Mariposa Electric Charity Classic Raises $15,000 for Ross Memorial Hospital

By Scott Arnold

A successful day on the golf course is making a lasting impact on local healthcare, with the Mariposa Electric Charity Classic raising $15,000 for Ross Memorial Hospital.

Mariposa Electric owners Dylan Brown, Mike Gourlie and Steve Gourlie visited the Ross to present a $15,000 donation to Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO (photo courtesy of the RMH Foundation)

The donation was presented to the Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) Foundation on July 16 following this year's Charity Classic, which brought 152 golfers to the Lindsay Golf & Country Club on June 19.

Now in its fourth year, the tournament is hosted by the owners of Mariposa Electric as a way to give back to the community where they live and work. This year's event supported patient care through the RMH Foundation's WE ARE THE ROSS capital campaign.

Mariposa Electric owners Dylan Brown, Mike Gourlie and Steve Gourlie presented the donation to RMH Foundation CEO Erin Coons. Owner Dave Holliday was unable to attend.

The owners said they chose Ross Memorial Hospital as this year's charity partner because they wanted to support healthcare services that everyone may need at some point. The donation also recognizes Mariposa Electric founding owner Donnie Brown, who received care at the hospital for many years before his passing on July 1.

“Local businesses such as Mariposa Electric make our community stronger in so many ways. The owners’ commitment to local causes is just one example,” said Erin Coons, CEO of the RMH Foundation.

The $15,000 donation will help support priority projects through the RMH Foundation's WE ARE THE ROSS capital campaign, including improvements to hospital facilities, leading-edge technology and life-saving equipment for patient care.

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

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Peterborough Jr. C Lakers Capture Central Division Championship

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers are Central Division champions after defeating the Whitby Warriors 8-7 on Friday night to win the best-of-five series in four games.

The peterborough jr. c Lakers won the central division championship friday night in whitby. they will now await the winner of the Kahnawake-Cornwall series to learn their semifinal opponent (photo courtesy of the jr. c lakers)

Peterborough earned the road victory at the McKinney Centre to claim the Central Division title and advance to the Ontario Junior C Lacrosse League Meredith Cup semifinals.

The Lakers will face the winner of the series between the Kahnawake Hunters and Cornwall Celtics. Cornwall currently leads that best-of-five matchup 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Monday.

The other Meredith Cup semifinal will feature the Six Nations Stealth and the Whitby Warriors. Although Whitby fell to Peterborough in the Central Division Final, the Warriors earned the league's wild card berth as the highest-ranked unsuccessful division finalist from the division with the strongest overall regular season winning percentage.

Friday's game was another tightly contested battle between the longtime rivals. Whitby held a 4-3 lead after the opening period before the Lakers responded with three goals in the second to take a 6-6 tie into the third. Logan Giroux gave Peterborough the lead early in the final period before Ryder Perry scored the game-winning power-play goal with 2:26 remaining.

Jordan Garfat scored twice for the Lakers, while Braxtin Howard added a goal and an assist. Ryder Perry, Kennen Withers, Hayden Heigh, Owen Thake and Logan Giroux also found the back of the net.

Heigh finished with two assists, while Quinn Jacobs recorded two assists. Charlie Evans, Charlie Donald, Kyson Campbell, Kennen Withers and Ryder Evans each added an assist.

With the Central Division title secured, the Lakers will now await the winner of the Kahnawake-Cornwall series to learn their semifinal opponent.

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

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City of Peterborough Promoting Water Safety During Drowning Prevention Week

The City of Peterborough is encouraging residents and visitors to learn more about prioritizing water safety during National Drowning Prevention Week, from Sunday until July 25.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

This year’s theme is Prepare to be Water Smart. The City is hosting events throughout the week to promote water safety and drowning prevention.  

Colouring pages and crossword puzzles will be available at the Chelsea Gardens wading pool, located at Southlawn Drive and Severn Road, on Sunday, July 19. Lifeguards will be holding “Within Arms Reach” drowning education activities for participants.   

Residents are welcome to visit Beavermead Beach from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22 to get fitted for and receive a free lifejacket. Free lifejackets will be available while supplies last.   

Children of all ages are welcome to make their own water smart bracelets and learn about water safety from the City’s lifeguards at the John Taylor Memorial Park wading pool, located at McKellar and St. Catherine’s streets, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on July 23.  

All residents are welcome to join the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County OPP, and other vendors at Riverview Park and Zoo from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on July 24 for an afternoon of activities and drowning-prevention education.  

Pop-up activities are also taking place at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, Fleming College, Trent University and the Balsillie Family YMCA throughout the week.  

