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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Miskin Law Community Complex To Open On Jan. 15

The City of Peterborough has stated that the new Miskin Law Community Complex will be open on Jan. 15, located at the corner of Lansdowne and Park Streets.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Miskin Law Community Complex was held on Dec. 8, 2022. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The grand opening has free public skating, indoor walking track and a free yoga program.

The Miskin Law Community Complex will officially open its doors with the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting at 1 p.m., followed by programming that welcomes the community to explore the new facility.

The grand opening will include the unveiling of a new Indigenous public art installation and the Mayor’s First Skate event for residents to get on the ice at the Miskin Law Community Complex. 

The following is the schedule for the grand opening:

• 1 p.m. - Grand opening ceremony

• 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Guided tours of the new facility

• 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Mayor’s Skate – free public skating

• 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Free yoga class

• 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Free community public skate sponsored by Miskin Law

The official opening of the new Peterborough Public Library branch that will be located inside the Miskin Law Community Complex will take place at a future date.

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City of Peterborough Invites All To Participate In the 2024 Heritage Hunt

The Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) is launching its 41st annual Heritage Hunt contest to test your knowledge of Geroge Street’s architecture and heritage running until Nov. 29.

The Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee has been organizing the Heritage Hunt since 1983. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

All residents are welcome to participate.

The contest involves identifying 35 architectural details on buildings in a defined area of the city.

This year’s hunt will take place along George Street North, from Parkhill Road West to King Street. All details are visible from the sidewalk and may be found on either side of the street.

Prizes will be awarded for correctly identifying the most architectural elements on the clue sheet. This year, there are three bonus details for extra points.

A fillable, mobile-friendly form, including a map of the Heritage Hunt area where all the architectural details can be found online.

Booklets can also be picked up at City Hall, 500 George St. N., the Peterborough Museum & Archives, 300 Hunter St. E., the Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N., the Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St., and Hutchison House, 270 Brock St.

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City of Peterborough Opens Registration For Fall Recreation Programs

The City of Peterborough has opened registration for its fall recreation programs such as instructional sports, youth programs and fitness and health programs.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Most programs start during the third week of September and can vary in length between four and 12 weeks.

Explore the activities that are available and register online.

Registration for the fall swimming lesson sessions opens later, with public registration opening at 7 a.m. on Aug. 28 and early registration for Sport and Wellness Centre members opening at 7 a.m. on Aug. 27.

The fastest way to register for fall recreation programs is online. In-person registration is available at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr. or by phone at 705-742-0050.

Back this fall

Learn to Skate programs, Adult Recreational Hockey, Line Dancing, Children’s Dance, Land Fitness classes, Aqua Fitness, Ninja Kids and Judo will all be offered. Also back this fall is the popular Babysitting course, Pickleball, Adult Beginner Swimmer, Birthday Party packages and personal training programs.

McDonnel Street Community Centre

The City continues to grow its program offerings at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St. Community members can visit the McDonnel Street Community and participate in programs including darts, shuffleboard, tabletop games, cards, and group fitness classes. The McDonnel Street Community Centre is a hub for adults to socialize, take in workshops and learn new skills.

Fitness and drop-in sport schedules

Updated schedules for drop-in sports, swimming, group fitness, aqua fitness and drop-in ice-skating programs such as Shinny hockey and public skating are available at peterborough.ca/RecPrograms. Hard copies of the schedules are available at the Sport and Wellness Centre.

Downtown Youth Space

Back this fall is the popular free drop-in sports program for youth ages 10 to 16 on Friday nights at the Sport and Wellness Centre. Downtown Youth Space is a free, inclusive drop-in centre offered by the City of Peterborough Recreation and Parks Services Division welcoming youth ages 12 to 18. It is a supervised recreational program, offering a variety of activities including air hockey, billiards, ping-pong, video games, board games and open gym.

Stop N’ Play

Stop N’ Play can be used for fitness classes, workouts, or lane swims at the Sport and Wellness Centre. With Stop N’ Play, Sport and Wellness Centre facility users can get in their time at the recreation facility and for 90 minutes their child (ages six weeks to 11 years old) will be supervised by the Centre's Program Staff team. Stop N’ Play takes place in the Centre's Youth Room, located across from the facility reception desk. Stop N’ Play is open to both members and non-members. Registration is required for Stop N’ Play and is non-refundable. Visit peterborough.ca/StopNPlay for information on the scheduled hours, rates, and rules.

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Free Fishing For Father's Day Weekend In Ontario

In honour of Sunday Father’s Day, Ontario offers free fishing for both days on the weekend.

The last annual free fishing event this year is Family Fishing Week (June 29 to July 7) to celebrate Canada Day. Photo courtesy of CAMCAST.

“Father’s Day weekend is a great time to get out on one of Ontario’s beautiful lakes or rivers and enjoy fishing,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources. “Fishing is a fun activity for everyone in the family and it’s a great way to spend time together, so I encourage you to cast a line June 15 and 16 to celebrate Father’s Day.”

In most of Ontario, fish species such as yellow perch, common carp, northern pike, lake trout and walleye are eligible. The provincial government encourages those to check the Fishing Regulations Summary for fish all limits since some waterbodies can have exceptions.

You must carry identification issued by the provincial or federal government showing your name and date of birth if you are fishing for free during this period.

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Shifting Gears Program Invites Peterborough to Adopt Active and Sustainable Transportation In Its 20th Year

As Shifting Gears celebrates its 20th anniversary, the challenge invites community members and workplaces to use active and sustainable travel modes and track their trips throughout May.

Photo courtesy of GreenUp.

