Peterborough Police Services Partners With Crime Stoppers To Release Colouring Book To Help Child Victims

The Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers have partnered on a new colouring book to assist in the Peterborough Police Victims Services Unit.

PC Dillon Wentworth and PSD Gryphon; Crime Stoppers Coordinator DC Keith Calderwood (Peterborough Police); Training Sergeant Ted Branch and PSD Mag; Victim Services Coordinator Alice Czitrom and PSD Pixie; Crime Stoppers Coordinator PC Greg Stokes (OPP); PC Bob Cowie and PSD Isaac. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Services.

“The colouring book is not just a way to help the community get to know the PPS working dogs, but a tool that officers can use to help with rapport building and communication with young people coming into contact with police. What we know is that colouring, drawing, reading and writing help with emotional expression and can be a great coping tool for children, teens and adults,” said Alice Czitrom, Victim Services Coordinator, Peterborough Police Service. “We are grateful to our partners at Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers for their generous support for this project.”

The colouring book features the Peterborough Police Service Working Dogs Police Service Dogs (PSD) Isaac, Gryphon, and Mag and Facility Dog Pixie. It will be handed out to children who come into contact with police or find themselves at the police station.

“The Crime Stoppers Board of Directors and the Crime Stoppers coordinators were excited to partner with Peterborough Police Victim Services Unit on this project,” says Keith Calderwood, Peterborough Police Coordinator, Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers. “Helping children through the colouring book and learning about the working dogs of Peterborough Police is a win-win.”

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Geotechnical Investigations By Parks Canada At Peterborough Lift Lock Underway This Month

Parks Canada is undertaking geotechnical investigations within the canal between Lock 20 – Ashburnham and Lock 21 –Peterborough Lift Lock. Work began on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

These investigations will help inform the design of potential future rehabilitation work on the Peterborough Earth Dams.

This work will be weather dependent and is expected to conclude at the end of March. The public is asked to stay clear of the work area.

Over the past few years, Parks Canada has made a historic investment to rehabilitate earth dams along the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site in the City of Peterborough. This rehabilitation has included work on Thompsons Bay Earth Dam, Curtis Creek Earth Dams and Hurdons Earth Dam.

These rehabilitated earth dams, which function as water retaining structures along the canal, also provide scenic waterside recreational trails for the public to enjoy while protecting visitors, residents and property.

The Government of Canada is investing over $615 million to support infrastructure work on the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site as part of the largest federal infrastructure plan in the history of Parks Canada.

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Vinnies Second Hand Store Ready To Accept Donations At All Three Peterborough Locations

Vinnies second hand store is ready to accept donations at their locations on Erskine, Hunter and in Lakefield.

Photo courtesy of Vinnies.

Recently, the organization closed their George Street location and opened a new store on Hunter Street.

Now all three locations are open Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and are looking for donations of gently used items.

Profits from all locations fund the Society of Saint Vincent DePaul Food Pantry.

“Part of our mandate is to provide employment for local people here,” said Angela Oran, general manager. “And the other part is to fund the food pantry.”

Oran says Vinnies employs close to 40 local residents.

Vinnies Food Pantry helps over 1860 individuals in Peterborough each month secure food and other essential items.

Oran noted that when they opened their new location on Hunter street, the locations on Erskine Street and in Lakefield did not close, though some people thought they did.

“Our new location is beautiful, we’re very excited about it,” said Oran.

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Peterborough's Shawn Evans Traded to Halifax Thunderbirds For Draft Picks

Lakers alumnus and Peterborough’s Shawn Evans has been traded to the Halifax Thunderbirds from the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League announced Wednesday.

The Halifax Thunderbirds made their league debut on Dec. 7, 2019, defeating the New York Riptide 12–4 Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Halifax is sending their second-round draft pick in the 2023 NLL Entry Draft and their top first-round compensation pick in the same draft for Evans.

The 35-year-old won a Champion’s Cup with the 2007 Knighthawks. He is a two-time National Lacrosse League MVP (2013 and 2015) and has been a four-time NLL All-Pro First Team member (2013-16) and an NLL All-Pro Second Team member (2012). He was also named to the 2006 NLL All-Rookie Team. 

He was selected by the Rochester Knighthawks in the first round (second overall) of the 2005 NLL Entry Draft. The Knighthawks took Evans first overall in the 2019 NLL Expansion Draft.

