PHOTOS: Trent Central Student Association Rallies Against Ontario Government OSAP Cuts

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Local post-secondary students gathered outside MPP Dave Smith’s office Wednesday morning in protest of financial aid cuts to come with the recent restructuring of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

“The Trent Central Student Association is deeply concerned about the recent restructuring of the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) that will take effect starting in the 2026/27 academic year,” said the TCSA in a statement. “These changes substantially reduce the proportion of financial aid provided as grants to post-secondary students, and significantly increase the amount offered as loans. Under the new structure, grants will make up only 25 per cent of total financial aid, while loans will account for 75 per cent. This marks a major shift from the previous system, in which students could receive up to 85 per cent of their aid as grants and only 15 per cent as loans.”

For more on the TCSA’s statement, click the link.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $2 Million For Havelock Road Repairs

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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

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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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Federal and Provincial Governments Provide $830,015 of Additional Funding For Seven Housing Units In Peterborough

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During the grand opening of the multi-storey housing unit at 681 Monaghan Rd., the federal and provincial governments announced an additional investment of $830,015 for constructing seven housing units for vulnerable populations in Peterborough on Thursday morning.

Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP (left); Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister (centre) and Mayor Jeff Leal (right) during the grand opening of the multi-storey housing on 681 Monaghan Rd. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made by Emma Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP, on behalf of Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada; and Brian Saunderson, Parliamentary Assistant to the Honourable Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, alongside Jeff Leal, Mayor of Peterborough and Bonnie Clark, Warden of Peterborough County.

“Everyone deserves a roof over their head and a safe place to call home. This investment will help many families and individuals to heal and rebuild their lives, offering not just a home but also hope,” said Harrison. “The federal government’s ongoing support and commitment to creating affordable housing will help improve the lives of the most vulnerable from our community, here in Peterborough.”

“The federal government is committed to helping communities develop local solutions to address the housing crisis,” said Robertson. “The projects announced today will provide more safe, affordable homes for the most vulnerable residents of Peterborough. I’m proud of our government’s involvement, and of the tangible difference it will make for people in this community.”

Rebekah Victor or Peterborough Housing Corporation tours (far left) the dignitaries through a vacant unit of the multi-storey unit. The Governments of Canada and Ontario previously announced over $854,000 for this project, bringing the total joint federal-provincial investment to more than $1.6 million. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The units are part of a new six-storey affordable housing development. The building comprises 53 units; including 37 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom units. The building is designed to support individuals and families facing challenges. This project represents a significant step toward addressing the community's urgent housing needs according Mayor Jeff Leal.

“The City of Peterborough is facing significant housing challenges, and the project at 681 Monaghan Rd. represents a major step forward in addressing them,” he said. “By working in partnership with the federal and provincial governments, we are securing the resources needed to build and repair affordable homes for the people who need them most. These investments provide safe, stable housing, and they strengthen our community for years to come. This project shows what we can accomplish at the local level by working together with our provincial and federal partners.”

This investment is made through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative. It is an initiative under the Canada-Ontario Bilateral Agreement, part of the National Housing Strategy.

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Ontario Government Invests $59,200 to Improve Buckhorn Community Centre's Accessibility and Support

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The Ontario Government is funding $59,200 to improve accessibility and support for everyone at the Buckhorn Community Centre, announced on Friday afternoon.

Since the Program’s inception in 2020, Ontario has provided over $5 million to support 107 projects promoting inclusivity and accessibility across the province. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Those with disabilities and limited mobility are often faced with obstacles or unwelcoming environments when they try to use outdoor spaces,” said Dave Smith Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This grant will allow individuals to have access to the Buckhorn Community Centre's Festival Park that will enable them to enjoy activities with their friends and families for years to come.”

The funding is part of the Inclusive Community Grant that provides funding of up to $60,000 for projects of all ages and abilities to live healthy, active and independent lives.

