Fleming College Giving Local Youth a Hands-On Look at Skilled Trades

By Scott Arnold

Students from across the region will get the chance to explore careers in the skilled trades during a week-long summer camp at Fleming College.

The annual Skills Ontario Summer Camp runs from Aug. 10 to 14 at Fleming College's Sutherland Campus in Peterborough, welcoming students in Grades 7 to 9 from Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Durham and Hasting (photo courtesy of fleming college)

The annual Skills Ontario Summer Camp runs from August 10th to 14th at Fleming College's Sutherland Campus in Peterborough, welcoming students in Grades 7 to 9 from Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Durham and Hastings.

Held in partnership with Skills Ontario, the camp gives participants a chance to learn by doing inside Fleming's Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre. Throughout the week, students will take part in hands-on activities in construction, plumbing, electrical, welding, arboriculture, fish and wildlife, blasting, heavy equipment and hairstyling while using industry tools and materials to build projects they can take home.

The experience extends beyond Peterborough, with campers travelling to Fleming's Frost Campus in Lindsay on August 11th to explore environmental and natural resources programs through outdoor activities.

Students will also get to experience the Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck when it visits the Sutherland Campus on August 13th. The mobile learning unit features interactive simulators and activities designed to introduce youth to a variety of skilled trades and technologies.

The week wraps up on August 14th with a parent showcase, giving families an opportunity to tour the facilities, see the projects students created and celebrate everything they learned during the camp.

The summer camp is part of Skills Ontario's province-wide initiative to introduce young people to skilled trades and technical careers while helping address Ontario's growing demand for skilled workers.

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

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Peterborough Humane Society Golf Tournament Raises More Than $21K for Local Animals

By Scott Arnold

More than 130 golfers hit the links at Quarry Golf Club last month, helping raise more than $21,000 to support the Peterborough Humane Society's work caring for animals in the community.

Over 130 people came together for a day that included a silent auction, a live auction, and a full course of golf under beautiful summer weather, all in support of the people and pets served by PHS (photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society)

The Peterborough Humane Society's second annual golf tournament took place on July 23rd and surpassed the success of its inaugural event, attracting more golfers, more sponsors and raising even more money for local animals.

The day featured 18 holes of golf, as well as silent and live auctions, with participants enjoying ideal summer weather while supporting the organization's mission.

In total, the event raised more than $21,000, with support from presenting sponsor Darling Insurance, along with Nexicom, Fox Law, One Fine Food, Conlin Premier Construction Inc., the Sheraton Centre Toronto, Le Centre Sheraton Montreal, Boston Pizza Peterborough and many other sponsors and donors.

"Any opportunity to enjoy perfect weather with our wonderful supporters while talking about our mission and raising funds is a good day," said PHS CEO Shawn Morey. "Thank you to everyone who came out, golfed, sponsored, and gave so generously. This community never stops showing up for animals in need, and we're already looking forward to next year."

Following another successful tournament, the Peterborough Humane Society has already announced the event will return to Quarry Golf Club on Thursday, July 22nd, 2027.

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

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Volunteers Needed to Plant 500 Native Trees at Heritage Park This Fall

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough residents are being invited to help grow the city's urban forest by planting approximately 500 native trees during this year's Trees 4 Peterborough Community Tree Planting Event.

Trees 4 Peterborough brings together community partners, volunteers and local organizations to help expand Peterborough's urban forest and create healthier, greener neighbourhoods (photo by scott arnold)

The annual event takes place on Saturday, September 26th, beginning at 10am at Heritage Park, located at 560 Settlers Ridge.

Volunteers will help plant native trees along Riverview Creek, expanding tree cover in the park while supporting Peterborough's ongoing efforts to create a healthier and greener urban forest.

Trees 4 Peterborough is a community initiative that brings together residents, local organizations and businesses to plant trees in parks and public spaces across the city.

The event is being coordinated by Peterborough GreenUP with support from RBC Wealth Management. Additional support is being provided by The Excelsior Group, East Side Mario's and Merrett Home Hardware.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to take part. Anyone interested in volunteering can register in advance through the City of Peterborough's website.

The community tree planting event will take place rain or shine.

