Fleming College to Host Two Football Championships This Weekend

The 2025 Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship and Adult Flag Circuit Championship will take place at Fleming College this weekend and Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The event is in partnership with Football Ontario, Fleming College, the City of Peterborough and the NFL’s Detroit Lions.

“Hosting the Intercollegiate Provincial 5v5 Non-Contact Flag Football Championship, and Adult Flag Football Circuit is an exciting opportunity for Peterborough to showcase our great sports facilities and reputation for postsecondary athletics,” said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “We’re happy to work in collaboration with Fleming College, and look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and fans to our community for an unforgettable weekend.”

Despite previous weather conditions from the past weekend’s ice storm, the City has confirmed the event will run as planned on Wednesday morning.

The event brings top collegiate teams across Ontario to compete for the provincial championship. The top teams will earn a coveted spot at the Football Canada Collegiate Championship in May.

“The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is proud to support the Intercollegiate Provincial Flag Football Championship, highlighting the growth of Women’s Flag Football as an emerging sport. The OCAA is committed to fostering opportunities for female student-athletes and recognizes the potential that Women’s Flag Football offers.” says Kyle Pelly, Executive Director of the OCAA.

As part of the event, Football Ontario and the Detroit Lions will host a Networking Breakfast with women leaders in football and sport on Sunday morning at Fleming College. This exclusive breakfast event will allow student leaders from attending schools to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the world of football.

Football Ontario will also host a Learn to Play Session on Saturday in partnership with Fleming College.

The Football Ontario ‘Learn to Play’ Session will be a free event put on by Football Ontario and Sir Sandford Fleming College to encourage high school and college students to get active and learn some of the fundamentals of flag football. The event will take place on Saturday, April 5th, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Fleming College Sports Complex.

Click here to register for free.

“Fleming College is honoured to host this prestigious event, bringing together top student-athletes from across Ontario,” said Kate McIntosh, Vice President, Student Experience. “We are especially proud to support the growth of flag football at the collegiate level, particularly in creating more opportunities for women in the sport. We look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and fans to our campus for an exciting weekend of competition and community.”    

The Adult Flag Circuit Championship, presented by the Detroit Lions, is scheduled for April 12. It will serve as the culmination of two months of competition. The top teams from the Milton Tournament and London Tournament will battle for the circuit championship in this highly anticipated event.

These events showcase top-tier flag football competitions and highlight the sport’s rapid growth, particularly in the women’s game. Football Ontario is excited to bring these championships to Peterborough and shine a spotlight on some of the province’s most talented athletes.

“Football Ontario is thrilled to bring the Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship and the Adult Flag Circuit Championship to Peterborough in partnership with Fleming College, the Detroit Lions, and the City of Peterborough,” said Tyler McNicholl, Director of Operations with Football Ontario. “These events highlight the incredible growth of flag football in Ontario, especially in the women’s game, and provide athletes with a platform to showcase their skills at the highest level. Working alongside the City of Peterborough, we are excited to create a memorable experience for athletes, coaches, and fans while continuing to foster the development of the sport across the province.”

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Ice Storm Updates From City of Peterborough (April 2)

Warming centres remain open for residents of the City and County experiencing extended power outages caused by the recent severe ice storm as Hydro One crews continue to work to restore power to affected areas.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City’s three warming centres are open at the following locations through Friday:

• Healthy Planet Arena, banquet hall, 911 Monaghan Rd.: during the day and overnight, will be open until at least 9 a.m. on Friday – The City will provide an update on a location for an overnight warming centre for Friday night, if required.

• Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W.: open 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily through Friday

• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.: open 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily through Friday

Showers are available at all three locations until 11 p.m. Food is being provided by community partners, including the Salvation Army, at the Healthy Planet Arena.

With widespread power outages continuing, the City urges those to check on neighbours and loved ones.

Peterborough Transit resumed services on most routes on Tuesday morning. The Link transit service to Curve Lake First Nation and Selwyn Township is operational. A warming bus will be stationed at 486 Donegal St. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until power is restored.

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St., the Peterborough Public Library and the Peterborough Museum and Archives are open for its regular hours.

Recreation facilities, including arenas, the pool, and community centres, are returning to normal and full operations.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough at 250 Crescent St. and the Provincial Offences Office at 99 Simcoe St. are closed.

Curbside garbage, green bin, and yard waste collection will proceed regularly this week.

Public Works crews continue to respond to downed trees on streets and sidewalks, addressing hazardous situations.

All City parks are officially closed due to the risk of falling trees and tree limbs caused by ice accumulation.

