Adam Novotný Set to Give Petes a Big Boost After Being Assigned Back to Peterborough by the Canucks

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Petes fans will get to see Adam Novotný back in the lineup after the Vancouver Canucks assigned the 18-year-old forward to Peterborough on Wednesday.

after gaining some preseason nhl experience, the vancouver canucks have assigned Adam Novotný back to the peterborough petes (photo via X, formerly twitter, @canucks)

Novotný spent the last two weeks in Vancouver, appearing in two Canucks preseason games against the Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken. He was held off the scoresheet in both games but looked impressive against some of the league’s top players.

The 2026 first-round pick was selected 24th overall by Vancouver after an impressive rookie season with the Petes, recording 34 goals and 31 assists for 65 points in 58 games.

Novotný finished second on the Petes in scoring last season, behind Kieran Walton, and his return will be a welcome addition to the 0-2 Petes lineup.

During media day a couple of weeks ago, Novotný expressed his excitement and love of Peterborough, emphasizing how much it means to him to be a Pete.

The Petes are back in action on Thursday, September 24th, when they host the Sarnia Sting at 7pm from the PMC.

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

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Peterborough Petes Bringing Back Indigenous Heritage Night to the PMC Thursday

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Petes will recognize Indigenous heritage and culture Thursday night when they host the Sarnia Sting at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The Peterborough Petes will host their annual Indigenous Heritage Night at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday, September 24th. (logo created by Kory Parkin)

The Petes’ annual Indigenous Heritage Night takes place on September 24th, with puck drop at 7:05pm.

Fans arriving at the game will have a chance to experience performances from the Smoke Trail Drum and Dance Group from Alderville First Nation, who will perform in the lobby before the game before taking to the ice during the first intermission.

The evening will also include a ceremonial puck drop featuring representatives from Crowe’s Gas, Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation.

The national anthem will take on a special meaning as well, with Curve Lake School performing it in Anishinaabemowin before the game.

The Petes will also once again feature a logo created for Indigenous Heritage Night by Kory Parkin, an Indigenous painter and digital creator from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.

The design uses the traditional name for Peterborough, Nogojiwanong, meaning “place at the foot of the rapids,” and incorporates imagery of a canoe and water.

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

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A Special Flag at City Hall Has a Meaningful Message This Week

By Scott Arnold

If you’ve noticed a new flag flying outside Peterborough City Hall today, there’s a reason it’s there.

The Deaf flag flies outside Peterborough City Hall on September 23rd in recognition of International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages. (photo by scott arnold)

The City of Peterborough has raised the Deaf flag in recognition of International Week of Deaf People, which takes place during the last full week of September.

September 23rd is also International Day of Sign Languages, a day established by the United Nations in 2017 to raise awareness of sign languages and strengthen their status around the world.

The date is significant because it marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf in 1951.

The flag itself also carries meaning. Designed by French deafblind artist Arnaud Balard, it features two hands, representing sign language, communication and support. Its turquoise blue, yellow and dark blue colours each have their own significance, reflecting the Deaf community, light and life, humanity and the connection to Deaf culture around the world. Together, the colours represent the diversity of people and languages and the place of Deaf people within the broader human community.

International Week of Deaf People brings Deaf communities and others together through activities and events focused on awareness, participation and inclusion. The week also highlights the important role of families, governments, professional sign language interpreters and organizations supporting people with disabilities.

This year also marks 20 years since the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the recognition of national sign languages as full and equal languages.

For the City, the flag is also connected to its broader work around accessibility.

Peterborough says it is committed to creating an inclusive environment across its services, programs, facilities, information, employment and transportation systems, with a focus on dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

The City also notes that people with disabilities can face limited options when navigating public spaces and says it is committed to providing timely information about service disruptions, including what is affected, how long the disruption is expected to last, why it is happening and what alternatives are available.

So, if you’re passing City Hall and spot the Deaf flag flying this week, now you know why it’s there.

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

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A Night of Fashion for a Good Cause: Couture for Kids Returns in October in Support of Five Counties

By Scott Arnold

A Lindsay fashion show is returning next week, giving people a chance to enjoy a night out while helping support treatment services for local kids and youth.

