Trent University Students Hold Walk Out And Online Petition In Reaction To Return To In-Person Learning

Trent students gathered on the Faryon Bridge Monday morning at 10 a.m. in an act of protest against the University’s decision to return to in-person learning.

Small group of students begin to gather on The Faryon Bridge at Trent University on Monday morning. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

On Dec. 17, Trent University announced that effective Dec. 20, exams would be moved online and the first week of classes would be online. The date of return to in-person was scheduled for Jan. 17, then got pushed to Jan. 31.

Students were informed Jan. 24 that they will be required to return to class on the following Monday (Jan. 31), at which point seminars and lectures will not be recorded or posted online.

“Some professors are offering online, but that’s just out of the kindness of their own heart,” said Ellie Wilson, a second year Trent student participating in Monday’s walk-out.

Wilson raised the issue that any student that comes into contact with COVID-19 and then has to isolate will potentially have no option to ‘attend’ class if an online option is not offered.

“They basically sent an email that said ‘if you have COVID, that kind of sucks because we’re not going to give you the option to learn online, if you are sick and can’t come to class - that sucks.”

Wilson noted that there are other Ontario Universities are offering a hybrid option, and she thinks that would be the best option.

“We’re not saying keep school fully online, because in-person classes work best for a lot of people. We’re just saying that the chance to learn online or in-person would be great,” she said.

The online petition, which had over 3,300 signatures as of Monday morning, raises a multitude of issues that may come with a return to fully in-person learning.

“Many students have expressed concerns over the return to in-person such as the lack of distancing in many classrooms, difficulty finding housing for 3 months, rising cases, long commutes to campus due to going back home and safety concerns among others,” the organizer stated online.

Students that attended Monday’s walk-out, and signed the online petition hope that Trent University will offer a hybris option to students. So those wanting to learn in-person have the option to do so, but those that prefer to learn online can continue to do so.

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.

Special Weather Statement To Bring Up To 20cm Of Snow This Week

Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for Ontario, stating that Wednesday and Thursday could bring between 10 - 20cm of snow.

Snow is estimated to begin at 12 a.m. on Wednesday and continue until early Friday morning.

Tuesday night is expected to see about 1cm of snow, Wednesday night will bring about 5cm and Thursday 5-10cm.

Tuesday temperatures will range from feeling like -4 to -18. It will warm up Wednesday, feeling like -1 and drop again on Thursday with a temperature of -11.

The last special weather statement in the area was on Jan. 17 and brought with it close to 50cm of snow in some areas around Peterborough County.

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.

Kawartha Food Share Recieves $3,750 From Starbucks Canada and Non-Perishables From Chemong Location

Starbucks Chemong location donated almost ten boxes of non-perishables to Kawartha Food Share (KFS) and nominated KFS for the Neighborhood Grant Program which donated $3,750, the coffee shop shared on their social media on Monday.

The team at Starbucks collected food donations from customers and staff throughout November and December.

The Starbucks Foundation offers locations Neighborhood Grants throughout the year. Neighborhood Grants are investments that help build sustained local impact and inspire increased partner volunteerism with nonprofit organizations that work in our communities.

Store employees decide where the grant should go each year. Employees at both Peterborough locations voted that Kawartha Food Share should receive the $3750 donation.

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 Urges Caution As Step 3 Public Health Measures Take Effect

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is emphasizing the importance of residents to continue following COVID-19 prevention measures so the provincial move to Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen can go as scheduled announced Monday.

Photo by Angela O’Grady

“While the easing of some public health measures is welcome news, we can’t let our guard down completely or else any increase in COVID-19 transmission may lead to another step backwards,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Our community is still grappling with the recent surge in infections caused by Omicron, causing the local death rate to increase substantially in recent weeks. This is compounded by the underlying vulnerability of our community with its higher proportion of elderly residents.”

Dr. Piggott reminded residents while COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU admissions are showing modest signs of slowing down, these provincial numbers don’t take into account the staffing shortages many hospitals are facing, including Peterborough Regional Health Centre. In addition, he said local wastewater surveillance demonstrates continued transmission so prudence is required.

The team at Peterborough Public Health is working hard to ensure the new guidelines are easy to find on its website, and staff are reaching out to various sectors to help them understand the new public health guidance for their business and organizations. Highlights of the Step 3 measures that took effect on Monday include:

• Proof of identification and vaccination (showing two doses) will continue to apply in existing settings; businesses must now use the Verify Ontario app and patrons must show enhanced vaccine certificates containing a QR Code.

