Peterborough Police Warn Public of Increasing Online Scams of Private Car Sales

The Peterborough Police Service has received several reports about a scam by people responding to private car sales on Facebook Marketplace ads.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Between January and the end of May, Peterborough Police have received online reports detailing the same situation connected to private online car sales.

In each case, one of the potential buyers speaks to the seller, and, while distracted, two other buyers damage the vehicle to make it appear as if oil is leaking or it is coming from the exhaust, in an effort to buy the vehicle at a lower price.  

If you believe it is a scam, you can report it online. If you are in danger or it is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

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Peterborough Police Postpone Saturday's Community Open House; Seeking New Date In the Fall

The Peterborough Police Service’s Community Open House scheduled for this Saturday has been postponed due to expected unfavourable weather conditions.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Peterborough Police made the decision with rain and wind expected all day Saturday.

“We appreciate the high community interest in this event and are excited to host it on a day that will present more favourable conditions,” said Sandra Dueck, Peterborough Police manager, strategic communication services.

A new date is being scheduled for this fall.

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The City Taking New Initiatives to Support a Cleaner Peterborough

The City is taking new measures to make waste disposal easier, address illegal dumping, and improve the cleanliness of parks, streets, and public spaces through the Clean Streets Peterborough program.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This initiative responds to concerns identified through the Clean Streets Peterborough survey, community feedback and operational experience, including illegal dumping, overflowing public bins, improper waste set-outs, bulky items left at the curb, and waste accumulation in parks, neighbourhoods and other public spaces. 

“We’ve heard from residents that illegal dumping, overflowing bins and waste in public spaces are concerns,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This program responds by making proper disposal easier, improving education and reporting tools, and strengthening our ability to keep public spaces clean and welcoming for everyone.” 

The program is designed to reduce barriers to proper waste disposal, improve access to waste services and support cleaner public spaces across the city. 

The program includes: 

• waiving large article collection fees in 2026 

• reducing the cost of a replacement green bin cart from $88.49 to $35.40 

• temporarily increasing residential garbage bag limits from four bags to eight bags until Dec. 31, 2027 

• enhancing public education, community engagement and outreach around proper waste disposal 

• targeted outreach to landlords, property managers, businesses and multi-residential properties 

• improving waste reporting tools 

• additional park cleanup support, a targeted surveillance camera pilot at selected parks and public spaces, and increased monitoring and enforcement in problem areas

Waste-related concerns have increased across Peterborough, particularly in parks, public spaces, downtown areas and locations where public waste bins are being used for household garbage. Community feedback, service requests, operational experience, and ongoing public engagement have identified several contributing factors, including missed collection days, high article collection fees, bag limits, and limited disposal options for some residents.  

The program combines service improvements, education, outreach, monitoring and enforcement to strengthen reporting and response processes and support cleaner parks, streets and public spaces. 

Program results will be monitored through waste collection data, tonnage reporting, large-article collection volumes, waste collected from parks and public receptacles, complaints and reporting trends, enforcement activity, and ongoing community feedback. This information will help shape future decisions about waste collection services, participation in organics programs, multi-residential servicing, public-space waste management and long-term landfill planning.

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Rob Carleton and Crew Giving Grills a Second Life with Barbecue King

By Scott Arnold

Before hauling that old barbecue to the curb, a new Peterborough business is showing homeowners there may be another option.

rob carleton and his barbecue king crew have been busy ahead of summer grilling season (photo by scott arnold)

Barbecues are a staple of summer, but keeping them clean isn't always at the top of the to-do list. Over time, grease, food residue and carbon buildup can leave grills looking worn out and performing below their best.

That's where Barbecue King comes in.

Founded by Peterborough resident Rob Carleton, the business focuses on professional grill cleaning and restoration, helping homeowners bring their existing barbecues back to life instead of replacing them.

The fully mobile service works on a wide range of grills, including gas, pellet, charcoal, built-in cart and post-mount models.

lincoln dalliday hard at work scraping down a barbecue (photo by scott arnold)

While many people think of a dirty grill as mostly a cosmetic issue, buildup can create other problems. Excess grease can increase the risk of flare-ups, while years of residue can affect both performance and the flavour of food.

