Coinciding with the beginning of summer break, the City of Peterborough has opened its new visitor information centre to the public on Friday (June 26).

The Peterborough Visitor Centre is located at 353 Hunter Street East, just west of the Peterborough Lift Lock, in the building that was formerly the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre operated by Parks Canada.

“Today marks a new beginning for one of Peterborough’s most iconic spaces,” Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal said during a media event at the visitor centre on Thursday.

“We are excited to open the doors of the Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock and work to revitalize the space to incorporate diverse perspectives of the shared cultures and histories of the community.”

Parks Canada, the federal government agency that manages the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site including the Peterborough Lift Lock, shuttered the building during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 and never reopened it.

In an agreement with Parks Canada, the new visitor centre is operated by Peterborough Tourism, the city’s tourism services and destination marketing program. Under the agreement, the city is responsible for any renovations or updates and their costs, as well as operating costs including rent, utilities, snow removal, washroom access, and taxes.

Before the city assumed responsibility for tourism services from the now-defunct Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) in 2025, the visitor centre was located at PKED’s office at the Venture North building in downtown Peterborough. When that office was closed, it was then moved to the box office inside the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The new visitor centre’s location beside the Peterborough Lift Lock means it’s easily accessible for travellers arriving by boat, car, bike, or on foot. According to Parks Canada, the Lift Lock draws more than 35,000 land-based visitors annually, with additional visitors arriving by water via the

Along with Mayor Leal, Thursday’s media event was attended by city councillors Lesley Parnell, Kevin Duguay, Matt Crowley, Keith Riel, Dave Haacke, and Alex Bierk, along with Peterborough MP Emma Harrison, Parks Canada’s manager of canal operations Chad Buchner, the city’s Indigenous relations advisor Shelley Knott, and 18-year-old Kelvin Boissoneau from Garden River First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie.

“I am delighted on behalf of the federal government to share responsibility for this gem in the heart of the riding of Peterborough,” MP Harrison said.

“The Lift Lock represents some of the best of our past, but also our goals for the future. I know that the City of Peterborough will be the best custodians of this historical landmark for our community and all that visit our beautiful home.”

Other attendees at Thursday’s media event included city staff, Parks Canada staff, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area executive director Nour Mazloum, and members of the community.

New signage on Hunter Street East and Peterborough Tourism branded banner flags promote the location of the visitor centre, while the inside features a large map of the Trent-Severn Waterway, historic displays about the Peterborough Lift Lock, interpretive areas, information resources including the city’s official destination guide and the regional Peterborough and The Kawarthas visitor map developed in collaboration with Peterborough County, and a gift shop.

While the centre is now open to the public, work is continuing on the interior of the building — which has been unused for six years — to improve the visitor experience.

Operating year round, the Peterborough Visitor Centre is currently open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, visit the Peterborough Tourism website at www.ptbotourism.ca.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) will permanently install a weapons detection system at the entrance to its emergency department following a successful three-week trial last summer.

The Xtract One SmartGateway system will be installed and activated on Tuesday, July 7. Once in place, everyone entering or re-entering the hospital through the emergency department will be required to pass through the system’s sensors.

The permanent installation follows a three-week trial in June 2025, during which 113 items were detected and removed from people entering the regional hospital that services a population of 600,000 people.

PRHC’s decision to install the weapons detection system comes as hospitals across Canada are responding to increased concerns about violence and weapons in healthcare settings.

In April, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions reported that 95 per cent of nurses surveyed across Canada had experienced workplace violence or harassment in the previous year, and has called for violence-prevention infrastructure including weapons detection systems, surveillance cameras, and personal alarms.

In Ontario, Windsor Regional Hospital has been using AI weapons detection at its emergency departments since 2023, while London Health Sciences Centre announced last year it was installing similar systems at its emergency departments.

PRHC says the Xtract One system uses artificial intelligence and sensor technology to detect potential weapons while distinguishing them from everyday items. Unlike traditional metal detectors, the system allows people to walk through without stopping or removing items such as phones, keys, or metal water bottles.

According to Xtract One Technologies, the SmartGateway system is designed to provide high-throughput screening without requiring people to divest personal belongings or undergo secondary screening unless a potential threat is detected.

“Healthcare organizations are increasingly embracing digital transformation strategies that enhance safety without compromising the patient experience,” said Xtract One CEO Peter Evans in a media release.

“Our work with Peterborough Regional Health Centre demonstrates how forward-thinking providers can balance intelligent screening technology that proactively addresses modern threats with the openness and accessibility that are essential to care environments,” Evans added.

PRHC says the system is mobility and accessibility-friendly and supports wheelchairs, walkers, and assistive devices. The hospital notes the system does not use facial recognition technology.

