Ontario Government Extends Restaurant and Bar Alcohol Sales to 4 a.m. For FIFA World Cup™

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The Ontario government has permitted licensed restaurants and bars to extend alcohol sales and service across the province until 4 a.m. during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ from June 11 to July 19.

Crook & Coffer co-owner John Clarke getting the Irish spirit on early pouring green beer for the DBIA’s inaugural “Catch the Leprechauns” free scavenger hunt in 2023. Photo by David Tuan Bu

“Fans can enjoy the games no matter what time they're happening,” said Doug Ford, Ontario Premier. “So make sure to gather, watch and celebrate one of the greatest sporting events in the world and let's all cheer Team Canada.”

“This summer, fans visiting from around the world will gather in Toronto to celebrate world-class sport,” said Doug Downey, Attorney General. “Allowing restaurants and bars to stay open later means that fans can fully experience the energy, excitement and atmosphere of the tournament while supporting jobs, strengthening local businesses and driving economic growth across Ontario.”

This year’s tournament is the first to feature 48 teams playing games across three countries, including Canada. Toronto will host six games at Toronto Stadium. Vancouver will also host games, alongside 14 additional host cities in the United States and Mexico, making it the largest FIFA World Cup 2026™ in history.

“Extending last call during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will help Ontario deliver a safe, vibrant and welcoming experience for fans from around the world,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “As Ontario welcomes visitors for this global event, this measure will give people more time to enjoy our world-class bars and restaurants while supporting the province’s tourism sector.”

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Jr A Lakers Open Season With Road Win Behind New Faces and Big Nights

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By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. A Lakers started the 2026 season with a win and got plenty of production from newcomers and returning talent in a 9-7 victory over the Toronto Beaches on the road Thursday night.

Photo via instagram @twistedheads_lax

Rookie goaltender Logan Pyke made his first Junior A start a memorable one, earning his first career win between the pipes.

Offensively, the Lakers spread the scoring around while piling up points across the lineup. Matthew Drimmie led the playmaking effort with seven assists.

Nate Sage wasted little time making an impact after returning to Peterborough following his first NCAA season with the North Carolina Tar Heels. Sage finished with three goals and two assists in a five-point night.

Zachary McLean and Hayden Addison each recorded two goals and an assist. Nick Fournier added a goal and an assist while Jake Earl chipped in three helpers. Mason Cree found the back of the net, and Ryder Evans and Robby White each picked up an assist.

The Lakers won't have much time to celebrate.

Peterborough is right back in action tonight for its home opener against the Elora Hawks at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The Hawks feature Peterborough natives DJ Crough and Jeremiah Wade. Opening faceoff is set for 8 pm.


Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Scott Arnold


Melissa Payne Releases Video for New Song John Prine Cassette Tape

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By Scott Arnold

Local musician Melissa Payne is celebrating the release of her new song, John Prine Cassette Tape, while giving fans a visual look at the project through a newly shared video.

Screenshot via youtube @lissasmusic

Payne announced the release on social media and is asking fans to help spread the word as the song prepares to roll out more broadly through streaming platforms and radio submissions over the coming weeks.

The track was recorded and produced by James McKenty and features a number of collaborators including Adam Baldwin on backing vocals, Ian McKeown on bass and drums, Sam Weber on banjo, and McKenty on acoustic guitar and mandolin. Payne provides lead vocals and fiddle on the recording.

In her post, Payne thanked McKenty for helping bring the project together and for making time to record a live version the morning before. She also thanked Mary Zita Payne Photography for lending camera equipment used in the process.

Payne is also asking fans to stream it, download it and share their thoughts as the release continues to gain momentum.


Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Scott Arnold


Royal Return Brings King Felipe VI Back to Lakefield After Four Decades

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By Scott Arnold

A familiar face returned to Lakefield College School as His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain came back to campus 40 years after graduating as a member of the Class of 1985.

Photo via x, formerly twitter, @CasaReal

The royal visit drew attention well beyond the school grounds. A large motorcade accompanying the King was spotted travelling through the region, with vehicles seen along Highway 407, Highway 115 and Highway 7 as His Majesty made the trip from Toronto to Lakefield.

