City of Peterborough Celebrating Recreation and Parks Month With Community Events and Activities Throughout June

The City of Peterborough is recognizing Recreation and Parks month- a movement that promotes the benefits of recreation and parks for physical, social and environmental health- with local programs and events available throughout the month of June. 

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

Access to parks and recreation helps foster personal health, wellbeing, strong communities and social inclusion.

Throughout the month of June, a wide variety of free activities, events and giveaways will be taking place across the community. There is something for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

The City says this project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.

"The City of Peterborough is well known for our incredible green spaces, the Otonabee River and Little Lake, parks and recreational/sports opportunities,” says Councillor Lesley Parnell, Chair of the City’s Arenas, Parks and Recreation Portfolio. “Please get out and enjoy the many free events and activities to expand your quality of life in our beautiful City.”

Highlight of events:

• June 1: All abilities Try It Pickleball from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wellness Centre gym B/C

• June 5: It’s World Environment Day! Leave the car and walk, bike, or take the bus today

• June 9: P.A. Day Fun Swim for all ages from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Wellness Centre

• June 10: Dragon Boat Festival returns to Del Crary Park. This all-day family-friendly event supports Peterborough Regional Health Centre to invest in state-of-the-art technology to serve more cancer patients. Visit the Peterborough Dragon Boat website for more information.

• June 12: Wellness Centre Client Appreciation Day

• June 17: Power Yoga in the Park for all ages at Rogers Cove from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• June 18: Happy Father’s Day! Celebrate with a Fun Swim for all ages at the Wellness Centre from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• June 20: Downtown Youth Space will host a Mini Olympics event in Confederation Square from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. for all ages.

• June 23: Zumba Dance Party happening downtown at the Quaker Foods City Square from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring your dance moves and energy for a fun-filled evening that is open for all ages.

• June 29: Let’s Bike Event in Partnership with Green Up will take place at Quaker Foods City Square from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• July 1: Canada Day celebrations start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, with pre-parade activities in Confederation Square, followed by the Canada Day Parade presented by Cogeco, beginning at noon. Join us along George Street from City Hall to Morrow Park.

Ongoing programs and facilities:

• Visit Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market in Quaker Foods City Square from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday.

• Check out the Riverview Park and Zoo to visit the animals and have fun on the largest playground in the City.

• Skate your way into summer by visiting the local Skateboard Park at 560 McDonnel St.

• Did you know? In partnership with local school boards, Fleming College and Trent University, there are over 80 fields and courts available to the community. Visit your closest park and try out a new sport!

• Splash pads are open for the season with hours of operation from 9 a.m.to 8 p.m. daily. Visit the website for locations.

• Public beaches at Beavermead Park, 2011 Ashburnham Dr., and Rogers Cove, 131 Maria St., will open for the season on July 1, 2023. Beaches are staffed with trained lifeguards from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

• Community wading pools will open July 1 for the season, operating from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. To learn more about outdoor beaches and wading pools, visit the City’s website.

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Quaker Foods City Square Skating Rink Sees Thursday as Last Day of Operation

Due to warmer weather in the forecast over the next couple of weeks, Quaker Foods City Square’s outdoor skating rink has Thursday as its last day of operation until next fall/winter.

Quaker Foods City Square officially opened in December 2022 on Charlotte Street, just east of Aylmer Street, next to the King Street Parkade. Photo by David Tuan bui.

Peterborough is expected to receive up to 10 mm of rain for Friday. The following two weeks the forecast calls for daytime highs of about 5C with lots of sunshine according to The City of Peterborough. The combination of warmer weather and sunny days will signal the end of the successful inaugural skating season at Quaker Foods City Square.

Signs will be posted at the skating rink to indicate if the rink is open or closed due to maintenance or for the season.

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'Champions of Magic' to Mystify the Peterborough Memorial Centre This Friday

Five world-class illusionists from Champions of Magic are bringing their live magical production to the Peterborough Memorial Centre stage on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Champions of Magic.

Described as the ‘Avengers of Magic,’ the United Kingdom group has been touring since 2013.

The family-friendly show happens all around the theatre and promises interactive magic, escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, illusions, levitation and a ‘finale beyond explanation.’

“There’s two types of people at these shows; the people who don’t want to know how it (magic) works and the people that so desperately want to know,” says Alex McAleer, Champions of Magic’s mind reader. “But it’s half the fun trying to figure out how it’s done. People’s guesses of how things work are often more crazy than the trick itself.”

McAleer, who has been with the show since it started, says the group has performed nearly 500 shows.

“Canadian audiences are always great. It’s much harder to impress an English audience,” he jokes. “You guys just appreciate entertainment more.”

