Wildfire Smoke Expected to Return to Peterborough Today

By Scott Arnold

Air quality has improved across the Peterborough area Friday morning, but Environment Canada says wildfire smoke is expected to return later today.

Blue skies greeted Peterborough Friday morning before wildfire smoke was expected to return later in the day (photos by scott arnold)

In its latest update, issued at 6:40 am, Environment Canada said smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario is expected to move back into the region later today or this evening, bringing very poor air quality and reduced visibility. Poor air quality could continue into the weekend.

As smoke levels increase, Environment Canada is encouraging residents to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

Health officials say smoke can affect everyone, but older adults, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with existing health conditions and those who work outdoors are at greater risk. Those individuals should reduce or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

Common symptoms of smoke exposure include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and a mild cough. More serious symptoms, such as wheezing, chest pain or a severe cough, require immediate medical attention.

Air quality improved Friday morning, offering clearer skies across Peterborough ahead of the expected return of wildfire smoke. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Clearer conditions were seen over Peterborough Friday morning as Environment Canada warned smoke could return later today. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Peterborough woke up to blue skies Friday, but poor air quality is expected to return later today. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Friday morning brought improved air quality and clearer skies to Peterborough, though conditions may not last. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Blue skies were visible across Peterborough Friday morning before wildfire smoke was forecast to move back into the area. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Clear skies returned to Peterborough Friday morning, with wildfire smoke expected to increase later in the day. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

A break from the smoke brought clearer skies to Peterborough early Friday, according to Environment Canada. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Improved air quality made for a clearer start to Friday in Peterborough before smoke was expected to return. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Peterborough enjoyed a clearer start to the day Friday, though deteriorating air quality is expected later today. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Blue skies were on display over Peterborough Friday morning as air quality temporarily improved. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Clear conditions greeted Peterborough Friday morning, but wildfire smoke could return by this evening. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Friday began with clearer skies across Peterborough as smoke temporarily eased. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Improved conditions offered a brief glimpse of blue skies over Peterborough Friday morning. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Peterborough residents woke up to clearer skies Friday, with Environment Canada warning that smoke may return later today. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The smoke lifted enough for blue skies to return Friday morning, but the improvement is expected to be temporary. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Residents are encouraged to keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to help reduce smoke indoors. If spending time outside is necessary, a properly fitted N95 respirator or equivalent can help reduce exposure to fine smoke particles, although it does not eliminate health risks.

The Yellow Air Quality Warning remains in effect for Peterborough City, Lakefield and southern Peterborough County. Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring forecasts and alerts from Environment Canada for the latest conditions.

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

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Peterborough's Shawn Evans Earns Place in NLL Hall of Fame

By Scott Arnold

One of Peterborough's greatest lacrosse players is officially headed to the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame.

after an illustrious national lacrosse league career, Peterborough native shawn evans will be inducted in the nll hall of fame in september (photo courtesy of the nll)

Just one month after being named one of this year's Hall of Fame nominees, Evans has now officially earned one of the sport's highest honours.

Shawn Evans is among the eight members of the National Lacrosse League's Hall of Fame Class of 2026, earning one of the sport's highest honours following a remarkable 17-season professional career.

The Peterborough native and former Laker is joined in this year's class by Dan Dawson, Mark Steenhuis, Sandy Chapman, Mike Accursi, Jake Bergey, Gavin Prout and broadcaster John Gurtler.

While Evans is the local headline, Peterborough also has ties to three other members of this year's class. Accursi, Prout and Steenhuis each spent part of their playing careers with the Peterborough Lakers, adding even more local flavour to this year's Hall of Fame class.

Evans built one of the most accomplished careers in NLL history. A two-time league Most Valuable Player and a 2007 NLL champion with the Rochester Knighthawks, he finished his career with 1,358 regular-season points, ranking sixth all-time. He also sits fifth in league history in assists with 879 and is among the top 10 all-time in goals and games played.

