Hospice Norwood Receives Big Boost From $8500 Donation

By Scott Arnold

Hospice Norwood is thanking the Masons of Peterborough District and the Masonic Foundation of Ontario after receiving an $8,500 donation to support hospice care in the community.

James Dunn, John Muise, Gary Ballard, Trever Donnelly, Andrew Henderson and Bill Osborne with Hospice Norwood representatives Jan Darling and Glenda Johnson. (photo via hospice Norwood)

The donation was part of a larger fundraising effort that raised more than $25,000. The proceeds were shared between Hospice Norwood, Hospice Peterborough and The Bridge Hospice in Warkworth.

Hospice Norwood recently welcomed representatives from the Masons to recognize their contribution and thank them for supporting the organization's work serving Norwood and surrounding communities.

The organization says community generosity plays a vital role in making hospice care possible, helping provide programs and support for people living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their caregivers, families and those grieving the loss of a loved one.

Hospice Norwood expressed its appreciation to everyone who contributed to the fundraising effort, saying donations from individuals and community partners continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.

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

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Former County Warden Comes Out of Retirement to Run For Douro-Dummer Mayor

J. Murray Jones is coming out of retirement and is re-entering politics, running for Mayor of Douro-Dummer.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Jones retired as mayor of Douro-Dummer and as county warden back in 2022. He served as the warden for over a decade.

“After a four-year absence I am excited to once again seek the office of Mayor of Douro-Dummer,” said Jones. “With 24 years of Council experience, including 16 years as Mayor and 10 years as County Warden, I bring proven leadership, experience, and a deep commitment to our community. I am ready to once again serve with the hope of building a strong future for Douro-Dummer.”

Jones began his political career in 1998 as a Douro-Dummer Councillor, the first year both townships became amalgamated. He was elected as mayor in 2003 and elected as Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus in 2011.

Prior to his political career, Jones worked in radio. He was employed by CKBT-FM and Country 105 for many years. He founded a one-man monthly news outlet called ‘Dummer News’ for 20 years. He has covered meetings for Dummer and Douro-Dummer after the amalgamation during that stretch.

Current mayor Heather Watson has yet to announce seeking reelection. Nomination papers must be filed by Aug. 21 for the Oct. 26 election.

The following are candidates running for council in the Township of Douro-Dummer:

Mayor

• Peter Leahy

• J. Murray Jones

Deputy Mayor

• Harold Nelson (incumbent)

• April Hope

Douro Ward councillor

• Ray Johnston (incumbent)

Dummer Ward councillor

• Jane Cooper

Councillor at large

• Tom Watt (incumbent)

• Marilyn Turton

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Peterborough County-City Paramedics Encourage Water Safety In Peterborough and The Kawarthas This Summer

As everyone enjoys the lakes, rivers, pools and waterways throughout Peterborough and The Kawarthas this summer, Peterborough County-City Paramedics encourage everyone to make water safety a priority.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

According to Peterborough County, each summer, Peterborough County-City Paramedics respond to water-related emergencies across Peterborough and The Kawarthas.

“With more than 300 lakes and countless opportunities to enjoy the water across Peterborough and The Kawarthas, we want everyone to put safety first every time they head out on the water,” said Trisha Bromfield, Chief Peterborough County-City Paramedics. “A lifejacket, active supervision and good decision-making can make all the difference. Water-related emergencies are often silent and happen in a matter of seconds and are often preventable. We want everyone to enjoy a safe summer and return home with great memories - not a preventable tragedy.”

Peterborough County-City Paramedics encourage everyone to:

• Never swim alone; always swim with a buddy

• Wear a properly fitted lifejacket when boating or participating in water activities

• Avoid alcohol and drugs while swimming or operating watercraft

• Closely supervise children and remain alert around water

• Know your swimming abilities and stay within your limits

• Learn CPR and basic emergency response skills

• Check weather conditions and follow posted safety signage

Parents, guardians and caregivers are reminded that active supervision is the most effective way to keep children safe around water. Children should remain within arm's reach of a responsible adult when swimming or playing near water. Inflatable toys and water wings are not substitutes for approved personal flotation devices.

Those enjoying the Trent-Severn Waterway should also be aware of important safety regulations. Swimming or diving in navigation channels is prohibited, and individuals must remain at least 40 metres away from lock gates, dams and bridges. Strong currents, changing water levels and hidden hazards can create dangerous conditions, even for experienced swimmers.

Choosing designated swimming areas, wearing appropriate safety equipment and remaining aware of surroundings can help ensure a safe experience for everyone on the water.

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Where Light Grows Bringing Music and Hope to Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

A special afternoon of music at Market Hall will raise support for Camp Kerry Ontario this fall, helping provide grief support programs for children, families and individuals navigating the loss of a loved one.

headlined by julian taylor, the concert will also feature an outstanding lineup of local performers, including Victoria Yeh, Maria Leahy, Rye Whetung, and Julie Fallis, with Kerry Griffin serving as Master of Ceremonies (photos provided by the lumara society)

Lumara Society and KS & Co. Productions are presenting Where Light Grows: A Camp Kerry Fundraiser on Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m. at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough.

