Peterborough Blogs
City Of Peterborough To Revisit Proposed Tagline After Response From Community
/The City of Peterborough's Community Branding Project kicked off in March 2017 with a Community Consultation to understand the perceptions of Peterborough. Two Community Consultation Meetings and two Online Surveys garnered almost 600 responses.
Questions such as “If you were to describe Peterborough in one word, what would that word be?” informed the consultants, BrandHealth, on how City residents, businesses and visitors see our community. They used this input to identify a positioning area and proposed tagline.
On Monday, July 24th, BrandHealth presented a proposed tagline, “Peterborough—where roads and rivers meet”, to Committee of the Whole and requested feedback from Members of Council and the community.
The community provided valuable, insightful feedback on the proposed tagline. More than 900 responses have been received via the online survey (891 Responses) and email (16 emails). Community Branding was also well discussed on social media. The feedback was varied, however the overall assessment was that the City should revisit the tagline.
The City of Peterborough says they appreciate the feedback and BrandHealth will continue the process by developing an alternative tagline.
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Peterborough To Host Under-19 World Women’s Lacrosse Championship in 2019
/Ten years after hosting the wildly successful world women’s field lacrosse championship, the same team of volunteers has announced it is hosting the exact event—but even larger—in Peterborough in 2019.
Aerial photo Trent field courtesy Trent University
In 2007, the Peterborough committee hosted 11 international teams at Trent University, drawing record crowds.
In what will be a boon to Peterborough tourism and the local economy, the 2019 Federation of International Lacrosse Women’s Lacrosse World Championship is expected to draw 20 teams as games will be played at Trent University and Fleming College.
Trent University's Julie Davis shares excitement to partner with Fleming & City of Peterborough on Under-19 Lacrosse Championship
The games begin on August 1st, 2019 with the finals taking place at the Trent University field on August 10th.
Photo from press launch at City Hall courtesy Trent University
The event will be co-chaired by long-time lacrosse organizer and coach Fred Blowes and world-level official Cheryl MacNeill. Both were deeply involved in the 2007 event and have recruited several key volunteers to return with them.
The full list of participating teams will be announced in 2018.
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Kawartha Local Launching All Local Marketplace In Downtown Peterborough
/Rob Howard is launching his Kawartha Local Marketplace storefront (165 King Street) in downtown Peterborough with an Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 3rd.
The Marketplace is an exclusively all-local emporium with an incubator element that allows aspiring product developers direct and affordable access to the buying public.
165 King Street
"I can hardly wait to open the doors of the Marketplace," Howard tells PTBOCanada. "We've been working full out for over a month now to prepare a fun, all-local shopping experience and I'm grateful for the incredible encouragement and support from our suppliers, customers and member vendors."
Kawartha Local Marketplace is devoted to promoting local producers and artisans, and in addition to carrying items from Kawartha Local suppliers, it will provide a space where local entrepreneurs can sell their wares. "The Marketplace is where shoppers are guaranteed that everything sold in the store is made right here in Peterborough & the Kawarthas,” says Howard.
Owner Rob Howard
What’s unique is that Kawartha Local offers a retail incubator for new products. For an affordable fee, local makers can become members in the Marketplace, and receive dedicated floor space and direct access to the buying public. Indeed, the Marketplace has the potential to grow and develop into a thriving local creative hub.
The public is welcome to drop by to check out the new space located at 165 King Street this Thursday at the Open House from 4 to 6 p.m.
For more info on Marketplace, email Rob here.
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The Lift Lock Was Once Featured In The Saturday Evening Post
/The iconic Saturday Evening Post is an American magazine that (aside from folding for two years before relaunching in 1971) has been running since 1821!
The magazine contains general human-interest type articles, and in the September 1958 issue Peterborough was featured. In an article entitled "Wonderful Waterways", the author describes his visit to our magnificent Lift Lock.
This is how the article described it...
"At Peterborough, Ontario, the author's boat enters one of the world's highest hydraulic lift locks. Like a huge chemist's scale, the lock raises and lowers vessels in 'pans' of water."
Norman Rockwell’s famous painting The Runaway, was the cover of this issue that featured the Lift Lock.
West Nile Virus Confirmed in Local Mosquitoes: What You Need To Know
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is advising the public that mosquitoes in the City of Peterborough have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The mosquitoes were trapped from July 17th to 19th.
This is the first positive mosquito pool found in Peterborough this year. During the summer months and early fall, PPH sets five traps weekly; three traps are in fixed locations and two others rotate throughout the Peterborough City and County.
“Now that we’ve identified mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in our area, it’s especially important that residents take care to prevent mosquito bites,” says Wanda Tonus, Public Health Inspector. “This is a good reminder for residents to eliminate any standing water in their yards and to take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.”
Tonus notes that the majority of WNV cases do not show symptoms. About 20% of infected people will experience mild illness with such symptoms as fever, headache, and body aches—occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes that last several days.
Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting or eye pain. Symptoms usually develop 2 to 14 days after receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. Less than 1% of infected people will develop neurological symptoms.
Although the risk of becoming infected is low, prevention against bites is the best protection.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELVES FROM BITES
-> Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn.
-> Remember to wear: a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and long pants (tucked into your socks for extra protection)
-> Clean up: once a week, get rid of standing water around your home in places such as bird baths, eavestroughs, wheelbarrows and flower pots, etc.
-> Keep bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris (adult mosquitoes like to rest in dense
shrubbery)
-> Turn your compost pile often
-> Use insect repellent containing DEET. (DEET is a powerful chemical. Read the label carefully and apply as directed You can also ask your pharmacist for help when choosing a DEET product.)
For more info, visit peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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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
