Largest Passenger Aircraft to Depart the Peterborough Airport Leaves For New York City

BST Vacations (Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd) has started their 2023 Peterborough Departures program, with their first charter of the season leaving the Peterborough Airport for a long weekend in New York City Thursday morning.

photo by felicia massey.

Passengers departed on a Boeing 737-800 – the largest aircraft in Nolinor’s fleet – which left for the Big Apple at 10 a.m.

This aircraft is also the largest passenger aircraft to land or take off from the Peterborough Airport, with a carrying capacity of 189 passengers.

“We are thrilled to be working with Nolinor Airlines’, says Scott Stewart, President of BST Vacations. “Having access to an aircraft of this size will allow us to grow our Peterborough Departures program, and allow us to move more people to more destinations in the future.”

All photos by Felicia Massey.

BST Vacations is travelling to their three best selling destinations of all time in 2023, including St. John’s, Newfoundland, New York City and Nashville, TN, as well as adding Austin, TX as a new destination to the list. While St. John’s and Nashville are sold out, there is limited space available on the departure to Austin, Texas from May 4 to 7.

They say passengers can expect a truly enjoyable, hassle free travel experience without the headache of battling traffic, and without the additional expense that comes along with flying from a large airport (food, parking, baggage fees, stopover hotel, etc.).

“I am over the moon, our entire team is over the moon,” continued Stewart. “We’ve been building towards this day for seven years.”

The New York City trip is $1,889 per person (tax included) and includes three nights at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square, with breakfast and other amenities included.

Food and beverage are all locally sourced and included on the flight. This is part of BST’s community first initiative, where rather than outsourcing the food and beverage to the airline, they bring it on themselves and support local businesses.

Continental breakfast and in flight meals are hand picked and made to order the morning of the flight by Sobeys Catering department on Lansdowne Street. Spirits and beer on board are from local distilleries and craft brewers, and in 2022 BST Vacations served the Publican House Pet Pilsner onboard and were able to collect $1,500 in donations for the Humane Society’s Pet Project.

For full details on the 2023 departures, visit the website.

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Peterborough GreenUp Shifting Gears Program Presents the May Challenge

The GreenUp Shifting Gears Program presents the May Challenge from May 1 to June 2; helping the Peterborough community make shifts towards using more active and sustainable transportation.

Shifting Gears is for anyone in the Peterborough Region who wants to take less solo car trips, in favour of walking, cycling, taking transit, carpooling and telecommuting.

What is included:

- Trip Tracking: participants are encouraged to track their sustainable trips online. You can follow overall community statistics via our email newsletter and also sign up for workplace leaderboards. Shifting Gears loves some friendly competition!

- Prizes: tracking trips leads to prizes! Each week participants who tracked their trips are eligible for multiple prize draws. The more weeks you track, the more chances to win.

- Resources and workshops: Shifting Gears runs exclusive workshops to support transportation shift, as well as, online resources for individuals and employers. Workshops run seasonally, but you can find resources available all- year round.

Sign up and gain access to community news, challenge reminders, workshops and program resources, as well as tracking your trips for the month of May and be entered into weekly prize draws.

To learn more and register, click the link.

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City of Peterborough Calling Poets For Renaissance on Hunter Poetry Gardens Project

The City of Peterborough’s Public Art Program is inviting local poets to submit expressions of interest to the Renaissance on Hunter Poetry Gardens Project announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The Renaissance on Hunter public art projects have decorated Hunter Street for the past two years. The planters delineating lane closures in the café district have been transformed into a series of whimsical themed gardens created by artists.

“I’m excited about the vibrancy that the City’s Public Art projects bring to Peterborough – especially to downtown,” said Councillor Joy Lachica. "I encourage local poets to check out this unique opportunity to have your work featured in the Renaissance on Hunter Project and contribute to a thriving downtown.”

The vision for Renaissance on Hunter gardens this year is a meandering wildflower meadow that will serve as a backdrop for a rotation of poetry from June to September according to the City of Peterborough. The project is a partnership with GreenUp, which will design and install the gardens and Peterborough’s Poet Laureate, Ziysah von Bieberstein, who will provide curatorial oversight and support.

