Peterborough County Accepting Nominations For 2024 Community Recognition Awards

Nominations are open for the Peterborough 2024 Community Recognition Awards for any resident or group in the County of Peterborough who has raised the profile or made an extraordinary contribution to the community, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The County notes that any nominee cannot receive a County of Peterborough Recognition Award for a similar category within the last fifteen years.

Unless otherwise indicated, there shall be one award for each Township in each category noted below.

• Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business who has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award.)

• Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in his/her professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations.)

• Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors that will be used to assess the nomination will include such items as innovations, agricultural promotion and the recognition brought to the County through its operation. It may include involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered

• Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award.)

• Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.

• Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:

  • Developed innovative green technologies or

  • Started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or

  • Donated conservation lands or easements or

  • Undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or

  • Educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or

  • Achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award.)

• Heritage Preservation: An individual or group who has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community, public or private organization which has reached a significant milestone such as the 100th anniversary of the organization is also eligible for this award. (Please note: Birthdays and anniversaries are recognized on an on-going basis as requested.) (One County-wide award.)

• Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.

• Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award.)

• Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.

Nomination forms are available throughout the County at the County of Peterborough office located at 470 Water St., Peterborough, from any Local Municipal Office, Township Fire Chiefs, local Police Service Boards, schools, libraries throughout the County, area Chambers of Commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be completed online.

Completed and signed nomination forms with supporting documents provided to the County Clerk up to and including March 1 are requested.

The Peterborough County Awards and Bursaries Committee will review the Nominations and make recommendations to County Council and will select and announce the recipients in April.

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Auto Connect Sales Raises Animal Adoption Awareness During the Holidays With Adopt Advent Calendar

Auto Connect Sales launched an animal adoption awareness campaign during the holidays with an ‘Adopt Advent Calendar’ to help the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) find homes for several pets.

Elias (left) was one of 25 animals showcased in the advent calendar and is having holiday fun with Watson (right). Photo by Mark Dizon.

There were 25 animals from PHS showcased in total, with one animal featured daily on Auto Connect’s Instagram account.

Of all the animals posted, 15 of the 25 pets found homes before Christmas according to a Facebook post.

“We didn’t get these animals adopted. I think the calendar helped get exposure to the Humane Society,” said Cheryl Watson of Auto Connect Sales. “I was very happy that idea was very well received. I think the community liked it.”

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Watson had the idea of starting the calendar after attending a PHS gala. Animals were present at the event for anyone attending to interact with.

“I fell in love with a dog and I couldn’t stop thinking about them,” explained Watson. “I thought I had to get this dog adopted. That was my goal.”

Auto Connect staff met with the animals at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre for a photo shoot for the advent calendar.

“It was such a magical day,” said Watson. “Everybody was having a fantastic time. The Humane Society was so encouraging, supportive and eager to help get this done. It was a perfect joint effort.”

The remaining ten animals that were showcased are still up for adoption.

“Even if we can get one or two animals adopted, it was worth it,” said Watson.

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Peterborough Petes Alumnus Brennan Othmann to Make NHL Debut With New York Rangers Thursday Night

Peterborough Petes alumnus and OHL champion Brennan Othmann is making his NHL debut with the New York Rangers against the Chicago Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

Othmann scored eight goals and 17 assists during the playoffs with the Petes last postseason to help the team win an OHL Championship. Photo by Samantha Bianco.

The Pete alumnus is being placed on the third line with Nick Bonino and Jonny Brodzinski. The two were on his line in Hartford before he was recalled to New York on Nov. 28.

Othmann replacing Tyler Pitlick who is out week to week with a lower-body injury.

He was acquired from the Flint Firebirds on Nov. 12, 2022. The Petes traded Artem Guryev, Peterborough’s third-round priority selections in 2023 and 2026 and Hamilton’s second-round selection in 2024 for Othmann.

The Scarborough native, in 40 regular-season games, scored 18 goals and 25 assists with the Petes. Othmann scored eight goals and 17 assists during the playoffs with the Petes last postseason.

