You’re reading the August 20, 2026 edition of the Peterborough Currents email newsletter. To receive our email newsletters straight to your inbox, sign up here.
Hi, I’m Currents co-editor Alex Karn. Welcome to your weekly Peterborough Currents email newsletter!
This week we’re sharing stories about the history of Little Lake in downtown Peterborough, a new comedic game show set to be filmed live at The Theatre on King this fall, and an exciting new feature on the Peterborough Currents website that highlights refugees making a home in Peterborough. Also this week, you’ll find news updates from around the city, event listings, and a fresh mystery photo.
Let’s get started!
Sunrise over Little Lake. (Photo: Alex Karn)
In the 1820s it was said that you could cross over to dry land near what was once a steamboat landing just below Little Lake because it was shallow enough for walking. The construction of a dam and lock at Whitla’s Rapids began in 1837 which raised water levels enough for steamships to access this lake later on. This area is now known as Scott’s Mills and Lock 19 of Trent-Severn Waterway.
Little Lake became crucial for colonial settlement which eventually grew into what we know today as Peterborough after Adam Scott established both sawmill and grist mill close to its southern edge back in 1818.
As lumber operations expanded further into production processes they dumped sawdust and waste into nearby rivers causing significant pollution problems; clogging channels that made navigation difficult while also killing fish populations with terrible odors driving some residents away from their homes altogether. Atlantic salmon once plentiful in these waters vanished completely due largely to such pollution practices.
In response to rising issues caused by sawmills’ waste dumping legislation mandated burning excess sawdust starting in1870s but industrial pollution continued plaguing lakes until much later still; chemical contaminants lead to massive fish deaths reported around1930s onward bringing significant concerns regarding environmental health standards surrounding local waterways.
Recent monitoring data indicates declining concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls-known as PCBs-but contamination remains particularly high within sediments themselves despite Peterborough Public Health ultimately declaring swimming/fishing safety restored through ongoing cleanup efforts.
Centennial Fountain at center stage within Little Lake.(Photo : Alex Karn )
Today , the towering Centennial Fountain stands approximately75metres(almost250feet) high above an altered landscape shaped over thousands years human interaction along with almost200years drastic changes brought about by industries operating around it.
For those wanting more insight into how this iconic fountain came about , there’s a20-minute black-and-white documentary available on You Tube courtesy produced/posted online by. the. Peterborough + Kawartha Chamber Commerce.
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You’re History! will take place live Theatre King Oct16.(Graphic courtesy David Creighton)
Mooner Alejjah outside New Canadians Centre hosting Rainbow Connections Group supporting newcomers facing hardships due cultural background realities.(Photo Will Pearson.)“Can imagine your country sending jail because wear bracelet certain colors love someone?” asks Madgalena Provis author latest feature article focusing queer refugees residing within townscape represented here By/Centre connecting these individuals amidst challenges faced including tightening regulations hindering accessibility among those fleeing persecution elsewhere.”” So many people worldwide endure similar experiences It’s vital share their narratives build more inclusive societies aid others overcoming hardships no one ought experience,” she adds her piece reflects three refugee profiles showcasing struggles & resilience finding solace among Rainbow Connections Group New Canadians Centre while analyzing current Canadian policies imposing stricter limitations arrivals like theirs.”
A deeper look at Little Lake
by Alex Karn A view of downtown Peterborough from the south-east shore of Little Lake. (Photo: Alex Karn) As summer winds down, locals are taking advantage of the beautiful weather along Little Lake’s shores. All summer long, Del Crary Park has been buzzing with crowds enjoying Musicfest concerts by the Centennial Fountain while paddlers and swimmers have been out on the water. Earlier in the season, numerous teams raced across the lake during the 25th Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival. Yet beneath all these concerts and festivals lies a rich history influenced by Indigenous travel routes, colonial settlements, engineering feats, industry growth, and environmental challenges. The 64-hectare lake is a natural reservoir formed during the last ice age. It flows along with the Otonabee River where Jackson Creek and Trent Canal converge before heading south toward Rice Lake. Long before modern canals were built, Indigenous peoples navigated through this network of rivers, lakes, and portages. Back then, water levels around Little Lake were lower and rapids interrupted parts of Otonabee River.Sunrise over Little Lake. (Photo: Alex Karn)
In the 1820s it was said that you could cross over to dry land near what was once a steamboat landing just below Little Lake because it was shallow enough for walking. The construction of a dam and lock at Whitla’s Rapids began in 1837 which raised water levels enough for steamships to access this lake later on. This area is now known as Scott’s Mills and Lock 19 of Trent-Severn Waterway.
