PHOTOS: Jersey Mike's Subs Showcases Its Food At VIP Family and Friends Event Prior to Wednesday's Grand Opening

Prior to Jersey Mike’s Subs’ grand opening on Wednesday, they held a VIP Family and Friends event to showcase their food on Monday afternoon.

Roughly 35 staff were hired for the new Jersey Mike's Subs location in Peterborough. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

@ptbo_canada Jersey Mike’s Subs opens in Peterborough on July 29, 2026!!! The 25th store in Ontario is located at 947 Lansdowne St. W! #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #jerseymikessubs ♬ Cant Go Broke (Remix) - Zeddy Will

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Help Fill the Fords and Support Local Students This Back to School Season

By Scott Arnold

The community is invited to help fill two classic Ford trucks with school supplies during a fun-filled fundraiser supporting local students on Saturday, August 8th.

United Way Peterborough & District Campaign Officers Adeline Murphy and Elyse Belsey join Auto Connect Sales owners Cheryl Watson and Martin Tempelman, along with Tessa the four-legged greeter, in front of one of the classic Ford trucks that will be filled with school supplies during the Fill the Fords fundraiser on August 8th. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Getting ready for a new school year is an exciting time for many families, but for others, buying even the most basic school supplies can be a challenge.

That's why Auto Connect Sales and United Way Peterborough & District are once again teaming up to help local students through the Fill the Fords school supply drive.

The community is invited to bring donations to Auto Connect Sales, located at 1175 Lansdowne Street West, on Saturday, August 8th, from 10 am to 2 pm, where two classic Ford trucks will be filled with essential back-to-school supplies for students across Peterborough and the surrounding area.

The event grew out of the successful partnership between United Way Peterborough & District and Auto Connect during last year's community donation drives.

"We saw such generosity from our community last year," said United Way Campaign Officer Adeline Murphy. "We wanted to build on that and do something even bigger this year."

The need continues to grow as more families seek help with back-to-school essentials. Donations of items such as pencils, pens, binders, calculators, notebooks and other school supplies will help ensure local students have what they need to succeed when classes begin.

"We're hearing from schools and community agencies that more families are needing support with these essential supplies," said United Way Campaign Officer Elyse Belsey. "These are items many of us take for granted, but they can make a huge difference for a student heading back to school."

Helping bring the fundraiser to life are two eye-catching classic Ford trucks, including a 1996 Ford F-150 and a 1951 Mercury pickup. The vintage vehicles have become a signature part of Auto Connect's community fundraisers, serving as the collection points for donated school supplies while giving visitors something special to see.

A vintage 1951 Mercury pickup is ready to be filled with school supplies as part of the Fill the Fords fundraiser, helping support local students ahead of the new school year. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

A classic 1996 Ford F-150 will once again help collect school supplies during the Fill the Fords fundraiser, serving as one of two donation vehicles for the community-wide back-to-school drive. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

While the goal is to fill the trucks, organizers say the day is about much more than collecting supplies.

Visitors can enjoy a community BBQ featuring generously donated food from King Street Market, while the first 100 eligible donations will receive a free scoop of Central Smith ice cream. Community mascots are expected to stop by, along with a Peterborough Police Service cruiser for children to explore.

For Auto Connect owners Cheryl Watson and Martin Tempelman, giving back to the community has always been a priority.

"This community has welcomed us, so we want to do what we can to give back," said Watson. "It shouldn't be hard to be a kid. Every child deserves the chance to be excited about going back to school and to have the same opportunity to succeed as everyone else."

Watson says no donation is too small.

"It doesn't matter if you bring a whole bag of supplies or just one pencil," she said. "Every little bit helps, and everyone is welcome."

Tempelman says helping others is simply the right thing to do.

"If there's anything we can do to help others, I believe it's our responsibility," he said. "Bringing joy to others brings joy to us."

Those unable to attend the August 8th event can still support the campaign. School supplies can be dropped off at several locations throughout Peterborough and the county until August 14th, including Auto Connect Sales. United Way also has an Amazon Wish List available for those who prefer to donate online, with items shipped directly to the organization.

A complete list of requested school supplies and drop-off locations is available on the United Way Peterborough & District website.

Whether it's a backpack full of supplies or a single pencil, every donation will help local students head back to school with confidence.

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

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City Trails and Paths Undergoing Clean Up Next Tuesday

Seasonal maintenance on the City of Peterborough’s multi-use trails and pathways is set to begin next Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City will be clearing overgrown vegetation from trails and walkways. Specialized equipment will be used to cut back dense vegetation growing alongside trails and walkways. This will help restore the full width of each path and ensure vegetation is cleared two meters from trail edges where possible, to improve visibility, ensure signage is visible and keep paths and trails accessible.

The areas where mechanical brushing is done may look a bit unsightly immediately after the work is completed, with natural debris and freshly cut vegetation. These areas will regenerate and return to a green, natural appearance relatively quickly.

Trail users may experience some delays while work is underway.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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.

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