Northumberland County's municipal building, which includes community service spaces, meeting rooms including council chambers, and administrative offices, is located at 555 Courthouse Road in Cobourg. (Photo: Northumberland County)
With the arrival of colder weather and no overnight space in Northumberland County for those without housing to escape the elements, county council has approved opening a temporary warming room in council chambers at the county’s headquarters at 555 Courthouse Road in Cobourg.
At a special virtual meeting on Tuesday afternoon (October 28), county council considered a staff report on four options for a winter warming room location and approved a resolution to open a temporary warming room in council chambers, which would operate seven nights a week from 8 p.m. to 8 p.m. from November 1 until March 31, 2026.
In June, county council had directed staff to close the warming room located on the lower level of the 310 Division Street homeless shelter, and to explore other locations for a warming room outside of Cobourg.
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That decision followed seven months of complaints from neighbouring residents and businesses after the low-barrier shelter, which is owned by Northumberland County and operated by Transition House, opened in December 2024.
Over the summer, county staff toured and considered eight possible warming room locations, six of which were outside of Cobourg (including three churches and three municipal sites) and two of which were within Cobourg (including two municipal sites owned by Northumberland County).
On October 8, council directed staff to explore the potential of a warming room at four of those locations: county headquarters at 555 Courthouse Road (either by using mobile construction trailers or in council chambers), the county building at 600 William Street (either by using mobile construction trailers or in the boardroom), the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre at 216 Purdy Road in Colborne, and Fenella Hall at 8071 County Road 45 in Roseneath.
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At its October 28 meeting, council reviewed a staff report describing the operational considerations, outcomes and impacts, and financial implications of each location, with council ultimately deciding on the council chambers option. The resolution passed by council also requested that Cobourg council either consider a blanket licence exemption under its emergency care establishment by-law for the location or issue a licence for the location.
During the meeting, council heard from three public delegations about the need for a new space. One delegate, Chance Brown, said there are approximately 75 people living rough, and others couch-surfing in Cobourg.
A second delegate, Shawn Senecal, who is the integrated director for the community mental health programs supporting both Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg and Campbellford Memorial Hospital in Campbellford, said having a warming room is of “critical importance” and an “essential service” for Northumberland County.
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The closing of 310 Division St. has created “a gap that increases the physical risk from injury due to cold and extreme heat and illnesses that already affect the mentally ill and those that present with those challenges,” Seneca said. “As the cold weather is approaching, I feel, as a community, we cannot let this gap in service continue.”
Delegate Maria Papaioaanoy said people who are homeless in Cobourg deserve the same dignity afforded to other residents of the community.
According to a media release from the county, while council authorized an opening date as early as November 1, “staff will require additional time to arrange staffing, equipment, and other necessary resources.”
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The county said it will also connect with Town of Cobourg staff regarding any requirements related to Cobourg’s emergency care establishment bylaw.
“Based on these factors, it is anticipated that a warming room could open within two to four weeks pending all necessary approvals, with a goal to open the doors as quickly as possible,” the release stated.
Once opened, the space will provide access to warmth, washrooms, and light refreshments overnight throughout the winter season.
“The warming room is a compassionate and practical response to an urgent community need,” said county warden Brian Ostrander in a statement. “This is one piece of a broader effort to ensure that everyone in our community has access to safe and dignified supports when they are most needed.”
Lakefield resident Guy Hanchet proudly displays his newly installed solar panels. Despite not having an ideal rooftop for solar, he expects to power about half of his annual electricity use from the system. (Photo: Clara Blakelock / GreenUP)
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Clara Blakelock, Home Energy Program Manager, GreenUP.
While rooftop solar power has been a common sight in residential neighbourhoods in Peterborough for many years, battery backup systems that work with solar panels are also becoming increasingly popular.
When asked about batteries by a potential client, Generation Solar co-owner and vice-president JP Pawliw seeks first to understand the client’s motivation, while dispelling some common misconceptions.
“The first priority for a battery system should be backup power when the grid goes out,” says Pawliw. He explains, however, that batteries are not in fact a requirement for a grid-connected solar system.
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There are two basic ways that grid-connected residential solar systems can operate in Ontario. The first uses net-metering which allows homeowners to produce more solar energy than they use in the summer, then apply that credit in the winter when production is lower. This way, a home can achieve net zero — producing as much electricity as it uses.
Another model, currently being incentivized through the Home Renovation Savings Program, is known as load displacement. In this system, a homeowner uses the electricity produced by their own solar panels, though they do not receive credit for the excess energy produced.
If batteries are installed, however, the homeowner can charge them through their solar panels and use that power at night rather than buying from the grid. This is known as “solar shifting,” and can be combined with backup power. This program is a key driver of the uptake of batteries.
Generation Solar co-owner and vice-president JP Pawliw displays a battery in the office that is connected to a rooftop solar system. If weather permits, this battery can recharge using the panels, extending its life during power outages. (Photo: Clara Blakelock / GreenUP)
Pawliw says that there are many factors to consider when choosing a battery backup system.
“Batteries can be designed to back up a partial load or the whole home load, but loads can be quite variable depending on what is in the home and the weather,” he says.
“We generally design them to last for one to three days when the grid is out, while they may last longer if they are able to recharge with the solar panels.”
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Generation Solar’s office is equipped with a solar and battery backup system that has been tested with extended power outages on two different occasions.
“After the May 2022 derecho storm, the weather was great and we had power at the office all week because the battery was able to recharge every day,” says Pawliw. “But in this year’s ice storm, the weather was terrible in the aftermath, so the battery only lasted for a day.”
Homeowners considering batteries also need to find an appropriate place for them, as the smallest batteries are around the size of a large suitcase. Most batteries must also be kept above freezing temperatures.
“The preferred place for a battery is in a garage or a separate building,” says Pawliw. “If they’re to be placed in a basement, they need to be in a dedicated, finished utility room with a self-closing door.”
Having backup power was a key driver of Lakefield resident Guy Hanchet’s decision to install his new solar system. Here he points to his backup panel, which is connected to several essential circuits in his home. (Photo: Clara Blakelock / GreenUP)
Lakefield resident Guy Hanchet recently worked with Generation Solar to install rooftop solar panels with a battery backup system — a key selling feature having experienced extended power outages twice in the last three years.
“We have four circuits connected to the battery: the internet, the fridge, the microwave, and the TV,” says Hanchet.
While the battery is not large enough to power his electric heat pump in the event of an outage, he has an alternative heat source in his woodstove.
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Hanchet expects to produce about half of his annual electricity using solar, despite not having an ideal unobstructed south-facing roof face.
He sees this new system as a valuable upgrade to his home that increases resilience. The payback on the system comes through fixing his electricity costs over its lifetime (at least 30 years). For Hanchet, it’s not about direct financial payback.
“Lots of people buy motorcycles, premium packages for their cars, or even generators — none of which have any payback,” he says. “I wanted the solar panels for my home because it’s the right thing to do, and they bring me satisfaction.”
Generation Solar co-owner and vice-president JP Pawliw poses with a Tesla Powerwall, one of two backup batteries installed in their offices. This battery is not connected to a solar system but still provides backup power during outages. (Photo: Clara Blakelock / GreenUP)
GreenUP has several upcoming workshops on home energy related topics.
