Peterborough Folk Festival Gets Underway Today With Four Days of Free Music and Community Fun

By Scott Arnold

The 37th Annual Peterborough Folk Festival officially gets underway today, bringing four days of music, culture and community to Peterborough with a packed lineup and plenty to see and do.

The Peterborough Folk Festival returns to Peterborough this weekend with four days of live music, family activities and community programming (photo courtesy of peterborough folk festival, via Michael hurcomb)

The wait is over. After months of anticipation, the Peterborough Folk Festival begins Thursday, August 13th, kicking off four days of performances and programming at downtown venues and Nicholls Oval Park. While the festival officially starts today, the main outdoor festival at Nicholls Oval Park doesn’t get underway until Saturday, August 15th. Today’s opening-night concert takes place indoors at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre.

Canada’s longest-running free-admission folk festival is now in its 37th year, continuing a tradition that began as a community music gathering in 1989. This year’s festival brings more than 30 artists and bands to Peterborough, including 12 local performers.

Tonight’s Kick-Off

The festival’s opening night takes place at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, with acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Ken Yates joined by Tristan Konkle, the Peterborough Folk Festival’s 2026 Emerging Artist of the Year.

Doors open at 6pm, with the concert beginning at 7pm. The show is all ages and licensed, and unlike the main outdoor festival, tickets are required. The festival’s current information lists tickets at $35 including fees, with a limited number of $25 tickets available.

For anyone looking to get their Folk Festival weekend started tonight, it’s a chance to see two Canadian singer-songwriters in an indoor setting before the festival moves into its larger outdoor format.

Downtown Takes Over Friday

The music continues Friday, August 14th, with the festival bringing performances into downtown Peterborough.

A free outdoor concert is scheduled for 6pm to 9pm at Quaker Foods City Square on Charlotte Street, featuring Western Canadian Music Awards Songwriter of the Year Slow Leaves and Peterborough’s Ollie Mae, a 17-year-old singer-songwriter.

The evening continues at The Pig’s Ear Tavern starting at 9pm, with The Lucky Ones and special guest J.J. Swinn. There is no cover charge, although donations are encouraged.

Then It’s Off to Nicholls Oval

Saturday and Sunday bring the festival’s biggest outdoor component to Nicholls Oval Park, with free admission and performances spread across multiple stages.

Saturday’s lineup includes SHAD, Aysanabee, Begonia, Georgia Harmer, Dean Johnson, The Free Label, Field Guide, Slow Leaves, Moondoggy, The Friendly Frog Freak Show, The Kents, The Watched Pots, BURS and Songs of Scratch Garden, among others.

Sunday closes out the festival with Bahamas, Terra Lightfoot, Kazdoura, The Weber Brothers, The Young Novelists, Tennyson King, Hunt The Hare, Joanna Bronson, //NEWBERRY// and Glen Caradus and the Camp Kawartha Chorus Sing Songs of Nature.

Artists including Melissa Payne, Kelly McMichael, The Pairs, The Lucky Ones, Ollie Mae, Lauren Dillen, Cale Crowe and Tristan Konkle will also perform throughout the weekend.

There’s Much More Than Music

The outdoor festival is designed to be more than a series of concerts.

Families can spend time in the Children’s Village, which runs Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm, with crafts, games, performances, workshops and other hands-on activities.

The festival also features an Artisan Village, local food vendors and community programming, giving people plenty of reasons to wander around Nicholls Oval between performances.

There are also four festival stages to explore, including the expanded Miskin Law Main Stage, the Rotary Stage, Generation Solar Stage and the new TD Stage, which will feature collaborative performances and workshops.

Admission to the outdoor festival on Saturday and Sunday is free, although donations are encouraged. The festival suggests a $25 donation per person, which helps offset the cost of putting on the event and is eligible for a tax receipt.

Getting to Nicholls Oval

If you’re planning to attend this weekend, organizers are encouraging people to leave the car at home when possible.

Nicholls Oval Park is located along the Rotary Greenway Trail, making it accessible by walking or cycling. Free valet bicycle parking will also be available beside the Rotary Trail on Saturday and Sunday.

