4th Line Theatre Launches Propel Weekly Writing Program

4th Line Theatre has announced they are launching a new initiative this month, the Propel Weekly Writing Program, adding to the company’s virtual programming as part of the Nexicom Presents 4th Line Theatre @ Home event series. 

Anyone interested in participating is invited to join Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell for one or all in this 11-week series of online writing/creation workshops. The workshops are designed to inspire writers and creators and to allow them to commit time to their projects. There will also be time in each session to discuss work and collect feedback from Blackwell. 

Kim Blackwell (photo courtesy 4th Line Theatre)

“It is so challenging to carve out the time to devote to your artistic endeavours, especially your writing projects,” says Blackwell. “The Propel Writing Program will allow interested participants to join me twice a week for a 20-minute period of writing and then, if you want, we can discuss your project, your progress and any challenges you are facing.”

The writing workshops will run twice-a-week on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, February 17th through to Thursday, April 29th. Thanks to Nexicom, registration is free-of-charge. Space is limited to 50 participants per session, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The sessions will be hosted on the Zoom video platform.

Click this link to register. Once registered, you will receive an email prior to the event with a link to the meeting on the Zoom video platform.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Hi-Valley Home, Kitchens Depot & 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…

Hi-Valley Home is Kelly Hickey and Kerry Murphy’s new business. Specializing in custom furniture refinishing and painting, upcycled home décor, and staging and design assistance, Kelly and Kerry discovered their mutual love of making a piece of furniture come to life again! Whether it is painting, sanding or staining, they can re-purpose a piece for you, or have one of their creations brighten up your space. Check out the new pieces and decor items on their website or get in touch about your own project. Go to hivalleyhome.com for more info.

Peterborough Microgreens is a sustainable urban farm committed to providing the community with year-round access to locally grown produce through their delivery service and their partnership with the Second Harvest program. Owners Stephanie and Daniel describe it as a small family run business located in the west end. The microgreens are grown indoors using green energy, vertical farming methods, following strict organic protocols, using plastic-free packaging. Visit peterboroughmicrogreens.com for more info.

Stephanie and Daniel

A shout-out to Gary William's and Keven Condon of Kitchens Depot. They opened their business one year ago at 810 Rye Street and are happy to be celebrating their 1st anniversary. Go to kitchensdepot.ca for more info.

Legendary Coaching has an upcoming webinar called Stress 2 Success. With a focus on stress management, the workshop will help you mitigate stress in your life and equip you to be a better teammate or leader in the workplace. Legendarycoaching.ca for more info.

Hydro One and Jack.org are partnering to bring free virtual mental health education to communities across Ontario. The live-streamed Jack Talks will help participants recognize the signs that someone is struggling and connect participants to mental health and well-being supports. The talks are at 5 p.m. and the next one is February 18th. To register, click here.

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2021 Virtual PInk In The Rink Event Raises $23,850

The Canadian Cancer Society, along with the Peterborough Petes, have announced that Pink in the Rink 2021 has raised $23,850 and counting.

This year's event brings the total amount raised in 12 years to $812,099. Their partnership with Your TV allowed for them to share a unique opening ceremony, impactful intermission shows and a final wrap up as well as a chance to relive the Pink in the Rink 2020 game.

Although this year presented numerous challenges, including the game being postponed due to the pandemic, the community continued to support the event through online donations, merchandise sales and the online auction.

While the goal that was set of $40,000 was not reached, the committee is proud they continue to be the most successful OHL/Canadian Cancer Society partnership in Ontario and that they were able to continue to raise vital funds for women's cancer research.

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Otonabee Conservation Offers Tree Seedling Sales Program

Otonabee Conservation is encouraging landowners in the Otonabee Region Watershed to enhance their property and help to fight climate change by planting trees.

Each year, Otonabee Conservation offers a wide selection of native tree and shrub species for landowners to purchase. Orders can be placed online at otonabeeconservation.com.

“Trees play an important role in maintaining a healthy and resilient natural environment—planting more trees will help us fight climate change,” says Meredith Carter, Manager of the Watershed Management Program at Otonabee Conservation. “Last year, 89 landowners in our watershed purchased and planted 8,450 trees and shrubs through our Tree Seedling Sales Program. This will translate to approximately 2 million kg of sequestered Carbon over the lifetime of these trees!”

Meredith Carter, Manager of Watershed Management Programs at Otonabee Conservation, holds a bare root tree that was one of 4,500 trees planted at a watershed resident’s property in Otonabee South Monaghan Township last fall. (Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation)

WHAT YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM

Landowners can choose from a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees and wildlife shrubs, including: White Pine, Eastern White Cedar, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Highbush Cranberry, and Buttonbush, along with some unique species such as Tulip Tree, Bitternut Hickory, and Serviceberry. The minimum order is 25 seedlings of a selected species.

Orders can be submitted online now, for pickup in Spring 2021, with an order deadline of March 21st. Otonabee Conservation expects the seedlings to arrive at the conservation authority office in late April, at which time landowners will be contacted and pick-up times will be arranged. 