This is a two-stage call with the second stage having a short-list of candidates who will be paid an honorarium to develop their proposals. Four to six poets will be commissioned to compose three poems over the course of the summer. 

The call for expressions of interest for the project and more information about the project parameters with tips about the application process are on the City’s Public Art webpage at peterborough.ca/publicart. Applications are accepted from residents in Peterborough, Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation, and Curve Lake First Nation are welcome.

The application deadline is May 17 at 4 p.m. All applications must be submitted online.

“From the outset the Renaissance on Hunter projects have encouraged partnerships and collaborations to create more opportunities for artists, ­­and to present projects that reflect a cross-pollination of ideas,” said Wendy Trusler, City of Peterborough public art facilitator. “We are excited to extend an invitation exclusively to poets for this year’s garden project. Incorporating works by text-based artists, poets and writers into public art programming is important for the arts sector and for our community.”

The Renaissance on Hunter public art projects are administered and funded through the City of Peterborough Public Art Program and presented in partnership with the Downtown Business Improvement Area and GreenUP. 

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; April 21 - 23

File Photo.

Here are nine things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from April 21 - 23!

Reel Rock 17 Film Tour

Don't miss three heart-stopping new films featuring the year’s biggest climbing & adventure stories: a wild expedition on Nameless Tower in Pakistan; a new cutting-edge route in a massive limestone cave in France; and a journey to Palestine’s West Bank to explore the power of climbing to change lives.

Burning the Flame
Big wall free climbing masters Babsi and Jacopo seek their greatest challenge yet: a free ascent of Eternal Flame, an elusive 3,000-ft. route up the legendary Nameless Tower in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. Facing extreme conditions and 5.13 trad climbing at high altitude, a two-year quest comes down to one short weather window. Captured with drones and on-mountain cameras in one of the most stunning places on earth, Burning the Flame transports viewers to a place normally off-limits to all but the world’s best climbers.

DNA
29-year-old French sport climber Seb Bouin has been quietly working his way through the elite grades, culminating in his attempt to establish a long pitch out an overhanging cave in the Verdon Gorge of France. His proposed line is so futuristic, the moves so improbable, that if Seb can put it all together it may be the most difficult route ever climbed.

Resistance Climbing
In the strife-torn hills of Palestine, a diverse crew of Bedouins, dirtbags and urban professionals embraces climbing as a much-needed respite from the burdens of the Israeli occupation. American writer & climber Andrew Bisharat visits the West Bank to explore his own roots and the power of climbing to transform lives.

When: Apr 22, 6 p.m.

Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

League 1 Ontario Men's Home Game - Electric City FC vs North Toronto Nitros

The Electric City Football Club men’s team is hosting their second home game of the season against the North Toronto Nitros.

When: Apr 22, 2 p.m.

Where: Fleming College

Tickets: $15 - $30

Peterborough Pop Ensemble Presents “A Century of Song”

The Peterborough Pop Ensemble is excited to announce that our 2023 spring concert, A Century of Song, will take place at Market Hall on Saturday at 7 p.m.!

Featuring music starting from the 1920s and hitting every decade since, this concert will highlight some of the best of the Ensemble’s repertoire including jazz standards, gospel, pop, songs of WWII, Motown and so much more! With a little something for everyone, this concert will surely have you tapping your toes, dancing, and singing along. Save the date now; we can’t wait to see you there!

When: Apr 22, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre

Tickets: $15 - $30

Brisk Recharge @ The Legion

Brisk Recharge takes the Legion stage for some more acoustic renditions of your favourite hits from the 1960s-2000s.

Come on out for a great night of sing-alongs and some of the cheapest drinks in town!

When: April 22, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Legion

Tickets: $5 non-members, free for members

Nitetime Drive w/ Lowery Mills & Far From Infamy

Erben presents Lowery Mills with special guests Nitetime Drive and Far From Infamy. Lowery Mills is bringing their high energy southern rock show to Peterborough at the Erben. Expect a high voltage night that will keep you moving all night long with special guests Nitetime Drive and Far From Infamy.

When: April 22, 9 p.m.

