TSN Host Sends Special 85th Birthday Wishes to Peterborough Humane Society

By Scott Arnold

A familiar face from TSN helped deliver a special birthday message to the Peterborough Humane Society as the organization continues celebrating 85 years of caring for animals in the community.

Bryan Hayes, host of TSN’s OverDrive, sent a special 85th birthday message to the Peterborough Humane Society (screenshot of video posted by peterborough humane society)

The Peterborough Humane Society received a special shoutout this week from TSN personality Bryan Hayes, who helped mark the organization’s milestone anniversary with a message of support.

Hayes is best known as the host of OverDrive, Canada’s #1 sports talk show on TSN, alongside Jamie “Noodles” McLennan and Jeff O’Neill.

The Peterborough Humane Society shared the video on social media, saying having Hayes take part in its birthday celebration was “an honour” and a moment the organization was excited to share.

The organization was established in 1941 and is celebrating 85 years of supporting animals across Peterborough and the surrounding area. Today, the Humane Society operates out of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre on Technology Drive, where it provides care, adoption services, humane education and community support programs.

As an open admission, For Life organization, the Peterborough Humane Society cares for approximately 1,500 pets each year and relies on community support to continue its work.

Hayes’ birthday message adds to a year of celebrations for an organization that has been part of the Peterborough community for more than eight decades.

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

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Inaugural International Indoor Junior Lacrosse North America Cup Has Been Cancelled

The International Indoor Junior Lacrosse (IIJL) North America Cup Series taking place from Aug. 7 to 9 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre has been cancelled.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The IIJL released the following statement:

“The IIJL has made the difficult decision to cancel the North America Cup Series. While we were looking forward to bringing teams together for this event, unforeseen circumstances have impacted participation levels.

We are optimistic about identifying an opportunity to pursue this event in Peterborough in the future and thank the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Memorial Centre and Peterborough Tourism for their support as a key collaborator and strong supporter of lacrosse events.”

Three games were to be played between Canada, the United States and the Haudenosaunee.

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Local Pro Wrestler Sean Morley, Better Known as Val Venis, Returns to the Ring at Age 55

By Scott Arnold

A familiar WWE character returned to the spotlight last week as Peterborough-connected wrestler Sean Morley brought back Val Venis for a viral in-ring comeback.

former wwe superstar sean moley, who has ties to peterborough and ennismore, came out of retirement at age 55 last week, reprising his val venis character, for a match in new jersey (photo via x @wrestlingnewsco

The 55-year-old former WWE star stepped back inside the ring for Independent Stars of Pro Wrestling’s Legends of Wrestling Night in Wildwood, New Jersey, reprising the character that made him famous.

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Complete with the trademark white towel around his waist and the familiar Val Venis entrance, Morley’s return quickly gained attention online, with photos and videos spreading among wrestling fans who had not seen the character in years.

Morley faced Rico Gold in his return match, which ended in a loss, but the result was secondary to the nostalgia surrounding the return of one of WWE’s recognizable personalities from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

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While Morley now lives in Mesa, Arizona, he has strong ties to the Peterborough area. Born in Oakville, Ontario, he spent years living in Ennismore and is considered by many as a local wrestling product.

After his WWE career came to an end, Morley returned to Peterborough for several years, where he ran a wrestling camp focused on training aspiring professional wrestlers.

His influence on the wrestling world also includes helping a young Peterborough athlete named Bobby Roode get started in the business. Before becoming a multi-time world champion and a prominent WWE producer, Roode credited Morley with teaching him some of the fundamentals of professional wrestling early in his career.

Morley joined WWE in 1998 and became known around the world as Val Venis. During his time with the company, he won the Intercontinental Championship, European Championship and World Tag Team Championship before departing WWE in 2009.

Although he stepped away from full-time wrestling, Morley continued making occasional independent appearances over the years, with his most recent appearance before last week coming in 2023.

For wrestling fans, seeing Val Venis return was a nostalgic reminder of one of WWE’s most recognizable characters. For people in Peterborough, it was another chance to see a local connection return to the spotlight on the world of professional wrestling.

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

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Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Unveil Nominees For 2026 Business Excellence Awards

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has released its nominees for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards which recognize outstanding achievement, innovation, leadership, resilience and community impact across the region's business community.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

This year's awards feature 137 unique nominees receiving 235 nominations across 18 award categories.

The 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala is on Oct. 22 at Kawartha Downs, where award winners will be announced.

“This year we eliminated the self-nomination process, and we have been truly inspired by the way our community embraced the opportunity to recognize local businesses,” said Brenda Whitehead, Chamber President and CEO. “The response speaks volumes about the incredible work being done throughout our region. We now look forward to receiving the nominees' submissions, which will allow our volunteer judges to learn more about each organization's story, accomplishments, and impact. It is inspiring to see this level of engagement, and we can't wait to celebrate these outstanding businesses and individuals in October.”

