Peterborough Man Arrested After He Allegedly Punched a Woman and Kicked Her Head

A 32-year-old Peterborough man is facing a charge of spousal assault after an incident on Monday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough POlice Service.

At roughly 9:20 a.m., the Peterborough Police Service received several 9-1-1 calls about a disturbance at Parkhill Road and George Street regarding a physical altercation between a man and a woman. The woman was allegedly punched in the face and kicked in the head by the man. Officers located the couple nearby and took the man into custody.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Assault – Spousal

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on July 27.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring SolarFest Lakefield, Johnston's Greenhouse and Community Care Peterborough

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…

SolarFest Lakefield – previously known as the Lakefield Sidewalk Sale will be taking place this year on Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Lakefield.

Queen Street from Bridge Street to Reid Street will be closed for pedestrians during the event. There will be sidewalk sales, artisan vendors, live entertainment, family activities, local food, and the return of the Lakefield Fairy Festival. The event also includes a free community barbecue and encourages visitors to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Lakefield Community Food Bank. For more information or if you’re a business in Lakefield/Selwyn and want to participate, you can email: info@pkchamber.ca

The ninth Annual A Night in White Garden Party returns to Johnston's Greenhouse on Sept. 18, in support of the YMCA of Central East Ontario's Strong Kids Campaign.

Guests are invited to dress in white and enjoy an elegant evening featuring local food and drinks, live music, dancing, and silent and live auctions. For more information, go to: https://ymcaofceo.ca/events/

Community Care is currently looking for volunteer drivers in the Lakefield area to help provide transportation for residents attending medical appointments, grocery shopping and other activities that support independent living.

It’s a meaningful way to give back and help neighbours stay connected and supported in the community. For more information, contact (705) 652-8655 or email lakefield@commcareptbo.org

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Liftlock Hockey Tournament Legacy Lives On with PRHC Donation

By Scott Arnold

Although the Peterborough Liftlock Atom/U11 Hockey Tournament has come to an end after a remarkable 66-year run, its legacy will continue through a donation supporting the region's youngest patients.

Longtime tournament volunteers recently stopped by PRHC Foundation to present a very generous gift of $15,000 in support of PRHC's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the hospital's tiniest patients (photo via instagram @prhc_foundation)

Longtime tournament volunteers recently presented the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation with a $15,000 donation in support of the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The Peterborough Liftlock Atom/U11 Hockey Tournament brought together young athletes, families, volunteers and the community for nearly seven decades before concluding its historic run.

The PRHC Foundation thanked everyone who helped make the tournament a long-standing community tradition, noting that its impact now extends beyond the rink by helping support exceptional care for newborns and their families at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

While the tournament may be over, its legacy will continue to make a difference in the community for years to come.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough U14 AA Wolverines Capture Dan Grossi Memorial Cup in London

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough U14 AA Wolverines are Ontario Summer Football League champions after defeating the London Jr Mustangs 35-14 in the Dan Grossi Memorial Cup on Friday at Western Alumni Stadium in London.

the peterborough u14 AA wolverines are champions after winning the dan grossi memorial cup at western alumni stadium in london (photo via facebook @osflmedia)

The Wolverines capped off their season with an impressive championship victory over the Jr Mustangs, bringing home the Dan Grossi Memorial Cup after a 35-14 win in the Ontario Summer Football League (OSFL) final.

Peterborough entered the playoffs after finishing the regular season with a 6-4 record, placing fourth in the OSFL East Division. London also finished fourth in its division, posting a 5-5 record in the West before advancing to the championship game.

The title game was played at Western Alumni Stadium, where the Wolverines finished their season on top with a convincing win.

The championship is named in memory of Dan Grossi, the late president of the Toronto Jr. Argonauts, who was widely recognized for his dedication to youth football and his commitment to supporting young athletes and their families throughout the football community.

The victory caps off a memorable season for the Wolverines, who turned a 6-4 regular season into an OSFL championship and will bring the Dan Grossi Memorial Cup back to Peterborough.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Peterborough Wolverines (@peterboroughwolverines)

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

New Plans Posted for Former Wild Water & Wheels Site on Chemong Road

By Scott Arnold

New "Coming Soon" signs have been installed at the former Wild Water & Wheels property on Chemong Road, offering the first public glimpse at what could be coming to the long-vacant site.

