Over $3.4 Million Invested Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Expansion of Eating Disorder Support and Services

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is receiving $3,409,974 from the Ontario Government as part of its $572.3 million investment to reimburse hospitals across the province for their lost revenue during the pandemic announced Friday.

Ontario has a total of 2,436 adult and pediatric ICU beds. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made in a Zoom meeting with MPP Dave Smith and Brenda Weir, PRHC Executive Vice President.

A one-time payment of $1,000,000 is included to immediately address the increased demand for services to support specialized care for children and youth diagnosed with eating disorders according to Smith.

“The pandemic worsened the challenges we face in health care and mental health supports after years of neglect and underfunding,” MPP Dave Smith said. “A $4,409,974 investment builds on our work to address hallway medicine, expand mental health services and ensure people in our community get the care they need,”

The program will focus on those up to the age of 24.

“The social isolation with the pandemic definitely has impacted how people have coped. Social isolation for any child or teen is significant as part of their development,” said Brenda Weir, PRHC Executive Vice President.

This funding is part of the province’s overall investment of over $1.2 billion to help hospitals recover from financial pressures created and worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hospitals have felt financial challenges not only through direct costs, but also through the loss of other forms of revenue such as co-payments for private rooms and the reduction of retail services, all of which contribute to patient care and support clinical services according to the press release.

“While the pandemic funding will help to offset the significant financial burden we have seen at the hospital as a result of COVID-19, the additional investment into PRHC’s Eating Disorders program will help us to address a dramatic increase in the need for this important service for youth in our community and region,” said Weir.

The investment in eating disorder supports and services is part of the 2021 Fall Economic Statement which allocates $8.1 million this year to immediately address the increased demand for services to support specialized care for children and youth diagnosed with eating disorders.

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Ontario Government Investing $3.3 Million In Fleming College And $2.5 Million In Trent University

The Ontario government is investing $5.8M in funding in 2021-22 at Fleming College and Trent University to help provide a modern and safe learning environment for students, faculty and staff, both virtually and on campus.

Dave Smith makes announcement at Fleming College on Wednesday. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

The funding is part of the government’s $583 million investment over three years to help institutions modernize classrooms by upgrading technology, carrying out critical repairs, improving their environmental sustainability and supporting virtual learning projects that increase access to postsecondary education for students.

“Despite a global pandemic, there are 500,000 more net new jobs today than in 2018. Our efforts to eliminate job-killing red tape, reduce fees and costs on businesses and people, and invest in education, training, and skills development are working; laying the foundation for long-term economic growth in our region and across Ontario,” MPP Dave Smith said. “Today, we take one more step in that direction with a $5.8 million investment to deliver better, more accessible education for students – training them for the jobs of the future.”

The $3.3M investment at Fleming College will help to modernize learning spaces, equipment, and infrastructure in the School of Trades and Technology, School of Environmental and Natural Resources Sciences, and the School of Health and Wellness.

The $2.5M investment at Trent University will help to renovate and upgrade IT/AV infrastructure to enable virtual/real-time delivery to support micro-credential programming as well as to enhance the ability create AV content in particular for nursing and STEM. It will also support a variety of projects including roof and skylight replacement and repair and mechanical and electrical improvements.

“Ontario’s postsecondary institutions offer world class education, which is critical to the future of the province, and our economy,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “Our government’s investments to build Ontario will help colleges and universities renew and modernize their facilities and buy vital training equipment so they can continue to deliver high-quality education to students – anytime and anywhere.”

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Ontario Government Invests $2.7 Million In New Jobs Program For Peterborough

The Ontario Government is investing $2,714,847 for Pathways to Prosperity to provide workers with training for in-demand and well-paying jobs announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday.

Rhonda Keenan, PKED President & CEO (pictured) speaking alongside MPP Dave Smith who was there on behalf of Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project is administered by Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED).

PKED is focusing on workforce development over a 12-month period. The project’s goal is to have those employed or unemployed into sustainable well-paying jobs according to PKED. The program has three pillars:

• Pre-Employment Support: readiness, participant supports, referral to training, long-term retention support, including any mental health support.

• Job Seeker Training: 15 cohorts of job seekers will receive comprehensive training designed for four sectors: line cook, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction

• Business Recruitment: recruit 50 local businesses or more to participate and offer job placements for the job seekers at the end of their training.

“We laser-focused on job creation in our region; creating opportunities for workers and families to enter the middle class through well-paying local jobs,” MPP Dave Smith said. “This jobs program will see hundreds of people receive the training and skills development needed to upgrade their careers and earn more money for their families.”

“Creating a collaborative partnership that not only supports the job seeker, but the businesses in this community that are facing a critical skills shortage, was the focus of this program,” said Rhonda Keenan, PKED President & CEO. “Businesses will have greater support to successfully hire people with the skill sets that are most in demand in the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes region.”

This initiative is supported by the government’s Skills Development Fund. They have provided over $200 million in funding for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training, or retraining workers during the pandemic according to the Ontario Government.

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YES Shelter Receives $50,000 From Rotary Clubs Towards Two Housing Units

The Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) can help their two new housing units after receiving $50,000 from Peterborough Rotary Club and Kawartha Rotary in a cheque presentation outside the shelter on Wednesday afternoon.

(from left to right) Atul Swarup, Peterborough Rotary volunteer; Marie Press, Peterborough rotary director of service; Aimee Le Lagadéc, YES executive director; Melissa Free, YES transitional housing manager; Brian O’Toole, Kawartha Rotary Club director and Carl Brown, Kawartha Rotary Club director of service. YES has been providing emergency shelter and transitional supports to youth and families in Peterborough City and County since 2000. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The two new housing units are part of YES’ RISE Youth Housing Program. The money will build the units, as well as renovate an existing 12-plex building to allow for the additional capacity. This funding is a part of Rotary’s Centennial Celebrations, helping the community in their 100th year.

The funding is part of a $100,000 pledge with Peterborough Rotary Club committing $75,000 and $25,000 from Kawartha Rotary.

“Many of our members feel very strongly about housing in Peterborough,” said Wayne Harding, Rotary Club of Peterborough president.

“This is a natural fit.” Carl Brown, Kawartha Rotary Club President stated “We are proud of our community involvement with this project and pleased to work with the Peterborough Club to make this important project happen”

“Right now, the homelessness rate in Peterborough is far too high and housing has not become more available or affordable through the pandemic,” said Aimee Le Lagadéc, YES executive director. “We also know that transitional housing is typically required for young people and families exiting homelessness.”

The project will begin this spring and will be completed by the summer of 2023.

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Fairhaven Long-Term Care Receives Over $2 Million to Hire 44 New Staff

Fairhaven Long-Term Care Home is receiving up to $2,232,672 to hire 44 additional staff this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents announced on Friday.

(left to right) Lionel Towns, Fairhaven executive director; Coun. Keith Riel; MPP Dave Smith and Coun. Karl Moher in front of Fairhaven Homes on 881 Dutton Rd. In 2021-22, Ontario invested $200 million to train up to 16,200 additional personal support workers through publicly-assisted colleges, private career colleges and district school boards. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Fairhaven is part of the $7,212,576 investment from the Ontario Government for long-term care homes in Peterborough-Kawartha.

The Dutton Road long-term care home can hire 25 full-time and 19 part-time positions. The funding will boost benefit packages for both full-time and part-time employees.

“Our region has one of the highest seniors populations in Canada and the demand for long-term care in our region will continue to grow,” said Coun. Karl Moher. “It is our jobs as representatives to ensure that our residents receive the additional care and support that this funding will provide for.”

These funds will increase care for residents at other long-term care homes such as:

• Extendicare Inc., in Lakefield, will receive up to $872,136 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents.

• Extendicare Inc, in Peterborough, will receive up to $1,517,520 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents.

• Riverview Manor Nursing Home, in Peterborough, will receive up to $845,976 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents.

• St. Joseph’s at Fleming, in Peterborough, will receive up to $1,744,272 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents.

“Our seniors deserve the best care possible. Full stop. This $7.2 million investment takes us one step further in delivering the care loved ones in our community rightfully expect,” said MPP Dave Smith. “We have made significant progress towards fixing the broken system we inherited just a few short years ago.”

Over the span of four years, the funding will increase direct hours of care by 1 hour and 21 minutes for seniors according to the Ontario Government.

The government is investing $4.9 billion over four years to boost direct resident care to an average of four hours daily by increasing care staff by more than 27,000 people.

