Peterborough’s Ultimate Burger Battle Returns With 11 Local Restaurants Competing for the Crown

By Scott Arnold

11 local restaurants are putting their own spin on the ultimate burger this November, giving Peterborough residents plenty of delicious reasons to eat local while supporting United Way Peterborough & District.

Dani Guppy, Brenda Whitehead, Tracey Germa, Phillip Joliceur, Adam Hopkins, Rose Terry and lakers mascot teddy each take a bite during the United WAy’s ultimate burger battle kickoff on tuesday at agave. (photo courtesy of the united way)

If you enjoy a good burger, November is a pretty good month to get out and try something new.

The United Way Ultimate Burger Battle is back for its second year, bringing together 11 restaurants from Peterborough and the surrounding area for a month-long competition celebrating local food and supporting the community.

Running from November 1st to 30th, each participating restaurant has created a featured burger that will be available exclusively throughout the competition. Even better, $2 from every Ultimate Burger sold will go directly to United Way Peterborough & District to support local programs and initiatives.

There is also a little friendly competition involved, with restaurants vying for the title of Peterborough and County's Ultimate Burger of the Year.

11 Restaurants, 11 Unique Burgers

Whether you have a favourite local restaurant or are looking for an excuse to discover somewhere new, there are plenty of options to explore this month.

This year's participating restaurants and their locations are:

• Agave by Imperial – 376 George St N, Peterborough

• Ashburnham Ale House – 128 Hunter St E, Peterborough

• Boston Pizza North – 821 Rye St, Peterborough

• Boston Pizza South – 1164 Chemong Rd, Peterborough

• Double Dz's – 2622 Maple Grove Rd, Peterborough

• La Mesita – 247 George St N, Peterborough

• Law and Orders – 89 Hunter St E, Peterborough

• Papas Burgerland – 116 Parkhill Rd E, Peterborough

• Pizza Villa and Pasta House – 846 Ward St, Bridgenorth

• Riley's – 251 George St N, Peterborough

• Taso's – 18 Lindsay Rd, Peterborough

• The Vine – 165 Sherbrooke St, Peterborough

From creative combinations to reimagined classics, each restaurant is bringing its own take to the competition.

The first Ultimate Burger Battle was a success, with more than 1,000 burgers sold and $2,065 raised for United Way. With the competition returning with an expanded lineup, there is an opportunity to make an even bigger impact this year.

A Little Friendly Competition

There is more than one way for participating restaurants to take home some recognition.

Three awards are up for grabs:

• Ultimate Burger of the Year: A panel of VIP Ambassadors will judge the burgers based on taste, creativity, toppings and presentation.

• Most Ultimate Burgers Sold: Awarded to the restaurant that sells the greatest number of its featured burgers throughout November.

• People's Choice Award: Community members can vote online for their favourite Ultimate Burger.

The competition also has some familiar local faces helping bring the excitement to the community.

Seven local Burger Ambassadors will be visiting participating restaurants throughout November, sampling the featured creations and sharing their experiences along the way.

This year's ambassadors are Tracey Germa, Brenda Whitehead, Phillip Joliceur, Rose Terry, Dani Guppy, Adam Hopkins and Tiffany Arcari.

Joining them is Teddy, the Peterborough Lakers mascot, who is making his first appearance as a Burger Ambassador.

Having watched Peterborough rally behind its local sports teams, Teddy is looking forward to seeing that same community spirit move from the lacrosse floor to the burger table.

He is encouraging residents to get behind the participating restaurants, bring their appetites and help make every bite count.

Residents can also follow the Burger Ambassadors on social media throughout the month for restaurant visits, featured burgers and behind-the-scenes looks at the competition.

More Than Just a Burger

While trying different burgers and voting for a favourite makes for a fun November activity, there is a bigger reason behind the competition.

Money raised through the Ultimate Burger Battle helps support United Way Peterborough & District's work with 20 local partner agencies.

Those investments help connect people throughout Peterborough and the surrounding area with essential supports and services, including access to food, housing and mental health resources, as well as opportunities for children, families and seniors.

Whether it's getting together with friends, discovering a new local favourite or revisiting a restaurant you already love, the campaign offers a fun way to support local businesses while contributing to programs that help people across Peterborough and County.

With $2 donated for every featured burger sold, even a simple meal out can contribute to programs and services that make a difference locally.

The United Way Ultimate Burger Battle runs until November 30th.

