Local Fraternity Having 48-Hour Outdoor Campout To Fundraise For Housing Insecurity On Feb. 10-12

The 12th annual Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) in a Box fundraiser returns on Feb. 10 - 12 to raise awareness about housing insecurity in the Peterborough and the Kawarthas announced on Tuesday.

(LEFT TO RIGHT) Members of the TKE fraternity CHRISTOPHER MILLS, BRENDAN ALEXANDER, OSCAR FUCHS AND MARCUS FUCHS HUDDLED IN A MAKESHIFT STRUCTURE WITH HAY AND A TARP IN THE COLD AT THE VENTURE NORTH PARKING LOT ON GEORGE STREET NORTH on Feb 5 & 6 last year. File photo.

Volunteers from (TKE) student fraternity are camping for 48 hours to raise funds and awareness about the need for affordable housing in Peterborough with proceeds going to support Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and the Kawarthas. The goal is to receive $5,000 with $600 already raised.

Various shelter-based organizations in the city have benefitted from this event including One City Peterborough, One Roof, and Habitat for Humanity from 2017-2020 according to a press release.

“We selected Habitat for Humanity again because we believe that their work towards developing housing for low-income families is going to positively impact the Peterborough community,” says former TKE President, Alexander Mills. “As a student who works part-time, I have found that it is hard to find affordable housing while being able to pay for tuition, the increasing food prices, and other living expenses. I have been very fortunate to be able to afford these things, but I can see that the number of people in our community who can no longer afford basic living expenses has risen and continues to rise.”

The event is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. on Feb. 10 until 4 p.m. on Feb. 12 in the parking lot of the Venture North at 270 George St. N.

“We are very happy to be partnering with TKE again to raise awareness for affordable housing,” says Jenn MacDonald, Communications & Donor Services Manager at Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “Too many working families in our community do not have stable or secure housing and are one eviction notice away from the threat of homelessness. With escalating rent prices and a vacancy rate of less than 1%, this event helps highlight the precariousness many in our community are facing.”

Funds raised will support Phase 2 of Habitat’s condo project, bringing 12 affordable units to the City of Peterborough according to a press release.

To donate to the fundraiser, you can visit their page online.

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Acting Captain Christopher Roberts Retires After a 19-Year Tenure With Peterborough Fire Services

Peterborough Fire Services acting captain Christopher Roberts is retiring as Tuesday is his last day with the service announced on Facebook on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough FIre Services.

“We would like to extend all the best to Christopher as he moves on to the next chapter in his life. You will be missed,” said Peterborough Fire Services in a Facebook post.

Roberts spent 19 years and eight months with Peterborough Fire Services, joining on May 26, 2003.

“I had a great career with fantastic people,” commented Roberts on Facebook.

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City of Peterborough Approves 2023 Budget; 3.15 Per Cent Property Tax Increase

City Council approved the City of Peterborough 2023 Budget, increasing property tax by 3.15 per cent for residential properties not on the water during Monday’s Council meeting.

File Photo.

The proposed increase was reduced by 0.85 per cent from its initial guideline during detailed budget reviews earlier this month according to a press release.

“Council made changes to the draft budget to ensure that investments reflect the priorities of the community, including spending on critical infrastructure and providing support for housing and homelessness, while at the same time respecting the current financial conditions,” Mayor Jeff Leal said. “Our community is building a better tomorrow, together.”

For the typical household, the proposed all-inclusive increase (municipal, education, and sewer surcharge) will equate to an additional $4.44 monthly or an additional $53.23 annually per $100,000 of residential assessment.

“Residents in our community are feeling the costs of inflation and the challenging economic environment in their daily lives. Municipal services are also impacted by those pressures,” said Councillor Andrew Beamer, Council’s finance chair. “Council made difficult decisions to lessen the increasing cost of services for taxpayers, drawing from reserves to meet needs in some areas and cutting spending in other areas to push down the tax increase.”

