Youth and Holnbeck Civic Award Nominations Open Until Aug. 8
/Civic Award nominations are open for the Holnbeck and Youth Volunteer of the Year awards.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.
Peterborough Blogs
City of Peterborough Recognizes Employee Excellence with CAFÉ Awards
/The City of Peterborough recognized several City employees for their excellence and dedication during the annual Corporate Awards for Excellence (CAFÉ) presentation on Monday evening at City Hall.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
The awards are part of the City’s employee recognition program, focusing on service excellence. The awards recognize staff who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the City and support the City’s Strategic Plan.
“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding staff members who received a Corporate Award for Excellence,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “These awards highlight the dedication, innovation, and professionalism that our employees bring to their work each and every day. Your exceptional contributions not only support the goals of our Strategic Plan, they help build a stronger, more responsive City for all residents. Thank you for going above and beyond in service to our community.”
“The City of Peterborough’s greatest asset is our staff, whose skills and experience are combined with a deep personal commitment and sense of duty to the present and future of our great city. Though much of the work happens behind the scenes, the impact is visible in every service delivered, every street maintained, every program that is managed, and every citizen that is supported. The Corporate Awards for Excellence puts a spotlight on those who go above and beyond for our community, and I am proud to recognize these recipients,” said Jasbir Raina, Chief Administrative Officer with the City.
Customer Service Excellence
This award recognizes an individual or team that has demonstrated outstanding dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence in customer service.
Recipient: Dave Moore, Client Service Worker, Social Services Division, Community Services Department.
Distinguished Teamwork
This award recognizes individuals or teams who exemplify best practices of supportive and effective collaboration to achieve a shared goal that aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan.
Recipient: Jocelyn Blazey, Manager, Homelessness and Data, Social Services Division, Community Services Department.
Inspirational Leadership
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities throughout their work.
Recipient: Robert Dunford, Manager, Transportation Planning, Asset Management and Capital Planning Division, Infrastructure, Planning & Growth Management Department.
Strategy & Innovation Excellence
Recognizes an individual or team that has developed and implemented strategic and innovative approaches within areas of responsibility that lead to effective deliverables in support of the City’s Strategic Plan.
Recipient: Joe Crooks, Innovation & Quality Assurance Manager, Social Services Division, Community Services Department.
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City Employee Given Award for Distinguished Service in Municipal Information Technology
/The City of Peterborough has recognized Jamie Hagg, Manager Enterprise Technology, with the esteemed Regena Lerke Award for Distinguished Service by the Municipal Information Systems Association of Ontario (MISA).
Photo courtesy of MISA.
The Regena Lerke Award recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding service to MISA Ontario, going above and beyond in their support of the organization and its members while embodying the values of integrity, humour and humanity. Recipients are selected by a panel of representatives from municipalities across Ontario.
Hagg has had a 25-year career with the City. His longstanding involvement with MISA Ontario includes more than eight years on the Board of Directors, serving in several key roles including Director, Central Region (2017 to 2019), Vice President (2019 to 2021) and President (2021 to 2023). Hagg just completed a two-year term as Past President in June.
“Over the past eight years, this individual has served on the MISA Ontario Board with consistency, thoughtfulness, and a calm, kind approach to leadership,” MISA stated. “Jamie has been a steady presence — someone who listens carefully, considers all perspectives, and helps guide decisions with clarity and respect.”
“This award is a well-deserved recognition of the incredible work and dedication shown over the years. Jamie’s leadership in municipal IT and his commitment to collaboration across Ontario have made a lasting impact, not just here in Peterborough, but across the province. On behalf of Council, I want to thank Jamie for his outstanding service and congratulate him on this remarkable achievement,” said Councillor Andrew Beamer.
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Class of 2025 Inductees Released For Pathway of Fame
/The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District has announced its class of 2025 Inductees to be honoured at Showplace Performance Centre on Sept. 9.
The first class of honourees were inducted, with stone markers placed into the Pathway of Fame at Del Crary Park, in 1998. Photo courtesy of the Pathway of Fame.
