MPP Dave Smith Announces Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act To Be Introduced

MPP Dave Smith and other dignitaries have announced the introduction of the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act in a teleconference held on Thursday afternoon.

(from left to right) MPP Dave Smith; Chief Emily Whetung; Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism and Chief Mel Hardy, Anishinabek Nation Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief and former Chief of Curve Lake First Nation. Photo courtesy of MPP Dave Smith.

Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Chief Mel Hardy, Anishinabek Nation Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief and Chief Emily Whetung, former Chief of Curve Lake First Nation were also in attendance to make the announcement.

The bill, if passed, creates an award for Cadet Corps and Squadrons at the Annual Ceremonial Reviews. Ontario’s 288 active Canadian Cadet Corps and Squadrons can select a member who has displayed exceptional volunteerism and citizenship over the past year to be eligible for the Murray Whetung Community Service Award.

“Murray Whetung was a pillar in our community. He volunteered to fight in the Second World War and dedicated his life to family and service. I was honoured to receive his endorsement for this legislation before his passing,” said MPP Dave Smith. “This bill does more than recognize the life of one man, it seeks to teach others of the injustices First Nations veterans faced for risking their lives in service to Canada.”

In the First and Second World Wars, roughly 7,000 First Nations residents voluntarily served. For those who served continuously, their rights were stripped for time away from the reserve. Indigenous veterans able to retain their status were often ineligible for benefits available to non-Indigenous veterans following the wars.

“My Shomis (grandfather) was humbled when MPP Smith approached him about the idea of an award named after him,” said Whetung. “My Shomis did what he thought needed to be done and didn’t expect special recognition. He was a shining example of choosing happiness in the face of adversity and an inspiration to so many of us.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Artists Receive Funding Through New Grants For Individual Artists Program

20 local artists have been awarded a total of $47,720 through the Grants for Individual Artists program from the City of Peterborough and the Electric City Culture Council.

File photo.

The program’s open call is said to have received 40 applications. A peer assessment jury awarded grants to 20 artists, including 11 artists in component one (totalling $16,500) and nine artists in component two (totalling $31,220). This program is funded by both EC3 and the City of Peterborough and is designed and administered by EC3.

The Grants for Individual Artists program is divided into two components. Component one is mini development grants of up to $1,500 for for individual professional artists’ research, development, workshopping etc. of original new works, as well as for professional development and mentorship opportunities.

Component two is project production and presentation grants of up to $3,500 for the production and presentation of specific projects, and supports costs such as artist fees, production materials, venue rentals, technical equipment, costumes, publication etc. for individual professional artists. Artists working in every discipline and medium were eligible to apply.

“We are grateful to the City of Peterborough for their ground-breaking support of this program. These investments in the work of our very talented and hardworking artists means more artists can realize their visions, contribute to our cultural and social well-being and make Peterborough a more vibrant, dazzling city for all of us,” said Su Ditta, executive director at EC3.

Grants for Individual Artists 2022 grant recipients:

Component One: mini development grants for individual professional artists

• Kim Blackwell - The Auction

  Development of a theatrical new work exploring hording, difficult relations between a father and daughter set against a backdrop of 1970s nuclear proliferation, the Cold War and the soundtrack to "Jesus Christ Superstar."

• Kathryn Durst - First Lady of the Accordion: Mine White Research Project

  Biographical and visual research about Canadian folk music icon Minnie White of Newfoundland, with the goal of illustrating a new book based on her life.

• Lesley Givens - Moving: Beyond Comfort Zones

  Veteran arts educator revives her personal practice, building upon her body of work as a visual artist with dance and movement to create a new performance work. “To occupy space with my 50-year-old body is an authentic and powerful expression of freedom.”

• Sarah Elise Hall - Stacks

  An accomplished sculptor and installation artist explores the state of our environment, pollution, climate change and our global future, using recycled and discarded plastic containers to create large sculptural pieces that reflect natural minerals and erosion.

