Hometown Boy Masen Johnston Picks Up First OHL Shutout As Petes Blank Erie 4-0

By Scott Arnold

Masen Johnston recorded his first OHL win at home and first career shutout, while Lucas Karmiris returned to the OHL scoresheet and Adam Novotný scored one of the nicest goals you'll see at the Memorial Centre as the Peterborough Petes shut out the Erie Otters 4-0 Thursday night.

Masen Johnston made 32 saves for the petes on route to his first win at home and first career shutout as the petes defeated the otters 4-0 (photo courtesy of the peterborough petes, via kenneth Andersen)

The Petes improved to 2-4 on the season with the win, while Johnston stopped all 32 shots he faced in front of the hometown crowd.

Peterborough opened the scoring on the power play when Novotný won a puck battle along the boards, worked his way toward the net and brought the puck through his legs before ripping a shot into the top corner.

It was a goal that drew plenty of attention inside the Memorial Centre and gave the Petes a 1-0 lead.

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Karmiris then doubled the lead with just 37 seconds left in the opening period, scoring his first goal as a Pete with assists from Aiden Young and Braydon McCallum.

It was Karmiris' first OHL game since March 28th, 2025. The Peterborough native was acquired by the Petes from the Mississauga Steelheads before last season but suffered a training camp injury and missed the entire 2025-26 season after undergoing double knee surgery.

LUCAS KARMIRIS Right out of a movie 🫡 https://t.co/o3jummfEru

— Peterborough Petes (@PetesOHLhockey) October 1, 2026

The Petes led 2-0 after the first period.

Yanis Lutz added to the lead early in the second period, scoring on the power play with assists from Matthew Perreault and McCallum.

Peterborough carried a 3-0 lead into the third period before Leon Kolarik scored the game's final goal at 10:47, with assists from Landon Roulston and Ben Radley.

Johnston took care of the rest, stopping all 32 Erie shots to earn his first OHL win at home and his first career shutout.

peterborough native masen johnston holds up the game puck from his first career ohl shutout after the petes blanked the erie otter 4-0 on thursday night. (photo via x, formerly twitter, @petesohlhockey)

The Petes went 2-for-4 on the power play, while Erie went 0-for-4.

Petes Scoring: Adam Novotný (1G), Lucas Karmiris (1G), Yanis Lutz (1G), Leon Kolarik (1G), Braydon McCallum (2A), Adam Levac (1A), Cooper Dennis (1A), Aiden Young (1A), Matthew Perreault (1A), Landon Roulston (1A), Ben Radley (1A)

The Petes also announced a goaltending move before the game, acquiring 2007-born Matthew Koprowski from the Owen Sound Attack for a conditional 15th-round pick in 2028. The trade came just days after Owen Nelson left the team to pursue an NCAA opportunity.

The Petes return to action Friday night when they visit Kingston to face the Frontenacs.

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

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Head of the Trent 2026 Features New Riverside Experience While Faryon Bridge Undergoes Revitalization

One of Trent University’s signature weekends, Head of the Trent (HOTT), runs Friday to Sunday and features a new riverside experience for this year’s homecoming while the Faryon Bridge undergoes revitalization.

Trent faculty, staff and athletes join the Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough DBIA to help launch the 2026 HOTT. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event brings athletes, alumni, families and community members to enjoy rowing races, varsity games and family-friendly programming. 

“Head of the Trent is a weekend people look forward to year after year, reconnecting them with Trent and the Peterborough region,” said Julie Davis, Trent vice president of external relations, marketing and communications. “This year’s new riverside viewing experience offers visitors a fresh way to be part of this longstanding tradition, whether they are discovering Head of the Trent for the first time or returning year after year.” 

The Faryon Bridge under constuction and revitalization to preserve its structural integrity, support safe daily use and protect its defining architectural features. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The HOTT Regatta is the heart of the event, hosted by the Peterborough Rowing Club. Over 1,400 rowers from across Ontario, Quebec, Western Canada, and the northern United States will compete in one of North America’s premier head races on the Otonabee River running through Trent’s Symons Campus.

Because of the Faryon Bridge revitalization, spectators can watch the regatta along the Otonabee, including Trent’s Founders Walk on the West Bank of Symons Campus. The Student Centre riverside is a primary hub of activity, including the Kids’ Zone. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can enjoy free activities including inflatables, lawn games, face painting and visits with animals. Kids can also meet Bluey and Bingo from the hit Australian-based TV show ‘Bluey’ from 11 a.m. to noon and Paw Patrol’s Chase and Marshall from 1 to 2 p.m. 

