Community Care Peterborough Announces 2026 Grandparent of the Year Award Winners

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has announced the winners of its 38th annual Grandparent of the Year Awards, presented at the Royal Gardens Retirement Residence on Thursday night.

Left Picture: Regan Doughty (left) and Annabelle Pigeon (RIGHT). Right picture: Brian Downer (left) and Laila McIlmoyle (right). Photo courtesy of Kayla Le Franc and CCP.

Students in Grades 1 to 6 from the City and County were invited to submit a hand-drawn picture and a short written piece honouring a grandparent, elder or special older person in their lives. Winners and honourable mentions were selected in both English and French for two age groups: Primary (Grades 1–3) and Junior (Grades 4–6).

“This event is such a meaningful celebration because it brings families together around the stories of the older adults they love,” said Chris LeBlanc, CCP director of donor and public relations. “One of the best parts of the awards ceremony is seeing the families of our winners smiling from ear to ear as they celebrate their children, their grandparents, and the special connections between them. We are also deeply grateful to the teachers who welcome this initiative into their classrooms and encourage their students to take part. Their support means so much to young people, and we truly could not do this without them.”

The 2026 Grandparent of the Year Award winners are:

Primary Category – Grades 1–3 (English)

Winner: Laila McIlmoyle, Grade 3, Immaculate Conception CES
Honouring: Papa Brian Downer

Honourable Mention: Everly Colquhoun, Grade 3, Monsignor O’Donoghue CES
Honouring: Grammy Sue Wheeler

Primary Category – Grades 1–3 (French)

Winner: Quinn Keast, Grade 2, Kaawaate East City Public School
Honouring: Grandma Clare Keast

Honourable Mention: Felix Myles, Grade 2, Kaawaate East City Public School
Honouring: Gramps Bruce Scott

Junior Category – Grades 4–6 (English)

Winner: Annabelle Pigeon, Grade 5, St. Alphonsus CES
Honouring: Grandma Regan Doughty

Honourable Mention: Levi Inglis, Grade 5, Kawartha Classical Christian School
Honouring: Grandpa David Miller

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Local Musicians Bring Music and Smiles to Hospice Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

A visit from two well-known local musicians helped brighten the day for clients, visitors, staff and volunteers at Hospice Peterborough.

musicians kate suhr and melissa payne stopped by hospice peterborough for a courtyard performance (screenshot instagram video @hospiceptbo)

Hospice Peterborough recently welcomed local performers Kate Suhr and Melissa Payne for a special performance in the organization's courtyard garden and residence.

According to Hospice Peterborough, the pair shared their harmonies and music with clients, visitors, staff and volunteers, creating a memorable experience for everyone in attendance.

staff, visitors and clients were treating to a musical performance from kate suhr and melissa payne (screenshot instagram video @hospiceptbo)

The organization described the visit as a gift and said it is always a treat when the two musicians stop by to perform.

Music has long been a meaningful part of the hospice experience, helping create moments of comfort, connection and joy for those receiving care, as well as their families and caregivers.

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

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Lemonade Stand Day Set to Bring Young Fundraisers Together to Support Riverview Park and Zoo

By Scott Arnold

Kids across Peterborough will once again have the chance to run their own lemonade stands this summer while raising money for Riverview Park and Zoo.

kids will come together again this august for lemonade stand day across peterborough (photo via Lemonadestandday.com)

The Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains is bringing back Lemonade Stand Day on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, inviting children throughout the city and county of Peterborough to take part in the community fundraiser.

lemonade stand day will raise funds for riverview park and zoo (photo via lemonadestandday.com(

The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm and is free for children to participate.

Young "Lemonaders" will set up lemonade stands across the region, with proceeds supporting Riverview Park and Zoo, Canada's only free accredited zoo and home to one of the community's most popular playgrounds.

To help participants get started, the Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains will once again provide free lemonade crystals, cups and signage.

the kiwanis club of scott’s plains will provide kids will all the supplies they need for their lemonade stands (photo via lemonadestandday.com)

Children are encouraged to get creative with their stands, team up with friends and family, and help raise money one cup at a time.

thousands of dollars were raised during last year’s inaugural event (photo via lemonadestandday.com)

The event returns after a successful inaugural year in 2025. According to the Kiwanis Club of Scott’s Plains, 33 families took part in the first Lemonade Stand Day, raising $7,000 for the Rotary Accessible Playground Project at Riverview Park and Zoo. With additional contributions and matching donations, the initiative ultimately generated $30,000 in support of the project.

