Preliminary Results of Referendum Show Majority of Peterborough County Residents Vote No for the Privatization of Hospitals

The preliminary numbers show a total of 9,345 citizens from across Peterborough City and County voted NO for the privatization of public hospitals in the cross-Province citizen-led referendum held on May 26 and 27 and online.

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“The numbers are great. It was a massive effort that far exceeded our expectations,” said Peterborough Health Coalition co-chair Marion Burton.

Volunteers counted the in-person votes on Sunday, which saw No votes totalling 4,866, and Yes votes totalling 65. These totals include some workplace votes.

Online voting results from Douro Dummer, Keene, Lakefield, Millbrook, Peterborough and Selwyn totalled 4,479 No votes and 35 Yes votes.

At press time, Peterborough’s preliminary total of No votes is 9,345 and 100 Yes votes.

There are still some workplace votes that remain to be counted.

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Peterborough Zoo Constructing Sloped Wheelchair-Accessible Walkway Beginning Monday

The Riverview Park and Zoo are beginning construction on a sloped wheelchair-accessible walkway connecting the north parking lot to the playground with work scheduled to begin on Monday.

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The zoo estimates its completion on May 12 according to a press release.

Access to existing accessible parking spaces is maintained at all times but alternate spaces and detours will be provided during this time. Access to the Electric Charging Stations are not affected but the public will be notified if this changes.

Funding for the project has been supported by Enabling Accessibility Fund, Employment and Social Development Canada.

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Easter Seals Kick Off The 51st Peterborough Telethon; Announcing New Regional Ambassador

The 51st annual Peterborough Easter Seals Telethon kicked off at the Lansdowne Place Mall on Thursday; announcing Sawyer Grace Growden as the new regional ambassador.

the growden’s: dan (left), sawyer (middle) and tara (right). photo by Felicia Massey.

After a couple of virtual years, Easter Seals were able to gather again in-person to launch the 2023 Telethon.

The annual Easter Seals Telethon celebrates success stories, showcases Easter Seals kids and their families, recognizes donors and sponsors, and raises funds for children and youth with physical disabilities for the last 51 years. For the past 101 years, Easter Seals has played an important role in providing support for children and youth with physical disabilities.

Easter Seals continues to offer programs to enable kids to experience freedom, independence and a sense of accomplishment. Easter Seals helps by providing financial assistance for mobility equipment, communication devices and summer camp opportunities.

Jeff Richards from Country 105 / Move FM emceed the kick-off event; announcing this year’s goals and sharing updates on past ambassador Ryerson Beardmore. The month of March was also declared Easter Seals Month by Mayor Jeff Leal.

Telethon host Catherine Hanrahan introduced new regional ambassador, 6-year-old Sawyer Grace Growden. Growden has Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects the 15th chromosome.

“She is missing the part of her chromosome that affects all the things we take for granted on a daily basis. Things like walking, eating, and all those self-care things,” said Sawyer’s mom Tara Growden. “She works so hard everyday to overcome all those challenges, she is just such a happy little girl.”

Sawyer uses a wheelchair and a walker to help with her mobility. Her dad, Dan Growden, says that she is learning to use an iPad to help communicate.

The Growden’s mentioned that they are looking to attend the Easter Seals Family Camp.

“(We’re excited) to go to a place and be around people who get it, and to not have to worry about accessibility for a hot minute,” said Tara.

This year the Easter Seals will be visiting with familiar faces, past ambassadors, and local celebrities of the past 51 telethons as part of the March 26 fundraiser.

The 2023 Easter Seals Telethon will be broadcasting live on March 26 on YourTV and Global Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Supporters can donate online and local residents are encouraged to select the Peterborough webpage.

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Extended Hours for One Roof Community Centre From Thursday To Sunday

One Roof Community Centre will be open for extended hours of service to 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday due to cold temperatures and significant snowfall in the forecast for the Peterborough area.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 99 Brock St., a meal is served between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. while providing warming room services. A full description of meals and other services that One Roof offers is online.

Information about how to protect yourself from extreme cold is on the Peterborough Public Health website.

Emergency shelters are open and available to people experiencing homelessness who require emergency overnight shelter. If shelter capacity is full, temporary alternative accommodations for overnight stays may be made available. Contact the shelters first for space:

• YES Shelter for Youth and Families, 705-748-3851, 196 Brock St.

• Brock Mission men’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 120 Murray St.

• Cameron House women’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 739 Chemong Rd.

• Overflow Shelter at 210 Wolfe St., overnight phone 705-761-1875

Emergency After Hours Services related to the emergency shelter is available through Social Services by calling 705-926-0096. Please visit the Social Services website for information regarding the After Hours program.

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Five Counties Children's Centre Offers Holiday Preparation Tips

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is offering holiday tips for families to make the holidays merry and light.

Photo courtesy of Five counties Children’s centre.

