RMH Foundation's Thankful Hearts Walk Returns to Ross Memorial Hospital on October 1st

By Scott Arnold

For two former patients of Ross Memorial Hospital’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program, the upcoming Thankful Hearts Walk is a chance to give back to a service that helped them get moving again.

Former cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patient and volunteer Sue Junkin will take part in Ross Memorial Hospital’s Thankful Hearts Walk on October 1, helping raise awareness and funds for the program that helped her recover following heart surgery (photo courtesy of the RMH Foundation)

Sue Junkin first entered the program in 2018 following aortic valve replacement surgery. She initially wasn't convinced she needed rehabilitation, but after completing the 12-week program, she became such a supporter that she now volunteers, encouraging other patients and helping them feel comfortable.

“I was afraid after my surgery, but I knew I was in good hands,” Sue said.

She’ll be among those taking part in this year’s Thankful Hearts Walk on October 1st, which raises awareness and funds for Ross Memorial’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Former patient Les Hebbard will also be participating.

Two years ago, the 84-year-old was experiencing a lack of energy before a fall led to a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. He was referred to the rehabilitation program, where he took part in supervised exercise, including walking and building strength on a stationary bike.

Les said he appreciated the dedication of physiotherapist Lindsay Churcher and physiotherapy assistant Ruth Hopkins, who kept him motivated throughout the program. He continues to use the exercises they taught him.

Asked whether he would recommend the program to others, his answer is simple: “Definitely. Go try it and you’ll be going back.”

The Thankful Hearts Walk will begin at Ross Memorial Hospital with registration from 1:30pm to 2pm in the cafeteria. A warm-up starts at 2pm, followed by the 2km walk at 2:15pm. A shorter route will also be available.

Participants can collect donation and pledge forms through the RMH Cardiac Rehabilitation program or the RMH Foundation. Participants can register online where online fundraising is also available.

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

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Peterborough Theatre Guild in Search of Actors for New Canadian Play About Family and Dementia

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Theatre Guild is looking for actors for a new Canadian play exploring family, caregiving and the difficult realities of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Actors interested in joining the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s production of Instantaneous Blue can audition for one of several lead and supporting roles beginning September 28th (photo courtesy of Peterborough Theatre Guild)

Instantaneous Blue follows Edward and Sara, a couple pursuing creative careers as they become first-time parents, while Edward’s parents, Judith and Bob, begin struggling with signs of cognitive decline.

As the family navigates the changes, they encounter police officers, medical professionals, paramedics and support workers, while facing difficult decisions about caring for their aging parents.

The Theatre Guild is holding auditions on September 28th, September 30th and October 5th, with callbacks scheduled for October 7th. Auditions will involve cold readings from the play and some improvisation.

There are four lead roles, along with three supporting roles that involve actors playing multiple characters.

The Peterborough Theatre Guild will bring Instantaneous Blue to the stage in February and March 2027, with the new Canadian play exploring family, parenthood, caregiving and dementia (photo courtesy of peterborough theatre guild)

The lead roles are:

• Judith: A woman in her 60s to 80s who experiences cognitive decline that is eventually diagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease.

• Bob: A man in his 70s or older who wants to remain independent while dealing with his own decline.

• Edward: A man in his 30s to 40s balancing new parenthood, his career, his relationship and caring for his parents.

• Sara: A woman in her 25s to 35s who is transitioning to motherhood while supporting Edward and dealing with her own demands.

Supporting roles include a PSW who plays two characters, a gerontologist/paramedic who plays two characters, and an actor playing a police officer, paramedic and male care aide.

The Guild says the age and gender specifications apply to the characters and do not necessarily dictate the age or gender of the actors. It also encourages performers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to audition.

The production deals with mature themes, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, family illness, strong language, sexual elements and depictions of conflict. Physical and emotional demands are part of the four lead roles. A certified Fight and Intimacy Director will work with the production team on scenes involving physical conflict and intimacy.

Rehearsals are expected to begin the week of October 25th, with rehearsals scheduled Sundays from 10am to 1pm and Mondays from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. There will be no rehearsals during the final two weeks of December, with rehearsals resuming January 4th.

Instantaneous Blue will run from February 26th to March 13th, 2027, at the Peterborough Theatre Guild, 364 Rogers Street.

