CMHA HKPR Celebrates Mental Health Week With Virtual Events

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is celebrating Mental Health Week from Monday - Friday, with various virtual events.

Photo by Luke Best.

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week is ‘Exploring Empathy,’ and CMHA HKPR is encouraging everyone to ‘#GetReal’ about how to help each other.

“One thing we all have in common is the desire to achieve mental health for all in our community,” said Jack Veitch, Manager of Community Engagement and Education with CMHA HKPR. “This Mental Health Week, we’re reminding everyone that you can make a difference in the life of someone around you that may be struggling. It might be as easy as having a conversation or helping to guide them towards care.”

As part of Mental Health Week, CMHA HKPR will be sharing various resources online as well as hosting virtual events.

On Monday, the latest data on the pandemic’s affects on Canadian’s mental health from a survey conducted by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and UBC researchers, Assessing the Impacts of COVID19 on Mental Health, was released.

On Wednesday, a blog post on how you can make a difference in someone’s mental health, including upcoming trainings in our community, will be shared on CMHA’s website.

On Friday at 11 a.m. a virtual guided meditation will air on Instagram Live with Tanya Kowalenko Psychotherapy on the CHAHKPR Instagram page @cmhahkpr.

Visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca for info and tools about Mental Health Week.

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Patio Season Is Approaching As City Approves Temporary Changes To Downtown Spaces

Patio season is approaching with plans underway to create more patio and pedestrian space in the downtown.

File Photo.

At its meeting on Monday, City Council approved temporary changes to the downtown public space to allow for additional patio and pedestrian space this patio season. The patio season set up is expected to be installed in late May or early June.

“Downtown patio and pedestrian spaces enhance the vibrancy of our downtown for visitors while supporting businesses. Our downtown community attracted people into the central area to visit the patios last year – and I’m looking forward to them building on that success this year,” Town Ward Councillor Kemi Akapo said.

The plan includes: 

• Allowing businesses on George, Water and Charlotte streets to use on-street parking spaces for additional outdoor business/patio space with no permit fee for the use of the space

• Maintaining the existing two vehicular travel lanes and cycling lanes on George and Water streets

• Reducing Hunter Street to a one-lane, one-way street to expand pedestrian space and available patio areas

• Maintaining Charlotte Street as a two-way, two-lane street, while allowing for patios in on-street parking spaces through the patio permit process

• The use of decorative fencing and planters to delineate between the new pedestrian areas, expanded/on-street patios and vehicular traffic lanes

Reduced speed limits will be put in place on streets with patios. Parking spaces and loading zones may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses.

If provincial or local public health directives change in response to the pandemic, the City will be ready to adjust to support public health and downtown businesses in relation to the downtown built environment.

The Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and Peterborough Public Health provided guidance on the implementation of downtown built environment changes for this patio season. The DBIA is assisting its member businesses with the distribution of patio permit information packages.

Businesses inquiring about permits for patio space downtown are asked to contact: 

• Nicole Huculiak, Planner - Urban Design & Projects Coordinator, at nhuculiak@peterborough.ca or by calling 705-742-7777 ext. 1654

• Christie Gilbertson, Planner Policy and Research, at cgilbertson@peterborough.ca or by calling 705-742-7777 ext. 1776

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Hundreds of Anglers Reeling for 'Walter' In Fishing Derby's Return After Two-Year Hiatus

After a two-year hiatus, the 33rd Annual Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Under the Lock Fishing Derby kicked off with their youth event — for children 15 and under — on Saturday morning.

Photo courtesy of Neil Morton.

Hundreds of young anglers showed up to catch one of 3,000 fish that were released into the canal including the famed grand-prize “Walter,” a rainbow trout weighing roughly eight to 10 pounds. Anyone who caught Walter would walk away with $1,000 cash.

The all-ages derby runs from May 1 to 8 and includes 18 tagged fish, each with a $200 cash prize sponsored by local businesses.

