GPHSF 2025 Senior Care Microgrant Open Until Sept. 30

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) Senior Care Microgrant program to support senior care projects and healthy aging initiatives in the Peterborough area is open for applicants.

These grants have been made possible due to funding provided by the June Towle Trust. She passed away in 2023. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

This is the second year that GPHSF is offering the microgrant.

“2024 was the first year we offered the Senior Care Micro Grants program, and it was a great success” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “We had a number of really great projects submitted for funding and we truly wish we had more grants available to offer. We are excited to see who applies for the grants and what project they are working on in 2025.”

Two grants are available, with an application deadline of Sept. 30.

The new Senior Care Microgrant program is meant to be a low-barrier applicant process according to GPHSF. The grants can be used as seed money to address a new need or as financial support to an existing program in Peterborough, Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation. 

Two grants are available, with up to $5,000 in funding available with each grant.

Applications are open to community and not-for-profit organizations, including medical organizations, that run programming and services or propose to run programming and services within the boundaries of Peterborough City and/or Peterborough County, as well as Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

Proposed projects must be general in scope (including and impactful on as many people as possible). Project completion must occur within one year of approval unless GPHSF grants an extension. Grant funding can be applied to existing projects or used as seed money for new projects.

A maximum of $5,000 is available for each grant, and a maximum of $10,000 is available across all grants (two total).

The project timeline and budget must be provided.

Senior Care Microgrant projects may include.

• Research

• Equipment

• Nutrition

• Physical Activity

• Mental Health

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Have a lasting impact on our community.

• Support emerging needs in our community.

• Improve the quality of life for seniors in the community.

Applications can be submitted online.

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Francophone Communities Receive a Three Million Dollars Investment From Ontario Government

The Ontario Government is investing three million dollars to protect the province’s Francophone community by creating jobs and driving economic growth through the 2025-26 Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP).

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is to aid 71 organizations and businesses around the province to strengthen the cultural and economic impact of Franco-Ontarians by expanding service offerings, improving employee training, increasing community outreach and expanding hiring, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“I am incredibly proud to see our government investing in the vitality of Ontario’s Francophone community right here in Peterborough,” he said. “This funding for Junior Achievement of Northern & Eastern Ontario is an excellent example of our commitment to supporting organizations that are making a tangible difference. By empowering our youth with access to French-language education on entrepreneurship and careers, we are not just investing in their future, but in the economic and cultural strength of our entire community.”

The government's Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP) is providing $44,560 to Junior Achievement of Northern & Eastern Ontario.

This funding will support a project aimed at promoting and strengthening Ontario's Francophone community. The project will involve:

• Recruiting and training bilingual volunteers and facilitators

• Hosting French-language sessions for students at French and bilingual schools

The goal is to provide Francophone youth with better access to education on career exploration and entrepreneurship, enhance the organization's capacity to serve this community, and strengthen its partnerships with school boards, according to John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO.

“At Junior Achievement (JA), we believe the most powerful gift we can offer young people is the ability to distinguish between a want and a need. Through our programs in Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Work Readiness, young people don’t just learn about money or careers; they learn to make informed choices that will shape their futures,” he said. “Thanks to this support, and in partnership with our friends at JA Québec, we are bringing these opportunities to even more Francophone youth in border communities. This funding goes beyond building skills: it fosters friendships, deepen understanding, and creates lasting connections between Ontario and Québec. Together, we are empowering students to strengthen their communities and believe in a future where opportunity knows no boundaries.” John McNutt added.

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Peterborough Police Renovation and Expansion Project Budget Proposal Rises From $66.5M to $91.9M

The Peterborough Police Service is proposing a budget increase from $66.5 million to $91.9 million for renovations and expansion, as presented to City Council during a meeting on Tuesday night.

File photo.

After a validation of the construction budget from the Construction Management Services team, through a Class ‘D’ construction estimate, the total project budget has been adjusted to include the increase for four key factors.

They are the following:

1. The additional 15,000 square feet to address the legislated requirements and the two-site solution adds an additional $7,125,000 to the budget.

2. The new parking structure to accommodate the required parking at 500 Water Street adds an additional $2,400,000 to the budget.

3. Energy and building efficiency measures providing the best return on investment and improving building performance to create robust, sustainable facilities built to best practice standards results in an additional $4,375,000 added to the budget.

4. The Police Stations Renovation and Expansion project budget has covered the purchase cost of the entire property at 1421 Lansdowne Street West of $15,500,000. The original project budget allocated a $4,000,000 allowance to purchase a new property to support the project. PPS will use just over half of the building, leaving the remainder for future City use with several acres on the surrounding site for future opportunities. To date, the total purchase price of 1421 Lansdowne Street West has been allocated to the project budget, resulting in an additional $11,500,000 added to the budget. An analysis of the acquisition cost by Realty Services has determined that the property acquisition cost relative to the PPS usage of the property is $5,053,200.

