3,000 Trout Released Into 35th Annual OFAH Under the Lock Fishing Derby a Go Starting April 27

There were 3,000 trout released into the Lift Locks ahead of the 35th annual Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Under the Lock Fishing Derby including top-prize rainbow trout ‘Walter’ on Wednesday.

GORDON BOWLEY, FISHING DERBY CO-CHAIR, holds Walter before throwing him into the canal. This is Bowley’s 25th year helping the fishing derby. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

Of the 3,000, 2,500 of them are rainbow trout and the other 500 are brook trout, tagged for instant prizes and a chance to win one of four grand prizes for the youth derby.

The event runs from April 27 to May 5. The youth derby, for children 15 and under, kicks off on the first day.

Walter, a six to eight-pound rainbow trout as the top prize, will earn $1,000 cash to whoever can reel him in.

The second and third-place grand prize fish ‘Rosie’ and ‘Berty’ are each worth $200 cash plus a free registration to OFAH day camp. The fourth grand prize ‘Kayak’ wins a sit-on kayak and paddle.

Nick Pellerin tosses a netful of trout into the Lift Lock to prepare for the fishing derby. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The all-ages derby will run from April 28 through May 5. For the third year, it will include tagged fish with cash prizes sponsored by local businesses.

Registration is required for all participants. Admission is $15 for the first child, $10 for siblings and $25 for adults. Purchase tickets online or in person at both Peterborough Canadian Tire locations.

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Peterborough Police Investigating Gas Bar Door Glass Being Smashed; Officers Search For Two Suspects

The Peterborough Police Service is investigating after an incident at a Peterborough gas bar on Wednesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3 a.m. on April 24, 2024, officers were called about the front door of a gas bar in the Lansdowne Street West and Rye Street area being smashed. 

When officers arrived, they found the door glass smashed but overall, it was still secure.

Officers searched the area for two people matching the following description:

• Two males

• Possibly in the 20s

• Wearing toques and wearing reddish grey jeans

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Fleming College Makes Changes to Program Offerings Amid International Student Cap

Changes to Fleming College’s program offerings for Fall 2024 were approved by the Board of Governors on Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“As a result of the recent federal cap on international students coming to Ontario and the elimination of educational private partnerships, we have made difficult, but necessary, evidence-based decisions about program continuation and suspensions,” according to a statement made by Fleming.

Current students are not affected by these decisions. Fleming says their priority will be to enable program completion of any student who is currently enrolled in any of the suspended programs.

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Voice of Business: It’s Time to Prioritize Addictions and Homelessness at the National, Provincial and Local Level

Addictions and homelessness in our city is uncomfortable.

It’s uncomfortable for the people living it. It’s uncomfortable for the community dealing with the issues that surround it. And it brings about uncomfortable conversations.

It’s in stark contrast to the current political enthusiasm for housing. Don’t get me wrong, we desperately need big solutions for housing in our city, province and country and it will play a role in alleviating homelessness. Right now, it seems every government body has a housing policy that they’re sharing with anyone who will listen. They have goals with numbers attached to them and financial incentives for achieving them. We have government ministries dedicated to this file, with their own associate and deputy ministers for additional support. We might be in a housing crunch right now, but the action from all levels of government instills a certain amount of optimism that things will improve.

Unfortunately, there isn’t that feeling of optimism when it comes to dealing with addictions and homelessness. There are a lot of good things in the works. There are community groups spearheading new programs and governments launching new social supports. But there’s a lack of strategic planning to get us out of the crisis we are in. And make no mistake, communities across Canada are in a crisis.

We need governments to set targets for eliminating homelessness, decreasing addictions, reducing poverty, and eliminating barriers to mental health supports — targets that all levels of government can work together to achieve. This should be prioritized as one of the highest profile portfolios.

Defining this issue is also uncomfortable and complex. Many people addicted to drugs aren’t homeless and there are many homeless people who are not using drugs. We can’t ignore the role that poverty, trauma, and a lack of mental health supports play into this. It’s uncomfortable to address the fact that, in Canada, Indigenous people are eight times more likely to be homeless.

The Chamber recently met with a group of businesses who are frustrated with the increase in antisocial behaviour in their neighbourhood. They’re dealing with regular property damage, increased shoplifting, and people accosting and assaulting staff. They’re regularly cleaning up human feces, needles, and used condoms. They’ve invested in expensive security systems, shortened hours to avoid closing in the dark, and begun locking their doors during the day. As fellow humans, they want to continue to show compassion to our most vulnerable population, which also takes an emotional toll.

There is a real lack of optimism on this issue. Talking about this with businesses, elected leaders, and government staff alike, there is very little feeling that we are going to be in a better situation in the foreseeable future.

This is one of the biggest issues we are facing right now. None of us have the knowledge or means to fix it on our own. We need all three levels of government to prioritize and dedicate significant resources to this. We need to know that when these pilot projects and social service contracts run out, our community is going to be in a better position than when we started.