New "Coming Soon" signs at the former Wild Water & Wheels property offer the first look at what could be coming to the long-vacant site on Chemong Road. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

While no opening date or timeline has been announced, the signs include concept-style images and a site layout showing several attractions and amenities planned for the property.

Among the features shown are mini golf, batting cages, Luna's Land Kid's Zone, a drive-in movie theatre, paintball, rollerblading, a café, and a food spot called Poutine Gang.

Concept images posted at the property show plans for attractions including mini golf, batting cages, a drive-in movie theatre, paintball, rollerblading, a café, and Poutine Gang. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The new signs don't include an opening date, but they do offer an exciting preview of what's being planned for the former Wild Water & Wheels property. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The site plan displayed on the new signs outlines several proposed attractions as the former Wild Water & Wheels property prepares for its next chapter. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The property, located just outside Peterborough on Chemong Road, has sat vacant since Wild Water & Wheels closed in 2018.

The former Wild Water & Wheels water slides can still be seen towering over the property nearly eight years after the attraction closed, with the old go-kart track in the forefront. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The stairs that once led to the Pipeline Express remain standing, while the zebra figures from the former mini golf course are still visible on the property. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

For many locals, the site holds plenty of memories. During its heyday, Wild Water & Wheels featured go-karts, bumper boats, water slides, mini golf, a mini arcade, and the beloved Pipeline Express, the last remaining Bailey "Auto Sled" coaster in the world before it was dismantled in 2019.

For now, the new signs simply say "Coming Soon," but they offer an exciting look at what could be the next chapter for one of the area's most recognizable former attractions.

motorists driving along Chemong Road can now see the new "Coming Soon" signs posted at the former Wild Water & Wheels property. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Dwayne Gretzky Along with Shania Twain and Garth Brooks Tributes Headline Peterborough Musicfest This Week

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Musicfest is almost halfway through its summer concert season, with another week of free live music ahead after two memorable performances at Del Crary Park last week.

Returning for their sixth appearance at peterborough musicfest, Dwayne Gretzky is one of Canada’s most in-demand live acts, known for delivering a high-energy set of classic hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Last week brought two very different, but equally energetic, nights to Peterborough Musicfest.

Wednesday’s performance featured Matthew Good and His Band, drawing what Musicfest organizers believe was the biggest crowd of the summer so far, with more than 10,000 people estimated to be in attendance.

The crowd was filled with longtime fans who sang along throughout the performance as Matthew Good delivered a set featuring songs from across his career.

“It was such an excellent show,” said Peterborough Musicfest Executive Director Raff Melito. “The park was filled with Matthew Good fans and everyone was standing up, everyone was singing along.”

Saturday night brought a completely different sound to Del Crary Park as My Son the Hurricane took the stage.

The 12-member ensemble brought a high-energy performance featuring horns, movement and plenty of reasons for the crowd to get up and dance.

“It’s not just that they’re playing instruments, they are performing on stage,” said Melito. “They have these synchronized dance numbers that they work on.”

The performance also helped introduce many new fans to the band, with Melito saying many people who arrived unfamiliar with My Son the Hurricane left impressed.

With last week’s crowds setting the stage, Musicfest continues this week with two more nights of live music.

Making their sixth appearance at Musicfest, Dwayne Gretzky takes over the main stage Wednesday night, bringing what the band describes as Canada’s Greatest Party Band to Del Crary Park.

The large ensemble, which often features between 12 and 14 musicians, performs a wide range of cover songs spanning multiple decades, with a setlist featuring familiar favourites from artists including Fleetwood Mac and other major hits.

“They’re all definitely big hits and you’re going to know every song that they perform,” said Melito.

The evening will begin with JJ Thompson on the Future Sound Series side stage at 6:30 p.m. Thompson, the front person for JJ and the Pillars, will open the night before Dwayne Gretzky takes the stage.

Saturday’s show will bring a country music celebration to the park, featuring tribute performances honouring Shania Twain and Garth Brooks.

