'Peter Robinson' Brought to Life As Grand Marshall For 25th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

To honour the 25th anniversary of the Peterborough St. Patrick's Day Parade, the event is getting a blast from the past as ‘Peter Robinson’ has been named the Grand Marshall for this year’s event, announced at The Venue on Friday afternoon.

Tim Burke, Parade organizer (left), M. John Kennedy, actor (Peter Robinson) (middle) and Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor (right) march down George Street as a taste of things to come for March 16. Kennedy is also running a workshop to audition for theatre schools and ‘Fireside Munsch’ for this year’s Brand New Stages Festival at The Theatre on King and Market Hall respectively. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Actor M. John Kennedy plays the part of Robinson for the parade and in 4th Line Theatre’s production of ‘Wild Irish Geese’ from July 29 to Aug. 30.

Robinson, a Canadian politician and colonial administrator, was known to supervise the emigration of impoverished Irish families to Upper Canada. This year marks the 200th anniversary of that event.

“Peter Robinson was an advocate for responsible government, along with Lord Baldwin in 1849, so my job as Mayor of Peterborough, you can really trace it back to Peter Robinson, responsible government and the whole concept of British parliamentary democracy from Great Britain,” said Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor.

This year hits two other milestones, including the 25th anniversary of the parade and the 175th anniversary of Peterborough's founding, including the Peterborough Police Force.

“It's such a delight to be able to be here and represent him in celebrating the 200th anniversary of Peterborough, a place I grew up, I have a deep connection with the community,” explained Kennedy. “It's thrilling not only to bring this character to 4th Line this summer with 'Wild Irish Geese' but also to be here for this wonderful St. Patrick's Day Parade.”

For the past two years, former sportscaster Dan O’Toole and Three Days Grace drummer Neil Sanderson were named Grand Marshalls to their respective parades. This year, Tim Burke, parade organizer, opted to go with a revival of Peter Robinson after getting the idea from Mary Smith, Nine Ships vice-chair.

“Right off the bat, I went, 'Wow, what a great idea,’” explained Burke. “She knew a gentleman that plays the role and the connection with 4th Line Theatre is also amazing. As soon as she said it, a light bulb went off in my head.”

The parade is scheduled for March 16 at 2 p.m., with the route beginning on George Street at City Hall and ending at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

A flag-raising will occur at City Hall on March 10 at 11 1.m. to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.

Over 100 entries for the parade have been submitted and more are expected to join.

To register for the parade, visit their parade’s website and apply. For more information, contact Tim Burke at timburke77@yahoo.com.

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List of City Services During Family Day

Many City services will offer modified hours and some City facilities will be closed for Family Day on Monday.

File Photo.

Snofest events will occur from Friday to Monday. With a full list of events at peterborough.ca/Snofes.

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24/7. The City offers various online services at peterborough.ca that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

City Hall

City Hall, including the Tax Office, Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed. Online services are available at peterborough.ca.

Waste collection and landfill

There will be no changes to the curbside Green Bin and garbage collection on Monday.

The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on Monday.

Airport

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

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough, located at 250 Crescent St., will be closed. For information about gallery exhibitions and programs, please visit agp.on.ca.

Downtown Youth Space

The drop-in youth program is closed on Monday, February 17. Downtown Youth Space programming is located at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St., Monday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Find more information at peterborough.ca/DYS.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. N. will be closed on Monday. 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 open from noon to 5 p.m. on Family Day. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum.

Arenas

The Kinsmen Civic Centre and Healthy Planet Arena, including the Recreation Facility Booking office, will be closed except to scheduled user groups.

Miskin Law Community Complex

A free Snofest Family Day public skate, sponsored by Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, will occur from noon to 1:50 p.m. The walking track at Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St., is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Peterborough Memorial Centre

The Petes annual Family Day hockey game will occur at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Monday at 2:05 p.m., with the Peterborough Petes hosting the Kitchener Rangers. Tickets are available online at memorialcentre.ca or by calling the Grant Thornton Box Office at 705-743-3561. The box office will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, February 17.