• Jon Hedderwick - One City Community University: Storytelling and Spoken Word as Advocacy

  Outreach to those experiencing homelessness, precariously housed and economically marginalized members of our community to engage in writing, storytelling and recording.

• Julia Huỳnh - nhạc xuân, ở đây và ở đó (Spring Music, Here and There)

  Exploring Vietnamese migration and cultural preservation through re-imagined archives, photography, sound, and plants, leading to the creation of sound and video works.

• Nicole Malbeuf - Aerial Arts: Hair Suspension Practice

  Circus artist explores techniques in ‘hair suspension,’ acts flying high in the air suspended only by the performer’s long hair, through professional instruction, culminating in a workshop performance of a new performance piece.

• Justin Million - Carry It All (Poetry Manuscript)

  Following years of performing and releasing chapbooks with the Show and Tell Poetry Series, the artist will research and write their first book-length poetry collection of unpublished work.

• Ireni Stamou - Media, Medusa, Cassandra Unearthed

  Experimenting with texts and devised theatre for a new choreographic creation inspired by feminine archetypes found in Ancient Greek theatre and mythology.

• Kate Suhr - Grace

  Development of a new autobiographical show that uses music and storytelling to describe the effects of addiction on children in the home.

• Ziysah von Bieberstein - Manuscript Mentorship

  Engaging professional edits, revisions and consultation for the artist’s next manuscript and publication process, while simultaneously mentoring an emerging poet to develop their first self-published chapbook.

Component Two: production and presentation grants for initial professional artists

• Brad Brackenridge - The Lear Project

  Dance, puppetry, and song come together for a theatrical production based on the life and work of Victorian nonsense poet Edward Lear (for presentation at the Market Hall).

• Jennifer Elchuk - Weathering and Waiting

  Evolving their work with the flying ‘aerial canoe,’ including expansion of technical and narrative techniques, culminates in a circus arts performance at the Canadian Canoe Museum's grand opening.

• Karol Orzechowski - Enantiodromia

  Local musician Garbageface (Karol Orzechowski) releases a new album, exploring the polarized nature of our society, with a unique, one-time, live performance at The Theatre On King in Fall of 2023, which will be documented for later digital release.

• Kaz Rahman - Experimental Documentary Film: Digital Dervish (working title)

  An experimental documentary featurette that mixes performance footage of the internationally touring Digital Dervish dance performance, with interviews, verite-style sequences and animated shots.

• Elisha Rubacha - Loop

  Workshop process and work-in-progress performance at The Theatre on King for a stage play about ambiguous family history, intergenerational trauma, mental illness, and fascism.

• Matt Snell - Fortune Cookie

  In this unique and comedic short film, a man attempting to live without a smartphone, finds himself increasingly addicted to fortune cookies instead. A new work from this award-winning director.

• Kate Story - Anxiety

  A one-person devised theatre/dance performance work from this GG nominated artist exploring the Old English epic poem “Beowulf,” the current rise of white supremacy, language, the artist’s childhood and her father’s work as a Newfoundland lexicographer

• Lynda Todd - Tap: Please Touch (Tactile Art Project)

  Creating accessible, tactile art designed for diverse audiences, including blind and visually impaired audience members, with a live exhibition at The Mount Community Centre, online, and on social media.

• Gillian Turnham - Interlaced

  Visual artist shares her explorations of traditional Islamic geometric art with three non-gallery popup exhibitions, connected to an online gallery with instructions on drawing each pattern using ruler and compass.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Fall to Barrie Colts, 4-3 In Shootout

The Peterborough Petes lost by the slimmest of margins to the Barrie Colts in a 4-3 shootout loss at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes blanked the Colts 5-0 in their last meeting on Oct. 8. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen Photography and the Peterborough Petes.

Barrie had a strong start, scoring the game’s first two goals at 3:07 and 6:37 from Beau Akey and Tai York (powerplay). Peterborough responded with one of their own as Connor Luckhart ripped a point shot past Colts goaltender Ben West to cut the lead in half going into the second.

