Splash Challenge at Peterborough Lift Locks For Easter Seals Fundraiser

It will be tough to top this water challenge!

Wayne Harding, Rotary Club of Peterborough president, his son Jackson Harding, Easter Seals ambassador Mitchell McCall and brother Eli McCall got blasted with a fire hose twice while paddling in the canal below the Lift Locks on Monday afternoon.

The soaking was part of the Carl Oake Rotary Splash Challenge encouraging Peterborough families to film or photograph aquatic activities such as water balloon fights, pool dives or anything to get wet. It began back on May 17.

The challenge doubles as a fundraiser where all proceeds will go towards Rotary projects in Peterborough and Easter Seals.

The challenge started on May 14 and runs until June 19. Photo By David Tuan Bui

“The needs of the community don’t go away, in fact, they probably increase as we all know,” said Rick Storey, Rotary Club of Peterborough. “This has been good to have some fun, having some smiles and we will raise some money for Easter Seals and Rotary Club which is fantastic.”

Rick Storey (left) with Peterborough Fire Services, the latter provided the firehose to spray the canoers. Storey did not get soaked during the event. Photo By David Tuan Bui

The challenge replaced the 35th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swimathon typically held at the Balsillie Family YMCA pool every February. It could not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over $1.2 million has been raised during the 35-year span helping Rotary projects such as the Habitat for Humanity Youth Program, Homeward Bound Program, Family Day at Del Crary Park and Strong Kids program at the YMCA.

Mitchell McCall (left) and Eli McCall (right) were one of two canoes that went through the fire hose provided by Peterborough Fire Services. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This fundraiser will help aid Easter Seals since their annual Peterborough Easter Seals telethon was postponed from June 13 to Sept. 26 because of the pandemic that was announced on June 4.

Wayne Harding (left) and Jackson Harding (right)

Challenges will be accepted until this Saturday for anyone willing to participate by using the hashtag #CarlOakeRotarySplashChallenge on social media.

Donations can be made online at the Rotary Club’s official website.

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United Way Delivering “Day of Caring” Donations For Students and Shelters

Local shelters and students will receive more than 100 kits each donated by the community and collected by United Way’s “Day of Caring” announced on Wednesday.

School supplies such as backpacks, pencil crayons, markers, notebooks, paper and more were school supply items donated to the United Way. Photo Courtesy of United Way.

More than 120 local residents donated 275 kits worth of items (135 for local shelters and 139 for students) at the United Way office in downtown Peterborough last Wednesday. Brant Office Supply contributed more than 200 facemasks to be included in all kits. 

Personal hygiene and care product kits are for the local shelters. Backpacks filled with school supplies are for the students of the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board as part of the United Way’s “Backpacks For Kids” program.

The community collection drive was a departure from past “Day of Caring” events that had volunteers working on local projects and instead focused on meeting the immediate needs of those in our community who are financially insecure, precariously housed or homeless. 

Toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, body wash, sanitizer, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, bandages and more were in the personal care kits. Photo Courtesy of United Way.

Jim Russell, district C.E.O. was overcome with pride at being part of such a generous and giving community.

“To hear stories from so many people as to what inspired them to give to this initiative really served to bring home to me that we are lucky to live, work and play in such an empathetic and caring community,” he said. “One young girl heard the call to action on the news and spent her allowance to create a kit… … She said that when she first came to Peterborough, she received a backpack through her school and will never forget how proud and lucky that made her feel so was excited for the chance to pay it forward.”

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City of Peterborough Hires First Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

Reem Ali has become the City of Peterborough’s first diversity, equity and inclusion officer announced on Monday.

Ali has a certificate in Ethics and Contemporary Social Issues from Saint Paul University. Screenshot.

Her position will assist Peterborough with addressing racism, discrimination, and the prevention, identification and removal of barriers to access in opportunity. The new role will provide expert advice and guidance, strengthening the City’s ability to serve diverse communities.

