Woman Gets Charge Upgraded to First-Degree Murder For Matricide From June London Street Footbridge Incident

Forty-five-year-old Sarah-Jayne Maier has her second-degree murder charge from June 12 upgraded to first-degree after her mother, 74-year-old Susan Maier, was pronounced dead at the hospital from injuries sustained during an incident.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Officers were called to the area of the London Street footbridge on the east side of the Otonabee River about a woman in the water on June 9. They pulled her out of the water and attempted life-saving measures but Susan was pronounced deceased at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

After a follow-up investigation, Sarah-Jayne was arrested and charged with second-degree murder on June 12. Since then, she was re-arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The accused appeared in court on Aug. 4.

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New Outdoor Gathering Space Opens at Lakehurst Hall in Trent Lakes

By Scott Arnold

Residents in Trent Lakes have a new place to gather, enjoy community events and spend time outdoors thanks to a major upgrade at Lakehurst Hall.

$185,400 OTF Grant Provides new Outdoor Event Space to Foster Recreation Opportunities for all Ages (photo courtesy of The Municipality of Trent Lakes)

A new outdoor event space, known as the Lakehurst Hall Lower Bowl, has officially opened after being built with the help of a $185,400 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant awarded to the Municipality of Trent Lakes.

Designed to host arts, recreation and community programming, the new space features three tiers of armour stone seating with room for about 70 people overlooking a grassy performance area. An accessible ramp and armour stone sound barrier wall were also included as part of the project.

The Lower Bowl includes a 70-person capacity, three tier, armour stone seating area facing a grass platform, along with an accessible ramp and an armour stone sound barrier wall (photo couresy of The Municipality of Trent Lakes)

The improvements extend beyond the event space. The funding also helped create a new trailhead and upgraded greenspace behind Lakehurst Hall, connecting visitors to a 1.7-kilometre walking trail.

Lakehurst Hall is one of the Municipality of Trent Lakes' community halls and is operated by a volunteer board that hosts events and manages bookings throughout the year.

Mayor Terry Lambshead said the new space will provide an inclusive and accessible place for community gatherings, celebrations and outdoor activities for years to come.

Anyone interested in booking the outdoor space or Lakehurst Hall can contact the Lakehurst Community Hall Board.

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

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Holding Auditions for Classic Comedy Noises Off

By Scott Arnold

If you've ever wanted to step onto the stage, the Peterborough Theatre Guild is looking for performers for its upcoming production of the award-winning comedy Noises Off.

Launched in 2025, the Builders in Residence Program welcomes canoe and kayak builders, artists, and makers from across the country to share their skills, stories, and craftsmanship with Museum visitors (photo courtesy of the canadian canoe museum)

Auditions will take place on Thursday, September 10th and Friday, September 11th at the Peterborough Theatre Guild on Rogers Street. If all audition spots fill up, an additional session will be added on the afternoon of September 11th, with callbacks scheduled for Saturday, September 12th.

Directed by Kathryn Condon, Noises Off is widely regarded as one of the funniest stage farces ever written. The play follows a theatre company as everything that can go wrong behind the scenes does exactly that, creating plenty of fast-paced comedy both on and off the stage.

The Guild is casting nine roles, including actors portraying the fictional cast of the play-within-a-play, as well as the director, stage manager and assistant stage manager. Several of the roles involve physical comedy, while others require strong comedic timing.

Auditions will be held in a group format. Participants will perform a provided monologue before working through it with the director and presenting it a second time.

The Peterborough Theatre Guild says it is committed to inclusive casting and encourages performers of all backgrounds, identities, ages, abilities and lived experiences to audition.

Noises Off is scheduled to run from January 22nd to February 6th, 2027, with performances at the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Anyone interested in auditioning can find detailed character descriptions, audition monologues and booking information on the Peterborough Theatre Guild website.

