Over 1,500 Donations Made For Peterborough County's 'Blankets For People' Campaign

The 2024 ‘Blankets for People’ campaign by Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP) and Peterborough County yielded over 1,500 donations for those in need, announced on Monday.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) KERRI KIGHTLEY, FOURCAST; CRAIG JONES, PETERBOROUGH COUNTY CITY PARAMEDICS COMMANDER OF OPERATIONS AND BRUCE THOMPSON, WINDSOR’S DRYCLEANInG CENTRE CO-OWNER WRAPPED IN A BLANKET TO KICK OFF THE INAUGURAL ‘BLANKETS FOR PEOPLE’ CAMPAIGN FROM LAST YEAR. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Donors were asked to give blankets and sleeping bags to those in need during winter. They were dropped off at campaign partners One City Peterborough, Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre and various locations throughout the City of Peterborough.

The eight participating townships hosting 'pop-up' drop-off and pick-up locations were new to this year’s campaign.

Any residents with winter items to donate can bring them to Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes at 385 Lansdowne St. on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment by emailing pathrfh@gmail.com for their new ‘Ready for Home’ pilot program.

“In the harsh cold of winter, experiencing homelessness becomes an even more formidable challenge,” said Craig Jones, Peterborough Paramedics commander of operations. “Your contributions go beyond blankets; they provide solace, hope, and a tangible reminder that our community stands together in solidarity. Your generosity blankets those in need with more than just warmth – it offers kindness, understanding, and a shared commitment to making a difference.”

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Innovation Cluster Launches Program to Aid Student Entrepreneurs From Post-Secondary Institutions

The Innovation Cluster has launched the 2024 Slingshot Program to help accelerate student entrepreneurs from Trent University and Fleming College to enter the front lines of the startup world, announced on Monday morning.

pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

The program offers a seven-week course culminating in a pitch competition on July 4th. The winner will be awarded a $3,000 prize to aid their entrepreneurship. Applications are open until April 21.

The program offers a pioneering curriculum led by industry leaders, covering:

• Entrepreneurship Essentials: A deep dive into the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, equipping students with critical concepts and principles.

• Business Idea Development: Techniques to refine and market-validate business ideas.

• Business Model Analysis: Instruction on utilizing the Business Model Canvas for strategic venture development.

• Market Research and Marketing Plans: Training in conducting effective market research and crafting compelling marketing strategies.

• Pitching Skills and Competition: Opportunities to hone pitching skills and compete for a $3,000 prize.

Slingshot is open to university and college students or a graduate within the past six months.

Applications must meet the following criteria to apply:

• Must be in the region of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes

• Must have a passion for entrepreneurship

• Must be beyond ideation (MVP ideal)

• Must have a business in innovation and technology (Social Innovation accepted)

An information session is scheduled for Wednesday at noon at the Innovation Cluster. It offers further insights into the program and its benefits. 

Potential applications are asked to RSVP for their information session.

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One Driver From 885 RIDE Checks Issued Three-Day Suspension Over St. Patrick's Day Weekend

One novice driver was issued a three-day suspension from Peterborough Police Service RIDE checks over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Police were dispatched to five locations over the weekend, conducting 885 stops between them.

There were 10 roadside tests conducted with the police reporting eight passes and one warning.

“The men and women on the frontline and in the station are doing fantastic work and will continue to keep the City safe after dark,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police chief.

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Peterborough DBIA Relocating Headquarters to Venture North Building On May 1

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is relocating its headquarters to the Venture North building for May 1, announced on Monday morning.

pHOTO courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Board believed since the Venture North building was a central and visible position within the local business ecosystem as stated in a press release.

“As our community’s needs and the DBIA’s ambitions have grown, it became clear that a new space was necessary to support our future initiatives,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA board chair. “The Venture North building offers a modern, sustainable, and accessible location that aligns with our goals and vision for the future of our downtown business area.”

The new headquarters will feature dedicated board rooms, a lobby area for public engagement and enhanced facilities designed to better serve the DBIA staff, members and community.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Ivy Event Space, Moving Forward, Peterborough Humane Society and Peterborough Chamber

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

There is a new venue at 164 Hunter St. W. called Ivy Event Space.

Owners Kristina and Aaron Goodwin started the business out of a passion for bringing people together. Seeing a need in the community for a versatile event space, they set out to create a sophisticated location catering to various events including children’s parties, family potlucks and corporate workshops.

