City of Peterborough Introduces New Director, Financial Services

City of Peterborough has welcomed Darren Hancock into the role of Director, Financial Services.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Hancock has over 25 years of accounting and municipal finance experience, including 19 years with the City of Peterborough in senior financial leadership roles. He has previously served as Chief Accountant and Deputy Treasurer and has supported the City’s budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting and financial governance functions.  

“Darren brings extensive municipal finance experience, strong leadership and a deep understanding of the organization to this role,” said Richard Freymond, Commissioner, Finance and Corporate Support Services. “His expertise in financial planning, reporting and governance, combined with his strong commitment to public service, will help support the City’s ongoing efforts to strengthen financial sustainability, modernize financial systems and processes, and enhance transparency and service delivery. I am confident he will continue to play a key role in advancing the City’s long-term financial strategy and support the organization’s top priorities.” 

Darren holds a Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) from Brock University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. In his new role, he will oversee corporate budgeting, financial analysis, accounting and reporting, treasury functions, taxation, utility billing and revenue services.

“Having been born and raised in Peterborough and having attended high school at PCVS, I had the opportunity to observe the heartbeat of the City from just across the street. I am honoured and excited to now serve as Director, Financial Services, where I am committed to fostering a collaborative, forward-thinking, and progressive approach that delivers trusted advice, strong financial stewardship, and innovative solutions in support of the City’s long-term sustainability and strategic priorities,” said Hancock. “Together, my team and I will continue to provide exceptional service while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence for the City of Peterborough, its stakeholders, and the broader community.  I look forward to working collaboratively across the organization and community to help support the City’s continued success and future growth.” 

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Volunteers Invited to Help Create New Community Mural in Keene

By Scott Arnold

A new mural destined for the Otonabee Memorial Community Centre is giving residents a chance to leave their mark on a project designed to celebrate the community and bring people together.

public needed to help paint community mural

residents are being invited to help paint a community mural (photo via facebook @volunteerptbo)

Volunteer Peterborough is helping recruit volunteer painters for a large-scale mural that will eventually be mounted on the exterior wall of the Otonabee Memorial Community Centre in Keene.

The 24-foot by eight-foot mural was designed by longtime resident Ellen Cowie, who drew inspiration from the area's farming, sporting, Indigenous and artistic communities. Cowie moved to Keene from Peterborough in 2019 and is playing a key role in bringing the project to life.

Community members are being invited to help paint the mural during four scheduled sessions on June 6 and 7. Time slots are available from 10 am to noon and from 1:30 pm to 4 pm each day.

No artistic experience is required. Organizers say artists and painting instructors will be on hand to guide participants of all skill levels throughout the process.

Painting supplies will be provided, though volunteers are encouraged to wear old clothes or bring a smock. Participants can register for one session or multiple sessions and are welcome to bring friends along.

Once completed, the mural is expected to become a new community landmark while reflecting many of the people, interests and traditions that make Keene unique.


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

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Perfect Weekend Ends With Tournament Title for Peterborough Lakers U22 Girls

By Scott Arnold

Five games, five wins and a championship trophy made for a memorable weekend for the Peterborough Lakers U22 girls.

Peterborough Lakers Girls Win Gold in Barrie

Peterborough Lakers u22 girls went undefeated over the weekend (photo courtesy of dion gemmiti)

The Lakers put together a perfect 5-0 record to capture the Barrie Anthony Acchione Memorial Classic championship over the weekend.

Peterborough opened the tournament with an impressive 8-1 victory over the Burlington Blaze before defeating the Orangeville Northmen 5-1. The Lakers continued their strong run with a 7-5 win over the Wallaceburg Griffins and followed it up with another 7-5 victory over the host Barrie Bombers to secure a spot in the gold medal game.

Waiting for them in the championship final was Burlington. This time, the Blaze provided a much tougher test, but the Lakers found a way to get the job done, earning a 5-4 victory to complete the undefeated tournament run and bring home the title.

The championship was the result of a full team effort throughout the weekend from players Stella Burke, Claire Chambers, Marielle Collins, Payton Crough, Claire Crowley, Abby Drinkwalter, Christie Evans, Chloe Fife, Natalie Foster, Aly Gemmiti, Addisyn Hartwick, Jocelyn Jessup, Avery Johnston, Avery Mann, Madeleine McInnes, Skylee Nicholson and Ashlea Whyte.

The Lakers also received strong play between the pipes from goaltenders Emma Fisher and Zoey Quinlan.

Behind the bench, the team was led by head coach Nicci Johnston, along with assistant coaches Lexie Kinmond, Kelsey McWilliams and Hayley Bartlett. Jaelyn Terrion served as the team's trainer.

