Trent University Adds New Indigenous Resource Hub to Advance Learning and Reconciliation

As part of actions to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Trent University has launched an updated Indigenous Protocol Guidebook and a new Indigenous Resources and Initiatives website to support ongoing work to advance learning and reconciliation across the campus and community. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“As part of Trent’s leadership and ongoing journey toward reconciliation, I recognize that sustained efforts in truth-seeking and education are essential to the whole process of reconciliation and taking action,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The updated Trent guidebook and new website represent important steps in advancing knowledge and supporting the learning of all, with resources that encourage understanding, reflection and respectful engagement.”  

The guidebook provides students, faculty, and staff with information and support on relationship-building and developing a deeper understanding of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg according to Trent. Their treaty and traditional territory is where Trent’s campuses are situated. First published in 2019, the now-expanded and updated guidebook includes information about Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous Peoples, alongside local history, treaty responsibilities and cultural practices.

The new Indigenous Initiatives website serves as a centralized hub with educational resources like the Protocol Guidebook, cultural knowledge and community-driven initiatives. It has video and written resources, including cultural teachings, academic programming, student support, community partnerships and information about Indigenous events and observances. Updates on institutional initiatives and tools to guide engagement with Indigenous communities are also on the website.

“Reconciliation begins with understanding where we stand,” said Professor Jack Hoggarth, chair of Anishinaabe Knowledge and assistant professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent. “As Senator Murray Sinclair-iban (Mazina Giizhik-iban) reminds us, ‘Reconciliation is not an Aboriginal problem; it is a Canadian one. It requires the whole of society to change.’ The Truth and Reconciliation Commission charged all of us with uncovering the full truth of Canada’s history and living out its 94 Calls to Action. To answer that call, we must learn about the Anishinaabeg and the many Nations across Turtle Island, face the enduring impacts of settler colonialism, and build relationships rooted in reciprocity. In doing so, our Trent community can honour those truths and walk together toward a future of justice, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.”

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City Council Approves Information Report On Peterborough Transit Rollout

City council has approved an information report on the rollout of the Youth Transit Pass Program for 2025 and 2026 during their meeting on Monday night.

File Photo.

The Youth Transit Pass Program aims to increase ridership, improve access and education, and support long-term transit use among young residents of Peterborough. According to Council, although youth aged 13–18 currently represent a small share of total ridership, they hold significant potential to help shift travel behaviour, increase transit use, and build a culture of sustainable mobility within the community.

Key program components include:

• complimentary transit access for youth aged 13-18 during evenings, weekends, and summer months;

• annual registration with structured pass distribution and orientation;

• education-focused program design to support independent, confident transit use; and

• phased pilot implementation through 2025 and 2026, followed by an annual program delivery and evaluation.

The program model aligns with current transit operations and supports future growth by targeting off-peak periods for initial implementation. This approach allows Peterborough Transit to build capacity, manage resources effectively, and evaluate program impacts without overextending the system. Over time, the program will expand and adapt alongside service enhancements, allowing for data-driven adjustments and continuous community engagement.

Draft Implementation Timeline:

• Fall 2025 - During this phase, stakeholder engagement (e.g., school boards, student transportation services, youth organizations, families, and Transit staff) will be prioritized to further develop program specifics and arrive at the final program model and delivery methods. Consultations will also take place with the transit pass provider to identify appropriate systems for registration and data tracking. Additionally, a comprehensive communications plan will be developed to support program awareness and rollout.

• Winter 2025 - The focus will shift to developing the operational aspects of the program. This includes creating registration processes and forms, as well as orientation materials and scheduling procedures. Communications materials will also be prepared, and the evaluation plan will be finalized to ensure effective monitoring and assessment.

• Spring 2026 - Final testing of processes and systems will take place to ensure everything is functioning as intended. Internal staff will receive training to support the successful delivery of the program. Promotional materials will be distributed, and registration and orientation will begin for youth aged 13 to 14 (Intermediate Students).

• Summer/fall 2026 – Phased expansion of registration and orientation to youth aged 15 to 18 (Secondary Students) will be completed to fully roll out the program to youth aged 13-18 in Year One. Tracking and evaluation of the pilot year begins to assess program delivery and impact. 

