City Of Peterborough Launches New Website At Peterborough.ca

The City of Peterborough has announced the launch of its new website peterborough.ca. The new site is more accessible, mobile friendly and easier to navigate for users looking for information and services.

It was designed based on feedback from users through a survey and a focus group, as well as recommendations from the website developer, and was designed to make it easier for users to find what they’re looking for on the site. The city has tried to write the content in plain language, removing industry jargon and bureaucratic phrases whenever possible.

Screengrab via Peterborough.ca website

“The old City website was launched about 20 years ago and staff are very excited to launch its replacement that will better meet the needs of our citizens, businesses and visitors”, says Sandra Clancy, CAO. “The City’s website is a living document. It will be constantly evolving with new information and ways to access services and interact with the City.”

According to a City of Peterborough release, a few of the website enhancements include:

-> Enhanced accessibility features to better meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standard

-> An improved search function that will make it easier to find what you are looking for

-> Upgraded calendar features, including the ability to subscribe to calendars

-> A community calendar where individuals and groups can post their community events

-> An improved way to find Council meeting agendas and reports

-> News and events listings

-> Improved online forms that allow users to complete forms through the website instead of having to print off paper copies, if they choose

-> New ways for residents to report issues through the website

-> An emergency messaging system on the website

-> A tool for searching and viewing by-laws

-> The ability to order tax certificates through the website

Screengrab via Peterborough.ca website

Alongside the creation of a new City website, the project also included the development of new websites for the Peterborough Memorial Centre (memorialcentre.ca) and the Peterborough Public Library (ptbolibrary.ca), both of which were launched earlier this year.

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Gerti's Under New Ownership, Read The Goodbye Note From Gerti

The stalwart Hunter Street pub Gerti’s has been sold after 14 years under the ownership of proprietors/brothers Gerti and Alban Sina. Diana Horvatic Hunter, Sean Hunter and Cole McCall are taking over the pub, and keeping the name.

Alban & Gerti Sina (Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada)

The iconic pub first opened in summer 2005, and was one of the originators of what would become known as the Café District along Hunter Street West as more and more pubs and restaurants opened along the strip, transforming that portion of downtown Peterborough.

Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

Gerti, always a big proponent of having a vibrant and healthy downtown, wrote this goodbye night to patrons on his Facebook page…

“Hello friends,

Alban Sina and I would like to take a moment to announce that after 14 amazing years we have sold Gerti’s and our last night there will be Saturday night. We would like to invite our friends, family, and custumers to stop in for a drink as we celebrate this achievement.

We are thrilled to have sold to Diana Horvatic Hunter, Sean Hunter and Cole McCall as they are excited to continue with business as usual after a few short weeks of renovations. Let’s welcome these guys with open arms, and wish them nothing but success in the years to come.

We want to to thank our customers that have supported us from the day we opened our doors, and the incredible staff that we’ve had over the years. We will forever be grateful!!

With all the love and gratitude,

Gerti, and Alban”

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With More Rain On Way Higher Water Levels Are Anticipated Along Otonabee River

A flood warning remains in effect for the City of Peterborough, according to a City of Peterborough release. Water levels will continue to rise along the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River over the next several days.

Environment Canada is forecasting heavy rainfall Thursday night into Friday. Total rainfall amounts of 25 to 40 millimetres are expected by Friday night, and may exceed 50 millimetres in some areas.

The City is closely monitoring the situation in consultation with Trent-Severn Waterway, Otonabee Conservation and local dam operators, and is prepared to respond as required.

File photo by Evan Holt

HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF IN LOW-LYING AREAS

• The City encourages residents in low-lying areas along the Otonabee River to monitor water level changes on their properties and to take necessary precautions for their safety and their property.

• Docks and structures close to the water should be secured or moved, and other personal items such as lawn furniture should be moved to higher ground.

• Residents should have sufficient and appropriate emergency supplies at the ready. Sump pumps and backflow preventers should be checked to ensure that they are functioning properly.   

• Residents who have properties that are susceptible to flooding should consider getting supplies such as pumps, generators and sandbags from local rental companies, hardware stores and landscape suppliers.

SANDBAG AVAILABILITY

City residents in imminent danger of flooding on their property can get sandbags from the City of Peterborough, which will have limited supplies available at several locations in preparation for potential flooding in low-lying areas along the Otonabee River.

The provision of sandbags by the City is intended for lower entry points on foundations, such as doorways and window wells. Residents will be required to personally fill, transport, place and remove the sandbags.  Residents wishing to place sandbags along the riverbank should access supplies from hardware stores or landscape suppliers.

Sandbag supplies are available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the following locations:

• Riverside Drive at Cameron Street
• Riverside Drive at Spruce Avenue
• Sherin Avenue at Collison Park

Sandbag supplies will also be available on Friday, April 26th, between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the same locations.

To report a flood in your area, call the Otonabee Conservation Flood Watch Hotline at 705-745-5791 ext. 228, which is available on a 24-hour basis. Anyone who feels that they are in immediate danger by rising water should call 9-1-1.

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Peterborough Police Needs Your Help Locating Missing Teen Alexis "Lexi" Davidson

The Peterborough Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing female youth from the Peterborough area. 

Alexis “Lexi” Davidson, 15 years old, was last seen leaving a Monaghan Road area apartment at approximately 3 p.m. on April 11th.

Davidson is described as Caucasian, 5’0″, thin build, short brown hair. She was last seen wearing grey winter boots, grey track pants, a burgundy St. Pete’s hoodie and black backpack.

