Hepburn Family Makes Whopping $15 Million Donation To Lakefield College School

On Tuesday (May 7th), two Lakefield College School families expressed their support of the school through commitments of very generous gifts totalling $18 million.

Alumnus John ’68 and Jane Hepburn have made a $15 million commitment toward the school’s new dining hall and other strategic priorities. The Hepburn's gift represents one of the largest single donations ever made to an independent school in Canada. 

Left to right: LCS Board Chair Nicole Bendaly '93; John Hepburn '68; Head of School and Foundation Anne-Marie Kee; Jane Hepburn; and LCS Foundation Board Chair Jock Fleming

The new dining hall has been identified as one of the major priorities under “Community First” in the school’s latest strategic plan and will be situated in the heart of the beautiful campus, which is located on Katchewanooka Lake.

A gathering place for the entire community, the dining hall will be designed to strengthen and enhance the student experience and will be named in honour of the John and Jane Hepburn Family. 

"With this new dining hall will come an array of opportunities for us to connect and learn from each other, as one community in one inspirational space,” says Anne-Marie Kee, Head of School and Foundation.

Lakefield College School campus

In addition, the Parent Family confirmed their intention to make a very generous gift to the school of $3 million towards a new student residence. Parent House will complete the proposed double residence, which includes Ross House (announced last spring) and will be designed to strengthen their new “Community First” house model.

This gift is made by Marc Parent in honour of his children Alexandre '15, Sabrina '18 and Stephanie '20 in gratitude for the indelible mark the school has left on their lives.

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.

Here Is A Map Of The Vendors For This Year's Peterborough Downtown Farmers' Market

After having to postpone their long anticipated Opening Day for the 2019 season due to bad weather, Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market opens for the season Wednesday, May 8th. 

This season, the Peterborough Downtown Farmers' Market will continue to shut down Charlotte Street to vehicle traffic between Louis Street and George Street. It will transform the area into a pedestrian friendly, bustling Farmers’ Market every Wednesday between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., until October 30th.

This is a map of the amazing lineup of vendors this season…

Each Wednesday, market-goers will find a festive and lively market full of their favourite vendors selling seasonal produce, meats, cheese, fresh flowers, baked goods, art, plants to grow, coffee and lunches to go.

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 Region Farmers’ Market Returns To Citi Centre On May 4th

The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market (PFRM) returns to Citi Centre at the corner of Charlotte and Aylmer on May 4th and will continue every Saturday until the end of October.

“All your favourite farmers from last year are returning and keep your eye open for all the new farmers joining the market this year,” says Josh Blank, co-chair of the Market Management Committee. “All farmer vendors continue to be third party certified to sell what they grow. We know the community wants truth in advertising.”

“Over the winter, we expanded the kid’s zone and for the summer we are offering an even bigger and better area for the kiddos,” says Brooke Erickson, co-chair of the Market Management Committee.

May 4th is traditionally a celebration of all things Star Wars, and the PRFM will lead the “May the 4th be with you” party in Peterborough. They have four Star Wars themed crafts all day in the Kid Zone, and have put out the call to all the Star Wars fan clubs and are expecting a large gathering of Star Wars characters for the day.

The prepared food vendors and the artisan vendors return with all the people you know and love, plus many new options for you and your family.  If you need a wedding gift, a birthday present or a gift for yourself, the artisan vendors are ready to provide amazing products. 

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.

Two Innovation Cluster Startups, Alexander Optical & Electric Juice Factory, Take Home Bears’ Lair Grand Prizes

The winners for the “Innovation” and “Goods & Services Stream” were announced during the 9th Annual Bears’ Lair Entrepreneurial Competition on Tuesday, April 30th at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. The grand prize cash value for each winner was $8,350.

For the Innovation stream, innovative eye care company Alexander Optical took the grand prize. Alexander Optical is increasing access to eye care in the community through organized pop-up clinics that bring professionals on-site to perform comprehensive eye exams and find eyewear solutions. Pop-up clinics are facilitated at locations such as schools, seniors residences and local businesses to benefit patients.

