Peterborough Police Issue Tips For Package Theft Prevention

Peterborough Police Service has given tips on preventing packages from being stolen with the holiday season approaching announced on Wednesday.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Community Services Officer Jason Cannon has issued the following tips to help prevent package thefts:

• Keep porch lights on

• Use delivery notification options

• Ask a neighbour to keep an eye out for you

• Report any suspicious activity

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City of Peterborough's Chief Administrative Officer Announces Retirement

The City of Peterborough’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sandra Clancy is retiring after a 38-year tenure, effective on April 28, announced Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Clancy became the City’s most senior manager in May 2018 when City Council appointed her as the CAO. She has held various roles with the municipality since joining the organization in 1985 including Chief Accountant, Finance Manager, Treasurer, and Corporate Services Director.

“I am extremely thankful to have had to opportunity to work for the community where I was born and raised. It has been a privilege to work with many colleagues, community members, and Councils for almost 40 years,” said Clancy. Thank you to Mayor Jeff Leal and City Council for your support and leadership. And thank you especially to all my coworkers throughout all the service areas at the City of Peterborough who have demonstrated such resilience and dedication to their jobs. I know our community will continue to be well served going forward.”

Clancy informed City Council of her retirement on Monday.

“I have had a long, very rewarding career working for the City of Peterborough,” she said. “I’m looking forward to retiring and this next stage in my life where I will have more time to spend with family and other personal activities.”

Mayor Jeff Leal released a statement regarding Clancy’s retirement:

“On behalf of City Council, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Sandra for her leadership and service throughout her 38-year career with the City of Peterborough. Sandra played key roles at the municipality through significant periods, including the 2004 flood recovery and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank Sandra for her commitment to Peterborough and its residents. We wish her well in her retirement but we know this isn’t goodbye on a personal level as we are looking forward to hearing about her retirement and grandchildren. City Council will lead the recruitment process to fill this critical leadership role as we move forward to ensure effective service delivery on behalf of City of Peterborough residents.”

City Council is planning the next steps for recruiting the next CAO.

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Special Weather Statement Advises Peterborough of Heavy Snowfall

The Weather Network advises that snow is expected to begin in the Peterborough area Thursday afternoon and become heavy at times throughout Thursday evening.

File Photo.

Total snowfall amounts of 10 to 15 centimetres are expected by Friday morning, with amounts exceeding 15 centimetres over the higher terrain north of Lake Ontario. Lesser snowfall amounts are forecast near the shoreline of Lake Ontario where snow may transition to rain.

Hazardous travel conditions due to heavy snow and blowing snow are also being reported, including for the evening commute. The Weather Network recommends ‘considering postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve’ and advises that visibility may be reduced due to the inclement weather.

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Voice of Business: Comprehensive Strategy Needed For the Tourism Sector

The tourism industry in Ontario needs a comprehensive strategy that addresses workforce development, regulatory burdens, infrastructure deficits and regional disparities.

That’s the push from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario in their The State of the Ontario Tourism Industry Report released Dec. 13.

In November we addressed the executive summary that was released earlier, but the completed report takes a deep dive into the issues holding back the tourism sector and drives home the need for the government to create a thorough strategy for it.

Tourism is a vital sector in the provincial economy and is critical for economic recovery.

While domestic and inbound tourism improved in the second half of 2022, the industry is not expected to fully recover from the pandemic until 2025. With rising concerns over a looming recession, cost of living and spending habits, the sector requires a path forward that addresses the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 border closures, capacity restrictions and structural issues.

The report highlights some bleak findings, including that four in 10 tourism operators forecast profitability in 2024 and beyond, and that tourism businesses have accumulated soaring debt to remain financially viable during the pandemic.

While nature-based tourism is having more success compared to its urban counterpart, the rural aspect of it creates more issues with accessing labour. Many tourism employers are in beautiful wilderness areas where nearby housing options are largely waterfront and custom homes, both of which are a bit too pricey for many service sector workers. Attracting people from more suburban locations requires access to a car, which creates barriers in terms of travel time and expenses. With so many service sector businesses hiring closer to where the majority of people live, rural tourism employers need to attract workers who have a passion for the industry and working in the Kawarthas.

