Half-Load Restrictions Lifted On Most City Streets On Monday

Half-load restrictions for commercial vehicles on City of Peterborough streets will be lifted as of Monday except University Road, where restrictions are in place until May 1, announced on Thursday.

PHOTO BY KEEGAN BEEKERS.

The restrictions have been in effect since March 1 to help protect roadways from damage during the spring thaw.

Half-load restrictions remain in place until May 1:

• University Road

Starting Monday, restrictions will be lifted from the following streets:

• Armour Road from Nassau Mills Road to Paddock Wood

• Ashburnham Drive from McFarlane Street to Maria Street

• Ashburnham Drive from Neal Drive to the south city limits

• Bensfort Road from River Road South to the south city limits

• Brealey Drive from Parkhill Road West to Lansdowne Street West

• Carnegie Avenue

• Crawford Drive from Sir Sanford Fleming Drive to 0.6 km east of The Parkway

• Cumberland Avenue from Ungava Avenue to Carnegie Avenue

• Dobbin Road

• Guthrie Drive

• Harper Road

• Hetherington Drive from Richard Road to Woodland Drive

• Johnston Drive

• MacFarlane Avenue - from Trentview Road to Television Road

• Maniece Avenue from Ashburnham Drive to Television Road

• McNamara Road from Guthrie Drive to Driscoll Road

• Nassau Mills Road

• Old Norwood Road from Ashburnham Drive to Television Road

• Otonabee Drive

• Parkhill Road East from Armour Road to Trent Severn Waterway Swing Bridge

• Pioneer Road

• River Road South from Lansdowne Street to Bensfort Road

• Sherbrooke Street from Glenforest Boulevard to the west city limits

• Towerhill Road from Chemong Road to Fairbairn Street

• Wallace Point Road from Bensfort Road to Driscoll Road

• Whittington Drive

• Woodland Drive

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Backyard Summer Social Returns For a Third Year In Support of Five Counties Kids

The Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) is bringing the third edition of its Backyard Summer Social for June 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at their backyard space at 872 Dutton Rd., announced on Thursday.

The Backyard Summer Social takes place in the outdoor backyard space created almost five years ago at Five Counties site in Peterborough. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

Tickets to the Backyard Summer Social are $125 each and available online, by emailing development@fivecounties.on.ca or calling 1-888-779-9916, ext. 300.

The purchase include a $75 charitable tax receipt, all available food from a variety of local vendors, one drink ticket, live music, access to all activities and games and a chance to win prizes.

“The added benefit is that by joining us to celebrate the start of summer, it lets you be a kid again – at least for the afternoon – with the proceeds of your ticket going directly to support treatment for our kids and their families,” said Lyn Giles, FCCC director of fund development.

The Backyard Summer Social has raised more than $40,000 annually in the past two years. The money raised goes directly to Five Counties ‘Building Abilities For Life Campaign which funds priority, high-demand services like speech therapy and occupational therapy in an effort to reduce the long waiting times for kids to receive these critical services.

Anyone purchasing a ticket prior to May 20 will be entered in a draw to win a FujiFilm Instax Mini 12 camera. A winner will be selected and notified during the week of May 21.

“Our Backyard Summer Social is an adults-only gala event that lets you swap out the tux, gown and heels for T-shirt, shorts and sandals, all the while supporting a great cause,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development at Five Counties. “The Backyard Summer Social promises to be an entertaining, high-end experience with equally high-end impact.”

Amenities at the Backyard Summer Social include:

• Delicious food from La Mesita, Gangers of Cheese, and Hanoi House

• Sweet treats from Central Smith and the Kawartha Butter Tart Factory

• Musical performances by Nicholas Campbell and the Boogie Time Ramblers.

• Live auction and door prizes.

• Axe throwing, petting zoo, inflatable jousting, old-fashioned picnic games and more.

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Innovation Cluster Seeking New Board Members

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas individuals to their Board who can contribute to their mission of transforming Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes into a recognized Centre of Innovation.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

Innovation Cluster are seeking individuals with:

• A strong passion for entrepreneurship, technology, and startup culture.

