Fleming College Soars In Canada’s Top Research Colleges Ranking; Named #1 In Industry Research Income Growth

Fleming College has climbed in the annual Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada rankings, climbing from 31st to 17th overall and is first in Research Income Growth, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Research Infosource Inc. releases the list, highlighting the postsecondary institutions driving innovation and industry impact across the country.

“Our rise in the national rankings underscores the growing trust industry partners place in Fleming’s expertise,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Fleming College acting co-president. “This is a testament to the strength of our research teams, the innovation happening across our campuses, and the value our partners see in collaborating with us.”

Fleming College is home to three specialized applied research centres:

• The Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT), which assists companies in developing innovative water and wastewater solutions that strengthen sustainability and environmental protection

• The Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT) drives advancements in artificial intelligence, embedded systems, and printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing.

• The Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production (CIAP) supports the growth of sustainable aquaculture and food security across the country.

“Through our research centres and faculty-led initiatives across diverse fields such as healthcare, environmental conservation, policing, and community services, Fleming continues to strengthen its role as a trusted partner in applied research and innovation,” said. Knott. “We’re proud to play a vital role in advancing innovation and supporting communities across our region.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

The City of Peterborough Launches Project SEARCH Internship Program

The City of Peterborough celebrated the official launch of Project SEARCH at the Peterborough Public Library on Friday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

This internationally recognized internship program offers transition-to-work opportunities for program participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“This program offers the City of Peterborough the opportunity to lead as an inclusive employer by removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities and helping implement the employment priorities of the  2024-2028 Accessibility Plan,” said Reem Ali, The City of Peterborough’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisor. “The City is very proud to serve as the host business for Project SEARCH and honoured to be working with community partners on this unique initiative.”

According to the City, it offers individuals a unique, business-led employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace for one academic year. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job search and placement. 

The program is a partnership between the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board, Fleming College’s Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services and the City of Peterborough.  

“PVNC Catholic is excited to be working in partnership with the City of Peterborough and Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services on the first Project SEARCH site in this area. Project SEARCH provides our students with special education needs a vital, hands-on bridge from the classroom to competitive employment,” said Karen Spenceley, PVNC principal special education servicesc. “By fully immersing them in a real business environment, they gain marketable job skills, professional confidence, and real-world experience that dramatically increases their ability to secure meaningful careers after graduation. We are not just educating students; we are launching future skilled employees.”

“Fleming College is pleased to support Project SEARCH, working with our community partners to ensure that participants receive the employment supports necessary for a successful transition into meaningful and sustainable work,” said Joanne Spicer, Fleming College associate vice president, student experience. 

As the host organization, the City is offering workplace immersion opportunities for six interns through three rotating placements during the 2025-26 school year. 

Interns will be working in several City departments, including People and Culture, Children’s Services, Environmental Services, Cultural Services, Recreation Services, Peterborough Public Library, Art Gallery of Peterborough, and the Riverview Park and Zoo. Peterborough Transit will be providing interns with free public transportation during their internship. 

Project SEARCH began at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre and is a fully supported licensed program that runs in over 750 sites in 10 countries, with a 70% success rate of interns obtaining employment following graduation.  

The Ministry of Education has provided funding for this program. Project SEARCH staff are providing ongoing support. 

“There are more than 25 training locations in Ontario benefiting both students and businesses,” said Carolyn McDougall, Project SEARCH. “Thanks to this collaboration, I’m excited that now Peterborough-area students can train using the effective Project SEARCH model for employment.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fleming College Creates New Bursary Program After $1.5 Million Gift

Fleming College is establishing its largest-ever endowed fund for student tuition assistance after a $1.5 million gift from The Joyce Family Foundation, announced on Thursday.

(From left to right)  oanne Spicer, Associate Vice President, Student Experience, Fleming College; Katie Pezoulas, Executive Director, Advancement and External Relations, Fleming College; Linda Ricker, Director of Finance, The Joyce Family Foundation; Maureen Adamson, President of Fleming College and Interim President and CEO of Colleges Ontario; Maureen O’Neill, Executive Director, The Joyce Family Foundation; Nick Stone, Associate Vice President, Health, Fleming College; Chris Jardine, Associate Vice President, Marketing and Advancement, Fleming College. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

This gift provides 11 annual bursaries of $5,000 each for students who face financial or other barriers to accessing post-secondary education.

“This historic gift, which establishes our largest fund for student tuition assistance, is a meaningful investment in Fleming College and in the young people of our region,” says Maureen Adamson, Fleming College president. “We are deeply grateful to The Joyce Family Foundation for their commitment to reducing barriers and supporting Canadian youth as they pursue education that enables them to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities.” 

The Program will disburse $55,000 annually to support young people in the Peterborough and Kawarthas region.

“This extraordinary gift from The Joyce Family Foundation demonstrates the profound impact philanthropy can have on students’ lives,” says Katie Pezoulas, Fleming executive director of advancement and external relations. “At a time when inflationary pressures are making education increasingly difficult for families to afford, this investment will be transformational. It will open doors for young people who might otherwise be unable to pursue post-secondary education and ensure they have the support they need to succeed.” 