Let’s all get uncomfortable — We can’t shy away from this issue any longer.

Click here to listen to Joel’s interview on Ontario Morning with Ramraajh Sharvendiran

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Missing 14-Year-Old Girl Since Thursday Has Been Found

The Peterborough Police Service is thanking the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Peterborough girl, Arynn Chatten.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Chatten has been safely located according to Peterborough Police.

She was missing since Thursday and friends last saw her in the Monaghan Road and Lansdowne Street area. 

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Peterborough Humane Society's Inaugural 50/50 Lottery & Owen’s ‘Ruff’le Raises Nearly $35,000

Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) concluded its inaugural 50/50 lottery and Owen’s ‘Ruff’le, randomly drawing two winning names from last Wednesday afternoon.

Si Grobler (left), Darlene (middle) and Kevin MacKenzie (right) celebrating the 50/50 win of $21,807.50 at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre. Photo courtesy of the PHS.

Darlene of Peterborough won the $21,807.50 grand prize from the 50/50 draw while Kathryn Sheridan of Peterborough was the lucky winner from the Owen’s ‘Ruff’le. She walks away with Loll Designs patio chairs, valued at over $1700.

The inaugural PHS 50/50 Lottery ran from March 13 to April 17, raising $34,857.50 for the Peterborough Humane Society's animals in need.

“I continue to be impressed and humbled by our supporters here in Peterborough, across the Kawartha Region, and the entire province for their generous support of what we do”, said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

Plans are already underway for the second iteration of the PHS 50/50 Lottery according to a press release.

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2024 Capable Con Returns to Venture North On June 1 to Cap Off National AccessAbility Week

The Council for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) has launched the return of Capable Con, a family-friendly free event that was announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Venture North Parking lot on June 1, the final day of National AccessAbility week.

Capable Con features fun activities, vendors, and live entertainment while promoting and creating healthy dialogues about inclusivity and accessibility.

“That's what we're aiming for: have fun, be engaged, learn, ask questions and just really enjoy themselves,” said Jason King, CPD marketing and programming coordinator.

Attendees have a chance to experience CPD's innovative Virtual Reality Simulation of the Time in My Shoes Program, offering a firsthand perspective on the daily challenges many individuals face.

“Disability touches every aspect of life and it's crucial that we ensure equal opportunities for all individuals, whether it's access to services, inclusive environments, or employment opportunities,” said Cody McIntyre, CPD Council Vice Chair.

The inaugural event launched in 2022. King says it is getting bigger and better each year with new annual features.

“Canopy Services is bringing their sensory tent to check out,” he explained.” It's designed to give you some place peaceful where you can have a weighted blanket or some textured items, noise-cancelling headphones, whatever you might need to calm yourself and relax. It's a really big deal when it comes to people with autism or with other types of intellectual challenges. 

Since the event’s inception, Capable Con has been bringing back its ‘Capable Crew,’ a team of everyday superheroes with disabilities who will visit various organizations to celebrate the community's diverse tapestry and promote inclusivity.

The following are the characters showcased for Capable Con:

• Scout and traveller, a hero with vision loss and his guide dog

• Amanda Auriel, a hero with hearing loss but can read body signals and lips to capture words spoken. She uses a skateboard with her name spelled out in sign language.

• Power Pals Jordan and Jamie who are on the autism spectrum. They possess the power of hyper-focus, unconventional outlooks, pattern recognition, great memory and recall.

• Bionica Bot, an amputee gymnast with interchangeable parts for her arm to suit the task at hand.

• Cruze, a hero able to navigate anywhere with the power of his unique wheelchair

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Peterborough Transit Making Seasonal Adjustments To Several Routes

Peterborough Transit is making seasonal changes to some of its routes for the spring and summer.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Route 4 Weller

Route 4 Weller Eastbound will no longer travel into the hospital loop to improve route timing starting April 28. The stop on Weller Street at Sherwood Crescent has moved to Weller Street at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Walkway.

Route 5 The Parkway

• Late-night Northbound service is suspended on weekdays and weekends from April 21 until the beginning of September 2024.

• Northbound Route 5 finishes at 11:35 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 7:35 p.m. on Sunday and Holidays.

Route 6 Sherbrooke

• Late-night service has been suspended on weekdays and weekends from April 21 until the beginning of September 2024.

• The last trip on both eastbound and westbound routes departs at 11:10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 7:10 p.m. on Sundays and Holidays.

Route 7 Lansdowne

• Route 7 Lansdowne will transition to its spring/summer route using the 7A routing via Ashburnham, the Lift Lock, and Hunter Street from April 28 through Oct. 26. All stops on Rogers Street between Maria Street and Hunter Street will continue to be served by Route 4 trips.

• Route 7 Lansdowne rush hour 7B trip at 7:50 a.m. from Willowcreek Boulevard to Fleming College has been suspended from service starting on Sunday.

