Dalhousie Youth Support Services Gets Infrastructure Renovations From $150,000 Ontario Trillium Grant

Dalhousie Youth Support Services (DYSS) received several new structural upgrades thanks to a $150,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant that was shown to the public on Friday morning.

Last year, Ontario Trillium Foundation invested nearly $105 million in 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funds were used to renovate the exterior of the property, including the installation of a lifetime steel roof, new fascia, eavestrough and soffit.

A concrete sidewalk was laid to facilitate snow removal, creating a more health- and safety-conscious environment for staff and visitors.

A pressure-treated wood fence was also installed around the parking lot behind the building. Two picnic tables, made from recycled plastic, were purchased to create an outside educational space for their school program.

“Our students and staff are grateful for the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable, private outdoor space. These improvements have significantly enhanced our ability to host outdoor classes and events, fostering a more engaging and dynamic learning environment,” said Karen Carr, DYSS executive director. “The funding for a steel roof has relieved the concern of needing to secure funds for roof replacements every 15 years. We are excited about the positive impact these renovations will have on our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ontario Government for their invaluable support.”

DYSS is a not-for-profit organization that has been delivering programs to youth in conflict with the law for over 20 years.

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Hydro One's Grant Gives Up to $10,000 to 50 Communities For Ice Storm Recovery Efforts

To support local communities from the late March weather, Hydro One has named its 50 recipients of up to $10,000 for its Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant, announced at the Paul J. English Chemung Lions Park in Bridgenorth on Monday afternoon.

Sherry Senis, Selwyn Mayor (left); Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden (middle) and Bronwen Evans, Hydro One VP (right) planting the first tree at the Paul J. English Chemung Lions Park in Bridgenorth. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The grants support local recovery efforts from the widespread ice storm that left severe damage. The 50 recipients are local municipalities and Indigenous communities. Several Indigenous communities and municipalities declared states of emergency due to the storm with some places having ongoing clean-up.

“The ice storm caused severe and widespread impacts across the province, leaving many Indigenous communities and municipalities with devastating damage,” said Bronwen Evans, Hydro One Vice President. “We are incredibly grateful to the Indigenous community leaders, local staff and emergency responders who came together to support restoration efforts and keep everyone safe.”

Selwyn Township was one of the recipients and utilized the grant for its ReLeaf Program, donating more than 350 trees to residents who experienced vegetation loss as a result of the storm.

“Selwyn Township is incredibly grateful to Hydro One for their generous support,” said Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor. “This grant allows us to work with residents to contribute to the community's recovery and beautification. Together, we’re planting the seeds for a more resilient and sustainable future.”

“All of Peterborough County was deeply impacted by the ice storm this spring. Some places may never look the same,” said Bonnie Clark, Warden, Peterborough County. “It’s wonderful to see Hydro One in the community long after the power was restored to help with rebuilding.”

Each community had its respective uses for the grant money which included supplying emergency shelters, restoring biodiversity and more according to Evans.

“Some of the things that people applied for were simply cleaning up debris. You can see in different areas of the province where trees have fallen and they're hanging over the side of the highway and needed to be cleaned up,” she explained. “In other cases, it was water drainage infrastructure so we did leave it up to the municipalities and communities to identify what their unique needs were.”

The ice storm spanned three days of ice accumulation that uprooted trees, downed lines and more than 2,700 broken poles across the province according to Hydro One.