The total cost equals $25,400,000, which brings the estimated project budget to $91.9 million.

Council had approved a total project budget of $66.5 million through the 2025 budget, with approved pre-commitment of budget through the years 2026 and 2027. 

The four additions to the budget total $25.4 million, bringing the estimated project budget to $91.9 million. The police station portion of the project is $81,453,200, with the remainder of the budget allocated to property costs associated with the other portions of the property acquisition for future civic administration and development uses.

In order for the proposal to be considered, Council endorsed that staff report back with:

• A detailed compliance matrix mapping the specific requirements of the Community Safety and Policing Act, the Ontario Building Code, and any other applicable standards to each facility element and its associated square footage, clearly identifying which elements are mandated and which are discretionary; and

• A Class C (or better) estimate and life-cycle analysis for two options: (i) 95,000 square feet (2019 program right-sized for mandates), (ii) 110,000 square feet, each with risk/contingency;

• A budget showing only police facility costs, excluding Civic Administration or future development, with a defined funding plan and budget cap;

• Written confirmation that no decision to relocate City Hall or Civic Administration functions to 1421 Lansdowne St. is included in this item, and that any such proposal will require a separate report, costing, public engagement, and Council decision.

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United Way Announces Recipients of Neighbourhood Fund Grants of $30,000 In Total Funding

United Way Peterborough & District has announced 11 recipients of its 2025 Neighbourhood Fund grants, which will receive $30,000 in funding.

This year saw 27 applications requesting over $100,000 in support. Photo courtesy of the United Way.

The Neighbourhood Fund supports grassroots, community-led initiatives that foster connection, inclusion, and belonging across the city and county according to a press release.

The following are the 2025 Neighbourhood Fund Grant Recipients:

• Big Sing Nogojiwanong-Peterborough ($2,240)

• BIPOC Youth Environmental Justice Program ($4,200)

• Building Community Through Creative Recycling & Reuse ($3,900)

• Diwali 2025 ($4,000)

• Healing Through Gardening ($900)

• Lakefield Pride Picnic ($1,500)

• Neighbourhood Welcome & Inclusion Project ($1,050)

• Neighbourhood Winter Gatherings ($2,200)

• Peterborough Volunteer Appreciation Day ($5,000)

• The Community Table ($2,010)

• Ukrainian Cultural Events ($3,000)

“These projects reflect the incredible creativity, diversity, and warmth of our community, it is amazing how far a little bit of money can go in building community,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO.

“We’re honoured to support initiatives that bring people together and build stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods. It’s not about the best grant writer, it’s about finding groups that really connect with their neighbourhood,” said Nancy Fischer, Chair of the Community Impact Committee.

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Ontario Government Invests $878,878 For New Canadians For Training to Land Jobs In Trades Sector

The Ontario Government has invested $878,878 through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support new Canadians in Peterborough-Kawartha in acquiring skills for jobs in the construction industry, announced at Toromont Cat and Battlefield Equipment Rentals on Thursday.

Trainer Shawn Shaw (left) gives a lesson on heavy machinery to New Canadian students getting into the trades sector. Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million job seekers with skills and training for careers. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding is a part of our broader effort to strengthen Ontario’s workforce, improve productivity, and protect workers from U.S. tariffs, according to David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“Our government is protecting Ontario by investing in the tools, training, and resources needed to keep our workforce strong,” he said. “Through targeted funding, we’re strengthening our supply chains, growing a job-ready workforce, and building the foundation for a more self-reliant and productive province – one that can compete, deliver and win.”

The investment is made in partnership with Utimus, a business that aims to provide new Canadians with proper training to enter the workforce. Augmented by some online training and job resumé help, students can go through training as quickly as two to three weeks said Brian Macdonald, Utimus CEO.

“We have a number of partners and through those partners, we deliver both online and in-person training,” he explained. “In this case, we do heavy equipment training and some basic carpenter skills to get New Canadians into worksites as quickly as possible and ultimately careers in the skilled trades.”

The ‘Training New Canadians for Construction Jobs’ program aims to prepare newcomers to Canada to work in the construction sector in Eastern Ontario such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other in-demand skilled trades said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“By investing in new Canadians, we're not only helping them build a new life in Ontario but also addressing a critical labour shortage in the construction industry,” he said. “This funding will ensure that our newcomers have the skills to thrive and contribute to a stronger, more prosperous Ontario.”

