Tampering Election Signs Can Lead to Charges Peterborough Police Say

The Peterborough Police Service reminds residents to respect election signs during the municipal election campaign as they could be charged for moving, defacing, or stealing them.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Police warn that these actions can be considered theft or mischief, which could trigger an investigation and lead to charges.

Candidates or their third-party advertisers are encouraged to report any incidents involving vandalism of campaign signs or campaign materials to the police service of their jurisdiction.

If it is an emergency call 9-1-1.  For other situations, you may call the non-emergency line or report online, where you can easily upload pictures and videos.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Free Seniors Skating Returns to Selwyn Township

The Township of Selwyn is bringing back free Seniors Skating at the Ennismore Community Centre and the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre for the 2026-27 skating season through sponsorship support.

Photo courtesy of the Township of Selwyn.

Swish Maintenance and Blue Diamond Window Cleaning have sponsored Seniors Skating in Ennismore, while Hendren Funeral Homes - a Division of Opus Tribute Group, is supporting the program in Lakefield.

Residents aged 55 and over can enjoy free public skating sessions throughout the season.

Seniors Skating sessions are available at the following locations:

• Ennismore Community Centre: Mondays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., excluding holidays.

• Lakefield-Smith Community Centre: Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., excluding holidays.

For the full public skating schedule, visit selwyntownship.ca.

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Peterborough DBIA Making Downtown Spooky With Its Annual 'Halloween in the Booro' On Oct. 24.

Downtown Peterborough is getting spooky again, as the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) invites families to bring their costumes and grab their trick-or-treat bags for the annual ‘Halloween in the Booro’ on Oct. 24 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

Over 50 local businesses throughout Downtown Peterborough and East City will welcome trick-or-treaters with decorated storefronts, treats and Halloween surprises. Costumed characters will roam George Street and surrounding blocks, while the Family Fun Zone will offer a Halloween-themed photo opportunity and costume contests for kids, adults and pets.

New this year after trick-or-treating is a free screening of Goosebumps at the Quaker Foods City Square at 6:30 p.m. This movie will be cancelled if it rains.

“Halloween in the Booro has grown into a real downtown tradition for local families, and we’re excited to keep building on it,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “There’s something so special about seeing so many local businesses, families and community partners all get involved. Adding a movie this year extends the celebration beyond trick-or-treating and gives families one more reason to make a night of it downtown.”

World’s Finest Chocolate is helping bring Halloween treats to participating businesses throughout the event.

“Chocolate has a special way of bringing people together,” says Jennifer King, World’s Finest Chocolate’s director of Canadian sales. “We’re proud to support Halloween in the Booro and celebrate the local schools, teams and community groups that use fundraising to make great things happen all year long.”

Families can plan their Halloween in the Booro route using the official event map, available at theboro.ca and on Instagram and Facebook at @theboroptbo. The map identifies participating businesses, accessible entrances and family-friendly stops.

Halloween in the Booro is free and open to the public.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring CT Tree Services, DKI-CRCS and Business Excellence Awards Gala

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…

CT Tree Services has been celebrating 30 years in business this year, marking three decades of providing professional arborist and tree care services to the region.

Led by Craig Tracey, the business has grown from a forestry background into a full-service operation focused on tree health, safety and environmental stewardship. CT Tree Services also supports local community initiatives, including tree planting and reforestation efforts, and continues to work with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources on emerging tree disease and treatment strategies. The company is based in the region and can be reached at 705-656-1611 or cttrees.ca.

DKI-CRCS is continuing to expand its presence in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, where the property restoration company has been building local connections over the past three years.

With roots dating back to 1979, DKI-CRCS provides emergency response, cleanup, restoration and reconstruction services for residential and commercial property damage. The company is inviting local businesses, industry partners, emergency services and community members to learn more about its Peterborough operation during a Fall Open House and Happy Hour on Thursday, October 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 735 The Kingsway. To RSVP, contact rachael.stapleton@crcs.dki.ca.

Don’t forget: Thursday, Oct. 8 is the deadline to get your tickets for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala! Go to pkchamber.ca and secure your spot at the social event of the year celebrating business excellence in our community!

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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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.

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

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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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