You Could Win $1,500 on Friday and Stay in the Running for Even More Money With the Peterborough Humane Society 50/50 Lottery

By Scott Arnold

There’s $1,500 up for grabs Friday, and the best part is that winning the Early Bird doesn’t take you out of the running for the even bigger prizes still to come.

The deadline to enter the peterborough humane society’s first early bird draw in their fall 50/50 lottery is 3pm on Friday, October 8th. (photo by scott arnold)

The Peterborough Humane Society’s fall 50/50 Lottery is already off to a great start, and there’s an extra reason to get your tickets in now.

The first Miskin Law Early Bird Draw takes place Friday, October 9th, with $1,500 going to one lucky winner.

And if you’re thinking that winning Friday means your PHS 50/50 journey is over, think again.

If your name is drawn for the $1,500 Early Bird, you remain eligible for the second Early Bird Draw, which will be worth $2,000 on Friday, October 23rd, as well as the grand prize draw on Friday, November 6th.

In other words, one ticket could potentially put you in the running to win all three.

Friday's $1,500 Early Bird

Tickets for Friday’s Early Bird Draw will be available until 3pm.

The draw will take place at approximately 3:30pm, when the winner will be selected and PHS will make the call to deliver the good news.

Miskin Law is the official Early Bird sponsor this year, making Friday’s prize possible while also supporting the second Early Bird Draw later this month.

“Because of them, we’ve got $1,500 to give away this Friday and another $2,000 in two weeks’ time,” said Kevin MacKenzie, Director of Fund Development at PHS.

So if you want your name in the running for Friday’s prize, you have until 3pm to get your tickets.

And remember, those tickets don't disappear after the Early Bird.

The Jackpot Is Already Climbing

While Friday’s draw is the immediate focus, the main PHS 50/50 is continuing to grow.

MacKenzie says the lottery is currently ahead of pace compared to last spring, when the PHS 50/50 set a record with a $137,510 jackpot and awarded $68,755 to its winner.

“So if we continue to stay ahead, we might beat that 137k that the 50/50 got up to,” MacKenzie said.

That would mean another potentially massive jackpot for one lucky winner while providing critically needed funding for the Humane Society.

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Every Ticket Helps an Animal in Need

The excitement surrounding the prizes is only one part of the story.

The Peterborough Humane Society does not receive government funding, meaning community support is essential to keeping the organization operating and caring for the animals that come through its doors.

“It’s really critically needed funding,” MacKenzie said. “We don’t receive any government funding.”

That funding helps make sure animals leaving PHS for their forever homes are healthy and ready for the next chapter of their lives.

“They’ve all been either spayed or neutered,” MacKenzie explained. “We want to make sure that we are supporting responsible pet ownership.”

It is part of the broader work being done at PHS every day, where animals receive the care they need before finding their forever homes.

And with the Humane Society busy from the moment its doors open, that support is needed.

How to Get Your Tickets

If this is your first time hearing about the PHS 50/50, there’s still plenty of time to get involved.

Tickets can be purchased online at PHS5050.ca, or with cash in person at the Peterborough Humane Society or Miskin Law.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery is open to players across Ontario and runs until Friday, November 6th.

The two Early Bird draws are just the beginning, with the $1,500 prize Friday, October 9th, the $2,000 prize Friday, October 23rd and the main 50/50 draw taking place Friday, November 6th.

And if your phone rings on Friday afternoon, it might just be PHS calling with some very good news.

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

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Former Peterborough Officer Appointed Cobourg Police Deputy Chief

The Cobourg Police Service Board officially announced it has selected Superintendent and former Peterborough Police Service officer Tina Maier as the next Deputy Chief, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

With over 30 years of experience, Maier joins the Service from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), where she currently serves as Superintendent and Bureau Commander of the Security Bureau.

She started her policing career in Petrolia and Peterborough. Deputy Chief-Designate Maier later served as a detective and online undercover operator in the Child Sexual Exploitation Section before advancing through several senior leadership roles. Throughout her career, she has led major provincial initiatives and specialized teams within the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Provincial Anti-Terrorism Unit and Provincial Traffic Operations and Security Bureau. Prior to her current role, she served as Superintendent of the OPP’s Healthy Workplace Team, where she led the development and implementation of extensive member wellness and mental health programs.

Deputy Chief-Designate Maier graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts from York University and has completed executive leadership programs including the Global Policing Innovation Exchange, Rotman School of Management Executive Police Leadership Program and Leading Transformational Change. She is a recipient of the Women’s Leadership Award and a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, one of Canada's highest honours in policing.