@ptbo_canada The Ontario Government has invested $878,878 through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support new Canadians in Peterborough-Kawartha in acquiring skills for jobs in the construction industry. #ptbocanada #peterborough #journalism #news #fyp ♬ Trendsetter - Connor Price & Haviah Mighty

The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to a wide range of applicants, including employers, industry associations, labour unions, hospitals and more.

“We are training excellent people that are ready to go on your jobsite,” said Macdonald. “They've got the safety training, they've got basic skills, they're going to provide good labour so let's get them building.”

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Provincial Government Investing $3,011,250 to Build More Homes In Peterborough

The Ontario government is investing $3,011,250 in water infrastructure to help build approximately 1,400 new homes in the City of Peterborough, announced beside the Maria Street bridge on Monday afternoon.

MPP Dave Smith (left) and Mayor Jeff Leal (right) before the media beside the Maria Street Bridge on Ashburnham Road. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Funding is being delivered through the province’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF), a stream of the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“Our government is committed to building a stronger, more prosperous Peterborough, and this investment is a clear demonstration of that commitment,” he said. “By providing the foundational infrastructure to enable 1,400 new homes, we are not only addressing our housing supply needs but also stimulating economic growth and creating jobs right here at home. This is about building a community where future generations can live, work, and thrive.”

The City of Peterborough will use the funding for the Eastern Trunk Sani-Sewer project, which is intended to serve the Liftlock growth area. According to Mayor Jeff Leal, the project aims to improve water and wastewater infrastructure to support the city's growth and housing development goals.

“The Eastern Trunk Sani-Sewer project will ensure that we have the critical infrastructure in place for sustainable growth as we continue to meet our housing targets,” said Leal. “This funding is a vital step toward building a thriving, resilient community where families can put down roots and businesses can grow.”

@ptbo_canada The Ontario government is investing $3,011,250 in water infrastructure to help build approximately 1,400 new homes in the City of Peterborough. #ptbocanada #peterborough #journalism #news #fyp ♬ Best One Yet - Layup

The MHIP includes investments in housing and community-enabling infrastructure that will help municipalities deliver the core infrastructure needed, such as roads and water systems, to lay the foundation for new homes in communities across the province, according to the Ontario Government.

This round of funding brings the total number of homes enabled in Ontario through the MHIP to about 800,000.

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Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada® Gives Peterborough First Responders Equipment Grant

Peterborough Fire Services has been named a 2024 grant recipient by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada®, receiving $35,956 to increase lifesaving capabilities in Peterborough.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada has awarded 369 grants to public safety organizations since 2015. Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The grant was used to purchase Paratech Lifting Bags for the department.

“We are grateful to the Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs® in Peterborough for awarding us this grant,” said Chris Snetsinger, Peterborough Fire Services, Fire Chief. “The new Paratech Lifting Bags will fulfill a critical need within our department and allow our first responders to safely lift and stabilize extremely heavy objects during rescue operations, improving our ability to quickly free trapped victims and enhance community safety during emergencies.”  

This grant is one of 18 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada grants awarded to public safety organizations during the most recent grant cycle. The 18 grants will provide lifesaving equipment valued at more than $504,000 across Canada.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $5 Million For Labour Training Across Northumberland and Peterborough

The Ontario government is investing more than $5 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help more than 2,900 youth, job seekers and apprentices across Northumberland and Peterborough areas prepare for in-demand careers.

Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

Careers include construction, manufacturing, aviation and other skilled trades sectors. 

This investment is part of the government’s $2.5 billion investment in the SDF for training and tools necessary to land in-demand jobs, while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and policies according to David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“Our government is investing in local training projects that protect Ontario workers by giving them the skills they need to land rewarding, well-paying jobs,” he said. “These projects will help workers explore and train for rewarding careers, while strengthening our economy as we face global economic challenges.”

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA NEO) received a $609,398 investment through the SDF Training Stream. The money goes towards the Empowerment of Youth in Skilled Trades project, which promotes careers in the skilled trades to 2,650 students through hands-on training, mentorship and paid placements for 40 students in high-demand sectors such as construction, manufacturing, motive power and aviation according to JA NEO.

Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with three other organizations in the region to deliver free training programs that support youth, apprentices and underrepresented groups, including:

• Northumberland Builders and Construction Association Inc. (NBACA) is receiving $230,240 to support 100 participants with onsite training through the purchase of a mobile training trailer. The trailer will be used to deliver compliance training and general construction training.

• Nventure Business Development Corporation is receiving $562,000 to improve career suitability for 100 participants by developing Canada’s first Virtual Reality (VR) recruitment and retention tool for the manufacturing sector. This project is designed to better prepare them for the demands of the job.