Selected second overall by Rochester in the 2005 NLL Draft, Evans played for the Knighthawks, Calgary Roughnecks, New England Black Wolves, Buffalo Bandits, Halifax Thunderbirds and Vancouver Warriors before retiring following the 2023 season.

The NLL Hall of Fame is the league's highest honour, recognizing individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on professional box lacrosse. This year's class includes four players, three veterans and one builder from the media category.

Evans is being inducted alongside fellow player category members Dawson, Steenhuis and Chapman. The veteran category includes Accursi, Bergey and Prout, while Gurtler was selected in the builder category for his longtime contributions to broadcasting the game.

Evans becomes the third Peterborough native inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame, joining Tracey Kelusky and John Grant Jr., who were inducted in 2016 and 2021 respectively.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled to take place this September at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in New York.

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

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Saturday's Lock & Paddle Event Cancelled Due to Air Quality Concerns

Parks Canada has cancelled Lock & Paddle, which was scheduled for Saturday at the Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site, due to air quality concerns.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

According to Parks Canada, their decision was made out of an abundance of caution due to forecasted weather conditions and concerns about air quality, with the health and safety of participants, volunteers and staff remaining our highest priority.

As this event depends on the availability of the Peterborough Lift Lock and on operational requirements during the navigation season, Lock & Paddle will not be rescheduled this year.

Parks Canada released the following statement:

“We recognize that many paddlers and community members were looking forward to this unique event, and we appreciate your understanding.

Thank you to everyone who planned to join us, as well as our event partners and volunteers, for their continued support.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Peterborough Lift Lock for future events and opportunities to experience this remarkable National Historic Site.”

In addition to Lock & Paddle, the Beavermead Beach Party, which runs alongside the event, has also been cancelled.

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Ontario Government Gives Peterborough Over $1.6 Million Through the Building Faster Fund After Reaching Housing Targets

The Ontario Government has rewarded the City of Peterborough with $1,653,397, which provides funding to municipalities that achieve at least 80 per cent of their provincially designated housing targets, announced at City Hall on Wednesday.

City Staff and local politicans with Rob Flack (middle) recieving the $1.6 million for reaching 80 per cent of Peterborough’s housing targets. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding came through the third round of the Building Faster Fund.

Last year, Peterborough broke ground on 545 new homes, exceeding its annual target by 16 per cent. The funding will help the City of Peterborough build more homes and community infrastructure while advancing the province’s plan to protect Ontario by investing in projects that support economic growth and keep workers on the job according to Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“Our government is relentlessly focused on creating the conditions municipalities need to meet the growing demand for more homes,” he said. “That is why we have introduced bold legislative changes and introduced measures such as the Development Charge Reduction Program. We appreciate partners like Peterborough who are committed to working alongside us.”

Announced in August 2023, the Building Faster Fund is a three-year, up to $1.2 billion program that helps municipalities build more homes faster. The fund rewards municipalities that make significant progress toward their housing targets by providing funding for the infrastructure needed to support new housing and growing communities.

“The City of Peterborough is taking action to support housing construction by reducing development charges and streamlining our development approvals process through the implementation of a Community Planning Permit System,” said Jeff Leal, Mayor of Peterborough. Together, we're creating the conditions for builders to create homes and jobs in our community.”

Flack added that the Ontario Government is also helping to speed up the construction of new homes and infrastructure by streamlining development processes and reducing unnecessary costs, most recently through the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026 and the HST Relief Implementation Act (Residential Property Rebates), 2026.

As part of the up to $8.8 billion Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build, Ontario has introduced the Development Charge Reduction Program, which will provide funding for housing-enabling infrastructure projects over a 10-year period. Funding will be prioritized for municipalities that reduce and maintain reductions on development charges.

The agreement also supports removing HST on new homes from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, which will save homebuyers up to $130,000 on the cost of a new home. Collectively, these measures help to enhance affordability, support builders as they get shovels in the ground on new homes and keep workers on the job.