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Selwyn Township Appoints New Manager of Financial Services/Treasurer Following a Retirement From the Position

With the retirement of Manager of Financial Services/Treasurer R. Lane Vance, the Township of Selwyn has appointed Amanda Mellegers to the role.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

After more than 35 years of service, Vance’s retirement is effective on Sept. 30.

Mellegers, a chartered professional accountant, assumes the role on Aug. 24, which has five weeks of overlap with Lane to support the transition of responsibilities.

She has over nine years of leadership experience in financial management, treasury functions, budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning. Most recently, she served as Director, Finance at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), after advancing through progressively senior finance roles. Prior to PRHC, she progressed from CPA student to a management role at a local accounting firm.

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Open-Air Burning Prohibited In the City of Peterborough

Peterborough is reminding residents that open-air burning is not permitted within City limits.

Photo by Jordan Cooper.

Open-air burning includes any outdoor fires, such as bonfires, campfires and yard waste burning. These activities pose a risk to public safety and can have serious consequences, especially in densely populated areas.

Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) approved fire bowls, fire-pit tables, and barbeques that burn propane or natural gas are examples of approved appliances that may be used. Chimineas and other wood-burning devices are not approved appliances for open-air fires.  

Smoking and vaping are also prohibited in all City of Peterborough parks, sports fields, playgrounds, wading pools, splashpads and beaches except in designated smoking areas.  

Smoking is prohibited in these areas under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Peterborough Smoking Bylaw.

Anyone smoking outside a designated smoking area in any of these locations could be subject to a penalty of $305.

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Peterborough to Host Inaugural International Indoor Junior Lacrosse North America Cup

Peterborough has been named the host of the International Indoor Junior Lacrosse (IIJL) North America Cup Series on Aug. 7 to 9.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

This inaugural tournament serves as an opportunity for high-performance athletes to take part in the final selection process to be on the 23-man roster for the 2026 IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championships.

The tournament will take place at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, the City’s flagship sport and event centre, where three games will be played between Canada, the United States, and the Haudenosaunee.

“The International Indoor Junior Lacrosse Inaugural North America Cup is an exciting opportunity to showcase top talent from across the continent, while reinforcing Peterborough’s reputation as a premier lacrosse destination,” shared Peterborough City Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk, Community Services co-chairs. “With athletes, families, and fans coming together for this inaugural event, it’s a chance to highlight our facilities, celebrate Peterborough’s rich lacrosse culture, and create an unforgettable experience both on and off the floor.”

“We are very excited to introduce this new international event in the community of Peterborough, which has one of the richest lacrosse histories in Canada,” said Canadian Lacrosse League President & CEO Chris Fox. “The inaugural North America Cup Series will provide teams additional opportunities to work with players prior to the IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championship, while also including younger players who did not make their respective IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship rosters—empowering teams to focus on player development and bringing exciting international lacrosse to fans in Peterborough.”

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Woven Stories Returns to Del Crary Park Saturday Before Julian Taylor Headlines Peterborough Musicfest

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Musicfest will celebrate Indigenous music, culture and ceremony on Saturday night as Woven Stories returns for its second year before award-winning singer-songwriter Julian Taylor takes the stage at Del Crary Park.

woven stories is returning for the second year, with Programming beginning at 6:45 pm. it will include a canoe arrival and welcoming ceremony, hand drum performances, traditional dance, and a Big Drum exhibition before Julian taylor takes the stage at 8:15 p.m.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Woven Stories evening, Musicfest is once again partnering with local Indigenous communities and the Canadian Canoe Museum to bring a night of cultural programming to the waterfront.

The evening begins at 6:45 p.m. with a canoe arrival and welcoming ceremony, followed by hand drum performances, traditional dance and a Big Drum exhibition. The programming will lead into Taylor’s headline performance, with the Toronto-based artist scheduled to take the stage at 8:15 p.m.

Last year was the first Woven Stories evening, in partnership with local Indigenous communities and the Canadian Canoe Museum to bring Indigenous music, culture and ceremony to Musicfest (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest, via david pickering)

Last year’s first Woven Stories event featured William Prince as the headliner, with Missy Knott opening the evening. The response from the community helped inspire Musicfest to bring the celebration back for a second year.

Taylor arrives in Peterborough as one of Canada’s most respected singer-songwriters, bringing more than two decades of experience and a career that has crossed genres from rock and blues to folk, roots and Americana.

