YES Acting Executive Director Becomes Officially Appointed Into Role

After acting as Executive Director since September, Aimeé Le Lagadec, has been officially appointed the new executive director of the YES Shelter for Youth and Families announced Wednesday.

Le Lagadec’s was the acting exectutive director when the YES Shelter received $52,900 to aid in staff training from the Ontario Trillium Foundation on Oct. 19. Photo courtesy of Youth Emergency Shelter.

Originally from South Africa, Le Lagadec brings over 10 years of progressive experience in the social services field with a specialization in youth homelessness and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work.

She previously worked at Eva’s Initiatives in Toronto, known for its wrap-around support of young people experiencing homelessness in Toronto.

Since 2018, Le Lagadec has been the manager of the Outreach Program at YES, overseeing a team of YES staff directly supporting youth and families to avoid, recover from and exit homelessness.

“Stepping into this role in the midst of COVID-19 has been extremely challenging. That being said, I am proud to be the one who will lead the YES Shelter for Youth and Families through the remainder of the pandemic,” said Le Lagadec. “Last week’s cases (now resolved) in our Emergency Shelter and RISE Youth Housing Program come after two extremely stressful years for YES clients and staff, who are operating a frontline emergency service for a vulnerable population. The agency’s ability to continue operating with very little interruption, speaks volumes to the resiliency and dedication of our team. I plan to work alongside our incredible staff to continue to offer life-saving services, and increase the amount of affordable, supported housing options available to youth and families, who would otherwise be homeless.”

“We know that Aimeé will continue to inspire the vision for the organization that is aligned with the overall strategic direction, mission and values and provide executive leadership for the development and delivery of long-term strategies and programs to support vulnerable youth and families in our community,” said Kerri Boyd, YES Board Chair.

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Extended Hours for One Roof Community Centre On Tuesday and Wednesday

One Roof Community Centre will be open for extended hours of service on Sunday and Monday due to temperatures anticipated to drop below -15C for the Peterborough area.

One Roof Community Centre began extended hours on select days this year on Jan. 2. Photo courtesy of One Roof Community Centre.

They are open from 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 pm on Tuesday and from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with the to-go meal provided between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, due to temperatures anticipated to drop below -15C for the Peterborough area.

The Centre is closed to drop-in service from noon to 3:00 p.m. for the meal preparation and pickup period to protect the health and safety of the public, volunteers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emergency shelters are open and available to people experiencing homelessness who require emergency overnight shelter:

• YES Shelter for Youth and Families, 705-748-3851, 196 Brock St.

• Brock Mission men’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 120 Murray St.

• Cameron House women’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 739 Chemong Rd.

• Overflow Shelter at 210 Wolfe St., overnight phone 705-761-1875

Emergency After Hours Services related to the emergency shelter is available through Social Services by calling 705-926-0096. Please visit the Social Services website for information regarding the After Hours program.

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City Of Peterborough Releases 2019 Civic Award Ceremony

The City of Peterborough has released the virtual presentation of the 2019 Civic Awards, now available on their website.

Nominations for the annual Civic awards were received in 2020 for achievements in 2019. As an alternative to an in-person event due to COVID-19 restrictions, Council approved a video celebrating the contributions of the winners.

“Congratulations to all of the citizens being recognized for their outstanding contributions to Peterborough in 2019. While we wish we could be together to celebrate the outstanding recipients of the 2019 Civic Awards, this video tribute is meant to show our appreciation for all that they have done to make Peterborough a special place,” said Mayor Diane Therrien.

There were 33 awards presented to individuals and groups who made significant contributions to the community. The winners have received a certificate signed by the Mayor and the City Clerk, and winners of the special trophies also have their names engraved on the trophy.

 Special trophy winners are as follows:

• Volunteer of the Year - Rotary Clubs of Peterborough

• Senior Athlete of the Year – Lynne Faught

• Junior Athlete of the Year – Sophia Lu

• Lifetime Achievement – Ian Attridge

The Holnbeck Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to improve the lives of people with disabilities, was awarded to Lynda Todd.

