Chief of Peterborough County and Kawartha Lakes paramedics Renews Contract

Randy Mellow, Chief of Paramedics Peterborough County and Kawartha Lakes, will continue his role in both positions for an additional two years, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterboroguh County.

It has been a year since Chief Mellow stepped into the dual leadership role for both Services.

“I am very pleased with the decision to continue the shared services agreement that will see continued partnership and collaboration between the Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough Paramedic Services,” said Chief Mellow. “At this time of unprecedented growth and evolution of paramedicine, the visionary leadership of our municipalities as demonstrated in this agreement is key to responding to the needs of our communities in an efficient and proactive way. I am excited to continue to play a role in that vision.”

This Agreement was an early example of the Provincial mandate to find efficiencies and modernization to assist in evolving paramedicine in Ontario. It has been an effective pilot of a collaboration between the two Paramedic Services.

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The City of Peterborough Draft 2022 Budget has Been Published and is Available for Review

The City of Peterborough’s Draft 2022 Budget has been posted online for public review ahead of City Council’s budget deliberations on Nov. 15.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Council received a presentation on the Draft 2022 Budget at its meeting on Monday.

Council will hold a public meeting to hear from the community on the Draft 2022 Budget on Nov. 15, before receiving presentations from local boards and agencies on Nov. 16 and holding its budget deliberations on Nov. 22 to 25.

Council is expected to consider approving the City’s 2022 Budget at its meeting on Dec. 13.

For information on how to register as a delegation at a Council meeting, visit peterborough.ca/delegation or call the City Clerk’s Office at 705-742-7777 ext. 1820

The Draft Operating Budget includes $298.2 million for programs and services, such as waste management, road maintenance, wastewater sewers and treatment, social assistance, affordable housing, recreation, arts and heritage, fire services, and policing.

The Draft Capital Budget includes $93.8 million for various infrastructure and capital projects such as road work, flood reduction efforts, facility maintenance, funding for the planned replacement of a fire station, sanitary sewer repairs, construction of a new twin-pad arena, and police capital projects.

The Draft 2021 Budget includes a proposed 2.75% increase in the all-inclusive property tax rate. A 2.75% all-inclusive property tax rate increase translates to an increase of $45.17 annually or $3.76 monthly per $100,000 of residential assessment.

“The City of Peterborough has done well navigating the trials of the pandemic and as we look forward there is still considerable risk,” said Councillor Dean Pappas, Council’s Finance Chair. “The sizeable engagement through the public budget ‘road/home show’ is a credit to the good people of Peterborough.”

The 2022 Budget process kicked off in March 2021 with the 2022 Budget Roadshow that included a series of drop-in style meetings held online and by phone as well as a survey that was available online and in paper copy.

The survey generated 503 responses with participants expressing their priorities for the community. A summary of survey responses was provided to Council ahead of setting the guidelines for drafting the 2022 Budget and was reviewed by City staff in the development of the draft budget documents.

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Peterborough County-City Paramedics Donate Decommissioned Ambulance to Fleming College Paramedic Program

Fleming College has received a decommissioned ambulance from the Peterborough Paramedics that will be used to train students in the Paramedic program.

The decommissioned ambulance was hand-delivered to Fleming by Deputy Chief of Operations, Christopher Barry, of Peterborough County-City Paramedics on Oct. 25.

Deputy Barry was greeted by students in Fleming’s paramedic program, President Maureen Adamson, Sandra Dupret, Vice President Student Experience and staff members in the School of Health and Wellness to receive the donation.

“This past year has shown the importance of our healthcare workers, and Fleming prides itself on providing students with hands-on, real world experience that prepares them to enter the workforce with confidence to care of our loved ones,” said Fleming President Maureen Adamson. “This ambulance will help our future healthcare workers become equipped with the important skills required to handle the pressures of a demanding frontline career.”

The 2016-model ambulance became surplus after Peterborough County approved the purchase of two new ambulances late last year.

Fleming College made a request to Peterborough County-City Paramedics to consider donating an ambulance for use by students and teachers in the School of Health and Wellness, and the request was approved in October.