“Whether celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Winter Solstice, the holiday season comes with high expectations, changes in routine and extra stimulation that can be overwhelming for some kids,” says Ashley Parsons, FCCC occupational therapist. “As parents and families, it’s important to reduce the stress and anxiety created by the holidays to make it a more enjoyable time for everyone.”

According to FCCC staff, it is not just children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing issues who can be impacted by the holidays.

“The pandemic has disrupted large gatherings and in-person celebrations, creating a situation where many kids aren’t equipped or don’t know how to socialize or engage in play with others outside their immediate families,” Parsons says.

Preparation involves a plan for success, says FCCC. They suggest the use of calendars to mark events and count down the days and photos/maps/videos as visuals to share with younger family members or children who have communication challenges to help prepare them for who/where you’re visiting.

FCCC also offers the following tips to help prepare your family for the holidays:

• Decorate less or do it gradually. While holiday decorations make the season brighter, they can also be disruptive for some kids. Pulling out pictures from previous holiday seasons can help children adjust to what’s planned (if you don’t have photos, take some this year). Having kids involved in decorating can ease the process, as can taking a step-by-step approach to decorating. For instance, set up the tree one day, but wait until the next day before starting to decorate. Once decorations are up, set clear rules about what can and can’t be touched.

• Give gifts the right way. Most children get excited over holiday gifts, but for some kids, it can be overwhelming. If a child starts to obsess over a desired gift, find ways to manage their interest. For example, try a ‘five-for-five swap.’ Give your child five stickers that can be exchanged for being able to talk about the gift for a five-minute interval. To help manage holiday gift expectations, make a list with your child of realistic items he or she wants for the holidays. This list can then be shared with family members and friends who can register to purchase one of the desired gifts.

• Change for the better isn’t always better. Many children thrive on routine, and the holidays can throw off schedules. Having familiar items on hand can help calm stressful situations. If you are travelling for the holidays, make sure you have a child’s favourite books, toys, games and activities. Rehearse in advance what will happen or what can be expected to also ease children through any change or disruption of routine.

• Here’s food for thought. Enjoying a holiday meal with friends or family may not be enjoyable for all kids, especially if they are picky eaters or unlikely to enjoy unfamiliar food that’s on the menu. Some kids may also have allergies or require special diets. Have some of your child’s favourite or familiar foods on hand for dinner, either by bringing it yourself or ensuring some will be served during the holiday meal. If needed, identify a quiet area where your child can go to eat on their own if mealtime with others is too much.

• Take a break. Have a plan in case holiday visits or festivities become too overwhelming. Develop a signal that you child can use to say they need a break or want to be on their own. Work with your host to find a pre-determined quiet space for your child to de-stress. Have headphones with songs or stories that your child can wear to calm themselves and drown out surrounding noises. 

• Dress for success. Ensure your child wears clothing that is familiar and will not cause discomfort if going to a special holiday dinner or event.

• Prepare others for what to expect. The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones, so help them to understand your child. Be open and honest. Offer strategies on how they can help reduce anxiety or stress with your child. Help them see that your child may prefer not to be hugged. Share potential triggers that could cause your child to become upset. Stress to loved ones the importance of remaining calm and neutral to avoid outbursts.

“You know your child best, so look to what has worked for your family in situations or holidays past,” said Parsons. “With a bit of planning and preparation, you and your child can enjoy a wonderful holiday season that is merry and a bit light!”

Five Counties Shares Tips For A More Inclusive Halloween For All Kids

With Halloween around the corner, Peterborough-area residents are being asked to help break down barriers to trick-or-treating by following the Tricks to Make Halloween a Treat for Kids of All Ages and Abilities from Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

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They are urging the community to consider the following when taking part in Halloween festivities:

1. Set up a trick-or-treating station that is accessible and barrier-free for every child to enjoy. For homes with stairs, consider setting up an accessible treat station on the front lawn, driveway or garage. If all else fails, be creative and use your vehicle’s trunk to hand out candy.

2. Clear the path for trick-or-treaters. Remove potential obstacles and ensure the way to your treat station is wide open and well lit, especially for trick-or-treaters with mobility challenges. Consider parking on the street or in the garage to create even more space.

3. Decorate for Halloween with care. While scary and spooky decorations are appealing, they can be frightening for some trick-or-treaters. Bright flashing lights and loud or frightening noises can cause problems for children with sensory processing issues, autism or epilepsy. Be thoughtful and tactful in how you decorate so more children can take part in trick-or-treating.

4. Communication counts. Some children may say “trick or treat” differently. Some may use sign language, assistive technology, speak slowly or be non-verbal. Be respectful whatever the circumstances. A smile and wave can say so much!

5. Seeing blue? That’s OK. Blue pumpkins have been informally adopted by some families as a way to indicate children have unique ways of behaving and communicating. If you see a trick-or-treater carrying a blue pumpkin, be understanding and adjust your interactions as needed.

