Selwyn Township Receives $750,000 To Renovate Upper Level Of Former Lakefield post Office

The Township of Selwyn has been approved for up to $750,000 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), to retrofit the former Lakefield post office to create an accessible and comfortable upper-level community space.

The clock tower of the former Lakefield Post Office building, which currently houses the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce satellite office. Photo courtesy of The Township of Selwyn.

The CCRF is delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and provides funding for projects that aim to revitalize downtown cores and main streets, reinvent outdoor spaces, create green infrastructure and increase the accessibility of community spaces.

Selwyn applied for this funding to retrofit the former Lakefield post office, which currently houses the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism and Police Services, to create an accessible and comfortable upper-level community space.

According to the Township, this space has been under-utilized and is in need of accessibility upgrades and repairs, due in part to its age. This project includes the installation of an elevator/lift, construction of an accessible washroom and kitchenette, office/work stations, and board/meeting room, making this the perfect location for a community space that can be used by everyone.

“We are very excited to announce this project to the community of Selwyn Township. Not only will we be creating a space that is accessible to everyone, while preserving the heritage features of this historic landmark; but we are also creating a space that will benefit so many in our community,” said Andy Mitchell, Mayor of Selwyn Township. “From those who are taking their first steps in the world of entrepreneurship or those who are just looking for a quiet space to work. A space that will encourage learning, growth, and collaboration.”

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Electric City Football Club Holds First Meet and Greet at Millennium Park

Electric City Football Club (ECFC) hosted their first meet and greet for fans to mingle with the players and kick the soccer ball with them at Silver Bean Café and Millennium Park on Sunday afternoon.

Fans could get autographs signed, purchase ECFC merchandise play a scrimmage game, play biñho (tabletop soccer), take pictures and have a conversation with members of the women’s and men’s teams.

Both teams had commanding victories on Saturday. The women made a statement in their last home game of the regular season with a 4-0 rout against BVB IA Waterloo. Midfielder Marisa Oliviera led the charge with two goals while strikers Kayla McQueen and Brynn Jurus knotted a goal apiece.

The women close their regular season on the road against a top-rated Vaughan Azzurri this Sunday at North Maple Regional Park Turf #2 at 7 p.m. They sit at eighth place in the standings, must win their last game and need North Toronto Nitros and Alliance United FC to lose out in order to make the playoffs as the sixth and final team.

The men won their first road game of the season 4-1 against the North Mississauga SC. Jordan Brown and Jordan Webb netted two goals apiece in their victory. They play the Simcoe Country Rovers FC this Saturday at Fleming College at 3 p.m. The men sit at ninth place in the standings but finish their season in late August. They must remain within top six in order to qualify for the playoffs.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring PKED, McMaster Window Cleaning, WDB and Rotary Club of Peterborough

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 the seven local small businesses receiving grants through the Starter Company Plus Program.

Twelve small businesses successfully completed the five-week online business training course offered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre and based on the strength of their business plan and business pitch, $5000 grants were awarded to Voula Halliday of the Flavour Fix Company, Matt Anderson of Chemong City Greens, Jessica Blair of Follow Me Photography, Dave Bourgeois: Drumlin Cycle, Julie Drain of Your Furever Friend Professional Pet Services, Jenish Odigineyev of Odigski Media, and Lewis Park: East City Guitar Co.,

For details on the program contact Madeleine Hurrell at Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, or check out the companies at investptbo.ca/bac

Tyler McMaster recently struck out on his own with McMaster Window Cleaning.

McMaster brings over seven years of experience cleaning windows in the Peterborough area and is offering Interior and Exterior Window cleaning, Washing House Siding, and Eavestrough Cleaning. Tyler uses extendable equipment to access the high and hard-to-reach areas from the ground. Details are at mcmasterwindowcleaning.ca

The Workforce Development Board is developing its 2022-23 Local Labour Market Planning Report and is looking for input from employers in Peterborough City and County, Northumberland, City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton.

The report provides timely and relevant information, such as demographics, gaps in the workforce, barriers, and more. Businesses of all sectors and sizes are invited to fill out the survey at wdb.ca

And congratulations to Kelly Grady of Grady’s Feet Essentials on being named the 2022 Rotarian of the Year for her leading role on the communications committee.

