13 Business Startups to 'LevelUP' Through Innovation Cluster Peterborough's Accelerator Program

The Innovation Cluster has released the 13 companies selected for the inaugural cohort of LevelUP, a groundbreaking startup accelerator program, announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster.

LevelUP is a fully-funded, comprehensive startup accelerator created for experienced entrepreneurs and regional innovators according to a press release.

“The selection of these 13 companies for LevelUP is a milestone for our region,'“ said Camila Duarte, Innovation Cluster executive director. “We are fostering a sustainable ecosystem where innovation and economic growth thrive together. This program symbolizes our commitment to transforming our region into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs.”

The program offers mentorship, workshops, networking opportunities and access to funding to transform startups into thriving businesses. It acts as a fast-track program to bring more products and businesses to market in the region.

LevelUP runs in three cohorts annually, hosting a select number of companies over a 12-week journey culminating in a competition where they will pitch for investment and compete for prizes up to $10,000 and access an exclusive AI platform - Pitch Bob - per cohort.

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City of Peterborough To Continue Collection Services For Multi-Residential and Condominium Properties

Garbage collection services for multi-residential and condominium properties that currently receive City garbage collection will continue after the City Council decides to maintain the service after a meeting on Monday night.

About 37 per cent of multi-residential and condominium units, or homes, in the City receive City-provided garbage collection services, with the remaining approximately 63 per cent of multi-residential and condominium units on private garbage collection services. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The services continue until additional information and options become available to be implemented. Council has requested a report to consider additional information and options on waste collection services for multi-residential and condominium properties.

This does not affect the status of properties that use private garbage collection services.

City garbage collection service for these properties that cannot meet the standards or collection requirements in the new waste collection by-law Council approved in October last year or that are on private roads that cannot be safely accessed or navigated by City waste collection vehicles were scheduled to change to private garbage collection services starting April 1, 2024.

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Unveil Anne Keenleyside & Family Atrium After $2 Million Donation

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has unveiled the Anne Keenleyside & Family Atrium today in honour of a $2 million legacy gift to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation on Monday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the PRHC.

The gift was made through Dr. Anne Keenleyside's estate, a Trent University professor of bioarchaeology who passed away in October of 2022 due to cancer. Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president and CEO says the bequest has been invested in equipment and technology that support cancer care innovation, following Keenleyside’s request.

“Anne was clear she wanted her gift to connect her passion for scientific innovation with her desire to help the patients who would come after her. “Her generosity has allowed the PRHC Foundation to fund a second MRI for PRHC’s Diagnostic Imaging Department, as well as fully upgrading a general operating suite with state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical tools – one of four undertaken by the Foundation,” she said. “By directing her bequest to the MRI and our minimally invasive surgical suites, her gift is already helping our hospital increase capacity and image quality for diagnostic scans and giving our general surgeons access to brand new, leading-edge tools to perform cancer surgeries.”

“Thanks to Anne’s investment, we’ve been able to increase our capacity, performing an additional 6,000 scans since the new unit became operational.” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “Not only is this helping us address diagnostic wait times, we’re also able to produce much higher-quality images in less time while providing a significantly improved patient experience.”

Mikula added that the investment in PRHC’s general operating suites empowers the introduction of fluorescence-guided imaging. This process involves injecting contrast dyes or agents into a patient’s bloodstream prior to surgery, making their blood vessels, bile ducts, and lymph nodes light up when combined with fluoroscopy according to a press release.

“The impact of this new technology is significant,” said Mikula. “It’s already allowing our surgeons to operate with increased precision – an advancement that has tremendous implications for the treatment of bowel and other cancers.”

Heighway says the decision to name the atrium in recognition of Keenleyside’s generosity was made in consultation with the hospital and her family. It was a decision that her partner, Pat Butler, says her family and friends are very happy about.

“Anne’s gift to the hospital reflects her generous and thoughtful nature,” said Butler. “She was incredibly grateful for the expert and compassionate care she received at Peterborough Regional Health Centre and wanted to do something after she was gone to help make things better for others like her. This bequest is a gift to both her community and the healthcare professionals who cared for her after her diagnosis over 10 years ago.”

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Peterborough Man Arrested After Allegedly Punching His Partner In the Face

A 60-year-old Peterborough man is facing several charges after allegedly punching his partner on Monday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:15 p.m., a McDonnel Street and Bethune Street-area residence was reported with a disturbance. Officers learned that a verbal argument between a man and a woman had escalated with the latter being allegedly punched in the face and verbally threatened. She did not require medical attention.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Assault - Spousal

• Uttering Threats - Cause death or Bodily Harm-Spousal

• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

The accused is currently bound by a probation order with several conditions including not having any contact with the woman.

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

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New Canadians Centre Release "Our Neighbourhood" Video Series Highlighting New Immigrant Stories

The New Canadians Centre is introducing stories of six newcomers who have made Nogojiwanong-Peterborough their home with its ‘Our Neighbourhood’ video series launched on Monday.

The videos delve into newcomers' unique stories and journeys.

“We’re also addressing the challenges and barriers that exist in our society,” said Mauricio Interiano, NCC community engagement officer. “We are diving deeper, confronting and shedding light on discrimination and racism. We can’t ignore these issues. We have to work together to make our neighbourhood a better place for all".”