Maier becomes the first women in the Cobourg Police Service to serve in the Service’s senior command.

“The Board conducted an extensive search for a proven policing leader who could help guide the future of our organization, and we are proud to welcome Tina Maier to Cobourg,” said Board Chair Adam Bureau. “Superintendent Maier brings exceptional operational experience, strategic leadership and a demonstrated commitment to community safety, member wellness and organizational excellence. Her appointment as the first female command officer in the Service’s history is an important and meaningful step in the evolution of the Cobourg Police Service and the community we serve.”

“Tina’s career reflects a combination of operational experience, leadership and innovation,” said Chris Leather, Cobourg Police Chief. “Her background in major investigations, public safety initiatives and member wellness will be a tremendous asset to our organization. I look forward to working with her as we continue building a modern and community-focused police service.”

“It is an honour and a privilege to be chosen for this role,” said Maier. “I am excited to join the Cobourg Police Service and work alongside Chief Leather, the Police Service Board and the dedicated members of the organization as we continue to advance the Service’s commitment to community safety, public trust and organizational excellence.”

Maier begins duties with the Cobourg Police Service on Nov. 2.

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Fleming College's New Healthcare Program to Advance Plans After $500,000 Anonymous Gift

Fleming College has expanded its healthcare programming with a new Medical Imaging Technology program, supported by a $500,000 gift from an anonymous donor to fund the facilities, equipment and technology needed to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Fleming’s Board of Governors has endorsed a proposed Medical Imaging Technology program, marking an important milestone in the College’s healthcare expansion plans.

Medical Imaging Technology would join the College’s planned Medical Laboratory Assistant and Medical Laboratory Technologist programs, with Fleming targeting the introduction of all three programs by Fall 2028, subject to required approvals.

The programs are being developed in response to growing workforce pressures across the healthcare system and needs identified by regional healthcare partners, including Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

“Healthcare providers across our region are telling us clearly where the workforce gaps are, and Fleming has an important role to play in helping address them,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Fleming College interim president. “Advancing Medical Imaging Technology represents another important step in our healthcare expansion. Together with our new medical laboratory programs, it will create new opportunities for students while building a stronger pipeline of skilled professionals for hospitals and healthcare organizations in our communities.”

According to Fleming, the need is particularly significant in medical laboratories. They note that Canada continues to face demand for laboratory professionals as the workforce ages and healthcare needs grow. Fleming’s healthcare expansion strategy identifies more than 31,000 projected job openings for medical laboratory technologists and assistants across Canada between 2024 and 2033, with nearly 30 per cent of the workforce already age 50 or older.  

PRHC has also identified recruiting and retaining laboratory professionals as a growing challenge in the region. In a letter supporting Fleming’s MLA and MLT programs, PRHC said staffing shortages can increase workloads, lengthen laboratory turnaround times and delay diagnosis and treatment. It also noted that training students locally increases the likelihood graduates will remain and work in the region.  

“Medical laboratories are an integral component of the healthcare system, with the vast majority of clinical decisions relying on laboratory testing,” said Dr. Katie O’Reilly, PRHC Medical Director, Laboratory Services. “Ensuring an adequate workforce of well-trained MLAs and MLTs is essential to maintaining high-quality, timely diagnostic services for our patients.”  

Medical imaging is another area of growing regional need. PRHC has identified increased demand for diagnostic imaging services and a need for additional professionals in ultrasound, X-ray, and MRI.

“Demand for diagnostic imaging has grown dramatically across our region, with the volume of tests at PRHC nearly doubling over the past decade,” said Noel Bennett, Interim President and CEO, Peterborough Regional Health Centre. “Having enough skilled professionals to meet that demand is critical to ensuring physicians have timely access to the diagnostic information they need to make clinical decisions and supporting the high-quality care our patients deserve.”

The expansion builds on Fleming’s long history of healthcare education. Over the past decade, more than 12,000 healthcare professionals have graduated from Fleming, and healthcare programs currently account for more than one-quarter of the College’s full-time student population.  

“A Medical Imaging Technology program at Fleming College would help build that workforce here at home, creating opportunities for students while strengthening healthcare capacity for the future,” said Bennett. “We’re pleased to expand our collaboration with Fleming, and see it as essential to addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages in our region.”

The need for additional healthcare professionals is expected to grow further as the region’s population ages. Fleming’s planning projects significant growth among older age groups in its catchment area over the next decade, including a 28 per cent increase in the population aged 75 to 79 and a 51.8 per cent increase among those aged 80 to 84.  

