Peterborough Blogs
The Agenda's Steve Paikin to Make Appearance at Lakefield Literary Festival On March 22
/Steve Paikin of the hit Canadian television show ‘The Agenda’ will be in attendance for the The Lakefield Literary Festival (LLF) in a spring event announced on Thursday morning.
Photo courtesy of Lakefield Literary Festival.
Paikin will be at the Lakefield College School’s Bryan Jones Theatre on March 22 at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature LLF Board Chair, John Boyko, moderating a conversation on the current state of political leadership related to Paikin’s critically acclaimed biography of Prime Minister John Turner.
There will also be a Q & A session with the audience and an opportunity to meet Paikin and have a book signed.
Tickets will be available for $30 at Happenstance Books and Yarns in Lakefield or online.
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Peterborough Petes 15th Annual Pink In the Rink Game To Support Wheels of Hope Running This Saturday
/In support of Wheels of Hope, the Peterborough Petes' 15th annual Pink in the Rink game is set for Saturday when the Petes host the Niagara IceDogs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.
The team is wearing special theme jerseys designed by Kyle McDonald of Pioneer Inc. that highlight the names of nearly 200 people battling cancer and feature a special Canadian Cancer Society shoulder crest.
The funds support the Wheels of Hope transportation program provided by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). It connects people to cancer treatments with volunteer drivers and travel cost reimbursements.
All Petes players and coaches will act as ambassadors for the campaign. Family, friends and fans can donate on behalf of a particular player or coach by going online and choosing their name from the dropdown menu on the CCS fundraising website.
Fans can also support the campaign through an in-person silent auction in the North Lobby on game night, a special chuck-a-puck at the second intermission or by purchasing an Official 15th Annual Pink in the Rink t-shirt and/or Anniversary Pin.
Bobcaygeon Brewing Co. has produced a limited edition run of Petes Lager featuring a Pink Can. Each can sold sees 25 cents donated to the Pink in the Rink campaign.
After raising $954,136 over the past 14 years, the Petes announced that this year’s fundraising goal is $50,000. If achieved, the Petes and the Peterborough community will hit $1,000,000 raised in the fight against cancer in Pink in the Rink’s history.
Official game jerseys are available at the Pink in the Rink live post-game auction. Fans are asked to move to the Gibson’s Finest Club Section immediately following the game to participate in the auction. A game ticket is required to take part in the game-worn jersey auction.
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2024 PolarFest Running at Full Force For Selwyn Township
/Winter has never been more fun for Selwyn Township, as the 2024 PolarFest is in full swing for three days, beginning this Friday and ending Sunday.
Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.
The Opening Ceremony and Fireworks begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at Chemong Lodge. At 6:45 p.m., fireworks will be set off on Chemong Lake.
The Causeway is the host site for the Guns and Hoses Charity Hockey Game. Local police and fire service members will face off at 8 p.m. at the Ennismore Community Centre. The fundraiser aims to beat last year’s mark of $2,000 in food and money for the Bridgenorth and Lakefield Food Banks by bringing a non-perishable food item or cash donation.
On Saturday, the Lakefield Ice Sculpture Competition is back at Cenotaph Park. Ice carvings are going on display, created by professional chefs. Festival goers can vote for their favourite cultures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Top Carver is being crowned at The Loon at 5 p.m. Take a ride back in time as Chemong Lodge is hosting its third-annual 80’s Retro Apres Ski Party with a booze luge, DJ, ice bar and prizes for those best dressed from noon to 4 p.m..
On Sunday, the Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield (BEL) Rotary Polar Plunge begins at 2 p.m. on the Ennismore side of the Causeway. This year’s theme features ‘Barbie’ costumes.
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Repeat Sex Offender At Large After Fleeing From Residence After a Search Warrant; Peterborough Police Issue Public Safety Alert
/The Peterborough Police Service has issued a public safety alert and is searching for a repeat sexual offender Jason Outhwaite who fled from his residence shortly after a search warrant was conducted there on Thursday.
Photo by David Tuan BUi.
