Truck & Tractor Pull Returns to Kawartha Downs With Five Scheduled Dates

The Truck & Tractor Pull is returning to Kawartha Downs for four dates on July 22, 23, Aug. 4, Sept. 2 and 3, announced on Friday afternoon.

File Photo.

The event is a collaboration with the Ontario Truck and Tractor Pulling Association. The third tractor pull is part of the Aug. 4 Kawartha County Fair and the final two pulls are on labour day weekend.

The tractor pull is a continuation of last year with their new track built last summer. Food trucks and a beer tent are some of the available amenities for spectators. The July 22 pull is 6 p.m. with gates open at 5 p.m. The July 23 start time is 1 p.m. with gates open at noon. Day-of registration for tractor pullers is two hours prior to the start time on both days. A variety of classes will be offered to competitors.

“This is one of our favourite events to host,” said Summer Nickerson-Hagen, Kawartha Downs marketing director. “It’s incredible to see these trucks and tractors pushed to their limit and the pullers certainly are competitive. The vibes are so good and these tractor pull events just give you that middle-of-summertime feeling.”

All registrations and inquiries for Kawartha Downs pulls are to be directed to Rod Cochrane who can be reached by phone at 905-243-1124.

Tickets are available online and at the gate on the day of the event. They can be purchased in person at Kawartha Downs in advance.

In addition to the tractor pulls, Kawartha Downs is hosting their very first Kawartha County Fair on Aug. 4, 5, and 6 during the Civic Long Weekend. Visitors will be given the classic midway experience from Campbell Amusements, main events; a tractor pull on Aug. 4, a demolition derby on Aug. 5 and Serena Ryder concert on Aug. 6. There are fireworks displays at dusk every night of the fair. Tickets are available on the Kawartha Downs website and at the gate.

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Peterborough Public Health Warns of Potential Blue-Green Algae at Beavermead and Rogers Cove Public Beaches

Peterborough Public Health is advising residents that two beaches in the City of Peterborough, Beavermead Park Beach (2011 Ashburnham Dr.) and Rogers Cove Beach, (131 Maria St.) will be closed until further notice due to the observation of possible harmful blue-green algae blooms.

file photo.

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria, called cyanobacteria, that are known for rapidly reproducing and collecting to form large, highly visible blooms throughout the water column, on the surface of water as a scum, or on the lake bottom as a mat. Some species of cyanobacteria can also release poisons, called cyanobacterial toxins, when the cells that make up the bloom rupture or die.

While the blooms have not yet been confirmed as harmful, Peterborough Public Health has temporarily closed the beaches for swimming as a precaution while awaiting further testing.

“On Friday, our staff observed the suspect harmful algal blooms while preparing to collect routine beach water samples,” said Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health for Peterborough Public Health. “We immediately notified the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Centre and have received confirmation that the MECP will sample the blooms today. In addition, we have notified the City of Peterborough who are supporting the beach closures,” said Ingram.

Many forms of blue-green algae are harmless, but some types produce toxins which can be hazardous for both people and animals. Exposure to toxins through activities like drinking, swimming and bathing can cause various symptoms, though some individuals may have no reaction.

Pets should not be allowed to enter water with suspect or confirmed harmful algae blooms as they may consume large amounts of contaminated water, resulting in sickness or death. The risk to humans is primarily from drinking water that has been contaminated with toxins from a dense harmful algae bloom. Long-term consumption of water containing high levels of cyanobacterial toxins may cause neurological or liver problems.

Currently, there is no known risk to the City of Peterborough’s municipal drinking water supply.

If algae blooms are visible:

  • Do not use the water for drinking, food preparation, bathing, showering, or swimming use.

  • Do not allow children, pets, or livestock to swim in the water or drink the water.

  • If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the algae.

  • Do not boil the water. Boiling will not remove the toxins and may release more of the toxin into the water.

  • Residents should avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking.

