Selwyn Man Facing Charges After Police say he Drove Impaired, Assaulted his Partner and Spit at Officers

A 34-year-old Selwyn man is facing multiple charges following a reported intimate partner assault and impaired driving investigation Friday night.

Selwyn Man facing numerous charges after police say he drove impaired, assaulted his partner and then spit at officers (photo via instagram @peterboroughpolice)

Peterborough Police say officers were called shortly after midnight on Friday, July 10, after receiving a report from a victim who said they had been assaulted by their partner while inside a vehicle.

Police say the vehicle was believed to be in the downtown area. Officers searched the area and located the vehicle near Rubidge Street and Parkhill Road, where they spoke with the driver and observed signs of impairment.

During the investigation into the reported intimate partner violence incident and suspected impaired operation, police say the accused became uncooperative and spat at officers.

A 34-year-old Selwyn man was arrested and charged with spousal assault, assaulting a peace officer, operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration over 80, and operation while impaired by alcohol and drugs.

The accused was held in custody and appeared in Weekend and Statutory Holiday (WASH) court on July 11.

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Heat Warning Issued for Peterborough and Surrounding Region

By Scott Arnold

A Yellow Heat Warning is in effect across Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton, with hot and humid conditions expected to last through Thursday.

lakeland public health has issued a heat warning for the area. daytime highs are forecasted to reach up to 37° C, with a humidex of 38 to 45, while Overnight lows are expected to remain above 20-24°C. the heat warning is expected to end Thursday,

Lakelands Public Health is encouraging residents to take precautions as temperatures climb over the next several days. Daytime highs are expected to reach up to 37 C, with humidex values between 38 and 45. Overnight temperatures are also forecast to stay above 20 to 24 C, offering little relief from the heat.

The prolonged heat increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly for older adults, young children, pregnant people, those with certain chronic health conditions, people working outdoors and anyone without access to air conditioning.

Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water, limit time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and avoid strenuous outdoor activities whenever possible.

Lakelands Public Health is also asking people to check in on friends, family and neighbours, especially those who live alone or may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, nausea, headaches or extreme thirst should move to a cool place and drink water immediately. Signs of heat stroke, including confusion, fainting, a body temperature above 39 C or hot, dry skin, require immediate medical attention by calling 911.

The heat warning is expected to remain in effect until Thursday, July 16.

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

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Free Water Refill Stations Open Across Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

Residents can refill reusable water bottles for free at several parks and municipal facilities across Peterborough this summer.

free water stations are available throughout peterborough to help residents stay cool during the summer heat, including this one at quaker foods city square downtown (photo by scott arnold)

The City of Peterborough is reminding residents that free water refill stations are available at a number of locations across the city.

Outdoor refill stations can be found at Quaker Foods City Square, Eastgate Park, the Marina, Beavermead Park, Rogers Cove and Bonnerworth Park.

Indoor refill stations are available during regular operating hours at the Peterborough Public Library, the Social Services office, the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, Miskin Law Community Complex, Healthy Planet Arena and Kinsmen Civic Centre.

Residents are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle when visiting City parks and facilities this summer and take advantage of the free refill stations available throughout Peterborough.

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

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Jr. C Lakers Even Central Division Final With Game 2 Win in Whitby

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers are heading home with the Central Division Final tied after edging the Whitby Warriors 8-7 in Game 2 on Sunday afternoon.

the peterborough jr c lakers beat whitby on sunday to knot the central division final at a game apiece. game 3 goes wednesday at 8pm at the healthy planet arena (photo courtesy of facebook @ptbojrclakers)

The Lakers rebounded from their Game 1 loss by earning a split on the road in Whitby, evening the best-of-five series at one game apiece.

Peterborough led 4-2 after the first period and carried a 7-5 advantage into the third. Whitby battled back to tie the game with a pair of power-play goals before Ryder Perry scored the game winner with 13:47 remaining to give the Lakers the victory.

Game 3 is set for Wednesday at 8 pm at Healthy Planet Arena, with the series now guaranteed to return to Whitby for Game 4 on Friday if necessary.

Perry led the Lakers with five goals, including the game winner, while Quinn Jacobs scored twice and Braxtin Howard added the other goal.

Howard also chipped in two assists, while Bobby Crowe recorded two assists. Charlie Evans finished with two assists, with Kyson Campbell, Ricky Bevan and Cardiff Mader adding one assist each.

Game 3 of the best-of-five series is set for Wednesday at 8pm at the Healthy Planet Arena.

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

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Pick Family Legacy Lives On Through New Affordable Housing at The Mount

By Scott Arnold

An emotional dedication ceremony celebrated a transformational gift that completed 11 new affordable housing apartments while reminding everyone that behind every donation is a life being changed.

