Peterborough Public Health Pilots Local COVID-19 Community Risk Index

Peterborough Public Health released a beta-version of its new online COVID19 Community Risk Index on Wednesday to help residents protect themselves and others when local transmission levels are high.

Stock photo.

The COVID-19 Community Risk Index incorporates data such as wastewater surveillance signals, number of hospitalizations and deaths, percentage positivity of PCR tests and community-reported rapid-antigen tests (through Peterborough Public Health’s online survey), and the local case incidence rate per 100,000.

The Index provides a risk level for each data point based on current values, which is then used to inform the overall risk level for the community. The Index will be updated weekly each Wednesday by 4 p.m. The Index can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-risk-index.

“Our goal with the COVID-19 Community Risk Index is to make our community’s virus transmission status as transparent as possible by integrating several indicators into one easy-to-understand five-point scale,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Each level corresponds to specific public health guidance both for the general population, and for those residents who are at high-risk of serious health outcomes if they get infected.”

Peterborough Public Health is one of the first health units in Ontario to produce a local COVID-19 Community Risk Index. Dr. Piggott noted the Index is still in its pilot phase and wants to hear from residents how useful this tool is for them as we all learn to live with COVID-19 while the pandemic continues. Residents are encouraged to complete the online survey that can be found on the same webpage as the Index itself, or by clicking on this link.

The COVID-19 Community Risk Index will continue being refined in the coming weeks, including through the addition of granular data in a ‘business intelligence dashboard’, and will ultimately replace the Local COVID-19 Tracker.

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New Canadians Centre Joins Peterborough Petes For A Try Hockey Night At The Memorial Centre

Newcomers to Peterborough got a taste of Canadian culture on Tuesday night with ‘Try Hockey’ presented by the Peterborough Petes.

Photos by Luke Best

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Community members from countries all over the world joined Peterborough Ice Kats and Petes players on the ice before Tuesday’s Petes game.

Esther, who came to Peterborough from Peru eight years ago said Tuesday was her second time attempting to skate, though it was her first successful try.

“I was so scared before,” she said. “The first time I did it I was by myself on the canal. It was not a pleasant situation, I wanted to have the whole Canadian experience but it was not successful. But here with the help of the girls here it’s amazing.”

Esther says while there was no ice skating in Peru, before she came to Canada she knew what hockey was and that it was stereotypically Canadian.

While she joked that she didn’t know what she was doing on the ice, Esther has decided she will buy her own pair of skates for next winter.

“I didn’t know how much fun I was missing. What I love the most about this is feeling like you are flying. It’s a feeling I’ve never felt - you’re on the ice standing up on knives.”

@ptbo_canada Giving newcomers to PTBO the true Canadian experience thanks to @Peterborough Petes ‘Try Hockey’ night with the New Canadian Centre! #Canada #WelcomeToCanada #PTBOCanada ♬ The Hockey Song - Stompin' Tom Connors

The NCC first introduced the Try Hockey program in 2019, according to Jessica Devlin, Youth and Community Programs coordinator. Tuesdays event was the first time they had been on the ice since then due to COVID.

“This was super popular activity, people were super excited to try,” said Devlin. “For Peterborough hockey is such a big part of our culture. When new folks move here this is such a great chance to introduce some of the local culture, it’s amazing to introduce that and give them the chance to try the game.”

The event saw over 50 people, adults and children, on the ice followed by over 300 NCC clients in the stands to cheer on the Petes afterwards.

The Peterborough Petes organization provided equipment for participants, while Emterra and The Bob Gainey Foundation provided tickets to the game.

The night was complete with boxes and boxes of Timbits, for the full Canadian experience.

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Trent University Revives In-Person Open House After Two-Year Hiatus

Trent University is back to welcoming future students and their guests to their Peterborough campus for their first in-person open house in over two years this Friday.

