Ontario Government Invests $100,000 For Local Emergency Preparedness In Peterborough-Kawartha

The Ontario Government is investing $100,000 in North Kawartha and Havelock-Belmont-Methuen to improve local resilience and respond to emergencies more effectively, announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding is delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) and is designed to help small and medium-sized municipalities accordinf to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Last year’s March 2025 ice storm was a stark reminder of how quickly our communities can be cut off when the power goes out and roads are blocked,” he said. “This investment is a direct response to those challenges. By providing the tools for reliable communication in North Kawartha and ensuring the HBM Community Centre has a backup generator to stay open as a warming site, we are making sure our residents are never left in the dark again.”

The CEPG funding is being allocated to address specific infrastructure and equipment gaps in the region:

• North Kawartha ($50,000): The township will use this investment to modernize emergency communications and field operations. Key purchases include radios for parks and recreation vehicles, communication upgrades, a backup generator, and chainsaws. These tools will ensure safer, faster road clearance and more coordinated responses during natural disasters

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen ($50,000): Funding will support the purchase of a permanent backup generator for the HBM Community Centre. This upgrade ensures the facility can serve as a reliable emergency shelter and warming/cooling centre during power outages—a critical need identified following the prolonged outages of the March 2025 ice storm

“The $50,000 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant will assist the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen with the purchase of a permanent backup power source for the local Community Centre,“ said Jim Martin, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen mayor. “This purchase will allow the Community Centre to be the Township’s main gathering spot in an emergency situation when the power is out.”

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Ontario Government Invests Over $2 Million For Havelock Road Repairs

Ottawa Street in Havelock is getting road repairs this summer, as the Ontario Government has invested $2,026,194 in the Havelock-Belmont-Methuen (HBM), announced at Havelock’s Council Chambers on Monday afternoon.

Ottawa Street serves as the main road of Havelock as part of Highway 7. Municipalities can apply for the 2027-28 Connecting Links program funding when the intake opens later this year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP, noted that most traffic comes from out-of-town rather than local vehicles which contributed to the road’s deterioration.

“The people of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen deserve access to safe, reliable transportation infrastructure—and that's what our government is delivering,” he said. “Ottawa Street is the lifeblood of this village, serving as a critical link for both local residents and the movement of goods along the Highway 7 corridor. By investing over $2 million into this rehabilitation, we are ensuring our roads remain resilient, supporting local jobs and driving economic growth for years to come.”

Havelock’s Council Chambers operaters from 1 Ottawa St. E. which is the township’s main road. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Funding is through the 2026-27 Connecting Links program, which supports the maintenance of vital municipal roads and bridges that connect provincial highways.

A connecting link is a designated municipal road or bridge that connects two ends of a provincial highway through a community or to an international border crossing. This year, the Ontario government is investing $45 million in 21 projects to repair roads and bridges in 20 municipalities across the province.

“The Connecting Link is infrastructure that is challenging for a small Municipality like Havelock Belmont Methuen to maintain," Jim Martin, Mayor of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen. “Unlike other roads within our Township, Highway 7 sees a tremendous amount of traffic daily. The over two-million-dollar grant announced today will allow us to do upgrades this summer that otherwise would be impossible for us to do.”

Eligible costs for Connecting Links include the design, construction, renewal, rehabilitation and replacement of designated municipal roads and bridges.

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Havelock Receiving Over $4.1 Million Ontario Government Investment to Upgrade Its Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Havelock Wastewater Treatment Plant’s (WWTP) infrastructure is being upgraded, with the Ontario Government investing up to $4,136,362 in the facility, announced at Havelock’s Council Chambers on Monday afternoon.

Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (left) and Jim Martin, HBM mayor after the funding announcement was made before the township’s staff and council members. This funding is part of an investment of $4 billion in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, included in Ontario's $220 billion capital plan. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding comes from the province's Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program's Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS), which has increased by $700 million for a total of $875 million to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and community protection in case of extreme weather events, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Our government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that Havelock has the robust, modern infrastructure needed to support its growing community," he explained. "By investing this critical funding into the Havelock Wastewater Treatment Plant, we are not only protecting our local environment but also clearing the way for new housing developments. This is about building a safer, more prosperous community where families can thrive for generations to come.”

The (MHIP-HSWS) funding will be utilized in Havelock-Belmont-Methuen (HBM) to systematically upgrade the Havelock Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Revitalizing the plant helps remove development bottlenecks to support significant local housing growth, resulting in laying the groundwork for more than 1,500 new homes and a projected population of 2,400 residents by 2041, said Jim Martin, Mayor of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen.