The Mayor’s Youth Awards recognized Faith Dickinson, Evelyn Robertson and Grace Murphy.

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Extended Hours for One Roof Community Centre On Sunday and Monday

One Roof Community Centre will be open for extended hours of service on Sunday and Monday due to temperatures anticipated to drop below -15C for the Peterborough area.

One Roof Community Centre began extended hours on select days this year on Jan. 2. Photo courtesy of One Roof Community Centre.

They are open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with the to-go meal provided between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. The following day will be open from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

The Centre is closed to drop-in service from noon to 3:00 p.m. for the meal preparation and pickup period to protect the health and safety of the public, volunteers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emergency shelters are open and available to people experiencing homelessness who require emergency overnight shelter:

• YES Shelter for Youth and Families, 705-748-3851, 196 Brock St.

• Brock Mission men’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 120 Murray St.

• Cameron House women’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 739 Chemong Rd.

• Overflow Shelter at 210 Wolfe St., overnight phone 705-761-1875

Emergency After Hours Services related to the emergency shelter is available through Social Services by calling 705-926-0096. Please visit the Social Services website for information regarding the After Hours program.

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Trent Aborigional Cultural Knowledge And Science Youth Program Recognized At National Award Ceremony

The TRACKS (Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge & Science) Youth Program was recognized for its work with InSTEM (Indigenous Science Technology Engineering and Math) mentors during a virtual awards ceremony at the 2021 Actua National Conference on Wednesday.

Actua is a network-based organization that proudly represents and support 43 university and college-based network members. These organizations embody Actua’s commitment to engaging all youth in Canada in hands-on STEM and to breaking barriers to youth participation in STEM studies and careers. The TRACKS Youth Program has been a network member of Actua since 2018.

The Actua Mentorship Award recognizes the network member organization that makes an outstanding contribution to the National Mentorship program by engaging a diversity of mentors including mentors in Actua’s national barrier breaking programs and promoting mentoring as a key component of outreach through exciting activities, training, and media.

In 2021 TRACKS connected with over 8,000 youth ages 6-18 through InSTEM-inspired virtual camps, workshops, outreach, and remote activities.

“One of TRACKS’ program intentions is to facilitate spaces where intergenerational knowledge can be shared and mentoring relationships can be nurtured”, said Chris Furgal, a member of the TRACKS Steering Team. “For this to happen, it’s vital that staff and program participants have access to and opportunities through which to build relationships with and learn from Indigenous Elders, knowledge holders and other community members who embody the values and knowledges TRACKS was founded on.”

Youth, families, and educators interested in participating in TRACKS programming can learn more by visiting www.tracksprogram.ca or by emailing info@tracksprogram.ca

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Enbridge Assists Selwyn Fire Dept in Supporting Firefighter Training

The Selwyn Fire Department with 49 other fire departments is getting $250,000 from Enbridge Gas for educational materials for firefighters to enhance life-saving techniques. announced Wednesday.

Andrew Bowyer, Fire Prevention Officer (left), and Gord Jopling, Fire Chief for the Township of Selwyn (right) pose with a $5,000 cheque from Safe Community Project Assist and the educational materials purchased through the program. Photo Courtesy of Township of Selwyn.

The aid is through the Safe Community Project Assist, a program with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council that supplements existing training for Ontario volunteers and composite fire departments in the communities where Enbridge operates.

“Safety is our priority. We’re proud to support Ontario firefighters who share our commitment to keeping our communities safe,” says Steve McGivery, Director, GTA East Operations, Enbridge Gas.

Since the launch of Safe Community Project Assist in 2012, 244 grants have been provided to Ontario fire departments for additional firefighter training.

“Safe Community Project Assist improves access to training materials for fire departments,” says Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council. “Firefighting can be dangerous and unpredictable, and these training materials positively contribute to the health and safety of firefighters and the broader community.”

“Selwyn Fire Department is honoured to have been selected by the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and Enbridge Gas for this valuable donation. With these funds, we can help to continue educating our firefighters in their skills as we work to keep our community safe,” says Selwyn Fire Chief Gord Jopling.

