Woodview and Minden Man Arrested For Impaired Driving In Separate Incidents

A Woodview and a Minden man are facing impaired charges from separate incidents on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A 49-year-old Woodview man is facing impaired charges after an incident ar roughly 3:30 p.m. An officer with the Traffic Unit on general patrol in the area of Park Street and Lansdowne Street spotted a collision involving two vehicles. The officer learned that one vehicle had rear-ended the other. While speaking to both drivers, the officer noticed signs of impairment in one of them and conducted a roadside sobriety test. Further testing determined the driver was four times over the legal limit of alcohol.

The Woodview man was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Careless driving (Highway Traffic Act)

• Fail to surrender insurance card (Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

A 19-year-old Minden man is facing charges after an incident the following evening.

At approximately 9 p.m., officers were called about a possible impaired driver who had just left a residence. Officers learned that there had been a verbal dispute and that the suspect had left in their vehicle. Officers located the vehicle near Little Lake Cemetery and continued their investigation into possible impairment.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Novice driver - B.A.C. above zero  (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

Both accused were released on an appearance notice and will appear in court on Nov. 10.

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Heritage Designation Given to Aylmer Street Building Dating Back to 1923

By Scott Arnold

A 1923 building on Aylmer Street with a connection to Peterborough’s electrical history is being designated as a heritage property.

The Sherbrooke Street Substation at 235 Aylmer Street North was constructed in 1923 and is being designated for its architectural, historical and cultural heritage value. (photo by scott arnold)

Peterborough City Council approved the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee’s recommendation to designate 235 Aylmer Street North under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Known as the Sherbrooke Street Substation, the building was constructed in 1923 to assist in providing a more stable electrical connection as Peterborough’s electrical system expanded.

The property was determined to have cultural heritage value because of its architecture, its history and its connection to Peterborough’s reputation as the “Electric City.”

A Connection To The Electric City

The building has a direct connection to Homer O. Fisk, who held several key positions in Peterborough’s electrical field.

Fisk was the manager of the Peterborough Light and Power Company and later became the first Managing Director of Electricity for the Peterborough Utilities Commission.

The heritage report notes that Fisk oversaw several updates to Peterborough’s electrical system, including the change to tungsten lights in the city’s streetlamps in 1915.

The Sherbrooke Street Substation was constructed in 1923 and contributes to an understanding of the history of electrical production in Peterborough. The building remains in use by a public utility provider.

The “Peterborough Utilities Commission A. D. 1923” lettering is one of the heritage attributes identified in the designation of 235 Aylmer Street North. (photo by scott arnold)

Why The Building Is Being Designated

The City describes 235 Aylmer Street North as a landmark and a representative example of industrial design with Neoclassical influences.

Despite its utilitarian purpose, the two-storey red-brick building features decorative elements including a cornice, recessed and rounded windows, decorative stonework and voussoirs with keystones.

Another piece of its history is built into the building itself, with the words “Peterborough Utilities Commission A. D. 1923” displayed on the property.

The heritage report also says the property helps define the southern end of Peterborough’s downtown as the city’s historic industrial centre. It is historically and functionally linked to other industrial buildings and to current and former railway lines, including the former Peterborough Street Railway.

What Heritage Designation Means

Under the Ontario Heritage Act, heritage designation is intended to protect a property’s identified heritage features.

The City’s report says designation “prohibits unwarranted demolition and controls alterations that might harm specific heritage features.”

For 235 Aylmer Street North, the heritage attributes identified for protection include the two-storey red-brick construction and one-storey addition, flat roof, cornice, recessed and rounded windows, voussoirs with keystones, sills, decorative stonework, entrance and surround, concrete features, the “Peterborough Utilities Commission A. D. 1923” lettering and concrete steps.

The report also notes that heritage designation may make property owners eligible for preservation grants and tax relief and provides access to professional expertise and advice.

The property had been identified as a priority for designation in 2025. Peterborough Utilities Inc. was notified of the recommendation, and City staff met with the utility to address questions and concerns about the implications of designation.

Council’s approval moves forward the heritage designation process for 235 Aylmer Street North, recognizing the building’s architectural and historical significance to Peterborough.

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

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Peterborough City Council Gives Green Light to Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough City Council has officially approved the concept plan for the long-planned project, allowing the City to move into detailed design and prepare the project for construction.

one of the changes in the project includes crescent street being converted to a one way stretch (rendering courtesy city of peterborough)

The Otonabee River Trail and Shoreline Improvement Project will bring major changes to Crescent Street, including converting the road to one-way traffic between Lake Street and Haggart Street, adding a two-way cycle track and new sidewalks, creating dedicated parking areas and expanding public space around the T-Warf.

The project will also address the deteriorating shoreline along Little Lake through restoration and naturalization work.