Details about the Otonabee Conservation Tree Seedling Sales Program and the online ordering system are available here.

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Federal Government Is Financing $8.5 Million To Help Construct 3-Storey Rental Unit In Peterborough

Maryam Monsef, MP for Peterborough-Kawartha, announced that the federal government is financing $8.5 million to help construct a three-storey, 27 rental unit building located at 888 Whitefield Drive in Peterborough.

The 888 Whitefield Drive development by Parkview Homes is receiving financing through the Government of Canada’s Rental Construction Financing initiative (RCFi), a National Housing Strategy program delivered by CMHC that supports rental housing construction projects. The program encourages a stable supply of rental housing for middle-class families struggling in expensive housing markets.

Maryam Monsef making announement on Livestream Friday, February 5th, 2021

Since 2019, the Government of Canada has now invested nearly $25 million to build housing in Peterborough-Kawartha with other projects at the Brock Mission, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough, and Water Street.

That is in addition to prior housing investments for projects at The Mount Community Centre, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services, and Peterborough Housing Corporation’s McRae project.

“COVID-19 has reminded us that nothing is more important than a home,” says Monsef. “As we all do our part to contain the spread, homes have become a sanctuary—a place of safety and refuge in challenging times. Today’s announcement means more than $30 million has been invested by the Government of Canada to renovate, subsidize and build 1,600 housing units in Peterborough-Kawartha. That’s 1,600 families with a safe roof over their head, 1,600 families who get to live, grow, and excel in this community we are all fortunate to call home. And there is more to come.”

“Peterborough has a significant need for more safe and accessible housing,” adds Mayor Therrien. “I would like to thank MP Monsef for her work to push this project forward, as well as CMHC and Parkview Homes for their commitment to providing secure, energy efficient units that meet the needs of our community.”

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The Lakefield Trail Launches 20th Anniversary Photo Contest

The Lakefield Trail Stewardship Committee invites people to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Lakefield Trail in 2021 by entering your photos in a yearlong photo contest. 

“It has always been a very well used recreational trail, but this year it has been critical infrastructure in our village,” says Bruce Bellchambers, Chair of the Lakefield Trail Stewardship Committee. “Physical and mental health is so important and our trail is accessible for all to enjoy.”

The Lakefield Millennium Trail opened in 2000 as way to celebrate the new millennium and the 125th anniversary of the Village of Lakefield. So many natural and historic locations along the trail result in wonderful photo opportunities. 

The Lakefield Trail photo contest will run for all four seasons of 2021. Photos must be taken with at least one foot on the Trail and then emailed here.  

For more info, check out contest details here and a map of the trail here.

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Hospice Peterborough Implements New Health And Safety Measures

Hospice Peterborough has announced it is boosting its health and safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic by participating in a Ministry of Health pilot program.

The Employer Antigen Screening program provides antigen testing for all staff who enter the building from February 1st to March 26th. It involves a regulated healthcare professional taking a nasopharyngeal swab and delivering results on site within 15 minutes. Any staff with a preliminary positive will not be allowed to return to the building until they have a confirmed negative test. This test may provide false negatives 30 percent of the time.

“Although it’s not perfect, this test provides another layer of protection as it may identify an individual infected with COVID-19 who might’ve gone undetected through regular screening protocols,” says Hospice Peterborough Executive Director, Hajni Hős.

Photo via Hospice Peterborough Facebook page

Other heightened safety precautions at Hospice include: requiring all new residents from a hospital to have had a negative COVID-19 swab within 24 hours prior to admission and isolating these new residents for at least 72 hours. Residents admitted from the community will be isolated and tested in admission and remain in isolation. All residents will be tested again for COVID-19 on their fourth day after admission.

To limit the number of people coming into the building, all community programs and services are taking place via Zoom web-conferencing or phone.

Residents are permitted two essential visitors within a 24-hour period and all visitors will be screened including temperature and required to wear a medical-grade mask. Currently, each resident may have a total of six essential visitors who can rotate through, two at a time, every 24 hours. This could change at any time.

“We sincerely apologize that due to COVID-19 restrictions and our emphasis on keeping residents and staff safe, our usual open-door policy for visitors is restricted,” Hős says. “For those residents in the last days or hours of their life, Hospice Peterborough will carefully and compassionately consider allowing more essential visitors as well as visiting beyond regular visiting hours.”

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The Canal Has Opened For Skating For The Season

The Trent Severn Waterway canal is green-flagged (as of February 1st, 2021) by the City of Peterborough as conditions have been deemed safe for skating.

Ice conditions are monitored regularly and posted with a green flag when conditions are safe for skating, and a red flag when conditions are unsafe. Residents are reminded to always follow the flag indicator and all COVID-19 public health guidelines.

Photo courtesy City of Peterborough

During the provincewide Stay at Home Order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, everyone is required to stay home except for essential outings, which includes exercise. When people go out for exercise, they should stay within their own community.

The canal will be for skating only: Sports and games are prohibited on the canal as well as at the outdoor neighbourhood rinks in City parks as part of the provincial regulation. Physical distancing is mandatory and anyone using the canal must remain with members of their own household only.

