Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough Names New Interim Executive Director
/The Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough (DSP) has appointed Laura Geffert as Interim Executive Director.
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Peterborough Blogs
Tentative Agreement Reached Between Trent University and Employees’ Union
/Negotiating teams for Trent University and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union have reached a tentative settlement on a new collective agreement.
Photo courtesy of Trent University.
According to a press release, both sides have agreed to recommend the tentative settlement to their respective parties.
Union members are being provided information regarding a meeting to ratify the agreement. The settlement is also subject to ratification by the University’s Board of Governors.
Tentative agreement details will be released through joint communiques after ratification.
OPSEU represents over 520 employees at Trent University.
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Kawartha ATV Association Reaches $100,000 Milestone for Care at Ross Memorial Hospital
/By Scott Arnold
A decade of trail rides has turned into a remarkable community legacy, with the Kawartha ATV Association surpassing $100,000 in donations to support patient care at Ross Memorial Hospital.
the kawartha atv associations poker run has now raised over $100,000 for the ross memorial hospital foundation (photo courtesy of the ross memorial hospital)
What started as an annual day on the trails has grown into one of the Kawartha Lakes community's most successful fundraising traditions.
Following this year's Poker Run on June 6, the Kawartha ATV Association (KATVA) presented $15,579.44 to the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation, bringing the group's total donations over the past 10 years to $100,008.44.
The milestone was reached thanks to another strong turnout for the event, which welcomed 218 adult riders, 11 youth participants, 50 volunteers and support from more than 50 local businesses and community partners. An anonymous donation also helped push this year's fundraising total over the six-figure mark.
Over the past decade, money raised through KATVA's Poker Runs has supported several important initiatives at Ross Memorial Hospital, including the Emergency Department expansion, the creation of the Mental Health Emergency Services Unit, and equipment and patient care needs in the Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Operating Room and Diagnostic Imaging Department.
Reaching $100,000 in lifetime giving also earns the association Founder-level recognition on the 1902 Society Wall in Ross Memorial Hospital's main lobby.
"This is something every member of the KATVA family should be proud of," said Rhonda White of KATVA. "Thank you for helping us make a difference in our community, supporting projects that benefit everyone."
With one major milestone now in the books, the group is already looking ahead. The next KATVA Poker Run is scheduled for June 5, 2027
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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PACA Prepping to Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Circus in the Park
/By Scott Arnold
Millennium Park will transform into an outdoor circus this summer as Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts celebrates its 10th anniversary with a free family event.
the peterborough academy of circus arts is hosting circus in the park to celebrate their 10th anniversary (photo via instagram @ptbocircus)
Circus in the Park takes place Saturday, July 25 from 9:30 am to 1 pm at Millennium Park.
Hosted by the Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts (PACA), the event will celebrate the organization's milestone anniversary while encouraging residents to enjoy the city's downtown greenspace and support nearby businesses.
Visitors can look forward to a full morning of family-friendly entertainment, including pop-up circus performances, roaming characters, interactive photo opportunities and a Circus Playzone featuring workshops in hula hooping, juggling, poi, flow stars, rope darts, staff spinning and obstacle courses led by PACA coaches.
The event will also include a tickle trunk filled with nature-themed costumes for children and families to borrow, while DJ Miss Moss Bubbles will provide music throughout the morning.
PACA will also have a health and safety tent on site offering free sunscreen, water, electrolyte beverages and first aid services.
Admission is free, although donations to support the local non-profit circus school will be accepted.
Organizers say the event is designed to offer a fun, interactive experience for all ages while celebrating a decade of circus arts in the Peterborough community.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Lakefield Fair Set to Return This Month for 171st Edition
/By Scott Arnold
For generations, the Lakefield Fair has brought together families, farmers, neighbours and visitors for a weekend that celebrates everything people love about rural life.
A community tradition since 1855 continues this month with the 171st edition of the Lakefield fair (photo via facebook @Lakefieldfair)
The countdown is on for the 171st Lakefield Fair, as the Lakefield Agricultural Society gets ready to welcome thousands of visitors back to the fairgrounds on July 25 and 26.
First held in 1855, the fair has remained one of the area's longest-running community traditions. While plenty has changed since those early days, the heart of the event has stayed the same, giving people a place to gather, reconnect and enjoy a weekend filled with agriculture, entertainment and family fun.
Whether it's a family's first visit or an annual tradition that spans generations, there's something about the Lakefield Fair that keeps people coming back year after year.