Kids enjoying HoTT with Bluey and Bingo in a past event. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Beyond rowing, Trent Excalibur athletes are competing this weekend, with women’s and men’s rugby, soccer, and volleyball in action. 

Food and drink options include a free pancake breakfast, along with health and wellness educational opportunities on the Upper Bata Podium on Saturday. Food trucks are stationed near Bata Library and the campus pub, the Ceilie, is open during the festivities.

Alumni celebrations kick off Friday evening with the Trent Alumni Rowing & Rugby Social at Justin Chiu Stadium. Alumni from two of Trent’s longest-standing varsity programs will cheer on the Excalibur women’s rugby team alongside students and community members. Former Excalibur soccer players return to the field Saturday morning for the alumni soccer game.

Champlain College marks its 60th anniversary during Head of the Trent, with an anniversary brunch, guided college tours and a special Great Hall display featuring photographs, artifacts and stories spanning six decades of college life.

Increased Peterborough Police Service presence will be throughout HOTT and the City. This includes specialized units, such as the Police’s crowd management team, on hand during the festivities.

They will be assisting at any capacity or any location where they're required,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Reesor of the Peterborough Police Service. “We also have an additional (close to) 50 paid-duty officers that are in various points throughout the weekend to also increase our presence and our ability to respond to various locations and various situations that should arrive.”

Reesor assures the public that the additional focus on HOTT will not take away from the station’s regular police duties.

“We're doing this strategically without pulling officers away from their regular shift,” he explains. “The officers scheduled to be on shift aren't being depleted by having these additional officers available.”

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PHOTOS: United Way's Fundraising Campaign Starts With Trent University's Kick-Off BBQ

To help kickstart United Way of Peterborough & District's 2026 fundraising campaign goal of $1.585 million, Trent University filled some bellies by launching its Kick-Off BBQ on Thursday morning.

Julie Davis, Trent VP of external relations, marketing and communications about to catch a fresh burger patty off the grill from Jason Seguya, United Way CEO. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Students, staff and the public were invited to grab a hamburger, hot dog or veggie burger with chips and pop in support of the Trent University 2026 United Way Campaign.

The campaign raises money towards United Way’s annual fundraiser. Since 1965, Trent University has raised over $2.9 million for United Way through its annual campaigns and support from faculty, staff and retirees. Last year, Trent raised $124,847, surpassing its $100,000 goal.

@ptbo_canada To help kickstart United Way of Peterborough & District's 2026 fundraising campaign goal of $1.585 million, Trent University filled some bellies by launching its Kick-Off BBQ. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #trentuniversity #unitedway ♬ Fog Halo Groove - Wendy Harp

United Way unveiled its fundraising goal on Sept. 17, with Tiffany Arcari as this year’s campaign chair and Jason Seguya in his first year as CEO, succeeding Jim Russell. The latter retired after a 15-year tenure.

New this fundraising 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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A Ticket Could Help Give an Animal a Second Chance: Peterborough Humane Society 50/50 Is Back

By Scott Arnold

The jackpot is exciting, but every ticket purchased is also helping provide food, medicine, care and a second chance to animals who need the Peterborough Humane Society most.

The Peterborough Humane Society cares for about 130 animals at any given time, each with their own story and needs. (photo by Scott arnold)

The Peterborough Humane Society’s 50/50 Lottery is back, and after the community helped push the jackpot to a record $137,510 last spring, there’s plenty of reason to get excited about this fall’s draw.

But while one lucky person could walk away with a life-changing amount of money, there’s another side of the lottery that matters just as much.

Every ticket helps the Peterborough Humane Society continue caring for animals in need and supporting pets and people throughout the community.

The sixth PHS 50/50 Lottery officially launched Thursday, October 1st and runs until Friday, November 6th.

From shelter and medical care to finding forever homes, there are plenty of costs that come with giving animals a second chance. (photo by scott arnold)

A Big Jackpot Could Be Coming

Of course, there is still the fun part.

Last spring's PHS 50/50 grew to a record $137,510, with the lucky winner taking home $68,755.

“It’s a fun phone call to call someone and tell them they’ve won almost $69,000,” said Kevin MacKenzie, Director of Fund Development at PHS.