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

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Steve Mayhew Memorial Tournament Draws More Than 150 Pickleball Players to Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

More than 150 pickleball players took to the courts at Bonnerworth Park as the Peterborough Pickleball Association hosted the third annual Steve Mayhew Memorial Tournament.

the father and son team of nolan carlson and kent carlson during the steve Mayhew memorial tournament at bonnerworth. Nolan was the youngest competitor in the tournament (photo courtesy of the peterborough pickleball association)

Held July 25th and 26th, the tournament brought players from Peterborough and beyond together for a weekend of competitive matches while celebrating the life and legacy of longtime local pickleball player Steve Mayhew.

Over 150 athletes from the pickleball community came together to honor the legacy, passion, and spirit of the late Steve Mayhew. (photo courtesy of the peterborough pickeball association)

The event also showcased the city's new pickleball courts at Bonnerworth Park, which have quickly become a popular destination for both recreational and tournament play.

In addition to the on-court action, the Peterborough Pickleball Association made a donation on behalf of Steve Mayhew's family to the sports division at Warkworth Institution, where Mayhew was a longtime employee.

volunteers Peter Devlin & Dianne Nielsen enjoying themselves at the steve mayhew memorial tournament at bonnerworth park (photo courtesy of the peterborough pickleball association)

Tournament organizers said players travelling to Peterborough for the event also helped support local hotels, restaurants and businesses throughout the weekend. The association also thanked the City of Peterborough, volunteers and sponsors for helping make the tournament possible.

With a tournament in the books, the Peterborough Pickleball Association is now looking ahead to the rest of the season, including leagues, clinics, open play and the inaugural Super Senior Slam Tournament.

Tournament Results

Men's Doubles

Skill 3.0 (Age 10+)

• Gold: Ryan Pakyam / Beat Ulrich

• Silver: Serge Dupont / Peter Votsch

• Bronze: Gotziaman / Larry Bowman

Skill 3.5 (Age 62 and Under)

• Gold: Sean Peters / Brad Chesla

• Silver: Dan Goldin-Cormier / Mark Cathers

• Bronze: Shawn Sutcliffe / Mike Eatson

Skill 3.5 (Age 63-69)

• Gold: Gil Gerelus / Kalvin Andrews

• Silver: Peter Saler / Greg Walsh

• Bronze: Tom Shaughnessy / Stephen Montgomery

Skill 3.5 (Age 70+)

• Gold: Mike Ayotte / Don Jackson

• Silver: Terry Whelpton / Xiaoguang Pan

• Bronze: Bill O'Byrne / Wayne Eddington

Skill 4.0 (Age 59 and Under)

• Gold: Marc Rochon / Jason Sorenson

• Silver: Sergey Kalinichenko / Mark Henry

• Bronze: Rayce Manger / Ashley Free

Skill 4.0 (Age 60+)

• Gold: Alan Sargeant / George Eadie

• Silver: Tom Windsor / Mark Shaughnessy

• Bronze: Peter Heysel / Paul Crowder

Women's Doubles

Skill 2.5

• Gold: Jennifer Tuters / Melissa Fernandes

• Silver: Tang Chan / Sandra Tateishi-Kotack

• Bronze: Karen McGee / Wendy Davis

Skill 3.0

• Gold: Karen Marling / Sherri Elliot

• Silver: Wendy Archibald / Joan Taylor

• Bronze: Karen Bethune / Michelle Kloosterman

Skill 3.5 (Age 55 and Under)

• Gold: Ruby Byrne / Olivia Carpino

• Silver: Poppy Gillingham / Nicole Turney

• Bronze: Briar Jamieson / Jennifer Crowder

Skill 3.5 (Age 56-62)

• Gold: Doris Belland / Rachel Rooney

• Silver: Susan Brown / Brenda Moloney

• Bronze: Terri Madill / Debbie Crick

Skill 3.5 (Age 63+)

• Gold: Nancy Sharpe / Shelley Moloney

• Silver: Danielle French / Jo-Ann Walsh

• Bronze: Josée Bourbonnais / Jackie Mullins

Skill 4.0 (Age 59 and Under)

• Gold: Kathy Carson / Annette Merrill

• Silver: Mille Nuen / Christie Freeman

Skill 4.0 (Age 60+)

• Gold: Tamara Bick / Karen Heysel

• Silver: Elizabeth Croft / Ellie Arthur

• Bronze: Lynn Newton / Joan Pollard

Mixed Doubles

Skill 3.0 (Age 55-64)

• Gold: Debbie Crick / Austin Wang

• Silver: Michelle Kloosterman / Richard Kloosterman

• Bronze: Jacquie Doucette / Gerald Doucette

Skill 3.0 (Age 65+)

