Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Say City and Peterborough Fire Services

With Daylight Savings Time and the clocks springing forward one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Peterborough Fire Services and the City of Peterborough are reminding residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks. 

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

“In order for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to save lives, they need to be working,” explained Fire Chief Chris Snetsinger. “When you change your clocks on Sunday, Peterborough Fire Services wants everyone to take the time to check all the alarms in their home. Check the expiry date and test every alarm. Be sure to change the batteries if you do not have a wired or 10-year battery sealed alarm.”

Residents are reminded that nine-volt batteries can be fire hazards when not stored safely. It is unsafe to store them in a drawer near paper clips, coins, pens or other batteries. Cover the positive and negative posts with masking, duct or electrical tape before disposing of the battery to be safe.

The City of Peterborough works with not-for-profit organization Call2Recycle that provides battery recycling programs nationwide to divert batteries from going to the City’s landfill according to a press release. Batteries can be dropped off at the Household Hazardous Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. and at locations throughout the city for safe disposal:

• City Hall, 500 George St. N.

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.

• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

Other battery drop-off locations in Peterborough:

• GreenUP Store, 378 Aylmer St.

• Kingan Home Hardware, 167 Simcoe St.

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Local Host Uplifting Ladies With International Women's Day Party This Friday at The Venue

In honour of International Women's Day, Tiffany Arcari, host of The Tiffany Show is hosting a celebration to inspire and uplift women from all walks of life at The Venue on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Tiffany Arcari.

The Tiffany Show International Women's Day Party is featuring the following:

• Stories from five local women (Ashley Lamothe, Carissa McIntyre, Sheena Howard, JC Hannigan and Lisa Couture) sharing engaging stories, providing a platform for shared experiences and inspiration

• Watch Party of The Tiffany Show IWD Special highlighting the achievements and journeys of extraordinary women

• Talk Show-style prizes and giveaways

• Fifty swag bags to the first 50 ladies

• Photo booth, cash bar and refreshments

• Special Visitors: Puppies from The Humane Society

“We are thrilled to invite everyone to join us in celebrating the essence of International Women's Day,” said Arcari. “This event is a testament to the strength, resilience, and kindness of women in our community and beyond.”

The full episode of The Tiffany Show International Women's Day special will air live at the party on Friday and will be broadcasted on Yourtv Peterborough-Lindsay and Arcari’s social media channels.

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Quaker Foods City Square Outdoor Skating Rink Closed For Season

The Quaker Foods City Square outdoor skating rink closed for the season as spring temperatures are in Peterborough’s forecast.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Thank you to everyone who gathered this year for skating, the community tree lighting event in December and skating parties hosted by City Council, Recreation and Parks Services and the Peterborough Youth Council,” said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Gary Baldwin.

The Square hosts numerous activities throughout the year including the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market that takes place Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., from May 1 to Oct. 30.

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Peterborough Petes's Comeback Bid Falls Shorts As They Fall 5-4 In Overtime to the Barrie Colts

The Peterborough Petes clawed their way back to force overtime but fell short in their comeback, losing 5-4 to the Barrie Colts at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Tuesday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen Photography and the Peterborough Petes.

Peterborough broke the ice with the only goal in the period late. Caden Taylor had the puck just outside the faceoff circle on the power play and took his time before rifling it through for a 1-0 lead.

Barrie woke up in the second period and took the game over. They rung off three straight goals from Kyle Morey, Michael Derbidge and Tai York to make it 3-1 while keeping Peterborough at bay going into the third.

It took only 3:39 for the Petes to finally get on the board again as the home team forced a turnover in the defensive zone. Braydon McCallum scooped it up and went coast-to-coast including a beautiful deke around Kashawn Aitcheson and scored on the backhand for a 3-2 score.

Just less than four minutes later, Peterborough forced a turnover in the offensive zone. Grayden Strohack stripped the puck off a Colt and Ryder McIntyre got the loose puck. He spun, fired at the goalie’s left pad. Tommy Purdeller pounced on the rebound and scored to erase a two-goal deficit to tie the game at three.

The Colts regained the lead with less than two minutes in the game as they slapped a one-timer that was stopped. However, there was a scramble for the puck and Zach Wigle chipped it in to take a late 4-3 lead.

Peterborough fought back as they won a faceoff in the Colts zone, Purdeller was able to make a pass out in front to captain Johnathan Melee who was alone in front and beat the goaltender for a 4-4 tie and into overtime.

