New Chief Announced For Peterborough County-City Paramedics

Patricia Bromfield has been appointed as the new Chief of Paramedics for Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP), taking over Randy Mellow, whose tenure finishes at the end of the year, the county announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

Bromfield assumed the Deputy Chief of Operations role at Peterborough County in the fall of 2022. Before her tenure with the County, she served as the Deputy Chief of Operations at the City of Kawartha Lakes and had a substantial paramedic career with the City of Toronto.

Mellow will provide mentorship and guidance throughout 2024 to Bromfield as she takes on her new role and responsibilities.

"I would like to congratulate Patricia Bromfield and welcome her to the role of Paramedic Chief,” said Mellow. “Patricia possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge having progressed through various frontline and leadership roles throughout her career. Her experience and passion for supportive leadership and innovation will be an asset to our team and community.”

“I am honoured to be following in the footsteps of our decorated Chief of Paramedics, Randy Mellow, as he embarks on his retirement at the close of 2024,” said Bromfield. “I am forever grateful to have the opportunity to learn from an industry leader who has played a key role in advancing the Paramedic profession. I look forward to collaborating with Peterborough County's robust leadership team and our partners in the coming years.”

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Peterborough Woman Facing Impaired Driving Charges After Swerving On Lansdowne Street and Struck Police Cruiser

A 21-year-old Peterborough woman is facing impaired charges after an incident on Tuesday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 10 p.m., a motorist called 9-1-1 regarding a possible impaired driver travelling eastbound on Lansdowne Street in the Monaghan Road area. Reports say the vehicle was going excessively slow, swerving and almost hit several vehicles. 

Meanwhile, another officer was conducting a traffic stop in the eastbound lanes of Lansdowne Street near Sherburne Street. The police cruiser, with emergency lights activated, was struck by a vehicle matching the description of the possible impaired driver call. The officer was able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle that had struck the cruiser. While speaking to the driver, the officer noticed signs of impairment.

The woman was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol  

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court March 5.

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Second-Annual I ❤︎ Beer and Taco Festival Returns to the Peterborough Memorial Centre

In what could be a flawless combination, the second-annual I ❤︎ Beer & Taco Festival has returned to the Peterborough Memorial Centre on April 13.

photo courtesy of the peterborough memorial centre.

The festival will contain beer, cider and spirit sampling, games, dancing and tacos.

Tokens are $2.50 and can be purchased on-site or online. They are used for food and drinks.

All general admission tickets include an official 10-ounce I ❤︎ BEER sampling cup. Session one will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. and session two will take place from 5 to 10 p.m.

Tickets start at just $9.99 for Session one and $14.99 for Session two (plus HST and Ticket Fees) and slowly make their way up to our regular ticket price of $18.01/$23.01 (plus HST and Ticket Fees)

The Peterborough Memorial Centre notes that this is a 19+ event. Please drink responsibly.

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Voice of Business: A Portrait of Small Business In Canada

Consumer behaviours have changed and with it the landscape for small businesses across Canada. It’s important to step back and have a look at what’s happening in the industry.

A new report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Data Lab titled A Portrait of Small Business in Canada: Adaption, Agility, All At Once does just that.

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, making up 98 per cent of businesses in Canada and employing 11 million people. Small businesses are considered businesses with 1 to 99 employees. Within that designation, micro businesses (one to four employees) are by far the most common with the median small business having fewer than five employees.

The report states: “This underscores the importance of improving our understanding of the business realities of all small firms, but especially micro firms, while ensuring that adequate financial, operational and regulatory support measures boost the resilience of small and micro businesses for the sake of Canada’s economy. Put simply, the survival of micro firms is a macroeconomic issue for Canada.”

The report also looks into the realities, challenges, and opportunities for small businesses owned by women, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ2s+ community, immigrants to Canada, Indigenous peoples, and visible minorities.

For example, immigrants make up 25.5 per cent of all private sector businesses, well above their 23 per cent representation in Canada’s population. However, within this, immigrants are less likely to own larger businesses.

Progress was made in recent years with women having more opportunity through flexible work arrangements, leading to more women in in-demand work at higher pay. While government programming aims to increase access to childcare, the transition back to the physical workspace is threatening to scale back progress for women.

Majority ownership of private sector small businesses in Canada, by underrepresented/equity-seeking groups.