They offer clients full control over the event experience without vendor restrictions. Their team is available to help coordinate your next event and offer a stress-free experience.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with clutter, Debbie King has launched a new business called Moving Forward that specializes in helping seniors and homeowners de-clutter, downsize and overcome the intimidation of taking on a big task to create a more organized and safe home.

They offer private one-on-one sorting sessions where you can carefully consider what will be kept and what is no longer needed. Their mission is to leave clients in better circumstances and work with people who struggle with chronic disorganization and letting go. Find out more at movingforwardclutterking.ca

Peterborough Humane Society is celebrating Owen the Griff’s birthday by holding its first-ever 50/50 lottery and a ‘ruff’le for a set of beautiful patio chairs.

This is your chance to win money and support the new Animal Care Centre, helping local animals receive the care they need. Peterborough Humane Society is a registered charity that advocates for animals by rescuing lost, stray, and homeless pets throughout the region and has been doing so since 1941. Ticket sales end on April 17 at 1 p.m. Get yours at phs5050.ca.

Businesses looking to do business with the City of Peterborough are invited to attend a workshop hosted by the City in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce called ‘Unlocking Opportunities’ on April 11 at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

The workshop will focus on navigating the procurement process and establishing partnerships with the City. Tips for the bidding process and advice on submitting competitive proposals will be provided. City representatives will be available to answer questions. Register at pkchamber.ca.

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Art Gallery of Peterborough Releases Event Lineup To Celebrate Its 50th Anniversary

To celebrate the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s (AGP) 50th anniversary, they have launched their event lineup to commemorate the gallery’s founding in 1974.

director Celeste Scopelites marvels at the piece, “Comfort, Eyes That Speak” by Don Kwan. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

“This is a chance for us to recognize and thank our community, our artists, our volunteers, our talented staff and our partners at the City of Peterborough who have been supporting the Art Gallery of Peterborough for 50 years,” said Debbie Keating of AGP Board of Directors. “The Art Gallery of Peterborough Board sees this year as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the future of the gallery.”

“A gallery is a pretty major establishment for the continuance of the culture from the perspective that it operates all throughout the year consistently,” said Celeste Scopelites, AGP director. “It becomes a hub for people to come and participate in various things for other kinds of events to be connected with it or an education stream for all ages. It becomes a place of engagement.”

On March 15, 1974, the AGP received its Letters Patent from the Province of Ontario, incorporating the AGP as a not-for-profit charitable organization.

In 1977, the AGP’s Board expanded on these aims and objectives.

“This gallery recognizes that, in a changing environment, its role is not static, but must be open to change; that it must reach out to its community; that it must be both a permanent institution and a ‘museum without walls’,” according to a press release statement.

The following are the announced events to celebrate AGP’s 50th anniversary:

Current Exhibitions: Seams and Strata

Nov. 23, 2013 – March 17

Reflecting on the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s 50th Anniversary in 2024, this juried exhibition invited artists to submit original works of art that resonate with themes of legacy, archives, nostalgia, ghosts, memory, survival and growth.

For Posterity: works from the Permanent Collection

Feb. 17 – March 24

Gathering works from the gallery’s early acquisitions, For Posterity reflects important gifts from key supporters and past exhibitions of the Art Gallery of Peterborough. The works from these early acquisitions chart the path of a nascent and savvy institution, driven primarily by women, dedicated to the creation of something strong and stable. It is a gift to future generations.

Galleria Extravaganza: The Best Sale of the Last (Half) Century

Opening Event: April 5, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Sale Continues: April 6 – 7, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

This weekend event is inspired by a fundraising sale hosted annually by the dedicated group of volunteers who supported the Art Gallery of Peterborough through its first decades. In celebration of the gallery’s 50th anniversary, this sale will offer a collection of artful items donated by members and volunteers, making it a great opportunity to find some treasures.

A selection of special items will be available through an Online Auction which begins March 22. Bidding closes April 7 at 9 p.m. during the opening event. Browse the selection in the AGP’s Main Gallery all weekend as the in-person sale continues: April 6 – 7, from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m.

Proceeds from this sale will be directed to the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s Acquisition Fund from which artwork is purchased for the Permanent Collection. The AGP presents changing exhibitions curated from the Permanent Collection in dialogue with current exhibits each year.

50th Anniversary Celebration

August 20

McDonnel Street Community Centre

The Art Gallery of Peterborough is celebrating 50 years of accomplishments and is hosting a gathering at the McDonnel Street Community Centre. Gallery Director Celeste Scopelites invites the public to join AGP as they indulge in reminiscence and look towards thier future.

