Recycle This Post: This Is A Reusable Exchange Weekend

Peterborough, this is your last chance this year to participate in a Reusable Exchange Weekend this weekend.

These events are the perfect opportunity to pass along items you no longer want, and give them to someone who can use them—all for free.

From today (September 5th) to Sunday, September 7th, place reusable items at the curb on Friday evening of the event weekend. If items have not been taken by Sunday at 7:00 p.m., bring them back in.

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: The Amazing SaveOnEnergy Home Assistance Program

When it comes to energy bills, absolutely no one likes to pay more than they have to. Unplugging appliances, lowering or raising the temperature depending on the season, and even turning off the lights are all small tricks that can definitely help in both the short and longterm.

But when it comes to really making a change, sometimes the initial investment of buying Energy Efficient products like fridges and stoves can be quite costly. To provide MAJOR assistance with this, Peterborough Distribution Inc. (with assistance from GreenUP) is running a program funded by the Ontario Power Authority to help make a change in the way we consume energy, by helping us use less!

The SaveOnEnergy Home Assistance Program is designed to help “Income Qualified Participants” such as students, seniors and lower income families to reduce their electricity bill so that their expenses are more manageable. As much as some of these potentially eligible people would love to save money on utilities, the upgrade costs can sometimes be too much to take on. This program is here to help out bigtime with those upgrade costs.

Getting started is quite simple. Peter Goering from GreenUP is a Certified Energy Advisor and can be reached at 705.745.3238, ext. 200. He will determine whether or not you qualify and then arrange to do an initial assessment of your home providing low wattage light bulbs where possible and determine if any of four eligible appliances (refrigerator, window A/C, chest freezer and dehumidifier) exceed established thresholds and criteria. Then he will let you know if you are eligible to receive any appliance upgrades.

Peter also lets you know approximately how much electricity is being wasted with your current devices—which can be quite an education in itself. The entire audit/assessment, including eligible appliance upgrades, is completely free of charge!

Funding for the program is set to finish at the end of 2014 so time is of the essence! Ontario, as a whole, needs to reduce its electricity consumption. This is due to both aging infrastructure and increasing awareness around global warming and other environmental issues. This program is part of the Ministry of Energy's goal to create a “culture of conservation”. The Ministry estimates that with every $1 invested in energy efficiency, the province avoids paying $2 in costs to the electricity system in the end.

The benefits to taking part in the program seem quite obvious: updated, ENERGY Star appliances and reduced energy bills for starters. Another huge benefit is that energy conservation helps eliminate greenhouse gases and have a healthier environment. Best of all, the program is completely FREE to participate in!

Your only investment is time (you have to actually be there when they assess and install!). As mentioned, the program is open to “Income Qualified Participants” students, seniors, and low income families. The income cutoffs are listed on GreenUP's website, and it does depend on the number of adults living in the household. For specific details and to find out if you are eligible, click here!

For eligibility details and more info, go to Greenup.on.ca or call Peter Goering from GreenUP at 705.745.3238, ext. 200

**If your business/organization is interested in a PTBOCanada Featured Post Advertorial, email our Sales Director Aaron Elliott at aaron@ptbocanada.com for info!

A Highly Invasive Plant Called The Water Soldier Is Invading The Trent-Severn Waterway

Water Soldier

Communities along the beautiful and historic Trent-Severn Waterway may not know there is an invasive threat that has crept into the waterbody. The OFAH through its Invading Species Awareness Program wants to raise awareness about a portion of the Trent-Severn near the Hamlet of Trent River, which is home to the only known wild population of the invasive species known as water soldier in all of North America. 

Water soldier is used as an ornamental plant in water gardens—the likely source of its introduction to the Trent Severn Waterway. Water soldier forms dense mats of floating vegetation, crowding out native species and decreasing plant biodiversity. It has the potential to alter surrounding water chemistry, which may harm phytoplankton and other aquatic organisms. It can also hinder boating and angling and its sharp, serrated leaf edges can cut swimmers.