The event was postponed for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo courtesy of Neil Morton.

Registration is required for all participants: $15 for the first child, $10 for siblings and $25 for adults. 

The OFAH headquarters is in Peterborough.

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34th Annual Grandparents Of The Year Awards Have Been Announced

The City and County of Peterborough has announced the winners of the 34th annual Grandparent of the Year awards.

Each year Community Care has encouraged children from grade 2 through grade 6 to recognize a Grandparent, Elder or a special older person in their life, as "Grandparent of the Year".

This year Community Care received over 150 nominations in 4 categories.

The two traditional categories of primary division for students in grades 2 and 3 and junior division for students in grades 4, 5 and 6 and new this year, two categories were created in order to accept submissions in French, adding a primary French and junior French division so that students could practice their French language skills too.

“The children shared so many wonderful stories and artwork with us,” said Danielle Belair – Executive Director of Community Care. “It is always difficult for the judges to choose an honourable mention and winner in 4 categories.”

Honourable Mention and Winners by category:

In the primary English division:

• Honourable Mention - Mahi from Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated her Nan, Sree Pathak from Katy, Texas.

• Winner – Everley from St. Joseph C.E.S. – nominated her Nan, Mary Jane Jackman from Lakefield.

In the primary French division:

• Honourable Mention – Felix from Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated his Grandparents Debbie and Wes LeBreton of Aldergove, B.C.

• Winner – Faela from Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated her Grandpa Peter Minten of Strathroy.

In the junior English division:

• Honourable Mention – Mac from St. Anne’s C.E.S. – nominated her Grandpa David Ingram of Douro – Dummer.

• Winner – Linden Dow – St. Joseph C.E.S. – nominated his Grandpa Bruce Rogers who lives near Indian River

In the junior French division:

• Honourable Mention - Madelyn from Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated her Grandpa Peter McKeiver

• Winner – Willa from Kaawaate East City Public School – nominated her Grandma Bonnie Bradley from Mount Albert.

Mary Jane Jackman from Lakefield, Peter Minten of Strathroy, Bruce Rogers who lives near Indian River and Bonnie Bradley from Mount Albert have all been declared the 2022 Grandparents of the Year.

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Suspected Drug Poisonings Reported By Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health issued a warning today, following an increase in suspected drug poisonings over the weekend.

Photo by Luke Best.

Between Friday and Saturday, Peterborough Public Health detected increases in drug related Emergency Department Visits and Paramedic Calls for Service.

During this period, there were eight Emergency Department Visits and seven Paramedic Calls for Service, representing a total of 13 unique incidents.

In the last week (April 25-May 1), there were 10 drug-related Emergency Department visits and 10 Paramedic Calls for Service. This increase has prompted Peterborough Public Health to issue a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harms in the community.

If you use drugs, Peterborough Public Health recommends that you:

• Avoid using drugs alone

• If you use with a friend, do not use at the exact same time

• Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888- 688-6677

• Carry a naloxone kit, keep it visible and close to you o Avoid mixing drugs o Test your drug by using a small amount first

• Call 911 immediately if someone starts to show signs of an overdose and/or cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered

Peterborough Public Health encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:

• Skin is cold and clammy

• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

• Body is very limp

• Can’t wake the person up

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

• Pupils are very small

If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Stay with the person until help arrives.

Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed will not be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area. The Drug Reporting Tool can be accessed by clicking here.

For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.

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Ontario Government Invests $2.9 Million Over Three Years For Peterborough Police Service

Peterborough Police Service is receiving $2,947,380 over three years from the Ontario Government to provide for new resources to strengthen services to Peterborough and Lakefield announced Monday.

Inspector John Lyons (left) with MPP Dave Smith (right) following the $2.9 million investment into Peterborough Police Service. The maximum funding for any initiative under the Provincial Priorities Funding Stream is $1.5 million over three years. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding is part of Ontario’s $267 million investment in the Community Safety and Policing (CSP) Grant Program for initiatives that help combat crime locally.

