Siemens Canada, Tree Canada & Otonabee Conservation Collaborate To Enhance Habitat With Native Tree Planting

Otonabee Conservation is planting 78 native trees and shrubs at the Siemens Canada plant in Peterborough, in partnership with Tree Canada and Siemens Canada.

Employees from Siemens Canada in Peterborough and Otonabee Conservation will plant a variety of native species of trees and shrubs, including red oak, red maple, nannyberry, red osier dogwood, white cedar and white pine. This will increase species diversity at the site and enhance habitat for local wildlife.

Paul Finigan, Watershed Biologist at Otonabee Conservation, gives direction to employees of Siemens Canada as they plant native trees and shrubs adjacent to the manufacturing plant in Peterborough. (Photo courtesy Karen Halley, Otonabee Conservation)

“Through our partnership with Siemens Canada, Tree Canada, and Otonabee Conservation, we have a wonderful opportunity to enhance the habitat around our facility in the City of Peterborough,” says Connie Condon from Siemens Canada in Peterborough.

“We take great pride in supporting this annual event, which engages the community and benefits the environment,” adds Faisal Kazi, President and CEO, Siemens Canada. “With all safety protocols in place, we’re pleased that we can continue this proud tradition with our employees and partners.”

An employee of Siemens Canada plants a red oak tree next to the Siemens manufacturing plant in Peterborough. (Photo courtesy Karen Halley, Otonabee Conservation)

Tree Canada is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments. Since 1992, with their community partners and sponsors, they have planted more than 82 million trees. 

“Tree Canada is pleased to have the opportunity to work with like-minded organizations such as Siemens Canada,” says Tree Canada CEO, Danielle St-Aubin. “Siemens is an example of a socially responsible organization that is truly making a positive environmental impact in the communities they work in.”

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From Peterborough To The Big Leagues: Jordan Haynes Journey To Becoming A Pro Soccer Player In The CPL

When I was nine years old, I attempted my first time playing the game of soccer competitively. Previously I had only ever played it recreationally in Peterborough's house leagues. I tried out for the U10 team because there was not a competitive team for my age group, and was able to earn a spot.

After the year had finished with the team, I had to play the next season with my age group. Having to play with my age group was something I did not want to do because I felt it was a step backward in my development. I still played the season with the team, but felt discouraged because the level was not demanding enough for me.

Jordan playing for Peterborough City (photo courtesy Jordan Haynes)

(photo courtesy Jordan Haynes)

The next year was a big jump for me as a player looking for the best opportunity I could grasp. It ended up meaning I would have to go outside my comfort zone and travel to find a team that was going to push me more.

After searching for what was out there for me, I landed in Whitby. Having to drive an hour from Peterborough to and from practices and games was a huge commitment. Not only for myself but my family as well. However, this was only the beginning.

I played two years in Whitby. I still needed to be pushed more, growing too fast to stay at the level. I moved on to play for one of the best teams in the province at that time, Ajax. After spending a year with them, I was allowed to play with the provincial team. Ontario brings in quality players from around the province to train and play games to give them better opportunities to better themselves as players.

I played two years with Ajax and the provincial team, and history repeated itself yet again. It was also no longer enough for me at that level. I then tried out for Toronto FC's U17 team, playing two years above my age.

After playing a year with them, what seemed like the best opportunity to go professional arose. I had the chance to play with a team in England's first division-QPR. The team liked me and wanted to keep me.

Although it seemed to be the best thing to happen to me, the worst thing ended up happening from it. I could not get a visa to stay in England, meaning I would not be able to stay and play with the team. I had to come back to Canada and start over with a new team.

At the age of 16, I was lucky enough to be able to go to Vancouver with the Whitecaps FC. After my first year with them, I was called up to represent my country at the youth level, starting with the u17 team.

