Rotary Club of Peterborough Introduces New Fundraiser to Help Those Live "Brighter Futures"

The Rotary Club of Peterborough has introduced a new fundraiser called Bright Futures. It support of local and international Rotary Projects that help individuals and families to live Brighter Futures, announced on Monday.

The Rotary Club of Peterborough was established in 1921 and currently has just over 70 members. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fundraiser is a raffle ticket fundraiser with more than $7,500 in prizes available. The winning tickets will be drawn live at a dance party at the McDonnel Street Activity Centre on June 8.

“Organizers aimed to offer prizes that would appeal to a broad number of adventure-minded people including a $5,000 travel voucher from Blowes & Stewart Travel, a five-night cottage rental on Catchacoma Lake and a Palusky Kayak and Paddle,” said Amy Simpson, Bright Futures committee co-chair.

The dance is a casual celebration with snacks, a cash bar, silent auction and live music from local band The Patio Stones. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the draw itself will take place at 9 p.m.

The owners of the winning tickets do not need to be present to win the draw prizes but is preferred for more dramatic effect according to Susan Sharp, co-chair.

“It would certainly add to the excitement to have the winners on site when the big prizes are given away,” she said.

Raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 each or three for $20. Dance tickets are $50. For raffle tickets, dance tickets or auction donations please email contact@peterboroughrotary.ca.

Tickets can also be purchased in person at Grady’s Feet Essentials, 231 King St..

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City of Peterborough Gives Public Notice of Intention to Pass By-laws to Establish and Rename Certain Roads

Notice is hereby given that under Sections 31(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O., 2001, c. 25, the City of Peterborough proposes to enact the following by-laws on June 10.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

1. A By-law to rename a portion of lands known as Hillside Street (from Cochrane Crescent to Simons Avenue) to Deline Street; and

2. A By-law to establish the road to be known as Deline Street as a public highway;

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring PPF Growth and People Solutions, Green Economy Peterborough, Le Boat and JA Business Hall of Hame

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…

PPF Group of Companies have launched a new HR division — PPF Growth and People Solutions.

Led by President Kimberly Callaghan, the firm will partner with organizations to design, support, and grow thriving and empowered businesses with engaged and inspired people. The company will focus on identifying pain points and tailoring solutions to support clients in achieving productivity and performance effectiveness, transforming their businesses by fostering a culture of continuous growth, innovation and a commitment to human-centric values and needs. Additional services include customized cloud-based solutions that are scalable, accessible, and impactful, meeting clients' needs and enabling their skills, knowledge, and capabilities.

Green Economy Peterborough is holding its annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards on May 16 at the McDonnel Street Activity Centre.

Doors open at 5:15 p.m. and the celebrations begin at 6 p.m. This networking and celebration event will showcase local business leaders prioritizing the environment in their operations and business practices. There will be a short presentation from Professor Stephen Hill of Trent University on his new book, Sustainable Energy Transitions in Canada.

Le Boat has officially opened in the Peterborough area. This Europe-based luxury vessel and houseboat rental company is kicking off a new Trent-Severn Waterway tour destination based out of Peterborough offering an opportunity to tour 386 km of rivers, lakes, and canals that make up the waterway. Le Boat now has scenic boat rental opportunities in Belgium, France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands, Scotland, Italy, Germany, and Canada. They have been in the business for 50 years and have experience helping you plan your dream boating adventure.

Get your tickets for the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame 2024 awards on May 23.

Tickets include not only an awards ceremony, but delicious culinary stations from local restaurants like Hanoi House, Fresh Dreams, La Mesita, Curry Village, Railyard, and That’s a Wrap. This year’s event will honour Tim Barrie, John Cunningham, Gwyneth James, Richard Labelle, Jill and Robert Staples, Jeannine Taylor, Nicole Truman, Cora Whittington, and the team at Winslow Gerolamy Motors.

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Photos: Seniors Entertained As Trent Valley Archives Brings Peter Robinson's Story to Life With 'Tide of Hope' Production at Royal Gardens

Tales of famed politician Peter Robinson came to life in a live production of ‘Tide of Hope’ put on by Trent Valley Archives Theatre production at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence on Thursday night.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Michael Ketemer as the Musician.

Nathan Govier as Lord Kingston (left) with Lucas Pronk as Peter Robinson (right).

Drew Mills (left) as David and Lauren Murphy (right).

Pronk with June Govier (middle) as Elizabeth and Elaine Day (right) as The Descendant.

Brogan McKeller (left) as the Stage Manager with the cast members as the production has a play within itself.

Carling Dulder (left) as Lady Margaret/Midnight as Govier receives a knife from her.

