Ross Memorial Mourns the Passing of Long-Time Doctor and Champion of Women's Health Dr. Gargi Bhatia
/Ross memorial hospital announced the passing of Dr. Gargi Bhatia on Thursday.
Photo courtesy of Ross memorial Hospital.
Peterborough Blogs
BWXT Gets $50M Contract With Ontario Power Generation for Darlington Refurbishment Project
/The Peterborough BWXT Nuclear Energy plant has agreed to a five-year, $50 million contract to supply engineering and parts to Ontario Power Generation announced Thursday.
Brett Jermyn, BWXT director of fuel handling and engineered solutions (left) offering a tour to Todd Smith, Ontario Minister of Energy and Michelle Ferreri, Peterborough-Kawartha MP (right). Photo By David Tuan Bui.
The contract is for Fuelling Machine (FM) head engineering and component supply as part of the refurbishment of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station.
The $50 million contract will be executed by BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. in Peterborough, where a team of more than 250 employees will design and supply complex parts and assemblies to enable the refurbishment of all eight FM heads at Darlington. Engineering work on this project began in 2020 with component supply occurring from 2022 to 2026 as stated in their press release.
BWXT also says that FM heads are part of the remote-controlled system that allows continuous on-power fuelling in CANDU reactors similar to Darlington’s.
“In addition to securing decades of safe, economical and clean power, Darlington Refurbishment is also enabling Ontario’s nuclear supply chain partners like BWXT to expand its capabilities and bolster its leading position in the global nuclear industry,” said Todd Smith, Ontario’s Minister of Energy. “As the Darlington Refurbishment project shows, we are so fortunate and proud to have a world-class nuclear supply chain that is the envy of the global industry.”
Darlington is in the midst of a planned midlife overhaul after operating for 30 years. The first of four units were shut down in 2016 and returned to service in 2020. A second unit is currently being refurbished with the four-unit project slated for completion in 2026.
BWXT employs over 400 workers at the Monaghan Road plant, have hired roughly 120 employees in the past two years and currently has 21 job openings according to Natalie Cutler, BWXT director of communications.
“Our team in Peterborough produces innovative fuel handling systems for CANDU nuclear plants around the world and is committed to supplying engineering services and components of the highest quality,” said John MacQuarrie, president of BWXT’s Nuclear Power Group. “We are excited to get started on this project that will again showcase BWXT’s engineering and manufacturing solutions that help our customers to operate their plants reliably.”
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Michelle Ferreri displayed her endorsement for the new contract.
“The Conservative government is really proud to support nuclear,” she said. “We are leaders of the whole country doing this.”
The project is projected to result in an $89.9 billion boost to Ontario’s economy, create approximately 14,000 jobs annually and increase Ontario’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP): every $1.00 spent on the project increases GDP by $1.40, on average. according to the Conference Board of Canada.
“Good, family-supporting jobs in our community benefit and grow our local economy, with indirect jobs created across our region,” said MPP Dave Smith. “This new $50 million contract will sustain these jobs and support our economic recovery for years to come.”
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The Verandah Society and Irish Millie Team Up for Barnyard Benefit Concert
/The Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation and Century 21 United Realty Inc. are joining together to present the Barnyard Benefit Concert, in support of the Salvation Army Toy Drive and Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation’s Santa’s Sleigh, on Sunday, Nov. 7.
The Barnyard Benefit Concert will be held at Hollowbrook Highlands in Bethany Hills, formerly South Pond Farms. The Verandah Society with Kate Suhr and Megan Murphy will perform with special musical guest Irish Millie.
“For so many years we’ve participated in the Salvation Army Toy Drive as a company,” said Vanessa Oakehogan, owner of Century 21. “ We do our best to raise money as a team so we can go buy gifts to donate.”
Attendees can enjoy music all afternoon, as well as trail walks, a silent auction, chili by campfire and a cash bar.
The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation’s Santa’s Sleigh, takes place at Walmart on Chemong Road in Peterborough from Nov. 25 to Dec. 6.
Participants choose a child’s name from a Christmas tree, shop, then drop gifts off in Santa’s Sleigh. The donated toys are delivered by Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society social workers for children to open on Christmas Day.
The Barnyard Benefit Concert is sponsored by Holiday Ford Lincoln.
Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at the door or by emailing vanessaoakehogan@gmail.com.
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Record Influenza Vaccination Rates of Healthcare Workers Resulted in Zero Lab-Confirmed Cases Last Year
/Peterborough Public Health is hoping last year’s strong flu shot uptake among local healthcare workers portends similar vaccination rates this year for even better community protection.
Stock photo.
“Last year’s impressive influenza vaccination rates show that local healthcare workers understand that the vaccine is essential to protecting their patients and the community,” said Patti Fitzgerald, Manager of Infectious Disease Programs. “We appreciate their leadership as the flu vaccine starts rolling out across our region, and hope to see strong vaccination rates again this year for everyone’s benefit.”
Each year Peterborough Public Health produces a report on healthcare worker flu immunization rates focusing on those who work in long-term care facilities (LTCF), retirement residences, and at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).
For the 2020-2021 influenza season, the median vaccination rate of all LTCFs was 87.2%, up 5.1% from the previous year. Influenza vaccination rates among PRHC staff also increased from last year, up 3.4% to 84.5%.
A total of zero lab-confirmed influenza cases were reported for the 2020-2021 surveillance season. Zero influenza outbreaks were reported in LTCFs, retirement residences, and the local hospital for the same period, compared to three outbreaks in these settings the previous influenza season.