The budget process started in March last year with community consultation including a survey and a series of drop-in style meetings. Council approved the guidelines for drafting the budget documents in July of the same year. The Draft 2023 Budget was presented on Dec. 5.

The Operating Budget includes roughly $325.8 million for programs and services including waste management, road maintenance, wastewater sewers and treatment, social assistance, affordable housing, recreation, arts and heritage, fire services, and policing.

The Capital Budget is approximately $131.2 million for various infrastructure and capital projects such as road work, a household organic waste composting facility and collection equipment, flood reduction efforts, facility maintenance, funding for the planned replacement of a fire station, sanitary sewer repairs, construction of a new twin-pad arena and police capital projects.

Budget highlights

How the municipal portion of taxes is spent (cost per $100,000 of residential assessment):

23.6 per cent goes to external organizations, including: 

• Peterborough Police Service $232.59

• Peterborough Paramedics $48.89

• Fairhaven Long-Term Care $12.79

• Peterborough Public Health $10.85

• Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development $8.64

• Otonabee Conservation $6.64

• Peterborough Humane Society $3.63

• Business Improvement Areas $1.42

• Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster $1.15

22.9 per cent goes to infrastructure and planning services, including:

• Engineering, Construction and Public Works $102.14

• Transportation $103.79

• Environmental Services $60.59

• Peterborough Airport $18.19

• Asset Management and Capital Planning $12.93

• Planning $10.66

• Building Inspection and Protective Services $6.91

• Office of Infrastructure and Planning Services $1.42

22 per cent goes to capital levy, debt payments, and other financial expenditures, including:

• Capital financing costs $265.67

• Property taxation costs $24.15

• Other expenditures $10.86

• Contingency provision $3.83

13.3 per cent goes to Community Services, including:

• Social Services $95.95

• Arts, Culture and Heritage $42.87

• Arenas $18.88

• Community Services Administration (incl. community grants) $17.18

• Recreation $9.70

11.8 per cent goes to fire services and the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, including:

• Fire Services $149.46

• Communication Services $5.95

• Office of the Chief Administrative Officer $4.65

• Emergency Management $4.01

5.9 per cent goes to Corporate and Legislative Services, including:

• Corporate Information Services $29.79

• Financial Services $18.55

• Human Resources $9.87

• Facilities Management $9.58

• City Clerk $7.08

• Legal Services $5.51

• Facilities and Planning Services $1.35

0.5 per cent ($6.51) goes to City Council

The total of the municipal portion is $1,384.63 per $100,000 of assessment.

Highlights of the 2023 Budget include:

• Police budget includes 11 new hires as the Peterborough Police Service continues to experience an increasing number of calls for service, increasing crime severity in the community, and an increasing population in the communities it serves.

• $6.1 million in municipal spending for housing and homelessness services (a 5.7 per cent increase compared to 2022), including support for approximately 2,000 social housing units, rent supplements, and the operation of four emergency shelters with 106 shelter beds.

• $7.6 million in the capital budget toward the $21.2-million household source-separated organics program implementation with a City-wide green bin program expected to start in fall 2023.

• $1 million for urban forest management strategic plan implementation for tree planting and urban forestry management.

• $750,000 to upgrade 3,000 street light fixtures to LED lights, which reduce energy use and energy costs.

• Holding Peterborough Transit expenses at the 2022 level which reduces the 2023 net requirement by $951,000.

• Deferring an $800,000 project that is part of upgrading water and sewer service to the Peterborough Airport until a land deal is reached to bring the airport property within the City of Peterborough boundaries.

• Establishing a permanent, annual individual artist grant program at $50,000 a year, through a three-year agreement with Electric City Culture Council with funding from the capital budget in 2023 and the program built into the operating budget in 2024 and 2025;

• Providing $281,800 from the capital levy reserve for the final two installments of the City's contribution to the Eastern Ontario Regional Network cell gap project as approved by Council in 2019;

• Using $287,780 from a reserve and contingency to provide additional funding, in addition to the amount included in the Draft 2023 Budget documents, to Peterborough Public Health;

• Deferring, until consideration in the 2024 Budget, a proposed $150,000 project for the next stage of the development of a Downtown Heritage Conservation District Plan; and

• Using $200,000 from the Social Services Reserve to add a third worker at the overflow shelter program and Brock Mission to help individuals with better support for referrals to services and to assist with housing searches, develop more of a harm-reduction focus, address service restrictions differently, and other functions.

