Peterborough to Host Women’s Major Series Lacrosse Provincial Championships Aug. 15-17

Peterborough has been chosen to host the 2025 Women’s Major Series Lacrosse (WMSL) Provincial Championships held Aug. 15 to 17 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and Kinsmen Civic Centre, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

All 10 Women’s Major Series Lacrosse League teams from across the province qualify for this event. The tournament will feature round-robin games and an elimination round. The gold medal game is set for Aug. 17.

“Peterborough has a deep-rooted lacrosse culture, from minor leagues to the 18-time Mann Cup champion Peterborough Lakers,” said Victoria Clark, WMSL assistant commissioner. “We are thrilled to bring this premier event to the community, and to further showcase the talent of women’s box lacrosse.”

“Women’s Major Series Lacrosse Provincial Championship is an exciting opportunity to showcase the incredible talent in women’s lacrosse, including our hometown Peterborough Lakers, and highlight Peterborough’s reputation as a premier lacrosse destination,” said Peterborough City Councilors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “Peterborough Tourism and the Peterborough WMSL Lakers collaborating on this event gives us a chance to showcase our top-tier facilities and vibrant summer activities, while also allowing us to celebrate women in sport.”

The WMSL rebranded from the Ontario Women’s Box Lacrosse League in 2022 and now includes teams from Kingston, Peterborough, Whitby, Mimico, Mississauga, Hamilton, Arthur, London, Grand River and Niagara.

The WMSL Lakers competed in their inaugural season last year, finishing fourth in the regular season. The team hosted a league day in July last year at the Healthy Planet Arena. According to a press release, several fans filled the venue, which sparked enough community support to spark the team’s interest in hosting Provincials during their second year in the league.

The team fell short in the Provincial Gold Medal Game, losing 2-0 in the semi-final to the reigning champion Whitby Rush. The WMSL Lakers feature two star players, Emily VanDamme and Nicole Perroni, who were named to the WMSL All-Star Team at the end of the 2024 season.

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Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association Launch Women In Trades Programs

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association (PKHBA) has launched two Women in Trades programs with a networking event at the Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region Lakefield ReStore on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

Roughly 30 women in skilled trades and construction attended as PKHBA marked the occasion by announcing new programs designed to promote and support women in skilled trades and construction.

PKHBA had launched was the Ambassador Program in partnership with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR), Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC) and Fleming College. Its goal is to encourage more women to pursue careers in skilled trades.

The event had representatives from these school partners speak about the programs available for women in skilled trades:

• Johanne Denley (PVNC) highlighted the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), the Young Women’s Conference hosted by Skills Ontario in Toronto, and partnerships such as Junior Achievement for FemSTEAM programs.

• Danielle Moher (KPR) discussed the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs, teacher and guidance training to support students interested in trades, the new Grade 9 Tech curriculum, and opportunities for high school students to gain hands-on experience at job sites.

• Mary MacLeod (Fleming College) spoke about the Building Bridges, dual credit programs and the college’s partnerships with local schools. She noted that over 1,400 high school students had the opportunity to work with tools—some for the first time—sparking an interest in hands-on careers.

The Mentorship Program was also launched as it provides women in construction with guidance and support from experienced industry leaders within the PKHBA membership. It covers four key topics: entrepreneurship, workplace culture, systems and processes and sales and marketing.

“The power of women supporting each other is unmatched,” said Andria Cowan, ACM Designs owner and PKHBA Women in Trades Committee Chair. “By coming together, we can create positive change, open new doors, and inspire future generations of women to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades.”

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YWCA Opens Applications For Bursary For Women Who Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Education Awards Committee has opened applications for its 2025 Hazel Education Bursary.

Photo courtesy of the YWCA.

It is intended to help women who have experienced gender-based violence reach their goals through education or training

The bursaries offer amounts between $1,500 and $2,500 to eligible applicants.

The following are the bursary requirements:

• Have experienced barriers related to the impact of violence and abuse

• Have a dream to strengthen their economic security

• Are a resident of Peterborough or Haliburton County

• Seek to further their formal or informal education or develop skills.

Applications are due on May 1.

The bursary is named Hazel, known as a consumer, advisor and volunteer of several community services. She passed away in 1996 after a long struggle with breast cancer.

Since 1998, the YWCA has honoured Hazel’s vision of helping women pursue their dreams and overcoming barriers related to their experiences of violence and abuse.