Martin and denise pick (on the left) and dr. Rardi Van Heest and charles pick with the plaque that was unveilled at the mount on friday in honour of the donation from the remembering otto and marie pick charitable foundation (photo by scott arnold)

There were plenty of thank yous, speeches and presentations inside Austin Doran Hall on Friday morning, but it was one resident's story that reminded everyone exactly why they had gathered.

The Mount Community Centre officially dedicated its newest residential wing in honour of the Remembering Otto and Marie Pick Charitable Foundation, recognizing the family's transformational donation that helped complete 11 new affordable housing apartments and structural improvements to the historic building. The project marked the completion of the final residential section of The Mount, with construction finishing in October 2025.

Board Chair Stephen Kylie said the donation was about much more than completing a construction project.

"You didn't just write a cheque, you invested deeply in the people this building will serve in our community for years to come," Kylie told the Pick family.

martin pick shaking hands with mount board chair stephen kylie and the mayor jeff leal and the rest of the pick family look on (photo by scott arnold)

Throughout the ceremony, speaker after speaker praised the Pick family's generosity and commitment to helping others. Community leaders, including Mayor Jeff Leal and MPP Dave Smith, joined Mount Community Centre staff, volunteers and supporters in celebrating both the family's legacy and the impact the new apartments will have on affordable housing in Peterborough.

mayor jeff leal, the pick family and board members from the mount gathered for a picture after a touching ceremony today to announce the details of a donation from the remembering otto and marie pick charitable foundation (photo by scott arnold)

But the focus wasn't simply on the building itself. It was about what those apartments now mean for the people who call them home.

One of those people is Lisa Masters.

Fighting back emotion, Masters shared how a series of life-changing events, including health challenges, financial struggles and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, left her searching for somewhere safe and affordable to live.

"I am one of the recipients of your generosity," Masters said.

She told those gathered that finding a home at The Mount changed everything. For someone living on a disability pension while awaiting a kidney transplant, having a clean, safe and supportive place to live has made an enormous difference, not only to her physical health but to her outlook on life.

"It's very difficult to find a safe place that is clean... and most of all makes you feel like you actually have a home," she said.
Her heartfelt remarks left many in the room visibly emotional.

For Charles Pick, grandson of Otto and Marie Pick, hearing her story became the defining moment of the day.

"Lisa, thank you for sharing your story," Pick began before telling the audience, "You put a face on that and it really adds so much more meaning to what we do."

lisa masters listening to a speaker today at the mount community centre with the pick family behind her. masters shared a very emotional story about her journey and how the donation from the pick family have helped her find a safe place to call home (photo by scott arnold)

During his remarks, Pick reflected on the foundation created to honour his grandparents, who fled Czechoslovakia just months before the Nazi invasion in 1938 and eventually built a successful seed business after arriving in Canada.

That business later grew into one of the world's largest forage seed companies before being sold in 2013. The proceeds helped expand the family's charitable foundation, allowing it to support projects focused on healthcare, housing, food security and poverty.

The foundation's mission, he explained, is rooted in helping people facing social need while supporting quality healthcare, with the hope that investments like affordable housing create positive ripple effects throughout the community.

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Following the ceremony, Pick and his wife, Dr. Rardi Van Heest, said Masters' story gave deeper meaning to the family's philanthropy.

"When we start donating and we think about what we want to achieve, we think of a building, rooms, apartments," Van Heest said. "It's really nice when you actually get to hear from somebody who's there, who's using it. It provides a lot of context to everything we do because you don't always get to see the people that you impact."

Pick agreed, saying it was a powerful reminder that the project was never just about constructing apartments.

"It's not just rooms and numbers," he said. "It's an entire person's life that is being dramatically changed."

He admitted his family isn't comfortable being the centre of attention and said hearing from residents was far more meaningful than receiving recognition.

"It was nice to be able to focus on what our work had actually been able to accomplish."

mpp dave smith (right) presented ba certificate to board chair stephen kylie (middle) and Charles pick (photo by scott arnold)

The foundation's connection to Peterborough runs deep.

Although the Pick family's charitable work stretches across Ontario, Peterborough has become an important part of that legacy. Pick said his parents have lived in the city since the early 1990s, making it a community the family genuinely wants to invest in.

"We've been very fortunate," he said. "To be able to give back is a privilege for us because it creates a better place for the people that we're helping, but also for us too."

Van Heest added that giving back simply comes with the ability to help.

"When you have the ability to do something, I think you should. Because if not us, then who? And if not now, then when?" she said.

