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Celebrate your loved ones with Valentine’s Day and Family Day events in the Kawarthas

By Megan Gallant -
With Valentine's Day falling on the Friday before the 2025 Family Day long weekend, there are plenty of festivals, celebrations, and other events happening across the Kawarthas region, including the annual Snofest winter festival in Peterborough. (Photo: Peterborough Tourism)

It’s not every year that Valentine’s Day falls on the Friday right before the Family Day long weekend, but such is the case for 2025. That offers the perfect excuse to turn the long weekend into an extended four-day celebration with the people you love most — or even a five-day celebration with many Valentine’s Day events happening on Thursday.

Across the Kawarthas region, businesses and organizations are hosting everything from outdoor festivals to encourage quality time with your family to delicious, romantic dinners to help you spoil that special someone. Either way, these events will give you the chance to unwind and spend time with loved ones this Family Day weekend.

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“Love is in the Air” in downtown Cobourg – February 13

“Love is in the Air” across downtown Cobourg on Thursday, February 13, when retailers, cafés, and specialty shops will be open late until 8 p.m. so you can shop for the loved ones in your life, while kicking off the love-filled long weekend by dining, sipping, and experiencing what the downtown’s small businesses have to offer.

Participating businesses include Gemini Boutique, Pink Lemon Décor, Hunter’s Holy Dough, Nessie’s, We Made It, All Creatures Great & Small, The Pink Café, Flipping Beautiful,
Ten Thousand Villages, Readers’ Nook, Modella, Brittany & Bros, and more.

Visit the Cobourg Downtown Business Improvement Area website at www.downtowncobourg.ca/events for a full list of participating businesses.

 

“Love Yourself, Love the Boro” in downtown Peterborough – February 13

Peterborough will also be showing local businesses some love on Thursday, February 13, with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area is inviting visitors and residents to “Love Yourself, Love the Boro.”

Running from 4 to 9 p.m. in downtown Peterborough, the inaugural event includes a self-guided tour of downtown businesses with pop-ups, live entertainment, pampering, and giveaways, with the first 100 attendees receiving a swag bag.

To kick off the event, from 4 to 7 p.m., businesses will be open late offering in-store discounts and promotions, workshops, and demonstrations. Participating businesses include The Vanilla Room, Couture Candy, Needles in the Hay, Watson & Lou, By the Books, Lavender Moon, The Speak Easy Café, Sugar Me Right, Iceman Video Games, Agave, Brothers Pizza, and more.

Then, drop into The Venue between 7 and 9 p.m. for pop-ups from local artists and businesses, ive music by Caitlin Currie and Jeanne Truax, pampering, and fun surprises.

For more information and the full list of participating businesses, visit www.theboro.ca/love-yourself-love-the-boro/.

 

Galentine’s Party at Burleigh Falls Inn – February 13

Leave the boys at home, grab your besties, and head to the falls for a Valentine’s Day celebration filled with laughter and your closest gal pals. The Burleigh Falls Inn is hosting a Galentine’s Day Party on Thursday, February 13 beginning at 7 p.m.

The evening will be complete with a complimentary cocktail or mocktail, snacks, and line-dancing instruction.

Tickets are priced at $25 per person. As of the date of this story, only a few tickets are left. They can be purchased on the Facebook event page.

 

Who says art camp is just for kids? And what says love more than receiving your own custom portrait from your sweetie or best friend?

The Art Gallery of Peterborough is hosting a Couples and Friends Portrait Paint Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, when participants will learn techniques for portrait drawing and painting to craft a portrait of a partner that they can take home. No skill or experience is required, and materials and refreshments will be provided.

Register for $50 at agp.on.ca/learn/programs/adult-programs/adult-art-camp/

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Valentine’s Day Dinner and Music at Kawartha Country Wines in Buckhorn – February 14

Dinner, music, and wine makes for a perfectly romantic Valentine’s Day and that’s exactly what Kawartha Country Wines is offering during a special event on Friday, February 14 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The evening at the Buckhorn family winery will kick off with a welcome glass of cider, before a four-course meal will be set to the jazzy soundtrack of Rob Phillips on piano and Carling Stephen on vocals. The meal will include bruschetta, a salad, beef wellington, and a decadent chocolate brownie, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

To keep the spirits high and complement the meal, diners will be served three specially selected glasses of wine. The dinner will be followed by more music and a Valentine’s Day surprise.

The Valentine’s Day Dinner and Music at Kawartha Country Wines costs $79 per person, with tickets available at kawarthacountrywines.ca.

 

Valentine’s Day Tea and Valentine’s Brunch at Rolling Grape Vineyard in Bailieboro – February 14 to 16

After being closed for January, Rolling Grape Vineyard in Bailieboro is reopening on the Valentine’s Day weekend and rolling out the love, starting with Valentine’s Day Tea on Friday, February 14. With 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. seatings, the menu features premium David’s Tea loose leaf teas, scones, savoury sandwiches and bites, and sweet desserts. Tickets are priced at $60 per person.

Regular dinner service is also available on Valentine’s Day, including a special live music performance by Kevin Foster from 5 to 9 p.m.

A Valentine’s Weekend Brunch is also available on Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16, with 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 p.m seatings each day. Brunch boards will include quiche, bacon, salami, salmon, macrons, berries, cheeses, croissants, and more. Boards are priced at $24 per person.

For more information and to book a reservation, visit rollinggrape.com.

 

Love Day Brunch Features at The Vine in Peterborough – February 14 to 16

From a romantic outing for Valentine’s Day to a great opportunity to gather the whole family together, brunch is something all your loved ones will enjoy. Peterborough pescetarian restaurant The Vine is serving up some lovely offers from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16 with their Love Day brunch features.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the restaurant will be serving up $4 refills on mimosas (including non-alcoholic versions) and the “sir loves-a-lot” sangria. The drinks will pair nicely with special brunch features including fluffy Belgian waffles, panko-crusted seafood cake benny, and a salmon burger. For dessert, there will be lots of love-filled baked goods.

Visit www.thevineptbo.com to reserve your spot.

