New Book Explores Legacy of Peter Robinson Bicentennial

By Scott Arnold

A year of commemoration, reflection and renewed understanding of local history is being captured in a new book set to launch next month in Peterborough.

peter robinson boat landing was reenacted on little lake in 1975 (photo courtesy of nine ships 1825)

Nine Ships 1825 will officially launch Bicentennial Reflections on July 6 at 10 am at the Trent Valley Archives on Carnegie Avenue.

The book was inspired by the Peter Robinson Bicentennial Commemoration in 2025 and documents not only the many events held throughout the year, but also the conversations and learning that emerged as community members explored their shared history.

Editor Elwood Jones said a key feature of the publication is the inclusion of reflections from community partners involved in the bicentennial. Their personal accounts detail how their understanding of local history evolved during the commemorative year.

The book examines the Peter Robinson emigration of 1825, a British-backed settlement initiative that brought 2,024 Irish immigrants from 307 families to what is now the Peterborough area. The project was designed to test whether the British government could successfully finance and support large-scale emigration from Ireland to Upper Canada.

Along with historical content, Bicentennial Reflections includes 80 photographs from bicentennial events held in both Canada and Ireland, as well as remarks from dignitaries who participated in the commemorations.

Nine Ships 1825 Chair Brendan Moher described the publication as a team effort and said it will serve as part of the organization's lasting legacy to the community and future generations.

Following the launch, the book will be available through the Trent Valley Archives and online.

The public is invited to attend the free launch event at the Trent Valley Archives, located at 567 Carnegie Ave., on Monday, July 6 at 10 am.

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

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Hundreds of Paddlers Set to Take Over Peterborough Lift Lock

By Scott Arnold

One of the region’s most unique summer events returns July 18 as decorated canoes and kayaks fill the historic Peterborough Lift Lock for an afternoon on the water.

the 2025 lock & paddle attracted more than 1400 paddlers to the historic lift lock (photo courtesy of parks canada)

Parks Canada's annual Lock & Paddle event is back on Saturday, July 18, inviting paddlers of all ages and skill levels to experience the Peterborough Lift Lock in a way few ever do.

The free event runs from noon to 4 pm and sees hundreds of canoeists and kayakers gather at the base of the world's highest hydraulic lift lock, riding the giant tubs up and down together while enjoying live music and a festive atmosphere.

Participants are encouraged to decorate their boats and join fellow paddlers from across the region for what has become one of the Trent-Severn Waterway's signature events.

New this year, the celebration will extend beyond the lock, with the City of Peterborough hosting water-themed activities during the afternoon at Beavermead Beach Party.

Lock & Paddle has grown significantly since it began in 2016. Last year's event attracted more than 1,400 paddlers in 978 watercraft, setting a new attendance record.

the 2026 lock & paddle is set to return on july 18th (photo courtesy of parks canada)

Paddling and lockage are free, but participants must bring a canoe or kayak, wear a personal flotation device, and enter the event from the lower reach of the Peterborough Lift Lock. Stand-up paddleboards and inflatable vessels are not permitted.

There is no public parking available at the Lift Lock itself, although several nearby parking areas and launch points are available, including Beavermead Campground, Rogers Cove and Eastgate Memorial Park.

The event takes place rain or shine. For more information, visit Parks Canada's Lock & Paddle event page.

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

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Birch + Bloom, Agilec, Opus Tribute Group and Peterborough DBIA

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

A new business has joined the downtown retail landscape.

Birch + Bloom Consignment Boutique, located at 188 Hunter St. Unit 7, celebrated its grand opening on June 4 alongside representatives from Community Futures Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. Founded by Brittany Zarobiak, Birch + Bloom is a thoughtfully curated women's consignment boutique focused on sustainable fashion and elevated style. For more information, you can follow the Instagram: @birchandbloomboutique.

Agilec Employment Services – who helps support job seekers and employers alike – are having an open house at their Lakefield office.

Today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their Lakefield office – 25 Bridge Street, meet their team and join them for free coffee, doughnuts, and giveaways while you learn about the services they offer. For more information, you can call their office (705) 652-1935 or visit their website www.agilec.ca

Opus Tribute Group has announced the acquisition of Hendren Funeral Homes.

Opus Tribute Group is a community governed, not-for-profit organization that has been in existence for over 175 years and started out as Little Lake Cemetery Company in Peterborough. Hendren Funeral Homes serves families in the communities of Lakefield, Bobcaygeon and Norwood and is known for its personalized care, professional staff, and strong community roots. The transition is expected to be seamless for families and the communities served by Hendren. Existing services, locations, and commitments will continue uninterrupted. The acquisition aligns with Opus Tribute Group's “North Star” of existing to make our communities stronger, healthier, and more resilient in the face of grief and loss.

The Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales are back in downtown Peterborough!

