New Owners Bring Fresh Dreams and a Community Focus to Shoeless Joe’s in Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

A family of three has traded Thunder Bay for Peterborough, taking over Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill with a vision of bringing people together through sports, good food and a welcoming atmosphere.

General Manager Wayne Umphrey, left, with new Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill owners Smiley and Sapnesh Sikka. (photo by scott arnold)

There’s a new chapter underway at Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill in Peterborough, where new owners Smiley and Sapnesh Sikka are settling into the community and looking forward to making the restaurant a gathering place for local sports fans.

The couple officially took over the franchise at 1135 Lansdowne Street West on August 17th, bringing new dreams and a community-minded approach to the business. They moved to Peterborough from Thunder Bay in July with their six-year-old daughter, looking for a place where their family could grow and put down roots.

“We want to grow up with the community,” Smiley said. “We are bringing ourselves with new dreams and hopes in our life to Peterborough.”

The move comes after 10 years in Thunder Bay, where Sapnesh had relocated for a business opportunity after moving to Canada from India in 2010. Having spent years surrounded by lakes and trails, the family wanted to find a community that offered a similar connection to nature while bringing them closer to the Greater Toronto Area.

Peterborough checked both boxes.

“We found out Peterborough is the perfect location,” Smiley said, noting the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while remaining close to the GTA.

Since arriving in July, the family has already started exploring the area, including the Kawartha Lakes, Lakefield and the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden. They have also been impressed by the welcome they have received, with both owners describing the people and community as kind and friendly.

Their daughter has also settled into her new surroundings, something that was an important part of the decision to move.

“She’s going to school here and she’s loving it,” Smiley said. “That’s all we wanted.”

Sports fans can catch the action on the big screens at Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill in Peterborough. (photo by scott arnold)

A Sports Bar in a Sports Town

For the couple, Shoeless Joe’s offered an opportunity to combine their business ambitions with a community that shares a love of sports.

They had been exploring different business opportunities before settling on the Peterborough restaurant, but their goal remained the same: find a smaller community near the GTA and operate a sports restaurant where people could come together, enjoy a game and have a good time.

Peterborough’s sporting culture made it a natural fit.

“We are in a perfect place,” Smiley said. “This is a sports bar and we are living in a sports city as well.”

With more than 14 draft options on tap, Shoeless Joe’s has plenty to offer customers looking to enjoy a game from the bar. (photo by scott arnold)

General Manager Wayne Umphrey, who took over the role last month, said the restaurant is embracing a new beginning after six years in Peterborough.

The focus is on building awareness, connecting with local sports organizations and welcoming customers through the doors, whether they are coming to watch a game, meet friends or enjoy a meal.

“We are an upscale sports bar, but yet, come on in your shorts, your jeans, your track pants, doesn’t matter,” Umphrey said. “We look forward to serving everybody.”

The restaurant is already sponsoring the AAA Peterborough Petes and is looking to expand its involvement with local baseball, lacrosse, hockey and soccer organizations as opportunities arise.

With so many teams and passionate fans in the area, the goal is to make Shoeless Joe’s a place where the community can gather to cheer on its favourites.

The welcoming interior of Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill, where local sports fans can gather to enjoy food, drinks and their favourite games. (photo by scott arnold)

What Customers Can Expect

The new owners are working on marketing and advertising to help more people discover what Shoeless Joe’s has to offer, with an emphasis on creating an enjoyable experience for customers.

For those who prefer to catch a game from the bar, there are more than 14 draft options on tap, including premium, imported and local beers. The restaurant also offers daily deals, with a $5 Bud Light available most days of the week. Happy hour runs until 6pm from Sunday through Thursday, with Fridays and Saturdays excluded for now due to the restaurant's busy schedule with visiting sports teams.

From game-day gatherings to a casual meal with friends, Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill is looking to build on its place in Peterborough’s sports community. (photo by scott arnold)

There is also plenty of character behind the Shoeless Joe’s name. The restaurant’s identity draws inspiration from baseball player Shoeless Joe Jackson, with sports references woven into its menu and guest experience. Customers will find jersey-number games and dishes such as Katie’s Alfredo, named after Jackson’s wife, Katie.