@ptbo_canada To support local communities from the late March weather, Hydro One has named its 50 recipients of up to $10,000 for its Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #environment #treeplanting #treeplantingtok #icestorm ♬ NOTHING - Westover

The following are the recipients of Hydro One's Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant:

1. Alderville First Nation 

2. Alnwick Haldimand Township 

3. City of Barrie 

4. Beausoleil Island First Nation 

5. Town of Bracebridge 

6. Municipality of Brighton 

7. Brock Township 

8. Cavan-Monaghan Township 

9. Central Elgin Township 

10. Municipality of Centre Hastings  

11. Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation 

12. Chippewas of Nawash First Nation 

13. Chippewas of Rama First Nation 

14. Curve Lake First Nation 

15. Douro-Dummer Township 

16. Essa Township 

17. Georgian Bay Township 

18. Georgian Bluffs Township 

19. Town of Georgina 

20. Haliburton County 

21. Hamilton Township 

22. Hiawatha First Nation 

23. Town of Innisfil 

24. North Kawartha Township 

25. Marmora and Lake Township 

26. Melancthon Township 

27. Town of Midland 

28. Minden Hills Township 

29. Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation 

30. Mono Township 

31. Moose Deer Point First Nation 

32. District Municipality of Muskoka 

33. Muskoka Lakes Township 

34. City of Orillia 

35. Oro-Medonte Township 

36. Town of Penetanguishene 

37. Peterborough County

38. Municipality of Port Hope 

39. Ramara Township 

40. Selwyn Township 

41. Severn Township 

42. Sheguiandah First Nation 

43. Simcoe County 

44. Southgate Township 

45. Tay Township 

46. Municipality of Trent Lakes 

47. Municipality of Tweed 

48. Uxbridge Township 

49. Wahta Mohawk Nation 

50. Wasauksing First Nation 

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"Our Volunteers Are Our Heart" Trillium Grant Helps Alzheimer Society Fund Its Volunteer Program

During the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton’s (PKLNH) volunteer appreciation coffee morning, the organization reflects on the impact of a $199,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant to bolster its volunteer program on Thursday.

Alzhiemer Society staff, volunteers and MPP Dave Smith were on hand during volunteer appreciation coffee morning. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At the event, Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP got to hear the impact from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was granted in 2023.

“It's truly inspiring to see the incredible impact the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton is making in our communities,” said Smith. “This grant from the Provincial Government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation has been instrumental in rebuilding and strengthening their vital volunteer program, a testament to the power of community support and dedicated individuals. Their work in directly supporting those living with dementia and their families is invaluable, and our government remains committed to supporting such critical initiatives that improve the quality of life for our seniors.”

Funds from the two-year grant were used to revitalize the group’s vital volunteer program, enhancing its support for seniors living with dementia and expanding all its programs and services.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous support of our volunteer program, which has made a meaningful and lasting impact in our community,” said Jen Johnstone, Alzheimer Society executive director. “Like many organizations, the Alzheimer Society’s volunteer base was deeply affected by the pandemic. This grant enabled us to rebuild and revitalize our program from the ground up, creating a comprehensive onboarding and training process for new volunteers.”

The grant helped cover staffing costs, as well as communications and marketing, computer software, program supplies and some administrative costs.

“Today, these volunteers are making a difference across our Young Onset Day Programs, Minds in Motion® and our new In-Home Recreation initiative, which thoughtfully pairs individuals living with dementia with volunteers who share their interests,” said Johnstone. “Others are contributing their time and talents to administrative support, fundraising, and a wide range of community events. We are deeply appreciative of the commitment, compassion, and energy of our volunteers, whose contributions allow us to enhance our services and foster stronger, more connected communities.”

With 75 volunteers helping the Alzheimer’s Society, more help is always welcome, ranging from children and high school students to post-secondary students and adults of all ages who can lend a hand, according to Johnstone.

“Our volunteers are our heart,” explained Johnstone. “They helped build the organization that is our foundation, and our volunteers are such an incredible, caring, talented and committed group of people who come out on their own time, dedicate their skills, knowledge and often donate to us as well.”

