Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough Executive Director Steps Down From Role

Vanessa Bruce, Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough executive director, has announced that she is stepping down from the role with June 26 as her last official day.

LinkedIn.

“Serving this community has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Bruce. “Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside extraordinary individuals, families, staff, board members and community partners who have continuously inspired me with their resilience, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to inclusion. The work we have done together will always hold a special place in my heart, and leaving is not without a great deal of emotion and gratitude.”

Bruce became the executive director in February of 2023 and held the position for over three years. She leaves the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough to become a service delivery manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough.

“I look forward to beginning this next chapter with an organization that is equally committed to strengthening community, supporting young people, and creating meaningful connections that change lives,” said Bruce.

The outgoing executive director was a Fleming College graduate and has previously worked in child care with organizations such as the YMCA and Compass Early Learning & Care, according to Bruce’s LinkedIn page.

Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough is sharing information regarding the transitional process and future plans in the coming days.

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Fleming College Adds Lacrosse Sixes Program Blending Athletics and Indigenous Learning

By Scott Arnold

A new chapter is opening for Fleming College athletics as the Phoenix introduce Lacrosse Sixes, pairing competitive sport with cultural learning and reconciliation.

fleming college introduces larosse sixes

lacrosse sixes is coming to fleming college, with their first home tournament set for October 25 (photo by scott arnold)

Fleming College has announced the launch of a Lacrosse Sixes program beginning this fall, expanding its athletics offerings while creating new opportunities for student-athletes to compete and learn about Indigenous cultures, traditions and history.

Fleming says the addition of the program reflects its ongoing commitment to reconciliation and Indigenous learning, while also recognizing lacrosse as one of Canada’s national sports.

Often referred to as the Creator’s Game, lacrosse was first created by the Haudenosaunee people and has long held cultural and spiritual significance, used in ceremony, thanksgiving and conflict resolution. Lacrosse Sixes is a fast-paced version of the sport focused on speed, skill and teamwork while maintaining connections to those traditions.

fleming phoenix will be part of the the new lacrosse sixes for ontario colleges

the addition of lacrosse sixes to fleming college marks a new chapter for phoenix athletics (photo by scott arnold)

Fleming Associate Vice-President of Student Experience Joanne Spicer said the program aligns with the region’s strong lacrosse heritage and provides another pathway for local athletes to continue playing at a competitive level while pursuing post-secondary education.

She said the College is looking forward to working with local lacrosse organizations to strengthen those community ties and expand opportunities for student development both on and off the field.

Indigenous Student Services Manager Clorise Taylor said the program will also help students gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and experiences in Canada through sport and education.

Leading the new Phoenix Lacrosse Sixes team will be head coach Dustin Dunn, who brings experience as National Development Program Coordinator for Lacrosse Canada, along with coaching roles in the Ontario Lacrosse Association and at Brock University. He is the current assistant coach for the Peterborough Jr A Lakers of the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League.

dustin dunn has been named the first head coach of the fleming lacrosse sixes program

Dustin dunn has been name head coach of fleming college’s new lacrosse sixes program (photo supplied by fleming college)

Dunn is also a former standout player, earning CULFA All-Canadian honours three times and MVP recognition at Brock University before helping capture a national title in 2009. He also played professionally with both the Toronto Rock and Buffalo Bandits.

Director of Student Experience and Athletics Greg Jefford said Dunn’s leadership, experience and passion make him an ideal fit to build the program from the ground up.

the fleming phoenix lacrosse sixes program will host their first tournament in peterborough on october 25 (photo by scott arnold)

In its inaugural season, the Phoenix will compete in tournaments across Ontario. Fleming will also be one of four schools taking part in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association's new Lacrosse Sixes exhibition season this fall.

The OCAA recently announced it will evaluate the sport as a potential future varsity offering, with Fleming joining Durham College, Humber Polytechnic and Mohawk College in a series of showcase events across the province.

The discipline continues to gain momentum internationally and is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

The program launch was supported by Fleming’s Student Administrative Council and was highlighted during Fleming’s Second Annual Lacrosse Day: The Creator’s Game, where the College also unveiled a new Indigenous-designed digital Phoenix logo created by artist Jared Tait.

jared tait has designed the new indigenous fleming phoenix logo

new Indigenous-designed digital Phoenix logo created by artist Jared Tait

The Indigenous Phoenix design will be featured at future athletic events, including Fleming's first home Lacrosse Sixes showcase on Oct. 25 at the Fleming Sport Complex as part of the OCAA exhibition season. The event will be one of four showcase dates being hosted across Ontario as the association evaluates the sport's future at the collegiate level.