A free festival shuttle will also operate Saturday and Sunday between King Street Parkade, the Miskin Law Community Complex and Nicholls Oval Park. Free parking is available at the King Street Parkade on weekends, while parking is also available at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

On-site parking at Nicholls Oval is limited and is expected to fill early. Organizers are encouraging people who need to drive to consider carpooling and allow plenty of time for parking.

A Weekend Built Around Discovery

One of the things that has helped keep the Peterborough Folk Festival going for nearly four decades is the opportunity to hear something you may not have expected.

Alongside recognizable Canadian names, the festival puts a significant focus on local performers and emerging artists, giving audiences a chance to discover new music while enjoying familiar favourites.

And with free admission to the main outdoor festival, people don’t need to commit to an entire day or a particular artist. You can drop by, listen for a while, wander through the Artisan Village, grab something to eat, check out the Children’s Village or simply find a spot at Nicholls Oval and take in the music.

With its mix of nationally recognized performers, local talent, family programming and four stages, the Peterborough Folk Festival continues to offer a little bit of everything while staying true to the community spirit that has been part of the event since it began in 1989.

As the 37th annual festival gets underway, that combination remains at the heart of what makes the weekend such a longstanding part of Peterborough’s summer.

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

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Darcy Tucker and Chris Neil Coming to Peterborough for Battle of Ontario Rivalry Night

By Scott Arnold

The first two NHL alumni have been announced for Rivalry Night: The Battle of Ontario, with former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Darcy Tucker and Ottawa Senators legend Chris Neil set to take part in the November 6th event at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

darcy tucker and chris neil have been announced as the latest players to join the battle of ontario rivalry night on november 6th at the peterborough memorial centre (photo courtesy of GPHSF)

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators rivalry is coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Friday, November 6th, with Tucker representing the Leafs alumni and Neil joining the Senators alumni.

For fans who remember the heated playoff battles between Toronto and Ottawa in the early 2000s, the two names should be familiar. The teams met in the playoffs four times between 2000 and 2005, producing plenty of memorable moments, including several involving Tucker and Neil.

Tucker spent 16 seasons in the NHL and played more than 1,000 games, including eight seasons with Toronto. He became a fan favourite in Toronto thanks to his physical, hard-nosed style and was a prominent figure during the Leafs' playoff battles with Ottawa.

Neil spent his entire 16-year NHL career with the Senators after being drafted by the organization in 1998. Known for his physical play, he became a popular figure in Ottawa and had his number retired by the Senators in 2023.

The two were involved in one of the rivalry's most memorable confrontations, including a bench altercation during a March 2003 game.

The November 6th event will feature alumni teams representing both clubs, with the full rosters expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Lineups are subject to change.

Meet-and-greet packages will also be available for fans who want the chance to meet Tucker and the Maple Leafs alumni or Neil and the Senators alumni.

The game is being held as a fundraiser for concussion education and awareness in youth sports through the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation's Concussion Fund. The fund supports concussion programming, including Peterborough Athletic Concussion Awareness and the H.O.P.E. Bursary in honour of former Peterborough Pete and NHL defenceman Steve Montador.

Tickets are available online or through the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office.

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

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Friday Night at Healthy Now a Must-Win for Jr. C Lakers After Falling to Six Nations in Game 3 of Meredith Cup Final

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers are one win away from being eliminated from the Meredith Cup Final after falling 9-7 to the Six Nations Stealth on Wednesday night.

The Peterborough Jr. C Lakers trail the Six Nations Stealth 2-1 in the best-of-five Meredith Cup Final heading into a must-win Game 4 on Friday night at Healthy Planet Arena. (Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Jr. C Lakers, via Christine Liu)

The Lakers fell behind 3-0 in the opening period before battling back to tie the game early in the second. Brodie Roberts and Kennen Withers scored for Peterborough in the first, with Cardiff Mader and Ryder Evans recording assists.

Ryder Perry opened the second-period scoring with a power-play goal to make it 3-3, but Six Nations answered with a shorthanded goal from Jake Skye to regain the lead.

