New Bylaw Supports Smoke-Free And Vape-Free Spaces for All

Peterborough Public Health has partnered with Peterborough Police, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough Musicfest to remind people that both the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and the Peterborough Smoking Bylaw prohibit smoking and vaping in area parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields, and at street festivals like Peterborough Pulse.

“Smoking rates continue to decline, but many people believe that smoking outdoors is harmless when in fact there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Actively enforcing the bylaw will both protect people from toxic second-hand smoke and support a reduction in smoking rates.”

New this year will be the inclusion of e-cigarettes or "vapes" in the City of Peterborough’s bylaw. City Council approved the revised bylaw on July 9th, 2018.

“We’re learning more about e-cigarettes and what’s in them,” adds Dr. Salvaterra. “Just because e-cigarettes are less harmful than conventional cigarettes, that doesn’t make them harmless.” A recent report, Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes, noted that e-cigarettes both contain and emit toxic substances.

Peterborough Police and Public Health Tobacco Enforcement Officers will be enforcing the rules in parks and at events this summer.

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Township Of Douro-Dummer Chief Fire Official Declares Open Air Fire Ban

With the continued dry conditions in the Township of Douro-Dummer and data supplied from the Wildland Fire Information System, the Township is enabling a fire ban through By-law 2015-05.

No open air burning will be allowed—with the exception of campgrounds as defined within the By-law. These campgrounds must meet the requirements set out in the By-law if they choose to utilize the exemption.

Another factor for enacting this fire ban is that some water sources are no longer available which could lead to shuttling water from further distances, delaying extinguishment.

“We hope that conditions change and we can all enjoy the recreational fires that memories are made from, but until that time please be responsible with all ignition sources, including cigarettes, which have already caused fires along the side of roadways,” says Fire Chief Chuck Pedersen.

Enforcement of set fires during a fire ban may result in a $500 penalty. A response to extinguish such fires can be charged at $465.42 per fire apparatus.

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Here's the Food & Entertainment Lineup For 16th Annual Rotary Ribfest

The 16th Annual Ribfest runs Friday, July 13th to Sunday, July 15th at Millennium Park, and admission is free. 

“Of course there is lots of ribs and cold beer, but you’ll also find some interesting selections from our nine local restaurants—including some vegetarian options," says DBIA Executive Director Terry "Mr. Downtown" Guiel. "Rotary have also put together a solid lineup of musical talent to sit back and enjoy while you’re at Millennium Park with some quality food and drinks.”

FESTIVAL HOURS

-> Friday, July 13: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
-> Saturday, July 14: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
-> Sunday, July 15: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
 
PARTICIPATING LOCAL RESTAURANTS


-> Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews
-> The Nutty Chocolatier
-> The BrickHouse Craft Burger Grill ‘n Bar
-> Island Cream Caribbean Cuisine
-> Caribbean Sizzle
-> McThirsty’s Pint
-> La Hacienda
-> Silk Roots
-> The Silver Bean Café

RIBBER'S ROW INCLUDES...

• Fat Boys
• Boss Hogs BBQ
• Jack the Ribber
• Smokehouse Bandits
• Ontario Corn Roasters
• Summer Fun Funnel Cake
 
ENTERTAINMENT

Friday, July 13:
• 11:45 am — Briannah Cotton
• 1:30 pm — Jaymes Claton Band
• 3:15 pm — Rick and Gailie
• 5:00 pm — The Wanted   
• 6:45 pm — Jagged
• 8:30 pm — The Weber Brothers
 
Saturday, July 14:
• 12:00 pm — Waters Edge Band
• 3:15 pm — Gunslingers
• 5:00 pm — Rye Street
• 6:45 pm — Out on Bail
• 8:30 pm — Dean James
 
Sunday, July 15:
• 12:00 pm — Tonya Bosch Band
• 1:45 pm — House Brand
• 3:30 pm — The Fog

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Police Issue Stats On Safe Under 7 Traffic Campaign Targeting Speeding In Residential Neighbourhoods

In response to community concerns, Peterborough Police Service launched a summer traffic campaign called "Safe Under 7" for June, July and August targeting speeding in residential neighbourhoods, and the early results are in.