From June to September, on the second Saturday of each month, George Street between Hunter and Simcoe become a fully walkable, pedestrian friendly market where visitors can enjoy patios, live entertainment, pop-up vendors, special promotions from local businesses, and more! The event expands across downtown including the Neighbourhood Market at the Bankers Commons Courtyard on Waterstreet with over 20 local artisans and makers, as well as additional artisan pop-ups at Avant Garden Shop on Sherbrooke Street. The program is designed to support local businesses, increase downtown foot traffic, and encourage residents and visitors to shop and explore locally throughout the summer. For more information, visit TheBoro.ca

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.

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Community Futures Peterborough Launches Workshop Series for Summer 2026

In response to increased demand from local entrepreneurs and small business owners, Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) is launching its Entrepreneurship 101 workshops this summer in partnership with Scotiabank.

Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.

The summer 2026 series builds on the success of the spring workshops. Feedback from participants and growing interest in business advisory services highlighted the need for summer workshops in business planning, funding, and marketing.

“We are thrilled with the response to the spring workshops and extremely excited to partner on these additional offerings, through the Entrepreneurship 101 program, supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses in the Peterborough area,” says Nolan Frazer, Team Lead, Business Banking at Scotiabank. “We are proud to help provide this type of value and advice and make it accessible to the local community.”

According to CFP, Entrepreneurship 101 is designed to support individuals and businesses at various stages of their business journey, from those exploring an idea for the first time to existing business owners looking to strengthen their operations. The summer series places a stronger focus on practical areas such as funding, business planning, marketing, and branding, reflecting the challenges business owners are seeking in-depth advisory support in.

“Small businesses are the true engine of our local economy, and their momentum shouldn't stall over the summer months. By expanding these vital Entrepreneurship 101 workshops, Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank are ensuring that local innovators have uninterrupted access to the essential guidance, tools, and resources required to build resilient enterprises right here in our community,” says Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

The summer 2026 Free Entrepreneurship 101 workshops will be held at the Venture North Building in Peterborough from noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates:

• Funding Fuel: Exploring Funding and Financing, July 8, 2026

• Launch Pad: Business Planning, July 15, 2026

• Brand Lab: Marketing and Branding, July 22, 2026

“The overwhelming response to our recent programming has made it clear that local entrepreneurs are looking for more than standard advice,” says Manager, Business Advisory Centre and Corporate Communications, Rose Terry. “They are looking for a roadmap to start and grow their businesses. By adding these summer workshops, we are directly responding to that demand and ensuring each business has the tools and support they need. Whether it’s navigating the early stages of ideation or tackling the most common hurdles our advisors see daily, our goal is to provide accessible support that keeps our business community thriving.”

The Entrepreneurship 101 series is open to anyone looking to start a business, grow an existing one, or sharpen their entrepreneurial skill set.

Registration and additional workshop information are available online at www.cfpeterborough.ca

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Peterborough Humane Society Invites Public to Celebrate Animals With Pet Fest 2026 This Saturday

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is inviting the community to celebrate animals at Pet Fest 2026 this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

The free event features a Meow Market with local makers and shops, plus free ice cream and live music throughout. Restaurants such as Hanoi House, The Vine, or Till Death BBQ & Catering are selling food at the celebration.

Activities such as a scavenger hunt and a stuffed-animal checkup station will be available for children. Author Judi Barr will also be on site for storytime, sharing her book The Tale of Eileen The Timid Housecat, a heartwarming story inspired by a real adopted cat.

The Peterborough Humane Society is also unveiling its new Memorial Garden & Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m.

This year features the first-ever Pet Fashion Show at 1 p.m. and hosted by MC Tiffany Arcari. There are three categories: Sun's Out Paws Out, Twinning is Winning, and Off the Leash. Each category has just eight spots available and prizes will be awarded to the winners. Registration is required and spots are limited. Participants can sign up at peterboroughhumanesociety.ca.

“Pet Fest is one of our favourite days of the year because it is really just about bringing people together," said Shawn Morey, PHS CEO. "We are so grateful to this community for everything they do for the animals in our care, and Pet Fest is our way of saying thank you. This year we have so much to share, from our first-ever Pet Fashion Show to the unveiling of our Memorial Garden & Park, and we cannot wait to celebrate it all with the community.”

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Former Peterborough Pete Jordan Staal wins Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy

By Scott Arnold

A former Peterborough Petes star has reached the top of the hockey world once again, helping the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup while earning playoff MVP honours.

screenshot from reel posted on instagram @canes

Jordan Staal and the Carolina Hurricanes captured the Stanley Cup on Sunday night with a 3-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 6 of the Final. Staal was also awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the NHL playoffs, becoming the oldest player ever to win the award.