“Learn All about Heat Pumps!” takes place in person from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4 at the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre, featuring Cory Rawn of 123 HVAC, and online from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, November 7, featuring Shane Switzer of Kawartha Eco Climate Control. One participant residing in Peterborough County will win a free EnerGuide assessment.
Peterborough landlords are invited to “Energy Efficient Rentals,” a workshop hosted by Better Homes Peterborough from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12 at the GreenUP office in downtown Peterborough.
Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) executive director Devon Girard shakes hands with Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark during the announcement of the New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training (NEXT) program on October 29, 2025 at Venture North in downtown Peterborough. The county provided $6,000 to support the design, development and delivery of the NEXT program. Also pictured from left to right are CFP board secretary and Selwyn Township deputy mayor Ron Black, Peterborough County economic development general manager Rhonda Keenan, and CFP board chair Wayne Harding. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
The inevitable question asked by anyone who faces the unexpected loss of their job is “What next?”
To that end, Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) is proposing that NEXT is an option well worth exploring.
An acronym for New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training, NEXT is a new initiative that gives displaced workers the knowledge and tools needed to go the self-employment route.
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On Wednesday (October 29) at Venture North in downtown Peterborough, CFP executive director Devon Girard revealed details of the program.
“NEXT will allow (displaced) workers to participate in in-depth training, delivered in-person, both in cohort sessions and one-on-one, about how they can learn to turn an idea or skill into a business,” explained Girard.
“Training will consist of ensuring these displaced workers receive expert advice in business planning, market research, financial readiness and cash flow, marketing and branding, and launch strategies. Every step of this entrepreneurial journey will be supported by our team to ensure participants graduate with a viable business plan and cashflow forecast, and, importantly, the confidence to move forward and continue growing after (graduation from) the program.”
Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) executive director Devon Girard speaks during the announcement of the New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training (NEXT) program on October 29, 2025 at Venture North in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
The need for this program at this particular time is abundantly clear.
Back in June, Siemens Canada announced that it’s moving its Peterborough manufacturing operation to Concord, affecting some 160 jobs over the next two years. Just a month later, kawarthaNOW reported that Lufthansa In Touch will close its Fisher Drive call centre come spring 2006, with some 400 employees facing job loss.
Then, in August, Coca-Cola announced it would be discontinuing its frozen products line — a move that will see production line layoffs at its Minute Maid facility in Peterborough.
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“Our community has really been put to the test with recent announcements of plant closures and layoffs, but residents and businesses in Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough are resilient,” said Girard.
“We’ve weathered challenges like this before, and our workforce really is stronger because of it. It’s no different right now. We know the strength of people who live and work here. We look forward to playing a role in ensuring (through NEXT) that we keep as many families and workers as we can in our community while also creating new jobs.”
For employers with training dollars available to support displaced workers, the NEXT program returns those funds, dollar for dollar, back to the displaced worker upon program completion. CFP will also provide matching grant dollars of up to $1,000 per graduate to use those funds to start or grow their own business.
“Graduates will continue to receive all of the free supports we offer at Community Futures Peterborough, and through our Business Advisory Centre. This includes ongoing one-on-one advisory sessions, and access to programs and workshops specifically designed for entrepreneurs. They will also be pre-approved for a $5,000 micro-loan, and free six-month membership from the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.”
Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark speaks during the announcement of the New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training (NEXT) program on October 29, 2025 at Venture North in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
Peterborough County has provided $6,000 to support the design, development and delivery of the NEXT program. A similar request made to the City of Peterborough was denied.
“The city was approached by Community Futures Peterborough about a program to support some displaced workers affected by recent layoffs,” confirms a clarifying statement from the city sent to kawarthaNOW upon request.
“Community Futures Peterborough asked for a $6,000 contribution from the city, which it said would have supported up to six individuals through a pilot program (NEXT). The city is working with employers on a larger initiative to have a much broader reach and impact for affected workers. The city hopes to have an announcement (about that initiative) soon.”
“The City of Peterborough is proud to be a core financial supporter of Community Futures Peterborough, and the Business Advisory Centre, contributing $43,500 to its operations in 2025 with an agreement to continue supporting in future years. This includes supporting work around business inquiries and business planning, with a specific focus on those looking at entrepreneurship, which is what this announcement also reflects.”
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At the program announcement, County Warden Bonnie Clark said when the request for funding came in, “there was no hesitation” to ante up.
“We know the recent closures have deeply impacted many workers and families across all our communities,” said Warden Clark.
“The reality is many of the affected individuals are residents — our neighbours, our friends, and community members. What matters most is how we come together to support one another. That’s why the NEXT program is so important. It offers a path forward for those considering entrepreneurship as their next career.”
Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) board chair Wayne Harding, Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark, CFP executive director Devon Girard, CFP board secretary Ron Black, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Brenda Whitehead, and CFP board member Rod Wallace at the announcement of the New Entrepreneurial eXploration Training (NEXT) program on October 29, 2025 at Venture North in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
CFP board chair Wayne Harding also spoke from the podium.
“It (NEXT) provides displaced workers with a path forward … a map to entrepreneurship which, as we know, drives small business and drives local economies,” said Harding.
“We’ve always been an organization committed to doing what’s right for the community, for having the drive and leadership to create programs like NEXT to ensure equal opportunities for workers in businesses of all sizes. We look forward to meeting the graduates, and seeing the new jobs and businesses that will be created.”
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Meanwhile, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Brenda Whitehead called NEXT “an incredible way to come together, and shine a light on fresh starts and bold ideas.”
“Every thriving business in our region started out with a leap of faith, or a lot of hope. Through NEXT, you (CFP) are going help local folks take those first brave steps, whether that means bringing a creative side hustle to life or maybe building the next great Peterborough success story.”
Interested employers are working directly with CFP to book dates to bring the NEXT program to workers.
CFP has a mission to support small businesses with flexible financing in the City and County of Peterborough. It has invested more than $42 million in loan dollars, supporting 1,300-plus small businesses since 1985, creating or maintaining more than 4,600 jobs in both the city and county
A not-for-profit organization funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), CFP began delivering the Small Business Enterprise Centre program, funded by the Province of Ontario, in 2024.
CFP’s Business Advisory Centre also receives operational funding from the city and county of Peterborough. It provides a suite of business advisory services, from launch to exit, and currently advises hundreds of local business owners annually.
Police have not released any details about the condition of a child who was located in the Trent Canal in Peterborough early Wednesday afternoon (October 29).
At around 12:30 p.m., Peterborough police officers along with members of Peterborough Fire and Peterborough Paramedics responded to a call about a child in the water at the canal near Maria Street and Ashburnham Drive, north of Lock 20.
Two officers jumped into the canal, located the child, and got them out of the water. Officers and paramedics attempted life-saving measures before the child was taken to hospital.
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Police have also not released the age or gender of the child.
“There’s no indication of criminality,” reads a police media release. “Compassion and respect for privacy of all involved is requested.”
Police said they would not be releasing any further details at this time.
