Peterborough Blogs
Ontario Government Invests $100 Million For Trent University Student Housing and Academic Infrastructure
/The Ontario Government has invested $100 million through its Building Ontario Fund to build two new student residences and additional academic spaces at Trent University, announced on campus Monday morning.
(From left to right) Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor; Nolan Quinn, Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry MPP; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Alena Thouin, Building Ontario Fund Chief Strategy and Operations Officer. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The spaces are the Gidigaa Migizi College and the new Otonabee College residence which provides 1,400 student beds and 134,000 square feet of state-of-the-art academic, social, and administrative space. The project is expected to be completed in August 2029.
“This project represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in Trent University's history and a significant investment in the future of our students, our University, and our community,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor.
“Protecting Ontario’s future workforce starts with supporting student success inside and outside the classroom,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “By expanding academic spaces and student residences at Trent University, our government is ensuring that more students can focus on getting the skills they need to launch rewarding, good-paying careers while continuing to support Trent’s long-term growth and sustainability.”
@ptbo_canada The Ontario Government has invested $100 million through its Building Ontario Fund to build two new student residences and additional academic spaces at Trent University. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #trentuniversity #journalism ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada
Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, was thrilled to help get the donation for Trent, saying that it will only have a positive impact on the local economy.
“We know right now that Trent students are spending about $100 million in the economic impact in the greater Peterborough area, with 1,400 more students being able to live on the main campus, that opens up more opportunities then for growth,” he explained. “It means the businsses downtown will have more people who can come and enjoy the things that we have there. It's a great thing for the whole community.”
The $100 million investment will be repaid after the residences are occupied and generating revenue, then reinvested into other projects across six priority areas including affordable housing, energy, transportation, long-term care, municipal and community infrastructure and critical minerals.
“Students come to Peterborough to learn, build connections and begin the next chapter of their lives,” said Smith. “This investment will expand the university’s campus and provide new academic, student and residential spaces that will enhance the student experience and support Trent’s future growth.”
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Peterborough Visitor Centre Shifting to Shoulder Season Hours
/After a successful first summer season, the Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock will shift to shoulder-season hours beginning Oct. 13 after Thanksgiving and the end of the Trent-Severn Waterway navigation season, announced on Monday.
Since opening under City operation in late June, the Visitor Centre has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors and provided trip-planning assistance and information about area attractions, experiences, and dining. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Located at 353 Hunter St. E., the Peterborough Visitor Centre will be open Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Oct. 16 to May 14. It will be closed on statutory holidays until Victoria Day.
The weekend schedule will continue to provide travel planning support for visitors and locals planning weekend getaways, sports tournaments, and other community events.
The Visitor Centre is expected to return to a seven-days-a-week service schedule once the Trent-Severn Waterway re-opens for navigation next year. Daily hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 15 to Oct. 15.
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Peterborough Teenager Charged With Assault and Uttering Threats After Drawing a Knife at a Group
/A 15-year-old Peterborough male is facing an assault charge for drawing a knife on a group after an incident on Friday night.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.
At roughly 8:30 p.m., officers were called to Bonnerworth Park in the Monaghan Road and McDonnel Street area after a report of a large group of teens confronting another group of skateboarders. Officers learned that one of the teens had brandished a knife and verbally threatened the group. Shortly after, police located and took into custody a teen matching the description provided.
The teen was arrested and charged with:
Assault with A Weapon
Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm
The accused was released with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 9.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act prohibits releasing the accused's name.
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Bluebirds Brings Three Canadian Nurses’ First World War Story to Peterborough Theatre Guild
/By Scott Arnold
Three Canadian nurses find friendship, love and moments of humour while caring for wounded soldiers in France during the First World War.
Emily Kelly, Laura Lawson and Rebecca Birrell star as the three Canadian nurses at the centre of Bluebirds. (photo courtesy of the peterborough theatre guild, via jordan lyall)
The First World War is often remembered through the stories of soldiers who fought on the front lines, but there were also thousands of women who served in the middle of the conflict.
Their experiences are at the centre of Bluebirds, Vern Thiessen’s acclaimed Canadian drama being presented by the Peterborough Theatre Guild this fall.
Set in Étaples, France, in 1918, the play follows Christy, Maggie and Bab, three Canadian nurses working with wounded soldiers during the final year of the war.
While their days are shaped by the realities of war, the women develop a close friendship and find moments of humour and companionship amid the strain of their work.
Their conversations and letters home reveal the lives they left behind. Maggie thinks about the love and life waiting for her at home, Christy struggles with the expectations surrounding her marriage and Bab hopes to find the connection and future she longs for.
Through their individual stories, Bluebirds looks at the choices these women faced and the space between duty and desire, friendship and loneliness, memory and hope.
It also brings attention to women whose experiences during wartime have often received less attention in the historical record.
The play was written by Vern Thiessen, whose work has earned some of Canada's major theatre honours, including the Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama. Bluebirds also received a development workshop from Theatre New Brunswick in 2020 before its first performance there in October 2022.
