City of Peterborough Invites Public Input on Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements
/Community members are invited to share input on upcoming improvements to a stormwater channel near Parkhill Road within Jackson Park.
file photo.
Peterborough Blogs
Statement on the Closure of Peterborough’s Consumption and Treatment Services Site
/The Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (360 NPLC) discusses the closure of Peterborough’s Consumption and Treatment Services Site in a statement; expressing their gratitude for the frontline staff working at Peterborough’s Consumption and Treatment Services Site (CTS).
Counsellors, dignitaries and notaries during the original Ontario Government funding announcement of $6.2 million for a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub in January 2025. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The 360 NPLC, located in downtown Peterborough, provides primary care and health system navigation for marginalized and vulnerable populations, many of whom access care through or alongside CTS services.
“Their work has been compassionate, skilled and lifesaving,” said the statement. “Every day, they have demonstrated unwavering commitment; preventing overdoses, building trust and connecting individuals to care. Their contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact in Peterborough. The recent announcement of the CTS closure will have significant and far-reaching effect; not only for individuals who relied on this service, but for the broader community and the many partners who support it.”
“The closure of the CTS represents not only the loss of a critical harm reduction service, but also the loss of an important entry point into primary care for individuals who often face substantial barriers to accessing traditional healthcare. This comes at a time when our clinic has already experienced reductions in harm reduction capacity, including the loss of funding for the Safer Supply Program (SSP) last year. Programs like SSP and CTS are not standalone services; they are interconnected components of a broader continuum of care that support engagement, stability and safety. Evidence shows that supervised consumption services and related harm reduction programs reduce overdose deaths, improve access to treatment and act as critical gateways into healthcare and social supports.”
The closure of the CTS is expected to increase pressure on the Emergency Department, as more individuals will require acute care for overdoses and related complications that were previously managed in a supervised setting. The BLANK has concluded that the loss of on-site nursing care, including preventative wound care, means more untreated infections and complications, and the added demand will contribute to longer wait times and increased strain on an already overburdened system.
“The impacts of this closure will extend well beyond the healthcare sector,” the statement continues. “Without a comparable service in place, we can expect increased pressures on paramedic services and police, who will see a rise in overdose responses and crisis calls. Public spaces, including the library, transit hubs and other shared community environments, will experience increased challenges as individuals who previously accessed supervised care are displaced. Public works teams will also face increased demands related to community safety and public space maintenance.”
Supervised consumption services have been shown to reduce harms not only for individuals, but for communities; decreasing overdose-related morbidity and mortality and supporting safer public environments.
“We remain encouraged that organizations such as FourCAST, PARN and PRHC’S RAAM clinic will continue to play a critical role in supporting individuals who use substances. Their work in treatment, recovery and harm reduction remains essential. However, with the narrowing of the continuum of services available in Peterborough, gaps in care will inevitably emerge. The CTS has been a vital point of connection for many individuals and its closure will leave a noticeable void.”
“This moment underscores the importance of coordinated, community-based responses that prioritize both individual wellbeing and public safety,” the statement concludes. “It is essential that we work together to ensure that those most at risk remain connected to care.
The City of Peterborough Invites Community Input on Proposed Pilot Windrow Program
/Residents are invited to provide input as planning begins for a proposed Pilot Windrow Program in the City of Peterborough, intended to help maintain access to driveways after municipal snow clearing on roads.
photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.
On Feb. 2, City Council approved a motion for staff to investigate options for a Windrow Clearing Support Program, including possible windrow assistance for eligible seniors and people with disabilities.
A windrow is the ridge of snow left behind after municipal plows clear the roadway. The proposed pilot program would assist eligible participants by clearing the windrow at the end of residential driveways. The goal is to support safety, accessibility and aging at home for residents who may find windrows difficult to manage.
If implemented, the pilot program could:
Address windrow removal, not full driveway clearing
Establish eligibility criteria through the program design process
Consider a user fee to offset costs
Operate with limited enrollment to test demand and service delivery
Input gathered through the public survey will help determine demand, community priorities and how the service can be structured in a fair and practical way.
The survey is now open online. For a paper copy of the survey, contact the City via email. The survey closes at 4 p.m. on April 10.
Following the feedback period, survey results will be reviewed to inform the development of detailed program options.
These options will outline:
Proposed eligibility criteria
Service scope and limitations
Fee structure
Participant capacity
Service standards, including response timing after plowing
Findings and recommended program details will be presented to Council for consideration. If approved, registration is anticipated to open in Fall 2026, with the pilot operating during the 2026 to 2027 winter season.