For people who have medical devices, mobility needs, or other considerations, alternative screening will be available. PRHC adds that it will also continue to respect spiritual and cultural practices throughout the screening process.

“As the Peterborough region’s largest employer, PRHC views care and safety as inseparable,” said Jennifer Taylor, PRHC’s vice-president and chief financial officer.

“We believe that every team member, patient, family member, and caregiver deserves to feel safe and supported from the moment they walk through our doors. SmartGateway is a solution we’re proud to introduce in our emergency department, where it will support us to uphold this standard for patients and families, who depend on us to be there when they need us most.”

Xtract One says PRHC selected the system following the hospital’s pilot and evaluation period, including testing in a real-world clinical environment. The company says the deployment adds to its growing presence in healthcare settings, following previous Canadian deployments in Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia.

Peterborough voters may be spoiled for choice in this year’s municipal election with all ward seats (and the mayoral chair) already having numerous candidates registered.

Municipal elections across Ontario will take place on Monday, October 26. As residents of a single-tier municipality, Peterborough voters will elect a mayor, two city councillors in each of the city’s five wards, and school board trustees.

Although incumbent mayor Jeff Leal has yet to declare whether he intends to run for re-election, five candidates have filed their nomination papers so far seeking the mayor’s chair: Micheal Eamon, Jacob Méthot, Neil Morton, incumbent councillor Keith Riel, and Rebecca Schillemat.

Meanwhile, seven incumbent councillors have already begun their campaign for re-election. With 15 first-time or repeat candidates fighting to take their roles, each seat will be hotly contested. The nomination period is still open until August 21, so it’s possible even more candidates may decide to throw their hats in the ring.

kawarthaNOW will be contacting all registered ward candidates to ask for their position on key election issues such as housing, affordability, and council transparency, with comments from new candidates added as required.

Ward 1 – Otonabee

In Ward 1 – Otonabee, both incumbent councillors — Lesley Parnell and Kevin Duguay — will be seeking another term in office.

For Parnell, who filed her nomination papers on May 7, this would be her fifth term as Otonabee Ward councillor, having served in the role since 2010.

“I remain strong, energized, professional, optimistic and dedicated to this important role as your city councillor,” Parnell states on her website.

Duguay is seeking a second term on council after winning former councillor Kim Zippel’s empty seat in 2022. On his website, Duguay lists his four key priorities as being accessible and responsive to ward residents and businesses, working to increase the housing supply, improving the quality of life in the community, and supporting infrastructure investments throughout the ward and city.

First-time candidates Chris Potter and Jessica Correa joined the Otonabee Ward race on May 1 and May 19 respectively.

Potter, who was the first candidate to file in the ward, has said his campaign will focus on affordability and accountability.

“People are already feeling the pressure of rising costs. Every decision at City Hall needs to reflect that reality and focus on where we can deliver the most value for the community,” said Potter in a May 1 media release.

Correa is a Trent University alumna with a background in sustainability and project management. In a media release, she said she is “running to bring practical, community-rooted leadership to City Hall.”

Grief counsellor Noella Koshul filed her candidacy on May 7 but has since withdrawn from the race and endorsed Correa. In a Facebook post on May 29 announcing her withdrawal, Koshul said she wants to see both incumbent councillors in the ward replaced.

Ward 2 – Monaghan

Ward 2 – Monaghan has already seen three first-time candidates put their names forward in AJ Shearer, Jen Lacey, and Ashley Flynn. They join incumbent councillor Matt Crowley in the race.

Crowley was elected to council for the first time in 2022 after longtime Monaghan ward councillor Henry Clarke entered the mayoral race. Crowley, who received the most votes of any Monaghan candidate in 2022, filed his papers for re-election on May 1.

“I’ve always believed that strong communication and accessibility matter, and I’ll continue to make sure residents feel heard, informed, and represented,” wrote Crowley in a Facebook post.

Shearer, a real estate broker, entered the race on May 4. His website highlights affordability, prosperity, and accountability as key facets of his campaign.

“I’m running because I believe we can make smarter, more practical decisions that help keep our city affordable, safe, and moving in the right direction,” Shearer states on his website.

Lacey, who recently was a lead advocate for tenants at 700 Parkhill Road, became a first-time candidate in May 8, identifying affordability and accountability as priority values.

“I’ve worked in systems where people often feel invisible. My goal is simple: make sure the people of Monaghan Ward and Peterborough feel heard, respected, and supported,” she says on her website.

Flynn, a recent Luminary Award winner and owner of Black Rock Developments, entered the race on May 13 positioning herself as a “fresh voice” for the ward where she has lived for the past seven years.

“I have no right to complain about the city we live in if I’m not willing to step forward and try to make a difference,” Flynn says on her website.

