Section of Chemong Road Temporary Closed Overnight For Water Main Work Starting Sunday

Chemong Road will be temporarily closed between Highland Road and Bellevue Street from 5 p.m. on Sunday to 7 a.m. on Monday, to facilitate water main work.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Chemong Road will be closed to through traffic between Highland Road and Bellevue Street, with access restricted to emergency vehicles only. Motorists should follow the posted detour via Towerhill Road, Fairbairn Street and Parkhill Road West. 

Temporary disruptions to water service will occur on Chemong Road between Highland Road and Bellevue Street while the work is underway. Affected customers will be notified in advance.

Following water main work, tap water may appear discoloured due to minor sediment in the system. To clear the water, run the cold water tap closest to the water meter for 10 to 15 minutes until it runs clear. If discolouration continues, wait one hour and repeat the process. 

For City of Peterborough Water Services inquiries, including discoloured water and watermain breaks on public property, call 705-748-9301, extension 1295, during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For after-hours emergencies, call 705-748-9300.

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City of Peterborough Honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women With Ceremony On Red Dress Day

The City of Peterborough hosted a ceremony to mark the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S) at City Hall on Tuesday morning.

Singing and drumming were performed as the red flag was raised at City Hall to mark Red Dress Day. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Commonly known as Red Dress Day, May 5 is held annually and acknowledges missing or murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people, recognizing the disproportionately high rates of violence the Indigenous community faces. 

The ceremony had speeches, drumming and a smudging ceremony.

“This day is an important opportunity for our community to come together in remembrance, reflection and solidarity,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “We honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People, and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of violence and injustice faced by Indigenous communities. I encourage residents to join us at City Hall for this meaningful ceremony as we listen, learn and stand together in support of truth, healing and reconciliation.”

Red dresses are hung in the windows of City Hall until Friday. 

Kelli Marshall of Hiawatha First Nation performs a jingle dress dance (also known as the healing dance) during the Red Dress Day ceremony at Peterborough City Hall. The dance is meant to cure sickness and bestow positive energy to those around the dancer. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“The red dresses displayed in the windows of City Hall are a powerful symbol of the Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirited people who are missing or who have been taken too soon,” said Shelley Knott, City of Peterborough Indigenous Advisor. “They also represent the families and loved ones who continue to carry grief while searching for truth and justice. We invite the community to reflect on their meaning and join us in showing support, solidarity and a shared commitment to ending violence.”

The Urban Indigenous Working Group hosted additional activities in Confederation Square after the ceremony.

@ptbo_canada The City of Peterborough hosted a ceremony is to mark the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People on Red Dress Day. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #indigenous ♬ original sound PTBOCanada

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Two Right-Hand Forwards Return to Peterborough Lakers For 2026 Season

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have welcomed the return of righty forwards Rob Hellyer and Braedon Saris ahead of the 2026 season, announced on Tuesday.

Braedon Saris (keft) and Rob Hellyer (right). Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The 5’9, 180 lb. Hellyer was originally acquired from the Oakville Rock in 2024 in exchange for defencemen Thomas Whitty and Matt Wright. The Lion’s Head, Ontario native had 44 points across nine games in the regular season, plus another 42 playoff points to finish second in team scoring.

Hellyer signed with the San Diego Seals of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) just before the 2024-25 season and moved with his wife to San Diego, making him unavailable to the Lakers last summer. After a trade to Ottawa prior to the 2025-26 season, Hellyer and his family returned home to Ontario.

The 33-year-old’s stint with Ottawa saw him finish second in team scoring and 12th overall in the league with 32 goals and 67 assists for 99 points.

Saris returns, fresh off his rookie season with the NLL’s Colorado Mammoth, where he finished fourth in team scoring with 16 goals and 37 assists. Saris was acquired by the Lakers from the Cobourg Kodiaks last summer in exchange for Tommy Collins and a third-round draft pick. Saris finished the regular season with 29 points and the playoffs with 31 points last year with the Lakers.

The Lakers schedule is as follows:

• May 21 vs. Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• May 28 vs. Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• May 30 at Owen Sound North Stars at 4 p.m.

• June 1 at Oakville Rock at 7:30 p.m.

• June 4 vs. Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 10 at Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 18 at Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• June 21 at Cobourg Kodiaks at 6 p.m.

• June 25 vs. Brooklin LC at 8 p.m.

• June 29 at Oakville Rock at 7:30 p.m.

• July 2 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m.

• July 7 at Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• July 9 vs. Owen Sound North Stars at 8 p.m.

• July 16 vs. Oakville Rock at 8 p.m.

• July 23 vs. Cobourg Kodiaks at 8 p.m.

• July 24 at Brampton Excelsiors at 8 p.m.