Little Lake became crucial for colonial settlement which eventually grew into what we know today as Peterborough after Adam Scott established both sawmill and grist mill close to its southern edge back in 1818.
As lumber operations expanded further into production processes they dumped sawdust and waste into nearby rivers causing significant pollution problems; clogging channels that made navigation difficult while also killing fish populations with terrible odors driving some residents away from their homes altogether. Atlantic salmon once plentiful in these waters vanished completely due largely to such pollution practices.
In response to rising issues caused by sawmills’ waste dumping legislation mandated burning excess sawdust starting in1870s but industrial pollution continued plaguing lakes until much later still; chemical contaminants lead to massive fish deaths reported around1930s onward bringing significant concerns regarding environmental health standards surrounding local waterways.
Recent monitoring data indicates declining concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls-known as PCBs-but contamination remains particularly high within sediments themselves despite Peterborough Public Health ultimately declaring swimming/fishing safety restored through ongoing cleanup efforts.
Centennial Fountain at center stage within Little Lake.(Photo : Alex Karn )
Today , the towering Centennial Fountain stands approximately75metres(almost250feet) high above an altered landscape shaped over thousands years human interaction along with almost200years drastic changes brought about by industries operating around it.
For those wanting more insight into how this iconic fountain came about , there’s a20-minute black-and-white documentary available on You Tube courtesy produced/posted online by. the. Peterborough + Kawartha Chamber Commerce.
History meets comedy onstage this fall
by Alex Karn A book filled with events spanning nearly every recorded year sparked David Creighton’s curiosity about how different moments throughout time connect together. Creighton received this unique book from his first girlfriend while attending university leading him spend countless hours exploring its timelines ; questioning what events happened alongside one another each year He’s fascination formed foundation behind You’re History! , a comedic game show being filmed live audience coming soon October16th The Theatre King. This local writer , critic , comic filmmaker has previously created several stop-motion short films initially designed “You’re History!” back2015 via Hollywood Game writers workshop chatroom format. Fast forward over decade later he expands concept full hour-long performance testing contestants knowledge past occurrences covering roughly2000years human experience engaging range diverse topics/themes within show itself.Four contestants will answer multiple-choice queries simultaneously jotting down answers whiteboards lowest scoring player eliminated end two rounds greeted phrases defining nature contest: “I’m sorry, you’re history!”
Creighton currently collaborates questions teacher John Barclay along side role-playing game designer Malcolm Shepard seeking additional two-four writer-researchers who can dig interesting historical moments transform them comedic questions.
“This meant intended be humorous show-not merely dry history lesson type presentation,” Creighton shared
Funding for October performance comes mainly support Theater Trent encouraging productions involving students alumni faculty Trent University where both Creightons other members writing team graduated from too !
“I owe Theatre Trent lots years past if successful might help us graduate larger venue next time,” he added
Receiving Ontario Disability Support Program benefits he secured small-business stipend aimed recipients funding towards recording editing performance itself.
Finished footage be used create promotional reel hoping attract broadcasting deals ranging Canadian American television networks radio podcasts productions alike!
“My ultimate dream would see us air CBC NBC CTV major outlets but also work well radio podcast formats,” he expressed enthusiastic tones!
Anyone interested contributing writing duties performing as contestant can contact creighton directly via email : yourehistoryshow@protonmail. com Applicants will need demonstrate knowledge humor since competition aims test generational grasp upon historic matters attracting participants varying age ranges!!
Tickets available purchase onsite when they become accessible through theatre website expected go sale September priced $20 general admission $15 students seniors respectively!!
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
Queer refugees find community in Peterborough as Canada tightens rules that helped them arrive
by Madalena ProvisMooner Alejjah outside New Canadians Centre hosting Rainbow Connections Group supporting newcomers facing hardships due cultural background realities.(Photo Will Pearson.)“Can imagine your country sending jail because wear bracelet certain colors love someone?” asks Madgalena Provis author latest feature article focusing queer refugees residing within townscape represented here By/Centre connecting these individuals amidst challenges faced including tightening regulations hindering accessibility among those fleeing persecution elsewhere.”” So many people worldwide endure similar experiences It’s vital share their narratives build more inclusive societies aid others overcoming hardships no one ought experience,” she adds her piece reflects three refugee profiles showcasing struggles & resilience finding solace among Rainbow Connections Group New Canadians Centre while analyzing current Canadian policies imposing stricter limitations arrivals like theirs.”
