May 16, 2022

Random Acts Of Green Annual Rain Barrel Sale Is Happening This Week

May 16, 2022/ Guest User

Random Acts of Green a social enterprise headquartered in Peterborough dedicated to encouraging people to participate in sustainable activities like conserving water, will be holding its annual rain barrel sale this week.

This year, the organization has partnered with Boston Pizza Peterborough.

“Rain barrels are a great way to save money and to conserve water. They are great for your outdoor watering needs and can help keep your gardens looking fresh, without relying on your hose or a sprinkler,” said Jessica Correa, Founder & CEO with Random Acts of Green. “This year, we wanted to partner with our business member, Boston Pizza Peterborough, as our host for our pick- up location. We hope that people can stop by and mingle.”

Made from recycled materials, one rain barrel holds 55 gallons and features a removable debris mosquito screen and a spigot/tap, overflow adaptor and overflow hose.

Orders must be placed online in advance of the pick up event. Prices start at $45, including tax, and will be distributed on May 27 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., at the Boston Pizza South Location 821 Rye Street.

Rolling composters are also available.

Barrels can be ordered online here.

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May 10, 2022

Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre Announces New Network To Share Best Conservation Practices With Public

May 10, 2022/ Guest User

The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) has announced the creation of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Network, a new initiative that will support knowledge gathering and sharing of best conservation practices with experts, and the public, in order to facilitate turtle protection work throughout the province.

The creation of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Network is being supported by Parks Canada through a recently signed three-year contribution agreement with the OTCC.

The creation of an Ontario Turtle Conservation Network will facilitate connections with other organizations across the province and help further engage the public in the work taking place at Parks Canada administered places.

With approximately 100 individual organizations working across the province to help protect turtles, the creation of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Network will help bring these organizations together with an internal platform for conservation professionals to collaborate and share knowledge and research actions and results.

“We are delighted to be working with Parks Canada on this new initiative, that will help connect turtle conservationists across the province, and facilitate collaboration and exchange of ideas,” said Dr. Sue Carstairs, Executive & Medical Director, Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. “We are very appreciative of their support, that made this project possible.”

Members of the public can access the Ontario Turtle Conservation Network here. Organizations or individuals in Ontario working on turtle conservation that are interested in joining the internal network for conservation professionals can request access by contacting: otcn@ontarioturtle.ca.

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May 09, 2022

City Of Peterborough With Peterborough GreenUP Offering Up To $1,000 To Install Residential Rain Gardens

May 09, 2022/ Guest User

The City of Peterborough, with GreenUP, is offering its Rain Garden Subsidy Program which provides residential property owners with educational resources and up to $1,000 toward the cost of installing a rain garden, for the third year in a row.

“Rain gardens are an important part of a greener stormwater management strategy,” said Curtis Mei, the City’s stormwater systems coordinator. “Rain gardens reduce the amount of polluted runoff entering local waterways, which keeps the watershed healthy and can also reduce the risk of localized urban flooding.”

According to Peterborough GreenUP, there are many options for tailoring the size and style of a rain garden, but they all function in the same way due to their bowl shape. This bowl shape collects water from roofs and other hard surfaces. These gardens use plants and fast-draining soil to absorb and filter water that would otherwise flow straight into storm sewers.

To function properly, rain gardens must be designed and located in a particular way. That’s why this subsidy process provides support for homeowners, including educational and on-site assistance from GreenUP’s Residential Program team.

“We know folks can be intimidated by the idea of designing and building their own rain garden, but it’s doable with a bit of support,” said Hayley Goodchild, coordinator with GreenUP’s NeighbourHOOD and Residential programs. “That’s why GreenUP has partnered with the City to support this subsidy program. We help applicants through the process, step-by-step.”

This year, the maximum subsidy amount has doubled to $1,000 per garden, and GreenUP is providing up to two on-site visits to advise on design and construction.

“The number of subsidies is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis,” said Goodchild. “We encourage you to reach out as soon as possible.”

Interested homeowners can begin their application process at peterborough.ca/raingarden or by calling Curtis Mei, Stormwater Systems Coordinator at 705-742-7777 ext. 1507.