The Joyce Family Foundation is a private family foundation created by the late Ronald V. Joyce, co-founder of the iconic Tim Horton’s coffee franchise and a champion of philanthropic causes. 

“Ron Joyce believed in the power of education to change lives, and he held great respect for the role colleges play in preparing young people for meaningful careers,” said Rob MacIsaac, Joyce Family Foundation board chair. “This bursary program reflects his steadfast commitment to empowering Canadian youth facing barriers, ensuring they have every opportunity to pursue education and build brighter futures.” 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fleming College Embraces Diversity With Multicultural Showcase In Four-Day Event

Cultures from around the world will take centre stage at Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus during the 2025 Multicultural Showcase, happening Nov. 17 to 21. 

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Fleming’s International Student Services host the event and highlights the traditions and stories that shape Fleming’s community. 

This year’s showcase features singers, dancers and cultural demonstrations from areas such as Myanmar, India, Vietnam, Nigeria, Canada the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nations and more. 

“The Multicultural Showcase is a meaningful way to showcase the remarkable talents and traditions of our students, staff, and community members,” said Laura Gunning, Associate Vice-President, Enrolment and Strategic Programming. “Our diversity is a defining strength for Fleming, and celebrating it together each year is a highlight for our College.” 

The showcase is free, accessible and open to all ages. Performances and activities take place in the main foyer between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fleming College Hosting Its 41 Annual Loggersports Competition On Nov. 29

The Fleming College Phoenix lumberjacking skills are being put to the test as they are hosting their 41st annual Loggersports competition on Nov. 29 at the Lindsay Frost Campus.

The competition falls under the Canadian Intercollegiate Lumberjacking Association (CILA). Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Admission is free and open to anyone with a ‘cookie cut’ opening ceremony starting at 8 a.m. The competition begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 4:30 p.m. Events include log throwing, wood chopping, pole climbing and axe throwing.

Both the Phoenix men’s and women’s loggersports A teams placed first overall at a recent competition at the University of New Brunswick.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fleming College Awarded Over $357,000 to Launch Research On Resilience In Nursing

Fleming College has been awarded $357,033 to fund a three-year applied research project aimed at improving nurse well-being at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) through structured resilience training, announced last Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money was awarded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), in collaboration with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The funding is provided through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), one of the main grant types under the tri-agency College and Community Innovation (CCI) program.

The project is led by Fleming College faculty members Jill Henderson, MN, RN; Wendy Morgan, MA-Ed, MA-CP; and Melissa Sherrer, MN, RN, from Fleming’s School of Health and Community Services. They are joined by Dr. Michael Ungar, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience at Dalhousie University.

“The nursing workforce in Canada faces severe challenges with devastating rates of burnout and projected shortages,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Acting Co-President, Fleming College. “A recent poll from the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions reports 40 per cent of nurses intend to leave the profession within the next year. This funding will help address these workforce pressures and strengthen the future of health care in Ontario and across the country.”

The CCSIF-funded project builds on a successful pilot study led by Henderson and Morgan, previously funded by NSERC. In that study, the duo delivered resilience training to fourth-semester students in Fleming’s Practical Nursing program. Their research demonstrated clear benefits: participants reported improvements in overall mental health, increased self-awareness, better emotional regulation, and greater confidence in managing stress. Many also valued the group-based support.

With this new funding, the research team will adapt and expand their resilience training model to support nurses at PRHC and study the impact of the training over time. The goal is to help nurses’ psychological well-being, reduce burnout and strengthen job satisfaction. The study offers a scalable training model to shape best practices in nurse support at the provincial and national levels said Dr. Knott.

“Fleming College is proud to support the well-being of nurses already in the field through this important new resilience training,” she said. “While we remain committed to preparing career-ready nurses through our academic programs, this applied research project allows us to make a direct, meaningful impact on those currently serving in our healthcare system. It’s a response to real needs in our community.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fleming College Launches 'Fleming Ignites Magazine' To Highlight Its Community and Creative Impact

The first issue of Fleming Ignites Magazine has been released, Fleming College’s new publication dedicated to celebrating its people, achievements and stories of its institution.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Available in both print and digital formats, Fleming Ignites Magazine marks a new chapter in how the College shares its story, honouring its roots while embracing fresh and engaging ways to spotlight the energy, innovation, and community spirit that define Fleming according to Chris Jardine, Fleming associate vice president of marketing and advancement.

“This publication gives us the opportunity to share the Fleming story with purpose and clarity,” he said. “It honours where we’ve been while also shining a light on where we’re headed.”

The inaugural issue features a behind-the-scenes look at Fleming’s Apply Yourself Here campaign, a spotlight on applied learning at the Centre for Innovative Aquaculture Production and inspiring stories of student success and award-winning projects. The magazine also shows how the College is helping to meet workforce demands in healthcare and skilled trades. They’ll discover how alumni are making an impact in their fields, explore how faculty are leading research with real-world applications, and celebrate three generations of creativity at the Haliburton School of Art & Design.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Two Fleming Phoenix Women Given Provincial Recognition For Their Athletic Abilities

Ashley Smith and Shelby Hubert of the Fleming Phoenix Women’s Rugby Sevens team have received provincial recognition from the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) for their athletic abilities this season, as recognized on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Smith was one of 13 student-athletes from across the province recognized as a League All-Star. Hubert was named as one of the eight members of the OCAA Women’s Rugby Sevens League All-Rookie Team.