To see this year's featured burgers, find participating restaurants and cast your vote for the People's Choice Award, visit United Way Peterborough & District's Ultimate Burger Battle page.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Young Hockey Fans Invited to Design a Peterborough Petes Jersey in National Contest

By Scott Arnold

A young Peterborough Petes fan could see their own artwork take to the ice, with the Real Canadian Superstore and Canadian Hockey League bringing back their annual jersey design contest for a sixth season.

Last season’s Peterborough Petes jersey design contest winner, Lochlan Pherrill, shows off the jersey featuring his winning design alongside his sister. (Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes)

The CHL x Superstore Jersey Design Contest is giving hockey fans aged 16 and under the opportunity to create a jersey for their favourite team, with one winning design selected in each of 32 participating markets across the country.

The contest has already helped raise more than $1 million for President’s Choice Children’s Charity through auctions of game-worn jerseys over its first five seasons.

The charity supports children and families facing food insecurity, making the contest an opportunity for young fans to combine their creativity with a cause that reaches communities across Canada.

“Hockey brings Canadians together, and this partnership allows us to turn that passion into meaningful community impact,” says Jonathan Carroll, Senior Vice-President of Real Canadian Superstore. “Raising over $1 million for President’s Choice Children’s Charity in five years is an incredible milestone, and we’re excited to build on that momentum with more opportunities for fans and families to get involved.”

The contest is open to eligible Canadian residents aged 16 and under. Participants can download a jersey template for a participating CHL club, create their design and submit it online by 11pm ET on November 12th.

One winner in each of the 32 markets will have their design turned into a jersey worn by their team during a special home game between January and March 2027.

Winners will also receive a team-autographed jersey featuring their design and four tickets to the designated game. Following the game, the jerseys worn by the players will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to President’s Choice Children’s Charity.

“For a young fan, seeing their favourite team take the ice in a jersey they designed is an unforgettable moment,” says Ryan Hudecki, Vice-President of Partnerships for the CHL. “Our clubs, local stores and fans have made those moments possible while helping raise $1 million for President’s Choice Children’s Charity.”

The sixth season will also include in-arena activities, giveaways and community events hosted by participating Real Canadian Superstore, Real Atlantic Superstore and Dominion locations during CHL game nights from January to March 2027. The season will wrap up with the Memorial Cup in May.

The contest runs until November 12th. Full details, eligibility requirements and entry information are available through the contest website.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Souvlaki Pit Closing Its Doors After Nearly a Half-Century of Business

Feeding Peterborough and the Kawarthas since 1981, the Souvlaki Pit, formerly known as Ace Submarine, is officially closing its doors on Nov. 14.

Photo courtesy of the Souvlaki pit.

The announcement was made on Souvlaki Pit’s Facebook page on Tuesday afternoon but no specific reason was stated for its closing.

Located at 75 George St N., the restaurant was opened and operated by the husband-and-wife duo Patricia and Aris. The family-owned business attributed its success to its relationships with its customers throughout the years.

The family wrote the following in a post:

“To everyone who ever stopped in for a meal, recommended us to a friend, brought in their family or supported us in any way, thank you. Because of you, a small family-owned restaurant was able to become part of this community's story for almost half a century.

For decades, this restaurant has been a part of our family's life. We spent long days and late nights here. We watched our children and grandchildren grow up and eventually stand beside us behind the counter, day in and day out.

The familiar faces who walked through our doors week after week. The customers who became friends and the friends who became family. The conversations, the laughter, the stories and the relationships built over thousands of meals shared together.”

The post also paid tribute to Patricia, who passed away at the age of 74 on Oct. 13, 2022, at Hospice Peterborough.

“We miss Pat dearly and wish she could be here to see how many lives were touched by what she and Aris shared. As we prepare to close this chapter, we find ourselves thinking about her often and remembering everything she gave to this business, our family and our customers. We are incredibly proud of what she and Aris built together,” stated the family.

The family has encouraged customers to stop by before the final day to share memories, enjoy one last meal and say goodbye.

“Before we close our doors, we hope you'll stop by one last time. We'd love the opportunity to see you, share a memory and thank you in person.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives for so many years.

It has been an honour to serve you. We will miss this restaurant. More importantly, we will miss you.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Man Faces Nine Driving Charges After Operating Vehicle With Fake License Plates

A 59-year-old Peterborough man faces nine driving-related charges after a traffic stop in Downtown Peterborough on Monday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 3:35 p.m., Community F.I.R.S.T. Unit officers were on general patrol in the Charlotte Street and Water Street area. They spotted a vehicle with red, pink, and purple license plates. They learned the plate was fake and activated their emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle swerved into another lane, almost striking a vehicle, before coming to a stop.  During the investigation, officers learned the driver had three driving suspensions and that the vehicle had been deemed unfit to be on the road.  Officers towed the vehicle from the scene, to be impounded for seven days.

