kawarthaNOW | News, events, and community information for residents, visitors, and cottagers in Peterborough and The Kawarthas

Members of Peterborough's Black community were in the gallery during a city council meeting on January 12, 2026, where a report from the city's integrity commissioner on Mayor Jeff Leal's use of an anti-Black racial slur was tabled. Responding to the findings of the report, councillor Alex Bierk put forward a motion to mandate anti-racism training for all councillors and city staff as well as to amend the code of conduct and the city's strategic plan. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of City of Peterborough video)

Peterborough city council mandates anti-racism training for all councillors and city staff after report on mayor’s use of racial slur

In response to integrity commissioner findings, councillors also voted unanimously to amend its code of conduct and city's strategic plan

Bruce Head - January 13, 2026

Signs point to the main entrances at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, including the Emergency Department. (Photo: PRHC)

Peterborough Regional Health Centre launches new tool to fast-track patients with minor ailments through its emergency department

Provincial cabinet ministers, MPs and MPPs, municipal leaders, and representatives from provincial associations and agencies attended the annual general meeting of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC) on January 9, 2026 in Kingston, where Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark (front row, fourth from left) was acclaimed as EOWC chair for the second year in a row. (Photo: EOWC)

Peterborough County Bonnie Clark re-acclaimed as 2026 chair of Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus

encoreNOW for January 12, 2026 features (from left to right, top and bottom) Girls Nite Out stand-up comedy and improv show at Peterborough's Market Hall, Peterborough Theatre Guild's production of "Where You Are" at the Guild Hall, Honeymoon Suite at Lindsay's Academy Theatre, three Peterborough Folk Festival emerging artists at the Market Hall, New Stages Theatre's staged reading of "Women of the Fur Trade" at the Market Hall, and Public Energy's presentation of "Rinse" at the Market Hall. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Katy Shufelt wins Peterborough DBIA’s Holiday Shopping Passport grand prize draw

Shufelt is donating a portion of her $1,500 prize of Boro gift cards to Wild Rock's ComPassion Project

kawarthaNOW - January 12, 2026

Police seized these licence plates made out of paper from a vehicle in Peterborough on January 10, 2026. The plate number (which police have redacted in the photo) belonged to a vehicle in Mississauga. (Photo: Peterborough Police Service)

Peterborough man facing charges for having paper licence plates on his vehicle

Kayla and Jimmy, pictured with two of their three children, received the keys to their new four-bedroom home in Fraserville during a dedication ceremony on January 11, 2026. The home was made possibly through Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region's homeownership program along with a $100,000 donation from the former Bailieboro-Springville United Church and a land donation from congregation members Don and Pat Wood. (Photo: Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region welcomes 100th family into affordable home in Fraserville

Almost all in-person screenings at the 2026 ReFrame Film Festival will be relaxed screenings, where audience members are welcome to move, leave, and reenter as needed, as well as make quiet sounds, or attend with support people, assistance animals, and babies. The relaxed screenings are one of the many features ReFrame has introduced to deliver a festival that is as accessible as possible by accommodating the physical, sensory, emotional, and financial needs of festiva-goers. The 2026 festival will run in person in downtown Nogojiwanong/Peterborough from January 30 to February 1 and online across Canada from February 3 to 8. (Photo courtesy of ReFrame Film Festival)

ReFrame Film Festival welcomes everyone to join the conversation by striving for accessibility

United Way Peterborough & District CEO Jim Russell presents a cheque to Kathy Woodcock, a special education resource teacher with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, during a visit to Keith Wightman Public School on January 9, 2026, representing Woocock's share of the proceeds of the United Way's December 50/50 draw. (Photo: United Way)

United Way Peterborough & District now at 90% of its $1.6M community campaign goal

December 50/50 jackpot awarded to a local educator highlights how small acts of generosity are helping drive the 2025-26 campaign across the finish line

kawarthaNOW - January 11, 2026

Wild Rock Outfitters co-founders Kieran Andrews and Scott Murison (second and third from left) with Kieran's father Chris (right) at the outdoor gear retailer's original location on George Street in downtown Peterborough in the 1990s. In honour of Chris, who passed away in summer 2025, Andrews matched all donations made to Wild Rock's ComPassion Project throughout November 2025 up to $20,000, helping to raise over $39,000 for six local organizations focused on environmental stewardship and positive social change. (Photo courtesy of Wild Rock Outfitters)

Wild Rock’s ComPassion Project raises over $39K for environmental and social causes in Peterborough