Founded by three local residents and veteran Camino pilgrims, the new Peterborough Chapter of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims is making it easy for adventure-seekers to learn more about the Camino de Santiago, an extensive network of trails leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The non-denominational volunteer-run group provides mentorship and resources to help local travellers plan the lodging, packing or other guidelines for their adventures, whether they are going for religious, spiritual, sport, or other purposes. (Photo: Canadian Company of Pilgrims - Peterborough Chapter / Facebook)
“The Camino calls, I answer.”
So reads the penultimate stanza in a poem written by Arn, a university professor from Virginia who Peterborough resident John Morritt met in 2013 while walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain for the first of many times.
The poem begins by describing six pilgrims “under the stars” pondering and comparing their reasons for doing the exhaustive walk, from spiritual and religious motives to the desire for a “cheap vacation.” Those are just a few of the reasons why half a million people go on this challenging adventure of a lifetime every single year.
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Now, Morritt, alongside Cydnee Hosker and Lori McCrae, are making it easier for Peterborough explorers to answer the call of the Camino by forming the Peterborough chapter of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims.
With 18 chapters across Canada, the federal non-profit is a non-denominational volunteer association that has been supporting individuals interesting in the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Spain for more than 30 years.
“We’re a mentoring service working one-on-one with people who have an interest,” Morritt says. “It’s a learn-by-doing kind of thing. You learn a lot more by actually doing it than you do by watching YouTube videos.”
The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrim routes starting from Portugal, France, and across Europe that lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, which is reputably the burial place of apostle St. James the Great. Pilgrims who walk the final 100 kilometres to the cathedral and meet other qualifications will receive a “compostela” to celebrate their achievement. (Photo courtesy of John Morritt)
The Camino de Santiago is an extensive network of routes that leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain. The cathedral began construction in 1075 and is the reputed burial place of apostle St. James the Great.
There are a number of walking, cycling, or horseback routes leading from Spain, Portugal, and other European countries that range from 100 kilometres to nearly 800 kilometres in length across fields, forests, farmlands, mountains, and villages.
Anyone walking the routes is said to be a pilgrim, as they carry everything they need on their backs and stay at hostels and in lodges along the way. Those who walk at least the last 100 kilometres (or 200 kilometres for those on bicycle or horseback), and have earned other credentials, can get a “compostela” or certificate to celebrate their journey.
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For Morritt, though he didn’t end up walking the Camino until he was retired and his doctor suggested he get more exercise, the idea of going on the adventure had been brewing in his mind for decades. He did the nearly 800-kilometre route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, called the “Camino Francés” or The French Way — the most popular route — over a total of 41 days, including rest days.
“Because of the nature of it, your mind wanders — something happens and you start to wonder why things are the way they are,” says Morritt about the experience. “People are very helpful. They bid you ‘good morning’ and ‘buen Camino’, which is the Spanish way of saying ‘good way’ or ‘have a good trip’, and people help each other.”
The friendly faces and connections might be the cherry on top, but a lot of people do it because they want the challenge or are seeking adventure, in addition to those having spiritual or religious incentives.
Peterborough resident John Morritt, founder of The Wine Shoppe on Charlotte (now The Wine Shoppe on Park), first completed the nearly 800-kilometre Camino Frances in 2013 after retirement as a way to get some exercise and improve his health. Since then, he has returned to Europe nearly every year to complete an additional part of the Camino de Santiago or other pilgrimages and has recently helped launch the volunteer-run Peterborough chapter of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims. (Photo courtesy of John Morritt)
“For many people, it’s mostly a bucket list thing,” Morritt says. “They don’t think much beyond why, other than it’s a challenge, it’s exotic, and it’s very inexpensive. There are other people who wonder what it’s all about and hope to find what it’s about for them, and they are hopeful that revelations will happen while they’re walking along. Everybody who’s sensitive can tell stories about things that happened that are just beyond coincidence.”
Nearly every year since 2013, Morritt has walked other Camino de Santiago routes — from Lisbon, from the Pyrenees mountains, and to Finisterre — as well as other major pilgrimage routes across Europe and the United Kingdom. Currently, he is doing the Camino Frances — though this time, he’s completing it over 68 days across four years.
As the founder and former owner of The Wine Shoppe on Charlotte (now The Wine Shoppe on Park), which is now run by his daughters, Morritt is well-known in the community and since 2013 has found many people are interested in learning more about the Camino.
This interest is how he became connected with Hosker and McCrae, who have both since taken on the challenge and have also seen interest from community members.
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With an official Peterborough chapter of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims, Morritt hopes to provide more insight and resources to people than what he had prior to his first trip, which was limited to a forum group and a few guidebooks.
Now, other first-timers can connect directly with Morritt, Hosker, and McCrae to ask questions and access resources about what to pack and prepare, where to lodge, the best routes to take, and much more.
“Some people get themselves into difficulties,” Morritt warns, adding that people often overpack because they do the Camino as part of a bigger trip across Europe.
“They carry too much stuff, and they have no way of estimating how well they can carry it over the distances. At the end of day five, they’re one day behind, they’re not going to hit their flight on time, and then their feet get blisters because of the physical stress, and they have to take a taxi or bus ahead to catch up to their schedule.”
Cydnee Hosker, John Morritt, and Lori McCrae at The Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough. The trio are veteran pilgrims and the coordinators behind the Peterborough chapter of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims. One of 18 chapters across the country, the volunteer-run group supports and mentors people interested in completing the Camino de Santiago by providing advice and resources including what to pack, how to carry it, how to get there, and how to prepare mentally, physically, and logistically. (Photo courtesy of John Morritt)
Cost of mentorship to the Canadian Company of Pilgrims is $10 per year ($100 lifetime), though there is no additional cost for mentorship from the Peterborough chapter. The group also hosts regular meetings and occasional walks along trails in Peterborough.
“We all think of this as a purposeful activity,” Morritt says about the Camino de Santiago. “It’s not something to be taken lightly. You prepare for it, and you have a purpose for doing it.”
For more information, follow the Canadian Company of Pilgrims – Peterborough Chapter on Facebook or Instagram. You can also email Morritt at peterborough@santiago.ca.
The Capitol Theatre in Port Hope has revealed 11 shows in its 2026 season, including 10 Canadian shows, three musicals, and five world premieres. (Photo: kawarthaNOW collage of Capitol Theatre graphics)
When you have closely guarded news to share, you can drop some subtle hints to build suspense until the big reveal or, in one go, share the news loud from the rooftop. Anyone who knows Rob Kempson knows full well that subtle isn’t in his toolbox.
As artistic director of Port Hope’s storied Capitol Theatre since 2022, Kempson has joyfully demonstrated a flair for the dramatic, both on and off stage, that, while wholly predictable, is as infectious as it is over-the-top.
So it was on Tuesday night (October 28) that Kempson was, well, Kempson as he shared details of the theatre’s 2026 season “in an authentic way” before an appreciative audience of theatre supporters.
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Kempson revealed that the 2026 season, with the theme “Where Our Stories Begin,” features five world premieres and three musicals, with almost all of the shows of the made-in-Canada variety.
Ensemble productions coming to the Capitol’s mainstage next summer include the Broadway smash-hit musical Come From Away, the Tony Award-winning musical You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, the Canadian comedy Liars at a Funeral, and a Canadian adaptation of the classic thriller Gaslight. For its annual winter holiday musical, the Capitol will present the world premiere of RED!…a Big Bad Wolf Panto.