• Indoor public settings may open, increasing or maintaining capacity limits at 50 per cent, including indoor dining, meeting and event spaces, gyms, and cinemas

• Social gathering limits can increase up to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

• Organized public events can increase capacity to 25 people indoors.

• With very limited exceptions, masks must be worn by everyone while indoors.

Alongside the return to Step 3, Dr. Piggott has released a Letter of Recommendation Monday urging businesses and organizations to continue to have staff to work from home when possible.

As Ontario’s reopening plan progresses, PPH will be monitoring the local situation closely and will escalate this to an enforceable Letter of Instruction under the Reopening Ontario Act if needed.

Step 3 will be in effect for a minimum of 21 days while public health indicators are monitored. Additional measures may be relaxed by the province if favourable trends continue on Feb. 21.

Those with questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

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 Petes Tickets Available to General Public For Next Three Home Games

The Peterborough Petes have opened their ticket sales to the general public for their next three home games at the Peterborough Memorial Centre announced Monday.

The Petes have been hosting games without fans during the three-week modified stage two that began in early January. Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

These games will have a capacity of no more than 500 fans. Tickets are now on sale to the general public and can be purchased exclusively through the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office.

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.

All fans can purchase tickets from the Grant Thornton Box Office at the Peterborough Memorial Centre online or in-person and over the phone at (705) 743-3561. Tickets are extremely limited. 

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.

Fans who have purchased flex vouchers are welcome to redeem their vouchers at the three games permitting 500 fans. 

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.

The Petes will host the rival Ottawa 67’s on Feb. 3 at 7:05 pm. For information on season tickets, private suites, special packages, groups and single-game tickets, contact Mike Kosciesza at mkosciesza@gopetesgo.com or call (705) 743-3681 ext. 263.

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.

Fleming College Joins Canada’s National Design Network

Fleming College announced on Friday that they will join CMC Microsystems, Canada’s leading hardware technology facilitator and manager of Canada’s National Design Network (CNDN).

File Photo.

As a member of CNDN, Fleming students, faculty, and researchers gain access to CMC Microsystems’ extensive offering of world-class platforms to design, make, and test their technology ideas.

These resources, as well as access to CMC’s ecosystem of researchers, start-ups and entrepreneurs will help students develop skills they need to thrive in the competitive, advanced technology marketplace.

Fleming College has a proven track record in applied science and research, tackling practical problems and developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges. For example, The Centre for Advancement in Mechatronics and Industrial Internet of Things (CAMIIT), that was established in 2020.

“Joining CNDN and CMC Microsystems provides us with a complete innovation ecosystem. From accessing state of the art design and fabrication services, to partnering with a national community of businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs, this is an important step for our students, researchers and start-ups at Fleming College,” said Dr. Fereydoon Diba, Lead Research Scientist at CAMIIT.

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.

Doors Open Peterborough Seeking New Committee Members

The Doors Open Peterborough Steering Committee that plans and runs its annual events are looking for new members to join its team announced Monday.

Photo courtesy of City of Peterborough.

Doors Open Peterborough is a city-wide event in which private and public heritage buildings open their doors (either physically or digitally) to the public for viewing free of charge. Funding for the program is approved by the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC).

Peterborough’s event is coordinated by the City of Peterborough as part of Doors Open Ontario in partnership with the Ontario Heritage Trust. The event is a great opportunity for community engagement and education about the City’s built heritage.

As a committee member, individuals will gain valuable skills and experience. Since meetings are held virtually, reliable access to a telephone or computer with an internet connection is essential.

To apply, interested individuals can fill out the volunteer application form online at www.peterborough.ca/heritageevents to indicate your specific skill set and interests. Applicants who cannot access the online application are asked to please call 705-742-7777 ext. 1491 for a hard copy of the form. The deadline for applications is March 4 at 4:30 p.m.

All volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Applicants will be contacted individually for a short interview and information session.

In accordance with the City of Peterborough - COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy, all volunteers are required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their beginning their volunteer role.

For more information, please visit the Doors Open Peterborough web page: www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/peterborough. 

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.

StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Capital PTBO, Wagg's, Levantine Grill and Compass

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Congratulations to brothers Mark and Justin Million on the official opening of their new store on George Street. Called The Capital PTBO, you’ll find sports-related hats, tees, hoodies, collectibles and more!

