Peterborough Blogs
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Police Ask You To Be On High Alert Of CRA Scam
/With March being Fraud Prevention Month and tax season in full swing, police say it is critical that members of our community are made aware of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) scam and know what to do if they receive a fake call.
Police continue to receive reports from residents who have received phone calls from someone pretending to be with the CRA.
It is important the community remain vigilant and report any suspicious phone calls to the Peterborough Police Service or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
If you receive any sort of communication from someone pretending to be from the CRA, including either a live phone call or a voice message left on your answering machine, please verify the identity of the person calling before taking any action. Do not take immediate action.
It is important to note that the CRA does contact people directly and will leave a message on your answering machine. That is why it is crucial to hang up if you have any doubt on the person’s identity and call the CRA back directly at one of the following phone numbers: For business-related calls, contact the CRA at 1-800-959-5525 and for individual concerns, contact the CRA at 1-800-959-8281. To report a fraud, please call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll free at 1-888-495-8501 or phone busters.
Be aware that these fake calls can be extremely convincing and aggressive. The fraudsters may threaten a person with an impending lawsuit or state that a warrant will be issued for their arrest if they do not pay the fictitious debt. The fraudster may leave a call back number or pose as police officers. When you call back the fake number, you may get a person on the phone pretending they are from the CRA. Only use the phone numbers provided in this post or visit the CRA’s website here.
In an effort to prevent you from falling prey to these cons, the CRA is releasing voice recordings of the scams that are currently targeting taxpayers.
These are scams and taxpayers should never respond to these fraudulent communications, or click on any of the links provided. Do not give out any personal information, including credit card information, or your Social Insurance Number over the phone until you have done your due diligence to ensure it is not a fraud by hanging up and contacting the CRA directly.
Please keep in mind:
The CRA:
· never requests prepaid credit cards;
· never asks for information about your passport, health card, or driver's licence;
· never shares your taxpayer information with another person, unless you have provided the appropriate authorization; and
· never leaves personal information on your answering machine or asks you to leave a message containing your personal information on an answering machine.
When in doubt, ask yourself the following:
· Is there a reason that the CRA may be calling? Do I have a tax balance outstanding?
· Is the requester asking for information I would not include with my tax return?
· Is the requester asking for information I know the CRA already has on file for me?
· How did the requester get my email address or telephone number?
· Am I confident I know who is asking for the information?
For more information, please visit here.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com
A Keene Woman Is Connecting People To Possibility Through Horse Power
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The magical power of horses
Read MoreSeed Sale & Swap: Seedy Sunday Is March 13th
/The popular Seedy Sunday is back this Sunday, March 13th. It's the perfect place to buy (and trade) a huge diversity of local, heirloom seeds for your gardens and farms, and get inspired for spring!
Admission is free to the event, which takes place at George St. United Church from 1 to 5 pm.
PTBOCanada File Photo (Julie Morris)
There will be an incredible diversity of vegetables, flowers and herbs available for sale, as well as several community groups showcasing the great work they do in informative hands-on workshops. Not to mention the ever popular Seed Exchange Area where you can trade seed with other gardeners and learn more about seed saving.
More info here.
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15 Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade March 13th In Downtown Peterborough
/The 15th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade takes place Sunday, March 13th in downtown Peterborough.
The Parade starts at 2 p.m. and the route begins at McDonnel Street and runs along George Street to Morrow Park.
The parade is always a terrific community event and great fun for the whole family with thousands of people partaking in the festivities in the downtown. Don't forget to wear your green and white!
You can follow the parade on Twitter @PtboParade and on Facebook here.
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Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com
Spring Forward: Daylight Savings Time Starts March 13th
/A sure sign that Spring is in the air: It's Spring Forward this Sunday, March 13th!
So remember to turn your clocks ahead an hour on Saturday night before you go to bed. Sunrise and sunset will be about one hour later on March 13th.
Don't forget to change your smoke alarm batteries as well!
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com
The Beautiful Impact Soccer Has Had On A 12-Year-Old Peterborough Boy With Autism
/It's a cold, winter Sunday morning on the western edge of Peterborough, Ontario, at the Spiplex Sports Complex. At first glance, you might not notice 12-year-old Keir Lewin among the other pre-teens crashing around the indoor field, during a game for the Peterborough Youth Indoor Soccer Club (P.Y.I.S.C.).