That record has now set the bar for the fall lottery.

And there are multiple chances to win along the way.

Miskin Law is back as the sponsor of the two Early Bird Draws, with $1,500 up for grabs on Friday, October 9th and $2,000 up for grabs on Friday, October 23rd.

Every ticket purchased before an Early Bird deadline is also entered into the main 50/50 draw.

The lottery also includes the return of the Marlin Travel & Transat Ruffle, giving one lucky winner a $5,000 travel voucher. Tickets for the Ruffle start at $10.

The grand prize and Marlin Travel & Transat Ruffle draws will take place Friday, November 6th after 1pm.

The community’s support helps make sure animals at the Peterborough Humane Society continue to receive the care they deserve. (photo by scott arnold)

There's Also a New Way to Never Miss a Draw

Since the PHS 50/50 happens multiple times a year, the Humane Society has introduced a new membership option this fall.

When purchasing tickets, supporters can choose to become a Member and have the same ticket package automatically purchased for future PHS 50/50 Lotteries.

Members will receive a reminder before each new lottery begins and can cancel at any time.

It’s designed to make supporting the Humane Society a little easier for people who don't want to realize after the fact that they've forgotten to buy their tickets.

Every animal at the Peterborough Humane Society deserves the chance to find a loving forever home, with community support helping make that possible. (photo by scott arnold)

The Community Is What Keeps PHS Going

Perhaps the most important thing to understand about the lottery is where that money comes from and why it matters.

The Peterborough Humane Society does not receive government funding to keep its doors open.

“The community is why we are here,” MacKenzie said. “There is no government funding involved with keeping the lights on here at PHS. So we are only here because of the generosity of the community.”

That generosity helps support the animals currently in the Humane Society's care, but it also allows PHS to provide programs and services throughout Peterborough and area.

“At any given point about 130 animals that are here being loved, nurtured, cared for, food, medicine,” MacKenzie said.

Those animals need food, medicine, shelter and plenty of love and care while the staff work to get them ready for their forever homes.

And the work of the Humane Society extends far beyond the animals living inside its facility.

Programs like the PHS Pet Pantry provide food and pet supplies to people in the community who may need some extra help caring for their animals.

“A few times a year we set up around town and we give out food and pet accessories to people that might need a little extra help at that time,” MacKenzie said.

That means buying a 50/50 ticket isn't simply a chance to win. It's one of the ways people can help make sure the Humane Society can continue doing all of that work.

“There’s a number of different ways that you are supporting PHS and supporting the community by getting your PHS lottery tickets,” MacKenzie said.

So yes, there is a jackpot.

There are Early Bird prizes.

There is a $5,000 travel prize.

But underneath all of that is something much bigger: a community coming together to help animals who have nowhere else to turn.

And if you happen to win big along the way, that's pretty great too.

The Fall 2026 PHS 50/50 Lottery is open to players across Ontario, with tickets available online at PHS5050.ca or with cash in person at the Peterborough Humane Society or Miskin Law.

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

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Peterborough Police Service Mourns Loss Of Beloved Service Dog Gryphon

The Peterborough Police Service station is flying its flags at half-mast to honour the passing of Police Service Dog Gryphon on Wednesday after unexpected medical issues.

K9 Gryphon helps Constable Dillon Wentworth during a demonstration at an OFAH fishing event for PTBO Bigs and OFAH Camp Kids. photo by David Tuan Bui.

Gryphon joined the service in December 2021 and was sworn in on March 2, 2022. 

He and Police Constable Dillon Wentworth assisted on many calls for service, whether it was tracking (suspects or missing people), clearing a building, assisting the Emergency Response Team or firearms detection

“We have the utmost respect for our Police Service Dogs and the valuable skills they bring to a police service,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief.  They keep our officers safe and members of the public with unwavering commitment.  It is a sad time as we reflect on the positive impact Gryphon made on the safety of our community. Gryphon was an invaluable member, and his service will not be forgotten.”

Highlights of Griffin’s accomplishments include tracking a driver who fled the scene of a collision for more than a kilometre, locating three break-and-enter suspects several blocks from the crime scene and helping officers take them into custody. He led officers to a wanted suspect hiding beneath a mattress and tracked another suspect who fled from police, resulting in an arrest and the recovery of a replica handgun and three knives.

Most recently, Gryphon assisted in the arrest of a man wanted on multiple warrants and helped clear a building by encouraging several unwanted individuals to leave.