Riverview Park and Zoo remains closed due to extensive tree damage. Damage is being assessed, and recovery efforts are being planned to determine when the zoo can safely reopen for visitors. The care of the animals is being maintained and the animals are safe.

As the City prepares for freezing rain and rainfall, with alerts issued by Environment Canada, residents are strongly urged to conserve water use to reduce the volume of water processed by the sewage pumping stations.

Regular yard waste curbside collection service begins this week.

Residential yard waste and tree debris can be dropped off at the City-County Landfill, 1260 Bensfort Rd., free of charge, until April 14.

Curbside chipping service for large tree debris that cannot be processed through the regular yard waste curbside collection will be provided when resources can be redeployed to provide that service. Resources are dedicated to storm response efforts, addressing hazardous and critical conditions. An update will be provided when the curbside chipping service for large tree debris will begin.

As a result of the ice storm, the City is temporarily waiving the permit requirement to remove trees on private property that have been destroyed, destabilized or structurally compromised as a direct result of the ice storm, with the following condition:

• Residents must send email notification to treebylaw@peterborough.ca, providing photos, property address, tree species information including diameter, and provide the physiological and structural condition of the tree preferably prior to removing the tree or as soon as possible after removing a tree.

City-owned trees of any size, including street trees and trees in parks and natural areas, are owned and maintained by the City and are not eligible for removal or maintenance by residents. To report an issue with a City-owned tree, please call 705-742-7777 and dial 8, or 705-745-1386 after hours and weekends. Residents are urged not to touch or attempt to move tree limbs that are on or near Hydro lines. These hazards should be reported to Hydro One by calling the reporting line at 1-800-434-1235.

Peterborough Fire Services reminds residents using backup generators and equipment like a gas-powered cooking stove or charcoal grill to follow safe practices to avoid risks from carbon monoxide.

Peterborough Public Health provides information on food safety and storage, including safety guidance related to extended power outages following the ice storm. Please follow this guidance and monitor food spoilage.

Residents are asked to properly prepare food waste for green bin collection. All packaging must be removed from food waste before placing it in green bins to ensure efficient processing. The City is actively working to ensure seamless waste collection on streets affected by downed power lines.

Additionally, residents bringing food waste to the landfill must remove any packaging beforehand. Food waste brought to the landfill with packaging cannot be processed as compost and will be directed to landfill disposal instead.

The Beach Boys concert at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Friday and the Peterborough Home, Garden and Cottage Show at Healthy Planet Arena on Saturday and Sunday are expected to proceed as scheduled.

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Second Automobile Recovered From Three-Vehicle Theft On March 26

A second stolen automobile has been recovered after a theft involving three vehicles occurred on March 26.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The recovery occurred on Sunday as Peel Regional Police officers found the missing 2022 Corolla taken from a Park Street South residence. The suspect has not been located.

The Land Cruiser taken the same night has also not been located. The 2024 Tundra has already been recovered.

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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PRHC Surgical Department Launches "Bring Your Own Bag” Program For Plastic Use Reduction

With April as Earth Month, Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s (PRHC) Surgical Department is launching a Bring Your Own Bag program starting June 1, to reduce the use of plastic at the hospital and keep more plastic out of landfills, announced on Wednesday.

File photo.

According to PRHC, when patients arrive for planned surgeries and other procedures, they are provided with a plastic bag to store their clothing and personal belongings for a few hours while at the hospital. The surgical department distributes as many as 24,000 bags to patients annually. The initiative plans to reduce that number by at least 20 per cent in 2025/26.

The initiative is part of the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP). According to Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO, the organization is pursuing this sustainability initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the care and service it provides.

“We have set out a path to strengthen our focus on environmental stewardship over the next several years, and this initiative is just one of many opportunities we are pursuing at PRHC to improve sustainability and reduce our environmental impact,” she said. “Last month, for example, we made the switch to a biodegradable nitrile glove product across the hospital. You can look forward to hearing more about these and other important improvement projects as we continue to make progress in this area.”

PRHC adopted the new PRIMED Sustain nitrile gloves last month. They offer the same protection and achieve 81% biodegradability in 490 days. As an added bonus, PRIMED is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated business.

Plastic bags will continue to be provided for patients who cannot bring their own including those who come to the hospital unexpectedly for urgent procedures but encourage those who can to do so.

The hospital recommends that patients bring two empty, grocery-sized reusable bags big enough to store everything they wear to the hospital on the day of their procedure. (The second bag is recommended to store shoes and outerwear separately.)

PRHC reminds patients to bring only essential items and to avoid bringing valuables, including jewelry, credit cards, and large amounts of money, when coming for a procedure.

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Riverview Park and Zoo Remains Closed Due to Weather Damage

The Riverview Park and Zoo remains closed to the public due to damage caused by the weekend ice storm and prolonged power outages.

