YMCA’s Night in White Garden Party Raises $45,000 for Strong Kids Campaign

By Scott Arnold

A night of food, music and community support in Peterborough has raised $45,000 for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

the ymca’s 9th annual a night in white party was a big success, raising $45,000 for their strong kids campaign (photo courtesy of the ymca of central east ontario)

The YMCA of Central East Ontario’s 9th annual A Night in White Garden Party brought people together Friday night at Johnston’s Greenhouse and Landscaping, with proceeds from the event going toward programs and services offered through the YMCA.

The fundraiser is designed to help make YMCA programs accessible to children, youth, adults and families regardless of their financial circumstances.

This year’s event featured an evening surrounded by the greenhouse’s tropical setting, with guests enjoying food and drinks from local vendors, music and dancing, as well as live and silent auctions.

The YMCA says the $45,000 raised will help create opportunities for people in the community to participate in YMCA programs and services.

The organization thanked the event’s sponsors, vendors, donors and volunteers for helping make the evening possible.

The Strong Kids Campaign supports the YMCA’s goal of creating opportunities for people to find belonging at their local YMCA, regardless of their background, abilities or financial position.

The YMCA of Central East Ontario describes its work as supporting the growth of spirit, mind and body, with a focus on building strong kids, strong families and strong communities

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

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How Police Auction Money Finds Its Way Back Into the Community

By Scott Arnold

When property or money ends up in police possession and can’t be returned or otherwise dealt with, there’s a process for what happens next, and in Peterborough, some of that money is finding its way back into the community.

A cheque presentation supporting the Canadian Police Memorial Ride to Remember, which honours police officers who have been killed in the line of duty. (photo via instagram @peterboroughpolice)

That was highlighted Tuesday, September 22nd, when the Peterborough Police Service Board presented two cheques through its Auction Fund.

The recipients are about as different as they could be.

One is Cuddles for Cancer, the Lakefield organization founded by Faith Dickinson in 2012 that has now made more than 11,000 blankets for cancer patients.

The other is the Canadian Police Memorial Ride to Remember, which Sgt. John Townsend of the Peterborough Police Service will be taking part in this week.

Townsend will ride more than 700 kilometres from the Ontario Police College in Aylmer to the National Police and Peace Officer Memorial in Ottawa. The ride honours police officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

Both were successful applicants to the Police Service Board’s Auction Fund.

A cheque presentation supporting Cuddles for Cancer, the Lakefield organization that has made more than 11,000 blankets for cancer patients. (photo via instagram @peterboroughpolice)

So, where does an Auction Fund come from in the first place?

Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act sets out what police services can do with certain property and money that comes into their possession. In the case of qualifying property, a chief of police can have it sold, with the police service board able to use the proceeds for a purpose it considers to be in the public interest, including a charitable donation.

There is also a separate provision for certain money that remains unclaimed for three months. In that case, a police service board can use the money for a purpose it considers to be in the public interest.

The Peterborough Police Service Board has an Auction Fund for these proceeds, providing a way for money generated through the process to ultimately support community purposes.

This week's recipients show two very different examples of where that support can go: helping provide comfort to people dealing with cancer and helping remember police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

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

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Peterborough Player/Coach Helps Bring Awareness and Pioneer Women's Lacrosse For France

France Lacrosse is putting a bigger stamp on the map thanks to Peterborough’s Lou Warner, who has helped make that mark since May of 2023.

Warner (left) coaching France goaltender Chelsea Breault (right) during warm-ups before a game at the North American Invitational (LAXNAI) at the Utica University Nexus Center in downtown Utica, N.Y. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

She began working with France Lacrosse after her husband, Justin Warner— who is also a lacrosse coach — referred her during his job search with the club when he learned they needed someone to help build the women’s program.

“There was a posting (from France Lacrosse) looking for help; he applied for that, and a week later, he got an interview with our vice president, Dylan,” explained Lou. “He mentioned that I have been playing lacrosse for 20 years and am fluent in French. They flew us to France next week.”

Although she has no biological connection to France, Warner is fluent in French, having grown up in an immersion program throughout school and studied it at Laurentian University in Sudbury.