• Immigrant to Canada – 25.5 per cent of businesses/23 per cent of population

• Visible Minority – 19.2 per cent of businesses/26.5 per cent of population

• Women – 17.8 per cent of businesses/50.9 per cent of population

• LGBTQ2s+ – 3.3 per cent of businesses/4 per cent of population

• Persons with a disability – 2.2 of businesses/22 per cent of population

• Indigenous – 2.2 per cent of businesses/5 per cent of population

When looking at the situation for small businesses, Business Data Lab notes many of the problems they faced prior to the pandemic persisted or were exacerbated during it. They found the smaller the firm, the bigger the problems. Smaller businesses faced more significant revenue declines, worse debt constraints, and have more difficulties adopting new technologies.

Workforce challenges also hit small businesses the hardest. While large businesses increased their employment numbers by 26 per cent and medium businesses by 13% from January 2020 to July 2023, small businesses had no growth registering a 0 per cent increase in employment. The report itself has a lot more insight and information and is worth a read.

While vulnerable, our small and micro businesses remain nimble. Investing in digital will help, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The report notes: “With one era of global upheaval in our rearview and another with as many uncertainties ahead, a bright light from the data is the nimbleness of small businesses. However, even with their impressive resilience, agility and adaptability in leveraging the appropriate technologies to stay connected with customers and to streamline their operations, the reality is that small businesses remain strapped for funding, resources and exposure.”

It’s imperative that we invest in our local small businesses — it goes a long way to building a stronger, more resilient local economy.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Trent University Hosting Feeding Our Spirit: 48th Annual Elders Gathering This Weekend

Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples will come together at Trent University in Peterborough and Durham filled with learning, community and connection as part of the 48th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering, hosted by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies from Friday to Sunday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Every year, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering brings together elders, knowledge holders, community members, students and allies for a weekend of learning and renewal,” says Dr. Dawn Memee Lavell-Harvard, director of FPHL. “This year’s theme centres on the importance of land-based learning and cultural connection through teaching, performance arts and traditional foods. The Elders Gathering is a celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis vibrancy and resiliency.” 

The Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering allows attendees to share in First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultural knowledge through workshops, presentations, and performances. This year’s theme is focused on culture and land-based reclamation. 

Keynote Addresses 

This year’s Gathering features keynotes from high profile Indigenous leaders, including: 

• Niigan Sinclair, assistant professor from University of Manitoba, popular media commentator on Indigenous issues, and son of Senator Murray Sinclair; 

• Tony Belcourt, founding president of both the Native Council of Canada and the Métis Nation of Ontario; 

• Albert Marshall, elder from the Mi’kmaw Nation who coined the phrase Two-Eyed Seeing/ Etuaptmumk as a principal for cross-cultural collaborative work; 

• Dr. Sylvia Maracle O.C., former executive director of the Ontario Federation of Friendship Circles and Trent honorary degree recipient; and, 

• Jessica Outram, citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario, author of the newly released middle-school novel Bernice and the George Bay Gold, grade school educator and an instructor in Trent’s School of Education. 

• Trent’s Durham campus in Oshawa will host the Gathering on Friday, with an address by Dr. Sylvia Maracle, fire teachings and a drum circle, along with an Indigenous vendors market.  

Performances 

Performance art takes centre stage throughout the weekend with opening ceremony highlights on Friday night including: 

• Drum group Medicine Sky with pow wow dancer Kelli Marshall 

• Inuit throat singers Heidi Langille and Lynda Brown 

• Métis fiddler Alicia Blore and Métis jigger Auriele Diotte 

• Fashion show by Anishnaabe designer Ocean Kiana 

• Film screening in partnership with ReFrame Film Festival.  

On Saturday evening, Michi Saagiig artist Mr. Sauga will perform in the Great Hall of Champlain College. 

Workshops 

Interactive workshops to be held throughout the weekend include Inuit throat singing, Métis fiddling and jigging, language lessons, Inuit Elder teachings with Sheepa Papatsie, and smoking fish, among many others.  

A special highlight of the weekend is a sold-out feast on Saturday evening, which will feature the unveiling of the crest and colours of the University’s newest college, Gidigaa Migizi College, named in honour of beloved alum, professor and community leader, Doug Williams ’69.  

All Elders Gathering activities, except the sold-out feast on Saturday, are open to members of the community. Admission is $30; free for Elders, students, and youth under 24. All tickets include lunch, admission to all keynotes and workshops, and access to the vendor market.  

Indigenous Insights, the Elders Gathering pre-conference sponsored by the Provost’s Lecture Series for Reconciliation, will be held on Friday, February 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in collaboration with Trent University, Peterborough Public Health, Fleming College and Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre. Dr. Darrel Manitowabi, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, will deliver the keynote, Fostering Mino-Bimmaadiziwin: Indigenous Health in the 21st Century, followed by a panel of Indigenous health and cultural experts. 

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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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