PHOTOS: The Tiffany Show's International Women's Day Party
/Host of The Tiffany Show Tiffany Arcari hosted her third annual International Women’s Day Party on Sunday; celebrating local women, uplifting their stories and collecting menstrual products for the Period Promise initiative.
Local Community Builder Reaches Milestone Podcast About Community Members; Records 100th Episode
/Local community builder Ken John Jones and his podcast ‘Jonesy’s Corner Podcast’ focusing on Peterborough and the Kawarthas community members has reached its 100th milestone podcast with Pete Dalliday.
Jones recorded his 100th episode at the PTBOCanada studio with Dalliday as they reflected on highlights of his podcast. Jones had guests such as musician Irish Millie, MP Michelle Ferrari, The Wolf’s Brian Ellis and more.
Jones began his podcast in the spring of last year as a way to highlight Peterborough’s prominent community members during hard times.
“During the pandemic, this was an opportunity to bring the community together as one to bring and show positivity during the rough times,” he explained.
He said Dalliday’s HometownPTBO segments with PTBOCanada was an inspiration for behind his podcast. Jones wants to set an example for those wishing to have their own podcast and encourages those to chair their dreams.
“Don’t give up on your dreams keep reaching for the stars,” explained Jones. “Dreams can come true.”
Jones had helped build his community builder status by helping local non-profit organizations such as Alternatives Community Program Services Peterborough, Cuddles for Cancer and Kawartha Food Share through promotional or fundraising efforts.
“The rewarding part is that the podcast give people an opportunity to share their story, share their experiences in all kinds of employment fields and to raise awareness for charity events, non-profit organizations and community builders,” explained Jones. “100 is an milestone and it wouldn’t be possible without the community support and my family.”
New Reduced Speed Limits and Community Safety Zones in Peterborough School Areas
/City Council approved reduced speed limits and Community Safety Zones for all City elementary and secondary school areas in the City of Peterborough at its meeting on June 26.
photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.
Speed limits will be reduced to 40 kilometres per hour on major roads fronting schools and 30 kilometres per hour on minor roads fronting schools and local roads leading to a school driveway. Local roads with walkway access to school property will receive a 40-kilometres-per-hour speed limit.
Work will begin this summer to install the new speed limit and Community Safety Zone signs in accordance with Highway Traffic Act regulations and the road safety treatments for five pilot school areas are expected to be in place this fall. A public education campaign will take place in time for back-to-school travel.
“School area safety is a priority for Council. We want our children to be safe,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Reducing the speed limit on the roads around our schools will create a safer environment for children and families walking or cycling to school. Watch for new signage and public education to be rolled out for the next school year.”
“Community Safety Zones in school areas will add another layer of safety, in addition to the City’s effective Crossing Guard program and school bus safety laws,” said Peterborough Police Chief Stuart Betts. “These important reduced speed limits will be enforced through doubled fines set out by the Highway Traffic Act. Reduced vehicle speeds help save lives.”
The school area safety project comes from key infrastructure policy initiatives established through the Transportation Master Plan that was approved by Council in March 2022. This project implements several of the measures recommended in the Safe School Zones section, including education, engineering and enforcement measures to improve the safety in school areas.
Peterborough Pathway of Fame Announces Class of 2023 Inductees
/Pathway of Fame has announced the most recent group of Inductees for the Class of 2023 in Peterborough and District.
photo courtesy of pathway of fame, facebook.
The Pathway of Fame Peterborough & District is a not-for-profit organization first formed in 1997 to honour community citizens and individuals in the Arts and Humanities. The first class of honourees were inducted, with stone markers placed into the Pathway of Fame at Del Crary Park in 1998.
Recent inductees include:
John Ambrose (Jack) Doris (Community Builder)
First elected to Peterborough City Council in 1967, John Ambrose (Jack) Doris subsequently represented his Monaghan Ward constituents for 39 years and served another six years as Mayor before stepping back from politics in 2014 – his legacy secure as someone who always had your back, and treated all with equal kindness and compassion.
Courtney Druce (Cultural/Community Betterment)
Before cancer tragically cut short her life at 27, Courtney Druce made it her mission to inspire and provide hope for others fighting their own battles – raising funds for, and bringing awareness to the important work of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, to name but a few benefactors of her empathy for others. Courtney Druce died April 27, 2016 just shy of her 28th birthday.