Perry scored again on the power play at 13:11, with Braxtin Howard and Logan Giroux assisting, before Withers scored his second of the night to put Peterborough ahead 5-4.

Six Nations tied the game with a shorthanded goal from Ryker Powless, but the Lakers regained the lead when Withers completed his hat trick at 7:24, with Howard and Ryder Evans assisting.

Six Nations scored four times in the third period, including two goals from Brian LaForme, to take the lead and hold on for the win.

Jordan Garfat scored Peterborough's lone goal of the third period, cutting the Six Nations lead to 8-7 with 4:26 remaining, but LaForme scored his second of the period with 2:28 left to restore the two-goal lead.

Perry and Withers led the Lakers with three points apiece. Perry had two goals and Withers scored three, while Ryder Evans and Howard each recorded two assists. Roberts and Garfat also scored, with Mader and Giroux adding assists.

The Lakers outshot Six Nations 49-41, while Chase Brown made 32 saves for Peterborough.

Six Nations now leads the best-of-five series 2-1, putting the Lakers in a must-win situation for Game 4.

That game is Friday at 8pm at Healthy Planet Arena, with the Lakers needing a win to force a fifth and deciding game.

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

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Two Peterborough Natives Headed to Jamaica With Team Canada

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough will have two familiar names on the international stage as Wyatt Wiggins and Owen Hiltz suit up for Canada at the 2026 Pan-American Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Jamaica.

Wyatt Wiggins, left, and Owen Hiltz, both Peterborough natives, have been named to Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 Pan-American Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Jamaica.

The two Peterborough natives have been named to Canada’s 25-player roster for the tournament, which runs August 16th to 23rd in Kingston, Jamaica.

Wiggins will line up on defence, while Hiltz will be part of Canada’s attack as the national team takes on some of the top teams from across the Pan-American region.

The tournament is more than just an opportunity to represent Canada. It also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in Japan, with five teams from the Pan-American region earning qualification for the top division.

Canada will open pool play against Mexico on Monday, August 17th at 2pm ET before facing Haudenosaunee on Tuesday, August 18th at 6pm.

The team will then meet the U.S. Virgin Islands on Thursday, August 20th at 1pm before wrapping up pool play against Argentina on Friday, August 21st.

For Wiggins and Hiltz, the tournament adds another chapter to careers that have already taken them well beyond their hometown.

Now, the pair will have a chance to pull on the Canadian jersey together as Canada looks to make its mark in Jamaica and secure a place at the 2027 World Championship.

full roster for the canadian team set to compete at the 2026 pan-american men’s Lacrosse championship in Kingston, Jamaica (Photo courtesy of Lacrosse Canada)

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

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Six Nations Chiefs and Peterborough Lakers Rivalry Continues With MSL Finals Schedule Release

History repeats itself as Major Series Lacrosse has released the finals schedule between the Peterborough Lakers and Six Nations Chiefs, with Game One beginning at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

This is the sixth consecutive season and the 11th time in the last 12 seasons that both teams will meet in the final.

The Chiefs lost only two regular-season games (one loss was via forfeit to Oakville), including one to the Lakers on July 7. The defending champion Chiefs swept the Cobourg Kodiaks in three games in the semifinals to advance.

Peterborough entered the postseason as the third seed with an 11-7 record. They defeated the Oakville Rock in the best-of-five series following a game four win on Tuesday night. Oakville had swept Peterborough in the regular-season series, 3-0.

The winner advances to the Mann Cup. 

The following is the MSL Finals schedule:

• Game 1: Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. @ Iroquois Lacrosse Arena

• Game 2: Thursday, Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. @ Peterborough Memorial Centre

• Game 3: Sunday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. @ Iroquois Lacrosse Arena

• Game 4: Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 8 @ Peterborough Memorial Centre

• *Game 5: Thursday, Aug. 27 at 8 p.m. @ Iroquois Lacrosse Arena

• *Game 6: Sunday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. @ Peterborough Memorial Centre

• *Game 7: Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. @ Iroquois Lacrosse Arena

*if necessary

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Expands Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Program With More Nurses

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has expanded its Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (SA/DV) team from two to five specially trained forensic nurses, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The expanded SA/DV team now provides on-site coverage at PRHC seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on-call coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Emergency Department. It gives access to confidential, trauma- and violence-informed care for survivors of all ages and genders who have experienced recent or historical sexual assault or intimate partner violence.

