Police have arrested a 33-year-old Peterborough man in the shooting death of a 36-year-old Peterborough woman early last Friday morning (June 2).

During a media conference on Thursday afternoon (June 8) near the location of the shooting, Peterborough police chief Stuart Betts also publicly released the name of the victim, Sarah King, although relatives had already released her name publicly earlier in the week when creating a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs of her funeral.

At 2:20 a.m. last Friday morning, police received a call reporting shots fired in the area of Wolfe and Aylmer streets in the vicinity of the homeless tent encampment. Upon arrival, officers found King suffering from “multiple gunshots.”

King, a mother of two young children, was rushed to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre where she died from her injuries. Police said she was not a resident of the homeless tent encampment.

Chief Betts, who had pledged an “all hands on deck” investigation into the homicide at a media conference last Friday, said officers from the Investigative Services Division and the Emergency Response Team arrested 33-year-old Jonathan Murphy of Peterborough at around 11:50 a.m. on Thursday morning. There was a heavy police presence in the Braidwood Avenue and Jane Street area.

Betts said King’s family had been made aware of the arrest.

“The Peterborough Police Service would like to recognize the hard work and many hours our detectives have put in to locating the suspect, and gathering and validating evidence which culminated in the arrest today,” Betts said. “The service would also like to thank the many community members who took the time to reach out with information and video, which made it possible to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion so quickly.”

Along with a charge of first degree murder, Murphy faces 16 other charges: discharge of a restricted firearm or prohibited firearm with intent, use of a firearm while committing an offence, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, two counts of uttering threats to cause death, two counts of possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, four counts of failure to comply with release order, two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (fentanyl and cocaine), and possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000.

The accused man was bound by two prohibition orders prohibiting him from possessing a firearm, a restricted weapon, ammunition, or explosive device for life. He was also bound by a release order with the following conditions: to remain with his surety in Etobicoke, notify police of an address change, remain in his residence at all times (except in the presence of his surety), and to not possess any weapons as defined by the Criminal Code.

Murphy is being held in custody for a bail hearing, expected on Friday (June 9).

Police say they are not looking for any other suspects in King’s homicide, but are continuing to gather evidence.

“At this time, we believe this was not a random incident, but cannot go into further detail as the case is now before the courts,” Betts said.

Except for two townships in Peterborough County, a total fire ban is now in place across the entire Kawarthas region due to extremely dry conditions and the ongoing air quality alert due to smoke from forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario.

On Thursday (June 8), the Kawartha Lakes Fire Department issued a total burn ban for all communities in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Although that burn ban did allow for some exceptions, including fires for the sole purpose of heating or cooking when no other means of heating or cooking are available and agricultural and special burn permits, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has since instituted a restricted fire zone that includes Kawartha Lakes. In a restricted fire zone, no open fires of any kind, including campfires or debris burning, are permitted. If you need heat for cooking and warmth, you’ll have to use a portable gas or propane stove.

On Wednesday (June 7), Northumberland County fire chiefs announced a fire ban for all of Northumberland. The fire ban restricts all open-air fires including campfires, burn barrels, chimeneas, brush piles, and yard waste. Cooking devices that are designed to cook food with wood pellets or charcoal, such as smokers or grills, are permitted for use. Any cooking devices, outdoor fireplaces, and fuel-fired appliances that use propane or natural gas are also exempt from the fire ban.

Haliburton County issued a county-wide fire ban on June 1, with Hastings Highlands in Hastings County declaring a total fire ban on June 5. Fire bans are also in place in the Town of Bancroft and all other municipalities across Hastings County.

In Peterborough County, fire bans are now in place in North Kawartha Township, Douro-Dummer Township, Havelock-Belmont-Metheun Township, Otonabee-South Monaghan Township, and the Municipality of Trent Lakes.

As of Thursday, only Selwyn Township and Cavan Monaghan Township have not declared fire bans, although burning restrictions are in effect. In Selwyn Township, no brush burning is allowed. In Cavan Monaghan Township, no burning is permitted except for campfires in the evenings from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

In the City of Peterborough, open-air burning is never allowed.

This story has been updated to include the restricted fire zone for Kawartha Lakes.

Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival returns to Del Crary Park on Saturday (June 10).

Four days before the festival, participating individuals and teams have raised over $148,163.45 of the festival’s $205,000.18 goal, with 100 per cent of all pledges going to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of breast and other cancers at the regional hospital.

Everyone is welcome to attend the festival, cheer on the racers, and take part in the day’s activities.

