Local Photographer Releases Zine On Back Alleys Of Peterborough

/

Since moving to Peterborough 13 years ago, photographer Kevin Collins has been fascinated by the back alleys in the downtown core.

"Most of these alleys are only accessed by discrete tunnels or 'holes in the wall' and open up into a whole other world," Collins says on his website introducing the "Backwater" series, which has been released in zine format (more on that below). "In spring 2017, I set out to try and capture downtown Peterborough from a different perspective."

Photo by Kevin Collins

"While many of the buildings in downtown Peterborough have gone through multiple restorations and renovations over the years, the backsides of these buildings are relatively untouched," Collins writes.

Photo by Kevin Collins

"Many of these areas are covered in graffiti, and held together with crumbling bricks, rotten wood and corrugated sheet metal, and in that, I’ve attempted to capture the dilapidated beauty of these nooks and crannies and that they still function as part of local business or provide living accommodations," says Collins.

Photo by Kevin Collins

"I wanted to capture downtown Peterborough differently than most of the other photos I've seen," Collins tells PTBOCanada. "We walk by these alleys and corridors everyday and never give them a second thought. To try and convey some of the grit, all the photos were shot on black and white film."

Below are a few more of the photos Collins took in the series, which has been released in a new zine called Backwater that you can order a copy of by clicking here. 

Photo by Kevin Collins

Photo by Kevin Collins

Photo by Kevin Collins

Photo by Kevin Collins

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

5th Annual Paint The Town Red For United Way Of Peterborough Raises Record $15,000

/

The United Way of Peterborough has announced that the 5th annual Paint the Town Red on July 19th raised a record breaking $15,000+.

Thirty-two restaurants, cafes and pubs—up from 22 last year—donated 25 percent of their daily sales to support United Way Peterborough & District, with proceeds directly impacting vital social services in this community. The donations came in from restaurants, individual donations from customers, and the UW's newly launched Text to Give program.

Left to right: United Way of Peterborough Director of Philanthrophic Impact Lisa Smith, United Way of Peterborough CEO Jim Russell & United Way of Peterborough cabinet member Laura Crann.

A Big Red Spoon (with a touch of plaid) was introduced this year by the United Way of Peterborough, and folks were clamouring for a spoon spotting and spoon selfies. Built by United Way cabinet member Terry Guiel—Executive Director of the DBIA—it was a hit all day with restaurant/cafe owners and patrons.

Also, the hashtag #PaintPtboRed was trending on Twitter across Canada, most of the day hovering in the Top 3, once again showing how engaged this community is on social media.

“Our community is passionate and resilient, and the success of this year’s Paint the Town Red event is testament to that," says Jim Russell, CEO of United Way Peterborough & District.

"Our restaurants and food are second to none in the Province. And once again we thank the entrepreneurial spirit of our restauranteurs and their commitment to building local economy while at the same time giving back to community."

The dollars raised in this event will be going right back into this community to support the United Way of Peterborough's 16 partner agencies in their work building a stronger and healthier community.

This year's United Way of Peterborough campaign is chaired by our PTBOCanada Co-Founder Neil Morton. The next two big United Way events are UW's Campaign Launch at the Evinrude Centre on September 19th and Petes Plaid Night in support of United Way on November 2nd. Contact Lisa Smith at the United Way for ticket info for those events.

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

A Son On His Family's Anxiety About His Dad Losing His Job When GE Plant Closes

/

The Fuller family, like many other GE families in Peterborough, are all feeling anxious right now. With the GE Plant here closing in Fall 2018 after 125 years in the community, Robert Fuller will be one of about 350 employees losing his job.

"I think our biggest fear is the unknown of what next year will bring when GE closes," his son Connor, 24, tells PTBOCanada. "What will my Dad do for work? How will our living situation change? How will GE compensate its employees? There's a lot of unanswered questions that I feel many families are thinking about right now."

Connor with his Dad, Robert

The Bridgenorth family—which also includes Connor's mother Kim (a bookkeeper at the Real Canadian Superstore in Peterborough), his sister Kaitlin and their family dog, Sadie—are in shock about the news of the plant closing, and Connor says his Dad doesn't know what he will do when he loses his well paid job and security.

"My father has worked there 27 years," Connor tells PTBOCanada. "He doesn't have a college education, so GE is all he knows. He'll be 53 when they close, so he's not old enough to retire, but too old to find a new job again."

Photo by Evan Holt

Both Connor and his sister Kaitlin still reside at home after their post secondary education and while both have careers—Connor as quality control technician for Publican House Brewery in Peterborough, his sister as a registered vet tech in Woodbridge, Ont., where she commutes—this has not alleviated the stress the family feels about making mortage payments.

"I don't know if we can afford to live in our house with my Dad's current salary getting taken away," says Connor. "Next fall will be very hard not just for us, but for every family affected by this."

Got a GE story to share? Email us at tips@ptbocanada.com.

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

2nd Annual Legacy Blood Drive In Honour Of Dr. Chan

/

Dr. Andrew Chan was a well-respected member of the Peterborough community for nearly 20 years.