Audition Details

• September 28th: 6:30pm to 9:30pm

• September 30th: 6:30pm to 9:30pm

• October 5th: 6:30pm to 9:30pm

• Callbacks: October 7th, 6:30pm to 9:30pm

• Location: Studio A, Peterborough Theatre Guild

Those interested in auditioning can book an audition spot and find additional character information through the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s audition page.

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

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Kids’ Night Power Wheels Race Returning to Kawartha Downs on Saturday

By Scott Arnold

The next generation of racers is getting ready to hit the track at Kawartha Downs this Saturday, with the third annual Kids’ Night Power Wheels Race supporting Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Young racers will take to the track at Kawartha Downs during the third annual Kids’ Night Power Wheels Race on August 22nd, with proceeds supporting Five Counties Children’s Centre. (Photo via instagram @5countieskids)

The event takes place Saturday, August 22nd, inviting children ages 4 to 8 to race their battery-powered vehicles while helping raise money for Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Participants must be registered and have a signed release from a parent or guardian. Families are responsible for providing, loading, unloading and maintaining their child’s vehicle. The vehicles must use batteries no larger than 12V and cannot be modified.

Kawartha Downs will also have an O.R. Kids Corner and more activities taking place throughout the evening.

The event is a fun night for young racers and their families, while raising money for children and families supported by Five Counties.

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

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Lakers Drop Game 1 to Chiefs in Major Series Lacrosse Final

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers fell 11-5 to the Six Nations Chiefs Wednesday night in Game 1 of the MSL final at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena.

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers battle the Six Nations Chiefs during Game 1 of the MSL Final on Wednesday night at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena. The series shifts to the Peterborough Memorial Centre for Game 2 on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of peterborough lakers, via anna taylor)

The Chiefs came out flying, scoring twice in the opening 1:14 before Thomas Hoggarth got Peterborough on the board just past the two minute mark. Six Nations continued to build its lead, but Rob Hellyer’s goal late in the period made it 4-2 before the Chiefs added two more to take a 6-2 lead into the second.

Six Nations added three more in the second period to take a 9-2 advantage into the final 20 minutes.

The Lakers came out with a strong response in the third. Ryan Lanchbury scored shorthanded to get things started, followed by goals from Hellyer and Hoggarth to cut the deficit to 9-5.

The comeback attempt was short-lived, however, as Lyle Thompson and Chris Cloutier scored power-play goals to restore the Chiefs’ six-goal lead.

Lanchbury, Hellyer and Hoggarth each scored twice for Peterborough, while the Lakers also got goals from Hoggarth and Hellyer. Ryan Smith led Six Nations with three goals and three assists, while Dhane Smith and Josh Byrne each finished with five points.

Nick Rose took over in goal for Peterborough late in the first period, replacing Drew Hutchison, and finished the game with 42:22 played. Doug Jamieson made 36 saves to earn the win for Six Nations.

The Chiefs now lead the best-of-seven series 1-0 with Game 2 set for Thursday at 8pm at the Peterborough Memorial Centre,

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

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Gauvreau Accounting's Fifth Annual 'Gear Up For Good' Surpasses Campaign Goal Giving 310 Fully-Stocked Backpacks For Kids Going Back To School

Gauvreau Accounting, Tax, Law and Advisory’s fifth annual ‘Gear Up for Good’ campaign surpassed its goal, seeing 310 fully stocked backpacks reach local children heading back to school this fall.

More than 900 backpacks have been given to children since the initiative’s inception in 2021. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The 2026 campaign brought together local businesses, donors, volunteers, Gauvreau team members and community organizations to ensure children had the supplies and support they needed for a strong start to the school year.

The goal was to send 200 backpacks for children in Ontario and 100 for children in Manitoba.

“This campaign is a perfect example of what happens when a community decides to show up,” said Robert Gauvreau, Gauvreau Accounting, Tax, Law and Advisory CEO. “We set a goal of 300 backpacks, and our community didn’t just meet it-  they pushed us past it. We’re incredibly proud of what everyone accomplished together.” 