Here’s the day’s schedule of events (times are subject to change):

• 7:00 a.m. – Road closures in effect, barricades close
• 7:30 a.m. – Team captains’ meeting (near the entrance to the marshalling area)
• 8:00 a.m. – Awakening the Dragon/Opening ceremonies
• 8:30 a.m. – First race heats begin
• 9:00 a.m. – Vendors Village Market opens
• 9:00 a.m. – Family Fun Zone opens
• 11:00 a.m. – The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden opens
• 11:00 a.m. – McKenzie Cup Race series followed by the Flower Ceremony
• 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch break
• 12:00 p.m. – Peterborough Chinese Community Organization’s traditional Chinese dance performance (in the Fun Zone area)
• 12:30 p.m. – Second race heats begin
• 1:00 p.m. – Top three fundraisers announcement
• 3:10 p.m. – Divisional finals begin
• 3:45 p.m. – Last shuttle bus leaves Del Crary Park
• 4:00 p.m. – Raffle winners announcement
• 4:50 p.m. – Awards ceremony, race trophies, top team fundraisers (at the bleachers)
• 6:00 p.m. – The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden closes

Here’s a festival site map:

2023 Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival site map

Modern Makers Market is partnering with the festival for another year to offer the Vendor Village Market, a unique shopping and food experience with 39 vendors.

The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden, hosted by Cameron’s Brewing and Rice Lake Hard Cider, is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Family Fun Zone will offer activities and crafts to keep the whole family entertained. Businesses and organizations at the Family Fun Zone include White Tiger Taekwondo, Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club, Zumba with Cristina Brazil, Art Gallery of Peterborough, Orangetheory, The Happy Mean – Zumba, F45 Peterborough Central, PRHC Breast Assessment Centre, Zumba VSL, YMCA of CEO, B!ke – Peterborough Community Bike Shop, and Kidz First. There will also be a selfie photo booth.

You can also visit the Dragon Shop (just past the bleachers) to purchase festival-branded T-shirts, hats, bags, totes, water bottles, cooling scarves, mugs, ball caps, sunglasses,
and more.

Of course, the highlight of the day are the dragon boat races, which begin with the randomly seeded morning challenge from 8:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.

At 11 a.m., four teams of breast cancer survivors will compete for the McKenzie Cup.

This race will be followed at 11:30 a.m. by the Flower Ceremony, an annual tradition to both remember and honour those who have lost their battle with breast cancer.

The afternoon challenge, seeded by morning race times, will run from 12:30 to 2:50 p.m., followed by the open women finals at 3:10 p.m., the open mixed finals at 3:40 p.m., the the junior finals at 4 p.m., the community women finals at 4:10 p.m., and the community mixed finals at 4:20 p.m.

The awards ceremony, with race trophies and recognition of top individual fundraisers, takes place at the bleachers at 4:50 p.m.

Here’s the full race schedule:

2023 Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival race schedule

If you’re planning to drive to the festival on Saturday, be aware the car parking is limited around Del Crary Park and that several roads around Del Crary Park will be closed from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

• Perry St. from the east side of George St. to the west side of Crescent St.
• Lake St. from the east side of George St. to the west side of Crescent St.
• Lock St. from the north side of Romaine St. to the south side of Crescent St.
• Romaine Street from the east side of Lock St. to the west side of Crescent St.
• Crescent St. from the south side of Perry St. to the west side of Winch St.
• Rink St. from the east side of George St at the Del Crary Park Marina entrance.

Parking is available at the Simcoe Street Parking Garage, the King Street Parkade, and the Healthy Planet Arena.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a shuttle bus will be running from the Healthy Planet Arena to Del Crary Park, Del Crary Park to the Simcoe Street Parking Garage, the Simcoe Street Parking Garage to the King Street Parkade, the King Street Parkade to Del Crary Park, and Del Crary Park to the Healthy Planet Arena.

Here’s a map of the parking locations and the shuttle bus route:

2023 Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival shuttle bus and parking lots

Those travelling to the festival by bike can park in the supervised bike valet parking near the Art Gallery of Peterborough provided by B!ke – the Peterborough Community Bike Shop. Basic bike maintenance will also be available.

For more information about the 2023 Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival and to donate, visit www.ptbodragonboat.ca.

The Theatre On King (TTOK) is still standing, thanks to support from the Peterborough community.

Artistic administrator Kate Story announced in an email on Tuesday (June 6) that artistic director Ryan Kerr has renewed the organization’s lease for its 171 King Street location for another two years.

“Earlier this spring, Ryan and I weren’t sure if reaching this milestone would be possible,” Story writes. “Turns out, there’s an incredible community of people out there who declared — loud and clear — that TTOK matters!”

