Explore History Come to Life Again as Lang Pioneer Museum Opens For the Season On Tuesday

Relive history in the Kawarthas as Lang Pioneer Village Museum’s 2024 season kicks off for the spring starting this Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth King and Lang Pioneer Village.

The Museum will be open for spring hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday until June 15. The annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show on June 16 is kicking off the Museum's summer hours and special event season.

This season will see the return of several special events including the Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show, the Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show, a Corn Roast, Applefest, Spooky All Hallows’ Eve and Christmas by Candlelight. The Christmas Bazaar which brings together a variety of local artisans at the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building for a day of holiday shopping, is also returning.

“As we move into the spring and summer season at the Museum, staff and volunteers are excited to welcome you back to the site for tours, events and programs,” said Elizabeth King, museum operations manager. We are pleased to be able to share our regular roster of annual events, as well as some new workshops, demonstrations and projects that we hope you will enjoy. We hope you can join us on our beautiful site this year - where history is brought to life and becomes a fun and informative experience for all.”

Season passes are available for purchase for those wanting to take advantage of all the Museum has to offer this season.

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City of Peterborough Hosting Public Information Centre For Sanitary Master Plan

Residents are invited to participate to the City of Peterborough’s live virtual public information centre on May 29 at 6:30 p.m. about the City’s Sanitary Master Plan.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The Plan looks at the best use for existing sanitary infrastructure that aligns with the City’s Official Plan Update according to a press release.

“Our wastewater system is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure that the City currently provides, even though it can be ‘out of sight, out of mind,’” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The Sanitary Master Plan is being developed to guide our strategic investment in the City’s sanitary system for the health and well-being of our residents, and your input is an important part of the process.”

The live virtual public information centre (PIC) presentation is part of the Class Environmental Assessment study. It will present information about the City’s existing wastewater system, future growth needs, the project schedule, and what steps are being taken to support the decision-making process. Participants can submit questions during the presentation through the virtual chat feature. To receive information on how to attend the virtual meeting, please register using the link on the project page.

Project information for the Sanitary Master Plan is available on the City’s community consultation website. Residents are invited to submit comments on the study and subscribe for future study updates. A recording of the PIC presentation will be posted on the project website following the live session.  

The City’s Sanitary Master Plan objectives are: 

• Assess the existing sanitary system and identify requirements to service existing and future development areas; 

• Identify existing system vulnerabilities and risks, and develop a mitigation approach; 

• Evaluate the impact of future population growth to existing and new system vulnerabilities; 

• Develop an environmentally sustainable strategy for managed growth with a focus on intensification in built-up areas and climate change resiliency; 

• Provide capital planning recommendations to form the basis for future Development Charges

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Peterborough Police Searching For Jeep Fleeing From a Two-Car Collision

The Peterborough Police Service is searching for a Jeep after a fail-to-remain collision in Peterborough on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The collision happened at about 4:15 p.m. at the intersection of Lansdowne Street and High Street. 

Two vehicles collided, resulting in one striking a business. No one was seriously injured, but the building was damaged. A black Jeep involved in the incident fled the scene and was last spotted going southbound on High Street. Police expect the front of the Jeep to have front-end damage.

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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The Inaugural 'Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair' Saw Roughly 500 People Pair With Over 40 Organizations

Volunteer Peterborough saw roughly 500 people opt to sacrifice their time for the greater good at the inaugural ‘Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair’ at the YMCA of Central East Ontario last Wednesday.

Volunteer Peterborough already has more than 1,000 volunteers and 120 organizations on VolunteerPeterborough.ca. after the Fair. Photo courtesy of Volunteer Peterborough.

The organization is a matchmaking service for prospective volunteers to pair with organizations to suit the former’s needs. It launched its online match-making portal last summer.