According to the PRHC, the SA/DV team offers immediate medical care, crisis support, safety planning, and forensic evidence collection, all guided by patient consent and choice. In addition to urgent care, PRHC offers follow‑up treatment and counselling through the Women’s Health Care Centre for individuals who have experienced violence in the past. Services include testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy; assessment of injuries, including those that may not be visible; and connections to community, legal and social supports. 

Working in partnership with local agencies, PRHC’s multidisciplinary team provides ongoing support, including access to social workers and a dedicated domestic violence follow‑up nurse, to help individuals make informed decisions and navigate their recovery at their own pace, said Bobbi Martin-Haw, Manager of PRHC’s Women’s and Children’s Program.

“Our hope, both as an SA/DV team and as members of the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres, is that anyone who experiences this kind of trauma and violence knows there is a safe and compassionate place to go for care,” she said. “That should be true no matter where they live, what resources they have or what they have experienced.”

“Regional partnerships and community outreach are essential to making sure survivors know support is available and can access care as close to home as possible,” said Candace Rosenberg, Director, Women’s and Children’s Program. “By working closely with partner hospitals and community agencies, we are strengthening awareness, coordination and access to trauma-informed care across the region. Together, these efforts help to ensure that people who experience sexual assault or domestic violence can access the compassionate, high-quality care they need, when and where they need it.”

Survivors and care providers across the province can access the Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres 24/7 Navigation Line for information about healthcare options, forensic evidence collection and the nearest treatment centre.

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Peterborough County Hosting Winter Maintenance Operator Job Fair On Aug. 22

Peterborough County invites job seekers to explore career opportunities in winter operations at an upcoming Winter Maintenance Operator Job Fair on Aug. 22.

File Photo.

The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Best Western Hotel, Otonabee Meeting Room, 84 Lansdowne St. E. in Peterborough. 

The event is designed for individuals interested in learning more about a rewarding seasonal career helping keep County roads safe throughout the winter season. Whether you are an experienced equipment operator or considering a new career path, this is an opportunity to connect directly with Peterborough County staff and learn about employment opportunities in winter maintenance. 

Minimum qualifications include:

• Grade 12 diploma or equivalent

• Valid Class D Driver's Licence with Z endorsement and a clean driver's abstract

• Ability to lift up to 22 kg (50 lbs) 

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about Seasonal Winter Maintenance Operator positions

• Discuss training and licensing requirements

• Meet current employees and hiring representatives

• Gain insight into the recruitment process

• Learn about compensation, schedules and position expectations 

“Winter Maintenance Operators play a critical role in helping keep our communities safe and connected during the winter months," said Rod Porter, general manager, operations. “This job fair provides an opportunity for prospective applicants to ask questions, meet our team and learn firsthand what it's like to work for Peterborough County.”

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Peterborough Gets Its Amazing Race Canada Moment

By Scott Arnold

After weeks of waiting and plenty of local curiosity, Peterborough and the Kawarthas finally got their turn on The Amazing Race Canada, and it was worth the wait.

The Amazing Race Canada host Jon Montgomery meets with Keith Knott at Lock 31 in Buckhorn during the Peterborough and Kawarthas leg of the race (photo via the amazing race canada)

Tuesday night’s episode, “We Got The Beaver,” sent the remaining teams through Peterborough and the surrounding area as they tackled challenges, raced between locations and tried to stay ahead of the competition.

For local viewers, there was plenty to spot.

Teams started their Peterborough stop at Rogers Cove, where they took part in a series of cottage games before heading to the Canadian Canoe Museum for a Detour.

There, teams had to choose between two challenges. The indoor option tested their knowledge of canoes, with teams having to correctly identify different boats. The outdoor option sent them to Beavermead Park, where they had to paddle a canoe through a series of obstacles on Little Lake. Teams that had been U-Turned had to complete both challenges.