The future of Peterborough’s only black-box theatre was thrown into doubt in March when Peterborough city council voted 7-3 against providing any funding for TTOK, after Kerr and Story and several arts leaders and supporters had appeared in front of council with impassioned pleas appealing an earlier decision to deny TTOK’s application for funding under the city’s community investment grant program.

“My lease is up in the summer and so depending on what happens between now and June, we’ll determine what happens in the future,” Kerr told kawarthaNOW after the decision.

“I also need to talk to my landlord to see how long the lease will be … if it’s going to be a five-year lease or a two-year lease or stuff like that. That will also affect the decision about going forward, because we can’t do this — we can’t live like this for the next five years.”

Following the city’s denial of funding, the community stepped up with donations to ensure The Theatre On King could continue to operate.

“Thanks to an overwhelming amount of support from each and every one of you, TTOK is renewed, re-charged, and ready to take on the future,” Story writes in her email. “I cannot stress enough that TTOK is still standing — stronger than ever before — because of your steadfast belief in and support of art. Thank you. So much.”

No small measure of that support has come from Michael Cherney of Cherney Properties, who Story calls “TTOK’s amazingly supportive landlord.” According to Story, Cherney has renewed TTOK’s lease at 2018 rental rates.

To celebrate TTOK’s 10-year anniversary, Kerr and Story will be hosting a party at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 14th. Both the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area and the City of Peterborough have provided funding for the 10-year anniversary party.

“This celebration is a special tribute to each and every one of you who has played a vital role in ensuring the longevity of this beloved black-box theatre,” Story writes. “It’s your unwavering dedication and belief in our cause that has made TTOK what it is today — an enduring symbol of artistic expression, community, and resilience.”

Planning is still underway for the celebration, with Story promising “more details and surprises” are to come.

Despite the earlier uncertainty about TTOK’s future, the organization has continued to mount productions over the past two months. This week, Tom Stoppard’s The Real Inspector Hound will run for five performances from June 7 to 10.

Directed by Sarah Tye, the hilarious Agatha Christie-like melodrama spoof features Chancellor Scott McGuigan, Daniel Smith, Dianne Latchford, Eddy Sweeney, Lela Fox-Doran, Lindsay Unterlander, Hani Yakan, Noah William, and the voice of Andrew Root. Tickets are $20 or pay what you can, available in advance at eventbrite.ca/e/635003983007.

In other TTOK news, Sarah McNeilly’s critically acclaimed debut solo show Titty Cakes: A Recipe for Radical Acceptance, which she performed to sold-out audiences at TTOK last October, is now available online at tittycakes.ca, where you can also find out how to bake and eat your very own titty cakes.

To support the work of TTOK, you can donate through Public Energy Performing Arts’ page on CanadaHelps. Public Energy is a charitable organization, and all donations collected on that page will be allocated to The Theatre On King through Public Energy’s charitable trustee program.

Almost a year after he was first hired by the City of Peterborough, Jasbir Raina has been appointed the city’s new chief administrative officer.

City council unanimously approved the appointment during a special meeting after the general committee meeting on Monday night (June 5).

Raina was originally hired as the city’s commissioner of infrastructure and planning services on June 12, 2022.

“Mr. Raina’s commitment and dedication to the citizens of Peterborough has clearly been demonstrated in his previous role as commissioner of infrastructure and planning services,” said Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal. “We look forward to his leadership and guidance in his new role as chief administrative officer.”

Raina replaces former CAO Sandra Clancy, who retired after 38 years with the city, including her last four in the CAO role. The chief administrative officer is the city’s top bureaucrat, overseeing the delivery of city services and the implementation of policies set by city council. The position reports directly to city council.

Raina’s appointment as CAO comes after executive search agency Phelps Group was hired by council to conduct national search for the CAO position. A sub-committee of city council conducted interviews of short-listed candidates before making its recommendation to council.

Raina has more than 30 years of public sector experience including as commissioner of public works and engineering for the City of Brampton, director of facilities services/operations and maintenance for the City of Brampton, manager of capital planning and asset management for the City of Mississauga, and manager of facilities operations and property management for the City of Mississauga.

Prior to coming to Canada in 2002, Raina served for almost 17 years with the Indian Navy, including as chief engineer of naval infrastructure. Raina has a master of engineering from the Naval Institute of Technology and a master of business administration from Athabasca University. He also holds a project management designation through the Project Management Institute and a law certificate from Harvard University.

“I am beyond excited to take on this value-creating role at the city,” Raina said. “I would like to thank the mayor and members of council for entrusting me to be the city’s next CAO. I look forward to working collaboratively with the mayor, council, our community, and all stakeholders to advance priorities of council to build a future-ready Peterborough.”