Ontario Government Invests $8.1 Million to Support Peterborough Hospital Operations

The Ontario Government has invested $8,193,000 to improve operations and reduce wait times at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), announced on Friday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding is part of a $1.1 billion investment in Ontario's hospital sector in Budget 2026, A Plan to Protect Ontario, representing a four per cent increase in annual support for the fourth consecutive year according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This investment is a major win for families in Peterborough—Kawartha,” he said. “By strengthening core clinical services at PRHC, we are ensuring our local hospital has the reliable funding needed to shorten wait times, expand diagnostic imaging, and deliver high-quality care closer to home.”

Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO, said that this investment will support the operations of PRHC’s core clinical services to better meet growing patient needs. She added that the funding will help maintain 24/7 emergency department operations, cushion inflationary and wage pressures and shorten wait times for surgical and diagnostic procedures—including MRI, CT, cardiac, stroke, neuroservices, orthopedics and cataract surgeries.

“Over the last several years, Peterborough Regional Health Centre has been strategically investing into the care we provide and how we provide it,” she said. “Provincial investments like this one are critical to furthering ongoing work in priority areas at PRHC, including the continued growth and expansion of our leading-edge data and analytics program and establishing a command centre to support real-time decision-making and improve access to care across the hospital.”

Over the next 10 years, the provincial government plans to invest approximately $64 billion in major health infrastructure as part of its plan to build more than 50 major hospital projects across the province, adding approximately 3,000 new hospital beds.

“We remain deeply committed to achieving the ambitious goals we have set out for ourselves, and to ensuring we continue to provide the best possible care and service to the 600,000 people we serve across this region,” said Mikula.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing Local 40-Year-Old Woman

The Peterborough Police Service is asking the public for help locating Sara, a 40-year-old Peterborough woman reported missing on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Family members reported her missing after becoming concerned for her well-being and being unable to contact her. She was last believed to be travelling toward the Orillia area and may also have connections to Barrie.  

Sara does not have access to a vehicle and may be travelling on foot or relying on others for transportation. Her current whereabouts are unknown.

Sara is described as:

• White

• 40 years old

• 5’4”

• Thin build

• Long, straight brown hair

• Hazel eyes

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x274.

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Reconstruction Project to Cause Lane Closure On Kawartha Heights Boulevard Extended to Sept. 14

The northbound lane of Kawartha Heights Boulevard, between Lansdowne Street West and Applewood Crescent, is closed until Sept. 14, delaying the reopening by a week as part of the Lansdowne Street West Reconstruction project. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Construction was originally expected to continue until Sept. 7.

Turn restrictions will be in place at Lansdowne Street West, Spillsbury Drive and Kawartha Heights Boulevard. Northbound traffic on Kawartha Heights Boulevard should follow posted detour routes and allow extra time when travelling through the area. 

The sidewalk on the east side of Kawartha Heights Boulevard will also be closed within the work area. Pedestrians are asked to use the west sidewalk. 

The following Peterborough Transit detour routes will be in effect during the lane closure:

• #6 Sherbrooke East and West will not be running on Kawartha Heights Boulevard and Spillsbury Drive between Applewood Crescent and Forster Avenue.  

• #6 East Detour: Spillsbury Drive to Forster Avenue to Brealey Drive to Cherryhill Road to Kawartha Heights Boulevard

• #6 West Detour: Kawartha Heights Boulevard to Cherryhill Road to Brealey Drive to Forster Avenue to Spillsbury Drive  

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Fashion, Fun and Fundraising at Couture for Kids in Lindsay

By Scott Arnold

A night of local fashion, prizes and community spirit is coming to Lindsay in support of children and youth across the region.

Local fashion will take centre stage at the 3rd Annual Couture for Kids Fashion Show Fundraiser in Lindsay on October 1st, with proceeds supporting services for local children and youth (photo via instagram @5countieskids)

The 3rd Annual Couture for Kids Fashion Show Fundraiser takes place Thursday, October 1st at Celebrations in Lindsay, with proceeds supporting Five Counties Children’s Centre.

The evening will feature fashions from local retailers, along with raffle prizes, light snacks and a cash bar.

Participating retailers include Brittany & Bros, Bonita Clothing & Co., Cathy Allan Ladieswear, John G’s, Home Threads Boutique, Nisbetts Clothiers and The Lingerie Loft Lindsay.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or at participating stores.

