Less than a week after the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit confirmed the first positive measles case within the City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough Public Health has announced the first case of locally acquired measles within the Peterborough region.

In a media release, the health unit noted this is the first case of measles within the region in more than a decade.

As with the measles case in Kawartha Lakes, the Peterborough resident was fully vaccinated against measles — making this another “breakthrough case”.

Although breakthrough cases can occur, the health unit states they are rare — the vast majority of measles cases (94 per cent) in the current provincial outbreak are in unvaccinated individuals — and usually result from prolonged contact with an infected person. The health unit adds that a fully vaccinated person who acquires measles has much less severe symptoms than cases in those who are unvaccinated.

The health unit states that the source of the exposure that infected the Peterborough resident is currently unknown.

“Investigations are currently underway to determine potential exposure locations and affected individuals,” the health unit adds, noting that is has identified the following known exposure locations and dates in Peterborough, including downtown.

• Peterborough Transit Bus – Line 6 (Sherbrooke West) – June 2 to 4 from 7:34 to 10:30 a.m. and 2:35 to 5 p.m.
• Peterborough Transit Bus – Line 6 (Sherbrooke East) – June 2 to 4 from 9:12 to 11:45 a.m. and 4:45 to 7:15 p.m.
• Peterborough Transit Bus – Line 22 (Community Bus Blue) – June 5 from 9:20 to 11:25 a.m. and 2:45 to 5 p.m.
• Jackson Creek Retirement Residence (481 Reid St., Peterborough) – May 31 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 1 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Greg’s No Frills (230 George St. N., Peterborough) – June 4 from 4 to 9 p.m.
• Shopper’s Drug Mart (250 Charlotte St., Peterborough) – June 2 from 4 to 10 p.m., June 4 from 7 to 10 p.m., and June 5 from 3 to 5:40 p.m.
• PRHC Emergency Department (1 Hospital Drive, Peterborough) – June 5 from 9:29 a.m. to 3:02 p.m.

“Additional time (information) has been included in the information above to reflect the potential for airborne transmission of the measles virus,” reads the media release.

People who believe they may be at risk of having been exposed to measles should monitor for symptoms until 21 days after potential exposure and check vaccination records to confirm that family members have received two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). People born before 1970 may only have received one dose and are not considered susceptible to infection.

If you believe you may have been exposed to measles at the dates and locations above, have not been vaccinated or are unsure, notify Peterborough Public Health by calling 705-743-1000. You should also call the health unit if you were exposed and are immunocompromised, unvaccinated, or pregnant to be assessed for eligibility and need for post-exposure care.

Measles is a highly contagious virus spread through coughing and sneezing that can live for up to two hours in the air.

Symptoms of measles begin one to three weeks after infection and may a high fever, cough, runny nose, drowsiness, irritability, red and watery eyes, small white spots with white centres on the inside of the mouth and throat, and a red blotchy rash three to seven days after other symptoms start.

If you develop symptoms of measles, call Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 and notify them that you may have measles. If you have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms, always phone any clinic, emergency department, or health care setting first before going there.

Although most people who contract measles recover without treatment, it can be severe for those who are immunocompromised, including infants, pregnant people, and those with existing medical conditions. Possible complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.

Margaret Atwood famously said that “a word after a word after a word is power.”

Now she is among the more than 100 writers, musicians, educators, and artists who are hopeful the words in an open letter will have some power in fighting against the proposed cuts to three librarian positions at the Peterborough Public Library.

Written and release by Our Future Peterborough, a grassroots advocacy group founded by Peterborough residents Sheetal Rawal, Hilary Evans, and Laurel Harris, the letter is a response to the library staffing reorganization that was approved by Peterborough city council as part of the city’s 2025 budget.

“There’s a reason so many esteemed writers and artists signed this letter,” said Rawal in a media release. “They remember the librarians who saw them and encouraged them. They understand what’s at stake, and they’re standing with us to say: this matters.”

During budget deliberations, councillors approved the elimination of two positions and the reclassification of some positions as lower-paid positions to save $120,000 of the city’s $411 million operating budget.

In reaction to the decision, library management subsequently decided to lay off three of the library’s four full-time unionized librarians, including a children’s librarian, the adult and teen programming librarian, and the librarian who manages the library’s information systems. Two positions (an outreach coordinator and a programming assistant) would be created, resulting in a net reduction of one position.