Where: Erben

Tickets: $10

Peterborough Saturday Farmers Market

Buy directly from the farmer who grew it, raised it, harvested, or foraged it! Sixty percent of our vendors are primary producers who have gone through a third party inspection process to verify they grow 100% of what they sell. The remaining forty percent include bakers, prepared food vendors, artists and community groups.

Enjoy a festive market atmosphere with Peterborough’s finest prepared food vendors, artisans and musicians. 

Come find us every Saturday to find local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies, and artisan wares. We look forward to seeing you there!

When: April 22, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Peterborough Square

Pick Up Some Produce at The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market

We invite you to listen to the sounds of our local musicians while visiting our 100+ vendor outdoor market May 1 to October 31, rain or shine in the Morrow Building parking lot. From November 1 to April 30, we are located inside the Morrow Building just south of the parking lot.

The establishment of a central market area for individual trade or sales has been a feature of societies all over the world for centuries. This trade has taken place in Peterborough for the past 190 years. This efficient method of commerce (ie. producer, direct to consumer) has gained much interest in recent years as small businesses have grown. We at the Peterborough Farmers’ Market are proud to be part of this popular phenomenon.

As producers of local food and crafts, we stress freshness, quality and value as we deal each and every week with our market patrons. Come and enjoy this traditional shopping experience.

When: April 22, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park (151 Lansdowne St. W, Peterborough)

Roots & Blues: Po'Boy & Calamity Return to Black Horse!

Join Torontonian Po'Boy Jeffreys & Calamity Jane as they hit the road to bring their old-time Country, Blues, Ragtime and Jugband songs to Urban Angus Steak and Wine in Arnprior!

When: April 23, 4 p.m.

Where: Black Horse Pub

Tickets: Free

Jazz Month feat. Noah Abrahamse

Noah Abrahamse performs at The Black Horse as we celebrate Jazz Month!

When: April 22, 5 p.m.

Where: Black Horse Pub

Tickets: Free

Hometown PTBO: Andrew Pyle on His Philanthropy and Starting a Business in Town 21 Years Ago

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Andrew Pyle of The Pyle Group about moving to Peterborough 21 years ago to start a family, starting a wealth business, his philanthropy and his children including his son Luke who has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

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Petes Tickets Sold Out Online For Game Four's 'Whiteout'

Online tickets for Peterborough Petes’ game four have sold out as the organization is asking fans to wear white for the ‘whiteout’ against the Ottawa 67’s on Thursday night.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNETH ANDERSEN AND THE PETERBOROUGH PETES.

A select amount are still available through the Peterborough Memorial Centre Grant Thornton Box Office by calling (705) 743-3561 or by visiting the Box Office in person.

The Petes Store also restocked white shirts for the whiteout which are available for purchase on game day in person or online.

A record $5,000 minimum 50/50 jackpot is being held in honour of Betty Nelson. Tickets can be purchased online or at the game. The draw will take place in the third period.

The following is the remaining schedule for the second round against the Ottawa 67s:

• Game 4: Thursday, April 20 @ 7:05 p.m. – Ottawa @ Peterborough

• Game 5: Saturday, April 22 @ 4:00 p.m. – Peterborough @ Ottawa

• Game 6: Monday, April 24 @ 7:05 p.m. – Ottawa @ Peterborough*

• Game 7: Tuesday, April 25 @ 7:00 p.m. – Peterborough @ Ottawa*

*if necessary

The Petes are back in action for game four on Thursday to try and take a commanding 3-1 series over the Ottawa 67’s. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.

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Innovation Cluster Partners with Kawartha Manufacturers Association to Provide Free Memberships for New Local Manufacturers and Clean Tech/Social Innovation Startups

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) unveiled its partnership with the Kawartha Manufacturers Association (KMA), offering complimentary membership in its association to emerging manufacturers and early-stage Innovation Cluster clients in the manufacturing and clean tech/social innovation sectors.

photo courtesy of innovation cluster.

Tom Sayers, one of longest standing members of the Kawartha Manufacturers Association said, “the KMA was founded 30 years ago with a mission to increase the competitiveness of manufacturers in Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes by providing forums for sharing best practices, collaborating on training initiatives, and creating a network of experienced problem-solvers.”

