New Canadians Centre Peterborough Executive Director Hajni Hos Leaving To Take On Same Role At Hospice Peterborough

Hajni Hos is stepping down as the Executive Director of the New Canadians Centre Peterborough to take on the role as the new Executive Director of Hospice Peterborough.

Hos began her employment with the New Canadians Centre (NCC) as Employment Counsellor in 2008 and became the Coordinator of the Peterborough Immigration Partnership (formerly Peterborough Partnership Council on Immigrant Integration) in 2009. She took on the leadership role of Executive Director in January 2011. During her leadership, the NCC grew in size and complexity.

Photo of HOS WITH HER NCC TEAM by Heather Doughty, Inspire: The Women's Portrait Project

Many programs and services were added so that the NCC could better meet the language, educational, employment and settlement needs of new Canadians. Last year, a team of 27 staff served close to 700 new clients from 103 countries.

Programs such as the Workplace Integration Program and Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) were put in place. Her successful Ontario Trillium Foundation and Citizenship and Immigration Canada grants enabled the NCC to complete the 2013 renovation and move to their current premises at St. James United Church.

Hos at One Roof Community Diner with Team NCC making a lunch

In 2016, Hos was instrumental in facilitating the approval of Peterborough as a Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) Centre by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada—one of a few small cities to receive this honour.

This resulted in the resettlement of 200 government-assisted refugees in 2016-2017 (and almost 400 to date). This initiative has been met with resounding community support, starting first with 400+ community members attending an information session in 2016 to find out how they could assist with resettlement by forming volunteer support teams. This model of support originated right here in Peterborough, and was duplicated nationwide successfully.

Hos at One Night in the Philippines annual fundraising gala for the New Canadians Centre, 2018

“Her passion, warmth and enthusiasm inspire us to achieve better things for our clients and community,” says Faye Shien Tan, who has been working at the NCC since 2010. “As a newcomer herself, she is a wonderful role model for what we can achieve through hard work and collaboration,” adds Olga Stetsyuk, Employment Counsellor.

While her journey of immigrating to and settling in Canada from Hungary in 2007—she was a lawyer in Budapest—has motivated her work at the New Canadians Centre for the past 12 years, Hos is drawn to give back to her community by focusing her energies on supporting families facing life-threatening illness or grief with Hospice Peterborough. She will be replacing Linda Sunderland, who is retiring after 26 years of dedicated service with Hospice.

Hos’s awards over the years include the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce “4 Under 40” Business Excellence Award, the Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha and the Peterborough-Kawartha Women’s Leadership Award.

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Kathleen Edwards, Matt Mays, Fred Penner, Paper Shakers & More Playing 2019 Peterborough Folk Festival

The Peterborough Folk Festival, which is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year, has announced Kathleen Edwards and Matt Mays will headline the festival on Sunday, August 18th at Nicholls Oval Park on the Peterborough Subaru Stage.

Kathleen Edwards

The festival is excited to announce its 2019 Emerging Artist Award recipients Paper Shakers. The local group first performed at the 2017 festival and will be featured at the 2019 festival. 

The award will allow the group to attend the Folk Music Ontario conference in the Fall where they will be able to continue to make connections in the music industry with festivals across Canada. Past recipients of the Emerging Artist award include Serena Ryder, James Mckenty , Missy Knott and Beau Dixon . 

Paper Shakers

There will be over 50 artisan and vendors at Nicholls Oval Park, and the weekend performances—there are 20+ artists on four stages—include a Sunday afternoon performance by legendary children’s performer Fred Penner, who will also perform earlier in the day before Kathleen Edwards and Matt Mays.

Matt Mays

Juno award winning group A Tribe Called Red. who have performed at major festivals across the globe including Cochella & Osheaga, will be playing Saturday night.

The weekend is free admission but donations are welcomed as they help make the festival operate. For more info on the festival, lineup, vendors and times, click here.

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The Next Phase Of Via Rail’s High Frequency Rail Project Through Peterborough Is Moving Forward

“This train has yet to leave the station, but this is the furthest we have ever come on the idea of a passenger train,” says MP Maryam Monsef of an announcement made on Tuesday (June 25th) that she says “marks a significant milestone moving forward.”

