First Wave of Artists Announced For Peterborough Folk Festival 2026

The 37th annual Peterborough Folk Festival has announced its first wave of artists performing for this year’s event, from Aug. 13 to 16 at Nicholls Oval Park.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Folk Festival.

The following are the featured artists:

Bahamas: A globally successful touring artist, Bahamas has earned widespread acclaim across genres, with over three-quarters of a billion streams and more than 3 million monthly listeners. His albums  Bahamas Is Afie and Earthtones both won Juno Awards, and in 2026, he again won Adult  Alternative Album of the Year for My Second Last Album, shared with Begonia.  

Begonia: Winnipeg-based artist Begonia (Alexa Dirks) is celebrated for her powerful live performances and genre-blending sound. A two-time Juno and Polaris nominee, her 2026  release, Fantasy Life, earned a Juno Award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year.  

The Pairs: This internationally touring trio is known for sibling harmonies, humour, and intimate stage presence. Their 2025 album Together on a Rock charted in the top 10 on the FAI Folk  Charts and received national radio play.  

Kelly McMichael: A Polaris-shortlisted songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, McMichael blends indie rock, pop, and experimental sounds. A previous Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist, she has earned national acclaim, with After the Sting of It winning MusicNL’s Album of the Year and receiving widespread radio play.  

The Young Novelists: This internationally touring duo, featuring Peterborough’s Laura Spink, is known for rich harmonies and storytelling. Their 2025 album, These Dark Canyons, was nominated for a 2026 Juno Award.  

Field Guide: A Winnipeg-based artist known for atmospheric songwriting, Field Guide has amassed millions of streams and toured alongside major acts, including Bahamas and Leif Vollebekk.  

Dean Johnson: The Seattle-based singer-songwriter broke out with his debut album at age 50, earning attention for his emotionally resonant songwriting and distinctive voice.  

The Lucky Ones: Blending classic country-roots with contemporary sounds, this Yukon-based group (featuring Peterborough’s Ryan West) draws from generations of musical tradition. 

The Naysayers: Led by Drea Naysayer, a previous Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist,  this genre-blending project spans folk, country, alt-rock, and punk. With 10 independent albums and international touring experience, they continue to build a passionate following.  

The Free Label: This Toronto-based six-piece delivers high-energy funk, disco, and R&B, with international touring experience and millions of views of their live performances.  

The Watched Pots: This Peterborough songwriting duo blends improv songwriting, feminism,  humour, and kitchen theatrics to make music creation accessible and fun for beginners. 

Slow Leaves: The project of Winnipeg’s Grant Davidson, who writes songs about vulnerability that elevate the ordinary into poignant narratives with indie-folk and pop inclinations.  

Moondoggy: Formed in Collingwood, this lively alternative rock band, now based in Toronto, has gained tens of millions of streams worldwide and toured across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

The festival also features a Children’s Village, which will offer free daily programming from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. including crafts, workshops, story time, face painting and a daily children’s parade.

Peterborough Lakers Introduce New Fundraising Intermission Activity For 2026 Season

The Peterborough Lakers have introduced ‘Toss For a Cause’ as a new fundraising intermission activity for fans of all ages.  

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

The fundraiser partners with local teams and groups to raise money for their organizations. Proceeds from the May 21st home opener will support Kawartha Fury Lacrosse.

Fans can purchase three balls for $5.00 from one of three locations throughout the arena and are encouraged to toss them on the floor at the second intermission. The closest ball to the centre dot wins a prize. 

Balls can be purchased at the Front Lobby, East Lobby or Club Lounge.

The Lakers are looking for teams and groups interested in participating and raising funds for their group. Contact Pete Dalliday petedalliday@gmail.com.

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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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Lang Pioneer Village, Peterborough Humane Society, Peterborough County and Workforce Development Board

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…

A definite sign of summer is here, as Lang Pioneer Village Museum opens for the 2026 season on Tuesday.

Starting with their Spring hours, Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 3 PM. The Summer and special event season will kick off with the Father’s Day Smoke and Steam show on Sunday, June 21 and following that, the Museum will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be an add-on experience of Afternoon Tea as well as other hands-on experiences and immersive programs. More information about Lang Pioneer Village Museum can be found by visiting www.LangPioneerVillage.ca

Need pet food?

The Peterborough Humane Society will be hosting their Pet Pantry Pop-Up Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or while supplies last at the Chamber of Commerce Parking Lot – 175 George Street North. Free cat and dog food will be available to pet owners in need. No registration is required.

Peterborough County is continuing work on the Transportation Master Plan Study for the Lakefield Area Road Network.

On May 27, they are inviting the local business community to provide their “unique and valuable insight” during the second public information centre at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre in Lakefield. This is important work as the future look of transportation in Selwyn and Douro Dummer are reviewed.

If you are a business owner, HR manager or responsible for recruitment in Peterborough (City and County), Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton, then the Workforce Development Board needs to hear from you as they are conducting research to inform the 2026-2027 Local Labour Market Planning Report.

If you are passionate about developing current and future workforce for you and the community, let WDB know what you need by completing their survey today.