The visit marked a special day for the school community as staff, students and supporters welcomed the King back to the place where part of his educational journey began.

During the visit, Lakefield College School formally recognized King Felipe VI as Honorary Patron of the Lakefield College School Foundation. The school also announced plans to name the future King Felipe VI Student Centre in his honour.

The naming was made possible through support from members of the Class of 1985, whose leadership and generosity helped support the refurbishment of the historic Winder Smith Hall.

The return offered a chance to celebrate both the King's connection to the school and the lasting impact of alumni support on the campus community.


Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Scott Arnold


Trustee Seat Vacancy at PVNC Catholic School Board

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The seat formerly held by Clarington Trustee Joshua Glover at the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has been declared vacant, effective immediately.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

Under the Education Act, a trustee’s seat becomes vacant if they are absent from three consecutive regular meetings of the Board without being authorized by a board resolution entered into the minutes.

Ontario Regulation 463/97 mandates that trustees be physically present at regular Board and Committee of the Whole meetings, unless formal written approval for electronic participation has been granted in accordance with provincial regulations.

Since the vacancy occurred after April 1 in a municipal election year, the Education Act requires that the seat remain vacant until the next municipal election on Oct. 26.

According to PVNC, the Municipality of Clarington is allocated two trustee seats on the Board; Clarington Catholic schools and families will continue to be represented during this interim period.

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David Tuan Bui


Peterborough Welcomes Over 250 High School Athletes for COSSA Track and Field Meet

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By Scott Arnold

Hundreds of student-athletes hit the track in Peterborough as the next step toward provincial competition got underway at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.

Photo by scott arnold

Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School played host to the COSSA Track and Field meet today, bringing together athletes from across the region for a full day of competition.

A total of 32 schools from the Kawartha and Bay of Quinte areas were represented, with about 250 athletes taking part in events throughout the meet.

photo by scott arnold

photo by scott arnold

For many competitors, more than medals were on the line. Winners at COSSA will move on to the regional championships in Brockville. From there, top performers will earn a spot at OFSAA in St. Catharines.

photo by scott arnold

photo by scott arnold

photo by scott arnold

With athletes chasing personal bests and a chance to keep their season alive, the meet marked an important stop on the road to provincial competition.

There were plenty of standout performances throughout the day, but one athlete created a moment many won’t forget. Aiden stole the show in the 100-metre.


Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Scott Arnold


Peterborough Police Issue Warnings After Receiving Multiple Grandparent Scam Reports

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A warning from the Peterborough Police Service after several Grandparent Scams were reported.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers received two calls for service from seniors reporting they had just received an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be a family member who was in trouble with the law and required money to be released. No money was lost and in both cases, it was recognized as a scam. 

Peterborough Police remind residents to be hyper-vigilant about unsolicited phone calls, texts or communications.  

If you receive such a call, remember:

  • Law enforcement agencies will never ask you for money or cryptocurrency

  • Resist the urgency

  • Talk to a trusted person about what is going on

  • Do not respond to requests for personal information such as banking info, passwords or your SIN number

If no money is lost, please report the call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.  If you are a victim of a scam, please call your local police service.  Peterborough Police Service can be reached through the non-emergency line at 705-876-1122 x225.  Frauds can also be reported online.

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PRHC For Third Straight Year Awarded Highest Possible Standing By Accreditation Canada

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Accreditation Canada has recognized the Peterborough Regional Health Centre for achieving Accreditation with Exemplary Standing – the highest possible designation for an accredited organization for a third consecutive time since 2017, announced on Thursday.

File Photo.

Every four years, a team of Accreditation Canada surveyors evaluates more than 2,700 standards for quality, safety, and efficiency at PRHC. Following a visit in April, PRHC received the designation as an ‘organizations that go beyond Accreditation Canada’s requirements and demonstrate excellence in quality improvement.’

“It’s a direct result of the hard work and dedication of every leader, healthcare professional, employee, volunteer and experience partner at PRHC that we’ve achieved this designation again in 2026,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO. “While we have continued to experience a number of systemic challenges, I’m incredibly proud of the work our people have done to set PRHC apart as a leader in transformation, adaptation and innovation among our hospital peers.”