The event will feature JUNO Award-nominated singer-songwriter Julian Taylor, along with performances from Victoria Yeh, Maria Leahy, Rye Whetung and Julie Fallis. Kerry Griffin will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Taylor has earned recognition for his heartfelt songwriting and live performances, including multiple Ontario Folk Music Awards and Country Music Association of Ontario Awards.

Funds raised through the concert will support Camp Kerry Ontario, which provides grief support programs for children, youth, adults and families who are dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Through its programming, Camp Kerry helps participants connect with others who understand their experiences while building resilience and finding support during difficult times.

The fundraiser takes place Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m. at Market Hall. Tickets are $40 for tiered theatre seating and $60 for cabaret table seating.

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

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Fyrestoke Catering, IntegrAlign Partners and Central Smith Creamery

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Fyrestoke Catering has expanded with the launch of Fyrestoke Meal Prep, a new weekly service bringing fresh, chef-made meals to Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

Using locally sourced ingredients from farmers' markets and trusted butcher shops, the service offers individually portioned, never-frozen meals for busy professionals, families, and workplaces. It's a convenient option for businesses looking to provide staff meals, simplify lunch breaks, or support employee wellness with fresh local food. Learn more at fyrestokemealprep.com.

A new consulting firm focused on helping organizations adopt artificial intelligence and advanced technologies has officially launched in Douro-Dummer.

IntegrAlign Partners Corp., founded by Sherry Hill, specializes in operational improvement and business transformation, supporting businesses as they work to improve productivity and compete in a rapidly evolving economy. You can learn more about IntegrAlign by visiting their website: IntegrAlign.ca.

Central Smith is celebrating 130 years in business.

Founded in 1896 as a farmers' co-operative producing cheese and butter from locally sourced milk, the company transitioned to exclusive premium ice cream production in 1952. Family-owned by the Scates family since 1978, Central Smith now distributes its products across Canada while continuing to operate from its original location just outside Peterborough. To learn more go to: centralsmith.ca

A big thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards before the July 17 deadline. These awards are an opportunity to recognize the businesses, entrepreneurs, and community builders whose hard work, innovation, and commitment help our region thrive. We look forward to celebrating this year's finalists and recipients at the Business Excellence Awards on October 22 at Kawartha Downs. To stay up to date about the Business Excellence Awards, go to: pkcc.awardify.io

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.

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RBC Foundation Recognized for Supporting Local Sustainability

By Scott Arnold

GreenUP is recognizing the RBC Foundation for helping bring a new program to Peterborough that supports small businesses on their sustainability journey.

Representatives from the RBC Foundation, including Nick Brandon, Erin Shields and Stacey Brandon, accepted a certificate of recognition during the event. They were joined by GreenUP's Jackie Donaldson and Natalie Stephenson. (photo via instagram @ptbogreenup)

The organization recently celebrated the RBC Foundation's support of the Green Economy Peterborough Energy Savings Action Plan for Small Business pilot during Green Economy Peterborough's Leadership in Sustainability Celebration.

According to GreenUP, the pilot program is designed to help small businesses improve their energy efficiency by providing practical tools and knowledge to reduce energy use while supporting the transition to a lower-carbon future.

GreenUP says the partnership with the RBC Foundation is helping turn the Energy Savings Action Plan for Small Business pilot into a reality, giving local businesses new opportunities to lower their energy use and strengthen their long-term sustainability efforts.

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

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Masons Show Support for Hospice Peterborough with Generous Donation

By Scott Arnold

Hospice Peterborough is thanking the Masonic Foundation and Peterborough District Masons after receiving an $8,500 donation to support its work in the community.

representatives from hospice were presented a cheque for $8,500 by masons brethren james dunn, john muise, bharat maini, lorne mitchell, larry castle and john hewitt (photo via instagram @hospiceptbo)

The generous contribution will help Hospice Peterborough continue providing care and support for individuals and families, with the organization recognizing the impact community partnerships have on its services.

To mark the donation, members of the Masonic Foundation and Peterborough District Masons recently visited Hospice Peterborough for a tour of the facility. The visit gave them an opportunity to see firsthand the work being done and what is made possible through community support.

Hospice Peterborough also thanked the Masons for their ongoing commitment to giving back, noting the important role they play in helping local organizations make a difference.

The organization says it is grateful for the $8,500 donation and the continued support of the Masonic Foundation and Peterborough District Masons as they invest in the well-being of the community.

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

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Matthew Good and My Son the Hurricane to Headline Musicfest This Week

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Musicfest is coming off another successful week and is getting ready for two more nights of live music, with Matthew Good and His Band taking the stage Wednesday before My Son the Hurricane closes out the week on Saturday. Emerging artists Graeme Jonez and Alycia Hebert will open the evening shows on the Cogeco Future Sound Series stage.

Peterborough musicfest continue this week with Matthew Good and His Band taking the stage Wednesday and My Son the Hurricane closing out the week on Saturday (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Peterborough Musicfest is heading into another busy week after thousands of music fans filled Del Crary Park for two very different, but equally memorable, nights of entertainment.

