The Borderless Music & Arts Festival Is Back at The Gordon Best Theatre

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The Borderless Music & Arts Festival 2023 is set to feature a line-up that celebrates local artists & cultural diversity through soulful music, poetry, dance and community at the Gordon Best Theatre starting June 23.

photo courtesy of The Borderless Music & Arts Festival.

Since 2016, the Borderless Music & Arts Festival has been a multidisciplinary arts showcase that centres women, BIPOC, intersectional identities, multiculturalism, and inclusive community-building with a mosaic of music, dance, visual art, drag, poetry, comedy, circus and film. For over 6 years, Borderless artists have brought an amazing wealth of diversity, culture, collaboration, innovation and excitement to the City.

Borderless Festival 2023 Begins

Friday, June 23:

Poetry by Robyn Pierson

Dance performance & workshop by Mintu Maria James

Music by:

The Colton Sisters

Will Ward

Harbhajunkie

Shahrazi

Featuring a pop-up booth by Indigenously Infused.

Saturday, June 24:

OMBIIGIZI

Singing Wild Rice Girl (Missy Knott)

Will Ward

Danny Taro

photo courtesy of The Borderless Music & Arts Festival.

Tickets available at the door and through borderlesshearts.ca. For more information, check out the website.

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SPSS Student Amelia Williams Takes Her Next Hockey Step By Committing To Sault College

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The hockey life continues for 17-year-old St. Peter’s Secondary School (SPSS) student Amelia Williams has committed to the Sault College Cougars in Sault Ste. Marie to play hockey in September in a contract signing on Tuesday morning.

(from left to right) Mike WIlliams, father; Rocco Williams, brother; Amelia Williams, Clara Williams, sister and Rebecca WIlliams, mother at the signing held at the SPSS gym. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The defenceman says Sault College was one of the few schools that offered a hockey program in the province and she jumped at the opportunity when she found out she was recruited.

“If I wanted to continue to play hockey, this was my only opportunity to,” explained Williams.

She is graduating from SPSS this summer and will move to Sault Ste. Marie around August. Williams says she’s excited but is surreal that she’ll be going through a major lifestyle change over the summer.

“It's crazy that I'm graduating and moving away,” she explained. “I wasn't expecting to go away but this opportunity just came and I'm really excited.”

Williams has been playing hockey since she was in grade two. She’s won a Kawartha AAA High School Girls hockey championship and COSSA championship with SPSS in 2019.

She’s also been a member of the Peterborough Ice Kats AA U18 team for the last two seasons. She finished this season with two goals and seven assists in 52 games as the team’s top-scoring defenseman.

Williams will take electrical engineering at Sault College and either wants to play professional hockey or become an electrician after graduation from post-secondary education.

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City of Peterborough 2023 Lifeguard Training Program Details Announced

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The City of Peterborough will be conducting staff training for this summer’s lifeguard program from June 27 to 30 at Beavermead and Rogers Cove beaches.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

Additional staff in-service training will be conducted weekly every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at both beaches, starting July 5 until August 23, 2023. 

All staff will be adhering to provincial health and lifesaving society guidelines for training. Members of the public are asked to give them space to safely complete their training. 

Beaches 

City of Peterborough’s lifeguard program runs from July 1 until August 27, with lifeguards at Beavermead and Rogers Cove beaches seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Beavermead has a beach access mat in place from July 1 until August 27 that provides a stable surface across the sand into the water, improving accessibility for everyone. 

Peterborough Public Health monitors the water quality at our beaches from June until the end of August and posts the water quality reports online. A flag or sign at the beaches also to indicates the status of the water quality when lifeguards are present. For more information on water quality reporting at the public beaches, please contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000. 

Wading pools 

Lifeguards supervise the City’s four wading pools from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week, beginning July 1 until August 27. The wading pools are small, shallow pools for young children up to about eight years old. Children need to be accompanied by an adult when using the wading pools.  

Full details about locations and hours of City-operated beaches, wading pools and splashpads are online.

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Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre to Temporarily Close for Maintenance

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The Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. will be closed for facility maintenance on June 24 and 25 as part of its regular annual maintenance operations.

file photo.

The Centre will close early at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 23 and re-open Monday, June 26 at 6 a.m.

The Aquatic Centre pools will re-open on Saturday, July 1, at 6 a.m.

Summer operating hours start on June 26 and continue to September 1:

  • Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

  • Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Information about City of Peterborough recreation programs, including drop-in sports and summer camps, is available online.