Supporting the expansion will require significant investment in specialized facilities, equipment and technology. An anonymous donor has committed $500,000 to help Fleming move that work forward, including investments in a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory, simulation facilities and technology, and HyFlex learning environments designed to expand access for mature and remote learners.

“It is very gratifying to support Fleming’s healthcare expansion efforts,” said the anonymous donor. “The addition of new programs and improved access for learners will help more young people pursue meaningful and critically needed careers in healthcare. There are few opportunities where you can invest in the lives of young people while also helping to strengthen our healthcare system and, ultimately, the health and well-being of our entire community. I would encourage other donors who care about the future of our community to consider supporting Fleming College.”

Fleming’s broader healthcare expansion includes planned investments in new laboratory infrastructure, simulation and diagnostic equipment, flexible learning technology and financial support for students. These investments are intended to support the programs now in development while creating additional capacity to respond to future healthcare workforce needs.  

“This extraordinary gift gives Fleming important momentum as we work to expand healthcare education in areas where the need is clear and growing,” said Katie Pezoulas, Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations. “Meeting that need will require continued partnership among Fleming, government, healthcare organizations and donors, and this generous support is an important step forward.”

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Euphoria Wellness Spa Celebrates 20 Years of Growth, Community and Connection in Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

For 20 years, Euphoria Wellness Spa has been more than a place to book a treatment. It has become part of the fabric of downtown Peterborough, and that was evident Thursday as the business celebrated two decades in the community.

Euphoria Wellness and spa owner simone dobson was presented with a certificate from city of peterborough mayor jeff leal to mark their 20 years in business (photo by scott arnold)

The 20th Anniversary celebration at Euphoria was extremely well attended, with a steady stream of people coming through the doors throughout the day to celebrate the milestone with owner Simone Dobson and her team.

For Inventory Controller and Manager Kaley Graham, the response was a fitting reflection of what Euphoria has become.

“Honestly, we're always overwhelmed every year and this year was no different,” Graham said. “It was incredible to see the amount of people that want to support us.”

And there was plenty to celebrate.

Euphoria’s story began 20 years ago with Dobson and a much smaller business on Hunter Street.

Dobson started at Spa on Hunter, a small medical spa, aesthetics business and hair salon. As the business grew, she was presented with an opportunity to partner with Spa Euphoria on Lansdowne Street.

The two businesses came together, allowing the team to offer more services to their clients and the community. Before long, that location was also running out of room.

That eventually led Dobson to a historic building in the heart of downtown Peterborough, where she transformed the landmark into the Euphoria Wellness Spa that people know today.

The result is a business that has continued to grow while remaining firmly rooted in the community.

Today, Euphoria includes aesthetics, medical services, massage, retail and more, along with its rooftop patio, lounge areas, steam rooms and saunas.

Graham says there is no membership required to visit Euphoria, either. While the spa offers membership perks, its treatments and services are open to everyone.

And, as she explains, people often discover there is much more to Euphoria than what initially brought them through the door.

“You come in for a little manicure quickly upstairs and you get drawn in,” Graham said. “You see the patio, you see the lounge. You're like, oh, we offer massages.”

“We do offer a little something for everyone.”

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But the size of Euphoria and the number of services it offers are only part of the story.

The anniversary celebration also provided a reminder of just how many relationships Dobson and her team have built over two decades.

Throughout the day, longtime clients, friends, community members and local figures stopped by to mark the occasion. Mayor Jeff Leal was also on hand and presented Dobson with a certificate recognizing the milestone.

For Graham, seeing so many people come through the doors was especially meaningful because of what it says about Dobson's connection to Peterborough.

“Simone really is a pillar of community,” Graham said. “She has brought these lovely individuals here. She really warms, opens up her heart and brings in lots of great stuff to the spa and to the community.”

“She has made all of these connections and it's amazing to see all the people that come to support her.”

That sense of connection extends to the Euphoria team itself.

Graham has played a role in bringing together the moving parts behind the scenes, particularly for events like Thursday's anniversary celebration. For her, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is watching everything come together.

“My favourite part is honestly just the hustle bustle of it,” Graham said.

“There’s a big buildup, especially on my end when it comes to the event. But I love seeing everything that I've either dipped my hand in or helped dip my hand in and see it all unfold and unravel into this beautiful celebration.”

Twenty years is a significant milestone for any business.