“Peterborough Paramedics are pleased to donate a decommissioned ambulance to Fleming’s Paramedic program. The hands-on learning that it will provide students with is important as they prepare for work in the field,” said Barry.

The ambulance Fleming currently has is due to retire after many years of use, and the replacement will help train students in vehicle monitoring, defensive high-speed driving and maneuvering, as well as safe patient transport.

As graduates of Fleming’s Paramedics program, students are qualified as primary care paramedics and are eligible to write the provincial examination. Fleming College has had a relationship with Peterborough Paramedics since the inception of the Paramedic program, and the service is proud to hire many Fleming grads.

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Peterborough Fire Services Receive Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Through 'Safe Community Project Zero'

Enbridge Gas has donated $500,000 to the Safe Community Project Zero, which aims to to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Safe Community Project Zero is a public education campaign that will provide over 16,600 alarms to residents in 70 municipalities across Ontario.

Peterborough Fire Services received 318 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to distribute throughout the city.

“Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ for a reason, and we have proof that prevention saves lives. We know that the best way to avoid carbon monoxide exposure is to eliminate it at the source by properly maintaining fuel-burning equipment, and that the alarms are a critical second line of defense to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Steve McGivery, Director, GTA East Operations, Enbridge Gas.

This year, Enbridge Gas invested $500,000 in Safe Community Project Zero, and over the past 13 years, the program has provided more than 68,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments.

“The objective of Safe Community Project Zero is to deliver combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to Ontario communities who need them the most,” said Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council. “It’s a program that fire departments can adopt to help educate their communities about the requirement for all Ontario homes to have a CO alarm if they have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage.”

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City of Peterborough Will Collect Household Batteries This Week

A special curbside collection of used household batteries by the City of Peterborough will take place during the first week of November.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Battery-recycling bags were distributed inside the Peterborough This Week newspaper on Oct. 21. Households that did not receive a bag are asked to use a zip-lock bag or pick up a battery bag at City Hall, 500 George St. N.

Residents are asked to place their bag of batteries on top of the blue box used for paper during the week of November 2 to 5 only. Please ensure the top of the bag is securely closed so batteries don’t fall out.

This is a special, one-week collection and batteries are not permitted in blue box or garbage collection at any other time.

Residents who miss this collection, or live in an apartment may take used batteries to the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd., open Wednesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

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Ontario Government Raises Minimum Wage to $15 Beginning Next Year

The Ontario Government will raise the minimum wage from $14.35 to $15.00 effective on Jan. 1, announced at UNIFOR Local 414 in Milton on Tuesday.

The 43rd Ontario general election will be on June 2, 2022. Screenshot.

The increase would add an extra $1350 in income to minimum wage workers according to Doug Ford, Ontario Premier.

“As a result of these changes, more than 760,000 Ontario workers will be getting a raise,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way for our government to be working for workers than ensuring hundreds of thousands of people take more pay home.”

Servers and hospitality workers go from $12.55 to $15.00, a 19.5 per cent pay raise.

Students under 18 will go from $13.50 to $15.00. Hunting and fishing guides and homeworkers will also be a part of the minimum wage increase.

In late 2018, Ford had scrapped the scheduled wage hike to $15 for Jan 1, 2019 and kept it at $14. The move was made shortly after he was elected into office during the 2018 Ontario general election.

The 43rd Ontario general election is on June 2, 2022. Ford will be contested by NDP leader Andrea Horwath, Liberal leader Steven Del Duca, Green Party leader Mike Schreiner and New Blue Party leader Jim Karahalios.

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Twelve Local Entrepreneurs Turn Their Passions Into Businesses With Starter Company Plus

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre (BAC) has announced the twelve entrepreneurs that were recently selected to participate in the Fall 2021 Intake of Starter Company Plus program.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough and The Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre.

With assistance from a diverse group of subject matter experts from across the region, the program will provide a five-week course in business training. Six of the twelve participants will receive a $5,000 grant based on the overall strength of their business plan and pitch.

"On our first day, as the group introduced themselves, we heard from participants who were not willing to give up on their passions because of the pandemic," said Entrepreneurship Officer Hillary Manion. "They have adapted and created new businesses that allow them to continue to do what they love while offering products and services to their community."