Warner has worked in multiple roles as a coach for France Lacrosse. She has served as an assistant coach for the men’s and women’s sixes teams.

She recently head-coached the women’s team for box lacrosse when they made their debut at the North American Invitational (LAXNAI) in Utica, N.Y. France had a hot start, winning its first two games against the Valkyries and Poland Heritage. They finished 3-2 and fell short of a bronze medal, losing 3-1 to Poland Heritage in a rematch.

“I thought they (France) did fantastic. I wanted to get that France jersey out there,” explained Warner. “I wanted people to be aware of our program.”

Lou (second from left) with Team France after placing fourth in the LAXNAI 2026 Women’s Division. Photo courtesy of Lou Warner.

Lou was no stranger to LAXNAI as she won the inaugural women’s tournament in 2023 for the Toronto-based BP Lawyers team as their goaltender alongside other Peterborough natives including Erica Evans and Payton Crough. While BP Lawyers did not register a team in this year’s tournament, it gave Lou the opportunity to focus on raising awareness for the French women’s national team at LAXNAI.

“Typically, the BP Lawyers put in a team and this year they did not,” she said. “If they had, I probably would have played and coached. My priority would be coaching because I’m trying to build this program.”

Erica Evans (left), Lou Warner (middle) and Payton Crough (right) celebrating the first-ever LAXNAI Women's tournament championship held in 2023. photo By David Tuan Bui.

With LAXNAI 2026 in the books, Lou has to look ahead to the future for France Lacrosse.

“When I started, we only just started the national team. We had a new president, and he's been amazing at growing it domestically, so he's been great in helping us. We brought LAXNAI to the men’s championship,” she explained. “This year, I’m trying to mirror that with the women’s. We’ll be back in January for the Traditions Cup. We’re going to see if She-Box in January and I’m an assistant coach for the women’s sixes team. I’ll also be working on recruiting as well.”

Lacrosse’s motto throughout social media has been, ‘Grow the Game.’ Lou’s efforts mirror that and aim to keep putting France on a global stage.

“I’ve been playing this game since I was eight and that was the Ontario Lacrosse Association’s mantra was to ‘Grow the Game.’” she said. “That was always in the back of my head. I didn’t know that when I was 10 years old that it would lead to this. Now, my goal is to make Worlds in 2028.”

Trent University Closed Until Monday Due to Watermain Break; All In-Person Classes Closed

Trent University has been closed until Monday, with all in-person classes on its Symons Campus cancelled, following a watermain break, reported on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The University says there is no imminent risk to personal safety but the disruption is affecting water availability across campus and requires temporarily closing campus buildings and services while repairs are completed.

Bata Library, Student Centre, Athletics Centre, and the colleges are closed and will remain closed during the closure.

Students, employees and on-campus partners and members of the public are requested not to visit campus until further notice.

All in-person classes and labs at the Campus are cancelled and will resume Monday. Faculty and instructors will communicate directly with students in impacted classes. Some classes may be moved to remote delivery.

Classes at Traill College and Trent’s Durham GTA Campus, and all online courses, are not impacted and will continue as scheduled.

Residences including Champlain, Lady Eaton, Otonabee, and Gzowski Colleges are closed. Trent Housing says it is supporting students living in impacted residences as they make arrangements to return home or, if possible, find alternative accommodations. 

Students living in residence at Traill College and in the Annex residences are not affected by the closure and can remain in their buildings.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Witnesses to Parkhill Road/Chandler Crescent Vehicular Collision

The Peterborough Police Service is asking anyone with information about a collision on Parkhill Road, just west of Chandler Crescent, that occurred on Tuesday morning to come forward.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Two people were sent to hospital after the collision just after 7 a.m.

Based on the collision reconstruction investigation and video evidence, Peterborough Police traffic officers believe one vehicle attempted to pass two vehicles and was on the wrong side of the road when the collision occurred.

The Traffic Unit would like to speak with anyone who may have been in either vehicle. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police Traffic Unit at 705-876-1122 x289.