Sean Eyre (Cultural/Community Betterment)
From his radio broadcasting heyday as ‘Sunshine Sean’ to his co-founding of Rocklands Entertainment, to his relentless promotion of local artists – Sean Eyre’s love of his community has also encompassed service as a City alderman, not to mention one of the driving forces behind the 1998 founding of the Peterborough & District Pathway of Fame.
Charlie Gregory (Barb Bell Humanity Award Recipient)
Charlie Gregory’s photographic essays of the homeless have not only afforded the viewer a window into the harsh realities of the unhoused, but his images reveal the humanity of those who exist on the fringe. A self-described “watcher of folks who live on the edges of society,” Gregory has made it his selfless mission to both document, and offer support for the marginalized. As part of his advocacy, the proprietor of ‘Lumpy Bikes’ donates refurbished bicycles to those in need. His only ask: “That I take your picture.”
Stephanie and John MacDonald (Cultural/Community Betterment)
This Peterborough couple’s compelling, and vast contributions to the betterment and well-being of their community run the gamut, with the list of organizations having benefitted from their involvement, drive and passion as long, as it is impressive – all while serving as selfless and dedicated lifelong educators who each rose to the position of school principal. John MacDonald passed away at the end of 2022, in his 83rd year.
David McNab (Samaritan)
Having fully earned his status as global citizen, retired Peterborough County OPP constable David McNab continues to play a key role in the settlement and integration of Syrian refugees into the Peterborough community, displaying the same selfless compassion for others that fuelled his long involvement with Cops For Cancer and countless local organizations and initiatives.
Mike Melnik (Media)
As the popular morning host for ‘KRUZ’ AM and FM before his retirement from the airwaves in 2012, Mike Melnik’s welcoming and distinctive voice started the day for thousands of listeners. His passion for the community, and his capacity for instantly putting his guests at ease was a gift that translated into a coveted spotlight for countless events, causes and organizations – Easter Seals, and its annual telethon among them.
Cathy Rowland (Dramatic Arts)
A staunch champion of the Peterborough arts scene and in particular the involvement, and creative works of our community’s youth, Cathy Rowland founded the Integrated Arts Program at PCVS and served as lead writer of the Ontario Applied Design and Arts curriculum – in addition to writing, producing and directing numerous theatrical productions.
Jeannine Taylor (Media)
A self-made entrepreneur of close to 30 years, KawarthaNOW founder, CEO and publisher Jeannine Taylor was first out of the gate locally in terms of recognizing, and acting upon the emergence of the Internet as a media communications platform, having since leveraged her experience and influence to mentor other women in business.
Greg Wells (Entertainment)
As a two-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most sought-after record producers in the world, Los Angeles-based Greg Wells has never forgotten his Peterborough roots – honouring and celebrating the City’s rich musical heritage by devoting his time and considerable skills to the furtherance of homegrown talent.
Inductees are chosen from a list of nominations submitted from the community at large by an anonymous committee comprised of community citizens having no current association whatsoever with, or connection to, The Pathway of Fame. The Nominations Chair is tasked with appointing a new Selection Committee each year, the members of which are confidential and never revealed to The Pathway of Fame.
Induction ceremonies are held each September at the Showplace Performance Centre. This years’ induction for the Class of 2023 will return to the main stage Saturday, September 9 at 10 a.m. and is open to the general public as well as families, friends and supporters of the inductees. Past inductees are welcome. Admission is free and reservations are not required.
City of Peterborough Community Activities for National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month 2023
/Activities are being held throughout the community, including at City of Peterborough facilities, for residents to take part in National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month in June.
photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.
Highlights from the activities at City of Peterborough facilities:
Art Gallery of Peterborough
250 Crescent St.
Exhibition: Special Project: Tea with the Queens, June 7 to June 29, 2023
Opening reception for new exhibitions, June 7, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Afternoon Tea with the Queens, June 11 and 14, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and June 11, 13, and 22, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Indigenous Day Celebrations at Hiawatha First Nation: Art Gallery of Peterborough tent; June 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Peterborough Public Library
345 Aylmer St. N.
PA Day Family Movie: Indigenous Cinema Shorts for Children, June 9, 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Crafternoon: Beaded Rings with Malinda Gray, June 10, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Teen Book Club: Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley, June 13, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunset Story Time with Betty Baker, June 16, 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Non-fiction Book Club: Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance by Jesse Wente, June 20, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Summer Solstice Story Time, National Indigenous Peoples Day at Millennium Park, 130 King St., June 21, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
10 Indigenous Titles You Should Read this Month featured at the Seniors Showcase, Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr., June 21, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Tween Book Club: Barren Grounds by David Robertson, June 22, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday Film & Discussion: Voices Across the Water, June 23, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Adult Book Club: A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt, June 27, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy Space, open during library hours
