International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Event Commemorates Addicts; Bring Awareness and Reduce Stigma Of Addiction

An International Overdose Awareness Day memorial service honouring those lost to drug overdose was held by Moms Stop The Harm Peterborough at the Silver Bean Café on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the event, stories of how speakers’ loved ones were lost or affected by drug addiction, claiming that there should not be a stigma for it.

Between January 1 and July 31, 2022, Peterborough paramedics responded to 234 suspected opioid-related 911 calls and drugs were responsible for 343 emergency department visits according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH).

“The drug poisoning crisis is taking a significant and unacceptable toll on Peterborough’s region and community members,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health. Drug poisonings are a public health issue. We know we need to do more to prevent further harms and deaths.”

This year, 31 people are suspected to have died as a result of drug poisonings with five of these deaths happening over a 10-day period this month according to the same report.

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Five Day Isolation No Longer Necessary For COVID Positive Ontarians

Ontarians that test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to isolate for five days and instead are advised to isolate until their fever has cleared and symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours.

File Photo.

This announced was made on Wednesday by Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore at a press briefing.

“The main guidance now for the fall has to apply to all respiratory illnesses. So we need to have an approach that will decrease the transmission of RSV, influenza and COVID,” Moore said.

Moore noted that the ‘general advice’ is to stay at home when sick with any sort of virus or sickness.

He also highlighted that this news applies to the general public but for those working and living in high-risk facilities like long-term care and acute care facilities a ten day isolation period will still be in effect.

Moore confirmed at the press briefing that this announcement means those testing positive for COVID-19 can return to school or work if they are no longer experiencing symptoms, but individuals should continue to wear a mask in public for ten days from symptom onset.

He also noted that with a return to school and weather changing, Ontario is entering respiratory virus season.

Proper handwashing, improved ventilation in schools and workplaces and increased precautions should help prevent all respiratory viruses.

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Peterborough Lakers Release Mann Cup Schedule With Tickets Available; Team Seeking Fourth Straight Title

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have begun selling tickets and released their Mann Cup schedule against the Western Lacrosse Association champion Langley Thunder at the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office. 

The Lakers have won the trophy 17 times in their history including the last three seasons the Cup was held (2017, 2018, and 2019). Photo courtesy of Peterborough Century 21 Lakers.  

Game one begins next Friday with the opening faceoff at 7 p.m. for the Lakers’ quest for a fourth consecutive Mann Cup title.

Single tickets for the first four games are available online, over the phone and in person on Wednesday. Tickets for the following games go on sale as needed.

• Bundle pricing for all seven games are as follows:
  Adult - Regular Bowl: $140.00, Club: $171.50
  Senior - Regular Bowl: $115.50, Club: $147.00
  Student - Regular Bowl: $105.00, Club: $136.50
  Child - Regular Bowl: $49.00, Club $80.50 

Season ticket holders can purchase seven-game over the phone or in person beginning Wednesday. Seats are held until Thursday at 5 p.m. Unclaimed seats will open to the public for sale.

Contract cards or photo ID are required to purchase seats. Season ticket holders who have pre-authorized the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office to charge their credit card for all Mann Cup games can pick up their tickets as of Friday.

Non-season ticket holders’ seven-game bundles also go on sale on Wednesday over the phone and in person. Bundles are available at the box office until Friday.

Mann Cup schedule:

• Game 1: Fri. Sep. 9 at 8 p.m.

• Game 2: Sat. Sep. 10 at 7 p.m.

• Game 3: Mon. Sep. 12 at 8 p.m.

• Game 4: Tue. Sep. 13 at 8 p.m.

• Game 5: Wed. Sep. 14 at 8 p.m.*

• Game 6: Fri. Sep. 16 at 8 p.m.*

• Game 7: Sat. Sep. 17 at 7 p.m.*

*if necessary

Sunday’s win over the Six Nations Chiefs gave the Lakers a record 27th MSL title (fourth consecutive).

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Photos: Peterborough Community Aids United Way's "Backpacks for Success" Campaign

Over 40 volunteers from several organizations stuffed 690 school bags with back-to-school supplies for United Way Peterborough & District’s "Backpacks for Success" at Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute on Tuesday.

Makaya Dafoe of the East Peterborough Lions Club puts on display all the items each student will receive for the upcoming school year. All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

Organizations such as TD Canada Trust, BMO, Rotary Club of Peterborough, Scotiabank, East Peterborough Lions Club, Gamma Tau Master Sorority and student volunteers all chipped in throughout the day to fill the backpacks.

The bags went to high schools and elementary schools throughout Peterborough County that go as far as Apsley. Items such as pencil crayons, glue, paper, pens, math kits, calculators and pencil cases were among the donated supplies.