According to a press release, the on-site survey team explicitly commended PRHC for its strong alignment with service excellence standards; consistent emphasis on people-centred care and interdisciplinary collaboration; focus on clear communication practices, such as regular huddles and structured patient handovers; and its strong education and competency development, supported by engaged clinical leadership and meaningful partnerships that strengthen transitions across the care continuum.

“It is my absolute pleasure to congratulate and thank everyone at PRHC for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care and support at every step of their care journey,” said Mikula. “This is a well-deserved achievement for everything you do, and a reflection of the qualities that make this such a remarkable team – here when you need us most.”

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David Tuan Bui


Sunday Summer Concerts Return to Riverview Park and Zoo For 2026

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Sunday Summer Concerts in the gazebo are returning to the Riverview Park and Zoo starting this Sunday.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park and Zoo.

This free bi-weekly event features local musicians and groups performing every other Sunday.

“The summer concerts at the gazebo are a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in a relaxed, welcoming outdoor setting,” said Community Services Co-Chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk. “With a fantastic lineup of local talent and a beautiful natural backdrop at the Riverview Park and Zoo, these free concerts offer something for everyone. We encourage residents and visitors alike to come to the Zoo, enjoy the music and make the most of summer in our city.” 

Concerts take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in an outdoor setting, weather permitting. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and a shade umbrella.  

This summer's lineup is as follows: 

  •  May 24: Donny Woods Band 

  •  June 7: Fyd L Styx 

  •  June 21: Wylie Harold and Radio Flyer 

  •  July 5: Peterborough Concert Band 

  •  July 19: Jazz Junction 

  •  August 2: EC Swing 

  •  August 16: Lizeh Basciano 

  •  August 30: Knightshift  

Parking is limited at the Riverview Park and Zoo. Visitors are encouraged to take public transit, carpool, cycle or walk if possible.  

Visitors are asked to park only in designated parking areas.  

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City of Peterborough Seeking Public Input Rejuvenation of Three Otonabee Ward Parks

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The City of Peterborough is inviting its residents to help shape the future of three neighbourhood parks in Otonabee Ward.  

Keith Wightman Park. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Public input is being gathered for proposed improvements to Keith Wightman Park, Glenn Pagett Park and Whitefield Park. Planned improvements will focus on creating inclusive, accessible spaces that all residents can enjoy. 

Each park project includes new amenities and enhancements designed around the needs and priorities of the surrounding neighbourhood and those who use the spaces every day.  

Community input will play an important role in guiding the final plans. Residents can share their ideas by completing an online survey or attending a public drop-in session for each park project. 

“Parks play a vital role in bringing people together, supporting active lifestyles and creating spaces where communities can thrive,” said Otonabee Ward Councillors Lesley Parnell and Kevin Duguay. “This is an opportunity for residents to directly shape the future of their neighbourhood parks. We strongly encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey or attend a drop-in session. Your input will help ensure these spaces reflect the needs, ideas, and priorities of the people who use them every day.” 

Drop-in sessions

  • Keith Wightman Park: Thursday, June 4, 2026, 6–7 p.m. at Keith Wightman Public School, 860 St. Mary’s St.  

  • Glenn Pagett Park: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 6–7 p.m. at the Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W.  

  • Whitefield Park: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 7–8 p.m. at the Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W.  

City staff will be available at each session to answer questions and gather input on desired park features. 

Residents can complete surveys, suggest features, share ideas and sign up for project updates through the Connect Peterborough website and each park’s project page.  

  • Keith Wightman Park: connectptbo.ca/wightman. The public survey will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on June 17, 2026.  

  • Glenn Pagett Park: connectptbo.ca/pagett. The public survey will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on June 25, 2026.  

Paper copies of each survey are also available at City Hall. 

Survey results and future project updates, including concept plans, will be shared on the Connect Peterborough pages for each park as information becomes available. 

After community consultation and concept development are complete, construction for each project is expected to begin in the fall.  

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David Tuan Bui