Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Warning After Weekend Responses

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings over the weekend, announced on Monday.

File photo.

There were seven drug-related poisonings were responded to by 911 first responders and the Emergency Department. PPH presumes this is a result of an opioid product that is pink in colour and has an increased level of toxicity according to a press release.

Peterborough Public Health is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal.

Give naloxone if you suspect an individual is experiencing drug poisoning. This may improve breathing but may not help the individual regain consciousness. Call 911 and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.

If you use drugs, PPH recommends that you:

  • Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., days a week.

  • If using 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 by.

  • Avoid mixing drugs.

  • Test your drug by using a small amount first.

  • Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.

PPH has released a list of signs of an opioid overdose and what to do in case of one:

  • 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. Continue to check for breathing. 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 PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.

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Market Hall Celebrates 25 Years in Peterborough with Sold Out Concert

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The Market Hall Performing Arts Centre is celebrating 25 years in downtown Peterborough with an all-star line up of musicians for their 25th Anniversary Concert Celebration on Feb. 3.

Photo by Luke Best.

After nearly two years of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Market Hall is set to celebrate their audience for years of support, and for helping them return “stronger than ever” with in-person performances.

“We wanted to do something to thank the community, and what better way than to welcome them in for a show with so much talent on one stage,” said Market Hall general manager Chad Hogan.

Described as being “one of the most memorable shows to grace (the Market Hall) stage,” the anniversary concert will feature many big names including Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo, Matt Mays, Terra Lightfoot, Melissa Payne, Brooks & Bowskill and local special guests.

The highly anticipated show sold out in under three hours, which Hogan expresses was a “true testament to the support (patrons) have given Market Hall over the years.”

Photo courtesy of Market Hall.

He mentions that the Feb. 3 show will also include a special announcement regarding a substantial equipment update.

“We wouldn’t have been able to survive without our patrons,” said Hogan.

For more information on the sold out show, visit the Market Hall website.

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DBIA Announces Final Early Bird Holiday Shopping Passport Draw Winner

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The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) announces final early bird draw Holiday Shopping Passport winner on Monday.

Photo Courtesy of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area.

Helen Lovick’s completed Holiday Shopping Passport was drawn at Agave by Imperial, the new Mexican restaurant located at 376 George St.

Lovick’s winning passport came from Gentry Apparel, where she purchased some clothing items during the holiday season. She was granted her $500 Boro gift card prize by shop owner Andrew Damiany.

“I love shopping downtown for the people, quality and personal touch you experience. It’s important to support your community and neighbours,” said Lovick. “I have a deep respect for entrepreneurs, and what they are able to build for our community.”

The grand prize draw will take place on Jan. 11, where one lucky shopper will win a $1,500 Boro Card and Musicfest Diner’s Book.

Stamp collectors eager to finish their passport cards before the final grand prize draw can collect free stamps at the Peterborough Public Library and the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Visitors Centre.

Check out www.theboro.ca/holiday-shopping-passport-season/ for the full list of participating passport locations.

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Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association Charity Auction Raises Over $19,000 with Local Habitat for Humanity

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The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association (PKHBA) charity auction with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region raised over $19,000 with the help of local sponsors on Dec. 8.

Photo courtesy of PKHBA.

The funds and donations raised for affordable home ownership within the region made the 2022 fundraiser the most successful charity auction to date for PKHBA.

PKHBA plans to host another Charity Auction with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region this year on Dec. 7.

A full list of donors and their donations can be found on the PKHBA website.

Donors and sponsors who are interested in participating in 2023 can email info@pkhba.com for more information.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Mediation PTBO Inc, Phillip Jolicoeur, Stonehouse Hall and Anniversaries

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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…

Samantha Adams-Carl recently launched her own mediation business in December. Mediation PTBO Inc (MPI) is located in the Unicity building, 420 George St., Suite 204, in downtown Peterborough.