Anyone with information on the location of Davidson is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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A 13-Year-Old Patient At PRHC Needed A Dress To Attend Her Grade 8 Graduation, Look What Happened

A 13-year-old Peterborough girl named Kristey has been staying at PRHC frequently during hospital treatments.

This has made it very difficult for her to shop for a dress to attend her Grade 8 graduation. So Peterborough does what it does, stepping up with generosity and love to bring the dress to her.

Photo courtesy PRHC

PRHC posted a heartwarming story on their Facebook page that is getting hundreds of shares about how staff in their Pediatric Outpatient (POP) Clinic reached out to Shelby Leonard-Watt, owner of S.O.S Save Our Soles in downtown Peterborough, for help with selecting a dress for Kristey.

Kristey at PRHC with Shelby Leonard-Watt from S.O.S. (Photo courtesy PRHC)

Shelby not only showed up to PRHC on Tuesday (April 23rd) to help Kristey find the dress of her dreams after trying on several, but also generously donated it (plus a pair of matching shoes!) at no cost.

”When you don’t have a rolling rack to hang dresses on, you grab an IV pole instead,” says Shelby on a S.O.S. Facebook post. “And when an angel of a nurse calls your shop saying she wants to bring Grade 8 Grad dress shopping to her patient going through chemo, you drop everything and say he!! YES.”

Photo courtesy S.O.S.

Photo courtesy PRHC

Time and time again, this community shows how kindness and empathy wins.

This was another prime example of that. Well done PRHC and Shelby. Kristey, have a great graduation!

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Once Upon A Time Peterborough Downtown Was Movie Theatre Row

Those new to the city or born later might not realize that once upon a time, Peterborough’s downtown was “Movie Theatre Row” where it was a big social activity to go downtown, pick a movie, and choose a theatre.

Indeed, in a photo shared to their Facebook page (see below) from 1961 taken on George Street, Trent Valley Archives writes that “you can see the imposing signs of the Capitol, Odeon, and Paramount theaters, which made up movie theater row.”

Photo courtesy Trent Valley Archives

Trent Valley Archives adds that going back further in the 1950s, “Peterborough residents would have been able to choose between these three theaters (and the Centre theater, which closed in 1956) when they wanted to see a movie.”

Here is another view of movie theatre row back in the day looking down George Street...

Another view of movie theatre row

To entice patrons, each theater would advertise the films they were showing on their marquee board and in the Peterborough Examiner, according to TVA.

Share your memories of going to these theatres on our Facebook page.

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Peterborough Pop Ensemble Announces Their Charity Program For 2019/2020 Is Accepting Applications

The well known Peterborough Pop Ensemble has announced their charity program for 2019/2020 is open and receiving applications.

The #Popsgives initiative was established by the Peterborough Pop Ensemble in 2013 and the Ensemble is excited to celebrate their 19th anniversary with a continuation of this charity support.

Photo courtesy Susan Dunkley, Peterborough Pop Ensemble

During the charity submission period, registered charities can be nominated and each nomination will be reviewed by the Peterborough Pop Ensemble board.

The Peterborough Pop Ensemble is very passionate about their #Popsgives initiative, as they are dedicated to making a difference in the community in which they live in and perform.

“It’s our pleasure to share this opportunity of financial support with deserving charities,” says Barbara Monahan, founding director of the Peterborough Pop Ensemble. “We are delighted to feature two charities per year, allowing us to encourage our followers to learn more about the charities within our community.”

Photo courtesy Susan Dunkley, Peterborough Pop Ensemble

“We truly believe that we have an opportunity to lead by example and we know that together we can make a difference in multiple lives,” adds Susan Dunkley, Business Manager and creator of the charity program for the Peterborough Pop Ensemble.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 7th. To learn more about the Peterborough Pop Ensemble, their Community Charity Program or becoming a volunteer, email them here or visit their website here.

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Here Is The Schedule For Large Article Pick-Ups For 2019

The first large article pick-up of the year is on Monday, April 29th, according to a City of Peterborough media release.

For a fee, the City will pick up items larger than the weekly garbage allowance such as furniture and appliances. The cost for this service is $20 for the first item and $5 for any additional item. Note: Mattresses and box springs are $20 each and do not count as a first item.

HOW TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR LARGE PICKUP

-> Arrangements can be made online at peterborough.ca/waste or in person at the City Hall Tax Office, 500 George St. N.

-> Beginning April 15th, you can also book at the Municipal Operations Centre (Public Works) at 791 Webber Ave. Booking must be complete before 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25th.

WHAT IS NOT ACCEPTED

-> Building materials, automobile parts, televisions and monitors are not accepted in this collection. Refrigeration items must have the Freon removed prior to collection.

The other large article collections in 2019 are as follows…
• Monday, May 27
• Monday, June 24
• Monday, July 29
• Monday, August 26
• Monday, September 30

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Peterborough's Elizabeth Cunningham Wins $116,723.90 In LOTTO 6/49

Congratulations to Elizabeth Cunningham of Peterborough, who won a $116,723.90 prize in the April 13th LOTTO 6/49 draw.

Elizabeth Cunningham

Her winning ticket was purchased at Shell on Lansdowne Street in Peterborough.

Since its launch in June 1982, Ontario LOTTO 6/49 players have won over $12.5 billion in prizes, including 1,370 jackpot wins and 273 Guaranteed $1 Million Prize draws.

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