Photos: Local Candidates Mingle With Constituents At Peterborough Chamber's "Coffee With the Candidates" Event

The Peterborough-Kawartha federal election candidates got a chance to mingle with their constituents at the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Coffee with the Candidates’ event held at the Holiday Inn on Tuesday morning.

Conservative candidate and incumbent Michelle Ferrari (left) being thanked by Joel Wiebe (right) of the Peterborough Chamber for attending. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Each candidate had three minutes at the podium to speak to the room before breaking off to speak with the public.

The attending candidates briefly spoke about the following during their podium time (in order):

Chad Jewell (Independent): Regardless of who was in power, no party had answers to raising concerns and issues.

Emma Harrison (Liberal): She highlighted her upbringing which attributes to her hard work ethic. She also highlighted the importance of small businesses and their impact. However, her speech was cut short due after going over the time limit.

Michelle Ferrari (Conservative): Addressed homelessness, increased crime and drug addiction as significant issues that require tackling. Emphasized the housing crisis and says the party is working to cut GST on homes and development fees.

Heather Ray (NDP): Highlighted her past work history and emphasized protecting small businesses.

Jami-Leigh McMaster (PPC): Criticized over promises made by past governments and using children as tools for virtue signalling in today’s political climate. She said she does not expect to win but wants to help draw eyes to her party and the issues they want to address.

Jazmine Raine (Green): Gave a timeline of her work and school history, highlighting her journey of finding answers as she does not feel her questions or concerns are heard. She also remarks on how voters feel disenchanted when voting because of the lack of real choice on the ballot. She also briefly wanted to fight for improved healthcare funding and instill a universal basic income.

Matthew Grove (Christian Heritage Party of Canada) was absent from the event.

Election day is April 28 and advanced voting starts this Friday until Monday.

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Registration Open Community Care Peterborough's For Fourth Annual Gary Dalliday Memorial Golf Tournament

Registration for the fourth annual Gary Dalliday Memorial charity golf tournament is open with the event set for Aug. 18 at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club in support of Community Care Peterborough.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All proceeds from this special event will support Community Care’s Meals on Wheels program, providing nourishment and connection for seniors and adults with disabilities in the City of Peterborough, West Selwyn Township, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Curve Lake First Nation. Last year’s tournament raised $18,000.

The event is named after Gary 'The Diller’ Dalliday for his contributions to the Peterborough community. He was a CHEX-TV sportscaster, the radio voice of the Peterborough Petes and a longtime supporter of local sports. He was an avid volunteer with Community Care Peterborough and its Meals on Wheels program

Gary’s grandson, Nick Bozec, inspired the event to honour his grandfather’s legacy.

“Our family is proud and thankful for this opportunity,” said Pete Dalliday, Peterborough Lakers director of community engagement and partnerships and son of Gary. “My dad would be very pleased with the proceeds of this event helping Community Care.”

The day begins with a BBQ lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start.

Participants will enjoy 18 holes of golf, a cart, two meals, prizes, and more—capped off with a dinner and awards ceremony. Registration is available online.

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Brampton Man Charged With Fraud After Attempting to Open Bank Account With Fake Identification and Documents

A 41-year-old Brampton man is facing fraud charges involving a Peterborough bank, reported Friday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 4:30 p.m., officers were called to the bank regarding a customer attempting to open an account with fake identifying information and documents.

Officers witnessed a man matching the description given to police attempting to leave the bank and was taken into custody without incident. 

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Fraud Over $5,000

• Use, deals, acts on forged document x2

• Obtain Credit by False Pretences or Fraud

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court May 20.

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Kaawaate East City Student Wins Peterborough Police Service's Chief For A Day Contest

Kaawaate East City Public School’s Izzy Condon received a phone call from Peterborough Police Chief Stuart Betts during class to discover she was the Chief For A Day contest winner, announced on Tuesday.

Izzy Condon is serving as the Peterborough Police Chief for a day on May 20. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The Police received about 50 entries from Grade 5 students in the Peterborough area, with six chosen as finalists. 

They visited the Peterborough Police Station and read their essays in front of Betts and a panel of judges last Tuesday. The children also received a tour of the station and a chance to sit in the Chief’s chair. 

Condon will serve as Chief For A Day on May 20.