Monsef announced that the Government of Canada and Canada Infrastructure Bank are committing a total of $71.1 million in new funding to complete additional planning activities over the next two years to advance VIA Rail’s proposal for High Frequency Rail in the busy Quebec City-Toronto Corridor, which runs through Peterborough.

Historical photo of Via Rail train in 1981 at what is now Peterborough Chamber courtesy Peterborough Chamber

“This project would bring significant economic growth to our community and the affected regions along the corridor,” says Monsef. “It also requires a significant investment. That’s why we have taken each step forward in a measured, thoughtful way. We are not interested in creating buzz that leads to no results.”

“We began by working with Via Rail to determine their business case, which we have determined would be good for the middle class and those working hard to join it. The next step is making sure we move forward in the correct way. That requires meaningful indigenous consultations and environmental assessment.”

Historical photo of Via Rail station courtesy Peterborough Chamber

The new funding will be used to establish a Joint Project Team and fund work to preserve the option of interoperability with regional transit providers in Montreal and Toronto.

The Joint Project Team, between Canada Infrastructure Bank and VIA Rail, will be established using the $55 million in funding from Canada Infrastructure Bank. This Joint Project Team will coordinate the next steps required in developing this project, focusing on the following activities throughout 2019 to 2020:

· finalizing legal and regulatory work related to safety and environmental assessments;

· consulting with stakeholders and Indigenous communities;

· examining required land and track acquisition; and

· completing the technical, financial and commercial analysis required for a final investment decision on High Frequency Rail in the Corridor.

Photo from announcement of funding at Peterborough Chamber courtesy Maryam Monsef

The balance of the funding, $16.1 million, is for Transport Canada and VIA Rail to support VIA Rail’s contributions to the Joint Project Team. It will also fund technical work to ensure the interoperability and integration of High Frequency Rail with operating tracks used by local and regional transit providers in Montreal and Toronto.

Photo courtesy Maryam Monsef

"Today's announcement is a significant next step for the VIA Rail High Frequency Rail proposal,” says Stuart Harrison, CEO at Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. “This is no longer about feasibility, it’s about the process to approval. There are a lot of people in Peterborough who have been working on this project, and we are very appreciative of the commitment from the Canadian Infrastructure Bank and Federal Government.”

"I am excited to see the VIA Rail Canada project moving forward,” adds Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien. “The project has been in the works for a long time and will be of great benefit to the region.”

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2019 Hootenanny On Hunter Street Lineup Includes Jonny Trash Super Group, Surprise Collective Of Local Musicians

The 9th Annual Hootenanny returns to Hunter Street August 10th with a diverse, exciting lineup including The Jonny Trash Super Group, a tribute to the late Jonathan Hall who started the festival. Hootenanny runs from noon to 11 p.m. on Hunter Street W. between George and Aylmer streets. Admission is free.

THE SCHEDULE & BANDS

• Paper Shakers at noon

• The Lohrwoods at 1:15 p.m.

• Dylan Ireland at 2:30 p.m.

• House of David Gang at 3:45 p.m.

• Crystal Shawanda at 5 p.m.

• Lindsay Barr at 6:15 p.m.

• Stacey Kay at 7:30 p.m.

• The Dreamboats at 8:45 p.m.

• The Jonny Trash Super Group at 10 p.m.

Stacey Kay and Jonathan Cullen performing at the Hootenanny on Hunter Street press event in Hunter Street alley. Stacey will be performing at the Hootenanny on August 10th

The Jonny Trash Super Group is a surprise collective of various musicians connected with the late Jonathan Hall. Known endearingly by his friends as Johnny Trash, this group will pay tribute to their friend who passed away suddenly earlier this year at the age of 44. 

"We were deeply saddened along with the entire community by the sudden passing of Jonathan Hall,” says Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. “Jon started the Hootenanny and organized it for seven years. On August 10th, you’ll see a hugely talented and dynamic performance from The Jonny Trash Super Group.”

"Jonny was all about getting stage time for local artists and bringing in bands from out of town that maybe you hadn't heard before,” says long-time friend Mike Judson. “Moving forward with this event, I think Jonny would love to see a continued effort being put into choosing great local artists to grace the Hunter Street stage. He'd want the organizers to take a chance on something weird and outside of the norm and give people an experience they were not expecting.”

