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

Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal during a city council meeting. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of City of Peterborough video)

Peterborough newsmaker of 2025: Mayor Jeff Leal

From his use of strong mayor powers to controversial behaviour, Leal was front-and-centre in local news over the past year

Bruce Head - December 21, 2025

The YMCA of Central East Ontario has named Linda Slavin and Lesley Kirton as the recipients of its 2025 UMCA Peace Medal. (Photos: Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough and Ontario Provincial Police)

YMCA of Central East Ontario honours Linda Slavin and Lesley Kirton with 2025 YMCA Peace Medals

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

Cars on road during winter storm with snow causing poor visibility.

Snow squall watch in effect for Kawarthas region Saturday night into Sunday

As of January 1, 2026, additional items that can be put in your blue box including hot and cold beverage cups, black plastic containers, toothpaste tubes, foam packaging, chip bags, and more. (Photo: Circular Materials)

More items allowed in blue boxes across the Kawarthas starting January 1

Ontario completes three-year transition to producer responsibility and expands recyclable materials province-wide

kawarthaNOW - December 20, 2025

Sarah McNeilly, the chair and sole director of Northcrest Neighbours for Fair Process (NNFP), spoke to a crowd outside of Peterborough city hall on June 9, 2025 during the "Rally for Integrity" in support of councillors Alex Bierk and Joy Lachica (pictured with councillor Keith Riel), who the city's integrity commissioner found were intimidated and bullied by Mayor Jeff Leal. McNeilly spoke about NNFP's legal challenge against Leal's use of strong mayor powers to expedite the development of Brock Mission's proposed six-storey transitional housing building by exempting it from site plan requirements. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)

Neighbourhood association launches fundraiser to cover $22,500 settlement payment to City of Peterborough and Brock Mission

The Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC) has been advocating for having a provincial licensing framework for ridesharing in Ontario, something the provincial government has recognized in its 2025 fall economic statement. According to EOWC, one of the benefits of having provincial standards is supporting innovative transit solutions in rural communities, such as Town of Innisfil in Simcoe County where Innisfil Transit offers on-demand, flat-fare rides using a voucher-based system through Uber that connect residents with popular destinations. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of Uber video)

Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus marks advocacy win related to ridesharing in Ontario

44-year-old Michael Waterman of Peterborough is wanted for second-degree murder in connection with the death of a 33-year-old man in downtown Peterborough on December 6, 2025. (Police-supplied photo)

Peterborough police arrest two of three suspects in December homicide of 33-year-old man

The Peterborough Humane Society and its partners hosted a community pet pantry distribution event at the Peterborough Public Library on December 12, 2025 to help families who are financially struggling to care for their pets. (Photos: Peterborough Humane Society)

Peterborough Humane Society pet pantry helps families keep their companion animals during tough economic times

December 12 event distributed pet food and supplies for more than 350 pets and saved 155 households over $100 each

Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter - December 18, 2025

Jazz musicians Marsala Lukianchuk and Mike Graham are hosting their annual Christmas show at the Black Horse Pub in downtown Peterborough on Friday evening. (Photo: Andy Carroll)

nightlifeNOW – December 18 to 24

United Way of Peterborough & District CEO Jim Russell during the official launch of the United Way's 2025-26 community campaign on September 25, 2025 at the Healthy Planet Arena. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)

Jim Russell is retiring as CEO of United Way Peterborough & District

Carried Away (Tanah Haney, Rob Fortin, Susan Newman, John Hoffman, and Michael Ketemer) performing with the Convivio Chorus at the In From The Cold benefit concert for YES Shelter for Youth and Families on December 12, 2015. (Photo: Linda McIllwain / kawarthaNOW)

This year’s ‘In From The Cold’ Christmas concert raises over $21K for Peterborough youth and families experiencing homelessness

Peterborough newsmaker of 2025: Mayor Jeff Leal

Bruce Head - December 21, 2025

From his use of strong mayor powers to controversial behaviour, Leal was front-and-centre in local news over the past year.

YMCA of Central East Ontario honours Linda Slavin and Lesley Kirton with 2025 YMCA Peace Medals

December 21, 2025

Snow squall watch in effect for Kawarthas region Saturday night into Sunday

December 20, 2025

More items allowed in blue boxes across the Kawarthas starting January 1

December 20, 2025

Neighbourhood association launches fundraiser to cover $22,500 settlement payment to City of Peterborough and Brock Mission

December 19, 2025

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

Megan Gallant - December 13, 2025

Whether you're Christmas shopping or hosting a holiday celebration, these five businesses have you covered.

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

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

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

The Neighbourhood Vintage at 391 Water Street in downtown Peterborough is the perfect shopping destination to find sustainable and trendy one-of-a-kind vintage gifts for women and men this holiday season. (Photo: Bryan Reid)

Shop the Boro: Find sustainable and trendy one-of-a-kind gifts at The Neighbourhood Vintage in downtown Peterborough

December 2, 2025

nightlifeNOW – December 18 to 24

kawarthaNOW - December 18, 2025

Featuring live music listings at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region.

Six of the more than 40 social and environmental documentary films to be screened during the 2026 ReFrame Film Festival, which runs in person in downtown Peterborough from January 30 to February 1 and online across Canada from February 3 to 8. Pictured (left to right, top and bottom) are the feature films "Holloway," "Future Council," and "At All Kosts," along with local films "Home," "Echoes in the Steel," "Mr. Possibility,", "Shropshire Sheep Scandal," and "No More Silent Battles." (kawarthaNOW collage)

ReFrame Film Festival unveils 2026 lineup of more than 40 social and environmental documentaries, including local films

December 17, 2025

For more than two decades, the ReFrame Film Festival has been bringing thought-provoking social and environmental justice documentaries from around the world to audiences in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough, expanding the festival in recent years to include a virtual program available to audiences across Canada. The 2026 festival will present more than 40 films, with in-person screenings as well as Q&As, panels, and performances in downtown Peterborough from January 30 to February 1 followed by a virtual program from February 3 to 8. (Photo courtesy of ReFrame Film Festival)

ReFrame Film Festival chair says power of documentary storytelling remains at the heart of the 22nd annual festival

December 16, 2025

The ReFrame Film Festival returns on January 30 to February 8, 2026 with more than 40 thought-provoking documentary films about environmental and social justice. In-person screenings take place in downtown Peterborough at Showplace Performance Centre and Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (pictured) from January 30 to February 1, followed by a virtual program available for online streaming across Canada from February 3 to 8. (Photo: ReFrame Film Festival)

Give the gift of documentary film this holiday season with ReFrame Film Festival passes

December 12, 2025

The Pig's Ear Tavern in downtown Peterborough is hosting a night of indie folk punk on Saturday featuring Peterborough's Muddy Hack with one-man band Mickey Moone from Skeleton Lake (pictured) and The Washout from Hamilton. (Photo via mickeymoone.com)

nightlifeNOW – December 11 to 17

December 11, 2025

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

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

Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter - December 21, 2025

Managing expectations, dealing with unpredictability, and addressing sensory overload can help deal with heightened emotions and busy schedules.

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

The public skating rink at Quaker Foods City Square in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: City of Peterborough / Facebook)

Free public skating returns to Quaker Foods City Square in downtown Peterborough on Saturday

December 10, 2025

Drone shows offer a cleaner, quieter alternative to fireworks through the use of synchronized LED-equipped drones, which can be also powered by renewable energy. Pictured are some of the resulting patterns during a drone show in the City of Ottawa. (Photo: Binita Ann Mathew / GreenUP)

Keeping the spirit of celebration alive without the environmental drawbacks of traditional fireworks

December 4, 2025

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