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

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Peterborough Petes Release 2026 Development Camp Schedule and Roster

The Peterborough Petes have released their schedule and roster for their 2026 Development Camp, which starts on Saturday.

Eric Wood, who attended the Petes Development Camp last year. Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

The camp will feature three on-ice sessions that are open to the public.

The following are the three sessions:

  • Game 1 (Saturday, June 20) – Maroon vs White – 10:00 a.m. @ Miskin Law Community Complex

  • Game 2 (Saturday, June 20) – Maroon vs White – 4:00 p.m. @ Miskin Law Community Complex

  • Game 3 (Sunday, June 21) – Maroon vs White – 9:00 a.m. @ Miskin Law Community Complex

A total of 40 players are expected to attend Development Camp.

The full roster is as follows:

Forwards:

  • Julian Belcastro

  • Ty Civello

  • Jax Conklin

  • Quinn Creally

  • Sebastian Dzieciol

  • Anthony Farrace

  • Ty Gendron

  • Nolan Gerow

  • Liam Hayes

  • Kaden Koutroulides

  • Vinny Laccona

  • Chase MacKay

  • Ethan MacLeish

  • Caleb Miller

  • Mason Quinn

  • Kieran Raynor

  • Brody Robertson

  • Brandt Rooyakkers

  • Landon Roulston

  • Nathan Slack

  • Evan Vukelic

  • Cale Williams

Defence:

  • James Buchan

  • Tyson Cartier

  • Hudson Clayton

  • Michael Drew

  • Joshua Goodwin

  • Nicholas Hahn

  • Colton Lapierre

  • Cole McLennan

  • Marco Nichele

  • Aiden Plooy

  • Joseph Szarka

  • Daniel Tout

  • Eric Wood

  • James Zaino

Goaltenders:

  • Zidane Jasey

  • William Martyn

  • Owen Nelson

  • Andrew Vaduva

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Musician Daniel Raymond Connects Past and Present in Video for His New Song “Peterborough”

By Scott Arnold

Oshawa singer-songwriter Daniel Raymond is turning the lens back on a city that helped shape his early musical path, with a new single and video that centre Peterborough’s lasting influence on his sound.

musician daniel raymond has released a video for his new song peterborough

singer-songwriter daniel raymond has released the video for his new song titled “peterborough” (screenshot from the video)

Released on Thursday, June 18, “Peterborough” is the latest song from Daniel Raymond, a track that reflects on formative years spent in the city and how those experiences continue to inform his writing today.

The single was recorded and produced by Jim Bryson at Fixed Hinge Studio in Stittsville, with drums contributed by Peter Von Althen, known for his work with acts including Kathleen Edwards and Skydiggers.

The release is paired with a video directed by Donald Fraser of Around the Fire Productions, filmed on location across Peterborough in early 2026. The video is now available to watch online, alongside the single’s streaming release.

local landmarks and historic sites are featured in daniel raymond's new video for peterborough

several local landmarks and hotspots are featured in the video for daniel raymond’s new song “peterborough” (screenshot from video)

Raymond’s songwriting often focuses on themes of change, identity, and movement between past and present. After stepping away from the music industry for two decades, he returned in 2020 with a run of solo releases that have steadily built his catalogue, including Soft (2020), Suspension (2022), and the EP What We’re Trying To Become (2024), all shaped in part through ongoing collaboration with Bryson.

“Peterborough” is the first of four singles planned in the months ahead, continuing a period of renewed creative output for the songwriter.

Alongside the release, Raymond is also getting set to bring some live music to local audiences with a performance tomorrow and another one next month.

Tomorrow (June 20), he will perform as part of the Matthew Holtby Band at a fundraiser for the Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association at The Social in downtown Peterborough. The show is scheduled for 1 pm.

He will return for a more intimate evening on July 16 at Take Cover Books, where he will mark the release of “Peterborough” and his upcoming single “The Good Ones.” The pay-what-you-can performance will run from 7 pm to 9 pm, with guest appearances from a range of local musicians. Proceeds will support Kawartha Food Share and the Downie-Wenjack Foundation.

For Raymond, the new release ties together where he has been and where he is heading next, with Peterborough once again playing a central role in that journey.