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May 07, 2022

Local School Spruces Its Anniversary With Tree Planting From $3,500 Grant

May 07, 2022/ David Tuan Bui

Over 50 volunteers of students, faculty and sponsors planted 40 white spruce trees around their campus with a $3,500 grant in celebration of Kawartha Montessori School’s 40th anniversary on Saturday morning.

Kawartha Montessori School students Jenna Quinn (left), 14 and Esther van Oostveen (right), 6, digging up dirt to plant one of 40 white spruce trees. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The trees run along both sides of the school and beside Highway 7. Added forestry for the school acts as a natural sound guard, decreases outside distractions for students and beautifies the campus among several other benefits according to Celia Johnstone, Tree Canada community advisor.

"It's a very exposed windy site," she said. "The schoolyard is very exposed so it provides good protection from the wind. There are also shade trees, provide the clean air as we breathe and mitigate the greenhouse effect."

"Having our school on this beautiful 10-acre property, we enrich our academic curriculum daily using the outdoors," said Carolyn Donaldson, Montessori principal. "From a very young age, having these students know that giving back to the environment is so important."

Students planted eight trees on Friday with a total of 48 planted. The ordeal was a positive experience for the school as it was the first community activity they could hold since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's just so great to plant so many trees to help the environment and to impact future generations here,” said Jenna Quinn, 14, grade 8 Montessori student. "It's such a beautiful campus and it's great to have trees out here."

The $3,500 came from the Community Tree Grant by Tree Canada with UPS providing the money as the sponsor. It is given annually with eligibility spreading across Canada.

An application was submitted in the fall by a school community member according to Johnstone.

Snacks such as cookies and muffins with refreshments were made by Montessori students and were served at the tree-planting event.

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May 06, 2022

Enbridge Gas Announces Hybrid Heating Program for Peterborough

May 06, 2022/ Guest User

An Enbridge Gas Hybrid Heating Program that is planned for Peterborough will support the community’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Announced last week, the Province says it plans to provide up to $4.5 million toward a Clean Home Heating Initiative in London, St. Catharines, Sault Ste. Marie, and Peterborough to support the installation of electric heat pumps with smart controls for up to 1,000 households, providing homeowners with $3,000 to $4,500 in incentives.

By pairing an electric air source heat pump and smart controls with their high-efficiency gas furnace, homeowners can reduce their natural gas use. The hybrid system optimizes gas and electric sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while achieving utility bill savings.

Enbridge Gas’s Hybrid Heating Program compliments the City’s development of a Home Energy Efficiency Program, which would assist homeowners with renovations reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with their homes.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to take climate action and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, while also reducing their home energy bills,” said Michael Papadacos, Interim Commissioner for Infrastructure and Planning Services. “Residential home heating is the largest source of greenhouse gases in our community and this program will help residents take another step towards addressing community emissions. This type of support from upper levels of government will be critical for municipalities like Peterborough to meet their climate change goals.”

The City is currently reaching out to the community to get feedback to help inform the creation of the Home Energy Efficiency Program.

Information on the Home Energy Efficiency Program and surveys to submit feedback are available through the City’s online community engagement hub, Connect Peterborough, at connectptbo.ca/homeenergy.

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April 28, 2022

Peterborough Will Host First-Ever Environment And Climate Change Expo In September

April 28, 2022/ Guest User

The City of Peterborough will hold its first Environment and Climate Change Expo on Sept. 23 with displays and demonstrations on City services and projects showcasing the progress the City has made toward achieving corporate Greenhouse Gas Emission reductions and other environmental action.

The inaugural PtboEnviroX will be an opportunity to share and celebrate these achievements on the third anniversary of City Council’s declaration of a municipal Climate Change Emergency, said Councillor Kim Zippel, Council’s Chair of Environment and Climate Change.

“This exciting event will help the City build momentum to continue its critical work in the years ahead,” said Councillor Kim Zippel, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change portfolio. “We know there is so much more to do, and we invite the community to come learn about the progress to date and future initiatives that are already taking shape.”

Under the Climate Emergency Declaration, the City of Peterborough is committed to protecting the community, its economy, and ecosystems from the damaging impacts of climate change.

