City of Peterborough Welcomes New Director, Asset Management and Capital Planning
/City of Peterborough has selected Ian Boland as the new Director, Asset Management and Capital Planning.
LinkedIn Photo.
Peterborough Blogs
Capable Con's Fifth Anniversary Celebrates Accessibility This Saturday at Quaker Foods City Square
/The Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) is celebrating the fifth anniversary of Capable Con to build understanding around accessibility and create opportunities for community connection in Peterborough this Saturday at Quaker Foods City Square.
Photo courtesy of CPD.
Held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event is held during the final weekend of National Accessibility Awareness Week. The day brings together community members, families, advocates, and local organizations to focus on accessibility, inclusion and awareness.
The free community event will feature interactive activities, accessibility experiences, adaptive recreation demonstrations, local exhibitors, live performances, family activities, community resources and opportunities to connect with organizations from across the region.
Visitors can explore adaptive sports and recreation, accessible technology, sensory-friendly activities and presentations led by people with lived experience.
“Over the past five years, Capable Con has become an important community event that brings people together to learn more about accessibility, inclusion and the experiences of people with disabilities,” said Cody McIntyre, Chair of the Council for Persons with Disabilities. “Hosting the event during National Accessibility Awareness Week makes this milestone even more meaningful. We look forward to welcoming the community back for another year of learning, connection and celebration.”
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Melissa Payne’s Powerful Pride Message Strikes a Chord Across Social Media
/By Scott Arnold
A personal post from the Peterborough-area musician about identity, faith and acceptance is resonating with thousands of people online.
powerful message from local musician melissa payne getting a lot of attention on social media
(photo via facebook @melissa.a.payne
What started as a heartfelt reflection on Pride Month has turned into one of the most talked-about local social media posts of the week.
Local musician Melissa Payne shared a deeply personal message on Facebook Tuesday, opening up about her experience growing up while struggling to understand her sexuality and the impact that negative attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people had on her mental health.
In the post, Payne wrote about hiding who she was as a young person, feeling different from her peers and spending years trying to suppress a part of herself. She recalled being asked if she was gay while in Grade 7 and the fear and uncertainty that followed.
Payne also spoke about her faith, saying she prayed often about her feelings and later about her relationship with her partner, Katie. Rather than feeling rejected, she wrote that she found peace and acceptance.
While the post touches on Pride, Payne said the message is really about the young people who may be reading conversations surrounding LGBTQ+ issues online.
"The reason Pride matters to me has very little to do with rainbows," she wrote. "What matters to me is the kid sitting in a classroom feeling the way I felt."
She went on to describe how comments describing LGBTQ+ people as "disgusting, sinful, mentally ill, confused, or wrong" can affect young people who are still trying to understand themselves.
Payne revealed that depression and suicidal thoughts she experienced growing up were not caused by being gay, but by believing there was something wrong with her because of it.
The post has drawn a significant response since being published, collecting more than 1,800 reactions, 266 comments and 178 shares in less than 24 hours. The overwhelming majority of comments have been supportive, with many people thanking Payne for sharing her story and for speaking openly about experiences that others may still be struggling with themselves.
The message concludes with a simple hope that regardless of differing opinions, people can remember there are real children and teenagers reading these conversations.
"Kids who are scared. Kids who are praying. Kids who deserve to know they are loved exactly as they are."
For many readers, that message appears to be the reason the post continues to spread.
Click on the photo below to read her full message.
City of Peterborough's Public Drop-In Session For Keith Wightman Park This Thursday
/The City of Peterborough is hosting a public drop-in session for Keith Wightman Park from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Keith Wightman Public School.
Keith Wightman Park. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Residents are encouraged to come to the drop-in session to discuss improvements to Keith Wightman Park. These improvements would include new amenities and enhancements designed to meet the needs and priorities of the surrounding neighbourhood and those who use the space every day.
“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.”
Residents unable to attend the meeting can share their comments, complete the online survey and learn more about Keith Wightman Park at connectptbo.ca/wightman.
The public survey will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on June 17.
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Andrea Dodsworth Honoured for Lifetime of Advocacy and Community Service
/By Scott Arnold
National AccessAbility Week is shining a spotlight on a local volunteer whose decades of dedication have helped make Peterborough a more inclusive and accessible community.