Barbecue King's deep-cleaning process is designed to remove stubborn grime, clear away grease buildup and restore grills to working condition.

jack dalliday and keenan axler take a break for a smile while doing a job for barbecue king (photo by scott arnold)

Beyond making a barbecue look better, regular cleaning can help improve performance, extend the life of the grill and create a safer cooking environment.

the dalliday boys, lincoln and jack, stand beside a freshly clean barbecue (photo by scott arnold)

looking brand new again after a deep clean from barbecue king (photo by scott arnold)

For Carleton, the goal is straightforward: helping homeowners spend more time enjoying grilling season and less time worrying about the deep cleaning that comes with it.

And for anyone staring at a barbecue that's seen better days, it might mean giving an old grill a second chance before shopping for a new one. You can find Rob at BarbecueKing.ca or 705-313-6702.

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

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Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre Announces New Executive Director in Strategic Leadership Expansion

The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) has appointed Glenn M. Cunnington as its new Executive Director, effective June 15, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

Since 2009, Dr. Sue Carstairs has concurrently held the positions of Executive Director and Medical Director. According to a press release, to support continued organizational growth, the OTCC Board of Directors has included a role split in its succession plan, allowing each position to become more specialized and thereby increasing the organization’s scope and impact.

Carstairs remains in a co-leadership position as Medical Director. Dr. Kristen Janke, a long-standing veterinarian with the organization, will gradually assume the full Medical Director role, with Dr. Carstairs remaining involved but at a slower pace.

“Glenn brings with him all the qualities that OTCC needs to continue moving forward,” said Carstairs. “He is an expert in Ontario’s turtles, having been on the Committee On The Status of Species at Risk in Ontario for five years.”

Dr. Cunnington holds a Ph.D. focused on Road Ecology from Carleton University, an M.Sc. in Watershed Ecosystems and a B.Sc. in Conservation Biology from Trent University, as well as a diploma from Fleming College in Fish & Wildlife. He is a published author in road ecology and brings deep experience in stakeholder engagement, grant writing and financial stewardship.

“It is a tremendous honour to join the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre as its next Executive Director,” said Cunnington. “I want to thank Dr. Sue Carstairs for her extraordinary leadership over the past sixteen years. I am stepping into a healthy, growing organization with a remarkable culture, world-class clinical care, and an ambitious path towards 2030 already in motion.”

Core operations—including healing injured turtles, incubating eggs, and releasing healthy turtles and hatchlings back into the wild— continue uninterrupted during this transition.

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Lakefield Chiefs Looking for Volunteers Ahead of New Season

By Scott Arnold

The Graham Carpentry Lakefield Chiefs are recruiting volunteers as the junior hockey club prepares for the upcoming season.

the lakefield chiefs have put the call out to find volunteers for upcoming season (photo via instagram @lakefieldjrc

The organization is inviting community members to join its game-day team and help support operations throughout the year.

A variety of volunteer opportunities are available, including game-day operations, ticket sales, 50/50 sales, music and announcements support, fan engagement and general event assistance.

The Chiefs say volunteers play an important role in creating a positive experience for players, fans and sponsors while helping ensure game days run smoothly.

The call is open to hockey fans, community-minded residents and anyone interested in getting involved with local junior hockey.

Organizers say volunteering is a great way to support the team while becoming part of the game-day atmosphere that helps make Chiefs hockey a community event.

Anyone interested in learning more or signing up is encouraged to contact the team through Nick O'Brien at 705-716-3103 or niobrien10@gmail.com.

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

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Support Builds for Injured Teen After Fatal Crash Near Bobcaygeon

By Scott Arnold

A GoFundMe campaign is helping support 16-year-old Ryan Musson as he recovers from life-threatening injuries following a collision that claimed the life of his girlfriend, Briannah "Bri" Sabovitch.

ryan and bri (photo via gofundme campaign)

The fundraiser has been launched in the wake of a devastating crash that happened shortly before 8:30 pm on May 30 at the intersection of County Road 49 and Burys Green Road near Bobcaygeon.

Bri, a 16-year-old from Bobcaygeon, was driving the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Ryan, who was the lone passenger, suffered life-threeatening injuries and was first taken to hospital before being airlifted to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.