“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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Local Candy Shop is Donated Mall Storefront To Help Cancer Fundraiser

A sweet deal for Lisa Couture and her candygram store ‘Couture Candy PTBO’ as they were donated storefront space in Lansdowne Place to aid in their ‘Cancer Care is Sweet’ fundraiser announced Thursday.

Photo by Luke Best.

The new storefront is located in Lansdowne Place between Journeys and Claire’s at the bottom of the escalator. Couture Candy PTBO is occupying the space until the end of the year.

The mall contacted Couture via e-mail about being given the storefront space which came as an unexpected yet pleasant surprise. The mall recognized the candygram store’s community efforts which resulted in the offer Couture could not refuse.

“They were figuring out how to work with us and admired our business because it’s so community-driven,” explained Couture. “It’s expensive to be in the mall and he thought our campaign was a perfect opportunity and they have an empty space.”

The fundraising proceeds go towards the Peterborough Regional Health Center Foundation for cancer care with a goal of $10,000. The campaign started on June 21 and runs until Oct. 3. However, if the campaign is running strong and donations continue near the end date, it will continue according to Couture.

“$10,000 is a lot for a small business so every little bit helps,” said Couture.

The new Lansdowne location will require more staff as Couture is hiring. Photo courtesy of Lisa Couture.

The shop is selling select bags of candy where $1 of each product sold goes towards the foundations. Several charity candy bags feature freeze-dried brand candy and assorted mixes.

Donations can also be made at the store or online.

Their downtown location will remain in its original location with no plans to move said Couture. No dates have been announced for its grand opening but will have the same operating hours as the mall.

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Small Town Boys Putting Havelock On The Map As Softball Team Selected To Represent Ontario At Eastern Canadian Championships In Nova Scotia

The Havelock Express U15 Rep Softball team has been selected by the Ontario Amateur Softball Association (OASA) to represent Ontario at the Eastern Canadian Championships being held in Brookfield, Nova Scotia.

Front Row: Braydon Cooper, Dennis Roberts, Austin Levesque, Gage Locke Back Row: Coach Dave Cooper, Coach Bryce Levesque, Jori Ayrhart, Raine Ayrhart, Josh Davis, Kaleb MacDonald, Wes Menard, Nolan Mahoney, Jack Burns, Holden Rutherford, Coach Mike Menard. Photo courtesy of Havelock Express Minor Softball Association.

Cheryl and Bryce Levesque started the Havelock Minor Softball Program eight years ago in hopes to help youth develop their skills while allowing them to play locally.

The U15 Rep team plays in the Kawartha Softball League, though they play exhibition games with stronger teams in the OASA from neighboring communities.

Last weekend the team competed in the OASA Eliminations in Grafton, a tournament that seeds teams into their brackets for provincials.

Havelock Express was ranked number one in the B bracket.

On Sunday, Bryce, who helps coach the team, received an unexpected phone call inviting the team to represent Ontario at the Eastern Canadian Championships in Nova Scotia.

“OASA called my husband and told him the news,” said Cheryl. “We didn’t have a game until Tuesday so that’s when we told the parents and kids. They were shocked.”

Cheryl says the majority of the team has been playing ball together since the program started.

“They’ve grown up playing ball together.”

The team was given until Wednesday at noon to accept the invitation and now have about one month to raise the funds to get the boys to Nova Scotia.

They hope to raise $10,000 - $12,000, which will be split evenly amongst players families to cover some of the cost of travel and accommodations.

Cheryl says as of Friday she already has $600 in donations in her hand, with plenty of local business owners having pledged to sponsor the team as well.

“Our community is absolutely unbelievable,” she said. “Even before this happened local businesses have always been so eager to help. We got new jerseys this year and were hoping to have a couple teams sponsored, they stepped right up and sponsored all six teams. We were able to get some new equipment, some bats, it’s really amazing.”

As a team made up of local boys in a town of just under 5000 people, Cheryl says this opportunity is a huge deal.