Peterborough Museum and Archives
300 Hunter St. E.
‘To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales’ exhibit, open during museum hours until mid-November
Quillwork Workshops, June 21, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., registration required
Pride Flag Scavenger Hunt, during open hours all through June
Pride Craft based on the book ‘My Rainbow’ and Stories station, during open hours all through June
Indigenous Day Kids Crafts, June 21, during open hours
Interpretive tours of the ‘To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales’ exhibit, available June 21, watch for details on the Museum website and social media
The City of Peterborough’ s Public Art Program invites you to visit The Nogojiwanong Project
The Nogojiwanong Project, located at the south end of Millennium Park, was a collaboration undertaken in the spirit of kinship between local First Nations, Indigenous peoples, and the City of Peterborough in recognition of the 200th anniversary of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20. Through the collaboration, this gathering space was created to encourage learning and reflection with a series of interpretive panels highlighting the evolution of local treaties and inherent rights of Indigenous peoples. The “Gathering” provides the focal point for the space.
Michael Belmore’s, entitled “Gathering,” complements the panels and anchors the space. It consists of a grouping of glacial erratic boulders, carved, lined with copper, and fitted so that they sit slightly apart and seemingly radiate heat. The stones are embellished with the Treaty 20 Clan Totems or Dodems as they are called in Anishinaabemowin.
Nogojiwanong is an Anishinaabe word meaning “place at the foot of the rapids” and the name given to the gathering place, at the bottom of a turbulent stretch of the Otonabee River, renamed Peterborough by European settlers.
Millennium Park forms the present-day landfall and eddy along the western shoreline. It is also the site of the trailhead to the Chemong Portage – a six- or seven-mile historic footpath between the Otonabee River and Chemong Lake.
The Nogojiwanong Project location acknowledges these ancestral lands and the thousands of years the Michi Saagiig navigated this route between their winter camps and traditional fishing grounds at the mouth of the Ganaraska River on Lake Ontario.
Knights of Columbus 45th Annual Police Appreciation Night Recognizes Heroic Citizens and Officers
/The Peterborough Police Service and the Knights of Columbus Ernest J. Wolff Council 798 gathered Wednesday to present awards to citizens and officers who displayed acts of courage and commitment to the community.
photo courtesy of peterborough police service, facebook.
This year’s commendations were presented to citizens and officers for their assistance over the past three years.
Citizen Commendations:
Rob Reynolds
Matt Cooper
Hunter Hoey
Justin Schaude
Molly Touzel
Kaylynn Delong
Nikki Casey
Jeff Lustig
Chris Formosa
Amy Gosland
Britney Graham
Michelle Scheeters
Kelly Lahay
Leslie Cangas
Francis Joseph Edwards
Jake Hartjes
Mariah Hartjes
Madison Sargent
Natalie Jennings
Kelli McNamara
Tim McNamara
Star Hodge
Nichole Bartley
Timur Abdrakhmanov
Carol Winter Humanitarian Award – awarded to a member of the Police Service who has contributed to the needs of the vulnerable in our community.
Staff Sergeant Daniel MacLean
Robert Lewis Bursary Award – awarded to the graduating constable with the highest achievement at Ontario Police College.
Constable Lily Gamble (Class of 2019)
Constable Brandon Bigelow (Class of 2019)
Constable David Wickham (Class of 2020)
Constable Kristopher DiClemente (Class of 2021)
Constable Suzanne Szafran (Class of 2022)
Service Pins for Civilian Members:
Mary Lee – 30 years
Jennifer Tippin – 20 years
Knights of Columbus Meritorious Service Awards:
Sergeant John Townsend / Constable James McIntyre
Constable Robert Cowie & K9 Isaac
Detective Constable Brian Urquhart / Detective Constable Mark MacDonell (former)
Sergeant Kirk Kelly
To read about the actions of these heroic community members, visit the link.
$1.2 Million Gift to Double Number of Trent Students Participating in Community-Based Research
/A $1.2 million gift to Trent University – announced immediately after the launch of the new $100 million Campaign for Momentous Change – will support Trent’s community-based research by doubling the number of students and community organizations able to participate in the program.
photo courtesy of trent university.