Trent University is the number one undergraduate university in Ontario for the eleventh year and number three in its category in all of Canada in the 2022 Maclean’s University Rankings. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The Durham campus has their open house on April 9.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome students back to experience Trent for themselves, in real life,” said Marilyn Burns, Trent vice-president. “Our In-Person Open House events come at an ideal time as future students are making important decisions about their postsecondary journey.”

Trent University’s is profiling 19 new co-op streams within the humanities and science programs that are showcased at the event.

Academic and student services fair and program sessions as guests can learn from extracurriculars, clubs, groups housing and scholarships. Campus and residence tours are available on-site that include Trent’s new residence and academic buildings.

Highlights from Trent’s In-Person Spring Open House events include:

• Accept an Offer on the Spot: Visit with our admissions team will help you accept your offer on the spot and take a celebratory photo.

• Apply on the Spot: Visit the “Apply Now” table to start your Trent journey. Remember to bring your OUAC code.

• Learn about fresh career-focused programs and new co-op streams: Meet the Careerspace team and attend information sessions to find out more about a growing range of programs focused on your future: Nursing; Business; Forensic Science; Education; Law & Arts/Law & Business; Environmental Studies and Science; as well as our new competitive co-op streams for Humanities and Social Sciences students.

• Get to know our community: Speak one-on-one with Trent professors and students, and find out more about support from Canada’s #1 ranked academic advising team at the academic and student services fair.

• Tour campus spaces: From a dynamic new residence and academic building at Trent University Durham and state-of-the-art classrooms and labs like those in the Forensic Crime Scene Facility, to light-filled study spaces in the Student Centre and Bata Library, Trent’s campuses will be fully open to explore; be sure to snap and share a photo at one of the selfie spots to win prizes;

• “Get the T-shirt”: Purchase Trent gear at a discounted price from the Campus Store.

All students who attend Open House are also automatically entered in a draw to win free first-year tuition.

Geusts can register for open house-events for both Peterborough and Durham campuses.

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Easter Seals and YMCA Receive $15,000 From Carl Oake Rotary Swim

After months of crazy stunts such as downhill sledding, fire hoses and shopping carts off docks, Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Carl Oake Rotary Swim has raised $15,000 for Easter Seals Ontario and the YMCA in a cheque presentation on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough.

Easter Seals received $12,000 while the YMCA got $3,000 of the total donation.

The 36th annual Carl Oake Rotary Swimathon was held on Feb. 25 where individuals or teams were encouraged to swim a few laps at the YMCA to raise money Easter Seals and Rotary Projects.

Those unable to attend were encouraged to do a virtual at-home swim or splash at home while raising funds and sharing it on social media tagging the fundraising’s Facebook page.

To date, over $1.3 million dollars has been raised.

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Peterborough Transit Launches New Pilot Program On-Demand Transit Service

Peterborough Transit has introduced a new, on-demand transit service called PTBOnDemand as part of a pilot program located in the City’s east, southeast and downtown areas.

Photo by Luke Best.

On-demand transit is a ride-share service that allows transit vehicles to adjust routes and times depending on the requests received from customers each day. It is an intuitive, flexible and customer-friendly service.

On-demand trips will carry customers from the nearest bus stops available to service their pick-up and drop-off requests, regardless of the route taken. The on-demand service will use existing bus stops, plus some additional roads and stops in the operating area to make it more convenient.

Customers can download and use the new PTBOnDemand app on their smartphone or access the service by calling 705-745-5801 to book trips. Riders using the app will be able to track the real-time location of their vehicle and receive updates on when they will be picked up and dropped off.

During the pilot, Peterborough Transit will introduce the new Pink Community Bus serving the following areas:

Downtown

• East of Aylmer Street between Simcoe Street and Lansdowne Street.

• North of Lansdowne Street between Aylmer Street and River Road.

East City

• South of Hunter Street between Burnham Street and Ashburnham Drive.

Beavermead/Ashburnham

• Ashburnham Drive between Hunter Street and Otonabee Drive, including the Walker Avenue community to the east.