• Gold: Susy Wang / Serge Dupont

• Silver: Sherry Shearer / Garry Shearer

• Bronze: Joan Taylor / Tom Taylor

Skill 3.5 (Age 55 and Under)

• Gold: Kathy Carson / Mark Cathers

• Silver: Terri Madill / Brad Chesla

• Bronze: Briar Jamieson / Iain Brannan

Skill 3.5 (Age 56-68)

• Gold: Shelley Moloney / George Ostermeier

• Silver: Louise Boisvert / Mike Eatson

• Bronze: Tracey McCullough / Dan McCullough

Skill 3.5 (Age 69+)

• Gold: Christine Brown / Don Jackson

• Silver: Sandra Young / Floyd Asselstine

• Bronze: Ceciley Parker / Terry Whelpton

Skill 4.0 (Age 54 and Under)

• Gold: Sara Moodie / Martin DeJong

• Silver: Tara Sharpe / Rob Freeman

• Bronze: Michelle Cooke / Marc Rochon

Skill 4.0 (Age 55+)

• Gold: Tamara Bick / Paul Crowder

• Silver: Karen Heysel / Peter Heysel

• Bronze: Elizabeth Croft / Alan Sargeant

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

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Lakers Draw First Blood Against Oakville in MSL Semifinal Series

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are one win closer to the Major Series Lacrosse final after opening their best-of-five semifinal series with a 10-7 road victory over the Oakville Rock on Tuesday night.

goalie dylan hutchison made 47 saves as the lakers take game 1 in oakville 10-7. game 2 is set for thursday at the pmc (photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers, via david pickering)

Peterborough heads home with a 1-0 series lead after withstanding several Oakville comeback attempts before pulling away late. Game 2 is set for Thursday night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The Lakers never let the Rock build any momentum for long. Every time Oakville battled back, Peterborough had an answer, including three straight goals late in the second period to regain control before putting the game away in the third.

Thomas Hoggarth paced the Lakers' offence with a five-point night, scoring twice and adding three assists. Rob Hellyer finished with a goal and three assists, while Justin Sykes had two goals and an assist. Mike Robinson and Matt Gilray each scored a pair of goals, with Brad McCulley rounding out the scoring with a goal and two assists.

Ryan Lanchbury contributed three assists, while Colton Armstrong, Jake Withers and Dylan Hutchison each picked up one helper.

Goaltender Drew Hutchison was once again a difference-maker, stopping 47 shots to backstop Peterborough to the Game 1 victory.

The win extends the Lakers' winning streak to five games after closing out the regular season on a four-game winning streak.

The series now shifts to Peterborough for Game 2 on Thursday for an 8pm start at the PMC.

In the opening game of the other MSL semifinal, the Six Nations Chiefs defeated the Cobourg Kodiaks 15-7. Game 2 of their series also goes Thursday at 8pm, from the Jack Burger in Port Hope.

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

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Demolition Underway at Sherbrooke Street and Monaghan Road

By Scott Arnold

A house at the corner of Sherbrooke Street and Monaghan Road is coming down as the City of Peterborough prepares for future road improvements at one of the city's busiest intersections.

Demolition crews continue tearing down the former home at 595 Sherbrooke Street on Tuesday as part of future road improvements at Sherbrooke Street and Monaghan Road. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Demolition is now underway at 595 Sherbrooke Street, with crews tearing down the former single-family bungalow that once stood on the property. By Tuesday, much of the house had already been demolished, while workers remained on site clearing debris.

The City purchased the property in 2024 as part of its long-term plans to improve the intersection of Sherbrooke Street and Monaghan Road.

Heavy equipment clears debris from the site after much of the house was demolished at the corner of Sherbrooke Street and Monaghan Road. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Workers continues at 595 sherbrooke street at the corner of monaghan road as demolition continues at 595 Sherbrooke Street. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Piles of debris mark the former location of a house being demolished for a future road project. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Before approving the demolition, City Council asked staff to explore whether the home could be repurposed by relocating it or renovating it for rental use.

However, a review found the house would require more than $100,000 in repairs before it could be rented. Among the issues identified were the need for a new roof, a new furnace, removal of the oil tank, structural investigations, basement apartment issues, new windows, flooring repairs and other interior work.