“We are a small little town known for our jamboree and a train station. This is so overwhelming we’re still trying to process it,” she said. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for this team and a chance to not only represent Ontario but also our town.”

The four day tournament will run from Aug. 18 - 21. In the past OASA has sent 2-3 teams to represent Ontario against teams from Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Quebec.

“We hope to go down there and be competitive. If we do well that’s a bonus.”

Those wishing to make a donation can E-Transfer Erin King, Havelock Minor Softball Program Fundraiser Coordinator at erin_king@kprdsb.ca. Tax receipts can be issued if mentioned in a note.

Businesses that would like to donate or sponsor the team should reach out to Cheryl Levesque at 705-750-5205 or at m_r_jewel@hotmail.com.

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City Of Peterborough Provides Update And Thank You After May Storm

The City of Peterborough has released an update after the May 21 storm that caused major power outages, and required extensive clean-up around the city.

File Photo.

A special curbside green waste collection to collect debris from the May 21 wind storm is now complete and all City parks and trails have reopened.

The special green waste collection took place over several weeks, with City Public Works crews completing two rounds of pick-ups of tree debris that was too large for the regular green waste collection. Now that the special collection is complete, residents should bundle or bag green waste within the regular guidelines to allow crews to handle the material:

• There is no limit on the quantity of green waste that can be placed at the curb through the City's regular green waste collection service

• Green waste must be in reusable containers that are labelled, bushel baskets or paper yard waste bags. Plastic bags are not permitted

• Each bag and container must weigh less than 22 kilograms (50 pounds) and be shorter than 1 metre (3 feet)

• All brush and branches must be tied in bundles up to one metre (three feet) in length and 30 centimetres (12 inches) in diameter, weighing no more than 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Larger size items cannot be loaded into the collection vehicle.

• Stumps, soil and stones are not accepted through the green waste collection.

Green waste that does not meet regular curbside collection guidelines may be taken to the Peterborough Landfill  at 1260 Bensfort Rd. The regular fee for green waste drop off at the landfill is $7 for 100 kilograms or less of material or for $95 per tonne.

All City parks have been reopened. Everyone visiting parks should remain cautious when near trees or in wooded areas for hanging limbs, or trees that may have sustained damage that is not visible. Despite parks and trails being open, there will be some ongoing tree work conducted in various parks and trails throughout the City.

“The recovery efforts following the May 21 wind storm have been remarkable,” said Mayor Diane Therrien. “We would like to thank City Public Works staff, Urban Forestry staff, and all who were involved for their efforts on tree removals, brush collection and storm damage clean up.”

Mayor Therrien also recognized the incredible support from the City of Kingston and the City of Hamilton, which sent crews to work on high-priority tree removals and hanging limbs that were impacting roads, sidewalks, and trails. Additional thanks go to private contractors who worked with the City to reopen parks as quickly and safely as possible including H&M Landscaping, CBL Tree Service, Elemental Tree Care, Ontario Line Clearing, Arborcor Tree Care, Tim McConnell Tree Services, Palmer Tree Service, Treescape Certified Arborists and Ethic Tree Creations.

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Simcoe Parking Garage to Reopen This Monday

The Simcoe Parking Garage is reopening this Monday at 6 a.m. after it received extensive renovations announced on Friday.

Photo by Luke Best.

From Monday to Aug. 2, parking in the garage is free.

A new parking control system has been installed and will be operational on Aug. 2.

In August, the new automated parking control system will be turned on and includes gates controlling entry and exit from the garage. The new system allows options for customers to pay for their parking.

Tickets must be validated before exiting garage by inserting them into the machine at the exit, that raises the gate arm.

Debit or credit card is accepted at the machine at the exit by inserting their ticket at the exit gate.

Payment machines are located in the garage where customers can pay before leaving. Customers using this option are advised to pay for their parking as they return to their vehicle before departing the parking garage. There is a 15-minute period provided after ticket validation to exit.

Cash payments are done by inserting their ticket at the new pay station located on the lower level by the elevators and the walkway to the transit platform. This station also accepts payment by debit or credit.

There is also a new pay station on Level 2A, near the rear stairwell, that accepts only debit or credit for paying for parking and validating parking tickets prior to exit.