The project is currently estimated at $7 million, although that figure will be refined during detailed design. The City has applied for federal funding through the Active Transportation Fund, which could cover up to 60 per cent of eligible construction costs.

The City has already committed $2.66 million toward the project, which could be used as its 40 per cent contribution to eligible costs.

With Council's approval, detailed design can now move forward, with construction tentatively anticipated to begin in 2027.

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

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Natalie MacMaster Bringing Stories and Songs to Lakefield This November

By Scott Arnold

Canadian fiddling star and author Natalie MacMaster is coming to Lakefield for an evening of stories, conversation and live music this November.

Canadian fiddler and author Natalie MacMaster is bringing her stories and music to Lakefield United Church on November 14th for an evening of conversation, songs and a look at the life behind her celebrated career. (photo provided by lakefield literary festival)

The Lakefield Literary Festival is bringing MacMaster to Lakefield United Church on Saturday, November 14th for An Evening of Stories and Songs with Natalie MacMaster, with local broadcaster and writer Megan Murphy moderating the conversation.

The evening will give the audience a look at the person behind the music, including MacMaster’s childhood in Cape Breton, her career on stages around the world and her life with fellow fiddler Donnell Leahy and their seven children.

The conversation will also explore MacMaster’s new book, I Have a Love Story, including the process of writing it and the experiences that shaped it.

And this won’t be a sit-down conversation from start to finish. MacMaster will also perform during the evening, with the event featuring songs, a brief audience Q&A and plenty of conversation.

MacMaster received her first fiddle at nine years old and released her first recording at 16. Her career has since taken her around the world, earning two Juno Awards and a Grammy nomination along the way. She has also performed with artists including Alison Krauss, Carlos Santana, The Chieftains, Thomas Dolby, Raffi, Sharon, Lois & Bram and Yo-Yo Ma.

The event begins at 7pm and tickets are $30 and available online.

Tickets are available online through the Lakefield Literary Festival and in person at Happenstance Books & Yarns in Lakefield.

The Lakefield Literary Festival began in 1995 in honour of Canadian novelist Margaret Laurence, who called the village home. The festival continues to bring Canadian authors and literary events to Lakefield.

The 2027 festival is scheduled for July 23rd and 24th.

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

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Ennismore Pharmacy, SGS Canada and Cindy Reid Realtor

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…

A new telemedicine clinic has opened at Ennismore Pharmacy at 470 Robinson Rd., offering OHIP-covered virtual consultations with licensed healthcare professionals for assessments, treatment, prescriptions, referrals and follow-up care.

The clinic officially opened Sept. 18 with a ribbon-cutting attended by local officials and community members. The service is available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with appointments available through Good Doctors or by calling 705-304-1036.

SGS Canada recently celebrated 85 years of history in Lakefield.

The Sept. 24 celebration looked back at the facility’s history, beginning in 1941, with reflections from former Lakefield leaders and current SGS representatives. The Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce also recognized SGS Canada’s 35 years of involvement and participation in the Chamber with a Certificate of Recognition. The celebration concluded with a time capsule ceremony looking ahead to Lakefield’s 100th anniversary in 2041.

Community Care in partnership with Applewood Retirement Residence and Cindy Reid Realtor are hosting a free community event in Lakefield on Sept. 30.

Ageing Well: A Blueprint for Success takes place from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Lakefield Legion and will bring together local experts to help residents navigate the practical aspects of ageing well. Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided. The event is free, but an RSVP is required by info@cindyreid.ca or calling 705-930-3030.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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Peterborough Petes Acquire Defenseman From Brantford Bulldog For Two Draft Picks

The Peterborough Petes have acquired defenceman Camron Hankai from the Brantford Bulldogs in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2028 and a sixth-round pick in 2029, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Logan Taylor and the Brantford BUlldogs.

The Simcoe native was originally selected by the Bulldogs in the fourth round, 82nd overall, of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Last season, he played 36 games for the Bulldogs, scoring twice and adding six assists for eight points. He played in another six playoff games, helping the Bulldogs reach the Eastern Conference Final. Before joining the Bulldogs, Hankai played in 55 games for the Haliburton County Huskies in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, scoring 11 goals and adding 40 assists, finishing fourth in the league in points by a defenceman with 51.

“Camron is a big, physical defenceman who is very tough to play against,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “He’s someone who we’ve been tracking since his time with the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs in his U16 season.”

Hankai also had leadership experience and was an assistant captain for the team. He has committed to Bowling Green State University following his time in the OHL.

The Petes take on the Erie Otters this Thursday, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Three Trent Excalibur Women’s Lacrosse Student-Athletes to Represent Team Canada For Pan-American Sixes Championship

Three Trent Excalibur athletes from the women’s lacrosse team, Maddy Baxter, Kylea Dobson and Maggie Cuddy, have been selected for the Team Canada roster for the 2026 Pan-American Sixes Lacrosse Championship from Tuesday to Sunday at the Oshawa Civic Centre. 