Director Bea Quarrie leads the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s production of Vern Thiessen’s Bluebirds. (photo courtesy of the peterborough theatre guild, via jordan lyall)
The Peterborough Theatre Guild production is directed by Bea Quarrie and produced by Diane Théberge, with Rebecca Birrell, Laura Lawson and Emily Kelly portraying the three nurses.
Bluebirds runs at the Peterborough Theatre Guild Mainstage from October 30th to November 14th, with performances at 7:30pm and matinees at 1:30pm on October 31st, November 1st and November 8th.
The production runs 90 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for ages 16 and older. It contains themes of war, injury and loss that may be emotionally affecting for some viewers.
Bluebirds has been praised by critics, including The Globe and Mail, which called it “A Victory of a Play,” and BurlingtonToday, which described it as “a powerful and moving… truly Canadian play.”
The production team includes Stage Manager Lyn Braun, Set Designer David Geene, Sound Designer Esther Vincent, Projections and Lighting Designer Nate Axcell, Costume Designer Gwen Hope, Hair and Makeup Designer Hayley Griffin, and Assistant Directors Kory Gavin and Francine Kelly.
The artwork for the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s Bluebirds was created by local artist Taylor Polley. (photo courtesy of the peterborough theatre guild, via jordan lyall)
Tickets are available through the Peterborough Theatre Guild website or by calling 705-745-4211.
The Peterborough Theatre Guild's 2026–2027 season is presented with Platinum Season Sponsor The Medical Centre Hearing Services and PTBOCanada as one of Season Media Sponsors.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Peterborough County Launches Fourth Annual Share the Road Campaign
/By Scott Arnold
Peterborough County is once again asking drivers to Share the Road as the fourth annual campaign gets underway for harvest season.
Peterborough County, the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the OPP are reminding drivers to Share the Road during harvest season. (photo courtesy of peterborough county)
The county has teamed up with the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Peterborough County OPP for this year’s campaign, which is focused on keeping farmers and motorists safe as more farm equipment heads onto local roads.
As part of the campaign, Share the Road signs will be installed on County Road 2 and County Road 45. The OPP will also have a heightened presence in farming areas across Peterborough County throughout October.
Harvest season runs from October through December, so drivers can expect to encounter more farm equipment and other slow-moving vehicles on local roads during the coming months.
Large farm machinery may need to use the full lane, meaning drivers should not expect equipment to move onto the shoulder. Moving onto the shoulder can be unsafe for the operator and the equipment.
The fourth annual Share the Road Campaign is reminding drivers to watch for farm equipment and other slow-moving vehicles on Peterborough County roads. (photo courtesy of peterborough county)
Drivers are reminded to only pass when it is safe to do so, making sure the roadway is clear and that the operator is aware of their presence before attempting to pass.
It is also important to avoid the blind spots of slow-moving vehicles and leave enough space behind them for the operator to see you.
Unsafe passing can lead to serious collisions and can also result in significant penalties. The fine for careless driving is $490 along with six demerit points.
The Share the Road Campaign will continue throughout harvest season, with the county, local farmers and the OPP reminding everyone to slow down, be patient and give farm equipment the space it needs.
Farmers want to make it home safely, and so do the people sharing the road with them.
Kawartha Land Trust Looking for Ideas to Bring Three Sandy Point Buildings Back to Life
/By Scott Arnold
Kawartha Land Trust is looking for businesses, organizations and individuals interested in finding new uses for three vacant buildings at its Hammer Family Nature Preserve on Pigeon Lake.
Kawartha Land Trust is looking for ideas for the future use of three vacant buildings at its Hammer Family Nature Preserve on Sandy Point. (photo courtesy of kawartha land trust)
The land trust has issued a Request for Expressions of Interest as it looks for potential partners who could invest in and make use of the existing buildings while helping maintain the ecological character of the property.
The three buildings are located at Sandy Point in the Municipality of Trent Lakes and include a historic 15-bedroom lodge built by politician and businessman Sir Edward Kemp, along with a log cabin and a house.
KLT says it is open to a variety of possibilities for one or more of the buildings, provided any future use balances human activity with the natural environment at Sandy Point.
The organization is currently looking for information from potential partners that could lead to more detailed proposals and future collaborations. Expressions of interest will be accepted from October 1st, 2026 through January 29th, 2027.
The Hammer Family Nature Preserve is KLT’s largest protected property, covering 1,412 acres along Pigeon Lake. The property includes forests, wetlands, remnant oak savanna, fields and natural shoreline.
The property was permanently protected in 2023 through federal and provincial funding along with support from donors.
KLT plans to use the preserve for ecological protection and restoration, as well as experiential learning opportunities developed with partner organizations. The land trust describes its vision for the property as a “hub” and living lab where people can develop a deeper relationship with the land.
The Request for Expressions of Interest is part of the next stage of planning for the property following two years of community engagement.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Hammer Family Nature Preserve or submitting an Expression of Interest can find the details on KLT’s website.
