Peterborough Blogs
Seedy Sunday Is Back In-Person at Peterborough Square Mall
/Get all the knowledge, tools and resources needed to get growing this season at Peterborough’s 15th annual Seedy Sunday seed sale and swap March 12 at the Peterborough Square Mall.
photo courtesy of peterborough seedy sunday, facebook.
After 3 years of being virtual, Seedy Sunday is back to a free, in-person event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
They have moved to a larger location in the downstairs of the Peterborough Square Mall (340 George St. N - where the Farmers’ Market is held on Saturdays) and have lots of space for shoppers to peruse seed selections and talk with seed farmers and other vendors.
There will be a huge diversity of locally grown heirloom vegetable, flower and herb seeds, vermicomposting supplies and bulbs available for purchase. Community groups will be displaying information about their work and providing visitors opportunities to get involved with local food, farming, water and environmental programs.
The Seed Exchange Area is a great place to swap seeds with other growers, pick up some new and unique seed varieties and chat with other seed savers. Educational, hands-on workshops will be offered throughout the afternoon.
Green Bins, Clear Bags and Garbage Collection Plan in The City of Peterborough
/With the start of the weekly Green Bin program for household organic waste collection on Oct. 31, the City of Peterborough will at the same time shift to every-other-week garbage collection and requiring the use of clear bags for curbside garbage collection.
photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.
City Council approved the waste management service changes as part of the Waste Management Master Plan Update on Feb. 27.
Collection for household organic waste (Green Bin program) and recycling (Blue Bin program) will be provided weekly, which will greatly reduce the amount of waste that goes into the garbage. Garbage amounts are expected to reduce by between 40 per cent and 50 per cent, which will allow garbage collection to shift to an every-other-week schedule that is common in other communities that have Green Bin programs.
The use of clear bags for garbage will support waste diversion efforts and improve worker safety for garbage collectors by helping to avoid incidents with sharp objects in garbage bags.
Together, the waste management service changes are expected to bolster the community’s waste diversion rate from about 52 per cent currently to between 76 per cent and 83 per cent by 2030. Increasing the waste diversion rate to 75 per cent will add another five to six years of life to the landfill.
Public education and awareness activities will be taking place over the next eight months leading up to the start of the Green Bin program and the other changes for waste management services.
Information on how to participate will be shared through local television, radio, newspaper, and online media sources as well as on the City website at peterborough.ca/ReduceWaste. Program education resources will include pamphlets, a waste management calendar, a what’s-in-what’s-out sheet that details what organic waste can go in the Green Bin, and other helpful resources, including the City’s waste management app “City Waste“ that features a collection calendar and a tool for what goes where when you sorting garbage, recyclables and, beginning Oct. 31, organic waste.
To kick off the program, informational material will be distributed along with Green Bins to all eligible properties starting in September.
The Downtown Business Improvement Area, apartment buildings, and private road serviced developments are not included in this phase of the program implementation.
Green Bin program
As part of the launch of the Green Bin program, a Green Bin for curbside collection and a smaller container for use in the kitchen will be delivered to all eligible households. The program is being rolled out to most residential properties, except for multi-residential and condominium properties that receive private waste collection services.
The Green Bin for curbside collection is a heavy-duty pest-proof cart with a locking mechanism on the lid.
Delivery of Green Bins to eligible properties will begin in September and is expected to be completed by mid-October. After receiving their Green Bins, residents are encouraged to wait until about Oct. 20 before starting to use them to store food waste for collection.
Weekly curbside Green Bin collection will start Oct. 31.
About 40 per cent to 50 per cent of current garbage material is organic waste that will be diverted from the garbage stream with the introduction of organic waste collection.
Every-other-week garbage collection
Taking out 40 per cent to 50 per cent of the current garbage generated by households and diverting it to the new weekly Green Bin program starting Oct. 31 will mean garbage collection can shift to an every-other-week schedule.
Along with being less garbage, the waste that remains in the garbage stream for collection will no longer include the food waste and pet waste – removing most of the smelly materials from the garbage can.
Every-other-week garbage collection is common in communities that have Green Bin programs, such as:
Barrie
Durham
Guelph
Niagara Region
Ottawa
Peel
Simcoe County
Toronto
Waterloo
A waste management calendar with a map illustrating collection zones and clearly marked collection dates for each zone will be provided to each eligible household before the changes start on Oct. 31. The online tool at peterborough.ca/ReduceWaste and the City’s Waste Management App will be updated to reflect the new collection schedules.