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Trent University Launches Double-Degree Option With Doctor of Naturopathy

Trent University and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) have launched Canada’s first formalized double-degree pathway, enabling students to earn both a Bachelor of Arts and Science and a Doctor of Naturopathy, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The degrees can be obtained in seven years. 

“This agreement with CCNM creates a clear and compelling pathway for students to pursue enriching careers in the expanding field of naturopathic medicine,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “By combining Trent’s interdisciplinary academic strengths with CCNM’s clinical expertise, we’re helping students pursue careers that align with the evolving ways people are thinking about health and wellness.”  

Those admitted into the program start their studies at Trent before going into CCNM’s professional program. Students may complete their training at the Toronto campus or apply to the Boucher campus in British Columbia once they enter CCNM. 

“CCNM is thrilled to deepen our longstanding relationship with Trent,” added Dr. Rahim Karim, CCNM president and CEO. “Together, we are preparing practitioners who will combine a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences with naturopathic medical training, bringing benefits to patients and the healthcare system as a whole.” 

In addition to the new double degree, the agreement helps Trent’s Medical Professional Stream (MPS) program with its pathways. A structured 4+4 route provides MPS students with a direct path into CCNM’s four-year Doctor of Naturopathy program, including early admission, housing incentives, and unique opportunities to engage in CCNM research even before matriculation according to Dr. Sarah West, Trent dean of science.

“This partnership combines the unique strengths of both institutions to create a more seamless and enriching academic journey for students,” she said. “The double degree pathway integrates the humanities and social sciences, sciences, and health fields, equipping future healthcare leaders with the interdisciplinary and well-rounded perspective that is essential to meeting the complex needs of today’s communities.”

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Ontario Public Service Employees Union Has Full Walk-Off Strike of Fleming College

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has gone on a full walk-off strike at Fleming College and several other locations across the province as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.

more than 10,000 full-time college support staff, represented by OPSEU/SEFPO, are on strike across Ontario’s 24 public colleges. File Photo.

The OPSEU represents full-time support staff but does not directly involve full-time or part-time academic employees. It also does not include part-time support staff. According to OPSEU, over the last year, 10,000 faculty and support staff have been laid off, and more than 650 programs have been cut.

“We’ve lost 10,000 jobs across the system this year alone and more than 650 programs in every community across the province,” said Christine Kelsey, college support bargaining team Chair. “With our colleges plunged into chaos, job security is key to stabilizing the system – because the future of our work is the future of student support.”

According to their website, the OPSEU support staff want the following:

• Protect student supports: Job security measures like no contracting out services to for-profit providers, not replacing services with AI and protecting bargaining unit work.

• Bring stability to the student experience: An increase in provincial funding, including a moratorium on campus closures and layoffs.

• Support for members to take care of their families: Support staff are bargaining for time, such as paid domestic violence leave, leave to care for their families when they are sick and ensuring staff can take time off when needed to care for themselves and their families.

• Benefits: Ensuring access to dental care, hearing aids and prescription drugs. This includes life-saving measures and including gender affirmation care.

The strike occurred after a deal could not be reached between OPSEU and the College Employer Council (CEC) on a renewal collective agreement.

“A complete ban on campus closures, college mergers and staff reductions could force colleges into bankruptcy,” said Graham Lloyd, CEC CEO. “CEC has repeatedly advised OPSEU that these types of demands simply can never be agreed to. They are more about broader political campaigns than the benefits we have proposed at the table for their members.”

The CEC states that their final proposal was based on a previous offer of more than $145 million in wage and benefit improvements to the collective agreement.