The more intimate Sculthorpe Theatre will feature the return of the Second Stage Series, which includes three world premieres: Chris Tsujiuchi’s Big Gay Cabaret, Born to be Bad: The Villains of Broadway, and Farley Mowat’s And No Birds Sang.
The Capitol’s Music Lovers’ Series will feature three original concerts — Heartbreak Hits: Billboard in Concert, Shipyard Kitchen Party’s Tom Thomson’s Wake, and the world premiere of I’m Every Woman: The Whitney Houston Songbook — with more to be announced throughout the year.
Details about each production in the 2026 season, including performance dates, are provided at the end of this story.
The Capitol Theatre’s managing director Erin Peirce and artistic director Rob Kempson at the historic Port Hope venue. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
“We’re a theatre because we want people to come together and have experiences together in the same room,” Kempson told kawarthaNOW before the season reveal.
“The initial impetus is about sharing what is coming up, selling subscriptions, and all the rest of it, but the more holistic part is we are a really active member of our community. We want to make sure that when we’re sharing what we think is really good news and involving our community in that.”
While most theatres typically share new season details via media releases or by updating their websites, that’s just too ho-hum for Kempson and his team. Instead, the Capitol Theatre’s new season reveal is an event in itself, with Kempson, a leader of both the ring and cheer variety, keeping the energy high between sneak peeks of what’s ahead.
“For us, launching a season feels like that celebration wants to similarly be something that is big and expressive and shows who we are,” he says.
When it’s suggested that he must have been bursting at the seams to share at least some details prior to the big reveal, Kempson says “I think I’ve gotten better at keeping a secret.”
“You know how news travels in a small town. It’s fast and it’s furious. If we want to have something to announce at our announcement, we have to be careful. That also means that when shifts and changes occur, as they inevitably will, we can be responsive without feeling like someone is going be disappointed because they heard XYZ and then that isn’t in there. So, it’s a multi-pronged approach to secret keeping.”
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Asked about the process that results in a year-long menu of 11 productions, Kempson said there are many elements involved in developing the season.
“The theme of the season, the sort of the overall feeling, emerges organically as we get shows booked,” he explained, adding “I don’t start with an idea and then create a list of perfect programming to go with that.”
“It really is a lot of factors. In some cases, it’s about artist availability. In some cases, it’s about rights availability for certain scripts. There were things I applied for this season that I was really hoping we would do that we didn’t get the rights to, but what that did was actually open a door to something else that I thought ‘Oh, maybe I’ll save that for 2027.'”
“We were really, really proud of 2025 and the way the schedule worked. So, we actually started 2026 with a structure we felt really good about. I knew that I wanted to find three shows for our Second Stage Series. I knew I wanted to find three shows for our music series. I knew I wanted four main stage shows, and probably two of them would be musicals, and probably one of those musicals would have a youth and family focus. And I knew I needed a panto. Having that structure to start with makes a big difference.”
This all said, Kempson emphasized he’s “not a person who believes that we should do something because we’ve always done it that way. We will continue to turn over every rock to see what’s underneath to make sure that we’re making the right choices for our community.”
Capitol Theatre favourite Tahirih Vejdani will perform the world premiere of “Born To Be Bad: The Villains of Broadway” at the historic Port Hope venue from June 30 to July 5, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Capitol Theatre)
To be clear, Kempson’s title is artistic director, not artistic dictator. Bouncing ideas off his management team — including managing director Erin Peirce — and gathering their input is a huge part of the season-planning process.
“We represent a pretty wide demographic of people within that management team. The fact that we all have our own backgrounds and experiences and ages and genders and sexualities and you know, identities, that helps us know that we’re really truly serving as many people in our community as we can.”
“At the end of the day, is it my decision? Yes, it absolutely is, but theatre is the most collaborative art form for a reason. If I apply that principle to my planning process, I know I’m going end up with a season that’s more fulfilling.”
Asked what 2026 show jumps off the page for him, Kempson balked at singling out one favourite, likening such a choice to “picking a favourite child.” Instead, he focused on what he considers highlights of the season in a broader sense.
“When I started here, this theatre hadn’t had a Canadian play on stage in more than two decades. We now have 10 of 11 shows that are all Canadian, and five of them are world premieres. And two of those world premieres were developed in our creators’ unit — that alone feels like a huge achievement.”
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The two world premieres developed through the Capitol’s Creators’ Unit, which has been the home for new play development at the Capitol since 2023, are I’m Every Woman: The Whitney Houston Songbook, written and performed by Taylor Lovelace, and Farley Mowat’s memoir And No Birds Sang, adapted for the stage by Dave Carley.
Kempson singled out both creators for mention, calling Lovelace “a beloved performer” who “really dove into all the women in her life that have inspired her, and then uses the songs of Whitney to help tell that story. To be offer her the opportunity to share her story, through the music that she loves, feels really exciting to me.”
“The other side of that same coin is Dave Carley, one of the most prolific playwrights in Canada. Last year in our creators’ unit, he did a new adaptation of a Farley Mowat memoir. People in Port Hope love Farley Mowat for obvious reasons. And No Birds Sang would already be exciting because it’s created locally. But it’s also about a local person who has a great history in the region and it has been created by a guy who does a lot of work locally for us.”
Playwright Dave Carley has adapted Canadian writer and environmentalist Farley Mowat’s 1979 war memoir “And No Birds Sang” to the stage. Mowat, who spent his later years in Port Hope, passed away in 2014 at the age of 92. The play has its world premiere at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope from August 14 to September 6, 2026. (Photos: Dave Carley / Fred Phipps)
Then there’s the Capitol’s staging of David Hein and Irene Sankoff’s Tony award-winning Canadian musical Come From Away, which Kempson is directing, based on true events in the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11 attacks when 38 planes were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport.
“I’m not going to tell you who we have in the cast yet, but when you find that out in the new year you are going to absolutely lose your mind. So, there are more secrets to come. But yeah, if I had to pick two babies, it would be our new play work, our new development work, and Come From Away. But I could talk endlessly about all the shows in the season.”
In addition to the shows announced in the season reveal, the Capitol’s Cabaret and Kitchen Party programs will be offered throughout the year in the Sculthorpe Theatre, additional concerts will be featured on the mainstage, and the Capitol’s on-screen programming will continue to feature the popular Met Opera program.
Subscriptions for the 2026 season are now on sale, with general public tickets for individual shows available in early 2026. Visit capitoltheatre.com for more details.
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Capitol Theatre’s 2026 season
Mainstage Ensemble Productions
You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
May 15 to 31, 2026
Book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner
Directed and choreographed by Rob Kempson
Music direction by Shane O’Regan
Based on the beloved comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, this Tony award-winning musical comedy chronicles the adventure of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang.
Liars At A Funeral
June 12 to 28, 2026
By Sophia Fabiilli
Directed by Aaron Jan
When an estranged family gathers to mourn the passing of Mavis, the family matriarch, the funeral erupts into a more dysfunctional family reunion than any of them could have imagined. If everyone can keep it together, they might just break the intergenerational curse and make it out alive.
