Trent Tops Undergraduate University Rankings in Ontario for Eleventh Consecutive Year Now 3rd in All of Canada

Trent University has topped the charts as the number one undergraduate university in Ontario for the eleventh year and moved up to number three in its category in all of Canada in the 2022 Maclean’s University Rankings.

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“These rankings reaffirm Trent’s position a leader in the postsecondary sector in Canada,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “For eleven years in a row, we have been ranked as Ontario’s top undergraduate institution. This year’s rankings shine a further spotlight on our growing reputation, which is squarely founded on our faculty and staff commitment to a transformative student experience.”

The rankings also position Trent as an institution committed to student satisfaction and success, ranking as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada for academic advising staff, and number one in Ontario for scholarships, administrative staff, course instructors, student services and extracurricular activities.

Trent ranks number one in Canada for promoting Indigenous visibility, number one in Canada for academic advising staff and number two in Canada for student satisfaction. St. Francis Xavier ranked first in student satisfaction.

To view the complete list of university rankings click here.

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Fleming To Host Third Annual FemSTEAM Summit

In celebration of International Day of the Girl, Fleming College will host the third annual FemSTEAM Summit to encourage women to pursue careers in science, technology and trades, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) on Wednesday.

Photo Courtesy of Fleming College.

FemSTEAM was started by three local businesswomen three years ago to encourage young girls in the region to consider STEAM fields and skill-oriented careers through mentorship, events, education and outreach activities. Fleming College and Trent University alternate hosting the annual summit, with Fleming organizing the first one on campus in 2019, followed by a virtual event last year by Trent. Due to the pandemic restrictions, this year’s event will be virtual.

“It is expected that 50 per cent of jobs in society will be related to fields of STEM study,” states Rhonda Barnet, a FemSTEAM founder and president and COO, AVIT Manufacturing. “Women in North America make up 48 per cent of the workforce. Yet they make up less than 30 per cent of STEAM graduates and only 23 per cent of science and technology workers around the world. In response to these staggering statistics, FemSTEAM’s mission is to move the dial on girls in Canada entering post-secondary studies in STEAM.”

Teachers and students from local school boards are invited to attend the event. Fleming President Maureen Adamson and Cathy Bruce, Vice President of Research and Innovation at Trent University will provide the welcome remarks. The agenda for the morning includes keynote addresses by Nicole Verkindt, founder of OMX Offset Market Exchange, and Jamie McMillan, founder of Kickass Careers, virtual tours of Fleming College and Trent University, and a panel featuring current students and graduates from both institutions.

Panellists include:

• Krista Scaldwell, vice-president of communications and public affairs, Canada Life

• Joanne Dereta, principal and managing director, CI Private Wealth

• Sarah Aftergood, director of environmental permitting, Orsted Onshore North America

• Mackenzie Barclay, Welding & Fabrication Technician student

• Emma Tozer, Electrical Engineering Technician student

• Rebecca Yaxley, Carpentry Apprentice

“Our goal at Fleming is to provide equal opportunities for women to pursue and thrive in STEAM careers,” said Pam Stoneham, Dean, School of Trades and Technology at Fleming. “The female enrolment in trades and technology programs at the College is currently around nine per cent. We believe initiatives like the FemSTEAM Symposium and Mentor Mondays will contribute to our goal of doubling that number by 2026.”

“At Trent University, we have many state-of-the-art and renowned facilities and over 100 academic programs–all accessible by our students so they can get hands-on experience in the fascinating fields of the sciences, technology, engineering, the arts, and math,” notes Cathy Bruce, vice president of research and innovation at Trent University. “As a mathematician and mathematics educator, I know first-hand how transformational it can be for students to study alongside renowned professors who are also leaders in their fields. Trent University takes those student experiences very seriously.”

More than 600 students are expected to watch the event from the Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board. Students from the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board will also participate. This year’s virtual event will reach more than 1,000 grade seven and eight students in the area.

The virtual FemSTEAM Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 13 begins at 9:30 a.m. For more information and to join the live stream, please visit www.femsteam.ca.

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Holy Cross Celebrates Grand Opening Of New Sport Complex

After three years of construction, the next era of athletics for Holy Cross Secondary School (HCSS) is here as a new sports complex with an artificial turf field has officially opened on Tuesday.

City members, Holy Cross student athletes and staff celebrate on the artificial turf that is also available for use by the community. The Holy Cross’s football team began in 2003. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project cost $3.7 million and sports such as field hockey, football, track and field, rugby and more are played at the complex.

Upgrades include an artificial turf field converting from natural grass. Night lighting, improving track and field features, such as high jump, long jump, and resurfacing the eight-lane track surrounding the field. New pathways and upgraded spectator seating improve the accessibility of the facility.