Peterborough evened things up as Nick Lardis was able to bury his one-timer goal off an odd-man rush with Nick Robertson for his seventh goal of the season. The scored remained tied 2-2 into the third.

After just over five minutes into the period, Barrie’s Chris Grisolia snuck a wrap-around by Petes goaltender Michael Simpson to give Barrie the 3-2 lead. Lockhart tied the game, scoring his second of the game and sixth of the season on the powerplay to tie the game at 3-3 and send it to OT.

Overtime became a stalemate and the game would head to a shootout.

Shootout results:

Petes

• Tucker Robertson – No goal

• Nick Lardis – No goal

• Connor Lockhart – No goal

Colts

• Jacob Frasca – Goal

• Evan Vierling – No goal

Frasca scored the only goal in the shootout for Barrie and escaped Peterborough with a 4-3 win.

The Petes are beginning another chapter in their rivalry with the Oshawa Generals as they head to the Durham area on Friday for the teams’ first meeting.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough DBIA Receives Over $96,000 In Tourism Support from The Government of Canada

Peterborough’s Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) received $96,100 from the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund to attract visitors and support future growth in the community.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area.

The money came from Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) through FedDev Ontario, a system through the Government of Canada that delivers programs and services to support the growth of local economies.

The DBIA is a not-for-profit organization that represents downtown businesses, with focus on promoting and advocating for the downtown and it’s businesses. According to a press release, this investment will help the DBIA adapt and recover to attract new visitors and drive economic growth in downtown Peterborough.

“Guided by our strategic plan, we are always working to create and maintain a vibrant and attractive downtown area for locals and visitors,” said Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director. “With the help of the Tourism Relief Fund, we are able to implement several new projects that will enhance the visitor experience when visiting Downtown Peterborough.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

List of City Services During Remembrance Day

Several City services will have modified hours or be closed during Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

City Hall

City Hall, including the Tax Office, Clerk’s Office and Building Services, will be closed. Online services are available at www.peterborough.ca.

Garbage, recycling and yard waste

No garbage, recycling or green waste collection will occur on Nov. 11.

The collection scheduled for Nov. 11 is moved to Nov. 14. Please ensure all garbage, recycling and green waste is at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day.

The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Public Works

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Arenas Division

Arenas will be available to user groups for scheduled ice time.

Kinsmen Civic Centre will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Peterborough Memorial Centre will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Healthy Planet Arena will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight. Customer Service at Healthy Planet Arena will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for programming (50 + Skate and Pay as You Play).

Facility booking inquiries for the Arenas Division are not available on Nov. 11.

Memorial Centre event tickets are available for purchase online at www.memorialcentre.ca.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on Nov. 11.

For information about gallery exhibitions and programs please visit www.agp.on.ca. 

Downtown Youth Space

The Downtown Youth Space at 201 McDonnel St. will be closed. To learn more about free, drop-in programs for youth aged 13 to 18, please visit www.peterborough.ca/dys.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum and Archives exhibitions and gift shop are open from noon to 5 p.m. on Nov. 11. Information about current exhibitions is available online at www.peterborough.ca/museum.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library will be closed on Nov. 11. Information and digital resources are online at www.ptbolibrary.ca/.

Provincial Offences office

The Provincial Offences office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed. Fine payments can be made online at www.peterborough.ca/POA.

Social Services office

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed.

Emergency shelter services

Emergency shelter services remain open: if you need emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096.

Municipal child care centres

City-operated child care centres Pearson Day Care and Peterborough Day Care will be closed on Nov. 11. All before and after school child care programs will be open.

Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will open regular hours. Visit www.peterborough.ca/recreation for information about schedules and programs at the Wellness Centre.

Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a regular service schedule on Nov. 11.

Please visit the website www.peterborough.ca/transit or call 705-745-0525 for detailed schedules.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Finalize Leadership Group For 2022-23 Season

The Peterborough Petes have announced their team captains for 2022-23 season with defenceman Shawn Spearing wearing the “C” for a second straight season.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Petes.

