Fleming and Trent Partner With SpacesShared to Support Peterborough’s Student Housing Needs

To support Peterborough’s student housing needs, Fleming College and Trent University have partnered with SpacesShared to increase safe, affordable housing solutions for students.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The partnership also fosters community engagement and support for the adult and older adult population in the region according to a press release.

“Trent’s commitment to safe and affordable housing, community support, and aging studies makes our partnership with SpacesShared a strong match,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Together with our community partners, Trent is proud to be creating housing opportunities that are mutually beneficial for students and homeowners in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.”

“This new agreement with SpacesShared will give our students more options when it comes to finding safe and affordable housing in our campus communities,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming president. “Connecting students with our community while supporting local homeowners is an invaluable step forward.”

“We are committed to ensuring a mutually beneficial experience for both hosts and students. Working with Fleming College, Trent University, and Age-friendly Peterborough, we aim to support a thriving community in the city,” said Rylan Kinnon, SpacesShared CEO and co-founder. “Our platform is a fully self-contained system further enhancing convenience, that facilitates the entire process from listing details of the property and having a conversation with the host to drafting the rental contract, processing monthly payments, and submitting regular feedback, all within the platform’s secure environment.”

To further advocate for this partnership and encourage older adults in the city to sign up for the program as hosts, SpacesShared and the two postsecondary institutes are joining forces with Age-friendly Peterborough. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults by addressing their needs and fostering a supportive community.

“The Age-friendly Peterborough Community Action Plan stresses the importance of celebrating multi-generational opportunities to build a strong community for all. SpacesShared empowers two key groups to meet and learn from each other: older adults and a younger generation,” said Dawn Berry Merriam, Chair of Age-friendly Peterborough.

“The development and maintenance of intergenerational relationships is a protective factor against social isolation not only for older adults but crucially also for students,” explains Jackie Tanner, SpacesShared CXO and co-founder. “But the feeling of safety must be there for it to work. This is where SpacesShared strives to cover the gap and ensure home sharing becomes a rewarding experience for both hosts, as well as students.”

Fleming College, Trent University, Age-friendly Peterborough and SpacesShared invite those interested in exploring home sharing to a free information session about the program on May 30, between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Lions Community Centre, 347 Burnham St., Peterborough.

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Five Counties Children’s Centre to Return to Minden

Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) has signed a new lease for space at the Minden site of Haliburton Highlands Health Services at 6 McPherson St.

Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The renovated, approximately 700-square-foot space is just off the main entrance, on the second floor of the Community Health Wing of the HHHS site. This space will allow Five Counties staff to see and support more Haliburton County kids, youth and families according to a press release.

“We are pleased to reach agreement with Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) on this space that will allow Five Counties to provide care closer to home,” says Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “Re-establishing our presence in Minden will save local families the need to drive to Lindsay or Peterborough to access treatment and therapy services.”

Moving into the HHHS site in Minden is a homecoming for Five Counties, which previously leased another portion of the facility. That arrangement ended when HHHS had to reclaim the space during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“HHHS is delighted to welcome Five Counties Children’s Centre back into our building,” said Veronica Nelson, HHHS President and CEO. “Five Counties’ dedication to the community through therapy and treatment services to support children with physical, developmental, and communication needs and their families, is inspiring. HHHS looks forward to a continued partnership with Five Counties to bring health and wellbeing to our younger local population.”

Five Counties provides speech, occupational, and physical therapies and other kids’ treatment services in Haliburton County, Peterborough, City of Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County. Five Counties staff work in Centre sites in Minden, Lindsay, Peterborough, Cobourg and Campbellford, as well as in local schools and virtually to support kids and youth from birth to age 19 (21 if still in school).

“We know that early intervention – especially when it comes to how a child talks or walks – is so important to help kids reach their full potential,” said Pepin. “Parents and caregivers are dealing with so much already if their child has been diagnosed or identified with unique needs that impact their development. That’s why making it easier for families to get the help they need when they need right in their own community is essential.”