The weekend is packed with activities for all ages. Visitors can stroll through the grounds to browse local vendors, stop by the Homecraft Building, meet farm animals in the mini farm, watch livestock competitions, enjoy pony rides or take in demonstrations from the Heat Wave Blacksmith.
Families with young children will find plenty to keep them busy, including a Paw Patrol Meet & Greet, children's live music performances, a magician and a midway by Gable Brothers featuring rides and games.
For those who enjoy a little more excitement, the fair's signature events return once again. The ever-popular Demolition Derby takes over Saturday afternoon, while Sunday's Mud Bog is expected to draw another enthusiastic crowd. Visitors can also get an up-close look at a variety of vehicles during the Touch-a-Truck event on Sunday.
Agriculture remains at the centre of the fair, with cattle, sheep and goat shows highlighting the hard work of local farmers and exhibitors. There are also a few lighthearted competitions mixed into the weekend, including the Politician's Cattle Show on Saturday and the Politician's Lemon Loaf Competition on Sunday.
after 170 years the core of the fair still remains agriculture and the always popular cattle show remains a staple of the event (photo via facebook @Lakefieldfair)
Of course, no trip to the fair would be complete without classic fair food. Homemade cookies, sandwiches and refreshments will once again be available in the kitchen throughout the weekend, while the beer tent will be open both days. A silent auction will also be running during the fair.
Saturday's festivities begin when the gates open at 10:30 a.m., with opening ceremonies taking place at 3 p.m. Sunday's gates also open at 10:30 a.m., although livestock competitions begin earlier in the morning with the sheep show at 9 a.m. and the goat show at 10 a.m.
The fair has long been known for attracting visitors from well beyond the local area. Last summer, music legend Neil Young and actor Darryl Hannah, who own property in the region, were even spotted taking in the festivities — a moment that quickly caught the attention of fairgoers and local residents alike.
As another summer arrives, the Lakefield Fair is once again set to celebrate the traditions that have made it a fixture in the community for generations. From agriculture and local talent to midway rides and friendly competition, it's a weekend that continues to offer something for nearly everyone while bringing people together in one of the area's most enduring annual traditions.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Peterborough Petes Sign Fenelon Falls Forward to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement
/The Peterborough Petes have signed 2007-born forward and Fenelon Falls native James McMurray to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, announced on Wednesday.
Photo courtesy of Emily Simonetta and the Peterborough Petes.
“It’s a dream come true to join the Petes, the team I grew up watching,” exclaimed McMurray. “I can’t wait to get the season started.”
McMurray has spent the last two years in Sheffield, Mass., playing for Berkshire School in the New England Prep School Athletic Council. He totalled 78 points in 65 games. A product of the Central Ontario Wolves organization, McMurray played for the Peterborough Petes U18s in 2023-24, leading the team in points with 47 in 34 games. That same season, he played in three games for the Lindsay Muskies of the OJHL, registering one assist.
“James is a player we've been tracking since his days with the Central Ontario Wolves,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We got to know him well during his time with the U18 Petes and when he attended our Development Camp in 2024. He’s a skilled forward who competes hard every shift and is coming off two strong seasons at Berkshire School in Massachusetts.”
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Peterborough Jr. C Lakers Renew Rivalry With Whitby Tonight in Division Final
/By Scott Arnold
The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers return to the floor Wednesday (July 8) as they open the Central Division Final against the rival Whitby Warriors at Healthy Planet Arena.
the Jr. C LAkers will begin their next round of playoff tonight (July 8) against a rival foe, the whitby warriors, at 8pm at the healthy planet arena (photo courtesy of jr c lakers, via Christine liu)
The Lakers advanced to the second round after sweeping the Huntsville Hawks in three games, winning by scores of 8-4, 8-7 and 10-5. Peterborough is chasing its third straight Meredith Cup championship.
Whitby also needed just three games to advance, sweeping the Clarington Gaels in its opening-round series.
The best-of-five Central Division Final begins Wednesday (July 8) at 8 pm at Healthy Planet Arena before shifting to Whitby for Game 2 on Sunday, July 12 at 2 pm.
The series returns to Healthy Planet Arena for Game 3 on Wednesday, July 15 at 8 pm.
If necessary, Game 4 will be played Friday, July 17 at 8 pm in Whitby, while a deciding Game 5 would be held Sunday, July 19 at 2 pm at Healthy Planet Arena.