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City of Peterborough Celebrating International Women's Day This Saturday

The City of Peterborough is celebrating International Women’s Day this Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A rally organized by Kawartha World Issues Centre and Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre is taking place outside City Hall beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Mayor Jeff Leal will proclaim March 8 International Women’s Day in the City of Peterborough. Speakers and performances will include Janet McCue, Mshkiki Gitigaan Kwe, Ziysah and the Raging Grannies.

“On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women and girls to the social, economic, cultural, and political fabric of our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.. “In Peterborough, women have been at the heart of our progress—leading businesses, driving innovation, advocating for change, and strengthening our city in countless ways. There is no doubt that more work needs to be done.”

“As a woman who has lived and volunteered in Peterborough since I was a child, I can tell you that initiatives that welcome women volunteers or are led by women tend to be successful, create community plus help develop important connections and friendships.” said Lesley Parnell, City Councillor. Today we celebrate our Women who contribute so much to our lives. And thank you to everyone who supports and encourages these women in many ways.”

The rally will be followed by a march to Peterborough Public Library for a community event from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Registration for the community event is strongly encouraged.

“One of the most powerful ways to move gender equality ahead is to support and elevate women-focused initiatives and support organizations and individuals who are making a difference in the lives of girls and women-because when we uplift women, we strengthen and uplift our entire community,” said Leal. “Today we not only recognize the achievements of women and girls in Peterborough, but we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can help break down barriers and create meaningful opportunities for women and girls everywhere.”

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Photos: Peterborough's Appetites Kept Full at YWCA Empty Bowls Fundraiser

The YWCA hosted the 2025 edition of its Empty Bowls Fundraiser that aids food insecurity in our communities at The Venue on Friday afternoon.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Proceeds from the fundraiser were split between One City’s food programming and Kawartha Food Share.

Roughly 140 participants ate lunch from 11 restaurants while shopping for hand-crafted bowls created by local artisans of the Kawartha Potters Guild.

The following were participating local restaurants that served food at the event:

• By the Bridge

• Revelstoke Café

• Vanilla room

• La Mesita

• Hard Winter Bakery

• Ashburnham Ale House

• Levantine Grill

• St. Veronus

• Fresh Dreams

• Hanoi House

• Sam’s Place

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YWCA Seeks Board Directors and Volunteers

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton seeks volunteers to join the Board of Directors and committees.

File Photo.

“We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about women’s issues and have the desire to be involved with an organization that provides life-saving programs, tools and resources that help women and children thrive,” said Sherri Ireland, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Board President. “The YWCA plays a vital role in our community and its sustainability depends on women who will make impactful decisions in support of our mission: YWCA Peterborough Haliburton exists to help women and children in our communities live safely and know satisfaction and joy in their daily lives. We offer shelter, educational programming, counselling, and advocacy, in collaboration with the community and women themselves. The YWCA knows that its fiscal management, community reputation and most importantly, valued staff are the basis for these trusting relationships.”

"YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is committed to Reconciliation and encourages women from all backgrounds and age groups to join our organization; especially women 30 years of age and younger. As a learning board, we offer the opportunity to share our experience with those who may be new to Board governance. We know the value of having varied skillsets and experiences, and are particularly interested in the areas of finance, Truth and Reconciliation, governance and recruitment. As an organization, we will always be committed to ensuring diverse perspectives that reflect the communities we serve.”

Roles require roughly six hours a month. Applications can be submitted online.

Applications will be accepted until April 1.

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Morton Family Foundation Makes $50,000 Donation to YWCA For the Fifth Consecutive Year

The Morton Family Foundation has donated $50,000 to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton for the fifth consecutive year to support the YWCA’s services for women and children in Haliburton County, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the YWCA.

Patricia and David Morton have donated to the YWCA for 12 years and have given $50,000 each year since 2020.

The money will support YWCA’s programs in Haliburton County, which provide rural women experiencing violence and abuse with vital services including safety planning, counselling, and legal assistance.

Patricia, a professor emerita who taught history and women’s studies for 26 years at Trent University, said that their commitment to the YWCA stems from the epidemic of gender-based abuse and violence against women in our country.

“About 44 per cent of Canadian women (6.2 million people) have reported experiencing psychological or physical abuse in an intimate relationship,” she explained. “Gender-based violence has severe ramifications on the health of the victims – including traumatic brain injuries that can result in lasting mental health challenges and even death, as well as lasting traumatic impacts on their children. David and I feel very fortunate to be able to contribute again to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s vital support services and safe shelters for the many women who are endangered by gender-based abuse and too often deadly violence.”

