Donwood Park Renovations are Complete

Construction at Clintonia Park in Donwood is complete thanks to a $76,900 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation received in 2019.

Clintonia Park under renovation on July 9, 2021. Photo Courtesy of Ang Davis.

Plans have been underway to renovate the park since 2019 when original playground equipment was aging and no longer met current safety standards.

With the support of council community volunteers and Township staff replaced the equipment and addressed the landscaping and drainage issues in the park.

“Having grown up in the community, I am happy that we were able to bring the neighbourhood together to make this space a fun space for everyone for generations to come,” said Angela Bullock, a volunteer working on the committee.

The park serves approximately 500 residents in the Donwood community.

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Fleming College Student Administrative Council Announces New General Manager

Fleming Student Administrative Council (SAC) has announced Joel Willett as their new general manager.

Willett graduated from Police Foundations in 2015. Photo Courtesy of Joel Willett.

Willett has held multiple roles on Fleming SAC including Director, President and and most recently Student Engagement and Governance Coordinator. He brings more than ten years of management experience to this role.

He is a Fleming College Alumni having completed the Police Foundation program in 2015.

Willett officially relieved Zoe King from this position on July 19.

To send congratulations or inquiries, Willett can be reached at joel.willett@flemingcollege.ca.

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Local Café Hosts Hollywood Actress For Movie Scene Filming

It is not every day you get a movie star like Anna Kendrick to appear in Peterborough but it was a lucky day for entrepreneur Helen McCarthy and her café, KitCoffee last Tuesday.

Helen McCarthy (left), KitCoffee owner with her employees and actress Anna Kendrick (middle right) after the Hollywood star finished filming her scene in Downtown Peterborough. Photo Courtesy of KitCoffee.

Kendrick was filming for her upcoming thriller movie, “Alice, Darling” at the Hunter Street café between Water Street and George Street in Downtown Peterborough.

KitCoffee had closed for the day but served coffee and snacks to the production staff in between filming. Some parts of the street were blocked off temporarily for the shoot.

Helen McCarthy, KitCoffee owner was not expecting as big a star as Kendrick when she agreed for her business to be used for a movie scene.

“I had walked right past Anna Kendrick who was sitting in the café,” she said. “I thought it was going to be a smaller film and I didn’t know anyone famous was going to be here.”

KitCoffee recently celebrated their second anniversary last Thursday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

McCarthy admits that she often does not get starstruck but she and the staff had to contain themselves when the celebrity actress was in the café. They were rewarded with a photo with Kendrick when the filming had finished after showing tremendous restraint.

“The three of us who were there, we were trying not to be annoying,” she said. “We didn’t want to bother her but it would be really fun to get a picture so I ended up asking one of the crew members that we were interacting with more.”

KitCoffee sells food and drink such as coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches and in-house made bagels. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The short scene is Kendrick’s character, Alice, walking out of the café with a vehicle pulling up to her according to McCarthy.

Extras were filmed in and outside the building where Kendrick had a small speaking role in the scene.

@neildmorton

The 🎥 stars ##annakendrick. ##hollywoodnorth ##foryoupage ##peterborough ##ontario ##showmecanada ##filming

♬ Beggin' - Måneskin

Alice, Darling features an all-female led cast of Anna Kendrick, Charlie Carrick, Wunmi Mosaku and Kaniehtiio Horn with English director Mary Nighy.

The film’s plot tells the story of a young woman trapped in an abusive relationship as she becomes the unwitting participant in an intervention staged by her two closest friends.

Elevation Pictures will distribute the thriller film while Lionsgate Films will distribute it worldwide.

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Peterborough is Getting it's Very Own Online Shopping Platform

An online shopping platform called ShopCloseBuy is coming to Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes to support small businesses.

Photo Courtesy of ShopCloseBuy.

The platform is designed to support a wide range of businesses, non-profit organizations, artists, farmers and entrepreneurs, by providing a locally-based online shopping platform to sell their products.