“The number one complaint we hear on a daily basis is about speeding in residential areas,” says Traffic Sergeant Peter Sejrup. “We have heard those complaints and are embarking on an aggressive traffic enforcement campaign that will slow down drivers and save lives,” Sejrup adds.
 
During June, the first month of the project, a total of 496 speeding tickets were issued—nearly double the number of tickets laid during the month of May Sergeant Sejrup says.

Traffic Sergeant Peter Sejrup

"The response to the campaign so far has been resoundingly positive—we appreciate the support of the community in attempting to keep their neighbourhoods safe places to live and play," Sergeant Sejrup says.

The campaign takes a zero tolerance approach to motorists driving in excess of 7 km/h over the posted speed limit in residential neighbourhoods.
 
“This number is not arbitrary—driving just 7 km/h above the posted speed limit in residential neighbourhoods can have catastrophic results,” adds Sgt. Sejrup.

Residents who wish to report traffic concerns in their neighbourhood are asked to call the Peterborough Police Service Traffic Unit at 705-876-1122 ext. 289.

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True Canadian Barn Houses Hockey Nets In Stables During Off-Season Near Memorial Centre

Scott Arnold recently started on with CHE Sports and was in a barn on the Morrow grounds near the Memorial Centre grabbing stuff Canadian Hockey Enterprises house there for their summer camps. He did a double take when he discovered that ice hockey nets are stored in the stables for CHE and outdoor rinks around the city.

"I walked in and the setting was exactly as is—I didn't touch a thing," Arnold says of the stable doors being ajar as if the nets are ready to jump over the boards and get back on the ice.

Photo by Scott Arnold

"We were in the middle of doing a huge camp set-up so I didn't put too much effort into it [the photo] as everyone around me was hustling and working hard," Arnold adds. "But knew I had to stop for a minute to take a pic. I could see the shot."

Photo by Scott Arnold

Arnold—also a colour commentator with the Peterborough Petes on YourTV—definitely scored with the shot, capturing a truly quintessential Canadian moment.

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How 130 Pet Fish From A Private Collection In Peterborough Were Saved After Owner Passes Away

Through an intricate and tactical operation, the Peterborough Humane Society (the local affiliate of the OSPCA), Kawartha Aquariums and the Riverview Park and Zoo have collaborated to rescue more than 130 pet fish from a home in Peterborough after the owner passed away.

Staff from all four organizations worked diligently together to relocate the fish, their aquariums/tanks, pumps, filters, lights and heaters to a temporary location (see pictures below) at the Riverview Park and Zoo.

The fish were a private collection and sadly the owner of the fish passed away suddenly. This left them with no one to care for them or to maintain their aquariums on an ongoing basis.

The collection included a variety of tropical fresh water fish with Koi, several species of Cichlids, Green Arowana, Bichir Eels, assorted species of catfish, and Silver Dollars.

Here are pictures of a few of the fish that were saved...

"We were interested in assisting with this project as we thought we could make a significant contribution to ensuring the survival of the fish in the short term by providing equipment, facilities, expertise as well as a temporary location for them," Riverview Park & Zoo Manager & Curator Jim Moloney tells PTBOCanada.

"We also felt that we were well positioned to help with finding permanent homes for all of the fish."

A few members of the rescue team

Shawn Morey, Executive Director of the Peterborough Humane Society, tells PTBOCanada he is proud of how the organizations came together to save the fish:

"We are extremely proud of the great partnership we have with the Riverview Park and Zoo, and Kawartha Aquarium and their ability to act as a foster location for these amazing fish. The transfer process taken with these rare and exotic fish was handled with both extreme care and precision. We couldn't be happier to see the fish find new deserving homes, where they will continue to flourish."

The organizations are now working with CAZA (Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums) to find permanent homes for the fish.

