Federal and Provincial Government Fund $2.5 Million To Provide More Affordable Housing In Peterborough-Kawartha

The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario have funded $2,457,000 to help create 63 more affordable community housing units for the Hunt Terrance on 555 Bonacord St., announced on Monday morning.

Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor (left), Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (middle) and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County warden at the Hunt Terrace on 555 Bonacord St. Amenities in the building include dining room with meal options, laundry facilities and a common room. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“What it does is it reduces the actual operating costs for the building because we're cutting that mortgage down by $2.5 million,” explained Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. “That mortgage payment on that amount is not going to be factored into what they have to have in order to operate it so it gives them the flexibility then to lower the cost on 63 of the units in total.”

The funding is part of a project investment of over $46 million through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) to create 267 affordable housing units across the province according to a press release.

Hunt Terrace is a six-storey building that has 85 units in total including both one- and two-bedroom units. There are specific units for those who require health and/or housing support which is provided on-site through community partners.

“555 Bonaccord is a unique building for PHC (Peterborough Housing Corporation), offering both market and affordable units in a multigenerational setting,” said Hope Lee, PHC CEO. “The ground floor commercial space offers several amenities such as on-site offices for support partners, common spaces for tenants, meeting facilities for the public and dining options for both tenants and the public. The COCHI funding is a much-appreciated contribution towards our capital costs.”

"Our community is working together to build affordable housing, to build homes,” said Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor. The dedicated team at the City’s social housing agency, Peterborough Housing Corporation, led a true community effort to build the $31.1-million, 85-unit second phase at Hunt Terraces that includes 65 community housing units and 20 market rent units.”

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Man In Stable Condition After Suffering Stabbing Injuries From Saturday Night Incident

A man is in stable condition after being stabbed in the Murray Street and Stewart Street area reported by the Peterborough Police Service on Monday.

At roughly 7:56 p.m. on Saturday, Police received reports of the stabbing and located the victim. He was transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment and required surgery.

Police are currently investigating the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Lakers Impress With Best Offensive Showing of the Season With 16-7 Win Over Cobourg Kodiaks

The Peterborough Lakers complete the regular-season sweep of the Cobourg Kodiaks, defeating them in their best offensive game 16-7, at the Cobourg Community Centre on Sunday night.

The Lakers have swept the Kodiaks this regular season in four matchups, outscoring them 50-33 in the series. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The win was a rebound from Thursday’s 9-8 overtime loss to the Chiefs. Six Nations clinched first place after beating the Lakers.

“It’s definitely a good win and we have playoffs coming up,” said Blake McDonald, Lakers defender. “It feels good to get a big win after a tough loss the other night so we’re back on track and will hopefully continue to play like this going forward.”

Peterborough asserted their dominance early with four goals to open the period. Both teams traded two goals apiece after that run but the Lakers wind up with a 6-2 lead after the first period with six different goal scorers. McDonald scored his first goal of the season 5:03 into the game.

The second frame was practically a repeat of the first. Peterborough had another six-goal period to Cobourg’s three. Taite Cattoni rounded off a hat trick with less than 14 seconds in the frame, scoring two goals in the second. Peterborough led 12-5 going into the final stanza.

Peterborough held Cobourg in check again, allowing only a goal to being and end the period. They found the back of the net four straight times between Cobourg’s goals. Lakers’s Holden Cattoni is keeping pace to win this year’s scoring title, tacking on his 24th and 25th of the season in back-to-back scores of those four goals. The defending Mann Cup champions left Cobourg with a 16-7 victory and got a series four-game sweep of the Kodiaks in the regular season.

Drew Hutchinson snagged the win in net for the Lakers, stopping 38 shots, moving to a 4-2 record.

Peterborough will play Brooklin L.C. twice in a home-and-home back-to-back series to round out their regular season. The Lakers will hit the road Wednesday to begin the two-game stretch and finish out at home at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Riverside Respite, Jenn's Wine Crush, Innovation Cluster and Peterborough Chamber

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Tammy Fraley is the owner and operator of Riverside Respite, a day program for individuals with developmental disabilities, whether high functioning or high needs.