“To have the field here for all our rugby practices and games, it's awesome,” said Sophie McLean, Grade 11 student and girls’ rugby player.

“For my whole high school career, it's always been at a different school because our field has been at work,” said Eli McColl, HCSS senior student trustee and HCSS quarterback. “It finally feels amazing to be stepping at home and bring our teams here and show them what Holy Cross really is.”

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This is what $3.7 million dollars looks like! Awesome new field you have Holy Cross Secondary School!

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The joint project was led by the city and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB).

Mayor Diane Therrien, Councillor Leslie Parnell and school board officials were in attendance to briefly speak on the official opening.

“We have been watching the construction of this new state-of-the art track and field at Holy Cross CSS with much excitement,” said Joan Carragher, PVNC Director of Education. “We are thrilled that the track is now officially open and we look forward to seeing students and staff using these facilities to the fullest this upcoming school year and for many years to come.”

“Being a father of four daughters who are all involved in athletics, I know that some of the greatest lessons are learned on the sports field,” said David Bernier, PVNCCDSB Chair.

“The new artificial turf field and track amenities are top-notch. This is an exciting project that will greatly improve sports and recreation facilities for the Peterborough community, PVNC students. Artificial turf fields allow us to expand the sports season and add to our “sport’s hub” for sports tourism and local tournaments,” said Parnell. “Artificial fields present savings in terms of annual operating costs as they only need to be raked once weekly and do not need watering or fertilizing.”

Mayor Diane Therrien was one of several speakers that attended the ceremony. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The artificial turf also has safety advantages that the coaches and players have experienced on other fields.

“You're getting consistency in turf like this. It is an aggressive surface. It moves faster but there are no potholes for you to fall into,” said Geoff McKinley, HCSS boys football coach. “Things that we're working on with the athletes are acceleration and deceleration to make sure that they're minimizing injuries but you're not dealing with things that you can't control that can happen on a grass field and the maintenance that goes with that.”

“It gives you the opportunity to cut in and out, make those runs and those passes that you need to make,” said McColl. “It gives you the opportunity to shine as an athlete and shows your full potential as well.”

The facility was available to permit beginning July 19 with community sports groups using it throughout the summer and on evenings and weekends in the fall.

Holy Cross CSS has been using the facility since the beginning of the school year. Community sports teams can contact 705-742-7777 ext. 1829 for current permit information.

The first game played on the field since its opening was girls’ rugby as the Holy Cross Hurricanes hosted the Campbellford District Flames on Tuesday.

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Wilfred Laurier University and Fleming College Renew Diploma-Degree Pathway for Environmental Studies Students

Wilfrid Laurier University is renewing its partnership with Fleming College to continue offering its “2+2” pathway for students interested in earning both a diploma and degree in four years.

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Under the agreement, graduates of six Fleming College programs can enter directly into the third year of Laurier’s Honours Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, offered on Laurier’s Waterloo campus, allowing them to complete their degree in only two years.

The pathway option is available to students in Fleming College’s two-year (technician) and three-year (technology) diploma programs in the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences. Including Environmental Technician and Technology, Ecosystem Management Technician and Technology and Fish and Wildlife Technician and Technology.

“Increasingly, students are finding this pathway to Laurier’s Environmental Studies program and we are pleased to work with a highly motivated group of excellent students,” said Mary-Louise Byrne, professor and chair in Laurier’s Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. “They will be uniquely prepared to enter the workforce with the combination of skills and environmental knowledge needed to work in environmental management at this critical time as climate change unfolds.”

Fleming graduates in Laurier’s degree program will be required to take core Geography and Environmental Studies courses such as environmental theory, hydrology, geographic information systems and research methods to expand their knowledge and skills.

The pathway program has been renewed from September 2021 to September 2023.

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Lindsay Student Awarded $8,000 From Province-Wide Bursary

Lindsay’s Henry Stephenson was selected for the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA)-Dairy Farmers of Ontario bursary for $8,000 as one of five high school graduates announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of OMHA.

The bursary is awarded for students who achieved academic excellence and made a big impact in their schools and in their communities in the 2020-21 school year.

Maintaining a 98 per cent average is challenging enough yet deciding to learn Mandarin on top of Stephenson’s regular academics proved to be no issue.

Not only did he excel academically but he also played hockey with Lindsay Minor Hockey, was a cross-country provincial finalist. He was also a member of the soccer, rugby, tennis and badminton teams during his time in high school. Additionally, he is a Level 10 piano player with the Royal Conservatory of Music.

He also put together recorded musical recitals for seniors’ homes in the area and was a regular volunteer at the local food bank.