Patricia notes that close to 200 women in Canada were killed by femicide last year with over 60 cases in Ontario. YWCA states that the true numbers are even higher, as many instances of violence and abuse are never reported,and statistics only include those cases ruled as femicide by authorities.

“Clearly femicide must be stopped, and all levels of government must enact legislation that provides protection, safety, support, and affordable housing for the survivors of gender-based abuse and violence,” said Patricia. “Isolated rural women are especially vulnerable to intimate partner abuse and violence and to femicide.

“The Morton Family Foundation has reached a milestone in their tradition of generosity, after five years of leadership giving,” said Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “I am truly grateful every day for Patricia and David’s dedication to supporting so many worthwhile community initiatives. I offer them thanks on behalf of every woman and child we serve in Haliburton County, for providing them with the resources and support they need to feel safe again.”

“I believe it is so important to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton in their effort to protect women who are in very vulnerable situations,” said David. “I urge others to support the YWCA in this effort.”

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City of Peterborough to Recognize National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

The City of Peterborough is recognizing the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is recognized each year on Dec. 6.

File Photo.

It remembers the 14 women murdered at École Polytechnique in Montréal during a shocking act of gender-based violence. The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is also a day to reflect on the continuing issue of violence against women.

Mayor Jeff Leal has made the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

“On December 6, the City of Peterborough joins Canadians across the nation in observing the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This day holds a solemn significance as we honour the 14 women who tragically lost their lives on this day in 1989 at École Polytechnique. Their memory reminds us of the urgent need to address and end gender-based violence in all its forms.

Gender-based violence continues to persist in our communities. It is a harsh reality that undermines the safety, dignity, and potential of so many. We must recognize that this is not a private issue—it is a societal one, demanding collective action and commitment.

"In Peterborough we are committed to fostering a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported. I encourage all residents to reflect on the role we each play in challenging sexism, advocating for equity, and supporting survivors.”

Resources

• YWCA Peterborough Haliburton provides shelter, resources and support for women escaping gender-based violence.

• The Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network, a network of organizations working to end domestic abuse in the City and Peterborough County.

• The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre provides support to anyone affected by sexual violence or harm, including crisis support and counselling.

• The Government of Canada, National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

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Women’s Business Network Annual Fundraising Holiday Gala and Auction Announced For Dec. 4

The Women’s Business Network (WBN) of Peterborough has announced its annual Holiday Gala and Auction, taking place on Dec. 4 at the Peterborough Holiday Inn.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s event features an Online Auction from Nov. 20 to Dec. 5 at 6 p.m, hosted on the Nonprofit Bidding platform.

Proceeds from this year’s gala will support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton's vital programs and services, focusing on women experiencing gender-based violence according to a press release. The WBN has set a fundraising goal of $15,000 to help provide essential support for women and children escaping abusive situations in our community.

The WBN seeks donations for the auction and encourages the community to contribute items such as gift certificates, tickets, memberships or items valued at $25 or more. Donors will receive recognition through their company name/logo displayed alongside their donated items and exposure across WBN’s social media platforms and during the event.

Items can be donated online.

Once the auction closes, a pick-up can be arranged with the winning bidder through the auction site.

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City of Peterborough Recognizing October As Women's History Month

The City of Peterborough is recognizing October as Women’s History Month with the theme as ‘Women at Work: Economic Growth Past, Present, and Future.’

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In honour of the occasion, Mayor Jeff Leal has released the following statement:

As we observe Women’s History Month this October, it’s an honour to celebrate the pivotal role that women have played in shaping our workforce and driving economic growth throughout history. This year’s theme, “Women at Work: Economic Growth Past, Present, and Future,” highlights the significant contributions women have made to our community’s prosperity.

From pioneers in traditional fields to modern innovators, women have been a driving force in our local economy. Today, and every day, we recognize the importance of their leadership, entrepreneurship, and dedication in industries. As we look to the future, we must continue to create inclusive spaces to ensure women are empowered to reach their full potential in every sector.

On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I encourage everyone to take time this month to reflect on the profound impact of women in the workforce, past and present. Let’s celebrate their achievements and commit to fostering a future where all women can thrive.

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