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Peterborough Petes Pink In The Rink Supporting Five Local Hockey Moms Affected By Cancer

The Peterborough Petes 14th annual Pink in the Rink game against the Oshawa Generals to take place Saturday, Feb. 4 at 7:05 pm at the Peterborough Memorial Centre; supporting hockey moms affected by cancer.

photo courtesy of the peterborough petes.

The Petes will wear their special themed jerseys designed by Kyle McDonald, which highlight the names of nearly 200 people who have battled cancer. The jerseys feature a special PRHC Foundation shoulder crest and design inspired by classic hockey sweaters, which pay tribute to Peterborough’s deep hockey roots and the hockey moms that this year’s campaign is supporting.

Fans can get a sneak peak of the jerseys here.

The official game jerseys are available for purchase at the Pink in the Rink live post-game auction. To take part in the auction, fans are asked to move to the Gibson’s Finest Club Section immediately following the game. A game ticket is required to take part in the game-worn jersey auction. 

The 14th annual Pink in the Rink game will celebrate and honour Hockey Moms who have been affected by cancer.

These five local hockey moms have been named campaign ambassadors for this year’s Pink in the Rink campaign:

• Jennie Ireland

• Dara Gosselin

• Elke Rye

• Karen Tarkington

• Dana Thorn

Fans can donate to Jennie, Dara, Elke, Karen and Dana through their personalized PRHC Foundation Pink in the Rink fundraising pages, with a charitable tax receipt available for supporters.

The hockey mom ambassadors will be honoured alongside PRHC Physician Ambassador Dr. Neera Jeyabalan during the pre-game ceremony, which will also include a video tribute to hundreds of cancer fighters before the puck is dropped.

Fans can support the campaign through an online auction and an in-person silent auction in the North Lobby on game night. Official Pink in the Rink t-shirts are also on sale leading up to and on game-night.

The limited edition Petes Lager featuring a Pink Can from Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. will donate 25 cents from each can to the Pink in the Rink campaign.

Proceeds from the Pink in the Rink campaign will support cancer care at PRHC. Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO, says that with cancer volumes on the rise, donors are essential to the hospital’s ability to serve more patients, support earlier diagnosis and ensure safer, more effective treatments close to home. 

After raising a total of $900,000 over the past 13 years, the Petes previously announced that this year’s fundraising goal is $50,000, moving the team one step closer to the ultimate goal of $1 million dollar raised to fight cancer in Pink in the Rink’s history. 

“The number of patients from Peterborough and the surrounding area who rely on PRHC to support their cancer journey continues to climb,” said Heighway. “It’s events like Pink in the Rink and organizations like the Peterborough Petes – along with the people and businesses who support them –  that fund the tools our experts need to save and improve lives. With your help, we’ll continue investing in vital technology upgrades like our Interventional Radiology suites, where cancer is just one of the conditions treated, and experts perform minimally-invasive biopsies, install intravenous chemotherapy ports, and even offer precise, targeted cancer treatments – safely and quickly so patients can go home sooner.”

Tickets for the 14th annual Pink in the Rink game are sold out. Pending game day and visiting team hold requirements, a very small number of additional tickets may be released for sale on Saturday, February 4 at 1pm through the PMC Grant Thornton Box Office online, in-person, or at (705) 743-3561. 

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One Roof Community Centre Extends Service Hours From Tuesday Until Saturday Due to Weather Forecast

One Roof Community Centre’s warming room is extending its hours of service starting at 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. beginning Tuesday until Saturday due to cold temperatures in the Peterborough forecast announced on Monday.

File Photo.

Meal service runs from 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Emergency shelters are open and available to people experiencing homelessness who require emergency overnight shelter.

