Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough Names New Executive Director

Zoe King has been hired as the new executive director and will start her role Oct. 28.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Peterborough states King’s first task in the new role will be to create a five-year strategic plan.

“Zoe will lead the process in collaboration with the board, and we look forward to feedback from the wider Peterborough Community because everyone has a Big Brother or Big Sister story,” stated Thomas Jenkins BBBS Board Chair.

Jenkins notes King was in the process of becoming a Big Sister before she applied for the job.

“The board was also impressed with her coaching background and solid fundraising and not-for-profit leadership,” he added.

“I’m excited to take the next step in my career with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough,” King said. “I’m passionate about creating a positive impact in the community and eager to contribute to empowering youth through mentorship.”

King is leaving her role as Director of Operations at the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) to take the BBBS job.

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All Saints' Peterborough Unveils Plans for 150th Anniversary

All Saints’ Anglican Church will celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary in 2025.

Photo submitted by sarah cook, all saints' peterborough 150th celebration committee

At a special event on Sunday, community members gathered at hte Upper Parish Hall for fellowship, refreshments, and entertainment.

Mayor Jeff Leal and former mayor Sylvia Sutherland were also speakers at the event.

"Our 150th anniversary is a momentous occasion, not only for All Saints’ but for the entire Peterborough community,” said Pastor Samantha Caravan. “We have a rich legacy, and we’re looking forward to celebrating it with our friends, neighbours, and partners while also raising funds to ensure our future impact.”

Events planned for next year include a gala dinner, golf tournament, children’s activities, and musical and community performances.

The church is also launching a fundraising campaign with a $150,000 target.

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Senior Skating Returns to Selwyn Township

Senior skating will take place in Lakefield and Ennismore starting next week.

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Selwyn Township has announced the return of senior skating every Monday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Ennismore Community Centre and every Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre.

The skate is open to anyone aged 55+.

Selwyn Township also announced this year’s sponsors for the events.

The Regency of Lakefield will sponsor the Lakefield skates, covering the admission fees for the season, while Swish Maintenance and Blue Diamond Window Cleaning are teaming up to sponsor skating at the Ennismore rink, which is also free.

Senior skating starts next week and runs until the end of March 2025.

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Local Luxury Home Builder/Developer Wins Award for Two-Storey Home Design

Dietrich Homes has won the Ontario Home Builders’ Association’s (OHBA) 2024 Awards of Distinction for Production Built Home.

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The OHBA’s award ceremony took place on Tuesday in Niagara Falls.

According to a media release, the awards recognize the creativity, innovation and excellence of land developers, builders, renovators, designers, marketers and service professional’s within the residential construction industry.

“We would like to take this time to recognize the amazing work completed by all of our vendors who take pride in their work and have contributed to our success,” said Paul Dietrich, owner and builder of Dietrich Homes.

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Peterborough County Announces Appointments to its Leadership Team

Peterborough County has added Rhonda Keenan as the new General Manager of Economic Development and Sarah Budd as the new Manager of Community Development.

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The County announced the appointments in a media release Friday morning stating Keenan and Budd will join Tracie Bertrand, General Manager of Tourism and Communications, to “form a trifecta of excellence” driving the county’s future economic growth, community development and tourism.

“These faces will be familiar to those in our business community and bring continuity and years of local knowledge and expertise to their roles, said warden Bonnie Clark. “Together, this team will work collaboratively with our townships, First Nations, and the City to ensure that our County businesses are supported - whether through retention, expansion, or bringing new enterprises to our area.”

Keenan, Budd and Bertrand will be based in the new Lakefield economic and tourism office.

“As the CAO for Peterborough County, I couldn’t be more excited about the exceptional team of professionals we’ve engaged to support economic development and tourism in the County, townships, and First Nations,” said CAO Sheridan Graham. “I am thrilled for our businesses, residents, and visitors as we move The Kawarthas forward.”

Keenan is the outgoing President and CEO of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) which is disbanding later this year as the city and county bring economic development and tourism in house.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Peterborough County team. The County has an excellent corporate culture, is poised for growth, and offers the ideal mix of opportunity and lifestyle – the perfect combination for any economic developer,” stated Keenan. “I am excited to get to work with this amazing team and continue to help support sustainable economic growth across Peterborough County.”

"On behalf of the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) Board of Directors and our staff and stakeholders, I am very pleased that Rhonda will continue to serve the region and help drive economic development forward in this new role," stated Burton Lee, PKED board chair.

The board of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce announced the resignation of Budd as president and CEO on Thursday.

"Although I love my position as President and CEO of the Peterborough & Kawartha Chamber of Commerce, I could not pass up the opportunity to join Peterborough County's new economic development division and to learn and work with the highly respected and successful Rhonda Keenan," Budd said.