 

Till Death BBQ’s all-your-can-eat Valentine’s Feast at the Haliburton Legion – February 15

Nothing says “I love you” quite the way food does, so take your loved one out for as much food as they can eat at Till Death BBQ’s Valentine’s Feast at the Haliburton Legion from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 15.

Till Death BBQ will be serving up a decadent buffet with brisket, pulled pork, fish and chips, chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, and barbecued veggies, as well as access to a salad bar and dessert bar.

Diners can enjoy music from Joslynn Burford while they enjoy their meals and can take the opportunity to get a special Valentine’s Day photo with a donation to Snowflake Meadows dog day care centre.

Tickets are priced at $45 for adults, $20 for kids 5 to 10, and free for kids under five, with $5 from each adult ticket sold donated to Snowflake Meadows.

Email tilldeathbbqinc@gmail.com to get your tickets.

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Peterborough Snofest – February 14 to 17

The City of Peterborough’s annual Snofest winter festival returns from Friday February 14 to Monday, February 17. Residents and visitors can spend their Family Day weekend getting active outside with family-friendly events happening across the city.

Snofest will tick off on Friday with an adult afternoon tea social from 2 to 4 p.m. featuring tabletop games, treats, and tea at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, and a family drop-in swim from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre.

Activities on Saturday include a public skate at the Quaker Foods City Square from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Drag Queen Story Time with Betty Baker from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. at the Peterborough Public Library followed by a “crafternoon” of making shibori-inspired paper snowflakes from 1 to 4 p.m., and a spaghetti dinner hosted by the East Peterborough Lions Club at the McDonnel Street Community Centre from 6 to 8 p.m. (pay what you can, cash only).

Sunday features a free pancake and sausage breakfast offered by the East Peterborough Lions Club and hosted by Mayor Jeff Leal from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, where kids can visit with Snofest Pete and participate in fun family activities in the gym. The afternoon features Family Sunday at the Art Gallery of Peterborough from 1 to 4 p.m. where families can explore current exhibits and drop in to the studio to make their own Snofest Pete to take home.

The celebrations end Monday with free drop-in sports (including pickleball, badminton, and basketball) from 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, and a public skate at the new Miskin Law Community Centre from 12 to 1:50 p.m.

Snofest is sponsored by Recycle Your Batteries Canada!, and participants are encouraged to bring their used batteries to selected Snofest events for safe recycling.

For more information, visit www.peterborough.ca/snofest for a full line-up of events.

 

Bobcaygeon Frost Fest – February 14 to 17

Bobcaygeon will be transformed to a winter extravaganza over the Family Day weekend from Friday, February 14 to Monday, February 17. To break up the winter blues, Bobcaygeon Frost Fest is an annual celebration featuring town-wide sales and specials, outdoor events, and lots of community connection.

The weekend’s outdoor activity highlights include free indoor and outdoor public skating as well as cross country ski trails and tobogganing at Eganridge Resort Golf Club & Spa all weekend long, a myriad of family fun activities at the Kawartha Settlers’ Village on Saturday, February 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the annual Dunsford Lions Club Radar Run on Sturgeon Lake at 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 16.

Other activities that can be found around town include face painting, a puzzle hunt, craft stations, blowout sales at local retailers, and more.

There will also be no shortage of food available to keep you warm throughout the weekend, including Valentine’s Day features at Grâz on Friday, February 14 and many offers from Just for the Halibut, including half price for kids, frosty mini donuts, and poutine specials all weekend long.

For a full list of what’s happening during Bobcaygeon Frost Fest, head to www.visitbobcaygeon.com.

 

Hibernate Festival in downtown Port Hope – February 14 to 17

Described as “a warm hug on a cold weekend, filled with live music, local food, arts, crafts and community,” the annual Hibernate Festival returns to downtown Port Hope for the Family Day long weekend from Friday, February 14 to Monday, February 17. Presented by the Cultivate Festival, Hibernate features a mix of mostly free and some paid events.

Live music kicks off on Friday, February 14 with a pay-what-you-can concert at the Capitol Theatre featuring the Cultivate Festival All-Stars (Kyler Tapscott, Melissa Payne, Derek Downham, Saskia Tomkin, Ian McKeown, and Nicholas Campbell). Free live music on Saturday, February 15 includes Doghouse Orchestra and Matthew Holtby at Ganaraska Brewing Company, Irish Millie and Derek Downham at Beamish House Pub, and Brian Bracken, Jakeb Daniel, and Harry Hannah at The Thirsty Goose, with a ticketed concert featuring The Pairs and Lotus Wight in the Sculthorpe Theatre at the Capitol Theatre. On Sunday, February 16, award-winning Americana artist Kaia Kater and local folk pop duo Shannon & Jakeb will perform at Ganaraska Art and Framing.

Sunday will also see a range of free arts and craft activities for the entire family throughout downtown Port Hope, including Bunting with Kate Hunter from 12 to 4 p.m. at Feel Good Company, Winter Songs and Stories with Pete Moss from 3 to 4 p.m. at Furby House, Design and Print Making from 12 to 3 p.m. at Mad World, Songwriter’s Circle with Shannon Linton from 2 to 4 p.m. at Dwellissimo, Letter Writing and Greeting Card Design from 12 to 4 p.m. at Feel Good Company, Stories and Songs with Ted Staunton from 1 to 2 p.m. at Furby House, Artist Talk & Reception with Raechel Wastesicoot from 12 to 4 p.m. at Port Hope Town Hall, Micro Heritage Tours by ACO Port Hope Branch on the hour in the afternoon, Young Artists Showcase from 12 to 3 p.m. at On 2nd Thought Upcycling, Open Fire and S’mores from 1 to 4 p.m at Linger Zone on John St., and live music from 1 to 4 p.m. at multiple venues.

On Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16, Hibernate Eats will see delicious food and drinks from some of Port Hope’s finest downtown restaurants, including The Thirsty Goose, Beamish House Pub, Ganaraska Brewing Company, Olympus Burger, Frosted Flour, Cafe Lviv, and Queenie’s Bake Shop.

