Average Home Price In Peterborough Reaches All-Time High
/The average home price in Peterborough city and county in March reached $864,208, a new all-time high, according to the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors.
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Peterborough Blogs
Peterborough Public Library Partners With Peterborough Area Fundraisers Network To Help Local Charities
/The Peterborough Area Fundraisers Network (PAFN) and the Peterborough Public Library have partnered to give local charities free access to Grant Connect’s Community Edition, a database of funders across the country developed by Imagine Canada.
Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.
Grant Connect shares public data on foundations and grantmakers’ deadlines, application processes, giving priorities, typical grant amounts and helps non-profits position their proposals for success.
“There are more than 250 registered charities in Peterborough, and corporate, private foundation and government grants are a major source of funding for these charities, especially now as many rebuild from the constraints brought on by the pandemic,” said Alex Tindale, PAFN Executive Chair. “For many smaller charities, access to a resource such as Grant Connect is not possible, our partnership with the Peterborough Public Library gives these local charities access to valuable funding opportunities to the benefit of the community.”
With Grant Connect, local charities will have access to over 11,000 Canadian foundations, 560 corporate giving programs, 370 government grant programs, 120 American foundations, and 200 other kinds of grant opportunities. The one-year pilot project gives charities access to the Community Edition of Grant Connect via the public computers in the Library.
“The library is very excited to add the Grant Connect database to our collection. It is a fantastic new information resource for our local non-profit community,” said Jennifer Jones, Chief Executive Officer of the Peterborough Public Library. “We look forward to seeing the positive impacts it will bring to Peterborough by making funding more accessible to everyone.”
If this pilot is successful, PAFN would work with other local municipalities to provide access to charities in their areas. Training resources on using Grant Connect are also available via PAFN (for members) and the Library.
Voice of Business: Some Hits and Misses in Optimistic Federal Budget
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Economic growth is led by the private sector. It takes investment in their workforce, infrastructure, and innovation.
The 2022 federal budget has a lot to offer but time will tell if there’s enough emphasis on enabling the private sector to lead our economic recovery.
It’s encouraging to see our government prioritize investments in housing, reducing emissions, strengthening public health, and building a stronger workforce. Overall, our economic outlook is improving. Employment is up. Our GDP has come in higher than projected.
Where the criticism comes in is the lack of vision in the federal budget.
“Fiscal responsibility will become increasingly important amid inflation and rising interest rates,” states Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, in a press release. “While Budget 2022 contains several growth-enabling investments, it lacks an overarching plan and vision for economic growth that will encourage private sector investment and reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio without the need for spending cuts or tax increases in the future. Now more than ever, it is critical for Canada to leverage private capital and reduce regulatory barriers that inhibit growth.”
The budget contains some significant positive investments. The federal government is tackling current housing issues. There are incentives to stimulate housing construction and a new Tax-Free Home Savings Account to help first-time buyers save up for a home.
We’re encouraged to see the government continue to prioritize investments in the VIA High Frequency Rail project, which includes Peterborough in a new dedicated passenger rail line between Toronto and Quebec City. The budget spells out further investment in planning and design steps.
There’s a big emphasis on net-zero emissions — and rightly so. Canada has made some big promises on the world stage to do its part to fight climate change. It’s encouraging to see the government work with the private sector, including investments in carbon capture technology, electric vehicles, and tax credits toward net-zero technologies. The government is also investing heavily in assisting the agriculture sector invest in low emissions technology.
Small and medium-sized businesses will see access to the small business tax rate gradually phased out once they reach $50 million of capital, up from $15 million. The government is also working on developing a plan for Employee Ownership Trusts, a tool that can help reward employees and increase retention.
Large banks and insurance companies are going to see a tax increase, prompting some concerns from the business community that these costs will get passed on to their customers.
The government is investing in a stronger workforce through new funding for training, tax credits to encourage seniors to continue longer in the workforce, and funding to support integration for persons with disabilities.