“Henry’s on a different path than most. He’s an elite young man and he’s going to do amazing things. It wouldn’t shock me if one day we’re all working for him,” said Trevor Catherwood, Stephenson’s hockey coach. “He’s an excellent kid to coach.”

Stephenson is in his first year studying Bioengineering at McGill University.

“I really like that I’ll have the opportunity to solve problems that might not have come up before,” he said.

“We are extremely proud of the five recipients chosen for the Dairy Farmers of Ontario Bursary this year,” said Ian Taylor, OMHA Executive Director. “Their desire to give back during a challenging year in hockey and their excellence in the classroom shows their leadership as people and players. I am confident these five great athletes and students will continue to shine in their post-secondary education.”

Applications for the 2022 Bursary Program will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Canadian Canoe Museum Completes Purchase of Johnson Property and Signs Construction Contract

The Canadian Canoe Museum (CCM) has completed the purchase of the Johnson Property from the City of Peterborough announced on Wednesday.

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The Johnson Property, located at at 2077 Ashburnham Dr., is the site where the CMM will build its new world-class museum slated for completion in 2023.

City Council approved the direction to proceed with the sale of the land in January this year. The sale was subject to a number of conditions including rezoning, project validation and confirmation of site appropriateness, all of which have been met to the satisfaction of both CCM and the city.

CCM paid $1.575 million for the five acres of land.

“I am pleased to see the completion of this transaction for the property that will be the future home of The Canadian Canoe Museum. I am very much looking forward to the building of this exciting project in Peterborough’s Ashburnham Ward,” said Councillor Gary Baldwin, City Council’s representative on The Canadian Canoe Museum Board.

CCM intends to sell its current property at 910 Monaghan Rd. to help fund the project in addition to a fundraising campaign that has raised just over 82 per cent of the $40 million needed to complete the overall project.

“Canadian Canoe Museum is thrilled to have completed these critical milestones so that we may commence with construction as planned in October,” said Carolyn Hyslop, CCM, executive director. “Our project team is working at lightning speed to stay on schedule so that we may be ready to open the new museum in 2023.”

Having completed project validation, CCM is now moving into a contract for continued design and construction of the new facility. The Museum marked the occasion by signing a CCDC30 Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) contract on Monday with Chandos Construction Ltd. and Lett Architects Inc., valued at $27,363,383.00.

This agreement allows for the commencement of design services and construction work associated with the building of the new museum on the Johnson Property.

Project partners include:
Architect: Lett Architects Inc., Peterborough, ON
General Contractor: Chandos Construction Ltd, Toronto, ON
Structural Engineering: LEA, Markham, ON
Mechanical Trade Partner: Kelson Mechanical, Sharon, ON
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering: DG Biddle & Associates, Oshawa, ON
Electrical trade partner: Lancer Electric, Peterborough, ON
Civil Engineer: Engage Engineering, Peterborough, ON

The new museum will enable CCM to house 100 per cent of its collection in a building that meets Class A conservation standards, directly on the water, which allows for increased on-water and in-person programming.

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New Canadians Centre Launches Children's Book Inspired by Newcomers to Peterborough

Author and illustrator Casandra Lee has brought six children’s stories to life in her new book, “Building a Home” during a book launch at the New Canadians Centre (NCC) on Monday.

Jorge Escalera (far right), poses with his family at Monday’s book launch. Escalera is one of six children whose story inspired Building a Home. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

The book draws inspiration from children experiencing new cultures for the first time after immigrating to Canada.

Bhisham Ramoutar, NCC communication and engagement specialist, had the idea for a book two years ago when a newly immigrated family was served pizza for the first time.

“We got thinking about all the big things and the small things that children have to face when they come to a new country,” said Ramoutar. “We wanted to find a way to share those unique experiences.”

When Lee began volunteering at the NCC, Ramoutar knew he had found the perfect candidate to bring his idea to life.

Lee met with the six children that were from Syria, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Pakistan. They currently live and attend school in Nogojiwanong–Peterborough.

“Writing ‘Building a Home’ was really a dream come true for me,” she said. “Working directly with children and then translating that into a written, illustrated children’s book was really special.”

Casandra Lee reads Building a Home at the launch on Monday. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Over the course of five weeks, Lee met with the children over Zoom. They spoke about shared experiences they were faced with when coming to Peterborough. A recurring theme was their love for their mothers cooking, opposed to new foods they were offered in Canada.

Jorge Escalera, 11, came to Canada from Monterrey, Mexico in 2016 when he was six after his father received a job opportunity at Quaker Oats Peterborough. He was one of the six children that shared his story.

“I was very excited when my mom told me I could participate,” said Escalera. “I was so happy, it felt amazing.”