The Lakers won two of their three regular season meetings with the Warriors this year, earning 12-6 and 10-9 victories at home before falling 6-5 in their lone trip to Whitby.
With both teams coming off first-round sweeps, the stage is set for another chapter in the rivalry between Peterborough and Whitby.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Peterborough Petes Release 2026 Preseason Schedule
/The Peterborough Petes have four games scheduled for the 2026 preseason, with two home and two road games, starting on Aug. 28.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.
Peterborough takes on the Guelph Storm and Ottawa 67’s on the road while hosting the Sarnia Sting and Niagara IceDogs.
The Petes full preseason schedule is as follows:
Friday, Aug. 28 @ Guelph Storm - 7:00 p.m. - Sleeman Centre
Thursday, Sept. 3 vs Sarnia Sting - 7:00 p.m. - Peterborough Memorial Centre
Saturday, Sept. 5 @ Ottawa 67’s - 4:00 p.m. - Bert Hall Arena - Arnprior, ON
Saturday, Sept. 12 vs Niagara IceDogs - Time TBD - Miskin Law Community Complex
@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes have four games scheduled for the 2026 preseason, with two home and two road games, starting on Aug. 28. #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #peterboroughpetes ♬ Winning - ROKKA
Five Counties Children’s Centre Family Leads the Charge For Little Lakers Night On July 16
/To lead the charge for the fourth consecutive year of the Little Lakers Night with the Peterborough Lakers, the Hyde family is representing Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) for July 16 against the Oakville Rock.
(from left to right) Georgia Dueck, Peterborough Lakers Game Day Operations; Isabelle Hyde, 8; Maureen Hyde; Edward Hyde, 8; Elizabeth Hyde, 12 and Kassie Graham, FCCC Community Engagement Coordinator. Last year’s Little Lakers Night netted $16,128 to support children’s treatment services at Five Counties. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The fundraising game directs all proceeds to FCCC’s Building Abilities for Life campaign, which enables more kids and youth in the region to access life-changing treatment services when they need them. The night also shines a spotlight on children and families who have benefited from FCCC’s services.
The Hyde family has had three children (Isabelle, 8; Edward, 8 and Elizabeth, 12) who have benefited from FCCC.
“We’ve done speech and we’ve done occupational therapy,” said Maureen Hyde. “Edward and Isabelle didn’t speak until later on in life… Edward does occupational therapy for his tightness of his legs for his autism… Elizabeth didn’t walk so they straightened her legs as well.”
“My hip would go out whenever I’d walk so I needed therapy for that,” added Elizabeth.
@ptbo_canada The fourth-annual Little Lakers Night takes over the Peterborough Memorial Centre as the @ptbolakerslax take on the Oakville Rock on July 16! All proceeds from the fundraising night go towards Five Counties Children’s Centre! #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #peterboroughlakers ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada
The Hyde’s will take part in the ceremonial pre-game ball drop.
“Little Lakers Night is one of those special events that brings our community together around a shared purpose — supporting children and families while celebrating the spirit of sport,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “For many of the kids and families we serve, this night creates unforgettable memories and opportunities to feel connected, included, and celebrated. We're deeply grateful to the Peterborough Lakers, our sponsors, and the community for helping make this event such a success year after year.”
“The partnership between the Lakers and Five Counties is something we're incredibly proud of,” says Pete Dalliday, Peterborough Lakers Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships. “Little Lakers Night is a chance for our team, our fans and our community to come together in support of local children and families. We’re excited to welcome Five Counties families and Lakers fans together for a fun-filled night that supports an incredible cause and showcases the positive impact we can make when we work together.”
Little Lakers Night kicks off with pre-game festivities starting at 7 pm. Activities and fundraising initiatives include face painting by donation, outdoor games, a ‘Pass the Bucket’ fundraiser and ‘Ball Toss for a Cause.’ During the game, a silent auction is being run with prizes such as Toronto Blue Jays tickets, a couples Float package, local gift cards, sports memorabilia and more. New this year is the debut of a new Lakers Jersey auction, with six available.
Tickets for Little Lakers Night on July 16 are available on the Five Counties website. Every $15 ticket purchased through Five Counties helps support children and families in the community.
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Fairbanks Morse Defense Establishes Official Canadian Headquarters After Rolls-Royce Acquisition
/Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) has finalized its acquisition of the Rolls-Royce Naval Handling facility at 597 The Queensway to serve as its Canadian headquarters, announced on Tuesday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