  • Home treatment systems for water may not remove toxins and may become clogged, thereby failing to remove
    the risk.

  • Do not treat the water with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach. This action may break open algal cells and
    release toxins into the water.

To report a suspect blue-green algae bloom, residents are advised to contact MECP Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.

For more information on blue-green algae, and precautions to be taken before swimming in or consuming water where there has been an algae bloom, visit Peterborough Public Health’s Blue-Green Algae website.

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Peterborough Lakers Break In New Turf With 15-10 Win Over Brooklin Lacrosse Club

The Peterborough Lakers snag their first victory with their brand new turf installed after handily defeating the Brooklin Lacrosse Club 15-10 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Peterborough remains in second place with a 9-3-0 record, while Brooklin remains in third place with a record of 6-5-0. The Lakers have four games remaining in the regular season. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The first period was a low-scoring affair but saw the Lakers take a 3-1 lead with goals from Austin Hasen, Mike Robinson and Josh Currier for Peterborough. Tanner Cook scored the lone goal for Brooklin.

The second period was the complete opposite as the ball found the back of the net 12 times split between both teams. Brooklin was able to snare their first lead of the game, scoring five of the period’s first seven goals for a 6-5 lead. Peterborough got hot and went on a 4-1 run shortly afterwards for a 9-7 lead after two.

Peterborough kept their foot on the gas pedal scoring another six goals in the third period while limiting Brooklin to three. Currier and Holden Cattoni capped off their night in the final frame, each scoring a hat trick and two assists to earn five-point nights.

Landon Kells earned the win in net for Peterborough with 39 saves. The win was the Lakers’s largest offensive showing of the season.

“We’re getting more comfortable with each other,” said Mike Hasen, Lakers head coach. “We had a lot of opportunities. They played well but we also got a lot too with 68 shots on goal. It was a great offensive output. Tonight was a good night.” 

The Lakers can rest until next Thursday when they host the first-place Six Nations Chiefs. The game will honour the 1973 Mann Cup-winning Lakers team.

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Infrastructure Project on Armour Road Between Hunter and Clifton Street

Armour Road between Clifton Street and Hunter Street will be closed to through traffic, with access maintained for local traffic, during a major infrastructure project that will include replacing storm sewers, sanitary sewers and the water main as well as road reconstruction.

file photo.

Local traffic with a destination within the road closure will be permitted, however travellers may experience delays within the construction limits.

The project, awarded to Green Infrastructure Partners Inc., is tentatively scheduled to begin on July 17. The majority of the work is scheduled to be completed by late fall of 2023. Any carryover work that remains will be completed between May and July 2024.

The project includes removal of existing infrastructure, excavation and grading, installation of new storm sewers and sanitary sewers, watermain, concrete curb and gutter, road base and asphalt, streetlights, sidewalk, tree planting, pavement markings and regulatory signage.

Detour routes:

Vehicle detours

Southbound traffic will turn west at Parkhill Road East, south on George Street and east on Hunter Street to Armour Road.

Northbound Traffic will travel west on Hunter Street, north on Water Street and east on Parkhill Road to Armour Road.

Pedestrian detours

Pedestrians travelling north and south will take Rogers Street between Hunter Street and Hazlitt Street. 

Transit detours

Peterborough Transit Route 7 will be rerouted northbound, continuing straight on Rogers Street, turning right on Dufferin Street and left on Armour Road, returning to the regular route.

 Northbound stops on Armour Road at Douro Street, Macfarlane Street and Euclid Avenue will not be served by Route 7 Lansdowne during this construction.

The following temporary bus stops will be added:

  • Northbound on Rogers Street at Oxford Street

  • Dufferin Street at Armour Road

Related information can be found by visiting the Road Construction Map posted on the City’s website.

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Kawartha Credit Union Awarded Living Wage Employer Certification

It’s happy days for Kawartha Credit Union as they received the Living Wage Employer certification from the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN) last month, announced on Thursday.

