City Says Residents May Notice Premature Leaf Drop Affecting Norway Maple Trees
/The City of Peterborough states that residents may notice Norway maple trees losing their leaves earlier than usual this summer.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peterborough Blogs
Apsley Man Wanted On Warrants Arrested; Suspect Possessed Two Shotgun Shells
/A 36-year-old Apsley man is facing several charges including resisting a peace officer and possessing firearm ammunition after an incident Thursday morning.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.
At roughly 10:30 a.m., an officer on bike patrol spotted the man wanted on a warrant in the area of Aylmer Street and Charlotte Street. When the officer attempted to stop the man, he fled on a bicycle. The officer briefly caught up to him before the suspect fled again and ran into an office. Officers located him inside the building and took him into custody. During a search after arrest, officers seized two shotgun shells.
The man was arrested and charged with failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court in connection with the warrant and further charged with:
Resist Peace Officer
Fail to Comply with Probation Order
Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x2
Failure to Comply with Release Order - Other than to Attend Court
The accused is currently bound by a lifetime weapons prohibition, which includes a condition not to possess ammunition; a probation order with the condition to keep the peace and be of good behaviour and a release order with the condition not to be in the City of Peterborough.
The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on Thursday.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Briar Sutherland Takes on New Role at Art Gallery of Peterborough
/By Scott Arnold
After more than 13 years working across the Art Gallery of Peterborough, Briar Sutherland is stepping into a new role with the gallery.
Briar Sutherland has been appointed Curatorial Coordinator – Public Gallery and Contemporary Collections at the Art Gallery of Peterborough after more than 13 years with the organization. (Photo courtesy of the Art Gallery of Peterborough)
Sutherland has been named Curatorial Coordinator - Public Gallery and Contemporary Collections, bringing more than a decade of experience with the AGP to the position.
During her time with the gallery, Sutherland has worked in exhibition installation, collections management, visitor services, communications, operations support and volunteer coordination. Her experience also includes exhibition coordination, guest curation, cultural heritage, public art and accessibility.
She holds an Honours degree in Art History with a Fine Art Studio Minor from York University, along with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Museum Management and Curatorship from Fleming College.
In her new role, Sutherland will bring together her experience working with artists, collections and audiences as she helps support the gallery’s public programming and contemporary collections.
“I’m so excited to step into this role and contribute in new ways to an institution and community that has been such an important part of my professional life,” Sutherland said.
She said supporting artists and their work has remained at the centre of her practice throughout her career and that she is looking forward to continuing to build connections between artists, artworks and the community.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Birkhof’s Game-Winner Lifts Lakers to Even MSL Final Series
/By Scott Arnold
Dustyn Birkhof scored the biggest goal of his lacrosse career Thursday night, giving the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers a 9-8 win over the Six Nations Chiefs and tying the MSL final at one game apiece.
Peterborough native Dustyn Birkhof scored the game-winning goal on thursday night with 4:20 remaining in the third period as the Lakers defeated the Six Nations Chiefs 9-8 to even the MSL final at one game apiece (Photo by David Pickering)
Birkhof’s goal came with 4:20 remaining in the third period, breaking an 8-8 tie and sending the Memorial Centre crowd into a frenzy. For the Peterborough defender, the moment carried an added meaning.
Thursday marked the four-year anniversary of the death of his older brother, Steve Stapley, who passed away at the age of 32.
After scoring, Birkhof pointed toward the sky.
“Yeah, today’s my four-year anniversary since my oldest brother passed away, and that was for him,” an emotional Birkhof said after the game.
It was the first goal of the playoffs for Birkhof, who described it as the biggest goal he has ever scored.
“I don’t think so,” he said when asked if he had ever scored a bigger goal. “That’s probably as big as it gets here in our own barn against those guys at a big moment.”
The Lakers had some work to do before Birkhof’s late heroics.
Six Nations scored the first goal of the night and eventually built a 6-3 lead, but Peterborough responded with three goals in the final 6:22 of the first period to make it 6-4 after 20 minutes.
Rob Hellyer scored twice in the period, with Taite Cattoni and Colton Armitage also finding the net for Peterborough.
The Lakers pulled even early in the second when Braedon Saris scored his second of the game, and Saris put Peterborough ahead 7-6 on the power play with 16:17 gone in the period. Six Nations answered with goals from Shayne Jackson and Lyle Thompson before Hellyer scored his second of the night with 3:27 remaining, leaving the teams tied 8-8 heading into the third.
Peterborough shut the Chiefs out in the final 20 minutes.
Ryan Lanchbury put the Lakers ahead early in the third, and Birkhof followed with the eventual winner.