For Umphrey and the new owners, however, the biggest priority is making sure people feel welcome when they walk through the door.

Sapnesh said he is particularly excited about working alongside the restaurant’s team, including Umphrey and the supervisors, as they look to grow the business together.

“We want people to support us and we are very happy and welcoming to every customer right here,” he said.

As the Sikka family settles into Peterborough, they are looking forward to building relationships, becoming more involved in the community and creating a place where people can share their love of sports.

For a family starting a new chapter in a new city, the hope is that Shoeless Joe’s will continue to be a place where the community comes together, as they build their own roots in the city they are now proud to call home.

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

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Trent Excalibur Advance to OUA Women’s Lacrosse Semifinal With Dominant Win Over Toronto

By Scott Arnold

The Trent Excalibur women’s lacrosse team is one step closer to defending its provincial title after a dominant 25-4 victory over the University of Toronto on Friday night at Justin Chiu Stadium.

The Trent Excalibur have advanced to the oua women’s lacrosse semifinal, set to take place on Saturday at Justin Chiu Stadium (Photo courtesy of Trent Excalibur, via David Pickering)

The Excalibur scored 10 goals in the opening quarter and added eight more in the second to take an 18-2 lead into halftime. Trent continued to control the game in the second half, outscoring Toronto 7-2 over the final two quarters.

Meg Hiltz led the way with seven goals and two assists for nine points, while Maddy Baxter added five goals and an assist. Kylea Dobson scored four goals and added an assist, and Abby Hiltz finished with three goals and three assists.

Rounding out the scoring for Trent were Sofia Reynolds and Tyler McDonald, who both had a pair, while Natalie Fournier and Maggie Cuddy each had a goal.

Goalie Sav Musto picked up the win in net as the Excalibur outshot Toronto 37-9.

The defending champions will face the Guelph Gryphons in the OUA semifinal on Saturday, October 17, at 3:15 p.m. at Justin Chiu Stadium, with a spot in Sunday’s gold-medal game on the line.

Semifinal Schedule

Saturday, October 17th

• 3:15pm — Guelph vs Trent

• 5:00pm — Wilfrid Laurier vs Queen’s

Sunday, October 18th

• 12pm: Bronze medal game

• 2pm: Gold medal game

Tickets are available for purchase on site, with weekend passes costing $25, Saturday day passes $10 and Sunday's championship day pass $15. Trent students with valid Trent ID and children under 12 accompanied by a paying adult receive free admission.

All games take place at Trent University’s Justin Chiu Stadium, located at 1650 West Bank Drive. Pay-and-display parking is available at the Trent Athletics Centre and Lady Eaton College. All games will be livestreamed on OUA.tv.

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

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St. Peter and Holy Cross Combine Football and Fundraising For Cancer Research at Terry Fox Bowl

Energy and spirit were in full swing as Holy Cross and St. Peter Catholic Secondary School students rallied for the annual Terry Fox Bowl fundraiser on Friday.

Two Holy Cross cheerleaders and mascot 'HurriK-9' before kickoff between the Saints and Hurricanes. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Both schools held separate pep rallies to raise awareness of cancer research and community action before meeting at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School.

Students from both schools joined forces for a ceremonial walk around the track, then along the school’s perimeter.

The event ended with a rivalry football game between the St. Peter Saints and Holy Cross Hurricanes for the annual Terry Fox Bowl. The Hurricanes defeated the Saints, 35-0.

@ptbo_canada Energy and spirit were in full swing as Holy Cross and St. Peter Catholic Secondary School students rallied for the annual Terry Fox Bowl fundraiser on Friday. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #terryfox ♬ Cbs College Football Theme Song - Lloyd Landesman

The event supports the philanthropy of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board.

Last year, the Board officially surpassed $4 million in cumulative fundraising for the Terry Fox Foundation.

That momentum included $137,135.03 raised board-wide in a single year.

In the last campaign, three Board secondary schools earned elite recognition:

• Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School (Peterborough)

• St. Peter Catholic Secondary School (Peterborough)

• Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School (Courtice)

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Fleming College Launches Online Security Guard Preparation Training Course

Fleming College Continuing Education has launched a new, fully online Ontario Security Guard Preparation Training course in partnership with Ontario Security Hub, a Ministry-licensed security training provider for an Ontario Security Guard License. 

