Junior Achievement Receives $172,500 As Skills Development Fund From the Provincial Government

The Ontario government has invested $172,500.00 in Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA NEO) to help students engage with information and pilot programs to cultivate interest and education in skilled trades at the Peterborough Truss & Floor on Thursday morning.

Youth under the JA Neo program developed their own business ‘Fresh Picked Feats’ that sells locally-grown vegetables and had their products showcased during the press conference. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money helps JA NEO educate and help students understand the importance of skilled trades. Kids will work with community and business leaders to help youth understand and activate their potential for the jobs of tomorrow by extending their programs and focus on skilled trades for full-time students.

“There was always going to be a demand for somebody in skilled trades. It doesn't matter what the economy is doing, we need plumbers, we need electricians, we need carpenters because these are all things we use on a daily basis” explained Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “It not only provides a job but a career path for your entire life.”

“Explore other opportunities that are out there. Not all trades jobs are dirty,” said John McNutt, JA Neo president and CEO. “It's a different world out there and just ask them to take a look.”

The youth also will be involved in JA NEO’s World of Choices Program to be exposed to potential career paths, understanding day-to-day tasks in a variety of careers while learning about and challenging the myths surrounding them.

They can also learn how to organize and operate a business related to a very important sector of our economy.

“Having programs like this available to our youth will set them on a path to be able to prosper in the future,” said Smith. “Ontario’s skilled trades are vital to the growth of the economy and our government’s ‘Plan to Build’, offering careers that lead to secure jobs and a good quality life.”

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Federal and Provincial Government Fund $2.5 Million To Provide More Affordable Housing In Peterborough-Kawartha

The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario have funded $2,457,000 to help create 63 more affordable community housing units for the Hunt Terrance on 555 Bonacord St., announced on Monday morning.

Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor (left), Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (middle) and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County warden at the Hunt Terrace on 555 Bonacord St. Amenities in the building include dining room with meal options, laundry facilities and a common room. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“What it does is it reduces the actual operating costs for the building because we're cutting that mortgage down by $2.5 million,” explained Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. “That mortgage payment on that amount is not going to be factored into what they have to have in order to operate it so it gives them the flexibility then to lower the cost on 63 of the units in total.”

The funding is part of a project investment of over $46 million through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) to create 267 affordable housing units across the province according to a press release.

Hunt Terrace is a six-storey building that has 85 units in total including both one- and two-bedroom units. There are specific units for those who require health and/or housing support which is provided on-site through community partners.

“555 Bonaccord is a unique building for PHC (Peterborough Housing Corporation), offering both market and affordable units in a multigenerational setting,” said Hope Lee, PHC CEO. “The ground floor commercial space offers several amenities such as on-site offices for support partners, common spaces for tenants, meeting facilities for the public and dining options for both tenants and the public. The COCHI funding is a much-appreciated contribution towards our capital costs.”

"Our community is working together to build affordable housing, to build homes,” said Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor. The dedicated team at the City’s social housing agency, Peterborough Housing Corporation, led a true community effort to build the $31.1-million, 85-unit second phase at Hunt Terraces that includes 65 community housing units and 20 market rent units.”

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Seven Local Businesses Awarded Microgrants Through Starter Company Plus Program

Seven local entrepreneurs were awarded microgrants through the highly competitive spring intake of the Starter Company Plus program on Thursday.

photo courtesy of starter company plus.

This intake saw the highest number of applications so far for the program run by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and funded through the Government of Ontario.