Some progress made demolition underway GE plant seen earlier weeks buildings like2A remain standing Photo Will Pearson.Here’s update happenings occurring across region supported partners local media:
Posters expressing extreme white nationalist ideologies have re-emerged East City downtown referencing remigration term associated far-right mass deportation non-white immigrants Despite Police Chief Stuart Betts stating hate cannot tolerated community comments highlight posters may not qualify messaging deemed unlawful DBIA indicated removal efforts necessary unauthorized actions taken City officials act swiftly address issue Of note however notorious Peterboroughevent Kevin Goudreau recently arrested charges related online threats directed human rights lawyer same-sex couple. City Petersburough continues clear-outs homeless encampments located near Wolfe Street modular housing developments situated adjacent railway tracks owned CP Rail creating safety concerns However shelters currently experiencing capacity limits leaving limited options individuals Residents express frustration removals occur regularly every Monday Wednesday Friday involving enforcement workers police feedback gathered comment stated money spent better utilized combatting homelessness instead!. Meanwhile GE Vernova company selected managers develop health safety plans overseeing upcoming demolitions Ministry Environment Conservation Parks noted awaiting communication from organization yet stressed accountability resides solely upon city responsible reviewing applications issuing permits required project works advance timeline anticipated commencement progress achieved thus far generates optimism citizens !! Additionally discussions ensued regarding investment management strategies adopted municipality after recent council voted grant authority nonprofit ONE Joint Investment Board manage excess funds As concern grows transparency specific investments ethical choices made insufficient safeguards exist prevent unethical dealings Coun. Joy Lachica For Our Grandchildren delegation urged council divest fossil fuels pursue sustainable alternatives However proposal failed gain traction vote concluded against commitment moving forward clean green initiatives. Lastly Trent Radio accepting program proposals joining season begins September21 opportunity available any community member regardless broadcast experience interested hosting shows information sessions scheduled early September check out social media platforms updates!!
< What Going On This Weekend?Peterborough Currents weekly event listings return assist planning weekend highlighting historical appreciation themes If you have an upcoming event you’d like share readers please send details via email news@ peterboroughtcurrents. ca !
Here few activities happening town next few days:
Hutchison House Museum serving Scottish Tea August21st between1pm4pm museum period garden Includes freshly baked scones preserves whipped cream oatcakes choice tea lemonade iced tea accompanied tour beautifully restored1840 stone house Admission set$15 adults youth10 children under10$5underfive Groups four or more must register ahead time!
Trent Valley Archives hosts Mainstreet Music walking tour showcasing live music venues within downtown area target audience aged19+ Friday August21st commencing7pm meeting Quaker Foods City Square guide Maddie More reveals stories past present sites Brock Arena King George Hotel Spill played pivotal roles shaping scene Tickets priced$20must obtain beforehand !
Lost Liberties War Measures Act exhibition displayed Peterborugh Museum Archives lasting until Sept13 Designed Canadian Museum History traveling showcase examines civil liberties suspension during First Second World Wars also touches upon experiences faced internment forced relocation arrest connected War Measures Act Suggested donation $10 families/groups recommended. Last chance visit photography exhibit A Peterborugh Summer1976 Dreams Beans Café curated volunteer/co-founder board member Will Pearson draws photographs illustrating everyday life50years ago derived negative collection display open hours café through Sept02.
Where Is This In Town ?This wrought iron artwork adorns front door local heritage building Any guesses where photo taken? Let us know @news@ peterboroughtcurrents. ca!<img loading=‘ lazy’ decoding='![]()
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Here few activities happening town next few days:
Hutchison House Museum serving Scottish Tea August21st between1pm4pm museum period garden Includes freshly baked scones preserves whipped cream oatcakes choice tea lemonade iced tea accompanied tour beautifully restored1840 stone house Admission set$15 adults youth10 children under10$5underfive Groups four or more must register ahead time!
Trent Valley Archives hosts Mainstreet Music walking tour showcasing live music venues within downtown area target audience aged19+ Friday August21st commencing7pm meeting Quaker Foods City Square guide Maddie More reveals stories past present sites Brock Arena King George Hotel Spill played pivotal roles shaping scene Tickets priced$20must obtain beforehand !
Lost Liberties War Measures Act exhibition displayed Peterborugh Museum Archives lasting until Sept13 Designed Canadian Museum History traveling showcase examines civil liberties suspension during First Second World Wars also touches upon experiences faced internment forced relocation arrest connected War Measures Act Suggested donation $10 families/groups recommended. Last chance visit photography exhibit A Peterborugh Summer1976 Dreams Beans Café curated volunteer/co-founder board member Will Pearson draws photographs illustrating everyday life50years ago derived negative collection display open hours café through Sept02.
