Peterborough Fire Services Reminds Residents Open-Air Burning Not Permitted

Due to a recent increase in burning complaints, Peterborough Fire Services is reminding residents that open-air burning is not permitted within the City of Peterborough as per the Ontario Fire Code in a press release issued Friday.

Peterborough Fire Trucks at the ready. Photo Courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

Fire bowls, fire-pit tables and barbeques that burn propane or natural gas are examples of permitted appliances as long as they are Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) approved. Chimineas and other wood-burning devices are not approved appliances for open-air fires.

For more information click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Celebrate the Planet and Dance for Declaration in September

For Our Grandchildren (4RG), a local climate group will hit the streets dancing in September to celebrate the planet.

For Our Grandchildren selects a different action each month and directs people towards resources highlighted steps one can take towards climate action. Photo courtesy of For Our Grandchildren.

September 20, 2021 marks the second anniversary of Peterborough’s declaration of a Climate Emergency.

To celebrate and raise awareness 4RG will be hosting an evening of song and dance free for anyone to attend.

The evening will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a ‘Dance for the Planet’ at Millennium Park. Local entertainers The Weber Brothers and Irish Millie will be performing.

The group will walk to Confederation Park at 6:00 p.m. where they hope to have enough attendees to encircle City Hall - symbolizing that we all need to work together to succeed.

There will be speeches explaining what the City of Peterborough has implemented to help the climate emergency in the difficult time of the pandemic as well as what steps can be taken immediately to help. Speakers have not yet been announced.

For more information on this event click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Man Creates Virtual Fitness Challenge For Mental Health Awareness

Joe Keating of Peterborough has created the 4,000 Reps for Mental Health Awareness virtual fitness challenge to raise mental health awareness on Saturday.

Joe Keating ran the campaign saying working on mental health is as important as physical health. Photo Courtesy of Joe Keating.

Keating will perform 4,000 kettlebell swings on his front lawn (weather pending) live on Messenger Rooms — 1,000 times an hour for four hours — and encourages anyone to join.

The 4,000 reps can be anything so long as participants are physically active. Running 4,000 steps, jumping jacks or jump rope skips as some of many alternative exercises Keating suggests for the challenge.

He was diagnosed with clinical depression in 2015. He struggled and had a hard time with it before reaching out. Keating’s doctor advised him to do more physical activity to help him cope with his illness.

“I’m a certified kettlebell instructor,” he said. “It’s my go-to exercise. If I had a bad day, it’s something I can pick up, swing it and bang out a couple of reps to feel better.”

The pandemic has limited physical activity options and the event is another outlet to exercise according to Joe. Photo Courtesy of Joe Keating.

The campaign’s goal is to help erase the stigma of having a mental illness and open up a conversation about having one without feeling shame.

“I’ve always been very open about it,” said Keating. “Some people still seem to be too afraid to still talk about it and not talking about it can lead down to a dark path like suicide.”

There are approximately 4,000 suicides annually in Canada which is why the event encourages that many reps according to Keating.

Alexis Keating, 11, Joe’s daughter, will participate with her own kettlebell lifts for the event. Photo Courtesy of Joe Keating.

When the event was put on social media, the response was overwhelmingly positive in ways Keating had not anticipated.

“It was way bigger than what I was expecting. “ he said. “I thought it was going to be with family and friends and in my close-knit group. I have people from Vegas, Calgary and a team from Montreal going.”

If the event is successful, it could become an annual challenge that could include fundraising said Keating.

The free event will run on April 24 at 10:00 a.m. Head to the event’s Facebook Page for more details.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Well-Known Peterborough Family Creates Fundraiser for Hospice Peterborough

In honour of the late Jan Paris, the local family who founded and owns Paris Marine in Lakefield has pledged to match donations to the Hospice monthly giving program until the end of February.

At age 73, Jan was a healthy and vibrant Peterborough woman who enjoyed volunteering, painting, taking trips with her husband to their second home in Florida and spending as much time as she could with her beloved grandchildren.

After getting an all-clear from a physical in July 2019, however, she’d learn by the end of the year that she had a rare form of leukemia. The Paris family say they relied on Hospice Peterborough services throughout Jan’s illness and when it was time to grieve.

The Paris family: Jan and Bill Paris with daughters Tracey, Deborah and Julie. (photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

“I don’t know how we would’ve gotten through this without Hospice Peterborough,” says Bill Paris, her husband of more than 50 years. “It’s the kind of organization that you don’t know much about until the time comes that you need them.”

To honour Jan’s memory, her family has initiated the “For the Love of Jan” fundraiser for Hospice Peterborough and has pledged to match all donations made to the monthly giving program, up to $10,000, until the end of February. To date, more than $6,000 has been received.

Jan and Bill Paris created more than 50 years’ worth of memories together. (photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

All donations to “For the Love of Jan” will be directed to programs that support children and teens, an area for which Hospice Peterborough receives no government funding.