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of commemorative plaques that will permanently recognize the Pick family's contribution and ensure future residents know the story behind the new wing.

the mount community centre unveilled the plaque that will go near the entrance, recognizing the generous donation from the remembering otto and marie charitable foundation (photo by

By the end of the morning, it was clear the day wasn't simply about the completion of a construction project.

It was about a family's legacy, a community coming together, and the lives that will continue to be changed every time someone finds a safe place to call home.

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

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Break-Ins at Two Peterborough Businesses Believed to be Connected

Police are investigating two early morning break-ins that happened about an hour apart and are asking for the public's help to identify three suspects.

peterborough police are looking for suspects after two early morning break-ins that occured on friday (screenshot from peterborough police youtube video)

Peterborough Police say officers responded to two commercial break-ins during the early morning hours of Friday, July 10, and investigators believe the incidents are connected.

The first happened at about 1 am at a gas station on Highway 7 near Brown Line. After arriving at the scene and confirming no one was inside the building, officers reviewed security footage that showed a red SUV pulling up to the business. Police say three people got out of the vehicle, smashed a window, entered the store and left with two storage totes filled with items.

About an hour later, at approximately 2 am, officers were called to a convenience store in the Park Street South and Braidwood Avenue area. According to police, security video shows the same type of red SUV arriving before two suspects smashed their way into the business and fled with storage totes of merchandise.

Police have released descriptions of the three suspects:

• Suspect 1: Believed to be a white male, about 5-foot-10, wearing black Nike joggers, black Jordan sneakers, a black balaclava and red gloves. Police say this person was driving the SUV.

• Suspect 2: Believed to be a white male, about 6 feet tall, wearing a black sweatsuit, black balaclava, black leather gloves and grey Adidas sneakers. Police say this suspect was carrying a sledgehammer.

• Suspect 3: Believed to be a white male, about 6 feet tall, wearing a black zippered hoodie, green camouflage cargo shorts over black pants, black boots, a camouflage balaclava and black gloves.

Investigators believe the two break-ins are connected. Anyone with information is asked to contact Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 ext. 555 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

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City Seeking Public Feedback on Park Street North Improvements

Peterborough residents are being asked to share their feedback on proposed transportation improvements for Park Street North before the plans go to City Council.

The City of Peterborough is reviewing transportation safety, cycling, and pedestrian improvements for Park Street North from Wolsely Street to Sherbrooke Street (photo via city of peterborough)

The City of Peterborough has launched a public consultation for proposed changes to Park Street North between Wolsely Street and Sherbrooke Street as part of planned road resurfacing work in 2026.

The proposed improvements are aimed at making the corridor safer and more connected for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. The work would be completed within the existing roadway, meaning there would be no changes to sidewalks, trees, driveways or boulevards.

Some of the proposed changes include adding cycling facilities, reducing speed limits, narrowing travel lanes to help discourage speeding, and improving pedestrian safety. The City is also considering changes to on-street parking in some sections of the corridor.

Park Street is undergoing road surface repairs in 2026. As a part of this work, new asphalt and pavement markings will be applied to the roadway (image via city of peterborough)

Residents can review the proposed plans and provide feedback through an online survey and comment form until 11:59 pm on Wednesday, July 22.

The feedback collected during the consultation will help shape the final recommendations that will be presented to Peterborough City Council.

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Lakers Move Into Third Place After Wild Win Over North Stars

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers climbed back above .500 and into third place in the Major Series Lacrosse standings Thursday night, defeating the Owen Sound North Stars 13-5 in a game that featured plenty of offence, as well as a goalie fight late in the second period.

the two goalies went at it thursday night, with owen sound’s Andrew kidd (left) and peterborough’s decan knott squaring up late in the second period

The victory improves Peterborough to 7-6 on the season, moving the Lakers past Brooklin and into third place in the MSL standings with a game in hand.

While the final score was lopsided, the game will likely be remembered for what happened late in the second period.

With the Lakers leading 12-2, Jake Withers was involved in a scrum after being high-sticked in the corner. As officials escorted him away, Owen Sound starting goaltender Kaleb Martin, who had already been pulled earlier in the game, left the North Stars bench to challenge Withers, with the two exchanging several punches after breaking free from the referees who were doing their best to keep them apart.

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Seconds after officials separated them, Owen Sound goaltender Andrew Kidd left his crease and sprinted the length of the floor to challenge Lakers netminder Deacan Knott. After both goalies removed their upper equipment and squared up in the Lakers zone, they exchanged punches at the same time. Knott's punch landed flush, sending Kidd stumbling backwards before falling to the turf. All three goaltenders involved in the altercations were ejected from the game.

