‘The Meaning of Home’ National Student Writing Contest Returns in Support of Local Habitat for Humanity Organizations

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Local elementary students Grades 4, 5 and 6 will have the opportunity to share what home means to them in ‘The Meaning of Home’ national writing contest to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.

Founded by Sagen, the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $2 million to help local Habitats across Canada build decent and affordable housing since 2007.

Three grand prize winners will each receive a $30,000 grant to help a local Habitat for Humanity build a place to call home for a family in need of affordable housing. In addition, nine runners up will receive a $10,000 grant for their local Habitat for Humanity. Winners will be announced by June.

As housing continues to be an important concern for all Canadians, it is children especially who understand how housing can provide their family with a place to study, pursue their dreams and build a better life. Every student who enters the contest will help Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region build safe and affordable homes, because every entry earns a $10 donation towards their local Habitat for Humanity.

“It is so wonderful to see the enthusiastic response each year from parents, teachers and especially the children who enter this contest and share what home means to them in their own words,” say Habitat for Humanity Canada president and CEO Julia Deans. “We know that having a safe and affordable place to call home helps people build better lives and stronger communities.”

Last year over 13,000 entries were received, the largest number of submissions Habitat Canada has ever received for this contest and raised over $311,000. From entries in 2020 and 2021, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region had 3 runner-up winners in grades 5 and 6 which lead to $30,000 in grants towards the 41-unit condo project on Leahy’s Lane in the City of Peterborough, along with a class pizza party and a tablet for the student winners.

“The Meaning of Home contest provides an opportunity to engage youth in discussions around the current state of housing, and to feel inspired about our next generation of leaders,” says Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region communications & donor services manager Jenn MacDonald. “Not only do students have a greater sense of appreciation for home, but they actively participate in giving back to their community. It’s truly a win-win!”

Submissions for this years contest are being accepted by mail or online from Jan. 9 until Feb. 24.

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Former ECFC Captain Signs First Pro Contract With Islandic Soccer League

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Former Electric City Football Club (ECFC) captain Holly O’Neill is headed east as she signed her first professional soccer contract with Iceland’s Íþróttabandalag Vestmannaeyjar Football Club (IBV) of the Pepsi Max League announced on Tuesday.

O’Neill (left) was second in scoring for ECFC in their inaugrual year behind Kayla McQueen. PHOTO courtesy of Electric City Football Club.

The IBV women’s soccer team has won the Islandic Cup twice, in 2004 and 2017.

“Super excited to announce the signing of my first official professional football contract with IBV in the Pepsi Max League in Iceland Playing professionally had long been a dream of mine and I’m ecstatic to take this next step in my football career and see where it takes me,” said O’Neill in a tweet.

The 24-year-old attacker is from St. John’s, Newfoundland. As ECFC captain, she scored nine goals in 18 games, only second behind Kayla McQueen with 13.

In 2021, O’Neill led all scorers in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference with 12 goals— including six game-winners, the most in Canadian Universities — in 12 regular-season contests. Her performances led to O’Neill being named an AUS First Team All-Star and the Conference’s Most Valuable Player.

At the National U Sports level, O’Neill’s great 2021 season at Memorial University saw her finish 3rd in the country in scoring, was selected as a First Team All Canadian and was nominated for U Sports Female Soccer Player of the Year.

O’Neill played her youth soccer for the St. John’s Soccer Club from 2006-2016 and also represented the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial team from 2012-2016. She also played on Team Atlantic in 2013 and 2014.

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Peterborough DBIA Announces Holiday Shopping Passport Grand Prize Draw Winner

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The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) announces Noah Sloan as the grand prize draw Holiday Shopping Passport winner on Tuesday.

photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

Sloan’s completed Holiday Shopping Passport was drawn at the El (P) restaurant on George Street in downtown Peterborough on Jan. 11.

The winning passport came from Iceman Video Games, where Sloan purchased a new gaming console. The $1,500 Boro gift card grand prize was awarded by Iceman Video Games Store Manager Holly Butler on Jan. 14.

“I still can’t believe I won, it’s surreal. I think now more than ever, it’s important to support small businesses with the economy the way it is,” said Sloan. “I really appreciate our downtown and love that I can bring my dog along while shopping the stores. I’m still wrapping my head around winning and look forward to exploring all the new shops and restaurants with my gift card.”

The Holiday Shopping Passports ran from Nov. 14 to Jan. 11.

Throughout the program shoppers were rewarded with a passport stamp for every $10 they spent at a participating location. Each completed passport, or 20 stamps, was entered into a draw, including three early bird draws of $500 in Boro gift cards.

The Holiday Shopping Passport program generated just over 2.3 million dollars in local spending.

