes – Diane Skinner

Environmental/Sustainability

• North Kawartha – Doug Colmer

• Otonabee-South Monaghan – Friends of Hope Mill

Heritage Preservation

• Douro-Dummer – Douro 200th Committee

• Otonabee-South Monaghan – Keene 200th Committee

• Selwyn – Hiawatha Chapel Association

• Trent Lakes – Trent Lakes Historical Society

Leadership in Arts and Culture

• Asphodel-Norwood – Kerstin Walsh

• North Kawartha – Molly Moldovan

• Otonabee-South Monaghan – Tracy Minnema (A River of Yarn)

• Selwyn – David Goyette

Sporting Excellence

• Asphodel-Norwood – Marisha Thompson

• Cavan-Monaghan – Hannah Schad

• Douro-Dummer – Dustin Watson

• Havelock Belmont-Methuen – Cameron Spalding

Youth

• Asphodel-Norwood – Jorja Crawford

• Cavan-Monaghan – Bennet Hoar

• North Kawartha – Keegan Parks

• Otonabee-South Monaghan – Lily Briand

• Selwyn – Hazel Fuderer

Special Award

• County Wide – Nine Ships 1825 Inc.

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Public Information Centre for Stormwater Management Fee to Be Held May 5

A public information centre for the Stormwater Management Fee will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 5 at the Peterborough Public Library.

file photo.

The session will take place in the Friends of the Library room, located on the lower level (345 Aylmer St. N.)

City of Peterborough staff will be on hand to answer questions about the study. A presentation on the Stormwater Management Fee and Rate Study will take place at approximately 7:30 p.m.  

In 2025, the City transitioned from funding stormwater services through the general tax levy to a dedicated fee appearing on water bills for residential and business water services customers. This interim fee, based on assessed property value, is a temporary measure to provide a more predictable funding source while a study is undertaken to consider how the fee is calculated.   

Information on the session, including the presentation, will be posted online.  

Residents who are unable to attend the session can submit their questions and feedback online. 

A feedback form can also be picked up at the May 5 public meeting, or at City Hall (500 George St. N.) The feedback form will be available until May 22. 

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Lift Lock Canal Stocked Up For 37th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby This Saturday

The Peterborough Lift Lock’s canal has been stocked with over 3,000 trout to kickstart the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) 37th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby starting this Saturday.

GORDON BOWLEY, FISHING DERBY CO-CHAIR, showcases Walter before releasing him into the canal. This is Bowley’s 26th year releasing Walter into the water. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The youth derby is for those aged 15 and under and kicks off this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by the all-ages event starting Sunday at 9:00 a.m. until May 3.

Last year saw a record-breaking 2,380 anglers register, helping maintain a long-standing tradition that is important to Peterborough, according to David Ryrie, OFAH director of communications.

“It is a community staple and we hear every year how happy people that we're still putting this on,, he said. “The OFAH is really proud to continue this tradition.”

There is more than $35,000 in prizes up for grabs. This year features five grand prizes, including the return of rainbow trout ‘Walter,’ and a $1,000 cash prize for the person who catches him. New this year is a guided fishing trip for three in Algonquin Park with Opeongo Lake and Beyond Guide Service.

“(This is) a little bit something for those new anglers that want to get outside of the regular shore fishing,” said Ryrie.

Youth registration is $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child registered at the same time. Registration includes instant prizes during the Youth Derby and entry into the All Ages Derby.

@ptbo_canada Walter has been cast into the canal to help kick off the 37th Under the Lock Fishing Derby from April 25 to May 3! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #dailynews ♬ Gone Fishing - BDR Music

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Donor Wall Design Unveiled For Rotary Club of Peterborough and Riverview Park & Zoo's Accessible Playground Project; First Major Donors Honoured

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park & Zoo have unveiled a proposed design for the major donor recognition wall for the Rotary Accessible Playground, which was announced on Wednesday morning.

Rotarians, donors and zoo staff having a blast at the playground in the approximate area of where the accessible playground will be. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Several major donors were recognized at the event for their contributions towards the playground. The project costs $1.5 million and was first presented to the Rotary Club of Peterborough in 2024.

“Rotary is thrilled to take the lead in making this playground accessible because we believe everyone and every child deserves a place to play, learn, and grow – regardless of ability,” said Betty Halman-Plumley, then-president of Rotary. “This project reflects our commitment to inclusion, community service, and building spaces where everyone feels welcome. Together with the Riverview Park & Zoo, we are building more than just a play space – we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community for families to thrive.”

The Club pledged $500,000 and has raised over half of its total, with approximately $288,250 raised, according to Club president Tony Grady.

The following donors were recognized at the event:

Climber Level ($5,000)

• Grady’s Feet Essentials

• Darling Insurance

• AON Inc.