The BAC will conduct all workshops for the Starter Company Plus Fall 2021 intake online. The classes will focus on marketing and business practices that have proven successful in Peterborough & the Kawarthas and financial acumen and mental well-being.

"This group of entrepreneurs are all subject and content experts. Many come with years of experience in their chosen fields and are now turning it into their own small business," said Manion.

An overview of the 12 participants follows below,

• Amanda O'Rourke: Belmont Farmstead, Havelock, ON – a small-scale farm and nursery growing ecological seedlings for home gardens and businesses, specializing in heirloom vegetable plants, culinary and medical herbs, and edible flowers.

• Angela McDonald: The Florest, Peterborough, ON – A local florist born out of a love for the outdoors and natural beauty offering fresh-cut flower bouquets with a selection of quality blooms.

• Brad Carson: Toureka!, Peterborough, ON – a mobile app and web-based platform that allows organizations of any size to offer their event-based tours in a brand new way.

• Caitlin Smith: ReCreate Space, Peterborough, ON – a professional organizing company helping residents and small businesses of Peterborough & the Kawarthas get more organized.

• Dawn and Lea Call: O & D's Fork in the Road Country Market, Lakefield, ON – a unique, upscale shopping experience offering fresh, wholesome, and local products.

• Dreda Blow and Bruno Merz: Shomakers Ptbo, Peterborough, ON - a musical theatre program for children all about making a SHOW!

• Jolene and Shawn Morris: Trim Time, Peterborough, ON – a family-run business offering mobile cannabis trimming and processing at your home.

• Kate Suhr: Voi-sings, Peterborough, ON – an independent voice-over business emerging in Peterborough & the Kawarthas in the winter of 2022.

• Lynda Todd: Vision Imports Ltd, Peterborough, ON – Manufacturer and distributor of keyboards and mice that can be disinfected and cleaned.

• Patrick and Deanna Leahy: Leahy Farm (final name TBD), Douro-Dummer, ON – A family farm that offers flavourful, top-grade, locally processed meat (beef, chicken, lamb, and turkey), as well as eggs from pasture-raised hens. Environmental sustainability and animal quality of life are priorities to The Leahy's.

• Rob and Denise Driscoll: Northern Cottage Comfort, Havelock, ON – Cottage furniture and designs constructed from recycled materials, including farmhouse benches, shelving, centerpieces, and seasonal signs.

• Travis Berlenbach: Trip Taco, Selwyn, Ontario – Peterborough's first and only Taco Truck inspired by flavours from around the world and offers a fresh and unique spin on a favorite.

Full biographies for each business can be found by visiting peterboroughed.ca/starter.

The Starter Company Plus program, offered through the BAC since 2017, is made possible through funding from the Government of Ontario.

The program is designed to provide business training for entrepreneurs aged 18 and over in the City and County of Peterborough in the process of launching a business or expanding an existing business.

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Peterborough Petes Mourn Passing of Alumnus Tony Featherstone

Peterborough Petes alumnus and former NHL player Tony Featherstone has passed away on Sunday.

Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Featherstone spent three seasons with the Petes organization from 1966-69. including the Kitchener Greenshirts final season in the 1966-67 season.

He tallied 39 goals, 48 assists for 89 points in 97 games in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA) before he was selected in the first round, seventh overall in the NHL Amateur Draft by the Oakland Seals.

In the NHL, the Toronto-born right-winger had 17 goals, 21 assists for 38 points with the Seals, California Golden Seals and the Minnesota North Stars before being traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 1971. He would report and play with their AHL affiliate in Nova Scotia for two seasons. He appeared in the Calder Cup Finals both years, winning one in 1971-72.

Before hanging up his skates in 1976, Featherstone played two seasons for the Toronto Toros of the World Hockey Association (WHA) where he put up 29 goals, 45 assists for 74 points in 108 games.

“Tony was a guy who was tough, but not aggressively tough,” stated Pete Pearson. “Every team had one player that made space for their team and he was that guy.”

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Local Woman Wins Over $66k with PRHC Foundation 50/50 Draw

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation has wrapped up their first ever 50/50 Lottery and announced local woman Judy Johnston as the winner.

Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation.

Johnston won $66,902.50 with ticket number A-2580031 and chose the $2,500 Resorts of Ontario Gift Certificate bonus prize.

Launched on September 15 and featuring Early Bird Prizes in addition to the Grand Prize, the proceeds from the 50/50 Lottery directly support the PRHC Foundation.

Tickets for the November lottery are on sale now.

‘Thousand Dollar Thursday’ draws will be held on Nov. 18 and 25, and will award one winner $1,000.

The November lottery runs until Nov. 29 with the winner drawn on Nov. 30. The grand prize is a growing jackpot plus a bonus prize of a $2,500 Resorts of Ontario Gift Certificate or $2,000 cash.

Ticket options include 10 tickets for $10, 40 tickets for $20, 160 tickets for $40 or 400 tickets for $75. Ticket buyers must be 18 years of age or older and in the province of Ontario to play.

Tickets can only be purchased online at www.prhcfoundation5050.com

“There are significant investments needed to fund the technological advancements and essential medical equipment required to support great patient care,” said Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO. “That’s why the support of the community is so important. The proceeds from the new 50/50 Lottery will help fund the equipment and technology that form the foundation of patient care.”

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Sam's Place Deli Crowned First Ever Peterborough Mac and Cheese Fest Winners

After a month of friendly culinary competition the Peterborough Mac and Cheese Festival has crowned Sam’s Place as their first ever Mac and Cheese Champion.

Eddy Sweeny and Owen Walsh from Sam’s Place. Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

18 signature mac and cheese dishes were featured on local menus throughout the downtown restaurant scene for both dine-in and takeout as part of the month-long foodie competition.

Over 500 votes were casted to crown the top mac and cheese dish. In the end, only a narrow margin of votes determined the difference between first, second, and third place.

Sam’s Place took the Mac + Cheese top honours as this year’s most loved mac with their glorious Jalapeño Bacon Mac + Cheesewich.

As the winner, Sam’s Place received a hand-crafted trophy, a $500.00 donation to Kawartha Food Share in the restaurants name, and bragging rights for the year.

“We are thrilled to hear that our Jalapeño, Bacon Mac + Cheesewich was just as great to all who voted, as it was to us. We are honoured to have had the chance to “compete” with some of Peterborough's finest chefs, while supporting the greatness that is Kawartha Food Share,” said Sam Sayer, owner of Sam’s Place. “Once again, the DBIA has come up with another creative way to draw attention to the awesomeness that the downtown has to offer, while supporting a killer cause. Until next year, cheese on, friends.”

Capra Toro’s Bacon and Beer Mac captured the hearts of many voters and landed in second place alongside Amanda’s’ Bringing Sexy Mac which was ranked third favourite.

Sam’s Place winning Jalapeño Bacon Mac + Cheesewich. Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

The events’ online Mac Map was viewed over 44,000 times throughout the festival. A number of restaurant partners experienced out-of-town diners traveling to Peterborough specifically for the Mac + Cheese Festival, with 66% of participating restaurants reporting that they were able to reach new customers during the festival.

“It was incredible to see the community rally behind our festival and its mission to bring mac and cheese lovers together for an entire month. We can’t wait to do it again next year,” said Amanda McBain, Marketing and Social Media Coordinator for the Peterborough Mac + Cheese Festival.

The Peterborough Mac + Cheese Festival also ran a month-long food drive in tandem with its food competition at each restaurant location. Throughout the month festival goers were encouraged to bring their non-perishables downtown when visiting mac and cheese locations.

“We are so thrilled with the support we have received from local businesses during the Mac + Cheese festival this past month,” said Ashlee Aitken, General Manager of Kawartha Food Share. “Even through all the obstacles and tough times these restaurants have faced the past year and a half, their willingness to support our organization and their fellow neighbours is truly remarkable. Thank you so much to the DBIA for including us in this fantastic initiative. These donations are a huge help as we begin preparations for the upcoming busy holiday season.”

For more information on this years first annual Peterborough Mac + Cheese Festival visit www.ptbomacandcheesefest.com.

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