@ptbo_canada During the Alzheimer Society volunteer appreciation coffee morning, the organization reflects on the impact of a $199,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant to bolster its volunteer program. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #volunteer ♬ Little Things - Adrián Berenguer

Volunteer options can include:

• In-Home Recreation: a weekly visit, spending time with someone living with dementia and being a friend

• In-Office Respite: allowing care partners to attend education, Minds in Motion support: weekly sessions of one hour of exercise and one hour of socialization,

• Fundraising Events: including the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, and Community Outreach: building awareness and fostering dementia-friendly communities by assisting with public education

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Recipients For Community Futures Peterborough's CAP Funding Announced

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Community Advancement Program (CAP), a non-repayable funding program that supports projects fostering economic stability, investment, and employment across the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. 

Photo courtesy of CFP.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, CPF marked the milestone by committing a record-breaking investment of $100,000 to 10 local organizations.

To honour four decades of supporting local businesses, CFP distributed $10,000 in non-repayable funds to each successful applicant through the 2025 Community Advancement Program, resulting in a total investment of $100,000.

This special anniversary initiative highlights CFP’s longstanding commitment to promoting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities throughout the region according to the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of AI and Digital Innovation and Minister.

“The projects supported through the Community Advancement Program are a testament to the innovation, ambition, and local leadership driving economic growth in Peterborough and the surrounding region,”he said. “Through FedDev Ontario, our government is proud to support the Community Futures Program and invest in the people and organizations creating real momentum. We are empowering local entrepreneurs, generating good jobs, and building a stronger, more resilient economy right here at home during these times of global economic uncertainty.” 

Photo courtesy of CFP.

Funded by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), CAP supports strategic projects that align with CFP's vision for sustainable economic development and regional resilience. The program is designed to create community economic stability, growth, and job creation, develop and diversify competitive rural economies, and foster economically sustainable communities. 

The 2025 CAP recipients are:

• Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation

• Kawartha Manufacturers Association (KMA)

• Junior Achievement

• Hiawatha First Nation

• Peterborough County

• 4th Line Theatre

• Curve Lake First Nation

• Farms at Work

• New Canadians Centre

• ReFrame Film Festival

“These projects reflect the spirit and mission we had in mind for the Community Advancement Program - to empower local organizations that are creating tangible, positive impacts on the economic landscape of our communities,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “From arts and culture to agriculture, education, and equity, these initiatives are helping shape a vibrant future for both the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.” 

Photo courtesy of CFP.

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation will use the funds to support a bursary initiative designed to help children who have been involved with Children’s Aid achieve their post-secondary education goals.

“We are so grateful for the funds Community Futures Peterborough is providing to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation through the 2025 Community Advancement Program,” said Carrie Truman, executive director. “Together, we are having a positive impact on the lives of youth who are connected to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society and pursuing their post-secondary education goals. It is amazing the hurdles these youth have overcome, and so exciting that they are focused on their future by working towards achieving their education goals.” 

Farms at Work will be using funding from the Community Advancement Program to hire a project manager to launch and support their Community Farm. This initiative will provide hands-on, experiential education to aspiring entrepreneurs in agriculture through workshops and guided tours of established farms.

“Farms at Work is grateful to receive this Community Advancement Program funding to support planning of our long-envisioned Community Learning Farm. These funds, along with in-kind support from the Peterborough County Economic Development team and farm owner Jason McIntosh, bring the dream of a place to farm closer for aspiring farmers and will benefit the community for many years to come,” said Heather Thoma, Farms at Work operations manager. "We welcome community participation - whether as volunteers, food growers looking for land and educational support or benefactors.”

The New Canadians Centre will use the funding to advance the goals of the Workplace Inclusion Charter, which include fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, supporting employee attraction and retention, boosting productivity and innovation, and enhancing overall employee well-being.

“Immigration is a key component of the future of our labour force and working age population,” said Andy Cragg, NCC executive director. “The Workplace Inclusion Charter project will help participating local businesses attract and retain immigrant talent while fostering positive workplace experiences for newcomers.”

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Kawartha Craft Beer Festival Receives $20,000 Investment From Ontario Government to Bolster Tourism

The eighth-annual Kawartha Craft Beer Festival is receiving a $20,000 investment from the Ontario Government through the 2025 Experience Ontario program that will be held this Friday and Saturday at Del Crary Park.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Craft Beer.

