The Sheepdogs To Totally Rock Peterborough Musicfest This Wednesday

Peterborough Musicfest presents three-time Juno Award-winning The Sheepdogs on Wednesday, July 24, at 8 p.m.

Formed in 2006 in Saskatoon by Ewan Currie, Ryan Gullen, Sam Corbett and Leot Hanson, The Sheepdogs self-released their first three albums with the third disc, 2010’s Learn & Burn, eventually certified platinum in Canada, and upon its re-release in 2011, bringing the band three 2012 Juno Awards: Single of the Year for “I Don’t Know”, Rock Album of the Year and New Group of the Year.

The Sheepdogs (Photo via Sheepdogs Facebook page)

Buoyed by their appearance on the August 2011 cover of Rolling Stone, The Sheepdogs released a self-titled album in 2012 which spawned the hit songs Feeling Good and The Way It Is.

With Rusty Matyas in the mix, replacing the departed Hanson, the band recorded its fifth studio album, Future Nostalgia, in 2015. That same year saw more band personnel additions in the form of Jimmy Bowskill and, later, Currie’s brother Shamus.

Photo courtesy Peterborough musicfest

The Sheepdogs’ latest album release, 2018’s Changing Colours, saw the band nominated in two categories at the 2019 Juno Awards. It features the singles Nobody, Saturday Night and I’ve Got A Hole Where My Heart Should Be, which hit No. 1 on the Canadian rock charts.

If you haven’t seem play, don’t miss their show this Wednesday under the stars at Musicfest on the banks of Little Lake.

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New Local Theatre Company Grassboots Theatre Launches

Actors and theatre-makers Peyton Le Barr and Chris Whidden have started a new theatre company called Grassboots Theatre, and they are making their debut this summer with an evening of storytelling and a production at Artspace on July 25th.

Chris Whidden and Peyton Le Barr (Photo by Matthew Hayes)

ABOUT PEYTON LE BARR

Le Barr is an established actor who has performed in the UK, Russia and Canada. She has worked alongside top directors in Toronto and has been a guest artist at Humber College, teaching an introduction to site-specific performance. She works with Peterborough’s Public Energy Performing Arts in production. 

Peyton Le Barr (Photo by Ian Brown)

ABOUT CHRIS WHIDDEN

Whidden, a graduate from Ryerson University’s acting program, is a writer and performer with a focus on mask and clown. As a performer, Chris has become an active emerging artist. In addition to his work onstage, Chris has written multiple plays performed in Toronto including Roaring Robert, which was presented by Shadowpath Theatre to a sold-out run at the Toronto Fringe.

Chris Whidden (Photo by Ian Brown)

Peyton and Chris have purchased a farm in Havelock near Peterborough, and are currently renovating the property to create an outdoor theatre studio. Down the line, they intend to offer the space as an artist retreat to local artists.

Their first event at Artspace, “Share Off! An Open-Mic For Storytellers”, is an evening of storytelling taking place on July 25th at 7 p.m. Participants from the community will share their own true stories (5 minutes or less) following the theme of Firsts. “It seemed like a fun and unique way to learn more about the people of Peterborough on a more personal level,” says Le Barr.

Community members are encouraged to sign up as a storyteller or just come and watch. Spots are limited, so interested storytellers should register in advance here.

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Temporary Overflow Shelter Beds Added At Peterborough Public Library As Homeless Crisis Grows

With the Tent City at Victoria Park (see pictures) growing in numbers—and this area in the midst of a heat wave and possibility of severe thunderstorms—the community is acting.

Youth Emergency Shelter, Brock Mission, Fourcast, United Way of Peterborough and District, and the City of Peterborough are partnering to temporarily open 15 overflow beds at Peterborough Public Library, plus another 15 overflow beds at the Youth Emergency Shelter.

Photo of Tent City by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

COORDINATED APPROACH TO OVERFLOW BEDS

Peterborough Social Services is coordinating intake at the Peterborough Public Library when the overflow bed space opens at 9 p.m. each night. People will be directed to available space at a shelter—Brock Mission, Cameron House, or Youth Emergency Shelter—or to one of the overflow shelter beds at the Library or Youth Emergency Shelter.

People who use the overflow beds will be asked to be out of the space by 8 a.m. each morning.

The coordinated approach to providing overflow beds will also connect people with support services and housing programs. Housing first is the goal rather than having people live in shelters.

In the meantime, the City is working with community partners to secure a longer-term location for the provision of overflow beds.

Photo of Tent City by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

Youth Emergency Shelter has been able to make the space for 15 overflow beds available for individuals of all ages, even though it normally only provides beds for youth and families. The shelter and housing providers have been able to move families into housing and other accommodations, which has opened up space for overflow beds as a temporary service.

Homeless people who are camping at the Tent City and elsewhere should go to the Library at 9 p.m. to speak with staff who will connect them with a shelter or overflow bed. The City is asking people not to camp in public spaces that are not meant for that type of use.

Photo of Tent City by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

The overflow bed service was temporarily shut down on Canada Day when the service provider Warming Room’s lease expired for the former location on Murray Street. On the last night that the service was at the Warming Room, there were 29 people using overflow beds.

