Artists Selected for Peterborough’s Indoor-Outdoor Art Project

Four local artists have been selected for the City of Peterborough’s latest public art project Indoor-Outdoor, which will integrate artwork into parks, recreation facilities and other City buildings.

The call for submissions sought original new, recent or past works for indoor facilities, and was open to professional artists and cultural practitioners living in the City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, Hiawatha First Nation or Curve Lake First Nation.  

Stage one of the project, Indoor, will be completed in early 2023. Stage two, Outdoor, will be completed later in the year.

City Public Art Projects are reviewed by selection committees composed of five community members with interests or expertise in contemporary art, architecture, design, engineering, history and/or cultural tourism. The members of the Indoor-Outdoor selection committee were Miguel Hernandez, Leslie Menagh, and Jon Lockyer from the community at large, and Su Ditta and Julia Kady Denton from the City’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee.

This committee selected artworks by artists Cassandra Lee, John Climenhage, Brooklin Holbrough and Jeffrey Macklin.

“The Indoor-Outdoor project, which allows for the display of art in unexpected places, was made possible by a resolution passed by the Council in November 2021. The goal of this project is to support local artists and enhance the community by bringing art to a wider audience. The success of this project is evaluated not only by the benefits it brings to artists, but also by the pleasure it brings to the many people who will experience the artworks,” said chair of Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Portfolio Councillor Alex Bierk.  

The artworks are set to be installed this winter and displayed at City Hall, Kinsmen Civic Centre, Healthy Planet Arena and the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre for a term of one year to eighteen months.

The artworks will rotate between sites at the end of each term, and the indoor artworks will be mounted in the main foyers of each facility.

For more information on the City of Peterborough’s indoor-Outdoor art project, visit the website.

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Otonabee Conservation Celebrates Revitalization of Jackson Creek Trail

Otonabee Conservation celebrated the completion of the Jackson Creek Trail revitalization project with an event at the trail’s East Trailhead on Saturday.

Eliza Braden-Taylor, Chief Keith Knott and Anne Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation at the new Jackson Creek Trail trailhead sign. Photo courtesy of otonabee conservation.

Over 60 community members, local interest groups, project engineers, contractors and delegates from various levels of government gathered for the celebratory ribbon-cutting event, where new trailhead and educational signs were unveiled.

These signs were developed in partnership with the Curve Lake First Nation Cultural Centre, and allow more visitors to safely access the trail. Community members, supporters and donors also participated in a birdwatching hike led by the Peterborough Field Naturalists. 

Revitalization of the Jackson Creek Trail also included addressing points of erosion, installing culverts, regrading slopes, enhancing bridges and railings, resurfacing the length of the trail and the addition of benches.

This project was made possible with a $523,917 investment from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), with additional funding of $61,500 from Trans Canada Trail.

“We are grateful to our funders who have made this project possible and we are especially humbled by the response from the community, who has come together to support the revitalization of the beloved Jackson Creek Trail,” said Otonabee Conservation CAO/Secretary Treasurer Janette Loveys Smith.

The community also raised over $60,000 in donations through the Your Metres Matter and Close the Gap fundraising campaigns over the last two years.

The Close the Gap fundraising campaign remains active as Otonabee Conservation seeks to fill the remaining gap of $10,000 to complete the final aspects of the project.

For more information or to make a donation, visit the Otonabee Conservation website.

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Peterborough Humane Society Moves Operations to New Animal Care Centre; Betty White Fundraiser Day On Tuesday

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has begun moving its operations to the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) and has closed the Lansdowne Street location announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

The new location is at 1999 Technology Dr. as the Lansdowne Street location finally closed after 65 years on Saturday. 

Construction for the new centre is not fully complete with minor projects in progress internally, with landscaping and other outdoor developments that will continue into the spring according to a press release.

“This is an exciting time at PHS, but as it will take us a bit of time to settle in we appreciate the community’s patience and support as we make this transition. We are pleased and very proud to soon welcome everyone to our new home to experience this community space, built to revolutionize animal wellness.” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

A soft opening is projected for mid-February with a grand opening planned in the spring.

PHS is also celebrating “Betty White Day” on Tuesday to help raise funds for the PACC.

“Last year the ‘Betty White Challenge’, celebrated in honour of the late philanthropist’s 100th birthday, helped PHS raise over $20,000,” said Morey. “We hope the community will honour Betty again this year and will celebrate our big move with us by contributing to our capital campaign.”

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Artful Apricot, Vik's Bistro, PTBO CPR, JA and Dietrich Homes

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…

April Allen recently rebranded her online business as The Artful Apricot.