Smith is a second-year student in the Resource Drilling Technician program at the Frost campus in Lindsay and a native of Ravenna, Ontario. She was a wing on the Phoenix Varsity Women’s Rugby Sevens Team. During her second season on the team, Smith played in all 14 games and scored two tries.

Hubert is a Bowmanville native in her first year of Fleming’s Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program. She also played wing in all 14 games played.

Hubert had a background in football and used those skills to transition to rugby. Fleming says her athleticism and superior tackling ability made her a highly effective player.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Picketing at Fleming College Ends; Support Staff Return to Work Thursday

After a five-week strike, Ontario colleges and full-time support staff have reached a tentative agreement as strikes and picketing are ending immediately with employees returning to work on Thursday.

The strike encompassed full-time support workers at 24 colleges across the province. File Photo.

Mediator William Kaplan, over a weekend-long private mediation session, help break a bargaining impasse. This led to a tentative settlement between the College Employer Council (CEC), representing Ontario colleges, and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), representing the 10,000 striking employees.

“Support staff play an important role in our colleges, supporting operations and contributing to student success. We are grateful to have them back to work,” said Graham Lloyd, CEC CEO. “The past five weeks of the strike have been challenging for everyone involved.”

The tentative agreement is still subject to the union members’ ratification by Nov. 4.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Ontario Public Service Employees Union Has Full Walk-Off Strike of Fleming College

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has gone on a full walk-off strike at Fleming College and several other locations across the province as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.

more than 10,000 full-time college support staff, represented by OPSEU/SEFPO, are on strike across Ontario’s 24 public colleges. File Photo.

The OPSEU represents full-time support staff but does not directly involve full-time or part-time academic employees. It also does not include part-time support staff. According to OPSEU, over the last year, 10,000 faculty and support staff have been laid off, and more than 650 programs have been cut.

“We’ve lost 10,000 jobs across the system this year alone and more than 650 programs in every community across the province,” said Christine Kelsey, college support bargaining team Chair. “With our colleges plunged into chaos, job security is key to stabilizing the system – because the future of our work is the future of student support.”

According to their website, the OPSEU support staff want the following:

• Protect student supports: Job security measures like no contracting out services to for-profit providers, not replacing services with AI and protecting bargaining unit work.

• Bring stability to the student experience: An increase in provincial funding, including a moratorium on campus closures and layoffs.

• Support for members to take care of their families: Support staff are bargaining for time, such as paid domestic violence leave, leave to care for their families when they are sick and ensuring staff can take time off when needed to care for themselves and their families.

• Benefits: Ensuring access to dental care, hearing aids and prescription drugs. This includes life-saving measures and including gender affirmation care.

The strike occurred after a deal could not be reached between OPSEU and the College Employer Council (CEC) on a renewal collective agreement.

“A complete ban on campus closures, college mergers and staff reductions could force colleges into bankruptcy,” said Graham Lloyd, CEC CEO. “CEC has repeatedly advised OPSEU that these types of demands simply can never be agreed to. They are more about broader political campaigns than the benefits we have proposed at the table for their members.”

The CEC states that their final proposal was based on a previous offer of more than $145 million in wage and benefit improvements to the collective agreement.

The additions included:

• Enhanced vision and hearing benefits equal to those of academic staff

• Improvements to job security regarding new technology

• Introduced paid leave for domestic and sexual violence  

According to their website, the CEC’s offer is in addition to what was previously offered and includes:

1. Wage increases of two per cent in each year of the contract

2. Increased on-call premiums by 75 per cent

3. Increased shift premiums by 67 and 75 per cent

4. Enhanced employment stability committee rights

5. Enhanced vacation carryover rights

6. Increased recall rights by 50 per cent (to 18 months)

7. Severance enhancements increased by 50 per cent for employees laid off due to the current financial crisis facing the system

8. Guaranteeing employee rights to disconnect from work

9. Removal of CEC proposals that the union communicated as concessionary

“Our offer remains on the table for the union to consider,” said Lloyd. “We remain far apart on a number of important issues and we strongly encourage the union to agree to mediation/arbitration to help us reach an agreement.”

Fleming Student Administrative Council (SAC) says they are ready to support students during this time. They remain open during any labour disruption and continue to provide services, advocacy and events wherever possible, with adjustments as needed.

“We recognize this is a stressful and uncertain time for students,” said Charan Pitla, SAC Board Chair. “Our commitment is to provide clear information and advocate for student needs so they feel supported no matter how this situation unfolds.”

If required, SAC will help students understand their rights, navigate picket lines and access support if they face barriers to participation in classes or campus life.

Students will receive updates through their student email, FlemingSAC.ca and SAC social media channels.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.