Warming Executive Director Christian Harvey told CBC Ontario Morning on Thursday (July 18th) that the Warming Room is still trying to secure a new location after getting a few leads for possible spots.

The City of Peterborough says that shelter bed availability can change each day. Last week, there were as many as about 25 beds available in the shelter system. On July 17th, there were six beds available at Cameron House for women, three beds available at Youth Emergency Shelter for youth, and no beds available at the Brock Mission for men.

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City Of Peterborough Issues Release Regarding Weather Forecast & Wellbeing Of Those Living In Tent City

The City of Peterborough, which is looking for a new space for overflow shelter beds in the city, has issued a release regarding the 7-day forecast as concern grows for the wellbeing of those living in the Tent City at Victoria Park.

“The 7-day forecast includes a strong probability of thunderstorms and extreme heat,” the media release says. “A very large branch recently fell close to tents in Victoria Park. With the number of large trees in Victoria Park, it, along with any City park, can be unsafe during a thunderstorm. For your own safety, we urge those who have alternative places to go that are indoors to please move to alternative shelter.”

The City is asking people not to camp in the park. “If you are homeless, check with emergency shelters (Brock Mission, Cameron House and YES) daily as bed availability changes every day and talk to our outreach workers who are committed to assisting you in accessing alternative shelter.”

While emergency shelters and overflow shelter beds are currently needed, the City recognizes that:

• Housing first is the goal rather than people living in shelters

• Living in a tent is not a safe and stable option for you

• Living in a tent does not provide you with the access to the services and supports that we want everyone in our community to be able to access

• Public spaces are shared by the entire community.

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Peterborough Pulse Will Transform George Street

Peterborough Pulse 2019 will transform George Street for one fun-filled day of walking, cycling, and activities on Saturday, July 27th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pulse is an open streets initiative that temporarily replaces car traffic with people traffic to create a safe and vibrant car-free corridor for walking, biking, dancing, playing, and socializing.

Peterborough Pulse file photo

The Peterborough Pulse route will be closed to vehicular traffic between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Street parking will be prohibited from midnight on Friday, July 26th, until Pulse is over at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 27th.

Here is a map of Pulse...

STREET CLOSURES FOR PETERBOROUGH PULSE

George St. from McDonnel St. to Sherbrooke St. 

• Will be CLOSED Saturday, July 27th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Vehicles entering or exiting will need an escort.

• Street parking will be prohibited from midnight on Friday, July 26th until Pulse is over at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 27th. Vehicles left on street will be towed.

ONLY local traffic will be allowed to access these streets…

• Murray St. from Aylmer St. to George St. and George St. to Water St.

• Brock St. from Chambers Lane to George Street and George St. to Water St.

• King St. from Aylmer St. to George St. and George St. to Water St.

The following intersections will remain open for east-west traffic…

• McDonnel St. at George St.

• Hunter St. at George St.

• Simcoe St. at George St.

• Charlotte St. at George St.

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$3.1 Million Investment Will Support Indigenous Clean-Tech Company Carbonix

Paul Pede and Darren Harper, two of the co-founders of Carbonix—a Canadian Indigenous technology company—were on hand at The Gathering Space at Gzowski College/Enwayaang at Trent University on Monday (July 15th) for the announcement of an investment of $3.1 million in their company.

MP Maryam Monsef was there to announce the investment for Carbonix’s Indigenous-led clean technology pilot project it’s conducting that aims to use resources more efficiently to reduce pollution and water waste.

Carbonix Co-Founder Darren Harper speaking at announcement (Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada)

HOW CARBONIX TECHNOLOGY WORKS

-> Carbonix will scale-up a project that produces active carbons from sustainably sourced feedstock, like petroleum coke and wood waste, and uses them to capture contaminants from industrial waste streams and mine tailings.

-> This project aims to accelerate the return of water used during extraction processes back to the environment and accelerate land restoration.

Carbonix Co-Founder Paul Pede speaking at announcement (Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada)

“Through projects like this, the Government of Canada is finding solutions that will help reduce pollution, drive clean innovation and create good jobs,” says Monsef.

“Accelerating clean technology development is key to promoting sustainable economic growth as Canada moves toward a clean energy future, helping us meet our domestic and international commitments while helping maintain our natural resource advantage for years to come,” she adds.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Comfort Keepers Peterborough, Harley Farms & More!

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Alyssa and Corey Rowe recently opened Comfort Keepers Peterborough. Comfort Keepers provides in-home services such as respite care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, end-of-life care, nursing services, and more. Alyssa has worked for Comfort Keepers Calgary for six years, and is excited to bring a franchise to Peterborough. Her husband Corey is joining her in the business and they would love to welcome your calls or questions, or to join them for their Open House on August 22nd from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Peterborough Business Hub, 398 McDonnel Street. “Like” their page on Facebook here.