After winning all five games and overcoming a one-goal battle in the final, the Peterborough Lakers U22 girls returned home with a tournament championship and plenty of momentum heading into the rest of their season.


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

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Champions Celebrate Champions During Special Day of Lacrosse in Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

A day filled with lacrosse, laughter, and community support brought generations of Peterborough champions together while raising funds for several local causes.

organizer ernie ellement posing with the athletes (photo courtesy of cindy wilson)

The Peterborough Memorial Centre was buzzing with activity during Lacrosse Day for Our Champions, a community event that celebrated the city's rich lacrosse tradition while giving back to local organizations, including Special Olympics Peterborough.

two of the greatest players in the history of lacrosse, john grant sr and bobby allan
(photo by scott arnold)

The day began with free turf time for minor lacrosse players, giving young athletes the chance to get on the floor where so many Peterborough lacrosse memories have been made.

Later in the afternoon, some familiar names returned to action for a Legends and Alumni lacrosse game. Team Gold featured Bobby Allan, Carm Collins, Scott Self, Jim Gooley, Peter Guerin, Paul Evans, Darren Axford, Dean Porter, Josh Currier, Moose McIlmoyle, Kurt Johnston, Mike Burke, Peter Dalliday, Steve Evans, Josh Gilliam, Clayton Wade, Adam King, Paul Konkle and Rick Peel.

Team Gold enjoying time together after their big win

Team Gold enjoying time together after their big win (photo by scott arnold)

Team Blue included Johnny "Shooter" Davis, John Grant Sr., Jim Wasson, Len Powers, J.J. Johnston, Peter Nesbitt, Jeff Davis, Joe Todd, Frank Kylie, Jeff Ralph, Derrick Collins, Brian "Dalt" Downer, Jim Johnston, Craig Muir, Jason Clark, Ross Cowie, Jake Milligan, Steve Earl and Tyler Chambers.

The celebration continued in the evening with Storytime by the Legends at Sticks Sports Pub. The event featured stories and memories from decades of championship lacrosse in Peterborough.

legend jimmy wasson holding his mislabelled “jimmy wesson” name card (photo by scott arnold)

Sharing those stories were Bobby Allan, Carm Collins, J.J. Johnston, Don Barrie, Tim Barrie, Johnny Davis, Paul Evans, John Grant Sr., Joe Todd and Jimmy Wasson, with Peter Dalliday serving as master of ceremonies.

Don Barrie JJ Johnston Tim Barrie Legends

tim barrie telling a story as brother don looks on from the left and J.J. johnston in the middle
(Photo by scott arnold)

paul evans reminiscing about his lakers days while praising legend bobby allan (photo by scott arnold)

Jim Gooley entertains the crowd at sticks with a story from the past (photo by scott arnold)

joe todd on the mic during legends of lacrosse storytime on saturday (photo by scott arnold)

carm collins sharing his memories of playing lacrosse in peterborough

Johnny Shooter Davis

Johnny “shooter” davis telling a stories about some of his former laker teammates
(photo by Scott arnold)

The event was organized by Ernie Ellement of Boro Boys Seasonal Lacrosse, who helped bring together players, fans and community members for a day centred around giving back.

Ernie Ellement and Pete Dalliday

organizer ernie ellement and mc pete dalliday enjoying some down time after a full day of lacrosse
(photo by scott arnold)

Organizers said the event was all about champions supporting champions. Donations and proceeds from a raffle are being directed to Special Olympics Peterborough and Unified Champion Schools, while donations were also collected for Kawartha Food Share.

longtime laker volunteer dylan hawken took in the entire day

For many in attendance, the day was a reminder that Peterborough's lacrosse legacy extends far beyond championships. It continues through the people who built it, the young players following in their footsteps, and a community that continues to rally around the game.


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

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Have you checked your LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball Numbers Yet? Winning $16 Million Ticket Sold in Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

Someone in Peterborough woke up today a whole lot richer after a lottery ticket purchased in the city last night landed a life-changing $16 million prize.

a $16 million lotto ticket was sold in peterborough saturday night

a $16 million lotto ticket was sold in peterborough saturday night

A LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball jackpot worth $16 million was won in Saturday night's draw, and the winning ticket was purchased in Peterborough.

The win was announced by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation on Sunday, confirming that the lucky ticket holder matched the winning Gold Ball selection in the May 30, 2026 draw.

For now, the identity of the winner remains unknown, which means plenty of people across Peterborough may be checking pockets, purses, wallets and glove compartments a little more carefully today.