Anyone interested in participating in this year's Lemonade Stand Day can register through the event website at LemonadeStandDay.com

"When life gives you lemons… start a lemonade stand!" 🍋

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

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City of Peterborough Waives Large Item Pickup Fee

As part of the Clean Streets Peterborough initiative, the City of Peterborough is introducing a free Large Item Pickup pilot program for the remainder of 2026.

File Photo.

According to the City, the pilot will help evaluate participation levels, service demand and overall program performance while making the service more accessible to residents. 

Collections must be booked in advance. Residents can select a collection week when booking and place eligible items at the curb during the designated set out time for collection. 

Collection can be scheduled online at peterborough.ca/pickup. Bookings can also be made by phone at 705-742-7777 or in person at Service Peterborough, City Hall.

Large Item Pickup is intended for items that are too big or heavy for regular curbside collection. Eligible large items are defined as those weighing more than 13.6 kg (30 lbs) and longer than 1 m (3 ft). Collection is offered monthly from April through September. 

“This pilot makes it easier for residents to dispose of large household items while reducing barriers to accessing the service,” said  Councillor Don Vassiliadis and Councillor Keith Riel, Municipal Operations Co-Chairs, in a joint statement. “Removing the fee gives us an opportunity to see how the change affects participation and demand, providing valuable insight into how the service is used.” 

Large Item Pickup will be available during the following collection weeks: 

• June 22     

• July 27 

• Aug. 24

• Sept. 28

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Selwyn's Jim Marsden Honoured with Ontario Senior of the Year Award

By Scott Arnold

A Selwyn Township resident has been recognized by the Province of Ontario for his contributions to the community.

jim marsden of selwyn recognized with the ontario senior of the year award (photo via instagram at @selwyntownship)

During its most recent meeting, Selwyn Township Council presented Jim Marsden with the Ontario Senior of the Year Award.

The award recognizes seniors aged 65 and older who have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and civic life of their communities through volunteerism, leadership and community involvement.

Marsden was nominated by his peers and supported by township council before being selected by the province as one of this year's recipients.

The honour celebrates the impact he has had within the community and recognizes his efforts to help enrich life for residents in Selwyn Township.

Council members took time during the meeting to congratulate Marsden on receiving the provincial recognition and thank him for his ongoing contributions to the community.

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

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Little Lakers Night Returning to Support Five Counties Children's Centre

By Scott Arnold

A fan favourite night celebrating children, families and community spirit is returning to the Peterborough Memorial Centre this summer.

Little Lakers night in support of five counties returns to the pmc next month (photo via facebook @FiveCountiesChildrensCentre)

The fourth annual Little Lakers Night will take place July 16 during a Peterborough Century 21 Lakers home game, with proceeds supporting Five Counties Children's Centre.

The event will once again put Five Counties clients in the spotlight throughout the evening, including participation in the pre-game ball drop ceremony.

five counties families will be back at the pmc this summer for the fourth annual little lakers night (photo via facebook @FiveCountiesChildrensCentre)

Families attending can also enjoy a variety of activities before and during the game, including face painting, giant LEGO, a silent auction and other surprises.

lots to look forward to on little lakers night (photo via facebook @FiveCountiesChildrensCentre)

Activities are scheduled to begin at 7 pm, with game time set for 8 pm.

Organizers say the evening is designed to celebrate the children and families served by Five Counties while raising funds to support programs and services offered through the centre.

excitement is building for the upcoming little lakers night in support of five counties (photo via facebook @FiveCountiesChildrensCentre)

The event is made possible with support from the Doane Grant Thornton Foundation, with tickets purchased through Five Counties helping support local children and families.

After drawing strong community support in previous years, organizers are hoping for another packed house when Little Lakers Night returns in July.

Peterborough Man Charged After Trying to Steal a Motorcycle At a Residence

A 36-year-old Peterborough man is facing multiple charges including attempted theft of a motorcycle during a break-and-enter at a residence on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9 a.m., officers were called to the residence in the Cumberland Avenue and Water Street area. Officers learned that the homeowner had heard a commotion near a closed shed. When they reviewed their video footage, they saw a man enter the shed and attempt to start a motorcycle. It did not start and the man left the property.