Harley Farms continues to grow. Located on Heritage Line near Lang Pioneer Village just north of Keene, the farm checks all the boxes, providing 100% GMO free, grass fed, free range, sustainable, locally raised and environmentally friendly products. The on-farm store features quality meats, and vegetables and is now surrounded by a free to enter Family Fun Farm and Picnic Area which includes a play area and farm animals. Stop in for a visit and watch for the customer appreciation BBQ and Grand Opening on August 3rd.

Harley Farms Family Fun Farm and Picnic Area

Atlas Therapeutic is a new clinic offering float therapy, massage therapy, CBD oil sales, meditations and stress management, mini retreats and acupuncture for treatment of everything from work and sports injuries and tendonitis, to whiplash, headaches, back, neck and shoulder pain. Located at 322 McDonnel Street in Peterborough, Atlas Therapeutic is open 7 days a week. 

PedalBoro is a multi-passenger bike tour company providing a fun way to do a discovery tour of Peterborough’s vibrant food and beverage scene. The unique 15-passenger party bike typically takes you and your group to 3 or 4 local pubs, craft breweries, distilleries and restaurants. Owner Hillary Flood says Peterborough is the 5th city to host this type of cycle tourism in Canada. For more info, click here.

If you’d like your company to be involved in the next Habitat for Humanity Women Build Program, they are always looking for teams and sponsors. To explore a partnership opportunity, contact Sara George at 705.750.1456 or habitatpkr.ca.

”Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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Over $15,000 Raised At B!KE-a-thon Fundraiser At The Social Pub

The Social Pub was spinning (with music and bikers) on Saturday (July 13th) as friends of B!KE: The Peterborough Community Cycling Hub came out in droves to fundraise at their first-ever fundraising event, the “B!KE-a-thon”, which raised more than $15,000.

From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., cyclist teams—outfitted in themed costumes and spirited attitudes—pedalled for 12-hours straight, relay-style, on stationary bikes at The Social in downtown Peterborough. "It wasn't as easy as you'd think," says Lily Haryett, long-time supporter of B!KE. Haryett and other cyclists were urged on by visiting supporters including Mayor Diane Therrien, local federal PC leader Mike Skinner and Town ward councillor Kemi Akapo.

Bikers at The Social Pub (Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada)

"The vibe was great—there was stiff competition to raise funds between teams, and it was heated!" says Kate Siena from the 5-member team, The Cranks. "In the end, our shared love of B!KE brought out the best in us!" 

Bikers at The Social Pub (Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada)

Sponsors for the B!KE-a-thon included The Social Pub, Wild Rock Outfitters, Green Eyewear, Frog Cycles, Runners Life, Pastry Pedlar, Fresh Radio, Global TV/CHEX, PTBOCanada (that’s us!), Henry's Barbershop, Ultimate Distribution, Sam's Deli, Publican House, Fontaine Source for Sports, Pedalboro, The Endeavor Centre and Peterborough Tool Library.

Due to unforeseen changes to the provincial non-profit funding landscape, B!KE is anticipating a challenging fiscal period ahead.

These vital funds raised from the B!KE-a-thon will enable them to fill in funding gaps, freeing up staff and board members to explore new revenue sources for the coming years.

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A Record-Breaking 34 Participating Restaurants Will Paint The Town Red For United Way

The 7th Annual Paint the Town Red event in support of the United Way Community Campaign will have a record-breaking 34 participating restaurants this year.

It takes place Wednesday, July 17th, and the participating restaurants will be donating 25 percent of their daily sales to support United Way of Peterborough. Last year’s event raised more than $16,000, bringing the total to over $75,000 since 2013.

Photo from Paint the Town Red Media Launch courtesy United Way of Peterborough

“I am thrilled be part of Paint the Town Red this year and even more excited to see restaurants in the County of Peterborough participating for the first time including Jack’s Restaurant in Lakefield and Rallis Burger Family Restaurant in Bridgenorth,” says David Goyette, Chair of this year’s United Way campaign.

Adds United Way Development Officer and Event Coordinator, Erica Richmond: “This is truly my favourite event of the year. I believe that food has the power to bring people together and this is consistently demonstrated during this event as community members support local businesses who are supporting our community. It’s a full circle of support bound together by food, conversation and local love.”

For a full list of participating restaurants, click here—and make sure to hit up one of them on Wednesday for a great cause!

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An Awesome 15 Passenger Party Bike Called PedalBoro Has Come To Town

Peterborough’s very first 15-passenger party bike, PedalBoro, will soon be launching in the city. This will be a great idea for office functions, family and friend parties, tourists, and more—and it’s environmentally friendly.

PedalBoro is a multi-passenger bike tour company that will provide an innovative, eco-friendly transportation alternative for exploring downtown Peterborough's vibrant food and beverage scene.

Photo courtesy PedalBoro

With the launch of PedalBoro, Peterborough will become the 5th city in Canada to host this new form of cycle tourism, a sector that is booming right now. 

Once launched, PedalBoro tours has the opportunity to be a powerful economic driver as part of the city’s high value cycle tourism industry; connecting residents and tourists alike to Peterborough’s culinary creators and beverage makers.

Photo courtesy PedalBoro

Sign up here to be the first to know about ride bookings, and add this to your summer bucket list.

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