The additions included:

• Enhanced vision and hearing benefits equal to those of academic staff

• Improvements to job security regarding new technology

• Introduced paid leave for domestic and sexual violence  

According to their website, the CEC’s offer is in addition to what was previously offered and includes:

1. Wage increases of two per cent in each year of the contract

2. Increased on-call premiums by 75 per cent

3. Increased shift premiums by 67 and 75 per cent

4. Enhanced employment stability committee rights

5. Enhanced vacation carryover rights

6. Increased recall rights by 50 per cent (to 18 months)

7. Severance enhancements increased by 50 per cent for employees laid off due to the current financial crisis facing the system

8. Guaranteeing employee rights to disconnect from work

9. Removal of CEC proposals that the union communicated as concessionary

“Our offer remains on the table for the union to consider,” said Lloyd. “We remain far apart on a number of important issues and we strongly encourage the union to agree to mediation/arbitration to help us reach an agreement.”

Fleming Student Administrative Council (SAC) says they are ready to support students during this time. They remain open during any labour disruption and continue to provide services, advocacy and events wherever possible, with adjustments as needed.

“We recognize this is a stressful and uncertain time for students,” said Charan Pitla, SAC Board Chair. “Our commitment is to provide clear information and advocate for student needs so they feel supported no matter how this situation unfolds.”

If required, SAC will help students understand their rights, navigate picket lines and access support if they face barriers to participation in classes or campus life.

Students will receive updates through their student email, FlemingSAC.ca and SAC social media channels.

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Fleming College Hosting Annual Tree Climbing Competition This Tuesday

Students in Fleming’s Arboriculture program are showcasing their skills in the college’s annual Tree Climbing Competition at Frost Campus this Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The competition will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Outdoor Education Center, located within the Frost Campus Arboretum. A rain date is scheduled for Wednesday.

Competitors are being tested in five timed events: Tree Rescue, Throw Line, Belayed Speed Climb, Ascent and Work Climb. 

Winners in the Men’s and Women’s divisions will earn grand prizes and the opportunity to advance to the International Society of Arboriculture’s provincial and national Tree Climbing Championships. Several judges are Fleming alumni who have competed in the same challenge.

Competition Categories: 

• Tree Rescue: A climber must ascend a tree and rescue a 200 lb. dummy in distress, following strict safety protocols in a timed scenario. 

• Throw Line: Tests the contestant’s accuracy in placing a throw line and climbing line into the tree at heights between 12 and 20 metres. 

• Belayed Speed Climb: A timed race to the top of a tree, approximately 15 metres high, where contestants ring the finishing bell. 

• Ascent Event: Climbers vertically ascend 13 metres using Stationary Rope System techniques in a timed challenge. 

• Work Climb: A test of speed, efficiency, and safety as students move through the tree to complete tasks and ring bells at each station. 

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Peterborough County School Zones to See Increased Traffic Enforcement

As students return to classrooms, an increase in traffic enforcement in school zones is occurring throughout Peterborough County this fall.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

The County reminds drivers to take extra precautions in school zones which include slowing down, planning to leave early, giving at least one metre of clearance to cyclists and stopping for school buses.

“As students return to the classroom, our roads will be shared by more cars, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This year, Peterborough County has taken extra steps to enhance road safety features and policies for school zones on County Roads. Please drive with extra caution in all school zones by staying alert, slowing down, and stopping for buses and pedestrians. Together, we can ensure a safe and successful school year for all students.”

The OPP and Peterborough Police Service would like to remind motorists of the following:

1. You must stop for stopped school buses with lights flashing.

2. Speeding in a school zone can result in fines and demerit 
   points. Speeding in Community Safety Zones results in double the fine.

3. Crossing guards have the right to stop traffic at crosswalks – abide by their direction.

4. Motorists must wait until the crossing guard is no longer on the roadway before proceeding.

5. Drivers on multi-lane, undivided highways must stop for stopped school buses when their overhead red signal lights are flashing. This applies to both directions of traffic on roads without a median or physical barrier separating opposing lanes.

To keep school children safe, both the OPP and the Peterborough Police Service are monitoring the area and issuing tickets as required for offences in school zones and/or community safety zones.

“As the 2025–26 school year kicks off, children are full of excitement to see friends and start new adventures, while parents are juggling the return of early mornings, packed schedules, and structured routines,” said Inspector Chris Galeazza, OPP Detachment Commander. “The Peterborough County OPP reminds all drivers not to let the chaos and excitement of the season distract from the responsibility to drive safely. Stop for school buses, obey crossing guards, and stay alert for carefree children on sidewalks. Let’s make sure everyone gets where they’re going safely.”

