Trent University Alumnus Appointed Officer to the Order of Canada

Trent alumnus Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell (Traill College ‘83) has received the nation’s highest honour by being appointed an officer to the Order of Canada.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

McDonnell is a professor of hydrology and associate director of the Global Institute for Water Security. His award-winning research has had a seminal scientific impact on the field, including advancing water security and deepening the world’s understanding of the water cycle according to Trent.

“On behalf of the Trent University community, I congratulate Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell on his achievements that exemplify Trent’s values of excellence, innovation, and leadership in water research,” said Naomi Handley, Trent director of Alumni Engagement & Services. “Dr. McDonnel’s remarkable contributions to hydrology not only advance scientific understanding but also serve as a profound source of inspiration for our students who, like him, are poised to lead in environmental sciences and shape the future of water research.” 

McDonnel’s appointment was announced by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Trent’s seventh chancellor.

“Trent is where it all started for me,” said McDonnell. “My professors and peers all shaped me, and Trent provided the launching pad for my research career.” 

He has served as President of the American Geophysical Union’s Hydrology Section and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences International Commission on Tracers while also being named a member of the Royal Society of Canada and a fellow of the Geological Society of America and the Royal Geographical Society.  

According to Trent, McDonnell’s research has led to new techniques for measuring and understanding how rainfall moves through landscapes while improving our understanding of how watersheds store and release water.

“Understanding these issues is critical to solving some of the world’s biggest water challenges,” he says.

McDonnell’s accolades include the 2016 International Hydrology Prize from the International Association of Hydrological Sciences, UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization and prizes from the European Geosciences Union, American Institute of Hydrology, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

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Kawartha Rotary Ribfest Cancelled Indefinitely

The Kawartha Rotary Ribfest is not making an appearance in 2025 and beyond.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to a Facebook post by Kawartha Rotary Ribfest, they said the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha had advised that the event for 2025 and forward is cancelled.

The post cites that the event has ‘severely outgrown’ Millennium Park.

“Apologies to everyone to enjoyed and supported Kawartha Rotary RibFest,” in a statement made from the social media post.

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Peterborough Petes Allow Goal In Dying Seconds to Fall 5-4 to Ottawa 67's

The Peterborough Petes were step-for-step with the Ottawa 67’s but allowed a goal in the final 11 seconds in regulation to fall 5-4 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

This was Peterborough’s first game in nine days due to the holiday break.

The Petes conceded the first goal early, 2:31 in but responded quickly. Just over two minutes later, Peterborough scored two goals from Caden Taylor and Francis Parish (with the former goal on the powerplay) to make it 2-1.

The goals did not stop there as Ottawa rang off two goals to take back the lead, 3-2. Peterborough got the equalizer on the power play as Taylor wristed it in the top corner for a 3-3 tie after a goal-filled first period.

The Petes scored the second period’s only goal. The Petes forced a turnover in their defensive zone and on the rush, Adam Levac wristed one through for a 4-3 lead.

As Ottawa trailed in the third, they made up ground on the power play with less than eight minutes in regulation. Will Gerrior one-timed it through Zach Bowen for a 4-4 tie. In the dying seconds of the game, Ottawa took a shot from the point. The puck was loose in front of Bowen, and after a scramble for the puck, Gerrior buried it for a 5-4 with 11 seconds left to give Ottawa the win.

The Petes have a New Year’s Eve date in St. Catharines to take on the Niagara IceDogs on Tuesday night at the Meridian Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 26-Year-Old Woman

UPDATE: Amber-Leigh has been found, according to Peterborough Police.

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing person, 26-year-old Amber-Leigh Armstrong, as reported on Monday.

Armstrong is described as:

• White

• Female

• 26 years old

• 5’3’’

• Small build

• Red hair

• Blue eyes

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 15-Year-Old Teen Last Seen In Bancroft

UPDATE: The missing person has been found.

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing person, 15-year-old James McLean.

McLean was last seen in the area of the Shoppers Drug Mart in Bancroft in the early morning hours of Monday.

McLean is described as:

• Male

• White

• 15 Years Old

• 5’6” Tall

• Medium Build

• Blue Eyes

• Short Brown Hair

No description of the clothing McLean was wearing at the time is available.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Public Invited to Attend Mayor’s New Year’s Levee On Jan. 12

The public is invited to join Mayor Jeff Leal and City Councillors on Jan 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Canadian Canoe Museum, 2077 Ashburnham Dr., for the Mayor’s New Year’s Levee.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“2025 will be an important year for the City of Peterborough as we move projects forward, renew infrastructure, and deliver critical services,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Please join me and members of City Council for a cup of coffee, tea or juice, light snacks, and some discussion about our community and the exciting plans shaping Peterborough’s future.”