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Before the fireworks, the Lakers had already taken complete control.

Peterborough built a 5-0 lead after the opening period behind two goals from Holden Cattoni, along with singles from Rob Hellyer, Justin Sykes and Mike Robinson. Robinson also made history with one of the night's highlight-reel goals, scoring on a beautiful dunk play from behind the net.

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The Lakers stretched their advantage to 12-0 before Owen Sound finally broke through, with Dustyn Birkhof scoring twice in the second period. The veteran defenceman finished with a career-high three points, including the first multi-goal game of his MSL career.

Birkhof downplayed his rare offensive outburst and gave all the credit to his teammates, saying “we’ve just got hard working guys all around on our team, getting all the loose balls and they’re the ones making the play and I just got lucky and got the ball a few times”.

Braedon Saris and DJ Clark also scored twice, Robinson added his second of the night, and Hellyer capped his two-goal performance with Peterborough's final goal in the third period.

Knott stopped the first 35 minutes without allowing a goal before his ejection, while Nick Rose came on in relief to finish the game.

Peterborough received balanced scoring throughout the lineup. Saris led the way with six points on two goals and four assists, while Hellyer recorded five points (2G, 3A). Robinson and Clark each finished with four points (2G, 2A), Cattoni had four points (2G, 2A), Birkhof collected three (2G, 1A), Sykes added two (1G, 1A), Thomas Hoggarth chipped in two assists, and Dylan Hutchison recorded an assist.

The Lakers outshot Owen Sound 59-43 and converted three of six power-play opportunities in front of a crowd of 2,185 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Peterborough returns to action next Thursday when the second-place Oakville Rock make their only regular season visit to the PMC for Little Lakers Night in support of Five Counties Children's Centre.

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

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Peterborough Petes' Alex Darling Named to Hockey Canada Staff

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Petes Video Coach and Assistant to the General Manager Alex Darling has been selected to represent Hockey Canada at this year's National Under-17 Development Camp and the 2026 U17 World Challenge.

Peterborough Petes Video Coach and Assistant to the General Manager Alex Darling has been selected to represent Hockey Canada later this year at the u17 world challenge in oakville (photo courtesy of the peterborough petes, via david pickering)

Hockey Canada announced Thursday that Darling has been named video coach for Team White, one of two Canadian teams that will compete at the 2026 U17 World Challenge, taking place Nov. 1 to 7 in Oakville.

Before the tournament, Darling will also serve on Team White's staff at Hockey Canada's National Under-17 Development Camp, which runs July 17 to 21 at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville. The camp will bring together many of the country's top under-17 players for practices and exhibition games before final evaluations are made ahead of the tournament.

Darling has been with the Peterborough Petes organization since 2021, first joining as a sales and service intern before moving into an administration and community engagement internship the following year.

He was promoted to Video Coach and Assistant to the General Manager before the 2023-24 season after serving as the team's video coordinator. Darling was also part of the Petes coaching staff during the club's 2023 Ontario Hockey League championship run.

A graduate of Brock University's Sport Management program, Darling has continued to take on a larger role with the Petes organization, and his selection by Hockey Canada marks another milestone in his coaching career.

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

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Public Art Installation Underway at Peterborough Transit Terminal

By Scott Arnold

Work has begun on a new public art installation at the Peterborough Transit Terminal, with some temporary changes in place for transit riders over the next several weeks.

work on a public art installation has begun has the simcoe street transit terminal in downtown peterborough (photo by scott arnold)

Crews have started installing the artwork at the Simcoe Street Transit Terminal as part of the City's ongoing investment in public art and placemaking.

Installation is expected to take about four weeks and will take place between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

The work will be completed in sections, beginning at the west end of the terminal before moving east through the bus bays. To accommodate the installation, up to two transit bays will be closed at a time. Bus routes that normally use those bays will be temporarily relocated to stops along Simcoe Street until work in each area is finished.

Equipment and machinery will be on site throughout the project, and transit users are encouraged to watch for posted signage while moving through the terminal.

The Peterborough Transit customer service desk will remain open during construction. Hours are 8:30 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to noon and 12:30 pm to 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The public art project is part of the broader rehabilitation of the Simcoe Street Transit Terminal. Backed by a $100,000 budget, the artwork will be integrated into the exterior of the terminal and is intended to enhance the space through creative expression and community storytelling.

Work has begun on a new public art installation at the Peterborough Transit Terminal, with some temporary changes in place for transit riders over the next several weeks (photo by scott arnold)

The project is funded through a combination of municipal investment and support from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program as part of the terminal rehabilitation project.

The selected artist and the final design will be officially recognized during a celebration planned for the fall.

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

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