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Peterborough & The Kawarthas Tourism Is Hosting Open House

On Thursday, July 12th, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism is hosting an Open House at the Visitor Centre (270 George Street North, Suite 101).

You can learn about the visitor services and resources available to uncover some hidden gems, discover amazing experiences, and plan a summer of fun in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.

FUN STUFF THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT WILL INCLUDE

• Free ice cream (while quantities last)

• Face painting with Faces by 2

• Other activities and fun for the kids

The event takes place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on July 12th. RSVP to Cara Walsh by email, by calling 705-743-0777 ext. 2116 or via this Facebook event page

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Win This Space 2018 Grand Prize Winner Ritual Apothecary Opens On Charlotte Street

Nadine McCallen (pictured below), this year’s winner of Win This Space entrepreneurial competition, has opened the doors to her new shop Ritual Apothecary on Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough. As part of the grand prize, McCallen has received one year of free rent in a downtown storefront.

Photo courtesy DBIA

McCallen describes the store this way: “It will be the home of The Willow’s Bark studio, which creates wildcrafted skincare and herbal remedies from locally foraged plants, as well as other like-minded companies producing all-natural, small-batch, sustainable beauty products, herbal remedies, and artisan goods with care and attention to protecting our natural habitat."

Visit Ritual Apothecary at 196 Charlotte Street.

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FastStart Launches Camp Startup For Young Entrepreneurs

Based on the Kawartha Backcountry Entrepreneurship Experience, FastStart Peterborough is launching a new and improved experience for young entrepreneurs called Camp Startup.

Camp Startup has been created to inspire youth entrepreneurs and take them out of their comfort zone. It takes place between September 14th to Septemer 16th at Camp Kawartha, through FastStart Peterborough (a partnership between Trent University, Fleming College and the Innovation Cluster).

Photo courtesy Innovation Cluster

The group of 20 successful entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 - 29 will get to pack a bag and head out to Camp Kawartha for a full weekend of teamwork exercises—helping to increase the skills of those of entering the world of entrepreneurship. In order to reduce barriers to entry, the bootcamp will be free for the 20 successful applicants.

Photo courtesy Innovation Cluster

“Our unique entrepreneurship programming allows for young entrepreneurs to get out of their comfort zone and learn in a different environment,” says Rosalea Terry, Marketing Manager and Senior Innovation Specialist of the Innovation Cluster. “They will gain new business skills while building relationships with like-minded people.”

The weekend event will start out with participants arriving at Camp Kawartha Friday evening and spend time getting to know their fellow entrepreneurs. Saturday and Sunday will consist of various workshops and activities that will be sure to push entrepreneurial limits, including pitching, canoeing, a high ropes course, and a traditional event of the program, the "creative campfire rap battle".

Photo courtesy Innovation Cluster

The young entrepreneurs will also be able to take advantage of multiple skill-gaining activities to help build their entrepreneurship knowledge—including pitching, finances, grant applications and more that will be beneficial to their future business ventures.

The weekend will wrap up with a final pitching challenge that the participants will be working towards throughout the trip. The winning team will receive a $500 cash prize.

Applications for the adventure closes on July 26th at midnight. To apply, click here.

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Let's Look Out For Each Other In This Approaching Heat Wave

Peterborough Public Health has issued its first heat warning of the season, with daytime highs in the low to mid-thirties forecast and humidex values in the mid-forties. Overnight low temperatures will only fall to the low twenties, providing little or no relief from the heat.

The heat event is expected to start Saturday, June 30th and extend through to late next week. Peterborough Public Health asks that you remember to call or visit family, friends and neighbours—especially seniors who live on their own—to make sure they are alright.

Extreme heat events are a potentially significant health risk and can have a severe impact on the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, shut-ins, persons with chronic diseases, the morbidly obese and the marginally housed.

The risk of heat-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the heat, the temperature and an individual’s sensitivity to heat. If you feel faint, find it hard to breathe, or feel confused and disoriented because of the heat, call your doctor. In an emergency, call 911.

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

-> Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. This decreases your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
 

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