He joined the Medical Centre as a gastroenterologist in 1996. Throughout his career, he became known as a great leader. He stayed current in his field while investigating innovative medical technologies, was constantly pushing to improve patient care, and all the while never lost sight of the importance of bedside manner.

In honour of Dr. Chan’s contributions to his patients and this community, the 2nd Annual Legacy Blood Drive is taking place from Wednesday, September 6th to Friday, September 8th.

Organizers tell PTBOCanada they are excited to try and reach their goal of 150 donations this year—surpassing the 117 units collected last year.

For more info on blood donor times, see the poster below. To register, call 1-888-236-6283 or go online to blood.ca.

Please share on your social media channels.

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

PTBOCanada Featured Post: How Patrick McAuley Has Quickly Become A Trusted Name In Real Estate

/
PTBOCanada Featured Post: How Patrick McAuley Has Quickly Become A Trusted Name In Real Estate

Sponsored post by Patrick McAuley

Read More

PRHC Foundation Receives $1 Million Pledge From McCloskey International

/

The PRHC Foundation has announced a pledged gift of $1 million from McCloskey International in support of outstanding patient care for children and babies at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

The announcement was made at the Greenbridge Celtic Folk Festival hosted by internationally‐renowned musicians Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, and held this weekend on the McCloskey family property in Keene near Peterborough.

Left to right: PRHC Foundation CEO Lesley Heighway, Donnell Leahy, Sylvia and Paschal McCloskey of McCloskey International, Natalie MacMaster and PRHC Foundation Governor Emeritus Terry Windrem join MacMaster and Leahy's children at the site of this weekend's Greenbridge Celtic Festival for a photo in celebration of the McCloskey's $1 million pledge to the PRHC Foundation.

Paschal McCloskey, McCloskey International founder and president, says the visionary gift represents both an investment in the Children & Babies Program at PRHC, and in the Foundation’s legacy program outreach:

“The thought of a baby or a child requiring hospital care is heartbreaking, especially when it means seeking specialized treatment outside our community,” says McCloskey. “Not only can the costs add up quickly, but the emotional toll of being separated from family support systems can be devastating. McCloskey International is committed to investing in innovative technologies that support care for PRHC’s most fragile patients and their families close to home, where and when they need it most.”

“With their support of critical lifesaving equipment, as well as investing in the Foundation’s ability to raise funds for the future through our legacy giving program, McCloskey International is truly transforming care, both today and tomorrow,” says PRHC Foundation CEO Lesley Heighway.

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

Peterborough's Iconic GE Plant Is Closing Fall 2018

/

DEVELOPING STORY...

[Add your comments to our PTBOCanada Facebook post.]

GE, which has been a staple in Peterborough for 125 years, has just announced it will be closing its plant here in Fall 2018, resulting in the loss of about 350 jobs.

Mayor Daryl Bennett just released this statement to the public...

"My immediate concern is for the workers and the families in our community affected by this winding down of General Electric’s operations in Peterborough. It will be a difficult time for many residents who are connected with GE or who have historical ties to this company. This year marked the 125th anniversary of GE in Canada, starting here in Peterborough in 1892.

The winding down of GE in Peterborough is a business decision that’s directly related to the slow down in orders from the oil and gas industry. It’s a drastic reversal from 2014 when GE announced that it would be adding up to 250 new jobs in Peterborough to build motors for the TransCanada Energy East pipeline, which has been delayed through the application process. Instead, GE has had to reduce the size of its workforce in Peterborough over the last several years. I understand it currently employs about 358 workers, well down from the 6,000 people employed by GE in Peterborough in the 1960s.

We are looking forward to the continued presence of BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada, which purchased GE’s nuclear energy business last year.

In the coming days, I will be requesting a meeting with both our MP and our MPP to discuss how our governments can assist with securing our community’s long-term economic foundation. Over the years, we have asked for assistance and approvals for employment land growth, the VIA Rail proposal for a new High Frequency Rail service through Peterborough, and local transportation network improvements needed to support growth. We need to continue to diversify our economy and to build the infrastructure that supports job creation."

UPDATE: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development President & CEO Rhonda Keenan has released the following statement...

“As General Electric announces the winding down of their operations in Peterborough, this is a challenging day for the community we serve. Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development continues to work collaboratively with our region’s businesses and local stakeholders in order to diversify our economy, attract and retain talent and investment, and provide local businesses with the support and resources that they need to grow.

Our next steps are to work with our local partners and agencies in order to support GE Canada and their staff during this time of transition.

We look forward to the continued presence of BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada, and providing them with the support their business needs to thrive and grow in our community."

MP Maryam Monsef released this statement on her Facebook page...

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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

/ /

PTBOCANADA


An Accessibility Mat Has Been Installed At Beavermead Beach

/

The City of Peterborough, along with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, have announced the installation of a beach access mat at Beavermead Beach (2011 Ashburnham Drive).

The access mat is designed to enhance accessibility at the beach. The mat provides a walkway across the sand, allowing for easier access to the water for everyone—including people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids, as well as parents with strollers.

