Peterborough Animal Care Centre Recieves $260,000 Grant From PetSmart Charities of Canada

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) and the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Humane Society received a $260,000 grant for the Peterborough Animal Care Centre on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

PetSmart Charities of Canada donated the grant. The 24,000 sq. ft. Peterborough Animal Care Centre will be home to the Peterborough Humane Society’s Adoption & Education Centre and Regional Spay and Neuter Clinic as well as the Ontario SPCA Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre.

Construction is well underway and slated to be completed at the end of 2022. Fundraising is ongoing and PetSmart Charites of Canada’s support moves both PHS and the Ontario SPCA even closer to their goal.

PHS will use grant funds to purchase medical equipment required for the regional high-volume spay/neuter clinic within the new centre. The Spay/Neuter Clinic (which will serve the public as well as other animal rescue organizations) will provide up to 25 surgeries a day, helping 5,000 pets and their families each year according to the PHS.

"PetSmart Charities of Canada has been a phenomenal partner on this journey to the new centre,” shares Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “Their support brings us that much closer to being able to raise the bar in animal care in our community and beyond.”

$75,000 of the grant will go towards the Ontario SPCA Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre. The Dog Rehabilitation Centre will be custom-built to help dogs who need more support and individualized care than an animal centre can provide. It will contain several unique features, including a real family living room to help dogs practice living in a home environment.

“We are grateful to receive this grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada to help bring the Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre to reality,” says Dr. Stephanie Black, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society chief veterinary officer. “Once complete, this centre will fill a critical and significant gap in current services by addressing the individualized needs of dogs most difficult to adopt.”

PetSmart Charities of Canada has cumulatively contributed over $421,000 towards the innovative new animal care facility located at 1999 Technology Dr. in Peterborough.

“We recognize the need for accessible health and wellness services for pets, which is why we are excited that the new Animal Care Centre will help bring those services to the Peterborough community,” says Dani LaGiglia, PetSmart Charities of Canada senior community grants manager. “Not only will the centre help more pets find homes, but it will help more pets receive the care they need to support their health and well-being.”

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Trent University Ranked in Top Ten Undergraduate Research Universities

Trent University has been ranked third in Ontario and sixth in Canada for undergraduate research according to the annual rankings by Research Infosource Inc. announced Wednesday.

Faculty and student researchers at Trent University examine the impact of global warming on tree swallows in the Trent Nature Areas and Lakefield Lagoons, Peterborough courtesy of Trent University.

This year’s rankings also place the University in the undergraduate Winner’s Circle in two categories – first in Ontario (second in Canada) for not-for-profit research income growth percentage and second in Canada for corporate research income growth percentage.

“Our faculty, graduate and undergraduate students work closely with diverse partners to conduct significant leading-edge research,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent acting vice president of research and innovation. “The 2021 Research Infosource rankings clearly reflect the growth and leadership of community-based and partnered research at Trent, with top-two honours in the corporate and not-for-profit research categories. Being number two in research income growth in our class is a testament to the dedication of Trent researchers and the engagement of our broader research community.”

Trent was ranked second among undergraduate institutions for the growth percentage of corporate and not-for-profit research income, increasing research income in these categories by nearly 300% and more than 3,000%, respectively, over the last 20 years.

Maclean’s has ranked Trent as the top undergraduate institution in Ontario for the past 11 years.

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YES Acting Executive Director Becomes Officially Appointed Into Role

After acting as Executive Director since September, Aimeé Le Lagadec, has been officially appointed the new executive director of the YES Shelter for Youth and Families announced Wednesday.

Le Lagadec’s was the acting exectutive director when the YES Shelter received $52,900 to aid in staff training from the Ontario Trillium Foundation on Oct. 19. Photo courtesy of Youth Emergency Shelter.

Originally from South Africa, Le Lagadec brings over 10 years of progressive experience in the social services field with a specialization in youth homelessness and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work.

She previously worked at Eva’s Initiatives in Toronto, known for its wrap-around support of young people experiencing homelessness in Toronto.

Since 2018, Le Lagadec has been the manager of the Outreach Program at YES, overseeing a team of YES staff directly supporting youth and families to avoid, recover from and exit homelessness.

