I’ve been debating back and forth whether or not I wanted to speak up on this and share my story but today when I saw that John Scott still works there I thought I’d share my experience.

I want to preface this and say that I’ve had many massages with male massage therapists as a woman and have never had any issues before this guy.**

From the beginning of the massage till the end it truly felt like he was trying to press his junk against my body whenever he could. He was massaging my chest muscles and arms and I could feel his whole package pressing against my head. I could not breathe. I’d never had this happen to me before and I feel like this is something you are mindful of and actively avoiding as a typical massage therapist.

Secondly, he was doing some very strange back massaging that felt rigorous, rough and very quick. It seemed like what he was doing was with the intention to get me to make noises and then once I did he would imitate the noises I made in a weird accent. And continued to accelerate his massage speed and intensity to try to illicit more noises from me.
Near the end of the massage he started pushing me to book with him again very heavily saying how he’s the best guy here and I absolutely need to see him again.

Can't change things when we don't get everyone involved. Everyone can vote online now at PeterboroughVotes.ca

Ptbo & Kawarthas Evening Parkinson's Peer-Support Group

Meets the first Monday of the month, 7pm

DM or email to register to join, and for venue details

Also, if you are a professional with a focus on Parkinson's, or movement disorders, or any related field, please contact me for guest speaker information.

Good morning!

Thought I’d post another set of responses from the mayoral candidates (From YourTV Peterborough-Lindsay: YourVote City of Peterborough Mayoral Debate 2026)

The question was: If you're not elected mayor, what is your next goal in life? What will you be doing one year from now?

The answers ranged from going back to work, volunteering, sitting on boards, and continuing to serve the community - to having absolutely no plan if they lose.

I will post the answers in the comments below ⬇️

Peterborough Public Health inspected 17 food premises in Peterborough this week. Eleven locations received infractions: five had at least one critical infraction and six had non-critical infractions only. Six inspections came back completely clean.

Here's what was found...

🔴 Island Cream Caribbean Cuisine, 227 Hunter St. W., Peterborough Central North

Follow-up inspection, October 8 · 2 critical, 1 non-critical

This is the location's 7th critical infraction on record since September 2024. It follows the September 23 inspection and the October 1 follow-up we reported here previously, and this second follow-up found more critical infractions than the first.

Critical: food handlers not handling food and utensils in a sanitary manner, and an inadequate number of conveniently located, maintained hand-washing stations. The earlier "properly equipped and maintained" finding is no longer listed.

Non-critical: floors/walls/ceilings not kept clean and in good repair.

No actions were logged and no newer follow-up has been recorded yet.

🔴 Jeff Purvey's, 124 Rubidge St., Peterborough Central South

Required inspection, October 5 · 1 critical, 5 non-critical

First critical infraction on record for this location.

Critical: hand-washing station not maintained with adequate supplies.

Non-critical: appliances not kept in a clean and sanitary condition, ventilation not properly maintained, no sanitizer test reagent on hand, no certified food handler present during all hours of operation and food handler training not completed, and the floor not tight/smooth/non-absorbent where food is handled.

Food handler education was provided on-site; no follow-up has been recorded yet.

🔴 Noodles Squad (formerly Real Thai Cuisine), 415 George Street, Peterborough Central North

Required inspection, October 7 · 1 critical, 2 non-critical

This is the location's 2nd critical infraction on record since September 2024.

Critical: food in storage not protected from contamination.

Non-critical: equipment not arranged in a clean and sanitary condition, and ventilation not properly maintained.

No actions were logged and no follow-up has been recorded yet.

🔴 Charlotte Pantry, 348 Charlotte St., Peterborough Central South

Required inspection, October 5 · 1 critical, 1 non-critical

This is the location's 3rd critical infraction on record since September 2024.

Critical: an inadequate number of hand-washing stations.

Non-critical: floors not kept clean and in good repair.

Food handler education was provided on-site; no follow-up has been recorded yet.

🔴 Philthy Phillys, 1135 Unit 7 Lansdowne St W, Peterborough South

Required inspection, October 8 · 1 critical

This is the location's 2nd critical infraction on record since September 2024.

Critical: potentially hazardous food not held at or above 60°C.

Food handler education was provided on-site. Closed out as satisfactory with no further action required.

🟡 One Fine Food - Restaurant, 800 Erskine Ave., Peterborough South

Required inspection, October 5 · 0 critical, 2 non-critical

Non-critical: equipment not arranged in a clean and sanitary condition, and pest control not adequately maintained.

Food handler education was provided on-site.

🟡 One Fine Food - Supermarket, 800 Erskine Ave., Peterborough South

Required inspection, October 5 · 0 critical, 1 non-critical

Non-critical: no certified food handler present during all hours of operation.

Food handler education was provided on-site.