• July 28 at Six Nations Chiefs at 8 p.m.

• July 30 vs Owen Sound North Stars at 8 p.m.

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Elementary School Students Shine at Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 12th Annual Spelling Bee

There were 120 of the top spellers from Grades 4 to 8 across the Peterborough region that competed in the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 12th annual Spelling Bee at Fleming College on Saturday.

(From left to right) Henry Sharpe, Adam Scott Intermediate; Hudson Inglis, Kawartha Classical Christian School and Tyler Phillips, St. Theresa CES. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The top spellers in the junior division (Grades 4-6) were:

1. Verna Conlin Hanley, St. Anne CES

2. Elise Stenko, Westmount PS

3. Daniel Casado, Monsignor O’Donoghue CES

The top spellers in the intermediate division (Grades 7-8) were:

1. Henry Sharpe, Adam Scott Intermediate

2. Hudson Inglis, Kawartha Classical Christian School

3. Tyler Phillips, St. Theresa CES

(From left to right) Verna Conlin Hanley, St. Anne CES; Elise Stenko, Westmount PS and Daniel Casado, Monsignor O’Donoghue CES. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Earlier in the spring, thousands of students participated in qualifying spelling bees at their schools to compete at the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 12th annual Spelling Bee.

Prizes include a laser tag party at Zap Attack Laser Tag, a 9-day Trent Excalibur Camp, a week at Camp Kawartha Environment Camp, bikes from Canadian Tire on Lansdowne Street and lessons at the Art School of Peterborough.

In addition to prizes, top finishers earned literacy bursaries for their schools, with $1,000 awarded for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. These funds help support literacy initiatives within participating schools according to the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

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Canadian Country Artists Dean Brody and The Reklaws Grace Peterborough Memorial Centre Stage On Nov. 21

As part of their Hometown Heroes National Tour, Canada’s country artists Dean Brody and The Reklaws are taking the stage at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Nov. 21, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Austin Chaffe.

“There’s something special about getting out across the country and playing these songs for fans in every corner of Canada,” said Brody. “This tour is all about celebrating where we come from and the people who’ve been there along the way. Getting to do that alongside my friends, The Reklaws, is going to make it even more memorable.”

“We’re so fired up,” said Jenna and Stuart Walker of The Reklaws. “We’ve shared so many moments with Dean over the years and getting to bring that to fans across the country on this kind of scale is unreal.”

Their latest single, ‘Hometown Heroes,’ was penned after seeing our nation united behind their home baseball team last fall. According to a press release, the tour will bring country music across Canada to celebrate the people who make each city feel like home.

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

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Ennismore Man Wins Over $120,000 From LOTTO MAX

Ennismore’s Harry N. has won a LOTTO MAX second prize worth $120,460.40 from the March 31 draw, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of OLG.

Harry said he has played the lottery since the 1970s and enjoys LOTTO MAX, LOTTO 6/49, and PICK-4.

The 67-year-old postman was at work when he checked his tickets using and discovered his win.

“I saw the winning amount was $120,000 and couldn’t believe it,” said Harry. “I happened to check my ticket on April Fools’ Day so when I told my daughter, she thought it was a joke.”

Harry said he would like to put his winnings toward some home renovations.

“I also purchased my dream car: a Toyota Tacoma,” he said.

The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K on Ward Street in Bridgenorth.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Cambium, Century 21 Realty and Be Your Brand

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…

Cambium Consulting and Engineering is celebrating twenty years in business!

They were founded in 2006 and are a multi-service consulting and engineering firm that helps shape stronger communities with their wide range of technical and professional expertise.

A long-standing friendship between two family-founded real estate companies has come full circle.

Century 21 United Realty has expanded into Cobourg with the addition of Century 21 All-Pro Realty, a brokerage that has served the Northumberland community for over 30 years.

Both brokerages were family-founded, and their founders, Carl Oake and Garry Liboiron, shared a decades-long friendship within the industry. Today, the brokerage is led by Vanessa Oake Hogan, continuing that legacy and bringing the two offices together in a way that feels like a natural next chapter. Congratulations to Vanessa and her team, who will continue the longstanding legacy of real-estate brilliance.

After four and a half years in business, Phillip Jolicoeur who many know as The Marketing Guy has announced his exciting rebrand to Be Your Brand.

It’s a new name but the same business. A full-service marketing concierge designed to support businesses and not-for-profit organizations. The new brand reflects Phil’s vision of helping clients build stronger identities, clearer messaging and a bigger impact.

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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Four Candidates Enter Mayoral Race For Upcoming Municipal Election

Four names in Neil Morton, Dr. Michael Eamon, Rebecca Schillemat and Keith Riel have placed their bids to become the Mayor of Peterborough for the upcoming 2026 municipal election on Oct. 26.

