Two Residents and a Dog Were Rescued Following Park Street South Residential Fire
/Peterborough Fire Services rescued two residents and their dog after a structure fire at a Park Street South residence on Saturday morning.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peterborough Blogs
Ontario Government Invests $49,775.95 to Enhance Camp Kawartha's Washroom Accessibility
/The Ontario Government has invested up to $49,775.95 to redesign existing washrooms at Camp Kawartha’s Outdoor Education Centre.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
According to a press release, the project will add enhanced accessibility features for seniors and people with disabilities, allowing them to enjoy outdoor activities independently, with dignity and comfort.
As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding supports more than 40 projects across the province that expand accessibility and create opportunities for seniors and people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities, said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.
“Ensuring local facilities like Camp Kawartha are fully accessible allows everyone in our community to take advantage of the wonderful outdoor programming right here in Peterborough-Kawartha,” he said. “This investment will remove physical barriers and create a more inclusive, welcoming environment for seniors and visitors of all abilities.”
Through the Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities can receive up to $60,000 for local accessibility projects. Supported initiatives include upgrading building entryways, adding ramps and elevators, levelling sidewalks and parking areas, installing accessible washrooms and signage, and removing physical barriers in public spaces.
“Our mission at Camp Kawartha is to foster stewardship by creating spaces where both people and nature can thrive,” said Jacob Rodenburg, Camp Kawartha executive director. “Accessibility is an essential part of that mission, helping ensure that everyone has the opportunity to connect with nature, take part in our programs, and experience the sense of belonging that comes from being welcomed into a place designed with them in mind.”
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Fleming College's Phoenix Cup Returns This Wednesday to Showcase High School and College Basketball
/Following Fleming College’s inaugural Phoenix Cup in February, the event returns this Wednesday to the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre to showcase high school and college basketball.
The Phoenix Cup is designed to bring the community together through sport while highlighting the depth of talent across local high school and varsity programs. This event continues Fleming’s commitment to partnering with local high schools and sports organizations, with future events including competitions across multiple sports. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.
The senior girls’ matchup is at 3 p.m., with Crestwood Secondary School taking on St. Peter Catholic Secondary School. At 4:30 p.m., the junior girls’ teams from Crestwood and St. Peter face off. The event concludes with the Fleming Phoenix men’s varsity basketball scrimmage at 6:15 p.m., as the team prepares for its regular-season opener on Oct. 24.
Phoenix Cup Schedule:
3:00 p.m. – High School Senior Girls: Crestwood vs. St. Peter
4:30 p.m. – High School Junior Girls: Crestwood vs. St. Peter
6:15 p.m. – Fleming Phoenix Men’s Varsity Scrimmage
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Peterborough Police Declare Incident Hate/Bias Crime After Red Paint Was Splattered Over GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc.
/The Peterborough Police Service is investigating a hate/bias crime incident involving red paint splattered on GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc. over the weekend.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
A concerned citizen spotted red paint and writing on the business and called police on Sunday. Officers observed the damage to the building's exterior and began an investigation. They learned that the business may have been targeted because of its parent company, Elbit Systems. Police believe the damage to the building and an outside communication box happened sometime overnight between Sunday and Monday.
The Service is aware of video circulating on social media with claims of responsibility and that information is part of the investigation.
At this time, Peterborough Police consider this incident a hate/bias crime.
“Hate has no place in our community. We thank the concerned citizen for alerting our officers to the damage to this business. The investigation is ongoing and any further details will be released when available,” Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief.
Anyone with further information or video is asked to contact the Peterborough Police Service Crime Line at 705-876-1122 x555 or to remain anonymous, you can report through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Workforce Development Board, Heads Up for Inclusion and The Cheesy Fromage
/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…
Congratulations to the Workforce Development Board as they celebrate their 30th Anniversary.
Over the past 30 years the WDB has led and championed numerous initiatives that have supported employers and helped individuals make informed career decisions. For more information, you can visit: wdb.ca
Heads Up for Inclusion is hosting an Amigos Spook-Tacular Line Dancing Event with at the Alternatives Community Building on Oct. 16 from 5:30-7:30 PM in partnership with Alternatives Community Program Services.
It’s free for all to attend thanks to an Ontario Trillium funding Grant. For more information and to register please call (705) 876-0383.
The Cheesy Fromage has partnered with The Lakefield Animal Welfare Society to bring back their Wag-O-Ween fundraiser on Oct.17 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Bring your pet to trick or treat at Lakefield businesses on Queen Street, Bridge Street, Burnham Street, Reid Street, and Lakefield Road. Look for the Wag-O-Ween posters in the window! You can also sign up at the Cheesy Fromage for the Kid & Pet Duo costume contest happening from 12- 1 p.m. For more information you can go to: lakefieldanimalwelfare.org.
Tickets are now sold out for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala! We look forward to the announcement of finalists and recipients of the awards on October 22!
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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Lang Pioneer Village Bringing Halloween Traditions to Life With Spooky All Hallows’ Eve
/By Scott Arnold
From a ride through the darkened village to old-fashioned Halloween games, Spooky All Hallows’ Eve returns to Lang Pioneer Village Museum on October 23rd and 24th.