In extra time, Barrie’s Beau Jelsma charged up the wing with the puck and looked to take a shot. Instead, he drop passed it to a trailing Wigle and scored for the overtime winner.

The Petes stay at home for Thursday to host the Ottawa 67’s with puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Police Investigating Fire From Abandoned House in Downtown Peterborough

The Peterborough Police Service is investigating after a suspicious fire at an abandoned house at the corner of London and Water Street on Tuesday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 8:20 p.m., officers were called to the residence regarding a suspicious fire.   

Police used the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System to assist Peterborough Fire to identify hotspots.  

The area was closed to traffic for about three-and-a-half hours before being reopened.

Police expect the Ontario Fire Marshal on the scene on Wednesday.

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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Voice of Business: Making Ontario More Competitive For Permanent Residency

Ontario is less competitive than other provinces when it comes to approving permanent residency for new Canadians. This impacts our ability to attract talent at a time when we desperately need to increase our workforce, especially in Peterborough and the Kawarthas where unemployment remains well below the national average.

We have put forward a policy resolution for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to add pressure to our provincial government to take a look at the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program and rework it to help employers attract and retain talent.

Ontario offers a lot for prospective new Canadians in terms of job opportunities and multicultural communities, but it has become less competitive when it comes to getting permanent residency.

For many people here on student and work visas, securing permanent residency is a major source of anxiety. Fear of not being accepted before their visas expire is driving people to other provinces that increase their chances of success.

Labour markets are softening, but access to labour remains one of the biggest barriers to business. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce 2023 Ontario Economic Report found businesses reported investing in workforce development to be their second highest policy priority.

The slowing economy is likely to ease labour pressure, but the slew of impending retirements will further increase demand.

While unemployment increased in the second half of 2023, BDC reports that it’s because the active working population grew with about 430,000 jobs being created between January and November of 2023.

As much as Ontario has to offer newcomers, lack of access to housing and the rising cost of living are increasingly becoming barriers. Add this to the fact that other provinces make it easier to gain permanent residency while offering lower living costs and Ontario is increasingly becoming less attractive.

Currently, the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) points system offers similar criteria to the Federal Express Entry program, which does not set the Province apart nor is it helpful for the candidates who fall outside the scope of the federal program. Our province should be targeting those who fall outside the federal criteria, especially if they are currently working or have a job offer in Ontario.

There is a lack of clarity on what National Occupation Codes (NOC) will be invited in the future, pushing people from certain professions to other provinces that are more likely to sponsor them. Additionally, provinces like Alberta have had success by removing the requirement to select a specific job or occupation from a list, opening up more opportunities for new Canadians to work in any job or business sector.

We have small and microbusinesses in Ontario that have a desire to sponsor new residents, but their business does not meet financial requirements. In the Greater Toronto Area, sponsoring businesses must have five employees and $1 million in revenue. Outside the GTA that drops to three employees and $500,000 in revenue. This financial threshold especially impacts small family businesses from immigrant communities.

Some candidates for residency have been working in Ontario for years with programs like the Labour Market Impact Assessment, but still do not qualify for residency here. Others are here studying for in-demand vocations like personal support workers, but don’t qualify for the Student Job Offer stream because their program is less than two years.

It has been pointed out by a number of industry professionals that the online application system is not as user-friendly as it could be, especially when those trying to apply may have language barriers, technology barriers, and slow internet connections.

Ontario needs to make some strategic changes to its approach to immigration and sponsoring candidates for permanent residency.

We recommend the Government of Ontario:

Make Ontario more competitive for securing permanent residency by:

1. Tailoring the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program to target candidates who fall outside the federal criteria with an emphasis on those already working in Ontario, including establishing a program for those with long-term work experience in Ontario as a pathway to residency.

2. Reducing employment criteria barriers, including:

   a. Providing clarity on what NOC codes will be invited in the future or eliminating the requirement to select a specific job or occupation from a list altogether.

   b. Lowering the revenue requirement and requirements for a specific number of employees for businesses to allow for smaller businesses to sponsor permanent residents.

3. Opening up the Student Job Offer Stream program to students in one-year programs.

4. Improving the functionality of the OINP website, providing a more up-to-date and user-friendly experience.

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

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Peterborough DBIA Searching For New Executive Director

Following Terry Guiel's departure in October, who served for over a decade, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is searching for a new executive director.

Photo by Keegan Beekrs.

The non-profit organization promotes and enhances commercial activities, aesthetics and overall development of Downtown Peterborough.

The job is seeking someone to lead the DBIA to revitalize and transform downtown Peterborough into a vibrant hub for residents, workers, and visitors alike according to a press release.