The Peterborough Police Service is one of 90 police service boards receiving funding through the CSP Grant Program for 147 public safety initiatives focusing on local and provincial priorities such as gun and gang violence, sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, mental health and addictions and hate-motivated crime. Several projects are in collaboration with community partners.

“The single highest priority of government is to keep communities safe. The Peterborough Police Service has received record investments over the last few years to fight crime and support victims,” said MPP Dave Smith. “This funding will bring significant support to victims of crime; helping them heal and bring criminals to justice.”

The Peterborough Police Service will use funds to:

• Our Special Victims Unit (which will focus on investigating crimes related to human trafficking, child exploitation/sexual abuse, elder abuse, domestic violence as well as sexual violence and harassment)

• Addition of a Major Crime Investigator to assist with the above noted investigations and proactive projects

• Provide for a Situation Table Coordinator to assist the Community Development and Engagement Coordinator

• Assist with the services’ Data Analysts

• Advanced training courses for officers

“The funding allows the Service to work on more proactive projects, provides advanced training courses, allows officers in the major crime unit to work on investigating overdose deaths which may lead to more positive outcomes for our community and more connections to our Victims Services Unit for victims of crime,” said Inspector John Lyons. “The funding also aligns with the goal of the Community Safety Well Being Plan and helps the Situation Table in our community.”

The CSP Grant Program helps police services address priority issues identified in their communities such as expanding mental health supports, preventing crime in schools and combatting cyber-crime. It also addresses provincewide priorities such as:

• Gun and gang violence

• Sexual violence and harassment

• Human trafficking

• Mental health and addictions

• Hate-motivated crime.

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Riverview Park and Zoo's Miniature Train Goes Off the Rails From Vandalism; Trademark Bell Stolen

Riverview Park and Zoo’s miniature train was vandalized and had its historic bell stolen announced on Saturday.

Last year, $19,940 was raised from a 308-piece, 11 x 17-inch puzzle of the current 1860 locomotive replica fundraising campaign towards a new train. Photo courtesy of Rivervew Park & Zoo.

Zoo staff discovered the damage on Friday morning during their spring maintenance but is not confirmed if the incident was on two separate occasions or one. No suspects were located during the incident according to the Peterborough Police.

“Some days are more challenging than others. Unfortunately, vandals have broken into the train tunnel, damaged our venerable train locomotive & stolen its signature brass bell,” said Jim Moloney, zoo manager and curator. “If you have info that may lead to the return of the bell, please contact us or Peterborough Police.”

The train was scheduled to run for Victoria Day weekend (May 21-22) according to the Zoo’s Facebook page before discovering the vandalism.

“In addition to the cost of repair/replacement, thoughtless acts like this really have a negative impact on our team of dedicated and passionate staff,” said Maloney on Facebook.

The train‘s parts are no longer manufactured and require an engineer to create according to Paul Hartung, zoo board member in a prior interview.

The miniature train ride is an 1860 locomotive replica. Located under sabre jet, the train track is over two kilometres and the ride is roughly ten minutes long according to the zoo’s website.

The train was built in 1974, costs two dollars to ride and is free for children under two.

The country’s only accredited free-admission zoo has over 55 acres of the zoo on the Otonabee River with over 25 exhibits and 40 animal species.

The zoo’s goal is to still have the train operable for Victoria Day weekend.

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New Canadians Centre Book 'Building A Home' Walk To be Hosted At YMCA

The YMCA of Central East Ontario is collaborating with the New Canadians Centre to host the ‘Building a Home’ Book Walk, from May 2 – 16, at the Balsillie Family Branch.

Author Cassandra Lee reads the book at the book launch, September 2021. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Building a Home is a story inspired by the candid accounts and artwork shared by six children from Syria, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and Pakistan who are now living, playing, and going to school in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough.