The evidence recovered, as a result of the search warrant, has led Investigators to believe that reasonable and probable grounds exist for charges of possession of child pornography. A warrant for the arrest of the 46-year-old for possession of child pornography has been issued.
It is believed Outhwaite is operating an older-style white Dodge Ram pick-up truck with Ontario License plate ‘BW88604.’
Outhwaite is described as:
5’9 and 190 lbs.
Medium build
Receding black and grey hair and brown eyes
He is known to wear prescription glasses
Outhwaite has a history of sexual assault and has multiple convictions of sexual offences against children.
Anyone who has seen Outhwaite or knows his whereabouts is asked to call 911.
Crime Stoppers will also take tips anonymously at Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
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Empty Bowls Fundraiser Returns With In-Person Event in Five Years For YWCA
/For the first time in five years, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is bringing back its renowned fundraiser, Empty Bowls, for an in-person seated lunch event, announced on Wednesday.
Photo by Keegan Beekers.
The event is on Feb. 23 at The Venue. It raises funds to support the Nourish food program operated by the YWCA which provides fresh food at affordable costs to families experiencing hunger.
“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this wonderful event, we are thrilled to be able to return to sharing food together with our community,” says Kim Dolan, YWCA executive director. “Food insecurity is a critical health issue and a core barrier for women experiencing gender-based violence. The majority of our food box recipients are single mothers, and we’re so grateful to our partners, sponsors and everyone who joins us for Empty Bowls to help women feed their families and live their lives with dignity.”
The Nourish program offers food box deliveries, educational workshops, food preparation skill-building, and community gardening. With community support, roughly 260 food boxes each month to individuals and families around the Peterborough area according to a press release. Nourish also runs a weekly market at Curve Lake First Nation, bringing produce from local farms to the community at affordable prices.
Tickets are available online or by calling the YWCA at 705-743-3526.
Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for Early Bird VIP ticket holders ($75), for the best selection of lunch options and bowls and noon for General Admission ticket holders ($60).
The ticket price includes one lunch meal to enjoy on-site and a one-of-a-kind ceramic or wooden bowl, hand-crafted and generously donated by local artisans.
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Monaghan Road Housing Project Making Significant Strides In Public Update From The City of Peterborough
/Construction of the City of Peterborough’s affordable housing project at 681 Monaghan Rd. will show significant progress in the coming weeks as precast structural loadbearing walls and precast floor slabs are installed followed by prefabricated wall panels, announced by the City of Peterborough on Tuesday.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
This is the first City construction project to use prefabricated construction techniques.
Construction started in the fall of last year with an official groundbreaking ceremony held on Oct. 11 for the six-storey building with 53 units including 37 one-bedroom, 11 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom units with amenity space and utilities on the ground floor. Construction is expected to be completed this year.
“It’s exciting to see the progress of construction at 681 Monaghan Rd.,” said Councillor Keith Riel. “This important housing project is being funded as part of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Rapid Housing Program, so it was essential that the team assessed construction techniques for both cost efficiency and the ability to facilitate a shorter construction period.”
“Unity Design Studio, formerly Lett Architects, has a rich history in Peterborough and is proud to be collaborating with the City of Peterborough on this project - a crucial stride toward providing much-needed affordable housing,” said Roy Turner, Unity Design Studio senior project lead. “As the building takes form, we would like to express our gratitude for the dedication of the entire project team. Their commitment ensures that upon completion, this building will offer affordable housing to many and positively impact our community.”
“As proud members of this community, we are so fortunate to be able to help address this crisis with this much needed project,” said Craig Mortlock, Mortlock Construction president. “To date, we’ve spent many months working together with the City of Peterborough and the design team to design, coordinate, implement and construct this building. We are now at a very exciting stage of the project. We, and any other passerby, get to witness the fruits of the team’s planning and coordination, as the precast concrete structural panels are being delivered and placed on site. It is so rewarding to see this building taking shape so quickly, growing daily, eventually allowing so many people to call this building home.”
