Central Smith Creamery's Third 'Fill the Truck' Campaign Collected 8,000 Pounds of Food and $8,000 For Kawartha Food Share

The third year of Central Smith Creamery’s ‘Fill the Truck’ campaign brought roughly 8,000 pounds of food and $8,000 cash donations for Kawartha Food Share (KFS) on Friday.

Central Smith Creamery Staff with Ashlee Aitken (far right). Two delivery trucks were need to collect and haul all the donations to KFS. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign had approximately 40 local businesses and organizations collect non-perishable goods and money from their respective communities since it was announced in late November. Goods and cash were collected from Nov. 27 to Dec. 14.

Central Smith had two delivery trucks collect the donated items on Friday and deliver them to Kawartha Food Share on the same day.

The list of drop-off locations for the ‘Fill the Truck’ campaign. Photo courtesy of Central Smith Creamery.

While the annual campaign is young, being in its third year, the participating businesses inquired about the campaign being run again before Central Smith had announced it according to Ian Scates, Central Smith president.

“They're already letting us know that they were keen and excited about contributing this year,” he said.

The excitement was a mutual feeling from Central Smith and its employees as well.

“It's the most fun day,” said Shannon Meagher, Central Smith inventory control coordinator. “We all really look forward to it. Everyone wants to participate.”

KFS typically sees an uptick in demand during the Christmas season and the extra donations help stretch that into the early months of the year says Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager.

“Post-pandemic, we're feeding anywhere from 10,000 to 12,000 people a month, sometimes in the winter, that goes up to about 15,000,” she said. “We'll do what we can and hope to alleviate some pressures for some families.”

Aitken concluded that KFS is always looking for volunteers especially during the holiday season.

“We need about 100 volunteers doing various jobs,” she explained. “We're always looking for help so if anyone's ever interested, just give our warehouse a call and we'll find a position that fits you well.”

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City of Peterborough To Acquire Calvary Pentecostal Church For Second Police Facility In $15 Million Deal; Deal to Close In February

The City of Peterborough is purchasing 1421 Lansdowne St. W. for Peterborough Police Service administrative offices, with the sale closing in February for $15 million, announced on Friday afternoon.

Pastor Michelle Mercer of Calvary Pentecostal Church (left), Chief Stuart Betts (Middle) and Mayor Jeff Leal (right) at one of the Peterborough Police Station’s conference rooms with the announcement. Calvary Pentecostal Church will remain in the new facility for up to five years as per the sale agreement. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Most police operations will remain at its downtown facility at 500 Water St., according to Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief.

“I strongly believe the presence of a police facility in the downtown area is a must,” he said. “There is no intention to leave the 500 Water Street location.  The current location at 500 Water St. will continue to be the base of operations and investigations.”

The former Johnston & Johnston Medical Products facility with the administrative offices and police training could include other future uses, such as the City of Peterborough municipal facility needs.

The property acquisition is a long-standing need to meet growing space requirements for policing in the community that is fiscally responsible and strategic according to Mayor Jeff Leal. He adds that his new facility aligns with his campaign slogan. ‘Building our Tomorrow Together.’

“A new police station was estimated to cost $68 million in 2017. The property and construction costs would be much higher today. With the former Johnston & Johnston property acquisition, we’re able to maintain the downtown police station on Water Street for police operations, add a second police facility for administrative and support services and have additional land and building space for other municipal needs,” said Leal. “Even with the future renovation costs, this is the most financially responsible path, addressing a critical need.”

“With the City of Peterborough purchase of this property, the Peterborough Police Service will have two locations. This is important as the city is growing and will continue to grow,” said Betts. “It is also the most fiscally responsible solution and is intended to meet the needs of the Police Service for decades. It’s expected that the costs of the renovations will be significantly less than the cost of a new-build facility. Securing this property and being respectful of financial constraints was important to me and the Police Services Board."