It is the OFAH's goal to stop the spread of this plant to other locations. Throughout this summer, OFAH and MNRF staff are on the water monitoring and mapping the water soldier colonies, thanks to a $35,000-grant from the Invasive Species Centre, and supported by a Water Soldier Management Plan. OFAH is putting out a call to volunteers to join them August 7th for Water Soldier Watch Day and help them track and monitor this highly invasive plant. More deets in the poster below...

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PTBOCanada Featured Post: Peterborough Utilities Peaksaver Plus Program

As we enter the warmer months of the year in Central Ontario, the desire to crank up the Air Conditioning becomes almost impossible to ignore. For those who are fortunate enough to have Central Air, the thought of wasting energy and an increased utility bill can be a major stumbling block. If only there was a way around this issue! Luckily for us, Peterborough Utilities is thinking green and is running saveONenergy programs to help alleviate the stress. The programs are designed to help conserve electricity and there are a whole host of free gadgets that you can get for participating.

One of the main programs is peaksaver PLUS®. People who decide to participate in the program receive a FREE programmable thermostat. This incredible device allows you to control and monitor your home’s temperature through your smart phone or computer. You can turn up your thermostat on your way home from work, or check on your house while you are away travelling. Take a minute to imagine the freedom! The times are certainly changing!

Now it might seem a bit strange that an electricity company is asking you to conserve electricity (and giving you free items for doing so). Well, when too much electricity is used at once, it can be a double-whammy to the electricity grid. Not only do non-renewable sources of energy (i.e. gas plants) need to be fired-up to meet the demand, but it can also result in brown outs which are times when electricity in your home or business does not work optimally. This in turn also costs a whole bunch of money to utility companies to keep up with the demand.

Happy family using the peaksaver PLUS program

Those who decide to participate in the peaksaver PLUS program have the option of participating in peaksaver events. These events happen when everyone is using electricity at the same time. During this time, if you decide to take part in the program your central air will be cycled down by a few degrees to take pressure off the grid. (However, you have the option to “opt-out” or choose not to participate two times during the year.) These peaksaver events can happen between May 1st and September 30th between 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm. They never last more than 4 hours and there is a maximum of 10 events per year. Events only happen during the week, not on weekends or holidays so you likely won’t notice them at all!

Not only are you helping to conserve electricity and getting an awesome programmable thermostat, but you also receive 100 AIR MILES reward miles for participating in the program. For more information on Peterborough Utilities programs, click on this informative website.

For more information on PDI's Peaksaver PLUS program, go to:

Website: Pdipeaksaverplus.ca/
Twitter: @ptbo_utilities
Facebook: Peterborough Utilities Group
Phone: 705.748.6900

**If your business/organization is interested in a PTBOCanada Featured Post Advertorial, email our Sales Director Aaron Elliott at aaron@ptbocanada.com for info!

Everything's Gone Green With 2nd Annual 7 Days of Green In Peterborough

Roll up your sleeves Peterborough! We’re about to get our green on. Our friends at the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough are coordinating the second annual 7 Days of Green, a Peterborough City and County wide celebration of our environment. It’s a chance to focus on the innovative work being done by charities, facilitate new partnerships and share how easy it can be to make a difference by adding a little green to your routine.
 
7 Days of Green is a time for us to encourage green giving, and tell our green stories as a community. This year’s festivities kick off on June 1st. PTBOCanada.com is a proud media partner. Here's the full schedule...

This is just the tip of the iceberg! For more information and a full schedule of 7 Days of Green activities, visit 7daysofgreen.ca. All events are open to the public!

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PTBOCanada Pics & Coverage From 2014 Peterborough Jane's Walk

Jane's Walk is a yearly celebration in memory of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs, who promoted getting out and learning more about your community.

“No one can find what will work for our cities by looking at … suburban garden cities, manipulating scale models, or inventing dream cities. You’ve got to get out and walk.” 

—Jane Jacobs, Downtown is for People, 1957

With the proposed bridge over Jackson Park, the Peterborough walk had a timely subject of Old Growth Forests in Jackson Park: Exploring Treasured Trees, Transitions, and Terminology. Walk leaders Chris Gooderham and John Etches guided us through Jackson Park, starting at the playground just off Monaghan and Parkhill.