Demolition is well underway at the corner of Sherbrooke Street and Monaghan Road. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Heavy machinery continues demolition work at the Sherbrooke Street and Monaghan Road intersection. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The City also looked into moving the house to another location but found the process would be costly and complicated, with challenges including nearby overhead hydro lines and the legal work required to relocate the building.

Council ultimately approved the demolition, with the work expected to cost about $50,000 plus tax.

The former home at 595 Sherbrooke Street is being demolished to make way for future intersection improvements. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The demolition of 595 Sherbrooke Street will help pave the way for future upgrades at one of Peterborough's busiest intersections. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

Removing the home will allow for future road widening and intersection re-alignment, including changes to improve vehicle turning at Sherbrooke Street and Monaghan Road and the addition of left-turn lanes as part of the City's Transportation Master Plan.

For commuters and residents who have travelled this busy stretch of Peterborough for years, the demolition marks the first visible step toward the future improvements planned for the area.

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

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Peterborough's Beloved Retired Substitute Teacher 'Mr. Wadsworth' Passes Away

Wadsworth Dharmasudandaran Kulatungam, better known as Mr. Wadsworth and one of Peterborough’s most beloved substitute teachers, passed away peacefully on Friday.

Wadsworth Dharmasudandaran Kulatungam a year later after his retirement in 2020. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Kulatungam earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of London and returned to his home country of Sri Lanka in 1960 for a 32-year career in education at his alma mater, Jaffna College. He held titles such as teacher, hostel warden, athletics house master, vice-principal and more during that tenure.

Prior to immigrating to Canada in 1993, Wadsworth taught at a Christian Private co-educational recreational school started by the American Missionaries of the Haystack Mission in 1823.

After coming to Peterborough, he worked as a substitute teacher with the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.

His students quickly learned of his kind-hearted, calm and positive nature as classrooms were eager to have Kulatungam teach them.

“I remember having Mr. Wadsworth as a substitute teacher back in grade school,” said Mike Adams. “Everyone always got excited when we saw him. We knew it was going to be a great day at school when we saw him in our classroom.”

“A lot of the time kids take advantage of when there is a substitute teacher, but he managed the impossible - everyone was excited to see him but also respected him and didn't give him the usual 'substitute teacher experience,’” said Emily Jones. “He was just always so happy, funny and never seemed bothered. I don't think I ever saw him mad, actually; he was always smiling.”

“High school students are always happy for a supply teacher, but every student was over the moon when that teacher was Mr. Wadsworth,” said Fraser Cossar. “(He’s) Always patient, kind, and soft-spoken. He brought a great sense of happiness to everyone he met and taught. He thoughtfully remembered students’ names and was consistently a great teacher and wonderful influence on many students.”

Wadsworth was known for his entertaining jokes and calm demeanour. As a teacher, he was renowned for seeing the positive in everyone and pushed each student to reach their potential.

“Never put down anyone,” explained Wadsworth in a past interview. “Everyone has their talents, good and bad. None of us are perfect. I don't think any student is useless. I don't use that word at all. Everyone has capabilities and goodness in them. That was my philosophy. Criticism doesn't carry you anywhere.”

“He encouraged everyone; it was just his personality,” said Cherry Kulatungam, Wadsworth’s wife. “He worked with students who would have difficulty; he would take time and encourage them. There were some late bloomers so if you encourage them now, they feel they can go on and do something in life. It was his goal; it encouraged them to do whatever they wanted him to do.”

Kulatungam retired as a supply teacher in Peterborough in December of 2020 after a 25-year tenure. He said it was his time and he wanted to leave on a good note.

His positive personality never stopped in the classroom. He took the same approach with his wife and two kids, Lakshi and Philip Kulatungam, as he did with his students.

“He always loved his former students and they used to take such good care of him,” said Cherry. “He was just a wonderful man and a wonderful husband.”

“He was not a strict disciplinarian. He led with kindness and patience,” said Lakshi. “The man had a lot of patience and was slow to anger. He was very forward-thinking for a gentleman in a different culture. He gave us the best lifestyle we could ever have. He made a lot of sacrifices for us.”

While the family mourns the loss of Wadsworth, they take solace knowing that he was unanimously loved and respected by the community.

“Based on the tributes that have come in, they will remember him as a fine teacher but the kindest and gentlest human being,” explained Lakshi. “A lot of people have respect for him. It’s comforting.”