Officers searched the area and located a man matching the description given to police a short distance away. During a search after arrest, officers seized a large quantity of pills and a pair of wire cutters.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Break, Enter a place - with intent to commit indictable offence

• Theft Under $5,000

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused is currently bound by a probation order with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

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

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Peterborough Petes Hosting 2026 Home Opener Against Kingston Frontenacs On Sept. 17

The Peterborough Petes are having their 2026–27 season home opener on Sept. 17 when they host the Kingston Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre at 7:05 p.m., announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The home opener is the first game of the Ontario Hockey League season.

The Petes are the visitors for the Sudbury Wolves’s home opener the following night.

The complete 2026-27 OHL regular-season schedule is being released on Tuesday.

The Petes currently hold the 13th overall pick in this year’s OHL Priority Selection on Friday at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes are having their 2026–27 season home opener on Sept. 17 when they host the Kingston Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre at 7:05 p.m. ##ptbocanada##journalism##fyp##news##ohl ♬ Winning - ROKKA

Suspect Found Guilty Of Murder and Aggravated Assault From 2023 Simcoe Street Apartment Homicide

Thirty-two-year-old Jesse Rowe has been found guilty of the murder of 27-year-old Cynara Lewis and aggravated assault for stabbing 33-year-old Daycota Csiszar at a Simcoe Street apartment in 2023, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The trial was held in Peterborough and wrapped up on Monday after three months. 

The incident happened on Sept. 6, 2023, at 9 p.m. in a Simcoe Street apartment. Through investigation and examination of footage from the police-maintained and private CCTV cameras in the area, Rowe was identified and arrested a few hours later on Sept. 7, 2023.

Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief released a statement regarding the verdict:

“This positive result comes after almost three years after the murder of Ms. Lewis and significant injury to Mr. Csiszar. It is a testament to the hard work of investigators to identify and bring those committing violence in our community before the courts. I am proud of the dedication and hours of work from those in our Investigative Services Unit from detectives to victim services, as well as the support from our Court Services division throughout both trials in this matter.  A previous trial in November ended in a mistrial.

These investigations and trials highlight the important partnership between the police service and the Crown to bring forward the best information for a jury. I am grateful to our prosecutors for their efforts in this case. Much of what the police do relies on a vigorous prosecution and together we are helping to ensure that healing can begin for the families of Ms. Lewis and Mr. Csiszar.”

Sentencing has yet to be scheduled.

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Peterborough Petes Draft One Forward and One Defenceman In OHL Under-18 Priority Selection

The Peterborough Petes drafted forward Nolan Gerow and defenceman Cole McLennan at the 2026 OHL Under-18 Priority Selection on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“We’re very pleased with the selections we made tonight,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We’ve had success in the U18 Draft in recent years with selections such as Samuel Mayer and Brennan Faulkner, to name a few.”

The Petes held the 13th overall pick in round one, selecting Gerow from the Hamilton Steel U18s. They then chose McLennan from the Upper Canada Cyclones U18s with the 33rd overall pick in round two.

“Nolan is a strong forward who plays hard and isn’t afraid to battle for the puck,” continued Oke.  “Cole is a physical defenceman who makes good decisions and is responsible in his own end. We’re excited to see both players on the ice at Development Camp in the coming weeks.”

Gerow, a native of Beamsville, played in 32 games for the Hamilton Steel U18s this season, scoring 21 goals and adding 23 assists for 44 points, leading his team in goals and points. The 6’1”, 186 lbs forward picked up another seven points in five playoff games for the Steel, scoring four times and adding three assists. Gerow also appeared in three games with the GOHL’s Welland Jr. Canadians this season, picking up an assist.

“I’m excited and thankful that the Petes chose me with their first pick,” said Gerow. “I can’t wait to come to Peterborough and get started.”

McLennan, from Brockville, played in 27 games for the Upper Canada Cyclones U18s this season, scoring four times and picking up 12 assists for 16 points. The 6’1”, 180 lbs defenceman featured in seven playoff games with the Cyclones, scoring once. McLennan also gained experience at the junior level this season, appearing in two games for the Athens Aeros of the EOJHL and 10 games (two playoff games) for the CCHL’s Brockville Braves. 

“It’s an incredible feeling to be drafted to the OHL by the Peterborough Petes,” said McLennan. “I’m truly grateful to join the Petes organization and be part of such a proud, historic team. I can’t wait to get to work representing the Petes family and give everything I have both on and off the ice.”

Since the Petes did not take a goaltender in the first two rounds, they would only make two selections in the draft.

The Petes currently hold the 13th overall pick in this year’s OHL Priority Selection on June 12 at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston.