Lightbody Donation Continues Legacy With Lifesaving Care At PRHC

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation recognized the extraordinary legacy of the late Margie (Margaret) and Bob (Robert) Lightbody with the dedication of the expanded preparation and recovery suite in PRHC’s recently upgraded interventional radiology (IR) department on Friday.

(From left to right) Dr. Fady Abdelsayed, Interventional Radiologist at PRHC; Adam Keay; Rick Murdock; Ellie Murdock; Dr. Tamara Lightbody; Deb (Deborah) Keay; Tom Keay; Lucas Murdock; Sandy Keay; Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of PRHC Foundation and Meghan Darwin, Director of Corporate Services, Diagnostic Imaging & Emergency Preparedness at PRHC.The Lightbody family celebrates the generosity of PRHC Foundation supporters Margie (Margaret) and Bob (Robert) Lightbody with the dedication of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s interventional radiology preparation and recovery space in their memory. Photo courtesy of the PRHC Foundation.

According to the PRHC Foundation, naming the IR preparation and recovery area in memory of Margie and Bob recognizes two lifelong champions of healthcare whose generosity and leadership have helped transform care for patients across our region. This includes a gift Margie made on behalf of her and Bob just before her passing in 2022, fulfilling their wish to make one final, significant investment in the future of patient care in their community. The donation supported the state-of-the-art advancement of the IR facilities, where PRHC’s interventional radiology teams perform minimally invasive procedures to treat patients with conditions including stroke, cancer, organ failure, bleeding, and trauma, among others.

Bob passed away following a stroke in 2017, while Margie was a cancer survivor whose experience reinforced her commitment to ensuring patients could receive leading-edge care close to home, surrounded by the support of family and friends, said the PRHC.

Margie spent nine years on the PRHC Foundation Board of Directors and served as Chair of the Foundation's 2011 Closer to Care campaign, bringing cancer radiation therapy to PRHC for the first time. She was named a PRHC Foundation Governor Emeritus in 2020 for her leadership.

Margie spent years as a teacher at Adam Scott Collegiate Vocational Institute. She was a member of Survivors Abreast, the host team of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival.

“Throughout our lives, our parents modelled the importance of giving back to our community," said the couple’s daughters, Deborah (Deb) Keay and Dr. Tamara Lightbody. "Over the years, they generously gave their time, energy and resources to causes they believed would make a meaningful difference. They valued healthcare that could be provided close to home, so patients could be surrounded and supported by their families. We know they would be so honoured to have their names associated with a part of the hospital that can touch and improve many lives. The IR preparation and recovery area represents their own values of welcoming, comforting and caring, as well as gaining insight and sharing knowledge.”

The dedication was attended by the Lightbody family, including Deb and Tamara and their spouses and children, who joined hospital and PRHC Foundation representatives to celebrate Margie and Bob’s enduring legacy of philanthropy, compassion and leadership.

“We’re especially pleased that all of their grandchildren could be here today to witness and appreciate the lasting impact of their grandparents’ example,” said Deb and Tamara. “Their legacy is reflected not only in what they gave to this community, but also in the values they instilled in our family. We couldn't be prouder.”

“Margie and Bob believed deeply in giving back to the community they loved. Their generosity has made a lasting difference for thousands of patients and families," said Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president and CEO. “Margie and Bob’s philanthropy is a powerful reflection of lives dedicated to helping others. It will ensure future generations will benefit from leading-edge healthcare closer to home. We’re so grateful for the extraordinary legacy they have left our region.”

The Margaret and Robert Lightbody interventional radiology preparation and recovery space is part of a $6 million investment in IR at PRHC, made possible entirely through donor support. The expansion included new cutting-edge imaging technology, the addition of a third IR suite, and the increased preparation and recovery area that now accommodates 14 patients instead of 10. The new, larger facilities and advanced equipment mean more patients can receive faster, more accurate, lifesaving care and recover more quickly, with less pain and better outcomes. The suites are also paving the way for the future introduction of dramatic advances in patient care.

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Assault After Hitting City Vehicle and Officer With a Stick and Headbutting a Bystander

A 56-year-old Peterborough man is facing assault charges after an incident involving a by-law officer and a bystander on Sunday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., officers were called to the area of Hunter Street East and Burnham Street about a disturbance. They learned the City of Peterborough by-law officers were conducting a regular patrol of James Stevenson Park and had asked a man to leave the area as tenting is not allowed on city property. As the by-law officers were leaving, the man approached them with a stick and started striking the by-law vehicle, breaking the windshield and denting the hood. The man also struck a by-law officer with the stick and headbutted a bystander when they tried to help. Officers located the man and took him into custody.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Assault

• Assault with A Weapon

• Mischief Under $ 5,000

The accused was released on an undertaking with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 3.

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Unattended Vehicle Parked On Sidewalk Leads to Drug Possession Charges For Peterborough Man

A 39-year-old Peterborough man is facing drug possession charges after Peterborough Police noticed his vehicle unattended and parked on the sidewalk on Friday evening.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 7 p.m., bike patrol officers noticed an unattended vehicle parked half on the sidewalk and half on the road in the area of Aylmer Street and Murray Street.  Upon approaching the vehicle, officers noticed drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. The driver returned to the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.

During a search after arrest, officers located and seized:

• 22.8 grams of Cocaine

• Pills

• Drug paraphernalia

• Spring-loaded knife

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order

• Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Cocaine

• Have care or control of vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available

The accused is currently bound by a lifetime weapons prohibition order.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 27.

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Finally Coming Down: Woodglade Home Being Demolished After Nearly Four Years

By Scott Arnold

After nearly four years, the burned-out home on Woodglade Boulevard is finally coming down.

Demolition got underway Monday morning at the Woodglade Boulevard home that has stood damaged since a 2022 fire. (Photo by Scott Arnold)

The excavator went to work Monday morning, August 10th, and demolition was underway at the long-standing eyesore in Peterborough’s west end.

The house has stood vacant and badly damaged since a major fire in September 2022. What followed was a lengthy process involving investigations, legal requirements, ownership verification, utility disconnections and other steps that had to be completed before the City could move ahead with the demolition.

This morning, that wait finally appeared to be over.

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

(Photo by Scott Arnold)

The home is expected to be completely torn down today. The cleanup of the property and surrounding area will take longer, but the structure that has stood on Woodglade for nearly four years will be gone.

And the reaction from the neighbourhood was hard to miss.

As people walked past and residents drove by, several expressed the same sentiment: “It’s about time.”

For the people who have lived around the property and had to look at the burned-out home for years, the demolition marks the end of a very long wait.

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

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Peterborough County Beginning Final Round of Noxious Weed Spraying

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough County is set to begin the third and final round of its 2026 noxious weed spraying program on Monday, August 10th, weather permitting.

Peterborough County is beginning the third and final round of its 2026 noxious weed spraying program, with this round focusing on poison ivy

The County says the spraying is being carried out to eradicate noxious weeds identified by its Weed Inspector on County and Township-owned road allowances and municipal properties.

This final round will focus specifically on poison ivy.

Residents who have additional concerns or requests for noxious weed spraying can submit them to the County at roads@ptbocounty.ca or through the County's website. Any new requests will be considered as part of the 2027 Noxious Weed Spraying Program.

The County also has an online map showing where planned spraying will take place in 2026, allowing residents to check locations throughout the County.

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

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City of Peterborough Looking for Crossing Guards Ahead of New School Year

By Scott Arnold

The City of Peterborough is looking for part-time school crossing guards to help keep local students safe as the new school year approaches.

School crossing guards help students safely navigate busy intersections on their way to and from school, and the City of Peterborough is looking for new part-time guards ahead of the upcoming school year. (Photo via Facebook @CityPtbo)

The City says it recruits school crossing guards one or two times a year, with applications kept on file for one year.

Crossing guards play an important role in helping children safely get to and from school. The City is looking for people who care about the safety of children and are trustworthy, dependable and willing to work a variety of shifts.

There are crossing guard locations serving schools throughout Peterborough, with shifts taking place during morning and afternoon arrival and dismissal times.

The City's team includes more than 50 crossing guards who cover 48 crossing locations at 23 schools across Peterborough. Crossing guards are City employees and are authorized under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act to direct children across streets at designated school crossings.

The shifts vary by location, with morning assignments generally beginning between 7:40am and 8:50am, and afternoon assignments generally running between 2:20pm and 4:05pm.