IN CAPTIVITY, RIVER OTTERS HAVE A LIFE EXPECTANCY OF ABOUT 25 YEARS. PHOTO COURTESY OF Riverview Park and Zoo.

Its exhibits, parking lot, playground, disc golf area, and park spaces remain closed until further notice. However, the animals and staff are unharmed from the significant weather event.

“We are very happy to report that all our animals and staff are well and there were no injuries due to the storm,” said Cathy Mitchell, zoo manager and curator. “We have approximately 150 animals under our care, we continue to be proud of the Animal Care and Parks teams who, without interruption, continue to provide top-class care to the animals who live here.”

The weekend’s ice storm damaged several trees, with hanging limbs and downed power lines. The closure will remain in effect as staff work to make necessary repairs and ensure the area is safe.

“The tree damage and damage to property, is worse than we saw during the 2022 Derecho storm,” explained Mitchell. “However, I am very proud of our Riverview Park and Zoo team and grateful for the support of the City of Peterborough, Water Distribution team, for being here to help us tackle the mammoth task of clearing the site of fallen trees and hanging tree limbs.   

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Undefeated U11 AA Peterborough Petes Crowned Ontario Minor Hockey Association Champions

The U11 AA Peterborough Minor Petes are bringing home the hardware as they were crowned Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) champions at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Chad Buchner.

The team opened the three-day tournament with two victories over the Glancaster Bombers and Barrie Colts, shutting them out 2-0 in both games.

The Petes only had one game on Saturday against the Upper York Admirals to a 4-4 tie. The draw clinched the top seed for Peterborough in Group A with five points and qualified for the playoffs.

In the semi-final matchup, they drew the second-seeded Centre Wellington Fusion from Group B. It was a close battle but the Petes broke the tie with 59 seconds left in regulation to win the game 3-2 and advance to the championship.

The team had their toughest matchup in the finals. They were pitted against the undefeated Clarington Toros, who won Group B with a perfect 3-0 record. Peterborough rung off two goals later in the first period to go up 2-0. With 8:34 left in the second, they added extra insurance with a power play goal for a 3-0 lead. The Petes coughed up an early goal in the third but hung on for the 3-1 win and OMHA championship.

“I’m still at a loss for words,” explained Chad Buchner, U11 AA Petes coach. “There’s nothing better than watching someone realize they can do something—that their goals aren’t just dreams, but something real, something achievable. And there’s nothing more powerful than watching a group of kids come together to shift their mindset, to turn belief into reality.”

The Petes ended with an overall record of 4-0-1 as the last remaining undefeated team in the tournament.

“It was about the culture we built—the countless hours given by coaches, team staff, grandparents, and families who poured their hearts into something bigger than hockey,” said Buchner. “It was about respect, kindness, philanthropy and a group of young athletes who didn’t just play for each other, but because of each other.”

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Photos: Lacrosse Fans Treated To "Lunch With the Lakers" Meet & Greet Event at Smitty's Family Restaurant

Lacrosse fans got to enjoy a meal at the “Lunch With the Lakers” meet-and-greet event held at Smitty’s Family Restaurant on Tuesday morning.

Lakers Taite Cattoni, Colton Armstrong, Jake Withers and mascot Teddy giving a young fan Waylon Barton, 7, a jersey. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The public could eat with Lakers staff and players, get their pictures taken, and have autographs signed by Lakers Taite Cattoni, Colton Armstrong and Jake Withers.

The Lakers open their season on the road against the Brooklin L.C. on May 21 before having their home opener against the two-time defending Mann Cup-champion Six Nations Chiefs on May 22.

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Ice Storm Updates From City of Peterborough (April 1)

Warming centres remain open for residents of the City and County experiencing extended power outages caused by the weekend’s severe ice storm as Hydro One crews continue to work to restore power to affected areas.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The City’s three warming centres are open at the following locations:

• Healthy Planet Arena, banquet hall, 911 Monaghan Rd.: during the day and overnight, will be open until at least noon on April 2.

• Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W.: open until 11 p.m. on April 1

• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.: open until 11 p.m. on April 1

Food is being provided by community partners, including the Salvation Army, at the Healthy Planet Arena.

With widespread power outages continuing, the City urges those to check on neighbours and loved ones.

Peterborough Public Health provides information on food safety and storage, including safety guidance related to extended power outages following the ice storm. Please follow this guidance and monitor food spoilage.

Peterborough Transit resumed services on most routes on Tuesday morning. The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. also reopened on Tuesday after power was restored to the building.

Peterborough Public Library and Peterborough Museum and Archives reopened on Tuesday.