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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Ontario Government Invests Over $3.5 Million to Peterborough Regional Health Centre to Expand Surgeries and Diagnostic Imaging

To help reduce wait times and improve access to care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), the Ontario Government has invested over $3.5 million to expand surgical services and diagnostic imaging capacity, announced on Friday morning.

(From left to right) Dave Smith, PETERBOROUGH-KAWARTHA MPP; DR. LYNN MIKULA, PRHC PRESIDENT AND ceo and Dr. Noel Bennett, Executive Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A large portion of the funding is through the Incremental Surgical Recovery Funding. This helps hospitals perform more procedures, address surgical backlogs, and ensure patients receive timely care, according to a press release. The PRHC received $2,680,700 to increase surgical volumes.

With the funding, PRHC can perform a wider scope of procedures including orthopedic surgeries such as hip and knee replacements, gynecologic surgeries, cataract procedures, hernia repairs and pediatric surgeries.

The other portion is $879,750 to support additional CT scan hours to help reduce diagnostic imaging wait times and improve access to timely diagnoses.

“By providing more than $3.5 million to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, we are making it easier and faster for people in our community to connect to the care they need,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This funding is a vital step in reducing wait times for surgeries and diagnostic imaging, ensuring our local healthcare system has the resources to support patients more effectively. Our government will continue to invest in the frontline services that make a real difference for families right here at home.”

“This one-time funding provides patients with faster access to surgeries and improved outcomes, especially for high-demand procedures like orthopedics, cancer and cataracts,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO. “Out CT scan volumes at PRHC have doubled over the last 10 years. Targeted investments in these areas are critical to meeting the growing need of the 600,000 patients we serve across a broad urban and rural geography.

@ptbo_canada The Ontario Government has invested over $3.5 million to expand surgeries and diagnostic imaging at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #healthcare ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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Peterborough Lakers' Back-End Locked and Loaded For 2026 Season

The Peterborough Lakers have locked down their defensive core and goaltending for the 2026 season.

Robert Hope has won four Mann Cups for the Peterborough Lakers and is also the head coach for the Peterborough Jr. A Lakers. Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

Over the last week, a number of veteran defenders have returned for another run at the Mann Cup national championship.

Fourteen-year veteran and captain, Robert Hope, returns this year. A Peterborough native and Jr. A Laker graduate, Hope was named captain in 2017 and has led the team to four Mann Cup championships. 

He is joined by fellow Peterborough natives Dustyn Birkhof and Dylan Hutchison. Assistant captain Matt Gilray also returns for his 10th season.

The Lakers expect sophomore Chris Harland to play a bigger role this season after gaining experience with the Arena Lacrosse League’s Toronto Monarchs.

Brenden Boyle was drafted by the Lakers in 2024 and has committed to the team for the season after playing in Nanaimo for the last two summers.

All three Lakers’ goaltenders are back, with Nick Rose and Drew Hutchison returning to the team after the NLL season’s conclusion. The two face off against each other in the NLL Cup championship with Rose’s Toronto Rock taking on Hutchison’s Halifax Thunderbirds in a best-of-three series. 

Curve Lake’s Deacan Knott is between the pipes until their return.

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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Selwyn Man Charged With Stunt Driving Going 57 Km/H Over the Limit

A 29-year-old Selwyn Township man is facing stunt and speeding charges after a traffic stop Thursday night, during which he was going 57 km/h over the limit. 

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police.

At roughly 9:20 p.m., a member of the Traffic Services Unit on general patrol in the area of Kawartha Heights Boulevard and Brealey Drive saw a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed. A radar was used, recording a speed of 97km/hr in a posted 40km/hr zone. 

As a result, the driver was charged with:

• Drive motor vehicle - perform stunt

• Speeding 97km/hr in a posted 40km/hr zone

• Fail to surrender driver's license 

The driver was served an automatic 30-day license suspension and the vehicle has been impounded for 14 days. 

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Trent Excalibur Hires New Head Coach For Women's Rugby Ahead of 2026-27 Season

Trent Athletics has named Luke Bentvelzen as the new head coach of the Excalibur women’s rugby program for the 2026-27 season.

Photo courtesy of Trent Athletics.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Luke to the Excalibur coaching staff and to our women’s rugby program,” said Nathan McFadden, director of athletics and recreation. “He brings an exceptional breadth of experience in rugby, along with a strong commitment to leadership, education, and student-athlete development. Luke has already made a meaningful impact within the local rugby community, and we’re excited to see him bring that energy and expertise to Trent as we continue to build a competitive and supportive environment for our women’s rugby student-athletes.” 

Bentvelzen is a former professional rugby player and veteran coach who has worked with athletes at all levels of the game in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Most recently, he served as head coach of the senior women’s program at the Peterborough Rugby Union Football Club, where he led the team to an undefeated 2022 season and promotion to the provincial league. 

Outside of coaching, Bentvelzen has worked with the Male Allyship and Leadership Coordinator with the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, where he has led violence prevention and education initiatives across the local sport community. He worked with organizations including the Peterborough Petes and minor hockey associations, designing and facilitating on topics such as healthy relationships, consent, bystander intervention and positive team culture according to a press release.

