City of Peterborough’s Community Planning Permit System Engagement Process Receives PlanON Award

The City of Peterborough’s education-first approach to community engagement in developing its Community Planning Permit System and By-law (CPP) has earned its Project Team a 2026 PlanON Public Education Award from the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Planning Staff of the City received the award, together with the City’s Consultant Team members, at OPPI’s PlanON Awards ceremony held at its annual conference on Thursday.

Peterborough's CPP By-law project, De-mystifying Growth and Decision-making – Peterborough’s Journey to Impactful Engagement, was one of two recipients of the 2026 PlanON Public Education Award. The award recognizes the City’s education-first approach to helping residents, Treaty Rights holders, the development community, and commenting agencies and departments understand the new development approvals process and help shape its development.

The City’s 50-year-old, 800-page Zoning By-law will be replaced with a modern Community Planning Permit (CPP) By-law. The new system implements the City’s new Official Plan and brings zoning, minor variances and site plan approvals together into one streamlined process, with a 45-day review timeline and delegated staff authority.

Recognizing the significant changes a CPPS would bring to how development applications are reviewed and approved, the City focused on empowering the community to provide informed feedback that directly shapes the by-law's regulations and how the City will build into the future.

Community feedback directly influenced the Draft and Final CPP By-law, including policies on maximum building heights, shadow studies, active frontages, and sustainability measures.

“The CPPS represents a significant change in how development applications are reviewed in Peterborough, and meaningful public engagement was essential to its success,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This award recognizes the dedication of our planning team and the community members who took the time to learn, ask questions and provide thoughtful feedback. Their participation helped shape the final policies that will guide development in our city. The suggestion to deliver the CPPS was one of the recommendations from the Mayor’s Task Force on Housing.”

“Our goal was to implement the community direction set out in the City’s Official Plan and to incorporate community values into the City’s new development approvals process and associated by-law regulations, ” said Brad Appleby, Director of Planning, Development and Urban Design for the City of Peterborough. “Rather than simply asking the community what they thought, we focused first on education, giving people the information they needed to provide meaningful input. The result was a stronger planning process and a CPP By-law that reflects what we heard from the community. I would like to extend a well-earned congratulations to the City’s planning team, as well as staff in GIS and our Indigenous Relations Advisor for their support in the project.”

Council passed the City’s CPPS on June 29, following almost two years of research and community engagement. It is designed to create a more streamlined, predictable and transparent development review process while supporting the City’s growth and long-term planning objectives.

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YMCA Invites Community to Try Its Programs During Free Trial Week

By Scott Arnold

The YMCA Balsillie Family Branch on Aylmer Street in Peterborough is offering a free one-week trial membership from September 21st to 27th as part of TrY My Y Week.

ymca staff and volunteers are eager to show the public what they have to offer while offering a free one-week trial membership as part of TrY My Y Week from September 21st to 27th. (photo by scott arnold)

The week gives new and returning participants an opportunity to explore YMCA facilities, programs and services, while current members can invite friends and family to experience the Y.

Activities throughout the week include fitness classes and clinics, aquatics programs, recreational sports, open gym and open swim. Children ages 0 to 9 can also explore the indoor Treehouse playground during open and staffed hours.

Current members who refer a friend will be entered into a draw for YMCA swag. If their referred friend joins with a three-month membership commitment, the referring member will receive two free biweekly membership payments.

New members who join during TrY My Y Week will receive their first biweekly membership payment free and be entered into a draw for YMCA swag.

For more information, including the full schedule of activities, visit ymcaofceo.ca/events.

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

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Erica Evans Set to Represent Canada Again as Pan American Sixes Championship Comes to Oshawa

By Scott Arnold

Following her silver medal performance at the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Tokyo, Japan last month, Peterborough’s Erica Evans will be back in a Team Canada uniform later this month. This time she’ll be closer to home though.

peterborough native erica evans was a fan favourite at the world lacrosse women’s championship in tokyo japan, notching 17 points in six games for canada (photo via instagram @lacrossecanada)

Lacrosse Canada has named Evans to its 12-player women’s roster for the 2026 Pan American Sixes Lacrosse Championship, taking place from September 29th to October 4th at the Civic Centre in Oshawa.