“Shawn Evans’s career speaks for itself. Evy is a proven winner at all levels, from junior to the pros,” said Curt Styres, Thunderbirds owner and general manager. “Whenever you are able to add a player of Shawn’s calibre to your roster this late in the stretch, it is a no-brainer.”

Photo courtesy of the Halifax Thunderbirds.

After spending his first six seasons with the team, he spent the next four years with the Calgary Roughnecks, where Evans won both his MVPs and set then-records for most assists recorded in a single season (83) and points (130) in 2015.

The Peterborough, Ontario native has 1,277 points (453 goals and 824 assists). His 453 goals are the ninth most recorded by a player in NLL history, his 824 assists are the fifth-most in NLL history and his 1,277 points are the sixth-most in NLL history and the second-most amongst active NLL forwards. Evans also has the third-most penalty minutes in league history with 591 PIM.

The 5-foot-8, 175-pound right-hander led the Knighthawks in scoring and assists in their 10 games played this season. His best game of the season so far came on Feb. 12 against the Albany FireWolves, where he put up 10 points (1G, 9A) in the team’s 15-13 win against the Eastern Conference foe.

“Evans is a proven winner with championships and MVPs in multiple leagues,” said Mike Accursi, Thunderbirds head coach. “He brings grit and experience along with a tremendously high lacrosse IQ. I’m excited to see him work with our offense group.”

Evans spent part of the next three seasons with the New England Black Wolves before being traded to the Buffalo Bandits midway through the 2018 NLL season.

During the 2016 season, Evans recorded 118 points (50 goals, 68 assists), which is the third-highest single-season points total. He is the only player to hold multiple spots in the top 10 most points recorded in a single NLL season.

Over the last two seasons, Evans has 90 points (23G, 67A) in 19 games. 

If the Thunderbirds do not receive a first-round compensation pick for the 2023 NLL Entry Draft, the Knighthawks will receive the team’s best first-round compensatory pick in the 2024 NLL Entry Draft.

If no first-round compensatory pick is awarded ahead of that draft, then it becomes the Thunderbirds’ best first-round compensation pick in the 2025 NLL Entry Draft.

If Halifax does not receive a compensatory pick in that instance, then Rochester receives their first-round selection in the 2025 NLL Entry Draft and Halifax receives Rochester’s second-round draft pick in that same draft in return.

“The next three weeks are defining moments for us. In the next 18 days, home floor advantage could be decided in the NLL,” said Styres. “Adding Shawn Evans will help our team, as we know COVID is always knocking on each team’s door.”

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Peterborough Police Service Facility Dog Pixie Turns Six

Peterborough Police Services first-ever facility dog Pixie turns six on Wednesday.

Screenshot from Pixie’s official Instagram account.

A facility dog is a professionally trained dog that provides emotional support to people experiencing trauma and stress, including at police stations and court houses.

Pixie, a Labrador cross trained and accredited by National Service Dogs of Canada, came to the Peterborough Police Services in January 2020.

Often Pixie can be found providing support to victims during police interviews, accompanying victims ton court, at crime scenes and in plenty of meetings.

In an Instagram post to Pixies account Peterborough Police Service workers wrote ‘Pixie thank you for bringing calmness, love and patience to our often chaotic and traumatic work. You are so loved by all Peterborough Police.’

Photo courtesy of Pixie’s Instagram account.

Pixie and her team keep the community updated on her work via her Instagram account @ptbopolicek9pixie.

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Peterborough Lakers Are Back This Year And Ready To Defend Their Mann Cup Title

The Peterborough Lakers will lace up their cleats and storm the Peterborough Memorial Centre this season, after two years of not playing due to COVID-19.

Shawn Evans, Vanessa Oake-Hoagen (Century 21) and Jake Withers. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

“It seems like it’s been forever,” said Brian Cowie, communications director with the Lakers.

The Lakers have not played since 2019, and haven’t played at The Peterborough Memorial Centre since 2018.

Now that COVID restrictions have eased the organization is excited to get back to playing and is ready to take home the Mann Cup for the fourth time in a row.

Century 21 Lakers win The Mann Cup, 2019. Photo courtesy of The Peterborough Lakers.

“Talking with the players, we’re all here. We’re all committed and we’re all ready to go after that four-peat,” said Shawn Evans. “It’s been tough on a lot of us sitting out the last two years after winning three in a row, that’s why it makes it that much more exciting this year to go for four.”

According to Cowie there are uncertainties as to which members will be returning, but as they near the start of the season in June that will become more clear.

“We’re ready to have everyone back in the rink and continue to build what we started here,” said Evans.