The story panels will be displayed outside the YMCA, along the path from the front doors towards Princess Street making the exhibit fully accessible for all members of the community to enjoy.

Building a Home was commissioned by the New Canadians Centre and written and illustrated by Casandra Lee. Casandra Lee is an Asian-American children’s author and illustrator. She moved to Canada in 2019 and now lives in Peterborough.

@ptbo_canada “Building a Home” is based on the real-life accounts of six children from Syria, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Pakistan. 🔗 in comments to order! #PTBO #fyp ♬ Home - Edith Whiskers

Building a Home is available in several languages on the New Canadians Centre website.

“We are always honoured to work with our neighbors at the New Canadians Centre. Hosting the book walk is a way to bring this beautiful story to another audience. Diversity and inclusion is the key to a healthy, vibrant community and it is so important to feel represented and for us to listen and to learn from each other. We hope the community will take the time to visit and enjoy it,” said Naman Khandelwal, the Chair of the YMCA of Central East Ontario’s Diversity and Social Inclusion Committee.

Printed copies of Building a Home (in English) are now available for purchase in-store and online at Watson & Lou.

StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring WOW Pit Crew, Kings Cross, Fitness and Chris Magwood

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…

Gareth Wells recently launched his new business - WOW Pit Crew!

The WOW represents Gareth’s three main automotive services, wash, oil and wheels. A fully mobile service, Gareth and his team will wash your vehicle, change the oil and swap out the tires, all using biodegradable and environmentally safe products.

Fully mobile, Gareth brings everything he needs right to your doorstep. For details visit wowpitcrew.com.

Kings Cross British Bakery and Shop recently celebrated their Grand Opening at Fowlers Corners.

Owners John Perks, Rhonda Saunderson and Sarah-Beth Radovini want to connect with local lovers of British goodies and treats, you’ll find meat pies, pastries and breads, tarts and cakes and traditional Cornish pasties.

You’ll also find British chocolate, crisps, tea and more. Stop in, to Fowlers Corners, North-West of Peterborough or online at kingscrossshops.com.

A new beautiful studio is opening up at 370 Burnham Street in East City, created by three entrepreneurs: Irenì Stamou, Vicky Paradisis and Kristen Young.

Specializing in the art of dance, yoga, fitness and movement, these three women have come together to create a space for a community of healthy individuals where acceptance, inclusiveness and support are the foundation for their unique fitness, yoga and dance styles.

Opening May 16, they’ll be keeping their classes small, safe, clean and eco/friendly. kristenyoungfitness.com poledancingptbo.com irenistamou.com

Chris Magwood is a well-known local energy-advocate, the Manager of Carbon-Free Buildings at RMI, Director of Builders for Climate Action, and now a published author!

Chris and his co-author Bruce King have just published Build Beyond Zero – New Ideas for Carbon-Smart Architecture. Bruce and Chris believe that net-zero isn’t enough, that buildings represent our most practical and affordable climate solutions – that buildings can act as CO2 filters and net carbon storage. You’ll find build Beyond Zero at islandpress.org.

“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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Dave Ellis: April Photography In Review

Dave Ellis is an Omemee-area wildlife photographer. PTBOCanada often features his work in our daily ‘Good Morning PTBO’ posts. What follows is some of the photographs he took in April.

This local beaver is reaching as high as it can for some cedar buds.

This month, as the snow began to leave and temperatures slowly began to rise, we saw plenty of wildlife emerging from the cold.

This local common loon spreads its beautiful wings.

We think this local guy may be fibbing about the size of fish they caught.

A group of local northern map turtles competes for the best sunning spot on a rock.

Ellis often captures wildlife in action, on the hunt for their next meal or taking a break and lounging in the sun.

This pair of local wood ducks are keeping warm.

Ellis’s photography captures wildlife around Peterborough and The Kawarthas beautifully.

PTBOCanada looks forward to what is to come as the weather continues to warm up.

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