(from left to right) Maddy Baxter (second-year nursing) Maggie Cuddy (Master of healthcare management) and Kylea Dobson. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Having three Excalibur student-athletes selected to represent Canada speaks to the calibre of talent within Trent’s women’s lacrosse and the high quality of our program,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent Athletics and Recreation director. “To see them compete at this level, just around the corner in Durham Region, is an incredible opportunity for the Trent community to cheer them and Team Canada on.” 

Baxter and Cuddy recently represented Canada at the 2026 World Championship in Tokyo earlier this summer. Baxter is also coming off a championship season with the Peterborough Lakers, helping the team capture its first-ever Women’s Major Series Lacrosse provincial title.

“I grew up idolizing the women who represented Canada, so having the opportunity to wear the maple leaf is always a pinch-me moment,” said Dobson. “I grew up playing at the Civic and remember sitting in the stands watching the 2013 World Championship. To come back now as one of the athletes representing Canada feels like a full-circle moment.”

Former Trent Excalibur head coach Erica Evans has also been named to the 12-person Canadian roster. 

The championship sees 17 national teams from across the Americas to Oshawa, with nine women’s teams and eight men’s teams competing. The tournament helps teams qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

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Driver Charged After Two Girls Received Minor Injuries After Being Struck By Vehicle

A 68-year-old driver was charged after allegedly striking two young girls aged 11 and 12 with their vehicle on early Sunday evening.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The incident happened at the intersection of Parkhill Road and Monaghan Road at roughly 6:05 p.m. on Sept. 27.

Both girls were taken to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre with minor injuries.

The driver was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with Failing to Yield to Pedestrian.

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FDC Foundation Challenges Residents to Double $500,000 for Ross Memorial Ultrasound Project

By Scott Arnold

A $1.2 million gift to Ross Memorial Hospital is getting an additional boost, with the FDC Foundation offering to match another $500,000 raised by the community.

Dr. Michel Boivin uses ultrasound technology to care for patients in the ICU at Ross Memorial Hospital. A $1.2 million gift from the FDC Foundation will help modernize ultrasound services at the hospital, with the foundation also offering a $500,000 matching gift when the community raises $500,000. (photo courtesy of ross memorial hospital)

The FDC Foundation has made a major investment in modernizing ultrasound services at Ross Memorial Hospital, while challenging local residents, businesses and organizations to help take the project even further.

The foundation will add another $500,000 once the community raises $500,000, meaning every donation made toward the challenge will be matched.

If the full challenge is reached, FDC Foundation’s total contribution to the project will be $1.7 million.

The funding will help Ross Memorial update its ultrasound services with new equipment and technology designed to improve access to diagnostic imaging and help reduce wait times.

The hospital’s project includes five ultrasound units, two echocardiography units for cardiac imaging and five portable point-of-care ultrasound units for areas including the ICU, Dialysis, Operating Room, Internal Medicine and Hospitalist Service.

Those portable units can be used to quickly assess critically ill patients at their bedside, while the broader ultrasound upgrades will support care across the hospital.

Ultrasound is used for much more than pregnancy imaging. At Ross Memorial, the technology can help detect blood clots, gallstones and signs of kidney and liver disease, as well as support cardiac care and breast cancer care. It is also used to guide procedures such as IV insertion and central line placement.

The project is part of the RMH Foundation’s WE ARE THE ROSS capital campaign and also includes new software, workstations, stretchers and renovations to support additional patient exams.

The RMH Foundation says the equipment and upgrades are not covered through government funding, making community donations an important part of bringing the new technology to the hospital.

Donations toward the $500,000 community challenge can be made through the WE ARE THE ROSS campaign, with the FDC Foundation matching the funds once the goal is reached.

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

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Overnight Pavement Marking Starting Monday Evening Until Oct. 12 On George Street North

Minor pavement marking adjustments will be completed overnight on George Street North between McDonnel Street and Hunter Street West, starting Monday evening until Oct. 12.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Work will occur between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. and is expected to have minimal impact on local businesses and residents. According to the City, the adjustments are needed to improve traffic flow and align pavement markings along the corridor. 

Lane shifts, temporary lane closures and flagging operations will be in place overnight. Local traffic and access to businesses will be maintained, although motorists may experience delays and temporary parking restrictions within the construction area. 

Most of the pavement marking work on George Street North was completed earlier this year. The additional work will widen the west-side parking lane and adjust pavement markings between Hunter Street West and Brock Street. Some pavement markings will be removed and replaced, while other markings between McDonnel Street and Brock Street will be repainted. 

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