Nick Rose made 39 saves on 47 shots to earn the win, while Warren Hill stopped 39 of 48 shots for Six Nations.
Hellyer led the Lakers with two goals and three assists, while Saris had two goals and one assist. Lanchbury finished with a goal and two assists, and Hoggarth added three assists.
Jackson led the Chiefs with four goals and one assist.
The win evens the best-of-seven series at 1-1 and gives the Lakers a chance to take the lead on the road.
Game 3 is Sunday at 7pm at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Six Nations before shifting back to Peterborough for Game 4 on Tuesday night at 8pm.
Dustyn Birkhof was emotional in his postgame interview after scoring the game-winning goal in the Lakers 9-8 win over Six Nations (Video courtesy of YourTV)
Lakers Fans Invited to Rally Downtown for Away Game Watch Parties
/By Scott Arnold
Peterborough Lakers fans will have a new place to cheer on the team as they battle the Six Nations Chiefs in the 2026 MSL Finals.
the dbia are the lakers are encouraging fans to bring their chairs, wear their blue and red and head downtown for the first of three possible away game watch parties at Quaker Foods City Square. (photo via facebook @theboropeterborough)
When the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers hit the road for the MSL Finals, fans won’t have to watch from home.
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), in partnership with the City of Peterborough, is bringing the playoff action downtown with outdoor watch parties at Quaker Foods City Square.
The big screen at the square, located on Charlotte Street between King Street and George Street, will show the Lakers’ away games as the team continues its championship series against Six Nations.
The first watch party is set for Sunday, August 23rd at 7pm, when the Lakers head to Six Nations for Game 3.
Two additional watch parties are planned if the series goes the distance:
Thursday, August 27th at 8pm for Game 5, if necessary
Tuesday, September 1st at 8pm for Game 7, if necessary
The Lakers are currently tied with the Chiefs at one game apiece in the series, making Sunday's game an important one.
For DBIA Executive Director Nour Mazloum, the idea was a natural fit.
“We’re doing the away games to get the community out there to cheer on the Lakers,” Mazloum said.
The DBIA has already seen the appeal of bringing major sporting events into the square, with successful watch parties for the Toronto Blue Jays and Peterborough Petes. The Lakers’ playoff run presented another opportunity to bring people together downtown.
“We saw a lot of comments on social media wanting, they’re like, you did it for the Petes. Why not for the Lakers?” Mazloum said.
The answer was simple: bring the Lakers to the square.
Bringing People Together
Mazloum said the idea of using a downtown public space for community events was influenced in part by what she had seen in Kingston, where outdoor movies and other programming have been used to bring people together.
“It is something that I’ve always seen in Kingston and other communities that brought people together,” she said.
That philosophy has also shaped the DBIA’s programming in Peterborough. The organization has hosted Tuesday movie nights and other events at the square, creating more family-friendly reasons for people to spend time downtown.
Now, with the Lakers making another playoff run, the big screen will shift from movies to lacrosse.
“And then, the Lakers are doing so well,” Mazloum said. “So let’s do a watch party.”
The atmosphere should be familiar to anyone who has attended a Lakers playoff game. Peterborough has a passionate lacrosse fan base, and the DBIA is hoping some of that energy will make its way to the square.
“Lakers Nation is one of the loudest and most passionate fanbases in lacrosse!” said Pete Dalliday, the Lakers’ Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships. “When the team hits the road, Quaker Foods City Square will be the next best place to be aside from the Memorial Centre.”
Dalliday said the players can feel the support around the city, including the Lakers flags displayed throughout Peterborough.
“This just adds to the vibe,” he said.
Free Admission, Bring a Chair
The watch parties are free, and fans are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for the game.
Fans are also encouraged to wear their Lakers colours.
There will be plans for vendors and additional activities, although details may vary from one watch party to another. The DBIA says additional programming, activities and spectator information will be announced ahead of each game.
Food is also part of the plan, but fans don’t have to wait for a specific vendor to arrive.
Mazloum encouraged people to make an evening of it by heading downtown early, grabbing dinner at one of the area's restaurants or picking up takeout to bring to the square.
“We’re not checking where you bring your food from,” she said. “So it’s really whatever you want.”
That also fits with the DBIA’s broader goal of connecting the watch parties with the rest of downtown, particularly during the summer patio season.
Mazloum said this has been the busiest summer since she arrived in Peterborough two years ago, with busy patios and good weather helping bring people downtown for events and supporting local businesses.
The Lakers watch parties are another way to build on that momentum.