Colleen White-Goodchild as Suzanne, Lindsay Wilson as Beth, and Lyndele Gauci as Glenda during a rehearsal for the Peterborough Theatre Guild's production of "Where You Are" by Canadian playwright Kristen Da Silva, which runs for 10 performances from January 16 to 31, 2026. In the touching family comedy, sisters Suzanne and Glenda are enjoying their retirement on Manitoulin Island as veterinarian neighbour Patrick (Kevin O'Neill, not pictured) helps them out when Suzanne's doctor daughter Beth comes to Toronto for a visit, resulting in a budding romance between Patrick and Beth and the revelation of more than one family secret. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)

Lighten up your winter with ‘Where You Are’ at the Peterborough Theatre Guild from January 16 to 31

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) police car with lights flashing. (Photo: OPP)

27-year-old Kawartha Lakes man killed by vehicle on Highway 7 west of Lindsay on Friday night

Peterborough city council mandates anti-racism training for all councillors and city staff after report on mayor’s use of racial slur

Bruce Head - January 13, 2026

In response to integrity commissioner findings, councillors also voted unanimously to amend its code of conduct and city's strategic plan.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre launches new tool to fast-track patients with minor ailments through its emergency department

January 13, 2026

Peterborough County Bonnie Clark re-acclaimed as 2026 chair of Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus

January 13, 2026

Peterborough man facing charges for having paper licence plates on his vehicle

January 12, 2026

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region welcomes 100th family into affordable home in Fraserville

January 12, 2026

Katy Shufelt wins Peterborough DBIA’s Holiday Shopping Passport grand prize draw

kawarthaNOW - January 12, 2026

Shufelt is donating a portion of her $1,500 prize of Boro gift cards to Wild Rock's ComPassion Project.

Boardwalk Board Game Lounge in downtown Peterborough first opened its doors on November 29, 2018. Opened and operated by brothers Dylan and Connor Reinhart, over the past seven years the small business has more than doubled its board game collection, greatly expanded its food and drink menu, and welcomed thousands of visitors to connect and experience the nostalgia of playing board games. (Photo courtesy of Boardwalk Board Game Lounge)

Boardwalk Board Game Lounge celebrates seven years of bringing ‘nostalgic’ fun to downtown Peterborough

December 7, 2025

From locally made gifts to holiday décor to hosting festive gatherings, locally owned independent small businesses on Water Street between Hunter and Simcoe streets in downtown Peterborough have you covered this holiday season, including Needles in the Hay, Watson & Lou, The Neighbourhood Vintage, Sweet Fern Floral Studio, and St Veronus and Bijoux Bar. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Shop the Boro: Find one-of-a-kind gifts and celebrate the holidays at the eclectic businesses of Water Street in downtown Peterborough

December 13, 2025

Give the gift of fresh cut flowers this holiday season by shopping at Sweet Fern Floral Studio on Water Street in downtown Peterborough. Owner and lead designer Angela McDonald offers stunning pre-made and custom floral arrangements and wrapped bouquets, including customizable holiday arrangements and centrepieces, as well as home décor, locally made art, and sweet treats to add to your gift or enhance your holiday celebration. (Photos courtesy of Sweet Fern Floral Studio)

Shop the Boro: Decorate your home with fresh cut flowers at Sweet Fern Floral Studio in downtown Peterborough

December 9, 2025

Alicia Doris, owner of the award-winning Living Local Marketplace in Peterborough, has set up a Christmas Marketplace at Horlings Garden Centre in Selwyn until December 22, 2025. The boutique shop's home for the holidays offers a wide range of products from Canadian artisans and small businesses while crafting a holiday experience that includes beautiful Christmas displays, hot cider and cookies while you shop, and gift wrapping services, with both customizable and ready-made gift boxes available, including for corporate gifting. (Photo: Amy Zand / Elmwood & Baker)

Know Your Locals: Living Local Marketplace’s new home for the holidays offers a one-of-a-kind Christmas shopping experience

December 6, 2025

encoreNOW – January 12, 2026

Paul Rellinger - January 12, 2026

Featuring Girls Nite Out, 'Where You Are', Honeymoon Suite, Peterborough Folk Festival emerging artists, 'Women of the Fur Trade', and 'Rinse'.