Photos courtesy of Neil Morton, Dr. Michael Eamon, Rebecca Schillemat and Keith Riel.

Morton placed his bid on Monday morning at City Hall.

The Peterborough native and PTBOCanada founder is known for his community-building and for being a local entrepreneur. He is a graduate of Adam Scott CVI and Trent University.

In addition to PTBOCanada, he also founded StudioPTBO and Cormor 3D. Morton has served with the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Canoe Museum, the Trent Alumni Association and has chaired the United Way of Peterborough & District fundraising campaign.

“I've spent the last several months speaking with PTBO residents just like you and I've noticed a common theme during nearly every one: We’re stuck managing decline instead of managing growth,” said Morton. “I'm a community builder, and I know Peterborough isn't living up to its full potential. I'm developing a bold, pragmatic platform to get PTBO unstuck.”

Morton will outline his platform and officially kick off his campaign at a public launch event on May 26.

Neil Morton. Photo courtesy of Avery Morton and Jason Fiorotto.

Eamon filed his candidacy on Friday morning.

Eamon has nearly 20 years of leadership experience in Peterborough. He is the current Principal of Catharine Parr Traill College at Trent University. According to Eamon, he has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, overseen diverse teams and spearheaded major community infrastructure projects, including the $1.5 million Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre.

He has held roles with federal and provincial governments, as well as in the academic sector.

Eamon’s volunteer work includes the United Way, the Peterborough Historical Society, Scouts Canada, and membership in the Peterborough Singers and the Peterborough Concert Band since 2006.

According to a press release, Eamon’s platform emphasizes good governance, civility, and compassion. His vision focuses on attracting new industries to expand the tax base, improving coordination with the non-profit sector to support vulnerable citizens and maintaining vibrant neighbourhoods across the city. Eamon pledged to be a sound financial manager, ensuring property taxes are applied efficiently while advocating for increased support from provincial and federal levels of government.

“A better future for Peterborough starts with stronger leadership today," said Eamon. “My vision is a consultative, coordinated, and compassionate approach. I am a problem-solver who respects the complexity of our issues, and I am ready to find productive, sustainable solutions with and for everyone in our community.”

Eamon says his goal over the next few months is to meet with as many people as possible throughout Peterborough to hear their thoughts on the future and develop informed plans that meet residents’ needs.

Dr. Michael Eamon. Photo courtesy of Dr. Michael Eamon.

Schillemat joins the mayoral race after placing her bid at Market Hall on Monday morning.

According to Schillemat, her campaign will focus on building a safer, more affordable and more functional city through responsible leadership, stronger community partnerships and transparent decision-making at City Hall.

Schillemat is a Clarington native, graduated from Trent University in 2010 and worked in Peterborough for six years. She moved away and back to Peterborough in 2021.

She expressed concern about the city's current state and said she wants to make changes if elected.

“This is not the city I remembered, it is not the city my husband grew up in, it isnot the city we planned to raise our children in,” explained Schillemat. “I want to change that. I want a better Peterborough. I want a city that has opportunities for our children from jobs and housing to sports and the arts. I want a city that is safe and affordable to build a life in. I want a city that is thriving for everyone.”

Schillemat outlined her key priorities of the campaign which include:

• Improving housing attainability including increasing capacity across the housing continuum

• Supporting safer and healthier public spaces for everyone

• Strengthening accountability and transparency

• Supporting economic growth and local business development

• Investing responsibly in infrastructure and city services

• Building collaborative solutions to complex social challenges

Schillemat has been involved with local tradespeople and home builders, with the arts community and environmental organizations. She has been on the Board of Directors for the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and the Peterborough Folk Festival.

Her volunteer work includes the Cancer Society for Relay for Life, the Big Bike for Heart & Stroke, Santa’s Sleigh for the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation and the Peterborough Folk Festival.

“My ideal Peterborough is a thriving community that has something for everyone—housing, employment, entertainment, healthcare, safety, and a sense of community and belonging,” said Schillemat. “I want opportunities for my children and future generations to build a life right here in Peterborough.”

Rebecca Schillemat. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Schillemat.

City Councillor Riel placed his bid as Mayor on Friday, backing up his declaration to run for the role back in mid-November.

Riel grew up in Peterborough’s south end and has served on City Council for 17 years, having been elected four times. He has worked for 38 years at General Electric as an industrial electrician and electrical technician.

He served as president of the local union representing General Electric workers. Riel was also president of the Peterborough and District Labour Council.

In that span, he ran three local businesses: a bar (five years); a retail shop, The Green Door; (five years) and a DJ company, RMS Music (20 years).