“We will be able to increase the functional capacity of the wastewater treatment plant,” he said. “This over four million dollars will help us upgrade the wastewater treatment infrastructure and let us continue to prepare for future growth opportunities in HBM.”

He adds that this is just the first phase of HBM's growth and hints at the next phase.

“The next phase would probably be the Wastewater Treatment Plant and adding a new cell is huge,” said Martin. “It’s a huge cost, with I think around 15 million dollars. This part here will get us a few years to get this part done and any growth that’s coming, we’ll be able to care of the immediate needs but we’ll continue planning for further out.

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Havelock Receives Ontario Trillium Grant of $145,000 to Revitalize Cordova Mines Outdoor Rink

The Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen has received a $145,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to revitalize the Cordova Mines outdoor rink, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen.

Funds provided by the OTF grant have enabled major repairs to the existing outdoor rink. This provides additional recreation opportunities, including basketball, pickleball, tennis and ball hockey.

“By providing funding for major repairs, we are ensuring this vital community hub is not just saved but transformed into a year-round multi-purpose facility,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This supports active, healthy living and ensures families have a modern, safe, and accessible place to play, whether they are enjoying skating in the winter or ball hockey, pickleball and basketball in the warmer months.”

This funding extends the rink's current seasonal use to year-round multi-purpose.

“On behalf of the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, I want to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting the revitalization of the Cordova Mines Outdoor Rink,” said Mayor Jim Martin. “This beloved attraction in the Hamlet with a Heart of Gold where families come together and pride of place shines and continues to strengthen our local spirit and economy. We’re also very grateful to the Cordova Mines Recreation Association and our dedicated Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Fire Fighters whose volunteer efforts keep this treasured gathering place alive and thriving.”

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Photos: AON Inc.'s Long-Term Care Home Station Place's Celebrates Grand Opening In Havelock

AON Inc.’s Station Place long-term care home is officially operating, as they hosted their grand opening in Havelock on Friday afternoon.

Dignitaries and AON Inc. staff cut the ribbon to mark the grand opening of Station Place Long-Term Care Home in Havelock. All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Jim Martin, Havelock Mayor were part of several dignitaries that came out to speak and celebrate the event.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed to mark the occasion. Tours of the facility were given to the public following the event.

@ptbo_canada AON Inc’s Station Place long-term care home in Havelock had its official grand opening. The home has a capacity of 128 beds in its 86,355 sq ft building. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #havelock ♬ Party - DJ EV

The building had its groundbreaking Aug. 9, 2023. The project was to be completed by September this year but it was completed within its budget and ahead of schedule in the summer.

It features dining, activity areas, lounges and access to outdoor spaces, accommodating 128 beds.

The long-term care home was part of the provincial government’s $6.4 billion commitment to build more than 30,000 new beds by 2028, along with 28,000 upgraded long-term care beds across the province.

The site is approximately 86,355 sq ft. and is located at 628 Old Norwood Rd. in Havelock. AON won the bid to build the long-term care home on Feb 17, 2022.

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Minister of Long-Term Care Visits AON Inc.'s Newly-Built Station Place In Havelock

As Minister of Long-Term Care, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta made a stop in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, she was happily greeted by the staff of AON Inc.’s Station Place long-term care home in Havelock on Tuesday afternoon.

Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care (left) and Michael OKeeffe, Station Place administrator (right) touring Station Place and all of its amenities. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Roughly 110 staff were out to greet the Mississauga Centre MPP with clapping and cheers as Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith escorted her to the facility.

The home has been newly built and is set to admit residents this Monday with a capacity of 128.

The groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 9, 2023. The project was to be completed by September this year but it was completed ahead of schedule in the summer.

The long-term care home was part of the provincial government’s $6.4 billion commitment to build more than 30,000 new beds by 2028, along with 28,000 upgraded long-term care beds across the province.

@ptbo_canada As Minister of Long-Term Care, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta made a stop in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, she was happily greeted by the staff of AON Inc.’s Station Place long-term care home in Havelock. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #havelock ♬ You Blues You Lose - Jeff Lofton

The site is approximately 86,355 sq ft. and is located at 628 Old Norwood Rd. in Havelock. AON won the bid to build the long-term care home on Feb 17, 2022.

The home features dining, activity areas, lounges and access to outdoor spaces, accommodating 128 beds.

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Photos: Peterborough Petes Practice In Havelock; Hold Free Skate and Autograph Session For Havelock Hawks

The Peterborough Petes treated Havelock hockey fans as the team held a practice and autograph session at the HBM Community Centre on Monday afternoon.