“We know that increasing the housing supply is the best way to make life more affordable for seniors and young families in Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Exceeding our provincial targets means our community has earned a $1.65 million reward. This funding goes straight into building the foundation—the pipes, roads, and local services—needed to keep our building momentum going.”

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Ranked Among Top 10 Hospitals For Workplace Culture In Canada

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has been named one of the top 10 hospital employers in Canada for Best Company Culture by Forbes, as announced on Wednesday.

PRHC employs over 3,100 staff and 250 volunteers. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be part of an organization that fully commits itself to providing a workplace where people can thrive the way PRHC has done,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President & CEO. “Our people are vital to the work we do every day, and every day we strive to provide meaningful opportunities, care and support for this amazing team so they can be there for you when you need them most.

PRHC ranks eighth among hospital employers nationwide and 63rd overall among 200 Canadian employers across all sectors.

“It is a great honour to have PRHC recognized once again among the top hospital employers in the country and I have every confidence that this organization will only continue to get better in the years to come,'“ said Mikula.

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Peterborough Man Arrested After Allegedly Assaulting A Woman and Damaging Her Phone

A 24-year-old Peterborough man has been arrested on multiple domestic and weapon-related charges, leaving a woman injured after an incident on Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 8 p.m., 911 dispatch received a call from a female screaming and the call disconnected. Officers were dispatched to the area of Lansdowne Street and Applewood Crescent and located a female with injuries on arrival. They learned that the victim had been assaulted and her phone damaged. The victim was transported by ambulance to Peterborough Region Health Centre for treatment.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Assault with a weapon – spousal

• Assault – spousal

• Assault cause bodily harm

• Mischief

During the arrest, the accused threatened officers and was further charged with:

• Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm

The accused has been held in custody and appeared in court on Thursday.

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Firefighters Raise $2,000 for Ross Memorial Hospital

By Scott Arnold

Members of the Kawartha Lakes Professional Firefighters Association Local 1701 are giving back to their community after raising $2,000 for Ross Memorial Hospital through their annual Boot Drive.

Members of the Kawartha Lakes Professional Firefighters Association Local 1701, Jeremy Thomas, Kevin Ryan, James Palmer, Brady Liscombe, and Ryan Herlihey (photo courtesy of the RMH Foundation)

The donation was presented to the Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) Foundation following the firefighters’ Easter weekend fundraiser, which saw members collect donations from the community outside Canadian Tire and Food Basics in Lindsay on April 4.

A total of 15 firefighters took part in the Boot Drive, helping raise funds in support of local organizations, including Ross Memorial Hospital.

Members of the association visited the hospital to present the donation to RMH Foundation Finance Manager James Palmer.

“The members of Kawartha Lakes Professional Firefighters Association are proud to support Ross Memorial Hospital with this donation, recognizing the vital role community contributions play in funding life-saving equipment and enhancing patient care,” said Ryan Herlihey, treasurer of Kawartha Lakes Professional Firefighters Association Local 1701.

Herlihey said firefighters see firsthand the importance of having the right resources available when responding to medical emergencies, and the donation is one way members can support the community they serve.

Funds donated to the RMH Foundation’s WE ARE THE ROSS capital campaign help support priority hospital projects, including Emergency Department and ICU expansion, advanced diagnostic technology and life-saving bedside equipment.

The RMH Foundation thanked the firefighters and everyone who supported the Boot Drive for helping strengthen healthcare in Kawartha Lakes.

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

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Selwyn Township Issues Total Burn Ban Due to Wildfire Smoke

By Scott Arnold

Selwyn Township has issued a total burn ban effective immediately as smoke from Northern Ontario wildfires continues to create hazardous air quality conditions in the community.

Effective immediately, the Selwyn Township Fire Department has issued a Total Burn Ban until further notice due to hazardous air quality cause by smoke from the wildfires in Northern Ontario.