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Grand Prize Winner Of Holiday Shopping Passport Announced

Arlene Petrany of Peterborough has been named as winner of the Holiday Shopping Passport grand prize draw.

Arlene Petrany, Holiday Shopping Passport Grand Prize Winner and Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director posing outside the DBIA office. Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

Petrary’s winning Holiday Shopping Passport was drawn on January 12 at the Peterborough DBIA.

“I absolutely love downtown Peterborough, I always have. There are so many amazing shops and restaurants. I can't wait until everything opens up again”, said Petrany.

The winning passport came from Things from Mom’s Basement located at 192 Charlotte St.

This year the Holiday Shopping Passport program saw a 15% increase in participation generating a little over 2.6 million in local spending.

“Congratulations to Arlene Petrany on winning this year grand prize draw and a special thanks to everyone who prioritized shopping downtown this holiday season. I am incredibly proud of our community’s steadfast support for our downtown and I am hopeful that local support will continue to flourish in 2022,” said Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Holiday Shopping Passports ran from Nov. 8 to Jan. 12. Throughout the program shoppers were rewarded with a passport stamp for every $10 they spent at a participating location. Each completed passport (20 stamps) were entered into a draw, including three early bird draws of $500 in Boro gift cards.

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Peterborough Youth Council Application Deadline Extended

The City of Peterborough has extended the deadline for applications to the Peterborough Youth Council for anyone aged 12-21 until Jan 31 at 4:30 p.m. announced Friday.

Stock photo.

Students within the eligible ages in Peterborough are invited to apply to become a member of the Peterborough Youth Council for the 2022 term.

Being a member includes:

• Be a voice for youth

• Get involved with community events

• Plan events for youth

• Attend monthly meetings ( COVID-19 protocols in place)

• Work as a team

• Volunteer hours can be used towards your Ontario Secondary School Diploma

In accordance with the City of Peterborough COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy, all volunteers are required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to beginning their volunteer role.

Visit the City’s website to learn more and complete an application.

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City of Peterborough to Hold Traffic Calming Workshops for Calm Streets PTBO

The City of Peterborough is hosting virtual public workshops in January for residents of each of the three areas where traffic calming opportunities are being considered announced Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The workshops are part of Phase 2 of the Calm Streets PTBO traffic calming pilot study as they will:

• Introduce Calm Streets PTBO

• Discuss traffic issues identified in the neighbourhood

• Gather feedback on potential traffic calming opportunities

• Answer questions from the community

Individuals must register to attend a virtual workshop on the Connect Peterborough project page www.connectptbo.ca/trafficcalming.

The workshops are intended for individuals who live, work or own property in the study area; however, they are open for anyone who wants to attend regardless of where they live in the community.

The meetings will take place on the following dates for each study area listed below:

Whitefield Drive, Golfview Road, and Silverdale Road Study Area

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 18
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Highland Road Study Area (between Chemong Road and Fairbairn Street)

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 19
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

High Street Study Area (between Lansdowne Street and Sherbrooke Street)

Date: Thursday, Jan. 25
Time: 6:30 p.m.  to 8:30 p.m.

Individuals who cannot participate online are invited to contact the project coordinator by phone at 705-742-7777 ext. 1749 or email calmstreetsptbo@peterborough.ca to provide input.

Phase 2 of the Calm Streets PTBO traffic calming pilot study involves assessing current conditions in each study area as informed by conversations and input from residents and then applying the City of Peterborough’s Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Policy to produce a Traffic Calming Plan specific to each neighbourhood.

Public input is essential to the success of the project. Public engagement over the course of the project will include a public survey that took place in November and December 2021, online workshops, and outreach from the Calm Streets PTBO ambassador team.

The Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Policy, which was developed through the first phase of the Traffic Calming Study, provides the City with a formal method of receiving and evaluating traffic calming requests as well as providing a menu of potential solutions for addressing traffic calming concerns. These solutions are intended to ease traffic concerns through physical changes such as roadway modifications, signs and pavement markings, and/or behavioural changes such as education and enforcement.

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