ShopCloseBuy will also allow businesses to host auctions online.

This platform was originally created in 2010 though was redeveloped in 2020 when COVID-19 took a toll on small businesses.

Founder, Donna Enright, launched ShopCloseBuy in Haliburton to encourage the "shop local" philosophy that is such an important component of sustainable communities.

“Our mission is to help communities thrive by connecting people with each other, encouraging mutual support and fostering economic sustainability,” says Enright.

Enright compares ShopCloseBuy to a local version of Amazon.

The Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes ShopCloseBuy site will launch as soon as a minimum of 10 vendors are onboard. Creators are estimating that will be in late August/early September.

Community information sessions will be held via zoom on July 22 and 23, 2021. To learn more, or to register to attend an info session click here.

To view the Haliburton ShopCloseBuy site click here.

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Tynomi Banks is Hitting the Stage in Peterborough

Drag icon Tynomi Banks is hitting the stage with the Drive ‘N Queens for Peterborough’s first ever drive-in drag show on July 24 at The Enbridge Energy Stage.

Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Memorial Centre

Banks, along with BOA, Virgo, Tash Riot, Baby Bel Bel and local performers Ms. Madge Enthat & Sahira Q are some of the biggest names in drag from Toronto and Peterborough.

Tynomi Banks chats with Angela O’Grady in between performances at the Calgary Stampede.

Banks says that she is new to drive in shows but they are becoming more popular.

“If people aren’t too comfortable going to clubs that are slowly being opened, at least outdoors they can control their environment,” she said. “Everyone is outside enjoying the summer life.”

She has never been to Peterborough and she hopes her first visit brings joy and energy.

“I just want to uplift the town,” she said.

Banks says she wants anyone coming to Saturdays show to feel safe and comfortable while enjoying a great night of entertainment, expression and fun.

“Sometimes it’s really hard to express yourself and this is a form of expression, or an outlet to release frustrations. That’s what drag is - an outlet.”

Tickets are still available for the show on Saturday and can be purchased here.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Well, Sullivan Law, The Venue and MPP David Smith

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… 

Lisa Marie Hughes opened her business, just in time to have it shut down by the pandemic.

The Well offers Healing Massage, Hot Stone and Reiki treatments. The Well is located in a very cool space at 25 Reid Street in Lakefield just behind The Stuff Store and the Post Office. The building is also home to a number of other businesses such as Jenny Barr’s The Studio. The Reid Street Boutique, an artisan market and more. Find them at thewell-studio.com or on Instagram.

Sullivan Law recently welcomed Seabourne Geale-Barker to the firm. Seabourne will continue her wills, estate administration and real estate practice at Sullivan Law, 195 Sherbrooke St., sullivanlawptbo.ca

Congratulations to Kevin and April Sendel, owners of Personal Touch Catering and Personal Touch Banquet Hall, on their purchase of The Venue in downtown Peterborough.

Kevin and April will be keeping The Venue name and are preparing to open on Sept. 1. They are also continuing to operate Personal Touch Catering and Banquet Hall. Kevin and April bring tremendous local experience with them and a team of over 30 employees. Congratulations to Mike and Catia Skinner on creating The Venue in the first place, and on a great run. For bookings call 705-876-0008. Venueptbo.com personaltouchcatering.ca personaltouchbanquethall.com

MPP Dave Smith, the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism have launched a program to provide rapid testing kits for the Peterborough City and County businesses community.

The rapid antigen test kits are free and are designed to catch COVID-19, prevent outbreaks and keep our local businesses, service providers open and their employees and customers safe.

The test kits screen for asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 in the workplace that might otherwise be missed. Businesses must register and order the kits through the online portal and once your kits are ordered they can be picked up at MPP Smith’s office at 1123 Water St. N. A link to the portal can be found at peterboroughchamber.ca. For details call MPP Smiths office (705)-742-3777.