The following are this year’s inductees:
Jerry Allen (Dramatic Arts)
Roy Craft (Entertainment)
Ted Dawes (Samaritan)
Susan Dunkley (Community Builder)
Juile Fallis (Dramatic Arts)
Dr. Garry Humphreys (Community Builder, Posthumous Induction)
Peggy Shaughnessy (Samaritan)
Bob Trennum (Entertainment)
The Heritage Trio is performing prior to the induction ceremony. The event is open to the general public as well as families, friends and supporters of the inductees. Admission is free and reservations are not required.
Inductees were chosen from a list of nominations submitted from the community at large by a newly appointed citizens’ committee tasked with reviewing nominations, followed by recommendations.
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Community Care Peterborough Receives Ice Storm Hero Award
/Community Care Peterborough’s (CCP) Norwood Office has received an Ice Storm Hero Award from MPP David Piccini, which recognizes their response during the March 29-30 ice storm throughout the region, presented at a public ceremony in Norwood on May 30.
Photo courtesy of CCP.
The Ice Storm Hero Award is given ‘for exhibiting exceptional community spirit in a time of crisis.’
The storm caused widespread power outages, property damage and road closures throughout Peterborough County. CCP says they quickly mobilized staff and volunteers to conduct wellness checks, support clients, and ensure residents had access to shelter, warmth, and essential services. In Norwood, local volunteers stepped up to care for neighbours and ensure no one was left behind.
“During the ice storm, your team went the extra mile to brave the elements and provide integral wellness checks on seniors across the community,” said David Piccini, Northumberland—Peterborough South MPP. These efforts to ensure that no senior felt left behind during a time of extreme isolation deserve endless recognition.”
Piccini added in an accompanying letter the following statement, “Your commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of our community did not go unnoticed… In times of adversity, we are reminded that ‘community’ is more than just a place—it is the spirit and the actions of its people.”
Rosemary Davidson, Program Assistant for the Norwood office, accepted the award on behalf of CCP.
“It was very humbling to be included in such a group of honorees,” she said. “Our volunteers are amazing and their instinct to always help wherever needed most is inspiring.”
“I’m so happy to see our volunteers recognized for putting others before themselves, something they do every day without a second thought,” said Tammy Ross, Community Development Coordinator for both Norwood and Havelock.
“Our team is passionate about caring for our neighbours. It was inspiring to see our community rally together,” Catherine Pink, Director of Operations for CCP. “So many people did so much good for one another. We are humbled and grateful to receive this honour from Mr. Piccini for the part we played.”
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PRHC Recognized With Age-Friendly Health System Designation
/The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has been recognized as one of the first hospitals in Canada to receive the Age-Friendly Health System designation from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), announced on Wednesday.
File Photo.
Over the past decade, PRHC has developed its Seniors’ Care Centre of Excellence, supported by a comprehensive seniors’ care strategy according to a press release. PRHC joins an international group of more than 2,700 health systems that work to tailor care to patients’ goals and preferences, delivering consistently high-quality care according to Noel Bennett, Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive (CNE).
“The Peterborough region is among the fastest-growing communities in the country, as well as the oldest population demographically in Canada, with 22 per cent of residents over the age of 65,” he said. “As our community continues to grow and age and as our patients’ care needs evolve and become more complex, it is critical that we continue to transform, innovate and invest in programs and partnerships to support seniors. This Age-Friendly Health System designation is an important step forward, recognizing our efforts to date and supporting our ongoing work to improve the care we provide.”
The IHI’s age-friendly health system designation is based on a series of practices focused on addressing four l essential elements of care for older patients, known as the 4Ms:
What Matters: Know and align care with each older adult's specific health outcome goals and care preferences across settings of care, including end-of-life care.
Medication: If medication is necessary, use age-friendly medications that do not interfere with what matters to the older adult, mobility, or mentation across settings of care.
Mentation: Prevent, identify, treat, and manage dementia, depression, and delirium across settings of care.
Mobility: Ensure that older adults move safely every day in order to maintain function and do what matters.
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CMHA HKPR Accepting Nominations For Community Mental Health Awards and Annual Tam Grant Bursary
/The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is now accepting nominations for the Annual Community Mental Health Awards and Tam Grant Bursary, announced on Thursday.
Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.
According to CMHA HKPR, community members are encouraged to nominate someone who deserves recognition for their efforts in improving mental health in our community. This includes volunteers, community leaders, individuals with lived experience of mental illness, and their family members.