Last Wednesday, country star Tyler Joe Miller drew a packed crowd to the waterfront, with fans singing along throughout the night. Musicfest Marketing and Communications Manager Raff Melito said the show was a great way to kick off the week.

a huge crowd packed del crary park last wednesday to see country star tyler joe miller perform at peterborough musicfest (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

"He was so well received," Melito said. "There were sing-alongs, and I'd say every country fan in Peterborough that attended had an excellent evening."

Saturday brought a different atmosphere as Musicfest hosted its Woven Stories event ahead of Julian Taylor's headline performance. The evening featured cultural programming that included the Curve Lake Men's Big Drum Group, traditional dancing and a welcome ceremony by Healing with Drums.

julian taylor took to the fred anderson stage on saturday as part of peterborough musicfest at del crary park (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

While a planned canoe crossing from the Canadian Canoe Museum had to be cancelled because of a severe thunderstorm watch, organizers adapted by bringing the canoe drum to the entrance of the park, where visitors were invited to take part in an interactive drumming experience before the show.

visitors to del crary park on saturday were greeted with a large canoe drum, with community members invited to partipate in an interactive drumming experience (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

"It was just such a beautiful start to the evening," Melito said.

Now, attention turns to another pair of concerts this week.

Matthew Good and His Band will take the main stage on Wednesday, July 22, with the iconic Canadian alternative rock artist performing a mix of songs from his solo career along with fan favourites from his Matthew Good Band days.

canadian icon Matthew good and his band will perform at peterborough musicfest on wednesday, july 22 (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Melito expects it to be one of the biggest nights of the summer.

"I think everyone's going to be up and they're going to be singing along," she said. "I think it's just going to be an incredible performance."

The weekend brings another energetic show as My Son the Hurricane takes over the stage on Saturday. Known for its horn-driven brass funk sound, the large ensemble is expected to bring around a dozen musicians to Del Crary Park.

"I think everyone's going to be up and dancing," Melito said. "If you don't know who My Son the Hurricane is, just come on out because you will want to know who they are."

The evening begins before each headline act with the Cogeco Future Sound Series, which returns at 6:30 pm. Toronto-based Indigenous artist Graeme Jonez will perform Wednesday, while Whitby's Alycia Hebert opens Saturday's show.

Toronto-based Indigenous artist Graeme Jonez will perform Wednesday, while Whitby's Alycia Hebert opens Saturday's show

Melito said the expanded side stage series continues to give concertgoers the chance to discover emerging artists before the main performances begin.

Beyond the music, visitors can enjoy food vendors, purchase 50-50 tickets, browse official Peterborough Musicfest merchandise and try the festival's interactive gamification app by scanning QR codes throughout the park for a chance to win prizes.

As always, admission to all Peterborough Musicfest concerts is free, with Wednesday and Saturday evening shows continuing at Del Crary Park throughout the summer, wrapping up on August 16th.

Want to enjoy one of this week's concerts from some of the best seats in the park? We're giving away a pair of VIP tickets. The winner will receive two reserved seats in the VIP section directly in front of the stage. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for contest details and your chance to win.

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

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Selwyn Township Lifts Total Burn Ban After Improved Air Quality and Fire Conditions

Effective immediately, the Selwyn Fire Department has lifted its Total Burn Ban issued on Thursday due to hazardous air quality caused by smoke from wildfires in Northern Ontario.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

According to the Township, improved air quality and fire conditions permit residents to resume open-air burning in accordance with the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law. All burning must be conducted safely and responsibly and all requirements outlined in the by-law must be followed.

“While conditions have improved, residents are reminded that fire safety remains a shared responsibility,” said Deputy Fire Chief Howard Jinkerson. “Please ensure you are burning in accordance with the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law, have water or other extinguishing methods available, and never leave a fire unattended. Burning conditions can change quickly, and everyone plays an important role in preventing fires.”

Selwyn Township residents are reminded to:

• Review the Township’s Open-Air Burning By-law before conducting any open-air burn

• Ensure fires are always supervised and fully extinguished when complete

• Only burn permitted materials and follow all required setbacks and safety requirements

• Verify current burning conditions before lighting a fire

Burning conditions can change at any time. Residents must verify current conditions before burning by calling the Selwyn Fire Department at 705-292-7282 or checking the Township of Selwyn’s social media channels.

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Community Care Peterborough’s Fifth Annual Apsley Gaming Night Raises Record-Breaking Amount

Community Care Peterborough’s Apsley office hosted its fifth annual Apsley Gaming Night, raising a record-breaking $21,411, which was held at the North Kawartha Community Centre on June 20.

Photo courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

The event attracted over 100 people and initially raised $11,411 for the Apsley community. An anonymous donation of $10,000 helped break the fundraising record.

“This event would not have been a success without our dedicated team of volunteers and supporters from the community,” said Katie Bryck, Apsley Community Development Coordinator.

The night featured casino games, food and prizes for the attendees.

“It’s wonderful to see returning sponsors and community supporters who come out each year for a fun evening that also supports our programs for seniors and adults with disabilities,” said Bryck.

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