“The Buckhorn Community Centre has received funding to improve outdoor accessibility and inclusivity,” said Molly Kriksic, Buckhorn Community Centre Volunteer Board of Directors. “Visitors can look forward to new walkways, seating, gardens, and raised beds, enhancing the BCC's ability to offer community-focused programs and events.”

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Ontario Government Invests Nearly $250,000 For Youth Support Pathways In Skilled Trades. 

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The Ontario government is investing $241,280 through the Skills Development Training Stream in the Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario’s (JA-NEO) World of Choices Program, announced on Friday morning.

Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying and fulfilling careers close to home. Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is proud to invest in programs that support training and developing career pathways,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We are happy to support JA-NEO as an exceptional organization that are dedicated to running programs that develop our future workforce and provide young people with real-life exposure to a wide variety of skilled trades jobs.”

JA-NEO is focused on inspiring and preparing young people to succeed by providing them with opportunities to learn financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness skills.

The funding helps JA-NEO run programs throughout the 2024/25 school year that will reach over 2000 full-time students and youth according to a press release. The focus of these programs will be to educate and help students understand the importance of skilled trades. Participants will be linked with community and business leaders to familiarize themselves with potential career pathways and access a real-world glimpse into various careers.

Ontario supports JA-NEO’s innovative plans to reach youth from different communities and populations experiencing unique barriers that limit pathways into skilled trades careers. JA-NEO will work with schools across Northumberland and Peterborough to provide inclusive environments with equitable engagement and learning opportunities in skilled trades.

“At JA Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO), we are often the first point of contact with students surrounding skills in Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship and Workforce Readiness.” John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. “With funding from the Skills Development Fund, JA-NEO is continuing to be at the forefront of exposing and providing experiential learning opportunities and essential skills to youth that are needed within the skilled trades sector. By working alongside our industry partners across all Northern and Eastern Ontario we are helping to close the skilled trades gap.”

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Ontario Government Offering Free Admission to Provincial Parks July 19

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To mark Healthy Parks Healthy People Day, Ontario government is offering free day-use access to provincial parks on July 19 announced on Monday.

The Ontario government is enhancing those recreational opportunities by building 300 new campsites and bringing electrical services to 800 existing campsites at several parks throughout the province. File Photo.

This annual celebration is part of a global movement to promote health benefits of getting outside with nature according to a press release.

“I invite all Ontarians to take advantage of this free pass to Ontario Parks, an opportunity to immerse yourselves in the joy and wonder of exploring the great outdoors,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Whether you’re looking to get some exercise or seeking a fun and affordable day with your family, I hope this free day will give more people the opportunity to explore everything that their local provincial park has to offer.”

Several programs and facilities offer hiking, cycling, paddling, swimming and more.

Throughout the summer, Ontario Parks offers numerous ways to engage with nature including:

  • In-park Discovery Programs which allow kids and adults to gain confidence in nature and around wildlife through activities such as guided hikes to explore a new trail and other educational programs.

  • The 30x30 Nature Challenge to encourage people to spend 30 minutes in nature for 30 days during the month of August.

  • Take a Hike Day on August 10, providing guided hikes at provincial parks around the province. Visitors can join in on one of the many events happening across the province.

To ensure access to Healthy Parks Healthy People Day, visitors are encouraged to obtain a daily vehicle permit up to five days before the celebration, at no charge, for the 75 parks that offer this service.

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Savage Arms Creating 49 New Jobs With $500,000 From Government of Ontario; Part of $3.3 Million Investment For Production of Two Rifles

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As part of a $3,364,206 investment, the Ontario Government is funding $504,361 to Savage Arms for the development of 49 jobs through two product lines, announced in Lakefield on Tuesday afternoon.