Twelve small businesses successfully completed the five-week business training course offered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. The following businesses were awarded a microgrant based on the strength of their business plan and pitch:

• Jack Henry: OmniWorx Design, Peterborough, ON

• Kate Adams: Kate L. Toms Fit, Peterborough, ON

• Michelle Fenn and Kendra Mancini: Working Human, Peterborough, ON

• Tavlyn Evans and Crystal Walker: Sage Beauty, Peterborough, ON

• Brigh Findlay-Shields: Brisa Social, Millbrook, ON

• Sean Fitzpatrick and Andrew Fitzpatrick: Take Cover Books, Peterborough, ON

• Erin Burrell: EB Aquatics, Otonabee, ON

“We are incredibly proud of this program and the support it provides local small businesses,” said Madeleine Hurrell, Manager of the Business Advisory Centre. “The number of applications we received this round surpassed pre-Covid-19 levels and was one of our most competitive intakes.”

Since its launch in 2017, the Starter Company Plus program through the BAC has assisted over 230 local entrepreneurs and more than 186 small businesses. These businesses have created over 220 jobs in our local economy.

To stay up to date on programs and workshops, visit the website.

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GoFundMe Created to Assist Peterborough Man and His Family After a Motorcycle Accident Leaves Him in Hospital

A GoFundMe has been created to assist local man Chris Lee after a serious motorcycle accident in Peterborough that left him in a hospital at St. Michael’s in Toronto.

photo courtesy of the gofundme.

He was airlifted to St. Michael’s Hospital from the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Thursday and his condition is unknown.

On the fundraiser page, created by Lee’s co-worker Taylor MacMillan, she says the money raised will be put towards any costs associated with his recovery, and to support the everyday expenses that may be affected due to missing work.

Lee, who works in the construction industry, has three children; Payton, Kaden and Oaklyn.

“Chris is an amazing person and he never hesitates to help others in need so hopefully everyone can help return this favour to him and his family,” she says on the page.

As of this story being published, the GoFundMe has raised just over $15,000 of the $20,000 goal. To donate, click the link.

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Hospice Peterborough to Receive $473,000 In Additional Funding Over Two Years For Palliative Care

The Ontario Government has expanded palliative care services in Peterborough-Kawartha increasing Hospice Peterborough’s funding by $473,000 over the next two years, announced on Wednesday.

MPP DAVE SMITH (LEFT) WITH HAJNI HŐS, HOSPICE PETERBOROUGH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (RIGHT) IN FRONT OF HOSPICE PETERBOROUGH ON LONDON STREET. Ontario is expanding end-of-life care services by adding 23 new hospice beds to the 509 beds already available across the province to connect Ontarians with end-of-life care. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

The funding is part of the Ontario Government’s ‘Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care’ initiative to expand access to palliative care services in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. This increase is part of the provincial government’s $147.4 million investment over three years for palliative care according to MPP Dave Smith.

“Families have expressed their gratitude regarding the service that their loved ones receive,” he said. “This funding will allow Hospice Peterborough to continue the remarkable care for not only patients but for family members as well. This is Part of our government’s commitment to ensure everyone has access to care when and where they need it most.”

“These much-needed funds will cover approximately 80 per cent of our expenses, compared to the previous 60 per cent coverage, for our 10-bed hospice residence which offers 24/7 professional, patient-centred palliative care to those in their last weeks of life,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice Peterborough executive director.

Some of the funding for palliative and end-of-life services across Ontario include:

• Grief and bereavement support that help families and caregivers who are grieving the loss of a loved one;

• Advance care planning to help patients and families prepare for future health care decisions; and

• Perinatal palliative care programs that provide specialized grief, bereavement, and peer support that help parents prepare for the loss of their infant.

“At a time when the healthcare system is under unprecedented strain, both in terms of capacity and a challenging healthcare labour market, these funds make it possible for us to continue to provide the high quality, patient-centred care we have provided for over 30 years,” said Hős.

The investment also provides funding for nursing, personal support and other services delivered to patients at Hospice Peterborough.

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Electric City Culture Council Announces Bierk Art Fund Bursary Recipients

The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) has announced that two $1,000 Bierk Art Fund (BAF) Bursaries have been awarded to local high school students Zijian (Suzanne) Tian of Lakefield College School and Ava Cummings of Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.

photo courtesy of ec3, facebook.

