Local Farmer Using His Tractor To Create More Garden Plots At Bonaccord Community Garden

If you see a tractor in town today—well, not that you wouldn't see a tractor in town today—here's why: The Bonaccord Community Garden is expanding.

Between 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., a local farmer will be using his tractor to plough currently grassed areas to make room for up to 10 additional community garden plots.

The Bonaccord community garden has had a waiting list for many years now, and is making space to welcome new gardeners in the spring of 2013.

This popular and picturesque community garden, located on Bonaccord St. between Park and Monaghan Streets, has been in existence for almost two decades. Currently, about 25 gardeners have plots in the garden. It provides them with access to space to grow their own food, an opportunity to interact with other gardeners, share growing tips, and create a beautiful community space.

The Peterborough Community Garden Network works to help support access to existing gardens and help communities create new gardens. They envision community gardens as a key tool for food security, ecological integrity and community building.

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GreenUp Expo At Lansdowne Place Today

 Be sure to stop by the GreenUp Expo taking place today at Lansdowne Place from 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. This is the 9th year for this event that showcases many environmentally friendly products and services.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Kids, Cops & Canadian Tire Fishing Day Event This Thursday At Del Crary Park

The Kids, Cops & Canadian Tire local fishing day event takes place this Thursday (August 2nd) at Del Crary Park and the Holiday Inn.

The event is open to children 16 and under, and will run from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Officers from the Peterborough Lakefield Community Police will be helping children from Big Brothers/Big Sisters learn the joys of fishing.

A BBQ lunch will be available for a nominal charge from 11:30 until 1:00 pm. There will be a Canine demonstration at 2:00 pm and Fire Department personnel will be in attendance with one of their vehicles. Participants are asked to bring their own fishing gear and an adult buddy. Giveaways and prizes will be awarded at 3:15 p.m.

This Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire event is sponsored by Fishing Forever, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding worthwhile fishing, conservation and education projects. It is also supported by the Police Association of Ontario, Canadian Tire and the Peterborough Lakefield Community Police.

To learn more about Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire, please visit Kidsandcops.ca or contact Joanne Pellegrino at events@kidsandcops.ca or 905.632.8679.

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PtboPics: Families From New Canadians Fishing Event At OFAH

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) partnered with the New Canadians Centre (NCC) of Peterborough and Coleman Canada to host the New Canadians Fishing Event at the OFAH|Mario Cortellucci Hunting & Fishing Heritage Centre on Saturday. About 85 New Canadian Centre clients attended the event, and experienced a range of outdoor activities and education such as fishing, archery and invasive species awareness lessons. Here's some pics from the event...

—photos and info courtesy Beth McClelland

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Upcoming Workshop At Ecology Park Focuses On Ponds And Water Gardens

Water gardens are a big draw for many types of wildlife and a simple way to add interest to a backyard.

Peterborough Green-Up is offering a free workshop this weekend where attendees can learn the basics of water gardens and ponds from local landscaper Steven Charest.

The workshop is being held on Sunday, July 15^th from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Ecology Park, located at 1867 Ashburnham Drive.  

Charest, a pond and water garden expert, will speak about the different types of water features, ponds, and water gardens commonly found in local backyards, the benefits of installing them and how to get started.

This event is free of charge and pre-registration is not required. For more information on the workshop, contact Cathy Dueck at (705) 745-3238 ext. 212.

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Peterborough Now Diverts 53% Of Household Waste

In a recent media release from the City of Peterborough, we've crossed the threshold and now divert 53% of our household waste through blue box, green waste and backyard composting (up 3% in 2011 from 2010).

"We're extremely pleased and proud of this community's accomplishments," says Virginia Swinson, the City's Waste Diversion Section Manager. "City residents continue to embrace the culture of reducing, reusing and recycling all they can, and their efforts are being noticed."

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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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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