Applications for the annual Tam Grant Bursary are open for students entering post-secondary education with a diagnosed mental illness. The deadline for award and bursary submissions is June 23 at 4:30 p.m.
CMHA HKPR is calling for submissions for the following awards:
The Achievement Through Adversity Award honours a client of CMHA HKPR services, or a survivor of mental illness, who has shown continued courage and tenacity in reaching their goals. In education, employment, volunteering, or through the tasks of daily living, this individual is a role model for others on the journey to a healthy life.
The Maurice Lovnes Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have volunteered with CMHA HKPR, and who have exemplified the following traits during the year: Vision, Dedication, Caring, Support and Commitment.
The Caregiver Champion Award honours a family member or caregiver who has shown continued support to a person living with mental health concerns.
The Naresh James Award recognizes an individual who has championed critical issues, pioneered initiatives, and has achieved lasting impacts in support of those who live with mental health issues, as well as assisting their families and friends. This individual has demonstrated commitment to support individuals who live with mental health challenges through their leadership, advocacy, and perseverance.
The Champion of Mental Health acknowledges individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the community by supporting mental health. These contributions should support Knowledge, Hope and Belonging: the three pillars that form the foundation of our organization to enable Mental Health for All.
Tam Grant Bursary – Access to educational programs is one way for individuals living with schizophrenia or other serious and persistent mental illnesses to realize their own potential. The Tam Grant Memorial Bursary seeks to encourage and support these individuals as they pursue higher education.
Bursaries are awarded yearly at CMHA HKPR’s Annual Meeting for registration for the upcoming school year. The maximum amount awarded annually is $1,000. Applicants must be Peterborough and County, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, or Haliburton residents.
Tam Grant Memorial Bursary applications and nomination forms can be found online.
All award nominations and bursary applications must be received by June 23 at 4:30 p.m. Successful nominees and applicants will be presented with their awards or bursaries at the CMHA HKPR Annual Meeting in September.
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36 Students Recognized With Catholic Student Leadership Awards
/The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has recognized 36 students at the annual Catholic Student Leadership Awards ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough on Wednesday.
The ceremony occured In celebration of Catholic Education Week (May 4 to 9). Photo courtesy of PVNC.
The event honoured one student from PVNC Catholic’s elementary and secondary schools. Each recipient was presented with a commemorative medallion, symbolizing their outstanding contributions to their school and community.
Students were nominated by school principals, teachers, and, in some cases, their peers. PNVC says each award winner has demonstrated exemplary Catholic leadership, a strong commitment to family values, active participation in school life, meaningful community involvement, and remarkable dedication in facing challenges.
“As we celebrate our student leaders during Catholic Education Week, we’re reminded of the vital role faith plays not only in education, but in shaping compassionate, committed individuals,” said Kevin MacKenzie, PVNC board chairperson. “These students exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and heart. Their actions reflect the strength of our Catholic values, service, community, and faith and the meaningful impact those values can have in the world. We are incredibly proud to recognize their achievements and excited to see the difference they will continue to make, both within their schools and far beyond.”
“Our 2025 theme for Catholic Education Week, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ invites us to reflect on what it means to journey together in faith. Our student leaders are showing us the way. They are living witnesses to hope — honouring human dignity, caring for creation, serving in solidarity, and building peace in their communities,” said Stephen O’Sullivan, PVNC director of education. “These young people remind us that leadership is not just about excellence — it’s about empathy. It’s about lifting others up. And it’s about living out our Catholic values with integrity and purpose.”