• A strong passion and knowledge of the latest technological trends

• Experience in accounting(CPA)/finance

• Experience with successful exits (IPO, M&A)

• Expertise in specialized fields such as agtech, healthcare, finance, or business leadership.

Board Member Expectations:

• Active participation in strategic discussions, events, and meetings.

• Contribution of unique insights and expertise to support the leadership team.

• Advocacy for the Innovation Cluster's mission and vision within the community and beyond.

Applications are due by April 19. Once completed, they can be emailedto board@innovationcluster.ca.

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Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge Closed Infrastructure Work Beginning Thursday Afternoon; Will Reopen Friday Evening

Parks Canada advises that the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge will be temporarily closed to the public for infrastructure work from Thursday at 1 p.m. through Friday at 5 p.m., announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.

Traffic delays of 15-20 minutes can also be anticipated on Thursday morning.

The public can expect a series of intermittent closures in preparation for the start of the navigation season on May 17. These closures will facilitate the installation of vertical end lifts, which will ensure the bridge seals tightly to the abutments during normal swing operations.

“We thank the community for their patience and understanding throughout the construction period. We remain committed to minimizing disruptions while ensuring the safety and functionality of this vital transportation link,” according to a press release statement.

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Fleming College Honours First Athletic Season of Student-Athletes As Phoenix With Awards Banquet

Fleming College had a night of celebration and recognition of their Phoenix athletes during the annual varsity athletic award banquet on Friday night.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

During the College’s 51st athletic banquet, it was the first as the Fleming teams and student-athletes were recognized, marking the end of the first season for the newly branded Phoenix that was introduced.

More than 125 Fleming students participated in seven varsity sports, including soccer, volleyball, loggersports, curling, men’s basketball, cross country running and women’s rugby sevens.

In addition to the presentation of awards for athletic success, 30 student-athletes were also recognized for their academic successes after achieving an honours-level grade point average (GPA) while competing.

The following awards were presented:

Erin O’Rourke Memorial All-Around Athlete: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed at a high level while demonstrating leadership, commitment and dedication.

• Montana Rank – Women’s Volleyball

• Scott Morris – Men’s Volleyball

Jack Barley Memorial Athlete of the Year: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed exceptional achievements within their sport while maintaining academic eligibility.

• Sarah D’Hondt – Loggersports

• Ben Perreault – Men’s Volleyball

Rachel Spearing Award: Presented to a women’s rugby player who demonstrated heart, spirit, sportsmanship and dedication on the field.

• Chloe Bender – Women’s Rugby Sevens

Kris Starr and Adam Evans Award: Presented to a loggersports athlete who shows heart, spirit, dedication, and love of the sport.

• Blake Fellman – Loggersports: Kris Starr Award

• Rory Lauckner – Loggersports: Adam Evans Award

All-Academic Award: Presented to the athlete with the highest academic average who achieved a balance in their sport and in academics.

• Suzanne Mooser – Loggersports

Fred Batley Coach of the Year Award: Presented to a coach driven by the passion they have for their sport, who goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere and ensure their student-athletes have the best possible experience.
· Jordan Ross – Men’s Volleyball

OCAA Academic and Athletic Excellence Award: Presented to OCAA athletes who achieve an honours GPA at their college as well as receiving an OCAA honours award.

• Hollie Phillips – Women’s Rugby

Team Awards: The following athletes were recognized by their individual teams as either the most valuable player (MVP) or rookie of the year.