Jordan playing in World Cup competition

Examiner article clipping courtesy Jordan Haynes

Photo courtesy Jordan Haynes

Photo courtesy Jordan Haynes

Jordan, wearing No. 11 jersey (photo courtesy Jordan Haynes)

Spending time with the national team was one of the best moments in my career so far, as it meant I could attend and compete in a World Cup, traveling to Dubai and UAE. My entire national team career continued with the u20 team. I was shortlisted for the u23 team but did not play with them.

After two years in Vancouver, I was offered my first contract to play professionally, with their second Team WFC2. I was on a pro contract for three years and played two seasons. After my contract ended, the team dissolved, only keeping their first team in the MLS, along with their youth program.

I thought I would be able to find a new team with ease, considering my background and experiences. Although it was not coming to fruition. I would go on to try out for multiple teams, not making any of them.

I was allowed to play for a team in the now Canadian Premier League (CPL), Cavalry FC out in Calgary. But there was a catch. The team was not going to exist until the following year, its inaugural season. So I was playing and training with others that wanted to play for the team next year as well. After the year had ended, the team did not want to continue with me anymore.

The last opportunity I had left was an open tryout for a new pro team in Tucson, Arizona. But I didn’t make it. It was then that I decided not to continue to move on with soccer. It was the end of the road. I remember sitting in the hot tub of the hotel I was staying at, not being able to hold myself up, body weak, tears coming from my eyes.

I had hit rock bottom with soccer.

I had to make a tough but necessary decision that resulted in me going to university and moving on from soccer. I had a few options but ended up at UBC in Vancouver. As chance would have it, I was able to receive a scholarship to play with the men's soccer team at UBC.

Before I went to school, I landed with the local team, TSS Rovers, in Vancouver to help prepare myself for the school season.  And I acknowledge them for giving me the spark and love I once had for the game.

I played one year with the team, winning our league and grabbing a few solo accolades. We went on to compete at the national championships for school. That is where my professional career caught some traction again. My now co-head coach, James Merriman, saw something in me at the Championships and wanted to allow me to play professionally again.

Photo of Jordan at signing courtesy Pacific FC

I came to Victoria in March 2020, where I would fight for a spot permanently at Pacific FC, in the CPL. It was then that one of the biggest curveballs came in modern time: COVID-19.

I had to train by myself at home for months, without a guarantee that I would even be on the team come the season. When we were given the green light by the government to resume training as a team, it was now my opportunity to show my worth. I then had to train for another two months without any guarantee still. In July 2020, I was offered a multi-year deal to become a professional soccer player again.

I was once again unable to hold myself up. But this time was different, as I had tears of joy. I sat there, recalling all the dark moments I had to get back to this point and now making it all worthwhile.

Photo of Jordan from the “Island Games” courtesy Canadian Premier League.

Photo of Jordan from the “Island Games” courtesy Canadian Premier League.

Playing in the Island Games recently in Charlottetown, PEI, was a very special moment for me. Having such an experience as my comeback made it all that much sweeter. I'll never forget this tournament, as it was my bounce back, and where I continue my journey.

As well, I am grateful to be considered a pioneer in professional football in Peterborough. What a massive honour. I could not be any happier to be able to do what I love as a boy from the small city of Peterborough and put us on the map.

The only thing I could say to give guidance to anyone wanting to be the next player to do the same as I have, is by telling you to do the same as me. Never give up, and work as hard as you can every single day when everyone is watching, and more importantly, when no one is.

It is a much harder road than people think, but it is possible.

—special guest post by Jordan Haynes

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Couture Candy PTBO, Marlin Travel & 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…

The East City Condos project reaches an important milestone this week. Built by the TVM Group, there is a ground breaking ceremony for the project on September 29th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The new building will be located at the corner of Hunter Street East and Armour Road, and will rise to 9 storeys, offering commanding views, chef inspired kitchens, a gym, courtyard, even a dog spa when you get back from your walk. TVM will be honouring pre-construction pricing, with a savings of $10-20 k per unit. Details at eastcitycondos.com.