But, there is a difference.
Keir with one of his heroes Ronaldo on his wall
Even if we told you that Keir's dreams were: to play professional soccer, to meet a FIFA star (Neymar, Ronaldo and Messi are his faves), and to have a girlfriend—you might not realize how different Keir is from the other kids on the field today.
See, Keir is autistic. And, at age 12, this is his very first year in any organized sport club. It has taken almost six years to get to the stage where he can participate successfully in this environment.
His mom, Michelle, remembers the struggles of placing Keir in city summer camps in past years: "He always loved soccer," she tells PTBOCanada, "but it has not always been easy for Keir to find his way through the physical and the social obstacles, in a good game of soccer!"
Keir (at far left) in action at Spiplex
Keir used to attend summer camp only because of the aid of a one-on-one care person—a considerable financial, as well as social, burden. "Thank goodness for organizations like Autism Ontario, TriCounties and Community Living," Michelle tells PTBOCanada. "We wouldn't have made it to where we are without them!"
Keir was diagnosed late—at age seven—with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This journey is unique for each person, but in Keir's case it meant years of debilitating seizures, developmental delays and motor-skills challenges. Keir still works hard to integrate with kids his age, and to pick up on the subtle social cues that make everyday life manageable for most typical pre-teens.
This is a life-long commitment for his family, not just a temporary stop on the journey. "Autism at the higher-functioning level is a somewhat hidden burden," Michelle tells PTBOCanada.
However, "I believe Keir is capable of just about anything," Michelle says. "My goal is to help him find his way, as a person living with autism in a non-autistic world."
Keir lives at home with his mom and his nine year old brother, Chris. Keir's mom is his core support system and his biggest cheering squad, since Keir's dad—a trained chef who used to run the Fridge Cafe at the Peterborough YMCA—passed away over two years ago.
It has been, understandably, a tricky transition for the family. "I guess three is the magic number, like Jack Johnson sang," says Michelle. "We're doing OK, and we are held up by angels in our community every day. It is a marathon, but I believe we're unstoppable."
Michelle pictured with Keir and Chris
Keir functions in his school setting—in Grade 7 at Prince of Wales Public School in Peterborough—with the assistance of an Educational Assistant, Scott Mountenay. “Keir has been on an exponential trajectory,” Mountenay says. “Every year his endurance and his strength have improved. And playing soccer is helping his concentration. He now sits for longer periods of time at his desk before he needs a break.”
When Keir needs a change of scene, Scott lets him burn off steam by kicking a soccer ball or playing floor hockey in the gym. “Scott is one of my best friends,” says Keir.
Keir's biggest concern upon starting his new soccer endeavour in the indoor league? "I worried that I wouldn't be that good. These soccer guys have a lot of practice; I don't," he says.
Watching Keir in his first game this past October was an amazing moment for his mom: "Believe it or not, he got the only goal in his first game! And his coach named him M.V.P.," she recalls. "I almost lost it, I was so overwhelmed." His coach, Gord Dawson, has worked hard with Keir's mom from the start, and most importantly helped to establish a culture of inclusiveness in the game.
Keir in action at Spiplex
"The entire P.Y.I.S.C. organization has found ways to welcome us," Michelle tells PTBOCanada. "The greatest feeling for me during the game is when Keir gets his foot on the ball, and I start hearing other voices from the stands calling, 'Go, Keir!' Some of them are even his opponents on the opposite bench! It is quite inspiring. These are the moments when I am proudest to be part of this Peterborough community."
Some of the opposing teams have even reached a tacit agreement that when Keir has the ball, time stands still for a moment, to allow him to try out his fancy footwork.
In addition to the support of his family and the P.Y.I.S.C. administration and referees, Keir has been bolstered this season by his second coach, Reegan, a teen who has stepped up to the bench, to help Keir find his place on the field. "Reegan is always cheering for me," says Keir. She shouts out extra tips alongside Coach Gord, such as, "Come back to the yellow line, Keir!" or, "Go for a run to the goal!"