“I’m so proud to be a part of such a supportive community and have such incredible mentors that helped me get here,” says Alexander Optical founder Dylan Trepanier.

“I put my heart into the pitch and I’m feeling blessed that the audience and judges were receptive to the change we are trying to make in the community. I can’t wait to start working with more eye care professionals and employers in the area to bring services to them. I can hardly wait to see what the future holds.”

In the Goods & Services stream, Innovation Cluster health food startup Electric Juice Factory took the top prize. Cheryl Gould went in front of the judges pitching the company’s innovative smoothie puck product, successfully impressing the panel. The company recently launched the product in five flavour options in addition to its array of raw plant-based juices.

Gould expressed her gratitude toward the community that has been a continued support over social media after winning, saying, “It’s time to get to work.”

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 Downtown Farmers Market Delayed Until May 8th Due To Predicted Nasty Weather

Peterborough Downtown Farmers Market has announced that they have made the very difficult decision to cancel their first market on May 1st due to predicted bad weather.

”There is a 'Special Weather Statement' issued for Wednesday that includes strong winds and very cold and heavy rain throughout the duration of the day,” the market says in a media release. “This is a very uncommon weather statement and not a precedent that will be set.”

Opening Day will now be Wednesday, May 8th instead for this traditionally rain or shine market. 

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.

14 Unique Paddles & A Walter Walker Cedar-Strip Canoe Will Be Up For Auction At Campfires & Cocktails Event

Paddles that have been painted, carved and adorned by distinguished Canadians and local artists, along with a classic cedar-strip canoe built by the renowned Walter Walker, will be part of a live auction at The Canadian Canoe Museum’s Campfires & Cocktails event on May 4th.

Dr. Roberta Bondar, Peter Mansbridge and Cynthia Dale, Peer Christensen, and John Climenhage, are among those who have created paddles in support of this casual, camp-inspired event. These paddles, along with the 16-foot classic canoe, will be auctioned by special guest Susan Dunkley.

From top to bottom: works by Robert Atyeo, Dr. Roberta Bondar, Tia Cavanagh, Randall Knott, Robyn Jenkins.

Campfires & Cocktails will see guests explore the museum’s galleries as they enjoy campfire-inspired cuisine prepared by local culinary experts, and cocktails. The Dixie Hicks, a local country-folk-pop trio featuring Kate Brioux, Melissa Payne and Kate Suhr, will also be performing.

Walter Walker cedar-strip canoe (Photo courtesy Canoe Musuem)

“Each of the individuals who created a paddle did so with great care and consideration and they’re exquisite works of art,” says Caroline Anderson, Annual Giving Co-ordinator. “Dr. Bondar’s paddle features one of her photographs, while Peter Mansbridge and Cynthia Dale painted a striking sunset sky,”

“Meanwhile, Tia Cavanagh, a multi-disciplinary Indigenous artist, painted the full paddle with a white design on a black background to represent stars in the night sky. We saw so much creativity from those we approached and some, like David Hickey and Randall Knott, even decided to do carvings on their paddles. The museum is so grateful for these incredible contributions.”

Paddles were generously created and donated by: Robert Atyeo, Dr. Roberta Bondar, Tia Cavanagh, John Climenhage, Peer Christensen, Beth Fisher, Jeannie Guillet, David Hickey, Robyn Jenkins, Jenny Kastner, Randall Knott, Peter Mansbridge and Cynthia Dale, Renee O’Connor and Joe Stable.

The classic canoe, donated to the museum by supporter and volunteer Nan Campbell, will be featured in the live auction, but bids by proxy will also be accepted. Walter Walker worked for the Peterborough Canoe Company for two decades and is remembered as a master in balancing quality and efficiency in his trade.

Guests are encouraged to channel their flannel as part of this casual camp-inspired event. Funds raised will support educational and public programs offered at the museum.

Tickets are $75 per person and are available now on a first-come, first serve basis for this new opportunity to experience the museum’s world-class collection.

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.

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.

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.

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”

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.

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.

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.