Water Sample Courier Service Paused For Winter Season

Peterborough Public Health (PPH), the Municipality of Trent Lakes and the Township of North Kawartha have paused their joint well water sample drop-off program for the winter.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The final date for county residents to drop off their samples at the North Kawartha Municipal Office and the Trent Lakes Municipal Office is Nov. 30.

The free well water sample drop-off service returns on the first week of April. During the winter months, residents can continue to drop off their samples at the following locations:

• Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St., Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays

• Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Dr., Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St., Havelock between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday.

PPH says it is essential to test well water several times throughout the year. It is recommended to test the water twice per year for a drilled well. For a dug well, the recommendation is four times per year.

“Even when the ground is frozen, contamination may be present. Sampling water from your well is the best way to ensure that the water is free of pathogens, which can cause illness if consumed,” said Chris Eaton, PPH public health inspector. “We look forward to resuming our courier service with the municipalities in the spring so it’s easier for residents to submit well water for testing.”

Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli which indicates the water has been contaminated with fecal material, which can contain disease-causing microbes. These can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water but the young, elderly and immuno-compromised are at a higher risk.

After samples are submitted, residents will receive water quality results by mail or call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426.

For interpretation of the test results or to find out how to test for contaminants other than total coliforms or E. coli, please call Peterborough Public Health’s Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 240 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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Third-Annual Darkness to Light Event Brings Community Members Impacted By Suicide Together In Sunrise Gathering

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosting its third-annual Darkness To Light for community members impacted by suicide and overdose on Dec. 21 at Rogers Cove.

Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

The outdoor sunrise gathering marks brighter days ahead after the solstice which is the day with the smallest amount of daylight.

Julie Brown — who led last year’s event — is returning to lead the group with a message of support and a moment of silence as the sun rises on the winter solstice morning.

The event will be rain, snow or shine and is free to attend thanks to the support of Seven Hills Developments. Those wishing to attend can show up the morning of the event but are encouraged to pre-register. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 7:30 a.m. as sunrise is expected at 7:45 a.m.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling with bereavement. After feedback about how impactful the last two ceremonies have been, we are glad to be able to offer once again some comfort for people impacted by suicide and overdose in our community,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “All are welcome to join us at Rogers Cove on the morning of December 21st and we would encourage people to come for 7:30 a.m., have a coffee and join us in a moment of silence as the sun rises over the lake.”

Donations can be made to the event and proceeds support the Suicide Bereavement work at Hospice Peterborough.

“Our community has been significantly impacted by suicide and overdose and we hope that this gathering will help create a space where those directly touched can come together for a quiet moment,” said Julie Brown.

“We are very grateful to GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation and Seven Hills Developments for enabling this event to take place again and offering the opportunity for people impacted by suicide and overdose deaths to come together in this meaningful, safe way,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director.

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Former Peterborough Laker Tracey Kelusky Inducted Into the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame

Former Peterborough Laker and four-time Mann Cup champion Tracey Kelusky has been officially inducted into the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Class of 2023.

Kelusky was one of five inductees for this year’s Hall of Fame. He joins Steve Dietrich, Bob Watson, William (Bill) Hutton and Larry Loyd. They were nominated in early August.

He won four Mann Cup Champions with the Lakers in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2012.

“Growing up in Peterborough, Ontario... To hear my name has been announced into the Hall of Fame is humbling and certainly something I'm proud of,” said Kelusky.

Kelusky was a top-three scorer during his Junior A career from 1994 to 1996. He was awarded the Ontario Lacrosse Association’s Junior ‘A’ League’s Top Defensive Player in 1996.

He was drafted first overall in the National Lacrosse League in 2000 to the now-defunct Columbus Landsharks (who became the Arizona Sting in 2004 and disbanded in 2008). He was named Rookie of the Year and a Second-Team All-Star in 2001, a First-Team All-Star in 2002-2004 and named the MVP in 2003. He won the NLL Champions Cup with the Calgary Roughnecks in 2004 and 2009.

This is not Kelusky's first rodeo into being immortalized as he was inducted into the NLL’s Hall of Fame in 2016. Kelusky is the head coach of the Panther City Lacrosse Club in Texas.

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Peterborough DBIA Brings Back Holiday Shopping Passport For Downtown Shopping Rewards

The Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) shopping rewards are back, launching the Holiday Shopping Passport with a grand prize of a $1,500 Boro gift card, effective immediately.

Last year’s program saw shoppers stamp more than $2.3 million worth of Holiday Shopping Passports. Every $100 that you spend locally, up to $48 stays in our community, compared to just $14 when you shop at big box stores according to the DBIA. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Passports are available at over 140 participating shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants and cafes in downtown Peterborough. A passport stamp is earned for every $10 spent at participating locations. Free stamps are available at the Peterborough Public Library, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitors Centre and the DBIA office.

Early Bird prizes of $500 Boro gift card are available with the draw dates on Dec. 6, 13 and 20. The final grand prize draw is on Jan. 10 with a $1,500 Boro gift card shopping spree grand prize.

New this year, the DBIA is hosting a Holiday Boro Card Bonanza where 12 shoppers will be gifted a $25 Boro gift card just for shopping downtown. The DBIA will randomly draw 12 downtown shop locations to host weekly Boro card giveaways this week.

“DBIA is hyper-focused on incentivizing downtown shopping this holiday season. We understand that supporting local requires intention and effort, and this year we are finding new and delightful ways to attract and retain holiday shoppers,” said Hillary Flood, DBIA vibrancy manager. “Holiday shopping in The Boro offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience filled with historic charm and hospitality that you just can’t replicate on Amazon. Now more than ever we need to shop with intent, because when you shop locally your money directly supports our community rather than a big corporation.”

Shop owners are challenged to design a store window in honour of the Aurora Borealis for a chance to win Top Window of the season during this year’s annual Holiday Window Contest.

Downtown patrons can vote online for their favourite storefronts from Nov. 20 to Dec. 31.

The City of Peterborough is providing free two-hour parking downtown beginning on Nov. 24 to encourage downtown holiday shopping until the end of December (courtesy of Wolfe Lawyers).

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Lansdowne Place Release Holiday Event Lineup Beginning Nov. 18

UPDATE: 2:14 p.m. 13/11/23

Lansdowne Place has released its holiday lineup activities involving Santa Claus and Black Friday beginning on Saturday.

File Photo.

“This year’s holiday lineup at Lansdowne Place inspires holiday memories and embraces the spirit of giving," said Patrick Fleurantin, Lansdowne Place marketing manager. “From interactive Santa experiences and photos, to unparalleled holiday shopping and family-friendly activities, our events are created for our guests and community to enjoy.”

Visit Lansdowne Place for events including:

• Storytime with Santa - Every Wednesday, beginning Nov. 22 through Dec. 13, families are invited for Storytime with Santa to enjoy timeless holiday tales by the fireplace. This family-friendly event is free for all to attend. To welcome Santa, Lansdowne Place will host a special Storytime with Santa event, PJ and Pancakes, on Saturday beginning at 8:30 a.m., which will include storytime following Santa’s descent from the chimney and a pancake breakfast. Registration for PJs and Pancakes is $10 per child, with all proceeds supporting the Peterborough Humane Society. Register for a timeslot by visiting landsdowneplace.com.

• Photos with Santa – At Center Court from Saturday through December 24, guests can visit Santa’s Cottage and capture their special holiday moments.

• Silent Santa - Santa photo opportunities for those with sensory sensitivities will be available every Sunday beginning Sunday through Dec. 3, starting at 10 a.m. before the centre opens. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Autism Ontario.

• Baby's First Christmas - Parents are welcome to bring infants born after Dec. 25, last year, for a Baby’s First Christmas photo experience with Santa, including a complimentary 5x7 photo. Baby’s First Christmas occurs every Monday from Nov. 20 through Dec. 18.

• Paws n’ Claus - Every Tuesday and Thursday evening from Nov. 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., guests are invited to bring their pets for photos with Santa. Lansdowne Place will be accepting pet toys and treats onsite for donation to the Humane Society.

• Black Friday - Lansdowne Place will be open for extended hours on Black Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 24.

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Owen Beck's Four Assists Helps Peterborough Escape With 5-4 Overtime Win Over Brantford Bulldogs

Owen Beck’s four-assist night helped the Peterborough Petes get a 5-4 victory over the Brantford Bulldogs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday night.