Access to a workforce with the skills, experience, and availability needed is one of the biggest challenges holding the tourism business back right now. Suggestions in the report include:

• Re-conceptualizing how people view tourism careers

• Optimizing work placement opportunities for post-secondary students

• Reforming immigration to retain international students and reliably attract international workers that meet the needs of the industry

• Consistently promoting job-ready skills in the high school curriculum

• Ensuring that decision-making is data-driven and specific to each locality and region

The report itself lays out a detailed analysis of barriers in the tourism sector with a tangible set of recommendations on each issue. It’s divided into four sections: economy, labour, infrastructure and the future of tourism in Ontario. The key issues and recommendations discussed speak to themes of labour gaps and instability, the uneven pace of economic recovery, red tape, the housing crisis, connectivity, transportation networks, investment attraction, destination development, economic growth, and sustainability.

The report concludes that in order for Ontario’s tourism industry to grow, attract investment, and remain resilient, we must address the economic, labour, and infrastructure barriers impeding the full potential of the industry.

The beauty of the Kawarthas and opportunities to explore it will continue to draw visitors to our region. Investing in a robust tourism sector with a clear and progressive strategy will help us make the most of what we have to offer, giving visitors a better experience and building stronger local communities.

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

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Ravenwood Drive Christmas Display Invites Public For "Fill the Sleigh" Food Drive

Extravagant Christmas displays are back at the Glasbergen’s as they are inviting the public to tour their grounds and support their “Fill the Sleigh” food drive in support of St. Vincent de Paul this Friday.

Photo courtesy of Braden Glasbergen.

Their Christmas display, known as ‘Seasons on Ravenwood’ is one of four larger-than-life exhibits — with Easter, summer and Halloween as the other displays — the family does annually.

Walkways are created to guide visitors through their front lawn to view the display filled with ornaments, lights, signs and more. The family has requested everyone not to touch the decorations because of its fragility. Anyone driving by is also requested to stop and see the display to not disrupt traffic flow and for everyone’s safety.

Jenn (left) and Braden Glasbergen (right) with their Halloween ghost ship as one of thier biggest displays of the year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Visitors are encouraged to take photos of the displays and with Santa who will make an appearance.

“We love expressing the joy of the Christmas season through lights and decorations and getting to experience visitors' faces when they come to visit makes it worthwhile,” said Braden Glasbergen. “Everyone shows their love of the displays in different ways, the excitement that the little ones share when they run towards the lights or point out Santa on the balcony to the seniors who slow down in their cars and smile at the nutcrackers and reindeer.”

The family is collecting non-perishable goods for St. Vincent de Paul and encourages anyone who visits to bring items to their drop-off box.

“Sharing our seasons with the community and having the community share back with their food donations allows the feeling to go full circle, helping others while having some fun,” said Glasbergen.

The Glasbergen’s display is on 1723 Ravenwood Dr. and is open to the public from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday.

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Local Mexican Restaurant Celebrating 20 Years In Business in Downtown Peterborough

For two decades, La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant has been serving downtown Peterborough a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine as they are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.

Sandra Arciniega, La Hacienda owner streaming her cooking classes as one of the services offered at her business. Photo courtesy of La Hacienda.

“Seems like yesterday when we opened our doors for the first time back in 2002,” reflects Sandra Arciniega, La Hacienda owner. “Those years when our town was not as multicultural as it is today, times when finding tortillas, avocados or any other Mexican ingredient were such a challenge.”

Dubbed as ‘a little corner of Mexico,’ the restaurant serves food that owner Sandra Arciniega grew up eating.

“Those times when I felt homesick, dreaming of tasting those memorable and unique flavours of home, that is when the idea of opening an authentic Mexican restaurant was born,” she explained. “The love for my culture and my passion about its food needed to be shared with family and friends around the table.”

Arciniega when she opened La Hacienda in 2002. Photo courtesy of La Hacienda.

The restaurant carries signature dishes such as enchiladas, Sopa Azteca (tortilla soup), locally-sourced cricket tacos and guacamole.

La Hacienda is a gathering place that celebrates the culture, creativity, and diversity of Mexico according to Arciniega.

The restaurant hosts events to bring Mexico to life in Peterborough such as Mexican folk dance, live mariachi band, Day of the Dead Night Gala and cooking classes on and offsite.

In 2018, Arciniega expanded with a retail store adjacent to the restaurant called Mercado La Hacienda. It sells a variety of Mexican products such as salsa, chips, and even crickets.