Samantha offers mediations in civil, contract, estates, uncontested divorces/separations, parenting plans, workplace and landlord/tenant. She uses evaluative techniques so that the parties make informed decisions that will last. MPI offers financial assistance to those who qualify.

Phillip Jolicoeur - Entertainment (PJE) is a new subsidiary company of Phillip Jolicoeur - The Marketing Guy.

Phillip Jolicoeur has been working with professional comedians and musicians for 18 years, producing hundreds of shows for non-profits, entertainment venues and special events. Phil can handle the arrangements for professional comedians, musicians or DJs for everything from special events to, bars and nightclubs to corporate events, even a good house party. You also get a professional design of promotional materials, sound and lighting set-up, and assistance in selling tickets. Pjthemarketingguy on Facebook or call 289-251-PHIL (7445)

With lots of postponed weddings finally happening this year, the Wedding Day Wishes Bridal Show is coming up at the end of the month.

Sponsored by and located at the Stonehouse Hall, 2195 Lansdowne St. W. at the Peterborough Curling Club, you’ll find about 30 vendors ready to bring you a myriad of ideas, answer your questions and help you with all aspects of your wedding day. Scheduled for Sunday, January 29th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., there are still a couple of vendor booth spaces left.

There are some very special anniversaries in the area.

Kelly’s Propane started out as Peterborough Fuel and Transfer, delivering coal and wood! 100 years later they are still keeping Peterborough homes warm and cozy. Bell’s Garage is also marking 100 years. A true family business, Byron and Kim Bell look forward to passing the pumps on to their children, Robbie and Rachele, who both work at their landmark Bridgenorth business. And, while the building they are in is 123 years old, The Market Hall is celebrating their 25th anniversary with a special concert on Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. Entertainers include Greg Keelor, Matt Mays, Terra Lightfoot, Melissa Payne, Brooks and Bowskill and more. Tickets are at markethall.org

“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Port Hope's Owen Beck From Mississauga Steelheads For Jack Van Volsen, Justin DeZoete and Four Draft Picks

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The Peterborough Petes make their second trade of the day ahead of Tuesday’s OHL deadline by acquiring Port Hope’s Owen Beck from the Mississauga Steelheads announced on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes and Natalie Shaver.

Beck was acquired from the Mississauga Steelheads in exchange for Jack Van Volsen, Justin DeZoete, Peterborough’s second and third-round picks in 2025, Erie’s second-round pick in 2025 and Peterborough’s fourth-round pick in 2026.

Beck is fresh off a gold medal win at the 2023 World Junior Championship in Halifax after being called up on New Year’s Day due to an injury to Colton Dach.

The 2004-born centre from Port Hope was selected in the second round, 33rd overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

“We’re pleased to welcome a player of Owen’s calibre to Peterborough,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “He is a highly skilled forward with experience in big-game situations, who can contribute in the faceoff circle, and in all three zones, with skating ability that will complement the skill-set of our current lineup.”

Beck has played 30 OHL games played this season with 17 goals and 33 assists. Last season, he had 51 points in all 68 games with six playoff points (one goal and and five assists) in 10 games. 

The Port Hope native signed an entry-level contract with the Montréal Canadiens on Oct. 4. The 6’0”, 190 lbs. forward was originally selected by Mississauga in the second round, 29th overall, in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection out of the Quinte Red Devils; the same team as current Petes defenceman Donovan McCoy.

Both Beck and Brennan Othmann are not in Saturday’s linup against the Kingston Frontenacs as will be celebrated as World Junior gold medalists at the Toronto Maple Leafs game.

Newly acquired Avery Hayes and Gavin White are in Saturday’s lineup in a trade made earlier on the same day.

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Peterborough's Jared Wayne Declares Eligibility For 2023 NFL Draft

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Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver and Peterborough’s Jared Wayne has declared himself eligible for the 2023 NFL entry draft on an Instagram post made on Friday.