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

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Mi’kmaq Canoe Builder Launches Handcrafted Birch Bark Canoe at Canadian Canoe Museum

By Scott Arnold

After spending three weeks building a traditional birch bark canoe in front of visitors, renowned Mi’kmaq artisan Todd Labrador has officially launched the finished canoe on the water at The Canadian Canoe Museum.

Launched in 2025, the Builders in Residence Program welcomes canoe and kayak builders, artists, and makers from across the country to share their skills, stories, and craftsmanship with Museum visitors (photo courtesy of the canadian canoe museum)

Labrador, who was raised on the Wildcat Reservation in Queens County, Nova Scotia, is one of only a handful of people still practicing the traditional craft of Mi’kmaq birch bark canoe building. His residency gave visitors a rare chance to watch the canoe take shape while learning about the history, techniques and cultural significance behind the centuries-old tradition.

The launch also reunited the new canoe with another built by Labrador and his family several years ago for the Museum's collection. That 21-foot ocean-going birch bark canoe, complete with a sail, was created during the development of the Museum's new home and represents the Mi'kmaq tradition of ocean travel.

Labrador's residency was part of the Canadian Canoe Museum's Builders in Residence Program, which invites canoe and kayak builders, artists and makers from across Canada to share their knowledge and craftsmanship with visitors.

In addition to building canoes, Labrador is known for creating traditional baskets, hand drums and other Indigenous works, and has shared his skills across North America and internationally.

The Museum says the residency gave visitors the opportunity to do more than simply watch a canoe being built. They were able to meet Labrador, ask questions, and gain a deeper appreciation for a traditional craft that was once close to being lost.

Todd Labrador’s residency is the first to be supported through BMO’s $150,000 investment in The Canadian Canoe Museum’s Builders in Residence Program, which will help the Museum welcome Indigenous canoe makers over the next three years (photo courtesy of the canadian canoe museum)

Labrador said he spent years reviving the Mi'kmaq birch bark canoe-building tradition after hearing stories from his father and great-grandfather, who was a canoe builder himself. He also reflected on his long relationship with The Canadian Canoe Museum, which began years ago with a phone call seeking advice about the pitch used to seal birch bark canoes.

The residency is the first to be supported through BMO's $150,000 investment in the Builders in Residence Program, funding that will help bring Indigenous canoe makers to the Museum over the next three years.

For more information about the Builders in Residence Program, visit the Canadian Canoe Museum's website.

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

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Silver Medals for Four Peterborough Natives at 2026 World Lacrosse Women's Championship in Tokyo

By Scott Arnold

Four Peterborough natives are returning to Canadian soil with silver medals after helping Team Canada reach the podium at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women's Championship in Tokyo, Japan.

peterborough was well represented on canada’s silver medal winning team at the world lacrosse women’s championship in japan, with lexi jenkins, jocelyne lemay, allison daley and erica evans (photo via facebook @kawarthalacrosse )

Canada earned the silver medal after falling 16-4 to the United States in Sunday's gold medal game, marking another strong showing for the national program on the world stage. It was Canada’s fourth silver medal in a row and their sixth medal in 12 appearances since the tournament began in 1982, with the event taking place every four years.

Peterborough native Erica Evans capped off an outstanding tournament with a goal and an assist in the championship game. She finished with 10 goals and seven assists in six games and was named to the World Team, an honour recognizing the tournament’s top ten players from across the planet.

peterborough native erica evans was a fan favourite at the world lacrosse women’s championship in tokyo japan, notching 17 points in six games for canada (photo via instagram @lacrossecanada)

Lexi Jenkins was part of Canada's defensive unit throughout the tournament, showing consistent stellar play throughout the entire tournament, while fellow Peterborough natives Allison Daley and Jocelyne Lemay played key roles behind the bench as co-head coach and team manager, respectively.

team manager jocelyne lemay, defender lexi jenkins, midfielder erica evans and co-coach allison daley at the 2026 world lacrosse women’s championship. the four peterborough natives helped canada to a silver a medal (photo via instagram @kawarthalacrosse)

Canada entered the tournament ranked second in the world, proving itself as one of the top programs in the sport, with local talent continuing to play a huge role in the success.