Anyone interested in becoming a School Crossing Guard can apply through the City's website.

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

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Undefeated Weekend Capped Off With Provincial Gold for U17 Lakers at Ontario Lacrosse Festival

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Lakers are U17 B provincial champions after completing a perfect 6-0 run at the Ontario Lacrosse Festival in Whitby.

The Peterborough Lakers celebrate their U17 B Provincial Championship after completing a perfect 6-0 run at the Ontario Lacrosse Festival in Whitby, capped by a 6-3 win over the Clarington Gaels in the gold medal game. (Photo via Instagram @ontariolacrosse)

The Lakers opened the tournament with a 9-2 win over the Kitchener Kodiaks, then edged the Pickering Ironheads 7-6 to make it two straight.

Peterborough kept rolling with a 7-5 win over the London Blue Devils and a 9-3 victory over the Brampton Excelsiors before finishing the tournament with a pair of wins on Sunday, beating Six Nations 6-5 and the Clarington Gaels 6-3.

The 6-3 victory over Clarington came in the gold medal game, sending the Lakers home as U17 B Provincial Champions and completing their perfect 6-0 run.

The championship roster included Tyson Kitchen, Oliver Pacey, Tristin Howard, Emmett Colby, Lucas McIntyre, Colton Adams, James Dueck, Matthew Hope, Teegan Delaney, Brock Holland, Nash Belfry, Colton Giles, Tayden Stringer, Lawson Whetung and Cole Tucker, as well as Jake Clearly, Brayden Kendall and Nathan McIntyre, who were called up to play in the gold medal game as affiliate players.

The goaltenders were Eddie Post and Reese Crowe.

The coaching staff included head coach Jordan Stouros, assistant coaches Mat Giles, Thomas Hoggarth and Mitch Ogilvie, trainer Tim Holland and team manager Jess Belfry.

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

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Jr. C Lakers Even Meredith Cup Final With Game 2 Win at Home

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers have evened the OJCLL Meredith Cup Final at one game apiece after beating the Six Nations Stealth 9-6 at Healthy Planet Arena on Sunday.

Braxtin Howard celebrates a Lakers during Game 2 of the Meredith Cup Final against the stealth on Sunday. The Lakers won 9-6 to even the series at 1-1 with Game 3 set for wednesday in six nations. (Photo via Instagram @ptbojrclakers)

The two teams traded goals throughout the opening period. Jared Martinell put Peterborough on the board first just 1:28 into the game, but Six Nations answered 22 seconds later when Ryerson Montour tied it at 1-1. Kyson Campbell restored the Lakers' lead at 16:43, with Charlie Evans and Ryder Evans assisting, before Six Nations' Jake Skye tied the game again at 2-2 just 24 seconds later, with Ryker Powless and Will Rowe picking up the helpers.

Rhys Doolittle then gave Six Nations its first lead of the game with 3:48 remaining in the period, before Braxtin Howard tied the game at 3-3 with 2:14 left. Ricky Bevan assisted on Howard's goal.

Six Nations regained the lead early in the second when Noah McQueen scored at 16:50, assisted by Brian Laforme and Skye, but the Lakers answered with four straight goals to take control.

Ryder Perry tied the game at 4-4 at 10:47, with Howard assisting. Quinn Jacobs then put Peterborough back in front with a power-play goal at 9:07, assisted by Perry and Ryder Evans.

Perry scored his second of the game on another power play at 7:11, with Charlie Evans and Jacobs picking up the assists. Six Nations cut the deficit to one when Brian Laforme scored at 4:14, assisted by Powless, but Brodie Roberts restored Peterborough's two-goal lead with one minute remaining in the period.

The Lakers added two more goals in the third period to extend their lead to 9-5. Jacobs scored both, with Perry assisting on each goal. Logan Giroux and Charlie Evans also picked up assists.

Six Nations added one more goal when Noah McQueen scored with 10:01 remaining, with Laforme assisting, but Peterborough held on for the 9-6 victory.

Perry led the Lakers with five points on two goals and three assists, while Jacobs finished with three goals and an assist. Howard had a goal and an assist, and Charlie Evans recorded three assists.

Ryder Evans added two assists, while Campbell, Martinell and Roberts each scored once. Bevan and Giroux each recorded one assist.