The following is a full list of all recipients:
Elena Jacob - Good Shepherd CES, Courtice
Julianna Taylor - Monsignor Leo Cleary CES, Courtice
Paige Sexton - St. Mother Teresa CES, Courtice
Addison Burge - St. Francis of Assisi, Newcastle
Keira Humeniuk - St. Elizabeth CES, Bowmanville
Koi Alcindor-Ojara - St. Joseph CES, Bowmanville
Marc Najera - Holy Family CES, Bowmanville
Georgia James - Immaculate Conception CES, Peterborough
Hana Lee - Monsignor O’Donoghue CES, Peterborough
Jola Adeniji - St. Alphonsus CES, Peterborough
Laura Wicks - St. Anne CES, Peterborough
Claire Sehn - St. Catherine CES, Peterborough
Charlotte Coulter - St. John CES, Peterborough
Mackenzie Edge - St. Patrick CES, Peterborough
Ruby Hale - St. Paul CES, Peterborough
Aaren Gomes - St. Teresa CES, Peterborough
Faith Hickey - St. Joseph CES, Douro
Cleodora McDonald - St. Martin CES, Ennismore
Charlie Stone - St. Paul CES, Lakefield
Kaitlyn Doherty - St. Paul CES, Norwood
Finley Sedgwick - St. Anthony CES, Port Hope
Nicholas Riccio - Notre Dame CES, Cobourg
Elizabeth Maurice - St. Joseph CES, Cobourg
Mary Katherine Marsden - St. Michael CES, Cobourg
Gordie Gilders - St. Mary CES, Campbellford
Abigail Chute - St. Mary CES, Grafton
Caine Lucas-Mark - St. John Paul II CES, Lindsay
Peyton O’Leary - St. Dominic CES, Lindsay
Nora Woychesko - St. Mary CES, Lindsay
Eli Kerr - St. Luke CES, Downeyville
Henry Arteaga - Holy Trinity CSS, Courtice
Talia Pudlik - St. Stephen CSS, Bowmanville
Holly Heuchert - Holy Cross CSS, Peterborough
Madison Nolan - St. Peter CSS, Peterborough
Ava Liao-McDonell - St. Mary CSS, Cobourg
Rachel Goodhand - St. Thomas Aquinas CSS, Lindsay
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Fleming College Takes Home Five Gold Medal At Skills Ontario 2025
/Fleming College showcased itself at the 2025 Skills Ontario Competition, bringing home five gold medals and two bronze medals, announced on Thursday.
Photo courtesy of Fleming College.
This annual competition challenges post-secondary students to compete in various hands-on challenges.
The following are the medal winners in their respective categories:
Gold medal winners:
Shane Loranger – Welding
Paul Grosse – Restaurant Service
Aeden Ball – Cybersecurity
Liam Deneve – Arborist
Dylan Waddell – Carpentry
Bronze medal winners:
Gavin O’Rourke – Carpentry
Cory Hughes – Heating Systems Technician
Loranger and Waddell qualified to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition later this spring.
Fleming College received the Best Large Booth award at the Skills Ontario Competition.
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Two Trent Professors Receive King Charles III Coronation Medals
/Trent University professors Dr. Stephen Hill and Dr. Naomi Nichols have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal – a national honour recognizing their leadership in climate policy and social justice, announced on Thursday.
(From left to right) Dr. Naomi Nichols, Dr. Cathy Bruce and Dr. Stephen Hill. Photo courtesy of Trent University.
The medals were presented at Trent’s annual Heart of Trent celebration. They acknowledge their work in environmental action, housing advocacy and community engagement.
“The King Charles III Coronation Medal is an important and meaningful honour, and it’s no surprise that two members of the Trent community have been selected,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Dr. Hill and Dr. Nichols are changemakers. Their work on climate policy, housing, and social innovation reflects the very best of what Trent stands for: scholarship that is grounded in collaboration and driven by real-world impact.”
Awarded by the Government of Canada, the King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes Canadians whose outstanding service, leadership or actions have contributed meaningfully to building a better Canada through long-standing volunteerism, professional excellence, or impactful community engagement.
Hill is the director of the Trent School of the Environment. As one of the University’s leading experts in climate and energy policy and community-based sustainability, his research bridges climate change mitigation, environmental science, policy and Indigenous perspectives, all through a local-first lens according to Trent. Hill also has roles on Trent’s Nature Areas Committee and with organizations like Sustainable Peterborough.
Nichols is an associate professor and graduate director in the Sociology Department at Trent University. She is also an award-winning researcher and director of the Research for Social Change Lab. She collaborates closely with community organizations and marginalized populations to champion issues like youth homelessness and systemic inequality.
While the Coronation Medals marked a national spotlight on Trent’s academic leadership, the Heart of Trent celebration also recognized dozens of faculty and staff whose everyday contributions continue to shape the University’s culture, community, and success.