• OPCMIA Local 598 Training Centre is receiving $3,947,100 for their Restoring Ontario and Restoring Port Hope projects to support 60 apprentices in the Brick and Stone Mason and Cement Finisher trades, and train 36 pre-apprentices in the Restoration Mason trade to help complete a restoration project in downtown Port Hope.

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GPHSF 2025 Senior Care Microgrant Now Open

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation’s (GPHSF) Senior Care Microgrant program to support senior care projects and healthy aging initiatives in the Peterborough area is open for applicants.

These grants have been made possible due to funding provided by the June Towle Trust. She passed away in 2023. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

This is the second year that GPHSF is offering the microgrant.

“2024 was the first year we offered the Senior Care Micro Grants program, and it was a great success” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “We had a number of really great projects submitted for funding and we truly wish we had more grants available to offer. We are excited to see who applies for the grants and what project they are working on in 2025.”

Two grants are available with the application deadline on Sept. 30.

The new Senior Care Microgrant program is meant to be a low-barrier applicant process according to GPHSF. The grants can be used as seed money to address a new need or as financial support to an existing program in Peterborough, County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation. 

Two grants are available, with up to $5,000 in funding available with each grant.

Applications are open to community and not-for-profit organizations, including medical organizations, that run programming and services or propose to run programming and services within the boundaries of Peterborough City and/or Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

Proposed projects must be general in scope (including and impactful on as many people as possible). Project completion must occur within one year of approval unless GPHSF grants an extension. Grant funding can be applied to existing projects or used as seed money for new projects.

A maximum of $5,000 is available for each gran, and a maximum of $10,000 is available across all grants (two total).

The project timeline and budget must be provided.

Senior Care Microgrant projects may include.

• Research

• Equipment

• Nutrition

• Physical Activity

• Mental Health

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Have a lasting impact on our community.

• Support emerging needs in our community.

• Improve the quality of life for seniors in the community.

Applications can be submitted online.

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Seven Organizations Funded a Total of $250,000 For Senior Healthy and Independent Living

As part of Seniors Month, the Ontario government has invested $250,000 in seven organizations throughout Peterborough-Kawartha to help seniors increase independence, reduce social isolation and create positive connections, announced at the Activity Haven Senior Centre on Monday afternoon.

(From left to right) Councillor Dave Haacke; Bonnie Clarke, Peterborough County Warden; Raymond Cho; Minister for Seniors and Accessibility; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Mark Tinkler, Activity Haven board president. The government is investing $7 million in the SCGP this year to protect seniors and older adults by supporting over 330 community projects that help them to stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Seniors are the backbone of our community, and ensuring they have the resources to live healthy, independent, and connected lives is a top priority," said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This $250,000 investment through the Seniors Community Grant Program will directly support vital local initiatives, from social drop-in programs to fitness classes and intergenerational mentorship, allowing our seniors to thrive right here in Peterborough-Kawartha.”

These projects are part of the Seniors Community Grant Program (SCGP). Their recipients can receive up to $25,000 to support local programs, services and events to provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement. This year’s investment includes an additional $1 million, specifically for programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for senior veterans.

One of the projects is going towards the Activity Haven Senior Centre and its newly-initiated ‘Lift for Life” program.

“Our members will have the opportunity to work with the experts at Trent Health In Motion to improve their life and well-being following a very valuable program to address osteoporosis,” said Mark Tinkler, Activity Haven board president.

The following are the supported organizations:

• The Township of Selwyn Public Library has been awarded $21,570 for its ‘Building Connections: Senior Social Drop-In Program.’

• Activity Haven Senior Centre (Peterborough) Inc. will receive $23,755 for its ‘Lift For Life’

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough is being granted $24,900 for its ‘Big G Mentor Together Project.’

• The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton will receive $23,351 for ‘The Social and Night Out Program.’

• Havelock Belmont Methuen Seniors is being awarded $25,000 for ‘Seniors Tech Connect.’

• Peterborough New Horizons Bands will receive $4,730 to ‘Support for Members.’

• VON Peterborough Victoria Haliburton is being granted $12,815 for their Wellness in Aging Program

“Amid economic uncertainty and rising costs, Premier Ford and our government are proud to protect our seniors and ensure they have access to affordable and reliable community supports,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “The Seniors Community Grant Program is a critical lifeline in every corner of our province for seniors to learn new skills, get fit, enjoy group activities and stay connected to their neighbours and friends.”

According to a press release, the Ontario government is supporting over 100 Seniors Active Living Fairs expected to take place in 2025-26, which will provide more opportunities for seniors to learn about supports and resources in their community.

“We're dependent on funding support from both the province and the City,” said Tinkler. “Getting grants like this is extremely valuable to be able to offer something like the 'Lift For Life' and all these other programs we provide; the government is invaluable and very supportive.”

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