“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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List of City Services During Step Three of Ontario's Reopening Roadmap

The City of Peterborough has provided the following update on municipal services and facilities following the Province’s announcement that Ontario is moving to Step 3 of the provincial Roadmap to Reopen on Friday.

File Photo.

Safety measures remain in place at City facilities and programs based on public health guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings and physical distancing are mandatory when inside City Facilities.

The City encourages residents to continue connecting online through peterborough.ca or by phone at 705-742-7777 whenever possible to reduce the physical traffic through municipal facilities as a way to follow the public health guidance on physical distancing.

Details on the Roadmap to Reopen are on the Province of Ontario website: www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario. Step Three allows for a maximum 100 people for outdoor gatherings and a maximum of 25 people for indoor gatherings with restrictions.

Municipal services may be adjusted to respond to requirements and public health guidance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please visit www.peterborough.ca/covid19 and sign up for updates at www.peterborough.ca/subscribe, monitor www.peterborough.ca for news updates, follow local media or contact the City at 705-742-7777 for information on the status of municipal services.

Arena Division

The Province will permit indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities to reopen during Step Three of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopening. In alignment with the provincial directive, arenas will begin reopening for ice rentals at the Kinsmen Centre and any floor rentals at the PMC beginning Monday and will be operating at reduced capacity and with restrictions, including but not limited to:

• Participant capacity of 22 for all on-ice activities

• Change rooms will be permitted

• One spectator per participant will be permitted in the facility

• Controlled facility access - 10 minutes prior to permitted time

• Group must exit 10 minutes following permitted time

• Dedicated cleaning time by City staff between each permitted time

• All users will be required to submit group Safety Plans prior to being permitted

For further information on facility guidelines and availabilities please contact Arena Division customer service by email arenadivisionbookings@peterborough.ca or phone 705-742-7777 ext. 2577.

The Evinrude Centre (the facility will be renamed Healthy Planet Arena later this summer) will continue to be used for vaccination clinics. Please see peterboroughpublichealth.ca for information on how to book vaccinations or access walk-in vaccine clinics for those who are eligible. 

The PTBOLive Summer Concert Series will be continuing at the PMC parking lot as previously announced. Events will proceed in compliance with all operational requirements as outlined in the Roadmap to Reopen. For a list of events and all concert information, please visit www.memorialcentre.ca.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough's facility will open Thursday by appointment. In alignment with Step Three of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, the Gallery will welcome visitors at 50 per cent capacity. For more information on how to book your visit to the Art Gallery of Peterborough, please visit: www.agp.on.ca/about/hours-admission/.  

Three new exhibitions are open; a solo exhibition by Adam David Brown, selections from the 37th Annual Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour, and works from the Permanent Collection. More information is available at: www.agp.on.ca/current-exhibitions/.

Other programs and services continue online, including Summer Art Camp.

Building, Planning and other services under Infrastructure and Planning Services

Building Services remains open for pick-up and drop-off service for Infrastructure and Planning Services 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 www.peterborough.ca/building for information, forms and the application process.

Child care centres

Licensed centre based and home child care are permitted to operate under provincial regulations.

City Hall

City Hall remains open for in-person service with public health precautions in place. Residents are asked to please call ahead to schedule an appointment for most services at City Hall. Regular business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the phone number is 705-742-7777.

City Council

City Council continues to meet virtually through electronic meetings at this time. Council meetings can be watched at www.peterborough.ca/watchcouncil. For a listing of scheduled Council meetings, please visit www.peterborough.ca/citycouncil.

City parks, pavilions and special events

City parks remain open with people required to stay two metres apart from others. The outdoor social gathering limit has been increased to 100 people for a private event, where two metres of physical distancing can be maintained. Organizers can apply for a permit to host organized events such as birthday parties, reunions, or other special events in City parks by submitting a COVID-19 Safety Plan for approval prior to the event.