The groups support youth in our community who have experienced the death of someone close to them and—often through arts-based activities—help them manage their feelings and behaviours. Through the pandemic, Hospice continues to offer these services virtually either one-on-one or in small groups.

Jan Paris with her granddaughter Kensington. (photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)

Hospice Peterborough executive director Hajni Hős thanks the Paris family for sharing their deeply personal story and for giving back to the community in memory of a loved one.

“It is fitting to direct these funds to children and teen groups in honour of a cherished mother and grandmother who devoted herself to her family,” Hős says. “When children in our community can better manage their grief, we all win.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Enforcement Of The Two-Hour Limit For On-Street Parking Resumes

To support commercial activity in the downtown with stores re-opening for curbside pickup, enforcement of the two-hour limit for on-street parking will resume on Monday, May 11th in downtown Peterborough.

The two-hour limit for on-street parking helps ensure the spaces are used for short-term parking, which increases the availability of parking for customers. Enforcement of regulations for other parking infractions, such as no stopping zones, no parking areas and commercial loading spaces will also continue to support downtown businesses and promote safety.

While enforcement activities are resuming, free parking for on-street parking and surface lots in the central area will continue for now as a temporary measure to reduce the potential for spread of COVID-19.

Convenient access to parking is important to restaurants offering take-out and retailers reopening for curbside pickup following the Province of Ontario Orders and associated guidelines.

"The DBIA appreciates the steps taken by the City of Peterborough to provide free parking downtown during this crisis,” says Terry Guiel, Executive Director of Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. “We believe it important to keep spaces open for our businesses so that they can do quick pick-up and deliveries which are essential for them right now.”

Peterborough Public Health recommends following these guidelines for safe curb-side pickups:

• Only send one person and stay in the car if possible
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after the pickup
• Maintain a 2-meter distance from others
• Wear a face covering, required if you have any COVID-19 symptoms
• Avoid idling your car

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Fleming College Creates Face Shield Parts For Frontline Workers At 3D Makerspace In Innovation Cluster

Fleming College has been working out of its downtown 3D Makerspace, located in the Innovation Cluster’s downtown Peterborough incubator, to create headbands and reinforcement pieces for face shields.

These will be given to frontline healthcare workers in the Peterborough region.

HOW THE INITIATIVE STARTED

The initiative began on April 3rd, when Fleming College delivered headbands to the Peterborough PPE Initiative, a group of Peterborough makers who are creating personal protective equipment.

This group, which is led by Fleming College graduate Dylan Radcliffe, have been creating face shields using PETG sheets, plastic brackets, and elastic material, made possible by the Makerspace's 3D printers.

“We are very proud to work with our community partners at Innovation Cluster to support this initiative and produce pieces that create much-needed resources to keep our frontline workers safe,” says Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. 

Fleming College’s School of Trades & Technology faculty Fereydoon Diba, with support from Operations Manager Mary MacLeod and Computer Science Technologist Phillip Chee, supported the group by creating more than 500 bottom reinforcement pieces for face shields in the Makerspace.

The donation was made on April 16th and the Peterborough PPE Initiative will assemble and sanitize the face shields, which will be used at PRHC.

“When Fleming College decided to open the 3D Makerspace in the incubator months ago, we knew the hands-on learning environment would be important but now we know it is essential," says John Gillis, President of the Innovation Cluster. "The incubator has always been home to important technological advancements and we are excited that even though startups are unable to physically complete their work in the space due to COVID-19, it is still being used to create and make a difference.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

United Way of Peterborough & District Announces One Of Largest Concerts In Peterborough History

Mic Drop: The United Way of Peterborough & District just announced one of the largest concerts in Peterborough history in order to raise vital funds in the fight against homelessness.

“Peterborough Performs: Musicians Against Homelessness” takes place at Showplace Performance Centre Thursday, March 5th, and includes the Weber Brothers Band, the Austin Carson Band, Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr, Danny Bronson, the Three Martinis, Rick and Gailie’s Peterborough All-Star Band, Hillary Dumoulin, James Higgins, Elyse Saunders, Tami J. Wilde, Jacques Graveline, Phil Stephenson, Nick Ferrio, Jake Dudas, and Victoria Pearce with Mike Graham.

The event is generously sponsored by RBC Royal Bank of Canada, and Megan Murphy and Jordan Mercier will serve as masters of ceremony. A silent auction will feature close to 30 items. General seating will accommodate non-stop performances on the David Goyette Stage and in the Nexicom Studio.

All proceeds from the event will be dedicated to United Way-funded agencies that provide housing and shelter to the marginalized. “I am grateful to Campaign Cabinet Member Paul Rellinger for his leadership in bringing this event to life,” says United Way Campaign Chair David Goyette. “We were all disturbed by the emergence of tent city last summer and it crystallized in us a desire to do better in serving people in need. I know that all our performers and sponsors feel the same way.”

