Peterborough Regional Health Centre Launches Strategic Plan For 2024-2029

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has announced the launch of its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The new strategic plan sets goals for the next five years, focusing on supporting and enabling growth, innovation, people, technology, and data to improve the care we provide at PRHC.

“Our strategic plan reflects the inspiration, talent, and willingness of our people to pursue great things and work toward a bright future for PRHC and the patients and families we serve,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “It also acknowledges the realities we are working within today, including higher patient volumes and acuity, and financial and health human resource pressures. Continued investment by the provincial government and the support of generous donors through the PRHC Foundation will be critical as we pursue the commitments outlined in our strategic plan.”

These commitments include providing timely and excellent care, being a workplace where people can thrive, expanding tertiary services to support our region, transforming data and analytics to support people today and into the future and building the hospital’s teaching and research focus according to a press release.

“PRHC is at a pivotal point in its evolution, poised and ready to achieve great things,” said Mikula. ”The commitments we have set out in our strategic plan are key steps in our journey as a provider of acute, tertiary care services for a region that is rapidly growing and expanding, and I’m excited to move this work forward.”

“The Board of Directors is thrilled to see PRHC’s new strategic plan launched after many months of consultation, planning and hard work across the organization,” said Robert Gibson, PRHC board of directors chair. “We have every confidence in Dr. Mikula and the team at PRHC as we move forward together into this new era of acute healthcare in our community and region.”

PRHC’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan also outlines a new purpose statement and five values to guide and reflect the work of the organization and its people:

Purpose statement:

One team, here when you need us most.

Values:

• Act with courage

• Embrace our community

• Find common ground

• Lead and learn

• Recognize and appreciate

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Hometown PTBO: Lois Tuffin Running the Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair at the YMCA On May 8

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Lois Tuffin about how she came to town, her favourite eats and Volunteer Peterborough's 'Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair' on May 8 at the YMCA from noon to 4 p.m.

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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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