Peterborough Blogs
Here Is A Update On City Services During Enhanced Provincewide Shutdown
/Here’s a media release from the City of Peterborough regarding how city services are impacted during latest shutdown…
With the provincewide shutdown extended until at least February 11th, 2021, City services and facility operations will continue to be adjusted to reflect direction by the Province to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
The City encourages residents to connect online through peterborough.ca or use phone services whenever possible to reduce the physical traffic through municipal facilities as a way to follow the public health guidance on physical distancing.
Even as the City takes action to encourage and support physical distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, critical municipal services are continuing. Services such as emergency services, public works, transit, and wastewater treatment, continue uninterrupted with adjustments for the safety of the community and employees.
Photo courtesy City of Peterborough
New decisions may be made affecting municipal services and facilities as the situation continues to evolve. For an up-to-date list of affected municipal services and facilities, please visit peterborough.ca/covid19. Subscribe to receive updates directly to your email inbox at peterborough.ca/subscribe.
Arena Division
All ice rental bookings until at least February 11, 2021 have been cancelled. A full refund or credit for cancelled dates will be applied. An update will be provided closer to re-opening when details are available. Staff are available by calling 705-742-7777 ext. 2577 or by email at arenadivisionbookings@peterborough.ca.
Art Gallery of Peterborough
The Art Gallery of Peterborough remains closed during the provincewide shutdown.
Planning and Building Services
Planning applications can be submitted and will continue to be processed. Hard copies of planning application materials can be dropped off at the North Wing of City Hall in the Building Services drop-off location.
Building Services is providing a modified pick-up and drop-off service from its location in the North Wing of City Hall. Residents are encouraged to access services online or by phone 705-742-7777 ext. 1892 whenever possible. Visit peterborough.ca/building for information, forms and the application process.
Child Care Centres
Licensed centre based and home child care can remain open. Families are encouraged to contact their current licensed child care provider to confirm access to care.
To support the families of school-aged children, the City of Peterborough is implementing the Province’s emergency child care plan for school-aged children of essential services workers as identified by the Province, at no cost to eligible families. Emergency child care services for children of JK/SK and school age (3.8 years -12 years) are available for eligible essential service workers in the City and County of Peterborough.
City Hall
City Hall is closed to the public until at least February 11, 2021 respecting the provincewide shutdown. The City will monitor provincial direction on the shutdown and will provide updates on re-opening for in-person services as they become available.
City staff will to be available during regular business hours by phone or email. If you do not know the individual or department you are trying to reach, please call 705-742-7777 or email cityptbo@peterborough.ca. Please understand that it may take longer to reply to messages depending on call and email volumes.
City Council
City Council meetings are being held electronically and livestreamed online at peterborough.ca/watchcouncil.
Community Services
Community Services, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Public Art and the Heritage Preservation Office is available by calling 705-742-7777 ext. 1822 or by email at communityservices@peterborough.ca.
Peterborough Museum and Archives
The Peterborough Museum and Archives remains closed during the provincewide shutdown. Please visit their website at peterborough.ca/museum for updates.
Peterborough Public Library
Peterborough Public Library is providing curbside pickup service during the provincewide shutdown. Access to the Main Branch of the Library is for pickup services only and there is a limit of 5 people at a time. Public washrooms are open during pick-up hours, with a limit of 1 person at a time per washroom. The DelaFosse branch remains closed currently. Further details are available online at ptbolibrary.ca.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre is closed until at least February 11. An update will be provided closer to re-opening when details are available. Wellness Centre Memberships have been placed on an automatic hold beginning December 26, 2020. For questions related to Recreation Division and Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, staff can be reached by calling 705-742-7777 x 2201 or by email at sportandwellnesscentre@peterborough.ca throughout the closure.
Provincial Offences Act Court
The court administration service counter will be closed for in-person service until at least February 11, 2021. Service inquiries and payments can be made by phone 705-742-7777 ext. 2099 or online at peterborough.ca/POA.