For Peterborough, the tournament was another reminder of the city's rich lacrosse tradition, with four hometown representatives helping Canada compete for a world championship.

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

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List of City Services During Aug. 3 Civic Holiday

Several City services have modified hours and others are closed for the Civic Holiday on Aug. 3.

File Photo.

The City offers a variety of online services at peterborough.ca that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Art Gallery of Peterborough   
Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St., will be closed on August 3.  For information about gallery exhibitions and programs, visit agp.on.ca 

City Hall   
City Hall offices at 500 George St. N., including Service Peterborough, Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Provincial Offences Office, will be closed on August 3.    

Online services are available at peterborough.ca. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA.   

Water Services Customer Service will be closed on August 3. For water services emergencies over the holiday, including watermain breaks, leaking hydrants, low water pressure, emergency water shut-offs, water quality concerns, or rental water heater issues, call 705-748-9300. For more information visit peterborough.ca/waterservices.   

Environmental Protection Division Laboratory  
The Environmental Protection Division Laboratory, 425 Kennedy Rd., will be closed on Monday, August 3. The laboratory will resume accepting water samples on Tuesday, August 4, at 8 a.m. For information on services, hours of operation and water testing, visit peterborough.ca/watertesting. 

Parking Services   
Parking in City-operated parking garages, surface lots and on-street parking spaces is free on weekends and statutory holidays. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade, 202 King St., will be closed on August 3. Visit peterborough.ca/parking to find more information, including parking locations. 

Peterborough Museum and Archives   
Peterborough Museum and Archives, 300 Hunter St. E., will be open noon to 5 p.m. on August 3. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum.   

Peterborough Public Library   
Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N., will be closed on August 3.  

Library card holders can access the Miskin Law Community Complex branch, 271 Lansdowne St. W., between 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 3 by scanning their library card at the door and entering their PIN to access the library. Card holders can then browse books, pick up holds and check out items using the self check-out machines.  

Audiobooks, eBooks, eLearning and eMagazines can still be accessed by visiting ptbolibrary.ca/DigitalCollections.  

Information and digital resources are available online at ptbolibrary.ca.   

Peterborough Regional Airport   
Peterborough Regional Airport, 590 Skyway Dr., will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on August 3. Visit peterborough.ca/airport for more information.    

Public Works   
Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Recreation Facilities  
The following recreation facilities will be closed on August 3: 

• Health Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd. 

• Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsman Way 

• McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St. 

Beach, Splash Pads and Wading Pools   
Lifeguards will be on duty at Beavermead Beach, 2011 Ashburnham Dr., from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lakelands Public Health monitors beach water from June to August. Information is available online at lakelandsph.ca.  

Splash pads in City parks are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The splash pad at Riverview Park and Zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Lifeguards supervise City wading pools daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.    

Miskin Law Community Complex  
Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W., will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 3.  

Peterborough Memorial Centre  
The Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. W., and the Grant Thornton Box Office, is expected to be closed on Monday, August 3, for the holiday.   
 
If a Peterborough Lakers home playoff game is scheduled for August 3, the Centre will be open. The playoff schedule has not been confirmed yet; residents are encouraged to check memorialcentre.ca closer to the date for the latest information on facility hours and game details. 

Tickets for Memorial Centre events are available for purchase online at memorialcentre.ca.  

Peterborough Marina   
Otonabee Conservation is operating the marina for the 2026 season. For more information, visit otonabeeconservation.com/outdoor-adventure/boating.   

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre  
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr., will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 3.  

The Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on August 3. 
  
Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock  
Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock, 353 Hunter St. E., will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit ptbotourism.ca/plan.  

Riverview Park and Zoo   
The Riverview Park and Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., including on August 3.   

Guest Services/Gift Shop: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.    

Splash Pad: Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours may change due to weather and maintenance.    

Miniature Train Ride: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may change due to weather and maintenance.  

For updates and more information, visit riverviewparkandzoo.ca.  