At the fair, the 500 volunteers explored and signed up with 41 different groups. There were 65 volunteers signed up with Musicfest, 14 people signed up to attend the Kiwanis Club's next recruitment meeting, the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra filled all the jobs on its wish list and the Turtle Trauma Centre left with three pages of names according to a press release.

From here, the group will participate in Trent University’s Volunteer Fair and is seeking funding to host Meet Your Match events in Peterborough County to assist smaller charities and rural residents.

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Peterborough & the Kawarthas Recipient of Inaugural Water Ways Destination of the Year

Peterborough & the Kawarthas is declared the first-ever winner of its Water Ways Destination of the Year award by Water Ways TV, announced on Wednesday.

(from left to right) Joe Rees, Director of Tourism with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development; Hon. Neil Lumsden, Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport; Steven Bull, Host and Executive Producer of Water Ways TV; Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden, Dave Smith, MPP, Peterborough-Kawartha and Jeff Leal, Mayor of Peterborough. Photo courtesy of Ed Middleton

This annual prize from the noted North American boating TV series recognizes communities for bringing world-class boating experiences to locals and visitors from around the world according to Steven J. Bull, Water Ways TV executive producer and host.

“It is truly an honour for the region to receive the first-ever Destination of the Year award from Water Ways TV,” said Joe Rees, Director of Tourism with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. ” As the official destination marketing organization for the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County, our team works diligently to position the waterway and recreational boating at the heart of our story. 2024 is an incredible year for Peterborough & the Kawarthas and this recognition couldn’t have arrived at a more celebratory moment for our sought-after destination.”

“We genuinely believe that some memories can’t be made on land,” he said. “Peterborough & the Kawarthas caught our eye in 2024 by welcoming the newest base for world’s largest fleet of luxury houseboats, Le Boat, while also opening the stunning new waterfront Canadian Canoe Museum which houses the world’s largest collection of paddled watercraft.”

Peterborough and the Kawarthas are known to have been shaped by its connection to water with the historic Trent-Severn Waterway winding through its communities.

“As 2024 Water Ways Destination of the Year, Peterborough & the Kawarthas will have an entire episode dedicated to it’s waters in the new series coming this September,” said Bull. “Ontario is a fitting launch for our slate of new regional shows (with Florida and the Pacific Northwest planned for 2025) and will celebrate destinations from Toronto to Temiskaming, and experiences from wakesurfing to walleye fishing, yachting to kayaking.”

“This recognition appropriately celebrates Peterborough & the Kawarthas’ thriving boating culture which has for decades motivated locals and visitors alike to take to its waters to explore the region’s natural beauty and wealth of recreational opportunities on offer,” said Hon. Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. I am proud that Waters Ways: Ontario will showcase the best boating destinations across our province and the small business owners and operators that continue to connect us to the water, benefitting local economies and reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a choice destination for endless adventure.”

“Boating Ontario is proud to support the new Water Ways: Ontario TV series,” said Rick Layzell, Boating Ontario Association CEO. “With an unprecedented content plan ready for execution, Water Ways: Ontario is set to shine a positive light on the exceptional recreational boating opportunities across our incredible province. Boating Ontario members have a ground floor opportunity to engage with this new series and benefit from the anticipated consumer engagement.”

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Innovative Furniture Repurposing Leads to Two Winners for Habitat For Humanity's Inaugural 'The Big Flip' Contest

Philip Feder and Cass Stabler are the winners of Habitat for Humanity’s inaugural ‘The Big Flip’ contest to promote sustainability and creativity to those reimagining and reviving furniture pieces while keeping them out of landfills. 

Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.

The first rendition of the event had 46 entries and ran on Earth Day, April 22. The challenge was to transform used furniture innovatively (including, but not limited to, painting, restoring, and reupholstering).

Among the entries, 20 contestants sourced their items from a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, five found furniture pieces on the side of the road and six repurposed items they already had at home. There were 17 entries that showcased the creative use of Fusion Mineral paint, a popular and environmentally conscious paint line known for its superior durability and one-step application, according to a press release.