Public Operations Centre (Public Works)
The Public Operations Centre (Public Works) administration office at 791 Webber Ave. remains closed to the public. Public Works can be reached for urgent matters at 705-745-1386. This line is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For non-urgent matters, you may email pubworks@peterborough.ca, or use the online Report an Issue form at peterborough.ca.
Social Services
Public access to the Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be limited to 2 people at a time. Clients are required to wear a face covering and stay in authorized areas only. Social Services client appointments will be done over the phone whenever possible. Current clients are encouraged to contact their case worker for further information and are encouraged to register for online services through MyBenefits. The local phone number is 705-748-8830 or 1-855-738-3755.
Clients who have bank accounts are encouraged to contact their case workers about signing up for direct deposit.
All applications for Ontario Works or Emergency Assistance will be done online or over the phone, when possible, to minimize face-to-face interaction, following the public health guidance related to social distancing. Applications for other services such as Child Care fee subsidy and Housing Access Peterborough will also be completed over the phone.
Emergency shelter services will continue to operate as normal, with COVID-19 safety measures in place. Individuals can call the shelters directly or the Social Services office during regular business hours. For emergency shelter services during evenings and weekends individuals can call 705-926-0096.
Transit
Peterborough Transit will continue to operate as currently scheduled. Face covering and physical distancing is required. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for service details.
Customer service at the terminal will remain open with only one customer permitted into the facility at a time. A face covering must be worn at all times.
Waste Management
Garbage and recycling collection will continue as normally scheduled. To protect workers, please ensure that all personal items and personal protective equipment are properly bagged in the garbage.
The Peterborough City/County Landfill will remain open, with COVID-19 safety precautions in place. Face coverings and physical distancing are required.
The Recycling Depot and Household Hazardous Waste Depot on Pido Road will remain open, with COVID-19 safety precautions in place. More information is online at peterborough.ca/waste.
Outdoor amenities
Most outdoor amenities, such as parks, trails, and sport fields, are permitted to remain open under the Province’s shutdown order with certain conditions in place, such as maintaining physical distancing with anyone not from your household and prohibiting social gatherings of more than five people.
For some amenities, capacities have been set based on consultation with Peterborough Public Health to ensure sufficient spacing for physical distancing. Capacities for outdoor neighbourhood rinks have been posted at each rink.
Making Payments to the City
People are encouraged to make use of the numerous methods available when doing financial interactions with the City and avoid using cash.
Property taxes can be paid like any other bill through online or telephone banking using the 15-digit roll number as the account number. Cheques can be mailed to the Tax Office, City Hall, 500 George St. N., Peterborough, ON., K9H 3R9, or placed in the secure drop box located by the steps at the front doors of City Hall. The City offers preauthorized payment plans by completing an online form that’s available at peterborough.ca.
The City does not directly accept credit cards as a payment method for property taxes; however, people can use online bill payment services such as PaySimply, Plastiq or Paytm to pay property taxes online using a credit card. The listed payment services are not affiliates or partners of the City; they may apply service charges and there may be restrictions on the type of credit cards accepted.
For parking tickets, payments can be made online through peterborough.ca, over the phone at 705-742-7777 ext. 1865 or by cheque submitted through mail or using the drop box outside City Hall.
Miscellaneous invoice payments can be made over the phone at 705-742-7777 ext 1865. Cheques can also be mailed or placed in the secure drop box located at the front doors of City Hall along with the invoice payment stub.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Man Makes Heroic Rescue To Save Young Deer From Drowning On Lower Buckhorn Lake
/A Buckhorn man made a heroic rescue on Lower Buckhorn Lake on Thursday (January 14th) to save a young deer from certain drowning in the freezing cold water.
Rob in kayak (Photo courtesy Shelley Fine)
As his neighbour Shelley Fine shares in a widely shared post on Facebook about his act of bravery, here’s how it went down…
This has been such a heartwarming day. My neighbour spotted a young deer who had fallen through the ice and went out in his kayak to save her by using a rope. She struggled for an hour as he tried to get her up on solid ice but she kept going under. He saw she wasn’t going to make it so he crawled out on his belly and used his hands to pull her to safety. He carried her to his shed and he and his wife dried and warmed her up. The deer slept for three hours then took off like a shot. Rob (he doesn’t want his full name mentioned) you are a hero!! You acted from your heart Bravo and so happy the deer was saved.