The Petes sit in first place in the East division with 22 points. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Brantford struck first as Petes goaltender Liam Sztuska made a glove save but could not corral the puck and Florian Xhekaj jammed the puck in for a 1-0 lead 2:11 into the period. The Petes were able to counter on the power play as Tommy Purdeller passed it to Sam McHue in the slot and tipped it in for a 1-1 tie.

Brantford’s Nick Lardis went on a tear on his former team as he opened the period with two goals to give the Bulldogs a 3-1 lead. He scored twice, 33 seconds in and ten seconds apart.

Anaheim Ducks prospect Konnor Smith wanted to get on the score sheet as he took a pass from outside the faceoff circle, crept in with a wrister and sniped it past Matteo Drobac to put the Petes within one. The shot was initially called no goal but further review deemed the puck in. Peterborough kept up the pressure as Beck won the faceoff and Samuel Mayer immediately one-timed it past Drobac to tie the game at three. Peterborough was not done yet as they had an odd-man rush with Purdeller and Beck. The latter one-timed it but Drobac made the save however the puck was loose and Chase Lefebvre cashed in on the rebound and gave the Petes their first lead of the night, 4-3.

In the third period, the Petes tried to hold on to their lead but had to go on the penalty kill just over halfway through. Brantford capitalized as Patrick Thomas made a cross-crease pass and Maren Vanacker one-timed it home to tie it up a four apiece and the game required overtime to settle things.

The extra frame saw Cole Brown of Brantford commit a tripping penalty and the Petes had a four-on-three powerplay. They made no mistake as Donovan McCoy made a one-timed shot from the point. The shot was blocked but Mayer was able to pick up the loose change and bury it past Drobac for a 5-4 win.

The Petes play again on the road Thursday against the North Bay Battalion at the North Bay Memorial Gardens. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Chocolate Rabbit, Planet Renovations, JA-NEO and Innovation Cluster

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…

The Chocolate Rabbit recently hung a ‘Coming Soon’ sign at 72 Hunter St. in East City.

The Chocolate Rabbit is already a well-known stop in Lakefield and Bancroft, and owners Elaine and Scot Webster and their family promise more of their popular Handcrafted Swiss Chocolate treats, loose-leaf tea, gifts and more. Watch for an opening soon as East City continues its exciting commercial growth.

Peter DeSanto and David Whan are planning the launch of a new design center for their company - Planet Renovations.

Located at 71 Princess St. in Peterborough, the design center is meant to inspire contractors, designers and customers to dream big. PDeSanto brings 40 years of construction, project management and home improvement experience. Whan is an avid woodworker with 25 years of experience in the kitchen and bath renovation sector. Planet Renovations offers everything from general contracting to complete interior, exterior and commercial renovations.

Nominations are now open for Junior Achievement - Northern and Eastern Ontario’s 2024 Business Hall of Fame for both Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes!

Nominee candidates will look like esteemed members of the community, widely respected for their business acumen, integrity, and contributions to the community. Nominations close Nov. 24. Nomination forms can be found online at ja-neo.org.

The Innovation Cluster recently announced a strategic partnership with PORCH, an exclusive community dedicated to empowering immigrant entrepreneurs by providing resources, events, and a community platform designed to address their unique challenges.

The collaboration will focus on mutual referrals, joint event collaborations, and a combined marketing effort, all designed to maximize the reach and impact of immigrant entrepreneurs. It’s a great partnership and you can find out more at innovationcluster.ca.

“Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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Community Care Peterborough Launches Circle of Care Planned Giving Initiative After $91,500 Ontario Trillium Grant

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has launched its new Circle of Care initiative to promote planned giving options after a $91,500 Resilient Communities Fund grant by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) announced on Friday.

Andy Stevenson (left) and Peter Darling (right) are founding members of the Circle of Care Program as they marvel at the newly unveiled donor wall. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The grant was awarded last year and allows Circle of Care to promote planned giving options to support CCP’s programs and services throughout the city and County of Peterborough according to a press release.

“Community Care does so much for seniors, their families and for adults with physical challenges,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “We recognize that this funding from OTF and the provincial government will allow the successful launch of the New Circle of Care Initiative will allow donors to contribute for years to come.”