Participants can join the challenge individually or as a team. Workshops, prizes, one-on-one commuter consultations and more are available during the challenge. Workplaces are also eligible for awards this year, not to mention which comes with bragging rights.

Last year, 61,538 kilometres were traveled by walking, cycling, taking transit, carpooling, and telecommuting. This resulted in a total greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 7,130 kg according to a press release.
 
In addition, Shifting Gears is proud to empower sustainable commuters to adopt healthier lifestyles. In 2023, 48 per cent of participants reported that they did not regularly use active travel modes before the Challenge, and 88 per cent of participants recorded maintaining new active transportation habits through September.
 
Workplaces that register for the Shifting Gears May Challenge receive support for making their business more bike-friendly. Free resources help workplace champions rally their staff to track trips to win workplace awards. Individuals can track their weekly trips for all five weeks in May to be entered to win prizes.
 
“The Shifting Gears May Challenge has become a springtime staple in Peterborough, providing the community a chance to meet, learn and grow together towards a sustainable transportation future,” said Lindsay Stroud, TDM Planner at the City of Peterborough. “Working closely with workplaces, schools and the community at large each spring builds knowledge and comfort for individuals trying new ways of travelling around town for their daily trips.”
 
To register, interested participants are encouraged to visit https://www.greenup.on.ca/program/shifting-gears/, contact Ashley at Ashley.burnie@greenup.on.ca or, check out our events at https://www.greenup.on.ca/events/.

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Registration For Spring and Summer Recreation Opens Wednesday

Registration for City of Peterborough spring and summer recreation programs and spring swimming lessons begins at 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Early registration opens for Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre members on March 19 at 7 a.m.

Residents can register online, in person at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre reception desk or over the phone.

Spring swimming lessons at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre will start in the first week of April and continue until June. Peterborough Recreation offers specialty lessons (private, trio, and adaptive) and beginner lessons for adults and teens. Guardians unsure what level suits their child best can schedule a free assessment by calling the Wellness Centre at 705-742-0050 or by emailing apade@peterborough.ca. The Centre’s Head Instructors complete assessments during swimming lessons and recommend the best level based on the child's current ability.

Themed summer day camps are available at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, Navy Memorial Club, Art Gallery and Museum.

The McDonnel Street Community Centre now offers a variety of adult activities including programming for older adults, short mat bowling, shuffleboard, darts and more.

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2024 PolarFest Running at Full Force For Selwyn Township

Winter has never been more fun for Selwyn Township, as the 2024 PolarFest is in full swing for three days, beginning this Friday and ending Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

The Opening Ceremony and Fireworks begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at Chemong Lodge. At 6:45 p.m., fireworks will be set off on Chemong Lake.

The Causeway is the host site for the Guns and Hoses Charity Hockey Game. Local police and fire service members will face off at 8 p.m. at the Ennismore Community Centre. The fundraiser aims to beat last year’s mark of $2,000 in food and money for the Bridgenorth and Lakefield Food Banks by bringing a non-perishable food item or cash donation.

On Saturday, the Lakefield Ice Sculpture Competition is back at Cenotaph Park. Ice carvings are going on display, created by professional chefs. Festival goers can vote for their favourite cultures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Top Carver is being crowned at The Loon at 5 p.m. Take a ride back in time as Chemong Lodge is hosting its third-annual 80’s Retro Apres Ski Party with a booze luge, DJ, ice bar and prizes for those best dressed from noon to 4 p.m..

On Sunday, the Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield (BEL) Rotary Polar Plunge begins at 2 p.m. on the Ennismore side of the Causeway. This year’s theme features ‘Barbie’ costumes.

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City of Peterborough Releases Fall Fun Guide

Fall Fun Guides for recreational and leisure programs have been released by The City of Peterborough and is available online with printed copies expected to be available at various locations starting on Thursday.

Stock photo.

The City is offering several recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities. Residents can register for programs online, by phone or in person.

The programs take place at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, Community Arenas, the Peterborough Public Library, the Peterborough Museum and Archives and the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

Registration for fall instructional swimming opens on Aug.30, starting at 7 a.m. or one day earlier for Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members starting on Aug. 29 at 7 a.m.

Registration for fall skating lessons, martial arts, dance, adult fitness and sports opens on Aug.16, starting at 7 a.m. or one day earlier for Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members starting on Aug. 15 at 7 a.m.

For more information, contact Recreation Services customer service staff at 705-742-0050.

Printed copies of the Fall Fun Guide can be picked up at the following locations:

• City Hall, 500 George St. N.

• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

• Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.

• Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N.

• Peterborough Museum and Archives, 300 Hunter St. E.

• Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St.

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City of Peterborough Invites All To Participate In Celebration 40th Anniversary of Heritage Hunt

The Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) is launching its 40th annual Heritage Hunt contest running from Aug. 1 to Sept. 16, announced on Tuesday.

“Since 1983, PACAC has been organizing the Heritage Hunt as a way to explore and celebrate our city’s collection of heritage buildings,” said Stewart Hamilton, PACAC Chair. “We are proud to be continuing this tradition 40 years on.”

PACAC invites everyone to test their knowledge of Peterborough’s architectural heritage for the chance to win a prize. Participants must identify 35 architectural details on buildings in a defined area of the city. All details are visible from the sidewalk and both sides of the street are in play.

This year’s hunt takes place in downtown Peterborough and East City.

A fillable form and map can be found online.

Booklets can also be picked up at the reception desk at City Hall, located at 500 George St. N., during regular business hours.

Prizes will be awarded in both individual and group categories for the correct identification of the most architectural elements. This year, there is also a bonus riddle for the chance to earn extra points.

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