This affordable housing project received $18.9 million in federal funding through the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI3), $40,000 in SEED funding, $854,810 through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) and over $4 million from the City of Peterborough.
The project will be home to vulnerable populations in Peterborough, including Black Canadians, people with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, homeless people or those at risk of homelessness.
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Voice of Business: Two-Year International Cap On Students
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The Canadian government has decided to take on the growing housing crisis in the country. Their first target was aimed at the international students entering Canada.
The recent announcement from Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller regarding the cap of international students in the 2024 caught many by surprise, including the two local post-secondary institutions located right here in the Kawarthas.
Fleming College President Maureen Adamson didn’t hide her disappointment while speaking to the Chamber of Commerce shortly after the announcement.
“This will have a sweeping impact on our region,” stated Adamson, adding this will be a loss of $100 million to Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
The Canadian government declared a two-year cap on student permits to international students in 2024; only approving 360,000 in total – a decrease of 35 per cent from 2023.
This move, he said, is an attempt to ease the strain on the housing crisis in Canada and to weed out what he calls, ‘bad actors’ applying for spots in our Colleges and Universities.
Adamson is expecting a 50 per cent drop in international student enrolment for Fleming, and she stated it will be “a staggering loss” to Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton.
Currently, approximately 1,000 international students are enrolled at Fleming College across their Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton campuses. And approximately 4,000 students are enrolled at their campus in Toronto.
And many of those students, she adds, are filling in the gaps in Ontario’s labour market. Sectors like, health care, social assistance, hospitality, and the trades sector will all be affected by this cap.
“International students that come to Ontario are essential to bringing in top talent for key sectors of the workforce, here in our area and across the province. They usually come with a diploma or degree and are ready to move quickly into the labour market,” stated Adamson in a statement.
The Council of Ontario Universities also released a statement, stating they are ‘disappointed’ with the cap on international student permits. They added in their statement that this decision, “it may have unintended consequences for the sector and for international students.”
Ontario Colleges and Universities have yet to hear how the 2024 permits will be divided among the provinces by the Ontario Government.
Trent University sent the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber a comment; stating that with all the information they have currently:
“Trent University is currently reviewing the Government of Canada’s announcement regarding international student permits, and supports the position taken by the Council of Ontario Universities. Trent has been a responsible player in the postsecondary sector, preparing for growth in domestic and international enrolment for some time, and basing international student enrolment on the unique needs of our communities and regional labour market demands. The international students who come to Trent bring enormous advantages to our campuses and beyond, introducing highly-skilled, worldly talent, and bridging cultures in ways that benefit our local economies and our communities as a whole. We take a measured and sustainable approach to international enrolment and none of Trent’s degrees, certificates or programs operate through public-private partnerships. Currently, there are 2,799 international students enrolled at Trent (20 per cent of total enrolment).”
The university assures they will release updates when more information becomes available to them.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Renowned Professional Wrestler Cody Deaner To Guest Speak At Local Elementary Schools Through Sponsorship Tour
/Through a sponsorship by Kiwanis Club of Peterborough, Chris Gray better known as professional wrestling/speaker Cody Deaner is doing a fourth tour of several Peterborough schools announced on Tuesday.
The Kiwanis Club of Peterborough is celebrating 103 years of service to the Peterborough community. It is part of a global membership of over 550,000 in 80 countries. Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Peterborough.
The Total Nonstop Wrestling star will speak at Edmison Heights Public School on Feb. 12 and St. John’s Catholic Elementary School and Adam Scott Intermediate School on Feb. 13.
Gray also launched a top-rated podcast in 2023: Wrestling is Life is Wrestling.
“We’re very excited to bring Chris back to Peterborough for another tour”, said Jeff Westlake, Kiwanis past-president. “His previous tours in 2019, 2020 and 2023 were tremendously popular with both students and staff.”
“I’m delighted to be returning to Peterborough next month,” said Gray. “The partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough has been outstanding these last few years and I’m eager to inspire area kids with my stories and message of ‘Dare to Dream Big.’”