PSD Gryphon gave back to the community, often demonstrating his skills during presentations to groups of all ages, summer camps and at Peterborough Police Service’s community open houses.

In 2023, the Peterborough Police Service K9 Unit, including Gryphon and Wentworth, participated in the Canadian Police Dog Championship Trials, placing fifth in drug detection and fourth in building searches. 

Wentworth was a second-generation police dog handler; his father is a retired officer and handler with the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service. The father/son duo were certified by the Niagara Police Service K9 Unit, which helped train the Peterborough Police Service K9 unit.

A book of condolence will be available in the front lobby of the police station.

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Three People Arrested On Drug Possession Charges; Driver of Vehicle Nearly Struck Police Cruiser

Three people are in custody and facing drug trafficking charges after an arrest by the Community F.I.R.S.T. Unit on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 11 am, officers were called to Adeline Street about a suspicious vehicle parked at the dead end. As officers approached, the suspect vehicle attempted to back up and nearly struck the police cruiser. Officers activated the emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. While speaking to the driver, Police discovered they were a prohibited driver and spotted drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

During a further search of the suspects and vehicle, officers seized:

• 22 grams of Methamphetamine

• 14.5 grams of Fentanyl

• Five knives

• Drug paraphernalia (scales, cell phones, pipes, bags)

• Over $650 in Canadian currency

Police also impounded the vehicle for 45 days because the driver was prohibited.

As a result of the investigation:

A 46-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

• Failure to comply with a Probation Order

The accused is currently bound by a probation order with the following condition: keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

A 40-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Fentanyl

A 33-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

• Operation while Prohibited

All three accused were held in custody and appeared in court on Thursday.

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Champions Gymnastics Isn’t Just for the Kids Who Want to Compete

By Scott Arnold

For families looking for a fun way for kids to get moving, make new friends and take a break from screens, recreational gymnastics can be a pretty good place to start.

Champions’ recreational programs give kids the chance to stay active while having fun and exploring the different areas of gymnastics. (photo by Scott Arnold)

Walk into Champions Gymnastics and one of the first things you notice is the noise.

There’s laughter, the sound of feet hitting the floor and the occasional excited squeal as kids work their way through the gym. For some, they’re learning a gymnastics skill for the very first time. For others, they’re building on something they’ve been working toward for weeks.

And while gymnastics can sometimes be associated with competition and high-level athletes, that’s only part of the picture at Champions.

The recreational programs are designed to give kids of all ages a chance to get active, learn the basics of gymnastics and, most importantly, have fun doing it.

Erica Austin, Champions Gymnastics’ Recreation Coordinator, has been coaching gymnastics for more than 30 years after first getting involved in the sport at five years old. (photo by Scott Arnold)

“We do a lot of basic gymnastics, a lot of learning and just teaching the basics of gymnastics and getting them to love the sport,” says Erica Austin, Champions’ Rec Coordinator.

That can start remarkably early.

Champions offers recreational programming beginning at the six-month crawling stage, with programs continuing through the preschool and school years and all the way into adulthood. The majority of participants are children, with particularly strong participation among kids ages 4, 5 and 6.

The goal isn’t to turn every child into a competitive gymnast.

Instead, recreational classes give participants the opportunity to experience different parts of gymnastics through circuits and stations. Rather than spending an entire session working on one skill or piece of equipment, kids can move around the gym and experience the different events.

That might mean working on balance, strength, flexibility or coordination while getting comfortable with the equipment and learning new skills along the way.

And those skills can be useful far beyond the gymnastics floor.

Austin says gymnastics can provide a foundation for children who eventually take part in other sports, helping develop things like balance, speed, strength and flexibility.

“It’s the development for a lot of other sports as well,” she says.

For families looking for an activity that gets kids moving, that makes gymnastics an interesting starting point even if competing is nowhere on the radar.

From balance and flexibility to strength and coordination, gymnastics can help children build skills that can carry over into other sports. (photo by scott arnold)

Something for Everyone

Champions’ recreational programming is also built around different stages of childhood.

There are morning programs for younger children who aren’t in school yet, after-school programs for school-aged kids and weekend programming on both Saturdays and Sundays.

The recreational program is open to boys and girls, and there’s no requirement to arrive with gymnastics experience.

In fact, for many children, that first class is simply about discovering what they can do.

Austin knows that feeling well.