Come From Away
July 10 to August 2, 2026
Book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Directed by Rob Kempson
Music direction by Jeff Newberry
Choreographed by Genny Sermonia
This global sensation takes you into the centre of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town of Gander, Newfoundland that welcomed them during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Gaslight
August 21 to September 6, 2026
By Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson based on Patrick Hamilton’s play
Directed by Marie Farsi
Bella Manningham thinks she’s losing her mind. In the evenings, she hears strange sounds and the gas lights dim for no apparent reason. Is she losing her grip on reality, or is it being loosened for her?
RED!…A Big Bad Wolf Panto (world premiere)
November 20 to December 27, 2026
Written by Rebecca Northan
Directed by Aurora Browne
Musical arrangements by Jeff Newberry
The classic fairytale gets a panto treatment from the writer of 2023’s hit production Jack: A Beanstalk Panto. When Little Red Riding Hood leaves home with a basket of treats for her Granny, all she has to do is stick to the path and avoid talking to strangers, but there’s a groovy beat in the darkest part of the woods … and every young girl is up for adventure.
Second Stage Series (Sculthorpe Theatre)
Chris Tsujiuchi’s Big Gay Cabaret (world premiere)
June 4 to 7, 2026
Written and performed by Chris Tsujiuchi
For more than a decade, the enigmatic and multi-talented Chris Tsujiuchi has been creating and performing solo shows celebrated across the country. This year, exclusively for the Capitol Theatre, he’s created a brand-new show – one that celebrates the queer community with the anthems that define it.
Born To Be Bad: The Villains of Broadway (world premiere)
June 30 to July 5, 2026
Written and performed by Tahirih Vejdani
From the evildoers we adore to the scoundrels we love to hate, this new solo show from Capitol Theatre favourite Tahirih Vejdani (Little Shop of Horrors, Sleeping Beauty, Billboard in Concert) shares the best of being bad.
Farley Mowat’s And No Birds Sang (world premiere)
August 14 to September 6, 2026
Adapted by Dave Carley
Directed by Rob Kempson
Based on Farley Mowat’s acclaimed war memoir, this autobiographical account of his military service during World War II as a member of the Hastings Prince Edward (or, affectionately, Hasty P’s) Regiment. In this touching world premiere, Mowat transforms from a young man into a combat veteran, alongside the devastating losses that come with wartime.
Music Lovers’ Series
Capitol Theatre favourite Taylor Lovelace will pay tribute to one of the most defining artists of the 20th century in the world premiere of her musical celebration of women’s voices, “I’m Every Woman: The Whitney Houston Songbook,” from October 23 to 25, 2026 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope. (Photo courtesy of Capitol Theatre)
Heartbreak Hits: Billboard In Concert
February 6 to 8, 2026
Conceived by Jeff Newberry and Rob Kempson
Directed by Margot Greve
Capitol Theatre’s signature remix of your favourite tunes returns with a tribute to the songs about falling out of love.
Tom Thomson’s Wake
March 6 to 8, 2026
Created and performed by Shipyard Kitchen Company
Two years after renowned painter Tom Thomson’s mysterious death, his friend, his mentor and his lover gather to share their memories of Algonquin Park’s most famous resident. A great Canadian mystery told with East Coast-style tunes.
I’m Every Woman: The Whitney Houston Songbook (world premiere)
October 23 to 25, 2026
Written and performed by Taylor Lovelace
Music supervision by Jeff Newberry
Directed by Rob Kempson
Capitol Theatre favourite Taylor Lovelace (Waitress, Little Shop of Horrors, A Year with Frog & Toad, Billboard in Concert) pays tribute to one of the most defining artists of the 20th century in this musical celebration of women’s voices.
Located in southwestern Peterborough County and bordered by the historic Trent-Severn Waterway, Selwyn Township brings nature and community together with its scenic countryside and lakes, outdoor adventures, charming and hospitable small towns including Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Ennismore, and Young's Point, and lively year-round festivals offering activities for the whole family. (Photo: The Kawarthas Tourism)
Nestled in southwestern Peterborough County, Selwyn Township brings together nature and community with its rolling countryside and sparkling lakes and its charming small towns including Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Ennismore, and Young’s Point.
Known for the hospitality of its friendly and welcoming residents, Selwyn Township offers ample outdoor adventure opportunities from trails and beaches to the Trent-Severn Waterway, delicious dining experiences, accommodation options for the entire family, and boutique shops that draws thousands of visitors to The Kawarthas all year long.
“Selwyn Township is where nature meets community, blending into experiences for people of all ages,” says Selwyn Mayor Sherry Senis. “Whether it’s the winding waterways, the charming villages, or the buzz around events like PolarFest, there’s a true sense of belonging. You can spend a fall afternoon walking one of the many trails with the leaves crunching underfoot or gather in February while neighbours dip into frigid waters for a good cause. Selwyn is a place that feels both grounded and alive, no matter the season.”
Launch from Lakefield
Located on Lakefield’s Queen Street, The Cheesy Fromage offers variety of both internationally acclaimed and locally sourced cheeses along with wines, chocolate, charcuteries, and house-made gelato. You can even order for takeout a customized cheese and charcuterie board complete with your preferred selections. (Photo: The Kawarthas Tourism)
Kick off your adventure through Selwyn in the historic Village of Lakefield along the Otonabee River. Order a high-quality breakfast at The Nutty Bean Café, a neighbourhood favourite that uses locally sourced products and brews organic, fair-trade coffee which can be enjoyed in the country-chic dining room or on the “best verandah in town.”
Coffee in hand, it’s time to check out the many small businesses that make up the Queen Street strip — and maybe pick up a souvenir or two! Take a moment to appreciate Selwyn’s many talented at Ecco Art Gallery and Studios and Divine Craft, or get stocked up on books, gifts and home décor at Happenstance Books & Yarn and Stuff Store. Find the trendiest fashions at The Classy Closet by Sue and truly unique fashions from Tragically Hipp Fashion Gallery. Get summer ready by shopping quality swimwear at Sunblockers and water and cottage lifestyle products from Cottage Toys.
One of many sweet destinations in Selwyn Township, The Chocolate Rabbit in downtown Lakefield is a one-stop shop for all your chocolate dreams. Make sure you try the ever-popular Mudbugs, featuring chewy and crunchy caramel and almond centres covered with milk or dark chocolate and lightly sprinkled with sea salt. (Photo: The Kawarthas Tourism)
A local business that has built a tasty legacy in The Kawarthas, The Chocolate Rabbit is a one-stop shop for satisfying your sweet tooth, whether you like chocolate animals, fudge, truffles, cookies, or other treats (make sure to try their famous Mudbugs). To round out your gourmet snacks for the day, head to The Cheesy Fromage for a variety of cheese, wines, chocolates, and charcuteries, or Lakefield Bakery on Queen, where you’ll find croissants, cookies, muffins, cupcakes, butter tarts, and so much more all made by a trained chef.
Continue your shopping spree by heading north on Peterborough County Road 28 to Lockside Trading Company, a multi-award-winning home retail and design business in Young’s Point. With a focus on Canadian-made goods and brands, this store attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year. You can even get a specialty coffee or ice cream from Lockside’s new Steamer’s Café & Ice Cream Parlour.