Spooky All Hallows’ Eve returns to Lang Pioneer Village Museum on October 23rd and 24th, featuring Halloween-themed activities, historic traditions and family-friendly fun. (photo courtesy of lang pioneer village)
Halloween traditions have plenty of history behind them, and visitors can explore some of their origins during two evenings of spooky activities at Lang Pioneer Village Museum.
Spooky All Hallows’ Eve runs from 6pm to 9pm on Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th, transforming the historic village into a series of Halloween-themed scenes.
Visitors can take a tractor and wagon ride through the village, learn about the history of coffins and body snatching at the Carpenter Shop and hear the legend behind the jack-o’-lantern from storyteller Glen Caradus, who brings the tale of Stingy Jack to life.
The event also includes a look at paranormal investigations conducted at the museum by the Paranormal Seekers, an 1890s-style Halloween party with traditional games and a magic show inside the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building. Magic show performances take place at 6:30pm, 7:30pm and 8:30pm each night.
Other activities include visiting a witch’s lair, meeting Madam Fortune, trying hula-hooping tricks with a ringmaster, making a Halloween craft and entering a colouring contest. Visitors can also test their courage with mystery crocks, visit the Botched Bakery and search the village for items on a pirate treasure map.
Hot chocolate and sweet treats will be available for purchase at the Hotel, while Ben’s Kettle Corn will be on-site making fresh kettle corn. Candy and other sweets will also be available at the General Store. Visitors can wear their Halloween costumes or have their faces painted by Faces By 2.
Although some of the Halloween origin stories explore darker history, organizers note that the event is designed for all ages and is not intended to be a frightening experience.
Admission is $17 for adults, $12 for students and seniors aged 60 and older, and $9 for youth aged two to 14. Children under two can attend for free. A $45 family admission option includes two adults and up to four youth aged two to 14.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. On-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information and tickets, visit Lang Pioneer Village Museum’s website.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Business Advisory Centre Celebrates Two Years of Helping Local Entrepreneurs Succeed
/By Scott Arnold
Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre has supported 546 businesses, helped launch 227 new businesses and contributed to the creation of 414 jobs since opening in 2024.
Community Futures Peterborough is celebrating two years of its Business Advisory Centre, which has supported 546 businesses and helped create 414 jobs across the region since 2024. (Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)
Two years after opening its doors, the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) is celebrating a successful start, surpassing provincial consultation targets by 301% in the 2025/26 fiscal year while helping entrepreneurs across Peterborough and the surrounding region start and grow their businesses.
Operated by Community Futures Peterborough, the centre provides business advice, workshops, mentorship and access to funding programs for entrepreneurs in the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation.
Since launching in 2024, the centre has responded to 1,702 inquiries and delivered 1,047 in-depth consultations, supporting 546 unique businesses. More than half of those businesses were start-ups, while the remainder were established businesses looking to grow.
The support has helped entrepreneurs launch 227 new businesses, sustain or expand 336 businesses, complete 10 business acquisitions and create 414 jobs.
The centre also offers free, in-person workshops covering a wide range of business topics. Over the past two years, it has delivered 115 workshops, attracting 1,769 participants.
Funding Programs Help Turn Ideas Into Businesses
Two provincially funded programs, Starter Company Plus and Summer Company, have also seen record participation.
Together, the programs have provided $214,000 in grants to entrepreneurs across the region.
Through Starter Company Plus, 41 entrepreneurs graduated from two program cohorts, receiving $178,000 in grants. Their achievements included launching 20 new businesses, expanding 35 businesses and creating 78 jobs.
Summer Company awarded $36,000 to 12 student-run businesses, helping create 23 jobs while encouraging young entrepreneurs to consider business ownership as a future career.
The centre also runs SOAR, a program supporting established businesses with growth, expansion and long-term sustainability. Over the past two years, 42 businesses have participated.
Ongoing Support for Local Businesses
Rather than offering one-time advice, the Business Advisory Centre works to build ongoing relationships with entrepreneurs as their needs change, whether they are developing an idea, working through challenges or planning their next stage of growth.
“We’re incredibly proud of what the team and the businesses we support have accomplished in just two years,” says Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “But the numbers are only part of the story. Every consultation represents a person taking a risk, pursuing an idea, creating something new or trying to make their business better.”
As the centre enters its third year, it plans to continue expanding access to business support and responding to the needs of entrepreneurs throughout the region.
Community Futures Peterborough is a not-for-profit organization that has supported local small businesses through financing since 1985, investing more than $44 million in over 1,900 businesses and helping create or maintain more than 4,900 jobs.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Five Community Members to Be Recognized by Rotary Clubs at Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner
/By Scott Arnold
From creating more opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to supporting affordable housing, helping children build independence and protecting local natural spaces, five people are being recognized for the difference they have made in the Peterborough community.
