Peterborough Fire Services provides emergency and support services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
A 27-year-old Peterborough man is dead following an early morning fire on Wednesday (January 7).
At around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, emergency services responded to a residential fire in the McDonnel Street and Park Street North area.
The man was found inside home and taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) where, despite lifesaving measures, he was pronounced dead. Two other people in the home were also taken to PRHC for treatment.
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Peterborough police and the Ontario Fire Marshal are investigating the fire. There will be police vehicles in the area as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact Peterborough police at 705-876-1122 ext. 555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at stopcrimehere.ca.
On Thursday (January 8), police advised that the fire has been deemed as not suspicious, and have released the scene to the Ontario Fire Marshal for their investigation.
The winter edition of the Hike Haliburton Festival is returning to the Haliburton Highlands on February 7 and 8, 2026. Registration is now open for free guided hikes led by local experts, and the weekend also offers the opportunity for visitors to book excursions led by local outfitters and enjoy arts and culture. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)
Mark your calendars and prepare your winter toques, warm gloves, and thermal layers, because the winter edition of the Hike Haliburton Festival is returning in February.
Established in 2020 to complement Canada’s largest free fall hiking festival, the winter edition celebrates the coldest month of the year in the Haliburton Highlands regardless of the weather.
“We have a lot of winter activities in the Highlands that are dependent on snow — whether that’s snowmobiling, downhill skiing, or cross-country skiing — but we’ve modelled Hike Haliburton so it can be done no matter what Mother Nature brings,” says Haliburton County Manager of Tourism Angelica Ingram. “You just have to dress for the weather and prepare for whatever we might get, and hopefully it’s a crystal-clear blue day with lots of sun and lots of snow and lots of smiles.”
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This year’s winter edition runs on Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8 and, as always, offers a selection of free guided and self-guided hikes, paid excursions through local outfitters, and arts and culture events across the Haliburton Highlands.
“We always strive to make sure the hikes offer a good variety in the level of difficulty, and we do make sure there’s something for everyone,” Ingram says. “It’s very important to us to have that good mix and then we also do really want to have ones that are educational and offer more than just the physical component and adventure and exercise.”
The festival gives residents and visitors alike the chance to head outside, connect with nature, and experience everything the Haliburton Highlands has to offer during winter.
“We hope people come out and have a good time because winter in the Highlands is always a really great time of year,” Ingram says. “It really is a beautiful place to be in the winter and we’re really hoping for another successful winter edition.”
Learn from knowledgeable and passionate local guides
One of the aspects that makes the Hike Haliburton Festival so unique is that the guided hikes are led by passionate local guides who are eager to share their knowledge with participants, including information on local ecology and history. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)
As with the fall festival, the winter edition’s free guided hikes are led by knowledgeable and passionate local guides who are volunteering their time to invite locals and visitors to explore and learn about their favourite corners of the Haliburton Highlands. Some will use their love for outdoor adventure to lead advanced excursions, while others will be educating participants on the region by exploring the ecology or history of the land.
“One of the best things about Hike Haliburton is that we have these volunteers who want to share their knowledge or share their passions and interests,” says Ingram. “We (Haliburton County) don’t put these hikes together; we extend the invitation to locals to do so, so it’s all coming from a grassroots place.”
Katie Cox is a local resident who has been leading a hike through her property, Bethel Heights Farm, for both the fall and winter editions of the Hike Haliburton Festival for a number of years. She invites families to join her on a half-kilometre accessible trail before having the opportunity to interact with and feed the chickens, ducks, turkeys, bunnies, and goats on her farm.
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“I love sharing the outdoors with people who maybe would never get the chance to do something like this,” she says. “Some people, especially people who come from the city, are very intrigued by how we run our little homestead and how the animals live.”
Adding that it’s “important for people to learn how other people live,” Cox believes winter is an often-overlooked time to get out and explore what the Haliburton Highlands has to offer.
“Haliburton County is a beautiful place to be and there’s lots on offer, including a ski hill, snowmobile trails, and Nordic ski trails,” she says. “I think it’s important to get out and enjoy winter — if you stay cooped up all the time, you’re not going to enjoy it. Hike Haliburton is a lovely and affordable way to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer.”