• YES Shelter for Youth and Families, 705-748-3851, 196 Brock St.

• Brock Mission men’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 120 Murray St.

• Cameron House women’s shelter, 705-748-4766, 739 Chemong Rd.

• Overflow Shelter at 210 Wolfe St., overnight phone 705-761-1875

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Peterborough Public Health Extends January 26 Drug Poisoning Alert

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is extending the Jan. 26 drug poisoning alert after reporting an increase in drug poisonings announced Monday.

file photo.

From Jan. 25 to Jan. 29 PPH detected high numbers of drug poisonings that occurred in Peterborough City and County.

A total of 18 drug-related poisonings were responded to by 911 first responders. These products have an increased level of toxicity, and may be cut or mixed with another substance where even a small dose can be fatal.

Public health reminds the community to give naloxone if you suspect an individual is experiencing drug poisoning, and call 911 as you continue to monitor their breathing until medical help arrives.

PPH has released a list of signs of an opioid overdose:

• 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

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.

Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or someone else who has overdosed will not be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

If you partake in drug use, PPH recommends that you:

• Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site (220 Simcoe St. from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

• 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

• 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 continues to monitor drug-related data and urge members of the community to take precautions. For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, visit the public health website.

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Police Arrest Two People In One of Largest Busts in Peterborough; Seize Over $1 Million Of Illicit Drugs

The Peterborough Police Drug Unit arrested a man and a woman after seizing over $1 million worth of illicit drugs, considered one of the city’s biggest busts in history announced at a press conference on Monday.

Detective Staff Sergeant Jackson and Chief Betts with the seized drugs. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The Drug Unit, Emergency Response Team and Durham Regional Police Service executed search warrants at several locations in Peterborough and at a Durham Region residence on Wednesday.

“This seizure of illicit drugs is one of the largest in Peterborough Police Service history,” said Chief Stuart Betts of Peterborough Police Service. “This is an example of the proliferation of illicit and harmful substances that have infiltrated our community. While we are not unique in this regard, it is very concerning for me and I commend the work of our Drug Unit for their ongoing commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Officers located and seized the following:

• Seven kg (15.4 lbs) – Crystal Meth

• Five kg (11 lbs) – Cocaine

• ½ kg (1.1 lbs) – Crack Cocaine

• 600 g (1.3 lbs) – Fentanyl

• Three kg (6.6 lbs) – Xanax pills

• 52 – Percocet pills

• 34 – Hydro morph pills

• $3,000 cash combined Canadian and US currency

• Three vehicles

A man and a woman were arrested during the search. 

Both 54-year-old Jack Goneau and 37-year-old Regan Morrison of Peterborough was charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Crystal Meth

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Fentanyl

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Hydromorphone

• Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Percocet

• Possession of a Schedule IV Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking - Xanax

• Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

Both suspects were held in custody and appeared in court on Wednesday.

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Former Petes Lead Hamilton Bulldogs in Comeback Win Over Peterborough, 7-4

Former Petes Sahil Panwar and Nick Lardis got the upper hand against Peterborough, combining for six points in a 7-4 comeback win at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Sunday.

This was the first meeting between Hamilton and Peterborough after their blockbuster trade. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes had a great start, ringing off the game’s first two goals. Samuel Mayer threw a shot at the net from the point that somehow found its way past Bulldogs goalie Matteo Drobac. Avery Hayes got a powerplay goal against his former team with a tip-in goal off a Tucker Robertson pass for a 2-0 lead.

The second period looked good for the Petes as Robertson stashed in a rebound on the powerplay for a 3-0 lead. Panwar started to take over the game, scoring with a man advantage to cut into the lead, 3-1. Cole Brown scored for Hamilton under a minute later to make it a one-goal deficit. Hayes scored on his former squad again, thirty seconds later with a one-timer from a Robertson pass. Peterborough’s lead was not safe as Artem Grushnikov and former Pete, Nick Lardis, both scored to tie the game at four into the third.