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

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Construction to Begin In Havelock On County Road 48

Peterborough County and the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen are partnering to start Phase 2 of the multi-year reconstruction of County Road 48 (George Street East) within the Village of Havelock.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Construction is scheduled to begin this month with overall Phase 2 work continuing through to 2028.

Phase 1 of the project began in 2024 and is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026.

This phase included reconstruction of George Street East from Quebec Street to George Street Park, as well as Quebec Street from George Street East to Ottawa Street (MTO Highway 7).

The County Road 48 reconstruction project is funded in part by the Ontario government through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP). This investment of over $8 million will help enable the construction of approximately 1,500 new homes in the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen.

Peterborough County and the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as this important infrastructure project moves forward.

Phase 2 will be delivered in multiple parts over three years, including:

  • Part 1 (2026) – George Street East from Park Street to William Street and William Street from George Street East to Ottawa Street (MTO Highway 7)

  • Part 2a (2027) – George Street East from George Street Park to Park Street

  • Part 2b (2027) – George Street East from William Street to Civic 71

  • Part 2c (2027) – Mary Street from George Street East to Ottawa Street (MTO Highway 7)

  • Part 2d (2027) – Orange Street, partial reconstruction from George Street East

  • Part 3a (2028) – George Street East from Civic 71 to Mary Street

  • Part 3b (2028) – Oak Street, partial reconstruction from George Street East

Construction activities for 2026 (Part 1) will take place from June through December.

Scope of Work:

The project includes:

  • Replacement of the storm sewers, sanitary sewers and watermain

  • Installation of a new asphalt roadway

  • Construction of new concrete sidewalks, curbs and gutters

  • Updated line painting

Construction Hours:

Monday to Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Pedestrians & Businesses:

  • Pedestrian access maintained at all times.

  • Businesses will remain open, with alternative parking arrangements provided.

  • Deliveries and pick-ups will be coordinated as needed.

Traffic & Services:

  • Staged road closures will be required; please expect delays and follow detours.

  • Access for emergency vehicles will remain available.

  • Garbage & recycling will be collected as usual.

Residents and businesses will be notified in advance of any temporary interruptions to driveways or water service.

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Irish Millie Pays Tribute to Her First Teacher With Emotional New Single “Allison”

By Scott Arnold

A deeply personal fiddle tribute is introducing a new chapter for one of Canada’s fastest-rising folk artists.

irish millie has a released a new heartfelt single called allison

Irish Millie Pays Tribute to Her First Teacher With Emotional New Single “Allison (photo via facebook @millie.shadgett

Peterborough’s Irish Millie has released “Allison,” the opening track from her EP Between Then and Now, offering a heartfelt tribute to the fiddle teacher who first set her musical journey in motion.

The 19-year-old singer, songwriter and fiddler wrote the track in honour of Sally Pirie, the teacher who first placed a fiddle in her hands at age six and helped shape the foundation of her career. Irish Millie studied with Pirie until age 12 and later joined her community band, The Fyd-l-Styx, a group dedicated to traditional Canadian fiddle music.

Following Pirie’s passing in December 2024, Irish Millie turned her gratitude into music, building a jig in her honour that eventually became the foundation of “Allison.” The song reflects on mentorship, legacy and the early guidance that helped shape her path as an artist.

The recording was produced by Tyler Martin at Electric Alchemy in Peterborough and mastered by Gregory Pastic, with a stripped-back arrangement that allows fiddle and guitar to carry the emotional weight of the track. Irish Millie’s father, Murray Shadgett, also appears on the recording, playing guitar after years of driving her to early lessons.

new single allison released by peterborough artist irish millie

Irish millie’s new single “Allison” is available on her website

The single arrives as Irish Millie continues to build an international profile. In 2026 she was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year through North2North, earning an opportunity to represent Canada at Sweden’s Lilla By Festivalen in Rinkaby. She also performed at Peterborough Musicfest and continues to tour and record while studying at the University of Toronto.

Her growing list of accolades includes seven Canadian Folk Music Award nominations, including two in 2026 for Between Then and Now, as well as Emerging Artist of the Year at the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival.

Despite increasing international attention, Irish Millie remains closely tied to her Peterborough roots, including community initiatives such as Fiddling for Fox, which previously earned her a Peterborough Civic Award for Community Betterment.