The winners were selected through two categories: The People’s Choice and Designer’s Choice. The People's Choice category had over 1900 online votes. The Designer’s Choice winner was chosen by the interior designers at Birchview Design, who evaluated entries based on criteria such as creativity, originality, usability and overall transformation. 

The Winners 

People’s Choice Category: 

The recipient of the People's Choice award is Philip Feder of Omemee. His winning entry, a Superman-themed side table crafted from repurposed comic book covers, captured the hearts of voters with its unique blend of creativity and sustainability.

“As a comic book and toy collector, I frequently encounter damaged comics. Rather than allowing them to be discarded in a landfill, I opted to repurpose them.” said Feder. “(I) used a combination of materials and paint, I added bar resin to seal the top. To emulate Superman's suit, I fashioned the legs of the table accordingly, drawing inspiration from the comics.”

Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.

The Designer’s Choice award went to Cass Stabler for her meticulously crafted floral desk. She transformed a child-sized wooden desk and chair into a vibrant and functional piece of furniture. Cass transformed the pre-loved desk into a birthday gift for her seven-year-old niece. After thoroughly prepping the desk and matching chair, she patiently painted a floral motif to reflect her niece’s love of nature.

“It's a good thing the NHL playoffs were on because this took approximately eight hockey games (or 24 hours) worth of painting time,” said Stabler. “I already enjoyed finding nice, well-made furniture from sources like the ReStore and I have recently started painting more often. Being able to combine these skills and make a perfect gift for my niece was a lot of fun.”  

Both winners received a Fusion Mineral Paint™ prize pack, a one-year membership to the Peterborough Tool Library, and a $500 gift card to Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre.

“(We’re) Thrilled to have been part of The Big Flip contest—an amazing campaign that advocates sustainability and keeping our landfills free from furniture even if its not up to the best quality,” said Alaura Jopling, Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre marketing coordinator. “We encourage our customers to visit us anytime for guidance and supplies for their next DIY project. Together, we can help you create, repurpose, and give life to old furniture while protecting our planet.”

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Peterborough Police Focusing On Safe Driving During Canada Road Safety Week

During Canada Road Safety Week running until Tuesday, the Peterborough Police Service Traffic Unit is focusing on safe driving announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s theme is ‘Every Road. Every Day. Everyone.’

In support of the week, the Traffic Unit is looking out for the following during May:

1. Impaired Driving (alcohol, drugs, fatigue)

2. Distracted Driving

3. Aggressive Driving

4. Seatbelts

Residents can report traffic complaints in several different ways according to the Police.

Call 9-1-1 if it is an emergency, for non-emergencies, call 705-876-1122 or residents can report driving complaints through the online reporting portal.

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City of Peterborough to Host Touch-a-Truck and Free Tree Giveaway On Tuesday

As part of National Public Works Week, the City of Peterborough will host a Touch-a-Truck event and free tree giveaway on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eastgate Park parking lot, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.

File Photo.

“The City of Peterborough has an excellent team of employees at Public Works and I am proud to celebrate their efforts serving the community. We are happy to offer a Touch-a-Truck event to connect with everyone, young and old, letting them check out our City equipment up close,” said Cassandra Babcock, Public Works operations director. 

The City encourages tree planting on private property within City limits according to a press release. City residents can pick up one tree per household. A total of 150 trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Trees come in two-gallon buckets for convenient transportation.

The following species are available: 

• River Birch 

• Sycamore 

• Tulip Tree 

• Red Oak 

• Tamarack 

• American Elm 

• Alleghany Serviceberry 

• Basswood 

Ample free parking is available in the main parking lot on Ashburnham Drive, on the east side of the street, just south of Eastgate Park, and overflow parking is available in the parking lot at Beavermead Park. 