Viewing hours for Wadsworth are this Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m at Highland Funeral Home. The funeral is Sunday at 2 p.m.

Wadsworth was the second oldest of five children.

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Crash Test Dummies and David Wilcox Headline Peterborough Musicfest This Week

By Scott Arnold

Crash Test Dummies return to Del Crary Park on Wednesday before Canadian music icon David Wilcox takes the stage Saturday, as Peterborough Musicfest rolls into another packed week after drawing a record crowd of 11,200 fans last Wednesday.

With one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian music history, Crash Test Dummies are a three-time Grammy-nominated, JUNO Award-winning band best known for 1990s hits “Mmm, Mmm, Mmm, Mmm” and “Superman’s Song” (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Peterborough Musicfest heads into another week of free live music after two memorable nights at Del Crary Park that kept the momentum of the festival's 39th season rolling.

Last Wednesday, Dwayne Gretzky lived up to its reputation as "Canada's Greatest Party Band," drawing a record crowd of 11,200 people to the park.

"The whole park was up and dancing," said Peterborough Musicfest Executive Director Raff Melito. "Many of the people there had seen Dwayne Gretzky before, but it was a new band for some, and I'm sure everyone went home singing songs that they love on the way home."

The impressive attendance even included one fan who travelled from Atlanta, Georgia specifically to see the band perform at Del Crary Park.

Saturday kept the energy going with tribute performances celebrating Shania Twain and Garth Brooks.

Melito said the timing couldn't have been better for the Shania Twain tribute, with the Canadian country superstar recently back in the spotlight. The evening concluded with a strong turnout for the Garth Brooks tribute before many concertgoers stayed to enjoy the City of Peterborough's fireworks display.

The busy weekend also produced Peterborough Musicfest's largest 50-50 jackpot of the season, with the winner taking home $6,500.

it’s another big week for peterborough musicfest at del crary park with crash test dummies set to headline on wednesday, august 5th, and david wilcox on saturday, august 8th (photo by scott arnold)

This week, attention turns to two more Canadian favourites.

Crash Test Dummies return to the Fred Anderson Stage on Wednesday, marking their first Peterborough Musicfest appearance since 2019.

Known for hits including Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm, Superman's Song, Afternoons & Coffeespoons and The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead, the Grammy-nominated and JUNO Award-winning band reunited in 2018 after a 20-year hiatus and has continued touring across Canada and beyond.

"The last time they were on our stage was 2019," said Melito. "Great turnout, great response. So we decided to book them again."

A superb entertainer, master guitarist, with his signature soulful voice, David Wilcox has inhabited the Canadian musical landscape for decades with his blend of rock, blues, country, ragtime and other roots styles and will be treating the Musicfest stage to his unique brand of Canadiana (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Saturday night welcomes the return of David Wilcox, whose blend of blues, rock, country and roots music has made him one of Canada's most recognizable performers.

While this marks Wilcox's third Musicfest performance, it will actually be his fourth scheduled appearance. He was originally booked in 2024 before a citywide power outage forced the concert to be cancelled. Musicfest quickly rescheduled the performance four days later to close out last year's season.

"He's always a fan favourite," said Melito.

The music gets underway before each headline performance with the Future Sound Series presented by Cogeco.

Port Hope musician Jeff Biggar opens Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m., while Indigenous singer-songwriter James N. Wilson takes the side stage Saturday. Wilson's performance is supported through the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.

a new program call First Note, Peterborough Musicfest's new free music instruction program for children and youth, debuted at del crary park last on SAturday and will return wednesday and saturday this week (photo courtesy of peterborough musicfest)

Families are also invited to check out First Note, Peterborough Musicfest's new free music instruction program for children and youth.

After making its debut last Saturday, Melito said the response exceeded expectations.

"We had such a great response to it," she said. "Kids just flocked to the instruments. It was so great to see all these young people picking up instruments, strumming along, shaking little sound makers, tambourines, and they just had a blast."

First Note runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Saturday and the following Wednesday, giving children and youth the opportunity to try a variety of instruments with guidance from volunteer music instructors. No registration or previous musical experience is required.

Concertgoers are also reminded to check any 50-50 tickets they may still have at home.

Winning tickets from the Tyler Joe Miller, Julian Taylor and Matthew Good concerts remain unclaimed, including a $5,050 jackpot from the Matthew Good show. Winning numbers can be found at MusicFest5050.ca.