This year’s backpacks are being distributed through: 

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough -100 backpacks

• Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation - 100 backpacks

• Peterborough Youth Services - 10 backpacks

• United Way Winnipeg - 100 backpacks

In addition to the backpacks, the children and families also received: 

• 300 pizza dinners donated by Domino’s - 200 for Peterborough and 100 for Winnipeg 

• 200 Boro gift cards donated to provide families with additional flexibility and support (DBIA + Community Futures Peterborough)  

• Free back-to-school haircuts for participating children (Asta Hair Styling School)  

“This year was about more than filling backpacks,” said Tiffany Arcari, Gauvreau Community Manager. “We wanted to take some of the pressure off families heading into September and give kids a few extras to help them feel confident and excited about the school year. The response from our partners and the community was incredible.”

@ptbo_canada Gauvreau Accounting, Tax, Law and Advisory’s fifth annual ‘Gear Up For Good’ campaign surpassed its goal, seeing 310 fully stocked backpacks reach local children heaing back to school this fall. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #backtoschool ♬ Back to School - FASSounds

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Peterborough Police Have Growing Concerns of Increased Recent Hate Bias Incidents

Hate bias incidents have been a growing concern for the Peterborough Police Service after posters from the Dominion Society of Canada have surfaced in recent days.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the Peterborough Police, the posters have appeared in the area of Douro Street and Rotary Trail and reflect the group’s stance on immigration, including remigration.

Peterborough Police state that while they understand the posters are controversial and many may not agree with this group's policy stance, the posters do not currently rise to the level of a hate crime.

The Peterborough Police Service wants to be made aware of hate-based incidents and thank those who brought the flyers to their attention.

 “There is no room for hate in our community at any time,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service Chief. “The number one goal of the Peterborough Police Service is public safety, and the Service is committed to this goal. In this instance, what we are seeing does not rise to the level of criminality. There are currently laws within the Criminal Code that can assist and lead to charges.  As the community has seen, most recently last week (Aug. 13) when a Peterborough resident was arrested and charged for online comments, when grounds for charges exist, the Peterborough Police Service will apply them.”

Residents can report incidents through the online reporting portal.

Mayor Jeff Leal released the following statement:

“It has come to my attention that the Dominion Society of Canada, an organization identified by the Canadian Anti-Hate Network as a white nationalist group, has been putting up posters across our City.

City staff are following the City’s Reporting Vandalism and Hate Bias Incidents Procedure, which includes notifying the Peterborough Police Service. All incidents that are motivated by hate or bias are addressed with seriousness and sensitivity.

The City of Peterborough and its residents are committed to fostering a community that is welcoming, respectful, safe, and inclusive for all. We want to ensure that Peterborough is a place where everyone feels like they belong.

We have zero tolerance for hate and hate-motivated acts, particularly those motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate toward identifiable groups. Hate is not welcome in our City – full stop.”

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Uttering Online Threats; Police Service's First Charged Crime Under New Federal Hate Crime Laws

Fifty-year-old Kevin Goudreau of Peterborough is facing several charges in connection with a series of online threats as the first to be charged under the new federal hate crime laws, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

In early August, the Peterborough Police Service learned of a series of online threats against several Peterborough residents. Major Crime Unit officers requested and were granted a search warrant for a Peterborough residence.

Officers executed the search warrant and took a Goudreau into custody on Thursday.

He was charged with:

• Utter Threats Cause Death or Bodily Harm – Motivated by Hatred X2

• Utter Threats Cause Death or Bodily Harm X2

• Fail to comply with Probation Order X5

The accused is currently bound by three probation orders with the following conditions: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour and not to post any information about two of the victims in this case.

The accused appeared in court again on Tuesday.  

Two of the online posts in this case were determined to be motivated by hatred. 

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B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop Announces New Executive Director

A new face is leading the charge for B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop as they named David Warda as its executive director.

Warda with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation protesting outside MPP Dave Smith’s office regarding education cuts back in February of 2020. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough & District Labour Council.

Warda most recently served as President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) District 14, where he coordinated communications and administrative processes, facilitated collaborative decision-making and built relationships with community organizations, public institutions and partner groups.

He also served as President of the Peterborough & District Labour Council, where he represented the organization publicly, managed media and stakeholder communications and developed partnerships with municipal leaders, social service agencies and provincial organizations to address community needs.

As a Provincial Executive Officer with OSSTF/FEESO, Warda provided governance and operational leadership for a province-wide nonprofit organization and participated in strategic decision-making involving policy, risk management, financial oversight, and organizational sustainability.

