Government Of Canada Funds School Feasibility Study At Curve Lake First Nation

On Friday (July 28th), the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, was in Curve Lake Nation near Peterborough to announce $142,000 for a school feasibility study for the Curve Lake First Nation.

Curve Lake First Nation awarded the contract to conduct the school feasibility study to First Nations Engineering Services Ltd., and the study is anticipated to be completed by July 2018.

Minister Carolyn Bennett with the youngest member of the CLFN youth council :) Winter Maddison Rose-Jacobs & her mom Nathalie Jacobs

This study will identify the best approach to support the highest quality learning environment for the community’s youth.

Government representatives meeting with Curve Lake staff and members of youth council

The Government of Canada is investing $969.4 million over five years in First Nation education infrastructure, for the construction, repair and maintenance of First Nations school facilities, like those in Curve Lake First Nation.

Local CLFN participants in the recent North American Indigenous Games

"We are pleased with the support from the Government of Canada, which will allow us to continue to deliver high quality education for our children," says Curve Lake First Nation Chief Phyllis Williams. "This support will advance our obligation to provide programming that is culturally viable and vital for the success of our youth, our future."

Left to right: Chief Phyllis Williams, Minister Carolyn Bennett, MP Maryam Monsef, and Members of Curve Lake Council and staff.

“I heard directly from Chief and Council of Curve Lake First Nation about the need for a local school, which would let young people from this community stay closer to home while they pursue their education," says MP Maryam Monsef. "I’m pleased that the community will be able to move forward with this important feasibility study and determine the best way we can support the youth here at Curve Lake."

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The Amazing Story Of A Peterborough Autistic Teenager's First Haircut In A Salon

UPDATE: Huffington Post Canada picks up our story. Buzzfeed also picks up our story.

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For Peterborough's Kate and Jason Wells, witnessing their 14-year-old son Aidan get his haircut at a salon for the first time ever was a moment they will cherish forever—one they had built up to for years.

While for most of us a haircut is no big deal, for the Wells family it's the everything. See, Aidan has autism, and sensory issues are very common in children with it. The sounds of the clippers, the fear of scissors, the feel of the cape, sitting in a strange chair in a strange place—they are all potential triggers which could set Aidan off.

Aidan at Sparrows Hair Studio getting ready for his first ever cut in a salon

Kate Wells

"Sometimes people talk too much or too quickly, or give too many instructions which for Aidan is confusing and too much input," his mom Kate tells PTBOCanada. "Haircuts are notoriously challenging for individuals on the spectrum."

Indeed, when Aidan was a toddler, Kate would have to cut his hair while he slept because it was so traumatic for him. There was a time when nobody could even touch his head.

Things progressed but a haircut was still a very difficult chore for Aidan: "Jason would have to sit on the floor with his arms, Aidan in his lap, while Jason wrapped his arms around him, hugging him to provide some comforting deep pressure and to try and keep his hands clear of the scissors," Kate tells PTBOCanada.

Stylist Adam Murray begins cutting Aidan's hair

The last several years have gotten better, as Kate and Jason would script "first haircut, then Lego" for Aidan, a reward for a job well done.

Which all kinda built up to the magical moment on Wednesday (July 26th), one they have been prepping for for a lifetime. Their due diligence for taking Aidan to a real hairdresser has involved carefully looking at every salon: the easy access for quick entry and exit (if needed), flexibility, compassion, the stylist's demeanour, the atmosphere, few stairs, easy parking out front of the salon. All were important if not vital factors they had to consider.

The ingredients, if you will, had to be perfect to make this recipe work. If not, this could be the perfect storm.

Adam was amazing with Aidan

Their research lead them to Sparrows Hair Studio on Hunter Street in Peterborough's East City and to co-owner/stylist Adam Murray.

The family has a comfort level with Adam, as Kate has known him since she was a teenager, and Jason already gets his hair cut there. But what sealed the deal—and experiment—was Adam offering to have the family come after the salon was closed for the day.

"We were able to come into a quiet salon, with some cool music playing on the record player which Aidan loved," Kate tells PTBOCanada.

"As we approached the salon, his excitement for a haircut at a salon turned to anxiety and we thought it wouldn't likely happen—or would end in a meltdown. All of those worries faded the moment Adam came to greet us in a warm, welcoming, calm manner. Aidan was immediately eased."

Magical moment: Aidan checking out his awesome haircut

Without Adam's demeanour with Aidan before and after he sat in the chair, none of this would have been possible.

"I have always admired his big heart, patience and happy, positive disposition," Kate says of Adam. "Jason, Emma [his younger sister] and I were in tears watching him work his magic. He spoke to Aidan, not around him. He explained what he was doing—prepared him for the different noises of each clipper he used. He was quick to praise, quick to work, precise and efficient."

So often, people will default to Jason and Kate when Aidan is around rather than speaking to him. But not Adam. He spoke directly to Aidan: it was a real conversation, and the Wells family was merely in the background, observing, in awe of this magical moment—of this experience that they once never thought possible.