Our workforce is heavily dependent on outside help. The budget includes investments in the Temporary Foreign Worker program as well as assistance for immigration including expanding the program to recognize foreign credentials.
The budget comes up a bit short in a few critical areas. While there is money set aside for cybersecurity, it’s through the national defence sector. Chambers of commerce across the country have been advocating for more investment in cyber security for the private sector, especially as it impacts our supply chain. There’s a general lack of focus and investment in the supply chain, which is driving up costs and creating challenges for businesses and consumers.
Also missing is debt relief for hardest-hit businesses that used government support programs.
If nothing else, the 2022 budget is big on optimism. The federal government is making some much-needed investments in some business sectors that should lead us in the direction of recovery and growth. More can be done and for that, we’ll continue to advocate for a strong private sector to lead our economic growth.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Fleming College To Offer Free English Language Class To Ukrainians Arriving In Peterborough
/Ukrainians arriving in Peterborough will be able to access free English language classes at Fleming College through Fleming’s English as a Second Language Bridge program.
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“Part of our mandate at Fleming College is to create a stronger community and build a better world,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “We stand united in helping Ukrainians who are coming here to Peterborough, and we join our compassionate community in ensuring those families are welcome and well supported.”
As the situation evolves, Fleming will continue to explore new ways to support Ukraine. Fleming is also working with the New Canadians Centre to ensure those families and individuals are settled and supported in our community.
Fleming is one of 19 Ontario Colleges to contribute to Unicef’s Ukraine Emergency Fund, for a combined total of $210,000. That Fund supports the organization’s ongoing programs and response to the escalating need in Ukraine by providing communities with safe water, urgent medical aid and health-care services, child protection and education.
Perhaps most notably, Vic Waselenko, a Fleming College faculty member has worked tirelessly to raise money for Ukrainian relief by teaming up with local businesses to host fundraisers and collect donations. To date, Vic’s efforts have raised more than $19,000. He has created a donation page through the Canadian Red Cross, and you can donate by visiting here.
Local World War Two Veteran Fred Allison Turns 100
/Fred Allison, who now lives in Lakefield, turns 100 years old on Tuesday.
Allison is a ‘jack of all trades’, who likes to keep busy volunteering at local churches and helping his family and friends with odd jobs.
He enlisted in WW2 as a mechanic and travelled to places like Amsterdam and France fixing equipment along the way.
He believes the reason he is still able to live on his own, drive and work is thanks to the healthy habits he followed his whole life. In his 100 years of life Allison has never drank or smoked, quite a feat for someone that endured WW2.
Allison says he used to sell his rationed cigarettes to other soldiers and use the money to buy chocolates.
@ptbo_canada 100 years and he’s still got it! Join us in wishing Fred Allison a Happy 100th Birthday 🎉 #Veteran #WWII #WWIIVet #100thBirthday #HappyBirthday #PTBOCanada ♬ Up - Movie Theme - Giampaolo Pasquile
Auto Connect Sales Makes Donation To Peterborough Child and Family Services New PlayScape
/Auto Connect Sales has made a $1000 donation to Peterborough Child and Family Services to help them complete their new natural playscape at their Antrim Street site.
Photo by Angela O’Grady.
The new Playscape will appear more ‘natural. This project will replace the existing structure with more natural elements like sand, water and open green space. It will be geared more towards younger children than the current structure.
“About five years ago we decided it was time to upgrade our outdoor Playscape, which hasn’t been updated in over 20 years,” said Nicola Lyle, CEO at Peterborough Child and Family Services.
Before they began the planning process, Peterborough Child and Family Services conducted a community consultation to find out what type of play area nearby families wanted. Lyle says that area of town houses a lot of young families, so the consensus was that a play space geared towards young, pre-school aged children would be the best fit. There is no lock on the gate to this facility, so it is open to anyone that wishes to use it.
Auto Connect Sales donates a portion of each sale they make quarterly, do a different local organization each time.