Jared Wayne is the son of former CFL linebacker Patrick Wayne. The latter spent nine years in the league mostly with the Ottawa Roughriders but also had stints with the B.C. Lions and Toronto Argonauts. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Wayne played four seasons of his collegiate football career all with Pittsburgh totalling 13 touchdowns during that span.

He had another year of eligibility with Pittsburgh but opted to go to the NFL as the best option for his future according to his father and former CFL linebacker, Patrick Wayne.

“We weighed the pros and cons and it’s better for him to go onto the next phase of his career,” he explained. “I’m very proud, the whole family is proud of how he’s grown on the field and as a person.”

He helped the Panthers win the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl on Dec. 30 with five receptions for 50 yards for a 37-35 win over the UCLA Bruins.

He finished with career-highs of 60 receptions for 1,062 yards — his first 1,000-yard season — and five touchdowns; one short of last year’s total.

The 2023 NFL Draft runs from April 27 - 29 and is held outside of Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. The first day covers first-round picks only with second-to-seventh round picks on the following days.

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Peterborough Petes Acquire Two Hamilton Bulldogs In Exchange For Nick Lardis, Sahil Panwar and Two Draft Picks

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The Peterborough Petes have acquired OHL champion Avery Hayes and Dallas Stars prospect Gavin White from the Hamilton Bulldogs in exchange for Nick Lardis, Sahil Panwar, a 2023 third-round pick (obtained from the Flint Firebirds) and a 2026 conditional sixth-round pick announced on Saturday.

Gavin White (left) and Avery Hayes (right) both won the OHL Championship last year with the Hamilton Bulldogs. Peterborough lost four straight games to Hamilton in the first round of the playoffs last postseason. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes, Brendon Taylor and Terry Wilson.

Hayes is currently second in the OHL in goals with 27 in 33 games played. I his championship season with Hamilton last year, he scored 41 goals with 38 assists in 66 games played. The 5’10”, 175 lbs Hayes was a sixth-round pick by Hamilton, 118th overall, in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

“Avery is a highly effective goal scorer who will bring additional skill to our offensive group,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager. “He is a creative playmaker with experience in all game situations, adding a strong level of versatility and leadership to our team.”

White was drafted in the fourth round, 115th overall, by the Dallas Stars in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. In 66 games last season, White had 10 goals and 46 assists and nine points in 19 postseason games. At 6’1”, 193 lbs., White was originally selected by the Bulldogs in the third round of the 2018 OHL U18 Priority Selection.

“Gavin is a right-shot defenseman who is effective in every zone,” said Oke. “His speed and playmaking ability will make him a good fit with our group’s style of play down the stretch.”

Both Hayes and White are in the Petes lineup for Saturday’s game against the Kingston Frontenacs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Protests, Counter-Protests and Persistence; Drag Queen Story Time Event Comes to Peterborough Public Library

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Regardless of planned protests, the Peterborough Public Library remains unwavered in decision to host local drag queen Betty Baker for Drag Queen Story Time event on Jan. 14.

Photo courtesy of The Peterborough Public Library.

The upcoming event is hosting 19-year-old Peterborough drag performer Betty Baker, and will feature children’s book readings, sing-alongs and puppet shows geared towards kids ages three to eight.

“The books that I read at storytime are about accepting oneself and being creative, and this month we’re specifically focusing on expressing yourself,” says Baker, who has been invited back for story time after the success of a similar event back in September.

As a queer person in a small town, Baker expresses that events such as this offer a chance for youth to enjoy a fun storytime hour and learn about themes of emotion and acceptance in a “fun, colourful, artistic, whimsical and family-friendly” way.

“I’ve been a queer youth in the community, and I was (now) given the opportunity to become the role model I never really had in Peterborough growing up,” they said.

Echoing this message, Mark Stewart and Karen Clysdale of the Peterborough Public Library say they are proud to be offering a variety of programs and events for any and everyone in the community, pointing out that Betty Baker embodies such diversity “flawlessly.”