They carry the Electric City Football Club line of clothing and they are building a library of sports-related books along with a spot to enjoy them. Open Tuesday through Sunday, stop at 370 George St. N. or online at thecapitalptbo.ca or on Facebook and Instagram.

Wagg’s Ltd., a fifth-generation Orillia-based company, recently announced that they have acquired Grainger Uniform Rental.

Wagg’s provides floor mats, mops, aprons, towels, napkins, shop towels, industrial coveralls, lab coats and gowns. The purchase does not include Grainger’s dry-cleaning division. For details visit waggs.ca

The Levantine Grill just opened last week at 356 Charlotte St. at the Corner of Park Street.

They serve a variety of Mediterranean food including sandwiches, bowls, pizza, shawarma, halal, falafel, tabouleh, soups, salads and catering platters. Owners Hashem Yakan and Imad Mahfouz describe Levantine as a gathering of family, friends and guests to experience the rewarding taste of a home eatery. Stop at Charlotte and Park or find the Levantine Grill on Facebook.

Compass Early Learning and Care has announced the Newcomer Home Child Care Expansion in Central Ontario program.

Funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada, this project hopes to address systemic barriers while licensing 30 new Home Child Care Providers across Central Ontario.

It brings together multiple local agencies, municipal governments, the New Canadian Centre, the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre and more to ease entry into this career pathway for low-income and newcomer women entering the field of childcare. For details visit compasselc.com/wagegrant.

 “Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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.

Electric City Football Club Enters Partnership With Local Business As Exclusive Retailer

Electric City Football Club (ECFC) has partnered with retail store The Capital PTBO as an exclusive provider of ECFC merchandise for the upcoming 2022 League1 Ontario season announced Friday.

Rob Jenkins, ECFC president (left) with Mark Million, The Capital PTBO owner (right) celebrating their new partnership. The Capital PTBO becomes the first retail store to sell ECFC merchandise outside of the the club’s headquarters. Photo courtesy of ECFC.

“Downtown Peterborough is a special place and as a club we are committed to having a strong presence in the heart of the city.” said Rob Jenkins, ECFC president. “From the first time I spoke with Mark about his vision for a new retail spot on George Street, it seemed like a perfect fit for us both.”

The Capital PTBO opened up shop on Monday. The shop is stocked sports apparel and encourages anyone to hang out in their casual atmosphere.

Owner Mark Million with his brother and business partner Justin Million have a passion for both retail and sports.

“We wanted to create a place where local sports fans come to hang out, chat about last night’s game, and maybe pick up some really cool gear while you’re here,” said Mark. “As a local sports fan, we are very excited to see what Electric City FC is building and bringing to our city and wanted to see if we could play a part in making it a success.”

The Capital PTBO store located at 370 George St. N is the exclusive in-person provider of Electric City FC merchandise along with a pop-up shop that will be at all ECFC home matches this spring and summer. 

“We are really excited to have our players and coaches come to the store and hang out with Mark and Justin and have some fun,” said Jenkins. “This downtown shop embodies what we think makes Peterborough great and we are very proud to have our merchandise on display at such a unique place.” 

“The Capital PTBO is thrilled to partner with Electric City Football Club, a franchise bound for national success,” said Mark. “Supporting sport, Peterborough and the downtown is at the heart of our mandate and we look forward to growing together with an organization that shares our core values.” 

For store hours go to thecapitalptbo.ca or on social media by searching The Capital PTBO.

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.

Dave Ellis: January Photography In Review

Dave Ellis is an Omemee-area wildlife photographer. PTBOCanada often features his work in our Good Morning PTBO posts.

A Mennonite buggy plows the way after January’s big winter storm.

This month Ellis’s photography features a lot of birds including snow owls, bald eagles and woodpeckers.

A group of local bald eagles battle for control of a carp carcass.

A barred owl takes flight.

Snowy owl about to take flight from a fence post.

Ellis often captures wildlife in action, on the hunt for their next meal or guarding their territory from predators.

A mink guarding it’s territory.

Red fox stalking it’s next prey.

This river otter has caught itself a nice snack.

Ellis’s photography captures the natural world around Peterborough and The Kawarthas beautifully. PTBOCanada looks forward to what it to come as the seasons change and the wildlife scene does too.

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.