Post-pandemic, Five Counties has been seeking new space in Haliburton County. Five Counties opened a new satellite location at Archie Stouffer Elementary School in Minden in the past year or so, using a repurposed classroom for treatment space. The space has been helpful as a base of operations for Five Counties staff to see local families and provide treatment in area schools.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, which has been very generous in allowing us to use the classroom space as a way to see kids, students and families right here in their own community,” said Pepin.

Even with Five Counties moving into the HHHS site in Minden, the Centre will continue to use the space at Archie Stouffer School for physiotherapy services, as the wider space there is ideal for this treatment.

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Peterborough Petes Draft 15 Players From OHL Priority Selection; Take Hometown Prospect In First Round

After a weekend in the war room, the Peterborough Petes have drafted 15 players in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection including hometown top prospect Colin Fitzgerald in the first round over the weekend.

Colin Fitzgerald (pictured) was selected third overall by the Peterborough Petes. Photo courtesy of Dan Hickling and the Peterborough Petes.

Fitzgerald was taken with the third overall pick.

“Colin is a big centreman who plays a great two-way game, knows how to score and is good on faceoffs,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “We’ve been monitoring him all season and were really impressed with his play, especially in the OHL Cup. It’s very exciting to be able to add a local player with a skillset like Colin’s.”

Fitzgerald played 34 games last season with the Peterborough Petes U16s, scoring 39 goals and adding 25 assists for 64 points. In eight playoff games, he scored 13 times and added eight assists, helping the Petes to the OMHA Championships and the 2024 OHL Cup. In six OHL Cup games, the 6.01, 174 lbs centre finished tied for the tournament lead in scoring with eight goals and five assists for 13 points, leading the Petes to a semi-final finish and being named to the All-Star team.

In the second round, Peterborough selected defenceman Blake Gowan with the 32nd overall pick.

“Blake is a very big, solid defenceman who plays a hard-hitting game,” said Oke. “He was a big part of a very good Barrie Colts team and is somebody who will physically be able to step in to the OHL.”

Gowan, a defenceman from Kingston, played in 33 games with the Barrie Colts U16 last season, scoring two goals and adding 25 assists for 27 points. In 10 playoff games this season, Gowan scored three times and added eight assists for 11 points, helping the Colts to an OMHA Championship and an OHL Cup berth.

The following is a list of the Petes draft picks:

• 1st round, 3rd overall: Colin Fitzgerald, F, Peterborough Petes U16

• 2nd round, 32nd overall: Blake Gowan, D, Barrie Colts U16

• 5th round, 85th overall: Adam Levac, F, Eastern Ontario Wild U16

• 5th round, 99th overall: Genc Ula, D, North Jersey Avalanche U15

• 6th round, 105th overall: Alexander Hage, F, Vaughan Kings U16

• 7th round, 125th overall: Raiden Doxtator, F, London Jr. Knights U16

• 8th round, 145th overall: Elijah Chavez, F, Vaughan Kings U16

• 9th round, 165th overall: Luka Gelinas, G, Eastern Ontario Wild U16

• 10th round, 185th overall: Marcus Sulug, D, Niagara North Stars U16

• 11th round, 205th overall: Luis Sturgeon, D, Lambton Jr. Sting U16

• 12th round, 225th overall: Jonny Brooks, F, Oakville Rangers U16

• 13th round, 245th overall: Alexander Smyth, F, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes U15

• 14th round, 265th overall: Kasra Fathi, F, Kitchener Jr. Rangers U16

• 15th round, 283rd overall: Matthew McKenna, F, Central Ontario Wolves U16

• 15th round, 285th overall: Matthew Crawford, F, Sun County Panthers U16

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Fleming College to Display Annual Welding Showcase Tuesday

Fleming College’s skilled trades students will be on display during the annual Welding Showcase on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This event celebrates Fleming’s renowned welding programs: Welding Techniques and Welding and Fabrication Technician. Roughly 100 students graduate from these two programs annually.

