Douro-Dummer Officially Breaks Ground On Joint Public Works and Firehall Facility

The shovels have hit the dirt as the Township of Douro-Dummer officially broke ground on its new joint Public Works and Firehall facility on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to Heather Watson, Douro-Dummer mayor, the new facility combines Public Works and Fire Services operations to provide improved space for municipal vehicles, equipment, staff and emergency response operations.

“Our community has been waiting for this building since 2011,” she said. “It will be home to our Warsaw fire stationa nd where our Public Works crews head out from each day to keep our roads safe. Today, we break ground on a facility every resident in Douro-Dummer will count on.”

Township Council approved the Joint Public Works/Firehall project at a Special Council meeting on June 11. The construction contract was subsequently awarded to Taskforce Engineering, with Cambium Engineering serving as the Township’s project manager. Council passed the necessary agreements and financing by-laws at the Regular Council Meeting on Aug. 4.

@ptbo_canada The shovels have hit the dirt as the Township of Douro-Dummer officially broke ground on its new joint Public Works and Fire Hall facility. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #dourodummer ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Site clearing has begun, with construction in its early stages. Upcoming work includes underground stormwater management infrastructure and building footings.

During the design process, the Township and project team say they have reduced construction costs while maintaining facility functionality. To date, approved design changes have saved $225,350, with the potential for additional savings as site planning and landscaping are finalized.

Council has also approved adding in-floor radiant heating in the Public Works portion of the facility. The $184,000 investment, plus HST, will be funded through the aforementioned project savings.

The in-floor heating system will provide several operational benefits in the Public Works areas of the building, including melting snow and ice tracked in by Township vehicles, improving drying conditions, reducing heat loss in large vehicle bays, and protecting heating infrastructure from potential damage caused by heavy equipment. The system will also allow for different temperature zones within the facility to support efficient day-to-day operations.

Construction is currently scheduled to be completed by the end of November 2027.

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Trent University and PRHC Launch New Research Grant to Honour Former Late Health Centre Director

Trent University and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) launched the Natalie Beavis Collaborative Research Grant – a new funding initiative designed to strengthen applied research partnerships and accelerate real-world impact across both institutions, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

The Grant is named after the late Natalie Beavis, a Trent alumna and former PRHC Director who passed away on Dec. 17.

The program provides up to $21,525 in total funding, including $14,025 in cash support and $5,000 to $7,500 in matching funds through Mitacs Accelerate or Business Strategy Internship (BSI) programs. Projects will be supported for up to 12 months, with embedded student research trainees engaged for four-to-six-month internships, ensuring a strong focus on mentorship and experiential learning.

“This grant is a meaningful way to honour Natalie and the spirit of collaboration she embodied,” said Evan Lyons, PRHC executive vice president of digital services, strategy and transformation. “By bringing together researchers, clinicians, and students, PRHC and Trent are building on the momentum of our recent Collider event and taking the next step toward a more connected and impactful research ecosystem.” 

The initiative builds directly on the PRHC x Trent Collider event held earlier this year. It brought together over 100 clinicians, researchers and faculty members to share current projects, spark new ideas, build relationships and lay the groundwork for initiatives such as this grant to translate ideas into action.

Eligible projects must include collaborators from both Trent University and PRHC, involve at least one research trainee and demonstrate clear impact beyond academia, such as improvements in healthcare delivery, operational insight, policy relevance, or innovation potential. Applications will be reviewed by a committee representing both organizations according to Dr. Tana Allen, Trent University vice-president of research and innovation.

“The healthcare needs of our region and the province require greater contributions of highly educated and experienced professionals,” she said. “Our partnership with PRHC enables faculty to contribute research expertise to improve care and facilitates professional opportunities for students to prepare to work in the field. This grant is a fitting tribute to Natalie Beavis and her belief in the impact of collaboration.”

In addition to the grant, PRHC and Trent have also recently launched a new Research Community of Practice – a forum for ongoing knowledge exchange, collaboration, and development of future projects.

The grant is now open for submissions, with a deadline of this Friday at 5 p.m.

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The NHL Season Starts Tonight: 14 Peterborough Connections You Should Know

By Scott Arnold

The 2026-27 NHL season gets underway Tuesday night, with a number of former Peterborough Petes and Peterborough natives listed on season opening rosters across the league.

after suiting up for the flyers their final nine regular season games last season, and ten playoff games, peterborough native porter martone is getting set for his official rookie year (photo via X, formerly twitter, @nhlflyers)

There are 14 players with Peterborough ties entering the new NHL season, including eight former Petes and six players who were born in or have strong Peterborough ties.

Former Petes

Brennan Othmann - Calgary Flames

Othmann won an OHL championship with the Petes in 2023. He spent last season between the New York Rangers and their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, before being traded to Calgary in March.

He is on the Flames' opening-night roster this season.

Season opener: Thursday, October 1st at 9pm vs. the Seattle Kraken

Jordan Staal - Carolina Hurricanes

Staal won an OHL championship with the Petes in 2006 and has gone on to become the captain of the Hurricanes.

This will be his 21st NHL season. Staal has been with Carolina since 2012 and helped the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup last season, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Season opener: Tuesday, September 29th at 5pm vs. the Florida Panthers

Nick Lardis - Chicago Blackhawks

Lardis played parts of two seasons with the Petes from 2021 to 2023 before being traded to the Hamilton Bulldogs.

He spent last season between the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, and is on Chicago's opening-night roster.