The play depicts actor The Descendant in the forthcoming Trent Valley Archives Theatre production. She is a Peter Robinson settler descendant while her ancestor, John Heffernan, was a poor gardener on Lord George Kingston's estate.

It follows the trials and tribulations of two families who are forced to flee Ireland and emigrate to Upper Canada in 1825 to escape hardships and violent rebellion. It commemorates the bicentennial of the Peter Robinson immigration. He played a pivotal role in organizing the migration and settlement of Peterborough.

The play commemorates the 200th anniversary of the arrival of roughly 2,024 Irish settlers to Peterborough as part of the British government’s assisted emigration program for destitute Irish families.

Live productions are available to the public at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. for school groups on Wednesday.

Tickets can be found on Market Hall’s website.

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Downtown Patio Installation Beginning Monday

With the warmer weather in full swing, expanded patio areas and more pedestrian space are being installed in downtown Peterborough starting Monday, announced on Friday afternoon.

File Photo.

Installations are scheduled for Monday. The City will install decorative fencing and planter boxes next to businesses that have approved patio permits. Expanded patios are planned for George, Water, Simcoe and Charlotte streets. Businesses that do not have widened sidewalks in front of their establishments will be permitted to use the on-street parking area in front of their business for their patio operations.  

Decorative fencing and planter installations for patios are anticipated to continue throughout May and June to facilitate later rounds of patio permit applications. Currently, the City has received about 20 patio permit applications. 

“I love our downtown and look forward to the expanded patios each summer because they enhance the vibrancy and bring people together in the heart of the city,” said Town Ward Councillor Alex Bierk. 

The patio season changes include reconfiguring Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets into a one-lane, one-way street westbound to create more patio and pedestrian space. Within the Café District along Hunter Street West, the expanded sidewalk space for patios provides additional room for people to enjoy businesses and outdoor restaurant spaces due to the temporary lane reconfigurations.

As part of reconfiguring this section of Hunter Street West, Chambers Street is temporarily closed at its south end at Hunter Street and will be two-way for traffic from its north end at Brock Street the duration of the closure at Hunter Street.  

Reduced speed limits will be put in place on streets with patios to further ensure pedestrian and customer safety.  

Parking spaces including accessible spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas, may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses. 

The City is accepting Patio Permit applications for patios on city-owned lands until May 31. Patio permits are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations that want to place a patio including bistro-style tables and chairs, on City-owned lands.

Businesses operating patios on private lands may require a permit and temporary liquor licence extension. Interested parties are invited to visit the City’s Application, Licenses and Permits webpage for more information on the application process. Applications, permit fees and supporting documents can be submitted online through the City’s website. 

To ensure compliance with patio permit requirements and respond to non-permitted patios operating on city-owned lands, an Administrative Monetary Penalty System has been implemented that will create an enforcement process for businesses that are not in compliance with their permit or have not obtained a permit. 

The City’s Patio Program dates back to 1997, and it included bistro-style tables on the sidewalks adjacent to the building facades. The program was later expanded to include the creation of the Hunter Street Café District in 2005. This is the fifth summer that the City is implementing temporary changes to downtown public spaces to allow for more patios and expanded pedestrian areas.  

For general inquiries about outdoor patios on City-owned lands, please contact Nicole Huculiak, Urban Design Supervisor, by email at nhuculiak@peterbrough.ca or by phone at 705-742-7777 ext. 1654. 

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Woman Found Dead On Trail; Police Deem Death Not Suspicous Currently

A woman dead suddenly on a trail was found by Peterborough Police early Friday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:45 a.m., officers were called to the trail near McDonnel Street and Reid Street about the woman.

At this time, police do not consider the death suspicious.

The Peterborough Police Service is assisting the Coroner’s Office in the investigation investigation. 

The trail was closed for about six hours and reopened just after 10 a.m. 

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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Peterborough Man Says 'Yes' to ENCORE to Win $100,000

Peterborough’s Robert Lingard said ‘yes’ to ENCORE and became $100,000 richer, announced by Ontario Lottery Gaming on Thursday evening.

Photo courtesy of OLG.

He matched the last six of seven ENCORE numbers in the exact order in the April 9 LOTTO MAX draw.

The winning ticket was purchased at Talwood Variety on Talwood Drive.

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Housing Access Peterborough to Provide Affordable Housing Waiting List

The waiting list for affordable housing units operated by Peterborough Housing Corporation (PHC) will be provided through Housing Access Peterborough, a City of Peterborough Social Services program starting Wednesday.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

PHC, the City’s affordable housing agency, had previously operated the waiting list for Affordable Housing and the City’s Social Services Division, through its Housing Access Peterborough (HAP) program, operated the waiting list for Rent-Geared to-Income (RGI) housing according to a press release.