April sells embroidered art, right in the hoop, embroidered clothing, beach glass art and jewellery and she can spiff up pretty much any piece of clothing you own. Everything is handmade by April so she can custom-make something for you and everything is done right here in Peterborough! The Artful Apricot rebrand triggered not only a new name but a logo, and website, which you can check out at artfulapricot.square.site or you’ll find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Vik Sharma knows a good opportunity when he sees one, and recently opened Vik’s Lake and George Bistro.

Located at the corner of Lake and George in Downtown Peterborough, Vik is open seven days a week from 7.30 in the morning until 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the weekends. The menu includes traditional breakfasts as well as omelets and sandwiches, burgers, wraps, perogies and bowls, flatbread pizza, some spicy specialties, soups, salads and sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Check it out at 25 George St. N. at Lake St. or online at viks.ca.

PTBO CPR is a new business recently started by Katie, a local nurse with 10 years’of experience in acute and critical care.

Katie is a certified and experienced Heart & Stroke CPR Instructor, combining her skill and background to teach her clients how to recognize a cardiac arrest and respond confidently to increase chances of survival. Katie offers basic life support certification and recertification and will be adding Heartsaver certification and recertification soon.

Junior Achievement will be announcing the 2023 inductees into their Business Hall of Fame this week.

You can join in on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. for the eighth annual announcement⁠ in the lobby of the Venture North building at 270 George St., at King, in Peterborough.

Congratulations to Dietrich Homes on being nominated for the Canadian Home Builders' Association's 2023 National Awards for Housing Excellence, for Best Detached Production Home and Best Virtual Tour Experience.

Good luck at the Awards ceremony, Feb. 16 in Banff, Alb.

Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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Photos: Christopher Fee Cup Kicks Off 63rd Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament

Kicking off the 63rd Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament, the first game of the tournament saw the Central Ontario Wolves AAA take on the Peterborough Petes Major AAA 4-0 for the Christopher Fee Cup at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Friday morning.

The cup is a feature opening game against a visiting team against the host Petes team since 1997. Callum ‘Coach Cal’ Perks performed the ceremonial puck drop and helped present the post-game awards to the two teams. The Wolves defeated the Petes in a 4-0 shutout to win the 2023 Christopher Fee Cup.

The tournament features 87 teams in 11 divisions playing throughout 10 arenas in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

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CMHA Hosting Eight-Hour Relay For Mental Health and Supporting Housing Program On Jan. 22

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is hosting an eight-hour Ski Relay for mental health on Jan. 22 at the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Kawartha Nordic Ski Club

The relay is in collaboration with Wild Rock Outfitters and Peterborough Kawartha Nordic Ski Club with the opening ceremonies prior to the relay.

Proceeds go towards CMHA HKPR’s Garden Homes Project through the Supportive Housing program. The project supports vulnerable individuals who are at risk of homelessness in the Peterborough area by providing affordable, small homes. Small, custom-built housing for individuals or small families within Peterborough.

“Much of our community has been challenged with access to affordable housing. Through the support of this fundraiser, we hope to develop creative solutions to a highly complex issue in our region,” says Mark Graham, CEO.  “With low vacancy rates and many people facing homelessness, this initiative is needed now more than ever.”

“As a worker in Peterborough’s downtown, I walk from my home in East City on my commute to work and have seen the struggles of people experiencing homelessness. The Garden Homes Project will be a step forward in addressing the housing crisis in the area,” said John Hauser, ski relay organizer.  “The relay seemed to be a great way to bring community together to raise funds for this much needed cause.”

The event includes food, music and games. You can register as an individual or as a team; or donate to the cause online. For more information contact event organizer John Hauser at johnh@wildrock.net.

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‘A Hand Up’ Free Concert at Junction in Support of Community Organizations

A free concert in support of various community organizations to be put on at the Junction Nightclub on Jan. 22.

photo courtesy of DreamTeam Concerts.

DreamTeam Concerts, in partnership with Kawartha Food Share and United Way Peterborough & District (with support from the Peterborough Police Deputy Chief Tim Farquharson) have launched the emergency fundraiser to raise funds for both the United Way and Kawartha Food Share.

These organizations were chosen because of their integral community support through the unprecedented challenges the community may face around homelessness, poverty, mental health and addictions. These organizations supply many other local charities and programs with resources to be able to help the community as well. 

The lineup includes the musical talents of Ty Wilson, Jesse Slack, SJ Riley, Baz Littlerock and Tyson Briden, High Waters and Bowie Lives Unplugged.

A silent auction will be available with many items donated from local Peterborough businesses.

There will be opportunities to donate in many ways at this event, though DreamTeam says those who are unable to make it can donate through the GoFundMe page.