As part of its celebration, La Hacienda is re-launching its in-house artisan product line that offers items such as roasted salsa verde, mild salsa, salsa Macha, roasted salsa, salsa para enchiladas, pickled serranos, handmade tortillas and corn chips.

“I feel grateful and proud of what La Hacienda has become,” said Arciniega. “We are not only a restaurant but a destination that conjures up memories.”

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Five Counties Children's Centre Offers Holiday Preparation Tips

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is offering holiday tips for families to make the holidays merry and light.

Photo courtesy of Five counties Children’s centre.

“Whether celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Winter Solstice, the holiday season comes with high expectations, changes in routine and extra stimulation that can be overwhelming for some kids,” says Ashley Parsons, FCCC occupational therapist. “As parents and families, it’s important to reduce the stress and anxiety created by the holidays to make it a more enjoyable time for everyone.”

According to FCCC staff, it is not just children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing issues who can be impacted by the holidays.

“The pandemic has disrupted large gatherings and in-person celebrations, creating a situation where many kids aren’t equipped or don’t know how to socialize or engage in play with others outside their immediate families,” Parsons says.

Preparation involves a plan for success, says FCCC. They suggest the use of calendars to mark events and count down the days and photos/maps/videos as visuals to share with younger family members or children who have communication challenges to help prepare them for who/where you’re visiting.

FCCC also offers the following tips to help prepare your family for the holidays:

• Decorate less or do it gradually. While holiday decorations make the season brighter, they can also be disruptive for some kids. Pulling out pictures from previous holiday seasons can help children adjust to what’s planned (if you don’t have photos, take some this year). Having kids involved in decorating can ease the process, as can taking a step-by-step approach to decorating. For instance, set up the tree one day, but wait until the next day before starting to decorate. Once decorations are up, set clear rules about what can and can’t be touched.

• Give gifts the right way. Most children get excited over holiday gifts, but for some kids, it can be overwhelming. If a child starts to obsess over a desired gift, find ways to manage their interest. For example, try a ‘five-for-five swap.’ Give your child five stickers that can be exchanged for being able to talk about the gift for a five-minute interval. To help manage holiday gift expectations, make a list with your child of realistic items he or she wants for the holidays. This list can then be shared with family members and friends who can register to purchase one of the desired gifts.

• Change for the better isn’t always better. Many children thrive on routine, and the holidays can throw off schedules. Having familiar items on hand can help calm stressful situations. If you are travelling for the holidays, make sure you have a child’s favourite books, toys, games and activities. Rehearse in advance what will happen or what can be expected to also ease children through any change or disruption of routine.

• Here’s food for thought. Enjoying a holiday meal with friends or family may not be enjoyable for all kids, especially if they are picky eaters or unlikely to enjoy unfamiliar food that’s on the menu. Some kids may also have allergies or require special diets. Have some of your child’s favourite or familiar foods on hand for dinner, either by bringing it yourself or ensuring some will be served during the holiday meal. If needed, identify a quiet area where your child can go to eat on their own if mealtime with others is too much.

• Take a break. Have a plan in case holiday visits or festivities become too overwhelming. Develop a signal that you child can use to say they need a break or want to be on their own. Work with your host to find a pre-determined quiet space for your child to de-stress. Have headphones with songs or stories that your child can wear to calm themselves and drown out surrounding noises. 

• Dress for success. Ensure your child wears clothing that is familiar and will not cause discomfort if going to a special holiday dinner or event.

• Prepare others for what to expect. The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones, so help them to understand your child. Be open and honest. Offer strategies on how they can help reduce anxiety or stress with your child. Help them see that your child may prefer not to be hugged. Share potential triggers that could cause your child to become upset. Stress to loved ones the importance of remaining calm and neutral to avoid outbursts.

“You know your child best, so look to what has worked for your family in situations or holidays past,” said Parsons. “With a bit of planning and preparation, you and your child can enjoy a wonderful holiday season that is merry and a bit light!”

Lakefield Musician's Band 'Live Shiny Tunes' To Rock New Years at Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

Rock out and ring in 2023 with Michael Beauclerc and Live Shiny Tunes at Dr. J's BBQ & Brews New Year’s event on Dec. 31.

Photo by Debbie Draper.