Make Some Noise for the Lakers
There is one important consideration for fans planning to attend: Quaker Foods City Square is also surrounded by homes and businesses.
Mazloum said fans are welcome to get loud and cheer, but asked everyone to be respectful of the people who live and work around the square.
The city's noise bylaw takes effect at 11pm, so fans are being asked to keep their enthusiasm within those limits while respecting the surrounding community throughout the evening.
The watch parties are also weather dependent. Because they are outdoor events, they may be cancelled in the event of rain. Weather updates and any cancellation information will be shared through The Boro’s social media channels.
For now, though, the message is simple.
Bring your chair. Wear your blue and red. Grab some food downtown and find a spot at Quaker Foods City Square.
Then make some noise for the Lakers.
15 Years of Sugar Me Right Is a Story About People, Persistence and Community
/By Scott Arnold
What started with Shannon Gray searching for a way to never run out of her favourite sugaring product has grown into a 15-year Peterborough business built on education, confidence, community and the people who kept showing up.
1. Shannon Gray cuts the anniversary cake as the business celebrates 15 years in Peterborough. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
There was plenty to celebrate inside Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio on Thursday as owner and founder Shannon Gray marked 15 years in business surrounded by clients, supporters, community leaders, friends and fellow business owners.
Located at 115 Sherbrooke St., Unit 2, Sugar Me Right has come a long way from its beginnings in Gray's home in Buckhorn, where she spent her first three months building the business while also travelling to clients' homes for “sip and sugar” parties.
“It was definitely not the glamorous version of owning a spa that you might imagine when you hear 15th anniversary,” Gray said.
But it was a start.
Gray had been sugaring at home since she was 19, and when the product she used became unavailable, she spent about two years searching for it before deciding to get professionally trained.
“I am very much a reader, so 15 years ago I opened Sugar Me Right and honestly I don't think I had any idea what it was that I was starting,” she said.
From her home, Gray moved into shared space at Park and King, before relocating to a larger Charlotte Street location in 2014.
In 2017, Sugar Me Right moved to its current downtown location, a move that was important to Gray and one that has helped make the business part of Peterborough's downtown story.
2. Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal and Deputy Mayor Councillor Joy Lachica present Shannon Gray with a certificate recognizing Sugar Me Right's 15th anniversary. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal was among those on hand Thursday to recognize the milestone, presenting Gray with a certificate from the Mayor and members of City Council.
“Fifteen years in business is a particularly remarkable achievement,” Leal said.
He also spoke about the challenges faced by small businesses, including regulations and economic uncertainty, while emphasizing the importance of downtown businesses and the people they bring into the core.
“The vibrancy of people, foot traffic is so important each and every day,” he said.
Deputy Mayor and Councillor Joy Lachica also congratulated Gray, highlighting her resilience and the example she provides for young people and aspiring business owners.
“I thought, what an inspiration you are to youth and to those coming up who are interested in these things,” Lachica said.
She also recognized Gray's contribution as a woman business owner in downtown Peterborough.
“And your resilience and your inspiration as a woman leader and business owner in our downtown Peterborough is huge,” she said.
Nour Mazloum, executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, noted that Sugar Me Right has been connected to downtown for more than a decade, first becoming part of the downtown business community in 2014 before moving to its current location in 2017.
“Downtown businesses aren't just places that we shop or get services at,” Mazloum said. “They have become part of the fabric of our community.”
She credited Gray with building a business that people know, love and seek out, while thanking her for continuing to invest in downtown Peterborough.
But the anniversary was also a chance to reflect on how much the business itself has helped educate the community.
When Gray started, many people were unfamiliar with professional body sugaring.
“I'd get questions like, do you sell candy?” she said.
Instead of simply advertising the service, Gray decided to teach people what sugaring was and what it could do.
“I decided that if people didn't understand it, I was gonna teach them,” she said.
Beginning in 2013, her advertising focused heavily on education, explaining how sugaring could affect hair growth and the skin.
3. Sugar Me Right esthetician Vicki Logan demonstrates professional body sugaring on employee Tara Williams' arm during the business's 15th anniversary celebration. (Photo by Scott Arnold)
For Gray, however, the business has never really been about hair removal alone.
“Because for me, it has never really been just about removing hair,” she said. “It's been about confidence.”
Over the years, Gray has also educated practitioners through Alexandria Professional, supported other businesses, sponsored events, donated to fundraisers and helped with community events.
That broader role has changed how she sees the business she started 15 years ago.
“I don't know why that made me emotional, but somewhere along the way, Sugar Me Right stopped being a business that I just owned,” Gray said.