“We are children’s authors, illustrators, and performers who value the irreplaceable work done by children’s librarians to nurture early literacy and foster a love of reading in the youngest members of our society,” reads the open letter, which is addressed to city council and and the Peterborough Public Library Board. “We are also writers and artists for adults whose love of words began in childhood, at the library. We understand how essential literacy development, supporting creativity, and encouraging reading is for children and for the societies in which they grow up.”

“Children’s librarians are specialized professionals who empower children and ensure equitable access to resources for all,” the letter continues. “They support communities through education and family literacy. They help children discover books that reflect their identities, foster a sense of belonging, and expand their horizons. They highlight local, Canadian, and Indigenous authors, which is especially important at this historical juncture. Through stories and song, librarians build worlds where all kids can learn, play, and grow.”

Joining Atwood in signing the letter are prominent literary figures Elizabeth Hay, Drew Hayden Taylor, Madeleine Thein, Mai Nguyen, and children’s authors and illustrators Lois Lowry, Gordon Korman, Barbara Reid, Cory Doctorow, Julie Flett, and Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Other notable signatories include poet Lorna Crozier, musician Neil Young, actor Daryl Hannah, former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, musician Sarah Harmer, and Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison of the children’s music group Sharon, Lois & Bram.

Several of the signatories also provided comments that were shared in the media release from Our Future Peterborough.

“Children’s librarians have the skills needed to introduce the best books to children in ways that help ensure they become life-long readers,” said signatory Kathy Stinson, author of children’s classic Red is Best. “If you say yes to the proposal to cut the children’s librarian… the cost to your community, and I dare say to society as a whole, will far exceed any benefit you will see in your budget’s bottom line.”

Fred Penner, the Juno award-winning children’s entertainer and member of the Order of Canada, said, “When children are born into this world we have an opportunity to nurture them in every way possible so that they can live up to their potential as caring and contributing adults.”

Notable locals who have signed the open letter include author and performer Kate Story, actor and children’s drama educator Linda Kash, author Ann Douglas, drag storyteller Betty Baker, and author Andrew Forbes.

“As a primary caregiver, the library’s children’s programming was essential to my kids’ development (and my emotional wellbeing),” said Forbes in the media release. “All three kids remain avid readers and regular library users. It baffles and terrifies me that the city would consider these cuts.”

“In my view, exploring books as a child and particularly being read to is one of the most loving and generous things adults can offer to our children,” added Kash. “Librarians take the time to open the portals of imagination. They are essential to the village.”

Our Future Peterborough was launched earlier this year to protect a range of public services in the community as threats arise, though co-founder Laurel Harris previously told kawarthaNOW that the cuts to the library were the “spark” that fuelled the organization.

Prior to its founding, members of the advocacy group launched a petition fighting against the cuts that has now garnered more than 2,300 signatures.

“This is a local issue, but it’s also part of a wider trend,” said Harris in the release. “Across Ontario and Canada, we’re seeing public services quietly cut back. These decisions often happen without meaningful public consultation, but they come at a high cost to our communities and to future generations.”

The open letter urges the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Public Library board to “reverse course” and “ensure these librarian positions remain in place so that the literacy, creativity, and joy of the children of Peterborough can continue to be cultivated.”

“We hope this letter brings wider attention to what’s happening in Peterborough right now,” said Evans in the release. “Our city council needs to know that these decisions aren’t going unnoticed, and that they won’t happen without backlash.”

To read the open letter and see all the signatories, visit ourfutureptbo.org/open-letter.

The Peterborough & District Pathway of Fame has announced the eight inductees of the 2025 Pathway of Fame.

Inductees in the dramatic arts category are Peterborough Theatre Guild director Jerry Allen and dance instructor and choreographer Julie Fallis, with musician and soundboard engineer Roy Craft and musician and music teacher Bob Trennum both inducted in the entertainment category.

There are two inductees in the community builder category, including a posthumous induction: volunteer Susan Dunkley and the late Dr. Garry Humphreys, former medical of officer of health for Peterborough. Longtime fundraiser Ted Dawes and Right to Heal founder Peggy Shaughnessy will be inducted in the community Samaritan category.

A public induction ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9 at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough.

The event is free and open to the general public as well as to families, friends, supporters of the inductees, and past inductees.

Below are the short bios of each of the 2025 inductees, as provided by the Pathway of Fame.