“Stepping into this role in the midst of COVID-19 has been extremely challenging. That being said, I am proud to be the one who will lead the YES Shelter for Youth and Families through the remainder of the pandemic,” said Le Lagadec. “Last week’s cases (now resolved) in our Emergency Shelter and RISE Youth Housing Program come after two extremely stressful years for YES clients and staff, who are operating a frontline emergency service for a vulnerable population. The agency’s ability to continue operating with very little interruption, speaks volumes to the resiliency and dedication of our team. I plan to work alongside our incredible staff to continue to offer life-saving services, and increase the amount of affordable, supported housing options available to youth and families, who would otherwise be homeless.”

“We know that Aimeé will continue to inspire the vision for the organization that is aligned with the overall strategic direction, mission and values and provide executive leadership for the development and delivery of long-term strategies and programs to support vulnerable youth and families in our community,” said Kerri Boyd, YES Board Chair.

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Otonabee South Monaghan Fire Chief Retires After 47 Year Career

Otonabee South Monaghan (OSM) Fire Chief Ted Bryan will officially retire at the end of January, after a 47 year career with the fire department.

Fire Chief Ted Bryan and Fire Prevention Officer Cara Wood. Bryan says FPO Wood made his job a lot easier. Photo courtesy of OSM.

Looking back on his career Bryan says it’s hard to sum up 47 years of experience.

Bryan joined the volunteer fire department in 1975 when he graduated high school. He became chief in 1986, which became his full-time career in 1997 when the Otonabee department amalgamated with South Monaghan.

“When I started I was the chief of the station in Keene and I had maybe 18 firefighters,” he said. “Today we have four fire stations and 82 members.”

Bryan notes that over the course of his almost 50 year career the training available to firefighters has changed immensely.

“The evolution in the fire services - it went from being handed a hat, a pitch coat and a pair of long rubber boots, being told ‘here you’re going to fight fires for us when the siren goes off’ to volunteer firefighters in todays world being certified, full fledged firefighters.”

When a recruit joins the volunteer fire department they attend training at The Eastern Ontario Emergency Training Academy (EOETA) in Norwood. There they receive the same certifications needed to pursue a full time firefighting career.

“It’s so exciting to watch new recruits come on and grow with the department, then one day tell you they’ve gotten a full time fire job elsewhere. It’s heart warming to see that, a very satisfying part of the job.”

In his retirement Bryan says he will continue to teach at the EOETA, The Ontario Fire College and at Fleming College in their Pre-Service Firefighting program.

“I’m looking forward to being able to decompress and maybe sit at the end of my dock for a little bit.”

Bryan says he will miss the people he works with the most.

“To say you don’t have any issues with 82 people wouldn’t be telling the truth, but certainly we’re a good group and we see each others differences,” he says. “They’re wonderful to work with, as well as the council and management here in the township.”

Chuck Parsons will be taking over as Fire Chief of OSM, effective Feb. 1.

“I am excited to be joining the Township of Otonabee South-Monaghan team and working with Council, Volunteer Fire Fighters, Staff and the Community including Hiawatha First Nation in this role,” said Parsons. “The Municipality of Otonabee South-Monaghan is vibrant and receptive and I welcome the opportunity to live and work in the area and continue the excellent leadership provided to the Municipal Fire and Emergency Services for the benefit of the township’s citizens and businesses”

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Petes Tickets Back On Sale For the Public At Reduced Capacity

The Peterborough Petes have three home games scheduled at the Peterborough Memorial Centre from Jan. 31 until Feb. 20. with tickets going on sale this Thursday.

The OHL reaffirmed its commitment to continue the 2021-22 season on Jan. 5 despite the modified stage two mandate from the Ontario Government earlier this month. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Tickets will be on sale exclusively to Season Ticket Members beginning 9:30 a.m. ET at the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office. All games will have a maximum spectator capacity of 500.

Home Game Schedule:

• Thursday, February 3 vs. Ottawa 67’s

• Saturday, February 5 vs. Niagara IceDogs*

• Thursday, February 10 vs. Ottawa 67’s

*The Pink in the Rink fundraiser was originally scheduled to be held during the game on Feb. 5. That fundraising event will be moved to a home game later this season.

