Residents Advised of Potential COVID-19 Exposure at Canoe and Paddle Restaurant in Lakefield

Peterborough Public Health is advising patrons of the Canoe and Paddle Restaurant of a potential exposure to COVID-19 that occurred there from Aug. 30 to Sept. 3.

Photo courtesy of the Canoe and Paddle

The restaurant is located at 18 Bridge St. in Lakefield, Ontario.

Peterborough Public Health considers anyone that dined at the restaurant between Aug. 30 and Sept. 3 to be a high-risk contact and recommends:

• If you are a fully vaccinated individual (at least two weeks has past since your second dose) and: Do not have symptoms*:

Get tested immediately and self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days from the last date you attended the restaurant.

• If you are a fully vaccinated individual (at least two weeks has past since your second dose) and: Do have symptoms*:

Self-isolate and get tested immediately. o If your test is positive you must continue to self-isolate for 10 days; Peterborough Public Health will contact you. o If your test is negative you can discontinue self-isolation once symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms). \

• If you are an unvaccinated or a partially vaccinated individual:

Get tested immediately and self-isolate for 10 days from the last date you attended the restaurant.

Please visit https://www.prhc.on.ca/about-us/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/ for testing options in Peterborough.

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Survivors Abreast Storage Locker Broken Into With Items Stolen

The Survivors Abreast Dragonboat team is asking for the public’s help in locating items stolen from their storage locker on Thursday at approximately 5:30 p.m.

EACH YEAR, THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL MEETS AT LITTLE LAKE OFF CRESCENT STREET. PHOTO COURTESY OF PETERBOROUGH DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Among the stolen items were a dragon head that is placed on their boat, a drum, two wooden drum seats that fasten on the front of the boats, a box of safety kits and a camping tent.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Peterborough Police service at 705-876-1122.

For more information, contact Kathryn MacKinnon, Survivors Abreast Vice President, 705-927-3233 or jkmackinnon231@gmail.com

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Local Soap Company Keeps Firefighters Clean and Places First at Clean Beauty Awards

SootSoap Supply Co., a company out of Port Hope, has won first place at the 2021 Clean Beauty Awards.

K.Dee Howards poses with SootSoap products. In the wake of COVID-19 SootSoap released a line of hand sanitizer to combat germs while keeping skin healthy. Photo courtesy of SootSoap Supply Co.

SootSoap Supply Co. was started by K.Dee Howard. It is a line of personal care products like body wash and shampoo designed for firefighters.

“I developed SootSoap for my husband initially, who is a firefighter in Brampton,” said Howard. “I discovered after he came home smelling like fire even after showering numerous times that it was contaminates and toxins causing the smell,” she said.

Howard did some research and found there was no products to help combat this. She also found that cancer is the number one cause of death in firefighters, and these toxins are the cause of it.

Her products are designed to absorb and discard of both the smell and the toxins that firefighters often come into contact while on duty.

SootSoap launched their first product line in 2019 and is now Howards full time job.

Since launching Howard has found that it’s not only firefighters that come into contact with toxins and hard-to-get-rid-of odors at work.

“Lot’s of people can benefit. People that experience environmental toxins, every day things like fuel and grease, kitchen smells, we even have customers that are pig farmers,” she said. “We’re finding more and more uses for our products.”

This year SootSoaps shampoo was the first place winner in the hair wash category of the Clean Beauty Awards.

The Clean beauty Awards recognize the best performing beauty and personal care products, manufactured without the use of known harmful chemicals, from across the globe.

“In a year and a half to go from a firefighter, industrial shampoo to a shampoo recognized by clean beauty influencers, it’s pretty amazing,” Howard said. “Being clean, all natural, and biodegradable is very important to me. Our core challenge is to get rid of toxins so the last thing I want to do is add in more chemicals.”

Photo courtesy of SootSoap Supply Co.

Howard says her aim with SootSoap is to create products that will solve a problem.

“Innovation comes from our customers saying ‘I don’t have a solutions to this particular challenge’,” said Howard. “My challenge is to find solutions that don’t exist currently.”

To view SootSoap’s full line of products click here.

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Upstanding Volunteers Spreading Smiles for Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity ReStore may sell refurbished items but it could be labelled a happiness factory thanks to volunteers David Macleod and Keir Lewin.