Hibernate culminates with a pay-what-you-can Family Day Extravaganza at the Port Hope Lions Recreation Centre from 12 to 4 p.m. on Monday, February 17, featuring performances by Trash Panda Brass, Balfolk Dance, and the Paddling Puppeteer Glen Caradus as well as arts and crafts and more.

For more information and for tickets for paid events, visit cultivatefestival.ca/hibernate-festival-2025.

 

The Great Backyard Bird Count – February 14 to 17

Spend the Family Day weekend outdoors this year and show your love for birds by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).

Now in its 28th year, the annual global event from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada is returning for the whole weekend from Friday, February 14 to Monday, February 17.

All you have to do is watch for birds! Whether in your backyard or in your favourite local park, spend 15 minutes or more anytime during the weekend and record all the birds you see and hear. Sightings can be uploaded to Merlin Bird ID app (recommended for beginners) or the eBird mobile or desktop app. The data collected will support research on bird populations and help scientists assist birds around the world.

For tips on birding, resources on using the apps to upload the sightings, and more, visit www.birdcount.org.

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Family Day Winter Fun in Hastings Highlands – February 15

Get bundled up for an afternoon of winter fun when Hastings Highlands and North Hastings Children’s Services presents “Let’s Celebrate Winter!” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 15 at Bird’s Creek Park just north of Bancroft.

From 10 a.m. to noon, North Hastings Children’s Services will be offering a variety of outdoor activities including ice chiselling, snow graffiti, snow volcanoes, ice castle building, and snowshoeing. At noon, a free lunch of chili and hot chocolate will be served, followed at 1 p.m. by a winter in nature walk led forest educator Virginia DeCarle.

Weather permitting, ice skating will be available throughout the day, as well as a campfire to keep you warm no matter how cold it is.

For more information, call 613-334-0716 or email eventscoordinator@hastingshighlands.ca.

 

Blizzardfest at the Buckhorn Community Centre – February 15

Celebrate the Family Day weekend during Blizzardfest at the Buckhorn Community Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 15.

For a cash donation at the door, participants can enjoy family-friendly activities including outdoor games, horse-drawn wagon rides from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., ice skating, kids’ crafts and live music. Outdoor activities are dependent on the weather.

And don’t miss the chili cook-off, where community members bring their favourite chili recipes fully cooked and ready to be eaten. At around noon, three judges will taste the chili dishes to determine the Judges’ Award Winner, and attendees will cast their votes for the Peoples’ Choice Award.

For more information about Blizzardfest, and to register your chili for the cook-off, visit www.buckhorncommunitycentre.com.

 

Family Day Celebration in Cobourg – February 17

The Town of Cobourg’s Community Services Division is inviting the community to celebrate Family Day at Rotary Harbourfront Park from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, February 17.

Due to unseasonable weather, Cobourg’s First Night celebration in January was cancelled, and the festivities will now be rolled into the Family Day celebration, which features skating at the outdoor rink with music by a DJ, horse and wagon rides from the Albert Street Bus Terminal, a scavenger hunt, fireworks at 7 p.m., soups and sandwiches from a local food vendor, special guests from Cobourg’s fire and police departments, and more.

For more information, visit www.experiencecobourg.ca.

More than 160 people have passed through the doors of Cobourg’s new homeless shelter in past two months

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Located at 310 Division Street, Cobourg's new homeless shelter includes a warming/cooling room and laundry, washroom and shower, and dining facilities on the first floor, 35 emergency shelter beds on the second and third floors, and 10 transitional housing units on the fourth floor. (Photo: Northumberland County)

While there were hoops and hiccups around its opening, the new homeless shelter at 310 Division St. in Cobourg has seen more than 160 people come through the doors in its first two months of operation, with seven people already moving to permanent housing.

The transition of shelter services in Cobourg from 10 Chapel St. to 310 Division St. occurred in January, although the new shelter made its debut two months earlier with the opening of its warming room in November.

According to a media release from Northumberland County, more than 160 people have accessed the warming room and shelter services since the doors opened. Around 25 per cent of them have indicated they were living rough prior to accessing shelter services. Four couples and three people with pets have been among those accessing shelter spaces — groups that were unable to be accommodated at the previous Chapel Street Shelter.

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“We are gratified to see the impact this new facility is already having on our clients’ lives,” said Ike Nwibe, executive director of Transition House Coalition.

“This is more than just a place to stay — it’s a space where individuals can find safety, access support services, and begin to build a better future. We are grateful to community members and partner agencies for joining us in this work to provide critical services and supports to people living unhoused in Northumberland. This support will continue to be vital to helping us meet the diverse needs of the people being served, and to ensure successful integration of the shelter within the community.”

Since the opening of the Division Street shelter, Transition House has established partnerships with Hope and Light Outreach Services to serve lunch on site twice a week and the Salvation Army to serve dinner one night a week, with more than 456 meals served to clients.

Meanwhile, six other community organizations have also begun offering on-site services: Northumberland County Community & Social Services, Northumberland Paramedics Community Paramedicine Program, Northumberland Hills Hospital Community Mental Health Services, The Help Centre, The Legal Centre, and Four Counties Addiction Services Team (Fourcast).

Seven people have already transitioned to permanent housing through the efforts of partner organizations, according to the release, “marking a significant milestone in their journey toward stability and independence.”

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The Division Street facility, which the county purchased in 2023 in partnership with Transition House, is intended to “modernize” shelter services.

Located on the main floor, the warming room offers respite from the cold (and will offer respite from the heat in the summer), along with laundry and shower facilities and food.

The second and third floors, which feature 35 emergency shelter beds, opened in mid-December. In addition to the short-term beds, the shelter will offer 10 longer-term transitional housing units on the fourth floor.

“We are encouraged by the positive impact we’ve already seen at 310 Division Street,” said Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander.

“This is a critical step in the journey towards long-term solutions for homelessness in our community. The progress made in such a short period speaks to the power of collaboration and the community’s commitment to creating lasting change. As we continue to work together, we are focused on building on this momentum to ensure that those facing homelessness have the support and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives and integrate back into the community.”