The tournament will bring national teams from across the Americas to the region as they compete in the fast-paced sixes format, which is part of the qualification pathway toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

peterborough native erica evans was the featured player on the roster release image that lacrosse canada put out to announce the team for the upcoming pan america sixes championship in oshawa (image courtesy of lacrosse canada)

Evans will be joined on the Canadian roster by Maddy Baxter and Nicole Perroni, who were members of the WMSL Lakers team that captured its first-ever provincial championship this summer.

With three players with local connections named to Canada’s roster, the upcoming tournament offers another opportunity to watch some of the region’s top lacrosse talent compete on the international stage.

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

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Petes Outshoot Kingston 47-25 But Fall 6-3 In Season Opener

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Petes couldn't turn a strong offensive night into a win Thursday, dropping their 2026-27 season opener 6-3 to the Kingston Frontenacs at the Memorial Centre.

Peterborough petes first round pick Landon Roulston celebrates after scoring his first career ohl goal in his debut against Kingston. (Photo courtesy of peterborough petes, via david pickering)

The Petes generated plenty of chances, putting 47 shots on Kingston's net, but Frontenacs goaltender Royden Smith turned aside 44 of them to earn first-star honours.

For Peterborough, the night included a memorable moment for first-round pick Landon Roulston, who scored his first career OHL goal just 8:37 into his first game.

Roulston wasted little time making an impression in his first regular-season game.

The Petes' first-round selection opened the scoring at 8:37 of the first period, converting a setup from Leon Kolarik and Yanis Lutz.

It was the first career OHL goal for Roulston, giving the home crowd an early reason to celebrate.

Peterborough outshot Kingston 15-4 in the opening period but carried a 1-0 lead into the intermission.

After going 16:30 without a shot on net, the Frontenacs found their offence late in the second period, scoring three times to take a 3-1 lead.

Nolan Snyder tied the game at 12:22 before Alex McLean and Dante D'Andrea scored in the final two minutes of the period, 52 seconds apart, with D'Andrea's goal coming with just 1:04 remaining.

Despite putting 18 shots on goal in the period, the Petes couldn't find a way past Smith.

Kingston extended its lead just 46 seconds into the third period when Aleks Kulemin scored on the power play.

Peterborough responded at 8:45, with Adam Levac scoring his first of the season on a power play, assisted by Lutz and Cooper Dennis.

The Frontenacs answered just 45 seconds later through Landon Wright, restoring their three-goal advantage.

Kolarik brought the Petes back within two at 11:47, scoring with Dennis and Matthew Perreault earning assists.

But McLean added his second goal of the night at 14:37 to complete the scoring.

Kingston goaltender Royden Smith makes one of his 44 saves against the Petes during Thursday night’s season opener at the Memorial Centre. (Photo courtesy of peterborough petes, via kenneth anderson)

The Petes finished the night with 47 shots on goal, including 14 in the third period, but Smith's performance between the pipes kept Kingston ahead.

Smith was the difference-maker for Kingston, stopping 44 of Peterborough's 47 shots.

The Frontenacs entered the game without Gavin Betts, who was injured, and Matthew Minchak, who is attending Vegas Golden Knights training camp. Smith, signed by Kingston earlier this month, stepped into the crease and delivered a 44-save performance.

Masen Johnston made 19 saves for Peterborough.

The Petes also went 2-for-7 on the power play, while Kingston converted once on four opportunities.

Peterborough won't have long to dwell on the season-opening loss as they’re back in action tomorrow night, Friday, September 18th, when they travel to Sudbury to take on the former Petes captain Scott Barney and his Wolves.

After generating 47 shots in their opener, the Petes will look to turn that offensive pressure into their first win of the season.

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

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With New Faces Leading the Charge, United Way Announces Goal to Raise $1.585 Million For 2026 Campaign

Under new leadership, United Way of Peterborough & District unveiled its 2026 campaign goal of $1.585 million, announced at the Healthy Planet Arena on Thursday afternoon.

United Way supports a network of 20 local partner agencies that work across a range of community needs, from housing and homelessness to food security, youth and family support, mental health, community connection, and more. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 85th Community Campaign for United Way’s goal is a slight decrease from last year’s $1.6 million

Tiffany Arcari, Community Manager at Gauvreau Accounting & Tax Law, is chairing the campaign. She says it encourages individuals, workplaces and organizations across the region to find their own way to contribute to the community.

