City of Peterborough Launches Initiative to Streamline the Review Process of Traffic and Parking Concerns

A new city-led initiative is giving residents a direct way to report traffic and parking concerns by creating the Traffic Technical Working Group (TTWG) and an online application form. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The TTWG, recently launched following City Council approval in January, brings together subject-matter experts from multiple City departments to take a coordinated, data-driven approach to addressing traffic and parking concerns throughout the city. 

The group includes staff specializing in Traffic, Parking, Engineering, Transportation Planning, Law Enforcement, and Municipal Operations. The TTWG will review community-submitted concerns and recommend data-driven solutions. 

Residents play a key role in this initiative. Community members are encouraged to submit traffic and parking concerns through the application form. Submissions will be reviewed by the TTWG, with updates provided to residents so they can stay informed about the status of their request. 

This new approach will help streamline the assessment of traffic and parking issues and concerns, ensure consistent decision-making, and support improved traffic operations within the city.

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PRHC Foundation Launches Business Cares Program to Allow Local Businesses to Strengthen Community Connections; Hanoi House Named First Ambassador

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation has partnered with Hanoi House to launch Business Cares, a program for local businesses to support patient care while strengthening community connections, announced on Tuesday morning.

Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president and CEO (left) and Susan Tung, Hanoi House owner, enjoying Gỏi cuốn (Vietnamese spring roll) with peanut sauce in celebration of their new partnership. The PRHC serves more than 600,000 people across Peterborough and the surrounding area and relies on community support to fund the state-of-the-art equipment and technology to provide exceptional care. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The launch gives businesses an opportunity to easily play an active role in fundraising for the PRHC Foundation’s $70 million Campaign. Partners also gain exposure through the Foundation’s communications channels and become part of a trusted network of businesses, according to Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation.

“Business Cares is about creating a strong connection between community-minded businesses and the future of healthcare in our region,” She said. “We know that the area’s businesses care deeply about the communities they serve. This program offers a simple, flexible way to turn that care into impact. They’ll help PRHC Foundation fund lifesaving equipment and technology, and strengthen relationships with their teams and customers.”

Businesses can help by creating a fundraiser, running a point-of-purchase promotion, becoming a sponsor or making a direct contribution.

Prior to the program launch, Hanoi House has supported PRHC through its own initiatives over several years. This included a dumpling drive and pop-up buffet that raised more than $3,000 for patient care. The Vietnamese restaurant was named one of the program's first ambassadors.

“Being part of PRHC Foundation’s Business Cares program is a meaningful way for Hanoi House to give back to the area we love and call home, while strengthening our business,” said Susan Tung, Hanoi House owner. “Supporting our regional hospital is an investment in the health of the community we serve every day, including our customers, our team, and their families. That involvement has created a real sense of pride among our staff and patrons.

PRHC Foundation invites all businesses to join its community through Business Cares.

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Carl Oake Rotary Swim Breaks $1.5 Million Milestone After Raising Over $51,000 At 40th Fundraising Event

The Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim hit its $1.5 million fundraising milestone by raising $51,286.35, announced at the McDonnell Activity Centre on Monday afternoon.

(From Left to Right) Ken Seim, Former Rotary Club of Peterborough president; Vanessa Oake Hogan, Century 21 United Owner; Jeff Taylor, Baker Tilly Managing Partner; Andrea Peterson, Easter Seals Ontario Development Officer and Tony Grady, Rotary Club of Peterborough President. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The goal was to raise $50,000 which was met.

The fundraising Swim was on Feb. 27 at the YMCA of Peterborough, marking its 40th anniversary.

This year’s theme was the 80s, reflecting 1986, when Oake founded the event to celebrate music, fashion and pop culture of the time.

A cheque for $12,000 was presented to Andrea Peterson of Easter Seals Ontario and another for $3,000 was presented to the YMCA for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The remaining funds go towards the Rotary’s community projects.