A $16 million jackpot is enough to change a life in an instant, and before long, someone in the city will be doing just that.

OLG says the winning Gold Ball ticket was purchased in Peterborough. More details, including the winner's identity and where the ticket was sold, are expected once the prize is claimed.

Until then, Peterborough has a new millionaire. In fact, a multi-millionaire.


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

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Photos: Trent Valley Archives Portray Peterborough's Trials and Tribulations In the 1940s and 50s With Production of 'The Kid from Simcoe Street' at Canterbury Gardens

Trent Valley Archives is telling the tales of James Clarke’s Memoir 'The Kid from Simcoe Street' in a mini-production at Canterbury Gardens Retirement Residence on Thursday night.

Clarke is a former Ontario Superior Court Judge's from Peterborough. His 2012 memoirs focus on Peterborough’s trials and tribulations and his St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School football teammate, Murray Byrne, as they grew up poor in post-war Peterborough in the 1940s and 1950s.

The performance is ahead of their four live productions at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre running from June 4 to 7. The first two shows start at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinee starts for the final two shows.

The production is directed by Drew Taylor-Grigg and written by Edward Schroeter, Gerry McBride and David Francis Clarke.

Tickets can be found on Market Hall’s website.

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Smile Cookie Campaign Delivers Sweet Boost for Local Healthcare and Food Security

By Scott Arnold

Thousands of cookies and plenty of community support helped raise more than $46,000 for two important Kawartha Lakes organizations.

Total announced for Tim Horton's smile cookie campaign with money going to Ross Memorial Hospital and Kawartha Lakes Food Source

Jacob Michaud, KLFS warehouse assistant, Mark Hutchinson, Tim Hortons operations manager, Erin Coons, RMHF CEO, Nancy Hutchinson, Tim Hortons general manager, Meaghan Chapman, Tim Hortons owner, Nick Chapman, Tim Hortons owner, Ashley Anderson, KLFS executive director, Charlene Vanderberg, KLFS board member, Heather Cockburn, KLFS board member

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign in Lindsay achieved a major fundraising total for the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation and Kawartha Lakes Food Source.

Officials announced today that the week-long campaign, held from April 27 to May 3, raised $46,472.66 through Smile Cookie sales at six Tim Hortons locations in Lindsay. The funds were split evenly between the two organizations, with each receiving $23,236.33.

The campaign supports advancements in patient care at Ross Memorial Hospital while also helping address food insecurity throughout Kawartha Lakes.

Both organizations thanked Tim Hortons owners Nick and Meaghan Chapman for selecting them as local charity partners during the national campaign.

Representatives from the RMH Foundation and Kawartha Lakes Food Source gathered at the Mount Hope Street Tim Hortons location to celebrate the results alongside the Chapmans.

RMH Foundation CEO Erin Coons said the campaign showed the impact local businesses and community support can have when rallying behind important causes. She also noted volunteers from both organizations worked together decorating cookies and promoting the fundraiser throughout the week.

Kawartha Lakes Food Source Executive Director Ashley Anderson said the campaign highlighted what can happen when businesses, volunteers and residents come together around a shared goal, adding the partnership helped support both local healthcare and food security initiatives.


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

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Two Crestwood Students Receive Peterborough Petes Education Fund Scholarships

After being selected by their coaches, Colby Kekki and Olivia Lewington have been awarded the Peterborough Petes Education Fund scholarships, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“The Peterborough Petes Education fund was established by former Petes Board of Director’s member Pat Casey in the late 1970’s,” said Rod McGillis, Peterborough Petes Vice President. “We are proud to continue to give out these scholarships each year to deserving athletes and students. Pat always knew that education was a critical part of the Peterborough Petes program and his work has allowed for these scholarships to continue to current students and athletes.”

Kekki, a defenceman from Peterborough, attends Crestwood Secondary School and featured for the U18 AAA Petes this season, where he was coached by Scott Roche.

“Being picked for this award means a lot to me, especially being chosen by my coaches,” said Kekki. “I’m really thankful to the Petes organization for all the support this year. Playing for the U18 Petes was a great experience and helped me grow a lot both on and off the ice. I’m honoured to receive this award and grateful for everyone who was part of the season.”  

“Colby Kekki has been an outstanding member of our U18 AAA Petes hockey program over the past two seasons,” said Roche. “He played a key role on our blueline, regularly logging heavy minutes in critical situations. Beyond his play on the ice, Colby was a quiet leader and respected teammate. One of the most impressive examples of his commitment and character is that Colby never missed a single game during his two years with our organization. Most importantly, Colby is an exceptional young man who represents our program with class and humility.”

