Peterborough Blogs
United Way Peterborough & District's 2023 Community Campaign Hits $1.4 Million
/United Way Peterborough & District honoured donors, volunteers and workplaces for their dedication to the 2023 Community Campaign that raised $1.4 million at The Venue in Peterborough.
UNITED WAY ANNOUNCED IT’S 2023 CAMPAIGN IN DECEMBER OF A GOAL OF $1.45 MILLION. IT FUNDS 20 PARTNER AGENCIES SERVING ABOUT 46,000 RESIDENTS IN 2022. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.
Over 100 community leaders gathered at the event to mark the occasion. United Way presented Spirit Awards to 23 workplaces and individuals who exemplified an extraordinary commitment to supporting their community through the United Way Campaign last year
“Our success isn't just measured in dollars, but in the lives touched and futures transformed,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “With $1.4 million raised, surpassing last year by eight per cent, we prove that when a community unites, the impact knows no bounds. Here's to reaching greater heights together.”
“Gratitude fuels our journey towards a brighter future. It has been a privilege to act as United Way Peterborough & District’s 2023 Campaign Chair and I extend heartfelt thanks to our community for their unwavering support,” said Jim Hendry, United Way campaign cabinet chair. “Together, we are creating a foundation of hope, compassion, and empowerment."
“We invest in community and in people. With our donors’ support, we invest money into the community in a few different ways,” said Betsy Farrar, United Way manager of community impact. “In addition to providing funding to 20 partner agencies, advocacy is a critical aspect of our work. Ultimately, our grand vision for Peterborough is that we get to a place where the United Way exists solely as a community builder as the crises we currently face have been resolved.”
“In our community, every contribution to the United Way campaign, whether it's a donation or volunteer effort, is invaluable for funding essential social programs and initiatives,” Anne Ondercin, United Way director of philanthropy. “The Spirit Awards celebrate those who went above and beyond in 2023, highlighting their dedication and inspiring us all with their commitment to making a difference.”
The following are the United Way’s 2023 Community Campaign Spirit Award winners:
SPIRIT OF THE COMMUNITY
Cogeco
IG Wealth Management
Royal Bank of Canada
Dr. Stephan Ragaz
OUTSTANDING WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN AWARD (LARGE)
GM Financial
Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board
Trent University
OUTSTANDING WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN AWARD (SMALL)
Irwin, Sargent & Lowes
Lucky Strike Bait Works
Enterprise Holdings
CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE AWARD
GM Financial - Tim Parmiter and Kirsten Valencia
Trent University - MK Millard and Alison Sholl
Peterborough Performs - Paul Rellinger
INSPIRING LOCAL LOVE AWARD
Andritz Hydro
Ontario Public Service
Costco Peterborough
LABOUR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Peterborough & District Labour Council
OUTSTANDING PARTNER AGENCY
Community Living Trent Highlands
Elizabeth Fry Society
Peterborough Child and Family Centres
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Trent Valley Archives Hosting Free Presentation of Quaker Fire of 1916
/Trent Valley Archives has launched its new season of talks, walks and tours in a free presentation on a new understanding of the substantial Quaker Fire of 1916 at the Highland Park Cemetery Visitor on April 25.
Photo courtesy of Trent Valley Archives.
The presentation takes place from 7 to 9 p.m.
This year’s speaker, Matthew Flagler, author of ‘Held to the Fire,’ grew up in East City and is related to Dennis O’Brien, his great grandfather, whose body was never recovered in the explosion at Quaker Oats on Dec. 11, 1916.
‘Held to the Fire’ dissects the shocking event piece-by-piece, throwing back the curtain of time to reveal an incredible story of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
Flagler will discuss the challenges of writing about an event over 107 years ago, the impetus for writing Held to the Fire, do a select reading from the book and answer questions from the audience.
Refreshments will be served and the annual general meeting will follow the discussion. Matthew’s book will also be available for sale that evening.
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Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge Open to Vehicular Traffic; Short Intermittent Closures May Still Occur
/Parks Canada has reopened the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge to vehicular traffic announced Friday morning.
Photo courtesy of Parks Canada.
Short intermittent closures may still be experienced for commissioning before the start of the navigation season. The intermittent closures will be timed to ensure the least impact on the community. For any closures requiring a longer duration (half-day/full-day closures), notification will be issued with 24-hour notice.
“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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100 Women Peterborough Raises Over $10,000 For YWCA At First Meeting
/100 Women Peterborough in their first meeting, raised $10,000 for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton following a majority vote from the membership at the Venu on Monday.
100 Women Peterborough has supported local charities since 2018 donating over $190,000 to support local community causes. Photo courtesy of 100 Women Peterborough.
“I’d like to extend our utmost gratitude to 100 Women Peterborough for selecting us as the beneficiary for their first event of the year,” said Tina Thornton, YWCA director of philanthropy. “It was truly an honour to share our mission with some of our community’s most dynamic women, and we are so proud to be part of a city and region that clearly demonstrates its caring and commitment toward helping people in need.”