Riel outlined his key priorities of the campaign which include:

• A City That Works

• Housing People Can Afford

• A Local Economy That Grows Here

• Safe Communities, Strong Services

• Arts, Culture and a City That Creates

• A Council That Acts

“We’re at a jumping-off point,” said Riel. We have to do something concrete to build the city we want, not just accept a slow decline into something we don’t recognize.”

Riel is hosting a launch party on Wednesday night.

Councillor Keith Riel. Photo courtesy of Justin Sutton.

Mayor Jeff Leal is undecided if he will run for reelection this October.

“First of all, it will truly be a family decision and my family is chatting about this as we speak,” explained Leal. “There's a lot of time to file nomination papers and in my view, I've never let politics ever distract you from the work that needs to be done. I think this (multi-sport and Event Centre) is a good example of work that still needs to be done.”

He defeated Henry Clarke, Stephen Wright, Brian Lumsden and Victor Kreuz in the 2022 municipal election to become the Mayor of Peterborough after a four-year hiatus from politics from 2018 to 2022.

Leal served four consecutive terms as the Peterborough-Kawartha MPP for the Liberal Party from 2003 to 2018 until current Conservative MPP Dave Smith won the seat.

Candidates have until Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. to file submissions for the City of Peterborough municipal election. Submissions are accepted by appointment only and can be scheduled by emailing elections@peterborough.ca.

Mayor Jeff Leal served under former Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne. He worked in several ministries as an MPP such as the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment and the Minister of Agriculture and Food and Rural Affairs. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

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Mayor Jeff Leal and Other Organizations Endorse New Event Centre In Downtown Peterborough

Mayor Jeff Leal has endorsed the approval and construction of a multi-sport and Event Centre to be built in Downtown Peterborough, announced at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“A new Event Centre would revitalize the City’s downtown and transform the Waterfront, drive economic growth and investment, and cement Peterborough’s reputation as a regional hub and tourism destination for decades to come,” said Leal.

The Event Centre would take over the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC), which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. While Leal acknowledges that the PMC has served the City well during that span, it would be costly to maintain and cannot perform the same functions as a new Event Centre.

“It (PMC) is already unable to host modern events and that capability will continue to deteriorate as it ages,” he explained. City staff have found that it will take at least $22 million over the next 15 years just to keep its doors open.”

Leal says Peterborough needs to think about the next 70 years and dubbed the Event Centre project ‘Vision 2096.’

“This is a generational opportunity for our community. A new Event Centre will revitalize our downtown by driving foot traffic and encouraging investment,” he said. “It will transform our waterfront and stimulate economic growth and development, and it will make Peterborough a regional hub and tourism destination for the next 70 years.”

Leal assured that the building’s cost would not be a burden on the taxpayer but rather would be a plus.

“Other communities that have embarked upon this path have seen an assessment uplift,” The City of St. Catherine's with the Meridian Centre is a case in point.”

City Council has previously approved the building's preferred location at the existing City bus garage site on Townsend Street. If construction were to be done, Leal estimates 30 months for the project to be completed.

“When we built the PRHC, we started construction on that in July of 2005 and the official opening occurred in the spring of 2008,” said Leal.

@ptbo_canada Mayor Jeff Leal is endorsing construction of a new event centre to be built in Downtown Peterborough. ##ptbocanada##journalism##fyp##news##dailynews ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce echoed Leal’s sentiments and also endorse the construction of a new Event Centre.

“From the Chamber’s perspective, this is about more than a building. It’s about economic opportunity,” said Brenda Whitehead, Peterborough Chamber president and CEO. “Aging infrastructure limits our ability to attract major events and stay competitive. A modern events centre strengthens Peterborough’s role as a regional hub while driving the kind of downtown activity that supports businesses across the entire region, and promotes opportunities for growth and further community development.” 

“Investing in a Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre is an investment in the future of our downtown,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “Facilities like this bring consistent energy, attract visitors and create the conditions for local businesses to grow and thrive. The DBIA strongly supports moving this project forward as a catalyst for long-term economic development and vibrancy in Peterborough’s core.”

City Council will consider a report on options for next steps for the Event Centre project at their meeting on Monday night.

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Warsaw Man Arrested For Impaired Driving After Caught Revving Engine At Armour Hill

A 22-year-old Warsaw man is facing multiple charges, including impaired driving, after an incident at Armour Hill in Peterborough early Sunday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 3:30 a.m., officers were called to Armour Hill about cars backfiring and revving their engines. They spotted two vehicles and while speaking to the driver of one of them, officers noticed signs of impairment.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Having care or control of a motor vehicle with open container of liquor (Liquor License Control Act)

• Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available (Cannabis Control Act)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on June 16.

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