Affordable Housing units feature rents established between 80 per cent and 100 per cent of Average Market Rents. Rent-Geared-Income housing refers to a housing program regulated by provincial legislation where rent is capped at 30 per cent of a tenant’s income.

Peterborough Housing Corporation and 14 non-profit housing providers together operate about 2,000 affordable housing units, including about 1,500 rent-geared-to-income units. There are currently more than 2,000 applicants on the waitlist for RGI housing.

“Bringing together the affordable housing and RGI waitlists, through Housing Access Peterborough, will make it easier for people to apply for housing services through the Housing Access Peterborough website, find information or seek assistance at a single location,” said Councillor Keith Riel.

Prospective applicants for affordable housing can submit their application online through the HAP website or pick up paper application forms at the Housing Access Peterborough office at 178 Charlotte St. in Peterborough.

As the Service Manager for the City and County, the City of Peterborough administers the Centralized Housing Waitlist for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) housing. PHC previously managed access to affordable housing units through a separate application process. Applicants who were on the affordable housing waitlist with PHC prior to Wednesday and those on the RGI centralized waitlist have been given the opportunity for priority placement on this new waitlist.

The City says the units provide safe, decent and reasonably priced housing options for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. They add that they are also designed to ensure that people from a wide range of economic backgrounds can access housing without experiencing financial hardship or housing instability.

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Kawartha Dows Releases Schedule of Events for 2024; Harness Racing Moved to Friday Nights

Kawartha Downs (KD) has opted to get bigger and become a better hub as they released their lineup of events for 2024 including their harness racing schedule announced at the track on Thursday afternoon.

Daniel D’Ercole, Kawartha Downs general manager (left); Jim Huck, Kawartha Downs ‍Director of Horse Racing (middle) and Richard Weldon, Kawartha Downs President. One major change o the harness racing is they will start on Friday nights with post time at 7 p.m. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Daniel D'Ercole, KD's general manager, and Richard Weldon, KD's president, made the announcement.

Returning events include the Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby and pit party, Monster Madness and Agricultural Fair. New additions include Weiner Dog Races, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy, Axe Throwing, a Wedding Show and more.

“The reception from our community and township has been tremendous,” said D’Ercole. “Everybody’s excited about the events that we held last year and so our motivation to further that list and continue to build on that comes from their support.”

Harness racing moves to Fridays with post time at 7 p.m. with the first date for May 17.

The following is the 2024 event schedule:

• May 17 - Live Entertainment (Opening Night Harness Racing)

• May 18 - Live Entertainment

• May 25 - OTTPA Truck + Tractor Pull Door 5 p.m., start time 6 p.m.

• May 28 - Yoga Class 6 p.m. start time

• May 30 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 dance class

• June 8 - Yuk Yuk’s Comedy 6 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show

• June 9 - FoxFest Car Show 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• June 4, 11 & 18 - Yoga Class 6 p.m. start time

• June 20 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• June 27 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• July 6 - Demolition Derby Pit Party 5 p.m., Start time 6:30 p.m.

• July 13 & 14 - Agricultural Fair TBD start time

• July 19 - Weiner Dog Races (Harness Racing)

• July 20 - Monster Madness

  • Show 1- 1 p.m. pit party and 2:30 p.m. show time

  • Show 2- 5 p.m. pit party and 6:30 p.m. show time

• July 24 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• August 1 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• August 14 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• August 24 & 25 - Beer + BBQ Fest TBD start time

• August 29 - Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• Sept. 18 - Axe Throwing 6 p.m.

• Sept. 26- Line Dancing 6 p.m. buffet, 7:15 p.m. dance class

• Sept. 28 - Model Train Show TBD start time

• Nov. 10 - Wedding show TBD start time

The following are all harness racing dates on Fridays with post time scheduled for 7 p.m.:

• May 17

• May 24

• May 31

• June 7

• June 14

• June 21

• June 28

• July 5

• July 12

• July 19

• July 26

• Aug. 2

• Aug. 9th

• Aug. 16

• Aug. 23

• Aug. 30

• Sept. 6

• Sept. 13

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Hidden Goodies to be Discovered At the East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale This Saturday

Hidden treasures could be found at the East City Neighbourhood Yard Sale this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Bonner.

Over 80 houses will be hosting a yard sale on their front lawns.

“Whether you're a seasoned collector, a bargain hunter or just looking for some good old-fashioned fun, there will be something for everyone,” said Ashley Bonner of East City PTBO. “From furniture to clothing, books, toys, tools and everything in between, you never know what gems you'll find.”

Houses in East City, ranging from Wallace Street to Lisburn Street and spanning Armour Road and Hunter Street, are in on the action.

“Grab your wallet, put on your comfy shoes and come explore East City's best bargains,” said Bonner. “Who knows, you might even find that perfect item you've been searching for.”

To view the map, click here.

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