Jerry Allen (Dramatic Arts)

A lifetime member of the Peterborough Theatre Guild, Jerry Allen has directed 15 productions for the community theatre troupe, all the while mentoring aspiring directors, actors and behind-the-scenes production volunteers, ensuring the Guild’s enduring legacy, and its future, as Peterborough’s premier community theatre hub.

Roy Craft (Entertainment)

With an ear finely-tuned for live sound, and the experience of being an excellent musician in his own right, Roy Craft turned an early passion for all things sound tech into a career working the sound board for countless high-profile music and concert events, and an impressive number of accomplished performers, Stompin’ Tom Connors among them.

Ted Dawes (Samaritan)

Ted on the Roof, Ted on the Run, Ted at the Door, Ted at the BBQ — whatever it takes, Ted Dawes always got the job done, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, with his signature years-long annual weekend stay atop the roof of Morello’s Independent Grocer, his most visible effort.

Susan Dunkley (Community Builder)

From empowering women to ensuring food security to raising the profile of both the Peterborough Singers and the Peterborough Pop Ensemble, Susan Dunkley has been, and remains, a community tour de force via the spark she provides to see cherished events, social enterprises and charitable causes remain top of mind, for the good of many.

Julie Fallis (Dramatic Arts)

As an accomplished dance instructor and choreographer, Julie Fallis’ passion for all things movement has added an exciting new dimension to numerous Peterborough stage productions, while her time as the owner of the former Move N’ Grooove Dance Studio saw hundreds of students, of all ages, attain their dance-related goals and dreams.

Dr. Garry Humphreys (Community Builder, Posthumous Induction)

Public health in Ontario, and across Canada for that matter, has had few pioneers the likes of former Peterborough City-County Medical Officer of Health, the late Dr. Garry Humphreys — whose vision and drive gave wings to a number of initiatives firmly in place today, including public space smoking bylaws, and nurse-practitioner-led clinics.

Peggy Shaughnessy (Samaritan)

As a healer, advocate and visionary, Peggy Shaughnessy has transformed the lives of thousands, her relentless efforts buoyed by a fearless dedication to community care and wellness, something that has been best exemplified through her RedPath Model addictions treatment program, and free holistic outpatient care via Right to Heal.

Bob Trennum (Entertainment)

Selflessly sharing his musical gift for decades now, as a music teacher, a multi-instrumentalist and a songwriter, Bob Trennum’s dedication to his craft is matched by his boundless generosity, with many theatre productions and numerous fundraisers for community groups having achieved great success due in large part to his involvement.

The Peterborough & District Pathway of Fame is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1997 to honour community citizens and individuals in the arts and humanities, with stone markers placed into the Pathway of Fame at Del Crary Park for each inductee.

Inductees are chosen from a list of nominations submitted from the community at large each year by a confidential selection committee tasked with reviewing nominations, followed by recommendations to the Pathway of Fame. A new selection committee is appointed each year.

For more information, including a list of all past inductees, visit ptbopathwayoffame.ca.

There’s a line, and Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal crossed it, not once but twice.

That was the common refrain of some 75 people who gathered out front of City Hall Monday (June 9) to voice their anger and disbelief over city council’s refusal to penalize Mayor Leal for breaching council’s code of conduct.

Billed as the “Rally for Integrity,” the protest came one week after council, meeting as general committee, received a joint inquiry report from city integrity commissioner Guy Giorno.

His 55-page report concluded that Mayor Leal twice contravened the code of conduct, first by intimidating councillor Alex Bierk and then bullying councillor Joy Lachica — both incidents related to council discussion around the controversial redevelopment of Bonnerworth Park.

According to the Giorno’s report, 13 Peterborough residents filed separate but related complaints about Mayor Leal for making a threat against councillor Alex Bierk during council’s April 2 general committee meeting on the Bonnerworth Park redevelopment, and by participating in decision-making on the park’s redevelopment when he was not impartial.

While Giornio found that Mayor Leal’s decision-making on the redevelopment didn’t provide any ‘”rivate advantage” for him or his wife, he found his saying “I’ll carve you like a Thanksgiving turkey” to councillor Bierk to be intimidating and, as such, contravened Section 10 of the council code of conduct, which states that each member of council has “the duty and responsibility to treat members of the public, each other Member and staff appropriately and without abuse, bullying or intimidation.”