“RBC is pleased to support the United Way of Peterborough and District as the presenting sponsor of Peterborough Performs”, adds Scott Mancini, Commercial Vice-President, RBC. “Homelessness is a prevalent issue in the Peterborough area. This concert will raise both awareness and funds in support of the United Way and local agencies doing great work to develop and implement solutions.”

Tickets are available at the Showplace box office, online at showplace.org, by phone at 705-742-7469, and at the United Way office at 277 Stewart Street in Peterborough.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

$88,194.72 Raised At 11th Annual Petes Pink In Rink Game In Front Of Capacity Crowd At Mem Centre

The 11th annual Pink in the Rink game took place in front of a sold-out Petes crowd at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday night (February 1st), and the night was a resounding success. Not only did the Petes end a five-game skid with a 4-1 victory over the rival Oshawa Generals, but more important the campaign raised a whopping $88,194.72 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

This brings the eleven-year total to nearly $790,000 with more donations expected in the coming days. Petes players wore special Pink in the Rink fundraising sweaters, which were sold in a post-game live jersey auction. Other fundraising initiatives at the game included a chuck-a-ball, silent auction, and bucket pass, along with T-shirt sales and online fundraiser.

Photo by Jess Van Staalduinen, Peterborough Petes

Petes alumni Mike Martone (1994-98) and Ian Armstrong (1982-85) were the honourary co-chairs of the awesome campaign.

Highlights of Saturday’s fundraiser included Nick Robertson’s game-worn jersey selling for $1,600, and an autographed John Tavares Toronto Maple Leafs jersey raising $600 in the silent auction.

The Mem Ctr is sold out. pic.twitter.com/Ujvd4Z3am8

— PetesFightCancer (@PetesFightCanc) February 1, 2020

On the ice, Nick Robertson scored twice, extending his goal scoring streak to 11 games. Akil Thomas recorded an assist—lengthening his assist streak to 11 games.

The Petes outshot the Gens 29-22. Peterborough went 2/7 on the power play and 5/5 on the penalty kill.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Enactus Fleming College Wins People’s Choice At World Project Expo In California

Enactus Fleming College won the People’s Choice at the World Project Expo at the Enactus World Cup 2019 in San Jose, California.

The Fleming College team presented their Paper Planet Project, which focuses on diverting paper from landfill and recycling, and turning it into products that can later be sold. The Paper Planet Project is a social enterprise that is creating products that are biodegradable and inexpensive while reducing our environmental footprint.

Picture from World Project Expo courtesy Fleming College

“We are so proud of our team, who have invested time and passion into this project and it is an honour to be recognized on the world stage,” says Raymond Yip Choy, Lead Enactus faculty advisor, and professor, Business Studies at Fleming College. “This is validation that our project has value and the potential to grow and change our community.”

Enactus World Cup 2019 showcases entrepreneurial action and social innovation. Every year, a select group of 3,000 students, businesses and academic leaders from around the world gather at Enactus World Cup to showcase the entrepreneurial action and shared innovation that address the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals transforming lives and creating a better future.

To learn more about Enactus at Fleming, go here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

Vibrant New Rainbow Crosswalk Installed At Water & King Near Millennium Park

The City of Peterborough installed a rainbow crosswalk at Water & King this week to celebrate inclusiveness and diversity in the community.

Celebrating inclusiveness and diversity. Rainbow crosswalk being installed at Water and King in downtown Ptbo near the entrance to Millennium Park. @PTBOPride @downtownPtbo #community pic.twitter.com/GjuAL4iFFf

— City of Peterborough (@CityPtbo) July 31, 2019

Photo courtesy DBIA

City of Peterborough Councillor Kemi Akapo tweeted about its impact along with these photos…

If you head down to Millenium Park, you’ll notice some extra colour on your way there! The rainbow sidewalk has been painted to signify love and acceptance of everyone, especially our LGBTQIA+ community. Official unveiling at Pride in September. #loveislove #webeenhere pic.twitter.com/UGlsksVgSC

— Kemi Akapo (@kemi_akapo) July 31, 2019

The crosswalk has garnered positive reaction from the community.

“I’m so proud of our city for the message this makes. #LoveisLove🌈,” says Kate Wells on a DBIA Facebook thread regarding the new crosswalk.

”This is awesome ... any little step to make everyone feel welcome in this city will help it grow in a positive way,” adds Martin Boruta in the same thread.

Photo via @kemi_akapo

Some commenters mentioned they’d love to see more crosswalks painted in these vibrant colours (there is one other rainbow crosswalk in Peterborough on the campus of Fleming College). Christine Densmore had this to say: “Well don't just color one Crosswalk, color them all in Peterborough! It looks super cute! Happy and bright❤ Creative! 😃”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.