“As another school year begins, we want it to be a safe time for students whether they are walking, cycling, or taking the bus,” Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service Chief. “We are asking motorists to please be aware of traffic calming measures and Community Safety Zones, which come with slower speeds and increased fines. Community Safety Zones are located, exclusively, in neighbourhoods where a school is located, or other location where children are present, so let that be your guide about the expected presence of children.  It’s a very exciting time of year and we ask for patience as students, crossing guards and school buses return for the school year.”

As part of the County’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP), new policies have been developed to enhance safety and consistency across school zones in Peterborough County.

These policies include:

• School Signage & Pavement Markings Policy

• Community Safety Zone Policy

The Peterborough County Engineering & Construction division reviewed 12 school zones on or adjacent to County Roads. Here's what you can now expect:

• New school pavement markings

• New radar speed signs

• Speed limit reductions

• Established Community Safety Zones where criteria was met

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United Way Giving Kids a Back-to-School Head Start With "Backpacks For Success" Initiative

The United Way Peterborough & District’s 22nd Backpacks for Success initiative filled hundreds of backpacks with supplies to help kids get a head start on the back-to-school season at the Calvary Pentecostal Church on Tuesday.

Rhonda Gilchrist, United Way senior director of operations and revenue generation (left) and Tonya Kraan, United Way director of Community Impact (right) stuff one of hundreds of backpacks to be shipped off for kids in time for school. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

New this year was an incentive for the community to be involved. This included ‘Good Apple’ certificates that gave families the chance to thank educators while supporting local students to 25 donation drive drop-off locations throughout Peterborough and the County.

“Every backpack tells a story of collaboration,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “When individuals purchase a Good Apple Certificate, when businesses sponsor, when families drop off supplies at one of 25 donation drive locations, they’re all contributing to a circular investment that comes back to support our kids, our schools and our partner agencies.”

He continues to state that the program was designed to respond to a growing need in the community. Schools and agencies across the region.

“The impact goes beyond the backpacks themselves,” he explained. “This program reduces pressure on teachers, helps principals support families, and strengthens our partner agencies like the YWCA and the New Canadian Centre. It’s about setting kids up for success while also reinforcing the community supports that help families thrive.”

Community members can still participate by making a monetary donation to help cover the higher costs of items such as scientific calculators and math kits.

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Four Student-Athletes Graduates Receive 2025 Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Bursary

Four graduating student-athletes were recipients of the annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Bursary Award for 2025 at a presentation ceremony at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Tuesday afternoon.

(Left to right) Matthew Kathiravelu; Sydney Dobbin; Linda de Jeu, PDSHoF Second Vice Chair; Olivia McBride and Rutger Huntley. The award has been given annually to four recipients since 1996 (with 2020 having six) Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Matthew Kathiravelu, Sydney Dobbin, Olivia McBride and Rutger ‘Ru’ Huntley were this year’s winners, taking home $2,000 apiece from the bursary. Each recipient was a graduating high school student, attending University in the fall.

This year’s winners will have their headshots commemorated in the Hall of Fame and their names etched into the history of the awards’ beneficiaries.

Matthew Kathiravelu, 18. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

Kathiravelu, 18, is an honours student and a graduate of Kenner Collegiate.

He is attending the University of Pennsylvania, where he was accepted to the prestigious Wharton School of Business, studying Economics and working towards a Bachelor of Science degree.

He is a multisport athlete who played basketball, volleyball, badminton and track and field. He was named captain of his basketball, volleyball and track and field teams and named player of the year on all three of these teams.He led the Kenner Rams to an OFSAA silver medal this past year and an antique bronze two years ago. Kathiravelu is a two-time OFSAA triple jump gold medalist and an OFSAA  long jump silver medalist. He was named Kenner's senior male athlete of the year.

Academically, Kathiravelu was awarded the Governor General’s Award, given to the student who has the highest academic average with 97 per cent in his graduating class.