This is part of a nearly $ 20 million investment in festivals and events across Ontario to help organizers expand their programming and draw visitors to stay longer in local accommodations, eat at restaurants, shop at local retailers, and support main street businesses according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This $20,000 investment in the Kawartha Craft Beer Festival is fantastic news for Peterborough-Kawartha,” he said. “Our government understands that these events are more than just entertainment; they are vital economic drivers that bring visitors, support our local businesses and create jobs right here in our community. I'm proud to see this funding directly benefiting a festival that showcases local craft and brings our residents together.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Government of Ontario for their generous support of the Kawartha Craft Beer Festival,” said Richard Wood, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company president and co-founder. “This funding helps us celebrate local craft, boost tourism, and bring our community together in the heart of Peterborough.”

The Kawartha Craft Beer Festival is expected to attract a substantial number of attendees, offering a welcome boost to local accommodations, restaurants and retailers.

The Experience Ontario program's strategic funding aims to ensure that such events remain cornerstones of local economies and community engagement across the province according to a press release.

The Festival runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. The event features alcohol, food vendors, lawn games, a marketplace and live music. All are welcome to attend but guests must be 19+ to get alcohol. Event organizers urge the public not to drink and drive and to plan a ride home if attending.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Funds Environmental Innovator Projects

The Rotary Club of Peterborough awarded five environmental innovators with funding through its Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) for proposed local projects at the McDonnel Activity Centre on Monday afternoon.

In its third year, REIF has already awarded more than $20 thousand dollars. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is for projects designed by environmental entrepreneurs that advance local environmental innovators working in biodiversity, water and wastewater technologies, climate change, sustainable living, pollution, waste disposal and more.

The following were the funding recipients:

$3,000 Top Awards:

• Wildrock Outfitters / Kawartha Land Trust – Native Plant Horticulture for Invasive Species Control

• Woodleigh Farms – Catching Carbon

• Clean Energy Generation – Sanostrategy Wind Turbine Installation

$1,000 Runner-Up Awards:

• Taproots for Tomorrow – Carbon-Positive Air-Prune Beds

• Second Nature Studio – Plastic Waste to Purpose

This year’s REIF committee has received 16 applications for local projects.

The applications are judged based on how they might impact the local climate and environment, how innovative the project is compared to existing solutions, the project's practicality, expected benefits and how the funds would be used.

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Curve Lake First Nation Receives $20,000 From Ontario Government For Annual Pow Wow

The provincial government is investing $20,000 in the Curve Lake First Nation Pow Wow, which will be held Sept. 20-21, through the 2025 Experience Ontario program, announced on Monday.

Experience Ontario 2025 is supporting more than 350 festivals and events across the province. Photo by Evan Holt.

The money is part of a nearly $20-million investment in festivals and events across the province to help organizers expand programming and draw visitors to stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“The Curve Lake First Nation Pow Wow is a significant gathering that offers a space for cultural expression, connection, and healing,” he said. “This funding allows the teaching of history, honours traditions, and celebrates community in a way that truly shines a spotlight on Indigenous culture.”

“Our Pow Wow is a meaningful celebration of Anishinaabe culture, identity, and community,” said Keith Knott, Chief, Curve Lake First Nation. “We are grateful to Experience Ontario for recognizing the importance of supporting First Nation-led cultural events. This funding helps ensure that the people who carry these traditions are respected and compensated for their contributions.”

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Community Future Peterborough Unveils 20 Entrepreneurs For Its 2025 Starter Company Plus Program

Community Future Peterborough’s (CFP) Business Advisory Centre (BAC) has unveiled its 20 businesses selected for its 2025 Starter Company Plus Program, announced at the Venture North Building on Wednesday morning.

The 20 entrepreneurs were gathered at the announcement of the businesses selected for the program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

CFP received over 70 applications for this year’s cohort.