Following the same meeting, Giorno found Mayor Leal “exchanged words” with councillor Lachica in a city hall corridor, that incident witnessed by others, including city CAO Jasbir Raina, and councillors Gary Baldwin and Bierk. Regarding that exchange, Giorno concluded there was “bullying” on the mayor’s part.

“The incident in the corridor occurred in the context of a power imbalance that is a hallmark of bullying,” wrote Giorno.

With Giorno’s report in hand, council, acting on a motion put forth by Councillor Gary Baldwin, voted 7-3 against penalizing Mayor Leal, thus choosing to neither reprimand him or suspend his pay for 90 days. Only councillors Bierk, Lachica, and Keith Riel voted against that motion.

At Monday’s rally, those three — each dressed head-to-toe in black — made a brief appearance before the start of the regular council meeting, during which a ratifying vote on the decision to not penalize Mayor Leal was held.

“We wore black tonight because there’s a death, and that death is democracy and it’s happening right in there,” councillor Riel said to loud cheers while motioning to inside City Hall.

Urging all present to “remember tonight,” Riel asked that come the 2026 municipal election, people vote “for a council that will look after you.”

VIDEO: Rally for Integrity – Peterborough City Hall (June 9, 2025)

Earlier, rally organizer Danielle Turpin was the first of a number of speakers who expressed their anger, disgust, and general dismay over council’s vote not to reprimand Mayor Leal. She asked three questions, each answered with a resounding “No!” by the crowd.

“Was there any reprimand? Was there suspension of pay? Were there consequences at all?” said Turpin.

“A man, or a mayor, used his power to corner and yell at a woman, a woman councillor, in a hallway in their own workplace. He made her feel trapped, intimidated and afraid. And he gets to carry on as if nothing happened? I don’t think so.”

“On June 2nd, two councillors harmed by the mayor’s actions and behaviors asked for support from their colleagues. They asked for accountability. Instead, their colleagues turned their backs on them. We’re here to tonight to say enough is enough. We have all watched with heartbreak and horror what happens when leaders go unchecked. When power becomes more important than people, when bullying, corruption, and cruelty become normalized.”

Also making a passionate plea for council’s reversal of its decision not to reprimand Mayor Leal was elementary school teacher Jane Braithwaite, a Northcrest Ward resident. She noted she reached out to her councillors, Dave Haacke and Andrew Beamer, to express her concern.

“I said ‘Schools have rules. City hall has protocol. Can you look me in the eye and say that you’re following protocol?’ Then I said ‘You know who won’t be voting for you next year.'”

Before a small sea of waving placards, one featuring a drawn steaming turkey with the words “Seems like Leal is cooked” and another asking “Is council an Old Boys Club?” (with “Boys” crossed out and replaced with “Bullies”), Charmaine Magumbe and Sarah McNeilly also addressed the crowd.

“We were just here a few weeks ago,” recalled Magumbe, a reference to the Mayor Leal’s use of a racial slur during a speaking engagement at Trent University — another misstep that also drew widespread anger and calls for the mayor’s resignation.

“Now, with this latest integrity commissioner report, nothing has been done. The councillors were silent. Just like with the ‘N’ word (incident), they were silent. Only three — Joy, Alex, and Keith — wanted to do something.”

“He (Mayor Leal) was found guilty of bullying Alex. Guilty of yelling at Joy. If that’s not enough, some councillors had the audacity to say Mayor Jeff Leal had suffered enough and he was the victim. The victim here is Alex and Joy who had to endure this toxic behaviour.”

For her part, McNeilly spoke to “a pattern of behaviour from this mayor and from the council that enables him.”

“Tonight is the beginning of people coming together, from multiple issues with this mayor and council, and saying ‘Enough is enough.’ This is the beginning of a resistance that, come October 2026, will see new leadership that has integrity and accountability.”

Prior to the rally, Turpin took a moment to speak with kawarthaNOW, speaking specifically to her motivation for pulling the event together.

“I did this because I was really passionate and, ultimately, quite angry like everyone else on June 2nd,” she said, adding “People have been angry for quite a while about the lack of consultation … concerns with what’s been going on.”

Referencing the erosion of democratic principles south of the border under the Trump administration, Turpin noted people “are scared.”

“This is an opportunity for us to at least have a little bit of control in our own local democracy, and maybe try to stop things before they get out of control.”

Asked for her level of confidence in council overturning its decision not to reprimand Mayor Leal, Turpin admitted to being “hesitantly hopeful.”