“The Business Excellence Awards are about more than recognizing success—they celebrate the entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit organizations, and leaders whose passion, innovation, and dedication strengthen our communities every day,” said Susan Dunkley, Chamber Board Chair. “The number of nominations received this year demonstrates just how proud our region is of its business community. On behalf of the Board of Directors, congratulations to every nominee. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and the positive impact you continue to make across Peterborough City and County.”

The following are this year’s nominees:

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Hiroshima and Nagasaki Commemoration Lantern Ceremony At Little Lake Being Held On Aug. 6

The Peterborough Quakers invite the public to a Floating Lantern Commemoration of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on Aug. 6, at 7:45 p.m. at the T-Wharf on Little Lake.

File Photo.

The commemoration includes brief reflections on war and on the need to constantly work for peace, interspersed with music and peaceful reflection, followed by the floating of the lanterns on the waters of Little Lake according to a press release.

On August 6th and 9th, 1945, during the final stage of the Second World War, the United States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The two bombings, which killed at least 200,000 people, remain the only use of nuclear weapons to this day.

Participants are invited to bring their own reflections to share or honour those who have died and continue to die in war. 

“The Floating Lanterns commemoration is a gentle and beautiful grassroots way of helping us remember the many things we can do to bring about a more peaceful world,” said Pat Gere, organizing committee member.

Lanterns are being assembled by teen volunteers from St. Peter’s High School. Participants can bring their own chair or blanket.

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Two Teen Boys Face Charges After Altercation Involving Possession of Knives

Two Peterborough teens are facing charges involving possessing knives during an altercation on Wednesday evening.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 9:15 p.m., officers were called to the area of Rink Street and George Street about a report of a young person brandishing a knife during a verbal altercation. Officers located a youth known to police a short distance away and took him into custody. Through investigation, it was determined that the youth was not involved in the original incident but was found to be breaching a sentence order and failing to comply with probation. Officers seized a lighter from the teen.

Shortly after, Community F.I.R.S.T officers were approached by bystanders indicating a young person near the footbridge had a knife. Officers located a teen matching the description previously given to police on the other side of the bridge, took him into custody and located and seized a knife.

As a result of the investigation:

A 13-year-old Peterborough male was arrested and charged with:

• Failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court (not with surety or at designated residence)

• Allegation of Breach of Conditional Sentence Order X2 (possession of a lighter, not obeying curfew)

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Thursday.

A 15-year-old Peterborough male was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

The accused was released on an undertaking with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 14.

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Peterborough to Take Centre Stage on The Amazing Race Canada August 11th

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough and the Kawarthas will be in the national spotlight next month as The Amazing Race Canada brings local landmarks and destinations to screens across the country.

the amazing race canada host jon montgomery pictured at the canadian canoe museum in peterborough. an upcoming episode of the amazing race canada, airing august 11th, will feature contestants racing and competing at locations in the city (photo via instagram @cndncanoemuseum)

The secret is officially out.

After production crews and racers were spotted filming in Peterborough earlier this year, the Canadian Canoe Museum and Peterborough Tourism & The Kawarthas Tourism have confirmed that the city will be featured in an upcoming episode of The Amazing Race Canada.

The Peterborough episode will air Tuesday, August 11th at 9 p.m. EDT on CTV as part of Season 12 of the popular competition series.

Canadian canoe museum executive director carolyn hyslop holds up a clue card for the amazing race canada at beavermead beach in peterborough beside host jon montgomery (photo via instagram @cndncanoemuseum)

The episode, titled Episode 1205, will showcase Peterborough and the Kawarthas, highlighting local destinations and recognizable spots throughout the region as teams continue their race across Canada.

The Canadian Canoe Museum also confirmed it will be featured during the episode, giving viewers a chance to see one of Peterborough’s most unique attractions featured on national television.

the amazing race canada host jon montgomery on little lake in peterborough with a canoe provided by the canadian canoe museum ( (photo via instagram @ptbotourism)

The episode will be available to stream the following day on Crave.

Back in May, production sightings around the city sparked plenty of excitement among residents, with reported filming locations including Peterborough City Hall, Rogers Cove, Crary Park, Beavermead Park and the Canadian Canoe Museum.

canadian canoe museum curator jeremy ward showing a clue card alongside the amazing race canada host jon montgomery (photo via instagram @ptbotourism)

Now, viewers will finally get to see what challenges racers took on during their stop in Peterborough.

Tune in August 11th to see which local places you recognize and maybe discover a few new ones along the way.