Lewington, a centre from Peterborough, also attends Crestwood Secondary School and played for the U18 AA IceKats this season, where she was coached by Chris Moher.

“Thank you so much to the Peterborough Petes organization for this generous award,” exclaimed Lewington. “I am truly honoured! I would also like to thank the Peterborough IceKats and my coach Chris Moher. I played for the IceKats for 11 years and some of my best memories have been spent on the ice with my teammates and coaches. Hockey is more than a sport, it has helped me make friends and develop skills off the ice! I am looking forward to going to university in the fall to study nursing at Trent University. Hockey will always be a part of my life and I hope to give back to the Peterborough hockey community in the years to come.” 

“Olivia was an exceptional captain for the U18 AA IceKats during her final season of minor hockey in Peterborough,” said Moher. “A proud IceKat for many years, she consistently demonstrated a selfless, team first attitude and led by example both on and off the ice. Her competitive spirit, dedication and unwavering consistency earned the respect of her teammates and coaches alike, making her a deserving recipient of this award.”

The Peterborough Petes Education Fund also gives our six $500.00 scholarships to each local high school (St. Peter, TASS, Adam Scott, Kenner, Crestwood and Holy Cross) to be presented to a graduating student who has improved themselves through their hard work during their high school years.

“The Peterborough Petes would also like to thank the Petes AAA minor hockey organization for running the 50/50 at Peterborough Petes home games and for their support of the Petes,” said McGillis.

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Toronto Man Arrested From George Street/Parkhill Road Shooting Earlier This Year

A second man wanted in connection with a shooting earlier this year in the George Street North and Parkhill Road area has been arrested.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Through continued investigation, Peterborough Police Service officers with the Major Crime Unit identified the second suspect as 24-year-old Zuhib Mohamed of Toronto. On Wednesday, in conjunction with the Peterborough Police Service Emergency Response Team, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Toronto. 

Mohamed was arrested and charged with:

  • Attempt to Commit Murder using Firearm

  • Aggravated Assault

  • Robbery using Firearm (Restricted or Prohibited)

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on Thursday.

The Peterborough Police Service is not looking for any other suspects in connection with this incident.

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Deacon Knott Steals the Show as Lakers Light Up Memorial Centre in Breakout Win Over Brampton

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Lakers erupted for 16 goals Thursday night while a hometown goalie lived out a lifelong dream in his first MSL start.

lakers captain robert hope during the ceremonial face-off

lakers captain robert hope during the ceremonial face-off (photo courtesy of david pickering)

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers picked up their first win of the 2026 Major Series Lacrosse season with a dominant 16-6 victory over the Brampton Excelsiors at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Justin Sykes and Taite Cattoni led the offensive attack with three goals each, while rookie goaltender Deacan Knott made 34 saves in his first career MSL start.

deacon knott was all smiles after picking up his first win

deacon knott was all smiles after picking up his first win (photo courtesy of david pickering)

Knott said wearing a Lakers jersey and getting the start was something he had dreamed about since he first picked up a lacrosse stick as a kid.

curve lake’s deacon knott made first msl start in goal for lakers

curve lake’s deacon knott made first msl start in goal for lakers (photo courtesy of david pickering

Post game interview with Lakers goalie Deacon Knott (Video courtesy of Cogeco YourTV)

The Lakers opened the scoring on a power-play goal from Braedon Saris before Taite Cattoni struck just 13 seconds later. Sykes added a highlight-reel finish off a behind-the-back pass from Holden Cattoni, while Adam Thistlethwaite scored his first of the season during a strong opening frame that ended with Peterborough leading 7-2.

Rob Hellyer’s late first-period goal proved to be the game winner.

Peterborough kept rolling in the second period as Taite Cattoni, Adam Jay and Jr. A call-up Mason Cree all scored. Cree’s marker was his first career MSL goal.

The Lakers eventually built a 15-3 lead before Brampton added a late push with three straight goals, including two on the power play.

Peterborough outshot Brampton 51-40, while Jake Withers dominated at the faceoff dot by winning 20 of 25 draws.

A crowd of 2,602 took in the game, including roughly 400 members of the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association who joined the Lakers on the floor during the national anthem.

close to 400 kids from the pmla attending thursday’s lakers game

close to 400 kids from the pmla attending thursday’s lakers game (photo courtesy of david pickering)

The Lakers now hit the road for games in Owen Sound on Saturday and Oakville on Monday before returning home Thursday, June 4 against the Brooklin Lacrosse Club for John Grant Jr. Night.


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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.