Irish Millie will also perform at Del Crary Park on Saturday, June 27 at 6:30 pm as part of the Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco, opening the 2026 season of Peterborough Musicfest before Gowan takes the main stage.

With “Allison,” she offers a personal reflection on the people who shape an artist long before the spotlight arrives, turning gratitude into melody.


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

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Retired Peterborough Bus Driver Wins $250,000 From Scratch Ticket

Joel S. of Peterborough is $250,000 richer after winning a top prize with The Beautiful Game scratch ticket, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of OLG.

The retired school bus driver said he regularly plays scratch tickets and is delighted to be celebrating his first big win.

“The World Cup was coming up and I’m really into soccer so when I saw this newer ticket, I figured I’d give it a shot,” said Joel.

The 61-year-old discovered his big win while scratching his ticket at home.

“I couldn’t believe it. I did a double take and stood there in stunned silence, trying to process what I was seeing,” he said. “It felt incredible, overwhelming, and surreal.”

Joel’s son was the first person who to know about the big win.

“He said, ‘Wow, Dad!’ and was just as shocked as I was,” said Joel.

His wife was the next to discover the news.

“We’re both thrilled about what the future holds,” smiled Joel.

Joel has not made any major plans with his winnings yet. He wants to let everything settle in before making any decisions.

“One thing I do know is I’d like to upgrade my car. I feel very fortunate and thankful for this opportunity,” he said.

The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K on Clonsilla Avenue in Peterborough.

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Peterborough Transit Service Updates For June 29

Peterborough Transit is implementing service adjustments on some routes beginning on June 29.

File Photo.

Route 3 Park 

The following weekday trips will be temporarily suspended until Sept. 8, when schools resume: 

  • Southbound trips departing Trent University at 7:25 a.m. and 8:25 a.m.  

  • The 7:45 a.m. southbound trip will move to 8 a.m. to maintain the hourly schedule.  

  • Northbound trips departing Clonsilla at Summit Plaza at 7:05 a.m., 8:01 a.m., and 9:03 a.m.   

Route 3 Park will continue to operate on an hourly basis. 

Route 6 Sherbrooke  

One early morning trip will be permanently removed from service. The trip departing Peterborough Terminal at 5:57 a.m. and arriving at Trent University at 6:15 a.m. will be removed. 

Riders can use the trip departing Peterborough Terminal at 5:51 a.m., which follows the same route and departs six minutes earlier. 

Route 7 Lansdowne 

The following weekday trips will be temporarily suspended until Sept. 8, when schools resume: 

  • Westbound trips departing Willowcreek Plaza at 7:20 a.m. and Walker Avenue at Bramble Road at 7:45 a.m.  

  • Eastbound trips departing Willowcreek Plaza at 8:05 a.m. and Fleming College at 2:40 p.m.   

Route 7 Lansdowne will continue to operate every 30 minutes. 

Route 9 Parkhill 

The following weekday trips will be temporarily suspended until Sept. 8, when schools resume: 

  • Westbound trips departing Trent University at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.  

  • Eastbound trip departing Parkhill Road at Medical Drive at 2:30 p.m.  

Route 33 Bridgenorth 

Peterborough Transit is making minor schedule adjustments to Route 33 Bridgenorth following a review of the new route. 

Effective June 29, the following changes will be in place: 

  • The first morning trip, currently starting at 7:45 a.m., will now begin on Carnegie Avenue at Terraview Heights. The bus will travel from Carnegie Avenue, turn right onto Woodland Drive, and continue to Trent University – Bata Library. This trip previously started at Woodland Drive at Carnegie Avenue.  

  • The northbound trips departing at 8 a.m. and 6:40 p.m. will have a reduced scheduled travel time, from 45 minutes to 40 minutes.  

  • The southbound trips departing at 8:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. will have a reduced scheduled travel time, from 45 minutes to 40 minutes.  

  • The southbound trip from Bridgenorth Library will now depart at 8:45 a.m. instead of 8:50 a.m.  

Passengers are encouraged to check the updated schedule before travelling.

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Connection, Care and Community at the Heart of Sage & Soul Collective in Millbrook

By Scott Arnold

After months of planning, renovations and anticipation, Sage & Soul Collective officially welcomed the community through its doors Thursday, marking the beginning of a new chapter for two local entrepreneurs with a shared vision for wellness.

amanda and missy had their grand opening today in millbrook at sage & soul

Amanda Willett and Missy Gurley at their grand opening thursday for sage & soul collective in millbrook (photo by scott arnold)

The new business, located at 4 Union St. in Millbrook, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community members, local officials, business supporters and family members.