6. Use some “show and tell” to hand out treats. If you encounter children with visual or hearing problems, describe or hold up the treat before placing it in the bag so they are aware of what they are receiving.

7. A sign of the times. If you want to make an even stronger statement, put up a sign on your front lawn indicating you are an accessible/inclusive trick-or-treating stop.

Five Counties is echoing the message of Treat Accessibly, a grassroots movement formed in 2017. Treat Accessibly promotes inclusivity and accessibility around trick-or-treating.

According to the Treat Accessibly organization, more than 400,000 children in Canada identify as having one or more disabilities which can prevent them from enjoying trick-or-treating with other children.

“Ask any child, and he or she will tell you Halloween ranks right up there as one of the best days of the year. We’re encouraging people to consider children of all ages and abilities this Halloween,” says Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “Halloween is one of those days or festivities that children of every ability should have the chance to experience and enjoy.”

To learn more visit https://www.fivecounties.on.ca.

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Hospice Peterborough Speaks On Medical Assistance in Dying

When the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation was introduced in Canada in 2016, Hospice Peterborough formed a committee made up of clients, Board of Directors members, community palliative program staff and palliative physicians to support the service.

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They determined that Hospice Peterborough will not stigmatize those who choose MAiD, and that staff will follow the professional health colleges’ guidelines which allow health professionals to talk about MAiD if the client introduced the topic and asked for help in accessing more information.

In 2019 Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) developed a program to support people who were at the end of their life in exploring the decision to enact MAiD. Hospice works with PRHC to provide Peterborough access to MAiD, and impartially support those who are considering this by answering questions and helping to navigate the choice.

“The Board of Hospice Peterborough respects and supports a person’s choice for medical assistance in dying. Therefore, the Board requests the creation of an operational plan for medical assistance in dying at Hospice Peterborough,” said Hospice Peterborough Board of Directors in a statement.

The 2021-2025 Hospice Peterborough Strategic Plan was developed last year to reinvestigate and redefine Hospice Peterborough’s position on MAiD in their ten-bed hospice residence. A working group was formed and an internal process was launched to review MAiD.

This process included staff, board education groups and focus groups while considering feedback from the community. Review of provincial and national standards from palliative care organizations including the Ontario Palliative Care Network, Hospice Palliative Care Ontario and the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.

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Accessible Advance Voting Location to Run at City Hall for Municipal Election

An advanced voting location with enhanced accessibility features for the 2022 Municipal Election will run at City Hall on Monday to Oct. 21 announced on Thursday.

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Voters from any ward are welcome to vote at the accessible location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City boardroom of City Hall, located at 500 George St. N.

Accessibility features include an audio and tactile voting tabulator equipped with special equipment to allow any elector to independently cast a ballot.

The second of three in-person advance voting days are on Saturday with voting locations open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The final day for advance voting is Oct. 22.

Election Day is on Oct. 24, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be 16 designated voting locations throughout the City, and residents can choose the location within their ward that is most convenient.

Find a map of all the voting locations here.

Voters are reminded to bring their Voter Notification Card and abide by the City of Peterborough’s COVID-19 guidelines.

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International Week of Deaf People Addresses Inclusion Through American Sign Language

DeafBlind Ontario Services is celebrating International Week of Deaf People from Sept. 19-25.

Sara Quick and her American Sign Language book. Photo courtesy of DeafBlind Ontario Services.

This year’s International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) theme is ‘Building Inclusive Communities for All’ which addresses the need to eliminate barriers to inclusion for deaf people.

DeafBlind Ontario Services provides customized services to deaf, hard of hearing, non-verbal and deaf-blind individuals which accommodate their various methods of communication, unique needs and goals to enrich their lives.

Peterborough’s Sara Quick teaches American Sign Language (ASL) through the book of signs she’s created.

ASL is a visual language with the same linguistic properties as spoken languages but different grammar than English. It is one of 200 different sign languages used around the world.

Being born profoundly deaf, 34-year-old Quick strives to eliminate the barriers deaf people face through teaching and advocating for the use of ASL.

Though ASL is her first language, Quick communicates with hearing individuals through written English.

“Learning sign is really fun. You use facial expressions, body posture and gestures,” she said. “A great place to start is with your ASL alphabet. Taking steps to learn ASL is an important way to connect hearing and deaf people.”

Quick teaches her Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and friends American Sign Language.

“She is amazing at teaching sign, I’ve learned so much from her,” said DSP with DeafBlind Ontario Services April Ferguson. “We started with the ABCs and built on them with a new sign everyday.

For more information on DeafBlind Ontario Services and IWDP contact senior coordinator of communications Samantha Marren at s.marren@deafblindontario.com or 1-855-340-3267 ext. 224.

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