Register for free guided hikes
The free guided hikes being held throughout the winter edition of the Hike Haliburton Festival in the Haliburton Highlands on February 7 and 8, 2026 range in difficulty level from beginner and family-friendly trails to those that are more challenging. (Photo courtesy of Haliburton County)
Registration for the winter edition of Hike Haliburton opens at 8 a.m. on January 7 at myhaliburtonhighlands.com/winter-hike-haliburton/. Registration is required to join the free guided hikes listed below.
Through the Winter Woods to High Falls (February 7, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Join hike leader John Mumford for a four-kilometre hike through a mixed forest and by a few small rapids to a main waterfall. Snowshoes, cleats, or winter hiking poles might be needed.
Ice Races (February 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and February 8, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
While it’s not a guided hike, ice racing is an adrenaline-packed outdoor adventure of its own. Come to the Minden Fairgrounds to watch as cars race wheel to wheel on a frozen track. Spectator admission is free.
Killara Station (February 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Join Susan Peel at Killara Station for a four to five kilometre hike exploring one of the oldest farms made new in the county. Tour through the organic gardens, meet the animals, hike the hills of the sugar shack, take in the view over Pocket Lake, and then return to the farm to collect eggs, give the animals a treat and meet Edward the Emu.
Chickadee Feeling (February 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and February 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
On this self-guided family-friendly tour of the new 0.25-kilometre Chickadee Trail at Abbey Gardens, you can enjoy a charming children’s story at the trailhead and interpretive signage about the birds along the trail. For $3.50, purchase some sunflower seeds with a colouring page so you can try handfeeding yourself.
Lapine Lap Mural Tour (February 7, 10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.)
Join Minden Hills Cultural Centre program coordinator Robert Wong for a guided mural walk through downtown Minden to explore large-scale reproductions of André Lapine’s paintings of local farms, forests, and rural life.
Icicle Alley (February 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Head to the Frost Centre for a seven-kilometre hike guided by Irv Handler, beginning on the Acclimatization Trail. It then takes adventurers along the Steep Rock Trail to visit Icicle Alley, before returning on the Fire Tower Trail. The advanced hike includes steep climbs, physical obstacles, streams, and possible flooded trails. Poles are recommended, while snowshoes could be used if there is sufficient snow cover. No dogs allowed.
A Walk into Winters Past (February 7, 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.)
Learn about life during the winter months for the settlers in Haliburton in the 1870s. Adventurers will join Kate Butler, director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum, to take the Glebe Park snowshoe trails for lumber camp tales and an exploration of the historic farmstead. Snowshoes may be needed, though will be available to borrow at the Haliburton Highlands Museum.
Name That Tree – Snowshoe Hike (February 7, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
Join Reiner Arnold and Barbara Kraus at Tamarack Lodge for a snowshoe through a mixed forest and learn to identify trees in the winter when summer markers like leaves are missing. End the one-kilometre hike with cocoa in a yurt. Bring your own snowshoes. Hike is not suitable for novices.
Join Katie Cox at Bethel Heights Farm for a fun and easy family-friendly snowshoe, before ending the adventure by visiting with the farm animals. Adventurers will get a full interactive experience and have the opportunity to feed the chickens, ducks, turkeys, bunnies, and goats. No dogs allowed.
Join Cara Oleksuik at the Dharma Centre of Canada in Kinmount for a moonlight hike along a 2.5-kilometre narrow road. Hikers will learn about the property and the Centre which is the oldest meditation retreat centre in North America, offering a range of programs in spiritual traditions. Hikers must be comfortable walking in low light, and have boots or cleats (a limited supply is available to borrow from the Dharma Centre). Bring a headlamp or flashlight, though they will not be used on the hike.
Echoes of the Cox Farm (February 8, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Join Eric Casper at the Cox Farm Trailhead to step back in time and explore a property steeped in history and natural transformation. The one-kilometre guided hike will take you past the remnants of the farm and bring you to traverse areas where over 1,000 trees have been planted to create a peaceful winter forest.