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National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrated Throughout the Peterborough Community

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To mark National Indigenous Peoples Day on Wednesday, several activities are being held throughout the community, announced by The City of Peterborough.

File Photo.

“National Indigenous Peoples Day is cause for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation commission and to renew our commitment to fulfill them."

The following are events from City of Peterborough facilities: 

Peterborough Public Library 

National Indigenous Peoples Day: 

Other upcoming events marking National Indigenous History Month: 

Peterborough Museum and Archives

  • Quilling workshops will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This registered program is full, but visitors are encouraged to drop in to see the work being completed.  

  • Art responses activities for all ages. 

The exhibition will continue at the Museum until mid-November. 

The Nogojiwanong Project 

The City’s Public Art Program invites you to visit the Nogojiwanong Project. Located at the south end of Millennium Park, this project was a collaboration undertaken in the spirit of kinship between local First Nations, Indigenous peoples, and the City of Peterborough in recognition of the 200th anniversary of Rice Lake Treaty No. 20. Through the collaboration, this gathering space was created to encourage learning and reflection with a series of interpretive panels highlighting the evolution of local treaties and inherent rights of Indigenous peoples. The “Gathering” provides the focal point for the space. 

Michael Belmore’s, entitled “Gathering,” complements the panels and anchors the space. It consists of a grouping of glacial erratic boulders, carved, lined with copper, and fitted so that they sit slightly apart and seemingly radiate heat. The stones are embellished with the Treaty 20 Clan Totems or Dodems as they are called in Anishinaabemowin. 

Nogojiwanong is an Anishinaabe word meaning “place at the foot of the rapids” and the name given to the gathering place, at the bottom of a turbulent stretch of the Otonabee River, renamed Peterborough by European settlers. 

Millennium Park forms the present-day landfall and eddy along the western shoreline. It is also the site of the trailhead to the Chemong Portage – a six- or seven-mile historic footpath between the Otonabee River and Chemong Lake. 

The Nogojiwanong Project location acknowledges these ancestral lands and the thousands of years the Michi Saagiig navigated this route between their winter camps and traditional fishing grounds at the mouth of the Ganaraska River on Lake Ontario. 

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Ennismore's Colton Armstrong Comes Home After Peterborough Lakers Acquire Him From Cobourg Kodiaks

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Ennismore’s Colton Armstrong is coming home as he was obtained by the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers from the Cobourg Kodiaks in a trade made on Tuesday.

Armstrong was a Jr. C Lakers graduate. He is a transition for the National Lacrosse League’s Halifah Thunderbirds. Photo courtesy of the NLational Lacrosse League.

The Lakers obtained assets through a prior trade before being dealt from Cobourg. The team traded defenceman Caleb Creasor and future considerations to the Brooklin Lacrosse Club for Austin Murphy. He was flipped with future considerations to the Cobourg Kodiaks for Armstrong and a 2024 second-round pick. 

“Armstrong is a top right-handed transition player in the NLL for the Halifax Thunderbirds,” said Paul Day, Lakers general manager. “We need more goals from our transition game. It’s great to bring a Peterborough guy, who will make an immediate impact.” 

“As soon as I walk on the floor I’ll make sure to take it all in,” said Armstrong. “I’ll show them who I am and why I belong there. Hopefully I can help out and bring another Mann Cup home to Peterborough. I’m looking forward to the opportunity that Paul Day and Kodiaks’ GM John Webb have given me to come back home and play for my hometown.” 

Armstrong will be in the lineup on Thursday when the Lakers host the rival Six Nations Chiefs for the first time this season at the Peterborough Memorial Centre

The Lakers also expect Bryce Sweeting and Jay Thorimbert back in the lineup according to a press release. 

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Voice of Business: Investing In Mental Health Builds Stronger Businesses

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The workforce crunch has many employers looking at whatever opportunities they can to do more with less, from automation and technology to retraining and upskilling.

One area we can invest is in the mental health of our teams. The last few years have left a lot of people in a situation where they aren’t at their best. The workplace has come a long way in terms of how we talk about mental health and support workers through their journey, but there’s more progress to be made.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Medavie recently announced a new research project aimed at accelerating health and economic solutions to tackle the surge in mental health challenges since the onset of COVID-19, known as the mental health “echo pandemic.” The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, the OCC, and many other business-focused organizations across the province are committed to supporting investment in the health and well-being of Ontarians, adding to the overall resilience of the economy.