“We’re all carrying something, and sometimes a little kindness, a little support, or someone showing up can make a world of difference. And our community is facing some very real social challenges right now. The United Way is already doing the work to help address those challenges, and if we want to see change in our community, this is one of the most meaningful ways we can be part of it,” said Arcari. “That’s what I want to see this year... in our community, in our workplaces, and in our businesses. More people feeling connected to the campaign, more workplaces finding their own way to get involved, and all of us coming together to reach that $1.58 million goal. Because when we look out for each other, we don’t just raise money. We help build the kind of community we want to live in.”

This is the first campaign under new United Way CEO Jason Seguya. He joined United Way Peterborough & District earlier this summer after former CEO Jim Russell retired after a 15-year tenure.

“A campaign goal gives us a number to reach. Our neighbours, and our collective care for the future gives us a reason to reach it,” said Seguya. “While I hold the privilege of leading this organization, it belongs to this community and every person in this room has a part in this future.”

New this year is United Way’s launch of its Certified Neighbour clothing collection.

The collection shows your community spirit while helping spread the message that everyone has a role to play in building a stronger Peterborough and District.

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Voice of Peterborough Leads Broadcast For Ninth Year In One of North America's Largest Lacrosse Tournaments

Since 2016, Peterborough’s Stephen Stamp has been the voice of one of the continent’s largest annual lacrosse tournaments, the North American Invitational (LAXNAI), as he gears up for the event’s ninth season, starting Thursday and running until Sunday.

Stamp (left) as a play-by-play commentator for Laxnai 2025 in Utica, N.Y. Photo courtesy of Shutterlax (Marek Stor Photography).

The tournament runs for four days at the Utica University Nexus Center in Utica, N.Y., showcasing lacrosse talent from around the world.

Stamp has been the tournament’s main play-by-play broadcaster since its inception.

“It’s a lot of fun. I loved the idea when they started it and the execution of the tournament has been a blast,” said Stamp.

The tournament started as the Lacrosse All-Stars North American Invitational with only a men’s division. Over the years, the event rebranded as LAXNAI and has expanded both its competition and eligibility.

“It’s been really fun to see it grow in terms of quality of competition and size of the tournament,” said Stamp. “We’ve added a women’s division and a youth division. It’s always been a fun tournament to call.”

Peterborough (and surrounding area) lacrosse players have been on stage for numerous LAXNAI tournaments including Adam Perroni, Drew Hutchinson, Curve Lake’s Deacon Knott and Erica Evans. She won the championship with BP Lawyers and was named tournament most valuable player in the inaugural women’s tournament.

“It’s cool from Peterborough to be a part of it and have the tournament host Peterborough players,” explained Stamp. “Peterborough’s such an important nexus of the sport. They put out amazing lacrosse talent but its approach to the game is pretty gritty and competitive which helps the drive of the competitiveness of the tournament and the fun to LAXNAI.”

Whether he is seeing fellow Peterborough residents or anyone involved in lacrosse, Stamp says the sport’s community helps keep him coming back.

“Part of it is seeing so many friends from the game; it’s such a gathering of great people who are there having fun, doing something we all love,” he said. “You walk around the building and you know so many people and it’s great. It’s great to be part of a community that’s so diverse and welcoming.”

Stamp writes for Inside Lacrosse and has also worked in roles as a lacrosse analyst and play-by-play commentator for several leagues.

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Investigation Launched On Sudden Death Near Monaghan Road and Chamberlain Street; Peterborough Police On Scene Possibly Until Friday

Peterborough Police Service has been on scene near Monaghan Road and Chamberlain Street for most of the day and possibly into Friday after responding to a call for service regarding a sudden death on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The call came at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Thursday.

The Coroner is investigating the incident at this time.

Peterborough Police believe the death is not considered suspicious at this time.

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Run, Walk and Dress Like an Animal While Helping Raise Funds for Accessible Playground at Riverview Park & Zoo

By Scott Arnold

A new play space is the goal behind this year’s event at the zoo, with organizers hoping the fundraiser will help make that vision a reality for children of all abilities.