It is expected that the number of garbage bags that each household can put out for collection every other week will be set at four bags from the current limit of two lifts.
Garbage collection in the Downtown Business Improvement Area will not be affected by the waste management service changes, including schedules and requirements for putting out garbage for collection.
Clear bags for garbage
The City is requiring the use of clear bags for curbside garbage collection to improve worker safety. Clear bags help protect garbage collectors from sharp objects that are hidden when inside opaque bags.
Using clear bags also supports waste diversion efforts. The City will accept garbage bags that have some recyclable materials in the garbage – a reasonable approach will be taken to encourage diverting waste from garbage – but using clear bags will allow for education efforts if there is clearly no attempt at sorting out materials for recycling.
Residents will still be able to use a small opaque bag, such as a grocery bag, as a “privacy bag” that could be put into the larger clear bag. The privacy bag could be used for items such as medical prescription containers and other confidential items that a resident may wish to prevent from being seen when the garbage bag is placed at the curbside for collection.
Switching to clear garbage bags has been shown to increase the amount of waste diverted through recycling and composting programs. Waste audits in Peterborough in 2020-2021 found that about 10 per cent of material in curbside garbage bags was recyclable material.
Residents can switch to using clear garbage bags at any time before the official change on Oct. 31. Residents are encouraged to use up their supply of existing opaque garbage bags over the next eight months before the change is required.
All eight townships in Peterborough County already require clear bags for garbage collection. Clear bag garbage supplies should be available in local stores. The City will be contacting suppliers and sharing information for stores ahead of the waste management service changes.
Recycling collection
There are no changes planned to the current weekly recycling collection program, which will continue to be provided on a weekly basis.
The Material Recycling Facility at 390 Pido Rd. has an area for dropping off materials that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Dwayne Gretzky Returns to Musicfest for July 5
/Peterborough Musicfest is bringing back Dwayne Gretzky for its 36th summer season in Del Crary Park as the Canadian group is scheduled to play on July 5 announced on Tuesday.
Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.
The group first headlined Musicfest in 2018 and is making their fourth appearance on the Fred Anderson Stage this summer.
They formed in 2011 in Toronto with some members hailing from Downeyville. The nine-member ensemble performs unique renditions of beloved classic pop and rock songs. Dwayne Gretzky is widely hailed as ‘Canada’s reigning champs of nostalgia,’ with performances of more than 700 classic songs in their catalogue.
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Peterborough DBIA Hosting Inaugural Free 'Catch the Leprechaun' Scavenger Hunt For March
/A mischievous band of pint-sized Leprechauns are invading local downtown pubs as Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has launched its ‘Catch the Leprechauns’ free scavenger hunt announced at Crook and Coffer on Tuesday.
Crook & Coffer co-owner John Clarke getting the Irish spirit on early pouring green beer for the DBIA’s inaugural “Catch the Leprechauns” free scavenger hunt. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Residents are encouraged to visit one of 13 participating pubs — with help of a Leprechaun Pub Map — to find five different leprechauns scattered throughout on a rotating schedule for the month of March. The first 100 people to complete the hunt will win “pints of gold” that include a piece of glassware from a local brewery, swag and even a few tricks according to Hillary Flood, DBIA communications and marketing manager.
“We have these historically charming pubs that are rebounded for their hospitality and their atmosphere so if we can bring people in for our Leprechaun hunt, it will tether people back to the community and celebrate the community pride of our local pub scene,” she said.
The following are the participating downtown pubs:
The Black Horse Pub
One Eighty Sports Pub
The Dirty Burger Company
Crook & Coffer
The Only Café
Jethro’s Bar + Stage
Champs Bar And Grill
McThirsty’s Pint
Maple Moose Pub
The Social Pub
Bijoux Bar
Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews
Riley’s Pub
The leprechauns were crafted by local artist Brooklin Stormie. They were hand-felted and made to have their own look and personality.
“Working on this project was so much fun,” explained Stormie. “It was a nice re-entry into the world of textiles. I let each Leprechaun reveal themselves to me organically throughout the process. I can’t help but feel a motherly connection to these five little Faye creatures. I’m excited to see what adventure await these little chaps - my wayward sons.”
Each Leprechaun has its own backstory steeped in folklore and mischief and named after local breweries.
Persian Murphy - Persian Empire
Bobby McCaygeon - Bobcaygeon Brewery
Petey O’Haven - Haven Brewing Co.