The New York Rangers drafted him in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, 16th overall. In 28 games with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, he recorded nine goals (tied for seventh in the league) and 14 assists this season before getting called up. His goal and assist totals are tied for seventh and eighth among rookies league-wide, respectively.

Othmann is a two-time IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship Gold Medal winner with Team Canada back-to-back years in 2022 and 2023 with the latter as a Peterborough Pete.

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Capitol Taxi and Call-A-Cab To Merge Operations

After competing for over 60 years, the two local cab companies Capitol Taxi Ltd. and Call-A-Cab Ltd. are merging operations announced on Thursday morning.

Both cab companies have operated in Peterborough since the 1940s. Photo courtesy of Capital Taxi.

The driver and dispatch operations are being combined according to a press release. The dispatch centre is running out of the Capitol offices at 728 Rye St.

“At this time, in the interests of our customers, our employees and management we have decided to now join together the two taxi operations under the Capitol banner for better service and efficiency,” said Daryl Bennett, Capitol Taxi owner and former Peterborough mayor.

The phone lines remain the same (705 742-4242 and 705-745 2424) and are being answered as ‘Taxi Service.’

“The Donnellys, in exiting the daily taxi service, will continue their school van services and the public garage operations on Bensfort Rd.,” said Bennett.

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Toronto Man Wanted On a Warrant From Peterborough Police Arrested at Pearson International Airport

A 30-year-old Toronto man wanted on a warrant has been arrested, announced by the Peterborough Police Services on Thursday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

On Wednesday, Peterborough Police were notified that Canadian Border Services Agency officers arrested the wanted male at Pearson International Airport.

Peterborough Police returned the accused to Peterborough on charges of:

• Fail to Comply with Probation x 2

• Fraud Over $5000

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing on Wednesday.

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Peterborough Petes Defenceman Carson Cameron Named OHL East Division Academic Player of the Month

Peterborough Petes rookie defenceman Carson Cameron has been named the East Division Academic Player of the Month for December, announced by the Ontario Hockey League on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Cameron holds an “A” average in three grade 11 university-level courses, including an 81 per cent average in Physics, a 78 per cent average in Functions and an 85 percent average in Fitness Leadership at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.

“Carson is a responsible, conscientious student. He is currently enrolled in three academic classes with an 81 per cent average,” said Shannon Fife, Petes academic advisor. “Carson was able to maintain his studies while playing for the U17 World Juniors for Canada and continues to hold himself to a high standard.”

“Carson has done a good job transitioning into the OHL both on and off the ice,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and director of business operations. “Despite moving away from home, attending a new school and the demands of a busy hockey schedule, Carson continues to maintain strong grades.”

The 16-year-old Bobcaygeon defenceman has played 26 games this season, recording one goal and 10 assists for the Petes. The 6-foot, 171-pound blueliner was Peterborough’s first-round pick (13th overall) in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Central Ontario Wolves U16 program. In November, he represented Canada White at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, bringing home a gold medal.

The Petes look to get another winning streak going on Wednesday as they travel to Sarnia to take on the Sting. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Progressive Auto Sales Arena. The official road game watch party at Shoeless Joe’s Peterborough.

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Oshawa Man Charged With Alleged Spousal Assault

A 19-year-old Oshawa man has been charged with assault after allegedly striking his partner on Saturday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 2:57 a.m., officers responded to a disturbance call in the area of McDonnel Street and Donegal Street.

They saw the suspect and the victim walking westbound on McDonnel Street near Cross Street. The woman had visible injuries to her head and face according to the police report. The male was arrested and searched. Police discovered the suspect was in possession of composite knuckles and a nearby broken window was also located.

The man arrested and charged with:

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Assault – Spousal

• Mischief Under $ 5,000

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to attend court on Jan, 16.

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The Art School of Peterborough Victorious In Annual DBIA Downtown Holiday Window Contest

The Art School of Peterborough has been crowned the winners of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) annual Downtown Holiday Window Contest announced on Wednesday.