The 18-year-old has expanded his reach into coaching, helping the younger members of the Kenner track and field team. He has also been a representative on the student council and the athletic committee.

He has been a member of the Peterborough Power basketball program for two years and a player/captain with the Time to Hoop basketball program for two years.  He has also been a member of the United Tamil Sports Club for three years.

He has also volunteered as a coach for Peterborough Youth basketball, completed a co-op at Community Futures Peterborough, and coached youth at the Ferndale summer sports camp.

Sydney Dobbins, 18. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

Dobbins, 18, is an honours student and is a graduate of St. Peter Secondary School.

She will be attending the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, studying to become a doctor.

Dobbins played basketball, volleyball, soccer, ran cross country and track and field and competed in alpine ski racing and badminton. She captained her basketball and soccer teams. She was named Senior Female Athlete of the Year this past spring and has earned 10 MVP awards and two Most Dedicated awards throughout her high school career. Through her four-year education at St. Peter’s, she qualified for nine OFSAA championships in cross country running, soccer, basketball and Alpine ski racing.

She developed her leadership skills as a member of the Saints Athletic Council, where she organized sports events for elementary students, hosted athletic banquets, and advocated for the needs of student-athletes. The 18-year-old aspiring doctor has been a social media manager for athletics at St. Peter’s, where she also assisted with scorekeeping for boys and girls basketball games.

Dobbins was a member of the Peterborough Youth Soccer Association for 11 years and the Youth Basketball Association for nine. She was usually selected as captain.

Dobbins volunteered at the Peterborough City Soccer Summer Camp, Time to Hoop Basketball Academy and at the Special Olympics.

Outside of sports, Dobbins was a volunteer at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre with the Hospital Elder Life Program. It supports seniors with companionship and support in their recovery.

Olivia McBride, 18. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

McBride, 18, is an honours student and is a graduate of Adam Scott Collegiate.

She will attend Hamilton’s McMaster University in the fall, studying health sciences as she works towards an Honours Bachelor of Health Science Degree.

The 18-year-old competed in cross country running, basketball, volleyball, badminton, soccer, track and field and tennis. She was also a member of the school’s Special Olympics Unified basketball team this past year.

In her final year, Olivia was captain of the senior basketball and senior soccer teams.

During her four years at Adam Scott, she has earned nine different team awards, received her junior and senior athletic letter, was named Junior athlete of the year in grade 10 and senior athlete of the year in grade 12.

In her final year, she was one of the recipients of the Paul Burke Honour Athlete award, which recognizes commitment and dedication to athletics over a student's entire high school career, as well as receiving the Marilyn Tudhope OFSAA Award of Excellence.

McBride completed her Specialist High Skills Major program which allowed her to run a Grade 9 Olympics day, earn certifications in fair play and coaching and take part in career exploration and leadership positions. She has run volleyball intramurals for fellow students, assisted with junior girls basketball tryouts and officiated elementary basketball tournaments.

In the community, McBride has been a member of the Peterborough City Soccer Club and the Peterborough Power Basketball Club for four years.

She has volunteered at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre as a wayfinder, tutored Adam Scott Intermediate students, served as a basketball scorekeeper, and volunteered at Edmison Heights public school, where she assisted in a grade 6 classroom, organized pizza lunches, and coached dance and gymnastics.

Rutger ‘ru’Huntley, 18. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

Huntley, 18, is an honours student and graduate of Crestwood Secondary School.

He will be attending Queen’s University in Kingston, pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree.

Huntley played volleyball, badminton, tennis, ultimate frisbee, alpine skiing and a track and field athlete. He was captain of the volleyball team for each year of his career as a Mustang. He was named MVP of the volleyball team four times, the badminton team three times and earned two sportsmanship awards. He is a nine-time COSSA medalist and a five-time OFSAA participant.  

He received two of Crestwood’s most prestigious Dysart Awards of Athletic Excellence.

The 18-year-old has been a coach for the senior girls and junior boys volleyball teams at Crestwood, an official for four years for intermediate volleyball tournaments, a Soul beach volleyball coach for four years, a Durham attack U15 assistant coach and a private beach volleyball player coach.