Recreation facilities, including arenas, the pool, and community centres, remain closed until at least noon on Wednesday. Depending on conditions and power, they are expected to reopen at noon on Wednesday.

The Provincial Offences Office at 99 Simcoe St. remains closed.

Riverview Park and Zoo remains closed due to extensive tree damage. Damage is being assessed and recovery efforts are being planned to determine when the zoo can safely reopen for visitors. The care of the animals is being maintained and the animals are safe.

Public Works crews continue to respond to downed trees on streets and sidewalks, addressing hazardous situations. There were additional reports of downed trees on Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Peterborough Fire Services reminds residents using backup generators and equipment like a gas-powered cooking stove or charcoal grill to follow safe practices to avoid risks from carbon monoxide.

Curbside garbage, green bin, and yard waste collection will proceed regularly this week.

All City parks are officially closed due to the risk of falling trees and tree limbs caused by ice accumulation.

Regular yard waste curbside collection service begins this week.

Residential yard waste and tree debris can be dropped off at the City-County Landfill, 1260 Bensfort Rd., free of charge, until April 14.

Curbside chipping service for large tree debris that cannot be processed through the regular yard waste curbside collection will be provided when resources can be redeployed to provide that service. Resources are dedicated to storm response efforts, addressing hazardous and critical conditions. An update will be provided when the curbside chipping service for large tree debris will begin.

As a result of the ice storm, the City is temporarily waiving the permit requirement to remove trees that have been destroyed, destabilized or structurally compromised as a direct result of the ice storm, with the following condition:

• Residents must send email notification to treebylaw@peterbough.ca, providing photos, property address, tree species information including diameter, and provide the physiological and structural condition of the tree preferably prior to removing the tree or as soon as possible after removing a tree.

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Peterborough Transit Resuming Some Routes From Ice Storm Aftermath

Some Peterborough Transit routes have resumed with some detours due to hazards such as downed power lines affecting routes caused by the weekend’s ice storm.

File Photo.

Power has been restored to the Simcoe Street bus terminal following the aftermath of the weekend weather.

The following transit routes are in operation:

• Routes #5 and #10: Operating regularly scheduled routes. 

• Route #11 will resume operation at 9:30 a.m. Route 11A is not operational yet.

• Route #2: Operating with a minor detour around Reid Street near Hunter Street.

• Route #4: Operating from the Peterborough Museum and Archives via Hunter Street to the bus terminal and extending west to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre via Charlotte Street.

• Route #7: Traveling to and from Fleming College via Lansdowne Street, detouring around River Road, Otonabee Drive and Middlefield Road, connecting to Trent University via Water Street from Parkhill Road.

A shuttle bus taking residents from the downtown core to the City’s three warming centres resumed operations at 8 a.m. this morning.

The shuttle bus runs in a loop and stops to pick up or drop off passengers at the following locations:

• Murray and George streets, outside City Hall

• The Simcoe Street Bus Terminal

• The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

• Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.

• Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W.

The shuttle bus is free and available to all residents. It runs on a 30-minute loop.

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Young Artists Asked to Help Five Counties Show Gratitude For 50 Years

Children of all ages are being asked to lend their creative art skills to help Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) show its appreciation for 50 years of service with its launch of the 50th Anniversary Thank You Card Contest.

Photo courtesy of FCCC.

Coinciding with its golden anniversary in 2025, until April 30, young artists of all ages are encouraged to decorate, colour and create artwork on a selection of 50th anniversary colouring sheets. Centre staff will use all artwork submitted on individual thank you cards shared with donors, volunteers, and supporters to show appreciation for their assistance to Five Counties.

In addition, one winning design will grace the cover of new corporate thank you cards that Five Counties will create in 2025 to mark its 50th anniversary.

Kids who enter the contest can win prizes, including Five Counties’ 50th anniversary T-shirts. Contest rules, entry forms, colouring sheets, and submission information are available online.

“Five Counties has much to be grateful for over its 50-year history, so who better to say thanks than the kids who benefit from our services,” said Maddie Jackson, FCCC Community Engagement Coordinator. “At the core of what Five Counties does is serving and supporting kids of all ages and abilities, so showcasing their artwork on 50th anniversary thank you cards will add extra meaning when we send appreciation to our supporters.”

As part of its 50th festivities, Five Counties is planning family-friendly events at each of its sites, including in Campbellford on May 27, in Cobourg in late June, over the summer in Minden, in Lindsay on Sept. 6, and in Peterborough on Sept. 27. The Centre is also featuring monthly stories from current and former clients, parents, families, staff, volunteers and supporters reflecting on their experiences and successes at Five Counties.

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