“What I love about this program is anyone can win when they shop downtown. Some past winners filled out dozens of passports while others complete just one,” says executive director of the Peterborough DBIA Terry Guiel.

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Peterborough Petes Fall to Kingston Frontenacs From Strong Goaltending, 2-1

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Peterborough’s offence couldn’t solve Kingston Frontenacs rookie goalie, Mason Vaccari twice with 45 shots as the Petes lost 2-1 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The game was a make-up game rescheduled from Dec. 17 due to the passing of London Knight’s player Abakar Kazbekov.

Peterborough peppered Kingston and Vacarri in the opening period with 19 shots but Kingston wound up on the board first as Christopher Thibodeau tipped a point shot past Petes goaltender Michael Simpson for a 1-0 lead into the second.

Vaccari continued right where he left off, stopping another nine shots, shutting out Peterborough for a second straight period. Gregory Soto scored the only goal of the period on the powerplay to put Kingston up 2-0 into the third.

Dallas Stars prospect Gavin White broke the shutout for Peterborough under four minutes into the third as he went end-to-end and scored from a sharp angle to cut the deficit in half (his first goal as a Pete). Peterborough tested Vacarri heavily in the third with 17 total shots but the latter stood tall and shut the door for a Frontenacs 2-1 win. The Kingston netminder received first-star honours for his 44-save performance.

The Petes’s next game is Thursday when they host the rival Oshawa Generals at the PMC.

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Government of Canada Invests in Flood Protection Upgrades in Peterborough

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$2.1 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements helping to protect people and property from flooding has been announced by Member of Parliament for Whitby Ryan Turnbull and Mayor of the City of Peterborough His Worship Jeff Leal on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the city of Peterborough

This funding will support a $5.44 million project aimed to increase capacity of the Armour Road sanitary sewer, complete storm sewer upgrades and rehabilitate the Curtis Creek channel. By rehabilitating the creek’s shoreline as well as completing sanitary/storm sewer upgrades, this project will improve the waterway’s health while reducing overland flooding, sanitary sewer back-ups and basement flooding in nearby areas.

“Flooding disasters impact municipalities across Ontario and climate change is expected to only bring more flooding. Projects like this help to protect our communities from damage during flooding events – safeguarding homes, businesses and residents,” says Member of Parliament for Whitby Ryan Turnbull, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “The Government of Canada’s continued partnership with provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous communities to mitigate the effects of natural disasters will ensure Canadians can continue to thrive in a changing climate.”

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada says it is growing the country’s economy and increasing the resiliency in Canadian communities, thus improving the lives of Canadians.

The City of Peterborough says that by making these investments now, the City will have major economy-wide benefits in the future, and that every dollar invested in adapting and preparing for climate related disasters returns $13 to $15 in benefits.

“Infrastructure improvements are essential as the City of Peterborough continues to mitigate impacts of climate change. Thank you to the Government of Canada for contributing to the City's investment in the Curtis Creek project which will reduce flooding for area residents and businesses, protecting against property damage, and more importantly, protecting the safety and wellbeing of our residents,” says Mayor of the City of Peterborough His Worship Jeff Leal.

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Local St. Peter's Secondary School Student Signs Commitment to Virginia Women's Hockey Program

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Lynchburg, Va. is the next stop for 18-year-old St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School (SPCSS) student Ava Flint this September as she signed a commitment to Liberty University and their hockey program on Monday.

Ava Flint (middle) fresh off signing her commitment to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. with her sisters Rhaea Flint (left) and Talia Flint (right) and her parents. She will be attending the university for the 2023-24 school year in September. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The signing was made at the SPCSS gymnasium in front of Flint’s family, friends and coaches.

“It's really overwhelming, it's been a long time coming,” explained Flint. “I've been playing hockey my whole life and this is what I always wanted to do, is go to university and play hockey.”

Flint has been playing hockey since she was three years old. She has played with the Central York Junior Panthers of the Ontario Women’s Hockey League for the past two seasons. She was a member of the Peterborough Novice Ice Kats up until Midget. In her final year (Midget) as an Ice Kat, she scored 13 goals and 17 assists in 59 games.

She plans to enroll in the University’s education program with being a physical education teacher as a possibility. She visited the campus in the fall and felt it was the best place to continue the educational and hockey phases of her life.

“I met with their team, all the players seem wonderful and I just think it'll be a great place to start my new pathway and I think it fits what's best for me,” explained Flint.

Flint is currently enrolled at SPCSS in Grade 12 on her victory lap.

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Artists Selected for Peterborough’s Indoor-Outdoor Art Project

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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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Felicia Massey


Otonabee Conservation Celebrates Revitalization of Jackson Creek Trail

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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

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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

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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…

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.

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