Ice & Rapids at the Gull River (February 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Join Rick Whitteker at Harrington Park for a two-kilometre trail that will bring you to enjoy views of the unique ice formations and roaring energy of the Gull River. It’s also a great trail to spot and learn about wildlife prints and gaits, and to see winter signs like chews, nests, escape routes, and droppings.
Around the Pond – Chessel’s Pond Snowshoe Hike (February 8, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Join Cameron Ferguson for a relatively level five-kilometre snowshoe hike around Chessel’s Pond in Haliburton Forest. With a floating observation deck on the wetland and a viewpoint looking across the pond, the hike offers opportunity for winter nature interpretation and wildlife track identification. Snowshoes, walking poles, winter footwear, layered clothing, snacks, and water are required.
Crane Lake Cleanse (February 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Marcia Mandel will lead a moderate meditative processional to Crane Lake, using sound and forest bathing techniques to deepen a sense of belonging. At Crane Lake, a ceremony will help you open up to the experience. No dogs allowed.
Back Forty Stomp (February 8, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Join Barrie and Pat Martin for a snowshoe stomp in their backyard where you can access several hundred acres of woodlands. On this two-kilometre hike, adventurers will follow forest trails, walk a cottage road, cross a lake, and do some bushwacking before returning to some campfire hospitality.
Join Cameron Ferguson to gear up with climbing boots, crampons, helmets, harnesses, and ice tools, before heading on the short walk to the ice wall. There, you’ll be given a safety demonstration and have your ropes set up before you start climbing.
Book paid excursions led by local outfitters
During the winter edition of Hike Haliburton being held on February 7 and 8, 2026, participants can book a paid experience, including a skijoring excursion with Yours Outdoors. The Scandinavian activity includes strapping on your cross-country skis and harnessing your dog for a racing adventure with your furry friend. (Photo: Yours Outdoors)
Along with the free guided hikes, the winter edition of Hike Haliburton also offers visitors the opportunity to book paid excursions led by local outfitters. These include:
Dogsled Tours: The Winterdance Dogsled Tours are run on 2200 acres of private wilderness located between Haliburton Lake and Algonquin Park. This is a unique opportunity to experience the solitude, remoteness, and picturesque beauty of a part of Ontario that few people will ever see.
Try It – Ice Climbing: On this half-day adventure, Yours Outdoors is giving you a taste of ice climbing and all the fun it has to offer. This is suitable for beginners to learn the basics and get started with lots of climbing.
Guided Snowshoe Hikes: Join Deep Roots Adventure for a guided snowshoe hike to uncover the secrets of winter travel. Experienced guides will teach you the techniques for snowshoeing and share stories of the natural world around you. Snowshoes are provided.
Guided Snowmobile Tours: At Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve, book a guided snowmobile trip on groomed trails within 100,000 acres of private forest.
Go Skijoring: Join world-class instructors at Yours Outdoors to explore this wildly popular Scandinavian pastimes where you can strap on your cross-country skis, harness up your dog, and glide across the fresh snow with your furry friend.
Guided Ice Fishing in Haliburton Forest: Join Yours Outdoors to plan an ice fishing adventure with guidance on species to target, what lakes to visit, and what routes to take. Half- and full-day outings are available.
Winter Camping and More: Join Algonquin Yeti Paddling to comfortably camp out this winter in a canvas hot tent, or explore bushcraft workshops and guided snowshoe hikes in South Algonquin.
Enjoy local arts and culture events including the February Folk Festival
Canadian comedian Ian Sirota will be the headliner for the Slopes & Jokes Dinner Show being held at the Boshkung Smokehouse in Haliburton on February 7, 2026 as part of the February Folk Festival, one of the cultural events happening locally during the annual Hike Haliburton Festival winter edition. (Publicity photo)
This year, thanks to a 2025 grant that has helped grow both the fall and winter festivals, Hike Haliburton has partnered with the Haliburton County Folk Society to host the February Folk Festival. The celebration of music and community spirit will see live music of all genres at venues across the Haliburton Highlands.