“Taking time to reflect on and celebrate the work being done since our declaration September 23, 2019 is important. This event will help showcase the work of the City and also provide inspiration and reenergize us to keep up this most important work,” said Councillor Kemi Akapo, who is co-chairing the event with Councillor Zippel.

PtboEnviroX is a way for the City to showcase some of the City’s actions on climate change and the environment. It will include displays and demonstrations by different City departments and will have a family-friendly atmosphere. Public health measures will be in place, and the event will happen rain or shine.

Details on the Environment and Climate Change Expo will be posted over the next few months as they are finalized, including confirmed demonstrations and displays that will be showcased at the event. Information will be posted at peterborough.ca/environment or subscribe to updates at peterborough.ca/subscribe to receive news releases.

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April 26, 2022

Otonabee Conservation Releases First Ever Climate Change Report Card

April 26, 2022/ Guest User

Otonabee Conservation has released their first ever ‘Climate Change Report Card’, one year after publishing their Climate Change Strategy.

The Otonabee Conservation Climate Change Strategy includes four goals, to Educate, Adapt, Mitigate, and Implement.

This report card tracks the Conservation Authority’s annual progress of implementing the Climate Change Strategy, tracking it’s goals and provides examples of the actions taken in 2021.

Highlights from the 2021 report card include the adoption of paperless practices including online forms for Hunting Permits, Property Inquiries, and Clean Water Act Notice Applications, and completion of an emissions inventory.

To view the full Climate Change Report Card click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

April 21, 2022

Sustainable Peterborough With Peterborough And The Kawarthas Economic Development Launch New Strategic Plan

April 21, 2022/ Guest User

Sustainable Peterborough (SP) and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) have announced the launch of Sustainable Peterborough’s new Strategic Plan, on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Sustainable Peterborough.

Sustainable Peterborough has been conducting an extensive organizational review, including a governance and plan review, over the last few years.

This review led to the decision that the new Sustainable Peterborough Plan should focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDG framework has become a recognized tool for advancing sustainability in the Greater Peterborough Area. Many communities in Ontario and across Canada are also working on localizing the SDGs.

The SDGs have become a globally recognized framework for measuring progress towards sustainability.

Benefits of using the SDG framework include the use of shared language and goal setting for sustainability across many communities globally and locally and access to tools to track and visualize progress towards the goals.

Utilizing the SDG framework provides an opportunity for Sustainable Peterborough to continue the vital SDG work conducted through the 2019-2021 Community Forum led by Kawartha World Issues Centre and GreenUP.

It also provides an opportunity to use long-standing community connections and partnerships to build on the significant local interest in sustainability, raise awareness of the SDGs, and incorporate best practices from other communities.

“On behalf of the Sustainable Peterborough Coordinating Committee, we are excited to work towards Sustainable Peterborough’s new mission of supporting, measuring, celebrating, and facilitating collective action among local governments, businesses, institutions, and organizations to annually track and measure progress towards achieving targets related to priority Sustainable Development Goals,” said Karen Jopling and Michael Papadacos, Co-Chairs of the Sustainable Peterborough Coordinating Committee.

“In a sustainable economy, people live and do business in ways that are good for the economy, the environment, and communities. Sustainable economic development is about more than just being green; business activity reflects a commitment to sustainability, and, in turn, sustainability helps the economy thrive for future generations. The staff and board of PKED are looking forward to collaborating with Sustainable Peterborough on this new strategic plan.” said PKED’s President & CEO Rhonda Keenan.

The new Strategic Plan is available on the Sustainable Peterborough website.

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April 21, 2022

Otonabee Conservation Conducting Spring Dam Operations

April 21, 2022/ Guest User

Otonabee Conservation staff are conducting spring dam operations including placing stop-logs into dams and installing warning buoy-lines upstream of Authority-owned dams.

Hope Dam. Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

The hazards around dams can be serious and if ignored, could include serious injury or death. Warning buoy-lines act like ‘floating fences’ that warn paddlers, anglers, and boaters to stay away. They are installed each spring and then removed in the fall before winter freeze-up. This is one of many public safety measures that reduces risks for people who enjoy water-based activities on local reservoirs and waterways.