Rob with the exhausted deer after rescue (Photo courtesy Shelley Fine)
Shelley tells PTBOCanada she wasn’t at all surpised Rob would attempt such a rescue, as this is just in his nature:
“I know this guy—he is a humble guy who doesn’t think twice about helping others,” she says. “He just goes into action to help others. He plows my driveway, looks out for me, looks out for others. He has an empathetic nature, which is just what the world needs more of now.”
The exhausted deer warming up in blanket (Photo courtesy Shelley Fine)
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Here's The Release From Peterborough Police Service In Response To Enforcement Of Provincial Emergency And Stay-At-Order
/Here’s the police release…
“As part of the new COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order and the Provincial Emergency Declaration, the Peterborough Police Service will be stepping up enforcement.
Within the provincial orders yesterday were new enforcement measures. They are as follows:
The province will provide authority to all provincial offences officers, including the Ontario Provincial Police, local police forces, bylaw officers, and provincial workplace inspectors to issue tickets to individuals:
who do not comply with the stay-at-home-order
who are not wearing a mask or face covering indoors in places open to the public, subject to limited exceptions
Or
retail operators and companies who do not enforce requirements under orders under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act (ROA) or EMPCA.
Those who decide not to abide by orders will be subject to a set fine and/or prosecution under both the ROA and EMCPA as applicable.
In addition, all provincial offences officers will have the authority to temporarily close a premise and disperse individuals who are in contravention of the gathering limits and will be able to disperse people who are gathering, regardless whether a premise has been closed or remains open such as a park.
All provincial offences officers who have reasonable and probable grounds to believe that an individual has committed an offence under section 7.0.11 of the EMCPA may require the individual to provide the officer with the individual’s correct name, date of birth and address. Individuals are required to promptly comply. Verbal identification is sufficient. Physical identification such as a driver’s licence is not required.
New protection measures as stated by the provincial government yesterday:
Taking effect January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.:
Outdoor organized public gatherings and social gatherings are further restricted to a limit of five people with limited exceptions. This is consistent with the rules during the lockdown during the first wave of COVID-19 in spring 2020 and will allow individuals and families to enjoy time outdoors safely.
Individuals are required to wear a mask or face covering in the indoor areas of businesses or organizations that are open. Wearing a mask or face covering is now recommended outdoors when you can't physically distance more than two metres.
All non-essential retail stores, including hardware stores, alcohol retailers, and those offering curbside pickup or delivery, must open no earlier than 7 a.m. and close no later than 8 p.m. The restricted hours of operation do not apply to stores that primarily sell food, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, and restaurants for takeout or delivery.
Non-essential construction is further restricted, including below-grade construction, exempting survey. (More to come from the province)
These measures will come into effect between Tuesday January 12, 2021 and Thursday, January 14, 2021, including the provincial declaration of emergency under the EMCPA, orders under that Act, and amendments to regulations under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020.
Read the Ontario Government directive.
“We are asking residents to comply with the provincial orders,” says Chief Scott Gilbert, Peterborough Police Service. “Enforcement will take place and it’s not going to be cautions. Fines will be laid.”
Under the EMPCA (Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act) and the Re-Opening Ontario Act the fines are as follows:
$750 - Fail to comply with an order made during a declared emergency
$1000 - Obstruct any person exercising a power in accordance with an order made during a declared emergency
$1000 - Obstruct any person performing a duty in accordance with an order made during a declared emergency
“Our enforcement will be complaint driven,” adds Chief Gilbert. “If someone calls, we will follow up and if an officer sees an offence in progress they will proceed accordingly.”
Peterborough Police Service is currently receiving a lot of questions about the orders including:
Masks
Anyone entering the Peterborough Police Service lobby must be wearing a mask.