Amanda Willett and Missy Gurley at their grand opening thursday for sage & soul in millbrook

mayor matthew graham, rose terry of community futures peterborough, president & ceo of the chamber of commerce brenda whitehead and peterborough county’s sarah budd, joined owners missy gurley and amanda willett for the grand opening of sage & soul collective (photo by scott arnold)

For co-owners Amanda Willett and Missy Gurley, the day was both exciting and emotional.

"It was a lot more emotional than I expected it to be," Gurley said following the ceremony. "It's kind of the finale of all this hard work. Not really the finale. It's the start of something exciting, but the finale of the hard work."

located at 4 union street in millbrook, sage & soul collective is now open to the public

sage & soul collective held their official grand opening ceremony in millbrook on thursday (photo by scott arnold)

The idea for Sage & Soul Collective began with a simple conversation.

Gurley said Willett was her yoga instructor when the two started talking about their shared desire to create something in Millbrook. Gurley wanted to establish a local office, while Willett had been searching for a space to expand her wellness offerings.

A few months later, Willett found a location and asked if they should pursue the opportunity together.

"It all kind of came together into this really cool, beautiful concept," Gurley said.

That concept has now become a multi-faceted wellness space designed to bring several services together under one roof.

a five sensory sauna  with infrared heat at sage & soul, that offers red light therapy, salt therapy, aromatherapy chromotherapy and sound therapy

a head spa will soon be available at sage & soul collective at 4 union st. in millbrook (photo by scott arnold)

Located in the heart of Millbrook, Sage & Soul Collective combines wellness programming, movement classes, coaching services, retail offerings, a micro café and relaxation experiences in what the owners describe as an intentionally designed community sanctuary.

a head spa will soon be available at sage & soul collective at 4 union st. in millbrook

lots of options at the micro café located inside sage & soul collective (photo by scott arnold)

Visitors can browse locally sourced products, enjoy smoothies, superfood lattes and wellness beverages, take part in yoga and restorative classes, or book time in the facility's Halo Sauna.

One of the centrepieces of the space is the sauna itself, which Gurley describes as a five-sensory experience featuring infrared heat, salt therapy, aromatherapy, chromotherapy, red light therapy and sound therapy.

"There are not very many of these in Canada," she said.

lots of options at the micro café located inside sage & soul collective

a five sensory sauna with infrared heat at sage & soul, that offers red light therapy, salt therapy, aromatherapy chromotherapy and sound therapy (photo by scott arnold)

The business also incorporates an element often absent from traditional wellness spaces: financial wellness.

Willett, who spent more than two decades working in corporate leadership while building businesses on the side, said her own experiences with stress and health challenges helped shape the vision behind Sage & Soul.

"I've always dreamed of having my own wellness space and really creating something that I felt didn't exist in this town," she said.

The collective was built around the idea that wellness extends beyond physical health.

"We're trying to create a destination holistically that encompasses all dimensions of wellness," Willett explained.

That philosophy is reflected in the partnership itself. While Willett brings experience in trauma recovery coaching, healing arts and wellness education, Gurley is the founder of Sage Advice Financial and works as a financial advisor. Together, they hope to support both personal and financial well-being.

sage & soul collective was busy all morning after cutton the ribbon cutton at their grand opening ceremony thursday (photo by scott arnold)

The pair say community has played a major role in helping bring the project to life.

During Thursday's celebration, both owners thanked supporters, family members, friends, local organizations and community partners who helped make the business possible.

"It takes a village," Willett told those gathered.

Support came from organizations including Community Futures Peterborough, the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough County, the Township of Cavan Monaghan and the Millbrook Business Improvement Area.

Community & Economic Development Manager for Peterborough County, Sarah Budd, was also on hand to congratulate the owners and praise the vision behind the new wellness space.

"I encourage everyone to explore and to support this incredible new addition," said Budd.

Rose Terry of Community Futures Peterborough said the organization had been working alongside the owners for months leading up to the opening.

"To be able to see their dream turn into a reality is the best thing," Terry said.

food and drinks were on hand at the opening of sage & soul

lots of treats and refreshments greeted the public as the doors officially opened to sage & soul (photo by scott arnold)

Mayor Matthew Graham also welcomed the business to the village, noting the owners received support through the township's Community Improvement Program, which assists projects involving improvements such as signage and beautification.