Petes Season Ticket Members can purchase tickets using their account credits in an exclusive pre-sale window beginning on Thu. at 9:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in-person, over the phone or online. Season Ticket Members will have access to a special STM ticket price, and the Petes will cover the cost of all order fees associated with the purchase.

If any tickets remain after the Season Ticket Member presale, they will be available to the general public on Monday at 9:30 a.m. Fans can purchase at the Grant Thornton Box Office at the Peterborough Memorial Centre online starting on Monday or in-person and over the phone at (705) 743-3561 starting Wednesday 9:30 a.m. ET. 

All tickets sold for games on Feb. 3, 5 and 10 will be treated as General Admission in the Gibson’s Finest Club Section. All patrons will enter through PMC Gate #1. Tickets will be distributed the week of each game.

Petes Season Ticket Members will receive an automatic credit on their PMC Account for all games played at reduced capacity between Jan. 10 and Feb. (projected nine games in total).

Credits will be available for use starting on Jan. 27 and can be used for the three games to be played with a capacity of 500 spectators. These fans have received an email and phone call with additional details.

Full details related to health and safety protocol, building entrances and seating, and other important information will be distributed directly to ticket holders and will also be available online before each home game. 

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Surge In Admissions Sees Patient Volume Reach Over 100 Per Cent

As the Omicron Variant continues to spread throughout the community, Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) continues to see sustained patient volumes above 100 per cent of the hospital’s bed capacity. 

Photo courtesy of Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

This recent surge has seen hospital capacity reach as high as 140 per cent.  

In order to provide care for this increased volume of patients, CMH has temporarily converted the day surgery recovery area into acute care beds and plans are in place to convert the ambulatory care clinic to accommodate further acute care patients should the surge in patients continue to grow.

While increasing bed capacity is one challenge, staffing is another, particularity in light of a highly contagious variant that has required many staff to self-isolate.

“Our staff have been at this for nearly two years,” said CMH Interim President/CEO Eric Hanna. “They are exhausted and they continue to give it their all day in and day out. Our part-time and casual workers are putting in full-time hours; our full time staff are coming in on their off days, it’s truly been an all hands on deck effort.”

CMH reminds the community that although the worst of Omicron may be over soon, it is still very active in the community and it is important to follow Public Health advice such as washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask, and getting vaccinated.

“Although we are seeing fully vaccinated patients presenting with COVID-19,” said Hanna, “I will note that the vast majority of severe COVID-19 cases that require admission to the hospital are in people who are not vaccinated. That’s why vaccination is so important, not only to protect you and your loved ones, but also to preserve hospital capacity.”

Community members could also expect to see slightly longer than normal wait times in the Emergency Department and those requiring non-urgent care are encouraged to seek out alternative options such as their family doctor, telehealth, or virtual care clinics.

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URide Peterborough To Donate Portion Of Thursday Proceeds To Peterborough Shares And Announces 50 Per Cent Off Rides For January

URide Peterborough announced that for the remainder of January all rides will be 50 per cent off, and portions from each ride on Thursday will be donated to Peterborough Shares.

Photo courtesy of URide PTBO.

Peterborough Shares is a Facebook group that aims to help anyone in need. To date URide Peterborough has donated over $500 to the group.

The group provides those in need the opportunity to ask for things like groceries or household items.

On Thursday a portion of each ride will be automatically donated to the group.

To receive 50 per cent off any ride up to $20 enter the code 50PTBO on their app.

This promotion will be available until Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m.

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Walk In Opportunities Available For COVID-19 Vaccine On Anniversary Of First COVID-19 Vaccine Administered In The Area

To increase access to the COVID-19 vaccine, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is expanding walk-in clinic opportunities to some eligible residents.

File Photo.

As of Wednesday:

• Residents 12 years of age or older who require a first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can walk-in to vaccine clinics designated for residents 12 years of age or older.

• Residents 18 years of age or older who require a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can walk-in to vaccine clinics designated for residents 12 years of age or older.

• Residents ages 5-11 who require a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can walk-in to vaccine clinics designated for residents ages 5-11.

At this time, residents ages 5-11 who require a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are asked to book an appointment at available COVID-19 vaccine clinics.