In addition to the return of the Lakers, 2022 marks the 150th anniversary of lacrosse in Peterborough.

To celebrate, six Major Series Lacrosse teams will play in Peterborough on June 18. More announcements will come regarding those celebrations, but the Lakers say fans can expect a tailgate party at the Memorial Centre as well as three back to back games.

Peterborough Lakers, 2018. Photo courtesy of Century 21 Lakers.

Season tickets and individual game tickets are available through the Peterborough Memorial Centre online or in person.

Prices for season ticket holders will remain the same as they were in 2019.

“While yes costs have gone up, we’ve always said the Lakers are a family group and we want to make it affordable for families to come out,” said Glenn Powers, marketing.

For more information on season tickets visit peterboroughlakers.ca/schedule.

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Food Handler Courses Return at Peterborough Public Health

After two years of suspension, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is resuming registration for food handler training courses and certification exams will resume announced Wednesday.

The first food handler course takes place at the Venue on April 5 at 9 a.m. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Courses and exams will be limited over the next several months according to PPH. They encourage anyone interested to review the course schedule and register as soon as possible.

To register for one of the courses listed below, or for more information, contact the PPH office weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (705) 743-1000.

• April 5, The Venue – 286 George St. N., Peterborough, ON K9J 3H2. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• April 11, North Kawartha Community Centre Banquet Hall – 340 McFadden Rd. Apsley, ON K0L 1A0. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• April 19, Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre Millennium Room – 88 Alma St. Norwood, ON K0L 2V0. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• May 17, The Venue – 286 George St. N., Peterborough, ON K9J 3H2. 9 – 4 p.m.

• May 31, Cavan Monaghan Community Centre Community Hall – 986 County Rd 10 Millbrook, ON. L0A 1G0. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• June 7, Douro Community Centre Wellington Room – 2893 Highway 28, Douro, ON K9J 6Y2. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• July 6, Buckhorn Community Centre – 1782 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn, ON K0L 1J0, West entrance. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

“Based on past experience, we know that this service is heavily used by people who live and work within the region and we are excited to begin resuming food handler courses and exams steadily and safely,” said Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health. “We hope to increase the number of course and exam sessions once we reach the summer and fall months, depending on our COVID-19 redeployment and other demands for inspection services.”

PPH has increased accessibility to the limited courses for people living and working within the region, priority for registration will be provided to anyone who lives or works within the areas served by them including the City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

All public health measures are followed for courses and exams such as wearing masks and physical distancing.

Anyone uncomfortable attending in-person or unable to wear a covering is encouraged to explore other course delivery options including online options from an approved independent provider.

A list of courses and exams deemed to be equivalent to the PPH’s certification is available from the Ministry of Health.

The fees for PPH courses and exams remain unchanged. Courses, which include the certification exam are $20 for individuals living or working within the region served by PPH and $40 for individuals living and working outside of the region. Anyone wishing to study at their own pace may take the certification exam for $10.

For more information about food handler training and certification and for the full schedule, visit https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/clinics-and-classes/food-handler-course/ or call 705-743-1000, ext. 240.

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Mayor Diane Therrien To Return To Office Part Time After Temporary Leave

After taking a temporary leave of absence beginning Feb. 14, Mayor Diane Therrien will return to part time work this week and transition into full time work next week, she announced on Wednesday.

Therrien took a temporary leave to address her personal health on Feb. 14.

During her absence Councilor Andrew Beamer, Deputy Mayor for the City of Peterborough took on the role Acting Mayor.

In a social media post made on Wednesday Therrien thanked Beamer, and Deputy Mayor Akapo for filling in for her.

She noted that her doctor suggested she return part time, and transition back to full time next week.

❤️ pic.twitter.com/6ru4zQwlw4

— Diane Therrien (@DianeNTherrien) March 9, 2022

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Jann Arden Will Take The Stage At The Peterborough Memorial Centre This May

Legendary Canadian Superstar Jann Arden is coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre stage for a very special one night only performance on May 22.

With accolades that include 19 top 10 singles, eight JUNO Awards and 10 SOCAN Awards, Arden is a beloved Canadian musical artist and personality. In 2020, she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame joining the ranks of Canadian music icons.

Tickets are on sale starting Friday at 12 p.m. online at www.memorialcentre.ca, over the phone at 705-743-3561 on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office. The Box Office is open for in-person sales from Wednesdays to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices range from $55 to $85 plus fees and taxes.

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