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19 Sweet Creations To Compete In Peterborough DBIA's Second-Annual Hot Chocolate Fest Throughout February
/The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (PTBO DBIA) has brought back its Hot Chocolate Fest for a second year as 19 sweet creations vye for the title of ‘Top Hot Chocolatier’ throughout February, announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday.
Agave by Imperial won teh inaugural event last year with their ‘Hot Churro-late’ consisting of Mexican hot chocolate made with cocoa and dark chocolate. It was served with two cinnamon and sugar-topped churros. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
This year’s event runs from Feb. 1 to 29 with various hot chocolate drinks and hot chocolate-inspired menu items will be featured in Downtown Peterborough eateries for dine-in or take-out.
Several entries include ‘classic’ hot cocoa options, imaginative hot chocolates and even ‘h’adult’ versions with a cocktail twist.
Participants can plan their chocolatey adventure using the Hot Chocolate Trail Map online to scout out options before heading downtown.
New this year are four distinct categories with voting options for Top Hot Chocolate, Most Unique, Best Classic and Tastiest H’adult Chocolate 19+. The winning Hot Chocolatier will be determined by the most votes overall and will receive a handcrafted Hot Chocolate Trophy. Votes can be placed online.
Also new is an interactive digital rewards program will run to incentivize participation. Through the digital rewards app, festival goers will be able to win weekly prizes and gain access to exclusive ‘sweet deals’ during the month of February. Hot chocolate revellers earn ballots into four weekly draws by visiting hot chocolate locations and collecting ‘digital stamps.’ Every three stamps collected participants will earn themselves another ballot into the programs weekly giveaway draw for a $25 Boro Gift Card.
Those who download the app will also access exclusive ‘sweet’ deals and promotions provided by local businesses such as free samples of artisanal chocolate at Naked Chocolate, discounts on sweet treats, buy-one-get-one offers and more.
“Downtown Peterborough is regionally renowned for its culinary scene. Culinary programs like our Hot Chocolate Fest provide a platform for our restaurants, cafes, and pubs to really show-off their gastronomic passion and innovation in a playful and engaging way,” said Hillary Flood, DBIA vibrancy manager. “Every year we try to add our own innovative spin on program delivery, and I believe this year we’ve taken our hot chocolate program to the next level with the addition of our new digital rewards program. Incentivizing downtown visitation is what gives our downtown a competitive edge in the marketplace, and we are delighted to be offering exclusive perks, deals and prizes to festival goers.”
The following are the participating businesses and their entries:
1. Blackhoney Coffeehouse: Blackhoneycomb
Indulge in this decadent black honey-infused hot cocoa which is served up in an edible chocolate cup! Choose between a white chocolate cup infused with tangerine, or dark chocolate.The Blackhoneycomb is topped with velvety whipped cream and infused with even more black honey. Garnished with a chocolate honeycomb of your choice: white, milk or dark chocolate and dusted with edible gold.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
2. The Dirty Burger: Chocolate Forest H'adult Cocktail
A multi-sensory cocktail experience featuring cinnamon spiced, Belgian-style hot chocolate made with 1.5 oz of espresso vodka for a nutty and earthy kick. Ignite your taste buds with foresty notes of herbaceous lavender and vanilla, topped in a mountain of maple whipped cream and garnished with crushed honey comb and edible flowers.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
3. La Hacienda: Chocolate-Maple Champurrado
A spiced, warm, and creamy chocolate-based beverage that holds a special place in Mexican culinary traditions. Made with Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, and its key ingredient, corn flour, for a thick and slightly gritty texture; sweetened with local Red Mill maple syrup. Our indulgent drink is infused with ancho pepper, which is the final touch for a warm, bold flavour. Served with traditional buñuelos, a thin, rosette-shaped, crispy fried pastry coated in cinnamon sugar.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
4. Kit Croissanterie & Café: Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate
A sweet hot cocoa with a zesty burst of citrus about it. Made with orange zest syrup and dark chocolate sauce topped with whipped cream and a healthy sprinkle of cinnamon, garnished with candied orange
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
5. Dreams of Beans: Hazelnut Infused Triple Chocolate
Indulge in this dreamy hot cocoa made with hazelnut chocolate sauce and white chocolate milk topped with whipped cream and milk chocolate shavings. Kick it up a notch with a shot Irish cream with whiskey, and optional espresso!