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New Art Mural Graced and Unveiled at Peterborough Transit Terminal

The Peterborough Transit Terminal’s new art mural ‘Still Crossing’ was unveiled to the public during a ceremony on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Designed by BAU and Ćos Studio, the mural spans the transit terminal's facade from edge to edge. Its tnstallation on the multi-storey mural began in July and finished in early September. 

“Public art has a wonderful way of transforming the places we pass through every day, giving us something to pause and appreciate while creating a stronger sense of place and community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “‘Still Crossing’ brings colour, movement and creativity to a prominent downtown location, helping to beautify the Transit Terminal and the surrounding streetscape. It’s a great example of how investing in public art can make our downtown more welcoming, vibrant and engaging for residents and visitors alike.”

“‘Still Crossing’ begins as a horizon of layered blues drawn from the Otonabee River and Little Lake and gradually lifts into the silhouettes of geese in flight. This transition from water to sky mirrors the movement of people through the Simcoe Street Transit Terminal, a place where daily routines, pauses, and passages intersect,” said designers Andres Ulises Bautista and Novka Ćosović, BAU and Ćos Studio. “By softening the concrete structure with an atmospheric field at the pedestrian level and a gesture of flight above, the mural invites commuters to experience a moment of calm, direction, and quiet uplift as they move through the city.”  

The mural was selected through a process that included an application, a short list of the top three artists, community feedback, and a public vote. 

The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program supported its funding.   

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Peterborough Police Seeking Public Help to Identify Four Suspects Added to Its Bulletin

The Peterborough Police Service asks for the public’s assistance to help identify individuals in connection with criminal activity in the City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield and Township of Cavan-Monaghan. 

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

An additional four bulletins were posted on Tuesday for the identification of individuals connected to incidents of:

• Commercial Break and Enter (Aug. 1, 2026)

• Fraud (Aug. 24, 2026)

• Shoplifting (Aug. 23, 2026)

• Shoplifting (Aug. 18, 2026)

These incidents happened between Aug. 1 to 24

If you have any information of the identity or whereabouts of these individuals, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

Peterborough Police urge the public to not approach, take pictures, follow the suspects, confront or attempt to apprehend them.

Bulletins will be automatically removed from the webpage after 30 days.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Community Futures Peterborough, Lang Pioneer Village and Peterborough DBIA

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Community Futures Peterborough has announced its largest-ever Starter Company Plus cohort, with 23 local entrepreneurs selected from nearly 90 applicants.

The program provides training, mentorship, and access to grant funding to help businesses launch and grow. This year's cohort showcases the incredible creativity and entrepreneurial spirit happening right here across Peterborough City and County. For more information, you can visit: communityfuturespeterborough.ca/programs/startercompanyplus

Fall is just around the corner, and Lang Pioneer Village Museum is inviting the community to celebrate at its annual Applefest on Sept. 27.

The family-friendly event will feature historic demonstrations, live music, local food, apple-themed activities, and plenty of autumn fun throughout the village. It's a great way to enjoy the season while supporting one of our region's most beloved attractions. For more information, visit: www.langpioneervillage.ca

Downtown Peterborough is gearing up for Halloween, with the Peterborough DBIA now accepting registrations for its popular downtown trick-or-treat event.

The annual initiative helps connect local businesses with families while bringing thousands of visitors downtown to explore shops, restaurants, and services. Businesses interested in participating can learn more through the Peterborough DBIA, visit their website: theboro.ca.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.

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Steve Terry Classic Raises More Than $14,000 for Youth Mental Health Care at PRHC

By Scott Arnold

A new baseball tournament in Peterborough has already made a significant impact off the diamond, raising more than $14,000 to support youth mental health care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

tournament organizers and players, along with steve terry himself (second from right), presented a large cheque to the prhc foundation from funds raised during the inaugural steve terry classic that was held at local ball diamonds in july (photo via instagram at prhc_foundation)

The inaugural Steve Terry Classic raised $14,345.10 in support of youth mental health care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Steve “Trout” Terry, tournament organizers and players recently presented the donation to the PRHC Foundation.

The July tournament brought together members of the local baseball community for the inaugural event, with the Peterborough Baseball Association, sponsors, volunteers, players, families and supporters all helping make the fundraiser possible.

The money raised will support youth mental health care at PRHC, turning the tournament into something that reached well beyond the ball diamond.