For more, check out this video…

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Ontario SPCA & Humane Society 38-foot Mobile Spay/Neuter Unit Visiting Peterborough In August

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has rolled out its new SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services trailer to give pet owners across the province access to critical resources like spay/neuter services, and the trailer will be making a stop in Peterborough August 16th and August 17th. 

The 38-foot trailer, which was made possible because of a grant provided by the Pet Valu family of stores through its Giving Back Project, features two surgical tables where 20-30 spay/neuter procedures can be performed per day. The new mobile unit is part of the Ontario SPCA’s ongoing efforts to control pet overpopulation and help build relationships with pet owners and their local veterinarian.

Photo courtesy Ontario SPCA

The trailer will be visiting communities across the province, including Peterborough—its location in the city will be announced later this summer, Ontario SPCA tells us, keep an eye out here—reaching underserved areas to provide spay/neuter surgeries, wellness exams, microchipping and vaccinations. 

“It’s important that we spay and neuter as many animals as possible to reduce the number of unwanted animals who end up homeless on the streets trying to survive,” says Daryl Vaillancourt, Chief, Humane Programs & Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “This new mobile unit will also serve as an important educational tool to help pets live longer, healthier lives by educating pet owners about the importance of routine veterinary care with a local veterinarian.” 

Photo courtesy Ontario SPCA

Financial donations are needed to help stock the unit with medical supplies and cover operating costs, to ensure this mobile unit can visit as many communities as possible.

Any donations received by midnight on June 27th will be matched, thanks to a generous pool of Ontario SPCA supporters.

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Businesses In Downtown Peterborough Responding To Opioid Crisis By Keeping Naloxone Kits On Hand

Businesses in downtown Peterborough are responding to the local opioid crisis by keeping Naloxone kits on hand and having staff trained on how to identify and respond to an opioid poisoning or overdose.

The Downtown Business Improvement Area is partnering with Peterborough Public Health and Harm Reduction Works @ PARN to provide Naloxone kits at no-cost to a number of strategically located downtown businesses. Naloxone is a safe lifesaving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, buying time for a person to get the necessary medical attention they may need.

Photo of Naloxone kit courtesy DBIA

“We’re in the midst of an opioid crisis in Peterborough,” says Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. “We see first-hand people struggling with addiction and sadly, we’ve already lost too many members of our community. If helping local businesses know what to do when they see an opioid poisoning saves one life, it’s worth it.”

“We know that people working downtown are experiencing the impact of the opioid crisis on a daily basis and want to do what they can to help,” adds Kim Dolan, Executive Director at PARN. “This initiative increases our collective response to opioid poisonings in our community and sends a strong message that people in Peterborough are prepared to step up and save lives.”

“This program reflects the caring attitude of the local business community towards people with addictions and the growing awareness that this issue affects us all,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health at Peterborough Public Health. “In some ways, this demonstration of compassion is just as effective as the Naloxone itself because it reduces the terrible stigma faced by people who struggle with addictions.”

Photo of Naloxone kit courtesy DBIA

NALOXONE TRAINING SESSIONS AT VENTURE NORTH

-> Peterborough Public Health and PARN will be providing brief training sessions along with the free kits in the front lobby of Venture North at 270 George Street North on June 27th and 28th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and July 4th and 5th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

**Stickers will be available for any business that would like to display one in their window to let people know they are trained on how to respond to an opioid poisoning.

"Having been in business for 43 years downtown, we see a crisis at the moment with overdoses and addiction and we feel we need to help the community and those in need of help anyway we can,” adds Andrew Damiany, manager of Gentry Apparel.

As well as DBIA members, the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is inviting its members to be trained and equipped with Naloxone kits. The kits are being provided by the DBIA, PARN, Peterborough Public Health and the City of Peterborough

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Dream Cyclery, Canada Homestay Network & More!

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Dream Cyclery (432 George St N.) recently opened in downtown Peterborough. With the flagship store in Toronto, Peterborough is their second location. Dream Cyclery is a custom bike & wheel building specialist, offering rentals, road, mountain bike, hybrid, E-Bike, and folding bike sales and service. Check them out on Facebook and for more info, visit their website.