Accurate Accounts recently relocated to 1054 Monaghan Road in Peterborough. The former Kawartha Credit Union location, the new location gives owner Marilyn Martin a very spacious and open office setting and allows her to bring on new staff. There is an open house this Wednesday (September 30th) from 1 – 6 pm as well as October 1, 2 and 3 from 11 – 2. Offering Income Tax, bookkeeping, payroll, T1 Adjustments and more, visit accurateaccounts.ca for details.

Mary LaRocque of Marlin Travel is expanding her Travel N Style Boutique to create a one-stop shopping experience with a local and Canadian flair. Featuring RAPZ Ladies wear, Walton Woods Farm products, Barefoot Venues, a wine accessories collection, giftware, purses, jewellery and more. All of this in addition to all of her regular Marlin Travel services, including a new “Oh Canada” travel program featuring destinations across the Country. Launching this Thursday (October 1st), check it all out at marlintravel.ca.

Lisa Couture recently launched her online candygram service last year. Called Couture Candy PTBO, Lisa has just announced that she will be opening a retail store in downtown Peterborough. Located at 386 George Street, right beside SOS, Couture Candy offers customizable birthday loot bags, Christmas stocking stuffers, customized or themed candy-grams, party ideas, and more! She can also include special items or merchandise. Full details are at couturecandyptbo.ca.

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Trent Student Centre Honoured With Design Excellence Award

The Student Centre at Trent University, a hub of student activity located at the heart of the Peterborough campus and situated on the banks of the Otonabee River, has been recognized for its innovative design and focus on sustainability with a 2020 Design Excellence Award from the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA).

“Trent University is honoured to have our Student Centre recognized with this prestigious award,” says Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “The Centre continues our long history of architectural excellence. Its inspired design and functionality underscores the exceptional work of the architects, builders, students, staff and administrators who made it possible.”

Photo courtesy Trent University

Opened in 2017, with student vision and connection in mind, the sweeping structure has been selected as one of ten winners from dozens of entries ranging from public spaces to government buildings.

“The Student Centre is deeply rooted in the campus,” reflects Stephen Teeple, architect and founder of Teeple Architects, the architects who worked on the Student Centre. “It is reflective of the geometry, materiality and the strong focus of the place on the river, yet it infuses a more dynamic, open spirit into the architecture.”

Photo courtesy Trent University

The Student Centre was selected for the OAA award based on criteria including creativity, sustainability and legacy.

Paying tribute to the original iconic Ron Thom architecture on the Symons Campus, the building is home to a wide variety of welcoming indoor and outdoor social areas facilitating meetings and social events, as well as study spaces, state-of-the-art lecture rooms, and offices for the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA).

Photo courtesy Trent University

Teeple Architects will receive the award at an online Celebration of Excellence on October 1st. The winning projects were also featured on the OAA’s social media throughout the week of September 14th, followed by an online voting period that is open to the public. The top selection will receive a People’s Choice Award as part of the celebration in October.

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Check Out The New Interactive Art Installation In Downtown Peterborough

There is a new public space at the corner of King and Water streets in downtown Peterborough that is open to the public. The DBIA encourages people to get up-close with the art pieces and the native plants, and enjoy the space.

Formerly an underused paved area, this piece of land has been transformed into green space in partnership with GreenUP and other community partners. This site houses two beautiful art installations as part of the Jiimaan’ndewemgadnong* (the place where the heart of the canoe beats) Canoe Art Project. The art canoe and transformer box art in the park are the work of Indigenous artist Tia Cavanagh.  

Indigenous artist Tia Cavanagh poses with her creation (photo courtesy DBIA)

While visiting the site—the art installations there were generously funded by Kim and Mark Zippel—you can call 705-775-7826 to listen to canoe stories told by three local Anishinaabe women. 

“This project is a beautiful addition to our downtown and has transformed that corner to create a small park with some interesting and engaging art,” says Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area.

The site was transformed into a pocket park last year with the help of community volunteers, local organizations and businesses. If you are interested in being part of future projects or to learn more, contact Dawn Pond via email here or check out the Downtown Vibrancy webpage.

