A Look At Charming Fleming Place In Downtown Peterborough (And Impact Of Development)

I am writing to increase awareness around the development plans at Fleming Place in downtown Peterborough.

Fleming Place is a charming laneway lined with homes built in the early 1900s and equally old and historical trees.

Preparation for a development which includes the construction of a new apartment building in the open green space is already underway.  The plans includes the removal of the majority of these beautiful trees and an entire re-landscaping of the property.

In my humble opinion, Fleming Place is a gem—an urban oasis—the likes of which I have never seen anywhere else. Anyone who has ever lived or visited there (particularly in the summer) can attest to this. It feels like you have walked into an urban forest even though you are in fact directly downtown. The trees provide an incredible amount of shade, cool breeze, habitat and a living example of our community's history. There are several gorgeous perennial beds on the property that have been built, cared for and maintained for my tenants. These are likely to go along with the trees.

Mass cutting of trees has already occurred, and much more is to come. I encourage people to come and wander down the laneway and enjoy it while you can. The removal of all these trees is an irreversibly devastating decision. Trees and green spaces are part of the new plan, but a century of growth cannot be replaced. It is not likely that anything can be done to stop a development plan already underway, but expressing how important you think neighbourhoods like Fleming Place and urban trees are to our community and collective quality of life can't hurt!

—Jillian Bishop

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Take A Look At This Cool Time Lapse Video Of Clouds Moving Over Peterborough

[YouTube]

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Peterborough Farmer's Market Is A Hit

[CHEX Newswatch]

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The Next LARGE Article Garbage Pickup Collection Is May 14th

When setting out items for garbage pickup, there are certain weight and dimensions it must conform to, so that it is considered an acceptable lift. Items too bulky are considered "large articles", and there are two collections per year to remove them, with the next one being May 14th. Purchase your ticket before May 11th from the Public Works Yard (182 Townsend Street) or City Hall (500 George Street). The cost is $15 for the first item and $5 for each additional item.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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Video: A Look Inside The Peterborough Green Up Store

[YouTube]

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Sign Up Now For Shifting Gears 2012

The annual transportation challenge Shifting Gears will kick off on Tuesday, May 1st, for the month of May. Be sure to sign up now and take advantage of the many events and prizes offered throughout the challenge. Help make a difference in reducing the cars on the road and make the change to bike, walk, or carpool to work!

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Herb Workshop Taking Place at The Avant-Garden Shop

The Avant-Garden Shop (165 Sherbrooke Street) is offering a free workshop on Saturday, February 25th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Herbalist Jill Cockerell from Franklin Farms as well as author Claire Sullivan will be offering readings and information regarding the folklore of herbs. For more information about this event and the shop, you can visit them on Facebook.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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First Sign of Spring

I guess the Groundhog was right after all, as high above the houses was the first sign of Spring yesterday.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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Here's An Email From A Trent Prof Circulating About Proposed Development On Charlotte Street

Letter from  Trent Environmental & Resource Studies Professor Stephen Hill...

I'm writing about a proposed development in downtown Peterborough. Shoppers Drug Mart is seeking to abandon their existing store at Charlotte & Aylmer and move to a new larger site kitty corner from where they are now. The new site, if approved, will demolish all of the buildings on the north side of Charlotte, between Bethune and Aylmer (from the paint store to Jim's Pizzeria/Have you Seen). The corner of Charlotte and Aylmer will be a 37 car parking lot, with the new Shoppers building occupying the rest of the block (& loading docks fronting on Bethune). In urban design terms, it's an unmitigated disaster to create a building for no other purpose than to fit the brand image of Shoppers Drug Mart.

For those with more time on their hands, I've written up more on the backstory and posted it to this blog site: SaveCharlotteStreet.blogspot.com.  I'd welcome comments or additional information if you have any.

The whole idea of destroying a vibrant street to build this seems beyond comprehension. Regardless, some city councillors think it's a good idea. I am fairly confident that a concerted effort by a group of citizens can help change their minds (go Margaret Mead!), to ensure the development either doesn't happen or happens in a manner that will result in a building of enduring value. 

If you'd like to do something, please spread the word and take the time to write or call your Councillor, the Mayor and/or the City's Director of Planning. Their contact information is available by clicking here. There also needs to be people willing to speak articulately against this at the Planning Committee when this development is being considered.  

[Save Charlotte Street Blog]

[Photos by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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PTBOCanada's 3rd Day Of Christmas: Peterborough Green-Up Water Bottle

With Christmas just around the corner, it doesn't have to be expensive or difficult to find a unique little something for that special someone. To help you find a gift, here is PTBOCanada's 12 Days of Christmas - 12 Local Gifts $20 and under.

These new water "bottles" made by Vapur have been popping up everywhere lately.  Check them out at Peterborough Green-Up as well as the many other items at the shop right now that would make perfect stocking stuffers. Each bottle is $10.60

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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