Aidan's haircut rocks almost as much as his stylist

Aidan not only loved Adam (and his beard and tattoos), but also was even more proud of himself for getting his first ever cut in a salon. He is now even more excited to show off his awesome haircut to his friends and family.

This was a big step for Jason and Kate and Emma to witness, but an even bigger one for Aidan to accomplish.

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Win This Space Grand Prize Winner Tiny Greens Opens In Downtown Peterborough

Tiny Greens, the winner of Win This Space 2017 competition, is now open at 431 George Street North. Tiny Greens owner Tina Bromley received a downtown storefront free for 12 months from Win This Space, plus additional prizes that will help her business succeed. 

“While preparing to open the business, I have received so much help and support from the community, Downtown Business Improvement Area, City of Peterborough, sponsors and other downtown businesses, which makes me feel really appreciative,” says Tina Bromley.

431 George St. North

Located in downtown Peterborough, Tiny Greens offers healthy and freshly harvested microgreen products such as microgreens, vegetables, herbs as well as juice and salad. Tina’s plan is to create a healthy hub for the community while enjoying a unique atmosphere.

“Tiny Greens has been extremely well-received in previous downtown events such as Taste of Downtown and Peterborough Pulse," says Terry Guiel, Excecutive Director of Downtown Business Improvement Area. "We are very excited to see her succeed and take her business to the next level with a storefront."

DBIA's Terry Guiel pictured with Tina Bromley

The Win This Space competition is a new downtown Peterborough initiative in partnership with the DBIA, Peterborough Economic Development, StartUP Peterborough and Community Futures Peterborough.

Win This Space concepts have been extremely successful in other Canadian cities with boosting economic development, stimulating new downtown storefront businesses and creating jobs.

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City Of Peterborough Wants Your Input On Proposed Tagline For City "Where Roads And Rivers Meet"

The City of Peterborough is developing a Community Brand with BrandHealth that defines what is unique about Peterborough. They want to hear from the public about a proposed tagline "Where roads and rivers meet."

Photo by Patrick Stephen

The City of Peterborough says that "during our community consultations, we heard that Peterborough is unique because it is a thriving city that is close to major urban centres, yet has nature at its doorstep. Peterborough is where the two worlds meet."

So what do you think about "Where Roads And Rivers Meet" as a tagline for the community? Give your input here.

We would love to hear your thoughts about the proposed tagline "Where roads and rivers meet." https://t.co/nATktXvuVr pic.twitter.com/0TATbyOWGJ

— City of Peterborough (@CityPtbo) July 25, 2017

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Trent U's New Student Centre Opening This Fall Gets $300,000 Boost By Alumnus Justin Chiu

The highly-anticipated Trent University Student Centre slated to open this Fall that will make a great addition to the beautiful Symons Campus has received a $300,000 funding boost thanks to the generosity of international alumnus, Justin Chiu ’76.

Dr. Chiu’s gift to the Student Centre, which overlooks the Otonabee River, will contribute to enhancing the exceptional student experience at Trent that he personally attributes to helping him become the dynamic and successful business leader he is today.

Student Centre rendering courtesy Trent University

“My family and I chose Trent when I was a student because we felt that an outstanding small Canadian university would provide an excellent education on a very personal scale," says Dr. Chiu. "Today, that human touch remains an essential part of the Trent student experience."
 
Dr. Chiu’s latest gift to Trent (he has made many others over the years, including a $1 million gift to support Trent athletes with The Justin Chiu Stadium in 2011) brings the Student Centre project even closer to its $4 million fundraising goal, with less than $250,000 left to raise.

Student Centre rendering courtesy Trent University

“Dr. Chiu’s vision and dynamism has resulted in projects that have transformed Singapore’s waterfront and changed many other horizons throughout Asia," says Julie Davis, Vice-President of External Relations & Advancement at Trent. "Through his philanthropy and leadership, he helps extend that vision to the waterfront of Trent University with a vibrant new Student Centre."

Here is a picture Trent Alumni posted on their Instagram account of the progress of the Student Centre, which is being built next to the iconic Bata Library...

The new @trentuniversity Student Centre is taking shape! Can't wait to explore it in September!

48 Likes, 1 Comments - Trent Alumni (@trent_alumni) on Instagram: "The new @trentuniversity Student Centre is taking shape! Can't wait to explore it in September!"

Here's another view of the Student Centre under construction taken by Trent University's Kate Weersink...

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The Canadian Canoe Museum Offering Free Canoe City Walking Tour On Saturdays

In celebration of their new exhibit Artisan and Industry, the Canadian Canoe Museum is launching a free walking tour on Saturdays this summer.

A guided tour will run each Saturday from July 22nd through August 26th from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The tour includes five stops featuring locations such as Spa Euphoria, the previous location of Peterborough Canoe Company. For participants of eligible drinking age, all guided tours end with a beer tasting at Publican House Brewery in downtown Peterborough.