*This name was born of community discussion and translated beautifully in to the local Mizi-Zaagiing Anishinaabeg dialect of Ojibwe by Jack Hoggarth (Cultural Archivist at Curve Lake Cultural Centre) and Mary Alice Taylor (Elder of Curve Lake First Nation).

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Pilates on Demand, April Corner's Inspiring Book & 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…

Pilates on Demand is a unique business concept in that it started out pre-Covid, and remains an entirely online concept. Owner Jessica Dalliday and her team of instructors deliver therapeutic exercise like Pilates, meditation and yoga into the comfort of your own home. Their approach is focussed on inclusivity and body diversity and classes range from 10 – 30 minutes. Their Covid pivot included the addition of live classes, in order to facilitate more social connections and they will remain. Check out the free 14-day trial at pilatesondemand.ca.

April Corner was diagnosed with Otosclerosis at the age of 25. An abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear, it causes hearing loss. After struggling with her situation for a few years, April finally learned to embrace her hearing aids and realized that they were actually her superpower. Inspired, April has written a book called What’s Your Superpower? It’s a conversation starter between kids and parents about people with different abilities, not disabilities. Check it out on Facebook here, or email aprilcorner@gmail.com to order a copy.

Pensieri, now operating as Blue Shoes, has been an iconic shoe store in Downtown Peterborough for 31 years! But no more, as Sylvia has announced their retirement and the doors will close at the end of November. The store has had a good run and is a great example of a small backbone business. Congratulations to the entire team, and be sure to get in to bring your best wishes and take advantage of the store closing deals.

Haya, Health for Life, is a Peterborough based company offering an all-natural premium supplement. With a complete line of 16 products, formulated by Dr Chakib Hammoud and delivered free locally, Haya covers everything from nutrition and skin care to joint flex and immunity. Details are at livehaya.com.

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Reimagined Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run For The Cure This Year In Peterborough & Beyond

For almost 30 years, the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure has united a collective of Canadians who are a force-for-life in the face of breast cancer.

This year, being physically apart won’t stop them from coming together to make a difference. The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and CIBC are inviting local residents to join the reimagined CIBC Run for the Cure, taking place on Sunday, October 4. 

Every day, more than 75 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer. As a higher risk population, people living with cancer rely on the same healthcare system that is still responding to COVID-19 and its impacts. 

Photo from 2019 courtesy CIBC Run for the Cure Peterborough

“Now more than ever, the CIBC Run for the Cure needs your support to ensure that no Canadian has to face breast cancer alone,” says Nicole Kirton, Volunteer Run Director, Canadian Cancer Society. “Cancer doesn’t stop being a life-changing and life-threatening disease in the middle of a pandemic and that’s why we will never stop running to support people affected by breast cancer.” 

The 2020 CIBC Run for the Cure has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind experience with both physical and virtual components. Through their refreshed, easy-to-use mobile app and website, participants can create and customize their own virtual runner, fundraise to unlock rewards and track their activity. On Run Day, participants will join the online opening ceremonies before heading out to walk or run in their neighbourhood. 

Photo from 2019 courtesy CIBC Run for the Cure Peterborough

The opening ceremonies will be livestreamed on Canadian Cancer Society’s Facebook and YouTube channels at 11:30 a.m. EST and will be hosted by Jully Black, the award-winning singer-songwriter dubbed Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul. Viewers can also expect performances from Barenaked Ladies, Jess Moskaluke and Carolyn Dawn Johnson. 

The Run is the largest single-day, volunteer-led event in Canada in support of the breast cancer cause. Canadians can register for or donate to the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run For The Cure at cibcrunforthecure.com. 

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Peterborough’s Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Site Is Relocating From Northcrest Arena To Eastgate Memorial Park

In response to higher-than-usual testing volumes over the last week, Peterborough’s drive-through COVID-19 testing centre will relocate to Eastgate Memorial Park (2150 Ashburnham Drive) effective, Monday, September 21st. Operating hours for the testing site will remain Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The move to this new location will help to accommodate higher-than-normal testing volumes seen at the drive-through since Labour Day. On Tuesday, September 15th, more than 420 people were tested.