Special guests will include founders and key members of our community who have made significant contributions the gallery and its ongoing successes.

It’s All About ART Fundraising Auction

Oct. 26, 7:00 p.m.

The Venue

The Art Gallery of Peterborough's annual fundraising auction, It’s All About ART, is an initiative of the Board of Directors. Each year, they raise funds to support the gallery’s outstanding exhibitions and education programs. In honour of the decade of the gallery’s origin, they will be celebrating with a 70s theme.

Upcoming Exhibitions: Exhibitions during the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s 50th anniversary are rooted in intergenerational dialogue, reflecting the AGP’s 50 years of commitment to contemporary artists and emerging practices. This Spring, the AGP will present work by two Peterborough-based artists. Antoine Mountain’s Ets’ehchi’I: Traditional Dene Burial Practices opens with a special event on March 23rd from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Stan Olthius’ Interconnected includes large-scale kinetic sculpture with dance performance and sound to explore relationality, duality and exchange.

Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour – 40th Anniversary

Sept. 28 – 29

The Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour is a two-day event that offers the public a unique opportunity to connect with local artists and makers from Peterborough and the Kawarthas and to learn about their artistic practice with a behind-the-scenes look into the artist’s studio.

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Tebey Golf Classic Returns To Support Youth Mental Health For May 30

To support youth mental health, the Tebey Golf Classic with Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosted at Wildfire Golf & Country Club on May 30th.

Golfers, sponsors, partners and donors more than $200,000 has been raised since 2017. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Foursomes are available for $1,200. It includes a shotgun tee-off, meet and greet with Tebey, access to private in-person VIP acoustic performance with Tebey and special guests (TBA), activities and contests throughout the course, lunch and supper, prizes, professional photos of your foursome and the opportunity to play one of Ontario’s top private courses that has hosted PGA tour events. 

A $240 tax receipt will be provided to all foursomes, with funds raised to support Youth Mental Health programming through Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

“I’m really looking forward to getting home for our annual golf fundraiser with GPSHF, Your Family Health Team Foundation,” said Tebey. "As someone who has expressed my own challenges with mental health well-being over the years, it's really important to me to support initiatives in this area of health services. I am especially proud to give back to these organizations like Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families who provide essential and valuable assistance in my hometown area of Peterborough.”

A shotgun tee-off is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., with an outdoor acoustic performance at 7 p.m. 

“These funds help us to reduce wait times and to provide specialized services for children, youth and families,” said Gord Langill, Peterborough Youth Services executive director. “Mental health issues are affecting more people in more complex ways, and resources are limited, so every fund-raised dollar makes a difference.”

From YES Shelter for Youth and Families Executive Director “The Tebey Golf Classic is one of the highlights of our year at YES,” said Aimeé Le Lagadec, Yes Shelter executive director. “This incredible event has become crucial to the support provided to young people and families struggling severely with their mental health while experiencing homelessness in Peterborough."

Foursomes for the tournament can be booked online.

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Road Closures and Transit Detours In Place For Sunday's St. Patrick's Day Parade

Road closures and transit detours will be in place in Downtown Peterborough for the 21st St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday.

pHOTO courtesy of Tim Burke.

This allows staging and procession of the parade, the following road closures will be in place starting at 12:30 p.m.:

• Dublin Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street

• London Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street

• McDonnel Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street

• Murray Street between Aylmer Street and Water Street

• George Street from Parkhill Road West (south side of intersection) to Brock Street

The parade will start at 2 p.m., travelling south on George Street from Murray Street. During the parade, a rolling road closure will be in place along George Street from Brock Street to McGill Street. All road closures are expected to be over by 4:30 p.m.

No Parking signs will be posted along George Street before the parade. Residents and visitors are encouraged to park in the following downtown locations:

• King Street Parkade at 202 King St.

• Simcoe Street parking garage at 190 Simcoe St.

• Chambers Lot at 184 Hunter St.

• Reid Lot at 350 Reid St.

• Surface lot at 365 Aylmer St.

• Del Crary Lot at 100 George St. N.

• Downie Lot at 336 Downie St.

Parking in municipal lots and parking garages is free on weekends.

Residents are reminded to follow all on-street parking regulations that may be in place in the downtown area, including calendar parking where applicable. Please ensure fire hydrants and driveways are not blocked.