Petes goaltender Zach Bowen signs the first autograph for Tyanna Martin, 7, after the team had finished practice at the Havelock Community Centre. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The team had practice ahead of their Thursday night game against the Windsor Spitfires. A free skate was held where children from the Havelock Hawks (Havelock Minor Hockey) got to hit the ice with the Petes.

Following ice activities, the Petes held an autograph session for Havelock families which also served food and had a decorative Petes cake.

Donations and 50/50 draws were at the event in support of Havelock Minor Hockey.

The Petes concluded the day with an autographed jersey presented to Havelock Minor Hockey president, Danielle Follette.

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Peterborough County Hubs Program Expands

The Peterborough County Hubs Program is now offering drop-in services in Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.

Peterborough county logo

The new drop-in service, which started on Tuesday, gives rural residents access to supports related to health care, mental health, addictions, employment, developmental services, housing, income, senior services and more within their home community.

"The expansion of the Peterborough County Hubs Program is an important step in ensuring that all Peterborough City-County residents, no matter where they live, have easy access to the services and supports they need, said Peterborough city councillor Alex Bierk. “By bringing these services closer to home, we are removing barriers for communities across the region and making sure that residents can get help with everything from health care to employment services.”

The drop-in program has opened new hubs in several locations:

• Millbrook Hub at Old Millbrook School - open Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Havelock Hub at Havelock Community Care office - open Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Apsley Hub at Apsley Community Care office - open first and third Wednesday of each month 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Norwood Hub at Asphodel-Norwood Township Office - open Thursdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The program is a collaboration between the City/County Social Services administered by the City of Peterborough, Canopy Support Services, Canadian Mental Health Association - Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge and Fleming CREW and Academic Upgrading.

A staff person from of the agencies will be at the hubs when the open for drop-in service.

The program builds on the existing Peterborough County Hubs Program that has nine locations across the county in Keene, Warsaw, Douro, Buckhorn, Lakefield, Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.

“Last year, I was proud to be at the launch of the eight Peterborough County Hubs which provided bookable space for social service providers to meet with clients,” said warden Bonnie Clark. “Local clients will now have the convenience to drop-in during office hours and not have to book an appointment. This pilot project brings social services access for our rural and small urban communities closer to parity with larger urban centres.”

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AON Inc's Station Place Long-Term Care Home In Havelock With Construction Ahead of Schedule; Company Seeking 140 Staff Members For Training and Hire

Construction for AON Inc.’s Station Place long-term care home in Havelock is ahead of schedule and is expecting project completion for the summer of next year, announced on Friday morning.

Ray Barlow, AON Inc. vice president (far left) helps guide the tour to dignitaries and others of Station Place a year later of construction. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 9 last year was projected to be completed by September next year. However, with hard work and fortunate circumstances, completion has been bumped up to be finished by summer next year, according to Ray Barlow, AON Inc. vice president.

“Our construction team is doing extraordinary,” he explained. The weather's been on our side, the crews' been working well, the contractors are working well together and when you have cooperation, you get a lot of done quickly.”

AON Inc. gave the media and dignitaries a tour of the facility of the 128-bed long-term care home while providing updates on the building’s progress. Dignitaries included Michelle Ferreri, Peterborough-Kawartha MP; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Jim Martin, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township mayor.

The long-term care home is part of the provincial government’s $6.4 billion commitment to build more than 30,000 new beds by 2028 along with 28,000 upgraded long-term care beds across the province according to Smith.

“The residents of Havelock have been waiting a long time for the build of this long-term care home,” he said in a prior interview. “Our government has made commitments to get long-term care homes built in this province and today proves we are doing just that.”

The approximate 86,355 sq ft. site is located at 628 Old Norwood Rd. AON won the bid to build the long-term care home on Feb 17, 2022.

The home will have dining, activity areas, lounges and access to outdoor spaces with 128 beds available. The building will employ over 140 staff (both full-time and part-time), whereas AON Inc. seeks prospective employees immediately for training.

“We have time to help get people training they need and we also have a PSW training program in place that's 100 per cent paid for so when you finish the program, you will have a job at Station Place,” explained Barlow.

Career applications for AON Inc’s Station Place long-term care home can be found online.

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Havelock's Plato Creek Bridge to Be Closed For Construction Starting Next Week Monday

Havelock’s Plato Creek Bridge is being closed to all traffic for construction starting next Monday and continuing until Sept. 30, announced by Peterborough County on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

The bridge is located on the 6th Line in Township of Havelock Belmont Methuen,

The bridge will be closed to allow for the installation of new steel beam guide rails, concrete approach slabs, and a new asphalt-wearing surface.

During this period, the bridge will be closed entirely to all traffic.

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