“The new position reflects the City’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. For our community to thrive, we need to be open and welcoming to all people,” said Diane Therrien, Peterborough mayor. Diversity of experiences, backgrounds and cultures makes us a better, stronger, more vibrant community.”

City Council approved creating the position through the City’s 2021 Budget as Ali will start her role in July.

“As we see the historical and present-day experiences of discrimination and hate that have destroyed lives, we have a responsibility to learn, to understand and to take action to improve our City and our country,” Therrien added.

Ali has a Master of Science degree in biochemistry from McMaster University, Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from Carleton University. Photo Courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Ali is currently the interim executive director of the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre and has taught International Studies at Trent University. She currently serves on non-profit boards including the YWCA, the Kawartha World Issues Centre, the Peterborough Field Naturalists and the Clean Slate Enterprise.

She is also the chair of the Peterborough Regional Farmers Market Steering Committee and has previously worked at the New Canadians Centre.

“I am very honoured to have been trusted with this new and important role in my home City of Peterborough,” said Ali. “(I) look forward to advancing this challenging but much-needed DEI work within the City and our local community.”

In 2018, Ali received the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s 4 Under 40 award and the Inaugural Women's Leadership Award by Maryam Monsef, Peterborough-Kawartha MP.

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Peterborough Zoo Offering Guided Tours This Summer

Beginning July 2, the Riverview Park and Zoo will offer pre-booked guided tours of the zoo area announced in a press release on Friday.

Riverview Park and Zoo is the only accredited zoo in Canada with free admission. File Photo.

Like the admission, tours of the zoo are free however donations are strongly encouraged. Families of up to 10 people will be accommodated and booking will be available starting Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. A link will become available on their tour page for bookings at that time.

“We are so excited to welcome guests back for oneway guided treks of the zoo this summer,” said Cathy Mitchell, Program Supervisor. “We are ramping up, hiring staff, training volunteers, putting up barriers to the exhibits and adding more sanitizer stations.”

Riverview Park and Zoo has been operating in Peterborough since 1933. File Photo.

Several zoo amenities remain closed until further notice such as the splash pad, gift shop, snack bar, train ride and picnic shelters. The playground, disc golf course, park areas and park trails remain open for use.

Mitchell urges families to continue social distancing with other patrons and animals as the latter are vulnerable to the virus.

“As we have eight species of animals who are susceptible to COVID-19, we are asking all visitors do their part to protect these animals and remain at a two-metre distance from the animal exhibits at all times while on tours,” she said.

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Former PTBOCanada Owner Releases New Motivating Book With StudioPTBO

Former PTBOCanada owner Neil Morton is doing well for himself.

He and Cody May, StudioPTBO C.E.O. have released their new book, “What if you Could? The Mindset and Business Blueprint for Your Life of Purpose” on Monday.

StudioPTBO owner Neil Morton (left) and CEO Cody May (right) celebrate the release of thier new book. May suggested the idea of writing the book to Morton over two years ago. Photo Courtesy of StudioPTBO.

The book gives its readers an energetic blueprint and template to live your best life. It could bring an idea to life, pursue leisurely goals or anything to help maximize your life without bringing negativity according to Morton.

“A lot of us are wired to think we can’t do things when human beings are actually capable of amazing things,” he said. “‘Why can’t you do something?’, if you have that mindset, you can crush anything.”

StudioPTBO was founded in 2015 Neil Morton and Nora Mickee. Cody May joined the partnership in April of 2018. Photo Courtesy of StudioPTBO.

The book was a project on Morton’s bucket list that he wanted to cross off. The timing for the book’s release could not be more perfect since Canada is opening up from the pandemic with no better opportunity to go for it Morton explained.

“One of the big messages of the book is to go get it now and just do it,” he said. “I know it sounds simple but so many people have that mindset now. That we’re not just going to survive but thrive.”

Readers have already received their book pre-orders and gave the authors overwhelming positive reviews.