As per the OCC:

With mental health challenges and illnesses increasingly impacting individuals and communities, the OCC recognizes the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. Through this policy project, the OCC will delve into the socioeconomic impacts of the mental health crisis, from rising health care costs to lost productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism. The goal is to generate actionable insights and policy recommendations that can guide policymakers, businesses, and the health sector in addressing Ontario’s mental health challenges.

“Mental health is a critical component of overall health, with significant implications for individuals, businesses, and the economy,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “By conducting research and collaborating with experts, we aim to identify effective strategies that support mental health, promote health system resilience, and drive economic prosperity in Ontario.”

Building on our previous work to tackle the mental health action gap, the OCC is proud to have the support of Medavie, a leading health solutions partner, in this vital project. Over the next several months, the OCC will lead a series of consultations with members and mental health stakeholders to identify specific obstacles, initiatives, and policy recommendations to address mental health and addictions challenges. A policy brief will be published in Fall 2023 as part of our Policy Primer Series, with key takeaways and recommendations for government and industry.

“We’ve seen the lasting impacts the pandemic has had on the mental health of individuals and communities,” said Matthew Crossman, Vice President, Operations, Medavie Health Services. “As part of our mission to improve the wellbeing of Canadians, we focus on increasing awareness of mental health and addictions supports and services while aiming to ensure people have access to the care they need, when and where they need it.” We are proud to partner with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on this initiative in support of the people, businesses and communities we serve.”

We are inviting businesses, organizations, and people passionate about mental health to support this new research project. We are looking to create change in the workplace and promote a supportive policy environment that prioritizes mental wellness. To learn more or get involved, contact Sara Beyer, Senior Policy Analyst with the OCC, at sarabeyer@occ.ca.

Outside of this OCC initiative, we have numerous resources in our community for people and businesses to work with to address our mental health challenges. People who are getting the support they need will be happier, more reliable, and more efficient. It’s better for our communities and families while helping local businesses thrive.

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

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‘The Cavan Blazers’ Is Back By Popular Demand at 4th Line Theatre This August

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4th Line Theatre is presenting a remount of its flagship play ‘The Cavan Blazers’ by Robert Winslow, coming back by popular demand this August for the theatre’s 31st summer season.

photo courtesy of 4th line theatre.

The Cavan Blazers was the first play produced by the newly-formed 4th Line Theatre in 1992. Its epic scale, including a cast of 44 actors, horses, chickens, fire and fights, established the theatre’s long-time aesthetic of presenting epic theatre on the outdoor stages at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook, Ontario.

The play explores the settler experience and what happens when the old hurts and angers from the homeland are brought over to a new country. The Cavan Blazers chronicles the religious conflict between the Catholic and Protestant Irish settlers in Cavan Township in the early to mid-nineteenth century. Violence erupts when a Protestant vigilante gang known as the Cavan Blazers tries to stop a Catholic Settlement from being established. This gritty and intense play will have the audience on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

“The story inside The Cavan Blazers is one as old as time and as modern as the recent conflicts in Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Ukraine. It is a cautionary story of what can happen when people become entrenched in a way of thinking and are then unable to free themselves from that thinking,” said 4th Line’s managing artistic director Kim Blackwell.

Returning to the 4th Line stage in The Cavan Blazers are JD “Jack” Nicholsen as Patrick Maguire, Colin A. Doyle as Dane Swain, Thomas Fournier as Charles McCarty, Matt Gilbert as Father Phelan, Justin Hiscox as Elijah Coe, Mark Hiscox as Thomas Rutherford, Ken Houston as a horse rider and King William of Orange, Robert Morrison as William Grandy, Kelsey Powell as William Armstrong and Julia Scaringi as Martha Cooney. 4th Line Founder, playwright and actor Robert Winslow will portray Justice John Knowlsen. The Cavan Blazers will feature actress Katherine Cullen as Ann Maguire, and musician Jason Edmunds, making their 4th Line debuts this August.

Community volunteer actors include: Indigo Chesser, Jasper Chesser, Michelle Chesser, Logan Coombes, Lily Cullen, Peter Dolinski, Michael Field, Andria Fisher, Cadence Fisher, Eli Fisher, Linda Gendron, Sierra Gibb-Khan, Cody Inglis, Josh Lambert, Adrianna Malloy, Deirbhile MacQuarrie, Caoimhe MacQuarrie, Riordan MacQuarrie, Saoirse MacQuarrie, Siobhán MacQuarrie, Ayla McCracken-Reed, Venessa McCracken, Ian McGarrett, Brogan McKellar, Darragh O'Connell, Zach Newnham, Zack Radford, Mikayla Stoodley, Phil Stott and Evan Tsimidis.