Money raised will support treatment services for children and youth in Kawartha Lakes, helping reduce wait times for essential services and therapies.

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

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Sunday's Game Now a Must-Win for Lakers After Falling to Chiefs in Game 5 of MSL Final

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers dropped an 11-5 decision to the Six Nations Chiefs Thursday night at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena, putting the Chiefs one win away from claiming the MSL championship.

The Lakers will look to even the MSL final when they return home for Game 6 on Sunday night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, with the Six Nations Chiefs holding a 3-2 series lead (photo courtesy of peterborough lakers via david pickering)

The Chiefs took control early, scoring four times in the opening period while keeping the Lakers off the scoreboard. Lyle Thompson scored twice, with Chris Cloutier and Dhane Smith also finding the net as Six Nations took a 4-0 lead into the second.

The Chiefs added four more goals in the second period before the Lakers got on the board, with Cloutier scoring his second of the night just 42 seconds in, Thompson completing his hat trick on a shorthanded goal and Andrew Kew scoring his first of the game. Dhane Smith then added his second of the night later in the period to give Six Nations an 8-0 lead.

The Lakers finally broke through with 7:43 left in the second when Ryan Lanchbury scored to get Peterborough on the board. Braedon Saris followed with a power-play goal, and Brad McCulley made it three straight for the Lakers to cut the deficit to four.

Dhane Smith stopped the Peterborough run before Rob Hellyer scored with 2:29 left in the period, sending the Chiefs into the third with an 8-4 lead.

Lanchbury scored his second of the night early in the third to pull the Lakers within three, but Chris Cloutier completed his hat trick to restore the Chiefs’ four-goal cushion. Ian MacKay then scored his first of the night before Andrew Kew added his second of the game to make it 11-5.

Lanchbury led the Lakers with two goals and an assist, while Hellyer, Saris and McCulley each scored once. Justin Sykes, Frank Coyle and Colton Armitage each recorded an assist.

Thompson finished with three goals and two assists for Six Nations, and Cloutier had three goals and an assist. Kew had two goals and three assists, Dhane Smith added two goals and an assist, and Ryan Smith had three assists. MacKay finished with a goal and an assist, while Matt Hossack, Brendan Bomberry and Cody Jamieson each had an assist.

Drew Hutchison played all 60 minutes in net for Peterborough, while Doug Jamieson earned the win for Six Nations.

The Chiefs now lead the best-of-seven series 3-2. Game 6 is 7pm Sunday night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, with the Lakers needing a win to force a seventh and deciding game. Tickets for that game went on sale Thursday morning.

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

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City Council Approves Riverview Park and Zoo's Change of Authority Animal Care

Peterborough City Council supports delegating authority to the Commissioner of Community Services and their delegates for animal care and welfare support operations at the Riverview Park and Zoo (RPZ) during its meeting on Monday.

The RPZ is a longstanding member of CAZA. CAZA is an organization founded in 1975 that is dedicated to setting and upholding the highest standards in animal welfare, veterinary care, ethical conservation, and scientific research. CAZA represents over 30 leading zoological parks, aquariums, museums, and science centres across Canada. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The approval is within the City Council-approved budget to maintain compliance with Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) governance requirements.

According to the City, operational decisions affecting animal care and welfare at the RPZ, including animal collection, veterinary care, animal transfers, enrichment, emergency response, and other daily management decisions (Animal Care Decisions), must be made by the institution's qualified animal care professionals to meet the regulatory requirements and standards under the CAZA accreditation program.

CAZA accreditation demonstrates that a zoo meets recognized Canadian standards for animal welfare, professional operations, conservation, education, safety and governance. It provides independent assurance that the facility is accountable to established professional standards and supports responsible animal stewardship, public safety, and conservation-focused operations. Accreditation also strengthens credibility with visitors, municipal partners, funders and other institutions. This is while enabling participation in collaborative conservation, research, and animal management programs.

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Real Estate Company Engel & Völkers Expands Into Peterborough and the Kawarthas

Real Estate Company Engel & Völkers opened its Kawarthas Port Credit branch in Peterborough, led by licensed partners Traci Tempany and Keith Monahan.

Photo courtesy of Engel & Völkers.