Renovations are expected to occur over the next few years, subject to City Council approval. They will also occur at the downtown police station, according to Betts. Estimates on facility renovations will be the subject of future reports and budget requests to Council according to a press release.

“Through the joint City-Police facility review process, the thinking on how to meet the need for a new facility for the Police Service evolved from where it started, which was to focus on one new building,” said Betts.

Calvary Pentecostal Church owns the 13.3-acre property with a building with about 106,000 sq. ft. of space.

“Calvary Church is pleased with the recent sale of our church property and is looking forward to how it will benefit all parties involved including the greater community,” said Calvary Church Pastor Michelle Mercer. “It has been a very positive experience working with the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Police Service through the negotiation process. We look forward to bright days ahead for Calvary Church and those overseeing the development of the city we are called to serve.”

The Church will use part of the building for up to five years as per the sale agreement while they transition into a new property (which has yet to be determined).

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Kenner Student Charged With Making Threats With a Knife During School Dance

A 14-year-old Kenner student faces several charges after an incident at a school dance on Thursday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 7:30 p.m., staff chaperones at a Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute winter dance discivered that a student had threatened several other students with a knife on a nearby trail.

The faculty located the students and took the suspect to an office; however, the boy refused to put the knife down. An officer arrived and asked the male to put the knife down. He did not comply until the officer pointed but did not discharge their Conducted Energy Weapon at the suspect. Officers were able to take him into custody without incident.

As a result of the investigation, a 14-year-old Peterborough male was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 8.

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Peterborough Petes Lose Close Battle With 3-2 Loss to Kingston Frontenacs

The Petes did not end the weekend as they wanted by taking a 2-1 loss despite 40 shots on net to the Ottawa 67’s at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Sunday.

The Peterborough Petes are 1-6 in the last seven games and have dropped to third in the East Division. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen Photography and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes were first to hit the scoreboard as Samuel Mayer quickly wristed it off the faceoff draw and Mason Vaccari for a 1-0 lead, 5:10 into the period. Kingston special teams would get them the lead as both Ethan Miedema and Jacob Battaglia scored on the power play each for a 2-1 lead. Peterborough would tie the game late in the first as Jax Dubois forced a turnover in the offensive zone, centred it for Johnathan Melee, who one-timed it home for a two-point night and a 2-2 game.

With no scoring in the second, both teams were trying to get the go-ahead goal in the third frame. Just less than three minutes in, Kingston peppered Zach Bowen and on the third rebound, Matthew Soto was able to chip it it for a 3-2 lead. The Petes outshot Kingston in the third period 11-9 but could not find the back of the net and lost six of their last seven games.

The Petes played their last game before their Christmas break and have two road games before returning to the ice on Dec. 28. They play the Guelph Storm on Friday and the Oshawa Generals on Sunday before their holidays.

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City of Peterborough Launches New Holiday Display Map

The City of Peterborough has launched a new interactive Holiday Display Map to celebrate the festive season with the community with outdoor lighting displays and decorations on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Community members and visitors are invited to explore neighbourhoods lit up for the holiday season using a guide created by the City’s Geomatics and Mapping program area.

Whatever holiday or celebration you are marking with your display, the City encourages everyone to share their festive spirit with the community.

Residents and businesses can submit their addresses to be included in the 2023 Holiday Lighting Map by uploading at least one photo and associated requested information through an online form.

Displays must be visible from a public location such as the street or sidewalk. Submissions to the map will be accepted until Jan.1.

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Alcohol To Be Available At Convenience, Grocery and Big Box Stores In Ontario Start No Later Than Jan. 1, 2026

Alcohol will be available to purchase at all participating convenience, grocery, and big box stores throughout the province beginning no later than Jan. 1, 2026, as announced by the Ontario Government in Etobicoke on Thursday morning.

Doug Ford, Ontario Premier (left) and Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario Minister of Finance (right) making the announcement at a convenience store in Etobicoke. Screenshot.