The former frontman of Staggered Crossing has released 12 studio albums since 2001 and has built a reputation as both a powerful live performer and a thoughtful songwriter. His 2020 album The Ridge marked a major career milestone, earning international attention, more than five million Spotify plays and several major award nominations, including two JUNO Award nominations and recognition at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, where he won Solo Artist of the Year.

Award-winning, Toronto-based singer-songwriter Julian Taylor has been part of the musical fabric and landscape in Canada for two decades (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest, via lisa macintosh)

Taylor has continued to receive critical acclaim for his work, including additional JUNO Award nominations in recent years, while his music has been celebrated across Canada and beyond.

Beyond his work as a performer, Taylor has also built a career as an independent artist and entrepreneur, managing his own music business and advocating for artists’ rights throughout his career.

peterborough musicfest is bringing Woven Stories back to del crary park on saturday for a second year, this time leading into Julian Taylor's headline performance (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest, via david pickering)

With an evening that combines Indigenous cultural programming, community celebration and the music of one of Canada’s most acclaimed singer-songwriters, Saturday’s Musicfest event promises to be a memorable night at Del Crary Park.

Woven Stories programming begins at 6:45 p.m., followed by Julian Taylor’s performance at 8:15 p.m. Admission is free.

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

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Lakers Drop Heartbreaker to Rock as Playoff Race Tightens

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers came within seconds of knocking off one of the Major Series Lacrosse's top teams Thursday night, but a late Oakville goal handed Peterborough a 13-12 loss that keeps the playoff race as tight as ever.

it was little lakers night at the pmc on thursday with funds raised during the game going to five counties children centre (photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers, via david pickering)

The loss drops the Lakers to 7-7 on the season. They remain in fourth place in the MSL standings with 14 points, holding the tiebreaker over the fifth-place Brooklin Lacrosse Club (7-8) after winning the season series. Cobourg's win over Brampton on Friday night moved the Kodiaks to 8-5 and four points ahead of Peterborough for third place, while the second-place Oakville Rock improved to 10-4 and now sit six points in front of the Lakers. Undefeated Six Nations (14-0) continues to lead the league with 28 points and has already clinched a playoff berth.

Only the top four teams qualify for the postseason, while Brampton (2-12) and Owen Sound (1-13) have both been eliminated from playoff contention.

Thursday's game looked like it could go either way from start to finish.

The two teams traded goals throughout the opening half, with the score tied six different times before Oakville pulled away with five straight goals to open a 10-6 advantage.

Peterborough answered with a six-goal run of its own spanning the end of the second period and the start of the third, turning a four-goal deficit into a 12-10 lead.

Oakville responded with two quick goals in a span of 44 seconds to tie the game before Jake Darlison scored the winner with just 32 seconds remaining after intercepting a pass and breaking in alone.

The Lakers had one final opportunity to force overtime, but former Peterborough goaltender Landon Kells, who entered the game in relief for Oakville, stopped Brad McCulley's late chance to preserve the victory.

One of the night's biggest stories was the performance of newcomer Colton Armitage. Playing his first game as a full-time member of the Lakers after appearing earlier this season as a call-up, the 22-year-old recorded the first hat trick of his MSL career while adding two assists for a five-point night.

Braedon Saris also had five points with two goals and three assists, while Rob Hellyer finished with six points on a goal and five helpers. DJ Clark scored twice, Ryan Lanchbury had a goal and four assists, and singles came from Holden Cattoni, Liam Patten and Dylan Hutchison. Justin Sykes and Brad McCulley each added two assists.

With starting goaltender Deacan Knott serving the first game of a four-game suspension, Drew Hutchison got the start before Nick Rose came on in relief and held Oakville scoreless for more than 20 minutes.

Jake Withers also missed the game while serving the first of his two-game suspension after last week's altercation with Owen Sound goaltender Kaleb Martin. Knott received his suspension following his fight with North Stars goaltender Andrew Kidd during the same stoppage in play.

The Lakers have four regular season games remaining, beginning with what could be their biggest game of the season next Thursday when the Cobourg Kodiaks visit the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Peterborough will then travel to Brampton on July 24 before closing out the regular season with games at Six Nations on July 28 and at home against Owen Sound on July 30.

Next Thursday's game will also feature Retro Night, celebrating the 1986 Peterborough Maulers with throwback jerseys, an 80s and 90s soundtrack and the return of the popular Toonie Dog promotion. The Lakers are aiming to top the Peterborough Memorial Centre record of 924 hot dogs sold during the team's first Toonie Dog Night earlier this season, with a new goal of selling 1,386 hot dogs in honour of the 1986 Maulers.

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

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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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