“It’s taking place over the whole month of February, but there are some really cool events happening right on the same weekend as Hike Haliburton,” says Ingram. “The idea is you go for a hike, grab a meal, and then go relax at this really neat evening event.”
On February 7 at 7 p.m. at the Haliburton Legion, Dance Happens Here Haliburton (DH3) will be presenting an Old Time Winter Square Dance, featuring square dance caller Hannah Shira Naiman, live bluegrass musicians, and a performance by the Haliburton Scottish Country Dancers. For more information including tickets, visit www.dancehappenshere.com.
You can also head to Boshkung Smokehouse in Haliburton from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on February 7 for the Slopes & Jokes Dinner Show. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring Boshkung Smokehouse’s signature dishes and live entertainment including music by Jan Hillert followed by comedians Ryan Hillis, Luke Lynndale, and headliner Ian Sirota. Ticket are $75 (which includes your first drink) and can be purchased at www.boshkungsmokehouse.com/events/slopes-jokes-comedy-show.
Other February Folk Festival taking place during the Hike Haliburton weekend include a free performance by guitarist Nicholas Russell at 6 p.m. on February 8 at Rhubarb Restaurant in Minden and the Haliburton Songwriter’s Circle at 7 p.m. on February 8 at The Music Exchange in the Haliburton United Church. Outside of the weekend, there are open jam nights, taco dinners, music bingo, and live music by local musicians including Melodi, Terra Lightfoot, and more. Visit myhaliburtonhighlands.com/february-folk-fest/ to find out more.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with the County of Haliburton. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Peterborough Petes merchandise director Mark Million, Survivors Abreast board of directors president Janice James, and Petes captain Carson Cameron during a media conference at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on January 6, 2024 where details of the 17th annual Pink in the Rink campaign were announced. (Photo: Connor Massie / Peterborough Petes)
The Peterborough Petes organization has announced details of the 17th annual Pink in the Rink campaign in support of cancer research.
During a media conference at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Tuesday (January 6), the Petes announced this season’s game will take place on Saturday, February 7 at 7:05 p.m. when the Petes host the Sudbury Wolves at the Memorial Centre.
The annual Pink in the Rink campaign has raised more than $1 million over the past 16 years for cancer research and support, making it the Ontario Hockey League’s largest ongoing fundraiser.
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Proceeds have gone to a number of different organizations, and this year’s campaign will benefit Survivors Abreast, a local group of breast cancer survivors at various stages of treatment and recovery.
The organization is best known for hosting Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, which has raised more than $4.9 million toward cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
“This year, we are especially proud to continue what is the OHL’s largest ongoing fundraiser while partnering with Survivors Abreast, a local organization that has made a lasting difference in our community,” said Petes general manager and vice-president of operations Michael Oke in a media release. “Their dedication, compassion, and support for those affected by breast cancer truly embody the spirit of this event.”
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Janice James, president of the Survivors Abreast board of directors, said the organization is honoured to be selected as this year’s beneficiary.
“In addition to hosting Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival and representing our region at other festivals, we strive to raise awareness about breast cancer and survivorship,” James said. “We try to inspire hope, resilience, and living life to the fullest, and we’re thrilled the Petes are helping us do that.”
Petes captain Carson Cameron said the campaign highlights the broader impact of the sport on the community.
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“Pink in the Rink is a powerful reminder that hockey can be about more than just the game,” Cameron said. “It represents support, awareness, and standing together for an important cause, and we’re proud to be part of something that reaches far beyond the ice.”
Fundraising activities during this year’s game will include pass the bucket and an in-person silent auction, with a game-worn jersey auction held on the ice following the game.
The design for this year’s Pink in the Rink jerseys will be released in the coming weeks.
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New for 2026, special rink boards featuring the names of loved ones affected by cancer will be installed for the game. Fans can purchase a name slot for $5.
Fans can also submit names and photos of loved ones to be displayed on the video board during the game by emailing jdowner@gopetesgo.com.
Limited tickets for the February 7 game are available in person at the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office at 151 Lansdowne Street West weekdays during business hours, by calling 705-743-3561, on online at tickets.memorialcentre.ca. Fans are encouraged to act quickly before the game sells out.