Rain and chilly temperatures didn't deter people from learning more about our local park, such as the non-living aspects of the woods that play a part on its growth. Rocks, dead leaves, air and water are some of the determining factors that impact how the woods form. Dying trees as non-living aspects of the land also have a trickle-down effect by bringing things such as woodpeckers to the area in search of food.

We looked at everything from the forest canopy above to topography of the land below and how things such as how the trees have grown in response to the slopes of the hills.

John gave us a historical look at how Peterborough is covered in Glacial sediment (rock and mineral) from the glaciers ages ago.

Chris has us look for a tree with signs of animal habitation. An Eastern White Cedar with an oddly red trunk was pointed out, which Chris described as a "home" tree, abraded by the activity of squirrels which has turned the bark red.

Jane's Walks foster conversation during the walk, and interactive elements. Chris, along with two volunteers, measured the circumference of an old tree—which is believed to be about 200 years old.

Adjacent to an old growth tree is a pink marker, indicating the edge of where the proposed bridge will cut through Jackson Park—taking the tree with it. Chris and John agreed that oddly enough, where the bridge is expected to be erected, is also the most biodiverse section of the Jackson Park forest. The whole walk really tied the big picture together of how this area came to be, and what its future might mean.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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Look: Flooding In Peterborough

UPDATE: April 21st: ORCA advises things should begin to level off with the flooding along the Otonabee River over the next couple days—take a look at this video shot near Peterborough—but water levels remain high in the city (Del Crary Park is flooded), and rain is expected tomorrow. Take a look at these pics from today...

Silver Bean Cafe, pic via @LEGnCAS

Lock St closed at King George St. & McKellar St. due to flooding, pic via @TVCPtbo

Backyards underwater at Graham St. & Lillian Ave, pic via @TVCPtbo

Quaker Park Tennis Club, pic via @TVCPtbo

UPDATE April 20th: Yep, here's someone canoeing in Del Crary Park...

Canoeing in Del Crary Park, via @ScrappyLilAngel on Twitter

via @harleywpayne on Twitter

BREAKING: APRIL 20th. Here's the latest update from ORCA on flooding...

[UPDATE, April 20th]: These photos tweeted from above by Michael Alexander show the extent of flooding around Del Crary Park and Holiday Inn (protected by a giant water bag) on Little Lake...

Michael Alexander via Twitter

Michael Alexander via Twitter

Hugh MacMillan via Twitter

Monaghan Road at the bypass, via Hugh MacMillan on Twitter

Hugh MacMillan via Twitter

Scott Arnold

Scott Arnold, Graham Avenue at Lillian St.

[UPDATE, April 19th]: More pics from Scott Arnold of the flooding in Peterborough...

Crary Park entrance

Water under Crary Park stage

Crary Park under water

[UPDATE: April 19th]: BREAKING...
Flood Warning Update and Road Closure. A flood warning remains in effect for the City of Peterborough. The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) has advised that water levels will continue to rise in the lower Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River over the next few days. City staff are closely monitoring the situation in consultation with ORCA, Trent Severn Waterway, Ontario Power Generation, as well as local dam operators, and are prepared to respond as required. Be advised that Lock Street at McKellar Street is closed to through traffic due to flooding. There is local access only. Please use alternate routes, such as King George and Park Street. Citizens travelling on Johnson Drive at the Highway #115 underpass are advised to use caution, as there is water over the roadway. Citizens are also advised to stay away from flooded areas and riverbanks due to fast moving water and the potential for unstable ground. City residents living in low-lying areas along the Otonabee River are encouraged to monitor water level changes on their properties, and to take necessary precautions to protect life and property. Docks and structures close to the water should be secured or moved, other personal effects should be moved to higher ground, and residents should consider moving personal belongings from lower levels of their home. Residents are advised that they should have sufficient and appropriate emergency supplies at the ready, and sump pumps and backflow preventers should be checked to ensure that they are functioning properly.