Participants can run, walk and show off their best animal costumes at the 2026 Riverview Park & Zoo Fun Run and Walk, with funds raised going toward a fully accessible playground at the zoo. (photo by scott arnold)

The Riverview Park & Zoo Fun Run and Walk returns Saturday, September 26th, with this year's event raising money toward a fully accessible playground at the zoo.

Participants can choose between a 1km or 5km route, with both distances open to walkers and runners. The family-friendly event also gives everyone an excuse to get creative, with an animal costume contest featuring prizes for the best costumes.

So whether you're showing up as a lion, lemur, lovebird or another favourite animal, the costume is entirely up to you.

There are just 500 spots available for this year's event, making registration a good idea for anyone hoping to take part.

The money raised will go toward the zoo's goal of creating a fully accessible playground, giving children of all abilities an opportunity to enjoy the play space.

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

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Lakelands Public Health Adds Doctor With Experience From North York to Sandy Lake First Nation

By Scott Arnold

Lakelands Public Health has a new Associate Medical Officer of Health whose career has taken him from family medicine and hospital care to public health work in communities across Ontario.

Dr. Maxwell Tran has joined Lakelands Public Health as the health unit’s new Associate Medical Officer of Health, bringing experience in family medicine, hospitalist medicine and public health to the role.(photo provided by lakelands public health)

Dr. Maxwell Tran has joined Lakelands Public Health as the health unit's new Associate Medical Officer of Health, adding a background that combines frontline medicine with specialized training in public health.

Alongside his public health specialization, Dr. Tran maintains an active clinical practice in family medicine and hospitalist medicine. His clinical work has included serving diverse patient populations in North York, Parry Sound, Sioux Lookout and Sandy Lake First Nation.

His path into public health began at the University of Toronto, where he completed his Doctor of Medicine as well as a combined Family Medicine and Public Health & Preventive Medicine residency. He served as Chief Resident for both programs.

During that residency, Dr. Tran also completed a Master of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was recognized as a Sommer Scholar.

His public health training has given him experience with health organizations at both the local and provincial levels. As a senior Public Health and Preventive Medicine resident, he completed rotations with Halton Region, Peel Public Health, Toronto Public Health and York Region Public Health, as well as Public Health Ontario and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Lakelands Medical Officer of Health Dr. Thomas Piggott says that combination of academic, public health and clinical experience will be an asset to the health unit.

"His outstanding academic background, paired with his extensive hands-on residency experience and deep clinical understanding of both urban and remote communities, makes him an exceptional asset to our team."

For Dr. Tran, joining Lakelands Public Health means continuing that work alongside staff and partners throughout the region.

"I am thrilled to join the Lakelands Public Health team. I look forward to working closely with our amazing staff and with the Board of Health, municipalities, First Nations, and partners to improve the health of our communities."

Dr. Tran will work with the health unit as it continues delivering programs and services across the Lakelands region.

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

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Want to Leave Your Mark on Peterborough? Start With a Tree at Heritage Park

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough residents can get their hands dirty this month as a community tree planting event looks to add approximately 500 native trees to Heritage Park.

Volunteers plant native trees during a Trees 4 Peterborough community planting event, helping expand Peterborough’s urban forest (photo by scott arnold)

The Trees 4 Peterborough Community Tree Planting Event is taking place Saturday, September 26th at Heritage Park, where volunteers will work together to expand the city’s urban forest along Riverview Creek.

The planting gets underway at 10am at 560 Settlers Ridge, with volunteers from across the community invited to take part.

The goal is to create a more continuous stretch of tree cover along the creek while adding more native trees to the park. The project is part of the broader Trees 4 Peterborough initiative, which brings together community groups, local organizations and residents to help grow Peterborough’s urban forest.

There’s still time to register if you’d like to be part of the planting. Registration is available through peterborough.ca/trees.

The Trees 4 Peterborough initiative is bringing community members together to create more tree cover and greener neighbourhoods across the city. (photo by scott arnold)

This particular event is being supported through a partnership with Peterborough GreenUP, along with donations from RBC Wealth Management, The Excelsior Group and Fairlife. East Side Mario’s and Merrett Home Hardware are also contributing to the event through in-kind support.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply looking for a way to spend part of the morning helping out in the community, the September 26th event offers a hands-on way to contribute to a greener Peterborough.

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

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