A 60-year-old Orillia woman died following a head-on collision on on Killarney Bay Road north of Lindsay on January 5, 2026. (Photo: Kawartha Lakes OPP)
A 60-year-old Orillia woman is dead following a head-on collision on Killarney Bay Road north of Lindsay early Monday afternoon (January 5).
At around 12:19 p.m. on Monday, Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Kawartha Lakes Fire Service, and Kawartha Lakes Emergency Medical Services responded to a two-vehicle collision on Killarney Bay Road between Highway 35 and Cambray Road.
The driver of one of the vehicles, a 60-year-old woman from Orillia, was transported to Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay where she was later pronounced dead. The driver of the second vehicle was not injured.
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Police say visibility was limited at the time of the collision due to falling snow.
Killarney Bay Road was closed between Highway 35 and Cambray Road for eight hours while police investigated and documented the scene.
The investigation into the collision is continuing. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has dashcam or video footage from the area at the time is asked to contact the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, tips may be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.khcrimestoppers.com.
Environment Canada has issued a yellow warning for freezing rain across the Kawarthas region starting midday on Tuesday (January 6).
The yellow warning is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.
Freezing rain is expected to begin at midday before ending early evening. Ice accretion of 1 to 5 mm is possible in southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County, with 1 to 3 mm in northern Peterborough County and northern Kawarthas Lakes. Areas near the Lake Ontario shoreline may see very little ice accretion.
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Precipitation may begin early in the morning as patchy freezing drizzle before changing to freezing rain, which will then change over to snow or snow mixed with rain as an area of low pressure moves through southern Ontario.
The freezing rain may be mixed with snow or ice pellets at times, which could lessen its impact.
Roads and walkways may become icy and slippery, with is risk of injury due to slips and falls. Icy surfaces could be difficult to detect. Local utility outages are possible.
Campbellford Memorial Hospital is located at 146 Oliver Road in Campbellford. (Photo: Campbellford Memorial Hospital)
Campbellford Memorial Hospital has implemented temporary visitor restrictions on its inpatient unit in response to increased respiratory illness activity within the hospital and the surrounding community.
As of Monday (January 5) and until further notice, inpatient visits are limited to one visitor at a time per patient. Hospital officials say the precaution is intended to help reduce the risk of illness transmission and protect patients, visitors, and staff.
The hospital is also asking anyone who is experiencing respiratory symptoms or feeling unwell to postpone visits to the inpatient unit until they no longer have any symptoms.
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“These temporary precautions are intended to reduce the risk of transmission and protect the health and safety of our patients,” said Heather Campbell, vice-president of patient care and chief nursing executive, in a media release. “We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our patients, their families, and the community during this time.”
The hospital is also reminding visitors that masking is always required on the inpatient unit. Masks are available upon entry to the hospital and must be worn throughout the visit.
For people who are unable to visit in person, the hospital continues to offer virtual visits, with staff available to help arrange virtual visits as needed.
The hospital says it will continue to monitor respiratory illness trends in collaboration with public health officials and will adjust visitor precautions as conditions change.
Paul S.B. Wilson passed away on January 5, 2026. (Photo: Julie Gagne)
kawarthaNOW has learned that Peterborough sports legend and former city councillor Paul Strachan Bird (PSB) Wilson has passed away at the age of 86.
He died in hospital from an illness on Sunday (January 4), just over two weeks from his 87th birthday, with his wife Gillian and daughter Robyn at his side.
Wilson is best known as Trent University’s founding athletic director, a position he held for 36 years until he retired in 2002, and as a passionate promoter and supporter of local sports. He also spent three terms as Town Ward councillor on Peterborough city council starting in 1985 and, later on, hosted a regular talk show on YourTV Cogeco.
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Wilson was inducted into the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, the University of Toronto’s Hall of Fame in 2003, and the Pathway of Fame Peterborough and District in 2016.
In recognition of Wilson’s contribution to sports at Trent University, a building at the Trent Athletics Centre was named in his honour in 2002.