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New Canadians Centre Assumes Ownership of St. James United Church Building

The New Canadians Centre (NCC) has officially assumed ownership of St. James United Church located at 221 Romaine St., announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Since relocating from Sherbrooke Street in 2012, NCC has occupied the top floor of the church.

“221 Romaine Street has become a place where newcomers find the support and strength to launch their new lives in Canada,” said Andy Cragg, NCC outgoing executive director. “It is a place where lifelong friendships are forged.”

The church was constructed in 1917 and the congregation, along with the St. James Players community theatre group are continuing to use the building as tenants of NCC.

“As NCC steps into ownership, we do so with a profound sense of commitment and pride,” said Cragg. “We aim to preserve the legacy of this space and ensure it remains a beacon of hope and a hub for community connection.”

Despite NCC not being a religious-based organization, they say they share many common values with St. James United Church, including a vision for a diverse and inclusive community according to Julie van Haaften, St. James United Church Minister.

“It means a great deal to us to have a community organization that respects and loves the building as we do,” she explained. “The New Canadians Centre has been an exceptional tenant and partner over the past 12 years.”

NCC will manage rental opportunities for various spaces within the building, including the gym, Wesley Hall (a performance venue with a capacity of 350) and other meeting areas.

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"The All-Time Goal is to Win An OHL Championship" Peterborough Petes Number Overall Pick Kaden McGregor Brings Championship Aspirations to the Team

Less than 24 hours after being selected first overall by the Peterborough Petes, forward Kaden McGregor wants to ultimately bring an OHL Championship back to the Electric City as he was introduced to the public at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday.

This is the first time the Petes have been able to introduce McGregor to Peterborough as a member of the team. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Petes introduced McGregor to the media and public at a press conference a day after he was in Burlington for the 2025 OHL Priority Selection.

The Braeside native captained the Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA to a league title this past season and says he will work diligently to give Peterborough a similar result.

“I want to work as hard this summer and earn the right to play, earn my ice time,” explained McGregor. “I want to play whatever role this team needs me to play and the all-time goal is to win an OHL Championship.”

The right-handed shot is the franchise’s first-ever number one overall pick in its 69-year tenure, an honour McGregor plans to hold with pride.

“I'm humbled and honoured to be that first overall selection for the Peterborough Petes,” he said. “I think it shows a lot about how great this organization is and how well the coaching staff and Board of Directors is. I just want to thank them again for putting their faith in me and I won't let them down.”

(From left to right) Easton Rye, Petes goaltender; Carson Cameron, Petes defenceman; Kaden McGregor and Colin Fitzgerald; Petes forward. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the press conference, McGregor showed his gratitude for not only the Petes staff but the rest of his family, claiming he would not be where he was without their love, help and support.

“My parents… Every practice, every game, they're there for me. After the games, when they don't go to well, they're always there for me,” he said. “My siblings, I come home, they're always so friendly, they have just pushed me to become the player that I am and I'm so thankful for all of these people.”

father Stacey McGregor (left), Kaden (middle) and mother Lisa McGegor (right) all pose for a family photo for the first time with the son as a Pete in Peterborough, Photo by David Tuan Bui.

As a newcomer to town, McGregor has already embraced and appreciated the inclusive atmosphere Peterborough has shown to him and his family.

“I've heard about the sellouts that this crowd had and how great this atmosphere and fans are and I'm so thankful to be a part of Peterborough and I'm just thankful for the fans for welcoming me,” concluded McGregor.

The following is a list of this year’s draft picks for the Peterborough Petes:

