Norwood Boy Gets A Birthday Surprise From Local Fire Department

/

Jayden, a 4-year-old from Norwood, who lives with a rare genetic disorder called Coffin-Siris Syndrome, got a special birthday surprise from the Asphodel Norwood Fire Department (ANFR) on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Fraser.

Ashley Fraser, Jayden’s Mom, says that while he is non-verbal he has always shown an interest in big trucks and lights so she thought he may like firetrucks.

“We noticed when we went to the Santa Clause parade in Norwood and he was just amazed when he saw the firetruck,” she said. “He sits in our window and he loves to watch cars go by and big trucks, that’s his thing - he’s not interested in toys.”

Because of his interest, Jayden’s mom reached out to the local fire department in hopes that they would drive by in their truck on Jayden’s birthday.

ANFR Fire Chief Daryl Payne and firefighter James Jordan arrived with a firetruck in tow to Jayden’s house to celebrate.

“James got right down to his eye level, Jayden was just so comfortable with him, it was just amazing that he was so drawn to him and was able to have that connection.”

Fraser says that the department blew her away with their kindness and how they treated her son.

@ptbo_canada Happy Birthday Jayden! Someone’s day was made and we don’t know if it was Jaydens our ours ❤️ #PTBOCanada #firefighters #firedepartment ♬ today was a good day - ✗

Living with coffin-siris syndrome, Jayden is non-verbal. His mom says his squeals of delight showed her just how happy he was when he saw the fire truck pull up to their home.

“He doesn’t get excited like the average little kid gets excited on birthdays or Christmas, it just doesn’t do it for him like a regular little kid, so it was so awesome to see him enjoy this.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Phoney Sale of St. Peter's Secondary School Posted on Kijiji Taken Down

/

A fake listing of the St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School property for $1.7 million on Kijiji was taken down on Wednesday.

Screenshot.

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) was successful in having the post removed after issuing a complaint. The $1.7 million cost of the property was highly undervalued according to a PVNCCDSB Tweet.

An open house was listed in the description scheduled for next week.

The board urged the public not to call about the sale despite only receiving one call from a local realtor.

The unknown Kijiji account has been suspended as a result of the fake listing.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Sports Retail Store Doubles As Community Hub In Unique Business Service

/

What looks like a sports apparel store, owner Mark Million of The Capital PTBO created a community hub for the sports community in downtown Peterborough that opened on Monday.

Mark Million also works as a realtor for Bowes & Cocks Limited Brokerage. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store is located at 370 George St. N. and sells sports apparel such as hats, shirts and collectibles but offers a venue for other sports outlets. The space offers free rental space for events such as sports banquets, press conferences or fantasy draft parties.

Customers can use the space as a library for sports books available on-site, play table hockey or watch the game at no charge in a safe and welcoming environment.

"We're not here to make money off you. We're here to let you enjoy the moment,” said Million. “The downtown has for some generations of people, it has a stigma attached that isn't always true. It's not a scary space, it's a safe space run by entrepreneurs."

@ptbo_canada Need a place to hang out and do all things sports? The Capital PTBO invites you to relax, hang out and maybe shop while you are there! #PTBOCanada ♬ Smokin Out The Window - Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak & Silk Sonic

Million worked in retail with his brother for roughly four years before making a career change to a realtor for Bowes & Cocks Limited Brokerage. The brothers went back to retail after a friend’s suggestion to open a business since a major store closed its doors last February which left a void in the sports apparel market.

“Retail was my first love and I’ve done it for many, many years,” reflected Million. “National Sports announced that they were closing so that really started to move the ball forward. If we were to take a shot, go for it.”

The logo is made of wood and was crafted by Million’s son, Cole. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store’s name carries local roots as the logo was designed by Mary Bucholtz of Bechwood Design. The Market Hall clock tower represents Million’s family lineage and heritage that was in Peterborough’s history.

"My grandfather's grandfather (on my mom's side) had the first business under the clock way back in the 1840s-50s," said Million. “He had a fish market, it was the first one underneath the clock tower so to bring that was fun.”