The Showcase features their capstone projects and demonstrates the skills and techniques students have learned at Fleming.

Welding Techniques is an entry-level two-semester welder program. The Welding and Fabrication Technician program offers extra training in various subjects, including math, layout and fitting, stainless and aluminum welding, and metallurgy.

Welding industry experts, business owners, union representatives and sales and safety representatives will visit students, inspect their projects and discuss their career aspirations.

This is also an opportunity for students to get guidance on future job prospects. Local high school students are also invited to attend to see what Fleming’s program offers and learn more about the welding trade.

The Showcase begins at 1 p.m. in the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre at Fleming’s Sutherland Campus.

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Country Music Legends Sawyer Brown to Rock Peterborough Memorial Centre on Oct. 30

Country Music legends Sawyer Brown, alongside Shenandoah and special guest George Fox, will stop at the Peterborough Memorial Centre as a tour stop on Oct. 30, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

“One of the unique things about the band is we don’t really have a lot of love songs. We have life songs,” said Mark Miller, Sawyer Brown lead singer and frontman.

Sawyer Brown delivers their blue-collar, grass-roots message through music.

Marty Raybon and Mike McGuire formed Shenandoah in 1984 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama with bassist Ralph Ezell, keyboardist Stan Thorn and guitarist Jim Seales.

Legendary Canadian singer George Fox will open the show. Fox has a mantle of country music awards, has recorded 11 albums, opened for some of the biggest names in country music, and headlined sold-out shows coast to coast.

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. online, by phone at 705-743-3561 or in person at the PMC Box Office. Tickets prices range from $59.00 to $95.00 (plus applicable fees).

There is a venue presale for PMC Scoop members beginning Wednesday at 10 a.m. – fans can sign up to receive the promo code online.

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Peterborough Police Warn Public of Uptick In Thefts From Vehicle Reports

The Peterborough Police Service has noticed an increase in the number of reports of thefts from vehicles in the last few weeks. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Reports have come in from businesses and residences across the city. In some cases, cars have been rifled through and in other cases, windows have been smashed and items have been taken. 

Anyone experiencing this type of incident or noticing any suspicious activity is asked to report it to the police. 

In an emergency call 9-1-1; for non-emergencies, call 705-876-1122 x225 or you can also report online.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Doors Open Peterborough, Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness, Pristine Plumbing PTBO and Vintage Inspired

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…

Every year in September, buildings and sites not normally open to the public welcome visitors as part of Doors Open Peterborough.

It’s a great opportunity for community engagement and education about our built and cultural heritage. Doors Open began in France in 1984 and started in Peterborough in 2002.

This annual celebration of heritage and culture has allowed us to see inside everything from the Peterborough Lift Lock, to hydro generating stations, to Victorian mansions and modern architectural gems such as Trent University. Doors Open Peterborough is always looking for new places that tell Peterborough’s stories through the sites and voices of the community. If you would like your building, walking tour or site to be showcased on Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., email heritage@peterborough.ca or contact the City of Peterborough. The deadline for submission is May 5.

It feels like spring finally and that means the return of Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga and Pilates with Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness.

This year’s program will be offered with four different instructors and three locations: Chemong Lake, Stoney Lake, and downtown Peterborough’s Little Lake. Summer Soul offers paddleboard rentals for those without one of their own. Go to summersoul.ca for more details.

Mallory and Dylan have launched a new business – Pristine Plumbing PTBO.

They provide high quality plumbing for Peterborough and the surrounding areas and strive to provide the best customer service to their clientele. They are fully licensed and insured and available for you when you need them most. Their services include faucet and toilet installation, drain blockages, water treatment systems, and more. Find out more at pristineplumbingpeterborough.ca

Vintage Inspired has opened at 2351 County Rd 45 in Norwood.

Officially open as of April 6, they combine the past and present to create unique style for your home and cottage. They offer an eclectic mix of new, vintage, antique and upcycled finds, as well as hand-made goods by local artisans. Drop by for a look or find them online at vintageinspired.ca.

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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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