Fraley has just settled into a new space to call home, at 192 Hunter St. W. in Peterborough, a 3,000 square foot space with everything needed to offer all the life skills activities during their Day Program from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, they are now also able to offer overnight stays whether it is for a night or a weekend. There is an open house on July 29 from noon to 4 p.m. at 192 Hunter St. or check out their website riverside-respite.ca.

Jennifer Scudds-Carleton is an advanced sommelier with a passion for sharing her knowledge.

Jenn’s Wine Crush is her Peterborough-based business, offering elegant wine tastings, focusing specifically on Canadian wines that are often considered hidden gems. Whether it’s a corporate gathering, a social event or a private celebration, Jenn's Wine Crush offers a personalized touch to wine tastings. She can also host your gathering in the Crush Lounge, an exclusive and intimate venue where wine enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the world of Canadian wines, guided by Jenn's expertise and passion. Check it all out at jennswinecrush.com or all over social media.

Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas recently welcomed Barry Payne as its latest Expert in Residence.

Barry is a seasoned entrepreneur and a champion of Indigenous business development, and Barry’s appointment is a testament to the Innovation Cluster's commitment to extending the reach of its entrepreneurship programs to Indigenous communities. Barry will provide mentoring to clients, helping them navigate government funding, optimize networking and offer business advice. For details visit innovationcluster.ca.

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is now selling booth space for The Local Show, a unique opportunity for local Chamber Members to showcase their products and services.

The Local Show will be held on Sept. 16 in Lansdowne Place Mall from 10 a.m. – 6. p.m. The Show also features The Hiring Hub, which brings together eight leading employment organizations, and The PK Chamber will also kick off an exciting auction sale featuring items exclusively sourced from local businesses. A few of the items will be auctioned live at the show, with the auction continuing online for two weeks.

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Family Hosts Memorial Golf Tournament To Honour Their Five-Year-Old Son Passing Away From Golf Cart Accident

UPDATED: 9 p.m. 23-07-23

A tragic golf cart incident that resulted in the life of five-year-old William Gardner has got his family to create a memorial golf tournament to honour him at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort.

(from left to right) Elizabeth, Aurora, William and Matt Gardner. The family had lived overseas for the past 15 years and often came back during the summer season. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Gardner.

The William Rock Gardner Golf Memorial tournament in Keene is slated for July 29 and will run from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with prizes and draws from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The incident occurred a year ago. The Gardner family and their two friends were at the lower half of Bellemere to play sports and at the splash pad. They were travelling in a golf cart going downhill as it started to accelerate with the brakes failing.

After the cart swayed out of control, it flipped and ejected all the passengers onto the roadside according to Elizabeth Gardner, William’s mother. He sustained massive head trauma and was airlifted to SickKids Hospital. The parents and their friends had sustained injuries (with the latter taking the year off to recover) from the incident and were treated at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC). His seven-year-old sister Aurora was unharmed during the accident but had feelings of guilt and shame as the only sibling to survive said Elizabeth.

“Our family at that time knew everything was changing and I laid on the roadside trying to keep him breathing,” she explained.

All photos courtesy of Elizabeth Gardner.

The family visited William at SickKids and made the difficult decision to let him go due to the severe brain damage he suffered.

“After saying goodbye to William, both my husband and I were admitted to Peterborough Hospital due to our injuries,” explained Elizabeth. “I ended up staying in Peterborough Hospital for over a month recovering and planning my son’s funeral.”

Despite the unfortunate series of events, the family bears no ill will towards anyone and is grateful for the care that they received.

“Sick Kids Hospital and Peterborough Regional Health Centre were extremely supportive during our darkest days,” explained Elizabeth. “These golf tournaments will be in support of both of those institutions.”

The police report determined that the mishap was an accident due to the golf cart’s malfunction according to Elizabeth. Bellemere Winds had offered their golf resort to host the memorial tournament.

“We are still devastated from everything but cannot thank the Bellmere owners enough for pushing for this golf tournament,” said Elizabeth. “We are thankful we can honour William, as memories and events like these keep him alive.”

William was three weeks short of celebrating his fifth birthday upon his passing. He was entering kindergarten that September.

“He was a little boy with a great sense of humour and loved to run around in his bare feet,” said Elizabeth. “William loved all kids and above all loved playing with anybody but especially his sister Aurora.”