“Paul’s unwavering code of fair play, his belief that sport and fitness opportunities should be available to all, and his firm conviction that involvement in athletics contributes greatly to the well-bring of the individual and the community, are the foundation on which the athletics program at Trent University have been built,” reads a plaque at Trent University.
In 2015, Trent University unveiled the PSB Wilson Lounge in the upper level of the Trent Athletics Centre in his honour.
A portrait of Paul S.B. (PSB) Wilson hangs in the Trent Athletic Centre at Trent University, where Wilson served as athletics director from 1966 to 2002. (Photo: Trent Alumni Association / Facebook)
Born in Orpington, England on January 20, 1939, Wilson came to Canada in 1960 and studied at the University of Toronto where he played with the men’s rugby squad. As team captain, he helped the Varsity Blues earn four straight Ontario titles, and led the league in scoring in all four of those seasons.
He was also an important part of the university’s squash team during the 1963-64 academic year. When he graduated from Trinity College in 1964, he was named the recipient of the George M. Biggs Trophy, which is awarded to the male student-athlete who contributed most to the university in the areas of leadership, sportsmanship, and performance.
In 1966, Wilson married Gillian Watson and, a month later, the couple moved from England to Peterborough where he brought his skill and love of squash, rugby, and cricket to Trent University, becoming the university’s first athletic director and founding Trent Excalibur Rugby. He also established varsity soccer, hockey, basketball, football, and the squash program, developing the first squash facilities in the community at Trent University.
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Two years after Wilson took the position as athletics director, 67 per cent of Trent University students were participating in athletics. A PSB Wilson Fund for athletics and recreation and a PSB Wilson Bursary Endowment Fund were later established.
Throughout his career, Wilson also supported the growth of rugby at the high school and university levels and in community leagues. He contributed countless volunteer hours as a referee, tournament organizer, and official at schools throughout the region, and organized many local squash tournaments and international rugby tours.
He also continued to participate in sports, playing for the Peterborough Pagans rugby team for 10 years including 1967 when they won the Ontario Intermediate Championship.
Paul Wilson being interviewed for the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. (kawarthaNOW screenshot)
Wilson was a six-time city champion in squash and twice provincial champion in his age group. During his squash career, he was a finalist in Canadian, U.S., and World Masters squash championships and, in 1993, received Squash Ontario’s highest honour, the Special Achievement Award, for his contributions as a player, coach, and administrator.
Wilson was also a well-respected local politician and was elected as Town Ward councillor from 1985 to 1997, while also serving on the Trent University board of directors.
“Paul’s decade of service on city council was marked by a civility combined with a constructive sense of humour to the workings of council,” reads his induction to the Peterborough Pathway of Fame. “His contribution to the well-being of Peterborough citizens is legendary.”
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In his later years, Wilson also volunteered his time as a talk show host on Cogeco YourTV, participating in over 50 broadcasts a year. His ongoing “Truly Local Conversations” show saw him interview many prominent Peterborough residents.
Wilson was inseparable from Gillian who, shortly after moving to Peterborough, became immersed in the Peterborough Theatre Guild and was herself inducted into the Peterborough Pathway of Fame in 2003 for her contributions to the performing arts.
Trent University also recognized her for her contributions to the university with a tribute wall in the Trent Athletics Centre alongside her husband’s. The couple both served as residential dons for Lady Eaton College for a number of years.
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“I am so lucky to live in Peterborough,” Wilson said in a 2023 interview with the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame. “This community has been so good to me.”
Wilson is survived by his wife Gillian, his children Robyn (and Neil) and John, and his grandchildren Farrah, Summer, and Sacha. A celebration of his legacy will be held in the spring, with details to be announced. In Wilson’s memory, donations can be made to the PSB Wilson Fund for Athletics and Recreation at Trent University or the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society.
The original version of this story has been updated to correct Paul Wilson’s age and birth date, with additional updates to include service information and a link to his official obituary.
A 13-year-old Peterborough boy is facing multiple charges following a disturbance at Lansdowne Place Mall in Peterborough on Friday afternoon (January 2).
Peterborough police say officers were called to the mall at around 4:15 p.m. on Friday after a confrontation between two groups of youths that began outside the mall and continued inside before being broken up by mall security. By the time officers arrived, several of those involved had fled the area.