Those arriving early can also enjoy food vendors, Peterborough Musicfest merchandise, and the festival's Challenge of the Day through the Musicfest app before the evening's performances begin.

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 to Wednesday’s show, along with a Meet & Greet with the Crash Test Dummies. The winner will receive two reserved seats in the VIP section directly in front of the stage. Visit our Facebook or 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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Petes Trade Number One Pick Kaden McGregor to Land OHL Star Cooper Dennis in Blockbuster Trade with Brantford

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Petes have added one of the Ontario Hockey League's top returning forwards, acquiring Cooper Dennis from the Brantford Bulldogs in exchange for 2025 first overall pick Kaden McGregor.

Last season, Dennis also led the OHL in +/- with a +48. Dennis is currently committed to continue his hockey and academic career at the University of Michigan when his time in the OHL is complete (photo courtesy of peterborough petes)

The trade, announced Tuesday, gives Peterborough an immediate offensive boost ahead of the 2026-27 OHL season.

Dennis, a 19-year-old from Ithaca, New York, was originally selected by the Bulldogs in the sixth round (109th overall) of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. In his first OHL season last year, he scored 34 goals and added 40 assists for 74 points in all 68 regular season games, finishing second in team scoring. He also led the entire OHL with a +48 rating and chipped in seven points during Brantford's run to the Eastern Conference Final.

Before joining the Bulldogs, the 5-foot-6, 150-pound forward recorded 34 points in 55 games with the USHL's Dubuque Fighting Saints. Dennis is committed to the University of Michigan following his junior career.

Peterborough General Manager Michael Oke said Dennis was the organization's top trade target this offseason, calling him an excellent fit for the Petes' returning core.

"We're very excited to add a player of Cooper's caliber to our roster," Oke said. “Heading into the summer, we identified him as our number one target to acquire during the offseason. Analytics show that he’s one of, if not the top forward returning to the OHL this season. We believe Cooper is an excellent fit for our lineup and will complement our returning core well."

Heading to Brantford is Kaden McGregor, who made franchise history last spring when the Petes selected him first overall in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection — the first time Peterborough had ever owned the first overall pick in the draft.

McGregor showed flashes of his potential during his rookie season, recording 20 points in 39 games despite missing a significant portion of the year, including the tail end of the season, because of injury.

Oke acknowledged moving McGregor was a difficult decision, thanking the young forward for his contributions while wishing him the best with the Bulldogs.

"We had to make the difficult decision to move Kaden to complete this deal," said Oke. "It's never easy to trade a young, talented player like Kaden, but we've had to make similar very difficult decisions in the past. We want to thank him for his contributions to our organization and wish him nothing but the best as he continues his OHL career in Brantford."

The deal gives Peterborough one of the league's premier returning offensive players as the club looks to take another step forward this season.

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

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Little Mini Golf Co., Summer Soul Wellness, TVA and Solarfest Lakefield

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…

The Little Mini Golf Co. is celebrating its official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. at 17 Indacom Drive in Douro-Dummer.

The new 18-hole miniature golf course celebrates the history and landmarks of the Peterborough and Kawarthas region, offering a fun new family attraction for residents and visitors alike. For more information, you can visit: https://minigolfco.ca/

Summer Soul Wellness officially celebrated the opening of its second Peterborough studio on July 29 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new Queensway location.

The boutique wellness space, created in partnership with F45 Training PTBO Central, brings together yoga, mat and reformer Pilates, and fitness programming under one roof, with plans to continue expanding services that support health and wellness for the community.

Step back through Peterborough's rich musical history with the Trent Valley Archives' new Mainstreet Music Stroll, taking place Aug. 7 and Aug. 21 at 7 p.m.

Guided by local music enthusiast Maddie More, this downtown walking tour explores the iconic venues that helped shape the city's vibrant live music scene, from the Brock Arena and King George Hotel to The Spill. Tickets are $20, with tours departing from Quaker Foods City Square. Visit trentvalleyarchives.com/events or call 705-745-4404 for more information.

Dress your four-legged friend in their best “Fun in the Sun” attire for Puppies on the Patio & Fashion Parade at Solarfest on Aug. 8.

Meet at the Canoe & Paddle Patio at 10 a.m. for a Sniff & Greet, costume judging, a village parade, and treats, with donations supporting the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society. There will also be Live Music, Pony Rides, Inflatable Fun from Youth Unlimited – all part of the Solarfest-ivities.

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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