“Peterborough and the Kawarthas represent an exceptional opportunity to expand the brand’s presence in one of Canada's most distinctive lifestyle markets," said Stuart Siegel, president and CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas. “Traci and Keith have built an outstanding reputation for serving luxury clients with professionalism, market expertise, and innovative marketing. Their commitment to delivering an elevated client experience makes them an outstanding addition to the Engel & Völkers network.”

The branch is located at 445 George St. N. in Peterborough and serves clients throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

Tempany and Monahan have been business partners for over 20 years with experience in fine homes, waterfront estates, acreage, investment properties and new developments.

“With today's competitive real estate landscape, combining our deep local knowledge with Engel & Völkers' global marketing platform allows us to deliver a truly differentiated experience,” said Tempany. “We're excited to connect buyers and sellers in the Kawarthas with one of the world's most recognized and respected luxury real estate brands.”

“Engel & Völkers provides the international reach and elevated marketing platform that today's luxury clients expect,” added Monahan. "This affiliation enables us to showcase the unique lifestyle and exceptional properties found throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas to buyers both across Canada and around the world.”

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Marentette’s Mission Donates $500 to United Way's Backpacks for Success Campaign

By Scott Arnold

A $500 donation from Marentette’s Mission will help provide school supplies to local students through United Way Peterborough & District’s Backpacks for Success campaign.

Defenceman Thanasi Marentette with the gary dalliday award for community service, presented to him at last year’s peterborough petes year-end banquet and awards ceremony (photo by Scott arnold)

The donation was made possible through the OHL Overtime Heroes Program and the ongoing support of the Peterborough Petes.

Backpacks For Success provides grade-appropriate school supplies to financially vulnerable students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 in the Peterborough area. Local schools within the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board distribute the supplies to students and new Canadians.

Since the local program began in 2003, more than 12,886 backpacks filled with school supplies have been provided to local youth.

According to United Way Peterborough & District, 2,895 children and youth aged 17 and younger in the community live in poverty, while one in 10 households in the City and County of Peterborough has an annual income below $20,000.

The donation from Marentette’s Mission will help the Backpacks For Success campaign continue putting essential school supplies into the hands of local students who need them.

Marentette’s Mission was created to provide essential resources to individuals and families in the Peterborough community. Founded by Petes Defenceman Thanasi Marentette and inspired by his experiences in competitive hockey and the values he learned through sport, the donation-driven initiative focuses on supporting people who need it most.

For information on how you can get involved or help with Marentette’s Mission, email MarentettesMission@hotmail.com.

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

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Two Peterborough Men Wanted On Warrants Arrested For Drug Possession In Separate Incidents

Two Peterborough men wanted on warrants were charged and arrested for drug possession in separate incidents on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

An officer on general patrol identified a man walking near Stewart Street and Dalhousie Street who was wanted on multiple warrants.

Officers took the 48-year-old man into custody on the strength of the warrants for:

• Unauthorized possession of a weapon  

• Fail to comply with appearance notice

During the search after arrest, and following an investigation, officers charged the man with:

• Possession of a schedule I substance

The accused is currently bound by a release order with the following condition: do not possess or consume any unlawful drugs.

As a result, the accused was further charged with:

• Fail to comply with release order – other than to attend court

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on Wednesday.

Another 48-year-old Peterborough man was arrested on warrants and is facing additional drug-related charges after an investigation on Wednesday.

An officer was conducting a foot patrol near Reid Street and Simcoe Street, where they identified a man wanted on multiple warrants.

Officers took the man into custody on the strength of the warrants for:

• Fail to comply with probation x3

• Fail to comply with appearance notice

• Fail to attend court after having appeared x2

The 48-year-old Peterborough man was further charged with:

• Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking

• Possession of a schedule I substance – Cocaine

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court on Thursday.

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Trent University Honours Campus Builder and Philanthropy Champion With Stephen Stohn Eminent Service Awards

Robert Ballarin and Sherry Booth have received the 2026 Stephen Stohn Eminent Service Awards at the Heart of Trent, the campus’s annual employee appreciation event, in recognition of decades of service to the University.