She started gymnastics at five years old, eventually competed during high school and then moved into coaching. She has now been coaching for more than 30 years.

So she’s seen plenty of changes in the sport, including how much the equipment and facilities have evolved.

But one thing remains the same: watching a child figure out a new skill for the first time never gets old.

“It’s really gratifying to watch them learn the skills,” Austin says.

That’s also what she enjoys most about working in the recreational program. The coaches aren’t simply teaching skills from one station to the next. They get to see the progression that happens when a child comes back week after week and suddenly realizes they can do something they couldn’t do before.

And judging by the atmosphere inside the gym, the coaches aren’t the only ones having fun.

With recreational programs offered on weekday mornings, after school and on weekends, Champions welcomes participants at a variety of ages and experience levels. (photo by scott arnold)

A Peterborough-Area Gymnastics Fixture

Champions has been part of the community since 1988 and has been operating at its current Lansdowne Street West location since 2019.

The facility was designed as a private sport centre serving the greater Peterborough area, with the main gym spanning 12,000 square feet.

There’s plenty inside for young athletes to explore, including a 1,700-square-foot foam pit, three vault runways, a 40-foot spring tumble track, a full power tumbling runway and both men’s and women’s Olympic-standard gymnastics equipment.

For younger children, there is also preschool-specific equipment designed to keep them moving and engaged.

The facility also includes viewing areas for families, including an upstairs viewing area that provides a panoramic view of both gyms. A downstairs viewing area is fully wheelchair accessible.

But for all the equipment and space, the heart of the recreational program is considerably simpler.

Get kids moving. Let them try something new. Help them build confidence and skills. And give them a place where they can have fun while doing it.

That’s especially meaningful in an age when so many children's activities can revolve around screens.

At Champions, there are no tablets needed to keep kids entertained. They’re climbing, balancing, jumping, running, tumbling and figuring out what their bodies can do.

And sometimes, they’re laughing while they do it.

For families who have always been curious about gymnastics but assumed it was only for kids who wanted to compete, the recreational program offers a different way to look at the sport.

You don’t have to be a gymnast before you walk through the door.

You just have to be ready to move.

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

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PVNC Catholic Reports Steady Progress From Latest EQAO Literacy and Math Results

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released the latest results for Ontario school boards from the 2025-2026 school year, showing significant boardwide progress in literacy and across Priority Schools in mathematics within PVNC Catholic.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

“We are extremely proud of the growth our students, educators and administrators have achieved in literacy and mathematics this year,” said Stephen O’Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Education Officer. 

The following are the results:

• Grade 3 Reading and Writing: Reading proficiency grew to 76.7 per cent, an increase of 5.5 per cent from last year. Similar gains were realized in writing, with a result of 66.2 per cent, which marks a 5.1 per cent year-over-year increase 

• Grade 3 Math: Students exhibited gains of 2.4 per cent, with 65.3 per cent of students now meeting or exceeding the provincial standard, which mirrors provincial results and outpaces the provincial year-over-year increase of 1.5 per cent

• Grade 6 Reading and Writing: PVNC Catholic students continue to excel in reading, with 84.2 per cent achieving or exceeding the provincial standard. Writing results exhibited gains, with 86.2 per cent meeting the standard, slightly above the provincial result 

• Grade 6 Math: Results across PVNC Catholic Priority Schools indicate the number of Gr. 6 students who have met the provincial standard in math has increased by 21 per cent since 2021-2022 

• Grade 9 Math: PVNC Catholic students’ success rate in relation to the provincial standard was 51.8 per cent 

• Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT): 78.2 per cent of first-time eligible students passed the test, which mirrors last year’s results

“Our Grade 3 results meet or exceed provincial results in all areas, while our Grade 6 mathematics results demonstrate that we have virtually eliminated the achievement gap between PVNC Catholic Priority and non-priority schools. The number of Grade 6 students in Priority Schools who have met the provincial standard in math has increased by 21 per cent since 2021-2022. We are very pleased with the substantial reduction in the Priority School mathematics achievement gap over the past three years,” said O’Sullivan. “These results reflect the hard work, dedication, and innovative teaching strategies that our staff have implemented to boost student confidence in literacy and mathematics. We will continue to provide opportunities for educators to build their content knowledge and to grow in their confidence and efficacy with respect to both instructional and assessment practices to support continued student academic growth.”