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

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Canada Moves on to Semifinals at World Lacrosse Championship in Japan With Help From Four Peterborough Women

By Scott Arnold

Four Peterborough representatives remain in the hunt for gold as Team Canada has advanced to the semifinals at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women's Championship in Tokyo.

four peterborough natives are current;y in japan representing canada at the world lacrosse championships, including (left to right) Team manager jocelyne lemay, players lexi jenkins & erica evans, and co-coach allison daley (photo courtesy of kawartha lacrosse)

Canada will face the Haudenosaunee tomorrow after posting a 4-0 record to reach the final four. The other semifinal will see the United States take on Israel. Friday’s game is set to take place at 3am Eastern Time, which is 4pm in Tokyo.

Peterborough native Erica Evans has continued to make an impact offensively, recording ten points through Canada's first four games. She opened the tournament with four goals and an assist in a 23-0 victory over Germany before adding two goals and an assist in a 13-11 win over Australia. Evans also picked up an assist in a 21-1 win over Wales and scored the team’s third goal as Canada edged host Japan 5-4 in a thrilling quarterfinal that needed overtime to settle.

Peterborough's Lexi Jenkins has been part of Canada's defensive unit throughout the tournament, while fellow Peterborough native Allison Daley is serving as the team's co-head coach. Jocelyne Lemay is also representing the city as Canada's team manager.

Canada is looking to capture its first-ever gold medal at the Women's World Lacrosse Championship, with just two wins separating the team from history.

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

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Schedule Set for First Round Playoff Series Between Peterborough Lakers and Oakville Rock

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are playoff bound, with dates now set for their best-of-five first-round Major Series Lacrosse series against the Oakville Rock.

the peterborough lakers will face the oakville rock in the opening round of the MSL playoffs, with game 1 set tuesday, august 4th, in oakville and game 2 at the peterborough memorial centre on august 6th (photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers, via david pickering)

Peterborough secured third place in the regular season with a 10-7 record and will open the postseason against the second-place Rock, with Game 1 taking place in Oakville.

The Lakers' first home playoff game is scheduled for Thursday, August 6th at 8pm at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Oakville swept the three-game regular season series, including a 13-12 victory over the Lakers at the PMC on July 16. Peterborough, however, heads into the playoffs on a three-game winning streak after closing out the regular season by securing third place.

Fans looking to attend every home playoff game can take advantage of the Lakers' new Pay As You Play ticket option. The program allows fans to reserve the same seats throughout the playoffs, with their credit card charged only after each home game is officially confirmed. If a home game is not played, there is no charge.

The deadline to register for the Pay As You Play program is Monday, August 4th at 9am

Single-game tickets go on sale Tuesday, August 5th at 10am through the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office and Ticketmaster.

First-Round Schedule

• Game 1 – Tuesday, August 4th at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville, 8pm

• Game 2 – Thursday, August 6th at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, 8pm

• Game 3 – Saturday, August 8th at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville, 7pm

• Game 4 (if necessary) – Sunday, August 9th at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, 7pm

• Game 5 (if necessary) – Tuesday, August 11th at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville, 8pm

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

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SolarFest to Bring New Life to Lakefield Summer Tradition

By Scott Arnold

Shopping, live entertainment, family activities and community spirit will come together in downtown Lakefield when SolarFest makes its debut on Saturday, August 8th.

While many people know the annual sidewalk sale, this year's event marks the beginning of a new chapter. Reimagined as SolarFest, the celebration expands beyond shopping to create an experience designed for residents and visitors of all ages (photo via facebook @discoverlakefield)

A familiar Lakefield tradition is getting a fresh new look this summer.

The annual sidewalk sale has been reimagined as SolarFest, expanding into a full-day community celebration that will take over downtown Lakefield from 9am to 3pm. Queen Street will be closed between Bridge Street and Reid Street as visitors explore local businesses, enjoy live entertainment and take part in activities for all ages.

Local merchants will once again bring their businesses outdoors with sidewalk sales, special promotions, demonstrations and interactive activities, while a new Artisan Market will feature handcrafted goods from local makers.

Families can head to the Children & Family Village in Cenotaph Park for pony rides, games, crafts and interactive activities. The popular Lakefield Fairy Festival is also returning with fairy-themed storytelling, creative activities and a costume contest.

Throughout the day, local performers will provide live entertainment on the Main Stage, while food vendors will offer a variety of options. Visitors can also stop by a free community barbecue hosted by Lakefield IDA Pharmacy and the Selwyn Fire Department.

SolarFest is also encouraging visitors to support the Lakefield Community Food Bank by bringing a non-perishable food donation. Businesses and community organizations will also host contests, giveaways and activities across the downtown.

The festival is presented through a partnership between the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, Lakefield merchants, community organizations and Selwyn Township. Together, they hope to build on the longtime success of the sidewalk sale while creating an event that celebrates local businesses, brings the community together and gives families another reason to spend the day in Lakefield.

Whether you're shopping, enjoying the entertainment or simply taking in the atmosphere, SolarFest promises a full day of summer fun in the heart of the village.

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

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