The store currently carries Electric City Football Club apparel and is in the process of getting rights to sell Peterborough Petes merchandise.

“It's a no-brainer for us to be involved in local sports and there's such a rich history here between lacrosse, hockey and Electric City soccer team that was around 120 years ago,” said Million.

Despite the space looking like a retail store at first glance, coming inside the store will show the true experience The Capital PTBO has to offer.

“Come and check out our space, don't buy anything,” said Million. “I don't need the sale as much I need you to understand what this space could mean for your sports organization or for your club or whatever the case may be. We want it to be a space to be inclusive for anyone that's comfortable to do that sort of thing.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Foodie Friday: Restaurant Owners Excited to Return to In-House Dining

/

With restaurants permitted to operate at half-capacity starting Monday, several entrepreneurs are eager to open up their businesses to the public.

“I am really excited to open back up and get things rolling properly again. Having the staff back full force will be great for them,” said Addison Brown, Dr J’s BBQ & Brews owner. “Being able to share a beverage or meal with others is a great feeling. I would also like to thank everyone that ordered off of us while we were closed down, we wouldn’t be here without them!”

“We're happy to be able to accommodate the kind folk of this town,” said Om Patel, The Dirty Burger Company owner. “Even though the regulations limit us to having 50 per cent capacity, we love the appreciation this community gives restaurants that they support local. The Dirty Burger Company will be open and happy to see this new year show us new light!”

“‘We are delighted to be opening back up for dine-in,” said Shae Doucet, Sam’s Place manager. “We have worked hard as a community to keep each other safe and we are more than excited to have our friends back inside as it feels like it’s time.”

“At Jesse’s, we are fortunate and want to thank our great customers that supported us while we did takeout,” said Adam Shearer, Jesse’s Tap & Grill owner. “We are looking forward to seeing familiar and new faces in the restaurant again.”

Some restaurants will continue to have only takeout and/or delivery such as The Pizza Factory and Nostimo by the Original Greek when restrictions are lifted.

PTBOCanada with Sysco Central Ontario encourages everyone to support our local restaurants with any option each business has to offer.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Public Health Issues Sixth Frostbite Alert of the Season

/

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued its sixth frostbite alert this season as wind chill values are forecast to drop below -27°C from 10:00 p.m. Friday and last at least until 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.

The first frostbite alert for Peterborough was issued on Jan. 7. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and everyone is encouraged to take precautions to stay safe. Extreme cold temperatures can particularly impact the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems and the marginally housed. There are various emergency shelters available overnight in the City of Peterborough.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, Peterborough Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions: 

  • Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. 

  • Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods. 

  • Use caution when shovelling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shovelling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems. 

  • Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.

Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keeps you dry and further reduces your risk.

PPH has issued the following tips:

  • Dress in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.

  • Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and a scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.

  • If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.

Cold related illnesses include:

  • Hypothermia: Symptoms/signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.

  • Frostbite: Symptoms/signs include: white/greyish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness. Increases in other health problems can also be seen especially for those with other chronic medical conditions such as heart conditions.

Further information about the health risks of extreme cold and Peterborough Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found here or by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and searching for “extreme cold.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

City Facilities to Reopen On Monday

/

Certain City of Peterborough facilities that were closed due to the modified stage two from the Ontario Government related to COVID-19 will reopen to in-person services on Monday.

Ontario went to a modified stage two on Jan. 5. Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, all visitors to City facilities must wear a tight-fitting face covering that covers the nose, mouth and chin unless the facility allows an exception for specific activities such as exercising. Where practicable, physical distancing must be maintained from those not from the same household.

For information on the Province’s COVID-19 pandemic regulations, please visit ontario.ca/covid.

For public health information related to COVID-19, please visit peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid19 or ontario.ca/covid.

The City continues to encourage people to use online and phone options to access municipal services, where available, to reduce in-person interactions as part of efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please visit peterborough.ca for information on online services and contacts for by-phone services.

Services not listed below continue to operate under current conditions. For up-to-date information on municipal services affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit peterborough.ca/covid19.