(left to right) Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP; Terry McCullough, Savage Arms Canada vice-president and general manage, David Myles, Director of Manufacturing and Sherry Senis, Selwyn Mayor, put on display the prototypes of the new lever action rimfire rifles as part of the $3.3 million investment. Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The funding is through the Regional Development Program of Eastern Ontario’s Development Fund. Along with the provincial government’s funding, Savage Arms is also investing over $2.5 million to introduce two new rifles with takedown/disassembly features such as their new level action rimfire rifle and centrefire hunting rifle.

“Our government is building a strong Ontario and strengthening the economy by supporting key investments in communities in Selwyn Township,” Said Dave Smith, Peterborugh'-Kawartha MPP. “This investment from Savage Arms, supported by the provincial government will grow local manufacturing and create more jobs for workers and families in Petebrorough County.”

The development is of the rifles are ongoing as part of a three-year timeline to complete the process. Full-time positions can range from salaries in the $20 an hour range with upwards to around $80,000 a year with the manufacturer hiring now of people with a wide array of skill levels according to Terry McCullough, Savage Arms vice president and general manager.

“We have positions like general machine operator, quality engineer, CNC technician positions, design engineers, product manager and human resources,” he said. “We employ all levels of people from a general machine operator to a technical programmer.”

Majority of rifles made are shipped to a facility in the United States that redistributes them globally. Local consumers can obtain the rifles (and already finished products) upon completion at stores such as Canadian Tire, Accuracy Plus, Bass Pro Shop and Cabela's.

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Alcohol To Be Available At Convenience, Grocery and Big Box Stores In Ontario Start No Later Than Jan. 1, 2026

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Alcohol will be available to purchase at all participating convenience, grocery, and big box stores throughout the province beginning no later than Jan. 1, 2026, as announced by the Ontario Government in Etobicoke on Thursday morning.

Doug Ford, Ontario Premier (left) and Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario Minister of Finance (right) making the announcement at a convenience store in Etobicoke. Screenshot.

Alcohol such as beer, wine, cider, coolers, seltzers and other low-alcohol ready-to-drink beverages are at all participating conveniences, grocery stores and big box stores across the province. Spirits such as vodka, whiskey, gin, etc., will continue to be sold at the LCBO, according to Premier Doug Ford.

“We made a promise to the people of Ontario to deliver more choice and convenience,” he said. “Today, we’re delivering on that promise. There’s no reason why Ontario consumers shouldn’t enjoy the same convenient shopping experience as Canadians in every other province when buying some wine for their holiday party or a case of beer or seltzers on their way to the cottage.”

Roughly 8,500 participating stores are participating in the expansion of alcohol being sold in new outlets.

The provincial government has informed Brewers Retail Inc. (The Beer Store) that the Master Framework Agreement (MFA), signed and extended for a decade by the previous government in 2015, limited the number of retail stores that could be authorized to sell alcohol, will not be renewed after it expires on Dec. 31, 2025 according to a press release. However, The Beer Store and LCBO is continuing their retail operations in Ontario’s new marketplace.

“The people of Ontario will soon have more choice and convenience on where they can buy alcohol,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “As we move towards implementing this expansion, our government will be taking a responsible, measured approach so we can ensure our transition to a new marketplace is smooth, safe and stable.”

The government’s approach also includes the following initiatives as stated in a press release:

  • Competitive pricing: Ontario will introduce competitive pricing to all private retailers to promote competition and a better deal for consumers. LCBO retail stores will maintain consistent pricing across the province to help ensure consumers do not pay more based on where they live, including in rural and northern Ontario. As they do in other provinces, retailers can set promotional prices consistent with relevant regulations. Minimum pricing policies will remain in effect to preserve standards for responsible consumption.

  • Pack sizes: Ontario is removing restrictions and exclusivities on pack sizes. Consumers will be able to purchase any pack size, including 12-packs, 24-packs or even 30-packs, as is popular in Quebec of beer, cider and ready-to-drink alcohol beverages at convenience, grocery and big box stores, in addition to the LCBO and The Beer Store.