Alcohol such as beer, wine, cider, coolers, seltzers and other low-alcohol ready-to-drink beverages are at all participating conveniences, grocery stores and big box stores across the province. Spirits such as vodka, whiskey, gin, etc., will continue to be sold at the LCBO, according to Premier Doug Ford.

“We made a promise to the people of Ontario to deliver more choice and convenience,” he said. “Today, we’re delivering on that promise. There’s no reason why Ontario consumers shouldn’t enjoy the same convenient shopping experience as Canadians in every other province when buying some wine for their holiday party or a case of beer or seltzers on their way to the cottage.”

Roughly 8,500 participating stores are participating in the expansion of alcohol being sold in new outlets.

The provincial government has informed Brewers Retail Inc. (The Beer Store) that the Master Framework Agreement (MFA), signed and extended for a decade by the previous government in 2015, limited the number of retail stores that could be authorized to sell alcohol, will not be renewed after it expires on Dec. 31, 2025 according to a press release. However, The Beer Store and LCBO is continuing their retail operations in Ontario’s new marketplace.

“The people of Ontario will soon have more choice and convenience on where they can buy alcohol,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “As we move towards implementing this expansion, our government will be taking a responsible, measured approach so we can ensure our transition to a new marketplace is smooth, safe and stable.”

The government’s approach also includes the following initiatives as stated in a press release:

• Competitive pricing: Ontario will introduce competitive pricing to all private retailers to promote competition and a better deal for consumers. LCBO retail stores will maintain consistent pricing across the province to help ensure consumers do not pay more based on where they live, including in rural and northern Ontario. As they do in other provinces, retailers can set promotional prices consistent with relevant regulations. Minimum pricing policies will remain in effect to preserve standards for responsible consumption.

• Pack sizes: Ontario is removing restrictions and exclusivities on pack sizes. Consumers will be able to purchase any pack size, including 12-packs, 24-packs or even 30-packs, as is popular in Quebec of beer, cider and ready-to-drink alcohol beverages at convenience, grocery and big box stores, in addition to the LCBO and The Beer Store.

• Recycling program: The Beer Store has agreed to continue to run the provincewide recycling program for alcoholic beverage containers until at least 2031 as part of a transition period in the new marketplace. This program, which is well-liked and convenient for consumers with hundreds of locations across the province, helps keep costs down for producers and consumers while helping to protect the environment by diverting significant amounts of waste from landfills. The government will consult with retailers and industry stakeholders on the future of recycling and deposit returns to ensure this important feature is maintained beyond 2031.

• Support for local beverage alcohol producers: Ontario will provide a range of transitional and time-limited supports to Ontario-based producers to help with the transition to a more open marketplace, including:

  • Extending dedicated shelf space requirements across all new retailers for craft producers to provide opportunities for small producers to compete

  • Immediately enhancing the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) Wine Support Program beginning in 2024-25 for up to five years to 2028-29 to support the growth and sale of Ontario-grown VQA wines

  • Extending the Wine Marketing Fund and the Small Cidery and Small Distillery Support Program for up to five years

  • Supporting local economic development by directing the LCBO to promote and prioritize Ontario-made products, producers and workers by providing more and enhanced programs, promotions and strategies to help local producers grow Ontario product sales

  • Establishing a wine and grape industry sector table between government and industry partners

  • Introducing legislation that will, if passed, eliminate the 6.1 per cent wine basic tax at on-site winery retail stores, making Ontario’s tax regime competitive with other provinces, including British Columbia

• Social responsibility: The government is providing an additional $10 million over five years in funding to the Ministry of Health to support social responsibility and public health efforts to ensure alcohol continues to be sold and consumed safely in the expanded marketplace. Existing requirements related to staff training, minimum pricing, hours of sale and warning signs will be maintained and applied to all new retail outlets.