The 37-year-old captain played a key role throughout Carolina's championship run, contributing offensively while continuing to handle many of the team's toughest defensive assignments. He finished the playoffs as one of the Hurricanes' most important players and was recognized for his impact on both ends of the ice.

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A post shared by NHL (@nhl)

Staal spent two seasons with the Peterborough Petes from 2004 to 2006. During his final season in maroon and white, he helped lead the club to an OHL championship.

In 134 regular season games with the Petes, Staal recorded 37 goals and 59 assists for 96 points. He added 15 goals and 11 assists in 33 playoff games.

photo courtesy of peterborough petes

Following his OHL career, Staal was selected second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2006 NHL Draft. He stepped directly into the NHL as an 18-year-old and helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup in 2009.

Staal's latest championship adds another chapter to a hockey career that began in Peterborough nearly two decades ago. His name is now attached to both the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe Trophy after a standout playoff performance with Carolina.

Staal isn't the only member of his family with ties to Peterborough. Older brother Eric Staal also spent time with the Petes before going on to a successful NHL career, winning the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006.

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

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Petes Add 14 More Prospects to Complete 2026 OHL Priority Selection

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Petes rounded out their 2026 draft class Saturday, selecting 14 players on the second day of the OHL Priority Selection.

petes third round pick mason quinn on the draft stage with general manager and vice president of operations mike oke, team scouts, and ohl commissioner bryan crawford (photo courtesy of peterborough petes, via charles warburton)

After choosing Vaughan Kings forward Landon Roulston in the first round Friday night, the Petes continued adding to their prospect pool with players from Ontario and the United States.

The club's first pick of the day came in the third round when Peterborough selected Toronto Marlboros right winger Mason Quinn 59th overall.

Other selections included:

• Round 5, Pick 94: Colton Lapierre (D), Toronto Red Wings U16

• Round 6, Pick 119: Zidane Jasey (G), Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16

• Round 7, Pick 134: Marco Nichele (D), Ottawa Jr. 67's U16

• Round 7, Pick 136: Brady Cunningham (D), Lincoln Stars

• Round 8, Pick 145: Dylan Delgado (RW), Detroit HoneyBaked 15s

• Round 8, Pick 154: Ty Civello (LW), Don Mills Flyers U16

• Round 9, Pick 174: Nicholas Hahn (D), Team Wisconsin 15s

• Round 10, Pick 194: Nathan Slack (RW), Don Mills Flyers U16

• Round 11, Pick 214: Andrew Vaduva (G), Burlington Eagles U16

• Round 12, Pick 234: Hudson Clayton (D), Burlington Eagles U16

• Round 13, Pick 254: Quinn Creally (RW), Upper Canada Cyclones U16

• Round 14, Pick 274: Evan Vukelic (C), Shattuck-St. Mary's Sabres 15s

• Round 15, Pick 294: Aiden Plooy (D), Upper Canada Cyclones U16

petes fifth round pick colton lapierre with mike oke (photo courtesy of peterborough petes, via charles warburton)

Petes General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke said the organization was pleased with the players selected over the two-day draft, noting they demonstrated the skill, character and competitiveness the club looks for in prospective players.

mike oke along with petes eighth round pick ty civello (photo courtesy of peterborough petes, via charles warburton)

The 14 day-two selections join first-round pick Landon Roulston as part of Peterborough's 2026 draft class. Details for the club's annual development camp are expected to be announced in the coming week.

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

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The Mount Community Centre Appoints New Executive Director

Effective immediately, the Mount Community Centre (TMCC) Board of Directors has appointed Rhonda Gilchrist as Executive Director.

Rhonda Gilchrist was previously the United Way senior director of operations and revenue generation before accepting the role with the Mount Community Centre. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“We are confident that Rhonda Gilchrist possesses the combination of experience and specialized skills in non-profit housing, government funding, knowledge of the community and vision that will help our organization reach new heights,” said Stephen Kylie, TMCC Board Chair . “Rhonda has built a reputation as an innovator and change-maker in the non-profit sector, with key community relationships and a proven track record of success in fundraising. She is a highly capable leader, and the Board has the utmost confidence that she will advance the mandate of this organization for the benefit of our community. TMCC Board members are looking forward to working alongside her in the years to come.”

According to TMCC, with help from firm Crawford Connect, nearly 100 potential candidates applied for the job, resulting in six candidates being considered for the position. Crawford Connect narrowed the search down to four candidates to be interviewed and of these four, two were interviewed for a second time before deciding that Gilchrist was the best fit. A recommendation to hire Rhonda was unanimously approved by the Board on April 27.

Gilchrist has over 13 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including 8 years in a senior management role, advancing organizational performance and leading fundraising and revenue-generation efforts. Rhonda was Senior Director of Operations and Revenue Generation for the United Way of Peterborough and District prior to joining TMCC. Gilchrist has also been actively involved in volunteer activities with Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes. According to a press release, she was responsible for all financial operations, annual and monthly financial statements, monitoring project milestones, and leading the successful roll-out and maintenance of the organizational database.