“So far, the feedback has been phenomenal,” Morton exclaimed. “We’ve been using the hashtag #whatifyoucan. It’s been incredible.”

Cody May (left) and Neil Morton (right) outside StudioPTBO, Morton’s marketing service agency business he focuses on after selling PTBOCanada in March. Photo Courtesy of StudioPTBO.

The former owner of PTBOCanada makes numerous references to Peterborough in the book. He cites his deep local connection with the city and why he moved back home after living in Toronto for many years.

The book is currently available on Amazon for Kindle, Amazon for paperback and Barnes & Noble paperback. The book will soon be available in the Peterborough Public Library and Trent University’s Bata Library, Morton’s alma mater. He is also working to get the book sold by Chapters in Peterborough as well as other local book stores.

Morton had co-founded PTBOCanada with Evan Holt in 2010. It was sold to current owner Kirtus Evoy in March after owning the business for over a decade.

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Peterborough Giving Out Free "Celebrate at Home" Kits for Canada Day

The City of Peterborough will be handing out 500 free Canada Day “Celebrate at Home” kits for June 29 announced Friday after the cancellation of the annual Canada’s Day parade.

Peterborough’s Canada Day Parade runs on George Street from City Hall to Morrow Park annually. Photo Courtesy of City of Peterborough.

The cancellation occurred since it could not comply with step 1 of the Province of Ontario’s Reopening Roadmap that restricts outdoor gathering to a maximum of 10 people.

The kits include Canada Day-themed decorations, crafts, activities, contests, scavenger hunts and fun giveaways to help celebrate the nation's birthday safely.

Families can participate in the contests and activities and share their photos online using #PtboCanadaDay2021. The kits are a way for the community to celebrate together.

“Brighter days are ahead and we look forward to celebrating future holidays together when it’s safe but we’re not there just yet,” said Diane Therrien, Peterborough Mayor. “The health and wellbeing of residents is our priority and it’s important that we follow the measures of Ontario’s Reopening Roadmap. We hope the ‘Celebrate at Home’ kits deliver some Canada Day fun to families.”

Peterborough families are invited to pick up one kit per family at one of the four pickup locations and celebrate Canada Day at home this year. Pick up locations are as follows:

• City Hall, 500 George St. N

• Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. W

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N

• Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

Kits can be picked up starting at 10:00 a.m. on June 29 on a first-come, first-serve basis. Staff will be at City Hall to hand out the kits until 6:00 p.m. or until all kits are distributed.

Curbside pick-up and all COVID safety protocols will be followed. Residents are reminded that face coverings are mandatory and are asked to maintain physical distancing of two metres from people who are not from their household.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Flossophy, StudioPTBO, Business Excellence Awards and Excelsior Centre

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

Congratulations to Danielle McIver on the opening of Flossophy. Danielle started her business in March of last year and was able to adapt and grow what she described as her little candy floss company into a full-blown confectionary store!

Located at 75 Hunter St. in East City, Flossophy features handspun candy floss, made on-site chocolate, gourmet popcorn, candy collections, soft-serve ice cream and super sundaes jammed with all your favourite toppings!

What if You Could? - The Mindset & Business Blueprint for Your Life of Purpose, is the title of a new book available now!

Co-authored by former PTBOCanada owner Neil Morton and Cody May of StudioPTBO, the book includes many local Peterborough references and is designed to give people the motivation and the mental toolkit they need to create a more prosperous, happier life personally and professionally.

From surrounding yourself with the right people to creating your own luck in life, Neil and Cody have created an easy-to-read gem, packed with valuable tips. Just look for “What If You Could? on Amazon.

Last call for nominations for the 18th annual Peterborough Business Excellence Awards from the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. As we emerge, battered and bruised from the pandemic, it’s time to rally behind local businesses and recognize the hard work, creativity and resilience of our business community.