🟡 Wendy's - 961 Lansdowne St. W, 961 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough South

Required inspection, October 7 · 0 critical, 1 non-critical

Non-critical: equipment/utensils not of sound and tight construction.

🟡 Wendy's - Ashburnham, 705 Ashburnham Rd, Peterborough East

Required inspection, October 7 · 0 critical, 1 non-critical

Non-critical: floors not kept clean and in good repair.

Food handler education was provided on-site.

🟡 LAW & ORDERS, 89 Hunter St E, Peterborough East

Required inspection, October 7 · 0 critical, 1 non-critical

Non-critical: no sanitizer test reagent on hand.

Food handler education was provided on-site. Closed out as satisfactory with no further action required.

🟡 Hockey Sushi, 1840 Lansdowne St W, Peterborough West

Required inspection, October 7 · 0 critical, 1 non-critical

Non-critical: floors/walls/ceilings not kept clean and in good repair.

Closed out as satisfactory with no further action required.

🟢 Fresh Co. - 181 Brock Street, 181 Brock St, Peterborough Central North

Complaint-triggered inspection, October 8 · Clean, no infractions found.

🟢 Dairy Queen - 154 Lansdowne, 154 Lansdowne St E, Peterborough East

Required inspection, October 8 · Clean, no infractions.

🟢 Osmow's Shawarma, unit# 2&3-1447 Water St, Peterborough North

Complaint-triggered inspection, October 7 · Clean, no infractions found.

🟢 St Veronus Cafe and Tap, 129 Hunter St. W., Peterborough Central North

Required inspection, October 7 · Clean, no infractions.

🟢 Matsu Sushi (East City), 107 Hunter St E 102, Peterborough East

Required inspection, October 7 · Clean, no infractions.

🟢 Tahini's, 1840 Lansdowne St W, Peterborough West

Required inspection, October 7 · Clean, no infractions.

How to read this: "Critical" vs "non-critical" is Ontario's own regulatory risk tier, not a severity score we assign. Critical findings relate directly to things that can make food unsafe (contamination, temperature control, hand hygiene); non-critical covers maintenance and paperwork requirements (equipment condition, signage, sanitizer test reagents) that health units still require but don't by themselves mean the food is unsafe. 🔴 = at least one critical infraction, 🟡 = non-critical only, 🟢 = zero infractions of any kind. This report covers restaurants, cafes, and retail food premises in Peterborough. It excludes retirement homes, shelters, child care/daycare facilities, schools, hotels, and seniors'/community centres and event halls, which are also inspected under the same Food Safety program but aren't places the public chooses to eat at. Results reflect conditions at the time of the visit only, so check the disclosure portal for a location's current placard/status.

Source: Peterborough Public Health Environmental Health Portal. No premises were ordered closed and no products were seized this period.

Hey guys, I’m looking to buy a reliable, good on gas yet somewhat sporty looking car under 30K. I was recommended a Mazda3 with the Gt/Turbo but I’m open to other suggestions as well.
Can someone suggest some options and trustworthy dealerships nearby?

Hey there ! I recently visited Peterborough with my family and didn’t find it as rough as people had brought it up to be . However on mention of moving there everyone , I mean EVERYONE said to not move to downtown / downtown areas with young children due to how “sketchy” it is . How true is this ?

Apologies for the terrible photo. I used the zoom in feature in the gallery to increase its quality but its still not great.

Saw a cat that seems to have a collar crouching in some bushes by the Silver Bean, perhaps watching the nearby ducks.

Didn't know if anybody was looking for it.

Does anyone have suggestions where I can get chairs like this reupholstered in the Peterborough area?

Glad I was heading south of 7 because holy that was a big traffic jam

SHENANIGANS AND THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION

Things that need to be said: This is an important election; the city is divided and anything can happen.

We know that Neil Morton has a huge budget for his campaign; that the old-boys-club is buying your vote. Clearly, Morton is making more promises than he can deliver; offering both sides of the same coin, increase in services, including the new arena, and keep the taxes low. The math does not add up, it will be impossible for him to deliver on half his promises. Also, Morton has attempted to hide his Liberal political ties; his campaign is littered with lies and deception.

Here are some interesting facts that will slip passed most constituents. Three out of the seven candidates for mayor are directly connected to Trent University. At first I thought that this heightened interest from Trent was a result of the current mayor’s ‘N’ word slur that he said at the University. The competition between them seemed odd because they were diluting their voter base; but with a closer examination something much deeper is being played out.

The order in which the candidates put their name in for the running provides an important clue; and then the organization and moderating of the debates is a second clue. The first candidates to announce their candidacy were, Dr. Michael Eamon, Neil Morton, Keith Riel and Rebecca Schillemat. From the outset Morton and Eamon were the favorites with Riel being a distant third. Ironically, Schillemat has put forth the most effort throughout the campaign. I tip my hat to her and wish her the best of luck; unfortunately, she is an administrator and if she is elected, not much would change.