Feilhem Falls - Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.
Publican O’Leerie - Publican House Brewery
(from left to right) Persian Murphy, Publican O’Leerie, Petey O’Haven, Bobby Mc’Caygeon and Feilhem Falls having a grand ol’ time at Crook and Coffer while causing mischief. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Anyone of legal drinking age can join the scavenger hunt for free by downloading Goosechase, a mobile scavenger hunt app. Search “Catch the Leprechauns” or use the game code ‘5W9B4Z’ to join in on the hunt. Players earn points, by submitting live-capture photos of each Leprechaun they find along their travels.
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Electric City Football Club Re-Sign Kayla McQueen and Bradley Heath For the 2023 Season
/After Electric City Football Club’s (ECFC) inaugural year, the team has re-signed striker Kayla McQueen and defender Bradley Heath for their 2023 women’s and men’s 2023 rosters respectively announced on Monday night.
Kayla McQueen (left) scored 13 goals during the regular season ranking fourth best in the league while Bradley Heath (right) played 20 games for ECFC. File Photo.
“Bradley was a constant in our backline last season and is part of a core group of players returning for 2023,” said Randy Ribiero, ECFC men’s and women’s head coach. “His desire to win, willingness to compete and the character he has, exemplifies what it means to play for this organization and represent the City of Peterborough.”
Heath played over 1700 minutes and helped the team earn eight shutouts in his 20 games started. He was named a Western Conference All-Star while playing with FC London during the prior two seasons and named OCAA West Defender of the Year in 2018 and 2021 during his four years with the Fanshawe Falcons.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to Peterborough this summer with Electric City,“ he said. “We’ve got a young and talented group coming in, along with great coaches to work with.”
McQueen led OCAA Women’s Soccer prior to joining ECFC last year with 17 goals in five games for Fanshawe College. She was named team captain and OCAA Women’s soccer West Division Player of the Year. McQueen also received CCAA All-Canadian honours for the 2021-22 season.
“Returning to ECFC means being surrounded by the best community and fans the league has seen,” said McQueen. “I am looking forward to working with familiar faces and meeting new players and staff.”
McQueen played in all 19 women’s matches last season, scoring 13 goals and finishing fourth in League 1 Ontario for scoring.
“I am thrilled to have Kayla returning for 2023,” said Ribeiro, “Kayla proved last season that she is one of the top strikers in this league. She is a player that the fans and community really got behind and is a joy to watch play. Kayla led our team in scoring last season, and we will look for her to continue that form this year.”
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Registration For Peterborough's 22nd Dragon Boat Festival Opens This Wednesday
/It’s paddles up for Little Lake as registration for the 22nd Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival opens this Wednesday at midnight.
To date, the festival has raised over 3.9 million dollars. File Photo.
This year’s event takes place on June 10 at Del Crary Park and features Dragon Boat Races, artisan and food vendors, Family Fun Zone, a beer garden and more according to a press release.
“I am thrilled to once again work with an amazing group of volunteers,” said Michelle Thornton, festival chair. “We continue to work hard to fulfill our motto of ‘Making a Difference One Race at a Time’ by raising money to help fund world-class breast and other cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).
Proceeds of the 2023 Festival go towards PRHC to invest in cancer care equipment and technology. Examples include minimally-invasive surgical tools and a second cutting-edge MRI machine.
“We’ve always focussed on breast cancer awareness and raising funds for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s (PRHC),” said Ann Stabler, Dragon Boat team president. “We know firsthand the importance of PRHC’s continuing mission to bring the best cancer care the world has to offer, right here to our hospital. With community support, the hospital will be able to serve more patients, support earlier cancer diagnosis, and ensure safer, more effective treatment, close to home.”
Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO says she’s grateful to everyone who helped the Festival thrive over the years.
“Cancer volumes are on the rise and the number of patients from Peterborough and the surrounding area who receive treatment at PRHC has grown significantly,” she said. “PRHC’s ability to provide expert, compassionate cancer treatment depends on having state-of-the-art equipment and technology.”
The first three teams to register earn a free extra practice in a dragon boat on Little Lake.
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4th Line Theatre Presents Community Reminiscence of The Ontario Farmerettes
/4th Line Theatre’s managing artistic director Kim Blackwell invites members of the community to join her and playwright Alison Lawrence to share stories and memories of the history of the Ontario Farmerettes.