When Peterborough Child and Family Services reached out regarding a donation they had already lined up the organizations they would donate to this year, but liked the proposal so much they made a donation anyways.
“We thought this was really nice for kids to have a space to go to,” said Cheryl Watson. “As nice as Peterborough has been welcoming our new business, it’s nice to give back to the Peterborough community.”
In the past Auto Connect Sales has donated to organizations like Kawartha Food Share, One Roof Community Centre, Operation Catnip and The Peterborough Humane Society. Watson’s love of animals shows in her donating, though she says she likes to spread donations to all different types of charities.
“They’re doing great work and it’s open to everyone,” she said. “It shouldn’t be hard to be a kid, so anytime we can help with something like that it’s great to be able to give them a boost.”
Peterborough Child and Family Services are still fundraising to help complete their new Playscape, click the link to donate.
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Trent University Honours Exemplary Educators and Researchers
/Distinguished Research Award recipient, Dr. David Patton and Dr. Christine Goodwin-De Faria, recipient of the Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching, are among several winners of the 2021/22 teaching and research awards at Trent University announced on Tuesday.
Photo courtesy of Trent University.
“Leading researchers and passionate teachers dedicated to student success – it’s what we are known for at Trent University,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president. “Gathering to honour and recognize our teaching and research award winners provides an opportunity to shine a light on the impact these educators have here on campus and beyond.”
In addition to the Distinguished Research Award and Symons Teaching Award, several other awards including new Early Career Researcher Awards, Award for Educational Leadership and Innovation, Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance, Award for Excellence in Online Teaching and the CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching will be presented at a virtual Celebration of Excellence in Teaching & Research on May 3.
Dr. David Patton, professor of Physics & Astronomy is also a Child & Youth Studies professor. Photo courtesy of Trent University.
Distinguished Research Award: Dr. David Patton, Physics & Astronomy
Professor Patton is an internationally renowned scholar, researcher and leader in the field of galaxy formation, galaxy-galaxy pairs, and galaxy evolution. Among Prof. Patton’s most notable contributions to the field has been his work on the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, developing a pipeline to assemble one of the largest samples of galaxy-galaxy pairs – the premier dataset to utilize for observational studies of galaxy mergers.
This work resulted in numerous collaborations and partnerships, and a series of 15 papers – a recognized benchmark in understanding galaxy interactions, which has been cited more than 1,500 times. In addition to his intensive and impactful, publication output, Prof. Patton has received considerable funding to support his research including several significant NSERC grants, while also making a significant contribution to student career development, with guidance and mentorship has launched a cascade of successful careers.
The Distinguished Research Award, which celebrates a full career of internationally recognized intellectual contributions is the highest honour conferred by the University for research and scholarly activity.
Professor Goodwin-De Faria was awarded with an Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance Teaching Award last year which recognizes educators who excel at unlocking the potential of Ontario’s young people and successfully engaging individuals in the learning experience so as to spark the desire to learn in students. Photo courtesy of Trent University.
Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Christine Goodwin-De Faria, Child & Youth Studies.
Professor Goodwin-De Faria, an assistant professor at Trent Durham GTA, supports student learning by incorporating multiple means of instruction and engaging assessments. She shares her passion for youth rights and justice with her students, supporting them with independent research projects and volunteer work.
The Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching, named in honour of Trent’s founding president Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, recognizes faculty and staff members who encourage learning, offer unique experiences to their students, challenge them to do their best work, and inspire them to learn.
Additional 2021/22 Research and Teaching Award winners are:
Early Career Researcher Awards
Recognizes promising, early-career Trent University researchers and is designed to help accelerate early-stage career faculty in building a sustainable research program.
Dr. Karen Blair, Psychology: Professor Blair has developed a track record for innovative and critically important research on sexual and gender identities and stigmas, prejudice and discrimination, and the social determinants of health. Prof. Blair is known for her ability to bring together collaborators and research teams.