• First round (1) - Kaden McGregor - Forward - Ottawa Valley Titans U16

• Second round (27) - Kieran Raynor - Forward - Niagara North Stars U16

• Second round (31) - Matthew Perreault - Defence - Toronto Titans U16

• Third round (61) - Gerry DiCunzolo - Forward - Shattuck-St. Mary’s 15s

• Sixth round (104) - Daniel Tout - Defence - Huron-Perth Lakers U16

• Seventh round (124) - Brody Robertson - Forward - Toronto Titans U16

• Eighth round (144) - Luke Schairer - Defence - USA U17

• Ninth round (164) - Eric Wood - Defence - Sun County Panthers U16

• 10th round (184) - Pacey Adduono - Forward - Oakmoor Academy 16U

• 11th round (204) - Ty Gendron - Forward - Barrie Jr. Colts U16

• 12th round (224) - Joseph Szarka - Defence - Brantford 99ers U16

• 13th round (244) - Brandt Rooyakkers - Forward - Huron-Perth Lakers U16

• 14th round (264) - Chase MacKay - Forward - North Central Predators U16

• 15th round (284) - Tyson Cartier - Defence - Waterloo Wolves U16

• 15th round (301) - Joshua Goodwin - Defence - North Shore Whitecaps

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New Gaming Store "Luck of the Draw Games" Has Its Grand Opening In Downtown Peterborough

Gamers rejoice as a new trading card and board game store, ‘Luck of the Draw Games,’ had its grand opening in Downtown Peterborough on Monday afternoon.

Co-owners Christina Toms (left) and William Rider (right) showcasing Magic the Gathering and Pokémon product sold in the store. Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game product, board games and gaming accessories will also be available for purchase but the store currently experiencing shipping delays. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 424 George St. (the former location of The Cell Shop), the business is co-owned by William Rider and Christina Toms, who actively play Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon Trading Card Game, respectively; both games have products carried in the store.

In addition to the two aforementioned games, the store plans to carry board games and Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game products. However, the store temporarily has neither in stock due to shipping delays.

Card game products include booster packs/boxes, card singles, and related accessories. The store will also accept product trade-ins for cash and/or store credit.

Terry Hill (left) trades in a valuable Yu-Gi-Oh trading card to Toms (right) as part of the service the store delivers. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough had two trading card and board game stores operating Downtown for the past eight years with Dueling Grounds and Grey Guardian Games.

The latter closed its doors in late January, was sold and relocated to Cobourg, with a grand opening on May 1. Rider says this shop fills the hole in the gaming community left behind from Grey Guardian Games’s departure.

“Christina and I are both into card games, board games and we honestly wanted to do something for the community,” said Rider. “Just have a place you can go sit down, play with your friends and grab a couple of things.”

Both co-owners were frequent customers of both stores and played a role in their respective groups. They opened their new store as a hub and a way to advance the gamers’ community.

“When you spend a significant amount of your time of your life in the community, that's why people have that dream (of opening a store),” explained Rider. “It's almost like the next step of doing what you love. Bringing it to the community and having and being the place that people can come around and gather and enjoy it with you, friends and the community itself. It really is the dream, honestly.”

The locally-owned store offers free use of their gaming tables and plans to have a schedule for in-house tournaments and event nights within the week. Rider says the store plans to renovate the storefront to allow more gaming space and introduce more products to accommodate games such as Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons and more.

“It's a place for the community,” said Rider. “You're always welcome at the end of the day.”

Magic: The Gathering Singles on sale in the store’s Display case. The store currently has singles for Magic and Pokémon and plan to expand with Yu-Gi-Oh! Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The following are the store’s business hours:

• Monday: Noon to 8 p.m.

• Tuesday: Noon to 8 p.m.

• Wednesday: Closed

• Thursday: Noon to 8 p.m.

• Friday: Noon to 10 p.m.

• Saturday: Noon to 10 p.m.

• Sunday: Noon to 8 p.m.

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Curve Lake Teen Arrested and Charged With Theft of Motor Vehicle and Impaired Driving

A 17-year-old Curve Lake male is facing several charges including theft of a motor vehicle and impaired driving after an incident on Saturday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 4:15am, a vehicle went into a light pole in the White Crescent and Glenforest Boulevard area. Officers found the vehicle running with no one inside. They searched the area and located two males in the parking lot of a nearby school. After speaking with the two, the officers noticed signs of impairment.  Officers learned the vehicle had been reported stolen from Curve Lake earlier in the evening.

The aforementioned teenager was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Theft of Motor Vehicle

• Fail to remain (Highway Traffic Act)

• Novice driver - B.A.C. above zero (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court May 26.

The second male was released unconditionally.

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List of City Services Operating During 2025 Easter Weekend

Several City facilities and services will operate under holiday hours or will be closed between Friday and Monday during the Easter Weekend.

File Photo.

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

City Hall

City Hall, including Service Peterborough, the Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed on Friday and Monday. Online services are available at peterborough.ca.