Diane Richard, President of Diatom Consulting and Professional Training, is a KMA member and serves on the Innovation Cluster board. Diane emphasized the importance of KMA's initiative, stating, "the free membership program offered by KMA is an incredible opportunity for new manufacturers and Innovation Cluster clients to access invaluable resources and connect with industry experts. It will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of businesses in our region."

Camila Duarte, Senior Innovation Specialist & Programs Director at the Innovation Cluster, stated, "this initiative aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering innovation and growth in the manufacturing and clean tech/social innovation sectors. It's a great way for emerging businesses to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience within the KMA community."

By offering free memberships to emerging manufacturers in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, along with early-stage Innovation Cluster clients, KMA aims to expedite the growth of these new manufacturers and startups, benefiting the community by creating skilled technology jobs resulting from their endeavours.

John Jankowski, current KMA Chair, encourages local manufacturers and Innovation Cluster clients to take advantage of the free membership offer or renew their existing memberships. "We are very excited to bring our community back together after several years of challenges for our members and the inability to hold events," says Jankowski.

For more information on the free membership offer or to renew a membership, please contact the KMA at info@thekma.com.

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Service Workers Strike on George Street In Peterborough

After the Public Service Agency of Canada union failed to reach an agreement with the federal government prior to the deadline, roughly 100 workers went on a nationwide strike in Peterborough at Water Street on Wednesday morning.

Roughly 100 workers circled George Street outside Service Canada Centre. All photos by Samantha Bianco.

Over 155,000 public service workers have gone on strike nationwide that includes more than 35,000 Canada Revenue Agency employees.

Treasury board workers are demanding a 13.5 per cent wage increase over three years, tax agency workers want a 22.5 per cent increase while wanting work-from-home guarantees. The federal government’s offer of 9.5 per cent was turned down during Tuesday’s negotiations.

“We're here to support our fellow workers across Canada,” said Susan MacMillan of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. “We're 150,000 strong to send a message. We're sending a message to support our unions and trying to negotiate a fair contract for our employees.”

MacMillan says a variety of affected workers have united in support of the strike such as the Union of Taxation, the Department of National Defense and Service Canada. Employees as far as Bancroft and Trenton have come to Peterborough to join the George Street protest.

“We’re being strongly represented in Peterborough,” she added.

The strike concluded at roughly 3 p.m. but will go for as long as it takes until their demands are met according to MacMillan.

The workers are circling George Street between Dalhousie and Sherbrooke Street as they strike. Several vehicles slowed down and honked in support of the workers.

“I am hoping that the support is coming from across Canada,” said MacMillian. “Right now, that's the support that we need.”

The bottom line for the workers is that they get what they feel is deserved during their negotiations with the federal government.

“We just want a fair contract,” said MacMillian.

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OLG Issues Fourth Quarter Gaming Revenue Payment to Peterborough and Cavan Monaghan

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has made a fourth quarter (Jan. 1 to Mar. 31) payment totalling $716,378 to the City of Peterborough and $78,447 to the Township of Cavan Monaghan for hosting Shorelines Casino/Slots.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

During OLG’s fiscal year (April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023), Peterborough has received $2,934,300, while Cavan Monaghan has received $385,974. Since the gaming site opened in October 2018 Peterborough has received $9,404,365 and Cavan Monaghan has received $61,373,837 since they opened in November 1999.

These payments to host communities are based on a formula consistently applied across all gaming sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site. 

“OLG’s Municipal Contribution Agreement payments are building strong communities where people and families can enjoy a high quality of life,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “These revenues help support local program and critical infrastructure, making a real difference for gaming host municipalities.”

Since 1994, host communities have received nearly $2 billion in non-tax gaming revenue.

OLG says they are proud to share proceeds of casino gaming with local communities, contributing to economic recovery, infrastructure development and job creation. Payments to host communities are part of OLG’s commitment to Ontario, and 100 per cent of OLG’s profits are reinvested in the Province.

Over the past seven years, service providers have invested approximately $2 billion in private sector capital investment across the province.  Since 2017, these investments have led to the development and opening of seven new casinos, one planned development and additional gaming expansions and non-gaming amenities.

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