Quaker Foods City Square outdoor rink

The outdoor rink at Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St., will be open for skating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. will open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Snofest Drop-in Sports, featuring pickleball, badminton and basketball, will take place from 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Learn more at peterborough.ca/Snofest.

Parking Services

Parking in City-operated parking garages, surface lots and on-street parking spaces is free on weekends and holidays. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade will be closed on Family Day.

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 on February 17. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA.

Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday. The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 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. Extended office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, resume on Tuesday, February 18. For information on Social Services, please visit peterborough.ca/SocialServices.

Child care centres

City-operated childcare centres will be closed on Family Day.

Emergency shelter services

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

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Downtown Holiday Parking Program Raises Over $12,000 For Kawartha Food Share

The City of Peterborough’s free holiday downtown parking program raised $12,001.77 for Kawartha Food Share that was collected as voluntary parking payments, announced on Wednesday.

The Kawartha Food Share currently assists 14,000 people each month through its 36 member agencies, along with supporting 17,000 schoolchildren at 51 area schools through breakfast and nutrition programs. The free two-hour program first began in 2003. Since then, downtown patrons have helped donate $251,627.65 to Kawartha Food Share. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The program offered free, two-hour parking in all municipal spaces in the downtown core from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31 and was sponsored by Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers.

“By voluntarily paying for parking, downtown visitors not only supported local businesses but also raised more than $12,000 for Kawartha Food Share. This one simple gesture turned into a powerful act of giving that will make a real difference for those in need,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity and community spirit of downtown visitors we’ve seen an overwhelming response to our free holiday parking program. This truly reflects the heart and soul of our city—compassionate, giving, and always ready to support one another,” said Town Ward Councillors Alex Bierk and Joy Lachica in a joint statement.

“Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers was proud to once again partner with the City of Peterborough for this important cause,” said Bill Wolfe, with Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers. “We appreciate the support and generosity of shoppers and residents who made voluntary donations during the holiday season. These funds, through the support of Kawartha Food Share, will help reduce food insecurity throughout the region.”

“We are very thankful for the continued support of the City of Peterborough and the wonderful citizens who visited and shopped downtown this holiday season. This donation will allow us to purchase much-needed nutritious food items for community members in need,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager.

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City Offering Free Skating and Drop-in Skate and Swim Sessions During Holiday Season

The City of Peterborough is offering free public skating as well as regular paid drop-in skating and swim sessions from Dec. 23 to Jan 3.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

A free public skate takes place from 3 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the Gardener Pad at the Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd. The Gardener sponsors this event.

“We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years that’s why we’re thrilled to sponsor a free public skate on December 29th as a way to bring families and friends together during the holiday season. It’s our way of giving back and creating special moments for the Peterborough community,” said Ryan Quigley, owner of The Gardener Landscaping.

“Skating is a fun and energizing way to stay active and have a little fun with friends and family in our community. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, this free public skating event has given everyone the chance to enjoy the benefits of exercise and shared experiences.” said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk, Community Services Co-Chairs in a join statement.

Paid drop-in skating sessions are held at the Healthy Planet Arena from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3. Details on dates and times are as follows:  

• Monday, Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. @ The Gardener Pad

• Friday, Dec. 27 from 2:15 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. @ Sign-a-fied Pad

• Saturday, Dec. 28 from 3 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. @ Sign-a-fied Pad

• Sunday, Dec. 29 from 3 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. @ The Gardener Pad (Free skate)

• Monday, Dec. 30 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. @ Sign-a-fied Pad

• Thursday, Jan. 2 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. @ Sign-a-fied Pad

• Friday, Jan. 3 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.@ Sign-a-fied Pad

The cost for the paid drop-in public skating dates and times is $5.25 per skater.  CSA-approved helmets are recommended and skates are required.  Hockey sticks, nets and shoes are prohibited.  All public skates are drop-in and no pre-registration is required. 