The man was issued nine Highway Traffic Act court summons for:

• Driving while under suspension X3

• Careless Driving 

• Operate Unsafe Vehicle 

• Owner Operate Motor Vehicle on a Highway, No Insurance 

• Change Lane, Not in Safety 

• Use Altered Plate

• Use Plate Not Authorized for Vehicle 

The accused is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 25.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Applications For City's Community Grants Now Open

The City of Peterborough’s Community Grants Program application process opens at noon on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Any not-for-profit group or association in the City that would like to be considered is invited to complete an online application for a Community Project Grant or a Community Investment Grant.

The Community Grants program provides financial assistance to non-profit, community-based organizations that provide direct programs, services, or activities that enhance the quality of life for Peterborough residents in social services and health, arts, culture, heritage, recreation or the environment. 

Applications will be open for the following Community Grants streams:

• Community Project Grants – support for a specified project for which the requested amount is $250 to $1,000.

• Community Investment Grants – support for projects and special events, specific programs or operating budgets for which the requested amount is $1,000 to $15,000.

The deadline for Community Project Grant and Community Investment Grant applications is Dec. 2 at noon.

Funding for the Community Grants program is contingent on the City Council’s anticipated budget approval. All applications will be subject to an evaluation process and final approval by Council. The Community Grants Program is competitive and funding is limited and not guaranteed.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Market Hall, GPL Self Storage/Little Thrifters, Mapleridge Recreation Centre and Living Local Marketplace

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…

Market Hall Performance Centre is hosting the 5th Annual Cancer Takedown event on Wednesday.

It’s an uplifting evening of song, story, and solidarity to support people who have battled with cancer and the families, friends, and caregivers who rally around them. For more information and tickets, you can go to: markethall.org

GPL Self Storage and Little Thrifters are hosting their second annual Christmas Market in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough.

The Market will be taking place on Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 550 Braidwood Ave.Community members can come enjoy a variety of local artisans selling gifts, food, and more. Admission is free. For more information you can contact Stephanie Gao by email at: stephanie.gao@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.

Mapleridge Recreation Centre is hosting its second Annual Holiday House Tour.

Taking place Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the tour will feature four festively decorated homes in Peterborough’s west end, each decorated by local designers with their own holiday style. For more information and tickets, call 705-742-1481 or visit mapleridgerecreationcentre.com

Congratulations to Living Local Marketplace on the opening of their new location in East City!

Their doors open tomorrow, expanding and bringing more love for all things local to downtown Peterborough. For more information, you can visit their website: livinglocalmarketplace.ca

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Explore Peterborough’s Hidden Military History on Little Lake Cemetery Walking Tour

By Scott Arnold

From a Peterborough resident who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg to local men who served in the Napoleonic Wars and First World War, a guided tour of Little Lake Cemetery will uncover stories of those who served long before the conflicts most often remembered today.

Trent Valley Archives is inviting the public to Join military historian and knowledgeable tour guide Don Willcock in Little Lake Cemetery on Sunday, November 8 at 2pm to learn more about Peterborough's hidden military history and pay your respects at the final resting places of the men and women who selflessly served their community and their country in wartime. (photo courtesy of trent valley archives)

The Trent Valley Archives is inviting the community to look beyond the First and Second World Wars and discover Peterborough’s connections to earlier military conflicts.

Military historian and tour guide Don Willcock will lead a walking tour of Little Lake Cemetery on Sunday, November 8th at 2pm, sharing the stories of local residents who served their country and community during wartime.

Among those featured will be Colonel J.W. Miller, who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War; John Roach, who served in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars; and brothers Harry and Heber Rogers, who were both prisoners of war during the First World War.

The tour will explore the final resting places of these individuals and others, offering a different perspective on Peterborough’s military history and the people whose experiences are part of it.

Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased through Eventbrite.

The walking tour begins in front of the chapel at Little Lake Cemetery. Participants are asked to arrive five to 10 minutes early with a printed or digital copy of their ticket.

The route covers a large portion of the cemetery grounds, following main roadways where possible, but includes some uneven and hilly terrain and may not be accessible to everyone. The tour runs rain or shine, so comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

The subject matter also includes difficult and sensitive material. Anyone with questions about accessibility or the tour's content can contact Trent Valley Archives at admin@trentvalleyarchives.com or 705-745-4404.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Lakefield College Duo Wins OFSAA Gold in Girls Doubles Tennis

By Scott Arnold

Two Lakefield College School students are provincial champions after an impressive run at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) girls doubles tennis championships, held October 26th to 28th in Markham.