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City Of Peterborough Posts Transportation Master Plan With Review Period Open Until Aug. 21

The Transportation Master Plan, now known as Move PTBO, has been posted for an official review period from July 20 to Aug. 21, announced by The City of Peterborough on Friday.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The review is required under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process as stated by The City. Council approved in principle the study recommendations on March 28.

The Plan is a long-range, strategic document to help guide the future of transportation city-wide according to a press release. It includes recommendations for the transportation network and an implementation strategy to support growth and mobility needs for the year 2051.

The study goals, as identified through extensive consultation in the development of the study are:

• Develop a well-rounded transportation system to support the growth and prosperity of the City

• Connect the City, regional and provincial transportation systems

• Encourage sustainable modes of travel and contribute to healthier and liveable communities

• Support the movement of people and goods through an efficient multi-modal system to meet all needs

The study is available online or can be viewed in hard copy at City Hall, 500 George St. N.

All comments during the study review period are added to the public record, excluding personal information. Written comments can be sent to:

• Vinod Soman, Transportation Senior Project Manager, City of Peterborough, 500 George St. N., Peterborough, Ontario K9H 3R9, 705-742-7777 ext. 1749, MovePTBO@peterborough.ca 

• Brett Sears, Senior Project Manager Transportation Planning and Science, WSP Canada Inc., 289-982-4751, MovePTBO@peterborough.ca

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Community Rallies For Omemee Family With Teen Diagnosed With Cancerous Brain Tumour; GoFundMe Set Up To Help Offset Costs

Omemee and 16-year-old Angela Brooks is in the fight of their life as she is undergoing chemotherapy for a brain tumour revealed to be a cancerous suprasellar germinoma.

A GoFundMe goal of $15,000 has been set up to help cover costs such as travel, home expenses and wages lost due to Brooks’s mother going on critical illness leave for the past four months to take care of her two sisters and one brother.

Just under $13,000 has been donated from the community to help in Brooks’s GoFundMe page. Photo courtesy of Ashley Megan.

Brooks has been ill for two years with her brain tumour discovered in April. When her biopsy revealed that it was a cancerous suprasellar germinoma, Brooks had to undergo 12 rounds of chemotherapy and two-and-a-half weeks of radiation over the next five months in Toronto at SickKids Hospital according to the GoFundMe page. The family has had to regularly travel back and forth between Toronto and Omemee to monitor Brooks’s health.

Earlier this month, Brooks had a septic infection from her peripherally inserted central catheter line and was hospitalized at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

She was able to come home after spending two weeks in the hospital but could not receive chemotherapy until her blood count went back up. Once it does, Brooks could handle more chemotherapy sessions according to her mother, Ashley Megan. She was due for her final stage of chemotherapy last Monday had everything went to plan.

Megan reported that Brooks’s counts were up on Wednesday on her Facebook account. The teen could get her 11th round of chemo as a result. Brooks is nearing all cancer treatment including radiation.

The GoFundMe created by Mat Wood has raised almost $13,000 of the $15,000 goal with 119 donations. It began back in April and is expected to run into August.

“The family has lost count of how many times they have had to stay in Toronto to be by Angela’s side in her fight,” said Wood. “It has been a long, hard, and emotional road for this family.”

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Caley's Crease Earns Sponsorship Naming Rights For Kinsmen Twin-Pad Arena

Retail sports store Caley’s Crease has earned the sponsorship naming rights for the Kinsmen Civic Centre west twin-pad arena at 1 Kinsmen Way on Sherbrooke Street, announced by The City of Peterborough on Friday.

In recent years, the City has invested in the infrastructure at the Kinsmen Civic Centre, which is expected to extend the life of the facility for another 20-plus years. Photo courtesy of Caley’s Crease.

“The City of Peterborough is pleased to welcome the new sponsor at the Kinsmen Civic Centre which is also leasing space for a sports store that offers services to Kinsmen Civic Centre users as well as customers from the broader community,” said Heather Stephens, City of Peterborough recreation programs and partnerships manager.

Caley’s Crease sells hockey and lacrosse equipment while specializing in hockey goalie equipment. The storefront can be accessed from both inside Kinsmen Civic Centre as well as from a separate exterior entrance.