Police later located several of the young people a short distance away who matched descriptions provided to officers, and identified a 13-year-old boy in the group as having earlier threatened another young person.
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Officers took the boy into custody and searched his backpack, where they located and seized a knife. Police say the accused teen was bound by a peace bond requiring him to keep the peace and be of good behaviour, and had been prohibited from trespassing on mall property.
As a result of the investigation, the 13-year-old was charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and disobeying a court order.
The accused youth was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on February 10.
All-female comedy ensemble Girls Nite Out will be returning to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on January 16, 2025 to kick off their 20th anniversary year with a stand-up and improv show called "Winter Extravaganza!" Pictured from left to right back to front are Karen Parker, Jennine Profeta, Diana Frances, Jordan Armstrong, and Elvira Kurt, along with special guest Linda Kash, who will be joining Girls Nite Out the day before her milestone birthday. (Photo: Dahlia Katz)
There will be plenty to celebrate when the women of Girls Nite Out return to the stage at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on Friday, January 16. Not only will the comedy troupe be kicking off their 20th anniversary year, but they will also be marking a milestone birthday for special guest performer Linda Kash.
Featuring an all-star lineup of Elvira Kurt, Jennine Profeta, Diana Frances, Karen Parker, and musical accompanist Jordan Armstrong, Girls Nite Out is an all-female comedy ensemble that was originally conceived by Profeta — a Second City alumna and Bobcaygeon resident — and Sarah Quick, artistic director of Bobcaygeon’s Globus Theatre, where the show was first performed during the professional theatre company’s second season.
Since then, Girls Nite Out has toured across Canada — including regular annual performances at Globus Theatre — with a revolving cast of Canadian Comedy Award Winners and CBC comedy regulars, including Profeta and most recently Kurt, Frances, and Parker.
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Profeta found that, early in her career, she would frequently be asked if women could be funny — despite a long tradition of acclaimed female comedians beginning with the likes of Ethel Merman, Lucille Ball, Carol Channing, Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers, and Carol Burnett.
“We don’t have to answer that question anymore, but (Girls Nite Out) is what happens when you have a room full of mostly women and you take away the element of the guys — because comedy is historically very patriarchal,” says Profeta.
“It’s different, but I think what we’ve discovered is just more loving and there’s more heart to it when we remove that element of making it very male-centric. The guys are welcome to come, but they have to join us on our ride rather than us hitching on to theirs.”
Diana Frances, Jennine Profeta, and Elvira Kurt performing on stage during Girls Nite Out, an all-female comedy show returning to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough on January 16, 2026. The show begins with stand-up comedy by Kurt, followed by improv games and a “talk show” that invites audience members to share their humorous or touching anecdotes in a safe space. (Photo: Dahlia Katz)
Over 20 years of doing Girls Nite Out, the women have toured across Canada to much acclaim. Though the show has taken on various formats over the years, it now follows a structure with Kurt doing a stand-up routine to warm up the crowd before she is joined by the other women for various improv games. In the second half, Kurt hosts a “talk show” inviting audience members to share their stories.
“I think we very quickly learned that people love the improv, and they love when they can see themselves on stage,” Profeta says. “That’s something we definitely gravitated towards and have shone more of a spotlight on.”
With the whimsical and spontaneous audience participation, no two shows have been the same over the past two decades. This, Profeta says, is one of the reasons for the show’s longevity and why audiences return again and again.
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“The people that come out and the stories they share — they’re the ones that make it interesting and dynamic every time,” Profeta says. “We just love our audience. We love the women that tend to come out to this thing. A lot of times we get people that we wouldn’t expect to be so open and sharing, but I guess a glass of wine will do that for you.”
Though the women of Girls Nite Out have acted out improvised versions of humorous audience anecdotes, they have also heard intimate stories of grief and illness from audience members.
“I think for a lot of people that come and join us on stage, there is a bit of a therapeutic element,” Profeta explains. “We’ve had a lot of women on stage that have been recently widowed, and it’s their first time out of the house and they just want to talk.”