Outdoor religious ceremonies including weddings and events hosted by staffed organizations are permitted.

For further information please visit our website at www.peterborough.ca/parks or contact the Recreation Division at 705-742-7777 ext. 1829.

Community Services

Community Services, Arts, Culture and Heritage, Public Art and the Heritage Preservation Office remains closed to in-person service, with staff available by calling 705-742-7777 ext. 1822 or by email at communityservices@peterborough.ca.

Curbside pickup parking

Curbside pickup parking spaces for free 15-minute parking are provided in the downtown area.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

In accordance with Step Three of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, the Peterborough Museum and Archives will re-open on Monday, July 19.  

The Museum Exhibitions and the Museum Gift Shop will be open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and weekends from noon to 4:30 p.m.

The Museum’s Summer Discovery Camps continue to run weekly, with COVID protocols in place.

Peterborough Public Library

The Library continues to be open for in-person visits with patrons permitted to browse the collection, use the public computers, pick up holds and check out items. Operating hours are:

• Sunday and Monday: Closed

• Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Visitors are asked to self screen before entering the facility. Face coverings are required. Overall capacity will be limited to ensure space for two metres of physical distancing in accordance with the capacity limits in the Step Three guidelines as set out by the Province.

The Library asks that everyone who wishes to visit be courteous of others and keep their visit brief to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to do the same.

A variety of programs are being offered by the Library this summer as part of the TD Summer Reading Club, including in-person Story Time in the Park sessions. More information can be found under the What’s Happening tab of the library website www.ptbolibrary.ca.

The DelaFosse branch remains closed at this time, however, planning is in progress to reopen services once appropriate staffing levels can be maintained. More information will be available at a later date.

Further details are available online at www.ptbolibrary.ca.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre

Indoor sport and recreation facilities are permitted to open at 50% of capacity during Step Three of the Province’s Roadmap to Reopen. The Sport and Wellness Centre will reopen July 26 with a safety plan in place developed in consultation with Peterborough Public Health.

Sport and Wellness Centre members are encouraged to visit www.peterborough.ca/pswc or contact the Centre by phone 705-742-0050 ext. 2201 or email sportandwellnesscentre@peterborough.ca for details on their memberships.

Hours of Operation

The Sport & Wellness Centre will be open, starting Monday, July 26 during the following hours:

Monday through Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Monday, August 2, 2021: Closed – Civic Holiday

Aquatic Centre Operation

The pool will reopen as of July 26 and will be open during the following hours with a modified schedule:

Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The replacement of the Pool HVAC system is scheduled to start on September 20 and as a result, the pool will close at the end of the day on September 19 and will return to operation in January 2022.

To speak to a staff member, please contact 705-742-0050 ext. 2201 and leave a voicemail – a staff member will return messages between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Alternatively, questions can be emailed to sportandwellnesscentre@peterborough.ca.

Children’s day camp programs are ongoing at both the Sport and Wellness Centre and Peterborough Navy Club.

Peterborough Marina

The Marina is open for all seasonal and transient boating activities. Each boater is responsible for complying with provincial regulations and the Marina COVID-19 Safety Guidelines.

Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (including holidays).

Please contact marina@peterborough.ca or 705-745-8787 for additional information.

Provincial Offences Court Services

The court administration service counter remains open for in-person service under modified hours of 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Face coverings are mandatory, and only one person at a time is permitted at the service counter to allow for physical distancing.

All inquiries and payments can also be made by phone 705-742-7777 ext. 2099 or online at www.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 non-urgent matters, by email pubworks@peterborough.ca,  or using the online Report an Issue form at www.peterborough.ca. For urgent matters, please call 705-745-1386. This line is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Social Services

Public access to the Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will continue to be open for in-person services with limits in place to ensure physical distancing. Public health screening will take place at the front entrance. Clients are required to wear a face covering and stay in authorized areas only. Social Services client appointments will take place 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.