Choose your Afternoon Adventure
Craftworks at the Barn in Selwyn Township offers handmade and crafted Mennonite furniture and the largest unique collection of giftware and home décor in The Kawarthas, with an Antiques Market located downstairs. (Photo: The Kawarthas Tourism)
With so much to do, there are many ways to spend an afternoon in Selwyn. As Mayor Senis says, “Selwyn offers the kind of escape that doesn’t feel far from home, but still gives folks the space to breathe in the fresh air.”
After leaving Young’s Point, head west on Peterborough County Road 20 towards Ennismore to kick off the afternoon with lunch at Jesse’s Tap & Grill, which has been serving up high-quality burgers, pastas, grilled meats, and pizzas for more than 25 years.
For more shopping, head into Craftworks at the Barn, located on Peterborough County Road 1, where you’ll find a collection of handmade and crafted Mennonite furniture and the largest unique collection of giftware and home décor in The Kawarthas. Downstairs, more than 40 vendors are set up in the Antiques Market, waiting for you to discover one-of-a-kind pieces that are retro, vintage, or just plain unusual.
McLean Berry Farm is a family farm in Selwyn Township that has been growing produce for more than 30 years and hosts seasonal events like pick-your-own strawberries in late spring and PumpkinFest in the fall. (Photo: McLean Berry Farm)
Or spend your day outdoors at McLean Berry Farm, where blueberries, strawberries, pumpkins, tomatoes, sweet corn, and plenty more produce grows. From pick-your-own strawberries in the spring to PumpkinFest in the fall, there’s always something going on at this family farm.
During the warmer months, head to Selwyn Beach Conservation Area, a place known for its sandy beach and picturesque swimming. Visiting in the winter? Lace up your skates at the 400-metre Ontario Speed Skating Oval, which offers free public skates daily with skate rentals available on-site. Keep your eyes open for their popular annual candlelight skate early in the new year.
The Ontario Speed Skating Oval in Lakefield is a 400-metre track that offers free public skates and onsite skate rentals. (Photo: The Kawarthas Tourism)
No matter the season, Mayor Senis also suggests exploring Selwyn’s hiking trails.
“Selwyn trails offer something for everyone, whether it’s the Lakefield Trail where urban meets rural living, the Ennismore Waterfront Park Trail for the nature lover, or the Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield Trail for serenity,” she says.
“The trails weave through the heart of the township, along the Otonabee River, through forests and open space. In the spring, wildflowers peek through. In autumn, the trees put on a show of colour. Winter welcomes snowy backdrops. It’s a favourite for walkers, cyclists, families, and anyone looking to take a breath and reconnect with nature and themselves.”
Settle in for a relaxing evening in Selwyn
Chemong Lodge in Bridgenorth offers a country gourmet menu highlighting seasonal ingredients with handcrafted dishes from classic recipes to authentic southern smoked barbeque. Sunday brunch has become a local mainstay, while other events, including rib nights and themed cuisine, are always on the calendar. (Photo: The Kawarthas Tourism)
After an adventurous afternoon exploring Selwyn Township, start your relaxing evening with a hearty meal at Chemong Lodge in Bridgenorth. At the historic restaurant overlooking the water of Chemong Lake, you’ll find a gourmet menu of handcrafted dishes inspired by seasonal ingredients from classic recipes to famous southern smoked barbeque. If you’re sticking around a while, be sure to check out their famed Sunday brunch buffet or see what other events they have — rib nights and international nights are regularly on the calendar.
Finish the day with a refreshingly cool treat from Central Smith Ice Cream whose roots in The Kawarthas date back to 1896. Whether you prefer it in a cone, in a sundae, or in a milkshake, the local creamery boasts more than 61 deliciously creamy flavours to choose from.
If you’re not ready for the adventure to end, check in at The Village Inn in Lakefield, a country-style inn that blends the comforts of modern living with the charm of the historic homes of Lakefield. A year-round getaway, The Village Inn is family friendly — and inviting to pets — while also offering a cozy setting for romantic excursions.
For a more secluded escape, check in to The Forest Hill Lodge, an intimate cottage resort located on the shores of Lovesick Lake. Originally one of Ontario’s oldest fishing camps, The Forest Hill Lodge offers a range of amenities suitable for the whole family, from swimming, canoeing, and fishing on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
The Forest Hill Lodge is an intimate cottage resort on the shores of Lovesick Lake in Selwyn Township. What was originally one of Ontario’s oldest fishing camps is now a family-friendly resort boasting plenty of outdoor adventure form swimming and canoeing to fishing on the Trent-Severn Waterway. (Photo: The Kawarthas Tourism)
Regardless of where you go, Mayor Senis says you won’t forget your road trip in Selwyn Township.
“A road trip through Selwyn is one of those drives you remember — rolling past stunning lakes and rivers, historic stone buildings, fields of pumpkins and apple orchards, and trails that seem to invite you into the forest,” she says.
“Stop for a walk, grab a bite at one of the incredible restaurants, and chat with the locals. Visitors will feel like they’ve stumbled onto something special with quaint villages and that small-town welcoming feel. Selwyn creates the unforgettable experiences by blending community and nature, and turning everyday moments into cherished memories.”
Plan a return visit to Selwyn to experience a local festival
Racing canoes down Queen Street in Lakefield is just one of the many family-friendly activities during PolarFest, an annual township-wide winter festival. The event also features ice carvings, hockey games, a polar plunge for charity, fireworks, the Lakefield Chocolate Creations Festival, and more. (Photo: Selwyn Township)
Looking forward to another visit to Selwyn? Plan your trip around one of several annual festivals that make the township a destination in The Kawarthas no matter the season.
Selwyn Mayor Sherry Senis’s Must Do’s
Explore Selwyn’s hiking trails, including the Lakefield Trail, the Ennismore Waterfront Park Trail, and the Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield Trail.
Come to the annual PolarFest winter festival for outdoor fun, community spirit, and hot chocolate by the fire.
PolarFest is an exciting family-friendly tradition like no other. The annual winter festival offers something for everyone, from ice carvings, polar paddles, fireworks, charity hockey games, and for those truly brave — or crazy enough — the polar plunge that raises funds for local charities. A beloved part of the event is the Lakefield Chocolate Creations Festival which sees a range of businesses getting innovative by crafting chocolate-themed concoctions that you won’t want to miss.
The Lakefield Jazz, Art & Craft Festival is a celebration that invites the community to come together for an afternoon of jazz music, vibrant artworks for sale, and local food and beverage vendors — all on the scenic shores of the Otonabee River.
You can explore Lakefield’s rich literary heritage at the Lakefield Literary Festival, a 30-year-old annual celebration that’s rooted in Lakefield’s literary heritage including famous Canadian writers Margaret Laurence, Catharine Parr Traill, and Susanna Moodie. Highlights of the festival include literary talks and discussions, author readings, and a free children’s tent.
Celebrate more of Selwyn’s heritage at the annual Ennismore Shamrock Festival. This long-standing tradition that celebrates the hamlet’s largely Irish history and heritage was first held in 1967 to mark Canada’s centennial year. The ever-popular family-friendly event features truck and tractor pulls, petting zoos, live music, bouncy castles, lawn games, delicious treats, and more.