The Ontario Farmerettes. Photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.
This gathering will aid in the development of Lawrence’s play Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz, based on Bonnie Sitter and Shirleyan English’s book Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes.
During the Second World War when farms were short of labourers, thousands of young women kept Ontario farms afloat and the people of Ontario fed while the young men were overseas fighting. The young women, known as Farmerettes, planted, hoed, hand-weeded and harvested fruit and vegetable crops for long hours. It was part of a provincial program to replace male labour in the agricultural sector. The Farmerettes came from all across the province, most with no previous farming experience.
This public reminiscence will take place on April 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kitchener Public Library (meeting room D/E, at 85 Queen Street N.) The Kitchener Public Library is fully accessible, and registration is not required for this free in-person event.
The reminiscence will take place in Kitchener as many of the Farmerettes who are still alive live in western Ontario.
“Reminiscences give us first-hand accounts of the history we are researching and are an essential part of developing our plays. Without this, our productions would not have the authenticity and realism our patrons have come to expect.”
Past productions developed through reminiscences include Ian McLachlan and Robert Winslow’s Doctor Barnardo’s Children, Leanna Brodie’s Schoolhouse and Maja Ardal’s The Hero of Hunter Street.
For those who cannot attend in person and would like to join virtually, visit the link to register. Those who register will receive an email prior to the event with a link to the meeting via Zoom.
Questions, concerns or technical assistance requests can be directed to admin@4thlinetheatre.on.ca
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Peterborough Youth With Type 1 Diabetes Selected to Represent Canada at JDRF Children’s Congress
/15-year-old Tilly Stimpson has been selected as a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Youth Advocate for the 2023 Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C.; representing Canadian youth with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
photo courtesy of jdfr.
Tilly Stimpson was diagnosed with T1D in 2010 at the age of 2 and a half. She has been involved with JDRF since around this time, raising awareness and advocating for the disease she lives with everyday.
“Ever since I’ve been diagnosed I’ve just been raised living with type 1. My whole life has been around diabetes, and seeing my friends grow up and living a normal life has been kind of challenging since a young age,” said Stimpson. “Knowing a lot about diabetes and knowing all about my body has given me a lot of maturity though, and it’s a good thing, but it’s also very overwhelming.”
Stimpson’s mom, Jo, describes the hardships of navigating her daughter’s diagnosis.
“It was pretty rough, I’m not going to lie. Her dad was diagnosed at the age of 32 so we weren’t new to it, but having a child with it is very different.”
“She used to run away and hide under the dining room table crying if I needed to give her a needle,” recalls Jo.
As part of Stimpson’s years of advocacy she has been involved with many diabetes initiatives, including Kids for a Cure, Let’s Make History Again, clinical trials, the Peterborough Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes and more.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, Stimpson and her family wrote 100 letters to community members in local nursing homes during the pandemic in 2021.
The TAS student says she feels passionate about the insulin crisis that those with T1D face.
“I think it’s an awful thing to struggle with, to decide whether to eat for the night or keep to themselves alive, and I hope that I can really make a difference on that,” Stimpson says.
Through all her efforts she has raised a total of over $80,000 for diabetes research.
“My main goal is to raise awareness for this disease, and not only speak on my behalf but also (for) a lot of Canadians that I know that have diabetes,“ said Stimpson.
From July 9 to 11, Stimpson will travel to Washington. D.C. to meet with some of the top decision makers in the U.S. government to advocate for T1D awareness.
The 160 youth delegates in JDRF’s Children’s Congress will speak with US Members of Congress and help them to understand what life with T1D is like for millions of people living with it, and why research to fund cure-based therapies is so critical and life-changing.
In her JDRF application, Stimpson outlined her goals during this trip.
“I hope to be able to make a difference. I want to educate members of the Government on this relentless disease and I hope to see a difference made in our advocacy work. I also really hope to make amazing connections and friendships with people from around the world who live with the same thing I do. We all have struggles and some are not the same. It will be interesting to listen to other people’s stories and I hope collectively we can help each other and the T1D community.”
Peterborough Petes' Michael Simpson Named OHL Goaltender of the Week; 3-0 Record Including a Shutout
/Peterborough Petes’ Goaltender Michael Simpson has been named the Ontario Hockey League Goaltender of the Week after posting a 3-0 record last week with a shutout announced on Monday.
Simpson has been named Goaltender of the Month on back-to-back occasions on April and October last year. File Photo.