There are over 600 certified living wage employers across the province. Photo courtesy of Kawartha Credit Union.

The living wage reflects an income that a worker must bring home to meet their basic living needs and participate more fully in life, work, and community according to OWLN. Local expenses, such as housing costs, childcare, transportation and food are factored in.

“The Ontario Living Wage Network is pleased to welcome Kawartha Credit Union to the list of over 600 certified living wage employers in Ontario,” said Craig Pickthorne, OLWN communications coordinator. “It is fantastic to see employers implement changes to ensure that their employees are earning a steady and reliable living wage. Paying a living wage is a tremendous expression of respect for individual workers, their families and the communities where they live."

The OLWN is a network of employers, employees, non-profits, researchers and proponents of decent work standards for all Ontario workers. They conduct standardized, peer-reviewed living wage calculations annually for the province and showcase the growing wave of living wage initiatives in Ontario according to a press release.

“Being recognized as a Living Wage Employer is a big accomplishment for Kawartha and our 340 employees,” said Norah McCarthy, KCU president and CEO. “We are proud that we have this designation as it supports our commitment to be socially responsible and demonstrates that we treat our employees with respect, care and have their best interests at heart.”

“Becoming a Living Wage Employer aligns well with our values, culture and purpose,” said Nancy Herr, KCU chair. “Our employees are critical in helping us achieve our purpose of supporting the financial success and well-being of our members and our communities. Being a Living Wage Employer will also help us support our employees’ financial well-being now and in the future.”

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Peterborough Facing Baseball Umpire Shortage With Immediate Work Available

Peterborough youth baseball is facing a shortage of umpires and the Kawartha Baseball Umpires Association (KBUA) is looking for help for immediate work reported Wednesday.

Several youth games are runnign without umpires according to a report from the KBUA.

The organization is seeking both new and experienced umpires for immediate work.

Fees range from $35 to $75 per game, across all age groups from 8 to 18. This includes house league and rep teams.

For more information or to apply to be a KBUA umpire, email Jamie Graham at graham.jamie15@gmail.com.

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Update on Modular Temporary Housing on Wolfe Street in Peterborough

Construction fencing is being installed at the municipal parking lots at the east end of Wolfe Street starting July 12 in preparation for the placement of modular temporary housing on the site in the fall.

photo by david tuan bui.

The fencing is being installed around the municipal parking lot at Wolfe and Aylmer streets as well as along sections of the south and north sides of the Rehill Parking Lot that is between Dalhousie and Wolfe streets. Gates have been put up to prevent vehicular access to the parking lots.

Temporary washrooms will be installed in the Rehill Parking Lot in the next couple of weeks.

Social Services outreach workers are speaking with individuals at the encampment site who are experiencing homelessness as part of the preparations for the modular temporary housing. Temporary modular housing units will offer a new housing option for individuals who are experiencing homelessness.

Through an enhanced homelessness services plan approved by Council, the City is installing modular temporary housing, will provide a new drop-in centre service, and will convert the Wolfe Street building that is currently used for the Overflow Shelter Bed service into a homelessness services hub with community agencies providing services out of the building.

In addition to speaking with people who are experiencing homelessness, the City is working with the surrounding neighbourhood. A neighbourhood liaison committee is being created with residents, Council representatives, a representative from Peterborough Police Service, and City staff members.

The construction fencing is temporary. Planning for the modular temporary housing will include site design and privacy fencing for both the residents of the modular temporary housing and the residents who live in the surrounding neighbourhood.

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Hometown PTBO: Shawn Dunbar With His Success With the Lakefield Chiefs and In Professional Boat Racing

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Shawn Dunbar about his boat-racing career, the Lakefield Chiefs and living the lakeside life.

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Things To Do In-and-Around Peterborough This Weekend; July 14 - 16

photo courtesy of chemong lodge, facebook.

Here are some things to do in Peterborough City and County this weekend from July 14 to 16!