Peterborough Police Service Lobby
In addition to masks, only two (2) people will be allowed in the lobby and physical distancing is required
Online Reporting
For non-emergency calls consider using the online reporting system on the Peterborough Police Website
Record Checks/Freedom of Information (FOI) Requests
The majority of record checks can be done online through the Record Checks
Special cases will be handled by scheduled appointment only. It’s asked that if you do have an appointment that you are on time and wearing a mask.
Freedom of Information Requests must be made through a scheduled appointment. It’s asked that if you do have an appointment that you are on time and wearing a mask.
Collision Reporting Centre (CRC)
As the Collision Reporting Centre is in the lobby of the Peterborough Police Service and there are more than two people are in the lobby you may be asked to wait in your vehicle if possible. Outside of that restriction the CRC will continue to operate Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm.
Child Custody Exchanges
If a formal court order exists, please ensure both parties have a copy of the arrangement.
If no formal court order agreement exists, please consider having your arrangement written down and signed by both parties and a copy available to each party so it can be presented to officers if necessary.”
[via peterboroughpolice.ca]
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
PRHC Radiation Treatment Centre Reopens Following Replacement Of Linear Accelerator
/Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Lakeridge Health have announced that the radiation treatment facility at PRHC resumed operation on Monday, January 11th, following the replacement of the medical linear accelerator (LINAC) technology in late 2020. (A LINAC is the device most commonly used for external beam radiation treatments for patients with cancer, and delivers high-energy x-rays or electrons to the region of the patient's tumour in a way that destroys the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue.)
“We are pleased to welcome patients back to PRHC for their radiation treatments this week,” says Brenda Weir, Vice President, Regional Programs at PRHC. “The new LINAC has been made possible through our partnership with Durham Regional Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health. Regular renewal of our equipment and technology helps us to maintain high-quality care for patients, and to keep PRHC’s radiation treatment facility consistent with a provincial standard of care.”
“The installation of the radiation facility at PRHC in 2013 has brought cancer treatment closer to home for more than 2,000 patients and families in Peterborough and the surrounding communities in the years since it was first opened,” says Lesley Heighway, President of the PRHC Foundation.
“The installation of this facility was made possible at the time through the generous support of PRHC Foundation donors, and we are excited about this further provincial investment into state-of-the-art radiation technology that will ensure patients in our community continue to receive the best cancer care possible, closer to home,” Heighway adds.
Construction to replace the LINAC began in September 2020. Throughout the fall and early winter, patients who would normally receive their treatment at PRHC have received their treatment at the Durham Regional Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
City of Peterborough Setting Up Curbside Pick-Up Zones In Downtown
/To support local businesses during the provincewide shutdown, the City of Peterborough has announced it is setting up curbside pick-up zones in the downtown core.
Signs will be installed to designate areas as a “15-minute curbside pickup zone”. Each block in downtown Peterborough will have a zone on both sides of the street.
During the shutdown, more customers are making quick stops for curbside pick-up rather than visits that require longer-term parking. The pick-up zones will ensure convenient, high-turnover parking access for customers.
"Local businesses are the backbone of our community and it's important that we support them, especially during this challenging time," says Mayor Diane Therrien.
Photo courtesy City of Peterborough
HOW CURBSIDE PICK-UP ZONES WORK
-> To ensure curbside pick-up zones are available for customers to conveniently access businesses, a maximum time limit of 15 minutes will be enforced.
-> Drivers using the new curbside pick-up zones will not have to pay for parking in these zones as long as they comply with the 15 minute time limit.
-> While stopped, drivers should turn off their vehicle in order to avoid idling as required under the City’s anti-idling by-law.
-> Parking longer than the 15 minute window could result in a parking ticket with a fine of $25.