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One of the hurdles that delayed the opening of the shelter was the need for the county and Transition House to respond to and comply with the Town of Cobourg’s by-law requirements regulating emergency care establishments, which was introduced in February 2024.

In addition, prior to the opening of the shelter, there were county council meetings during which some residents and members of the business community voiced concerns about the plans for the building, which was formerly a retirement residence.

In response, there were community consultations and engagement efforts as the transition of the shelter from Chapel Street to Division Street was underway. Public engagement initiatives are contining, the county said.

“Northumberland County has been working closely with Transition House and community members to ensure ongoing collaboration,” the release states. “This includes the launch, in December, of the 310 Division Community Liaison Committee (CLC), fulfilling a key recommendation from public consultations held in early 2024. Two productive meetings have taken place to date, with a focus on developing a communications protocol and creating recommendations to improve community safety and well-being.”

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Northumberland County is encouraging residents to support shelter services in the county by sharing information available at northumberland.ca/sheltermodernization about the new Division Street shelter.

To support shelter services financially, residents can make a donation to Transition House at www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/79494 or donate to other agencies in Northumberland delivering services to vulnerable members of the community.

In the future, Transition House plans to engage volunteers in different aspects of shelter services. Those who are interested in volunteering with Transition House can email info@thshelter.ca. Transition House will reach out when it’s ready to start involving volunteers.

Finally, Transition House is currently collecting donations of new or gently used adult winter clothing, including jackets, boots, and socks, as well as specific food items such as coffee and sugar.

Donations can be dropped off at the shelter during regular business hours. Community members interested in making this type of donation in the future are encouraged to contact the shelter first about its needs at that given time prior to collecting items.

Know Your Locals: Pristine Plumbing celebrates one year of customer-focused and high-quality service

By Megan Gallant -
In February 2025, young Peterborough entrepreneurs Mallory Cardinal and Dylan Stadtke are celebrating the one-year anniversary of their business Pristine Plumbing. Combining Cardinal's business experience and Stadtke's plumbing expertise, the business provides clients in Peterborough, Lakefield, Stoney Lake, and surrounding areas with responsive and high-quality services, including for emergencies and sewage backups as well as water treatment systems, renovations, and more. (Photo courtesy of Pristine Plumbing)

When a plumbing emergency happens, you want to trust that an expert will be there to pick up your call, efficiently fix the problem, and give you the information you need to prevent it from happening again.

Celebrating its first year in business in February, Pristine Plumbing has quickly built a solid reputation by being there when clients need them most.

Young entrepreneurs Mallory Cardinal and Dylan Stadtke met while studying at Fleming College and have continued to build connections in Peterborough over the past decade. In February 2024, the life partners combined Cardinal’s experience in business and Stadtke’s expertise in plumbing to launch Pristine Plumbing, a high-quality plumbing service focused on providing exceptional customer service.

From sewage backup issues and water treatment services to home renovations and more, Pristine Plumbing is a fully licensed and insured business offering both scheduled and emergency services in Peterborough, Lakefield, Stoney Lake, and surrounding areas. In addition to always answering calls and being as responsive as possible, Cardinal and Stadtke schedule appointment bookings in the evenings and on weekends so you don’t have to wait for help to get your home back in working order.

“We know that when plumbing emergencies happen, it totally disrupts your home — and when your home is impacted, it has a huge effect on you,” says Cardinal.

Recognizing that many homeowners don’t know the first thing about plumbing, Stadtke also goes above and beyond by providing tips to help clients avoid future issues. One of the most essential tips he shares is the importance of knowing where your home’s water shut-off valve is located.

“You might have your sink fall out on your kitchen floor, but if you know where it shuts off, at least you can prevent the water damage,” says Stadtke. “If things are going badly and there’s water everywhere, shut off the water first, and then call us and we’ll figure it out.”

Plumber Dylan Stadtke, who owns Pristine Plumbing with his life and business partner Mallory Cardinal, was nominated by Fleming College in the skilled trades category for a 2024 Premier's Award, which recognizes outstanding college graduates. (Photo courtesy of Pristine Plumbing)
Plumber Dylan Stadtke, who owns Pristine Plumbing with his life and business partner Mallory Cardinal, was nominated by Fleming College in the skilled trades category for a 2024 Premier’s Award, which recognizes outstanding college graduates. (Photo courtesy of Pristine Plumbing)

As they approach their first full year in business, Cardinal and Stadtke have a lot to celebrate.

Not only was Stadkte nominated by Fleming College in the skilled trades category for a 2024 Premier’s Award, which recognizes outstanding college graduates, but Pristine Plumbing has racked up nothing but five-star reviews, which Cardinal attributes to their commitment to excellent customer service.

“We put ourselves in our customers shoes so we can do our best,” she says. “We just care about our customers.”

To contact Pristine Plumbing, call or text 705-243-4373. For more information, email info@pristineplumbingptbo.ca or visit pristineplumbingpeterborough.ca. You can also follow Pristine Plumbing on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

 

Know Your Locals™ is a branded editorial feature about locally owned independent businesses and locally operated organizations, and supported by them. If your business or organization is interested in being featured in a future “Know Your Locals” branded editorial, contact Jeannine Taylor at 705-742-6404 or jt@kawarthanow.com or visit our Advertise with kawarthaNOW page.

Peterborough Petes ‘Next Gen Game’ on Family Day will support Five Counties Children’s Centre

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Five Counties Children's Centre staff, volunteers, and children like Kelton and their families are looking forward to attending the Peterborough Petes annual Next Gen Game on February 17, 2025 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Kelton's artwork was selected as the winning design to go on hundreds of miniature hockey sticks that will be available at the Family Day matinee game, which is a fundraiser for the regional children's treatment centre. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties)

When the Peterborough Petes and Kitchener Rangers face off on Family Day at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, Five Counties Children’s Centre clients will be the game’s real winners.

Tickets are now available for the “Next Gen Game”, a highly anticipated annual event in partnership with the Peterborough Petes that lets Five Counties kids and families enjoy and take part in different aspects of the OHL experience.