The following transit routes will have detours in place during the closure period:

• Route 2 Chemong

  • During the rolling road closure at 2 p.m.:

    • Southbound from Terminal: route follows Simcoe Street to Aylmer Street to Romaine Street to Park Street to Braidwood Avenue to Lock Street.

    • Northbound from Lansdowne Street at Borden Avenue follows the regular route to Lock Street to Braidwood Avenue to Park Street to Romaine Street to Aylmer Street to Simcoe Street.

• Route 4 Weller

  • During the rolling road closure, westbound will follow regular route to terminal only. Eastbound will travel to the bus stop at the Simcoe at Water streets. Customers will walk east to catch the bus at the stop at Simcoe and Water streets.

• Route 6 Sherbrooke

  • Southbound from Trent from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Regular route on George Street to Barnardo Avenue, right on Barnardo Avenue, left on Wolsley Street, left on Chemong Road, follow Route 2 to the terminal. 

  • Northbound from Terminal during the rolling road closure at 2 p.m. – Follow route 2 to Wolsley Street, right on Wolsely Street, right on Barnardo Avenue, right on George Street, left on Parkhill Road, left on Water Street where it resumes its regular route

• Route 7 Lansdowne

  • During the rolling road closure at 2 p.m.

    • Westbound – Regular route to Lock Street, left on Lock Street, right on King George Street, right on Park Street to Lansdowne Street where it returns to regular route

    • Eastbound – Regular route to Park Street, right on Park Street, left on King George Street, left on Lock Street to Lansdowne Street to regular route

• Route 9 Parkhill

  • From 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    • Westbound from Trent – Regular route to Parkhill at Water, right on Water Street, left on Barnardo Avenue, left on Wolsley Street, left on Chemong Road to Reid Street, right on Parkhill Road to regular route

    • Eastbound from Fleming – Regular route to Parkhill at Reid, left at Reid Street to Chemong Road, right on Wolsley Street, right on Barnardo Avenue, right on George Street, left on Parkhill Road to regular route

• Community Bus 22 (Blue)

  • Route will travel southbound on George Street to Barnardo Avenue, turn right on Barnardo Avenue, left on Wolsley Street, left on Chemong Road where it will follow Route 2 Chemong to the terminal. There will be a stop available on Aylmer Street at Simcoe Street.

• Community Bus 23 (Red)

  • During the rolling road closure, this route will travel eastbound on McDonnel Street to Aylmer Street, turn right on Aylmer Street to Romaine Street to Park Street where it returns to the regular route. There will be a stop on Aylmer Street at Simcoe Street.

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Peterborough Man Charged With Stunt Driving Going 50 KM/H Over Speed Limit

A 20-year-old Peterborough man faces a stunt driving charge after a traffic stop Friday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 7:55 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop after recording a vehicle travelling 100 km/h in a 50 zone on Clonsilla Avenue near Lansdowne Street.

The man was issued a court date of May 27, 2024, a 30-day license suspension and a 14-day vehicle impoundment.

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Spring Street Maintenance Underway In Peterborough

The City of Peterborough has begun its annual spring maintenance program of street sweeping and pothole treatment, announced on Thursday.

pHOTO courtesy of The City Of Peterborough.

Public Works crews are patching potholes throughout the City. They frequently occur in the spring when water gets below the road's surface through pavement cracks. Water expands when it freezes, increasing the size of the crack and repeated freeze/thaw cycles as weather changes weaken the pavement. Traffic in weakened areas can cause the road's surface to deteriorate, causing potholes.

The City asks motorists to use caution and reduce speed when approaching road maintenance crews, leaving a safe distance for crews to complete their work.

The street sweeping program removes pollutants from road surfaces and reduces urban runoff through the stormwater system to downstream water bodies. It also improves the cleanliness and aesthetics of City streets and parking lots by removing residual salt and sand used during winter operations, according to the City

Between March and May, once temperatures are continuously above freezing, 958 lane kilometres of roadway, including all city-owned sidewalks, trails and parking lots, must be cleaned. Several areas receive a secondary sweep as required based on the amount of residue on the surface. The work typically takes seven weeks to complete, weather pending.

This year, operations will start at the city’s east end, followed by the north and west ends and finish at the south end.

Residents are asked to keep streets clear to improve the street-sweeping program's overall effectiveness. By removing sports nets, placing garbage and recycling containers on the lawn or driveway and not parking on the street, residents can ensure sweeping equipment can reach the full street surface.

When approaching street-sweeping vehicles, please proceed with caution and allow for plenty of room for safe operations.

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