Pathway of Fame

Home
Canada
Peterborough, ON
Pathway of Fame

Directions Website Contact the organization

Welcome to the new Pathway of Fame. Visit us at www.ptbopathwayoffame.ca

10/25/2026

POSTCARDS FROM THE PATHWAY, a continuing series focused on those immortalized in granite on the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame.

Today, from the Class of 2010: DR. DON HARTERRE (Cultural Betterment)

Dr. Harterre is aptly labeled the ‘face of health care’ in Peterborough by his colleagues and peers. All who know Dr. Donald Harterre are aware of his caring concern as a devoted family physician, as well as a respected former hospital Chief of Staff, and again as champion and visionary for health care across this county, indeed the province.

Family Health Teams owe their existence to his undying positivity. Under Dr. Donald Harterre’s mentorship, the New Baby Placement Program provides placement of newborns in family practice.

His vision, guidance and professionalism benefit patient, family doctor and community, in countless ways. So much is owed by so many to this unique, caring individual we know as Dr. Donald Harterre.

* Photo courtesy Lance Anderson, Peterborough This Week and MYKawartha

For complete information on the more than 400 inductees currently on The Pathway, please visit the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District online for all our inductees. The database is searchable by year, or name.
https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/
The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of NEXICOM for website support, and KAWARTHA TV AND STEREO for promotional consideration.

10/19/2026

POSTCARDS FROM THE PATHWAY, a continuing series focused on those immortalized in granite on the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame.

Today, from the Class of 2010: JEAN MURRAY COLE (Literary)

By looking back we can, most times, see the direction our future is taking. Such is a gift few can claim to share as has Jean Murray Cole with her enthralling compositions.

Our community is certainly richer for her penning nine books, including three Peterborough township histories, plus a host of papers that fill her dossier to date. Jean Murray Cole is an acknowledged expert on the Strickland family; Samuel Strickland, Catherine Parr Traill, Susanna Moodie, and their siblings who remained in England. The Stricklands mean much to the area because they wrote and recorded their experiences in its raw, evolving youthful years.

Jean Murray Cole holds an honours degree from Trent University, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, and the F.H. Dobbin award for her book, ‘Sir Sandford Fleming: His Early Diaries.’ Many of her manuscripts and research papers have been donated to Trent University Archives.

Jean Murray Cole passed away December 12th, 2024.

For complete information on the more than 400 inductees currently on The Pathway, please visit the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District online for all our inductees. The database is searchable by year, or name.
https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/
The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of NEXICOM for website support, and KAWARTHA TV AND STEREO for promotional consideration.

10/04/2026

POSTCARDS FROM THE PATHWAY, a continuing series focused on those immortalized in granite on the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame.

Today, from the Class of 1990: ROBERT KENNETH ARMSTRONG (Literary)

Every community has volunteers, but only Peterborough is lucky enough to have Ken Armstrong. As volunteer broadcaster with Cable 10, Ken moderates three open-line shows dealing with three levels of government. Were that not enough, in itself, Ken’s been a very lively community activist. He’s chaired numerous committees including the Evinrude Centre fundraising committee and presently chairs committees on Peterborough’s 150th Anniversary celebration and millennium celebrations.

In recognizing his outstanding efforts, Ken received the Community Service Award, Citizen of the Year Award and, in June 1998, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario awarded Ken Armstrong the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship for his remarkable contribution to the wellbeing of the Peterborough community.

For complete information on the more than 400 inductees currently on The Pathway, please visit the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District online for all our inductees. The database is searchable by year, or name.
https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/
The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of NEXICOM for website support, and KAWARTHA TV AND STEREO for promotional consideration.

09/27/2026

Having just inducted our latest class for 2026, let's go back to the very beginning and one of our inductees from the very first Class (of 1998) - someone who is still active today and long respected in his field, and the various ways in which he connects his work to the community for this weeks' issue of POSTCARDS FROM THE PATHWAY.

Today, from the Class of 1998: ELWOOD JONES
(Literary)

Were Peterborough history, and heritage to have a hero, that hero would be Elwood Jones.

This Trent University professor has consistently championed the cause of local history since arriving in the City in 1969. Over the past 50 - plus years, Elwood has written major works on many aspects of Peterborough’s heritage, including the City’s history, the Peterborough Agricultural Society, St. John’s Anglican Church, and the City’s first golf course.

As a member, and past-president of the Peterborough Historical Society and Trent Valley Archives, Professor Jones has contributed numerous pamphlets, papers and articles, spreading the gospel of local heritage.

For complete information on the more than 400 inductees currently on The Pathway, please visit the Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District online for all our inductees. The database is searchable by year, or name.
https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/
The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough and District gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of NEXICOM for website support, and KAWARTHA TV AND STEREO for promotional consideration. See less

photo courtesy Clifford Skarstedt, The Peterborough Examiner

09/22/2026

Photodump from our 2026 Induction September 15th! Photos by Lucas Nagrassus. Many thanks Luke!