(left to right) Keir Lewin, Christina Skuce, David Macleod and Craig Meridith. Habitat for Humanity accepts volunteers for setting up displays, processing donated products, providing customer service, repairing furniture and more. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Macleod has volunteered for the ReStore for almost a year, starting back in September 2020. Lewin, an 18-year-old Kenner student, had completed his last day of volunteering Friday after spending the entire summer with the ReStore.

Both men have been taken under the wing of social worker Craig Meridith who has worked with special needs people for over a decade.

"The positivity on them is unbelievable,” explained Meridith. “That’s what makes my job fun. David and Keir bring nothing but fun and a positive attitude to the table and they want to learn.”

“They are an incredible part of our Habitat family and they make it possible for us to raise funds to build more affordable homes in the community,” said Christina Skuce, Habitat director of Philanthropy and Communications.

Macleod arranges and organizes the home decoration section that ranges from kitchen utensils, dishware, movies, paintings and more. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Staff and customers have noted the positive attitude that both volunteers carried which has been contagious to anyone who talks to them.

“Listening to their passion and how proud they are working at the ReStore is incredible,” explained Skuce. ”I was tearing up earlier, listening to David saying how happy he is to be here. They have the best attitude, they’re happy and everyone on staff loves them.”

Lewin was born in Toronto but was moved to Peterborough at a very young age. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Macleod organizes the home decoration section and also works as a greeter for the retail store. He originally started volunteering twice a week but has bumped that up to three days. Lewin aids in the garbage disposal and moving small inventory around the store.

“A lot of people come in here and actually just see David and talk to him as well,” explained Meridith. “He’s turning into a fan favourite in the community which has also led to a lot of people coming into the ReStore.”

Both Meridith and Skuce explain that this work helps anyone with special needs to gain life skills and mature in their mental and cognitive development.

“I couldn’t be more happier watching them grow as individuals and contribute in such a positive manner,” exclaimed Meridith. “It’s exciting to watch them here I could do this five days a week if I could instead of just three.”

“I love that they can go home at night and they are proud of what they did here at the ReStore.” said Skuce.

For more information on volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, email volunteer@habitatpkr.ca or call 705-750-1456.

“We’re a team,” exclaimed Macleod. “My good friend Craig Meridith helped me get here and I like the job.”

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Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club Paddles On From Government Grant

After the last day of a canoe program, the Peterborough Canoe and Kayak Club (PCKC) received a $15,500 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) on Friday.

The PCKC was established in July 2017. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Club members and city officials gathered at Johnson Park to watch young paddlers in fun races at Little Lake just off Beavermead Park. The final day was a showcase of the skills learned by the young paddlers as well as a recognition ceremony for the grant funding.

The club has seen a huge growth in numbers this year since 2020 where COVID-19 made it difficult for them to run its events.

“The year before, we've had 50 paddlers,” said Jim Stewart, PCKC commodore.” This year, we've had 150 plus padders plus another 30 in masters, paracanoeing and in learn-to-paddle programs.”

Most PCKC boats are racing boats that are expensive and unstable which are not rented out to the public. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The grant was used to help with staffing costs, buying new fencing, a rescue boat motor, installing new storage capabilities and a sanitizing station.

MPP Dave Smith presented the check at the presentation ceremony on OTF’s behalf. He said the PCKC fit the bill perfectly for the grant.

“It was about doing something for volunteers with a not-for-profit organization that provided an opportunity for youth,” he said. “It really was perfectly designed what Trillium was designed for.”

The OTF has nearly invested $112 million into 1,384 community projects and partnerships. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Both Smith and Stewart agree that these programs that promote physical activity are beneficial for kids on several different levels.

“It's good for their physical health but the key is that it's good for their mental health,” said Smith. “They learn an activity they can do their entire life and they have fun doing it which is one of the best things that come out of it.”

“People are very pleased to be in the open air in the water,” reflected Stewart. “A sport that provides them with new friends, a learning experience and a chance to gain self-respect for being on the water.”

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Local Woman Spreads Kindness With Free Flowers

Peterborough’s Ashley Webster is spreading kindness throughout her neighbourhood by leaving free flowers and chalk messages in the south end.

Photo Courtesy of Ashley Webster.

Webster says that sometimes when she cuts the flowers she grows in her garden, she will set some at the end of her driveway in case anyone wants them.