The organizers say the success of the first Steve Terry Classic was made possible by everyone who stepped up to support the event, whether by playing, volunteering, sponsoring or simply showing up to help.

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

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55th Annual Head of the Trent Returns to Trent University During First Weekend of October

By Scott Arnold

One of Peterborough’s biggest fall weekends returns to Trent University next month, with rowing, varsity sports, alumni events, food, family activities and plenty happening across campus.

the 55th annual head of the trent returns next month, taking place from October 2nd to the 4th, with the rowing regatta at the heart of the weekend (photo courtesy of trent university)

The Head of the Trent is back for its 55th annual edition, bringing more than 1,400 athletes in 800 boats to Peterborough for one of the country’s premier rowing events.

The weekend has been a Trent tradition since 1971 and continues to bring together athletes from more than 50 universities, rowing clubs and schools from across Canada and abroad.

At the centre of it all is the Head of the Trent Regatta, hosted by the Peterborough Rowing Club.

Athletes will take on the scenic 4.7-kilometre course along the Trent-Severn Canal and Otonabee River before finishing at Trent University’s Symons Campus. The regatta features University, Masters, Club and Junior boat classes.

A New Way to Watch the Finish

There will be a noticeable change for spectators this year.

With the ongoing revitalization of the Faryon Bridge, a new finish line and viewing area will be located just behind the Student Centre.

That will give spectators a new spot to watch the races and cheer on the Excalibur rowers as crews make their way to the finish.

The Peterborough Rowing Club will also have a livestream available for anyone who can't make it to campus.

For the full race schedule and race-day results, visit the Head of the Trent Regatta website.

Friday Gets the Weekend Started

The Head of the Trent weekend officially gets underway Friday, October 2nd.

The Excalibur Rowing and Rugby Alumni Social runs from 4:30pm to 9pm, giving former athletes and friends a chance to reconnect ahead of the weekend.

The Excalibur women's rugby team will also take on the University of Toronto at 7pm.

Saturday Brings the Biggest Crowd

Saturday, October 3rd is when the campus really comes alive.

Along with the rowing regatta, there will be a free pancake breakfast from 9am to noon, an Alumni vs. Faculty/Staff Soccer Game from 9:30am to 10:15am and plenty of opportunities to take in the action throughout the day.

Official Head of the Trent merchandise, including the iconic souvenir mug, will be available outside the Student Centre from 10am to 4pm, with proceeds supporting the Trent University Rowing Club.

The Alumni Welcome Tent will be open from 11am to 4pm, while the Kids' Zone presented by TD Insurance runs from 11am to 2pm.

Food Truck Alley will also be open from 11am to 4:30pm, offering everything from poutine and wood-fired pizza to sweet treats and drinks.

The Céilie will have its licensed pub and riverside patio open from 11am to 6pm, with free cover.

There are also several alumni and campus activities taking place throughout the day, including a Champlain College 60th Anniversary Archive Display, a 60th Anniversary Brunch and guided tours of Champlain College.

Plenty of Excalibur Action

Saturday also features a full slate of varsity sports.

The Excalibur women's soccer team takes on Carleton at noon, followed by women's volleyball against Mohawk College at 2pm.

The men's soccer team faces Carleton at 2:15pm, while men's volleyball takes on Mohawk College at 4pm.

The day wraps up with Excalibur men's rugby against Guelph at 6pm.

There will also be an Alumni Fan Zone from 2pm to 4:30pm.

Sunday Wraps Up the Weekend

The Head of the Trent weekend continues Sunday, October 4th.

The Alumni Volleyball Tournament runs from noon to 4pm, while Excalibur women's soccer takes on the University of Ottawa at 1pm.

With the rowing regatta, varsity games, alumni events, food and activities for families, there will be plenty happening at Trent throughout the weekend.

And for those who want to experience the Head of the Trent from the riverbank, the new viewing area behind the Student Centre will provide a new way to take in the races and see crews make their way toward the finish.

Most Head of the Trent activities are free, although some events have admission or other costs.

For the complete weekend schedule, race information and results, visit Trent University's Head of the Trent website.

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

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