The grant allowed CCP to engage planned giving experts, work with their expanded donor relations and communications team to design a new database system. It also guided the group in developing two newsletters showcasing each of its founding members and sharing valuable information with donors about how everyone can leave a legacy.

“Planned giving allows donors to leave a legacy,” said Danielle Belair, CCP executive director. “If a donor has been supporting our organization for years, making a bequest in their will is a powerful way to leave a lasting impact.”

The Circle of Care initiative unveiled a wall with three plaques displaying the program, its donors and members (including founding members).

“We have wanted to build our planned giving program because it is such an effective way to secure Community Care’s future and build stable revenue that allow us to continue scaling up our programs to meet the future needs of clients,” said Belair. “I want to personally thank Peter Darling and Andy Stevenson for letting us share their personal experiences with CCP with the public.”

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Fleming Phoenix Roundup: Nov. 8 - 9

The Fleming Phoenix shined in its 39th annual Loggersports competition however their volleyball and basketball teams could not yield the same results.

The Fleming Phoenix logo was unveiled for the college on Sept. 8, replacing the Fleming Knight. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The Fleming Phoenix men’s basketball team was on the road on Saturday and had a rough time with the Centennial Colts, getting trounced 84-59.

The top scorers were Jesean Wilson with 23 points, Deondre Goodman-Ottey with 10 points and Miyake Ugbogbo with nine points.

The next game is at home against the Georgian Grizzlies at 7 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.

The Fleming Phoenix Loggersports team saw great success as the event hosted over 125 athletes in events such as log decking, pole climbing, axe throwing, chain saw cutting and water boiling.

The Phoenix results are as follows:

• Flemings Men’s A Team – First Overall

Team members: Scott Gauer, Ethan Johnston, Kaden Bulmer, Tristan Godin-Mercer, Thomas Switzer, Brayden Holubowsky, Mitchell Blackman

• Flemings Women’s A Team – First Overall

Team members: Sarah D'Hondt, Madelyn McInnes, Mattea Miller-Evans, Joanna Bronson, Rory Lauckner, Maggie Hope, Katrina Leslie

• Flemings Men’s A Team – First in:

  • Log Decking – full team

  • Pole Climb – Thomas Switzer

  • Pulp Throw – full team

  • Standing Block – Scott Gauer & Ethan Johnston

  • Swede Saw – full team

• Flemings Women’s A Team – First in:

  • Axe Throwing – Sarah D’Hondt – perfect score of 100

  • Log Decking - full team

  • Single Buck - Madelyn McInnes

  • Standing Block – Sarah D’Hondt and Madelyn McInnes

  • Super swede – Rory Lauckner

The Loggersports teams will next compete in March next year when they travel to McGill University.

The men’s and women’s Fleming Phoenix volleyball teams travelled to Belleville to take on the Loyalist Lancers on Wednesday.

The men’s team lost the match, three sets to one. The Phoenix lost two sets with scores of 25-19 and 25-23 and won one 25-17. The Phoenix lost the fourth set with a score of 25-22.

The women’s team lost all three sets to the Lancers with scores of 25-20, 25-8 and 25-5.

Both teams host the Seneca Sting at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre this Saturday. The women play at 1 p.m. and the men at 3 p.m.

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14-Year-Old Teen Facing Multiple Charges Including Assault, Possession of Weapon and Uttering Threats

A 14-year-old Peterborough teen is facing a number of charges after an incident Thursday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 10:50 a.m., officers were called to a residence in the Milroy Drive and Rowberry Boulevard area. A verbal dispute had escalated, resulting in a woman allegedly being choked, verbally threatened and a knife brandished at her by the teen. A second woman was also allegedly verbally threatened.

Officers and K9 Gryphon made several attempts to take the teen into custody but he continued to be agitated and came at officers with a knife. As a result, an officer deployed their Conducted Energy Weapon and the male was taken into custody without further incident.

The 14-year-old Peterborough male was arrested and charged with:

• Overcome Resistance by Attempting to Choke, Suffocate or Strangle another Person

• Assault with A Weapon

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm X2

The accused is held in custody and will appear in court on Friday.

Under the Youth Criminal Justice Code, the name of a young person cannot be released.

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