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Designed to meet the curriculum requirements set by Ontario’s Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (PSISB), the 40-hour course prepares individuals for the provincial licensing exam and the real-world demands of the private security sector.

According to Fleming, industry-relevant content helps students build a strong foundation in professional security practices, legal authorities and responsibilities, emergency response procedures, communication skills, and public safety protocols.  

To receive a Training Completion Number (TCN) required to take the provincial licensing exam, students must complete the Ontario Security Guard Preparation Training and hold valid Basic First Aid certification from a WSIB-recognized training provider, which can also be completed through Fleming Continuing Education. 

Fleming’s Ontario Security Guard Preparation Training is now open to anyone aged 18 years or older who is legally entitled to work in Canada. Once students receive enrolment confirmation, they can begin training modules within 48 hours.  

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Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza Returns to Peterborough Humane Society Saturday With a Mission to Help Local Animals

By Scott Arnold

A pumpkin, a barbecue lunch and a chance to help animals find loving homes are all part of a Peterborough tradition that continues to grow.

Patrick McAuley is bringing back Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza for a fourth year, raising money for the Peterborough Humane Society. (photo by scott arnold)

Some fall traditions are about decorating the front porch. Others are about bringing people together for something that matters. For Patrick McAuley, Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza does both, with every dollar raised going directly to the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS).

The fourth annual event, organized by McAuley Real Estate Group, a team at Bowes & Cocks Limited, Brokerage, is back this weekend at PHS. Visitors can pick up a pumpkin by donation, enjoy a barbecue and support the animals waiting for their next chapter.

New this year, the event will feature hamburgers, hot dogs and sweet treats supplied by The Crumb Box, giving visitors another reason to stop by while helping raise money for the organization.

Last year’s Pumpkin Palooza raised close to $400 for PHS. With just 50 pumpkins available this year, McAuley hopes to build on that success and sell them all, with proceeds from the pumpkins, food and treats supporting the animals in the shelter’s care.

Pumpkins are ready for Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza, with all proceeds going directly to the Peterborough Humane Society. (photo courtesy of Patrick McAuley)

The event has grown since its early days, with last year marking a particularly successful outing. McAuley credits community support and the generosity of Leahy’s, which donates the pumpkins, with helping make it possible.

“Last year was a smash hit,” McAuley said. “So it keeps getting bigger and bigger, which is great.”

The idea comes from a place that is deeply personal to him. McAuley grew up in a pet-loving family and eventually inherited two cats who lived to the ages of 19 and 17.

“I see all these pets that need a loving home. And these guys do such a great job with it that it’s important for us to give back,” McAuley said.

That connection is at the heart of the event. While the pumpkins and barbecue bring people through the doors, the cause behind them is what makes the day meaningful.

5. Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza brings the community together to support the animals in the care of the Peterborough Humane Society. (photo courtesy of patrick mcauley)

The Peterborough Humane Society cares for animals of all ages, and McAuley hopes people will keep that in mind when considering adoption. Puppies and kittens may attract plenty of attention, but older animals deserve the same opportunity to find a loving home.

“There are older cats and dogs here as well that could use a nice home,” he said.

McAuley also sees an opportunity for people who might be hesitant to adopt another pet because of their age to consider giving a senior animal a comfortable home.

“Maybe they could provide a nice home for a senior pet as well,” he said.

Two feline residents at the Peterborough Humane Society enjoy some attention while helping shine a light on the animals the organization cares for. (photo by Scott arnold)

For anyone who has never visited the Humane Society, Saturday also offers an opportunity to see the animals and learn more about the work being done to care for them. Just be prepared: spending a little time with a friendly cat or dog can make leaving without a new family member a challenge.

For McAuley, however, the bigger picture extends well beyond one event or one organization.

“I love it here,” he said. “We know that there are people that need help, animals that need help, all sorts of different, charitable things we can do just to give back to such a great city.”

Dog: A friendly face at the Peterborough Humane Society, where Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza will raise money to support the animals in its care. (photo by scott arnold)

That spirit is what brings Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza back for a fourth year. It is a simple way to enjoy a fall morning, connect with the community and help animals who depend on the care and generosity of others.

Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza takes place Saturday, October 17th, from 11am to 1pm at the Peterborough Humane Society, 1999 Technology Drive. Admission is free, and pumpkins are available by donation. All proceeds from the event go directly to the Peterborough Humane Society.

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

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Maclean's Ranks Trent University #1 In Ontario For Scholarships and Bursaries

Trent University has been named Ontario's top mid-sized university for scholarships and bursaries in the Maclean's 2027 University Rankings, ranking first in Ontario and fourth in Canada in the category. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“The Maclean’s results demonstrate that as more students are choosing Trent University, we remain a leader in providing the supports students need to succeed,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent University president and vice-chancellor. “For more than a decade, we've expanded our programs, research and career opportunities for students while preserving the personalized, supportive learning environment that defines the Trent experience.”

With the rankings different this year, a new size-based classification system was introduced.

Trent is ranked among Canada's mid-sized universities, becoming one of only two institutions to move from the group previously categorized as Primarily Undergraduate (now called ‘small’) into the new Mid-Sized category.

Trent also received the following rankings: 

• #2 in Ontario and #3 in Canada for Student Services 

• #2 in Ontario for Medical/Science Grants

• #3 in Ontario for Faculty Awards

“We continue to invest in scholarships, supports and campus communities that help students thrive from the moment they arrive on campus and through the legacies they create,” said Bruce.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Two Women Involved In Distraction Theft at Pandora In Lansdowne Place

The Peterborough Police Service is investigating a distraction theft at Pandora in the Lansdowne Place Mall on Oct. 4.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

On Oct. 5, officers were called to the store and learned that two women used distraction techniques before leaving with more than $30,000 in gold jewelry. 

Further investigation has connected the two women to similar incidents at Pandora stores in Oshawa, Barrie and Calgary. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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City of Peterborough Opens Application For Flood Reduction Subsidy Program

Property owners may be eligible for financial assistance from the City of Peterborough to make improvements that reduce basement-flooding risk and keep rainwater and groundwater out of the sanitary sewer system.

File Photo.

The Flood Reduction Subsidy Program helps cover the cost of labour and materials for eligible flood reduction work that has been pre-approved by the City. Eligible improvements include installing a backwater valve; disconnecting foundation drains, downspouts and roof drains from the sanitary sewer system; and disconnecting catch basins from the sanitary sewer system. 

Rainwater and groundwater entering the sanitary sewer system can contribute to basement flooding and increase the amount of water that must be treated at the City’s wastewater treatment plant. Reducing this water helps preserve sewer capacity and protect wastewater infrastructure. 

Property owners may be eligible if: 

• The City has contacted them about a non-conforming sanitary sewer connection on their property; or 

• The property has experienced basement flooding in the past 

Eligible property owners may receive funding for: 

• Backwater valve installation: full cost up to $1,000 

• Foundation drain disconnection with sump pit and pump: full cost up to $1,500 

• Backwater valve installation and foundation drain disconnection with sump pit and pump: full cost up to $3,000 

• Repair of broken cleanout covers: up to $50 

• Downspout disconnection: full cost up to $500 

• Roof drain disconnection: full cost up to $3,500 

• Catch basin disconnection from the sanitary sewer and reconnection to the storm sewer: full cost up to $15,000 

Funding for properties with more than one eligible improvement is considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Eligible property owners can apply by completing the Flood Reduction Subsidy Program application form available online.

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the City's annual budget allocation. 

The program helps property owners reduce the potential for basement flooding while also reducing unnecessary water entering the sanitary sewer system. This can help reduce wastewater treatment costs, preserve sewer capacity and support the long-term operation of the sewer system.

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Trent University Set to Host OUA Women's Lacrosse Championship This Weekend as Excalibur Look to Defend Their Title

By Scott Arnold

Trent University will welcome the best university women's lacrosse teams in Ontario to Peterborough this weekend as Justin Chiu Stadium hosts the 2026 OUA Women's Lacrosse Championship from Friday, October 16th to Sunday, October 18th.