The Mayor’s New Year’s Levee takes place in the Event Room, located on the second floor of the Canadian Canoe Museum.

There is limited parking available at the museum. Free parking is available across the road at Eastgate Memorial Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr. and at Beavermead Park, 2011 Ashburnham Dr.

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Reuse Building at Hazardous Waste Depot Closed Jan. 2 - 4

The Household Hazardous Waste Depot’s Reuse Building at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed for maintenance from Jan. 2 to 4.

File Photo.

It will reopen with its regular operating schedule on Jan. 8.

The Reuse Building accepts paints, stains and other reusable products.

The rest of the Household Hazardous Waste Depot will operate on its regular schedule.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Rename 'Breakfast Cup' To Honour Dedicated Program Volunteer; $6,000 Donation to Five Counties From Golf Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has renamed its friendly competition of its morning meal program the ‘Breakfast Cup’ to the ’Koeslag Cup’ to honour one of its late dedicated volunteers, Peter Koeslag, announced on Monday morning.

The Koeslag family as part of the newly named ‘Koeslag Cup’ with this year’s winner. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made at the Northminster United Church during a club’s meeting, including a $9,000 donation to Five Counties Children’s Centre. The proceeds were raised from the Club’s ‘Fore For Kids’ golf tournament held on Sept. 26 at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort in Keene.

The Koeslag Cup was a Prince of Wales school breakfast program that started in 1994 with Rotarians Isadore Black and Dr. Garry Humphries. Rotarians and local volunteers would be in teams to prepare delicious and nutritious meals daily for Prince of Wales Students.

Koeslag has been known to make a challenge among the volunteers to see which group could create the most exciting breakfast menus for kids during the last weeks of school before the Christmas holidays and summer break.

“He enjoyed seeing the smile on people's faces, he didn't do it for money, he just did it because he loved doing that,” said Paul Koeslag, Peter’s son. “Part of it was because when he was younger, he didn't have those opportunities. Dad just loved helping people.”

The Rotary Club of Peterborough, which meets at noon two Mondays per month, is one of four clubs in the area and one of over 46,000 clubs, with 1.4 million members around the world. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

He created a special trophy that would be awarded twice yearly to the winning team, as judged by students and school staff.

“Peter was very active in the school program,” explained Kein Seim, Rotary president. “Between him and a couple other ones that have been it for 30 years, they've been instrumental in bringing it along. From pretty meagre beginnings to a full kitchen and full breakfasts, Peter himself is very handy. If we needed something, he would make it.”

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City of Peterborough Opening Summer Camp Registration On Jan. 2

Registration for the City of Peterborough’s Recreation and Park Services summer camp programs opens on Jan. 2.

File Photo.

Registration opens at 7 a.m. for Peterborough Sport and Wellness members and 9 a.m. for the public.

Day camps and summer instructional sports camps operate weekly from July through August. Day camps are offered in various themes and are held at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, Kinsmen Civic Centre and various parks and locations in the City.

For a complete list of day and instructional sports camps, including information on policies, payment options and the day camp lunch program, visit peterborough.ca/camps.

Registration for day camp or summer instructional sports camps can be found online.

Peterborough Recreation and Park Services offers day camps on PA Days, including during the holiday season and March Break.  

PA Day Camps occur Dec. 23, 27, and 30 and Jan. 2 and 3. These camps run from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and are held at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

One-day Winter Art Camps for children ages seven to 11 occur at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Cresent St., on January 2 and 3. Each session runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

March Break Camps run from March 10 to 14 at the following times and locations:

• Peterborough Art Gallery, 250 Crescent St., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for children ages seven to 11

• Peterborough Museum and Archives, 300 Hunter St. E., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for children ages four to 11

• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr., from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for children ages four to 11

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No Injuries Sustained From Bolivar Street House Fire

There were no injuries from a residence fire on Bolivar Street that occurred on Sunday afternoon.

File Photo.

At roughly 3 p.m., Peterborough Fire Services arrived at the single-family detached dwelling. Fire crews found heavy smoke exiting from the first and second floors and flames exiting from a first-storey window.

The fire crew initiated an exterior attack and then switched to an aggressive interior attack to bring the fire under control.

There were no occupants home at the time of the incident.

Peterborough Police Services and Peterborough County Paramedics were also on scene to assist.

Peterborough Fire Prevention along with City Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

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