• Hollie Phillips – MVP, Women’s Rugby

• Sydney Hudson – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Rugby

• Brook Parcels – MVP, Mixed Curling

• Miranda Jensen – Rookie of the Year, Mixed Curling

• Alexander Clark – MVP, Cross-Country

• Jessica Lehman – Rookie of the Year, Cross-Country

• Gabriel Nadeau – MVP, Men’s Soccer

• Tobias Hartley – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Soccer

• Emma Twohey – MVP, Women’s Soccer

• Jordyn Brown – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Soccer

• Kaden Bulmer – MVP, Men’s Loggersports

• Thomas Switzer – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Loggersports

• Sarah D’Hondt – MVP, Women’s Loggersports

• Darian Carpenter – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Loggersports

• Jesean Wilson – MVP, Men’s Basketball

• Paul Molay – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Basketball

• Sam Deschenes – MVP, Men’s Volleyball

• Justin Van Luit – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Volleyball

• Kristen Hacker and Taylor Penny – MVP, Women’s Volleyball

• Kendra Keyes – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Volleyball

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Peterborough Swim Club to Host 2024 Summer Ontario Youth-Junior Championships

Swim Ontario has chosen the Peterborough Swim Club to host the 2024 Summer Ontario Youth-Junior Championships.

The Peterborough Swim Club is the third oldest swim club in Ontario. starting in 1939, this year marks 85 consecutive years that the club has been providing competitive and recreational swimming opportunities in Peterborough and the surrounding region. Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The provincial championships are four days long and they are held from June 13 to 16 at the Markham Pan Am Center in Markham, Ontario.

The Championships will host between 600 to 700+ qualified swimmers, representing 65 to 85+ clubs from across Ontario. This event showcases young swimmers aged 13 - 18 as they compete in various categories and events.

There is no 50-meter pool within the Peterborough area to host this provincial meet; the Peterborough Swim Club says they see this as a unique opportunity to showcase its spirit and promote the region of Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

The Peterborough Swim Club is actively seeking local sponsors. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor can contact David Jonkers at communications@ptboswimclub.com for more information.

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YWCA 'Walk a Mile In Their Shoes' Fundraiser Returns to Peterborough On May 24

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Walk A Mile In Their Shoes returns on May 24 to raise funds for YWCA programs and services helping women and children recover from gender-based violence.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough.

The YWCA is asking everyone to dig out your red shoes, grab your friends, family or colleagues and join them at Confederation Park for a walk around downtown Peterborough. Check-in for participants will open at 11 a.m. and the walk will begin at noon.

Participants can sign up as solo walkers or with a team. Local groups and businesses are encouraged to join and challenge others to a fundraising contest.

Registration for the event is $40 for a limited-time Early Bird rate. The fee includes lunch at the event, a custom water bottle and a t-shirt.

Proceeds support the YWCA's Journey of Care, which encompasses each of the signature programs and services offered to the women, children and gender-diverse people it serves.

Registrants can go online to create their personal fundraising page or sponsor someone with a donation.

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COVID-19 Spring Vaccine Available

According to Peterborough Public Health, the Ontario Ministry of Health is recommending that eligible residents who are deemed high-risk receive a dose of the XBB COVID-19 vaccine this spring.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

This comes after the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidance.

From April to June, the following residents who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last six months are recommended to receive a dose this Spring. Eligible residents include:  

• Adults 65 years of age or older 

• Adult residents of long-term care homes or other senior congregate living settings (ex. Retirement residences) 

• Those 55 years of age or older who identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit and their non-Indigenous household members who are 55 years of age or older 

• Those six months of age or older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to underlying condition or treatment) 

• Speak with your healthcare provider if you are uncertain about your health status and eligibility 

Residents who are not eligible at this time are asked to wait for further guidance about receiving another dose closer to fall according to Peterborough Public Health.  

Eligible residents can receive their spring dose at a participating pharmacy. A full list of local pharmacies offering the COVID-19 vaccine including pharmacies vaccinating those ages six months or older, is available online.

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United Way Peterborough Unveil Findings On Living Wage History, Release Report of 34-Year History of Income Inadequacy

The United Way Peterborough & District has released a report that focuses on a 34-year history of income inadequacy and its impact on public health, released on Tuesday.

Jim Russell, United Way CEO (left); Elisha Rubacha, United Way’s community impact officer (middle) and Betsy Farrar, United Way manager of community impact (right) The report was released around World Health Day which is on Sunday, Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The report, called ‘The Gap: Income (In)Adequacy Report 2024,’ uses the 2023 living wage rate for comparison. The Gap shows how Ontario’s minimum wage rate and social safety net have changed.