2026 Stephen Stohn Eminent Service Award recipients, Robert Ballarin (left) and Sherry Booth (right), honoured at Heart of Trent, the University's annual employment appreciation event on Aug. 26. This year, the award was renamed the Stephen Stohn Eminent Service Award in honour of former chancellor Stephen Stohn. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Trent University continually demonstrates a commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience for students, and at the heart of that commitment are the people who work here,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “This year's Stephen Stohn Eminent Service Award recipients, Robert and Sherry, are wonderful examples of how we stand out by standing closer. Over decades at Trent, they have each invested deeply in this University, and their impact will have lasting effects.”

Created in 1978, the Eminent Service Award recognizes individuals at the culmination of Trent careers whose contributions to the University extended well beyond the responsibilities of their role.

Over three decades at Trent, Booth helped transform philanthropy and alumni engagement at the University. Over her three-decade career at Trent, she held seven roles at the University, starting as Annual Fund coordinator and culminating as associate vice president of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. She is also a Trent alumna, completing a degree in the Computing and Information Systems program part-time while working at Trent. Booth championed seven fundraising campaigns for the University that collectively raised more than $130 million, supporting financial aid for thousands of students and leading to the creation of new and renewed campus spaces. A champion of alumni engagement, Booth has helped generations of graduates maintain meaningful connections with Trent and has led by example as a donor for 30 consecutive years.

One alumnus stated the following, “I doubt there is a building, a program, or a trail at Trent that hasn't been shaped by Sherry’s hard work and leadership. Her imprint on Trent has been and will continue to be momentous.”

For over 25 years, Ballarin has helped shape Trent’s campus while stewarding its distinctive built environment. Since joining the University in 2000 as Coordinator, Land, Reality and Project Management, he contributed to numerous transformative projects, including the Endowment Lands Plan, Stanley Adamson Powerhouse, Athletic Centre expansion and the construction of the Trent Child Care, Student Centre, Forensic Crime Scene Facility and River Walk. Throughout his career at Trent, Robert brought a deep respect for the University’s iconic Ron Thom architecture and natural environment to his work, helping create and preserve spaces that enhance campus life while advancing sustainability. 

The celebration also recognized faculty and staff for excellence in service, innovation and community leadership, as well as employees marking significant career milestones.

The full list of award recipients at the Heart of Trent is as follows:

• Nancy E. Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence: Jeff Gardiner, Senior Instructional Technologist, Information Technology  
  Recognizes non-academic staff members who demonstrate excellence and exceptional commitment to Trent.

• Team Innovation Award: Procurement Services Team 
  Recognizes a team, unit, or department at Trent University whose innovative contributions have impacted the strategic objectives of the University.

• Trent Community Leadership Award: Dr. Andrew Monti, Communications; and Ryan Sisson, Team Lead Community Workplace Partnerships, Trent Community Research Centre 
  Awarded to faculty and staff who make exceptional contributions to the local community in Peterborough or Durham regions.

• Emeritus Awards: Dr. Peri Ballantyne, Sociology; Dr. Charmaine Eddy, English Literature; and Dr. Ray Dart, School of Business 
  The honorific title ‘Emeritus’ is bestowed upon eligible retiring members of the Trent University Faculty Association and librarians for their service and contributions to the University.

• Provost’s Award for Support Staff: Melissa Martin, Sr. Manager, Campus Safety Support Services 
  Awarded annually to a support staff member who plays a key role in student engagement and retention and who makes a difference through their performance at Trent.

• Jackie Muldoon Award for Faculty Service: Dr. Paul Szpak, Canada Research Chair in Environmental Archaeology, and Director of Anthropology Graduate Program 
  Awarded in recognition of faculty who have served with distinction in institutional governance roles, provided collegial and effective service to committees, departments, and colleges, led program and department renewal efforts, achieved advancements in administrative responsibilities, and advanced the role of faculty in contributing to the academic and overall success of the University and the profession at large.

2026 Long Service Awards:  

• 40 Years: Michele Sparkes

• 35 Years: Stefan Bilaniuk, Mark Neufeld, David Sheinin, Richard Hurley, Raul Ponce-Hernandez, Deborah White

• 30 Years: Tracy Flaherty, Gyles Iannone

• 25 Years: Dave Russell, Marilyn Burns, Brenda Blackburn, Feyzi Baban, Leslie Kerr, Jennifer Moore, Brian Patrick, David Patton, Kevin Siena, Paul Wilson, Andrew Vreugdenhil, Ingrid Brenner

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