The United Way received $7,000 through Peterborough Cares’ ‘Stand With Tim’ campaign, $1,000 from the Peterborough Police service board and $500 from the Police senior team.

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Down Syndrome Association Looking For Volunteers At Annual Kawartha Tri Sport Tournament

The seventh annual Kawartha Tri Sport Tournament to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough is looking for volunteers for Sept. 10 from 12 - 8 p.m.

Photo from Kawartha Tri Sport.

Kawartha Tri-Sport is a three day, three sport tournament that challenges teams with golf, three-pitch and ball hockey.

There is a division for men and women.

Since it’s inception, Kawartha Tri Sport has raised over $115,000 for local charities.

Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough, Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Alzheimer’s Society of Peterborough.

Representatives from the Down Syndrome Association will be on site on Saturday and are looking for volunteers to run 50/50, umpire ball games, offer support as needed and to cheer for athletes.

Those interested should email info@downsyndromepeterborough.ca.

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Voice of Business: Federal Sectors Need To Improve Public Notice

Roadwork is a necessary part of investing in our infrastructure.

It’s an inconvenience for commuters and travelers, but it can have big implications for the local business community. Providing adequate notice, communication, and consultation are key to minimizing community impact and business disruption.

Most road closures and traffic restrictions are conducted by municipal or provincial governments, which have strict rules around providing notice to neighbouring residents and business, federal projects have few rules and what’s in place is largely inadequate.

For this reason, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has a policy resolution before the Canadian Chamber of Commerce titled Increasing Public Notice and Consultations for Federal Projects. This resolution will go to the CCC members at the annual general meeting in October and, if approved, will become part of the national advocacy effort for the next three years.

Whether it’s for a few hours, days, or even years, these projects have big implications for neighbouring residents and businesses.

For projects that disrupt traffic for a few hours or days, having adequate notice allows businesses to reschedule staff, adjust their advertising and marketing, and alter their sales programs. This can save thousands of dollars per day by facilitating prudent spending.

Projects that require significant traffic disruptions for months or years can cause major issues for affected businesses to the point that some will end up closing for good. Proper planning and communication can help businesses manage things like buying the appropriate amount of inventory, maintaining adequate staffing, and sourcing other opportunities to reach their customers.

Regardless of the length of the street closure, providing the public with ample notice allows them to better understand what is happening and plan their visits to local businesses accordingly.

Most construction projects require extensive consultation with local municipalities to provide detour options and provide appropriate notice to the public well ahead of any work being done.

However, federally administered and/or regulated projects don’t have those same requirements and often minimal communication and consultation are provided to neighbouring residents, businesses, and municipalities. Businesses in Peterborough have experienced multi-day closures of busy streets with less than 24 hours notice for rail crossing work. Businesses and residents were provided one month notice and minimal municipal consultation for the replacement of a bridge by Parks Canada on one of the main routes into the City of Peterborough that took nine months to complete.

Transport Canada requires railway work to follow the Notice of Railway Works Regulations, but that only requires notice to a limited group, including the municipality and property owners immediately abutting land at the crossing. While it does require 60 days notice, obligations to the neighbouring community are limited and there are no requirements to provide detours.

All non-rail projects aren’t regulated by Transport Canada since they are deemed a business practice. The various government ministries, departments and services are left to establish their own standards, which have proven difficult to access.

There are times when work must be done on an immediate basis with minimal prior notice due to emergencies, but most projects involve months, if not years, of planning to budget, tender, and schedule infrastructure work.

Our recommendations are that the government of Canada:

1. Require federal agencies and federally regulated sectors to communicate publicly the intention to undertake upcoming construction projects that impact transportation routes as early on in the planning process as is practical

2. Require federal agencies and federally regulated sectors to provide notice that includes all nearby residents and businesses, not just those immediately adjacent to the project:

   • a) a minimum of 30 days notice for road closures that are seven days or less

   • b) a minimum of 90 days notice for road closures expected to last more than seven days

3. Require federal agencies and federally regulated sectors to thoroughly consult with municipalities and contribute resources toward detour options

Improving communication and consultation will go a long way to helping local businesses and reducing frustration for everyone involved. Scheduled infrastructure improvements that involve closing streets should provide at least as much notice as what is expected when organizing a parade.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Peterborough Police Will Increase Traffic Enforcement In School Zones After Labour Day

In partnership with Peterborough County and Township of Cavan Monaghan, Peterborough Police Services will be increasing traffic enforcement in school zones this fall.

Stock Photo.

As children and staff return to school in September, school busses, cars and foot traffic will increase in school zones.