Tickets for the matinee game on Monday, February 17 are $15 and can be purchased through Five Counties or at the Memorial Centre box office.

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When purchased through Five Counties, 100 per cent of ticket proceeds will support kids’ treatment services at the regional children’s centre. Donation buckets will also be passed around during the game for fans who want to support Five Counties.

“I think the Next Gen Game with the Petes is one of the most exciting and inspirational dates on the Five Counties calendar,” Five Counties spokesperson Bill Eekhof told kawarthaNOW. “It truly couldn’t be better timed than Family Day because it is all about family. The game also couldn’t be better named, since it’s about the next generation of Five Counties kids.”

The centre’s kids and their families all play a neat role, Eekhof noted, especially those chosen to enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience with the Petes.

“Some get to play the coach, even giving the Petes a pre-game pep talk, some take on PA announcer duties, and we’ve also had our kids joining the play-by-play broadcast team,” he said. “The Petes are great partners for the game, as the team pulls out all the stops. Our kids even get to sign a one-day contract with the Petes.”

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Nova, a client of Five Counties, will take part with her family in the ceremonial puck drop at 2:05 p.m. Now three years old, Nova was born with Down syndrome and started coming to Five Counties when she was two months old.

Another Five Counties client, Kelton, had his design selected to go on miniature hockey sticks that the Petes have ordered for the game.

Kelton’s mom Kristin said her son’s reaction of disbelief — “Really, I won?” — was quickly replaced by excitement about seeing his artwork turned from concept into reality on the mini-sticks.

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve had the chance to attend Petes games through Five Counties, and they’ve provided such amazing opportunities for families like ours,” Kristin said in a media release.

She said she is grateful to Five Counties for the support it provides to families like hers, and also appreciates organizations like the Petes and Five Counties teaming up to offer meaningful opportunities for families in the community.

“We love going to Petes games and are looking forward to going again with Five Counties,” Kristin added.

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The goal is to sell out the matinee game. While the Next Gen Game with the Petes is a fundraiser for Five Counties, the “fun” elements of the day make it a memorable affair for the centre’s families, staff, volunteers and supporters.

“There’s no better day than Family Day to team up with the Peterborough Petes for the annual Next Gen Game,” said Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties. “We will have many members of our Five Counties family at the game, and we invite other families in our community to come out and show their support for Five Counties while cheering on the Petes to victory.”

Additional festivities are also being planned at the Memorial Centre as part of this year’s Next Gen Game.

A free family skate for Five Counties ticket holders runs from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. All skaters must wear helmets, and will be asked to leave the building at the end of the skate, returning at 1 p.m. when the Memorial Centre opens for the game.

Pre-game festivities kick off at 1 p.m. when Five Counties staff and volunteers will be offering face painting by donation and a giant Lego set up for kids to enjoy, and will be available to provide information on the services at Five Counties.

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There will also be a raffle before and during the game, with prizes including a golf foursome at Peterborough Golf and Country Club, a Taylor Swift VIP gift box, two ticket vouchers to a Petes game, and a gift card to the Peterborough Petes store.

More prizes will be available in chuck-a-pep (or chuck-a-puck) during the second period intermission. For $10, participants will receive three rubber pucks to toss onto the ice, with those whose pucks land closest to the centre ice circle winning prizes such as a Crayola gift set and sweet tooth gift basket.

Five Counties Children’s Centre provides speech, physio, and occupational therapies, as well as other treatment services for kids and youth across the Kawarthas region. The centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, having first opened its doors in Peterborough in 1975.

Winter weather travel advisory in effect Saturday for southern Kawarthas region

By kawarthaNOW -

Environment Canada has issued a winter weather travel advisory for the southern Kawarthas region for Saturday (February 8).

The winter weather travel advisory is in effect for southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.

Snow associated with a fast-moving low pressure system will begin Saturday afternoon, and continue throughout the evening and overnight before tapering to flurries early Sunday morning.

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Snowfall accumulations of 10 to 15 cm are expected, with the heaviest snowfall in the evening. There will be reduced visibility in areas of heavier snow.

Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.

Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Slow down driving in slippery conditions. Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance.

‘People came for the cows, but they’re staying for the political commentary’ says Lakefield farmer

By Megan Gallant -
Emma-Lee Harrison, owner of The Harrison Hill Farm just outside Lakefield, suggests the dramatic increase in followers of the farm's Threads account is because "People came for the cows, but they're staying for the political commentary." Between posting educational comments as well as promoting that the farm is a "safe space," the owners share pictures of their animals and anecdotes of life on the farm. The account has gone from about 200 followers to more than 18,500 within just two weeks. (Photo: The Harrison Hill Farm / Facebook)

“People came for the cows, but they’re staying for the political commentary.”

That’s how Lakefield farmer Emma-Lee Harrison describes the community of social media followers her small-scale family farm has collected. Since the end of January, the following of The Harrison Hill Farm’s Threads account @theharrisonhillfarm has rapidly grown from about 200 followers to more than 18,500.

“This was not my goal to be anything like an influencer on the internet, so it was pretty surprising to me,” says Harrison. “People are already thinking these things and just really want to have a common ground and hope someone is going to say it aloud. They feel like they aren’t alone in how they’re feeling right now.”

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Created by Meta as an alternative to Twitter, Threads is a microblogging platform that’s integrated with Instagram. Since it was launched in July 2023, Threads has continued to grow and now has over 320 million monthly active users.

Though she’s not completely sure when she gained all her new followers, Harrison believes it may have started after Friday, January 24, when she posted “I feel the need to be very clear that as a farm and people we are very pro science and we deeply believe in human rights” — a post that has received over 1,300 likes.

Since then, she has continued to post political commentary, including outlining what it means for a product to be “made in Canada,” providing voting resources, explaining the differing responsibilities of Canada’s levels of government, and expressing support for Black History Month, among other topics.

Between such content, she shares no shortage of cow and animal photos and anecdotes of life on the farm.