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Peterborough Petes Forward Named OHL Player of the Week For Sept. 28

Peterborough Petes forward and Vancouver Canucks prospect Adam Novotný has been named the OHL Player of the Week after recording three goals, three assists and six points over three games.

Photo courtesy of Logan Taylor and the Brantford BUlldogs.

Novotny returned from Canucks training camp and made his season debut last Thursday. He had two goals and two assists in a 7-4 win over the Sarnia Sting. He followed with a goal and an assist last Saturday as the Petes fell 6-3 at home to the Ottawa 67’s. All three of Novotny’s assists were primary and he led all OHL players last week with 18 shots on goal.

Hailing from Kobylice, Czechia, he was originally selected eighth overall by the Petes in the 2024 CHL Import Draft. He was the first Czech player taken in that year's draft and the first Pete. Novotny won bronze with Czechia at the 2025 World Junior Championship and claimed silver in 2026.

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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Truth Has to Come First: Peterborough Raises Every Child Matters Flag on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough raised the Every Child Matters flag on Wednesday, September 30th, as local leaders called on the community to remember the children who never came home from residential schools and recognize that reconciliation cannot be limited to one day each year.

Peterborough County OPP Detachment Commander Chris Galeazza, Hiawatha First Nation Chief Laurie Carr, Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark, Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal and Selwyn Township Mayor Ron Black gather at the Peterborough County Courthouse on September 30th for the raising of the Every Child Matters flag on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

There was a heaviness to the ceremony at the Peterborough County Courthouse.

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour residential school Survivors, the children who never returned home, their families and communities, while recognizing the ongoing impacts of the residential school system.

But as the Every Child Matters flag was raised Wednesday afternoon, the message from those gathered was clear: this is not a celebration.

It is a day to remember.

And, perhaps most importantly, it is a day to listen.

Chief Laurie Carr of Hiawatha First Nation told those gathered that before the children taken to residential schools were numbers or names in government records, they were children.

“They were someone's son, someone's daughter, someone's grandchild, someone's brother or sister,” Carr said. “They were loved.”

“They had families, languages, cultures, dreams, and futures that should never have been taken from them.”

Carr said she carries a responsibility as a mother, grandmother, auntie, cousin and Chief to honour those children, stand with Survivors and stand with the families and communities that continue to carry the pain of those losses.

But she also stressed that reconciliation is a responsibility shared by everyone.

“It begins with the truth,” she said. “And the truth is painful. The truth is ugly.”

Canada's residential school system was part of a colonial policy of assimilation that removed Indigenous children from their families and communities and sought to separate them from their languages, cultures and identities. The federal government recognizes that the effects of that system continue to be felt today.

For Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark, that truth is difficult to comprehend.

In an interview following the ceremony, Clark became emotional while talking about the children who were taken from their homes.

“If any of us as parents had our children removed and never seen them again, how could you not just be changed?” she said.

“It's just about sharing that history and I just cannot fathom how taking a child away from their home, their family, it's just unimaginable.”

Clark said the annual flag raising has become about more than a ceremony.

Since she became Warden, the County has invited the Mayor, the Chiefs of the area's two First Nations communities and the OPP detachment commander to take part.

“To me, it's about establishing relationships,” Clark said. “We can't change the past, but we have to acknowledge that and move forward.”

She said the growing attendance at these events is encouraging because it reflects a greater recognition of what happened to Indigenous peoples.

“You have to know the truth,” Clark said. “And certainly I would say you have to know the truth and you have to own it.”

'The Truth Is Harder'

That idea of truth was also at the centre of Inspector Chris Galeazza's remarks.

The Peterborough County OPP Detachment Commander spoke about an observation made following a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event he co-hosted in Hiawatha last year.

The feedback was that there had been a lot of discussion about reconciliation, but not enough about truth.

Galeazza said he has reflected on that ever since.

“One of the conclusions that I arrived at is that reconciliation is an easier conversation,” he said. “It allows us to talk about partnerships, relationships and where we want to go.”

“The truth is harder.”

Galeazza said truth requires people to honestly consider where they are and where they have been, acknowledging that his own perspective as a settler and someone with privilege can affect what he sees.

He pointed to the continuing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in Canada's criminal justice system as an example of why the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's findings cannot simply be treated as history.

Galeazza noted that Government of Canada data shows Indigenous people make up about 5 per cent of Canada's population, yet represented approximately 33 per cent of those in federal custody. He also noted that Indigenous women account for about half of all federally incarcerated women.