Rhonda graduated with Honours in Business Administration from Durham College and with a degree in Computer Programming from DeVry Institute of Technology, Toronto.

“Rhonda joins the organization at an exciting time,” said Kylie. “We have ambitious mission and fundraising goals and she will be responsible for advancing TMCC’s mandate and to operationalize the core functions and achieve the overall objectives of our organization to bring it to the next level.”

“It is an incredible honour that the board has selected me,” said Rhonda Gilchrist. “The opportunity at TMCC is a very rare opportunity and their mission to reduce poverty and develop community, aligns with my hopes for our community. With the recent purchase of the Village on Argyle property and the proposed new build on Monaghan Road, I look forward to the exciting responsibility of expanding services to help make lasting positive changes in the lives of our low income community members and the impact it will make in our community.”

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Break-and-Enter at Enclosed Compound

A 43-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges after an incident at a Peterborough business early Saturday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 4 a.m., officers were called to the business in the Ashburnham Drive and Lansdowne Street area after it was noticed that two people had entered an enclosed compound. Officers were unable to access the compound and the RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) was deployed. Using the technology, officers located one man as he exited the compound on the other side and began leaving the area via a path. Officers were able to stop him on the path and take him into custody.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Break, Enter a dwelling house with intent to commit indictable offence

• Possession Break In Instruments

The accused was released on an undertaking with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 1.

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Doggy Dash Breaks Records as Community Rallies for LAWS

By Scott Arnold

Rain couldn't keep supporters away as the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society celebrated its biggest Doggy Dash fundraiser yet.

the 2026 LAWS doggy dash raised record numbers for the lakefield welfare animal society (photo by scott arnold)

Umbrellas were up and rain showers came and went throughout the day, but spirits stayed high as hundreds of supporters gathered in Lakefield for the third annual LAWS Doggy Dash in support of the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society (LAWS).

The popular fundraiser returned to Isabel Morris Park on Sunday, bringing together pet owners, animal lovers, volunteers, vendors, musicians and community supporters for a day dedicated to helping animals in need.

the 2026 laws doggy dash in lakefield on sunday was a huge success (photo by scott arnold)

The event featured live music from Caitlin O'Connor and Detention Club, food and market vendors, a silent auction, a 50-50 draw, and the signature Doggy Dash walk through the streets of Lakefield. Participants could choose between 1.5-kilometre and 2.5-kilometre routes.

Caitlin O'Connor and the Detention Club provided the music for the laws doggy dash at isabel morris park (photo by Scott Arnold)

According to LAWS Director Lyndsay Lisson-De Ell, this year's event was the biggest yet.

"This year is our top earning year out of all three years that we've done Doggy Dash," she said following the walk. "We don't have a final count yet, but we know that we've broken all records."

Lisson-De Ell said the success of the event speaks to the strong support LAWS receives from the community.

"Thank you to our community and supporters," she said.

Founded in 1993, LAWS is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter that rescues homeless, abandoned and injured animals while working to find them permanent homes. The organization operates without government funding and relies on donations, memberships, adoption fees and community support to continue its work.

Barney is one of the many animals looking for his forever home at laws (photo by scott arnold)

Today, LAWS has space for approximately 50 cats and seven dogs at its shelter, while also supporting a large network of foster homes.

"We have upwards of 60 kittens and mama cats in our foster program as well," Lisson-De Ell said.

She noted that money raised through Doggy Dash goes directly back into programs and services that help animals throughout the region.

"The funds raised today go to support all of those incredible animals," she said. "It goes to our foster programming. It goes to our community food support. All of the initiatives that we run through the shelter and the care that we're able to provide comes from events like this."

sparky joined supporters sunday for the laws doggy dash through lakefield (photo by scott arnold)

For Lisson-De Ell, the day was about more than fundraising.

"It's so humbling," she said. "The overarching theme of the day is humility and gratitude. I'm just so grateful to every single person here today for their contribution."

While the event may be over, the work continues. LAWS has a rabies and microchip clinic planned for October and their 20th annual golf tournament is scheduled for September 20.

a good boy poses patiently for polina kotliar of rad caricatures (photo by scott arnold)

Before turning attention to those upcoming events, Lisson-De Ell said the focus will return to the animals that inspired the day in the first place.

"We're going to go back and probably spend some time with the animals and remember why we're doing what we're doing and share all of our gratitude with them."

all tuckered out after a big day at the laws doggy dash in lakefield (photo by scott arnold)

For those who would still like to support LAWS, donations can be made year-round through the organization's website, while volunteer and foster opportunities are also available by contacting the shelter at (705) 652-0588.

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

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