The Trent Excalibur will look to defend their OUA women’s lacrosse title as they host the provincial championship at Justin Chiu Stadium from October 16th to 18th. Pictured is natalie fournier (Photo courtesy of Trent Excalibur, via David Pickering)

The Trent Excalibur enter the championship as the top seed after a perfect 8-0 regular season, finishing first in the standings with 16 points. They'll look to defend their provincial title after winning gold in 2025, with their first game scheduled for Friday at 7pm against the winner of the opening matchup between the University of Toronto and Ontario Tech.

Nine teams will compete for the championship, with the gold medal game scheduled for Sunday at 2pm. All games will be livestreamed on OUA.tv.

Championship Schedule

Friday, October 16th

• 12pm: University of Toronto vs. Ontario Tech

• 1:45pm: Queen's vs. McMaster

• 3:30pm: Western vs. Laurier

• 5:15pm: Guelph vs. Brock

• 7pm: Trent vs. winner of University of Toronto and Ontario Tech

Saturday, October 17th

• 9:30am: Loser of Game 3 vs. loser of Game 4

• 11:15am: Loser of Game 2 vs. loser of Game 5

• 1:30pm: Loser of Game 1 vs. loser of Game 6

• 3:15pm: Semifinal 1

• 5pm: Semifinal 2

Sunday, October 18th

• 10am: Fifth-place game

• 12pm: Bronze medal game

• 2pm: Gold medal game

Tickets are available for purchase on site, with weekend passes costing $25, Friday and Saturday day passes $10 and Sunday's championship day pass $15. Trent students with valid Trent ID and children under 12 accompanied by a paying adult receive free admission.

The championship takes place at Justin Chiu Stadium at Trent University, located at 1650 West Bank Drive. Pay-and-display parking is available at the Trent Athletics Centre and Lady Eaton College.

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

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A Citywide Effort to Help Fight Hunger: Kawartha Food Share's Porch Pirates for Good Returns October 24th

By Scott Arnold

Kawartha Food Share is asking Peterborough residents to leave a bag of non-perishable food on their front porch on Saturday, October 24th, as Porch Pirates for Good returns to help restock the shelves at its warehouse.

Kawartha Food Share is calling on the community for support during the 7th Annual Porch Pirates for Good food drive set for Saturday, October 24th. (photo courtesy of Kawartha Food Share)

Now in its seventh year, the citywide food drive has collected more than 190,000 pounds of food and over $20,000 in monetary donations over the past six years.

The idea is simple: residents leave a bag of food outside their home at 9am on October 24th, and volunteer “porch pirates” travel across the city to collect the donations and deliver them to Kawartha Food Share.

Residents are asked to attach the Porch Pirates for Good flyer to their donation, or use another way to make it easy for volunteers to identify. Flyers are being distributed throughout the city during the week leading up to collection day.

What Food Is Needed?

With food bank use at an all-time high across Canada, Kawartha Food Share says rising food costs and supply chain shortages are affecting local clients, donors and the organization’s own purchasing power.

The food drive helps replenish supplies for the local agencies and schools Kawartha Food Share supports throughout Peterborough City and County.

Some of the most-needed items include:

• Peanut butter

• Canned tuna

• Canned vegetables and fruit

• Individually wrapped school snacks

• Pasta and pasta sauce

• Breakfast cereal

• Gluten-free items, including pasta, cookies and oats

• Canned soup and stew

• Feminine hygiene products

October is a particularly important time to replenish the warehouse ahead of the colder months and the holiday season, when demand for food support remains high.

Volunteers and Monetary Donations Welcome

Volunteers are still needed to help make the food drive happen. Anyone interested in taking part can contact Kawartha Food Share at porchpirates@kawarthafoodshare.com.

Volunteers collecting donations on October 24th can also accept cheques made payable to Kawartha Food Share. Those who cannot participate in the food drive can make a monetary donation online at kawarthafoodshare.com/donations.

Porch Pirates for Good takes place across Peterborough on Saturday, October 24th, with residents asked to have their donations ready for collection at 9am.

A bag of groceries may seem like a small gesture, but with volunteers collecting across the city, those donations can make a meaningful difference for people in the community who are struggling to afford food.

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

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