Applications for Ontario Works or Emergency Assistance will continue to be done online or over the phone, when possible, to minimize face-to-face interaction and allow for physical distancing. Applications for other services such as Child Care fee subsidy may be completed over the phone.

Emergency shelter services will continue to operate as normal, with COVID-19 safety measures in place. Individuals can call 705-926-0096 for emergency shelter services on evenings and weekends.

Sport field permitting and outdoor fitness classes

Sport fields continue to be open for casual use and outdoor sport leagues continue to be permitted to engage in non-contact sport in Step Three of the Province’s Roadmap to Reopen. COVID-19 safety guidelines remain in place and all sport leagues will be required to submit an approved COVID-19 Safety Plan to the City prior to league play. Guidelines include capacity limits of up to a maximum of 6 spectators per athlete.

Active screenings and maintaining a physical distance of at least two metres for all coaches, trainers, volunteers and spectators continue.

Outdoor fitness classes are permitted with physical distancing of 3 metres in place, which includes City programs such as tennis, pickleball and outdoor fitness. For further information on these programs please visit our website at www.peterborough.ca and visit the Explore and Play section.

To book an outdoor sports facility or for further information, please contact the Recreation Division at 705-742-7777 ext. 1829 or visit online at www.peterborough.ca/parks

Transit

Peterborough Transit continues to operate as currently scheduled. Face covering is mandatory and physical distancing is required. Visit www.peterborough.ca/transit for service details.

Customer service at the terminal is open with three customers permitted into the facility at a time. A face covering must be worn at all times. Customers are encouraged to purchase passes online using the Hot Spot parking and transit service at htsp.ca.

To allow for a single direction of traffic flow onboard the bus, customers are asked to enter through the front door and exit by the back door. Mobility customers will continue to access the front door ramp. When finding a place on the bus, customers are asked to keep an eye out for areas with extra space and respect fellow riders’ personal areas when moving about the bus.

Waste Management

Garbage and recycling collection continues as normally scheduled. To protect waste management workers, please ensure that all personal items and personal protective equipment are properly bagged in the garbage.

The Peterborough City/County Landfill remains open, with COVID-19 safety precautions in place. Face coverings and physical distancing is required. Only electronic payment is accepted (no cash).

The Recycling Depot and Household Hazardous Waste Depot on Pido Road will remain open with COVID-19 safety precautions in place. Face coverings and physical distancing is required. More information is online at www.peterborough.ca/waste.

Water Testing Laboratory

The Water Testing Laboratory at 425 Kennedy Rd. continues to be open for in-person service. Face coverings and physical distancing are mandatory.

Making payments to the City

Residents 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 www.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 www.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.

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Rotospa Hot Tubs Burns To The Ground After Massive Fire

A major fire sparked overnight at Rotospa Hot Tubs in Lakefield has caused the building to burn to the ground.

Photo By PTBOCanada.

OPP has closed off 8th Line Smith and Centre Line and Buckhorn Road as firefighters are battling the fires Friday morning.

Detours are set in place a road closure is in place for several hours according to the OPP.

The 8th Line Smith is closed between Centre Line and Buckhorn Road. @SelwynTownship Fire Department is currently battling a fire at Rotospa. #PtboOPP has detours in place. The road closure will be in place for several hours. Updates to follow. @Ptbo_Canada @PtboCounty ^ja

— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) July 16, 2021

PTBOCanada contacted owner Bill Prentice but was unwilling to comment about the situation at the time. The business focuses on selling, building and servicing hot tubs.

No injuries have been reported at this time and no employees were present when the fire had occurred.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

PTBOCanada will update this article as the story develops.

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Hometown PTBO: Roy Bateman's Legacy and Retirement Party From the Evinrude Centre

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Roy Bateman celebrates retirement from working as an arena staff during his retirement party. His friends speak about his legacy left behind throughout all his years of service.

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