Chase Brown made 23 saves for the win as Peterborough outshot Six Nations 37-29.

The best-of-five series is now tied 1-1, with Game 3 set for Wednesday at 8pm in Six Nations.

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

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Lakers Take 2-1 Series Lead in MSL Semifinal With Win in Oakville Saturday Night

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers are one win away from the MSL final after beating the Oakville Rock 7-3 Saturday night to take a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five semifinal series.

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have taken a 2-1 series lead in their best-of-five msl semifinal after winning game 3 in oakville on saturday night. The series returns to peterborough for Game 4 on Tuesday at 8pm at the 8pmc (photo courtesy of the peterborough lakers, via ryan mccullough)

After the teams traded goals in a 1-1 opening period, the Lakers took control late in the second. Ryan Lanchbury scored twice in just over a minute, followed by Colton Armitage's second goal of the night, giving Peterborough a 4-1 lead heading into the third.

Oakville cut into the lead early in the final period, but the Lakers' defence and goaltender Drew Hutchison kept the Rock from getting any closer. Hutchison turned aside 51 shots to earn the win and first-star honours.

Thomas Hoggarth restored Peterborough's three-goal lead in the third before Matt Gilray added a pair of empty-net goals to finish off the victory.

Armitage finished with two goals, giving him two goals in each of the first and third games of the series. Lanchbury also scored twice, while Hoggarth and Gilray had one each. Rob Hellyer led the Lakers with four assists, while Dylan Hutchison added two helpers. Jake Withers, Robert Hope and Colton Armstrong each had one assist.

The Lakers also held Oakville off the scoresheet on all six of their power-play opportunities.

Peterborough has a chance to finish the series at home with Game 4 set for Tuesday at 8pm at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

In the other semifinal, the Six Nations Chiefs completed a sweep of the Cobourg Kodiaks with an 8-5 win Saturday night, becoming the first team to advance to the league final.

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

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Saturday's SolarFest Schedule Set for Full Day of Fun in Lakefield

By Scott Arnold

Live music, family activities, local shopping and plenty of special events are on tap as SolarFest takes over downtown Lakefield on Saturday.

Taking place from 9:00am to 3:00pm, SolarFest will transform downtown Lakefield into a vibrant pedestrian festival, with Queen Street closed from Bridge Street to Reid Street to make way for shopping, live entertainment, family activities, local food, artisans and community experiences

SolarFest runs from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, August 8th, with Queen Street closed between Bridge Street and Reid Street as downtown Lakefield becomes a hub for shopping, entertainment and family fun.

Live entertainment on the main stage begins with Bob Butcher at 9am, followed by the Ultraviolets at 10:45am, Joe Bulger at 11:45am and Tami J. Wilde & Katie Bath at 1pm. A surprise musical performance is also planned at The Chocolate Rabbit from 11am to 1pm.

The day's activities include the Puppy Parade at 10am on the Canoe & Paddle patio, rugby games and prizes in Cenotaph Park from 11am to 2pm, a hockey puck contest near the main stage from 11am to 1pm and the Fairy Door Contest beginning at noon in Cenotaph Park.

Families can also enjoy pony rides, the Lakefield Fairy Festival and a scavenger hunt throughout SolarFest, along with the Children & Family Village in Cenotaph Park.

Local businesses are joining the celebration with special activities and promotions throughout the day. The Lakefield Pantry will host permanent jewelry from 9am to noon and offer half-price frozen yogurt, while The Nutty Bean Café is serving three SolarFest-inspired drinks, including SolarFest Sunrise, Orange Creamsicle and Coco Cabana, along with a coffee bean guessing contest for a chance to win a gift certificate.

Visitors can also stop by Hendren Funeral Home to see a vintage funeral coach and enter to win a gift basket, browse Happenstance Books & Yarn's Island Sale featuring 50% off select books and yarn, visit Sunshrine Day Spa & Salon's Summer Braid Bar, support Cuddles for Cancer's Buy One, Give One blanket campaign, purchase Catch the Ace lottery tickets from the Lakefield Village Lions and enter ECCO Art Gallery's draw for a Long Weekend cottage getaway.

Organizers are encouraging visitors to explore the entire festival, visit every vendor, support local businesses and, if they're able, bring a non-perishable food donation for the Lakefield Community Food Bank.

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

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