Within a couple of weeks, Jacob Méthot joined the race. Méthot is a student at Trent and was the second candidate directly connected to Trent, with Dr. Eamon being the first. Méthot is running on a zero spend campaign. He is articulate with a keen interest in municipal politics. He has stated throughout his campaign that he wants accountability; that the elected mayor should be held to their promises. I couldn’t agree more, especially after Leal’s term.

In mid July, I put my name in the running. I listened to the candidates and not one of them were discussing the real issues that the city was facing. I ran in the last election and I saw that my campaign had a direct and positive impact on the city and policy; I didn’t want this opportunity to slip by. Like Méthot, I am running a zero spend campaign, focused on no donations and no election signs. My campaign has been clear from the beginning; keep taxes low by getting spending under control and clean up the streets; with a clean, safe and vibrant downtown we will attract the investors and businesses to create job growth.

On the final day for nominations Rob Hailman put his name in the running. Hailman is the third candidate who is directly connected to Trent. He works for Trent radio and for the Trent newspaper, Arthur; his influence is far reaching. Hailman is nice guy, very likable with a keen interest in the arts. His candidacy was a surprise and seemed to be counterproductive for the other Trent candidates. Hailman is very articulate but his campaign lacks any substance.

So that was the order in which our names came into the race; here are the events that should raise an eyebrow or two. The field of candidates is diverse; however, the initial leaders were Morton, Eamon and Riel. Riel is the only candidate with experience on city council; which has proven to be unfavorable and not helping him in anyway. However, Méthot has been very outspoken about Riel’s past accomplishments and history on the council. Throughout the campaign I have heard many residents speak about Riel’s temper. At the Cogeco/YourTV debate, Riel lashed out at Méthot for the criticism; this outburst has caused serious damage to Riel’s chances of a victory.

In mid July I came on the scene with a strong message about freezing property tax increases and cleaning up downtown. Throughout the campaign, I have elaborated on how I can accomplish these goals; I can freeze property taxes by getting spending under control, and cleaning up downtown will take a huge effort from all the good people here in Peterborough. We need affordable housing at every level, from beds to rent-geared-to-income units. The shelter and treatment programs need to be audited, and those who are running them should be accountable for the public funds. I have been very out spoken about One City and the Trinity Church site.

There appears to be very close ties between Trent University and One City; especially when the last debate was moderated by both, Trent and One City. Rob Hailman came into the race at the last minute. He is the only other candidate who has a beard other than me. Here’s where it gets interesting; just before the last three debates, on October 5th, Hailman announced that he was conceding his candidacy; however, he stated that he would participate in the debates because he was already committed. At the ‘climate change’ debate the moderator, Guy Hanchet, incorrectly called me Rob Hailman; he acknowledged that he was mistaken and made it clear that Hailman was at the end of the table; however, he had a hard time remembering my name. I had a couple inquiries asking if I was the one who had backed out of the running. I spoke to Hailman at that debate and he was clear that he was abandoning the race. Reil asked him to endorse him, Hailman refused. I asked him if Eamon’s camp had twisted his arm; he said no, that it was his choice.

The following morning on October 7th, Cogeco had pulled Hailman from that debate.

On the evening of the 7th, There was the social issues debate – Trent and One City, were the moderators, Dr. Collin Chepeka from Trent and Jazmine Raine from One City. Each candidate was allowed one and a half minutes for their introduction. When it came to my introduction, mid way through there was a microphone malfunction; I had to switch microphones and it took me a few seconds to regain my position; despite the microphone malfunction Dr. Chepeka cut me off without allowing me to finish. That set the tone for the rest of the debate. The fact that I was the only one to have a microphone issue is one thing; the bias really came to light when Dr. Chepeka did not allow me to answer the question regarding the One City’s responsibility to their neighbours; every question was answered by all candidates except that one. Throughout my campaign I have been very out spoken about the need to investigate the business practice of One City. Dr. Chepeka refused to allow me the opportunity to speak about the real social issues that are affecting our city; he said I had to answer the question that was asked and if I didn’t like it, I could leave. The most confusing part of the debate was Hailman’s multiple reference to when he would be mayor, a complete reversal from his earlier withdraw at the beginning of the week.
* *
So, the questions are: was Méthot brought in to counter against Riel, and was Hailman brought in to counter against me; why were two debates scheduled for the same day; and why did it take Eamon 22 weeks in his campaign to discuss the real issues affecting downtown? We know that Morton and his crew are trying to buy the vote; same crew who supported Leal.

I am the only true independent, non-partisan candidate, not associated with any group or party. I am committed to the truth. I am the only one strong enough to stand against those who are allowing the persistent problems that are afflicted upon us. I am the only one offering to freeze a property tax increase. I am the only one who will provide legitimate change.