Dr. Graham Raby, Biology: Since arriving at Trent, Professor Raby has quickly established himself as one of the pre-eminent researchers on fish ecology. Not only has Prof. Raby earned success with funding requests, having secured approximately $700,000 in research funding from multiple national and bi-national sources, he has also published nine papers while navigating the complexities of the COVID pandemic.
Dr. Elizabeth Russell, Psychology: Professor Russell’s research focuses on the sustainability of rural age-friendly communities’ programs, having worked in a number of Canadian provinces on programs. Recently, Prof. Russell was unanimously appointed as the director of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society due to the impact, leadership and collaborative approaches of her research.
Award for Educational Leadership and Innovation
Recognizes faculty and staff who make a distinctive impact through their educational leadership and innovation in teaching and learning.
Dr. Joel Baetz, English Literature: Within his courses, Professor Baetz has reshaped the bounds of traditional humanities instruction by incorporating experiential learning projects that allow students to research and author reports for community partners.
Professor Susan Hillock, Social Work: As the Department of Social Work’s founding director, Professor Hillock helped to build the program, and has developed and taught fifteen new courses, infusing each with insights from her research and her steadfast commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance
Recognizes teaching assistants who excel at encouraging learning in workshop, tutorial, seminar, laboratory or field settings.
Kalyca Hebert, Psychology: As a teaching assistant, Ms. Hebert is recognized for her extraordinary support for student learning. Students appreciate her commitment to tailored support, approachability and “unique, directed, and personal attention”.
Award for Excellence in Online Teaching
Recognizes instructors who have demonstrated a passion for, and commitment to, online teaching and who have implemented effective approaches to fostering active learning and student involvement.
David King, Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies: Professor King is known for going to great lengths to support students through online learning presenting materials in an accessible and digestible format. His students appreciate his creative use of technology and social media, and the ways he opens up a new perspective on Canada.
CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching
Recognizes contract faculty who have a strong, positive impact on students’ learning.
Catherine Davis, Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies: As a workshop leader, Ms. Davis is known for her meticulous preparation for each class and the ways she incorporates materials that allow Indigenous students to see their future as research leaders. She is also known for humanizing learning by sharing examples from her own experience.
“Together we will honour the stellar innovation and authentic inspiration demonstrated by these leading-edge researchers within our Trent community,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, vice-president of Research and Innovation. “Comprising pre-eminent researchers, these award winners truly excel. They are making substantial inroads in their diverse fields.”
“These caring and devoted educators exemplify the impeccable standard of teaching that is synonymous with Trent University,” added Dr. Fergal O’Hagan, acting associate dean of Teaching and Learning at Trent. “We are delighted to recognize the positive influence they have on our students and institution. This spring we are excited to celebrate their deep and lasting impact.”
The 2021/22 Celebration of Excellence in Research and Teaching will take place on zoom on May 3 at 4:00 p.m. by registration only.
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List of City Services Operating During Easter Weekend
/The City of Peterborough has released a list of facilities and services that will operate under holiday hours between Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Photo by Luke Best.
City Hall
City Hall will be closed on Friday and Monday. Online services are available at peterborough.ca.
Transit
Peterborough Transit will operate on a holiday service schedule on Friday. There are no changes to weekend service schedules and regular service will operate on Monday. Please visit the website www.peterborough.ca/transit or call 705-745-0525 for detailed schedules.
Public Works
The Public Works phone at 705-745-1386 is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Garbage and recycling collection and facilities
Curbside collection
Curbside waste collection for Friday moves to Monday. Residents must have garbage, recycling and green waste at the curb by 7 a.m. Monday. All other collection remains unchanged.
Landfill
The City-County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed on Friday. It will be open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., closed Sunday and open on Monday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Household Hazardous Waste Depot
The Household Hazardous Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed on Friday and open Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Arenas
Peterborough Memorial Centre
Friday, April 15: Closed
Saturday, April 16: Glorious Sons at 7:50 p.m.
Sunday, April 17: Petes game vs. Kingston at 3:05 p.m.