Hamilton took over the game as they rung off three straight goals from Panwar, Brown and Lawson Sherk. Peterborough failed to score in the third and left five unanswered goals on the board for the 7-4 loss.

Panwar had two goals and three assists in his return to the PMC with Lardis getting one goal.

The Petes are at the PMC against the Niagara IceDogs this Thursday.

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James Strath Students Raise Over $4,500 for Habitat for Humanity

James Strath Public School’s student-run character council raised $4,520.65 for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region through their basket raffle fundraiser.

Photo courtesy of Krista McNamara.

James Strath’s character council is made up of 46 students Grades 6 to 8 whose goal is to better their school community with fundraising and goal-setting initiatives.

These students chose Habitat for Humanity as a charity partner, then planned and executed fundraiser.

“I actually didn’t know about the fundraiser until about a week before they announced it,” says Habitat for Humanity communications and donor services manager Jenn MacDonald. “We’re appreciative of any support, but I was blown away by how much they were able to raise.”

The students more than doubled their $2,000 fundraising goal, raising just over $4,500 through themed basket raffles.

James Strath teacher Mr. Wade gets his head shaved by henry’s barber shop in front of the school to celebrate surpassing the fundraising goal. Photo courtesy of Krista McNamara.

MacDonald says the funds raised will go towards Habitat build projects, such as the 12-unit affordable condo building at Leahy’s Lane.

“We’re really happy to say that any financial donations that come to (Habitat) go 100 per cent to the construction of our affordable housing. I’m excited to follow up with the kids and show them through the build process what their support has done for the community,” MacDonald says.

Character council has organized a number of different fundraising efforts throughout the school year, including a food drive for Kawartha Food Share and making blankets through Cuddles For Cancer for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

“We thought since we raised money for food, which is a need in our community, and made blankets which provided community members with warmth, that the next need would be shelter,” said James Strath teacher Krista McNamara. “Habitat is one of those organizations that always puts the community first and as schools are the hub of our community, we really need to blend together and support each other.”

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Hearts 4 Joy, Royal LePage, Confident 2 Be Counselling and Fleming College

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…

Hearts 4 Joy is a Peterborough-based Not-For-Profit organization made up of young adult Artists with Down Syndrome and they are thrilled to be celebrating the opening of their new Artisan Shoppe in Charlotte Mews on Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Just over a year ago, eight young adults with Intellectual Exceptionalities came together to form this unique, creative and innovative Non-Profit organization called Hearts 4 Joy. The organization has now grown to 14 new artists! Join the celebration on Feb. 11.

Royal LePage recently announced that Ken Barrick, owner of Royal LePage Parkway Realty in Peterborough has merged operations with Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty.

Owner Mark Rashotte says the brokerage will now trade under the Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty name, joining a network of 25 other offices from Brockville to Port Hope, Kingston, Quinte, Ottawa to Cornwall. Ken Barrick and his daughter Laura will continue with the brokerage. Congratulations Ken and Mark and the rest of the team.

Ann-Marie Sullivan recently launched Confident 2 Be Counselling, working with teens and youth with low self-esteem or confidence.

An elementary school teacher for 22 years, Ann-Marie brings degrees in Psychology/Sociology, Social Sciences/Humanity and the Emotional Health Practitioner course through the Canadian Family Health Counselling Center. Ann-Marie uses a series of Neural Network Therapy exercises that are intended to develop new and improved pathways in place of old unwanted ones. The 50-minute sessions are online or in-person, determined on a case-by-case basis.

Handing over day-to-day operations can be tough for any business owner.

Diane Richard of Diatom Consulting understands that and has recently designed a new one-day Succession Planning course for Fleming College Continuing Education. The new course will show you the path to moving into an oversight position, whether your goal is business expansion, semi-retirement or more time for yourself, without compromising your operations, your brand or your assets. You'll learn the tools for a governance role that ensures your interests are well managed, as well as a customized action plan from Diane. There are several dates to choose from, and you may be eligible for funding. Go online to register for this course

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