“There is an unspoken covenant between various levels of government and their citizens and that is to serve people, to preserve communities and to ensure opportunity for all to experience the fullness of life and their potential,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Built into this notion is the belief that there should be a minimum standard of living for all people. When the cost of living outpaces income available through a minimum wage or social assistance programs, this minimum standard is not upheld as people are not able to afford basic necessities. Through this report, we are calling on readers to reflect, refresh, rethink, and renew how we understand adequate income as not something that is earned, but something that everyone in our community deserves access to.”

“United Way Peterborough & District has previously reported on our local region’s Living Wage rate, as we believe in the value that adequate income brings to our entire community,” said Betsy Farrar, United Way manager of community impact. “This year’s report uses a living wage as a measure of cost of living to highlight the shortfalls of other income types against the cost of living. Our research is highlighting how income rates such as minimum wage and social assistance are increasingly insufficient as the gap between these amounts and the cost of living widens year over year.”

Elisha Rubacha, United Way’s community impact officer, noted that The Gap frequently discusses food insecurity because it’s such a sensitive measure of poverty, resulting in many preventable illnesses that could be avoided if incomes were higher.

“Maintaining poverty is expensive,” she said. “For instance, adults in severely food insecure households in Ontario will generate healthcare costs that are 121 per cent higher than those in food secure households. Within the 34-year period examined in the report, Ontario’s minimum wage was frozen half of the time.”

In Canada, over 60 per cent of food insecure households rely on wages, salaries or self-employment as their primary source of income, indicating that too many of today’s jobs offer insufficient wages according to the report.

“When even working people can no longer afford to eat properly, that illustrates a serious problem,” said Rubacha. “Our social safety net similarly offers little protection from food insecurity, and in fact, has never been fully adequate to meet basic needs.”

The report illustrates the positive impact of existing tax benefits (the Canada Child Benefit and the Guaranteed Income Supplement) that function as basic income guarantees. It presents some results from past Canadian basic income projects (Mincome and the Ontario Basic Income Pilot).

“United Way Peterborough & District believes in moving people from Poverty to Possibility. Improving incomes is necessary, whether that’s through a basic income guarantee, a higher minimum wage, more certified living wage employers, or all of the above. The suffering that results from poverty is preventable. We can choose to prevent it,” according to a United Way press release.

The United Way plans to release this report to all local dignitaries and politicians to address the issue.

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CMHA HKPR Launches Second-Annual 'Change the Cycle' to Raise $25,000 For Mental Health Initiatives

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched the second-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event at Nicholls Oval on June 15.

Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (left) and Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (right) after the latter kickstarted the fundraiser with a $7,000 donation. Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

This year's funds support Youth and Family Mental Health programming.

“By supporting Change the Cycle, you are supporting youth and family mental health services in our region and ensuring that the mental health needs of our youth and caregivers are met," said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “Youth and caregiver supports are an important factor in fostering a healthier and more supportive community for all.”

Last year, the funds went to CMHA’s Garden Homes Project, an initiative of their Supportive Housing program. It aims to support vulnerable individuals at risk of homelessness in the Peterborough area by providing affordable, small homes.

“This year we changed our focus and we're focusing more on youth and family mental health care,” said Veitch. “Our goal being $25,000 to support the program, to support youth mental health and family caregiver mental health supports.”

While the event raised $40,000 last year, 2024’s goal is $25,000 which Veitch believes can easily be reached. To help kickstart the fundraiser, Tom’s Heating & Cooling donated $7,000.

“I've had a lot of friends that really seen the impacts mentally when our whole country went on lockdown,” said Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president. “Seeing that impact literally change them socially, I thought it was important to help out in some way, shape or form. I was presented with this as an opportunity and I took full advantage of it.”

Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.

To become an event sponsor or volunteer, contact Veitch by emailing him at jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.

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