Kawartha Land Trust is a registered conservation charity celebrating 25 years of community-supported conservation in the Kawarthas. It currently protects 50 properties covering more than 9,100 acres of ecologically significant land in Peterborough County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Women Build Raises $15,250 to Help Three Norwood Families Build Affordable Homes
/By Scott Arnold
A week of teamwork in Norwood has raised $15,250 toward three affordable homes being built for local families through Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.
More than 60 people took part in Women Build ’26, learning new skills and helping move the Norwood homes closer to completion. (photo courtesy of habitat for humanity)
The result was four days of hands-on work at the Norwood construction site, with over 60 men and women learning new skills, using tools and helping move the homes closer to completion.
The three families who will eventually live in the homes include a three-generation family of women, a single mother raising two teenagers and a young family with two small children living on a single income.
Women Build is designed to give people a chance to get involved in the construction of a Habitat home, even if they have never built anything before. Participants worked alongside Habitat staff and volunteers throughout the week, helping with everything from raising walls to other jobs around the site.
Several local businesses and organizations put together teams for the event, including Peterborough County, Leon’s Peterborough, ANDRITZ Hydro and Tom Reburn Realtor.
Women Build ’26 brought local businesses, community members and Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region volunteers together in Norwood. (photo courtesy of habitat for humanity)
D.M. Wills Associates returned as the Presenting Sponsor for a second year and brought two employee teams to Norwood.
“We believe in what Women Build makes possible: bringing people together to create stronger futures for families and communities,” said Calli McEachen, Vice President, People and Culture at D.M. Wills Associates.
Community members also had the opportunity to take part through Community Build Day, adding to the group effort that continued throughout the week.
There was plenty of help away from the construction site as well, with Central Smith, Tim Hortons, Coca-Cola Canada, CIBC Pyle Wealth Advisory, Papa’s Pizzaland Norwood, Jersey Mike’s Subs, M & J Plumbing, That’s A Wrap Catering, Crumbl Cookie and Papa’s Burgerland Co. providing food and drinks for participants.
Participants took part in Women Build ’26 in Norwood, helping with construction of three affordable homes for local families. (photo courtesy of habitat for humanity)
The week finished with a Women Build Cocktail Celebration on September 25th at U4 Rooftop Event Space at Euphoria Wellness Spa.
Habitat PKR CEO Susan Zambonin said the event showed what can happen when businesses, volunteers and community members come together to support local families.
“It really does take a community to build a home,” Zambonin said.
The $15,250 raised during Women Build ’26 will go toward construction of the three Norwood homes, helping bring the families one step closer to affordable homeownership.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Online Voting Opens Today for Peterborough’s 2026 Municipal Election
/By Scott Arnold
Peterborough residents who are eligible to vote can cast their ballot online starting at 10am today, October 5th, as voting gets underway for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.
Online voting for Peterborough’s 2026 Municipal and School Board Election opens at 10am on October 5th and is available until 8pm on October 26th. (photo by scott arnold)
Online voting will be available through PeterboroughVotes.ca until 8pm on Monday, October 26th, which is Election Day.
Voters don't have to wait for their voter notification card to arrive in the mail. Starting today, an electronic version of the card can be accessed through PeterboroughVotes.ca and includes the unique PIN required to vote online.
The same online portal allows voters to check whether they are registered, update their voter information, see the candidates and find information about where they can vote in person.
Voter notification cards are now being mailed to eligible voters. The cards also provide information about in-person voting and can be used to access free Peterborough Transit when travelling to vote in person.
Other Voting Options
For those who prefer to vote in person before Election Day, an advance voting opportunity will be held on Wednesday, October 14th, from 10am to 8pm at Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.
City Hall, at 500 George St. N., will also have accessible voting equipment and an internet voting kiosk available from Monday, October 19th through Friday, October 23rd, between 9am and 4pm.
On Monday, October 26th, voters can cast their ballots in person between 10am and 8pm. Unlike the accessible voting location at City Hall, voters using regular Election Day voting locations must vote at the location assigned to their ward.
The Election Day locations are:
Ward 1 – Otonabee: Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.
Ward 2 – Monaghan: Westdale United Church, 1509 Sherbrooke St.
Ward 3 – Town: McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St.
Ward 4 – Ashburnham: Peterborough Lions Community Centre, 347 Burnham St.
Ward 5 – Northcrest: Northview Community Church, 1000 Fairbairn St.
City Hall will also offer accessible voting equipment on Election Day from 10am to 8pm, and that option is open to eligible voters from any ward.
Anyone who needs help with the voting process can contact the City at 705-742-7777 or elections@peterborough.ca.
For voter eligibility, candidate information, voting locations and other details about the municipal election, visit PeterboroughVotes.ca.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Peterborough’s Erica Evans Finishes With 14 Goals and 18 Points as Canada Takes Silver at Pan-American Sixes Championship
/By Scott Arnold
Peterborough native Erica Evans, along with four other players with local connections, helped Canada capture a silver medal on Sunday at the 2026 Pan-American Sixes Lacrosse Championship after falling 15-14 to the United States in the gold medal game in Oshawa.
Peterborough native erica evans played a big role for canada this weekend at the pan-american sixes world lacrosse championship, finishing with 18 points in four games (photo via instagram @worldlacrosse)