The Canoe City Walking Tour will eventually transition into a self-guided tour, and stationary interpretive panels will be installed along stops on the tour.
 
For more information about the exhibits and tour, visit The Canadian Canoe Museum website canoemuseum.ca.

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Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre In Peterborough Has Nearly 2,000 Eggs In Its Care

The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC) currently has nearly 2,000 eggs in its care during the busy current nesting season when so many injured turtles were brought in.

OTCC says on their Facebook page they are "currently incubating eggs from 6 species found in Ontario: Blanding's turtles, wood turtles, eastern musk turtles, northern map turtles, snapping turtles, and painted turtles."

Blanding's turtle eggs

OTCC encourages people to bring injured turtles to the centre, even if they think the turtle may already be dead. The reason: OTCC can retrieve and incubate the eggs that a female turtle had been carrying, so that the misfortunate event that injured or killed the mother does not have to determine the fate of her eggs as well.

This initiative is incredibly worthwhile, as 7 of Ontario's 8 turtle species are species at risk, including the Blanding's turtle (pictured above), which is a threatened species in Ontario.

Snapping turtle eggs

The round shape of snapping turtle eggs (pictured above) make them easy to identify, as other Ontario turtles lay oval eggs, according to OTTC's Facebook page post. The large body size of snapping turtles allow them to carry and lay the largest number of eggs in a single clutch. Snapping turtles can lay more than 50 eggs per clutch, while other Ontario species typically lay anywhere from 3-20 eggs in a clutch.

Painted turtle eggs

OTCC says they'll be sharing photos of the hatchlings once they start breaking out of their eggs over the next couple weeks to make sure to "Like" OTCC on Facebook to see the results!

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Lansdowne Place Has A Silent Train On Sunday Mornings For Kids With Sensory Sensitivities

Lansdowne Place has launched a train at the mall this summer, and it's already been a hit with kids and their parents as Engineer Rick leads rides throughout the mall.

But those with sensory issues can also now enjoy "Lansdowne Place Station", as it's been fondly called by passengers. The mall has added a "Silent Train" to its trackless train inside the Shopping Centre on Sunday mornings before it opens for those with sensory sensitivites.

As many mall-goers know, the innovative mall has been running a "Silent Santa" as well for years during the Christmas season, and the mall wanted to offer the same experience to those families who want to use the train.

"There are many families in the community that benefit from our Silent Santa program so when we were asked by a parent if the mall would also host silent train rides, the answer was YES," says LP's marketing director Emily Dart. "We understand that the mall can be very overwhelming for an individual with sensory sensitivities, which is why the Silent Train runs each Sunday morning before Lansdowne Place opens. This will allow families to enjoy the train without the distraction of busy crowds and loud noises."

The "Silent Train" runs Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to 10:45 am. on the upper level of the mall until August 27th.

For more details about the train, including a listing of the train’s operating hours, visit lansdowneplace.com.

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Peterborough Entrepreneur Launches Mobile App For Users To Discover Their Next Meal Based On Their Mood

Peterborough entrepreneur Sultan Moni, a student at Trent University, has launched a new app that could change the way consumers choose their next meal. Zatiq is a platform for users to discover local foods around them that will match their cravings to a meal.

Through artificial intelligence, this unique app—now available in Google Play Store and launching on the App store in August—could redefine the food and hospitality industry. A mix of inputting the user’s mood and meal preferences will allow the app to be personalized at any user’s command.

“People are always hungry but often never know what they want to eat,” says Moni. “I wanted to solve that problem since there are so many different types of meals to discover.”

Moni is based out of the Innovation Cluster’s downtown Cube in Peterborough, and combined his love for trying new meals and developing technology to create a food discovery app that can benefit anyone who wants to discover new food and find that perfect dish.

Entrepreneur Sultan Moni

“It is exciting to see a disruptive new app born in Peterborough & the Kawarthas which has the potential to be used in different markets around the world," says Michael Skinner, President & CEO of the Innovation Cluster.

With Zatiq’s leading search capabilities, there are various inputs available to find their next meal. When searching by business, user’s can browse for specific restaurants, cafés and other food hot spots. The innovative “mood” search engine lets the user find meals that will satisfy based on what they are feeling, such as happy or heartbroken. No matter what kind of day the person is having, they can find a meal fit for them.

With the ability for users to follow each other’s profiles, the app provides an interactive experience when trying new foods, allowing people to comment or like another user’s ratings, check-ins, or pictures.

Another benefit of the app is each time a user checks in to a location, points are gained. These can be redeemed as coupons, discounts, samples, offers and other deals provided by businesses. Rewards could be anything from a free coffee to a free iPhone 7.

“This app will expand even more as people in different locations download it,” says Moni. “Zatiq will allow users to add meals and locations to the app’s search list, so anyone around the world will be able to find a good meal, gain points and have fun wherever they are.”

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