City Parks and trails are closed until further notice due to damage sustained during the March 28 to 31 ice storm.

Garbage and Green Bin collection and facilities

For Zones 7 and 8, curbside collection for the Green Bin, garbage, yard waste and recycling will move from Friday to Monday.

The City-County Landfill at 1260 Benfort Rd. will be closed on Friday, April 18. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Saturday and regular hours on Monday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

The Household Hazardous Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on Friday and open during regular hours on Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Airport

The Peterborough Regional Airport is open during regular hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Visit peterborough.ca/airport for more information.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

Art Gallery of Peterborough at 250 Crescent St. will be closed on Friday and Monday. The Art Gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For information about gallery exhibitions and programs please visit agp.on.ca.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N., will be closed from Friday to Monday inclusive over the long weekend. Information and digital resources are available online at ptbolibrary.ca.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. will be closed on Friday. The Museum will be open from noon to 5 p.m. over the weekend and on Monday. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum.

Recreation facilities

The Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena, Peterborough Memorial Centre and Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed from Friday to Monday.

The Grant Thornton Box Office will be closed from Friday to Monday. Tickets for Memorial Centre events are available for purchase online at memorialcentre.ca.

Miskin Law Community Complex at 271 Lansdowne St. W. will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, with Customer Service and scheduled ice rentals from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Regular hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. will be in place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. On Friday, the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. will open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Regular hours resume over the weekend and on Monday.

McDonnel Street Community Centre, including the drop-in Peterborough Youth Space will be closed from Friday to Monday.

Parking Services

Parking in City-operated garages, surface lots, and on-street spaces is free on weekends and holidays. The Parking Services office in the King Street Parkade will be closed from Friday to Monday.

Visit peterborough.ca/parking to find more information, including locations.

Provincial Offences Act office

Provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed from Friday to Monday. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA.

Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Friday. The customer service desk will operate on weekend hours and will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Regular service schedules are in place over the weekend and on Monday. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525.

Social Services

Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on Friday to Monday. Extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. resume on April 22. For information on Social Services, please visit peterborough.ca/SocialServices.

Child care centres

City-operated child care centres will be closed on Friday and Monday.

Emergency shelter services

Emergency shelter services remain open. To access them outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call the After Hours service at 705-926-0096.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Gauvreau Accounting, Peterborough Humane Society, Community Futures Peterborough and Havelock Metal

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…

Congrats to Bob and the team at Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory for being recognized by Great Places to Work Canada as number 32 in the country for employers with 100 to 1,000 employees.

Founded in 2008, Gauvreau has grown to more than 200 employees with offices in Peterborough, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Steinbach. While the team has grown, the goal of creating a business where people want to come to work every day remains unchanged. Want to join their team? Gauvreau is planning to hire a number of senior accountants this spring.

Peterborough Humane Society’s 50/50 and Marlin Travel/Collette ‘Ruff’le are back, running until May 14.

Get your tickets by April 17 and you will be entered into the early bird draw for $500. Last year’s two 50/50 winners received nearly $22,000. This year’s ‘Ruff’le is for a $5,000 voucher from Marlin Travel and Collette Travel which can take you anywhere in the world for your dream trip. Not only do you get a chance to win big, but you are supporting the important work of the Peterborough Humane Society. Visit phs5050.ca to see what the jackpot is at and to get your tickets.

The Business Advisory Centre and Community Futures Peterborough have launched a new Tariff Toolkit.

It has been developed with the shared expertise of local economic development teams and trade experts, this toolkit was designed to support businesses navigating the complexities of tariffs and global trade. It includes things like a step-by-step guide to understanding tariffs and how they apply to your products, tariff classification tips to ensure accurate product categorization, an import/export cost calculator template to estimate duties and taxes, and much more. Visit communityfuturespeterborough.ca to download the kit.

We’re going to keep highlight local businesses making things right here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

This week we’re showcasing Havelock Metal. They have been in the steel business locally for more than 30 years, specializing in steel roofing, siding, trim, and accessories. They were founded in Havelock in 1993 and moved to their current facility at 901 Major Bennett Drive in Peterborough in 2018. They have a beautiful showroom and allow the public to buy directly from their manufacturing facility.

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 joel@pkchamber.ca.

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