Community Arenas

City community arenas will reopen on Monday for permitted rentals and programming, with the following requirements and restrictions: 

  • All individuals aged 12 and over entering a facility must present an enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code and valid ID prior to entry.

  • All individuals entering an arena facility must actively screen using www.peterborough.ca/ArenaScreen to record the name(s) and contact information of every member of the public entering the facility.

  • On-ice participants are limited to 60 per group including all players, coaches and gameplay officials.

  • Spectators are limited to two per participant, up to a maximum of 120 spectators for each ice pad.

  • Physical distancing and wearing of a proper tight fitted mask will be required at all times while in common areas in the facility, including dressing rooms. Masks may only be removed immediately prior to activity.

  • Facility entry is allowed no earlier than 30 mins prior to permitted time. Participants are encouraged to enter as prepared to play due to limited change room capacities.

  • Dressing room capacities will be posted. Chairs will be provided for use in common areas such as dressing room hallways.

Food and beverage will not be permitted or sold in the facility and masks are to be properly worn by all spectators at all times.

Please visit the arena’s webpage for additional details and information or contact arenas customer service at arenadivisionbookings@peterborough.ca or ext. 2577. 

Note:  Healthy Planet Arena will continue to be used for vaccination clinics. Please visit the Peterborough Public Health website for clinic information.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will remain closed for the month of February while work is completed for lighting improvements to the main gallery space and the installation of new exhibitions.

The Gallery is anticipated to reopen in March with new exhibitions and the onsite March Break Art Camp.

Online programming will continue on Facebook (@AGPtbo), Twitter (@AGPtbo_) and Instagram (@AGPtbo_). Visit the Art Gallery’s website at agp.on.ca for digital programming, news and updates.

Downtown Youth Space

The Downtown Youth Space at 201 McDonnel St. will reopen Tuesday at 3:00 p.m., resuming normal operating hours Tuesday through Friday 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum and Archives will resume regular open hours, starting on Monday:

  • Weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Weekends and statutory holidays noon to 5:00 p.m.

For details on exhibits and programming, please visit peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca or call 705-743-5180.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library remains open with visitor capacity limited to 50 per cent in compliance with the provincial regulation.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will reopen on Monday, Jan.31 The facility will have the following hours of operation:

  • Mon. - Fri.: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

  • Sat. and Sun.: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The center will be closed on Family Day, on Monday, Feb. 20, 2022.

In accordance with the provincial regulation, visitor capacity at the centre is limited. The following capacity limits will be maintained on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • Building capacity limited to 375 persons

  • Fitness Centre, including fitness studio capacity limited to 80 persons

  • Multipurpose rooms capacity limited to 15 persons per room

  • Gymnasiums capacity limited to 80 persons per gym

As required by the Province of Ontario, all patrons ages 12 years and older must complete a daily COVID screening, provide government-issued identification and proof of vaccination enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code to enter the Sport and Wellness Centre with the following exemptions for proof of vaccination: 

  • Patrons who have a valid proof of medical exemption will be permitted

  • Patrons born in 2010 and who are 12 years and 12 weeks of age or younger

  • Patrons under the age of 12 will be able to access programs without proof of vaccination

Participants who were previously registered in programs will be contacted regarding revised start dates. Member classes, including fitness and drop-in sport programs, will begin on Jan. 31.

Memberships that were put on hold during the facility closure will be reactivated automatically on Jan. 31.

For further information regarding the Wellness Centre please visit peterborough.ca/pswc.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Public Input Sought In Cedargrove Stormwater Facility Sediment Removal And Retrofit Project

/

The City of Peterborough is making improvements to the existing Cedargrove Stormwater Management Facility at Sherbrooke Street and Glenforest Boulevard.

Photo courtesy of The City Of Peterborough.

The purpose of this project is to improve water quality and increase flood control in accordance with the requirements set out by the Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Parks (MECP) as well as the City of Peterborough’s Stormwater Quality Master Plan. The project will :

  • decrease flood risk in the area by increasing the pond's ability to store water;

  • improve existing upstream infrastructure that controls and conveys water into the pond.