The evening will feature two separate performances, with the Shania Twain tribute opening the night before the Garth Brooks tribute closes out the show.

“It’s going to be such a fun night at the park,” said Melito. “They will have the crowd up and singing along for sure.”

Georgia Rose will kick off the evening on the Future Sound Series side stage at 6:30 p.m.

Beyond the music, Saturday’s show will also introduce a new program designed to help put instruments into the hands of young musicians.

Peterborough Musicfest’s new First Note program will offer free music instruction for children and youth, with instruments provided through a partnership with Long & McQuade.

The program will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. near the Future Sound Series side stage, with music instructors available to help participants learn the basics of different instruments.

“We’re really not necessarily looking for the next arena rider, but kind of looking for the next arena rider,” said Melito. “We’re just trying to find a way to put instruments into kids’ hands and give them that introduction to something that could become a lifelong passion.”

The program will run for four nights this summer, beginning August 1st and continuing for the following three concerts.

Musicfest attendees are also reminded to check their 50-50 tickets, as three winning tickets from this summer remain unclaimed.

One of those tickets is from the July 22nd Matthew Good show, with a jackpot of $5,050 still waiting to be claimed. Winning numbers can be checked online at MusicFest5050.ca.

With free concerts, food vendors, merchandise, the Future Sound Series side stage and new activities happening throughout the summer, Musicfest continues to offer a full night of entertainment at Del Crary Park.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

PRHC Expands Teaching and Learning Opportunities In Partnership With Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has a new medical learning partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine starting this summer.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

PRHC and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) School of Medicine signed an affiliation agreement, making TMU its newest academic partner at PRHC.

This new partnership expands medical teaching experience and capacity for PRHC physicians, and offers additional clinical placement, education and training opportunities for TMU medical learners, according to Dr. Janet Hurst, PRHC Vice President and Chief Medical Executive.

“Peterborough Regional Health Centre has a long history of fostering strong learning relationships that support both current and future medical staff at PRHC and enhance our ongoing efforts to recruit new physicians to the Peterborough region,” she said. “This new partnership with the School of Medicine at Toronto Metropolitan University marks an exciting and significant milestone as we work to advance medical education and training, and to foster innovative research, collaboration and community engagement.

“At the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine, we believe that exceptional medical education happens in the communities where people live, work and receive care. We are excited to partner with Peterborough Regional Health Centre, an organization with a strong commitment to teaching, innovation and patient-centred care,” said Dr. Teresa Chan, Dean of the TMU School of Medicine. “This affiliation will create meaningful learning opportunities for our learners while strengthening the connections between academic medicine and the communities we serve. Together, we are helping prepare the next generation of physicians to provide high-quality, compassionate care where it is needed most.”

“As a regional referral centre serving 600,000 patients across a broad urban and rural geography, this collaboration will only serve to strengthen PRHC’s existing learning programs at a time when building our teaching and research focus is a strategic priority for this hospital,” said Hurst.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

You've Driven Past Benmor Towers: This Week Is Your Chance to Take a Look Inside

By Scott Arnold

AON is inviting the Peterborough community to tour Benmor Towers this week and discover what life is like inside the long-standing Parkhill Road West apartment community.

Visitors will have the opportunity to tour Benmor Towers during AON's open house this week, including a look inside renovated and traditional suite layouts. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Located at 630 and 650 Parkhill Road near Jackson Park, Benmor Towers will open its doors Tuesday, July 28th, and Thursday, July 30th, for residents interested in learning more about the building, viewing available suites and seeing the amenities and community that have made it a home for many residents over the years.

The open house will take place Tuesday from 9am to noon and Thursday from noon to 3pm. Visitors can stop by during those times to tour the building and speak with AON’s leasing team. No appointment is required, although visitors can sign up ahead of time if they wish.

For Leasing Manager Jeneen Spellman, who has spent more than 20 years helping people find their next home, the most rewarding part of the job is the relationships built along the way.

“I build relationships with them that carry on for years after,” Spellman said.

Benmor Towers is designed as an adult living community, offering residents a comfortable apartment lifestyle with on-site support and a strong sense of community. Spellman said many residents are looking for a more convenient option after selling their home and want a place that allows them to enjoy their next stage of life.