Dream Cyclery

NV Media Productions has rebranded as 705 Creative. Owners and sisters Bianca Nucaro-Viteri and Mercedez Nucaro have now grown to a staff of four and specialize in full-service content marketing, promising your followers rich content, substance, and brand stories, on time, on budget and to your original vision. For more info, go to 705creative.ca.

705 Creative team

The Canada Homestay Network is a family-run, non-profit organization specializing in helping international students find a home away from home in Canada. Host families can make life-long friendships, share the beauty of their home and community, benefit the local economy, and get a generous allowance to offset expenses. The international students get just as much out of it, including language skills and a positive introduction to Canadian family life. For details on how you can get involved, visit canadahomestaynetwork.ca.

”Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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$215,000 Federal Investment Supports Work Of Kawartha Land Trust To Protect Cation Wildlife Preserve

On Saturday (June 22nd), Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development, Minister for Women and Gender Equality, and Member of Parliament for Peterborough—Kawartha, announced on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, that the Government of Canada invested $215,000 in support to the work of the Kawartha Land Trust for the protection of the Cation Wildlife Preserve.

“We are on track to meet our climate change targets because we have a 50-point plan and it’s working,” says Monsef. “It includes pollution pricing, phasing out coal and plastics, investing in clean technology and protecting our land and waters. The protection of the Cation Wildlife Preserve is part of our government’s plan to double the amount of nature protected in our lands and oceans.”

MP Maryam Monsef speaks with crowd at the grand opening of the Cation Wildlife Preserve.

Kawartha Land Trust acquired land donated by David and Sharon Cation and conserved land, adding 270 hectares to Canada's protected areas network.

The Cation Wildlife Preserve is in a natural conservation corridor that sits right in the middle of several important protected areas including Balsam Lake, Indian Point, and Queen Elizabeth Wildlands Provincial Parks, the Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve and the Carl Sedore Wildlife Management Area.

Tara King, development manager for Kawartha Land Trust, with MP Maryam Monsef

The 668.5-acre Cation Wildlife Preserve includes marked trails for passive recreational use by the public, such as hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

“We are grateful for the federal government's contribution to support the protection of the Cation Wildlife Preserve and also Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Ecological Gift program that provides tax incentives to land owners to protect private lands in perpetuity,” says Tara King, Kawartha Land Trust Development Manager. “This landscape is vibrant and so full of life.”

Dave and Sharon Cation address crowd at the grand opening of the Cation Wildlife Preserve

The celebratory grand opening of the Cation Wildlife Preserve featured guided tours of the trails to the general public.

Dave Cation points out something in the distance during a guided walking tour

“Canadians like the leaders at Kawartha Land Trust asked our government to introduce a program to incentivize more conservation, and we listened,” adds Monsef. “Working together, we will ensure the wealth of our region is protected for our kids and grandkids.”

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Canadian Canoe Museum’s Capital Campaign Receives $500,000 Gift From Toronto-Based Philanthropists George & Kathy Dembroski

The Canadian Canoe Museum has announced that George and Kathy Dembroski have made a $500,000 commitment to the museum’s $65 million capital campaign, supporting the construction of its new 85,000 square-foot facility at the water’s edge on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

The Dembroskis are friends of the museum, and have a connection to the area through their cottage on nearby Stony Lake in the Kawarthas. These Toronto-based philanthropists are strongly supportive of the plans for the new museum and are eager to see it built alongside the Peterborough Lift Lock.

Kathy and George Dembroski (photo courtesy Canadian Canoe Museum)

The museum’s 9,700 square foot outdoor terrace, which runs alongside the east side of the building, will be named in recognition of their generous gift.

Here is a conceptual rendering of the terrace…

Rendering of terrace (courtesy Canadian Canoe Museum)

“We are incredibly pleased to support this exciting project in Peterborough, recognizing its local, provincial and national impact,” says Kathy Dembroski. “As we learned about the plans for the new museum, we became increasingly interested. We knew we wanted to become involved as soon as we learned about the functionality of the terrace—and how it will serve as a connecting space between the indoors and the outdoors. We can envision people gathering there and taking in the views of the Lift Lock and the waterway.”

The terrace, which is parallel to the galleria space on the interior, matching the curved shape of the building, extends to the ground floor from the interior. Only a glass wall separates the two areas. This will draw outside visitors into the museum, and also invite visitors who are inside, to explore the spaces beyond.

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