  • enhance water quality in the Byersville Creek Subwatershed.

The project plans, additional project information and resources are available on the City’s consultation website Connect Peterborough at www.connectptbo.ca/cedargroveswm.

Residents can provide feedback and ask questions through the online engagement tool. Residents who do not have computer access, may contact the City’s Stormwater Systems Coordinator by phone at 705-742-7777 ext. 1507.

This is the second public outreach for this project because there have been significant revisions to the original design. Comments and questions will be received until February 18, 2022.

The project team will review and evaluate the feasibility of all feedback as it develops the project plan.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Ontario's Chief Medical Officer Highlights Loosened Restrictions For Monday

/

Dr. Kieran Moore highlighted the loosened COVID-19 restrictions that will come into play on Monday, during a briefing on Thursday.

Screenshot.

As a result of the additional public health measures enacted on Jan. 5, the province is beginning to see signs of stabilization in key public health and health system indicators.

Some surgeries paused due to a surge in COVID-19 cases will resume on Monday. Non-urgent surgeries were put on hold in early January to preserve hospital capacity, affecting an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 procedures a week.

Also effective as of Monday at 12:01 a.m. :

Ontario will begin the process of gradually easing restrictions, while maintaining protective measures, including but not limited to:

  • Increasing social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

  • Increasing or maintaining capacity limits at 50 per cent in indoor public settings, including but not limited to:

  • Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments without dance facilities;

  • Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies)

  • Shopping malls;

  • Non-spectator areas of sports and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms;

  • Cinemas;

  • Meeting and event spaces;

  • Recreational amenities and amusement parks, including water parks;

  • Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos and similar attractions; and

  • Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments

  • Religious services, rites, or ceremonies.

  • Allowing spectator areas of facilities such as sporting events, concert venues and theatres to operate at 50 per cent seated capacity or 500 people, whichever is less.

Enhanced proof of vaccination, and other requirements would continue to apply in existing settings.

The Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that as of Wednesday, there were 3,645 people with COVID-19 in hospitals: down from 4,016 on Tuesday.

About 56 per cent of those patients were admitted for COVID-related illnesses while 44 per cent were already in hospital when they tested positive for the virus, according to the ministry.

There were 599 patients with COVID-19 who required intensive care, a second straight day the overall number has fallen. It's down from 608 the day before but up slightly from the same time last week.

About 82 per cent of patients with COVID-19 in ICUs were admitted for reasons directly related to the virus.

The health ministry also reported another 70 deaths of people with the virus, bringing the official toll in the province to 11,230.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

/ /

Guest User


Draft Of New Peterborough County Official Plan Released

/

Peterborough County Council received the release of the new draft of the Official Plan for Peterborough County, at the Jan. 19 Council Meeting, that draft is now available to the public.

File Photo.

A requirement of the County Planning Department was to undertake a Municipal Comprehensive Review of the existing Official Plan and to complete a Growth Plan conformity exercise.

“The Official Plan was largely developed by creating consistencies between local Municipalities”, said Bryan Weir, Director, Planning and Public Works. “Through land use designations and mapping, and then refining the policies to reflect provincial legislation and local context, this new draft plan will serve the County and most of the Townships and is now available for public review and comment.”

The County Official Plan provides direction and guidance on how land in the County of Peterborough will be used and provides policy to ensure that future development will meet the needs of the community. Currently it also functions as the lower tier Official Plan for four local municipalities.

In 2017, the County initiated the development of a new Official Plan; one that is more user-friendly and meets both Provincial and local directives. Is being developed with input from County and Township Councils, public agencies, and members of the public.

The full Draft County Official Plan, detailed Land Use Schedules, and Report to Council in digital or printable format can be found on the Peterborough County website.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Hometown PTBO: Dan O'Toole on His New Podcast Boomsies and Some of His Favourite Spots in Peterborough

/

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with former sports anchor Dan O'Toole about his new podcast Boomsies, his favourite spots in Peterborough and some of his experiences on the golf course.

Check out his podcast at any one of these platforms on Apple Podcast, Spotify or Youtube.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.