“I’m actually a really political person, but only really when I’m face-to-face with other people,” she says. “I don’t usually share a lot on the internet.”

In response to the threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, The Harrison Hill Farm has been getting more inquiries through their Threats account from people who want to become more self-reliant by growing their own food. (Photo: The Harrison Hill Farm / Facebook)
In response to the threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, The Harrison Hill Farm has been getting more inquiries through their Threats account from people who want to become more self-reliant by growing their own food. (Photo: The Harrison Hill Farm / Facebook)

Harrison is the third-generation owner of the 137-acre farm but, before she took it over with her family in 2021, she spent five years living in Lewiston, New York while attending Niagara University on a lacrosse scholarship. She was there when Barack Obama was elected U.S. President.

“It’s hard to appreciate and understand U.S. politics and how the country works unless you’ve been there for a long period of time,” she explains. “So when things started going poorly after Trump was elected, and in Canada there was a bit more rhetoric and talk of hating on marginalized groups, I felt like I couldn’t not say something.”

Since that January 24th post, The Harrison Hill Farm has received many messages from people as far as South Africa, Finland, Ireland, the U.S., and beyond.

“People have said they appreciate our positive outlook on things while also being political, which I feel is completely possible,” she says. “I think people are just looking for a supportive outlet where someone’s saying you should be proud for the things you’re doing and standing up for what we believe is right.”

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One message that stands out in particular came from LGBTQ+ farmers in the U.S.

“They just really appreciate someone saying something because they haven’t felt as welcomed,” Harrison says. “When people started saying ‘Thank you for sharing, your farm is a safe space for us,’ I said to my husband that I never even thought for a second that I should announce that, of course, anyone is welcome here.”

Harrison knows she gained at least a thousand followers within hours over the first weekend in February, which coincided with U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian products. While it’s hard to know if it was in direct response to the threat, there was an immediate response from followers eager to learn more about starting their own gardens.

“There’s a huge group of people who would like to (start their own garden), but I think it’s overwhelming and I think it’s really important to acknowledge the privilege in even having any space to do that,” Harrison says, also noting the time and cost it would require. “I have no problem acknowledging the privilege that I have, because I think that’s a huge step to also being inclusive to others.”

Emma-Lee Harrison is a third-generation farmer and owner of The Harrison Hill Farm near Lakefield where she grew up. Having lived in the U.S. for five years while attending university, Harrison has a unique perspective on American politics which has encouraged her to use the farm's Threads account to share some of her views on the current political climate. (Photo: The Harrison Hill Farm / Facebook)
Emma-Lee Harrison is a third-generation farmer and owner of The Harrison Hill Farm near Lakefield where she grew up. Having lived in the U.S. for five years while attending university, Harrison has a unique perspective on American politics which has encouraged her to use the farm’s Threads account to share some of her views on the current political climate. (Photo: The Harrison Hill Farm / Facebook)

Harrison has also seen many people inquiring and sharing about Canadian and Ontario seeds, as well as resources for getting started.

“Once you’ve learned it, you never unlearn how to grow things, and you can do it in any capacity that you’d like — whether it’s growing some beans for yourself in a tiny, little raised bed or a tomato plant on a patio,” she says. “I think there’s something to be said for feeling that little bit of self-reliance and nurturing something and learning how nature works.”

Even though Canada has at least a temporary reprieve from the threatened tariffs, Harrison notes a continuing shift in people becoming more conscious about identifying and sourcing out food that is made in Canada.

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“We love how much support people give us as farmers when they have the resources to do so but, again, we acknowledge the fact that it’s completely out of reach for some people,” Harrison says, referring to both the availability and cost of local products.

“We really hope people will, but we also understand completely why it’s a challenge. There’s so much food and I think part of the problem is that we haven’t established enough resources to really be able to allow people to know where all the things are and that they exist.”

“I think it’s an important conversation that people don’t have the resources, and we need to be respectful and not judging people and knowing you’re doing the best you can,” she adds. “We have to understand that’s not always accessible to everybody.”

Emma-Lee Harrison and Connor Hill are the farmers behind The Harrison Hill Farm, a third-generation 137-acre farm just north of Lakefield that has gained many thousands of new followers on Threads by posting "positive" political commentary and announcing themselves as a "safe space for anyone" online. They have received messages of encouragement and stories from people around the world. (Photo: The Harrison Hill Farm / Facebook)
Emma-Lee Harrison and Connor Hill are the farmers behind The Harrison Hill Farm, a third-generation 137-acre farm just north of Lakefield that has gained many thousands of new followers on Threads by posting “positive” political commentary and announcing themselves as a “safe space for anyone” online. They have received messages of encouragement and stories from people around the world. (Photo: The Harrison Hill Farm / Facebook)

Despite the huge increase in followers, Harrison says she’s been surprised to see that “less than one per cent” of messages have been from people who disagree with what she’s been sharing.

“I’m open to a dialogue with people, but it has to be a dialogue,” she says. “I find that we have different opinions on some things (but) some things are just fundamentally wrong, and there’s no swaying me on that. There are some things that are right and wrong, which we’re taught from the earliest days, and I think agreeing to disagree just does not belong in certain conversations, and that’s unfortunately where the political climate is at this point.”

That said — as she pointed out in a recent post in which she mentions she is a white woman proclaiming that it’s Black History Month and “no one can stop you from celebrating” — Harrison recognizes that it’s easy to feel “unsure” and “worried about saying the wrong thing” when speaking up online. However, as she said in that post, insecurity won’t stop her from doing so and she is “ready to be told I’m wrong and learn.”

“Having confrontation can be scary but I have to be better,” she says. “I have to learn more. I need to educate myself more. And that’s my responsibility only. I’m saying it for anyone who might be feeling the same way.”

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With the online community that has surrounded her in the last two weeks, Harrison describes her experience on Threads as being “what people thought social media was going to be, which is people supporting each other.”

“People keep saying ‘Thank you for being so positive and for bringing this nice positive light again,'” she says. “I didn’t really know that’s what we were doing but that’s how people are reading it, and I think that’s the greatest compliment.”