This year’s flu vaccine has already been made available to healthcare workers and is currently publicly available through pharmacies and health care providers.
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The Christmas Spirit Will Look Different in Warsaw This Year With No Parade
/The Douro-Dummer Santa Claus Parade committee has announced that the Christmas spirit is coming to Warsaw in a different way this year.
Photo courtesy of the Township of Douro-Dummer.
While traditionally they would host a parade and tree lighting ceremony, this year they will be handing out Christmas treat bags.
Bags will be handed out at the Township office at 894 South St. in Warsaw on Nov. 27 between 5 and 6 p.m.
Those participating should stop at the curb by the front door and stay in their vehicle, where a Christmas helper will deliver the treats.
If participants are walking they can go to the door to get their treats.
In 2019, the committee made a request for donations of mitts, hats and scarves, which resulted in a great outpouring of support from the community. These donations were then split between Warsaw Public School and St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School.
This year the committee is asking for donations again. Hand made items or purchased items can be brought to the Township office until Dec. 10 (please put them in a plastic bag). They will be sorted and taken to the schools when classes return in early January.
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Hometown PTBO: Shared Dreams Of Men Being Able To Live On Their Own For the First Time
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This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with some parents of "Shared Dreams," men who are able to live on their own for the first time in the new Mount Community Centre.
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Douro-Dummer to Pay Respect to Veterans Online Remembrance Day
/While restrictions on outdoor gatherings have recently lifted, the 2021 Douro-Dummer Remembrance Day Ceremony will be held online.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Organizers note that preparations for the ceremony were geared toward a more restrictive situation, and at this point it would require more time and resources than are immediately available to switch to an in-person ceremony.
“We truly hope that we can get back to normal for Remembrance Day next year. We can plan on a record turnout (next year) to demonstrate our community’s respect for those who served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice” said Mayor J. Murray Jones.
The Remembrance Day Ceremony organizers understand that some individuals may still visit the Cenotaph to pay their respects and for those individuals, there will be personnel on-site during the late morning of Nov. 11.
To observe the complete Remembrance Day ceremony, as well as a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Warsaw Cenotaph, a video will be broadcasted on the Township’s YouTube channel.
The pre-recorded video of the ceremony will be aired starting at approximately 10:45 a.m. on November 11th, 2021.
A link to the video will be provided in November on the Township’s website www.dourodummer.ca
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Peterborough Fire Services Asks Residents to Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms When Changing Clocks
/Clocks will fall back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday and Peterborough Fire Services is reminding residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks.
Photo courtesy of Peterborough Fire Services.
“In order for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to do their job, they need to be working,” said Fire Chief, Chris Snetsinger. “When you change your clocks this weekend, we recommend that you take the time to check the expiry date on all alarms and test every alarm in your home.”
It’s the law to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every home.
When purchasing new alarms, Peterborough Fire Services recommends purchasing a 10 year worry-free smoke and carbon monoxide combination alarm.
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Fleming College is Excited to Welcome Back Majority of Students to its Campuses for Winter Semester
/With the influx of students to these communities, there is also a greater demand for off-campus housing
A majority of students being back on Fleming’s campuses will provide a significant economic boost to the communities and local businesses of Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton. Fleming is working with municipal partners to introduce community-specific guides to help students find information and resources for housing, transportation, employment, entertainment and recreation.
The College is also offering toolkits and workshops to help homeowners create new rentals spaces and make renting a unit easier.
“Housing is an urgent need for many people in the City and County of Peterborough. We need to find creative solutions that can work for everyone in our community – students, year-round residents and especially our most vulnerable individuals. We’re pleased to work towards housing solutions with Fleming College,” said Rebecca Morgan, Housing Services Manager with the City of Peterborough.
Fleming on-campus residences in Peterborough and Lindsay will increase occupancy from 66 to 100 per cent to help fill the need. However, living off-campus is a preferred choice for many students. It offers them the opportunity to belong to a larger, more diverse community, and interact with businesses and neighbours from different age groups, cultures and professional backgrounds.
Those who rent units to students can expect similar advantages, along with the use of rental income to help with mortgage and household costs.
In addition to providing a very important service of affordable housing options, landlords and property managers can benefit from interacting with a generally younger demographic of driven students from various backgrounds.
To ensure the safety of the Fleming community, a College-wide vaccination policy will remain in effect on all Fleming campuses. Additional safety protocols, such as masking and enhanced cleaning, will also continue. For more information and updates on measures in place, see Fleming’s COVID-19 information page.
More information for students and families regarding housing options, and for current and potential landlords is available from Fleming College's Housing department here.
If you would like to open your home to a student, please email och@flemingcollege.ca or call 705-749-5530 ext 1125 and Fleming will support you through the process.
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Ontario Government Invests Over $5 Million In Rural Townships For Infrastructure
/The Ontario Government has given over $5 million to five townships in the Peterborough-Kawartha area for infrastructure announced at the Millennium Gardens in Douro-Dummer on Wednesday.
(left to right) MPP Dave Smith; Andy Mitchell, Selwyn mayor; Janet Clarkson, Trent Lakes mayor; Jim Martin, Havelock Belmont Methuen mayor and Warden J. Murray Jones under the gazebo at Millennium Gardens. Smith says it takes $1.2 million to pave one kilometre of a road. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