Andrea Dodsworth receives the Holnbeck Award from city councillor kevin duguay and mayor jeff leal (photo via city of peterborough)
The City of Peterborough is recognizing Andrea Dodsworth as this year's recipient of the Holnbeck Award, an honour that celebrates lifelong volunteer contributions that create lasting change across the city and county.
Dodsworth has spent decades advocating for people with disabilities and their families, working to promote inclusion, accessibility and dignity throughout the community.
According to the city, her efforts have helped remove barriers, improve programs and services, and ensure that people with disabilities are not only supported but empowered and included.
Her work has spanned organizations, initiatives and community partnerships, where she has been a strong voice for accessibility while helping connect people and resources.
The city also highlighted Dodsworth's leadership style, noting her commitment to serving others through mentorship, advocacy and community-building. Whether helping individuals navigate challenges or working toward broader systemic change, she has consistently focused on creating a more welcoming and accessible community.
Presented annually, the Holnbeck Award recognizes individuals whose volunteer efforts leave a lasting impact, and city officials say Dodsworth's contributions have enriched countless lives while helping shape a more inclusive Peterborough for future generations.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Holy Cross Captures OFSAA Silver After Strong Run in Burlington
/By Scott Arnold
The Holy Cross Hurricanes battled their way to a silver medal at the OFSAA Boys A/AA Field Lacrosse Festival in Burlington, finishing second among 12 competing schools from across Ontario.
Peterborough’s holy cross hurricanes bringing home silver medal (photo courtesy ofsaa boys a/aa field lacrosse festival
The Peterborough school put together an impressive tournament, winning three straight games before falling to McKinnon Park of Caledonia yesterday in the championship final.
Holy Cross opened the festival with a dominant 14-3 victory over King's Christian School of Oakville. Hayden Heigh led the offence with four goals and two assists, while Tyson Kitchen added three goals and two assists. Logan Pyke earned the win in net.
The team followed that up with a 9-7 win over St. Mary's of Owen Sound, coached by former Peterborough Laker Adam Jones. Colton Adams scored three times, while Braxtin Howard and Tyson Kitchen each found the back of the net twice. Pyke picked up his second win of the day.
Holy Cross then secured its spot in the final with a 9-5 victory over Governor Simcoe of St. Catharines. Howard paced the attack with two goals and two assists, while Zachary Kinchen and Hayden Heigh each scored twice. Pyke earned another win between the pipes.
In the gold medal game, Holy Cross came up against a strong McKinnon Park squad and fell 12-4. Ryder Evans led the Peterborough side with two goals and an assist.
The silver-medal-winning roster included Jacob McMahon, Hayden Heigh, Colton Giles, Oliver Pacey, Graydon Walst, Ben Chambers, Emmett Colby, Morgan Johnston, James Dueck, Zachary Kinchen, Tyson Kitchen, Ryder Evans, Teegan Delaney, Cole McMahon, Anthony Farace, Eddie Post, Noah Gaudet-Barton, Hudson Riel, Landon Jessup, Kade Villa, Camden Ryan, Braxtin Howard and Colton Adams.
Ty Vickers and Logan Pyke served as the team's goaltenders.
The team was coached by head coach Geoff McKinley and coach Chris Moher.
The Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) is the governing body for high school sports in Ontario and represents one of the largest high school athletic sport organizations in North America. Bringing home silver from a provincial championship event is another strong accomplishment for Holy Cross and Peterborough's proud lacrosse community.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Peterborough Petes Defenceman Named to OHL's Second All-Rookie Team
/Peterborough Petes first-year defenceman Matthew Perreault has been selected to the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Second All-Rookie Team for the 2025-26 season, announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.
“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to congratulate Matthew on being named to the OHL’s Second All-Rookie Team,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations.. “Matthew had a great season on the backend, solidifying himself as an important piece of our defensive core as a 16-year-old, something that’s not easy to do in this league. We look forward to seeing what he can bring to the ice next season as he takes on a bigger role with the club.”
The Ottawa native was selected by the Petes in the second round, 31st overall, of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Titans organization. In his first season with the Petes, Perreault recorded five goals and 25 assists for 30 points, becoming the first 16-year-old Petes defenceman to reach the 30-point mark in his rookie season since Zach Bogosian scored 33 points in 2006–07.