Tian will pursue studies at Parsons School of Design in New York, and Cummings will attend Durham College’s Animation Program.

The BAF is an endowment fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough (CFGP), established to recognize arts champion and supporter Liz Bierk, and to honour the contributions she and her husband David Bierk have made to the arts in Peterborough.

EC3 says that many people from many walks of life have contributed to this fund over the years, and it has now grown large enough to support the Bierk Art Fund Bursary Program, which provides two bursaries of $1,000 each to graduating high school students living in the City or County of Peterborough.

These students’ works demonstrate great promise and artistic, showing a serious commitment to pursuing further studies at the post-secondary level in the visual or media arts.

Tian was born in Shanxi, China, and continued her high school studies at Lakefield College School. She has been accepted at the Parsons School of Design, and will pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in their Fashion Design program. She works in media such as watercolour, 3D print, pottery, photography, collage, and fashion design, and says her dream has always been to become an artist.

Ava Cummings is graduating from the Visual Arts Program at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School and will be attending Durham College for 2D & 3D Digital Animation. Between her love of drawing and her fascination with animated episodic productions and feature-length movies, Cummings says she feels drawn to the animation industry.

The Bierk Art Fund Bursary Program application process asks students to present their art portfolios to an assessment committee/panel of local artists and arts professionals. This year’s panel was comprised of professional artist and educator Cyd Hosker, and AGP Curator Fynn Leitch, who were impressed by the talent and potential demonstrated by Zijian (Suzanne) Tian and Ava Cummings.

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City of Peterborough’s Rain Garden Subsidy Program Providing Resources and Funds for Local Garden Installation

The City of Peterborough’s Rain Garden Subsidy Program, delivered in partnership with GreenUP, provides eligible property owners with educational resources and up to $1,000 toward the cost of installing a rain garden.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

“Currently, only 25 per cent of the City of Peterborough’s stormwater is filtered for pollutants before entering natural waterways, such as the Otonabee River or Jackson Creek,” says Councillor Joy Lachica, chair of the City of Peterborough Environment and Climate Change Portfolio. “Rain gardens are an important part of a greener stormwater management strategy by reducing the amount of polluted runoff entering local waterways, which keeps the watershed healthy and can also reduce the risk of localized urban flooding.”

There are many options for tailoring the size and style of a rain garden, but they all function the same due to their bowl shape. This bowl shape collects water from roofs and other hard surfaces. These gardens use plants and fast-draining soil to absorb and filter water that would otherwise flow straight into storm sewers.

To function properly, rain gardens must be designed and located in a particular way. That’s why this subsidy process provides support for property owners, including design templates, educational resources and on-site consultation from GreenUP staff.

“We know folks can be intimidated by the idea of designing and building their own rain garden, but it’s doable with a bit of support,” says Hayley Goodchild, coordinator with GreenUP’s Neighbourhood and Residential programs. “That’s why GreenUP has partnered with the City to support this subsidy program. We help applicants through the process, step-by-step.”

This year, the maximum subsidy amount is $1,000 per garden, and GreenUP  provides up to two on-site visits to advise on design and construction.

Goodchild says the number of subsidies is limited and are awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

Interested property owners can begin their application process using the link, or by contacting Curtis Mei at 705-742-7777 ext. 1507.

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Peterborough Rowing Club Prospering With PeterboroughROWS From Trillium Grant Of $341,800

After receiving an Ontario Trillium Grant of $341,800, the Peterborough Rowing Club has grown the activity with its PeterboroughROWS program announced on Thursday.

(left to right) Sam Wigg, Jacey Mabee, MPP David Smith, Maggie Walker and Brian Love enjoying rowing out on teh Otonabee River at Trent University. PeterboroughROWS has brought hands-on and virtual rowing training sessions to over 2,200 participants in the first two years.Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Rowing Club.

The grant was issued back in March 2020 spanning over three years. The Club was able to offer specialized training programs to schools, with local community groups and for rowers old and new with the money.