Road Tripping in The Kawarthas is a partnership between kawarthaNOW and the Peterborough County Tourism and Communications Division, created to showcase the unique and distinct townships of The Kawarthas.
This series supports the regional Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) campaign by inviting locals and nearby neighbours to rediscover the places, people, and businesses that make this region unforgettable. Every visit to The Kawarthas supports our local economy — and adds another chapter to your Kawarthas story.
The Town of Cobourg is seeking public feedback about its proposed 10-year parks and recreation master plan. A drop-in community workshop will be held on October 30, 2025 at the Cobourg Community Centre and online engagement tools including a survey are available until November 10. (Photo: Town of Cobourg)
The Town of Cobourg is calling on residents and visitors who frequent Cobourg’s parks and trails and use the town’s recreation facilities to share their feedback and help shape the plans for those spaces over the next decade.
The town is inviting community members to help develop Cobourg’s park and recreation master plan, with a drop-in community workshop taking place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday (October 30) at the Cobourg Community Centre at 750 D’Arcy Street.
There will be display panels focusing on different areas of the master plan, with town staff and consultants from Toronto-based landscape architecture and planning firm Thnc Design on hand. Attendees are welcome to bring their children, as there will be some games and Halloween activities.
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Town of Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland shared his thoughts with kawarthaNOW around the importance of both public input and the overall parks and recreation master plan.
“The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is an opportunity for everyone who enjoys Cobourg’s parks, trails, and facilities — residents and visitors alike — to share their experiences and ideas,” Cleveland said.
“Through this engagement, we aim to understand what’s working well, where we can improve, and what our community envisions for the future. We want to build awareness of the project and hear meaningful, informed feedback from all who use and value Cobourg’s recreation spaces.”
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Community feedback will be summarized and incorporated into the master plan. To help understand strengths and gaps, the feedback will be combined with geographic, technical, and demographic analyses to identify barriers, priorities, and potential linkages between neighbourhoods.
The new master plan will provide direction on Cobourg’s parks, recreation and sport facilities, open spaces, and service delivery through to 2036.
Through the town’s online community engagement platform at engagecobourg.ca/parksandrec, residents can also share their ideas and experiences through a variety of interactive tools, including a quick poll, visioner board, social map, and online survey. Registration is not required to participate, and all feedback is anonymous and confidential.
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Through the online survey, people can share feedback on topics such as the parks and recreational facilities they use, recreation programs and activities they like to attend, and opinions on the need for future recreation services in Cobourg.
In addition to the online survey, 300 randomly selected households will receive a call during the next few weeks from Oraclepoll Research to participate in a survey about the use and enjoyment of parks and recreation spaces in Cobourg.
The public engagement survey and additional feedback tools are open until Monday, November 10. Paper copies of the online survey are also available at the customer service desk in Victoria Hall in downtown Cobourg and at the reception desk at the Cobourg Community Centre.
For any questions about accessing the Engage Cobourg platform, email the Town of Cobourg at communications@cobourg.ca or call 905-372-4301.
Bowmanville resident Mike Leach, who received vascular care from the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) after discovering he had diabetic ulcers on his feet and obstructed blood flow in his legs, needed two separate surgeries months apart from each other. With a hybrid operating room at PRHC, Leach would have been able to have both surgeries done at the same time, reducing not only risks and recovery time, but the worry he and his family experienced before and between the surgeries. Leach is supporting the PRHC Foundation's $70 million Campaign for PRHC and sharing his story to help the regional hospital make the state-of-the-art advancement required to provide even better lifesaving care to vascular patients close to home. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
Having had two vascular surgeries performed within months of each other meant Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) patient Mike Leach faced double the risk, double the recovery time, and double the worry.
Today, Leach is a grateful patient who is sharing his healthcare story to support the PRHC Foundation’s $70 million campaign for world-class healthcare close to home — including by revolutionizing vascular care through the development of the region’s first state-of-the-art hybrid operating room (OR).
A priority for the PRHC Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC, the advanced surgical suite will allow specialized clinical teams to perform multiple open and minimally invasive operations on the same patient, on the same day and in the same room. This will result in fewer procedures, safer outcomes, faster recovery times, reduced patient wait times, and, ultimately, improved quality of care for patients like Leach.
A hybrid operating room at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) would allow vascular surgeons like Dr. Sajjid Hossain (right) to perform multiple surgeries on patients like Mike Leach (left) at the same time. Not only will this state-of-the-art technology improve patient care by reducing risk and recovery times, but it will limit patient wait time as the need for vascular care continues to rise across the region. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
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“The hybrid OR is such an exciting advancement that will have a life-changing impact on the thousands of patients who rely on PRHC for their vascular care,” says PRHC Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway.
“When you’re facing serious, complex conditions that require multiple urgent surgeries, you can’t afford to have one, recover, and then have the next. Some patients are so ill that they don’t have that time and delays are life-threatening. A hybrid OR would allow experts to do both, or more, in the same surgical session. Less wait, less risk, shorter time in hospital, and shorter recovery all means less worry for patients and their loved ones and more time together.”
Having a hybrid OR available at PRHC would have allowed Leach to have both his surgeries at the same time when he faced his own vascular health crisis.
The Bowmanville resident’s healthcare journey began when he developed what he thought was a water blister from his new shoes along with leg cramps that he attributed to aging. When his right heel didn’t heal, Leach learned he had a diabetic ulcer and needed to have a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line inserted to treat the infection. Because the ulcer was so severe and deep, he was at risk of losing his foot if the ulcer reached the bone.
VIDEO: “If PRHC had a hybrid OR, both of my surgeries could have been done in one day.”
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While he was on the PICC line, Leach was limited in his mobility and was unable to travel to his job as an IT specialist in Peterborough or enjoy the things he usually did, like cooking, woodworking, gardening, and spending time with his wife and young adult son. After another diabetic ulcer on his left heel was punctured, it was determined he had less than 90 per cent blood flow to his legs.
Leach was taken into surgery at PRHC where the healthcare team put a stent in the blocked artery of his right leg to restore blood flow. After he had fully recovered from that procedure two months later, Leach had to return to PRHC for a second surgery where a medical balloon was inserted into an artery in his left leg.
While Leach says he had “complete and total confidence” in the surgeons and the rest of the team at PRHC and remained light-hearted and positive throughout both procedures, his wife was worried about the potential complications.
“Of course, it goes through your mind what happens if there are complications and they have to take the foot,” Leach admits. “No matter who you are, it’s going to play in the back of your mind. And it wasn’t just once — we went through it twice from two different operations.”
Bowmanville resident Mike Leach was grateful to have been given lifesaving vascular care close to home at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC). Instead of having to travel to Toronto for the care, he was able to get treatment close to home, allowing him to get back to the things he loves like cooking, gardening, and woodworking. A hybrid operating room would have allowed him to do so even more quickly, as he could have received his two surgeries at the same time rather than months apart. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
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Even after the first surgery went smoothly, Leach and his family were still not at ease because they knew he would have to have a second surgery weeks later when he had recovered.