For outdoor skating, the City maintains an outdoor skating rink at Quaker Foods City Square on Charlotte Street, east of Aylmer Street, for free community skating, weather permitting. When ice conditions allow, the Quaker Foods City Square rink operates Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Holiday Drop-In Fun Swim occurs at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr. 

Drop-in swim sessions are open to all ages and include the therapy and leisure pools, the water slide and active water features. The cost is $5 per swimmer.

The schedule is as follows:  

• Monday, Dec, 23 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

• Friday, Dec. 27 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 28 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 29 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

• Monday, Dec. 30, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 2 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

• Friday, Jan. 3 from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Jan. 4 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

• Sunday, Jan, 5 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Additional open swims, lane swims and nursery swims are available during the holidays at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.

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City of Peterborough’s Invites Public To Contribute to Interactive Map of Festive Displays

The public is invited to keep things bright through the City’s festive holiday lighting and decoration displays by sharing locations for the City of Peterborough's interactive holiday display map and guide.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The map was created by the City’s Geomatics and Mapping program area. The interactive tool is designed to get locals and visitors out and exploring different parts of the city and to showcase the community’s collective festive spirit, including diverse holidays according to the City.

Residents and businesses can submit their addresses to be included in the 2024 Holiday Lighting Map by uploading at least one photo and requested information through an online form.

To be eligible, displays must be visible from a public location such as the street or sidewalk. Submissions to the map will be accepted until New Year’s Day.

The interactive map can be viewed online.

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Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Tree Lighting Ceremony This Saturday

Quaker Foods City Square is becoming a hub for the holidays and community as for a second straight year, they are hosting a tree-lighting ceremony and market event on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will partner to host this year's event.

“Quaker Foods City Square has become a winter downtown destination for locals and visitors alike where people can come together and enjoy getting active with a skate on the outdoor rink.,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The return of the tree and the illuminated ‘PTBO’ sign creates a perfect backdrop for festive fun, and I look forward to celebrating the season with the community.”

“The tree lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square is a great way to bring our community together to celebrate the season during one of the most exciting times of year in Downtown Peterborough,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. "We're excited to partner with the City of Peterborough to host this event with skating, music and festive treats, while showcasing all that downtown Peterborough has to offer.”

Tree lighting ceremony activities include:

• Official opening of the outdoor rink (weather dependent) with Learn to Skate programming from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Open Skate from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Live DJ playing upbeat and family-friendly music

• Giant board games from the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Kids activities including colouring pages and photo opportunities with Peterborough Petes’ mascot Roger

• Merchandise and gift cards for sale from The Boro, as well as Petes’ merchandise from downtown retailer Rawscoe’s Sports Collectibles

• Downtown vendors with food and beverage items available for purchase including hot chocolate from The Vanilla Room, beverages from BOBO Tea, and cookies and treats from The Chill Desire and Em and Oms Cookies

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre presents promoting “The Sharing Tree” holiday fundraising campaign

• Free skate sharpening by Runner’s Life

The tree-lighting will take place at 6 p.m. when Mayor Leal will turn on the lights.

The event also kicks off the outdoor skating season in the Square. Depending on weather conditions, the refrigerated skating rink is anticipated to be open through the winter months.

City staff are currently preparing the site and monitoring conditions to ensure safe ice.

Parking is available on-street or at the King Street Parkade, which is adjacent to the square.

Free two-hour holiday parking is available at all downtown municipal parking spaces, including on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Parking Garage until Dec.31.

Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers sponsored the parking initiative with all voluntary parking fees going towards Kawartha Food Share.

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Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Tree Lighting Ceremony For Second-Straight Year

Quaker Foods City Square is becoming a hub for the holidays and community as for a second straight year, they are hosting a tree-lighting ceremony and market event on Dec. 14 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will partner to host this year's event.