“A neighbour actually came one day to check with me, she saw someone taking them and thought they were stealing,” she said. “I said ‘No, no that’s what they’re there for’.”

Gardening helps Webster handle her OCD. She has been struggling a lot lately because of all of the negativity in the news and gardening is a way to help combat that she says.

One of Websters gardens. Photo courtesy of Ashley Webster

While working in the Mayor’s office, Webster often receives complaints from concerned community members.

“My goal is reminding people that it’s not all bad, this is a really good place to live,” she said.

She hopes that this idea catches on and that other gardeners participate. According to Webster gardeners often have to cut back their flowers this time of year and thinks that this is a great option to get rid of excess.

“I think this is a nice way for people to focus on something positive,” she said.

Webster hopes that this initiative becomes something similar to the sign wars Peterborough participated in earlier this year.

“I felt the sign wars gave everyone a boost when they needed a bit of humour,” she said. “I’ve been sensing that a lot of people are struggling right now. I don’t what it is but I feel like maybe it’s needed right now.”

Webster invites anyone interested in participating to leave flowers outside for someone who may need them or to leave a chalk message to brighten someone’s day.

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Pirate Ghost Ship Looting Community Solidarity For Smiles and Charity

UPDATED: Aug. 21 11:26 a.m.

It may seem like an overly elaborate Halloween decoration but the pirate ghost ship on Jenn and Braden Glasbergen’s property has brought communities together while supporting charity.

Jenn (left) and Braden Glasbergen (right) have had four different elaborate front-yard decorative displays such as Easter, dinosaurs, a ghost pirate ship and a gingerbread house. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Built last year, the ship was primarily built for Halloween decoration that took about 10 weeks but has received upgrades in 2021 such as a second walkway and more decorations.

The Glasbergen’s built it largely for the community to enjoy — and partially to enjoy the decorating and holiday celebrations — but also added a charity element after onlookers asked about making donations.

The ship weighs roughly 300 pounds according to the Glasbergens. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The family did not want money but accepted non-perishable food and drink for donors to see the ship. The items went to food banks like St. Vincent de Paul for the last two years. Animal food and goods such as pet litter, toys and accessories would also be donated to local animal shelters, as the Glasbergen’s are self-proclaimed animal lovers.

“The whole entire car was filled to the brim with food and pet supplies,” send Jenn.

The ship set a good example for kids to be involved in their communities added Braden.

“It was good for the kids too, they would bring a can of soup or a box of mac and cheese or something like that to donate,” he explained. “It helps them learn to give back as well.”

The ship is fully detachable from the house and is stored in the garage when not in season. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located on Ravenwood Drive, the decorated ship has attracted communities and even out-of-town residents to see the spectacle.

"We had a family on Halloween that saw the ship, they went back home, the whole entire family dressed up in pirate costumes,” mentioned Jenn. “We have people that have to pass every single night because the kids have to say goodnight to the ship.”

Some decorations were purchased however there were building materials and other ornaments were community-donated towards the cause.

The ship has attracted a large amount of community attention and is now open to the public including the donation box. It gets put up around late summer and taken down right after Halloween.

A treasure cove display that has a built walkway path independent of the the ship’s entrance. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The family is currently expecting more decorations to be delivered.

The ship has served as a community spotlight for the family’s neighbourhood, creating a mentality where everyone helps everyone according to the couple.

"It's a good way to give back to the community," said Jenn. "If the community would still like to keep giving, then let's pay it forward."

The family advises that anyone driving to see the ship to exercise caution and to pull over and not obstruct any traffic behind them by driving slowly.

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Transportation Master Plan Consultation Remains Open Until August 20

A survey to receive public input on the new City-wide Transportation Master Plan to develop an integrated, connected, and sustainable transportation system for the City remains open until August 20 2021, at 11:59 p.m.

Photo courtesy of City of Peterborough

The consultation is part of the second phase of the Transportation Master Plan update process. The first phase took place in early 2021.

Comments and information collected through the consultation, along with data that is collected, input from the City, and recommendations from the consultants will help inform the project.

At the end of the Transportation Master Plan update process, a draft plan will be presented to City Council for its consideration and approval.

The survey is available from August 6 to August 20, through the project website at www.connectptbo.ca/moveptbo. Anyone unable to access the online survey can contact the City during office hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-742-7777 ext. 1749 or by email at moveptbo@peterborough.ca for assistance.