From there, the race continued to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, where teams had to clean a turtle tank before heading east to Bobcaygeon.

(Photo courtesy of the amazing race canada)

At Kawartha Dairy, teams were tasked with delivering ice cream and butter tarts to locations throughout town. Once that challenge was complete, they were back on the road for the final leg of the episode.

(photo courtesy of the amazing race Canada)

The teams raced to Lock 31 in Buckhorn, where The Amazing Race Canada host Jon Montgomery was waiting with Keith Knott, the beloved former chief and band councillor of Curve Lake First Nation.

The episode also delivered plenty of the strategic drama that comes with The Amazing Race Canada, including a U-Turn Vote that forced teams to make some difficult decisions.

It was pretty neat seeing places that are part of everyday life around Peterborough and the Kawarthas transformed into race locations for a national television audience.

After all the speculation, filming and waiting to see how it would come together, the race finally made its way through our backyard. And judging by how many locals were tuning in, it was a pretty fun one to watch.

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

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City Receives Receives Second Funding Installment After Completing Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan

The City of Peterborough has completed all seven initiatives under its Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Action Plan and has received a second funding installment of $2.67 million from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The City has received a total of approximately $5.3 million through the federal program, which supports municipalities in creating more housing opportunities by improving planning processes, removing barriers to development and creating healthy, walkable communities.

“The City shares the Government of Canada's goal of increasing the supply and range of housing options available in our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, we've modernized our planning policies, streamlined development approvals and improved how we deliver services. These changes will help support the construction of more homes, including affordable housing, and position Peterborough for future growth.”

The funding recognizes the City’s work to make it easier and faster to build housing, while expanding housing options and supporting the development of more affordable homes.

“The Housing Accelerator Fund rewards local governments for pursuing changes that cut red tape and build more homes faster. HAF encourages local solutions that create more housing options by driving innovation, removing barriers and incentivizing updates to planning systems,” said Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. “Peterborough proposed an ambitious Housing Action Plan which included rezoning to encourage the creation of missing middle housing, leveraging surplus and underused public land for housing and embracing technology to streamline permitting processes. The City recently received its second HAF installment of nearly $2.7 million, reflecting the successful implementation of its plan.”

The City’s completed initiatives include:

• Introducing a city-wide Community Planning Permit By-law to replace the City’s 1972 Comprehensive Zoning By-law and make the development approvals process more efficient;

• Reducing or removing residential parking requirements to support more housing options;

• Allowing up to four residential units on eligible properties and encouraging missing middle housing, such as townhomes and small apartment buildings;

• Launching a public e-permitting portal to make it easier and more efficient to submit and track development applications;

• Improving building application processes to support new construction methods and help move housing projects forward more quickly;

• Making City-owned land available to support housing development and partnerships that create affordable housing; and

• Updating the Community Improvement Plan to provide stronger incentives for affordable housing projects.

On June 29, Peterborough City Council approved the city-wide Community Planning Permit By-law, completing the final milestone in the City’s Action Plan within the required timeline.

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Riverview Park & Zoo Inviting Residents to Safely View Partial Solar Eclipse

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough residents will have a chance to safely watch a partial solar eclipse at Riverview Park & Zoo this afternoon, with specialized viewing equipment provided by the Peterborough Astronomical Association.

A look toward the sky at Riverview Park & Zoo, where residents can safely view Wednesday afternoon’s partial solar eclipse through specialized equipment provided by the Peterborough Astronomical Association.

The eclipse begins at 12:53pm on Wednesday, August 12th, with maximum coverage expected at 1:40pm. The Moon will then gradually move away from the Sun, with the eclipse ending at 2:27pm.

Residents are invited to join the Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) at Riverview Park & Zoo anytime after noon to take in the event.

The viewing will take place at the Gazebo, south of the fountain, at 1300 Water Street. Members of the PAA will have specialized equipment available so visitors can safely view the eclipse.

The event offers a chance to experience the partial eclipse without having to travel far, right here in Peterborough.

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

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