• Rotarians Jim Coyle and Wendy Hill

• BWXT

Activators ($10,000)

• Part Time CFO Services

The proposed donor wall for the accessible playground at Riverview Park & Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Special recognition went to Merrett Home Hardware for building materials donations, Rotarian Mike Evans and his family foundation pledged $40,000 and Paul Hickey announced a contribution of $50,000.

“Our family is honoured to pledge $40,000 in support of this project because we believe everyone - of all ages - should be included and able to enjoy this space within our community,” said Evans.

Barry Craft, representing the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough, is hosting the annual Father’s Day car show. The Kinsmen pledged to donate proceeds from their annual Father’s Day Car Show, $6000, to the project.

Last August, the Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Riverview Park & Zoo first unveiled their preliminary plans for a new, totally redesigned playground at the zoo which would be accessible to people of all ages and all abilities.

Upgrades include widened pathways between play areas for people using strollers and mobility devices, new surfaces throughout the playground to make getting around easier, and relaxing, shady spaces with great sightlines to make it more comfortable for visitors and their caregivers.

Mary Kate Whibbs, Zoo operations and support manager, has invited residents to learn about proposed upgrades to the accessible playground at Riverview Park & Zoo and provide feedback to help shape the project at a public drop-in session set to take place on Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Riverview Park & Zoo, Rotary Education Centre.

“The level of support we’ve seen so far has been incredibly motivating. It really speaks to the kind of community we have supporting this project, one that values inclusion, accessibility, and spaces where everyone feels welcome,” said Whibbs. “It’s been especially inspiring to see this project bring people together around a shared vision. That momentum is helping us move forward with confidence, and we’re excited to keep building on it as we work toward a space where every child and family can play, connect, and enjoy the playground together.”

@ptbo_canada The Rotary Club of Peterborough has unveiled its donor wall design for its accessible playground to be built at the Riverview Park & Zoo! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #dailynews ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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Trent University Launches Ggwepnandizamin Stewardship Plan for 900-Acre University Green Network

Trent University has unveiled the Ggwepnandizamin Stewardship Plan, a seven year roadmap to care for the nearly 900 acres of wetlands, woodlands, farmland and naturalized green space that make up 60 per cent of Trent University’s Symons Campus.

photo courtesy of trent university.

“Ggwepnandizamin, means ‘together, putting our best effort forward towards something important.’ This name, gifted by the Michi Saagiig Elders and Knowledge Keepers Council at Trent, reflects our responsibility to care for our campus lands in a way that honours both their ecological significance and cultural meaning,” said Julie Davis, vice president of External Relations & Development. “Created through engagements with Michi Saagiig First Nations, local organizations, nature focused community groups and our campus community, the plan is a key implementation step of the award-winning Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan.”

Recently approved by the Trent Board of Governors, the Ggwepnandizamin (gwep-nan-diz-a-min) Stewardship Plan establishes a systems-level approach to caring for the land, recognizing diverse green spaces across the campus as an interconnected landscape. This holistic framework considers the relationships between ecological systems and the University’s academic, research and operational priorities to promote long-term resilience and sustainability. The plan also acknowledges the importance of these lands for Indigenous ceremony and placemaking and will include ongoing engagement with knowledge holders to ensure continued knowledge exchange.

Implementation will be carried out through a detailed work plan, currently in development and supported by integrated monitoring and ongoing engagement with the Trent Elders and Knowledge Holders Council and Michi Saagiig land consultation officers.

“These lands have carried our stories, our ancestors and our teachings since time immemorial. Through Ggwepnandizamin, we walk forward together with Trent University to ensure the land continues to teach, to heal and to guide future generations,” said Tom Cowie, consultation Indigenous Knowledge lead at Hiawatha First Nation.

For more information on the Ggwepnandizamin Stewardship Plan, visit the link.

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22-Year-Old North York Man Faces Fraud Charges After Forging Documents

A 22-year-old North York man is facing fraud-related charges after two incidents in the past month.

file photo.

At approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday, officers were called to a bank in Peterborough about a man attempting to open an account with what appeared to be fraudulent documents.

Upon arrival, officers learned that the same person had been in a different branch on April 14, attempting to do the same thing. Through investigation it was determined that the suspect had lied about his identity.

As a result, a 22-year-old North York, ON man was arrested and charged with:

• Use, deals, acts on forged document X2

• Obstruct Peace Officer

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

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Ontario Government Moves to Ban Uniform Fees at Large Companies to Protect Workers’ Paycheques

The Ontario Government is proposing new legislation that would ban employers from charging workers for mandatory uniforms, a move aimed at protecting paycheques and eliminating a common out-of-pocket cost for employees in sectors such as retail and hospitality.

photo courtesy of ja-neo.

In addition, the proposed new STAR Act would improve the transparency and oversight of talent agencies to better protect performers’ paycheques in the entertainment industry.