“Quaker Foods City Square has become a winter downtown destination for locals and visitors alike where people can come together and enjoy getting active with a skate on the outdoor rink.,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The return of the tree and the illuminated ‘PTBO’ sign creates a perfect backdrop for festive fun, and I look forward to celebrating the season with the community.”

“The tree lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square is a great way to bring our community together to celebrate the season during one of the most exciting times of year in Downtown Peterborough,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. "We're excited to partner with the City of Peterborough to host this event with skating, music and festive treats, while showcasing all that downtown Peterborough has to offer.”

Tree lighting ceremony activities include:

• Official opening of the outdoor rink (weather dependent) with Learn to Skate programming from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Open Skate from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Live DJ playing upbeat and family-friendly music

• Giant board games from the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Kids activities including colouring pages and photo opportunities with Peterborough Petes’ mascot Roger

• Merchandise and gift cards for sale from The Boro, as well as Petes’ merchandise from downtown retailer Rawscoe’s Sports Collectibles

• Downtown vendors with food and beverage items available for purchase including hot chocolate from The Vanilla Room, beverages from BOBO Tea, and cookies and treats from The Chill Desire and Em and Oms Cookies

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre presents promoting “The Sharing Tree” holiday fundraising campaign

• Free skate sharpening by Runner’s Life

The tree-lighting will take place at 6 p.m. when Mayor Leal will turn on the lights.

The event also kicks off the outdoor skating season in the Square. Depending on weather conditions, the refrigerated skating rink is anticipated to be open through the winter months.

City staff are currently preparing the site and monitoring conditions to ensure safe ice.

Parking is available on-street or at the King Street Parkade, which is adjacent to the square.

Free two-hour holiday parking is available at all downtown municipal parking spaces, including on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Parking Garage until Dec.31.

Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers sponsored the parking initiative with all voluntary parking fees going towards Kawartha Food Share.

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26 Kids Get Holiday Shopping Spree With Peterborough Police Service's 18th Annual CopShop This Thursday

The holidays are coming a little early for 26 local children as the Peterborough Police Services is hosting its 18th annual CopShop at Lansdowne Place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Twenty-six deserving children will enjoy a limo ride from school and be partnered with a Peterborough Police Officer. The officers will serve as personal shoppers for the kids and each will receive a $200 Gift Card to shop around.

“We are very excited that this program is returning as it’s always been an event our officers look forward to,” says Mike Peckham, Detective Constable, Peterborough Police Service. “This year we have about two dozen officers and civilian members volunteering their time to build positive relationships and spend time with our young people in a fun way.”

“It’s impossible not to be inspired by these incredible kids” says Helen Edwards, Property Manager for Lansdowne Place. “I still remember the very first time we hosted CopShop, it was magical and continues to be our favourite day of the year.”

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'Christmas By Candlelight' Hits Lang Pioneer Village To Get In the Holiday Spirit

Lang Pioneer Village is celebrating a traditional pioneer Christmas with ‘Christmas by Candlelight’ for Dec. 7 and 8 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty Photography and Lang Pioneer Village.

The village is being lit with candles, lamps and lanterns. The nights feature horse-drawn wagon rides, campfire stories, old holiday treats, photo shoots and Christmas carols.

Events and activities include holiday treat samples, reindeer games, meals, raffles and more.

Sunday at 7 p.m. will feature a live nativity complete with animals and a choir by the Keene United Church.

Lang Pioneer Village is requesting one or more non-perishable food item(s) to donate to the Otonabee South Monaghan Food Cupboard (drop off in the Museum Shop).

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Get Ahead On Holiday Decorations With Oake Family Tree Farm Opening Weekend Beginning This Saturday

For holiday lovers who cannot wait to put up their decorations, the Oake Family Tree Farm is having its opening weekend starting this Saturday.

All photos courtesy of Oake Family Tree Farm.

The farm is located at 2474 Sherbrooke St. W. in Cavan and operates from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trees are available every weekend until Christmas.

Pre-cut balsam or Fraser firs cost $80 or you can cut your own tree for $75 on a cash-only basis (all prices include HST).

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