Season opener: Tuesday, September 29th at 10pm vs. the Vegas Golden Knights

Zach Bogosian - Minnesota Wild

Bogosian played two seasons with the Petes from 2006 to 2008.

He is entering his 19th NHL season and his fourth with Minnesota after re-signing with the Wild this summer.

Season opener: Thursday, October 1st at 8pm vs. the Nashville Predators

Declan Chisholm - New Jersey Devils

Chisholm played four seasons with the Petes from 2016 to 2020.

After playing for the Washington Capitals last season, he was acquired by New Jersey in June. He is on the Devils' opening roster.

Season opener: Thursday, October 1st at 7pm vs. the Philadelphia Flyers

Nick Robertson - Pittsburgh Penguins

Robertson played three seasons with the Petes from 2017 to 2020.

His 55 goals in 46 games during the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season remain one of the most impressive scoring seasons in Petes history. He joined Pittsburgh this summer after spending the past several seasons in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

Season opener: Wednesday, September 30th at 7:30pm vs. the Philadelphia Flyers

Mason McTavish - St. Louis Blues

McTavish played just over a season with the Petes, appearing in the 2019-20 season before the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the OHL schedule.

He returned to Peterborough for five games in 2021-22 before being traded to the Hamilton Bulldogs, who went on to win the OHL championship that season.

McTavish joined St. Louis in the offseason and is on the Blues' opening-night roster.

Season opener: Friday, October 2nd at 9pm at the Dallas Stars

Akil Thomas - Vancouver Canucks

Thomas briefly played for the Petes after being acquired from the Niagara IceDogs during the 2019-20 season.

He signed with Vancouver this summer and is listed on the Canucks' roster, but he will not be in the lineup to start the season.

Season opener: Tuesday, September 29th at 10pm vs. the Edmonton Oilers

Peterborough Natives

Porter Martone - Philadelphia Flyers

Martone was born in Peterborough and joined the Flyers late last season after completing his first NCAA season with Michigan State.

He played nine regular-season games with Philadelphia, scoring four goals and adding six assists, before appearing in 10 playoff games and recording two goals and three assists.

This will be his official rookie season, and he is the only Flyer on the opening-night roster who qualifies as a rookie.

Season opener: Wednesday, September 30th at 7:30pm vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins

Owen Tippett - Philadelphia Flyers

The Peterborough native is entering his seventh NHL season.

Tippett began his career with the Florida Panthers before joining Philadelphia, where he has spent the last four and a half seasons.

Season opener: Wednesday, September 30th at 7:30pm vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins

Vince Dunn - Seattle Kraken

Dunn is entering his 10th NHL season and sixth with Seattle after starting his career with the St. Louis Blues, where he won the Stanley Cup in 2019.

The Kraken open their season Thursday in Calgary.

Season opener: Thursday, October 1st at 9pm at the Calgary Flames

Barrett Hayton - Utah Mammoth

Hayton was selected fifth overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2018 NHL Draft before the franchise relocated to Utah.

Born in Peterborough, Hayton remains the highest-drafted Peterborough-born player in NHL history. He is on Utah's opening-night roster.

Season opener: Thursday, October 1st at 9:30pm vs. the Chicago Blackhawks

Corey Perry - Los Angeles Kings

Perry is entering his 22nd NHL season at age 41.

The Peterborough native is one of the NHL's oldest players and returns to Los Angeles after signing with the Kings this summer. He is on the team's opening-night roster.

Season opener: Wednesday, September 30th at 10pm at the Colorado Avalanche

Chase Stillman - Detroit Red Wings

Stillman played two seasons with his hometown Petes from 2021 to 2023 and was part of the team's 2023 OHL championship.

He spent last season in the AHL with the Vancouver Canucks' affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks, and signed a one-year, two-way contract with Detroit this summer.

Stillman is listed on Detroit's roster but will not be in the lineup when the Red Wings open their season Friday.

Season opener: Friday, October 2nd at 6:30pm vs. the New York Rangers

From Stanley Cup winners and longtime veterans to players beginning their first full seasons in the league, there will be plenty of Peterborough storylines to follow during the 2026-27 NHL season.

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

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Fleming College Its Community to Share Ideas With the Integration With St. Lawrence College

Fleming College invites students, employees, alumni, community members, and industry partners to share their ideas and perspectives as planning for the upcoming integration continues.

File Photo.

Since announcing their intention to integrate as equal partners in April, Fleming College and St. Lawrence College say they have worked to create a stronger, more sustainable institution that can best serve students, faculty, staff, employers and local communities for years to come. According to a press release, the primary objective is to increase access to education for current and future students while better aligning programs and capacity with local and regional labour market needs.

To support this work, the colleges have developed a structured engagement program that gives people opportunities to share input throughout the integration process. Those looking to submit comments and suggestions are encouraged to email integration@flemingcollege.ca. Feedback can also be shared through a series of short, rotating survey questions available at flemingcollege.ca/integration. Survey links will also be shared via social media and on digital display boards across campuses. All responses will be kept confidential and will not be shared publicly.

“Feedback from the people who know our colleges best is an important contribution to the integration planning process,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Fleimg interim president. This is an opportunity to better understand what people value most about each institution, while we work toward our shared goal of expanding student access to unique academic programs and pathways, as well as research and work-integrated learning opportunities.”

Engagement will continue as the integration moves forward and Fleming will share additional opportunities to provide input in the weeks and months ahead.

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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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