Hiring thousands of new staff at long-term homes and increasing the amount of care they deliver each year will be made possible by annual funding increases to homes:

•  $270 million in 2021-22

•  $673 million in 2022-23

•  $1.25 billion in 2023-24

•  $1.82 billion in 2024-25

Fairhaven is seeking applications for new employees as a result of the funding announcement.

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Ontario Funds Over $5 Million In Program For People Experiencing Homelessness

The Ontario Government has invested $5,164,300 in Peterborugh for their new Homeless Prevention Program to help anyone experiencing or at-risk of homelessness announced on Tuesday.

Sheldon Laidman, City of Peterborough commissioner of community services (left); MPP Dave Smith (middle) and Coun. Keith Riel (right) outside Peterborough City Hall where the announcement was made. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

It launches on April 1 that combines the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative, Home for Good and the Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program.

Service managers will have more flexibility to target funding where it is needed and allow for greater financial accountability by measuring their progress in reducing and preventing homelessness according to MPP Dave Smith.

“Addressing homelessness is a complex issue and one key component is the personal relationship before social workers and outreach workers and their clients,” said MPP Dave Smith. “The new program is easier, streamlined and client-focused.”

The streamlined program plans to help anyone with resources find a place to live.

Access to the funding is based on a “by-name list” that meets provincial requirements while containing accessible information for anyone needing the program to be connected with local support.

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Ontario Invests $274,560 In Peterborough County Townships Through Municipal Modernization Program

The third intake of the Ontario Municipal Modernization Program will include the Townships of North Kawartha, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen and Trent Lakes.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The County of Peterborough, in partnership with its member municipalities, will receive investments for two projects.

The first project is a Joint Municipal Services Modernization Review. In partnership with the Townships of North Kawartha, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen and Trent Lakes, the County of Peterborough will purchase and implement new planning/land development cloud based software, which will enable planning customers to track their applications and status online and provide better levels of customer service.

This will enable the County to financially track work, make better data informed decisions and provide higher levels of customer response. It is estimated this will save the participating municipalities in excess of $500,000 in cost avoidance and cost reduction.

The second project is a Master Facilities Review. The County with participation from all 8 lower tier Townships will undergo a master facilities review. This review will look at each township’s current and future needs and locations and identify any opportunities for shared facilities/locations in the future. It is anticipated there will be cost savings identified and leveraged with this review.

The program’s third intake is providing over $28 million to help 322 small and rural municipalities find better and more efficient ways to deliver local services for residents and businesses.

“This investment will save the county and the lower-tier townships hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, with more areas to generate savings through a master facilities review,” MPP Dave Smith said. “The County of Peterborough, and the townships, will drive efficiencies and modernize the way local government operates in order to better serve ratepayers in our region,” MPP Dave Smith said.

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North Kawartha Receives $750,000 In Modernization Program For Efficiency Upgrades

North Kawartha received $747,975 for efficiency upgrades as part of their third and final intake of the Ontario Municipal Modernization Program announced Monday.

Carolyn Amyotte, North Kawartha mayor (pictured) was first elected to North Kawartha Council in 2003 and has served four consecutive terms as the Ward 2 Councillor. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Projects receiving the funding are for renovations to health care infrastructure, software upgrades, security installations, service delivery and organizational reviews. Small townships typically are not reviewed for technological upgrades according to MPP Dave Smith.

“Together, we have been able to identify and oversee more than 32 projects on behalf of the ratepayers of North Kawartha,” said MPP Dave Smith. “For a small community like North Kawartha, these projects worth over $747,000 mean real, tangible savings and better, more efficient services.”

With improved technological equipment, residents and anyone doing business in North Kawartha can save a trip of driving to the township by doing everything online such as paying property taxes according to Smith.

With modern upgrades for North Kawartha, the township will aid in providing better service to tourism which has taken a hit in past years due to COVID.

“That is the lifeblood of our community,” said Carolyn Amyotte, North Kawartha mayor. “We’re better able to serve the residents, we also serve visitors as well too. If we‘re modernizing things like our website, all of our online processes for people to come here, stay here and enjoy North Kawartha.”

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YWCA Announces the Hazel Education Bursary Call for Applications Opens on International Women’s Day

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Education Awards Committee has opened the applications for the 2022 Hazel Education Bursary, on Tuesday, International Women’s Day.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough Halliburton.