"We just want to welcome you to the village," Graham said. "We hope that this day and all the days after it are everything you wanted and planned for."

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Brenda Whitehead said every ribbon cutting represents much more than the opening of a business.

"Behind every ribbon cutting is a story," she said. "Opening a business takes heart, and it takes people who are willing to bet on themselves and, more importantly, on their community."

Whitehead also highlighted the impact women entrepreneurs continue to have throughout the region.

"Women entrepreneurs continue to make an incredible impact in all of our communities," she said. "They are innovators, leaders, mentors, employers and change makers."

sage & soul millbrook yoga, therapy, spa

the grand opening of sage & soul in millbrook was a great success on thursday (photo by scott arnold)

While the main floor is now open, the owners say there is more to come.

Plans are already underway to expand into the building's upper level, where a spa area will include head spa treatments, massage services, facials, nail services and additional wellness offerings.

community support was strong during the grand opening festivities at sage & soul (photo by brad wood)

The collective also plans to host workshops, seasonal gatherings and community-focused events, while creating opportunities for local artisans and makers to showcase their products.

For Willett, one of the most rewarding moments of opening day was seeing the community response.

"We are so excited to bring our vision to life here in Millbrook," she said.

Judging by the steady stream of visitors who filled the space throughout Thursday's celebration, that vision is already beginning to resonate.


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

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United Way Peterborough & District Introduces New CEO For July 6

The United Way Peterborough & District has introduced Jason Seguya as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of his predecessor, Jim Russell, who announced his departure earlier this year after a 15-year tenure.

Seguya, incoming United Way Peterborough & District CEO (left) sharing a heartelt handshake with Jim Russell, the outgoing CEO (right) as the former is officially introduced to the public. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Seguya says that Russell’s legacy is momentum that should be continued to create a positive impact for Peterborough and the surrounding communities.

“The work that he has done for this organization has been so integral in the organization's growth and that does not stop here today,” he explained. “It continues with more faces, more hands and more individuals involved, including myself, to make that work impactful.”

The 27-year-old assumes the role on July 6. A Ugandan native, he immigrated to Toronto and then sought his post-secondary education in Ottawa.

He previously served as the executive director of The Fulcrum Publishing Society for the University of Ottawa and Ontario Student Voices.

“I am deeply honoured to be joining United Way Peterborough & District and to have the opportunity to build on the incredible legacy of leadership, service, and community impact that Jim and the team have advanced,” said Seguya. “I believe the strength of any sustainable, long-standing organization lies in its people,and United Way Peterborough & District’s impact has continuously been made possible by the dedication of its staff, board, volunteers, donors, partners, and community members who have brought this mission to life every day. I look forward to working alongside them, with dedication and care as we share this journey ahead.”

Russell announced his retirement from the position this past December. He says he will remain in Peterborough, citing the fact that he met the love of his life here and jokingly adding that she ensured he stayed in town.

“Serving this community through United Way Peterborough & District has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Russell. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together alongside our staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters. As I prepare for retirement, I do so with deep confidence in the future of this organization. United Way’s best days are still ahead.”

“Jim’s dedication and leadership have positioned United Way Peterborough & District for continued success and a smooth transition as he enters his well-earned retirement,” said Karen Wilson, Board of Directors Chair. “After a careful and deliberate selection process, the Board is proud to make this announcement to our community.”

@ptbo_canada Jason Seguya has been named the new CEO of United Way Peterborough & District, assuming the role on July 6, 2026! #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #unitedway ♬ The Edge Of Everything - Ryman Leon

Seguya remarked that a community is not something you inherit; it is something you build. He is ready to move forward and hit the ground running once he officially assumes the CEO role.

“One of the key things that's been made with both the board of directors and staff is really incorporating reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion in our work,” he explained. “What this looks like internal to the organization is boosting the capacity so we're able to speak on these items and support communities whereas externally, removing some barriers so that folks can engage with the United Way Peterborough & District in different ways.”

According to the United Way, Seguya duties include working closely with staff, volunteers, community partners and donors with a focus on strengthening community impact and advancing United Way’s long-standing leadership in local social change.

“It really leans on that belief that if you support those who are most vulnerable, all will benefit from it,” said Seguya. “That's one element of this work but the other element is truly rooted in community and that will be an ongoing conversation which will pass discussion by discussion, issue by issue.”

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