Peterborough Chamber to Host Warden's Breakfast For County Updates

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Warden’s Breakfast to hear updates from Warden Bonnie Clark at Lang Pioneer Village Museum on April 23 from 8 to 10 a.m.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The Warden will discuss recent endeavours and future aspirations for Peterborough County. Updates on the County's progress and exciting prospects are also being revealed at the breakfast.

Warden Clark will be preceded by guest speaker Meredith Staveley-Watson, Manager of Government Relations and Policy at the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus. She will discuss the ‘7 in 7+’ regional housing plan.

The ‘Countynental’ breakfast features food showcasing baked goods and savoury samples from establishments such as The Nutty Bean, Elmhirst's Resort, Stuff'd Lakefield, Three Roads Farms, The Cheesy Fromage, Jesse's Tap and Grill, Millbrook Mercantile, Cross Winds Farm and Fairlife.

Tickets can be found online.

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City and County Launch Two New Online Service Directories To Connect With Health and Community Services

Peterborough Ontario Health Team, Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough have launched two new online directories to help residents find and connect with health and community services through Ontario 2-1-1, announced on Wednesday.

pHOTO BY Samantha Bianco.

Ontario 2-1-1 is a confidential service that helps people find support in their community by searching through the directories on the website, using online chat, texting, emailing or calling. The two new directories provide simple, quick ways to find services based on topic, location and keyword. They can be found at:

• poht.search211.ca for health services

• peterborough.search211.ca for community services

Ontario 2-1-1 operates the directories and is available 24/7 phone or text at 2-1-1.

Through the Online Directory of Health Services, residents can find services for matters such as:

• Non-urgent medical care

• Chronic illness

• Mental health and addictions

• End of life care

• Memory loss and dementia

Under Community Services, residents can find and connect with services related to areas such as:

• Government

• Employment

• Older adults

• Housing

• Community programs and groups

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Douro-Dummer CAO Resigns; Accepts New Position In Brighton

Douro-Dummer chief administrative officer Elena Arthurs has resigned from her position to become the CAO for the Municipality of Brighton, effective March 28.

LinkedIn.

Mayor Heather Watson says that Arthurs has been an instrumental figure in Douro-Dummer’s administrative landscape, serving with dedication and integrity. That her strategic vision and exceptional managerial skills have been pivotal in navigating the Township through various challenges and opportunities.

“Ms. Arthurs has been a valued leader in working with Township staff to achieve Council's goals,” said Watson. “We will miss her goal-driven approach but we wish her continued success in her new role.”

“I am grateful for the invaluable experiences and cherished relationships forged while serving as CAO,” said Arthurs.

The township has already begun preparations to recruit a successor. Clerk, Martina Chait-Hartwig will act as the interim during their search.

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Deadline For Peterborough County 2024 Community Recognition Awards Nominations Extended to March 8

Nominations for the Peterborough 2024 Community Recognition Awards have been extended from March 1 to the 8, announced by Peterborough County on Monday Morning.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The awards are for any resident or group in the County of Peterborough who has raised the profile or made an extraordinary contribution to the community.

“Peterborough County is an exceptional place, with extraordinary people and an outstanding business community,” said Bonnie Clark, County Warden. “Every two years we showcase models of true excellence among us through our Peterborough County awards ceremony. I encourage you to nominate a deserving friend, neighbour or business for the Community Recognition Awards.”

The County notes that any nominee cannot receive a County of Peterborough Recognition Award for a similar category within the last fifteen years.

Unless otherwise indicated, there shall be one award for each Township in each category noted below.

• Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business who has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award.)

• Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in his/her professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations.)

• Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors that will be used to assess the nomination will include such items as innovations, agricultural promotion and the recognition brought to the County through its operation. It may include involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered

• Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award.)

• Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.

• Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:

  • Developed innovative green technologies or

  • Started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or

  • Donated conservation lands or easements or

  • Undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or

  • Educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or

  • Achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award.)

• Heritage Preservation: An individual or group who has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community, public or private organization which has reached a significant milestone such as the 100th anniversary of the organization is also eligible for this award. (Please note: Birthdays and anniversaries are recognized on an on-going basis as requested.) (One County-wide award.)

• Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.

• Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award.)

• Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.

Nomination forms are available throughout the County at the County of Peterborough office located at 470 Water St., Peterborough, from any Local Municipal Office, Township Fire Chiefs, local Police Service Boards, schools, libraries throughout the County, area Chambers of Commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be completed online.

Completed and signed nomination forms with supporting documents provided to the County Clerk up to and including March 8 are requested.

The Peterborough County Awards and Bursaries Committee will review the Nominations and make recommendations to County Council and will select and announce the recipients in April.

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Peterborough County Council Approves 2024 Budget

Peterborough County Council has approved the 2024 Budget entails a rise in the levy by 6.29 per cent during Wednesday’s meeting.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The budget changes include:

• a dedicated infrastructure levy set at 2.5 per cent

• an increase of 2.57 per cent for the Operating Budget

• and an increase of 1.22 per cent for the Shared Services Budget

This increase in the levy translates to a tax rate increase of 5.69 per cent or approximately $21.81 for every $100,000 in residential assessment.

“Peterborough County staff were tasked with presenting a budget that is both responsible and comprehensive, and they successfully fulfilled that mandate,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This budget will enable the County to tackle both operational and capital infrastructure needs, all while managing the challenges of inflation and the cost of living that persistently affect our ratepayers as well as the County's operations, finances, and those of our service provider partners.”