“It became a we by offering jobs. It became part of the community.”
That, she said, is one of the things she is most proud of.
“A business doesn't get to 15 years because of one person,” Gray said.
“It gets there because of the people who keep showing up, the clients who trust you, the staff who stays, the people who refer you, the other businesses who collaborate with you, community organizations who give you a place at the table, and people who believe in you when you're still trying to figure things out.”
Gray also reflected on one of the earliest challenges she faced.
When she applied for funding during her first year, she was told spas were not the kind of businesses the organization preferred to fund because many closed within their first two years.
“I remember thinking, well, you don't know who's running this one,” she said.
She asked for her application back.
“Challenge accepted.”
Fifteen years later, Gray said those words mean something different.
“It's not really about proving to somebody that they're wrong anymore,” she said. “It's about proving to myself that when I believe in something, I'm willing to keep showing up for it.”
That message was echoed by Cindy Koshowski, president of the Women's Business Network, who praised Gray's commitment to the organization and the community.
“I think you should come and stand up here with me because what I want to talk about is the stand-up part because you are a stand-up person,” Koshowski said.
She also thanked Gray for the kindness and compassion she brings to her work.
“I am so glad you invited me. I wouldn't have missed it for anything,” she said.
Before the day ended there was one more presentation. Liam O’Connor, representing the Peterborough and District Chamber of Commerce presented Gray with a certificate recognizing the 15-year milestone, while also highlighting her support for local business, the Chamber, the Women's Business Network and the Love Local initiative.
O’Connor emphasized that Gray and her team lead by example when it comes to supporting other area businesses. “(Sugar Me Right!) walks the walk when they talk about supporting local".
The celebration began with a land acknowledgement from Crystal Dawn, who also happens to be Gray's younger sister.
Dawn spoke about their grandmother, who ran a business for many years, and drew a connection between that family history and Gray's own journey.
“Shannon has shown a dedication, resiliency, and creativity often seen in indigenous women in business,” Dawn said.
“A true force to behold and a natural leader, I am so proud to be your not so little little sister.”
For Gray, reaching 15 years was ultimately about more than celebrating the business itself.
“I don't just want to celebrate 15 years of Sugar Me Right,” she said. “I want to celebrate 15 years of people.”
There were plenty of those people in the room Thursday.
Clients who have been there since the early days, members of Gray's team, fellow business owners, community leaders and supporters gathered to celebrate a business that has continued to grow while remaining firmly connected to the community around it.
Gray doesn't know exactly what the next 15 years will bring.
“I have no idea exactly what the next 15 years will look like,” she said.
“But after everything that it took to get here, I'm pretty excited to find out.”
For a business that began with one woman, a product she couldn't live without and a determination to find a way forward, that's a pretty good place to be after 15 years.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Jeff Leal Will Not Seek Re-Election After Nearly Four Decades in Politics
/By Scott Arnold
Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal announced Thursday that he will not seek another term in office, bringing a nearly four-decade political career closer to its conclusion and setting the stage for a wide-open mayoral race in 2026.
Following a political career that began in peterborough in 1985, mayor jeff leal announced on thursday that he would not be seeking re-election in the next municipal election.
Speaking at City Hall on Thursday, Leal said the decision came after considerable reflection on his health, age and family, despite strong encouragement from supporters to run again.
The announcement was made in front of family members, city staff and supporters, including councillors Gary Baldwin and Kevin Duguay.
Leal said he is proud of what has been accomplished during his first term as mayor and believes the city is positioned well for the future.
“I'm satisfied that I've done my part to help transform our city and entrench a positive direction for Peterborough moving forward,” he said.
Throughout his remarks, Leal pointed to progress on housing, infrastructure, parks, city services, environmental initiatives and long-term planning. He said the foundation has been established for major projects that will continue beyond his time in office.
Among the projects he referenced were the new event centre, the proposed Alto development, airport expansion plans and efforts to support continued growth throughout the city.
But while he remains optimistic about Peterborough's future, Leal said personal considerations ultimately drove his decision.
“At the end of the day, I have to be realistic about my age and my health,” he said.
Leal noted that he has continued to maintain what he described as a strong attendance record despite battling prostate cancer during the current term. He also revealed that upcoming knee surgeries and rehabilitation played a significant role in his thinking.
“Unfortunately, I require knee surgeries and consequent rehab that would make my high standards of work ethic difficult to achieve,” he said.
The mayor also spoke emotionally about wanting to spend more time with his family.
“My parents both passed shortly after they'd finished work. They were given very little time to enjoy their retirement. I don't want this to be my story,” he said.
“I want to enjoy my beautiful family while I still have good health.”