Photo at Northcrest Arena courtesy PRHC

Lines at testing centres in communities across Ontario have grown longer in recent days, and testing capacity is limited in many areas. People should first seek testing options within the area where they live, work, or attend school.

Peterborough’s drive-through testing centre is intended for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, contact PRHC’s Assessment Centre directly by phone at 705-876-5086 to determine whether an appointment is required. If you have been advised to be tested due to an exposure, seek testing and follow public health recommendations to self-isolate or self-monitor. 

Photo courtesy PRHC

The final day of operations at Northcrest Arena will be Friday, September 18th.

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Klompmaker Family Named 2020 Farm Family Of The Year

The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce have announced the Klompmaker family, of 1378 6th Line Asphodel, Hastings as the 2020 Farm Family of the Year. 

This award recognizes a farm family that has demonstrated good farming practices, an interest in the farming community, and interest and participation by the family in its operation. 

For 7 years, Chris and Angela Klompmaker have owned and operated their 89-acre broiler chicken farm, K & H Poultry LTD. Chris is a 4th generation chicken farmer and serves as a District Committee Representative for district 9 with the Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO). Angela also grew up heavily involved in agriculture, and when she's not working as an RN, you can find her helping on the farm. 

Photo courtesy Peterborough Chamber

In 2015, the farm was certified organic by Pro-Cert Organics Systems LTD. The farm has also earned certifications for high animal welfare standards from Global Animal Partnership and the Chicken Farmers of Canada Animal Care Program, as well as for exceptional sanitation and food safety practices from the Ontario Farm Food Safety Assurance Program.

After upgrading each of the original three barns, the Klompmakers expanded and built a modern 24,000 square-foot barn, featuring a state-of-the-art computer system as well as a high-volume heat exchanger to increase efficiency. The farm now produces 50,000 chickens every eight weeks, and the family donates 700kg of fresh chicken to local food banks each year through the CFO Cares Program.

The Klompmaker family expanded in August of 2019 as they welcomed their daughter, Isabella. The same year, they purchased a 200-acre farm to fulfill their dream of getting involved in field crops.

The award will be presented at the Peterborough Business Excellence Awards digital event on Wednesday, October 21st.

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City Of Kawartha Lakes And Peterborough County Enter Into Shared Service Agreement For Chief Of Paramedics

Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough County Councils recently received presentations in their closed sessions by their Paramedic Services Review Team which consists of senior staff and the Chiefs of both Paramedic services.

The Team has collaborated on a Review to understand how the two services could work together for greater efficiencies. The Review is in line with the Provincial mandate to look at synergies of operations. It was also prompted by the forthcoming retirement of Chief Rafton, the Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Chief.

Kawartha Lakes is currently undertaking a paramedic service 10-year resource and facilities master plan and with the need for paramedic chief expertise, have chosen to enter into a shared service agreement with Peterborough County. This agreement will see Randy Mellow, Chief, Peterborough County-City Paramedics, take on a dual leadership role within both services while further review and the master plan is completed. Both Councils have granted approval to execute a Chief Shared Service agreement.

Chief Mellow and Chief Rafton

“Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough County-City Paramedic Services have enjoyed a long history of collaboration that has positioned our teams well to examine and establish strategies of efficiency and modernization to meet the evolving role of paramedicine in Ontario,” says Randy Mellow, Chief, Peterborough County-City Paramedics.

“I’m very pleased to have an opportunity to serve in a coordinating role with two incredibly talented Paramedic Service Leadership Teams under the direction of visionary municipal leadership as we seek opportunities to meet the specific needs of the Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes areas.”

Both Councils have directed the Review Team to explore a detailed analysis of additional opportunities including shared efficiencies of purchasing, human resources, facilities and specialized fleet such as a bariatric transport ambulance. Pending the review, a recommendation for any additional shared service agreements will be brought forward to the Councils in 2021.

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