• Wholesale: The LCBO will be the exclusive wholesaler for all retail, bars and restaurants selling alcohol and will offer consumers an extensive array of choices, including domestic and imported products. This structure will continue to offer the benefits of the LCBO’s world-leading purchasing power and economies of scale and ensures sector stability, including maintaining an important employment footprint across Ontario and a significant revenue stream for government so that it can continue to invest in critical frontline services like health care and education. The province is proud of its LCBO workforce and will continue to support them through this transition.

• Distribution: The LCBO will continue to work with producers and retailers to distribute wine and spirits in an expanded marketplace, including retail stores, bars and restaurants. The Beer Store has agreed to maintain its primary role in the distribution of beer to retailers, bars and restaurants until at least 2031 as part of the transition period, helping to provide stability to the sector and frontline workers. The province will also permit more flexible distribution models for small producers.

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United Way Reaches 63 Per Cent of Its $1.45 Million Fundraising Goal

United Way Peterborough & District has reached 63 per cent of its $1.45 million 2023 Community Campaign fundraising goal, announced at Peterborough Public Health (PPH) on Thursday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“For 82 years United Way has facilitated a community campaign to meet the current and emerging needs in Peterborough,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “This years campaign builds on that tradition of giving and public goodwill.”

The $1.45 million is a 10 per cent increase from last year’s goal, according to Russell.

“We are happy to update today on the success so far and the need to meet our goal, a goal which is 10 per cent higher than last year’s achievement and a goal that is based on the need in the community,” he said. “We are well on our way to meeting that goal but there is still time to give so that we can invest in building a strong, healthy and inclusive community for us all.”

During the media event, Peterborough Public Health donated $11,756.25 to United Way as part of its 2023 Workplace Campaign.

“The diverse projects served by United Way Peterborough address critical issues affecting the health and wellness of members of our community,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH’s medical officer of health. “It was an honour to support this year’s tremendously successful campaign and my congratulations to all those who participated for the important funds that have been raised for our community.” said Piggott.

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Hometown PTBO: Author Scott Kalbfleisch About Growing Up With Encephalitis And Its Connection To His New Book, "The Story of a Goat"

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with with author Scott Kalbfleisch about his new publication, "The Story of a Goat" and growing up with encephalitis and how his condition is linked to the book.

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Douro-Dummer Man Faces Drug Possession Charges After Vehicle Stop

A 20-year-old Township of Douro-Dummer man is facing drug possession charges after a traffic stop early Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At approximately 3 a.m., general patrol officers noticed suspicious activity involving two vehicles in the McDonnel Street and Reid Street area and conducted a vehicle stop. The officer noticed signs of drug use in the car and the driver was taken into custody.

Officers seized the following:

• Cocaine- 108.9 grams

• Fentanyl- 66.9 grams

• Several types of pills

The Douro-Dummer man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Opioid

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Cocaine

• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking - Other Drugs

• Possession of a Schedule II substance - Other drugs

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

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Peterborough County Declares Intimate Partner Violence An Epidemic

Peterborough County Council has formally approved a resolution to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough County is now one of over 30 Municipalities in Ontario to declare IPV an epidemic.

The Council resolution reads:

Therefore Be It Resolved That the Council of the County of Peterborough declare intimate partner violence an epidemic; and That the recommendations from the Renfrew County Coroner’s Inquest be referred to staff for consideration and, where appropriate, integrated within the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan; and That a copy of this motion be sent to The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Sylvia Jones, M.P.P, Minister of Health, Dave Smith, MPP, Peterborough-Kawartha, David Piccini, MPP, Northumberland-Peterborough South and Laurie Scott, MPP, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock.

“Peterborough County recognizes the urgent need for action on Intimate Partner Violence in our area and across Ontario. With this declaration, we acknowledge the immediate threat this crisis poses to the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents and commit to supporting measures to address this issue,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “Through solidarity, effective policies focused on survivors, and collective action at all levels of government and society, we can create a safer community for all.”

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