These verbal prompts have helped Keir to comprehend the rhythm of the game—so much so, that he has decided to try out the outdoor soccer session this summer, for the first time. "I feel like a young Messi!" Keir says. He is improving through effort and repetitive practice, and great instruction and support from coaches and teammates.
When asked how he's doing, Keir says, "I feel good. I want to keep going!"
We're all right there cheering you on Keir. Keep going.
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Editor's Note: Keir's 13th birthday is coming up this August 8th. Keir's dream is to meet a FIFA star, or attend a game, live in Barcelona.
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Then & Now: A Photo Tour Of The Majestic Mount In Peterborough
/The former Mount St. Joseph’s complex is a huge part of Peterborough history. The iconic property dates back to the 1860s, when it was a private residence.
Our Scott Arnold was recently given a private tour of the majestic buildings and property, which sits on 10 acres and has 131,400 square feet of buildings including housing, a chapel, commercial kitchen and much more. Have a look at Scott's pictures below weaved together with historical pictures and information about this special building as its converts to an innovative, self-sustaining community project.
Photo courtesy The Mount
The property was acquired by the Catholic Diocese in 1895 and converted to a residence for the 12 Sisters of St. Joseph who were brought to Peterborough to support a Catholic hospital. As additional Sisters arrived, new wings were added to the complex. The last addition came in 1969.
1869. Photo courtesy The Mount
1895. Photo courtesy The Mount
1911. Photo courtesy The Mount
1934. Photo courtesy The Mount
1952. Photo courtesy The Mount
1969. Photo courtesy The Mount
With the declining population of nuns, the property was sold to private developers in 2009 but the downturn in the economy hindered redevelopment and the property was again put on the market in 2013.
Photo by Scott Arnold
The Peterborough Poverty Reduction Network (PPRN), originally formed by Past Mayor Paul Ayotte, was looking for a suitable property to create affordable housing and a food centre.
With thanks to generous donations and a few miracles, the PPRN acquired the property and turned it over to a newly formed non-profit organization called “The Mount Community Centre”.
Photo by Scott Arnold
Today, the 10 member Board of Directors have ambitious plans to repurpose the facility for complementary “hubs”: Housing, Food, Health and Social Services and Arts and Culture. Work is well underway on 43 new apartment units.
Photo by Scott Arnold
The building is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act for both exterior and interior heritage features. This has posed a challenge to the renovations that need to respect the historic character of the building.
The Chapel. Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Chapel doors: Photo by Scott Arnold
The Board has engaged with numerous partners from students at Lakefield College to the Victorian Order of Nurses, to Trent University and Sir Sanford Fleming College.
Chapel closet. by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
Confessional. Photo by Scott Arnold
There are between 30-35 contractors working full time on The Mount project, along with 16 amazing volunteers. The volunteers are actually doing a lot of the woodworking and refurbishing.
Dining Room. Photo by Scott Arnold
Original fireplace. Photo by Scott Arnold
The founders of this non-profit organization know The Mount will make a wonderful setting for a diverse self-sustaining village within the city.
Inside side entrance. Photo by Scott Arnold
Iron from old bed. Photo by Scott Arnold
With amazing momentum, community partners, volunteers and perserverance, The Mount Community Centre is well on its way to creating a new and exciting social hub within the City of Peterborough.
Multi-purpose space being refurbished. Photo by Scott Arnold
Old iron board. Photo by Scott Arnold
One of many long hallways. Photo by Scott Arnold
Original farmhouse on property circa 1860s. Photo by Scott Arnold
Stairway near entrance to The Mount. Photo by Scott Arnold
Old swimming pool. Photo by Scott Arnold
Old Tea Room. Photo by Scott Arnold
Activity Room. Photo by Scott Arnold
The attic: Photo by Scott Arnold
The attic: Photo by Scott Arnold
Trunk room where they kept their trunks. Photo by Scott Arnold
Photo by Scott Arnold
This incredible community project is another testament to the creative ingenuity happening in this city, and how far collaboration, ideas and imagination can take us.
Photo by Scott Arnold
Exterior shot courtesy The Mount.
The Top 10 Opportunities For Growth In Peterborough
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Presented by the Peterborough Chamber
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