Formed in November, the band features the iconic tunes of the 90s and the musical stylings of many local names. Attendees can rock out with Peterborough songbird SJ Riley, Yamaha celebrity percussion clinician Michael Beauclerc and the introspective delights of the McManus brothers; Devin on guitar and Dawson on bass.

“(I’m) beyond excited to announce I’ve joined an amazing roster of musicians to bring you Live Shiny Tunes,” said SJ Riley in a Facebook post.

The band’s founder Michael Beauclerc says that the show will be great for the 35 to 50 aged crowd and those who enjoyed MuchMusic’s earlier rock albums ‘Big Shiny Tunes.’

“Live Shiny Tunes is an idea that I’ve had for a number of years,” said Beauclerc. “We had our first-ever rehearsal in November and Dr. J’s will be our first, debut show.”

The professional musician was gifted his first drum set at the age of three. By the time he was in high school, he was a Canadian champion snare drummer, performing at local bars in Peterborough and going on to major in percussion and vocal at Cambrian College.

“(Music) is something I’ve always done, it’s what I was always going to do and going to be,” said Beauclerc. “That’s why I wanted to school for it so I would get more opportunities.”

Photo courtesy of Live Shiny Tunes.

The drummer, hand percussionist and singer is an artist/clinician for Yamaha Percussion, Vic Firth sticks & Mallets, SABIAN cymbals and REMO. He is the band leader of ‘The Bowie Lives: A David Bowie Spectacular Experience’ and the percussion head of the St. Michael’s College School Drumline in Toronto, the Oak Ridge Percussion in Colborne, Trinity College School Drumline in Port Hope and a consultant/composer for several other scholastic drumlines.

On top of his music, Beauclerc is the editor-in-chief of Drumline Magazine and has written novels used by Canadian drumlines and marching percussion instructors.

Live Shiny Tunes will be at Dr. J’s (282 Alymer St. N) starting at 9 p.m.

“This music was the biggest music of the late nineties and early 2000’s, (this) is the music that I played in college,” says Beauclerc. “It’s going to be Lenny Kravitz, The Odds, The Goo Goo Dolls, Garbage and more. It’s a big mix.”

$20 tickets are available online here, or for $25 at the door.

Peterborough Pete Brennan Othmann Selected to Team Canada For 2023 World Junior Championships

Peterborough Petes’s Brennan Othmann has made the final roster for Team Canada for the 2023 World Junior Championships (WJC) in Moncton and Halifax announced on Monday evening.

Othmann currently leads the Petes in points with 35 in 26 games. Photo courtesy of the Peteborough Petes.

This is his second time representing Canada as he won a gold medal with the team on August 20 in overtime against Finland. The New York Ranger prospect recorded two goals and four assists for six points in six games in his first World Junior Championship. He has also represented Canada at the U18 and U17 levels, winning a gold medal at the 2021 IIHF World U18 Hockey Championships.

“We’re really excited for Brennan,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “To represent Canada once at this event is a huge honour, to do it twice is an opportunity that not a lot of players get to experience.”

Othmann was acquired from the Flint Firebirds on Nov. 12 in exchange for Artem Guryev and three OHL Priority Selection picks. He joins Petes defenceman and Philadelphia Flyers prospect, Brian Zanetti who is representing Switzerland.

The Pickering-born forward becomes the third Pete to represent Canada at the WJC since 2010, along with Nick Ritchie in 2015 and Mason McTavish in 2022. The championships start on Dec. 26 with both Othmann and Zanetti in action for their respective countries. 

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Vinnie's Receives Cheque From Anonymous Donor After Weekend Catalytic Converter Thefts; Peterborough Police Still Investigating

After having $4,000 of catalytic converters stolen, Vinnie’s has received an anonymous donation to cover for the losses as Peterborough Police continue investigating.

File photo.

Police were called to Vinnies on Monday and discovered the catalytic converters had been removed from two cube vans. Police believe the thefts occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday.

Vinnie’s Facebook page released a statement regarding the donation:

“Thank you so much for your kind words and compassion - we are so grateful for this community. We wanted to let you know that we have received a generous anonymous donation that will help us cover the repairs/rentals. Thank you to all who offered to help us, we are very grateful!”

This was not the only catalytic converter theft that occurred over the weekend. About 15 were reported stolen during that time, valued at $15,000.

Police are continuing the investigation but no arrests have been reported.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Peterborough Police Crime Line at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca

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