As Jordan Armstrong provides musical accompaniment, Jennine Profeta, Karen Parker, Linda Kash, Diana Frances, and Elvira Kurt wave to the audience at the end of a Girls Nite Out show at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on January 16, 2025. Since it was first performed at Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon two decades ago, the all-female comedy ensemble has been touring across Canada to much acclaim. (Photo: Dahlia Katz)
While the goal is to find humour and make people laugh, Profeta notes Kurt always takes “such good care of people” when they join the comedians on stage.
“It’s really wonderful to be sitting on the other side of the stage and just watching her sit with people and having a moment, acknowledging them and what they’re going through, and still finding the funny in a way that is not offensive or alarming. It’s just very healing — it’s very healing for all of us.”
Though Profeta knows some audience members may be anxious about being “picked on” during a stand-up comedy show, there’s nothing to fear when it comes to Girls Nite Out.
“We poke fun, but it’s not about making fun of anybody or making somebody look bad,” Profeta says. “When people come to the show, they want the spotlight on them and they know we’re going to take good care of them.”
“It’s great to have that element of fear just removed from the equation. Our comedy can be something very different. It’s not about being mean — it’s being positive and celebratory as opposed to taking people down.”
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For their official 20th anniversary celebration, Girls Nite Out will be returning once again to Bobcaygeon to kick off Globus Theatre’s 2026 professional theatre season on Friday, May 8. While details are still being finalized, Profeta says there are some very special surprises in the works for that show.
“I’ve always wanted to extend an invite to anybody who’s ever performed under the Girls Nite Out banner to come and join us, so we’re putting the word out,” she says. “We’re not sure how many or who (will respond), because a lot of our performers have gone on to work in Los Angeles or abroad.”
Among others, past performers include comedian, actress, and musician Lauren Ash, who is best known for the role of Dina Fox in Superstore, Ashley Botting, who writes for This Hour has 22 Minutes, and Kristeen Von Hagen, who is a comedy writer with credentials including writing for Michael Bublé at the Juno Awards.
Linda Kash (right) joins Karen Parker and Jennine Profeta for a Girls Nite Out comedy show at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on January 16, 2025. She will once again be the special guest when the all female comedy ensemble returns to the Market Hall on January 16, 2026, when they will also be celebrating Kash’s milestone birthday. (Photo: Dahlia Katz)
Profeta adds that her own husband Dave Pearce — a comedian, writer, and improv artist known for co-founding Slap Happy Improv and writing for CBC and who is a regular performer at Globus Theatre — likes to point out that he was also a Girls Nite Out performer, when he stepped in for a scheduled female comedian when she was unable to go onstage at the last minute.
Well in advance of the spring show at Globus Theatre, Girls Nite Out will present “Winter Extravaganza!” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 16 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough.
Along with being the first show of their 20th anniversary year, “Winter Extravaganza!” will also mark the January 17 milestone birthday of acclaimed Peterborough actor, director, comedian, and improv educator Linda Kash, who has been a regular Girls Nite Out special guest over the years.
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“We love Linda, and we know Peterborough loves Linda,” Profeta says. “She’s such a great performer and teacher and she gives so much to the community that we wanted to have an opportunity to celebrate her on stage as well.”
“She’s just such a great person and she’s such a great community builder, so she just fits in really well with all of us and it just makes it so much more fun and more special to have her here.”
Tickets for the January 16th Girls Nite Out comedy show at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre are on sale for $39 ($29 for seniors and $24 for students) and can be purchased online at www.markethall.org.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for snowfall across much of the Kawarthas region on Monday (January 5).
The special weather statement is in effect for Kawartha Lakes, southern Peterborough County, and Northumberland County.
Snow will begin early Monday morning with total snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 cm before tapering off Monday afternoon. There will be reduced visibility at times in heavy snow.
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Travel will likely be challenging, with roads and walkways difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.
“Although modest snowfall amounts are expected, the timing of this snow will be problematic,” Environment Canada states.
“Because the holiday season is now behind us and traffic patterns should be closer to normal, this snow is expected to have more of an impact on the Monday morning commute.”
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