PTBOCanada’s Felicia Massey and David Bui speak with Alex McAleer of Champions of Magic. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The show starts at 7 p.m. and runs for approximately two hours and 15 minutes (including one intermission).

Tickets ranging from $55 to $99.50 are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.memorialcentre.ca, over the phone at 705-743-3561 or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office. The box office is open for in-person sales on Wednesdays to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

YMCA of Central East Ontario To Sign On To Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System

The YMCA of Central East Ontario will sign on to the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system along with the other 13 YMCA associations across Ontario announced Tuesday.

File photo.

The YMCA says in a press release that while “considerable work remains to address workforce shortages and to improve equity, inclusion and accessibility, (they) look forward to working alongside government and community partners to support its successful implementation and future growth.” The CWELCC system is an “opportunity to build a stronger publicly-managed early years system that will benefit children and their families for years to come.”

"Ultimately our goal is affordable, accessible and high-quality child care for parents, we have advocated for that and understand the importance of high-quality and affordable childcare for families in our community,” said David Allen, YMCA Central East Ontario president and CEO. "Fees will vary from family to family depending on what they’re paying now. For example, more care is required for an infant than for a six-year-old. But providers like the Y who have opted into CWELLC will be reducing fees for 0-6 years old by more than 50 per cent on January 1.”

YMCAs advocate for a high-quality licensed childcare system that is affordable and accessible. They say they have developed and honed a research-based early learning curriculum that is now delivered across Canada.

"As the largest provider of childcare in the province, we are also the number one choice of parents and families, making us the most trusted provider in the province. We have long known that healthy and robust childcare programs set children up for success," said Allen.

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Virtual Hike for Hospice Raises More Than $96,000 for Hospice Peterborough

Hospice Peterborough has raised over $96,000 during their 20th Hike for Hospice event from Sept. 10 to 16 announced on Thursday.

Shannon Kelly, Jamie McNinch and their two boys Joe and Alex. Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

The week-long event took place virtually with over 150 registrants.

This money will help the organization keep up with the 45 per cent increase in demand they’ve faced over the last five years.

Shannon Kelly was one of many who participated in Hike for Hospice for the first time this year after her husband, Jamie McNinch, passed from cancer in July 2022.

After he received a palliative diagnosis, their family was connected with Hospice Peterborough and a palliative doctor who helped them navigate support systems and provide resources. McNinch eventually opted for medical assistance to end his life.

She rowed one km for every $100 raised and ended up putting in 82 kilometres on her rowing machine in a single day after raising over $8,200.

As more donations came in, her total raised jumped to $8,585 and she claimed the top fundraiser spot.

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Lang Pioneer Village's Applefest Is Back This October

Learn how settlers preserved fall’s harvest and prepared for winter at the Lang Pioneer Village Museum’s Applefest on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village Museum.

Applefest attendees can view a variety of historic demonstrations throughout the village including spinning, rug hooking with the Northumberland Rug Hookers Guild, natural dyeing, chair caning, flour grinding at the Lang Grist Mill, cider pressing at the Cider Mill and more and an antique clock and timepiece display brought by the Quinte Timekeepers.

Live, traditional music will be performed by Lotus & Luke on the Weaver Shop Porch, the Cheryl Casselman Trio at the Agricultural Barn and Rob Cory in the Hotel Bar Room. In the morning, the Horse Barn will have a threshing demonstration.

Children can pick up a scavenger hunt upon arrival and try to spot as many items as they can throughout the village. The South Lake School has old-fashioned school yard games and apple-themed crafts.

The Ayotte Cabin will feature historic reenactors the 41st Battalion of Brockville Rifles, 1st Company, who will be performing drills and demonstrating military marching.

For the Applefest snacks, the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building will be selling chilli and buns and many favourites including Ben’s Kettle Corn and Empire Cheese will also be for sale.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and senior (60+), $7 for youth age 5-14 and children under 5 are free.

Those interested can purchase tickets here.

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Peterborough Petes Play Second Pre-Season Game In Millbrook

The Peterborough Petes will be playing their second of three pre-season home games on Saturday at 4:05pm at the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre in Millbrook.

File photo.

All proceeds from the game will support the Millbrook District Minor Hockey Association. Limited tickets are still available for the game and can be purchased online here and at the door. The game will also be streamed live on the Petes Facebook Page.

Saturday’s game will mark the first OHL clash between McCallum brothers Braydon (PBO) and Landon (SBY). Petes forward and New Jersey Devils’ first round pick, Chase Stillman, will face his former team for only the third time since being acquired at the trade deadline last season.