“Caleys Crease is excited to grow and expand in the community by adding our second location at the Kinsmen Civic Centre,” said Colin Caley of Caley’s Crease. “In addition to naming rights to an ice pad, Caleys Crease offers the Kinsmen Civic Centre a new pro shop offering skate sharpening and equipment sales to users.”

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Peterborough Lakers Lose Close Game With Six Nations in Overtime 9-8; Chiefs Clinch First Place

The Peterborough Lakers and Six Nations Chiefs played a close and chippy game but the visitors came out on top and clinch first place with a 9-8 overtime win at the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) on Thursday night.

Johnny “Shooter” Davis performed the the ceremonial faceoff to commemorate and honour the 1973 Mann Cup CHampion Lakers with their 50th anniversary of their title win. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The ceremonial faceoff featured members of the 1973 Mann Cup Champion Lakers that recognize the 50th anniversary of their title win.

The visitors quickly quieted the PMC as one of the league’s top scorers Lyle Thompson, drew first blood seven seconds in for a 1-0 lead. The league leader in goals Holden Cattoni was not to be outdone as he got Peterborough on the board just over five-and-a-half minutes later. Sam LeClair pulled Six Nations ahead on the powerplay and kept that 2-1 lead into the second period.

Six Nations kept putting on the pressure, beating Lakers goalie Landon Kells twice to extend their lead 4-1. Peterborough was able to capitalize on their special teams with a pair of power play goals. That was part of a four-goal run to end the period and get their first lead of the game, 5-4.

The third period was a seesaw battle between both teams as neither team was able to score consecutive goals. The edge went to Six Nations as Thompson scored two goals in the frame for a hat trick. The game was tied at eight and overtime was needed to settle things.

Thompson, just as he scored first in the first and third period comes up big again for Six Nations as he was able to throw a bouncing shot past Kells for the 9-8 win and a first-place clinch.

Things got physical with the teams after the goal as they were pushing and shoving each other for several minutes. The scuffle occurred after Six Nation’s Eric Fannell shoved Robert Hope aside with his forearm to celebrate the goal with his teammates and the latter confronted the Chief immediately after the contact.

Both teams eventually stopped and went through the handshake line.

The win puts Six Nations six points ahead of the Lakers while owning the tiebreaker to seal up first place for the regular season. The Lakers have three games left including back-to-back games against the third-place Brooklin L.C. who are trying to overtake Peterborough, trailing four points.

The Lakers play the Cobourg Kodiaks this Sunday on the road for their next game scheduled for 6 p.m.

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Trent University Hires Inaugural Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Dr. Rona Jualla van Oudenhoven has been appointed Trent University’s inaugural equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) effective this September, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Trent’s strength lies in our diversity, highlighting broad perspectives and diverse ways of learning, knowing, and discovery. Dr. Jualla van Oudenhoven’s appointment builds on our commitment to human rights, equity, diversity and inclusion and will amplify our ongoing initiatives in EDI,” said Stephanie Williams, Trent HR vice president. “The committee was impressed with Rona’s depth of knowledge and experience in implementing equity, diversity, and inclusion strategic plans across campuses. She demonstrated a compelling ability and commitment to creating and supporting an inclusive and safe campus.”

Dr. Jualla van Oudenhoven will play a central role in all areas of human rights, equity, and accessibility across Trent’s campuses in Peterborough and Durham according to a press release. She will provide strategic leadership in developing and implementing EDI policies, programs, practices and a university-wide EDI action plan.

She will also aid in the recommendations of the University’s Anti-Racism Task Force and the Joint Report with the Trent University Faculty Association on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity forward in collaboration with departments across campus. 

“EDI can be very complex work, and at the same time, we can keep the underlying philosophy of equity for all quite simple, as a basic rights entitlement for everyone,” said Dr. Jualla van Oudenhoven. “In fact, the measure of any institution, person, or entity is visible in how we treat our most marginalized groups. This is EDI advocacy.”  

Dr. Jualla van Oudenhoven is currently the chief diversity officer at Radboud Universiteit in Nijmegen, Netherlands. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of West Indies with undergraduate specializations in psychology, management, and higher education.

Her doctoral research focused on violence studies and rights-based approaches to addressing inequities, forming a natural backdrop for her EDI work. She continued her professional development achieving certifications in project management, coaching, human rights theory and practice and restorative justice and is a Canadian-certified inclusion practitioner.

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