Overall, she describes the experience as “unifying.”

“We were saying things people were thinking, and sometimes we just need one person to say something,” she says. “Unfortunately, we’re relating over serious, very dark topics, but it’s been really restoring some serious faith in humanity that we’re going to be okay and that we are on the right side of history.”

The Harrison Hill Farm produces grass-fed and grass-finished beef, pasture-raised chicken, free-range eggs, and small-scale seasonal cut flowers. For more information, visit www.theharrisonhillfarm.com.

Provincial election all-candidate debates in Peterborough to focus on homelessness and the economy

By kawarthaNOW -
The sun sets behind the Lions Community Centre in Peterborough's East City a few minutes before the polls closed for the Ontario election on June 7, 2018, when Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative government was first elected. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)

Two upcoming debates in Peterborough in advance of the February 27th provincial election will focus on two important issues in the community: housing and homelessness and the economy.

The United Way of Peterborough & District, One City Peterborough, the Research for Social Change Lab at Trent University, and All Saints’ Anglican Church have partnered to host an all-candidates debate on homelessness from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday (February 12) at All Saints’ Anglican Church at 235 Rubidge Street in Peterborough.

According to a media release from the United Way, all registered candidates in the Peterborough-Kawartha electoral district have been invited to participate.

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“The issue of homelessness and the ravages it has on those experiencing it, cries out for — indeed demands — leadership, in particular political leadership,” says United Way CEO Jim Russell in the release. “We are keen to hear how these candidates will lead our community in ensuring safe affordable, supportive housing for all. It is critical that all candidates of each respective political party speak directly to this crisis.”

So far, the candidates for the Peterborough-Kawartha riding who have registered with Elections Ontario are Jen Deck of the Ontario NDP, Lucas Graham of the Green Party of Ontario, Adam Hopkins of the Ontario Liberal Party, and incumbent Dave Smith of the PC Party of Ontario. Other candidates may still be announced, as nominations are open until 2 p.m. on Thursday (February 13).

The February 12th debate will also be livestreamed on the All Saints’ YouTube channel. Questions will be sent in advance to all of the participating candidates, and there will also be an an opportunity for community members to ask questions, both in-person and virtually, during the debate.

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As for the economy, the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association, Central Lakes Association of Realtors, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, Peterborough and District Construction Association, and YourTV to host an all-candidates debate on business issues from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre at 140 Charlotte Street in Peterborough.

“Businesses in our community are facing significant economic challenges, making it essential for our elected leaders to understand both the repercussions and the opportunities that come with them,” says the chamber’s interim president and CEO Gail Moorhouse in a media release.

Everyone is welcome to attend the debate, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Questions can be submitted in advance by emailing Joel Wiebe at the chamber at joel@pkchamber.ca. Written question submissions will also be available at the event, which will be recorded and aired on YourTV.

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Prior to the February 18th debate, the chamber and its partners (except for YourTV) are also hosting a “Coffee with the Candidates” event from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday (February 13) at Lakefield Community Centre at 20 Concession Street in Lakefield. Everyone is welcome to attend. Editor’s note: This event has been rescheduled due to inclement weather. It now takes place on Thursday, February 20 at the same location and time.

Election day is Thursday, February 27. Elections Ontario will release voting location information after Friday (February 14).

In August 2024, Premier Doug Ford said Ontario would not be adopting the federal electoral boundary changes for the next provincial election, so the existing riding boundaries will remain the same, including for Peterborough-Kawartha. However, the new riding boundaries will be in effect for the next federal election, expected this spring.

Peterborough native Michelle McLeod chalks up another award in her acting career

By Bruce Head -
Peterborough native Michelle McLeod (left) in a scene with Natasha Rothwell, creator and star of the Hulu and Disney+ series "How to Die Alone". In the series, McLeod stars as Patty, co-worker and nemisis of Rothwell's character Mel. The cast of the series will be in Los Angeles on February 22, 2025 to receive the the Independent Spirit Award for ensemble cast in a new scripted series. (kawarthaNOW screenshot)

Peterborough native Michelle McLeod has chalked up another award in her acting career.

Now based in Toronto, the actor will be in Los Angeles on February 22 when the cast of the Hulu and Disney+ series How to Die Alone will receive the Independent Spirit Award for ensemble cast in a new scripted series.

Produced by Onyx Collective, a Disney content brand that produces projects created by people of colour and from underrepresented communities, How to Die Alone stars Natasha Rothwell — best known as spa manager Belinda in the first season of HBO’s The White Lotus — as Mel, a down-on-her-luck Black woman working at JFK airport who decides to take control of her life and begins a journey of self-empowerment and personal transformation after a near-death experience.

McLeod stars in the series as Patty, Mel’s co-worker and nemesis.

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This is the second Independent Spirit Award for an ensemble cast that has included McLeod. In 2022, Sarah Polley’s film Women Talking received the Robert Altman Award, which is presented to a film’s ensemble cast, director, and casting director.

In that film, McLeod plays Mejal, one of a group of eight women in an American Mennonite colony who discuss their future following their discovery of the men’s history of raping the colony’s women. The film is based on Canadian author Miriam Toews’ 2018 novel of the same name, which was inspired by real-life experiences of more than 130 women who were drugged, raped, and gaslighted by men in an ultraconservative Bolivian Mennonite colony between 2005 and 2009.

Women Talking received a total of 151 award nominations and 57 wins, including the Oscar for best adapted screenplay and the Screen Actors Guild Awards award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture.

Michelle McLeod (back left) as Mejal in Sarah Polley's award-winning 2022 film "Women Talking". Also pictured, from left, are Sheila McCarthy as Greta, Liv McNeil as Nietje, Jessie Buckley as Mariche, Claire Foy as Salome, Kate Hallett as Autje, Rooney Mara as Ona, and Judith Ivey as Agata. (Photo: Michael Gibson / Orion Pictures)
Michelle McLeod (back left) as Mejal in Sarah Polley’s award-winning 2022 film “Women Talking”. Also pictured, from left, are Sheila McCarthy as Greta, Liv McNeil as Nietje, Jessie Buckley as Mariche, Claire Foy as Salome, Kate Hallett as Autje, Rooney Mara as Ona, and Judith Ivey as Agata. (Photo: Michael Gibson / Orion Pictures)

McLeod began her acting career in Peterborough when she was eight years old, participating in her first St. James Players community play. She went on to take various roles in several St. James Players musicals and Peterborough Theatre Guild productions, where she won theatre awards from both groups.