Two teams of participating swimmers were also awarded prizes. The top fundraising swim team, Team World Barbie, was awarded tickets to see The Century 21 Lakers and the swim team with the best costumes. The Crocodile Dundees won a game-worn Peterborough Petes helmet and game-worn Century 21 Lakers gear.

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

The City of Peterborough is inviting residents to learn more about proposed improvements to Kawartha Heights Park at a public drop-in session from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Peterborough Sports and Wellness Centre.

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 which park amenities are best suited to meet the community's needs.  

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 formalizing parking. Phase 2 is planned for 2028 and includes the addition of a splash pad, a 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,” said Monaghan Ward Councillors Matt Crowley and Don Vassiliadis in a joint statement. “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.”  

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 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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Kinsmen Club of Peterborough Donates $6,000 to Riverview Park and Zoo For Accessible Playground

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough has donated $6,000 to support the accessible playground project at Riverview Park and Zoo in a cheque presentation on Monday morning.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The proceeds were from the 2025 Father’s Day Classic Car Show and Fundraiser. 

The accessible playground project focuses on improving access, reducing steep slopes and enhancing play opportunities for visitors of all abilities. These 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.

Riverview Park and Zoo, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Peterborough, is raising $1.5 million through Project ROAR, a community-driven campaign to support the development of a fully accessible and inclusive playground. 

“The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough’s contribution is helping advance efforts to improve accessibility and play opportunities at Riverview Park and Zoo,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Through Project ROAR, and with support from community partners and donors, this work is moving forward to create a more accessible playground that better supports residents and visitors. Donations raised through community events like the Father’s Day Classic Car Show hosted by the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough continue to play an important role in this progress.” 

Project ROAR is dedicated to transforming the Riverview Park and Zoo playground into an inclusive space for all. Donations can be made online or by visiting the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s website.

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is hosting the Father’s Day Classic Car Show and Fundraiser again on June 21 at Riverview Park and Zoo, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event features live music, a BBQ, a prize table and a 50/50 draw. Admission is by donation. A rain date has been scheduled for June 28. 

Those wishing to participate in the Classic Car Show must register their vehicle. 

Registration can be completed online or by contacting Barry Craft at 705-292-5171 or bcraft@nexicom.net. Advanced online registration is open. The fee to register is $10. Participants can also register vehicles at the gate on the day of the event, beginning at 8 a.m. The registration fee at the gate is $15. 

All vehicle entries must be model year 1999 or older. 

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring YMCA, Lakefield College School and Summer Company Program

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…

The 2026 YMCA Peterborough Pickleball Tournament is gearing up to be a great way to spend May 9.

Cheering on and watching local realtors Wade Hamblin and Shaun Pearce gather their teams to face off in the quest to win the Golden Pickle, all for the benefit of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, will be amusing. Every child deserves a chance to reach their full potential: to live healthier, happier lives today and grow into productive adults in the future, and these team captains, with their teams of local businesspeople, are raising the bar to ensure the Strong Kids are supported. Let’s see if Team Pearce can hold on to the pickle for another year.

To find out more, or make your donation to support your favourites, visit www.ymcaofceo.ca/events.

A big shout out to the students from Lakefield College School who are giving their time at The Selwyn Public Library as part of the Tech Help Program.

They are there, by appointment only, on Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m., offering assistance with different tech topics - from email management to accessing books on apps. A great way to increase anyone’s tech abilities.

For more information, reach out to Amy Rosborough at arosborough@mypubliclibrary.ca.

The Summer Company Program offers grants of up to $3,000 to start a business in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.

The program provides students (ages 15 to 29) with grant dollars, business skills development, training, advice, and mentoring. Youth in this community can be their own boss this summer, while building valuable skills for their future. Students eager to take initiative and interested in learning how to run a business can apply today to the Summer Company Program and if successful, will be guided every step of the way from developing a business plan and budget to marketing strategies to launch their business.

Take a look under programs at www.communityfutures.Peterborough.ca to learn more.

