Selwyn Township Achieves Top Distinction in National Climate Protection Program

Selwyn Township has achieved Milestone 5 of the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program. PCP is a network of Canadian municipal governments that have committed to reducing GHG emissions and protecting our climate.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough ED.

Reaching Milestone 5 is a significant achievement and demonstrates the leadership of Selwyn Township and its deep commitment to taking action on climate change.

“As a Corporation, Selwyn has invested in sustainability initiatives including retrofitting Township street lighting to LED, leasing a hybrid electric vehicle for the Building Department, installing roof-top solar panels on a number of Township buildings, tree planting, etc. Achieving this Milestone demonstrates Council’s commitment to protecting our environment.” Andy Mitchell, Mayor Selwyn Township.

The municipality’s actions to reduce community GHG emissions are driving positive results and helping it make progress toward its sustainability and climate change objectives.

For information about other green initiatives led by Selwyn Township, visit https://www.selwyntownship.ca/en/township-hall/Green-Initiatives.aspx.

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$1 Million Estate Gift Supports Indigenous Graduate Student Scholarship at Trent University

A generous $1 million estate gift from philanthropist Bill Reid will provide opportunities for Indigenous graduate student scholarship at Trent University.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

This is the largest gift of its kind in the University’s history.

The gift will help endow the William B. Reid Scholarship, first established at Trent in 2016, providing more than $30,000 in annual funding to support Indigenous graduate students at Trent.

The scholarship will fund research expenses of Trent graduate students in Canada or abroad, hands-on training opportunities related to the thesis or major research project, and opportunities to engage with specialists in the field, through attending international conferences

“After the recent inaugural Truth and Reconciliation Day, more and more Canadians are asking themselves how they can best support Indigenous peoples,” said Sherry Booth associate vice president of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at Trent. “Bill was a passionate individual who listened to Indigenous people’s stories, wanted to make a difference, and created a fund that encourages many young Indigenous students in their pursuit of higher education so that they, in turn, can better support their communities.”

Trent’s Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program is a first-of-its-kind in Canada, and offers students an opportunity to engage in advanced learning experiences grounded in Indigenous cultures and reflecting on the interaction between traditional and contemporary Indigenous knowledges. The University’s deep roots in reconciliation date back more than 50 years.

Reid became involved in Indigenous issues through reading, personal friendships with Indigenous people, and a hobby of collecting and restoring Indigenous beadwork, says his long-time partner, Bob Seabourn. Before his death in 2019, he donated nearly 400 pieces of beadwork to the Art Gallery of Guelph.

Reid was a long-time supporter of Trent with a legacy of giving over more than 20 years.

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Mayor Therrien Proclaims Friday as International Day of Persons With Disabilities in Peterborough

Mayor Diane Therrien has proclaimed Friday as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Peterborough.

This year’s theme, established by the United Nations, is ‘Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.’

In Ontario, about 2.6 million people live with a disability.

“Accessible communities benefit everyone,” said Therrien. “On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recognize the continued impacts that the pandemic has had on people with disabilities, and the importance of working together to ensure that everyone has access to vital supports and services, as well as removing barriers to full participation in our communities.”

The City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee uses this day to promote awareness of accessible spaces, facilities, programs and services. This year the committee is focusing on an online resource that highlights winter trail use in the City.

“Isolation has been a common experience throughout the pandemic, and it can be even more challenging as we head into the winter months. The City’s trail network provides an opportunity to get outdoors and spend time in nature this winter, which is good for our physical and mental health,” said Amanda Motyer, Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

The City maintains 42 kilometres of paved trails through parks and greenspaces during the winter. There are currently 9 sidewalk plows that maintain the paved trails, as well as over 400 km of sidewalks. Depending on the severity of weather conditions, it can take up to 48 hours for all sidewalk and trail routes to be cleared after a snowfall.

On Friday, the Council for Persons with Disabilities will host a vaccine passport clinic to assist people with obtaining their enhanced vaccine passport, either by downloading the QR code to a mobile device or providing a print copy. Residents are invited to book an appointment online or by calling 705-874-8661. This event will be held at 270 George St. N.

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Six Local Businesses Awarded $5,000 Each Through Peterborough and The Kawarthas Economic Development Starter Company Plus Program

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) awarded six local small businesses $5,000 each in funding to further support sustainable business growth, on Thursday.

The funding is made possible through the Government of Ontario’s Starter Company Plus program.

Sixteen entrepreneurs operating twelve small businesses successfully completed the five week online business training course offered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre (BAC). Based on the strength of their business plan and pitch, the following six businesses were each awarded a micro-grant:

• 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.

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

• 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.

“We had a wide variety of businesses in the program this time around. From farm businesses to technology-based start-ups, the participants were able to learn from each other throughout the workshops.” said Entrepreneurship Officer Hillary Manion, who oversees the program for PKED. “In Peterborough & the Kawarthas, we are lucky to have thriving and growing small businesses. We have seen our communities rally around these entrepreneurs. The Starter Company Plus program is an opportunity for new start-ups and expanding businesses to access workshop training and one-on-one consultations with BAC Business Advisors and local guest speakers.”

Since its launch in 2017, the Starter Company Plus program through the BAC has assisted over 190 local entrepreneurs and over 150 small businesses. These small businesses have created over 190 jobs in our local economy.

The Starter Company Plus program is designed to provide business training for entrepreneurs from aspiring to experienced, aged 18 and over in the City and County of Peterborough who are launching a business or expanding an existing business (operating for five years or less). To stay up to date on programs and workshops offered by the BAC, visit www.peterboroughed.ca/BAC.

