Peterborough Police Deputy Chief Tim Farquharson Announces Retirement After 36-Year Tenure

After more than 36 years of service, Deputy Chief Tim Farquharson announced his retirement from the Peterborough Police Service announced on Wednesday.

File Photo.

His retirement will be effective on March. 1. He is assuming the role of Chief of Police for Port Hope.

“The Peterborough Police Services Board acknowledges and thanks Tim Farquharson for his exemplary dedication to serving the citizens of Peterborough, Township of Cavan-Monaghan and Village of Lakefield over the past 36 years,” said Mary ten Doeschate, Peterborough Police Service board chair. “His commitment to the service members and community was most recently noted as he took on the role of Acting Chief during the past year.”

Farquharson began as a Constable with the Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service (now Peterborough Police Service) in 1986. During his 36-year tenure, he has worked Front Line and Community Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Intelligence, Drug Unit and Support Services, at all ranks - most recently as Deputy Chief of Police. He became Acting Chief after former chief Scott Gilbert abruptly retired on Feb. 7 last year. He has then been relieved by new chief Stuart Betts.

Farquharson has been recognized as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Services for his role in the Peterborough Drug Strategy Task Force and received several honours of exemplary service and leadership in policing.

He has been an advocate of helping issues such as homelessness, mental health and addiction. He has developed support and raised awareness on those issues such as his ‘Stand With Tim’ campaign.

“The Board wishes Deputy Farquharson all the best on his upcoming retirement,” concluded Doeschate.

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Voice of Business: It’s Time to Take a New Look at Getting Goods to Market

When all is running well, supply chains operate largely invisible to consumers.

Most of the time the massive choreographed dance of production, ships, ports, rail, trucks, planes, warehouses, couriers, border crossings, delivery systems, and 820,000 Canadians works relatively seamlessly, moving $1 trillion in goods. Your local business either already has the product you’re after or is able to get it to you in short order.

But all that changed in recent years as the words ‘supply chain’ entered our common lexicon as we talked with businesses, friends, and co-workers. We shared the common frustration of not being able to get the products we want when we want them.

Some of what led to these challenges has largely been resolved, like public health shutdowns and closed borders. Like many things, the pandemic accelerated issues the industry was already facing. Meanwhile, the world changed dramatically.

A report titled ‘A time of renewal for Canada’s supply chains’ from KPMG and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce delves into the challenges facing the industry and how it can get back to invisibly running in the background.

The report notes that current risks for governments and businesses include:

• Chronic underinvestment in supply chain modernization

• Continued risk-laden dependence on single suppliers

• The need to innovate amid soaring goods and services costs

• Evolving and ever-increasing consumer expectations

• Ongoing labour shortages and skills gaps

KPMG’s 2022 Global CEO Survey reveals a total of 55 percent of leaders agreed or strongly agreed that supply chain risks will have an impact on their business over the next three years.

One key area they highlighted is that governments need to collaborate with each other in new ways to reshape supply chain capabilities and mitigate risk in the global digital economy. This includes innovative trade agreements, investments in infrastructure, and the re-orienting of supply chains amid over-reliance on individual nations such as China.

Nearly three quarters of global CEOs agreed that access to capital for new investments in their supply chain is having an impact on their business. The report makes continued references to the need to spend time and money on innovation. Rather than putting band-aids on the current system, we need to take a hard look at new ways to provide consumers with the goods they want.

The industry is moving away from a ‘just-in-time’ to a ‘just-in-case’ mindset. Saving money through single-supplier relationships has made the supply chain rigid, resulting in inefficiency and vulnerability.

The report pushes the need to foster and accelerate digital technology adoption to increase supply chain visibility, become more efficient, manage rising costs, and meet consumer expectations.

There are also issues around people’s expectations. Without some serious investment and innovation, our supply chain is struggling with the flexibility, speed, and reliability necessary to meet the standard that Infinite choice and instant delivery have set.

Like many sectors, the supply chain network is struggling to attract and retain workers with the skills they need. Answers lie in upskilling, reskilling, and automation.

Our economy and the standard of living we have come to enjoy require that the public and private sectors modernize our supply chain through innovation and strategic investments. These issues aren’t going away on their own. The time to invest is now.

Read the full report online.

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

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Fleming’s Bid to Host Ontario’s First Bird Friendly College Campus Takes Flight

Inspired by the Conservation Biology program at Fleming College’s Frost Campus and motivated by an international effort to save native bird populations in North America, Fleming is working towards becoming Ontario’s first official bird-friendly college campus.

stock photo.

It is estimated that up to one million birds die in North America each year due to window collisions, making it one of the leading causes of bird population decline in Canada and around the world. Finding a way to address this issue is a big part of avian conservation.  

With the help of Conservation Biology students, the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences launched a pilot program aimed at bird conservation. That program evolved into the Fleming Bird Conservation Committee (FBCC).   

Composed of students, faculty and college representatives, the FBCC’s goal is to transform the Frost Campus into Ontario’s first Bird Friendly college campus. While many Canadian universities have embraced becoming bird-friendly campuses, Fleming says that few colleges have followed the same route. 

There is a specific certification process for a bird-friendly designation. Administered through FLAP Canada, it involves threat reduction, habitat generation and the implementation of policy that mitigates harm to birds.   

The FBCC is already hard at work, installing Feather Friendly window protection and protecting and enhancing the natural habitat around Frost Campus.  

In November the Frost Student Association was awarded a plaque from Feather Friendly, recognizing the efforts it and the FCBB have done to make the Frost Campus Auk’s Lodge Frost’s first bird-friendly building.  

Conservation Biology students have also embarked on a multi-year research project at the campus, with the help of Feather Friendly. Students are currently designing a research program which will monitor the effectiveness of bird-deterrent decals, comparing treated and untreated windows. The project will help accomplish the FBCC’s goal of making Frost Campus windows bird friendly, while providing an amazing research opportunity for students.  

The FBCC is also actively involved in conducting education outreach through the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences. It has already hosted two highly successful community public awareness events focusing on what can be done to mitigate bird window collisions.  

For more information, check out the Fleming College website.

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Photos: Meet, Greet and Eat With the Peterborough Petes at Dr. J's

Photos by Samantha Bianco.

Photos by Samantha Bianco.

Photos by Samantha Bianco.

Photos by Samantha Bianco.

Photos by Samantha Bianco.

Photos by Samantha Bianco.

Photos by Samantha Bianco.

Photos by Samantha Bianco.

Photos by Samantha Bianco.

Petes hockey fans enjoyed dining with their favourite players Tuesday afternoon at Dr. J’s BBQ and Brews Meet, Greet and Eat with the Peterborough Petes event. After a hearty lunch provided by Dr. J’s, they capped the event off with a Q&A with Pete Dalliday and photo opportunities with the players.

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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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