“Ontario workers are the backbone of our province and they deserve to keep more of what they earn. Whether you work in a restaurant or hotel, no one should have to pay out of pocket for a uniform just to earn a paycheque,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “At the same time, Ontario’s entertainment and creative industries showcase our talent to the world and support thousands of good jobs. That’s why we’re improving fairness and transparency to ensure performers are paid what they’re owed.”

The government will propose changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 that, if passed, would prohibit employers from requiring employees to pay for uniforms or deducting those costs from their wages, except in limited situations, ensuring employees are not forced to pay out of pocket just to do their jobs.

There were 383,900 people employed in the restaurant and bar sector in Ontario in 2025, where uniforms can often be required. While the cost of uniforms can vary, some employees pay upwards of $50. The change would apply where uniforms are mandatory and employer-specific, including branded or logo apparel and not reasonably usable outside of work. If passed, the ministry would also consult on certain exemptions, such as small businesses. This change would address a common but often-overlooked cost barrier, particularly in entry-level sectors such as retail, hospitality and food service.

Seven other Canadian jurisdictions already limit or prohibit employers from charging employees for uniforms, including British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba.

In addition, the government is proposing to establish the Strengthening Talent Agency Regulation (STAR) Act to strengthen transparency and oversight of payments handled by talent agencies. The proposed legislation would set a limit on commission rates, prohibit fees other than commissions and fees allowed by regulation, require timely payment to entertainment workers, and mandate a separate bank account for funds owed to those workers.

These proposed changes are part of a broader package of measures the government is introducing in the coming days to continue delivering on its plan to protect workers and make Ontario the most competitive place in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business.

“We are encouraged to see the government taking meaningful steps to strengthen Ontario’s entertainment industry by enhancing protections for workers,” said Victoria Harding, Executive Director of the Directors Guild of Canada (Ontario). “Measures like the STAR Act reinforce Ontario as a leading jurisdiction in a globally competitive entertainment industry, a position built on both creative excellence and fair treatment for workers.”

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Youth Transit Pass Pilot Program to Allow Free Transportation for Students

A Youth Transit Pass Program approved by Council in September will include a phased rollout to youth ages 13 to 18 years old in its pilot year.

file photo.

Grade 7 and 8 students will be able to apply for a pass in April and high school students in September.

Students will be able to ride the bus for free:

• Monday to Friday after 4 p.m.

• Weekends

• Statutory holidays

• Summer vacation

• Winter Break

• March Break

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Lakers and Lansdowne Place Partner Up In Celebration of 40-Year Anniversary of Peterborough Maulers Sponsorship

The Peterborough Lakers and Lansdowne Place have partnered ahead of the 2026 Major Series Lacrosse season to mark the 40th anniversary of the Peterborough Maulers Junior A Lacrosse Team, as announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Members of the 1986 Peterborough Maulers, Sponsors and Lakers staff join at one of three chairs at Centre Court in lansdowne Place. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Lansdowne Place sponsored the 1986 Peterborough Maulers Junior A Lacrosse Team 40 years ago.

In honour of the milestone, Lansdowne Place is sponsoring a special Retro Game Night on July 23 against the Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m. The night features retro Maulers jerseys, a soundtrack of iconic 80s and 90s tunes and more to be announced.

“We are excited about bringing a small piece of Peterborough lacrosse history alive,” said Jessica Khouri, Lansdowne Place marketing manager. “Lansdowne Place is thrilled about this new partnership with the Lakers and we look forward to cheering them on this season.”

“We are looking forward to working with Lansdowne Place to create memorable experiences for our fans while celebrating the history of the game in our community,” said Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement. “This partnership is a great fit and we’re excited to kick it off.”

@ptbo_canada The @ptbolakerslax and Lansdowne Place have partnered to bring a large chair at the mall and bringing Retro Night to the Lakers game on July 23. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #lacrosse ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

With the partnership’s launch, a large Lakers-branded Kawartha Chair will be at Lansdowne Place for a month, leading up to the Lakers’s home opener on May 21 against the two-time defending Mann Cup-champion Six Nations Chiefs. The community is encouraged to take photos on/with the display and share them on social media.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing Person Last Seen In Chemong Road and Broadway Boulevard Area

The Peterborough Police Service are seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing person, 40-year-old Alexy.

Family and police are concerned for his well-being.

Alexy was last seen in the Chemong Road and Broadway Boulevard area on April 19 between 11 p.m. and midnight.

Alexy has been described to police as:

• Caucasian male

• 6'1”

• Slim build

• Short brown hair

• Beard

• Last seen wearing black pants, army green shirt, black leather jacket, white glasses, brown boots

He was last seen driving a:

• 2018 Red Nissan Titan

• License Plate: CE69062

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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