The six participants of the video series share experiences of discrimination, micro-aggressions and systemic challenges that serve as barriers in their settlement journey and how they have navigated these challenges according to NCC.

After watching the videos, NCC asks viewers to reflect on what it means to be a good neighbour, welcome people who are new to Canada, and build a more diverse and just society for everyone.

The participants in this video series include:

Tim Nguyen, a high school student from Vietnam, a musician, and a young leader who explores the challenges of starting over in a new country with an accent.

Tashvi Menghi, a teenager from India who settled in Canada one year ago. An artist and youth activist, they want to be a support for others struggling in their settlement.

Miguel Hernandez, a Venezuelan artist who has called Canada home for nearly 10 years, and who says that art was the bright light through the challenges of immigration and settlement.

Fatma Al Ahmed, a high-school student from Syria who explores the challenges and barriers that exist for young Muslim hijabi girls like herself.

Bhisham K. Ramoutar, a newcomer from Trinidad & Tobago who highlights the value of representation in traditionally-marginalized fields and spaces.

Samantha Banton, a Jamaican poet and entrepreneur who wants to see more diverse spaces and representation, and who has taken steps to fill those gaps.

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Male Suspect Brandished a Knife To Rob Downtown Peterborough Business On Saturday Afternoon

The Peterborough Police Service is investigating after a robbery at a store in Downtown Peterborough on Saturday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:15 p.m., officers were called to a business near George Street and Brock Street. Police learned that a man had entered the store, brandished a knife at the store employee and demanded cash before taking off on foot with some money. 

No one was injuries were reported. Officers checked the area but no suspects were located.

The suspect was described to police as:

• white male

• thin build

• approximately 6’0"

• blue jacket with hood up

• reflectors on the sleeves and shoulders 

• red shirt seen under the blue jacket from the back

• blue jeans

• grey shoes

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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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Seeking Community Input For New Strategic Plan

Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) is seeking input from community members as it works towards creating a new strategic plan, announced on Monday.

The hospital was established in 1953. They provide acute care services including a Special Care Unit, Endoscopy Surgical Suite, Diagnostic Imaging Department, Laboratory, numerous Out-Patient Clinics, 24/7 Emergency Department and numerous community programs including Mental Health, GAIN, and Supportive Housing. File photo.

CMH has launched a strategic planning survey to gather diverse perspectives, inviting community members to share their thoughts on the hospital's future direction according to a press release.

This initiative plans to chart a bold course for CMH over the next five to 10 years, aligning with the dynamic shifts in healthcare including technological advancements and evolving care delivery methods.

“With redevelopment plans underway and the transformative impact of new technologies already being seen, this marks an opportune moment to lay the groundwork for CMH's path to 2030 and beyond,” said Jeff Hohenkerk, CEO.

While redevelopment remains a focal point for CMH, underscored by the generous land donation from local farmer Jim Curle, the strategic plan goes beyond the physical infrastructure as stated by Hohenkerk.

“This is not just about a new building,” he said. “It's about envisioning the future of healthcare that our community desires.”

The strategic planning process will also delve into an in-depth demographic analysis to discern evolving healthcare needs, ensuring that CMH is well-positioned to meet the region's demands over the coming decades.

The survey is available online and public members are also encouraged to email info@cmh.ca to share their thoughts on the hospital's future. 

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CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show Reels Its Way to the Peterborough Memorial Centre For April 7

Anglers rejoice as the CANCAST Fishing and Tackle Show is coming back to the Peterborough Memorial Centre and Morrow Building for April 7, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We’re over the top excited for this year’s event,” says Kyle Carruthers, show director. “Once again, our partnership with the team at the Peterborough Memorial Centre has allowed us to bring one of the biggest fishing events in Canada to the City of Peterborough in an even bigger fashion than the previous years.”

This year, the show features over 170 vendors and 60 personal tables in the tackle swap as well as boats on display from local dealers.

Admission provides access to both buildings, the outside vendors and free entry into four seminars from top industry pros.

Tickets are availble online, over the phone or in person at the Grant Thornton Box Office. The Box Office is open for in-person sales on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Tickets are $16.60* plus applicable fees and taxes. Children under 12 require a free ticket.

*Prices are subject to change.

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Peterborough Petes Hit $1 Million Milestone With Funds Raised Through Pink In The Rink Campaign

It was not the game results the Peterborough Petes wanted but it was a different story for their Pink in the Rink Fundraising campaign as they raised $49,103.26 to reach a $1 million lifetime mark at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

“Firstly, I’d like to thank the players for being Ambassadors for this year’s Campaign,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We started this initiative 15 years ago with Pete's staff such as Aaron Garfat, Cathy Webster and Don Sharp. To be able to raise over one million dollars in just 15 years is an amazing accomplishment. We hope to see this campaign continue to grow at the rate that it has today. Wheels of Hope is a great program, and we’re extremely pleased that the funds from this year will be put to good use.”

This year’s Campaign supported the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope program. The Petes players who served as Ambassadors for the event raised funds. The 2024 Game Jersey Auction, a silent auction, a bucket pass, Pink in the Rink t-shirt sale, and chuck-a-puck also raised funds. In total, the Petes have raised $1,003,239.20 in 15 years of Pink in the Rink.

Despite the success off the ice, the team would ultimately fall to the IceDogs 5-4 in overtime. The Petes also dropped a Sunday on the road to the Kingston Frontenacs, 4-2.

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