Last year’s Paul Harris Fellow recipients (front row, L to R): Linda Calverley, Ashley Bonner, Lorne Hamilton, Marcus Ferguson, Steve Paul, Len Lifchus and Brendan Moher. Also honoured was Eric Steinmiller, who joined by Zoom from New Zealand. (photo provided by Rotary Club of Peterborough)
The Rotary Clubs of Peterborough and Peterborough-Kawartha will honour the five recipients at their annual Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner on Thursday, November 26th, at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition honours individuals for their leadership and service in areas including community, vocational, youth and environmental service. Named after Rotary International founder Paul Harris, who established the organization in 1905, it is one of Rotary’s highest honours.
This year’s recipients are Debbie Quinlan and Susan Musclow for Community Service, Jennifer Mai for Vocational Service, Randy Riel for Youth Service and Susan Paradisis for Environmental Service.
Debbie Quinlan – Community Service
For more than 22 years, Debbie Quinlan has helped athletes with intellectual disabilities find opportunities to participate, compete and succeed through Special Olympics Peterborough.
A longtime head coach of the swim program, Quinlan has also been instrumental in expanding opportunities for female athletes in soccer and basketball. Her advocacy helped Peterborough’s women’s soccer team win the first-ever gold medal in the women’s division at the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Games. She also helped establish the Peterborough Blazers women’s basketball team.
In 2025, she was named Special Olympics Ontario Coach of the Year.
Her approach to coaching and advocacy is guided by a simple philosophy: see the ability, not the disability.
Susan Musclow – Community Service
Susan “Su” Musclow has spent more than five decades supporting children, families and vulnerable members of the community.
Following a 40-year career in education, including 17 years as a principal, Musclow devoted her retirement to addressing poverty, food security and affordable housing.
She has held leadership roles with Kairos Non-Profit Housing, the Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network and The Mount Community Centre. As one of The Mount’s original volunteers, she helped turn the vision for the community into a reality that now includes nearly 80 affordable homes.
For more than a decade, she has volunteered at The Mount almost daily, contributing her financial expertise, leadership and compassion.
Her commitment to providing “a hand up, not a handout” reflects her focus on helping people access dignity, stability and opportunity.
Jennifer Mai – Vocational Service
Jennifer Mai is being recognized for a 34-year career as a physiotherapist at Five Counties Children’s Centre, where she helped thousands of children and youth develop greater independence, confidence and quality of life.
Throughout her career, Mai worked to ensure every child had the opportunity to participate fully in life, finding creative solutions tailored to individual needs and supporting families along the way.
She also mentored generations of colleagues, sharing her knowledge and helping establish a lasting standard of excellence in family-centred care.
Mai retired in January 2026, but her influence continues through the children, families and professionals she supported throughout her career.
Randy Riel – Youth Service
For decades, Randy Riel has volunteered with Camp Northern Lights, helping provide summer camp experiences for young people who might otherwise never have the opportunity to attend.
His contributions have helped the camp continue year after year, giving young people a place to build friendships, try new things and experience a sense of belonging.
Known for his warmth, humour and ability to connect with young people, Riel brings both enthusiasm and leadership to his work.
The impact of his commitment can be seen in generations of campers, including former campers who return as counsellors to help provide the same opportunities to others.
Susan Paradisis – Environmental Service
Susan “Sue” Paradisis has dedicated years to helping people understand, appreciate and protect the natural environment through her work with the Peterborough Field Naturalists.
A longtime member and president of the organization, Paradisis shares her knowledge of local plants and wildlife through nature outings, educational programs, citizen-science initiatives and community events.
Her work introduces people of all ages to the biodiversity found throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas while encouraging greater awareness of the importance of protecting natural spaces.
She has also contributed to environmental advocacy, conservation efforts and initiatives aimed at strengthening the Peterborough Field Naturalists for future generations.
Through her leadership and enthusiasm, Paradisis encourages others to get to know the natural world and take an active role in its conservation.
An Evening to Celebrate Community Service
The annual recognition dinner brings together family, friends and community members to celebrate the recipients and their contributions.
The Paul Harris Fellow honour has also been awarded to internationally recognized figures, including Mother Teresa, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, astronaut James Lovell and Jonas Salk, developer of the polio vaccine.
The November 26th dinner begins at 6pm at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. Tickets cost $65 per person and include a reception, cash bar, dinner and the recognition ceremony.
Registration is required by November 10th. Those interested in attending can register through the online registration form.
Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc
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Mayoral Candidate Rebecca Schillemat 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.
Rebecca Schillemat 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, Rebecca Schillemat sits down with PTBOCanada to talk about her campaign, her priorities and her 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 (but will still appear on the ballot).
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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Petes Drop Final Game of Northern Road Trip to Battalion on Monday Afternoon
/By Scott Arnold
The Peterborough Petes wrapped up their three-game northern road trip with a 3-1 loss to the North Bay Battalion on Monday afternoon. The loss moves their record to 3-7 on the season.
After missing the start of the season with an injury, Defenceman Thanasi Marentette returned to the Petes lineup on Monday, playing in his first game since April 4th (photo courtesy of the peterborough petes)