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New Chief Announced For Peterborough County-City Paramedics

Patricia Bromfield has been appointed as the new Chief of Paramedics for Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP), taking over Randy Mellow, whose tenure finishes at the end of the year, the county announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

Bromfield assumed the Deputy Chief of Operations role at Peterborough County in the fall of 2022. Before her tenure with the County, she served as the Deputy Chief of Operations at the City of Kawartha Lakes and had a substantial paramedic career with the City of Toronto.

Mellow will provide mentorship and guidance throughout 2024 to Bromfield as she takes on her new role and responsibilities.

"I would like to congratulate Patricia Bromfield and welcome her to the role of Paramedic Chief,” said Mellow. “Patricia possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge having progressed through various frontline and leadership roles throughout her career. Her experience and passion for supportive leadership and innovation will be an asset to our team and community.”

“I am honoured to be following in the footsteps of our decorated Chief of Paramedics, Randy Mellow, as he embarks on his retirement at the close of 2024,” said Bromfield. “I am forever grateful to have the opportunity to learn from an industry leader who has played a key role in advancing the Paramedic profession. I look forward to collaborating with Peterborough County's robust leadership team and our partners in the coming years.”

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Peterborough County Accepting Nominations For 2024 Community Recognition Awards

Nominations are open for the Peterborough 2024 Community Recognition Awards for any resident or group in the County of Peterborough who has raised the profile or made an extraordinary contribution to the community, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The County notes that any nominee cannot receive a County of Peterborough Recognition Award for a similar category within the last fifteen years.

Unless otherwise indicated, there shall be one award for each Township in each category noted below.

• Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business who has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award.)

• Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in his/her professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations.)

• Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors that will be used to assess the nomination will include such items as innovations, agricultural promotion and the recognition brought to the County through its operation. It may include involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered

• Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award.)

• Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.

• Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:

  • Developed innovative green technologies or

  • Started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or

  • Donated conservation lands or easements or

  • Undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or

  • Educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or

  • Achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award.)

• Heritage Preservation: An individual or group who has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community, public or private organization which has reached a significant milestone such as the 100th anniversary of the organization is also eligible for this award. (Please note: Birthdays and anniversaries are recognized on an on-going basis as requested.) (One County-wide award.)

• Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.

• Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award.)

• Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.

Nomination forms are available throughout the County at the County of Peterborough office located at 470 Water St., Peterborough, from any Local Municipal Office, Township Fire Chiefs, local Police Service Boards, schools, libraries throughout the County, area Chambers of Commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be completed online.

Completed and signed nomination forms with supporting documents provided to the County Clerk up to and including March 1 are requested.

The Peterborough County Awards and Bursaries Committee will review the Nominations and make recommendations to County Council and will select and announce the recipients in April.

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Peterborough County Declares Intimate Partner Violence An Epidemic

Peterborough County Council has formally approved a resolution to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough County is now one of over 30 Municipalities in Ontario to declare IPV an epidemic.

The Council resolution reads:

Therefore Be It Resolved That the Council of the County of Peterborough declare intimate partner violence an epidemic; and That the recommendations from the Renfrew County Coroner’s Inquest be referred to staff for consideration and, where appropriate, integrated within the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan; and That a copy of this motion be sent to The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Sylvia Jones, M.P.P, Minister of Health, Dave Smith, MPP, Peterborough-Kawartha, David Piccini, MPP, Northumberland-Peterborough South and Laurie Scott, MPP, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock.

“Peterborough County recognizes the urgent need for action on Intimate Partner Violence in our area and across Ontario. With this declaration, we acknowledge the immediate threat this crisis poses to the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents and commit to supporting measures to address this issue,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “Through solidarity, effective policies focused on survivors, and collective action at all levels of government and society, we can create a safer community for all.”

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Peterborough County to Welcome Winner of 'Warden For a Day' Contest to Council On Wednesday

Peterborough County Council is welcoming the winning Peterborough County secondary school student into Council Chambers as ‘Warden For a Day’ on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The contest was announced during local government week, launched last October, with the contest ending on Nov. 3.

This contest aims to inform students in the local community about the Warden's responsibilities, the services Peterborough County provides for its residents and the various career and elected office opportunities within local government according to a press release.

Grade 9 to 12 Peterborough County students were asked to submit a 60-second video answering two questions:

1. What do you love about living in Peterborough County?

2. What is one thing that you would do as Warden of Peterborough County?

The winning student will join Warden Bonnie Clark for the County Council meeting and they will also assist with the official presentation of the VIP Trophy for the 2023 Peterborough County Plowing Match. There is also a tour of Peterborough County facilities and will receive parting gifts.

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Peterborough County Launches 'Warden for a Day' Campaign For Grade 9-12 Students

In celebration of last week (Local Government Week), Peterborough County is inviting youth in grades 9 – 12 to enter the ‘Warden for a Day,’ contest running until Nov. 3.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This initiative aims to inform students in the local community about the Warden's responsibilities, the services Peterborough County provides for its residents and the various career and elected office opportunities within local government according to a press release. The County says it aspires to raise awareness among young people about the significance of engaging in their local government.

The winner will be invited to participate in the Nov. 22 Peterborough County Council meeting and will join Warden Bonnie Clark at the County Courthouse for a lunch, a tour of County facilities and prizes

To enter, students must answer two questions in the format of a 60-second video:

1. What do you love about living in Peterborough County?

2. What is one thing that you would do as Warden?

The online submission form can be found online with the deadline on Nov. 3 at midnight.

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