“My daughter grew up in the Peterborough theatre community,” her father Greg McLeod told kawarthaNOW in 2017. “She still says director Shirley Rolufs gave her first big break (at 11 years old) when she cast her in the St. James Players production of The Music Man.”

McLeod continued to act in Peterborough until she was accepted into the theatre studies at the University of Guelph. After graduating, she went on to complete the film and television program at Humber College, and is also a graduate of Second City’s Conservatory program.

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Related story

Peterborough native Michelle McLeod has her breakout film role in Don’t Talk to Irene

She appeared in commercials and on the web and also produced her own improv shows in Toronto’s comedy community before landing her breakout role in the 2017 feel-good movie Don’t Talk to Irene, starring alongside Bruce Gray, Geena Davis, Scott Thompson, and Anastasia Phillips.

The film went on to win both the Comedy Vanguard Award and Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival, the Audience Choice at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, the Galet d’Or at the 5th Canadian film festival of Dieppe, France, and the best feature and best writing in a feature Canadian Comedy Awards.

As for How to Die Alone, it’s not all good news for the show’s creator Natasha Rothwell and the rest of the cast.

VIDEO: Michelle McLeod speaks about “How To Die Alone” creator Natasha Rothwell

Despite the series’ critical success (it has a 91 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has three pending nominations for NAACP Image Awards in addition to the Independent Spirit Award win), Onyx Collective announced on Tuesday (February 4) that the show has been cancelled after one season, ostensibly due to low viewership.

In a statement to Variety, Rothwell said she was “shocked, heartbroken and frankly, baffled” by the decision, but it hoping to continue the series on another streaming platform.

“This show took me eight years to bring to life, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in that time, it’s resilience,” Rothwell said. “I’m not giving up. My team and I are committed to finding ‘How to Die Alone’ a new home because stories like this matter.”

“Now more than ever, television that amplifies previously unheard voices, and that prioritizes hiring and casting decisions that accurately reflect the diversity of the world, is essential. Representation isn’t just about visibility — it’s about ensuring that our stories, our existence and our cultural contributions are not erased.”

New Canadians Centre launches ‘Welcome Pass’ for Northumberland County newcomers

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
The Squishy Goose, an indoor playground, event space, and family-friendly coffee and snack bar in Cobourg, is one of the businesses and organizations participating in the New Canadians Centre's newly launched "Welcome Pass" program in Northumberland County. The program, which has been running in Peterborough for more than 15 years, is designed to welcome and acclimate newcomers to their new community by offering them access to free or selected discounted products and services. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of The Squishy Goose video)

Newcomers to the Northumberland area will receive a Northumberland County-style welcome with the launch of the “Welcome Pass” program by the New Canadians Centre (NCC).

NCC has announced it’s now offering its newcomer-facing welcome pass program, which has been available in Peterborough for more than 15 years, in Northumberland County as well.

The program is a partnership with local businesses and organizations and is designed to welcome and acclimate newcomers to their new community by offering them access to free or selected discounted products and services.

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“We are grateful to our partners in Northumberland who have opened their doors to newcomers,” Bhisham Ramoutar, NCC’s manager of community development, told kawarthaNOW.

“Through this partnership, we hope newcomers in Northumberland can discover and engage with all the region has to offer. It’s collaboration like this that truly makes this community a home.”

Six businesses and organizations in Northumberland County have stepped up and signed on to participate in the program so far: The Squishy Goose, JJ’s Steak & Burgers, The Pink Café, 241 Pizza, and YMCA Northumberland, all in Cobourg, as well as Café Lviv in Port Hope. These partners will offer discounts on meals, activities, or admissions.

“We are so proud to be a part of this wonderful initiative to welcome new families to our community,” said Squishy Goose co-owner Aleesha Hunter in a media release.

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The welcome pass is valid for one year and individuals need to be Northumberland residents who have lived in Canada for less than five years to be eligible for the program.

The NCC launched the initiative more than 15 years ago at its Peterborough location, and the program has proven to be popular with both clients and the business community alike, the organization noted.

Northumberland businesses and entrepreneurs can help the NCC improve newcomer social and cultural integration by becoming a partner in the Northumberland welcome pass program.

For more information, contact Ramoutar by emailing bhisham@nccpeterborough.ca or calling 705-743-0882 ext. 220.

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NCC serves more than 2,000 newcomer clients annually who access a variety of programs and services, such as settlement and employment counselling, language assessment, transitional support, workshops such as taxes and citizenship, English conversation and women’s groups, skills training, and youth programming.

The organization’s roots date back to 1979 when a group of volunteers in Peterborough committed to supporting refugees fleeing Vietnam. Since then, NCC has grown to provide a wide range of programs and services that support the empowerment and inclusion of people who are new to Canada.

In 2008, a second office location was opened in Cobourg to better serve the Northumberland region.

Human remains found in Bancroft home after Tuesday night fire

By kawarthaNOW -

Human remains have been found in a Bancroft home after a fire on Tuesday night (February 4).

Shortly after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, officers with Bancroft Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency services responded to a report of a fire at a Meadow Court home.

The house was fully engulfed in flames when emergency crews arrived, and the homeowner was unaccounted for.

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After the fire was extinguished, human remains were found inside the home.

“The homeowner remains unaccounted for at this time, but investigators cannot speculate on the identity of the deceased,” reads a media release from the Bancroft OPP.

Police say a postmortem examination will be required to confirm the person’s identity.

The Bancroft Fire Department, Office of the Fire Marshal, Bancroft OPP Crime Unit, and the OPP Forensic Identification Unit are continuing their investigation into the fire, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to call the Bancroft OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

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