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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12-Year Old Boy Lands Grand Prize Fish 'Walter' At 37th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby

It only took roughly 30 minutes for 12-year-old Jonny Patterson to land the grand prize of $1,000 by catching ‘Walter’ at the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) 37th Annual Under the Lock Fishing Derby on Saturday.

Last year saw a record-breaking 2,380 anglers register. Photo courtesy of OFAH.

Walter was caught just before noon on Saturday during the youth derby for those aged 15 and under.

According to an OFAH’s Facebook post, three of the top five prizes have already been claimed as of Sunday. ‘Gordon’ and ‘Opie’ are the two remaining grand prize fish, worth $500 and a guided fishing trip for three in Algonquin Park with Opeongo Lake and Beyond Guide Service, respectively.

The all-ages event began on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and continues until May 3.

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.

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Peterborough Butterfly Run Sets Records On 10th Anniversary

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF), in partnership with Partners In Pregnancy Clinic (PIPC), has broken its fundraising record for the tenth-annual Peterborough Butterfly Run, raising over $97,000 and counting at Millennium Park on Sunday.

Since 2017, the event has supported families and individuals who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, the loss of a child or are unable to conceive. Photo courtesy of Harrison Perkins and the GPHSF.

The event had over 1,400 people registered in the 1K Memorial Walk, 1K Kids Fun Run and 5K Run/Walk.  The 5K Run/Walk record was also set with 840 participants.

The top three individual fundraisers are Lori Brock, Baldeep Paul and Alex Lloyd. The top three fundraising teams are ‘Angels’ by Our Side,’ ‘Team Jess and Angeline Dalliday’ and Friends of Frederick.

According to Ashley Weir and Kori Zwarych, co-chairs of the Peterborough Butterfly Run Executive Committee, over 1,000 bereavement kits have been made and distributed throughout the community. 

Funds from the run will support the Compassionate Care Symposium at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in June, an educational opportunity for clinicians in our area to learn how to better support Perinatal Bereavement Care. 

The Committee says they are working to hold more bereavement retreats and to expand the support available in our area. Money will also continue to be reinvested in the Peterborough Butterfly Run to ensure future events.

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Peterborough Woman Arrested After Intentionally Striking Vehicle With Her Own Then Fleeing

A 19-year-old Peterborough woman is facing various charges including assault and mischief after a vehicular incident on Saturday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9:30 p.m., officers were made aware of a two-vehicle collision on Raymond Street. Officers said that one of the vehicles was struck on purpose by the second vehicle. The second vehicle fled the area following the collision. The occupants of both vehicles were known to each other.

During the investigation, officers located the driver of the second vehicle at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Sunday near Parkhill Road and George Street.

The woman was charged with:

• Assault with A Weapon

• Mischief - destroys or damages property

• Dangerous operation

• Fail to remain

• Failure to Comply with Release Order - Other than to attend court

• Owner operate a motor vehicle without insurance

The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) on Sunday.

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Peterborough Foundation Grant Application Deadline For Local Charities Is This Friday

The deadline for local charities to apply for the next round of Peterborough Foundation grants is this Friday.

The Peterborough Foundation was incorporated in 1953 from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Magie. The Foundation has distributed over $2,000,000 from an original capital base of just under $1,000,000.

According to Shirl Delarue, Peterborough Foundation Chair, charities, large and small, are welcome to submit a grant application for capital projects.

“It’s very user-friendly to apply for a grant from the Peterborough Foundation,” said Delarue. “We like to keep it simple for organizations, especially smaller grassroots charities.”

The most recent grants last December totalled over $28,000 and included the following charities:

• Achieve Charity - $2,000 for Accessibility Equipment

• Community Counselling & Resource Centre - $9,327 for Computers and IT Upgrades

• Heads up for Inclusion - $3,000 for Strategic Planning

• Kawartha Children’s Aid - $1,900 for Santa Claus Fund Sleigh Signage

• P.A.T.H. - $4,482 for Washer and Dryer

• Peterborough Symphony - $4946 for Computer Hardware/Software Upgrades

• Watersheds Canada - $3,000 for Backpacks and Learning Materials

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