Existing commercial loading zones, accessible parking spaces, bus stops and no-parking zones adjacent to intersections will be maintained, and drivers are reminded that enforcement of existing parking restrictions in these areas will continue. Theses spaces are not to be used for regular parking or for curbside pick-up zones.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Wellman Clinic, Sqarq Retail & 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…
Dr. Ange Wellman recently opened her new clinic in Downtown Peterborough. The Wellman Clinic specializes in pediatric and prenatal chiropractic, with an emphasis on women’s health. Combining specific and gentle chiropractic adjustments with personalized lifestyle support, Dr. Ange can help you take back control of your health. Located at 388 Water Street, just across the lane from Scotia Bank, the Wellman Clinic is also excited to announce that Dr. Ange's husband Dr. Peter Drysdale will be sharing the space. Dr. Peter also uses the gentle touch, or torque release method of Chiropractic care. For details and to book an appointment, visit wellmanclinic.ca or drpeterdrysdale.com.
Sparq Retail recently opened the first of at least two planned cannabis stores in Peterborough. The first location is at 340 Charlotte Street, between Reid and Park and is open for curbside pickup or same-day delivery. Owner and Peterborough native Robert Brunsch says the second location, at 861 Lansdowne, next to Chapters will be opening soon. Roberts goal is to provide an educational and inclusive experience, and has plans for more locations. Visit sparqretail.ca for more info.
Kawartha Home Health Care recently moved from Bridgenorth to their new location at 320 Water Street. Owner Patti Clancy and her team provide a variety of home health care services, including RN’s, RPN’s, PSW’s, Health Care Assistants, transportation, foot care, facility staffing and more. For a free assessment and tailored care plans, visit kawarthahomehealthcare.com, and watch for the Live online launch of their new location on Saturday (January 16th) at 10 a.m.
The Riverside Tattoo and Skate Shop is located at 172 Simcoe St in downtown Peterborough. The tattoo shop features a number of talented artists, with a focus on bright, solid colours, and everything private and appointment only. The skate shop is open to the public from Tuesday-Sunday, featuring everything from decks to clothing and accessories. And the Barber shop is open by appointment. It’s a complete service and very cool shop, so check it out at riversidetattooshop.com.
Canadian Cancer Society Is Moving Forward With Pink In The Rink 2021
/The Canadian Cancer Society, recognizing that vital funds need to be raised to fight cancer, is moving forward with Pink in the Rink 2021 on February 6, 2021 at 7 p.m. even though the Peterborough Petes are not playing due to Covid.
Although they are disappointed that there will not be a game, they are excited to share the latest details on what the evening will include:
Event goal: $40,000
Your TV will be airing the Pink in the Rink 2020 game along with 2021 opening ceremonies, two intermission shows and a wrap up
Your TV Facebook Live will be sharing the opening, intermissions and wrap up to coincide with the aired coverage
An online auction will take place from January 30th to February 6th at 8:30 pm with items such as
2020 Pink in the Rink jersey
A Verandah Café show with Meghan Murphy and Kate Suhr
Petes Trivia Zoom Party hosted by Pete Dalliday
Wildfire Golf Package
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Here Are Safety Guidelines For Neighbourhood Rinks In Peterborough During Covid
/Each year, volunteers organize to create outdoor rinks in their neighbourhoods. They maintain the rinks throughout the winter, contributing to their neighbourhoods.
To support this activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough Public Health worked together to develop guidelines for the safe use of outdoor neighbourhood rinks.
To ensure adequate space for physical distancing, a maximum capacity is posted for each outdoor neighbourhood rink based on the size of the rink, according to a City of Peterborough media release. Organized play on neighbourhood rinks is prohibited as part of the public health measures. No pick-up hockey games or shinny are allowed. Neighbourhood rinks are for casual recreational use only.
Photo via City of Peterborough
Other public health measures and general rules for neighbourhood park rinks include:
Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. Stay home if you are sick.
Maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres (6 feet) from those outside of your household.
Wearing a mask or face covering is recommended.
Each rink has a posted capacity limit. If the rink has reached this limit, return at another time.
Downloading the Government of Canada’s COVID Alert app to your phone is encouraged.
All children/dependents must be accompanied by a competent adult/guardian.
Play safe and be respectful of others and the host neighbourhood.
Clean up after yourself.
Do not block driveways or street access.
Use at your own risk.