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
6. Turnbull Café: Raspberry Brownie Fudge
A delicious blend of rich dark chocolate infused with raspberries, topped with real whipped cream (well of course!) & layered with chunks of espresso fudge brownie & fresh raspberries, delicately drizzled in a blanket of pure chocolate sauce under a halo of cocoa snow. Comes in both Hot Chocolate and Mocha options.. Ask for a spoon.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
7. Black Horse Pub: Peanut Butter & Caramel Screwball
If you're looking for a hug in a mug that is cozy, sweet, decadent & smooth: this hot chocolate screwball is something to celebrate. This is a creamy, rich hot chocolate with sundae vibes and a bit of a kick: made with Screwball peanut butter whiskey and topped with whipped cream, marshmallows and peanut butter cups.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
8. Cork & Bean: Smores Hot Chocolate
Rich and velvety hot chocolate, topped with lightly toasted marshmallows, crumbled Graham cracker and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
9. Cork & Bean: Peppermint Hot Cocoa
A creamy and delicious hot chocolate with a candy cane twist - what better way to cozy up for winter! Featuring classic hot cocoa, peppermint syrup, steamed milk of your choice and topped with whip cream, chocolate drizzle and crushed peppermint candy.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
10. Agave by Imperial: Mexican Hot Chocolate
Mexican hot chocolate made with masa corn, whipped cream, crushed chilies for a little extra kick and topped with homemade buñuelos.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
11. Speak Easy: Gimme S'more
The ultimate campfire-inspired drink. Steaming mug of ultra-whipped hot chocolate, crowned with fire-toasted marshmallows, and completed with a chocolate fudge-coated graham cracker cookie. We'll "toast" to that
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
12. Milk + Tea: Earl Grey Hot Chocolate
Cozy up with this rich tapioca hot chocolate drink blended with Earl Grey for a subtle hint of tea and lavender. Topped with a thick sweet and salty cream. Enjoy hot or cold!
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
13. Boardwalk Lounge: Soon-to-be-Famous Chocolate Chip Hot Choc
Dive into this glorious, toasted marshmallow rimmed mug, filled with rich hot chocolate, cookie syrup, and topped with whipped cream and crumbs from Connor's soon-to-be-famous chocolate chip cookies. Yum yum!
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
14. La Mesita: Death by Chocolate
Sip on this deliciously rich, Mexican style hot chocolate that's spiced to perfection with cinnamon sugar and topped with a chocolate skull. Served with a churro donut for dunking.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
15. BOBO Tea: Cocoa Brûlée
Crack into this decadent drink made with loads of cocoa chocolate, fresh milk, brown sugar pearls and crowned with a hand-torched crème brûlée top.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
16. DR. J’s BBQ: Mint-Kissed PB&J Hot Chocolate
If hot chocolate and PB & J sandwiches had a baby, this would be their love child. Indulge in the richness of your favourite childhood snack that combines a rich hot chocolate base with a kiss of mint. Served with peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and a peanut cocoa dusting.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
17. The Vine: Teddy Bears Winter Picnic
If you go down in The Vine today, you're sure of a big surprise! This delightful white chocolate drink is made to order with steamed milk and topped with whipped cream, a healthy dusting of shaved dark chocolate and teddy grahams!
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
18. Tragically Dipped Donut: Choc Mocha + Hot Chocolate Donut Chocolate on Chocolate!
Indulge in the Tragically Dipped ultimate chocolate experience with their decadent chocolate donut. The donut pastry is filled with a velvety, chocolate ganache finished off with a cocoa dust - creating a rich symphony of textures and flavours. Hot Chocolate with a kick: This delightful drink is served up mocha style, made with homemade marshmallow, chocolate ganache, espresso, and milk.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.