• Willowcreek Plaza community along Lansdowne Street.

Southeast - Otonabee

• Otonabee community including Collison Avenue and Middlefield Road areas.

The Pink Community Bus will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.

Trips on the Pink Community Bus will be free from March 30 until April 30. Regular fares still apply to ride on all other transit routes. Starting May 1, 2022 regular fares will apply to ride on the Pink Community Bus and transfers to other routes will be available and accepted.

For additional information about PTBOnDemand or the Pink Community Bus visit the Transit On-Demand webpage or call 705-745-0525.

Regular Peterborough Transit routes and Accessible Van Service will continue to operate as usual.

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Kawartha Potters Guild Presents Celebrate Ceramics Fundraiser

Kawartha Potters Guild will be hosting ‘Celebrate Ceramics’, a fundraiser to support their not-for-profit pottery guild and art community on April 8.

Potters from Kawartha Potters Guild donate bowls to YWCA Empty Bowls fundraiser each year. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Potters Guild.

Tickets are $75 and available at Kawartha Potters Guild at 993 Talwood Dr.

Attendees at the fundraiser will be entered into a draw. When their number is called they will be able to chose a piece of donated pottery to take home.

Guests can also enjoy live music, complimentary food and a glass of wine.

Those that purchase a $75 ticket can bring a friend for an extra $25, though they will not be eligible to bring home a piece of pottery.

Pottery that has been donated to the fundraiser is currently on display at the Kawartha Potters Guild. Pieces can be viewed Tues – Fri: 1-5 p.m. or by appointment with Donna O'Brien, administrator@kawarthapottersguild.com.

The event will be hosted April 8, 7-9 p.m. at the Lions Club, 347 Burnham St.

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Peterborough Artist Raises $8,450 For Ukraine With Auction

Local artist Nick Leniuk of Riverbend Studio raised $8,450 for the Canada Ukraine Foundation-Ukrainian Canadian Congress by auctioning a handmade, Ukraine inspired carving.

Nick Leniuk in his home studio with his piece ‘Rise Above’.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Leniuk, a first generation Canadian-Ukrainian, knew he wanted to do something to help.

As a sculptor, he decided on creating and auctioning a unique piece.

All the pieces Leniuk carves are drawn by hand, though because he wanted to get this one done quickly he searched the internet for a silhouette of a sunflower, Ukraine’s national flower.

He found a silhouette he liked and learned it was drawn by a Russian artist, who completely supported Leniuk’s intentions.

Leniuk facilitated the auction through his social media, with bids coming through direct messages, with the auction closing Monday at 4 p.m.

By Monday morning the bidding was at about $1,500, but soon a bidding war began.

“There were two bidders that were upping it by about $100 every half hour or so,” he said. “I was getting stressed out. I always feel bad because not everyone can win.”

With about three minutes left in the auction and two bidders competing, a third bidder offered $3,000, says Leniuk.

“I was floored,” said Leniuk. “I couldn’t update my sites quick enough.”

One bidder dropped out, while the second proposed an idea to Leniuk.

They suggested that Leniuk ask the winning bidder if he could make a second sunflower piece, which they would purchase for $3,000.

The winning bidder agreed, which means Leniuk has sold two pieces at $3,000.

“He was happy to go along with that proposal,” said Leniuk. “As long as he got the first piece, only two were ever made and that his was certified as the original.”

Both winning bidders requested that they remain anonymous.

The additional money was donated by friends, family and supporters on Leniuk.

“I had really modest expectations, but it snowballed into something that was bigger than I ever expected.”

Leniuk, who’s father Antony was born in Ukraine and came to Canada after World War Two, still has family in Europe.

His cousin, born in Ukraine and living in Paris, has a son that has returned to Ukraine to resist foreign invaders.

Leniuk notes that although this is a different war, and different times, his family has gone through this before.