A ribbon cutting will take place on Friday (August 25th) at 3 p.m. at Beavermead Beach. The public are invited out to the ribbon cutting to celebrate the community's continued commitment to accessibility.

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

A Hand Carved Unity Pole By Local Ojibway Artist Kris Nahrgang Has Become A Hit

/

To celebrate the enormous contribution that Canada's indigenous people have made to this great land, the CNE commissioned local Ojibway artist Kris Nahrgang to create a Unity Pole this year.

Photo via @JoeM_2015 on Twitter

The majestic and vibrant 25-foot pole by Nahrgang has become a popular attraction at the CNE, and has drawn lots of attention to the artist. It was carved from a majestic white cedar tree from the Peterborough area, and embraces both indigenous and universal symbols.

Nahrgang documented the construction of the Unity Pole on Facebook, and posted there on May 24th that it was completed...

On July 18th, Nahrgang posted to Instagram that the Unity Pole was ready for delivery to Toronto...

A post shared by Kris Nahrgang (@krisnahrgang) on

"The pole was created to offer a story of Unity, and healing for all Canadians, and has been created to include a story of hope for relationships for all of us," says Nahrgang.

"It is hand carved, and painted in bright Woodland style. It will represent a great vision of togetherness for all who come to view it."

Photo via @JoeM_2015 on Twitter

"The Unity Pole has become a huge attraction for the CNE, and has taken on a life of its own," Nahrgang tells PTBOCanada. "The pole for me was a way to show the beauty of indigenous art, and the stories of my Mississauga Ojibway Heritage. My goal was to create a piece of art that spoke to the country, and now the world, as to the need to educate ourselves about indigenous people, and our Culture."

Nahrgang adds: "I felt that this was a great opportunity to offer a good story, of inclusion, harmony and balance that needs to be pursued between all peoples in this beautiful Country. The impact of the pole has been viral, and its story has gone worldwide. It has changed my life and taken me to a new realm of the art world and offered a great respect for my art, and to myself as an artist."

The Unity Pole is on display at the Heritage Court in the Enercare Centre at the CNE until September 4th. The plan after that, Nahrgang tells us, is for it to be set up in a permanent location on the CNE grounds.

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

A Group Of Peterborough Artists Collaborate On Powerful Strong Heart Song For SickKids Foundation

/

UPDATE: September 1st. The beautiful "Strong Heart" video has just been released. Watch it below...

http://my.sickkidsdonations.com/StrongHeart In less than a year, cancer would change the lives of three Peterborough, Ontario families forever. Harrison McKinnon, Eliza Vivian, and Neave Alderson were all diagnosed with various forms of cancer between November 2015 and July 2016.

ORIGINAL POST

In less than a year, cancer would change the lives of three Peterborough families forever. Harrison McKinnon, Eliza Vivian, and Neave Alderson were all diagnosed with various forms of cancer between November 2015 and July 2016.

In collaboration with SickKids Foundation, these kids—and others like them—are being honoured in a powerful soon-to-be-released song called "Strong Heart" that is written and performed by local musician, Melissa Payne.

Melissa recording with her niece Eliza

"Strong Heart" also features Jimmy Bowskill and Natalie McMaster, and is produced by James McKenty. The music video was directed by filmmaker Megan Murphy and shot by Rob Viscardis.

Melissa and Megan both have a personal connection to the cause, as both of their nieces have been receiving cancer treatment at Sick Kids this year. "This is our way of giving back," Megan tells PTBOCanada.

Melissa Payne, Natalie McMaster, Jimmy Bowskill, James McKenty and Eliza Vivian during recording session of "Strong Heart"

SickKids Foundation is going to be promoting the song as part of their big campaign for Childhood Cancer Awareness month, which begins September 1st.

"We will be launching the music video that day as well, and all proceeds from the song will be donated to SickKids Foundation," Megan tells PTBOCanada.

Neave Alderson and Eliza Vivian (Frame grab from "Strong Heart" video to be released September 1st)

"Strong Heart" is a tribute to not only Eliza, Neave, and mighty Harrison, who fought relentlessly until losing his battle in June 2017, but also to all of the young warriors who have come before and who will unfortunately come after them.

Neave

As devoted aunts to Eliza and Neave, singer-songwriter Melissa Payne and filmmaker Megan Murphy have witnessed the devastating heartbreak and the awe-inspiring bravery these warriors embody.

As artists, they channeled their own fear and inspiration into this project. The proceeds from this song will be donated to the SickKids Foundation—because no strong heart should have to face this battle alone.

Megan's niece Neave with her mother Kate

“Strong Heart”, comes out September 1st on YouTube. To donate to this campaign—their goal is to raise $5,000 and proceeds will go towards furthering paediatric cancer research through the SickKids Foundation—click here.

You can watch the behind the scenes footage below from the video...

http://my.sickkidsdonations.com/StrongHeart This song was written as a tribute to all of the young cancer warriors who've had to battle the beast- and for those who still are - proceeds of the song and the video will go towards furthering paediatric cancer research through the SickKids Foundation.

All of us have been touched in some way by a child with cancer. Please share this on your social media channels and give what you can.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat (ptbo_canada). Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

/ /

PTBOCANADA