Photo courtesy Kirtus Evoy

GUIDELINES FOR CANAL AND OUTDOOR RINK USE:

1. Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. Stay home if you are sick.

2. Maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres (6 feet) from those outside of your household.

3. Do not gather in groups more than 5.

4. Skating only – no sports or games.

5. Wearing a mask or face covering is recommended.

6. Downloading the Government of Canada’s COVID Alert app to your phone is encouraged.

7. All children/dependents must be accompanied by a competent adult/guardian.

8. Be safe and be respectful of others.

9. Clean up after yourself.

10. Wash or sanitize hands before and after visiting.

11. Use at your own risk.

Residents that have concerns about non-compliance can contact the Peterborough Police Service using their non-emergency phone line at 705-876-1122.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Shining Waters Chiropractic, Covet Coffee And Tea, & 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…

Shining Waters Chiropractic has announced the addition of Dr. Jessica Longhi to the team. As part of her chiropractic training, Dr. Jess spent a year at a US Veteran Affairs hospital and is excited to bring her knowledge and skills back home to her community. Located across from Del Crary Park, Shining Waters has also introduced Laser Therapy and Custom Orthotics in addition to massage therapy, acupuncture, animal chiropractic and canine massage. To book an appointment, visit shiningwaterschiro.com.

Dr. Jessica Longhi

Lindsay Brock, who many will recognize from both Amuse and The Edison Coffee shops has rebranded and refocused with an online coffee and tea boutique. Called Covet Coffee and Tea, Lindsay promises whole bean, whole leaf, whole life. Check out Covet Coffee and Tea from the Queen of Cups, Lindsay Brock, on Facebook.

Congratulations to Joe Grant from LLF Lawyers, who was recently sworn in as the 2021 Chair of the Board for the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. Joe’s focus for the year is on resiliency, celebrating our local business community, and supporting them through the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber also welcomed Joel Wiebe to the team this week. Joel is the new Government Relations Coordinator, responsible for the Chambers lobbying efforts on behalf of businesses in the City and County of Peterborough

Joe Grant

Joel Wiebe

And congratulations to Brenda Ibey from The Avant-Garden Shop on her business being awarded “Wild Bird Store of the Year” by Wild Bird Trading. Celebrating 18 years in business in downtown Peterborough this last year has seen a surge in the sale of bird feeders, bird food and accessories. The award celebrates the best in product knowledge, quality, selection and overall customer service. Go to avantgardenshop.com for more info.

Brenda Ibey

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The Canadian Canoe Museum Has Announced The Purchase Of Johnson Property

The Canadian Canoe Museum (CCM) and the City of Peterborough have announced the conditional purchase and sale of Johnson Property, the City-owned land at 2077 Ashburnham Drive in Peterborough.

City Council approved the direction to proceed with the sale of the land on Monday subject to a number of conditions including rezoning. Project validation and confirmation of site appropriateness are among the additional conditions that must be met to close the deal. CCM will pay $1.575 million for the five acres of land in a transaction expected to be completed by this summer.

Image courtesy Canadian Canoe Museum

The museum intends to sell its current property at 910 Monaghan Road to help fund the new build project.

“Kicking off the New Year with this key milestone realized drives further momentum to our new world-class museum build,” says Carolyn Hyslop, executive director, The Canadian Canoe Museum. “In less than a year, we’ve moved from walking away from a contaminated site to forming a new build project team and identifying and securing an alternate location. The purchase of a viable new site puts our project firmly on-track to be shovel-ready by the end of this year.”

“The new location for The Canadian Canoe Museum will enhance the waterfront experience in Peterborough with the location next to Little Lake and along the Trans Canada Trail network,” says Councillor Gary Baldwin, City Council’s representative on the Canadian Canoe Museum Board. “It’s an ideal location beside parks and greenspaces with nearby public parking at East Gate Park and Beavermead Park, as well as easy access to Highway 7/115.”

Image courtesy Canadian Canoe Museum

PROJECT PARTNERS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING

Architect: Lett Architects Inc., Peterborough
General Contractor: Chandos Construction Ltd, Toronto
Structural Engineering: LEA, Markham, Ont.
Mechanical trade partner: Kelson Mechanical, Sharon, Ont.
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering: DG Biddle & Associates, Oshawa
Mass Timber trade partner: Nordic Structures, Montreal
Electrical trade partner: Lancer Electric, Peterborough
Environmental: Cambium Inc., Peterborough
Civil Engineer: Engage Engineering, Peterborough
Geotech/Hydrogeological: Thomas Grace & Associates, Lindsay
Conservation: Michael Harrington, JHG Consulting Network Inc., Merrickville, Ont.

Johnson Property is situated on Little Lake, north of Beavermead Park and south of the Parks Canada-Trent Severn Waterway head offices. The new canoe museum will be built on a flat portion of the property, away from the floodplain, on the open land along Ashburnham Drive so as to preserve the existing trail, shoreline and natural waterfront.

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