Monday, April 18: Closed
Kinsmen Civic Centre
Friday, April 15: Open from noon to 10 p.m.
Saturday, April 16: Open from 6 a.m. to midnight
Sunday, April 17: Open from 6 a.m. to midnight
Monday, April 18: Open from noon to 10 p.m.
Healthy Planet Arena
Closed from Friday to Monday inclusive.
The Arenas division office will be closed on Friday and Monday.
Sport and Wellness Centre
The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will be closed on Friday. The Centre’s website has details on hours of operation, programming and membership at www.peterborough.ca/pswc.
Peterborough Public Library
The Library will be closed from Friday to Monday inclusive. For online service, please visit www.ptbolibrary.ca.
Peterborough Museum and Archives
The Museum will be closed on Friday and open Saturday to Monday from noon to 5 p.m.
Art Gallery of Peterborough
The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed Friday and Monday. The gallery is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.agp.on.ca for information on exhibits and programs.
Provincial Offences Act office
The Provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Friday and Monday.
Social Services office
The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on Friday and Monday. Emergency shelter services remain open. Individuals can call 705-926-0096 after hours, during weekends and on holidays.
Child care centres
City-operated child care centres will be closed on Friday and Monday.
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Fleming College Arboriculture Students To Compete In 24th Annual Tree Climbing Competition
/Fleming College Arboriculture students will participate in the 24th annual Tree Climbing competition on April 19.
Photo courtesy of Fleming College.
Each year students enrolled in the Arboriculture program compete against each other in five key events.
Events featured are Tree Rescue, Throw Line, Belayed Speed Climb, Secured Footlock and Work Climb.
The competition gives students a chance to win prizes, with awards going to men’s and women’s division championships. Prizes are donated by community members and members of the Arboriculture industry.
Many students go on to compete at a provincial and national level with the International Society of Arboriculture’s Tree Climbing Championships.
During the Tree Rescue event, a climber must ascend a tree and rescue a, 200 lb. ‘dummy.’ The student rescuer must adhere to a set of protocols based on a specified emergency. This is a time-based event, with points awarded or deducted according to the protocol and emergency.
The Throw Line event is timed and tests the contestant’s ability to accurately place a throw line and a climbing line into the tree at heights between 12 and 20 metres.
During the Belayed Speed Climb Event each contestant is timed climbing up a tree from the ground to a height of approximately 15 metres where they will ring a finishing bell.
Contestants in the Secured Footlock Event must vertically ascend 13 metres in a tree by using the footlock technique. This is a timed event.
The Work Climd event tests the contestant’s ability to move quickly and efficiently in the tree and perform various tasks. At each station the contestant rings a bell. Bonus and penalty points are awarded based on safety, performance and competence.
Ontario Expands Access to COVID-19 Antivirals As Canada's Top Doctor 'Strongly Recommends" Masking Indoors
/Ontario's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore, updated the public on Monday about how the province is managing COVID-19 and the expanding access to antivirals at announced Queen’s Park on Monday afternoon.
This was Dr. Kieran Moore’s first media appearance in five weeks. Screenshot.
Moore thanked the public for continuing to adopt the public health measures in place and strongly recommended to continue wearing a mask indoors. He stated the province will not be reintroducing a mask mandate at this time but to be prepared for those measures to return if a new variant of concern emerges or if the healthcare system is threatened due to rising cases.
“I ask everyone across Ontario to continue doing their part to keep their communities and loved ones safe by staying up to date on vaccinations and wearing masks,” said Moore. “I am pleased that we will be able to offer more accessible antiviral treatment options to more people across Ontario.”
Effective immediately, the following higher-risk groups are eligible to be tested and assessed for antiviral treatments such as Paxlovid, in Ontario:
Individuals aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised (have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medications);
Individuals aged 70 and over;
Individuals aged 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses; and
Individuals aged 18 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition (e.g., a chronic medical condition)