As Ryan continues his recovery, family, friends and community members are coming together through a GoFundMe campaign to help support him and his family during what is expected to be a long and difficult journey.

The fundraiser comes as many across the area continue to mourn the loss of Bri, a Grade 11 student at Fenelon Falls Secondary School who touched countless lives during her 16 years.

In her obituary, Bri is remembered as the beloved daughter of Crystal Bryant and Ryan McIlmoyle, and Scott Sabovitch (Brandy Watson). She was a cherished sister to Lauryn, Meegan, Hailey and Talen, and a granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend who will be deeply missed by many.

Her family described her as someone whose kindness, laughter and caring spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Among those feeling that loss most deeply is Ryan, whom Bri's obituary describes as her "dearly loved boyfriend and constant companion."

While the fundraiser is focused on helping Ryan recover from the serious injuries he sustained in the crash, it has also become a place where people are sharing messages of support, remembering Bri and offering comfort to both families as they navigate an unimaginable time.

Those wishing to support Ryan can do so through the GoFundMe campaign. Bri's family has also asked that memorial donations be made to SickKids Hospital in her memory.

A celebration of Bri's life will be held at a later date.

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

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Holding Auditions for Bluebirds

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Theatre Guild is looking for performers to help bring a powerful First World War story to the stage this fall.

The peterborough theatre guild will be holding auditions later this month for their production of bluebirds

Auditions are being held later this month for Bluebirds, a play by Vern Thiessen that follows three Canadian nurses serving in France during the final year of the First World War.

Set in Étaples in 1918, the production explores the lives of nurses Maggie, Christy and Bab as they care for wounded soldiers while navigating friendship, love, loss and the realities of war.

Directed by Bea Quarrie, the show is scheduled to run at the Peterborough Theatre Guild from Oct. 30 through Nov. 14, with a mix of evening and matinee performances.

Auditions will take place June 20, 21 and 22 at the Peterborough Theatre Guild's Gwen Brown Studio on Rogers Street. Organizers say performers do not need to prepare material in advance, although those who wish to may bring a song or monologue. Auditionees will be required to sing, as the production is seeking performers who can sing in harmony.

The guild is casting three roles, Maggie, Christy and Bab, and is encouraging people of all backgrounds to audition as part of its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Those interested in taking part are asked to reserve an audition time in advance. Organizers recommend arriving 15 minutes early to complete audition forms.

For local theatre enthusiasts looking for their next opportunity on stage, auditions offer a chance to be part of a production that shines a light on the experiences of women whose stories are often overlooked in history.

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

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Peterborough Man and Woman Arrested On Multiple Charges After Found Unwanted In a Backyard

Two people, after being found unwanted in a backyard, are facing charges, including failure to comply, drug possession and being wanted on a warrant on Tuesday evening.

Photo courtesy of hte PeterborougH Police Service.

At roughly 7:30 p.m., officers were called to a residence in the area of Weller Street and Wallis Drive regarding two unwanted people. Officers located a man and a woman in the backyard. During a search after arrest, officers seized 1.2 grams of Fentanyl and .6 grams of cocaine. 

A 31-year-old Peterborough woman wanted on a warrant for an allegation of breach of a Condition Sentence Order was taken into custody on the strength of the warrant.

A 39-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Other Drugs - Fentanyl

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Other Drugs - Crack Cocaine

The accused is currently bound by a release order with the following conditions: to reside in a different community and to remain in the residence at all times.

Both accused are being held in custody and appeared in court on Wednesday.

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Peterborough Jr. Petes Make $2,000 Donation to the PRHC Foundation to Enhance Cancer Care and Treatment

The Peterborough Minor Hockey Council Jr. “AAA” Petes have donated $2,000 to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation in honour of minor Petes and OHL Petes alumnus Len Powers, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The donation is in association with the Peterborough Petes and recognizes Powers’ ongoing support of the Foundation.

The funds help the Foundation’s efforts to enhance cancer treatment and care for patients and families throughout the community.

According to the Petes, this donation reflects the shared values of community leadership, generosity, and service that continue to connect past and present members of the Petes family.

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