Warda also taught at both Kenner Collegiate and Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.

Warda has a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Arts from Trent University. His professional training includes media communications, equity and inclusion, and alternative dispute mediation.

“B!KE is an organization with a remarkable history and an important role in the Peterborough community. I am excited to join the organization and work with the staff, volunteers, Board, members, and community partners to build on B!KE’s success and expand its impact,” said Warda.

Since 2006, B!KE has provided education in bicycle maintenance, repair and riding skills. Its Open Shop program provides more than 3,500 people each year with access to tools and training to maintain and repair bicycles.

Warda’s duties include working with B!KE’s Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, members, funders and community partners; strategic leadership and program development; financial management and fundraising; human resources and administration; and community outreach and communications.

“David's extensive experience in community education, leadership, collaboration, advocacy, and organizational governance makes him an excellent fit for B!KE. We are confident that his leadership will help B!KE continue to grow while remaining firmly grounded in our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, community, and cycling,” said Les Kariunas, B!KE Board of Directors Chair.

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Funding Available for Local Senior Care Projects Through GPHSF Micro Grants

By Scott Arnold

Local organizations working to improve senior care and healthy aging can now apply for one of two grants worth up to $5,000 each through the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

Vince Bierworth, Executive Director of the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation, presents a cheque to Community Care Peterborough CEO Danielle Belair, joined by Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donors and Public Relations for Community Care Peterborough, in support of local senior care and healthy aging initiatives (photo courtesy of GPHSF)

The 2026 Senior Care Micro Grants are designed to help community and not-for-profit organizations start new projects or support existing programs benefiting seniors in Peterborough City, Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

A total of $10,000 is available, with a maximum of $5,000 awarded through each of the two grants.

Eligible projects can focus on areas including nutrition, physical activity, mental health, equipment and research. Priority will be given to projects that address emerging community needs, improve seniors' quality of life and have a lasting impact.

The program is open to not-for-profit charitable organizations, including medical organizations, with a charitable registration number that are located in or serve the eligible communities.

Projects must be completed within one year of approval unless an extension is granted, and applications must include a project timeline and budget.

The program has already supported local initiatives. Last year's recipients were Curve Lake First Nation, which received funding for a Home and Community Care and Mental Health Project addressing gaps in Elder care, and One City Peterborough, which received funding for nutritional support for at-risk seniors.

The grants are funded through the June Towle Trust, established following the passing of June Towle in 2023 as part of her legacy of supporting health care in the community.

Applications for the 2026 grants are open until September 30th at 11:59pm.

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

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Peterborough Wants Your Input on the Future of Charlotte Street

By Scott Arnold

The City of Peterborough is asking residents to weigh in on the conceptual design for the reconstruction of Charlotte Street between Park Street North and Water Street.

A conceptual design for the reconstruction of Charlotte Street between Park Street North and Water Street is now open for public feedback, with the City asking residents to share their thoughts before the survey closes on September 14th (photo via City of PEterborough)

The major project will replace aging underground infrastructure, including the stormwater system, with the goal of reducing flooding and improving the area’s resilience to climate change.

But the project is also about what Charlotte Street will look and feel like above ground.

The City is using existing conceptual streetscape designs as the foundation for the next stage of planning, with a focus on creating a more attractive, accessible and pedestrian-friendly downtown corridor that can support businesses, everyday activities and community events.

Residents can now share their thoughts through an online survey, which asks how they use Charlotte Street East and what they would like to see along the corridor.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is open until September 14th at 11:59pm.

Paper copies are also available at Service Peterborough in City Hall at 500 George St. N.

The project builds on previous work along Charlotte Street. The City completed the Charlotte Street West streetscape project between Park Street and Aylmer Street North in 2025, while a conceptual design for Charlotte Street East, between Aylmer Street North and Water Street, was completed in 2018.

The current project will bring those concepts together as the City moves toward detailed design for the full stretch from Park Street North to Water Street.

Field investigations are already underway as part of that process and are expected to continue throughout 2026. Residents may see survey markings, utility locates, workers and equipment, as well as occasional minor disruptions.

The City says the current work is helping it better understand conditions both above and below ground before detailed design moves forward.

The survey is available through the City’s Charlotte Street Reconstruction project page, with feedback helping inform the detailed design.

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

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