For Euphoria, Thursday's celebration showed that the anniversary isn't simply about looking back at where the business started. It's about the people who helped it get here, the team that continues to build it and the Peterborough community that has supported it along the way.

And judging by the number of people who walked through the doors to celebrate, there are plenty of people who feel they have been part of the Euphoria story, too.

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

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Hospice Peterborough and the Community Raise a Record-Breaking $148,000 at Hike For Hospice

Nearly 440 people walked at Millennium Park to raise a record-breaking $148,000 at Hike For Hospice in support of Hospice Peterborough on Sept. 27.

Photo courtesy of Anne Leavens and Hospice Peterborough.

The amount surpassed last year’s $138,000, with 360 hikers, and this year’s funds will support the Hospice’s palliative and bereavement work.

The day saw face painting for children, memorial crafts and a sponsor song led by Hajni Jos, Hospice executive director.

Participants walked from the Silver Bean Cafe in Millennium Park to Beavermead Beach. Those wanting an easier route turned around at Roger’s Cove.

Notorious T.A.S.H. led fundraising with $12,960, while Hospice Peterborough’s staff team Heart and Sole followed with $12,025.

Kyle McConnell, Notorious T.A.S.H. team captain, led fundraising for the third consecutive year, raising $4,530. His late wife, Tash, was a nurse who worked at Hospice Peterborough and Peterborough Regional Health Centre until she passed away in hospice in 2024 from cancer at the age of 39.

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Mayoral Candidate Brian Lumsden Sits Down With PTBOCanada Ahead of the Municipal Election

By Scott Arnold

With municipal election day approaching, PTBOCanada sat down with each of the candidates running for mayor of Peterborough to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the people looking to lead the city.

Brian Lumsden is the latest mayoral candidates for the city of peterborough sit down with ptbocanada in our series of interviews ahead of the october 26th municipal election (photo by scott arnold)

In this interview, Brian Lumsden sits down with PTBOCanada to talk about his campaign, his priorities and his vision for Peterborough.

PTBOCanada will be releasing a mayoral candidate interview each day until all of the candidates have been featured.

• Thursday — Brian Lumsden

• Friday — Jacob Méthot

• Saturday — Keith Riel

• Sunday — Michael Eamon

• Monday — Neil Morton

• Tuesday — Rebecca Schillemat

Note: There are seven mayoral candidates, but Rob Hailman has announced that he is suspending his campaign.

Online voting is now open and will remain available until 8pm on October 26th at peterborough.elections.vote/.

Advanced in-person voting will take place on Wednesday, October 14th from 10am to 8pm at Healthy Planet Arena, located at 911 Monaghan Rd.

On election day, Monday, October 26th, in-person voting will be available from 10am to 8pm. Voters should visit the location for their ward, as listed on their voter notification card.

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

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City Launches Pilot Snow Removal Subsidy Program For Low-Income Seniors Or Residents With Physical Disabilities

The City of Peterborough has launched a new pilot Snow Removal Subsidy program that will provide financial assistance to eligible low-income seniors and residents with physical disabilities for snow removal during the 2026-2027 winter season.

The pilot program has 100 spaces available. If more than 100 eligible applications are submitted, a random selection process will be used to select the residents to give all eligible applicants an equal opportunity.

Applications open at 8:30 a.m. next Thursday and can be submitted online, by phone at 705-742-7777 or in person at City Hall. The application period will close on Oct. 21 at 4:30 p.m.  

Eligible applicants may receive up to $450 toward snow removal costs during the winter season. The subsidy will be provided in two installments of up to $225. 

To be eligible for the program, applicants must: 

• be a resident of the City of Peterborough;

• own and reside in the home during the winter season;  

• not live in a condominium where snow removal is the responsibility of the condominium corporation;  

• be unable to clear snow and have no other adult in the household physically able to do so;

• be 65 years of age or older, or have a physical disability; and

• have a total after tax household income below the current Statistics Canada Low-income Measure (LIM), adjusted for family size

Homeowners selected for the pilot program will receive the first payment of up to $225 via direct deposit once their application is approved. To receive the second payment, participants must submit copies of receipts confirming they used the first payment for eligible snow removal services. Once reviewed, the second payment of up to $225 will be issued at the end of February 2027.

The eligibility criteria will assist in keeping the program equitable by ensuring that funding is directed to residents who are in need of assistance and who have limited ability to arrange or complete snow removal independently. 

Residents are responsible for arranging their own snow removal service. Snow removal may be provided by a snow-clearing company or a neighbour willing to provide the service for a fee and provide receipts. 

