PHOTOS: Helpers Find Their Calling at Volunteer Peterborough's 'Meet Your Match' Volunteer Fair

As part of National Volunteer Month, Volunteer Peterborough was seeking helpers for 35 community organizations at the ‘Meet Your Match’ Volunteer Fair at Peterborough Square on Wednesday afternoon.

Ken Spry of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada shows off hats worn in the late 1700s to Grade 11 TASSS students Johnny Vanderkolk and Caden O'Brien. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The fair aims to recruit new talent of all ages to support hundreds of non-profits in the region and to create a matchmaking service that helps organizations find prospective volunteers who align with their needs, interests and more.

High school students who need to complete their required 40 hours of community service can earn them through any volunteer organization they register with.

@ptbo_canada Volunteer Peterborough is finding recruits for those who want to give a helping hand for local organizations at their annual “Meet Your Match” Volunteer Fair! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #volunteer ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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CMHA HKPR Launches Clothing Line Created From Local Artists to Help Fund Mental Health Programs

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) celebrated Mental Health Week with help from local artists by launching a new clothing line to help fund mental health programs, announced on Wednesday.

(From left to right) Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education; Kate Matthews, artist and Lindsay Halcovitch, Perfect Perception. Matthews and Halcovitch are wearing their designs for the clothing line while Veitch holds Phillip Jolicouer’s design. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

CMHA HKPR commissions three local artists in Kate Matthews, Lindsay Halcovitch and Phillip Jolicoeur to create original designs inspired by mental health and wellness.

“It’s super meaningful to contribute,” said Matthews. “This (CMHA HKPR) is my workplace as well so it’s extra powerful, bringing my passion of art and my workplace in putting that together with my passion for mental health.”

“I just felt honoured for this have this opportunity to present some of my designs for such a meaningful purpose,” explained Halcovitch.

“Working with these artists has been incredibly inspiring. Their talent really shines through in every piece, and they’ve created designs that are not only meaningful but genuinely stylish,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “This collection proves that you can support an important cause, start conversations about mental health, and feel proud of what you’re wearing at the same time.”

@ptbo_canada The CMHA HKPR is celebrating Mental Health Week by launching a new clothing collection that brings together mental health advocacy, community connection and local creativity. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #mentalhealth ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Partial proceeds from every purchase directly support CMHA HKPR programs and services across Haliburton, Kawartha and Pine Ridge.

Clothing can be purchased online at CMHA HKPR’s website by clicking ‘Shop.’

“It’s so important to note that each person has their own journey, and it was important to us to find different types of artists with different kinds of art styles to really depict each person’s journey and experience with their mental health and wellness,” said Vietch.

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Free Fishing During Mother's Day Weekend

Ontario is offering families a chance to cast a line and enjoy the outdoors together for free during Mother’s Day Weekend, this Saturday and Sunday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without purchasing a licence or Outdoors Card.

“Fishing is a great way for families to make unforgettable memories while enjoying the outdoors,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Free fishing weekends are an opportunity to check out Ontario’s top‑notch fishing and take part in a timeless tradition that brings people together right across the province.”

Recreational fishing is a key part of Ontario’s economy, supporting local tourism and jobs in communities across the province, according to the Provincial Government.

All conservation licence catch and size limits, sanctuaries and all other fishing regulations still apply during the free fishing weekend.

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Parks Canada to Conduct Annual Maintenance on Parkhill Road Swing Bridge Starting Sunday

Parks Canada will perform annual spring maintenance on the Parkhill Road Swing Bridge on Sunday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The Parkhill Road Swing Bridge from its construction in 2022. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During that time, the bridge will be temporarily closed to all traffic while maintenance is underway. Detour routes will be posted.

The City of Peterborough and Parks Canada thank residents for their patience and cooperation.

This work is part of ongoing efforts to maintain safe, reliable infrastructure and to support the long-term future of the Trent–Severn Waterway. 

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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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