Available COVID-19 vaccine clinics can be found here.. Appointments are still available for most COVID-19 vaccine clinics and can be booked through the provincial booking system online at www.ontario.ca/covidvaccine or by calling 1- 833-943-3900.

“We are aiming to reduce the barriers to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine by expanding walk-in opportunities for many residents,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Peterborough Public Health will continue to host vaccine clinics in the City of Peterborough and throughout Peterborough County to increase access to the vaccine.”

Today is the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the Peterborough region. On January 26, 2021, Elizabeth Campbell was the first resident in Peterborough to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“In one year, all vaccination partners in our region have been able to administer 321,186 doses of COVID-19 vaccines. I want to thank our vaccinators, administrative support, volunteers, and every partner organization that have supported COVID-19 vaccine efforts across the region,” said Dr. Piggott.

For additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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#WellTogetherPTBO Campaign Raises $12,000 For CMHA HKPR New Mobile Mental Health Unit

PTBOCanada and Fresh Radio’s #WellTogetherPTBO campaign raised $12,000 to help fund Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge branch’s new mobile mental health unit.

The new mobile clinic is in the process of being launched. It will consist of two retro-fitted vehicles that will service the four counties.

“The intent is to be able to provide mental health support to people who are living remotely, facing barriers and for many reasons have not been able to access service,” said Jeff Cadence, manager of the new mobile clinic. “This is now a process of bringing that help directly to the people.”

The $12,000 donation will be put towards the purchase of a second unit, as the first one was payed for by funding from the Ontario government.

According to Cadence the vehicle will be about 36 ft. long and wheelchair accessible. Onboard will be a waiting room, a washroom and two meeting rooms where patients can meet with professionals in person or via. video chat.

Each unit will have mental health clinicians and nurses on site and will be able to provide access to psychiatry and other medical professionals through tele-conference.

The #WellTogetherPTBO campaign raised funds by selling shirts and toques. The shirts featured art by artist Jason Wilkins that was inspired by his painted mural at the PTBOCanada studio.

Leons Peterborough, Ashburnham Realty, Gauvreau Accounting, Circul Air Corp., Red X Technologies, Overtime Hockey, Fontains Source For Sports and Friendly Fires made significant contributions to this campaign.

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Otonabee Conservation Offers Tree Seedling Sales Program

Otonabee Conservation is encouraging Otonabee Region landowners to enhance their property and mitigate climate change by planting trees from their Tree Seedling Sales Program announced Tuesday.

Meredith Carter, Otonabee Conservation Manager of the Watershed Management Program holds up an example of the bare root seedling stock that can be purchased through the Tree Seedling Sales program at Otonabee Conservation. Photo courtesy of Otonabee Consveration.

“Trees play an important role in maintaining a healthy and resilient natural environment; planting more trees will help provide habitat and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” explains Meredith Carter, Otonabee Conservation Manager of the Watershed Management Program, “Last year, 99 landowners in our watershed purchased and planted over 11,000 trees and shrubs through our Tree Seedling Sales Program. This will translate to approximately, 2.5 million kilograms of sequestered Carbon over the lifetime of these trees”

Landowners can choose from a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees and wildlife shrubs including White Pine, Eastern White Cedar, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Highbush Cranberry and Buttonbush. Unique species such as Tulip Tree, Bitternut Hickory and Serviceberry are also available. The minimum order is 25 seedlings of a selected species.

“Trees and forests also protect water quality in our rivers and streams,” said Carter, “They provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, and they add to the health of our communities by purifying the air and enhancing the environment that surrounds us.”

Orders can be submitted online for pickup in spring 2022, with an order deadline of March 20. Demand for tree seedlings has been high over the past two years according to Otonobee Conservation as they encourage anyone to order as soon as possible for the best selection of species and quantities.

Otonabee Conservation expects the seedlings to arrive at the Conservation Authority office in early May, at which time landowners will be notified and curbside pick-up times will be scheduled.

Details about the Otonabee Conservation Tree Seedling Sales Program, including helpful tips about planting and caring for young seedlings, choosing the right trees for your land, and the online ordering system are available at otonabeeconservation.com/programs/tree-planting.

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