While stepping away from electoral politics, Leal stressed that he is not finished with the job.
“I still have months of being mayor ahead of me and I very much look forward to continue the work that needs to be done,” he said.
“I will continue to be relentless in my pursuit to advance and finalize some very important projects.”
Following his formal announcement, Leal told reporters he was satisfied with what council and staff have accomplished over the past four years.
“When you look at the platform that we campaigned on in 2022, we were able to accomplish almost 90 plus percent of those commitments,” he said. “Working with this council and our city staff, we've moved the direction of this city forward.”
Leal's decision will mark the end of one of the longest and most recognizable political careers in Peterborough's history.
A lifelong Peterborough resident, he first served 18 years on Peterborough City Council before being elected as Peterborough's Member of Provincial Parliament in 2003. He was re-elected in 2007, 2011 and 2014 and later served as Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He also held several other cabinet, parliamentary assistant and government leadership roles during his time at Queen's Park.
After leaving provincial politics, Leal returned to municipal government and was elected mayor in 2022.
Reflecting on his career Thursday, Leal said public service has always been about advancing the interests of the community.
“As your MPP, Cabinet Minister, Mayor, my sole objective was to advance the interests of our community and to improve the lives of all our citizens,” he said.
“I have served in public life now for almost 4 decades.”
Leal closed his announcement by expressing confidence in the city's future.
“The work continues, the foundation is strong, and Peterborough has a bright future.”
Community Care Peterborough's 'Gary Dalliday Memorial Golf Tournament' Raises Over $15,000 For Meals On Wheels Program
/The sold-out fifth annual Gary Dalliday Memorial ‘Caring for Our Communities’ golf tournament saw 100 golfers help raise over $15,000 in support of Community Care Peterborough’s Meals on Wheels program at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Aug. 10.
(From left to right): Tim, Krista, Donna and Pete Dalliday. Photo courtesy of CCP.
All proceeds from this special event will support Community Care’s Meals on Wheels program, providing nourishment and connection for seniors and adults with disabilities in the City of Peterborough, West Selwyn Township, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Curve Lake First Nation.
The tournament was held on the eighth anniversary of Dalliday’s funeral. It brought together family, friends and community members to honour his legacy.
“Memorials give us a way to make the people we have lost present to us again,” said Chris LeBlanc, CCP director of donor and public relations. “Every time we gather for this tournament, we make sure the last page has not been written in Gary’s story.”
The former spots director at CHEX Radio and Television often volunteered his time to the Meals on Wheels program, which sees 50,000 meals delivered annually.
“Our dad loved Peterborough, he loved sports, and he loved the people he met through both,” said Pete Dalliday, Gary’s son. “What makes this tournament special for our family is seeing all of those things come together. People come out to have fun, reconnect and tell stories about Dad, but at the same time they are helping neighbours in our community. I think he would be incredibly proud of what this tournament has become.”
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Woman Arrested For Stealing Money From a Vehicle In a Parking Lot
/A 33-year-old Peterborough woman faces a theft charge after stealing money from a vehicle Wednesday morning.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.
At roughly 10:15 a.m., officers were called to a parking lot in the Rink Street and George Street area about a woman going through a vehicle. The vehicle owner attempted to stop the woman but the suspect left the area.
Officers learned that the vehicle had been entered and that some money was gone. During a search of the area, officers located a woman matching the description given to police and took her into custody.
The woman was arrested and charged with:
Theft Under $5,000
Fail to Comply with Probation Order
The accused is currently bound by a probation with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
The accused was released on an undertaking with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 10.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough Petes Release 2026 Training Camp Details
/The Peterborough Petes have released details for their annual training camp, with Rookie Camp beginning on Monday at Healthy Planet Arena.
(From left to right) Easton Rye, Brennan Faulkner and Alexander Smyth during last year’s training camp. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.
The following is a full schedule for the rookie and main camps:
Rookie Camp
Monday, Aug. 24
4 p.m. – GAME – Rookie Maroon vs Rookie White (Healthy Planet Arena)
Tuesday, Aug. 25
10 a.m. – GAME – Rookie Maroon vs Rookie White (Healthy Planet Arena)
4:00 p.m. – GAME – Rookie Maroon vs Rookie White (Healthy Planet Arena)
Main Camp
Wednesday, Aug. 26
4 p.m. – GAME – Maroon vs White (Healthy Planet Arena)
Thursday, Aug. 27
10 a.m. – GAME – Maroon vs White (Healthy Planet Arena)
4 p.m. – GAME – Maroon vs White (Healthy Planet Arena)