His uncle, who he was named after, fought in the Ukrainian resistance during World War Two. He was discovered by police who were cooperating with Nazis, and never seen again.

His cousins son reached out to Leniuk, and thanked him for his contribution from Canada.

“It’s gratifying to be able to contribute on behalf of so many people,” he said. “It’s the people that make these this happen.”

Leniuk will officially make the donation this week, after payments are finalized, and post the receipt on social media.

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Dragon Boat Festival Will Take To The Water This Year After Two Year Hiatus

The 21st annual Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival will take to the water this year to raise money for the PRHC Foundation, after having no in person event for the last two years.

Photo from the 15th annual Dragon Boat Festival. File Photo.

The festival will take place on June 11 at Del Crary Park.

“The last few years have been quite challenging for our team” said Festival host Survivors Abreast Team President Marg Walsh. “We are resilient and have managed to keep the team active and the Festival alive. We are inspired by the enthusiasm the community has already shown and can’t wait to once again welcome everyone to such a worthy and important fundraising event as we continue to work hard to ensure everyone from across our region has access to world-class breast cancer care.”

After being cancelled in 2020, the Festival went virtual last year and raised over $95,000, bringing their 20 year fundraising total to over $3.7 million dollars.

“It was absolutely awe-inspiring to see organizers and supporters keep this incredible event going in such fun and creative ways, while continuing their generous support of world-class regional cancer care, close to home,” said Leslie Heighway, PRHC Foundation president and CEO.

Participants will enjoy the same features that have been at the festival in the past as well as new ones including: 

• A new FundRacing division for those teams or individuals who are not able to participate in person but still want to support the festival and make use of the fundraising tools available to those who register. (Prizes are also up for grabs for top fundraisers in this division)

• The One Stop Dragon Boat Shop will be available online leading up to race day and in person on race day

• The Family Fun Zone offering activities and crafts to keep all entertained

• The Dragon’s Lair, Loft & Nest – a luxurious tent experience and added perks for the top three fundraising teams

• The Vendor Village Market – with over 40 vendors brought to us from Modern Makers Market including food vendors

• The Thirsty Dragon – Beer Garden

• The Flower ceremony which will be open to the community at large to honour their loved ones.

According to Heighway, proceeds from this years Festival will allow Peterborough Regional Health Centre to invest in new state-of-the-art equipment and technology to serve more cancer patients, support earlier cancer diagnosis, and provide safer, more effective treatments.

Kawartha Credit Union will be the events sponsor for the 21st year in a row.

Registration for the 2022 Festival is available on April 1 at www.ptbodragonboat.ca.

The first 3 teams to register will win a free extra practice in a dragon boat on Little Lake. Participants and supporters are encouraged to engage with the Festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the handle @ptbodragonboat

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Lindsay Wife and Husband Hit Lottery Jackpot of Over $21 Million

Gary and Karry Stata have become Lindsay’s newest jackpot winners claiming $21,593,703,80 from the Ontario Lottery Gaming’s (OLG) Lotto 6/49 from their Feb. 26 draw.

Photo courtesy of OLG.

The married couple of 45 years discovered their win while watching the news.

“We only play Lotto 6/49,” said Gary while collecting the winnings. “This is our first big win.”

He purchased his lottery ticket at Tom’s Variety on Kent Street in Lindsay after seeing an advertisement for the jackpot.

“I was watching the news and saw that someone in our community had a winning ticket,” explained Gary. “I was at home when I compared our numbers to the winning numbers on OLG.ca and noticed they matched. I can’t even tell you how many times we looked at this ticket and thought something must be wrong.”

Karry called her daughter immediately after discovering the couple’s win.

“We called our daughter right away. She could tell by my voice that something was up,” exclaimed Karry. “She was just as shocked as we were.”

The couple said winning the lottery was a surreal moment and still in disbelief.

“It’s still hard to imagine this is where we are,” said Gary.

“We’re just regular Kraft dinner and fried bologna people,” laughed Karry.

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