UPDATE No. 2 (April 18th): Here are photos by our Evan Holt of the Pedal 'n' Paddle (beneath the Silver Bean Cafe), which now has a few feet of water in it, and of East City...

UPDATED: Scott Arnold captured these dramatic images today (April 18th) of the flooding in Peterborough, as ORCA advises the situation is expected to worsen before it gets better...

Holiday Inn, protected by sandbags and huge water bag

Holiday Inn Waterfront Room

Holiday Inn patio under water

Holiday Inn parking lot leading to walkway

Holiday Inn parking lot getting washed out

Worker getting wires out of water and placing on roof

Little Lake building under water

Liftlock Cruise ticket booth

Paddle boarders

Lock 20

Beavermead Park

ORIGINAL POST (April 17th)

The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) has advised that water levels will continue to rise along the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River over the next few days, as a flood warning continues for Peterborough. City staff are closely monitoring the situation in consultation with ORCA, Trent Severn Waterway, Ontario Power Generation, as well as local dam operators, and are prepared to respond as required. City residents in low-lying areas along the Otonabee River are encouraged to monitor water level changes on their properties, and to take necessary precautions to protect life and property.  The City of Peterborough Public Works will be providing limited sandbags to those City residents that are in imminent danger of flooding for lower entry points on foundations such as doorways and window wells (not for riverbanks). Sandbags will be available for City residents to pick up on April 18th from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Morrow Park parking lot; west lot, southwest corner. If at anytime city residents feel that they are in immediate danger by rising water, they should call 9-1-1. Scott Arnold captured these images (and video) below around Peterborough this evening (April 17th)...

Little Lake

Little Lake

Little Lake

McKellar St.

Ducks on McKellar

McKellar St.

Little Lake

McKellar

—Scott Arnold

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Sacred Water Circle Gathering At Trent University May 2nd to 4th

The Sacred Water Circle Gathering, a powerful convergence of First Nations leaders and wisdom keepers, takes place at Trent University from May 2nd to May 4th. This indigenous-led initiative will bring together scientists, industry, academia, water professionals, the faith community and the general public with Elders and Traditional Teachers from all over the Americas. The Gathering will honour the sacredness of the water with ceremonies both at Trent University and Kinomagewopkong (the Peterborough Petroglyphs), traditional Indigenous teachings, interactive dialogue, art exhibits, film screenings, vendors and the performing arts. The registration fee for the three-day event is on a pay-what-you-can basis, ranging from $200 to $300, which includes all events, activities, meals and refreshments. Full registration information can be found at Sacredwater.ca. You can also register in person by visiting the GreenUP Store at 378 Aylmer Street in Peterborough. Registration closes April 18th. More info in this poster below...

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2014 Green Waste Pickup Has Started In Peterborough

Place your green waste in reusable containers with labels, bushel baskets or paper yard waste bags. No plastic bags. You can pick up labels at City Hall, Peterborough GreenUP and local Home Hardware stores.

Securely tie brush in bundles up to 1 m or 3 feet in length and 30 cm or 12 inches in diameter, weighing no more than 22 kg or 50 lbs.

For more information, visit the City of Peterborough's Waste Management Services website.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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A Look At Upcoming Parkway Meetings This Month

November looks to be a busy month for Parkway news...

On November 13th at 6:30 p.m., a special Committee of Whole meeting will be held at the Evinrude Centre (911 Monaghan Road) for a presentation of the Parkway Corridor Class Environmental Assessment.

The meeting is open to the public, however due to a Peterborough Procedure By-law the public is not allowed to speak.

But you will have your chance on November 20, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. when a special public City Council meeting will be held at the Evinrude Centre.

Parks Not Parkways: A Concert for Greenspace is on November 17th at Market Hall and features The Three Martinis, Rick Fines, Kirsten Addis and Al Black and the Tonemasters. It is a benefit concert for the Peterborough Greenspace Coalition, who are devoted to the protection of green spaces in our city. Tickets are $20.

There are two Change.org surveys that you can take part in to vote FOR or AGAINST the parkway.

More here in this video of Jackson Park. 

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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