Social Services and Child Care Centres   
The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on August 3. For information on Social Services, please visit peterborough.ca/SocialServices.    

Emergency shelter services remain open over the holiday. To access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours, or on holidays, call the after-hours service at 705-926-0096.    

City-operated child care centres will be closed on August 3.   

Transit     
Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on August 3. The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525.   

Waste Collection and Facilities    
There are no changes to the curbside waste collection schedule on August 3.   

The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed on August 3.   

The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed. The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot’s normal operating hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

For more information on collection schedules, visit peterborough.ca/wastewizard.  

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Ontario Government Invests Over $116,000 For Local Senior Support

Six local organizations in the Peterborough-Kawartha area have received a combined total of $116,196 to help local seniors stay active, safe and socially connected within their communities.

The Ontario government is investing up to $7 million for more than 320 Seniors Community Grants across the province this year, helping seniors stay fit, active, healthy, and socially connected close to home. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is through the Ontario government’s Seniors Community Grants program.

The funding recipients in Peterborough-Kawartha are:

The City of Peterborough: $24,998

• Project: Be Prepared (Third Revision)

• Overview: Updates materials for the Be Prepared program to equip seniors with clear, practical guidance to recognize and respond to frauds, scams, severe weather events, and intimate partner or family violence, while strengthening emergency preparedness

Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton: $24,251

• Project: The Social and Night Out Program

• Overview: Provides an inclusive environment where individuals living with dementia, caregivers, and families can socialize, share meals, dance, and build lasting connections in a safe, welcoming atmosphere

Mapleridge Recreation Centre (Senior Citizens Association of Peterborough): $24,541

• Project: Connected Communities: Seniors' Digital Literacy Program

• Overview: Offers hands-on workshops using computers, tablets, and smart boards to build seniors' confidence in using technology safely, covering scam prevention, safe use of AI tools, and accessing online services

Community Care Peterborough: $24,500

• Project: Senior Connectors – Phase 2: Peer Navigation & Follow-Up

• Overview: Supports trained senior volunteers hosting community kiosks to help older adults across the City and County of Peterborough access vital local services, reducing isolation and promoting independence

Douro-Dummer Township Public Library Board: $17,906

• Project: The Douro-Dummer Public Library Learning Commons Phase II

• Overview: Enhances the community hub's programming, user experience, and partnership opportunities, providing a gathering space for rural seniors and community members of all ages

St. Joseph's at Fleming: $2,100

• Project: Community Connections for Seniors

• Overview: Provides monthly, supervised community outings with accessible transportation for long-term care residents to enjoy cultural and recreational experiences, helping them remain engaged in the broader community

“Seniors have built the vibrant, close-knit communities we enjoy today, and ensuring they have access to programs that keep them active, safe, and connected is a top priority,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Whether it's preventing online scams, supporting those living with dementia, or helping long-term care residents get out into the community, these six local projects will make a real, tangible difference in the everyday lives of older adults right across our region.”

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Peterborough Natives Pick Up Points as Canada Advances to World Lacrosse Gold Medal Game Against USA

By Scott Arnold

Two Peterborough natives made a big impact on the field Friday as Team Canada advanced to the gold medal game at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Tokyo.

peterborough native erica evans had five points in canada’s semifinal win over the haudenosaunee on friday, including two goals and three assists, giving her 15 points in five games (photo via instagram @worldlacrosse)

Canada booked its spot in the championship game with an 18-5 semifinal victory over the Haudenosaunee earlier today.

Peterborough native Erica Evans continued her strong tournament performance, recording two goals and three assists in the win. Evans now has 15 points through five games at the tournament as Canada prepares for a rematch with the United States.

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A post shared by Lacrosse Canada (@lacrossecanada)

Lexi Jenkins, known for her defensive play, also contributed offensively with an assist in the semifinal victory.

Peterborough’s Allison Daley and Jocelyne Lemay remain key members of Canada’s national team staff, serving as co-head coach and team manager, respectively.