“We are thrilled to begin the search for a new executive director who will continue to lead the DBIA towards achieving its strategic goals for downtown revitalization and community development.” Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA board chair. “We are looking for a visionary leader who shares our passion for making downtown Peterborough the region's premier destination for entertainment and business. The Executive Director will play a critical role in steering our efforts, from beautification projects to innovative programs and events, aiming to enhance the downtown experience for everyone."

Prospective candidates can submit their applications online via The Phelps Group with the deadline of March 19.

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'Metric' Announced As Peterborough Musicfest's First Act of 2024

The first act for the 37th-annual Peterborough Musicfest is bringing the musical stylings of Metric to town for July 17 at Del Crary Park, announced on Tuesday.

Metric has played Coachella, one of the world's largest and most famous music festivals.  Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

The band last appeared in Peterborough in 2010 at the Memorial Centre. Lead singer Emily Haines' brother Tim Haines operates the local record store Blue Streak Records on George Street in Downtown Peterborough. 

While this is the first act announced for Musicfest, more dates and a lineup reveal are occurring in May.

Peterborough Musicfest's 37th season runs from June 29 to August 17 with free concerts every Wednesday and Saturday night.

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United Way to Increase Menstrual Product Accessibility With 'Tampon Tuesday' Throughout March

As an essential call out to improve accessibility for menstrual products United Way District & Peterborough and partners are holding the eight-annual Tampon Tuesday during March.

Photo courtesy of United Way.

“With the cost of living on the rise the priority of food, housing or bills overtakes that of menstrual products,” as stated in a United Way press release” In fact, menstrual hygiene products are one of the most requested, yet least donated items at food banks. Understandably, low-income individuals find it difficult to budget for this monthly expense. Many simply cannot afford them.”

Tampon Tuesday collects menstrual hygiene products. Everything collected will be distributed to local food banks in Peterborough County by Kawartha Food Share.

“Holding a collection at your business, social club or even among your groups of friends or neighbours is a fun and rewarding way to help those in need,” said Anne Ondercin, United Way director of philanthropy. “We are also excepting monetary donations to purchase additional menstrual products which will also be distributed through Kawartha Food Share to individuals who need them most.”

Last year, United Way’s Tampon Tuesday drive collected 20,030 pads, tampons, liners, cups and personal care items in just three hours, a more than 100 per cent increase from the previous year. The goal is to surpass that intake.

Several community drop-off locations will be accepting menstrual product donations in Peterborough during March including:

• United Way Peterborough & District - 277 Stewart St.

• Bell Media Office - 59 George St.

• Alternatives Community Program Services - 270 Braidwood Ave.

• Sullivan’s IDA - 71 Hunter St.

• Westmount Pharmacy - 1293 Clonsilla Ave.

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Agave By Imperial Wins Back-To-Back Top Chocolatier Titles From DBIA's Hot Chocolate Festival

A second straight title of Top Chocolatier goes to Agave by Imperial after winning the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) second-annual Hot Chocolate Festival, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Peterborough Hot Chocolate Fest featured 20 hot chocolate creations available for dine-in or takeout from participating downtown cafés, restaurants and pubs. Festival goers voted online for their favourites in three different categories: top hot chocolate, most unique and best classic.

With over 1,800 votes cast, Agave by Imperial’s Chocolate Champurrado won first place receiving the most votes overall, winning back-to-back titles. As this year’s winner, Agave received a hot chocolate-themed trophy and bragging rights for the year.

“We want to thank Peterborough for all your support and votes. We are so excited to be the top chocolatier for the second year in a row,” says Manish Choudhry, Agave owner. “Our customers loved this addition to our menu, and many people looked forward to enjoying the Chocolate Champurrado after their meal. This festival is a great way to bring more people downtown and get out to explore all the wonderful businesses and culinary artists in the area.”

Agave’s winning entry for this year, the Chocolate Champurrado. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Dirty Burger Company won the ‘Best H’Adult’ award with its cocoa cocktail, the ‘Honey Cocoa Crunch Puff.’ Milk + Tea Shop wins the category of “Most Unique” for its cozy Earl Grey Hot Chocolate and Dreams of Beans wins the category of “Best Classic” for its indulgent Hazelnut-Infused Triple Chocolate.

New this year was a Hot Chocolate Rewards app. Digital stamp collectors were entered to win a weekly draw for Boro gift cards and receive access to exclusive discounts at several downtown businesses. Over 300 festival goers signed up for rewards, with four winners in total.

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