Spearing is the franchise’s 61st Captain in Petes history. He is the ninth captain to wear the “C” for multiple seasons.

“It’s a great honour,” said Spearing. “We have a locker room with a lot of leaders in it so it makes my job a lot easier but obviously I’m still really excited.”

Alternate captains include Seattle Kraken prospect Tucker Robertson, Philadelphia Flyers prospect, J.R. Avon and New Jersey Devils first-round pick, Chase Stillman. Vancouver Canucks prospect Connor Lockhart will wear an “A” if one captain cannot play.

“We’re really excited about our leadership group this year,” said Rob Wilson, Petes head coach. “Shawn, Tucker and J.R. have been with us for a few years now, we brought in Chase last year and he’s a good voice in the room and can lead by example. The same goes for Connor Lockhart: Connor has come in and is very determined and very demanding of himself and has shown a lot of leadership qualities early on.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Police Seeking Information On Local Woman Who Suffered Fatal Injuries In Parking Lot Collision

Peterborough Police Service are seeking information regarding a 59-year-old Peterborough woman that died from injuries sustained in a McDonald’s parking lot collision (Chemong Road location) on Oct. 23.

File photo.

The 59-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries at a Toronto hospital over the weekend. She was taken to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre prior to being flown to Toronto in critical condition.

The collision took place around 8 a.m.

Peterborough Police are investigating the incident and anyone with information is asked to call 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

City of Peterborough Shares Environmentally-Friendly Ways of Pumpkin Disposal

The City of Peterborough has encouraged residents to dispose of their pumpkins in an environmentally friendly way and provided ways to do so.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

They can be placed at the curb with regular green waste until Nov. 25 and must weigh less than 22 kg. The City is asking that pumpkins not be placed in the garbage. The green waste is composted that diverts organic material from the landfill, creating enriched soil used for City plantings.

They can be put in backyard composters and chopped up to speed up decomposition.

Remove non-compostable material such as decorations, candles and leftover wax.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Hometown PTBO: Wanda Beatty On How She Became a Fitfluencer and What Being One Entails

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks to fitfluencer Wanda Beatty about what it means to be a fitfluencer, how she became one and how she started teaching at Goodlife Fitness.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

The EL(P) and Capra Toro Declared Co-Winners of Second Annual Peterborough Mac + Cheese Festival

After a month of-long culinary competition, restaurants The EL (P) and Capra Toro have been crowned co-winners of the second annual Peterborough Mac + Cheese Festival announced by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) on Thursday.

Nathan Manwell, Capra Toro chef (left) and Danea Humber, The EL (P) head chef (right) sharing in both restaurants’ first Peterborough Mac + Cheese Festival title win. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The EL(P) earned their win with a three-cheese chorizo ‘beermac’ while Capra Toro created a baked Birra Formaggio for their winning dish.

“It’s beer and cheese man. What’s better than those two ingredients?” said Eric Beyer, EL(P) sous chef. “Mix in some chorizo and a fantastic cornbread (made in-house) by resident baker Kelsey and the dish just sings.”

“We are just so incredibly blown away at being crowned top mac this year,” said Nathan Manwell, Capra Toro chef.  “Last season we almost won, coming in second place. We are over-the-moon excited to bring home a win this time around.”

As the winners, both restaurants received a cheesy hand-crafted trophy, a sizable donation to Kawartha Food Share in their respective names and bragging rights.

Runner-ups included a spinach and artichoke mac and cheese dip from Champs Sports Bar, followed by The Black Horse Pub’s sweet potato mac.

During all of last month, there were 20 signature mac and cheese dishes featured in downtown restaurants as part of the competition.

Over 1,000 votes were cast to determine the top mac and cheese dish on offer.  

The winning recipe(s) from both years’ competitions are available online.

Sam’s Place won the inaugural Peterborough Mac + Cheese Festival with a jalapeño bacon mac & cheesewich last year.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.