“These are not just statistics,” he said. “They are reminders that the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are not confined to history books. They continue to be reflected in the experiences of Indigenous peoples today.”

He also shared a personal experience involving an institutional failure that affected his own family, while making clear that he was not comparing his family's experience to the profound harms experienced by Indigenous peoples through residential schools.

What the experience taught him, he said, was that institutions can fail the people they are supposed to serve and that when those failures go unacknowledged, the harm can continue.

“Truth requires us to acknowledge those realities, even when they are uncomfortable,” Galeazza said.

He described his commitment moving forward as being willing to remain uncomfortable in the search for truth and to continue being an ally.

“Reconciliation is not a destination where we can simply choose to arrive at,” he said. “It begins with the truth. It begins with listening.”

'Every Opportunity I Speak With Chief Carr, I Learn Something New'

For Mayor Jeff Leal, Wednesday's ceremony carried an added significance.

Leal has announced that he will not seek re-election, meaning this was his final National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ceremony in his public capacity as Mayor.

He reflected on the opportunity he has had over the years to share a platform with Chief Carr and Warden Clark.

He also pointed to a permanent memorial of shoes at Peterborough City Hall, created during his time as Mayor with the City's Indigenous advisor Shelley Knott.

The memorial is intended to provide a daily reminder of the children who never came home.

During his remarks, Leal also spoke about a story shared earlier Wednesday at the Healthy Planet Arena about a residential school Survivor who became known simply as “Number 47.”

“Arrived at a residential school. Stripped of their identity. Stripped of their culture. Stripped of their language. And just became sort of a nonentity” Leal said.

“Just virtually became Number 47.”

In an interview with PTBOCanada, Leal said Canadians need to hear stories like that.

“We won't come to grips with a very dark part of Canadian history unless we hear those stories, unless we comprehend those stories, to make sure that this kind of thing never, ever happens again,” he said.

Leal said he has been a friend of Chief Carr for many years and that every opportunity to share a podium with her has been an opportunity to learn.

“Every opportunity I hear Chief Carr speak, I learn something new,” he said.

'It Has to Go Year Round'

Carr said she sees the growth of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events across the country and, particularly, here in the Peterborough area.

She said the local community has increasingly seen municipalities and organizations create opportunities for Indigenous voices to be heard and for people to learn.

But she stressed that the work cannot stop when September 30th ends.

“It's talk about it, learn about it,” Carr said in her interview with PTBOCanada. “There's some amazing books out there. Read about the history.”

She encouraged people to share what they learn with their children, families and friends, wear orange and connect with First Nations communities to find ways to support future events and reconciliation work.

“It's important to send those good messages and the truth,” Carr said. “The truth is always important to share for people to learn.”

She also spoke about the emotions that come with a day like this.

Her mornings begin with prayer and thought, she said, along with gratitude that her community remains strong and resilient and is relearning its culture and language.

But there is sadness too.

“And sometimes there is that anger that comes,” Carr said. “It's like, why is this still happening? It's 2026. Why do we still have to have that reality face us?”

Carr said the answer cannot simply be another ceremony next year.

“Reconciliation cannot be something we speak about once a year,” she told those gathered.

“It must be something we live in schools, workplaces, health care systems, institutions and in our communities.”

Because, she said, reconciliation requires more than words.

“It requires action.”

Every Child Matters

As the Every Child Matters flag was raised outside the County Courthouse, the ceremony brought together municipal leaders, Indigenous leadership, police and members of the community.

Warden Clark said the County's commitment is about continuing to build relationships and trust.

Carr said it is about continuing to tell the truth, listening to Survivors and standing against racism and hate.

Leal said it is about remembering.

And Galeazza said it is about being willing to listen even when the truth is uncomfortable.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 80 and was first observed nationally in 2021. September 30th also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led initiative focused on the ongoing impacts of residential schools and the message that Every Child Matters.

But the words spoken in Peterborough on Wednesday made clear that the meaning of the day extends far beyond a flag, an orange shirt or a date on the calendar.

It is about the children who were taken.

The families who lost them.

The Survivors who continue to carry what happened.

The cultures, languages and identities that were attacked.

And the responsibility of everyone else to listen, learn and act.

As Carr said at the end of her remarks:

“We will remember, we will honour, we will speak truth, we will continue forward together, and we will stand together against hate and racism because every child matters.”

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

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