“I’m confident our voices are going to be heard. There are ten people speaking to this tonight (before council). I’m hoping they (councillors) took time over the week to think about this. They have an opportunity to make a change and do something different, and set a tone for what council really should be like.”

As it turns out, the hopes of Turpin and other rally attendees were dashed later in the evening when, in a 6-4 vote, city council ratified the June 2 general committee decision not to penalize the mayor for breaching the code of conduct.

Mayor Leal once again recused himself from discussion of and voting on the report, and only councillor Matt Crowley changed his vote from the general committee meeting to join councillors Bierk, Lachica, and Riel in voting against the decision.

Stay tuned for kawarthaNOW’s full coverage of the council meeting, including the public delegations who addressed council prior to the vote.

Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival returns for its 24th time to Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough on Saturday (June 14).

Five days before the festival, participating individuals and teams have raised over $208,265 of the festival’s 2025 goal of $260,018.01, 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, which is presented by Kawartha Credit Union, to 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
• 7:00 a.m. – Shuttle bus begins running
• 7:30 a.m. – Steers meeting on the T-Wharf
• 7:45 a.m. – Team captains’ meeting at the bleachers
• 8:00 a.m. – Awakening the Dragon/Opening ceremonies on the T-Wharf
• 8:30 a.m. – First race heats begin
• 9:00 a.m. – Vendors Village Market opens
• 9:00 a.m. – Family Fun Zone opens
• 10:50 a.m. – McKenzie Cup Race followed by the Flower Ceremony at 11:00 a.m.
• 11:00 a.m. – The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden opens
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch break
• 12:30 p.m. – Second race heats begin
• 1:00 p.m. – Top three fundraisers announcement
• 3:00 p.m. – Silent auction closes, cash and quilt raffle winners announced
• 3:10 p.m. – Divisional finals begin
• 3:50 p.m. – Final race (community division championship)
• 4:15 p.m. – Awards ceremony at the bleachers
• 4:30 p.m. – Last shuttle bus pick-up from Del Crary Park (Townsend St. just before George St.)
• 5:00 p.m. – Vendors Village closes
• 6:00 p.m. – The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden closes

Modern Makers Market is partnering with the festival for another year to offer the Vendor Village Market, a unique shopping and food experience with 49 vendors.

The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden, hosted by 100 Acre Brewing Co. and Sandbagger, is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

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, Oxford Massage, Art Gallery of Peterborough, The Happy Mean – Zumba, F45 Peterborough Central, PRHC Breast Assessment Centre, Zumba VSL, YMCA of Central East Ontario, Kidz First, The Boardwalk Lounge, Critter Visits, and Pathway Life Church. There will also be face painting and a selfie photo booth.

You can also visit the Dragon Shop (just past the bleachers) to purchase festival-branded hats, totes, cooling scarves, mugs, note cards, pink sunglasses, pink ribbon magnets and pins, and more.

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

At 10:50 a.m., four teams of breast cancer survivors will compete for the McKenzie Cup. This race will be followed at 11:00 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 at 12:30 p.m., followed by the open women finals at 3:10 p.m. and the final race (the community division championship) at 3:50 p.m.

The awards ceremony takes place at the bleachers at 4:15 p.m.

A full race schedule will be posted on the Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival website at www.ptbodragonboat.ca.

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.:

• George St. entrance to Del Crary Park Marina (the marina parking lot is reserved for sponsors, vendors, and Fun Zone providers)
• 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 St. 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 east limit
• Winch St. from the south side of Crescent St. to the north side of Ware St.
• Haggart St. from the south side of Crescent St. to the north side of Ware St.

Emergency “no parking” signs will be placed on both sides of Lock St. from Romaine St. to Ware St. Parking is available at the Simcoe Street Parking Garage and the King Street Parkade, as well as on residential streets surrounding the road closure area.

A shuttle bus courtesy of Hamilton Bus Lines will be running from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with pick-up and drop-off locations at the City Hall parking lot, the King Street Parkade (202 King St. near Louis St., on Townsend St. across the road from the BWXT/GE Parking lot at 107 Park St., and Townsend St. just before George St. (walking distance from Crary Park)

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

2025 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 provided by B!ke – the Peterborough Community Bike Shop. Basic bike maintenance will also be available.

For more information about the 2025 Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival and to donate, visit www.ptbodragonboat.ca.