The funding supports YWCA's core programs and services that are meant to provide crucial assistance to thousands of women and children every year, where they offer support, shelter, counselling and crisis intervention for those dealing with the impacts of gender-prejudiced violence and abuse according to a press release.
“The generous donations from 100 Women Peterborough will support the YWCA’s core programs and services through our Journey of Care which helps thousands of women and children each year as they deal with the impacts of gender-based violence and abuse,” said Thornton. “Last year that included over 6,000 nights spent at Crossroads Shelter; almost 1,300 client contacts for the Court Support program; about 350 clients in our Outreach Support program; and more than 3,000 support and crisis calls by phone and text. Our key services also include the START program, which gives women access to over a dozen community support agencies through a centralized meeting; our Women’s Well-Being counseling and peer support program; and providing basic necessities and food for women and children staying in our safe spaces.”
“It’s incredibly moving to witness the collective effort of women in our community rallying together to support the vital cause of the YWCA,” said Rosalea Terry, 100 Women Peterborough founding member. “Our membership’s unified support is not only powerful but also a testament to the strength of our community’s solidarity.”
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What You Need to Know About the Petes 2024 OHL Priority Selection
/With a third-overall pick in hand, the Peterborough Petes will begin their quest to draft future young stars in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection that kicks off Friday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The first three rounds will be drafted on Friday at 7 p.m. Rounds 4-15 will occur on Saturday at 9 a.m. The Petes have 15 selections in the draft, two on day one and 13 on day two.
With the Petes drafting third, it is the fifth time Peterborough has attained the spot in franchise history. They have drafted names like Jordan Staal and Matt Spencer at three.
A full list of Peterborough’s selections can be found below:
Round 1 (3)
Round 2 (32) - From Ottawa
Round 5 (85)
Round 5 (99) - From Oshawa
Round 6 (105)
Round 7 (125)
Round 8 (145)
Round 9 (165)
Round 10 (185)
Round 11 (205)
Round 12 (225)
Round 13 (245)
Round 14 (265)
Round 15 (283) - From Niagara
Round 15 (285)
In last year’s OHL Priority Selection, the Petes made 14 selections. They included Bobcaygeon native and 2024 Ushers Trophy winner Carson Cameron, forward Joseph Cadorin and defenceman Liam Ladds.
The following is a last from last year’s selection:
First round, 13th overall: Carson Cameron, D, Central Ontario Wolves
Fourth round, 76th overall: Joseph Cadorin, F, Toronto Marlboros
Fifth round, 88th overall: Liam Ladds, D, Elgin-Middlesex Canucks
Sixth round, 112th overall: Masen Johnston, G, Peterborough Petes
Seventh round, 133rd overall: Chase Del Colombo, F, Toronto Nationals
Eighth round, 153rd overall: Gavin Lock, F, Detroit Little Caesars
Ninth round, 173rd overall: Easton Lynds, F, Mississauga Senators
10th round, 193rd overall: Calum Hartnell, D, Ottawa Jr. Senators
10th round, 196th overall: Thanasi Marentette, D, Toronto Nationals
11th round, 213th overall: Francis Parish, F, Central Ontario Wolves
12th round, 234th overall: Aiden Lee, F, Markham Majors
13th round, 253rd overall: Brody Leet, F, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs
14th round, 273rd overall: Joshua Kaufman, F, Kitchener Jr. Rangers
15th round, 293rd overall: Kaiden Thatcher, D, Ajax-Pickering Raiders
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Jack’s 37th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament to Tee Off On May 23
/There will be 240 linksmen participating in the Jack’s 37th Annual Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame (PDSHOF) Golf Tournament set for May 23 at the Quarry Golf Club, announced on Thursday afternoon.
Doug Gibson, Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament chairperson (left) and Kevin Carter, Quarry Golf Club general manager (right) holding the Bob McGillan Scramble trophy to be presented to the top team of the event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The sold-out tournament fundraiser's proceeds will go towards the Hall of Fame’s operating fund and to support its bursary for exemplary high school student-athletes.
“You can see by the support that we get that it was a matter of calling all of our groups that played last year and everyone re-upped,” Doug Gibson, PDSHOF Golf Tournament chairperson. They wanted to play a game and it just shows the support.”
The tournament is in honour of Hall of Famer Jack Gibson, who was inducted in 1986 — Doug’s father — and had several roles and stints in the lacrosse and hockey world.
He managed the senior lacrosse team to a Mann Cup in 1966 and 1973. Jack helped organize a semi-pro league in 1968-69 and managed the team that won the championship in 1969.
He also managed Maryland Arrows of the Pro Lacrosse League in 1974-75. The Hall of Famer also managed Canada’s Field Lacrosse team in the 1967 World Championships.
Doug agreed that, “without a doubt,” this tournament was a way to help continue his father's legacy alongside the Hall of Fame.
“He was extremely proud when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame and he's been down here as one of the supporters before he passed away (in 2000),” explained Doug. “He really enjoyed his time here at the Hall of Fame and it has been good for the family.”
While the tournament is full, prospective golfers can join a waitlist to be accepted, pending any cancellations.
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
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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.
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