  • Recycling program: The Beer Store has agreed to continue to run the provincewide recycling program for alcoholic beverage containers until at least 2031 as part of a transition period in the new marketplace. This program, which is well-liked and convenient for consumers with hundreds of locations across the province, helps keep costs down for producers and consumers while helping to protect the environment by diverting significant amounts of waste from landfills. The government will consult with retailers and industry stakeholders on the future of recycling and deposit returns to ensure this important feature is maintained beyond 2031.

  • Support for local beverage alcohol producers: Ontario will provide a range of transitional and time-limited supports to Ontario-based producers to help with the transition to a more open marketplace, including:

    • Extending dedicated shelf space requirements across all new retailers for craft producers to provide opportunities for small producers to compete

    • Immediately enhancing the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) Wine Support Program beginning in 2024-25 for up to five years to 2028-29 to support the growth and sale of Ontario-grown VQA wines

    • Extending the Wine Marketing Fund and the Small Cidery and Small Distillery Support Program for up to five years

    • Supporting local economic development by directing the LCBO to promote and prioritize Ontario-made products, producers and workers by providing more and enhanced programs, promotions and strategies to help local producers grow Ontario product sales

    • Establishing a wine and grape industry sector table between government and industry partners

    • Introducing legislation that will, if passed, eliminate the 6.1 per cent wine basic tax at on-site winery retail stores, making Ontario’s tax regime competitive with other provinces, including British Columbia

  • Social responsibility: The government is providing an additional $10 million over five years in funding to the Ministry of Health to support social responsibility and public health efforts to ensure alcohol continues to be sold and consumed safely in the expanded marketplace. Existing requirements related to staff training, minimum pricing, hours of sale and warning signs will be maintained and applied to all new retail outlets.

  • Wholesale: The LCBO will be the exclusive wholesaler for all retail, bars and restaurants selling alcohol and will offer consumers an extensive array of choices, including domestic and imported products. This structure will continue to offer the benefits of the LCBO’s world-leading purchasing power and economies of scale and ensures sector stability, including maintaining an important employment footprint across Ontario and a significant revenue stream for government so that it can continue to invest in critical frontline services like health care and education. The province is proud of its LCBO workforce and will continue to support them through this transition.

  • Distribution: The LCBO will continue to work with producers and retailers to distribute wine and spirits in an expanded marketplace, including retail stores, bars and restaurants. The Beer Store has agreed to maintain its primary role in the distribution of beer to retailers, bars and restaurants until at least 2031 as part of the transition period, helping to provide stability to the sector and frontline workers. The province will also permit more flexible distribution models for small producers.

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Ontario Government Provides $250,000 to YMCA in Peterborough and Quinte to Offset COVID-19 Expenses

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The Ontario Government and Ontario Trillium Foundation have provided the YMCA of Central East Ontario a $250,000 Community Building Fund grant to help offset any costs incurred from the COVID-19 pandemic, announced on Friday afternoon.

(from left to right) MaryAnne Wooldridge, General Manager Balsillie Family Branch; MPP Dave Smith and David Allen, President and CEO of YMCA of Central East Ontario. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The money was split between the Balsillie Family Branch location in Peterborough and the Belleville branch and the John Williams branch in Quinte West. The former got the lion’s share with around $200,000 of the grant according to MPP Dave Smith.

“Today’s funding announcement has been a tremendous help to the Peterborough YMCA in continuing to provide services within our community,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “This allows them to continue focusing on the important work they do best, which is helping to support the health and wellness of children, families and individuals right here in our region.”

In addition to paying off the upkeep of operation expenses, the grant helped it purchase software with web and virtual costs.

“Like so many other organizations, the past few years have been a really challenging time for our YMCA,” explained David Allen, YMCA of Central East Ontario president and CEO. “This grant allowed our YMCA to cover software and operational expenses at a time when membership revenue was limited.”

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