Standing in Canada’s way of a historic gold medal is the United States, which has won the last four World Lacrosse Women’s Championships and captured nine gold medals in the tournament’s 11 editions.

Canada and the U.S. have met in the gold medal game at each of the last three championships, with the Americans earning the victory each time. Canada has never won gold at the event, while the U.S. will look to continue its dominance on the international stage.

The gold medal game is set for Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm local time in Tokyo, which is 6am Eastern Time.

For the four Peterborough representatives involved, it will be an opportunity to help Canada capture its first-ever Women’s World Lacrosse Championship gold medal.

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

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New Details Emerge From The Amazing Race Canada’s Peterborough Episode

By Scott Arnold

More details are emerging about The Amazing Race Canada’s stop in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, giving fans a better look at the local locations featured in the upcoming episode.

the amazing race canada contestants can be seen running in front of city hall in downtown peterborough (photo via instagram @ctv_pr)

The fifth leg of the race, titled “We Got The Beaver,” will take teams through the region as they compete in challenges and make strategic moves along the way.

Newly released photos from CTV show racers at some familiar local spots, including Peterborough City Hall in downtown Peterborough, Rogers Cove, Kawartha Dairy in Bobcaygeon, the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre on Television Road and Burleigh Falls.

roger’s cove in peterborough will be featured in an upcoming episode of the amazing race canada (photo via instagram @ctv_pr)

contestants of the amazing race canada compete in a challenge at roger’s cover in peterborough’s east city (photo via instagram @ctv_pr)

roger’s cove played host to contestants of the amazing race canada during an episode that will air august 11th (photo via instagram @ctv_pr)

the amazing race canada host jon montgomery at burleigh falls (photo via instagram @ctv_pr)

former chief and band councillor of Curve Lake First nation dr. Keith knott with the amazing race host jon montgomery (photo via instagram @ctv_pr)

the amazing race canada also spent time of the ontario turtle conservation centre on television road just outside of peterborough (photo via instagram @ctv_pr)

a popular spot in bobcaygeon will appear in an upcoming episode of the amazing race canada with kawartha dairy set to be featured in the august 11th airing (photo via instagram @ctv_pr)

CTV has teased that the episode will also feature a game-changing U-Turn Vote that sparks strategic chaos as teams continue their race across Canada.

The Amazing Race Canada featuring Peterborough and the Kawarthas airs Tuesday, August 11th at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV and will stream the following day on Crave.

From downtown Peterborough to the shores of Burleigh Falls, viewers will get to see a little bit of what makes Peterborough and the Kawarthas such a special place as teams race through the region.

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

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Trent University’s Board of Governors and OPSEU/SEFPO Local 365 Ratify Four-Year Agreement

OPSEU/SEFPO Local 365 and Trent University have announced that a new collective agreement has been finalized, following ratification at a Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday and by the majority of voting members of OPSEU on July 14.

OPSEU/SEFPO Local 365 represents 530 members; the bargaining unit comprises support staff at Trent and includes such positions as caretakers, administrative support, secretaries, systems analysts, maintenance workers, demonstrators and teaching assistants. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“I want to thank both bargaining teams for their thoughtful work in reaching this agreement,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “This four-year agreement provides important stability and sustainability for Trent University, reflecting a shared commitment to Trent’s future and to the people who make our university such an outstanding place to work and learn.”

“This agreement is the result of hard work and good-faith efforts by both parties,” said William Dowkes, president of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 365. “It delivers meaningful improvements for our members, including enhanced benefits, stronger leave provisions, and important gains for contract staff. I want to thank both bargaining teams for their commitment throughout the process and our members for their engagement and support. Together, we were able to reach an agreement that benefits our members and supports the continued success of Trent University.”

Reflecting a collaborative bargaining process that balanced investments in employees with the University's commitment to long-term financial sustainability, the agreement includes:

• Improvements to key workplace provisions that strengthen the employee experience and support a positive working environment. 

• Enhancements to employee benefits and workplace supports to promote employee well-being and long-term health.

• Across-the-board wage increases in each of the four years.

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