The creative team includes Set Designer Kim Blackwell, Fight Director Edward Belanger, Costume Designer Korin Cormier, Musical Director Justin Hiscox, Choreographer Rachel Bemrose, Sound Designer Esther Vincent, Directing Intern Shelley Simester and Assistant to the Director Sierra Gibb-Kahn. The stage management team includes Emily Brown and Gailey Monner.

Peterborough Musicfest Approaching Final Phases Of Preparation For 2023 Season

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The 36th Annual Peterborough Musicfest has less than 11 days before its first concert as the organization provided updates regarding the new stage, funding and administrative affairs at a sponsorship appreciation luncheon at Del Crary Park on Tuesday afternoon.

There are ten new sponsors that are involved in this year’s Musicfest. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Fred Anderson stage was demolished in late April/early May earlier this year. Musicfest is meeting with The City of Peterborough on Wednesday to discuss the design of this year’s stage. Construction is beginning next week according to Tracey Randall, Musicfest general manager.

“We're meeting with them tomorrow (Wednesday) just to discuss what the new stage is going to look like, how far it's going from the backstage, make sure we have the fencing all set up and then of course, our sponsor signage has to go up,” she explained.

The stage’s removal caused minor issues but Randall says she was pleased with the process and work that went into preparing for the new stage.

“They removed a lot of the sawdust that was in the ground so we had a bit of an issue organically,” she said. “They took out all the cement and the humps and lumps around the stage so we're hoping the sod will go in any day and then we'll bring in our trailers in next week.”

There are some acts yet to be announced but funding is required in order to fill up the timeslots according to Randall. Musicfest has typically seen provincial funding every year though an announcement has not been made yet. Randall says they are asking for $125,000 for this year.

“With Havelock Jamboree folding, we're thinking some of those funds were dispersed amongst other festivals in the area so we're hoping on getting some of that chunk,” she said.

Natalie McMaster and Donald Leahy are set to open this year’s Musicfest on Canada Day, starting at 8 p.m.

The following is this year’s lineup for Musicfest:

  • July 1: Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

  • July 5: Dwayne Gretzky

  • July 8: Matt Andersen & The Big Bottle of Joy

  • July 12: Five Alarm Funk

  • July 15: TBA

  • July 19: Jesse Cook

  • July 22: TBA

  • July 26: Little River Band

  • July 29: Melissa Payne & Friends

  • Aug. 2: TBA

  • Aug. 5: British Legends Tribute (Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney & Freddie Mercury)

  • Aug. 9: Glass Tiger

  • Aug. 12: TBA

  • Aug. 16: TBA

  • Aug. 19: Tim & The Glory Boys (with special guest TBA)

Musicfest is still seeking volunteers for this year and is still accepting sponsors until mid-July. Potential applicants can go to Musicfest’s website to register.

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The Glorious Sons Announce North American Dates For The Glory Tour; Coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre February 16

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Following the release of their new single ‘Mercy Mercy’ The Glorious Sons have announced the Glory Tour, coming to the Peterborough Memorial Centre February 16.

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre.

The rock band from Kingston, Ontario have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success off their previous albums, earning them multiple JUNO Awards, sold-out tours and a dedicated global fanbase. ‘Mercy Mercy’ is said to mark the next milestone in the band’s career and serves as the first track off their fourth studio album ‘Glory’ which is due out this fall.

Beginning September 6 in Pittsburgh, PA, the North American run of the tour will visit 57-cities in both the U.S. and Canada, making stops in Nashville, Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa and more before wrapping in St. Catharines on February 17, 2024. The Glory Tour will feature special guests The Blue Stones and the Velveteers on select dates, and a special hometown show will have the band ringing the New Year at Kingston’s Leon’s Centre on December 31.

They have three dates as part of the 2024 leg of the tour, with Peterborough as the second-last stop.

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre.

The Glorious Sons’ pre-sale begins June 20 at 3 p.m. ET exclusively in the TGS Union App, followed by the Spotify pre-sale on June 21 at 10 a.m. local time. The public on sale is confirmed for June 23 at 10 a.m. local time. A limited number of VIP packages which include a pre-show acoustic set and other exclusive experience and merchandise are available beginning today at 3 p.m. ET.