At the Petes’ annual Awards Banquet, he received the Black’s Family Trophy as the team’s Rookie of the Year.
The Petes currently hold the 13th overall pick in this year’s OHL Priority Selection on June 12 at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston.
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NHL Alumni Take to the Peterborough Memorial Centre Ice For Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario
/Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators alumni are hitting the Peterborough Memorial Centre ice for ‘Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario,’ on Nov. 6 in support of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF).
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The alumni teams both feature former NHL players, some of whom would have competed in the classic playoff games in the early 2000s that started the rivalry.
“We are really excited to be hosting Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario, with the Peterborough Memorial Centre,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “Ottawa and Toronto were a huge playoff rivalry in the early-2000’s. We still see the rivalry in regular-season games and the playoffs today. Most recently in the playoffs in the spring of 2025. It is a great rivalry with a passionate fan base. We are excited to host the Toronto and Ottawa fans at Peterborough Memorial Centre. Proceeds from the event will support our concussion fund. This fund helps to provide education and awareness for youth sport concussion through funding Peterborough Athletics Concussion Awareness (PACA) and providing the HOPE Bursary in Honour of Steve Montador.”
“Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario is going to be an exciting evening for hockey fans and a wonderful opportunity to support an important cause in our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Bringing the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni and Ottawa Senators Alumni to the Peterborough Memorial Centre will showcase the passion and excitement of this historic rivalry while helping raise funds for concussion education and awareness initiatives that support local youth and families. I encourage residents and visitors alike to come out, enjoy a great night of hockey and support the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.”
A full roster for each team will be announced closer to the event.
Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. online, in person at the PMC Box Office or by phone at 705-743-3561. Tickets start at just $30 each, with a limited number of VIP upgrade tickets available, which include a pre-game meet-and-greet with either the Ottawa Senators or the Toronto Maple Leafs.
PMC Scoop and GPHSF mailing list members have early access to tickets with a pre-sale on Wednesday and Thursday.
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Peterborough Man Arrested For Theft and Taken Into Custody After Caught Trying to Hide Behind a Bush
/A 34-year-old Peterborough man is facing several charges after a theft at a business on Monday afternoon.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
At roughly 1:30 p.m., officers were called to the area of Lansdowne Street West and Brealey Drive about a theft from a store. Officers spotted a man matching the description given to police on a bicycle. They saw the man get off the bike and attempt to hide behind a bush before taking him into custody.
The man was arrested and charged with:
Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting X2
Fail to comply with probation order X2
Enter premises when entry prohibited (Trespass to Property Act)
The accused is currently bound by two probation orders with the following condition: to not attend the business where the incident happened and to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Tuesday.
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Peterborough Regional Airport Taxiway Bravo Construction Underway
/Construction of the Taxiway Bravo extension project at the Peterborough Airport is underway.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
The project includes the construction of an approximately 1,500-foot extension of Taxiway Bravo to the west. The western extent of the taxiway will include a holding bay designed to accommodate Code B aircraft, with wingspans up to 23.9 metres. The project will improve aircraft movement efficiency, improve capacity, and support future airside development.
During construction, pilots should expect temporary operational impacts, including changes to available runway length, declared distances, taxi routes, lighting availability, and access to portions of the airfield.
Construction is expected to occur from June to October next year. Throughout the construction period, the available length of Runway 09-27 will be reduced.
THR 09 DISPLACED BY 1,102FT
FIRST 1,102FT RWY 09 CLSD
WITH RWY 09/27 SHORTENED, DECLARED DIST CHANGED TO:
RWY 09 TORA 5903 TODA 6198 ASDA 5903 LDA 5903
RWY 27 TORA 5903 TODA 5903 ASDA 5903 LDA 5294
July 6 to July 19, 2026
During this period, declared distances of Runway 09-27 will be further reduced to accommodate the connection of the taxiway to the primary runway.
FIRST 3,072 FT RWY09 CLSD DUE CONST.
WITH RWY 09/27 SHORTENED, DECLARED DIST CHANGED TO:
RWY 09 TORA 3933 TODA 4228 ASDA 3933 LDA 3933
RWY 27 TORA 3933 TODA 3933 ASDA 3933 LDA 3324