09/21/2026

Our Class of 2026! Thanks to The Peterborough Examiner and Clifford Skarstedt / Metroland for the photo, and thanks to Harrison Perkins Media and everyone for coming out to help us celebrate!

09/15/2026

With our annual Induction night coming up this year TONIGHT at Showplace (7pm, doors open at 6) let's introduce you to our honoured inductees for the Class of 2026 - so you may get to know them a little bit better!

ROB RUSLAND - Community Samritan

There’s a special place reserved for those who gift a unique skill which is central to their livelihood towards the greater benefit of the community they have called home since birth.

Founded by the late Bill Rusland, Rusland’s Auctions inevitably saw his son Rob come into the fold. Come 1991 the PCVS grad, with his wife Jackie, took the reins completely, with auctions at the Evinrude Centre and their Queensway location a staple over the following years, as well as estate sales.

In 2016, recognizing the growing popularity of online shopping, Rusland’s Auctions transitioned to an exclusively online model. That was followed, in 2020, by the completion of a new warehouse which is home to both Rusland’s Auctioneers and Appraisers, and Chemong Storage.

Over the years, Rusland’s donation of his auctioneering skills to the benefit of charitable organizations and causes remains nothing short of remarkable. It’s estimated that his volunteer efforts have brought in millions of dollars for those on the receiving end of his selfless contributions.

His gifted talent has benefitted the Peterborough Humane Society, the New Canadians Centre, Hospice Peterborough, the Canadian Canoe Museum, Habitat for Humanity, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation, Community Living, Community Care, the Peterborough and District Sports Hall Fame Golf Tournament, Pink in the Rink in partnerhip with the Peterborough Petes and, back in the day, Peterborough’s Festival of Trees.

Rusland’s philanthropy hasn’t gone unnoticed, and rightly so.

In 2007, nominated by the Learning Disabilities Association of Peterborough, Rusland received the Volunteer Services Award. The following year saw the United Way’s Scholfield Award of Community Distinction come his way, and, for his work ensuring the success of local Rotary events, he was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International – the highest honour bestowed by the service club.

Rusland played a crucial role in securing a buyer for the historic collection of Roy Studio Images, and subsequently facilitated its donation to the City of Peterborough. In addition, he assisted in the securing of a $1 million donation to the Peterborough Family YMCA – a direct result of his childhood friendship with Research In Motion (Blackberry) co-founder Jim Balsillie. As a certified personal property advisor, Rusland remains the official appraiser for the Peterborough Museum and Archives.

Blessed with a fine sense of humour, Rusland has brought joy to all his efforts on behalf of countless organizations and causes. Therein lay yet another gift – that of his unique personality, which he willingly shares to the betterment of the city that clearly holds a very special place in his heart.

The Pathway of Fame annual Induction Gala is set for this evening, Tuesday, September 15th at Showplace Performance Center. The event is taking place upstairs on the Main Stage of the Erica Cherney Theatre. Doors open at 6pm with the ceremony beginning at 7pm and all are welcome to attend...it is a free, public event and friends, family members of the inductees as well as all community members are invited, Completely open to the public. There will also be live music from the main stage prior to the event as well, so please come early. Hope to see you there!

09/14/2026

On the eve of our 29th Induction event tomorrow night, The Pathway of Fame is mourning the loss of founding Artistic Director of 4th Line Theatre, playwright and actor Robert Winslow, who passed away over the weekend in his mid-seventies. Mr. Winslow reprised his previous role in 'School House' earlier this summer.

KawarthaNOW is reporting this morning that Mr. Winslow was participating in a hockey game in Peterborough Saturday morning when he reportedly encountered a sudden health issue and did not survive.

Mr. Winslow was inducted into the Pathway of Fame in 2006.

Our condolences to Robert's legion of friends, fans and colleagues, and the entire artistic community. He leaves a lasting legacy in theatre, and artistic expression.

09/08/2026

With our annual Induction night coming up this year on Tuesday, September 15th at Showplace (7pm, doors open at 6) let's introduce you to our honoured inductees for the Class of 2026 - so you may get to know them a little bit better! A new one every Sunday, and perhaps an extra here and there...

WAYNE ROBINSON (Entertainment/Musical)

Singer, actor, producer, arranger…Wayne Robinson’s passion for, and talent in the performing arts arena sprung forth at a young age, setting him on the trajectory for his lifelong and selfless dedication to the entertaining of audiences throughout the Peterborough region.

Gifted as a youth, Robinson took lessons in voice, piano and theory. His involvement as a member of the All Saints’ Church choir provided a basis for his musical prowess at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School where he played saxophone for the high school’s multi-awarded jazz band, not to mention his portrayal as the lead character in a production of ‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.’