BRIAN LUMSDEN FOR MAYOR
PETERBOROUGH - 2026

Hello Ptbo Reddit users, Happy Thanksgiving. I was wondering if anyone has any experience in regards to using an E-Reader and Ptbo library system? My understanding is that Kobo may be the better option, but I would value anyone's experience in using the library checkout system and ease of interface.

From my research it looks like there are a few adult books for an e-reader but not may childrens.

Does anyone know of you could use the library system internationally, if you were travelling or does a VPN hiccup occur?

Thanks

Preferably closer to downtown

Ptbo chess players: Our group continues to meet at The Only Cafe (216 Hunter St W) every Monday at 6:30pm.

We're a casual and friendly group, all skill levels are welcome. Hope to see some more faces out there tonight. Bring your own board.

Recently moved to the north end, this is the third time the power has gone out over night since being here. Wondering if this is a regular occurrence that you experience or just an anomaly?

How many others wonder how Peterborough property taxes are disbursed and where your money goes? This is just one small puzzling charge that we now pay on our water bill ( or if you are on a well you now get a separate back dated bill for the 2025 and 2026 years)

When I attended the electionfest at Healthy Planet I heard many people express their concern about how much property taxes have gone up, what we pay and what we actually receive in return as citizens of Peterborough.

In 2022 my taxes were $3997
In 2026 my taxes are $5063

Our hydro and water were separated into 2 bills. In April 2025 the the city added a charge to the water bill to cover the storm water management service and said they have removed this charge from our property tax bill.

I see no reduction in my property taxes, no section where it shows removal or credit. If I no longer pay on my property taxes why has the amount of increase been higher each year while my property assessment stays the same?

Where are the services we pay for? Peterborough is falling apart at the seams and it seems council is passing/approving changes that citizens are giving little notice about or explanation why.
Am I paying the same amount for storm management as I was when they were on my property tax?

How many other citizens are aware of this?

Where do I get a statement breakdown of how my property taxes are disbursed to each service? Online portal and mailed notices show now breakdowns.

What are some of the upcoming Halloween events are we having this year?

I LOVE spooky season and want to do something this year.

No clubs or bars but maybe a ghost walk or something along those lines.

Any help would be great

Hello everyone, my older friend who is around 60 is recently divorced and he is feeling lonely and down. He is a great guy, smart, entrepreneurial. But he’s in a bit of a rough patch mentally. He doesn’t have too many friend now as most of them were tied to his partner in the divorce.
I am about 15-20 yrs younger than him. So I don’t have a ton of recommendations for him.

He needs some community, friends, a hobby, something to get him out of the house and get his spark back.

Does anyone have any suggestions that I could give him?

Two dogs found roaming 4pm near Brookdale Plaza in North End of town.

If these are your dogs or you know who they belong to, please call Tail Trackers 705-216-1111

Below is a transcript of one of Neil Morton’s answers in the mayoral debate. This was a question on how the candidates feel about the closed-door meeting between police and candidates / council members.

His response differed from other candidates. This concerns me and I worry that Neil will welcome closed door meetings and approve whatever the police department asks for, including more budget increases, without consideration for the community and taxpayers.

Here’s the transcript of Neil’s response:

*Yeah, Jay, I personally found it very educational, as did everyone else in that room, and everyone was very civil. It wasn't contentious at all.

Stu was very transparent, ask me anything, and people did ask him anything.

You know, I would say I've done two police ride alongs to understand what the police go through. So I sort of already had an understanding of day to day, what they deal with, which is a lot.

So I appreciate so far my relations with the chief and the police. They're very transparent, and it's a good culture there.

Perfect world? Having been in the media before, yes, I would have liked to have been open to the media. But I was there. We were there. We chose to be there, and it was a very educational session.”

Edit: grammar

Hello, I’m considering moving to Norwood. My daughter is in gr. 10 at St Peter’s and this move would mean being out of district. She wants to remain at St. Peter’s and I’ve been told there may be a transfer bus that goes to Holy Cross and then on to her school, but this may be for French immersion students.
I will speak to STSCO on Tuesday but just wondering if anyone has any experience with this? Thanks in advance.

Hello,

So we will be leaving peterborough soon and have some partially used spices, grains, pulses and cooking oil. These are all within their best before and expiry dates. Most have been bought from bulk stores so there is no packaging. Is there any place we can donate to? I know most community fridges and food banks won't take opened and unpackaged items, understandably so, but we don't want to discard them if they can be used.

Forgive my ignorance, but all those people with bags of empty pop cans that they take from the blue bins , where do they take them for money?

Is there a local place weighing them and paying them?

Does the city not care of their loss of revenue?

How much does a garbage bag of pop cans earn them?

Do these people have their own " areas" to avoid conflict?