Couture for Kids returns to Lindsay on October 1st, bringing local fashion, fun and fundraising together in support of Five Counties Children’s Centre (photo courtesy of five counties children’s CEntre)

Five Counties Children’s Centre will host its third annual Couture for Kids fundraiser on Thursday, October 1st at Celebrations in Lindsay.

Doors open at 6pm, with the fashion show getting underway at 7pm.

The evening will feature clothing from seven local retailers: Brittany N Bros, Bonita Clothing & Co, Cathy Allan Ladieswear, John G’s, Homethreads Boutique, Nisbett’s Clothiers and The Lingerie Loft.

Along with the fashion show, guests can take part in raffle prizes and the Pass the Purse activity, with light snacks and a cash bar also available.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or through participating retailers.

The fundraiser was first held in 2024 and has since become an annual fall event in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

More importantly, the money raised goes directly toward treatment services for local children and youth through Five Counties. Last year, 1,471 children and youth in Kawartha Lakes received services from the organization.

The fundraiser also supports efforts to reduce wait times, helping children access the services they need sooner.

Five Counties says the event has grown through support from local retailers, sponsors, volunteers and the community, with this year’s event once again bringing fashion and fundraising together for local kids and families.

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

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St. Paul CES Lakefield Receives $16,000 Grant For Music Program Growth

Students at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School in Lakefield will have more opportunities to explore, create and learn through music thanks to a $16,000 grant from MusiCounts, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The grant application was developed last year by then-Principal Jennifer DeMaeyer and music teacher Elena Johnson.

The funding was used to purchase a variety of musical instruments and materials, provide safe storage for the equipment and support a music program subscription for the current school year and next year. As a result of the application, St. Paul may also be eligible to apply for a secondary grant in the coming years. 

Jean-Paul St-Amour, St. Paul principal, says the new resources will give students opportunities to explore music through hands-on experiences while introducing them to a wide range of instruments, musical traditions, and creative tools. 

“These tools will provide hands-on experiences that deepen students’ understanding of rhythm, melody, and cultural traditions. Instruments like egg shakers, xylophones, and bells will introduce basic concepts and allow for interactive rhythm exploration,” he said. “Recorders serve as an accessible entry point for wind instruments, while bucket drums make practicing drumming patterns enjoyable. Drumsticks will enable students to explore various percussion techniques and ukuleles will promote collaboration through learning chords and strumming.”

He adds that the investment will help St. Paul CES continue building a music program where students can develop musical skills while experiencing the creativity, collaboration and cultural learning that music can bring to the classroom. 

“Incorporating Indigenous drums will diversify our program and enhance our cultural context. Additionally, integrating music software will foster creativity and composition skills. We would also like to invite Indigenous Music leaders to share their knowledge and lead us in Indigenous music workshops,” explained St-Amour. “Together, these resources will create a vibrant, hands-on music program that would inspire creativity and a lifelong love of music among our students.”

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Schedule Released For Fleming Phoenix's Inaugural Season of Lacrosse Sixes

It is the first year the Fleming Phoenix take the lacrosse field as its Sixes team has released its schedule for its inaugural season starting this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Fleming Phoenix.

The Phoenix, led by Head Coach Dustin Dunn, face three other college teams in this fall's campaign.

The team plays two games on each of the four game-day dates. The first homestand is on Oct. 25 against the Humber Hawks and Durham Lords. The final day is on Nov. 1 at Mohawk College with semifinals followed by the third-place and first-place games.

The following is the 2026 season schedule:

Sept. 27 at Humber (Centennial Park Stadium)

• Durham vs Fleming - noon

• Fleming vs Mohawk - 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Durham (Vaso's Field)

• Fleming vs Humber - noon

• Durham vs Fleming - 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Fleming (Fleming Phoenix Sports Field)

• Fleming vs Mohawk - noon

• Fleming vs Humber - 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Mohawk 

• Semifinal #1 - 11 a.m.

• Semifinal #2 - noon

• Third-place game - 1:30 p.m.

• First-place game - 2:30 p.m.

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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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