Upon graduation, Robinson studied voice at McGill University in Montreal, and fully immersed himself in a number of cultural undertakings, including time as a member of the Tudor Singers of Montreal, a professional choir recorded by the CBC. He was also a member of the acapella quartet Sur Glace featured on CTV, had a restaurant gig singing French and English songs, and portrayed a German officer in the feature film drama A Man Called Intrepid.

Upon returning home to Peterborough, Robinson didn’t slow down, performing in a number of Peterborough Theatre Guild musicals. In 1996, he helped emcee the opening of the Showplace Performance Centre and, from 1998 to 2003, he performed songs for each installment of the popular Spring Tonic series held at the downtown venue.

Add to this impressive list Robinson’s work as a vocal coach, his portrayal of Frank Sinatra in Beth McMaster’s musical biography of the famed crooner, his singing with the Peterborough Concert Band and the Kawartha Jazz Ensemble, and stints as a back-up singer for Paul Anka and Kenny Rogers.

Since 2016, Robinson has presented the award named after his late brother Kenny, and bestowed annually to a member of the All Saints’ Church choir.

As a clear sign of the deep respect he has rightly earned as a singer, and as a patron of the arts, Robinson was asked by the late Erica Cherney’s family to sing ‘My Way’ at the 2016 dedication of the Erica Cherney Theatre at Showplace.

At present, Robinson continues to share his gift for singing as a member of the Peterborough Singers, but is always ready and willing to lend his talents to elevate a worthy cause.

The Pathway of Fame annual Induction Gala is set for the evening of Tuesday, September 15th at Showplace Performance Center. The event will take place upstairs on the Main Stage of the Erica Cherney Theatre. Doors open at 6pm with the ceremony beginning at 7pm and all are welcome to attend...it is a free, public event and friends, family members of the inductees as well as all community members are invited, Completely open to the public. There will also be live music from the main stage prior to the event as well, so please come early. Hope to see you there!

08/31/2026

With our annual Induction night coming up this year on Tuesday, September 15th at Showplace (7pm, doors open at 6) let's introduce you to our honoured inductees for the Class of 2026 - so you may get to know them a little bit better! A new one every Sunday, and perhaps an extra here and there...

MARION GRIFFIN (Dramatic Arts)

If there’s a function, aspect or feature of the Peterborough Theatre Guild that doesn’t have Marion Griffin’s fingerprints all over it, it is yet to be found.

Chair and president of the community theatre company for six years now, Griffin has brought to that role a treasure trove of experience rooted in her five decades of committed involvement at the Guild Hall in Peterborough’s East City.

Over the years, she has served as musical director for several musicals, produced a number of family productions, welcomed audiences on opening nights and thanked cast and crew on closing nights. Griffin has also served as Master of Ceremonies for Eastern Ontario Drama League (EODL) adjudications hosted by the guild.

As an accomplished musician who plays piano and organ, Griffin has also provided background music for stage productions.

Behind the scenes, Griffin has been no less busy and productive, meeting with producers to review the process of producing, while ensuring due diligence for the necessary criminal record checks as well as adherence to anti-harassment protocols. Along the way, if there’s a set to be painted, Griffin is all in.

Also on Griffin’s lengthy to-do list is the organizing and facilitating of AGM and board meetings, the reviewing and updating of producer and stage manager manuals, and the creation of newsletters for guild patrons and members.

Currently sitting on the EODL board as its secretary, Griffin fills that same role for BJChoirs, comprised of the Jubilaires ladies’ chorus and the Bonachords men’s chorus. She also works on governance for both the guild and BJChoirs.

Musically, Griffin is just as active and equally passionate.

Along with singing as a member of the Kawartha Lakes Singers, Griffin conducts the Buckhorn Chorus and the Jubilation Choir, both of which regularly entertain retirement home residents and hospital patients. In addition, she serves as the organist and choir director for Greenwood United Church in Douro-Dummer, for which she composed and conducted its 2025 Christmas cantata and is penciled in as music director of its 2026 panto.

If this isn’t quite enough, since her retirement from teaching 10 years ago, Griffin has put her proficiency in math to very good use, tutoring students in mathematics, as well as other subjects.

The Energizer bunny personified. That’s our inductee, Marion Griffin.

The Pathway of Fame annual Induction Gala is set for the evening of Tuesday, September 15th at Showplace Performance Center. The event will take place upstairs on the Main Stage of the Erica Cherney Theatre. Doors open at 6pm with the ceremony beginning at 7pm and all are welcome to attend...it is a free, public event and friends, family members of the inductees as well as all community members are invited, Completely open to the public. There will also be live music from the main stage prior to the event as well, so please come early. Hope to see you there!

Address

Peterborough, ON
K9J6Y5

Website

https://ptbopathwayoffame.ca/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Pathway of Fame posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.