Innovation Cluster Announces Search for New Executive Director to Succeed Interim CEO

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas have announced their search for a new Executive Director to replace Interim CEO Nicole Stephenson, who will be stepping down later this year to return to her role as the Chair of the Board of Directors.

photo courtesy of innovation cluster.

“I am proud to have served the Innovation Cluster during this transitional period. We continue to foster an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth, and I am excited to see fresh leadership continue our vital work,” said Stephenson.

She is said to have been a driving force in guiding the Innovation Cluster through its transitional phase following the departure of previous CEO Michael Skinner and President John Gillis. Her leadership during this time has been invaluable as she led the organization through a new strategic direction and mindset shift.  

Now, the Innovation Cluster seeks a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to lead its community of over 100 startups, entrepreneurs, investors and partners and support them in their journey. This pivotal role involves responsibilities including strategic planning, fiscal management, stakeholder relationships, and overseeing day-to-day operations.

The successful candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role, ideally as a founder, innovator, or executive, with a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial journey and success factors. Other preferred qualifications include a post-secondary degree or diploma in business, management, entrepreneurship, public policy, engineering, or a related field and a proven track record in securing funding and managing complex organizations.

“The new Executive Director will play a key role in moving the strategic vision of the Innovation Cluster forward,” Stephenson added. “We are confident that the individual selected will continue to build upon the solid foundation established and drive the Cluster to new heights."

The Board of Directors is now accepting applications for the role of Executive Director. Full job details and application instructions can be found in the job posting. The deadline for applications is Sunday, July 16.

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Virtual Museum Of The Spanish Civil War Launches At Trent University

A first-of-its-kind virtual museum, dedicated to the exploration and understanding of the Spanish Civil War is now open to online visitors after its launch event at Trent University on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Developed and co-directed by Trent University history professor Dr. Antonio Cazorla-Sanchez, the project brings together scholars and experts from Trent, York University, the SSHRC and the University of Warwick, as well as the Embassy of Spain in Canada and Spain's Ministry of Culture and Sport. 

This virtual museum is the first dedicated museum that gives a global explanation of the conflict from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives including history, archaeology, digital humanities, literary and cultural studies.

The project has received international support from institutional partners as well as the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada’s Connections Grant which supported the museum by providing $30,000 in funding.

“In many ways, the past is a foreign country. Through the visual elements of this museum, we are witnessing what people experienced in the moment,” said Prof. Cazorla-Sanchez. “A way for visitors to immerse themselves in the mentalities of the people who experienced those events. The big issues that were relevant in the Spanish Civil War [social justice, democracy, women’s rights, rights of minorities] remain relevant today.” 

Trent president and vice-chancellor Dr. Leo Goarke said that the museum is a reflection of Trent’s commitment to interdisciplinary, international collaboration and the digital humanities.

“The impressive result of the efforts of Professor Cazorla-Sanchez and his fellow researchers is an online tool which can mobilize knowledge in a way that makes it accessible from around the world,” he said.

Those interested can explore the Virtual Museum for the Spanish Civil War at www.vscw.ca.

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City of Peterborough Invites Businesses To Bid On Space In New Arena and Aquatics Complex

The City of Peterborough is inviting submission of interest for space to lease in the soon-to-be-built community centre on the corner of Lansdowne and Park Streets as well as in Healthy Planet Arena.

Photo By Luke Best

“The ability for a local business to reside in a city community arena facility is a great opportunity for the business to directly reach our patrons,” said Sue Warrington, the City’s Arena Division Manager. “It’s a win-win situation for the local business and the City when their product or service meets the needs of our patrons.”

The approximately 1,720 square foot leasable space will be on the second level of the upcoming arena and aquatics complex. 

Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2022, with an anticipated completion date of fall 2024. It will be built at the southeast corner of Lansdowne Street West and Park Street. 

There is also space available for lease in the Healthy Planet Arena. The area is on the main floor near the facility's entrance and is approximately 620 square feet.

Businesses are invited to review the details and submit Expressions of Interest for the leased space online at: www.peterborough.ca/bidsandtenders.

There are sponsorship opportunities at the new Arena and Aquatics Complex, including building naming rights, ice pad naming rights, and many other sponsorship marketing profiles. 

Any business or corporation with sponsorship interests in the new facility is invited to visit www.SponsorPeterborough.ca

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City to Host Open House for Official Plan Final Draft

The final phase of the Official Plan update for the City of Peterborough continues with a public open house on October 21 and a public meeting for delegations to City Council on November 1.

File photo.

Council is expected to consider adopting the recommended new Official Plan at its meeting on November 29.

Adoption of the new Official Plan will conclude a comprehensive review process that began in 2011. Since 2017, over 5,700 people have participated in the review process, helping to shape the new Official Plan and Peterborough’s future.

The public open house is from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on October 21 through a virtual meeting with participation either online or by telephone. To register to attend the meeting, and to receive the link to join online or the call-in number send an email to planit@peterborough.ca or call the City at 705-742-7777 ext. 1880.

The open house will include a presentation providing an overview of the Official Plan review process, the consultation that has contributed to the process, and the organization and content of the draft Official Plan. There will be an opportunity for questions following the presentation.