YWCA Hazel Education Bursary is intended to help women who have experienced gender-based violence reach their goals through education or training.

The Hazel Education Bursary was created by friends the friends and family of Hazel, a local woman who had a vision of helping women pursue their dreams and overcome barriers related to their experiences of violence and abuse.

“While battling the bout of cancer, she took us — my brother, sister, and I, from a life of domination and violence. We were faced with nothing, but what we were leaving behind posed such a threat that ‘nothing’ was better than how we had lived,” Hazel’s daughter noted on the YWCA website. “Alongside Mum, many have faced overwhelming battles and carried on. Rebuilding our lives through such hurdles as court, lawyers, house seeking, and remaining safe, she found ways to deal with her own pain on the side and showed us how to live this new life. These experiences she used later to give a chance to friends, colleagues and acquaintances.”

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Board of Directors, through the Education Awards Committee, and with the generosity of donors in our community, offers bursaries of $1,500 or $2,500 to women who: 

• have experienced barriers related to the impact of violence and abuse; 

• have a dream to strengthen their economic security;

• are a resident of Peterborough or Haliburton County;

• seek to further their formal or informal education, or develop skills.

Women from rural areas will be given special consideration for this award, as per Hazel’s request.

Application must be submitted by email to Yvonne Porter by May 8.

two references (non-family members preferred) must submit a completed 2022 Reference Form by email to Yvonne Porter by May 16.

Application forms can be found here.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $360,000 Into Mental Health and Addictions Pilot Project to Aid 320 People

The Ontario Government is funding $367,480 to non-profit organization Right to Heal for mental health and addictions services for 320 people announced at the Peterborough County-City Paramedics on Friday.

Peggy Shaughnessy, Founder and President of Whitepath Consulting (pictured) has had her organization in operation since 2005. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project, “Moving Beyond Addiction” will service over a 16-month period will use the Redpath program via Whitepath Consulting to treat addictions by using psychology-based methods to identify the reasons behind substance abuse and developing the social, emotional and practical skills to move beyond addiction and fully reintegrate back into society.

“Individuals with addictions more often than not develop addictions by using substances to either feel something or numb something. The root cause is almost always trauma; whether it’s from abuse, mental health challenges or pain,” said MPP Dave Smith. “If we are truly going to address the mental health and addictions crisis, a wide variety of treatments options need to exist locally.”

The program will work under a referral process administered by the Elizabeth Fry Society, enabling the funding for the pilot to flow fully to program services.

Clients referred to the program will typically be homeless, at-risk of homelessness, living with mental health/addictions issues and trauma, or disconnected from appropriate services.

Peterborough Police, Peterborough County-City Paramedics and Peterborough Regional Health Centre can refer clients who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing opioid overdoses.

Health and social services can refer clients from places such as the Consumption and Treatment Services/Opioid Response Hub, Brock Mission, Cameron House, and One Roof Community Centre. The program accepts family and self-referrals.

“With the recent announcement regarding the Consumption and Treatment Services funding, this funding will help expand addiction treatment services in our area and allow funding for the Redpath program that has shown great success in other areas,” said Peggy Shaughnessy, Founder and President of Whitepath Consulting.

Once referred, clients will undergo a rigorous and evidence-based assessment to determine the correct treatment for their unique needs.

The assessment will consider multiple variables to determine their needs including backgrounds of trauma, abuse, domestic violence, housing status, financial situation, and level of substance abuse.

After the assessment, they will enter into one-on-one counselling and/or the Redpath Intervention Program. It consists of 21 counselling and training sessions in three-hour spans in both community and institutional settings.

Sessions focus on identifying trauma and the cause, understanding why a client uses substances, the development of coping mechanisms and practical, emotional and social skills.

Clients will enter an After Care Program, requiring two hours on a weekly basis for group training sessions focusing on personal development and fully reintegrating back into society.

“We have had the opportunity to connect clients to the program and are witnessing firsthand the impact Redpath has. We at Elizabeth Fry can see this program coming alive through our referrals from various connections within the health care and criminal justice sectors,” said Debbie Carriere, executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough. “As someone who has completed this program myself, I can truly speak to the excellent opportunity this is bringing to our community for healing.”

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