A full list of award winners at Heart of Trent follows:
Eminent Service Award: Dr. Rita Bode and Professor David Newhouse
Presented to individuals distinguished by a track record of outstanding contributions to University life that go beyond the performance of their job or role, awarded at the culmination of their careers at Trent.
Dr. Rita Bode
Dr. Rita Bode has made lasting contributions to Trent University, particularly at the Durham campus where she began her tenure as an assistant professor of English Literature in 2003. From 2009 to 2011, she served as the first associate dean at Trent Durham, playing a pivotal role in relocating the campus to its current Thornton Road South location. Renowned as a mentor and leader, Professor Bode’s impressive career spans award-winning research, distinguished teaching, and tireless service to the profession, including a leadership role as chair with the Northeast Modern Language Association. A respected scholar of North American and Transatlantic literatures, she is the editor of Wharton’s Novellas and currently serves as editor of the prestigious Edith Wharton Review. Her co-edited collection L.M. Montgomery and the Matter of Nature(s) won the 2018 Gabrielle Roy Prize for the year’s best work in Canadian literary criticism.
Prof. David Newhouse
Professor David Newhouse has been a transformative educator and researcher at Trent University since joining in 1992. As chair of the Indigenous Studies program and inaugural director of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, he has been instrumental in expanding Indigenous academic programming and strengthening cross-University collaboration. A visionary leader, Dr. Newhouse played a key role in establishing the First Peoples House of Learning and has led efforts to Indigenize Trent’s policies, research ethics, and academic structures – ensuring Indigenous Knowledge, guided by Elders and Knowledge Holders, is respected and embedded across the institution. His contributions have shaped not only Trent, but the broader academic landscape in Canada, advancing the University’s mission while empowering future generations of students and scholars.
Nancy E. Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence: Leslie Spooner, Assistant Director Customer Engagement & Operations, Trent University Athletics & Recreation
Recognizes non-academic staff members who demonstrate excellence and exceptional commitment to Trent.
Team Innovation Award: Library Services Team
Recognizes a team, unit, or department at Trent University whose innovative contributions have impacted the strategic objectives of the University.
Trent Community Leadership Award: Sumiko Polacco, Academic Skills Instructor, and Prof. Sarah Jamieson, Assistant Professor, Biology
Awarded to faculty and staff who make exceptional contributions to the local community in Peterborough or Durham regions.
Trent University Research Impact Award: Dr. Thomas Hossie, Assistant Professor, Biology
Honours Trent researchers or research teams stewarding original and impactful research that has contributed significantly to society on a local, regional, national or international scale.
Emeritus Awards: A. Haroon Akram-Lodhi, Rita Bode, Victoria de Zwaan, Cyndi Gilmer, Brendan Hickie, David Newhouse, Erica Nol
The honorific title ‘Emeritus’ is bestowed upon eligible retiring members of the Trent University Faculty Association and librarians for their service and contributions to the University.
Provost’s Award for Support Staff: Trish Pearce, Academic Administrative Assistant Coordinator
Awarded annually to a support staff member who plays a key role in student engagement and retention and who makes a difference through their performance at Trent.
Jackie Muldoon Award for Faculty Service: Dr. Alba Agostino, Associate Professor and Chair, Child & Youth Studies
Awarded in recognition of faculty who have served with distinction in institutional governance roles, provided collegial and effective service to committees, departments, and colleges, led program and department renewal efforts, achieved advancements in administrative responsibilities, and advanced the role of faculty in contributing to the academic and overall success of the University and the profession at large.
2025 Long Service Awards:
40 Years: Stephen Brown, Marisa Scigliano
35 Years: Charmaine Eddy, Joel Markle, Alan O’Connor, Andreas Pickel, Jacquie Slater, Elaine Stavro
30 Years: Sherry Booth, Fiona Harris-Stoertz, Sharon Hepburn, Brendan Hickie
25 Years: Robert Ballarin, Robert Dack, Sean Daniels, Raymond Dart, Lynne Davis, Neil Emery, Wenying Feng, Tara Harrington, Lori Johnston, Holly Kuin, Lisa Ropertz, Laura Summerfeldt