ReFrame Film Festival welcomes everyone to join the conversation by striving for accessibility

January 11, 2026

Lighten up your winter with ‘Where You Are’ at the Peterborough Theatre Guild from January 16 to 31

Updated January 10, 2026

Toronto indie rock quartet Noise Hotel (Eric Montpool, Christian Strong, Matt Scharfe, and Brendon Vanderpol) returns to downtown Peterborough for a show at The Pig's Ear Tavern on Saturday night, with local band allura opening. (Photo: Adel Manji)

nightlifeNOW – January 8 to 14

January 8, 2026

Public Energy Performing Arts is presenting "Rinse," a dance and theatre performance by award-winning and internationally acclaimed Indigenous Australian dancer and choreographer Amrita Hepi, at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on January 28, 2026. Co-created with Mish Grigor, the solo performance explores the intoxication of beginnings through movement, playful satire, evocative monologue, and personal narratives. (Photo: Zan Wimberley)

Award-winning Indigenous Australian artist Amrita Hepi explores the romance of beginnings in ‘Rinse’

January 8, 2026

Peterborough Golf and Country Club’s golf course first in region to earn Audubon environmental certification

GreenUP - December 11, 2025

Rigorous multi-year process recognizes club's leadership in wildlife protection, water conservation, reduced chemical use, and sustainable turf management.

Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, four-time Olympic gold medallist, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, family physician, and assistant general manager with the Toronto Maple Leafs, will deliver the keynote address at the StrikeUP Canada digital conference for women entrepreneurs on February 26, 2026. (Photo source: Speakers Spotlight)

Hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser to headline free StrikeUP conference for Canadian women entrepreneurs

December 7, 2025

A sold-out crowd of 200 people attended the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Luminary Awards celebration at the Great Hall of Trent University's Champlain College on May 8, 2025, which saw awards in five categories that recognize women at all stages of their careers presented to Sheena Howard, Jenisha Sanjit Arora, Rachel Stark, Tiffany Arcari, and Jeannine Taylor. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)

Nominations are open for the second annual Luminary Awards for women in business

December 4, 2025

Inside Charlotte Products' Peterborough facility, staff oversee the packaging of environmentally responsible cleaning products. The company uses a supply chain that emphasizes Ontario-based materials and partnerships to minimize emissions and cost. (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Products)

Charlotte Products in Peterborough leads by example in greening the supply chain

November 13, 2025

Peterborough's Cormor and Bracebridge's 3DCP Muskoka have partnered to create a unique line of 3D printed products available at Stony Lake Furniture Co. in Lakefield. The founders of the two 3D printing construction companies are encouraging customers to think outside the box and challenge them on architectural design products that can be made through 3D printing. (Photo courtesy of Cormor)

Cormor and 3DCP Muskoka create unique 3D printed home decor products for Stony Lake Furniture Co. in Lakefield

November 7, 2025

Boat owners face new five-year licence renewals under federal rule changes

Bruce Head - January 7, 2026

Lifetime pleasure craft licences issued before 2010 will be phased out, with a licence fee also now in effect.

The winter edition of the Hike Haliburton Festival is returning to the Haliburton Highlands on February 7 and 8, 2026. Registration is now open for free guided hikes led by local experts, and the weekend also offers the opportunity for visitors to book excursions led by local outfitters and enjoy arts and culture. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)

Hike Haliburton celebrates winter with a weekend of outdoor adventure on February 7 and 8

January 6, 2026

According to Nicole Captain, an occupational therapist at Five Counties Children's Centre, it's important for parents and caregivers to set a good example for their children during the holiday season by regulating their own behaviour, emotions, and reactions so they remain calm. (Photo: Five Counties Children's Centre)

Five Counties Children’s Centre shares seven tips to help families navigate holiday stress

December 21, 2025

Thoughtfully chosen and long-lasting materials can replace single-use options for gift giving without sacrificing the festive spirit. Not only are these gifts wrapped in non-glossy paper and decorated with non-plastic bows, the gift tags are carved into wood and offer a keepsake in of themselves. (Photo: Natalie Stephenson / GreenUP)

Rethinking the gift wrap: reducing holiday waste without reducing the joy

December 18, 2025

You can enjoy a cozy alfresco dining experience in December thanks to the snow domes at Cheeky Duck Vineyard in Lakefield. Warmed by electric heaters, the two plastic domes seat up to 12 to 14 diners each, and are already drawing diners from across and beyond The Kawarthas. The snow domes are available until January 2, when Cheeky Duck closes until the spring. (Photo courtesy of Cheeky Duck Vineyard)

Cheeky Duck Vineyard brings back winter ‘snow domes’ for alfresco dining in Lakefield

December 14, 2025

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