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I Mother Earth, David Wilcox and Dwayne Gretzky Announced For Peterborough Musicfest Lineup With Several Other Acts

I Mother Earth, David Wilcox and Dwayne Gretzky were some of the acts listed for this year’s Peterborough Musicfest lineup, announced at the Silver Bean Café on Tuesday morning.

TRACY CONDON, PETERBOROUGH MUSICFEST BOARD CHAIR (LEFT) WITH TRACEY RANDALL, GENERAL MANAGER (RIGHT) AS THE FREE CONCERT SERIES RELEASES THEIR LINEUP FOR THIS YEAR. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

This adds to acts Tenille Townes, Down With Webster and Metric who were announced before the full lineup release.

Three dates (July 10, July 27 and Aug. 10) will be announced later.

“There's something for everyone, there's so many acts that I want to check out and I just think it's going to be an incredible summer,” said Tracy Condon, Musicfest chair.

Statistics regarding the Musicfest’s economic impact, according to a study conducted by Community Futures Peterborough and PKED supported the Economic Impact Assessment, were released during the announcement.

They were surveyed at the park last summer and were evaluated by STEAM Pro (Sport Tourism Canada).

“The $4.3M Economic Impact was assessed by evaluating the amount of money generated by Festival activity which encompasses the local community, the county, province and even nationally,” said Raff Melito, Musicfest marketing and communications manager. “It includes not only fees paid out by the festival for its operations, but also the broader impacts on local businesses, increased employment and the multiplier effect of circulating money within the economy.”

“The $2.3M combined spending reflects the amount that people attending the festival spent last year,” explained Melito. “That would include accommodations, meals out, transport, spending in local shops, etc.”

The free concert series kicks off with country music star Tenille Townes on June 29. In its 37th season, Musicfest hopes to continue to draw crowds that has been supportive over the years.

“It's free, I think that's the most important thing. There's no barriers to people attending and I think that's so important in this day and age when everything is a little harder for people economically,” said Condon. “I think it's a place where you get to see such talent. Music brings everyone together, it's so good for community and for mental health so all of these things coupled together, you can't go wrong with that.”

The following is this year’s Musicfest schedule:

• June 29: Tenille Townes

• July 1: Road Apples (Tragically Hip Tribute Band)

• July 3: Aysanabee w/ Cale Crowe

• July 6: Tim Baker and the Great Lake Swimmers

• July 10: TBA

• July 13: I Mother Earth

• July 17: Metric

• July 20: Beau Dixon Band

• July 24: Rêve

• July 27: TBA

• July 31: Down With Webster

• Aug. 3: Elton Rohn (Elton John Tribute)

• Aug. 76: Dwayne Gretzky

• Aug. 10: TBA

• Aug. 14: Choir! Choir! Choir!

• Aug. 17: David Wilcox

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Blippi: Join the Band Tour Makes Peterborough Memorial Center a Stop On Oct. 23

Blippi: Join the Band Tour is making a stop in Peterborough to entertain kids and their families at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Oct. 23, announced on Tuesday.

Blippi on Tour has traveled the globe multiple times and has delighted millions of international fans throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with plans to visit many more new countries in 2024. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

The brand-new production features live musicians playing on stage in a never-before-seen show.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, with pre-sales beginning on Tuesday.

Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and musicians. They’ll explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, with fan-favorite Blippi hits

“We are turning it up to 11 with the Blippi: Join the Band Tour this Fall,” said Stephen Shaw, Founder and Co-President of Round Room Live. “Blippi is a rockstar for today’s kids and has been delighting millions of children and families all over the world.  A brand new show that amps up the excitement to an even higher volume with a live band onstage was the next logical step in continuing Blippi touring around the world.”

“Following the success of previous tours, Blippi: Join the Band Tour will bring families to their feet across the country to dance and sing along to their favorite Blippi hits as well as some brand new songs.” said Susan Vargo, Head of Global Experiences at Moonbug Entertainment. “Parents and kids alike will share in making music the Blippi way, with curiosity and silliness center stage.”

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