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Little River Band Announced as First Performance in Peterborough Musicfest Lineup

Peterborough Musicfest announces the first date of the 36th summer season in Del Crary Park, welcoming Little River Band to the Fred Anderson Stage on July 26.

photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1975, Little River Band has recorded 16 studio albums, accumulating worldwide sales in excess of 30 million. Ten singles, including Grammy-nominated Lonesome Loser, made it into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. Their single Reminiscing later attained the number three spot in 1978.

Little River Band continues to draw upon the success of a number of other signature hits such as Help Is On Its Way, The Other Guy, Lady, Cool Change and Take It Easy On Me, remaining not only a fan-favourite concert draw but also garnering 1.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

In 1982, Little River Band was the first band to achieve a Top 10 hit for six consecutive years.

Now based in the United States, Little River Band continues an extensive tour schedule, including the Peterborough Musicfest appearance as its lone Canadian stop currently scheduled for 2023.

Over the years, the Peterborough Musicfest stage has seen the likes of many artists and bands representing virtually every genre. Dallas Green, Our Lady Peace, Serena Ryder, Gordon Lightfoot, 54-40 and Blue Rodeo are just a few of the big names Musicfest has hosted.

The diverse lineup of music for 35 summers brings thousands to Del Crary Park, providing an economic boost for Peterborough’s downtown and area tourist attractions.

The Peterborough Musicfest is funded by corporate sponsorships; including many locally owned businesses, support from multiple levels of government, fundraising initiatives and private donations. As a result, Musicfest steadfastly remains a free admission event.

Those interested in sponsoring the festival can email sales@ptbomusicfest.ca or call 705-755-1111.

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Petes Snap Eight-Game Winning Streak; Successful Homecoming For Peterborough's Nolan Burke

It was the homecoming that Peterborough’s Nolan Burke wanted as he and the Sarnia Sting snap the Petes winning streak at eight with a 4-2 win at the Peterborough Memorial Centre PMC on Thursday.

Photo courtes of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The first period was quiet in the score sheet but not in action as a total of 21 shots came from both teams (13 to Sarnia and eight for Peterborough) as it was back and forth.

Peterborough had a productive second period, scoring the first two goals. J.R. Avon had some fancy deking gaining the offensive zone before passing the puck for Tucker Robertson on an easy tap-in goal. Minutes later, Johnathan Melee tipped in his goal after a Jax Dubois shot for a Petes 2-0 lead. The tip would find it’s way past Benjamin Gaudreau to extend the Petes lead to 2-0. Sarnia got on the board on the power play as Sting defenceman Christian Kyrourifled one past Michael Simpson to make it 2-1 going into the third period.

Sarnia continued their momentum with another power play goal as Marko Sikic deflected a shot past Simpson to tie the game at 2-2. Four minutes later, Peterborough’s Nolan Burke got the go-ahead goal, corralling a rebound shot and backhanding it for a 3-2 Sarnia lead. Cooper Way sealed Sarnia’s victory with an empty-net goal to snap Peterborough’s winning streak at eight with a 4-2 score.

Burke was credited with the game-winning goal over Peterborough and was awarded the first star of the game in his final game at the PMC.

The Petes next game is Pride Night against the Niagara IceDogs this Saturday.

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Otonabee Conservation Issues Flood Watch to Peterborough and Surrounding Area

A flood watch update has been issued by Otonabee Conservation for the Trent-Severn Waterway and local watercourses on Thursday, urging residents to keep close watch for frazil ice.

file photo.

At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Otonabee Conservation issued a flood watch for the Trent-Severn Waterway (Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, Rice Lake and Trent River to Hastings) and other local watercourses, alerting municipalities, residents and businesses that flooding is possible.

As a result of rainfall and snowmelt across the Trent-Severn, Parks Canada is managing high water levels and flows through the entire system. These high flows are expected to continue along the Otonabee River for the next seven to ten days, according to Otonabee Conservation.

The winter storm forecast is expected to generate frazil ice which may lead to flooding. Frazil ice (a kind of slush ice) can form when cold air temperatures and wind chill combine to cause surface water temperature to be super-cooled, but is unable to form a solid cover of ice because of fast moving water.

As frazil ice flows downstream, Otonabee Conservation says it will eventually come to rest against obstructions such as islands, bridge piers and abutments, in low velocity areas (bends, slope reductions) or in areas of channel constrictions, where it will accumulate. Where frazil ice accumulates, it is likely to cause a restriction of water flow downstream, resulting in a rise of water and possible flooding behind the frazil ice build-up.

Residents and businesses along the shores of the Otonabee River and Kawartha Lakes are strongly encouraged by Otonobee Conservation to keep a close watch for frazil ice generation, accumulation and jamming, and to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding.

This flood watch will expire Jan. 19 unless updated earlier.

Water levels can be monitored online at:

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