“This is truly a life-changing program,” said Rosalea Terry, BAC manager. “The quality of applications this year was exceptional, and our selected entrepreneurs represent some of the most committed and determined founders we’ve seen. We are proud to support them on their entrepreneurial journey.”

The Starter Company Plus program helps businesses accelerate their growth with mentorship, training and funding. This provincial government-funded program offers entrepreneurs access to expert guidance, networking opportunities and up to $5,000 in grant funding after completion.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this talented group of entrepreneurs into the 2025 Starter Company Plus program,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “Their creativity, drive, and commitment to growth embody the spirit of entrepreneurship we aim to support. We’re excited to be part of their journey and look forward to their impact on our city and county.”

The 2025 Starter Company Plus Cohort includes:

City of Peterborough Participants:

• Groovy Little Smoothie Co. — Kara Ainsworth

• Stoney Island Studio Live Event Painting and Creative Services — Julie Anastasia McMillan

• The Willow Studio — Angela Demeester

• Architecture of Wellness — Jackie Orsetto

• Wild Woman Ayurveda — Maggie O'Rourke

• Doody Call — Millie Kingston

• Home and Well Inc. (Home & Well) — Kelly Clark

• Common Thread Films — Kait Howell

• Miller Exterior Painting — Dennal Leya Miller

• Burkitt Solutions Co — Brianna Burkitt

• Heeling Souls K9 Training — Alexis Mills

• Joint Venture Inc. o/a Lost Cannabis Company — Brent Morrison

• Layin' Divots — Krista Charette

County of Peterborough Participants:

• Transitions (Tentative Name) — Kelly Gower and Roselyn Rodriquez

• The Forest Hill Lodge — Jacqueline Lyons

• Belmont Farmstead — Amanda O'Rourke

• Urban Roots 47 Salon and Spa — Karen Kearney

• Lark and Lemon — Kristen Offen

• Joint Venture Inc. o/a Lost Cannabis Company — Brent Morrison

• National Touring Museum — Timothy Jeffries

• Millbrook Fit — David Lundrigan

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OLG Issues Fourth-Quarter Gaming Revenue Payment to Peterborough of $587,121

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has made their fourth-quarter payment totalling $587,121 to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough announced on Wednesday morning.

Since 1994, host communities have received more than $2.2 billion in non-tax gaming revenue. File Photo.

The quarter was from Jan. 1 to March 31.

During OLG’s fiscal year (April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025), Peterborough has received $2,717,827. Since the gaming site opened in October 2018, Peterborough has amassed $15,095,211 according to a press release.

These payments to host communities are based on a formula consistently applied across all gaming sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site as stated in a press release. 

“Shorelines Casino Peterborough strengthens our community through sharing gaming revenue that supports local priorities and programs,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “In addition to job creation and community support, the Municipality Contribution Agreement with OLG delivers substantial benefits to the people of Peterborough.”

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City Receives Grant to Provide Assistance For Swimming Leadership Programs to Low-Income Residents

The City of Peterborough has received a grant from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to assist low-income families and individuals in covering the registration and equipment needed for the Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and National Lifeguard programs.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Participants must meet the eligibility requirements under the City’s recreation subsidy guidelines.

Those interested in applying for the grant can contact Summer Ley at sley@peterborough.ca

Sessions run from May 4 to Au.t 31. Session information is as follows:

Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid with CPR-B:

• Sunday, May 4, Saturday May 10, Sunday, May 11, Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bronze Cross & Standard First Aid with CPR-C:

• Each Sunday from June 1 to June 29, 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

National Lifeguard Pool:

• Each Sunday from June 15 to July 13, 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid with CPR-B:

• Each Sunday from July 6 to August 3, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C:

• Each Sunday from July 6 to August 3, from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

National Lifeguard Pool:

• Each Sunday from August 3 to August 31, from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a registered charity dedicated to removing financial barriers for low-income families and individuals, ensuring everyone has equal access to sport and recreation.

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