Sofie Dubin and Felipa Heuer with their gold medals after dominating at the OFSAA girls doubles tennis championship in markham (Photo courtesy of Facebook via Lakefield College School)

Felipa Heuer and Sofie Dubin went undefeated throughout the tournament to claim gold.

The duo finished with a perfect 5-0 record, winning 10 of the 11 sets they played.

They also won 49 games while dropping just 17 throughout the competition.

The gold medal caps off an impressive tournament for the high school pair, who can now call themselves OFSAA champions and the best girls doubles team in Ontario high school tennis.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Trent Alumnus Returns to Campus for Launch of Novel Set at University in the 1970s

By Scott Arnold

A former Trent student is bringing his latest novel back to the place that inspired its setting, with author Paul Nicholas Mason returning to Peterborough for a special book launch on Wednesday, November 4th.

Trent Grad Paul Nicholas Mason will return to the campus on November 4th for a special book launch and reading of his latest novel sackville House (photo via facebook — Paul Nicholas Mason)

Mason, a 1976 graduate of Trent University’s Julian Blackburn College, will take part in a reading and conversation about his new novel, Sackville House, during an event hosted by Trent Alumni Reads.

Set at Trent in the 1970s, the fictional story follows scholarship student Michael Wycliffe as he navigates friendship, privilege and belonging.

The book launch will give attendees an opportunity to hear directly from Mason about the novel and his connection to the university. A reception will follow the reading and conversation.

Mason is a novelist, playwright and film, television and voice actor. His previous works include Battered Soles, which was nominated for the Stephen Leacock Award for Humour, and The Red Dress, which was longlisted for the ReLit Award.

The event takes place from 7pm to 8:30pm in the Bata Library Film Theatre at Trent University’s Peterborough campus, 1600 West Bank Drive.

Members of the public are welcome to attend, but space is limited and advance registration is required.

image courtesy of trent university

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Lindsay Curling Club Marks 150th Anniversary With 24-Hour Fundraiser for Local Causes

By Scott Arnold

A 24-hour curling marathon, a pancake breakfast and a chance to try the sport are all part of a special celebration at the Lindsay Curling Club, with proceeds supporting local non-profit organizations, including Ross Memorial Hospital.

Lindsay Curling Club president and anniversary committee co-chair Kelly James, club member Deanna Keeler and committee co-chair Deb Hatch are part of the team organizing the club's 150th anniversary celebration. (Photo courtesy of ross memorial hospital foundation)

The Lindsay Curling Club is getting ready to celebrate 150 years in the community with an event that will keep the ice busy from one evening to the next.

150 Ends of Curling runs from 7pm on December 11th to 7pm on December 12th, bringing together curlers ranging from six-year-old beginners to 90-year-old veterans. And yes, that includes people taking to the ice at 3am.

The event will also raise funds for several local non-profit organizations, including the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation.

“We are proud to support our local hospital as we know it’s a place everyone will eventually need at some point in their lives,” says Kelly James, club president and co-chair of the 150th anniversary committee.

The hospital is currently working toward a $500,000 community fundraising goal for a high-priority ultrasound revitalization project. Through a matching challenge from FDC Foundation, reaching that goal will unlock another $500,000 for ultrasound care.

“We’re grateful to the Lindsay Curling Club for hurrying hard for local healthcare in this historic anniversary celebration!” says Erin Coons, CEO of the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation. “Community support like this helps expand and modernize ultrasound services close to home.”

The public can also take part in the celebration during an open house on Saturday, December 12th. Activities begin with a pancake breakfast and continue throughout the day with raffles, games and curling demonstrations.

“Curling can be enjoyed by everyone, and we hope anyone who has been curious about the sport will come to our open house on December 12,” says Deb Hatch, co-chair of the 150th anniversary committee. “It’s a chance to throw your first stone, learn about the leagues we offer and support some great causes.”

The event takes place on the 150th anniversary of the club's incorporation on December 11, 1876. Many curlers will mark the occasion by wearing 19th-century attire.

The club's history dates back to the mid-1800s, when curlers gathered on the frozen Scugog River for friendly matches. It officially began with just 10 members and has continued to evolve, welcoming women as members in 1947, hosting a three-day bonspiel for Canada's centennial in 1967 and making its facility fully accessible.

Today, the club welcomes people of different ages and abilities, including athletes in the Special Olympics.

Whether you're a longtime curler or have never stepped onto the ice, the December 12th open house offers an opportunity to experience the sport while helping celebrate a remarkable milestone.

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

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.