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Visit Lang Pioneer Village By Lantern Light This Fall

Lang Pioneer Village will be illuminated by lantern light for the annual Village by Lantern Light event on Sept. 16 and 17.

Photo by Elizabeth King.

During this family-friendly event, guests will learn how settler families spent their time after dark, exploring themes from entertainment to education to preparing for bed.

Visitors can take a wagon ride, see demonstrations of various traditional crafts and trades such as weaving, tin smithing, printing, carpentry, and enjoy live music.

The event will run 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each evening.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60+), $7 for youths (ages 5-14) and free for children under 5. Family admission is also available for $40 and includes 2 adults and up to 4 youths (ages 5-14). Visitors may purchase admission in advance via the Museum’s online shop, but advance purchase is not required. Guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight for added visibility in the dark and dress for the weather as this event takes place mostly outdoors.

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Canadian Canoe Museum Will Hang Up It's Paddles After Labour Day In Preparation Of The Big Move To A New Location

Labour Day weekend will be the publics last chance to visit the Canadian Canoe Museum at its Monaghan Road location, before they lock the doors on Tuesday in preparation for the Museum's upcoming move to their new waterfront museum.

File Photo.

"It will be bittersweet to see visitors walk through our red doors one final time," said executive director Carolyn Hyslop. "This building holds more than 25 years' worth of memories and has served us well, allowing us to grow and evolve into the dynamic museum we are today. That said, closing our current location marks a significant milestone in our project timeline and brings us one step closer to the water's edge. We are all looking forward to moving into a purpose-built facility on the water, which will allow us to expand our offerings in ways that are not possible here at 910 Monaghan Road."

The CCM will reopen next summer at its new facility, designed by local Lett Architects Inc, on the shores of Little Lake, located at 2077 Ashburnham Drive.

The five-acre site of the new museum will provide stunning west-facing views of Little Lake, a connection to the Trans Canada Trail and is surrounded by public parks. It will become a vibrant community space for outdoor activities and the Museum's canoeing and outdoor programs and events.

The two-storey, 65,000 square foot building will feature an integrated Collection Hall that allows for 100 percent of the collection to be on display, a brand-new suite of exhibits, a lakefront events and education space, an artisan and canoe building studio for hands-on learning, a library and research room, and a café with a fireplace and outdoor terrace.

Supporting this move to the water's edge is a $40 million capital campaign, and financial support from governmental partners, including the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the City of Peterborough, and the County of Peterborough, alongside lead donor, The Weston Family Foundation. To learn more about the new museum or make a donation in support of the campaign, visit canoemuseum.ca/new-museum.

The CCM will be open for one final visit until Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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New Two-Day Music Festival Launching Downtown Peterborough Labour Day Weekend

Labour Jam Weekend, a free, two-day music festival celebrating local talent in downtown Peterborough will take place on September 2 and 3.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

Labour Jam Weekend will feature an eclectic mix of genres from 11 well-known local bands including Lindsay Barr and Melissa Payne as headlining acts.

The free outdoor concert series will be hosted at the Peterborough Square Courtyard from 2 - 9 p.m. on Friday and 3 - 9 p.m. on Saturday.

“We are thrilled to be presenting Labour Jam Weekend in our newly renovated courtyard at the Peterborough Square, '' said Cheryl McQueen, Property Manager of Peterborough Square. “We have always envisioned the courtyard as a bustling community space and outdoor concert venue. Labour Jam Weekend will be the first big music event at the courtyard, and we couldn’t be more excited to host.”

Festival goers are asked to bring their own chair or blanket to Labour Jam Weekend. The festival will run rain or shine except in the event of thunderstorms.

Weekend line-up:

September 2, from 2 -9 p.m.

·         Washboard Hank & Pineapple Frank (Bluegrass)

·         The Fabulous Tonemasters with Bridget Foley (Blues)

·         The Hippy Chicks (Rock)

·         Evangeline Gentle (Folk/Pop)

·         Blue Hazel (Folk/Country/Alt Rock)

·         Lindsay Barr (Pop/Rock)

September 3 from 3 - 9 p.m.

·         The Griddle Pickers (Bluegrass)

·         Carling Stephen (Jazz)

·         Hillary Dumoulin (Folk)

·         Dylan Ireland (Folk/Pop/Rock)

·         Melissa Payne (Folk)

“The last two years have deepened my gratitude for every live performance that comes my way, especially opportunities such as this one that involve performing for my community,” said local musician Evangeline Gentle.

For more information check out the festival's Eventbrite page online for details or follow @TheBoroPtbo on Instagram for festival news and content.

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