Raine Knudsen (left) and Jenni Johnston (right) celebrate their win in front of the Art School shop window, holding the handmade ornaments distributed to community members throughout the holiday season. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

During the holidays, Downtown Peterborough shop windows were transformed into magnificent displays reflecting this year’s theme, Aurora Borealis.

“With snowy decorated little pine trees and hand painted polar bears under the illuminated arctic sky. In celebration of the Holiday season, the Art School is offering ceramic crescent moon ornaments made by our staff and students, inspired by the Aurora Borealis to remind us how bright and colourful our local Peterborough community is,” said Raine Knudsen, The Art School of Peterborough receptionist. “These ornaments are offered as free (or by donation) to give back to our incredible local community. The Art School wishes you a joyful, rejuvenating, and bright New Year, and winter ahead.”

The winners for 2023 are:

• First place – The Art School of Peterborough, 174A Charlotte St.

• Second place – Lavender Moon, 181 Charlotte St.

• Third Place – Hi Ho Silver, 392 George St. N.

“The Art School of Peterborough is overjoyed and so grateful to receive first place for this year’s window contest. Thanks so much to our community; our students and instructors, coworkers, and neighbours for sharing the love and support,” said Knudsen.

The top three winners will receive cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $300 for their winning windows. Locals voted online for their top three holiday window displays throughout the contest period from Nov.20 until Dec. 31.

“Every year, the downtown shop owners put so much love and creativity into the holiday window contest. It really sets the tone for the shopping season and enhances the downtown experience with colour, whimsy, and charm,” said Hillary Flood, DBIA vibrancy manager.” This year’s theme was Aurora Borealis and our businesses pulled out all the stops to capture the spirit of the Northern Lights. It’s always incredible to see Peterborough rally behind our window contest and the community engagement in our program saw a significant increase this holiday season with 3,897 votes casted to help determine this year's top window display.”

The window displays for this year’s contest can be viewed on the voting website.

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Northumberland Hills Hospital Delivers First Baby of 2024

Northumberland Hills Hospital has delivered Vanessa and Jake Morris’s daughter Georgia Elizabeth Morris, as its first baby of 2024 born on New Year’s Day.

The Maternal/Child Care team at NHH welcomed 537 births at the hospital in the last fiscal year. Photo courtesy of Northumberlan Hllls Hospital.

The newborn weighed eight pounds and 11 ounces at birth and is the couple’s first child. The Bowmanville couple named their child after her maternal great-grandfather, George, whom she met earlier in the morning after her arrival.

“Georgia Elizabeth Morris is named after my grandfather, George,” said Vanessa. “She’s so calm and relaxed. We’re very much in love with her, it’s just wonderful.”

“We’re very excited! There’s lots to learn as first-time parents, and we’re already learning a lot in such a short period of time,” said Jake. “It’s amazing how quickly your life can change and we’re just so happy.”

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'Harmony for Healing' Event Organizer Sends Cordial Invitation Letter to Neil Young and Daryl Hannah

Organizer Philip Jolicoeur has reached out in a cordial letter to famed Canadian musician Neil Young and his wife and actress Daryl Hannah to attend his ‘Harmony for Healing’ suicide prevention concert.

Jolicoeur’s letter that was posted to social media. Photo courtesy of Philip Jolicoeur.

Jolicoeur’s mother passed away from suicide in the summer of 2022. He says Young’s music was a ‘comfort’ to her and himself. Jolicouer got to see Young in concert for the first time when he was four.

The letter was posted to social media on Wednesday and had almost 200 shares on Facebook, tagging the renowned artist.

The show is set for Feb. 22 at Market Hall. Tickets are $40 (plus $4 for ticket office fees) and are available online.

The concert has a house band boasting a large handful of Peterborough’s best performing at the event. The Weber Brothers, Melissa Payne, Nicholas Campbell, Austin Carson, Carling Campbell, Beth Anne Pelow on Sax, Tony Silvestri, Lindsay Barr and the artistry of Jason Wilkins Art & Creative Inc. are showcased at the event.

The event’s fundraising goal is $10,000 annually over a five-year span to raise a total of $50,000. Proceeds go to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention program.

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