As for incumbent councillor Don Vassiliadis, who was first elected to council in 2015, he has not yet announced whether he intends to stand in 2026.

Ward 3 – Town

Ward 3 – Town incumbents Joy Lachica and Alex Bierk officially launched their campaigns together on May 1. They have worked closely throughout their first term, bringing joint motions and generally voting in alignment.

Lachica, who also serves as second deputy mayor, told kawarthaNOW in an interview earlier this year that she is excited to run for re-election and is dedicated to continuing the work she has begun over the past four years.

As for Bierk, he said in a June 5 Facebook post that he wants to continue “to be a strong voice for our downtown, for housing and homelessness solutions, for arts and culture and community groups, and for residents who want a more transparent and accountable City Hall.”

Challenging the two incumbents are Jessica Kuhlmorgen-Hille and Jenni Cathcart, who filed their nomination paperwork on May 1 and June 23 respectively. Both are first-time candidates.

“I want to be someone you can relate to, and rely on, to get things done. I want to help steer this ship back on course for us all,” said Kuhlmorgen-Hille in a Facebook post when announcing her candidacy.

As for Cathcart, she is a career development coach and speaker originally from Wisconsin whose husband is Canadian. The family moved to Toronto in 2017 and then to Peterborough almost two years ago.

Ward 4 – Ashburnham

In Ward 4 – Ashburnham, longtime incumbent Keith Riel has left his seat vacant by entering the mayoral race while fellow incumbent Gary Baldwin, who also serves as first deputy mayor, filed his nomination papers on May 4 to seek a fourth term on council.

Returning to the Ashburnham Ward race is Dreams of Beans owner Andrew McGregor, who failed to unseat either incumbent in the 2022 election. McGregor, who entered the 2026 race on June 16, also previously ran for federal office in 2019 as the Green Party of Canada candidate.

Ashley Bonner, a proud East City resident and community organizer, became a first-time candidate when she filed on May 7. Bonner is the founder of the Facebook group East City PTBO which creates connections within the neighbourhood.

“I’m running because I believe in this ward, I believe in the people who call it home, and I believe we can build a more informed, connected, and resilient community together,” she says on her website.

Jason Stabler, a governance and strategy consultant who has volunteered with numerous community and charitable organizations, launched his campaign on May 28. He previously ran in the 2014 municipal election as a Town Ward candidate.

“I will always act with honesty and integrity, and I am willing to engage in difficult conversations because this community deserves nothing less,” Stabler said in a media release. “We may not always see eye to eye on every single issue, but I will listen genuinely, and act respectfully and you will always be able to trust that I am acting in the best interests of Ashburnham Ward.”

Ward 5 – Northcrest

As for Ward 5 – Northcrest, while incumbent Andrew Beamer filed on May 8 to run for his fifth term on council, incumbent Dave Haacke is not seeking re-election.

First-time candidate Phil Jolicoeur entered the Northcrest race on the first day of the nominations period, May 1. Jolicoeur, who is the owner of Be Your Brand marketing agency, is known in Peterborough for his community and charity initiatives such as Harmony for Healing.

“I’ve spent two decades figuring out how to get things done with limited resources, diverse stakeholders, and real community stakes. That’s exactly what municipal governance requires,” says Jolicoeur on his website.

Another first-time candidate, Gavin Muir, filed his nomination papers on May 19. He has a background as a lawyer, entrepreneur, and professional voice actor.

“Northcrest has been my home for my entire adult life. My kids have grown up here, I’ve volunteered here, I’ve built things here – businesses and a family. This ward isn’t abstract to me. I know it, I love it, and I want to fight for it,” said Muir in a media release.

Paul Lawton, who registered his candidacy on June 5, is a first-time candidate for city council but has previously run a political campaign as the representative for the People’s Party of Canada in the 2021 federal election.

“Paul believes leadership is both a responsibility before God and a trust given by the people we serve. His priorities are practical and local: safe neighbourhoods, responsible spending, supporting families, and well-managed city services,” reads Lawton’s website.

Another candidate with campaign experience is Charmaine Magumbe, who previously ran for city councillor in Monaghan Ward in 2022. Magumbe, who is chairperson of the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough and co-founder of the Afrocentric Awareness Network of Peterborough, registered as a candidate for Northcrest on May 8.

According to a media release, Magumbe will focus on affordability, housing, neighbourhood safety, and access to basic needs. She also highlights the importance of environmental protections and green infrastructure.

The registration of photographer Debbie Halstead brings the total number of candidates in Northcrest Ward to six — the most registered candidates of any ward in the city.

The original version of this story has been updated with a correction. Jason Stabler is not a first-time-candidate; he previously ran in the 2014 municipal election as a Town Ward candidate.