• Route 7 Lansdowne rush hour 7B trips between Willowcreek Boulevard and Fleming College have been suspended from service on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays starting on Sunday.

Route 11 Water

Route 11 and 11A Water which serves Trent University, was suspended on April 21 until the beginning of September 2024.

Community Bus route changes

Effective Sunday, Route 22 Blue and Route 23 Red Community Bus will no longer travel on George Street past Simcoe Street.

• Route 22 Blue Community Bus will turn from George Street onto Simcoe Street and proceed to the bus terminal. From the bus terminal, the route will continue on Simcoe Street to Aylmer Street, turn left onto Aylmer Street to Charlotte Street, and turn right onto Charlotte Street to the regular route.

• Route 23 Red Community Bus will turn from George Street onto Simcoe Street and proceed to the bus terminal. From the bus terminal, the route will continue on Simcoe Street to Aylmer Street, turn left onto Aylmer Street to Lansdowne Street, to the regular route.

Detours

Peterborough Transit will make adjustments to routes for construction detours as they arise. The following routes have detours in place while construction projects are underway:

• Route 7A Lansdowne eastbound will detour from Rogers Street to Dufferin Street to Armour Road

• Route 9 Parkhill will detour from Parkhill Road via McDonnel Street and from Brealey Drive via Kawartha Heights Boulevard and Lansdowne Street West

• Westbound Route 23 Red Community Bus will detour via Romaine Street west to Park Street south to resume the regular route. Two temporary stops will be placed on the north side of Romaine Street: Romaine Street at Aylmer Street and Romaine Street at Park Street.

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Rotarians Defeat Media To Promote Rotary Club of Peterborough's Kids 10th Annual Spelling Bee For May 4

The Rotarians got the last laugh and word in over the local media in a promotional spelling bee competition at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Monday afternoon.

Donna-Marie Fennell of the Rotary Club attempting to defend her spelling bee title in the promotion Media versus Rotary competition. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Several media members —including yours truly— participated in the event to promote the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s 10th Annual Spelling Bee which will take place at the Whetung Theatre at Fleming College on May 4.

The competition is divided into two groups. The Junior Division for Grades 4-6 runs at 9 a.m. and the Senior Division for Grades 7-8 starts at 1 p.m.

“We’re hearing from teachers at participating schools that kids are very determined to make it to regional bee and they are focusing intently on studying their practice words,” said Catherine Hanrahan, spelling bee committee chair.

The event is being broadcast on YourTV Cogeco.

The top three spellers in each division will win prizes, trophies and more.

“We’ve had a number of local businesses come forward with some really generous prizes like a week at Camp Kawartha or a week at Trent Excalibur Camp, a party at Zap Attack and lessons at the Art School of Peterborough,” said Hanrahan. “We also have two bicycles generously donated by Canadian Tire on Lansdowne and Realtor Rebecca Quinn from Century 21 United Realty.”

Every participant will receive a grab bag with items like Family Swim Passes for the YMCA, Train Passes for Riverview Park and Zoo, free games from Zap Attack, handmade toys from Leslie Covert and silly putty from Crayola. The winning students' schools will also be eligible for bursaries from the Rotary Club of Peterborough for literacy projects.

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Community Futures Peterborough Launches New Green Funding Program For Any Peterborough City/County Business Of Up to $100,000

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) for Earth Day, unveiled its Climate Change and Environment Fund to help any Peterborough County and City businesses reduce their carbon footprint, announced at Charlotte Products Ltd. on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Like many organizations and leaders in the community, we want to be a part of helping fight climate change and encourage green investment in the Peterborough area,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “Launching this new lending program is one way we can play a role in supporting existing businesses while also trying to attract new green companies to the region.”

The Climate Change and Environment Fund is open to any business to finance a project to reduce carbon emissions or waste. These projects could consider energy-efficient upgrades (including capital upgrades) to reduce energy bills, renewable energy improvements, or considerations of circular economies, including localizing supply chains or buying reusable bins. Under this fund, CFP will lend money at a prime rate, up to $100,000 per project.

Charlotte Products Ltd. has reduced carbon emissions by investing in the creation of its local manufacturing facilities instead of sourcing from the United States and globally.

“On behalf of the Charlotte Products team, we are honoured to host this exciting launch of the Climate Change and Environment Fund by Community Futures Peterborough,” says Matt Strano, Charlotte Products Ltd. CEO. “Sustainability is a primary concern for numerous businesses in our community,and initiatives like this fund will further bolster and reinforce their ongoing efforts.”

“The climate crisis is bringing a variety of increased financial pressures to our businesses including supply chain disruption and the rising costs of both shipping and natural gas,” said Tegan Moss, GreenUP executive director. “The Climate Change and Environment Fund is an opportunity for businesses to invest now in solutions that can help their businesses manage these costs while being a part of the solution. Imagine the possibilities: energy-efficient upgrades, renewable energy installations, circular economy initiatives – all aimed at reducing emissions, lowering costs, and enhancing the brand image of our businesses.”

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