The pilot Snow Removal Subsidy program provides financial assistance toward snow removal only. It was approved by City Council following community consultation conducted earlier this year and will be evaluated following the 2026-2027 winter season to help inform future program decisions. 

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Canadian Canoe Museum’s Second Annual Lakeside Gala Raises $154,000

The Canadian Canoe Museum raised $154,000 during its second annual Lakeside Gala on Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of the Canadian Canoe Museum.

The Museum raised funds through ticket sales, sponsorships, donations and auction proceeds. An additional $62,000 was raised through in-kind contributions.

“It was a really special evening. There was so much generosity throughout the night. It was a great reflection of the people and organizations who have helped make the Museum what it is today,” said Carolyn Hyslop, executive director. “It was wonderful to see so many people come together for an evening that celebrated the Museum and its place in this community.”

Funds raised support the care of the Museum’s nationally significant collection, exhibitions, educational and cultural programming.

The event saw Museum supporters, community members, artists, makers and business leaders to celebrate the Museum’s work and its people. Janet McCue from Curve Lake First Nation opened the Gala with drumming, welcoming guests to the Museum.

Culinary stations throughout the Museum and Lakefront Campus featured offerings from Cheeky Duck Vineyard, Chemong Lodge, Flying Chestnut Kitchen, Love You, Mean It, MIJA Bakeshop, and Silver Bean Cafe, along with beverages from Little Miss Drinky Poo. Renowned pianist Thompson Egbo-Egbo and award-winning local musician JJ Thompson rounded out the evening with performances.

A highlight of the evening was the expanded live and silent auctions, featuring a curated collection of one-of-a-kind artwork, tripping gear, dining gift cards, custom home decor and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This year, the auctions moved online, giving guests the opportunity to bid leading up to the event and throughout the evening from their personal devices.

The Museum also launched a Paddles Up campaign in support of its Youth Backcountry Tripping Program. With leadership support from The Lindsay Family Foundation, the museum received six new tripping canoes and twelve paddles to help build a dedicated fleet for the growing program. During the Gala, guests helped raise the funds for two additional canoes, bringing the fleet to eight.

“The Canadian Canoe Museum is an amazing place, and our family strongly believes in the great work they do,” said Don Lindsay. “We’re delighted to support the Backcountry Canoe Tripping Program with six new canoes and help give young people the opportunity to experience the outdoors, build confidence and create lasting memories.”

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Peterborough Curling Club to Host 'Community Open House and Try Curling Event' to Celebrate 150th Anniversary

On Oct. 17, the Peterborough Curling Club invites the public to help celebrate its 150-year milestone with a Community Open House and Try Curling Event.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Curling Club.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., as visitors can tour the club, explore displays highlighting  Peterborough Curling Club's 150-year history and try curling for themselves at no cost.

Experienced club curlers are on hand to provide instruction with all curling equipment provided.

Participants just need to bring:

• Clean indoor running shoes

• Warm, layered clothing

• A helmet (optional) - helmets are mandatory for anyone 18 years of age or younger

No registration is required as it is tailored for drop-ins; first-come, first-served.

The club's bar will also be open, offering an opportunity to relax, socialize, and enjoy the afternoon with friends, family, and members of the curling community.

“Celebrating 150 years is a tremendous milestone for our club, and we want to celebrate it with the entire Peterborough community,” said Soeun Khuth, Peterborough Curling Club member and event organizer. “Our Open House is a chance for people to come through our doors, discover the history of the club, meet our members and, most importantly, give curling a try.”

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Peterborough Man and Women Arrested For Robbing A Home Depot and Harming An Officer and Security Guard

Two Peterborough residents are facing robbery charges after an incident at a Home Depot on Wednesday evening.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 6:15 p.m., officers were called to the Home Depot at Lansdowne Street and Park Street about a disturbance. Officers learned that a man and a woman had left the store without paying for items and when confronted by a loss prevention officer, the woman attempted to strike the officer with a bag of merchandise and then struck him in the back of the head as he was returning to the store. During the altercation, the loss prevention officer and a security guard were also pushed and grabbed by the man the woman was with.

As a result:

A 45-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

• Robbery with Violence

Investigators learned the accused was wanted in connection with a shoplifting incident at the same store in March last year. 

The accused was further charged with:

• Theft under $5,000 - Shoplifting

A 37-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:

• Robbery with Violence

Both accused were held in custody and appeared in court on Wednesday.

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