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Ontario Providing More Support to Communities During COVID-19

The Ontario government is providing $2,300,300 to help the City of Peterborough deliver critical services, create longer-term housing solutions and keep vulnerable people safe announced Monday.

MPP Dave Smith has been part of several food drives in support of Kawartha Food Share. File Photo.

“The third investment in Peterborough as part of our Social Services Relief Funding continues to build on our efforts to support our vulnerable neighbours and build affordable housing across our community,” said MPP Dave Smith. “As of today, we have invested $5,326,143 in critical supports to keep our most vulnerable safe from COVID-19 and address the long-standing housing challenges we face,” MPP Smith added.

The announcement is part of the province’s additional $307 million investment to help municipalities and Indigenous community partners respond to COVID-19.

This investment builds upon the $765 million dollars of Social Services Relief Funding (SSRF) announced in 2020- 2021, for total support to communities of over $1 billion.

“Municipalities have been on the frontlines of Ontario’s pandemic response and vaccine rollout, while continuing to protect our most vulnerable populations, including homeless populations,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“Our government is committed to ensuring municipalities have the resources they need to keep their communities safe, and today’s funding will help our local partners deliver critical services, support vulnerable people, and unlock affordable housing in their communities.”

Municipalities and Indigenous community partners can use the funding to protect homeless shelter staff and residents, add to rent banks, build affordable housing and support plans to prepare for potential future outbreaks and/or emergencies.

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Peterborough Group Revitalizing Skateboarding With Skatepark Upgrades

After several coats of blue paint, the West49 skatepark gets a facelift from the Peterborough Skateboard Coalition and volunteers on Sunday.

Dan Post (left) performing a grind known as a “tailslide.” Post moved to Peterborough in October and met several coalition members and friends at the West49 skatepark. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The group is made up of skateboard enthusiasts that want to improve skateboard spaces, events and programming through advocacy, fundraising, partnering and engagement in Peterborough.

The paint was supplied by the City of Peterborough with help from Cassandra Babcock, Facilities Manager and Coun. Lesley Parnell according to coalition member Dan Post.

Several members and volunteers painted the McDonnel Street skatepark and spray-painted “tags” of the coalition’s logo. The concrete was patched by skateboarder Riley Wilkins before the park was covered in blue.

Coalition member Geoff Rix performing an “Indy” grab while airborne off a launch ramp. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Built in 2002, the 8,400 square feet skate park was painted as one way of reinvigorating skateboarding back into Peterborough.

The sport has gained popularity in recent years as a new sport in the Olympics, the rehashing of the popular video game series “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” and veteran skaters that can be in skateparks again from the COVID-19 pandemic according to Post.

Sparo Lindsay rides the ramp vertically. Lindsay is the owner of beauty salon Union Studio in downtown Peterborough, Photo by David Tuan Bui.

He wants to grow the Peterborough skateboarding community of all ages and skill levels and wants the city to help foster and accommodate.

"We gave it a bit of revitalization to inject some more energy back into the place, to create a sense of pride,” he said.

Coalition member Aiden Finn performing a “kickflip” while going gap-to-gap from a higher level to a lower one. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The group is seeking help from the City of Peterborough to make more upgrades to the facility such as high-wattage LED lights for nighttime skating, exterior seating, more garbage and recycling bins, a water fountain and a sunshade.

"It's all part of bringing this park back up to a community standard that's more welcoming, more accessible and more inviting," said Post.

The coalition is lobbying the city to build a second skatepark to accommodate the skateboarding community’s growth in Peterborough. The proposed park would have a design that would cater to skaters of all skill levels.

"This design of this park comes from an era it was built," explained Post. "Skateboarding has no rules and so it is constantly evolving. The terrain we skate also needs to evolve alongside it."

The Peterborough Skateboard Coalition is always openly looking for new volunteers to help grow the skateboard community. Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Skateboard Coalition.

Expanding skateboarding accessibility in Peterborough can foster Olympic-level athletes since the city already displayed elite hockey and lacrosse players in the past according to Post.

“There is a need to start training and for younger kids to start training, as some of them are going to have Olympic aspirations,” he said. “We have an opportunity to produce some high-level elite skateboard talent here as well that could one day make it into the Olympics.”

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