Bentvelzen currently serves as Coordinator of Training and Education with Rugby Canada, where he supports coach and athlete development programming across the country. He previously served as Coordinator of Leagues and Competitions at Rugby Ontario, contributing to the structure and delivery of competitive rugby throughout the province. 

“I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to work with a fantastic staff at an institution with a great academic reputation,” said Bentvelzen. “There is a great group of coaches and returning players that I think can lay a foundation of continued excellence.” 

He added that he hopes to elevate both the program’s performance profile and its regional impact.

“We want to be a destination for student-athletes to begin or continue their rugby journey in an environment that supports their holistic development,” said Bentvelzen.

The Excalibur women’s rugby team will begin preparations for the upcoming season later this summer.

List of City Services On Victoria Day 2026

Many City services will be offering modified hours and some City facilities will be closed for Victoria Day on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City offers a variety of online services at peterborough.ca, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.    

Art Gallery of Peterborough  

Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St., will be closed on Victoria Day.  For information about gallery exhibitions and programs, visit agp.on.ca.  

City Hall  

City Hall offices at 500 George St. N., including Service Peterborough, Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Provincial Offences Office, will be closed on Victoria Day.   

Online services are available at peterborough.ca. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA.  

Parking Services  

Parking in City-operated parking garages, surface lots and on-street parking spaces is free on weekends and holidays. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade, 202 King St., will be closed on Victoria Day. Visit peterborough.ca/parking to find more information, including parking locations.  

Peterborough Museum and Archives  

Peterborough Museum and Archives, 300 Hunter St. E., will be open noon to 5 p.m. on Victoria Day. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum.  

Peterborough Public Library  

Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N., and the Miskin Law Community Complex branch, 271 Lansdowne St. W., will be closed on Victoria Day. Information and digital resources are available online at ptbolibrary.ca.  

Peterborough Regional Airport  

Peterborough Regional Airport, located at 925 Airport Rd., will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit peterborough.ca/airport for more information.   

Public Works  

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Recreation Facilities 

Healthy Planet Arena 

Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd., will be closed on Victoria Day. 

Kinsmen Civic Centre 

Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsman Way, will be closed on Victoria Day. 

McDonnel Street Community Centre 

McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St., will be closed on Victoria Day. 

Miskin Law Community Complex 

Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W., will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Peterborough Memorial Centre 

Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. W., and the Grant Thornton Box Office, will be closed on Victoria Day. Tickets for Memorial Centre events are available for purchase online at memorialcentre.ca. 

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre 

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr., will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Peterborough Marina

Otonabee Conservation will be operating the marina for the 2026 season. For more information visit otonabeeconservation.com/outdoor-adventure/boating. 

The Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on Victoria Day. 

Social Services and Child Care Centres

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on Victoria Day. Extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, resume on Tuesday, May 19. For information on Social Services, please visit peterborough.ca/SocialServices.  

Emergency shelter services remain open over the holiday. To access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours, or on holidays, call the after-hours service at 705-926-0096.  

City-operated child care centres will be closed on Victoria Day. 

Transit   

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday, May 18. The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525.  

Waste Collection and Facilities  

There will be no changes to curbside Green Bin and garbage collection on Monday, May 18. 

The City-County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on Victoria Day. 

Water Services  

Water Services Customer Service will be closed on Victoria Day. For water services emergencies over the holiday, including water main breaks, leaking hydrants, low water pressure, emergency water shut-offs, water quality concerns, or rental water heater issues, call 705-748-9300

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One City Peterborough's Acting Executive Director Given Permanent Role

One City Peterborough has appointed Tammy Kuehne as its new permanent Executive Director after serving in the acting role over the last year.

Photo courtesy of Oce City PTBO.

Kuehne assumed the role after Christian Harvey, past executive director, left the position after a 13-year tenure last July. This came after City Council voted 6-5 to cease maintaining service enhancements to the Trinity Community Centre that were funded through reserves.

Kuehne has been involved with One City Peterborough for 12 years.

Her dedication to distributed leadership, her operationalization of One City’s values in all that she does, and her true passion for learning and personal growth, particularly as it relates to long-term stability and financial sustainability for the organization, according to Naomi Nichols, One City board co-chair.

“We feel grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with Tammy, and excited to be moving into this new season at One City, steady in our convictions and unified in our sense of direction,” she said.

“Over the last 12 years, I have led and been led by this organization,” said Kuehne. “I believe One City is in a season that requires steady, relational and decisive leadership – grounded in our values and responsive to the realities we face. The support of staff, the board, volunteers and our community partners is energizing, and I look forward to continuing to journey together.”

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City of Peterborough Hosting 2025 Civic Awards Ceremony On May 21

The City of Peerborough is hosting its 2025 Civic Awards ceremony on May 21 at 6 p.m. at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough Civic Awards recognize individuals and teams for their achievements and contributions in 2025. The annual awards celebrate excellence and community leadership in areas including athletics, arts and culture, volunteerism, environmental stewardship and community betterment. 

The Awards honour individuals and groups across 12 award categories, recognizing residents and volunteers whose efforts have made a meaningful impact in the community. 

The event is open to the public.

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