Huntley has been captain and played volleyball for Durham Attack for three years, Peterborough Thunder for one year, Team Ontario Beach for one year, Soul Beach for four years, OVA beach tour for four years and has recently played badminton with the Peterborough Badminton Club for a year. He has received a Durham Attack leadership award three times, the Achievement of Excellence Award and the Lisa Ford Memorial Award.

Huntley has been a volunteer with the Millbrook BIA festival for 4 years, acting as an organizer and assisting with setup and he has volunteered with Mitchel’s Cakes and Desserts.

@ptbo_canada Matthew Kathiravelu, Sydney Dobbin, Olivia McBride and Rutger Huntley are this year’s recipients of the Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame and Museum Bursary Award winners for 2025. It is given annually to exemplary student-athletes who have graduated high school and headed to post-secondary education this fall. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp ♬ bounce i just wanna dance - фрози & joyful

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Fleming College Hosting Skills Ontario Summer Camp This Week

Until Friday, Fleming College will host 18 elementary school students from across the Peterborough region for the Skills Ontario Summer Camp.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Hosted in the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre, the week-long camp gives students entering Grades 7-9 a hands-on opportunity to explore careers in the industrial, construction, motive power and technology sectors according to Fleming.

Included is the Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck, a mobile learning unit equipped with interactive displays that introduce students to a wide range of skilled trades and technology careers. 

Campers will participate in activities related to carpentry, electrical, plumbing, computing technology, and welding, working with tools and materials in Fleming’s college-level lab spaces.

Midweek, students will visit Fleming’s Frost Campus in Lindsay for an introduction to arboriculture and heavy equipment operation, including time in the heavy equipment simulators.

The camp has team-building challenges and ends with a celebration where families are invited to see what campers have created and learned.

By the end of the week, Fleming says campers will have built wooden camp chairs and copper coat hooks, taken part in collaborative challenges and explored new skills in a supportive, engaging environment. 

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Trent Farm Research Centre Expands Its Agricultural Research and Training Capacity With First Facility

Trent University is increasing its role in Ontario’s agriculture sector with the official opening of the Lightbody Drive Shed, the first building at the Trent Farm Research Centre (the Farm), announced on Wednesday. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“This new facility builds on more than a decade of research and hands-on learning in sustainable agriculture at Trent,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “With the development of this tremendous land asset and the support of generous donors through our Momentous Campaign, we are entering a new phase in sustainability research and innovation – positioning Trent to lead in adaptive agriculture practices, soil science, and new carbon capture techniques. It is so exciting to grow the Farm in order to provide students with concrete farming and research experiences and to create a living lab for faculty. Outreach in the region, and beyond, will also feature large in the growing Trent Farm work ahead.” 

Named for the late Bob and Margie Lightbody, the shed the first building on the Farm and provides essential workspace and storage for faculty, students and community collaborators conducting fieldwork according to Trent. The Lightbodys, students in Trent’s founding class of 1964, were also farmers themselves and made a legacy gift to support the development of this space. Trent says the drive shed is a catalyst for Trent to provide regionally relevant insights to farmers and food producers. 

Trent says approximately 40 per cent of farmers are expected to retire in the next 10 years, while demands for locally and sustainably produced food are increasing amid more unpredictable weather and shifting growing conditions.

Research projects underway at the Farm include: 

• Climate and weather monitoring in partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada 

• Natural fertilizer innovation in collaboration with V6 Agronomy, supported by funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council 

• Soil carbon sequestration research with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, supported by NSERC 

• Student-led no-till mulch and luffa production trials supported by the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario 

• Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives, pollinator gardens, and food forest installations developed with students and community partners 

“The Trent Farm Research Centre is a vital part of our students’ learning experience,” says Dr. Karen Thompson, director of the Farm and associate professor in the Trent School of the Environment. “Students learn by applying theory and ideas from the classroom here in the field, working directly with faculty, industry, and community collaborators to tackle important challenges to our local, regional, and global food security. The research and teaching conducted here at the Trent Farm is building the capacity of the next generation to lead in agriculture, food systems, and community development.” 

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