“I have always said sports of any kind brings communities together, fosters inclusivity, and is beneficial for both physical and mental health,” said MPP Dave Smith. “Rowing teaches the meaning of communication, leadership, teamwork, resilience and discipline, the Grow Grant has already seen over 2,000 individuals take the step into the world of rowing,”

PeterboroughROWS stemmed from the grant for City and County of Peterborough residents from ages 12 to 80+ years old.

PeterboroughROWS is meant as an outreach to new rowers and provides a recreational rowing program with training and on-the-water rowing experience according to a press release.

“Rowing is a terrific way to see a whole different side of Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” said Brian Love, Rowing Club president. “Being out on the water, being part of a crew, and learning about the strength of pulling together – this is exactly what a safe return to sport looks like. It’s a sport of resilience and of togetherness.”

The Peterborough Rows initiative will run until February 2024.

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Ontario Government Providing Additional Funding for On-Call Care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre

Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith announced Friday that the Ontario government is investing $3,471,232 into the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) to support more on-call funding for doctors working after hours.

photo courtesy of dave smith, facebook.

This funding will help patients to continue to get the care they need in-hospital, right when and where they need it.

“This funding increase will help PRHC by increasing the number of physicians available for patients when the hospital needs that extra support.” said Dave Smith. “This is just one more step the province is taking to ensure the right level of care is available when it is needed and further help reduce wait times for the people of the greater Peterborough area.”

This funding follows through on previous agreements between the Ontario Medical Association and Ontario Ministry of Health to increase dedicated funding for physicians on-call. This funding will support on-call coverage at nearly 100 acute-care hospitals in Ontario.

This funding will support after-hours care at PRHC and allow for more stable after-hours coverage. This investment recognizes the efforts of health care workers, especially those who provide on-call services in addition to their regular working hours whenever hospitals need it.

“On behalf of PRHC, I want to thank MPP Smith, Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health for today’s exciting announcement,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, president and CEO of Peterborough Regional Health Centre. “This funding for on-call support will have benefits for both our physicians and our patients, and help to ensure that the people of our community and region have better access to the care they need, when they need it.”

This funding includes a $12.5 million investment from the 2021 Physician Services Agreement with the Ontario Medical Association which will also commits to a fundamental re-design of the Hospital On-Call Coverage program into a burden-based funding model. This ensures equitable distribution of funding across physicians providing on-call services.

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Peterborough and The Kawarthas Entrepreneurs Awarded Grants and Mentorships to Help Spark New Tourism Ideas

Three finalists who made winning pitches for the second intake of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas ‘Spark’ program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.

photo courtesy of peterborough and the kawarthas tourism.

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is a collaborative partnership initiative between the Tourism Innovation Lab and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, with funding support from the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario.

The program’s goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits in the region.

“It's a privilege to work with these local tourism innovators. Our team looks forward to supporting the development of tourism products that give visitors new and engaging ways to explore Peterborough and the Kawarthas,” said Joe Rees, Director of Tourism with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development.

Ten applications were received, with the top five being invited to present their new tourism ideas at a virtual Pitch Session held on May 2. A panel of judges comprised of local partner representatives and a tourism innovator from outside the region selected the three winning applicants.

The 2023 Peterborough & the Kawarthas “Spark” Program winners are:

• Connor McIlveen & Glyne Pease, Shamrock Acres (Rustic farm venue/event space)

• Katie Jackson, Wanderlight Alpaca Experience (Mystery agritourism and culinary experience)

• Scott Williams, Wildflower Bakery (Sourdough bread-making workshops)

“We congratulate the second-round winners of the Peterborough & the Kawarthas ‘Spark’ program and are excited to work with them to help develop new and exciting tourism offerings in the region” said Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead for the Tourism Innovation Lab.

In addition to seed funds, mentorship and additional partner support, selected applicants gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the province.

For more information, visit the website.

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