In addition, land-based signs warn boaters of a dam ahead, and there are also signs mounted on the dams themselves that warn about the presence of dam inflow and outflow areas.

Dam operations will be undertaken over the next two weeks. The affected dams include:

Warsaw Dam (Warsaw)
Lang Mill Dam (Lang)
Hope Mill Dam (Lang)
Millbrook Dam (Millbrook)

Otonabee Conservation urges the public to respect the warning booms and signs and to stay away from dams.

The water around dams can look peaceful, but the area upstream and downstream is more dangerous than it appears. Water surges over the stop logs of the dam, creating strong undertows and currents around the dam. The most serious danger is that the water pressure can pin a body below the water for an extended period of time.

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April 20, 2022

Registration For Free Tree Pickup Opens Thursday

April 20, 2022/ Guest User

The City of Peterborough will be giving away free trees to city residents on May 14.

This is part of the city’s Trees for Canopy Conservation initiative.

To receive a free tree, residents who own property in the City of Peterborough must register in advance to pick up a tree during one of four time slots on May 14 at Beavermead Park.

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Peterborough Blogs

Random Acts of Green a social enterprise headquartered in Peterborough dedicated to encouraging people to participate in sustainable activities like conserving water, will be holding its annual rain barrel sale this week.

This year, the organization has partnered with Boston Pizza Peterborough.

Made from recycled materials, one rain barrel holds 55 gallons and features a removable debris mosquito screen and a spigot/tap, overflow adaptor and overflow hose.

Orders must be placed online in advance of the pick up event. Prices start at $45, including tax, and will be distributed on May 27 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., at the Boston Pizza South Location 821 Rye Street.

Rolling composters are also available.

Barrels can be ordered online here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

The creation of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Network is being supported by Parks Canada through a recently signed three-year contribution agreement with the OTCC.

The creation of an Ontario Turtle Conservation Network will facilitate connections with other organizations across the province and help further engage the public in the work taking place at Parks Canada administered places.

Members of the public can access the Ontario Turtle Conservation Network here. Organizations or individuals in Ontario working on turtle conservation that are interested in joining the internal network for conservation professionals can request access by contacting: otcn@ontarioturtle.ca.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

The City of Peterborough, with GreenUP, is offering its Rain Garden Subsidy Program which provides residential property owners with educational resources and up to $1,000 toward the cost of installing a rain garden, for the third year in a row.

To function properly, rain gardens must be designed and located in a particular way. That’s why this subsidy process provides support for homeowners, including educational and on-site assistance from GreenUP’s Residential Program team.

This year, the maximum subsidy amount has doubled to $1,000 per garden, and GreenUP is providing up to two on-site visits to advise on design and construction.

“The number of subsidies is limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis,” said Goodchild. “We encourage you to reach out as soon as possible.”

Interested homeowners can begin their application process at peterborough.ca/raingarden or by calling Curtis Mei, Stormwater Systems Coordinator at 705-742-7777 ext. 1507.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Over 50 volunteers of students, faculty and sponsors planted 40 white spruce trees around their campus with a $3,500 grant in celebration of Kawartha Montessori School’s 40th anniversary on Saturday morning.

The trees run along both sides of the school and beside Highway 7. Added forestry for the school acts as a natural sound guard, decreases outside distractions for students and beautifies the campus among several other benefits according to Celia Johnstone, Tree Canada community advisor.

"It's a very exposed windy site," she said. "The schoolyard is very exposed so it provides good protection from the wind. There are also shade trees, provide the clean air as we breathe and mitigate the greenhouse effect."

"Having our school on this beautiful 10-acre property, we enrich our academic curriculum daily using the outdoors," said Carolyn Donaldson, Montessori principal. "From a very young age, having these students know that giving back to the environment is so important."

Students planted eight trees on Friday with a total of 48 planted. The ordeal was a positive experience for the school as it was the first community activity they could hold since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's just so great to plant so many trees to help the environment and to impact future generations here,” said Jenna Quinn, 14, grade 8 Montessori student. "It's such a beautiful campus and it's great to have trees out here."

The $3,500 came from the Community Tree Grant by Tree Canada with UPS providing the money as the sponsor. It is given annually with eligibility spreading across Canada.