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The Boro Announces First Holiday Shopping Passport Early Bird Winner

Derek Banville has won The Boro’s first Holiday Shopping Passport early bird draw of 2021.

Derek Baneville with Wild Rock Outfitters owner Scott Murison. Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

Banville’s completed Holiday Shopping Passport was drawn on Dec. 1 at The Pasta Shop located at 165 Sherbrooke St. in downtown Peterborough.

Banville’s winning passport came from Wild Rock Outfitters, where he purchased a new bike for his son’s November birthday. Derek was granted his $500 Boro gift card prize by shop owner Scott Murison at Wild Rock Outfitters on Dec. 2.

“My family loves shopping at Wild Rock. It’s our go-to place for camping gear. We are so grateful to win the first Holiday Shopping Passport draw of the year- and can’t wait to add a little more adventure under the tree this holiday season with our prize money,” said Banville.

Locals are encouraged to pick up a Holiday Shopping Passport at any one of the 150+ participating shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants, and cafes in downtown Peterborough. Each completed Holiday Shopping Passport increases the chance to win up to $1,500 in Boro gift cards.

With the holidays currently in full swing- there are still lots of opportunities to win BIG this festive season with two more $500 early bird draws coming up this December and the $1,500 grand prize in early January:

Early Bird #2 — $500, Dec. 8.

Early Bird #3 — $500, Dec. 15.

Grand Prize — $1,500, Jan. 12.

During Holiday Passport season shoppers receive a stamp every time they spend $10 at a participating downtown business. When a passport is filled (20 stamps), Passport holders simply complete the contact form located at the bottom of their passport and drop it off at a ballot box at any participating business.

Eager stamp collectors are welcome to collect free stamps at the Peterborough Public Library, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitors Centre, and the Boro Holiday Hub (located at 373 George St.)

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Peterborough Trustee Braden Leal Elected as PVNC Catholic Board Chairperson

Peterborough trustee Braden Leal was acclaimed as Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board chairperson during the Board’s annual meeting on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

Leal has been serving as vice-chairperson since Oct. 26, 2021. He has served three years in the trustee role, having been elected as first-time trustee in the 2018 municipal election.

“I am honoured to take on this new role. I am a proud PVNC graduate, and I look forward to working with my fellow trustees as we continue to guide the Board through these challenging times,” Leal said. “The pandemic continues to place extreme pressures on our staff, students and families and our work as trustees has never been more vital as we strive for excellence in Catholic Education and to educate students in faith-filled, loving, safe, inclusive schools.”

Clarington trustee Kevin MacKenzie was acclaimed vice-chairperson. MacKenzie also marked three years as a trustee, elected as first-time trustee in the 2018 municipal election.

Leal takes over the chairperson role from Northumberland trustee David Bernier, who was elected to the role in December 2020. Bernier has been a trustee for 15 years and previously served as Board chairperson from 2008 through 2010. Leal acknowledged Bernier’s service in the chairperson role and thanked him for his leadership over the past year.

Trustees Helen McCarthy (Peterborough) and Linda Ainsworth (Clarington) have both served on the Board for seven years, having first been elected in October 2014.

Trustee Emmanuel Pinto (Peterborough County) marked three years in his role. Tuesday was the first annual board meeting for newly appointed Kawartha Lakes trustee Loretta Durst, who officially joined the Board during the Nov. 23, 2021 regular board meeting.

During Tuesday’s annual board meeting, trustees were also appointed to standing and ad-hoc Board committees.

Peterborough Bishop Daniel Miehm celebrated mass following the annual board meeting.

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Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre to Close Pool Next Year For HVAC Renovation

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre pool will close at the end of the day on Dec. 31, 2021 until April 4, 2022 for the planned replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Information on spring programming in the pool will be provided closer to April 2022.

For members who want to put memberships on hold during the pool closure, complete the hold request online at https://www.peterborough.ca/en/explore-and-play/member-services.aspx#Membership-Holds or at the front desk of the Centre.

A Wellness Centre update is available online at https://www.peterborough.ca/en/news/december-update-for-members-students-and-patrons.aspx.

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PRHC Foundation November 50/50 Winner Takes Home Over $40,000

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation has wrapped up their November 50/50 Lottery and announced Mary Overholt of Peterborough the winner.

Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Overholt won the grand prize of $39,855 and chose the $2,000 cash bonus prize.

In addition to the Grand Prize winner, there were two lucky Early Bird winners, each winning $1,000 cash.

The proceeds from the 50/50 Lottery will support PRHC.

Tickets for the December Lottery are on sale now, just in time for the holidays.

Buying early guarantees entry into both Early Bird Draws – “WINter Wednesdays” where a total of four winners will take home $500 each, plus have the chance at winning the Grand Prize of the growing jackpot plus a Bonus Prize of a $2,500 Resorts of Ontario Gift Certificate OR $2,000 cash.

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December 1 Proclaimed World AIDS Day in Peterborough

Mayor Diane Therrien officially proclaimed Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day in Peterborough on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of PARN.

In a tweet by Therrien, she noted that an estimated 68,000 people worldwide died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2020.

Photo courtesy of Mayor Diane Therrien.

To commemorate the day, Peterborough AIDS Resource Network (PARN) placed red scarves around the city and invites anyone that is cold to take one.

Thank you to everyone who crafted and donated scarves to PARN for our Red Scarf Project. The scarves have been placed in the community today for World AIDS Day. If you are cold, take a scarf today! pic.twitter.com/1Ihl4kCyok

— PARN (@PARN4Counties) December 1, 2021

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