"I am truly thrilled to be part of such a dedicated and forward-thinking team and excited to work with Rhonda and Sarah,” added Bertrand. “I look forward to continuing our collaboration to drive positive change and growth in the region.”

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Woman Killed and Man Seriously Injured in Hit and Run Near Bobcaygeon

An 86-year-old man has been charged after allegedly leaving the scene of a collision on County Road 36 that left a 19-year-old woman dead and her boyfriend seriously injured.

GOFundme photo

The collision occurred on 36 near Moon Line Road Wednesday afternoon at around 1 p.m.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene while the man was airlifted to a Toronto hospital.

Officers were able to locate the drive and charged Carl Lee, 86, of Bobcaygeon with failing to stop after an accident resulting in death and failing to stop after an accident resulting in bodily harm.

He has a November court date.

A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched for the victims’ families by Kim Wilson.

The victims are identified as Alana Lowey, 19, and Aiden Vella, 19.

“On September 25, 2024, Alana Lowey and Aiden Vella were walking together down highway 36, just outside of Bobcaygeon,” the post states. “They were happy and carefree until they were struck by a car and their entire world changed. Alana unfortunately did not survive the accident and Aiden was airlifted to hospital where it is expected he will be ok.”

The GoFundMe page also states Alana came to Bobcaygeon two months ago from Saskatchewan.

“She thought life was just beginning for her. Now there will be expenses that will be difficult for her family to incur to have her returned to Saskatchewan. Aiden will also need help financially as he recovers.”

As of midday Friday, the campaign has raised more than $4,700 of its $15,000 target.

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Weapons and Drug Trafficking

Peterborough Police say they seized drugs and a machete during the arrest of a 33-year-old man wanted for weapons offences late Wednesday afternoon.

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At about 4 p.m., officers with the Intelligence, Crime Analyst, Asset Forfeiture, and Drug Units spotted a man, in the downtown, that was wanted on charges of carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, and failure to comply with an undertaking.

The Emergency Response Team took the man into custody.

During the arrest, officers say they seized:

  • 92.4 grams of cocaine

  • 90 grams of fentanyl

  • 18 hydromorphone pills

  • machete

  • cash

The man was arrested on the strength of the warrant and further charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Opioid (other than heroin) - Fentanyl

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking - Opioid (other than heroin) - Dilaudid

  • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

He was held in custody and appeared in court on Thursday.

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Peterborough Petes Dropped in Home Opener

The Petes were thumped 7-2 by the rival Kingston Frontenacs in-front of a sold out crowd at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

peterborough petes supplied photo

Five Petes players made their OHL debut at the PMC Thursday night, including Colin Fitzgerald, Blake Gown, Genc Ula, Adam Levac and Francis Parish.

Gowan picked up a point in the loss, assisting on Chase Lefebvre’s first goal of the season which broke the Fronts shutout in the second period.

The Petes would score a second time to cut the Kingston lead to 3-2 in the second period on a tally by Caden Taylor, but that was as close as they would come.

The Frontenacs put two more behind Zach Bowen before the end of the second period to go up 5-2.

Kingston would add two more goals in the third period to take the game 7-2.

The Petes are back in-action tonight, up north in North Bay to play the Battalion at 7 p.m.

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Resigns

Following two years at the helm of the Chamber, Sarah Budd has tendered her resignation effective Oct. 18

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In a letter to Chamber members, chair Noah Crowley didn’t give a reason for Budd’s resignation.

“During her two years at the helm of our organization, Sarah led the Chamber team with dedication and enthusiasm,” Crowley wrote. “Sarah helped usher in a new era of lobbying, ensuring the concerns of our members were heard by the Ontario and Canadian Chambers, and by our mayor, MPP and MP.”

Gail Moorhouse will step in as Interim President & CEO.

Crowley stated she will support the staff as it prepares for the Business Excellence Awards next month, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting and other fall events.

“Gail is an expert in executive leadership, with a depth of experience managing through change,” Crowley said. “On behalf of the board, I extend my sincere thanks to Sarah and I wish her continued success in the next chapter of her career.”

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Peterborough Petes Make Trade Hours Before Home Opener

The Petes acquired a 13th round pick in the 2027 OHL Priority Selection from the Guelph Storm in-exchange for defenceman William Haley.

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Haley, a 2005-born defenceman, was a first round pick in the 2022 OHL U18 Priority Selection by Mississauga.

He played in 21 games for the Steelheads in parts of two season before being traded to the Petes at last year’s trade deadline.

In 26 games with the Maroon and White, he tallied 3 assists.

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to thank Will for his commitment and for being a great teammate over the past season,” Petes GM Mike Oke said. “We wish him nothing but the best as he continues his career in Guelph.”

The Petes play their 2024-25 home opener on Thursday night against the rival Kingston Frontenacs.

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