An application was submitted in the fall by a school community member according to Johnstone.

Snacks such as cookies and muffins with refreshments were made by Montessori students and were served at the tree-planting event.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

An Enbridge Gas Hybrid Heating Program that is planned for Peterborough will support the community’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

By pairing an electric air source heat pump and smart controls with their high-efficiency gas furnace, homeowners can reduce their natural gas use. The hybrid system optimizes gas and electric sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while achieving utility bill savings.

Enbridge Gas’s Hybrid Heating Program compliments the City’s development of a Home Energy Efficiency Program, which would assist homeowners with renovations reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with their homes.

The City is currently reaching out to the community to get feedback to help inform the creation of the Home Energy Efficiency Program.

Information on the Home Energy Efficiency Program and surveys to submit feedback are available through the City’s online community engagement hub, Connect Peterborough, at connectptbo.ca/homeenergy.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

The City of Peterborough will hold its first Environment and Climate Change Expo on Sept. 23 with displays and demonstrations on City services and projects showcasing the progress the City has made toward achieving corporate Greenhouse Gas Emission reductions and other environmental action.

The inaugural PtboEnviroX will be an opportunity to share and celebrate these achievements on the third anniversary of City Council’s declaration of a municipal Climate Change Emergency, said Councillor Kim Zippel, Council’s Chair of Environment and Climate Change.

Under the Climate Emergency Declaration, the City of Peterborough is committed to protecting the community, its economy, and ecosystems from the damaging impacts of climate change.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Otonabee Conservation has released their first ever ‘Climate Change Report Card’, one year after publishing their Climate Change Strategy.

The Otonabee Conservation Climate Change Strategy includes four goals, to Educate, Adapt, Mitigate, and Implement.

This report card tracks the Conservation Authority’s annual progress of implementing the Climate Change Strategy, tracking it’s goals and provides examples of the actions taken in 2021.

Highlights from the 2021 report card include the adoption of paperless practices including online forms for Hunting Permits, Property Inquiries, and Clean Water Act Notice Applications, and completion of an emissions inventory.

To view the full Climate Change Report Card click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Sustainable Peterborough (SP) and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) have announced the launch of Sustainable Peterborough’s new Strategic Plan, on Thursday.

Sustainable Peterborough has been conducting an extensive organizational review, including a governance and plan review, over the last few years.

This review led to the decision that the new Sustainable Peterborough Plan should focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDG framework has become a recognized tool for advancing sustainability in the Greater Peterborough Area. Many communities in Ontario and across Canada are also working on localizing the SDGs.

The SDGs have become a globally recognized framework for measuring progress towards sustainability.

Benefits of using the SDG framework include the use of shared language and goal setting for sustainability across many communities globally and locally and access to tools to track and visualize progress towards the goals.

Utilizing the SDG framework provides an opportunity for Sustainable Peterborough to continue the vital SDG work conducted through the 2019-2021 Community Forum led by Kawartha World Issues Centre and GreenUP.

It also provides an opportunity to use long-standing community connections and partnerships to build on the significant local interest in sustainability, raise awareness of the SDGs, and incorporate best practices from other communities.

The new Strategic Plan is available on the Sustainable Peterborough website.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Otonabee Conservation staff are conducting spring dam operations including placing stop-logs into dams and installing warning buoy-lines upstream of Authority-owned dams.

In addition, land-based signs warn boaters of a dam ahead, and there are also signs mounted on the dams themselves that warn about the presence of dam inflow and outflow areas.

Dam operations will be undertaken over the next two weeks. The affected dams include:

Warsaw Dam (Warsaw)

Lang Mill Dam (Lang)

Hope Mill Dam (Lang)

Millbrook Dam (Millbrook)

Otonabee Conservation urges the public to respect the warning booms and signs and to stay away from dams.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

The City of Peterborough will be giving away free trees to city residents on May 14.

This is part of the city’s Trees for Canopy Conservation initiative.

To receive a free tree, residents who own property in the City of Peterborough must register in advance to pick up a tree during one of four time slots on May 14 at Beavermead Park.

The trees will be native growing species that are approximately two feet tall.

Registration opens on Thursday at 9 a.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

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