There are free 400 copies of “Building A Home” available from the David Goyette & Victoria Pearce Arts Fund at the United Way of Peterborough and District. Copies can be ordered here and picked up at the NCC office in Peterborough and Cobourg. A digital copy of the book is available for free online.

Educators are invited to book a reading of “Building a Home” by Lee or other newcomers associated with the New Canadians Centre depending on the timing of the reading. To book a reading email bhisham@nccpeterborough.ca.

“Building a Home” is available in English, Arabic, Bengali, French, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish.

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Schools To Be Served Healthy Food Through Student Nutrition Programs

Over 50 student nutrition programs will be run in schools supported by Food for Kids Peterborough and County announced on Tuesday.

Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Public Health.

Choices include whole fruit, sliced vegetables, whole grain muffins and packaged cheese. Nutrition programs are an important part of academic and personal success according to Luisa Magalhaes, Peterborough Public Health dietitian.

“Nourished students learn and behave better”, she explains. “Water and a variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein foods help keep us healthy. This is even more important during a pandemic.”

Growing evidence shows connections between healthy eating and positive mental health Magalhaes adds.

Last school year, Food for Kids worked with community partners to help feed hungry students. School food boxes with local produce and cheese fed at-school learners.

Vulnerable families of school-age children received food baskets for at-home learners, grocery gift cards and fresh produce boxes.

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Fleming Offers Free Construction Program Through SkillsAdvance Ontario

A new free construction program is available at Fleming College’s Haliburton campus this fall announced on Tuesday.

Photo Courtesy of Fleming College.

The program is being offered by the Eastern Ontario Colleges Consortium through SkillsAdvance Ontario (SAO).

The goal of the program, funded by the provincial government through SAO and the federal government, is to build a strong future for the construction industry by promoting workforce development according to Fleming.

The program supports both job seekers and recruiters by providing workers access to a free six-week professional development opportunity and employers with innovative training, growth, recruitment and onboarding tools. The six-week curriculum includes:

• Four-weeks of training that includes fundamental construction skills in roofing, carpentry, framing, interior work, health and safety training and essential workplace skills to help learners succeed long term

• Two-week paid placement at the end of the program to learn practical on-the-job skills

• Participants receive one-on-one assistance throughout the program and their transition to employment

• Qualified employers can receive funding for eligible training costs. Financial support is also available and assessed on an individual basis.

Since training is on campus, participants will be required to adhere to Fleming’s campus-wide vaccination policy and submit proof of having received their first and second doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The program is open to high school graduates, early school leavers, and unemployed or underemployed youth and adults. Employment Insurance (EI) eligible and non-EI eligible, as well as women, Indigenous peoples and newcomers to Canada are encouraged to apply.

SAO Construction begins at the Haliburton Campus on Oct. 4, and a virtual information session is scheduled for Sept. 21.

To register, visit flemingcollege.ca/SAOconstruction or email SAOconstruction@flemingcollege.ca.

There will also be an intake for the Peterborough Campus for the Winter semester.

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Peterborough Museum Exhibit Highlights Inuit Role in Search for the Franklin Exhibition

A new exhibit, The Ones We Met – Inuit Traditional Knowledge and the Franklin Expedition, will occupy the Peterborough Museum & Archives for three months announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The exhibition features photographs, illustrations and an animated map of routes charted by Europeans looking for a Northwest Passage in the 350 years before Franklin’s expedition.

The Franklin Expedition was a voyage of Arctic exploration led by Captain Sir John Franklin that departed from England in 1845 aboard two ships, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror.

Visitors can hear stories of Inuit encounters with Franklin and his men and of Martin Frobisher’s voyages to Baffin Island in the 1570s.

The expedition ended in disaster after both ships and their crews, a total of 128 officers and men, became icebound in what is now Nunavut.

“This exhibit is a great opportunity for visitors to learn about an important perspective surrounding the account of the Franklin Expedition. From the time HMS Erebus and Terror got trapped in the icy north, Inuit have been a part of the story. When that chapter came to a close, they continued to share their experience to younger generations, of the crewmen they met, and of ships stuck in ice,” said Dustin McIlwain, Peterborough Museum and Archives Community Engagement Coordinator.

Presented in Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English and French — the four official languages of Nunavut — the travelling exhibition will be on display at the Peterborough Museum & Archives from Sept. 18 to Dec. 5.

“This tradition of sharing oral histories was a key component to the discovery of these wrecks. To this day, the Inuit continue their key role in sharing this story, as well as the preservation of this historical site. The narrative will continue to evolve with time, as we embrace the concept of storytelling as a way to keep our history alive,” said McIlwain.

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