“What better person to show people that you can be different and still be valued and included than someone who’s grown up in this community,” says children services librarian Karen Clysdale. “Somebody who can say ‘I’ve been there, I’m still here, and I’m happy,’ and I think Betty is a fantastic example of what children can look forward to, and should expect, from their community.”

The library says this will be the first event of a once a month program they are introducing. Clysdale says her and Baker have worked together to choose a number of books for the event from the library’s collection.

“The event is themed like any other story time that either me or my colleague do throughout the year, only we have a guest presenter. These (themes) are being introduced in a natural, age-appropriate way, talking on a level that kids ages three to eight are responsive to,” says Clysdale.

Stewart mentions taking advice from neighbouring libraries who have dealt with threats in the wake of hosting drag story time events, hiring extra security and notifying local police to ensure there will be all hands on deck during the event.

“We’ve covered all the bases to make sure everyone has a really good time,” he assures. “At the last (Drag Queen Story Time) the counter-protest was much bigger than the actual protest, and it was more like a party out front of the library. There was a lot of support from the community and the attendance at the storytime was the biggest I’d ever seen. I know that there’s a lot of love and support, and even that is another level of protection (against) protesters.”

Spearheading said group of protestors is Hill City Baptist Church pastor Ben Inglis and 2021 federal election People’s Party of Canada candidate Paul Lawton.

The pair started the Drag Queen Story Hour Protest event online, and believe that drag story time is seeking to “normalize the fringe” and that the messages portrayed are harmful to children.

“I think a basic reason that everyone coming to protest would agree on is a shared conviction that drag entertainers shouldn’t be practicing their ‘art’ within a hundred miles of kids,” expresses Inglis. “Drag is, and has always been a movement saturated in sexual expression; the costumes, the stage names, the mannerisms. You can’t escape it.”

Inglis says that parents/guardians who take their children to such events are making a “terrible decision they will regret later in life.”

“Everyone of sound mind agrees that there are some things that as a society we should not allow, that's why we have proscriptive laws. The argument that ‘people should be allowed to choose whether they go to Drag Queen Story Time or not’ presupposes that drag queen story time itself a good thing (or at least neutral), and endorsing it will contribute to a healthy society,” says Lawton. “Our contention is that we ought to live out our identities as male and female in the way God made us, and that we should protect children from the false and harmful ideas at the root of Drag Queen Story Time.”

Lawton recognizes the inevitability of counter-protests.

“In principle I have no problem with counter-protesting, frankly it seems only fair,” he says.

It’s through the support of these counter-protestors that Baker says drag queen story time events in the Peterborough community can continue.

“Of course it’s scary to have people spew misinformation and hatred towards you or a community you are apart of online, but the support I have received greatly outweighs any of that,” assures Baker.

The Peterborough Public Library’s message is clear: “Everyone’s welcome at the library,” says Stewart.

It is through this frame of mind that the library extends an invitation to the Jan. 14 Drag Queen Story Time event to its protestors.

“For the people that are coming out to protest this event thinking that it is not age-appropriate, I think they have no true understanding of the scope drag performance can take, and I invite them to come and watch respectfully,” says Clysdale. “I feel like the idea that drag is purely a sexual presentation comes from a lack of knowledge, and in the library we always encourage people to learn more about something that they don’t know enough about.”

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Fleming College Holding Winter Orientations At All Three Campuses In January

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Winter orientation at all three of Fleming College’s campuses runs throughout January with events and information for new and returning students.

File Photo.

On Monday at the Sutherland Campus, new students can attend program orientation sessions, meet faculty and connect with Fleming’s Student Experience team.

Jan. 19 features a pancake breakfast at the Steele Centre at 9 a.m. Fleming SAC is hosting a skating rink open to all students at the Sutherland Residence Village from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Magician and comedian Wes Barker will be performing at the Steele Centre Pub from 2 – 3 p.m.

There are also Student Services Fairs at all three campuses:

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