 

Lakefield Literary Festival

The next Lakefield Literary Festival will take place on July 14 and 15, 2023 in the Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School. Two authors will be presented on Friday evening; the Children’s Tent will offer its popular program on Saturday morning at Lakefield’s downtown Cenotaph Park; two authors will be presented on Saturday afternoon; and a headlining author will be presented on Saturday evening.

The festival will be presenting two authors on Friday evening, two authors on Saturday afternoon, and a headlining author on Saturday evening, with participating authors to be announced.

Admission to individual events will be $35, or $90 for a pass to all the events. In addition, the children’s tent will return to Lakefield’s downtown Cenotaph Park to offer its popular Saturday morning program.

When: All weekend.

Where: Bryan Jones Theatre at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield)

 

Chemong Lodge Oysterfest

Chemong Lodge welcome’s you to join us for our 2nd Annual Oysterfest, presented by the Peterborough Business Network in support of the YMCA of Central East Ontario.

Oysterfest promises a day jam-packed with award winning Oysters shucked by 10X Canadian Oyster Shucking Champion Eamon Clark & his team, your favourite Primal Cuts & Dr J’s BBQ proteins, Beverage Stations from our amazing vendors, Charity Raffles, Attractions & Bouncy Castle for the kids, plus Central Smith Ice Cream.

It’s not a festival without some great Live Music- enjoy performances by Cary Shields and SJ Riley!

Your ticket will include 2 beverage tickets and your choice of:
-Half dozen oysters
-1/4 rack of ribs
-Pulled Pork Sandwich
-Brisket Sandwich, or
-Wagyu Hot Dog

Additional food & beverage tickets will be available for purchase on-site.

When: July 15, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Chemong Lodge (764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth)

 

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

The Electric City Football Club Men’s Team host the North Mississauga FC for a regular-season match at Fleming College.

When: July 15, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)

 

League 1 Ontario Women's Home Game - Electric City FC vs Vaughan Azzurri

The Electric City Football Club Women’s Team host the Darby FC for a regular-season match at Fleming College.

When: July 15 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Fleming College (599 Brealey Drive, Peterborough)

 

Check out the Peterborough 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. 

Every Saturday there is local produce, delicious takeaway meals and goodies and artisan wares.

When: July 15, 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Where: Morrow Park

 

4th Line Theatre Presents The Tilco Strike

The Tilco Strike recounts the year-long fight between 35 poorly paid women, and their male bosses at Tilco Plastics in Peterborough, Ontario, who were determined to crush the women and their union. The strike began in December 1965 over a $25 bonus and escalated into an epic battle between organized labour and strike-breaking employers. The women lost their fight, but changed labour relations in Ontario forever.

When: Various shows all weekend.

Where: 4th Line Theatre (9 Tupper St., Millbrook)

 

Watch Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs

Horse racing is an exciting sport, dynamic business and a major contributor to the agricultural economy in Ontario. At Kawartha Downs, we feature harness or Standardbred racing where the horses are attached to a race bike (called a sulky) and are steered by drivers through a one mile race.

Kawartha Downs is a five-eighths mile track which means the races start on the far side (away from the grandstand) of the racetrack, pass by the grandstand and race once more around the track with the exciting finish right in front of the fans and grandstand.

The horses which compete in harness racing have two distinct gaits. Pacers, the most common, move with both legs on the same side operating together. The front and hind legs on the right and left side move together. The majority of pacers wear equipment called hopples which help them maintain their gait.

When a trotter races their opposite legs work together – the front right and left rear come forward at the same time and vice versa.

The Standardbred horse is noted for its versatility and even temperament. Many harness horse that don’t make the racetrack can be found in the Mennonite communities, working as police horses and used in therapeutic riding programs. Standardbreds also make great riding horses and can be trained to compete in a variety of disciplines including barrel racing, dressage etc.

When: July 15 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Kawartha Downs (1382 County Rd. 28, Fraserville)