Customers can also pay for their parking using their HotSpot account and HotSpot readers are provided on all pay stations for customers to activate the gates using their phones.

Monthly pass holders will be issued a new proximity card or be able to obtain an RFID tag to install on their windshields. The tag automatically opens the gates upon entry and exiting. The monthly permit must be active and renewed prior to the start of the following month in order to remain operative.

There will be a deposit required for the new proximity cards or RFID tags which will be refunded when the customer no longer requires a monthly parking pass.

Parking staff will be reaching out to current monthly pass holders to arrange for issuing the new cards or customers can call the Parking Division at 705-742-7777 ext, 2802 to purchase a monthly parking pass.

Parking rates and hours of service remain unchanged. Customers parking in the Simcoe Parking Garage and King Street Parkade receives their first hour of parking free of charge.

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Peterborough Musicfest Announces Two New Acts For Their 2022 Summer Series

Peterborough Musicfest has announced two new acts that will perform at their 2022 summer series. 54-40 will light up Del Crary Park on July 27, with Alyssa Reid and Valley putting on a Show on Aug. 6.

Photo by Luke Best.

Formed in 1980, 54-40 has been nominated for eight Juno Awards and was among the top 50 selling Canadian artists from 1996 to 2016.

They will appear on stage on July 27 at 8 p.m.

Alyssa Reid’s single ‘Alone Again’ topped charts in 2011 and she hasn’t stopped climbing since.

Her latest album, “ASHS” with over 10 million streams so far, is a testament to her artistic growth and evolution.

JUNO Award-nominated Valley is an alternative pop group based out of Toronto. The group picked up a 2020 JUNO Award nomination in the category of “Breakthrough Group of the Year’.

Reid and Valley will be at Del Crary Park on Aug. 6 at 8 p.m.

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Otonabee Conservation Receives Over $1 Million In Funding To Improve Four Local Outdoor Areas

Otonabee Conservation has received over $1 million from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) towards four projects throughout the Otonabee River watershed.

Funds from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) will reinvent and revitalize Jackson Creek Trail, Harold Town Conservation Area (CA), Warsaw Caves CA, and Selwyn Beach CA.

“Otonabee Conservation is honoured to receive this significant investment from the Government of Canada to enhance four of our most popular outdoor recreation properties across the Region,” said Ryan Huntley, Chair of the Otonabee Conservation Board of Directors, “These improvements will provide a more enjoyable and inclusive outdoor experience for residents and visitors to our watershed that would not be possible without this funding from FedDev Ontario; we are grateful for this commitment to Conservation Areas and trails in our watershed.”

Otonabee Conservation was awarded $368,000 from the TRF to revitalize the Harold Town CA by increasing accessibility and inclusivity of trails and adding facilities such as picnic shelters and an accessible, inclusive washroom.

Through the CCRF, $524,000 was awarded to Otonabee Conservation for the revitalization of the Jackson Creek Trail. This includes bridge repairs and railing replacement, improved grading, and the addition of accessibility features.

An additional $189,000 from the CCRF will enable Otonabee Conservation to construct accessible and inclusive washroom facilities at the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and at Selwyn Beach Conservation Area in Lakefield.

Each location will also include new signage and virtual/digital technology integration to enhance visitors’ experience and understanding of the habitat and wildlife along the trail, and to recognize First Nations heritage.

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Peterborough Woman Hits the Jackpot And Wins $1 Million

Jill Artibello of Peterborough is now $1 million richer after winning the LOTTO MAX draw on June 7.

Photo courtesy of OLG.

Artibello, who is retired, says she has been playing the lottery since LOTTO MAX launched.

The avid sewer and crafter said she checked her tickets at home when she discovered she won big.

"I kept looking and double checking the numbers online. I just couldn't believe it," she said. "I told my sister and she said, 'Stop –you're lying!'"

Artibello plans to share her win with family.

"I will share with my sister, nieces and nephews and my good friend. I will also enjoy a more comfortable retirement and do some work around the house."

The winning ticket was purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart on Charlotte Street in Peterborough.

 "I'm so happy. I never dreamed I would win.”

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