Nominating your favourite business is as easy as entering their name and self-nominations are encouraged and are a great way to recognize your team. The deadline is June 23. Details are at excellencepeterborough.ca

Congratulations to Satish Thakkar and the Excelsior Group on last Friday’s groundbreaking celebration for a $10 million project on the North East corner of Parkhill Road and Chandler Crescent.

Called Excelsior Centre - Peterborough, the 13,000 square foot development will include 15 second-floor apartments and ground-floor retail. Excelsior is committed to hiring as many sub trades from the local area as possible and expects to complete construction in early 2022. The Brock Mission and Cameron House both received donations as part of the ceremony on Friday.

For leasing inquiries, contact steven.weiss@cbre.com or dion.gemmiti@c21.ca or visit efggroup.ca.

“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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Real Estate Developer Has Groundbreaking Ceremony For New Mixed-Use Building

The Excelsior Centre had its groundbreaking ceremony at the start of its construction located on the corner of Parkhill Road and Chandler Crescent on Friday afternoon.

Councillor members, city officials and Thakkar commemorate the groundbreaking ceremony with gold shovels. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 13,000 square foot structure by Excelsior Group will have retail stores on the lower half, 15 apartments on the second floor fitted with an elevator and a drive-thru pad for a Tim Hortons. Over $10 million has been invested into the Center and is expected to complete construction in early 2022.

The company has hired local contractors and services for the building’s construction such as Drain Bros. Excavating Limited in Norwood.

Aside from a convenience store, it is unknown what stores will occupy the building. Century 21 United Realty Inc. was in attendance and jointly marketed the project with Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis Group.

“To see the investment happening in our great in our community it’s wonderful and it’s symbolic of today while the province is opening things up and investors are putting a lot of money into Peterborough,” said Dion Gemmiti, Century 21 real estate agent.

“I know this subdivision has been in development for a long time and I’m sure the residents are all excited about it as well. said Vanessa Oake Hogan, Century 21 owner. “I think it’s an opportunity for new businesses in the area.”

“I’m excited to see a small commercial development come to the subdivision,” said Alex McInroy, a nearby resident. “It would great to drop into the store for a donut with my daughter Phoebe.”

The Century 21 representatives at the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ceremony was held by Satish Thakkar, founder and president of the Toronto-based real estate developing firm. In attendance was his crew, MPP Dave Smith, Councillor Lesley Parnell, Councillor Dan Vassiliadis and Stu Harrison among many others.

“Whatever we can support who are in need and particularly during this time, that community, we want to invest in,” said Thakkar. “We should be a part of it, we should help that community in whatever way we can.”

Thakkar shatters a coconut, claiming that the outer shell represents ego and needs to be broken to let it go. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The groundbreaking event was the opportunity for Thakkar to donate $1,000 each to Brock Mission and Cameron House emergency shelter for women. The money for the former will finish the construction of the new building but unsure for the latter’s use according to Bill McNabb, Brock Mission executive director.

“It’s a win-win scenario,” he said. “When you’re not soliciting the money and somebody comes forward, it just feels very supportive and encouraging.”

Thakkar donating two $1,000 cheques for Brock Mission and Cameron House. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Despite being based in Toronto, that was not Thakkar’s only charitable contribution to Peterborough. In March, Thakkar helped deliver over 200 meals to One Roof Diner on his son’s 20th birthday.

Notable city members unanimously agreed that the building would be a significant contribution to Peterborough’s economic growth and development since the area has little to no commercial space in that community.

“When you have people congregating in one area, you need to have commercial spaces as well,” said Smith. “It fits a lot of what the needs are for the community.”

“It’s a plus and there’s a commercial component to this which there is none now,” said Parnell. “There are some services that there will be a complete benefit for this neighbourhood.”

The site of the where the Excelsior Centre will be built on the corner of Parkhill Road and Chandler Crescent. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Construction was delayed by two years since the city upgraded the roads around that area including the newly built roundabout on the intersection of Parkhill Road and Brealey Drive.

“It was an incredible concession on his part,” said Parnell. “We’ve very happy to see shovels in the ground today.”

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