Drivers are reminded to take extra precautions including slowing down in school zones, planning to leave early, giving at least one metre’s clearance to cyclists, and stopping for school buses.

Peterborough Police Services would like to remind motorists of the following:

1) You must stop for stopped school buses with lights flashing.

2) Speeding in a school zone can result in fines and demerit points.

3) Crossing guards have the right to stop traffic at crosswalks – abide by their direction.

4) Distracted driving can cost you up to $3000 in fines, 6 demerit points and a 30-day

license suspension.

To keep school children safe, Peterborough Police will be monitoring and issuing tickets as required for offences in school zones and/or community safety zones.

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Peterborough Petes Seeking Breakthrough Performances For Upcoming Training Camp

The Peterborough Petes began the season’s training camp looking for the team’s next breakout star with physical testing and assessments at Hybrid Sports on Tuesday.

Players were provided with shirts featuring the season sponsors and their surnames on the back. Photo by Luke Best.

Expectations are high for the players in the camp, both returning and new. Several athletes look to make their mark and land a full-time spot with the Petes for the coming season, ‘opportunity’ seemed to be the word of the day.

“Our message at the opening meeting today was that there is opportunity,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “This week on the ice, during scrimmages and practices, an individual player has the chance to turn that word, ‘opportunity,’ into action.”

Smiling faces, handshakes and hugs were spotted on the players throughout the opening day of the training camp. There were 58 players that showed up to prove themselves and make a roster spot. The facility training was a welcome change from last year when COVID-19 forced additional precautions and private training sessions.

"We have made a lot of strides with the public health and public safety to the point where now we're pretty much back to normal," said Oke. "We still have to make sure that we are diligent and follow various protocols. Certainly, this year feels a lot more of a normal style of training camp and we're just simply excited to get going."

Fans are invited to attend the upcoming events or view them online from their Facebook page. 

The following is this year’s training camp schedule:

Wed., Aug. 31 

• 8:30 a.m.: Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Pat McCauley (Black) scrimmage 

• 9:30 a.m.: Team Pat McCauley (Black) vs Team Hybrid (Maroon) scrimmage

• 10:30 a.m.: Team Hybrid (Maroon) vs Team East Side Mario’s (White) scrimmage

• 2:00 p.m.: Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Pat McCauley (Black) scrimmage

• 3:00 p.m.: Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Hybrid (Maroon) scrimmage

• 4:00 p.m.: Team Hybrid (Maroon) vs Team Pat McCauley (Black) scrimmage 

Thu., Sep. 1

• 8:30 a.m.: Team Pat McCauley (Black) vs Team Hybrid (Maroon)  scrimmage 

• 9:30 a.m.: Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Pat McCauley (Black)  scrimmage

• 10:30 a.m.: Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Hybrid (Maroon) scrimmage               

• 2:00 p.m.: Team Hybrid (Maroon) vs Team Pat McCauley (Black) scrimmage

• 3:00 p.m.: Team Hybrid (Maroon) vs Team East Side Mario’s (White) scrimmage

• 4:00 p.m.: Team East Side Mario’s (White) vs Team Pat McCauley (Black) scrimmage

Fri., Sep. 2

• 9:00 a.m.: Team White on-ice practice

• 10:15 a.m.: Team Maroon on-ice practice 

• 4:05 p.m.: Maroon & White Game 

Sat., Sep. 3 

• 10:30 a.m.: On-ice practice

Sun., Sep. 4 

• 2:05 p.m.: Pre-Season Game vs Oshawa @ Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre

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8U Peterborough Tigers Host Fundraiser In Support Of Local Family After The Loss Of Their Son

The 8U Peterborough Tigers Baseball team are hosting an online raffle to raise money in support of the Birkhof family, after the passing of their son Steve Stapley this month.

Photo courtesy of the Birkhof family.

Stapley and the Birkhof family were very involved in the Peterborough sports community.

Before his unexpected passing Stapley was a valued defenseman with Lakefield Rage Sr Lacrosse Club and helped take the team to the 2021 Ontario Championships.

Stapley was an advocate for youth sports so to honour his memory the family is asking for donations to the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association in Steve’s name in lieu of flowers .

Those interested in donating can etransfer pmlavpfinance@gmail.com with the info note ‘Steve Stapley Registration Fund’.

Stapley’s nephew is a member of the 8U Peterborough Tigers, so in hopes to support his family during this time, the team is hosting an online raffle.

Prizes include $1,200 of gift cards to a variety of stores, a Gyroor EBike (worth $650), and a Google Nest Hub.

Tickets are one for $5, three for $10 or eight for $20. They can be purchased by etransferring money to Birkhofdonation@gmail.com and including a full name and email in the comment.

The draw will be held on Sept. 3 and the winner will be contacted directly.

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