“It was the fact that I had to do this all over again,” he says. “I wasn’t thrilled because I’m worried again about complications, I’m worried about the recovery time, and I’m worried if I’m going to get an infection from this surgery that I didn’t get the first time.”
For Leach, having a cutting-edge hybrid OR at PRHC would have not only meant getting back to his regular life faster, but it also would have meant less anxiety for himself and his family.
“With a hybrid OR, you only have one stressful situation,” he says. “Everybody deals with it in their own way, but you only have one time to get stressed out. I had two critical surgeries, two stresses, and two recoveries.”
“When I heard that the Foundation was going to help create a hybrid OR, I was surprised that more hospitals actually don’t have them,” Leach says. “This advancement could save someone’s life or save their limbs. Anything could have happened while I was waiting in the transition from one surgery to the other.”
After developing a diabetic ulcer and learning he had improper blood flow in his legs, Bowmanville resident Mike Leach needed to have a stent placed in an artery in one leg and a medical balloon placed in the other during two separate surgeries months apart at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC). He says that having two surgeries meant twice the recovery, twice the wait, twice the risk of infection, and twice the worry for him and his family. He is now sharing his story and supporting the PRHC Foundation’s $70 million Campaign for PRHC, including an initiative to bring a hybrid operating room to the regional hospital so future vascular patients can get more of their minimally invasive and open surgeries done at the same time. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
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PRHC’s regional vascular program serves a population greater than 600,000 including patients from Peterborough City and County, City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, the Haliburton Highlands, and the region of Durham. With four surgeons performing more than 1,000 vital vascular surgeries in two dedicated operating rooms per year, they are serving patient volumes equivalent to six surgeons.
“Not only will a hybrid OR mean that an individual patient will face less time waiting for their urgent procedures, but more patients will be able to get their care sooner because of the overall reduction in OR time needed for those same procedures,” says Heighway. “Vascular disease is on the rise and it’s the leading cause of preventable death and disability in Canada. A hybrid OR will be essential to meeting our regional demand and keeping that care close to home.”
Prior to his vascular surgeries, Leach had received care in hospitals in Toronto and Oshawa but says the treatment at PRHC was unmatched. He is grateful there was somewhere close to home and work where he could get world-class health care.
“The hospital gives you back a quality of life,” he says. “I can now stand in the kitchen and cook and I can do woodworking if I want to. The hybrid OR would have made that happen even faster.”
Before receiving care from PRHC, Leach was unaware the government doesn’t fund equipment and technology for hospitals and just how essential community donors are to the regional hospital.
“If someone goes to the hospital and gets magnificent care, they can go home and spend time with their kids and grandkids and their quality of life can be extended,” he says. “Putting money into a donation for the hospital was an easy decision. I felt good knowing my contribution will go towards a hybrid OR and its years of helping lots of people.”
Introducing a hybrid operating room to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) will allow regional patients like Bowmanville resident Mike Leach to have multiple vascular surgeries performed at the same time, which will reduce their recovery time and risk of infection, ultimately helping them heal and return to their normal life faster. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
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For her part, Heighway appreciates Leach’s enthusiastic support of the PRHC Foundation’s commitment to bring a hybrid OR to PRHC.
“Mike is a regional patient who has experienced firsthand what it’s like to have to travel to Toronto for care versus having world-class care closer to home at PRHC,” says Heighway. “He’s thankful for that exceptional care, but he also knows what it would have meant to have his multiple procedures done at once in a hybrid OR, and he wants that for the next person.”
“We’re grateful that he’s sharing his patient story and support of the Campaign for PRHC to inspire others and help them understand the difference their donation will make to patients like him and their loved ones.”
To learn more about bringing a hybrid operating room to PRHC and to make a donation, visit the PRHC Foundation website at prhcfoundation.ca or call 705-876-5000.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Based in the Township of Cavan Monaghan, Cherkam is a Canadian leader in industrial automation, including robotics integration. The company works across a range of industries including automotive, food and beverage, mining, and more. Alongside many international projects, the company has done work for local and regional companies and sources from Canadian distributors. (Photo courtesy of Cherkam)
Cherkam might be a leader in integrating tomorrow’s technology, but today’s local economy is seeing the benefit.
Based in the Township of Cavan Monaghan, one of eight townships in Peterborough County, Cherkam is a Canadian leader in industrial automation founded in 2014 after Ahmed Kamar and James Cherrett combined their independent businesses.
Since then, the company has provided end-to-end tailored industrial automation solutions to optimize manufacturing efficiency and quality using cutting-edge technology. From automation systems to robotics integrations and custom machine designs, the company is focused on innovation and works across a range of industries including automotive, mining, food and beverage, medical, wastewater, and beyond.
With 13 employees, many of whom reside within The Kawarthas, Cherkam continues to grow and expand their services, having worked on projects across North America as well as in the Middle East and soon in Europe. Among their list of local and regional clients are AVIT Manufacturing in Peterborough, St. Mary’s Cement (mainly at the Bowmanville plant), and facilities of Magna International, which is headquartered in Aurora.
In addition to participating in the Industrial Tradeshow held in Cobourg in September, Cherkam travelled to Germany to attend Hannover Messe, one of the world’s largest trade fairs focused on industrial transformation.
Representatives of Cherkam, including founders James Cherrett and Ahmed Kamar (far right), attended the Industrial Tradeshow at the Cobourg Community Centre on September 18, 2025. Based in the Township of Cavan Monaghan, Cherkam provides turnkey automation systems, robotics integration, vision systems and inspection, programming services, mechanical design and engineering, panel building and electrical design, Industrial Internet of Things (IIot) and Industry 4.0 solutions, and custom machine design. (Photo courtesy of Cherkam)
To operate their business, Cherkam sources electrical parts from Guillevin, a distributor in Quebec, and Westburne, a distributor headquartered in Mississauga. For back-end supports, Cherkam is supported by Peterborough law firm LLF Lawyers and accounting firm Ascend LLP.
The company also supports the local economy by guiding other entrepreneurs working in automation to develop their businesses, and supports local education by hiring Durham College co-op students.
“We think it’s important for students to get actual hands-on experience in the industry,” says Cherrett.
With 25 to 30 per cent of the company’s business being done in the U.S., Cherkam has been navigating some challenges since the U.S. election, including economic uncertainty among their American customers.
“Most of our projects are capital equipment and the first thing businesses hold off on is capital expansion,” says Kamar.
Although there is still some uncertainty about the potential impact of trade tariffs on the steel and aluminum used in robotic equipment, Cherkam’s U.S. business has begun to pick up again as American companies regain a measure of confidence in the economy.
The Local Advantage in Peterborough County is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in Peterborough County, created in partnership with Peterborough County’s Economic Development & Tourism Division.
As part of its response to the impact of U.S. tariffs, Peterborough County is showcasing the many unique businesses located in the county, both by sharing their stories of success and how they support both residents and other businesses in their communities.
Whether by shopping at local businesses, dining at local restaurants, staying at local accommodation, or enjoying local experiences, residents and visitors can enhance the economic resilience of Peterborough County during these challenging times and help establish a sustainable foundation for the future.
For more information about economic development and tourism in Peterborough County, visit www.ptbocounty.ca/ecdev and The Kawarthas Tourism at thekawarthas.ca.
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