To present to Council during the public meeting on November 1, 2021, delegations must register by  11 a.m. on November 1 by calling 705-742-7777 ext. 1820 or by using the online registration form at www.peterborough.ca/delegation. To submit a written submission, please put it in the drop box outside the main entrance to City Hall at 500 George St. N. or email it to clerks@peterborough.ca noting that it is for the “New Official Plan” by 11 a.m. on November 1.

The new Official Plan will guide how and where the City of Peterborough will grow to the year 2051. The Plan identifies where various land uses can be located, such as residential, commercial, institutional, employment and open space; plans for the City’s infrastructure needs; identifies and protects the City’s natural heritage system and water resources; and establishes a vision and policies for growing as a complete, vibrant, sustainable, resilient, and equitable city.

To view the current Official Plan and the final draft of the recommended new Official Plan visit www.peterborough.ca/officialplan.

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City Issues Open Invite For Information Session Of Official Plan

The City of Peterborough is hosting an online community information session of the final draft of the City’s updated Official Plan announced Tuesday.

Photo Courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The sessions will accommodate as many people as possible, with four sessions will be offered at different times where participants are encouraged to choose the time that works best with their schedule.

Wednesday, Sept. 1

• 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or

• 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 2

• 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or

• 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Each session will begin with a presentation to summarize the process, public engagement, themes of the comments received and the organization of the Final Draft as well as time for participant questions.

Registration to attend one of the four timeslots is available online at: www.eventbrite.ca/e/peterborough-official-plan-update-community-information-session-tickets-166507106237.

Once registered, residents will receive a link to the online meeting by email.

Anyone who is unable to access the sessions online can contact the City during office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 705-742-7777 ext. 1880 for information on how to register and attend by telephone.

The proposed Official Plan and the final Land Needs Assessment are available for review on the City’s website at www.peterborough.ca/planit and through Connect Peterborough at www.connectptbo.ca/official-plan-update.

Following completion of this final round of community engagement, the Official Plan will be presented to City Council in October and a formal public meeting is being planned for November where Council will hear public delegations and will consider adopting the Plan.

Following Council’s adoption of the Plan, it would be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for final approval.

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The City of Peterborough Has Released Official Plan Final Draft

The City has announced the release of a final draft of the proposed new Official Plan for the City of Peterborough.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The Official Plan is a policy document prepared under the Planning Act that will set the vision and direction for growth and development to the year 2051.

The new draft builds on an initial draft that was released for consultation in June 2019 by incorporating changes to address public, agency, First Nations and provincial comments, and to reflect the results of a Land Needs Assessment that determined the City’s development land requirement to 2051

The proposed Official Plan and the final Land Needs Assessment are now available for review on the City’s website and through Connect Peterborough.

The City will be organizing a final series of online public information sessions throughout August and September to help build awareness of the proposed Official Plan as it moves forward to approval.

When the details for the information sessions are finalized, they will be posted here.

Those wanting to receive updates regarding the Official Plan and upcoming events are invited to subscribe to the City’s Official Plan blog or to Connect Peterborough.

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Local Student Wins $10,000 For Habitat For Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region

The Meaning of Home is a national writing contest in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada that asks students in Grade 4, 5 and 6 to share what home means to them.

More than 10,200 students entered this year’s Meaning of Home contest, and Peterborough student Siena Hopkins-Prest is one of three Grade 6 runners up in the national contest—read her winning entry “What Does Home Mean To Me” here—helping win a $10,000 grant that will go towards Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

These much-needed funds will go towards Habitat Peterborough’s innovative new 41-unit affordable condo building to be built at 33 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough. Construction of the condo building is set to begin in September, and will help local families, singles, couples, and seniors in need of a safe and secure place to call home.

Siena Hopkins-Prest

“Too many families and individuals in our Region are struggling without access to a decent, affordable place to call home,” says Christina Skuce, Director of Philanthropy & Communications with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “Siena’s winning entry and the key support of our local youth means that we can help more local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.”

The Meaning of Home contest would not be possible without the generous support of founding sponsor, Genworth Canada. “I’d like to congratulate each of the contest winners and thank all the students who submitted entries on what home means to them,” says Stuart Levings, President and CEO, Genworth Canada. “Since 2007, the Meaning of Home contest has been empowering youth to become engaged and compassionate members of the community while educating them on the importance of affordable housing. We’re proud to be a founding sponsor of this initiative.”

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Check Out These Renderings Of The New Brock Mission

Brock Mission is a homeless shelter in Peterborough for men that includes sleeping, dining and program areas. A new modern facility is being built on the existing property on Murray Street where the old building was housed, that is slated to open late 2020.

Lett Architects is designing it and has released renderings of the project. Lett says the three-storey building has been designed around a courtyard with access to natural daylight into every room and corridor. The building will accommodate 32 shelter beds and 15 independent living units, of which 25 percent are fully accessible. The building also includes a dining hall which will provide three meals a day all year.

This is a rendering of the main entrance…

Main entrance of Brock Misson, rendering courtesy Lett Architects

The Lett Architects team is providing the most inclusive, home-like and durable building with a high level of energy performance, exceeding the 2015 National Energy Code by 28 percent. Critical to the success of the project has been the ability to meet tight budgets and schedules as the Brock Mission has been without a true home to call their own for some time.

This is a view of the Dining Hall…

View of Brock Misson dining hall, rendering courtesy Lett Architects

Watch this video to learn more about the project….

The new Brock Mission shelter is slated to open its doors in November 2020.

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