The decision comes two days after the Township urged residents to postpone non-essential outdoor burning during extreme heat conditions. With the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) reaching 10, considered a very high risk level, the Selwyn Township Fire Department has prohibited all burning to help protect public health, reduce additional smoke in the community and minimize the risk of fire.

All existing burn permits are now void, and all open-air burning is prohibited, including:

• Yard waste and brush burning

• Campfires and bonfires

• Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and chimineas

• Agricultural burns

• Fireworks

The Township is also reminding residents to take precautions while wildfire smoke continues to affect air quality.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Keep themselves, family members and pets indoors as much as possible, with windows and doors closed

• Limit time outdoors and reschedule or cancel outdoor sports, activities and events

• Check on family members, friends and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to poor air quality

The burn ban will remain in effect until air quality and fire conditions improve. Officials will continue monitoring conditions daily and provide updates through the Township’s website and official social media channels.

Selwyn Township is thanking residents for their cooperation and asking everyone to help spread the word. By respecting the burn ban and taking precautions during periods of hazardous air quality, residents can help protect the health and safety of the community.

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

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Former Pete Ryan Ramsay Named Cobourg Cougars President and General Manager

By Scott Arnold

Former Peterborough Petes forward Ryan Ramsay is taking on a new leadership role after being named President and General Manager of the Cobourg Cougars.

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)

The Cobourg Cougars announced Ramsay's appointment this week as the team continues preparations for its first season following the relocation of the Haliburton County Huskies franchise to Cobourg.

Ramsay brings plenty of junior hockey experience to the role. He spent the past seven seasons as General Manager and Head Coach of the Haliburton County Huskies and the Whitby Fury. During his time with the Huskies, the club reached the playoffs every season.

Before moving into coaching and management, Ramsay enjoyed a lengthy playing career. After signing with the St. Louis Blues as an undrafted free agent in 2004, he went on to play in the American Hockey League, ECHL and spent seven seasons in Germany's top professional league, the DEL.

Peterborough hockey fans will also remember Ramsay from his time with the Petes. He played 99 games for the maroon and white between 1999 and 2001, recording 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points. More recently, he returned to the organization as a Development Coach during the 2025-26 season.

The announcement comes as the new-look Cobourg Cougars prepare for their inaugural season after the OJHL approved the relocation of the Haliburton County Huskies franchise to Cobourg. As part of the move, the incoming ownership group assumed the historic Cobourg Cougars name and identity while taking over operations at the Cobourg Community Centre.

Ramsay will now lead the Cougars into the next chapter of the franchise as it begins its first season under the familiar Cobourg name.

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

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Jr. C Lakers Take Series Lead After Wild Game 3 Win

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers are one win away from advancing after outlasting the Whitby Warriors 11-10 in a back-and-forth Game 3 on Wednesday night at Healthy Planet Arena.

the peterborough jr c lakers beat whitby on wednesday to take a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five playoff series. game 4 will take place tomorrow at 8pm (Friday, july 17) at the Mckinney centre in whitby (photo courtesy of the peterborough jr. c lakers, via christine liu)

The win gives Peterborough a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five Central Division Final.

The teams traded goals throughout the night, with Whitby holding a 3-2 lead after the first period before the Lakers responded with five goals in the second to take a 7-6 advantage into the third. After the Warriors scored three straight late in the final period to pull ahead 10-9, Peterborough answered with two goals in 41 seconds. Braxtin Howard scored the game winner shorthanded with 4:27 remaining to put the Lakers back in front for good.

Game 4 is set for Friday at 8 pm at the McKinney Centre in Whitby. If necessary, Game 5 will be played Sunday at 2 pm at Healthy Planet Arena.

Ryder Perry led the Lakers with three goals and two assists, while Braxtin Howard scored twice, including the game winner.

Ryder Evans added a hat trick, while Kennen Withers, Quinn Jacobs and Jared Martinell also scored.

Charlie Evans recorded two assists, while Withers and Jacobs each finished with an assist. Bobby Crowe also picked up an assist.

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

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