“They’re looking for a turnkey apartment to do their traveling,” she said.

The two-tower complex offers a convenient location with easy access to downtown Peterborough, surrounding areas and nearby green space, including Jackson Park located just behind the property.

Benmor Towers on Parkhill Road West is welcoming prospective residents and community members to explore the building during open house events on Tuesday and Thursday. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

During the open house, visitors will have an opportunity to see different suite layouts, including a recently renovated apartment featuring an updated open-concept design, modern kitchen layout, renovated bathroom and additional storage space.

While every suite has its own features, Spellman said one of the things residents appreciate most is the community that has developed inside the building.

“It’s a good sense of community,” she said.

Benmor Towers also has on-site superintendents, with AON staff available to assist residents when needed.

For Spellman, helping someone find the right fit is what continues to make the work rewarding.

“I love the people that I meet every day,” she said. “No day is the same.”

Residents interested in learning more about Benmor Towers can visit during the open house Tuesday from 9am to noon or Thursday from noon to 3pm.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Two Minors Charged With Robbing a Store With a Knife

Two Peterborough teens are facing charges after an incident at a local convenience store on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:20 a.m. on Monday, officers were called to the store at Sherbrooke Street and Denure Drive about a robbery that had just happened involving two males wearing masks, with one brandishing a knife and taking money from the till.

Officers spotted two males matching the description given to police fleeing on foot. The officer followed them and took them into custody at gunpoint as they attempted to jump a fence between houses on a nearby street. During a search after arrest, officers located and seized a knife from one of the suspects and a knife on the ground. Officers also recovered cash, alcohol and candy.  No one was injured in the incident.

As a result of the investigation,

A 14-year-old Peterborough male was arrested and charged with:

• Robbery with Theft

A 16-year-old Peterborough male was arrested and charged with:

• Robbery with Weapon

Both accused were released on an undertaking with conditions and are scheduled to appear in court Sept. 14.

Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the names of the accused cannot be released.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Trent Excalibur Send Two Players and a Coach To Represent Canada at 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship

Student-athletes Maddy Baxter, Maggie Cuddy and head coach Jocelyne Lemay of the Trent Excalibur women’s lacrosse program are representing Canada at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Tokyo, Japan, from July 24 to Aug. 2.

Maddy Baxter. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Lemay is serving as Team Canada’s manager.

“This is an incredible moment for our championship program," said Nathan McFadden, director of Athletics and Recreation at Trent University. "To have two student-athletes and our head coach representing Canada at this international tournament playing against the best teams and players in the world speaks to the level of high-performance players and standard of excellence within Trent Excalibur women's lacrosse. We're extremely proud of Maddy, Maggie, and Jocelyne. Their determination, passion, and professionalism have been instrumental in shaping our program, and we know they will represent both Canada and Trent with tremendous pride while serving as outstanding global ambassadors for our university.”

Entering her second year in the Nursing program at Trent, Baxter has helped Canada defend its gold-medal standard at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, captured a silver medal at the 2022 World Championship after recording 15 points (nine goals, six assists) and previously represented Canada at the 2019 U19 World Cup. In 2025, she was named the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Rookie of the Year after helping the team earn an OUA Gold Medal.

“It's taken a lot of dedication, training, and commitment. I am excited to see all that hard work come together and get back on the field with my teammates,” said Baxter. “My experience at Trent has played a big role in preparing me for this opportunity. Competing at a high level, learning from great coaches and being surrounded by supportive teammates have helped me grow both as an athlete and as a person. It's also pretty special to represent Team Canada alongside my head coach and a teammate from Trent. Having familiar faces by my side makes the experience even more special.”

Cuddy helped Team Canada reach the gold medal game at the World Lacrosse U20 Championship in Hong Kong before representing Canada again at the 2025 World Lacrosse Super Sixes. Cuddy will begin her first season with the Trent Excalibur this fall as she starts her Master of Health Care Management at Trent University.

Lemay helped Canada capture the 2019 World Championship title as a player and, after taking over the Excalibur program in 2024, she guided the team to the 2025 OUA Championship and has continued to establish the program as one of Canada's premier university lacrosse teams.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.