Wild Loose Moose Spotted In Peterborough's West End Safely Moved Out of the City

A wild moose on the loose spotted in the west end of town has been safely moved out of the city by Peterborough Police Service and Ministry of Natural Resources, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Mary Ellen Waudby.

Numerous reports of the moose were made to the Police since Tuesday morning when it was sighted and the public was urged not to interact with any wildlife.

The moose’s whereabouts were to the Ministry of Natural Resources to help transport it safely.

The Peterborough Police thanks the public for their patience and reporting the animal’s sightings. 

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Trent University Receives $250,000 For Transfer Student Support

Trent University has received $250,000 in funding from the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) to implement projects supporting postsecondary learner mobility, announced on Wednesday.

ONCAT is flowing over $2.8 million to support 39 projects at 35 colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Trent received the news by Dr. Adrienne Galway, executive director of ONCAT, Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, and Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO of Humber College on Monday.

“Transfer students are an important part of Trent University’s student body. We aim to serve their unique goals and needs and are thrilled to receive funding for three ONCAT projects that will help our transfer students succeed at our Peterborough and Durham campuses,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor.” As a transfer-credit friendly institution, we are pleased to strengthen our accessible pathways and tailored student supports.”

Trent has been ‘singled out for providing comprehensive student transfer services,’ according to a 2020 ONCAT report. The University continues to say that to strengthen transfer systems even further, they will use the new funds to implement the following projects: 

• Development of a new University Transfer Credit Processing Policy: Trent has been awarded $75,000 to develop a transfer credit processing policy. This policy will enhance internal processes and further reduce wait times for incoming transfer students through standard practices for everyone involved in credit assessments.    

• The Bridge: An Expansion for Transfer Students: Building on a successful and pre-established bridging program, the $100,000 awarded for this project will help develop a transfer student-specific stream centered on academic success and social integration during student transition. Trent will take a comprehensive approach to this project through consultation and design with students, faculty, staff, and curriculum designers.  

• Transfer Student Success: Identifying and Piloting Challenges, Solutions and Outcomes: Trent has been awarded $75,000 to develop tools that will assess, monitor, and improve transfer student academic success and satisfaction. The project will research and pilot skill development opportunities to assist student transition, while developing systems for future use to track success over time.  

“Empowering learners with accessible pathways to navigate their educational journey is key to helping them achieve their professional and academic goals,” said Dr. Galway. “The increased funding will promote improved transitions between institutions and programs, helping learners get where they want to go.”

“The Ontario government is proud to support ONCAT’s important work to make it easier for learners of all backgrounds to pursue their educational goals,” said Minister Jill Dunlop. “By facilitating smoother transitions and recognizing the wealth of knowledge gained through previous experience, we are fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment to advance student success in Ontario.” 

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Peterborough Lakers Hosting Second-Ever Pride Night This Thursday

The Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have brought back its Pride Night initiative for the next home game against the Oakville Rock at the Peterborough Memorial Centre this Thursday.

The Lakers lost their season opener on the road to the Oakville Rock 13-10 on June 3. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

Sport a Rainbow will feature an online jersey auction via DASH. The Lakers will auction off specially created Pride Night jerseys and the proceeds will benefit Sport a Rainbow.

Fans are encouraged to sign up for their DASH account before game time. The auction will go live at 7 p.m. Thursday and conclude at 9 p.m. Friday.

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City of Peterborough's Every Child Matters Community Project Accepting Submissions of Kids Artwork

The City of Peterborough invites local youth ages seven to 11 to submit artwork for an Every Child Matters community project that honours the victims, survivors and families of the Residential School system.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Artwork should reflect the theme, “What Does Truth and Reconciliation Mean to Me,” and be submitted for consideration by July 15.

The artwork selected for this project will be used to create a design that will be painted on a sidewalk or trail crossing. This will create a place where residents and visitors will be encouraged to pause, reflect, and continue to learn about the legacy of residential schools and the importance of reconciliation.

"“Throughout the year, this space will serve as a powerful reminder of the legacy of residential schools, honouring the healing journey of survivors and families,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “It is a call to action to our whole community to engage in the ongoing work of reconciliation. The City of Peterborough, and City Council, remain committed to reconciliation and building positive relationships with our Indigenous residents and our First Nations neighbours.”

The project is expected to be installed in September 2024, aligning with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The location will be confirmed later this summer. Throughout September, the Peterborough Public Library will display an exhibition of artwork submitted for this project.

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Moose on the Loose In Peterborough's West End; Police Warn Public Not to Approach Wildlife

A wild moose is on the loose and was spotted in the west end of town in the Weller Street area on Tuesday morning. Peterborough Police Service urges everyone to avoid contact or conflicts with any wildlife.

Photo courtesy of Mary Ellen Waudby.

The Police have contacted the Ministry of Natural Resources with the latter offering tips for staying safe:

• Never approach a wild animal. Always keep you, your family and pets a safe distance away from wildlife. Dogs should be kept leashed.

• If a deer, elk or moose approaches you, back off and look for a tree, fence or building to hide behind. If the animal charges, run to the nearest obstruction (like a tree, fence or building).

• Leave orphaned wild animals alone (parents are often close by and will return for their young)

• Always drive with caution if wildlife may be in the area. Brake firmly if an animal is standing on or crossing the road, stopping if necessary. Swerving to avoid hitting a wild animal may result in loss of control and a more serious collision.

• If you see a wild animal while in your vehicle do not try to get closer. Do not feed it from your vehicle. When people feed them from their vehicles, it teaches these animals to associate cars and humans with a potential food source. This can lead animals to wait on the roadsides or even approach vehicles hoping to get food. This can cause traffic hazards and safety concerns for animals and roadway citizens.

• If there is an immediate threat to public safety, dial 911 or the local police service.

If the public has a sighting of the moose and it is safe to do so, please report it to the Peterborough work centre at 705-755-2001 or mnrf.pet@ontario.ca.

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Canada Day Starts Early For Lakefield Farmer's Market On June 27

Canada Day celebrations are coming early for the Lakefield Farmers’ Market which will mark the occasion on June 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre parking lot at 20 Concession St.

The Lakefield Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, from Victoria Day until Thanksgiving. The Farmers’ Market is located behind the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre, next to Isabel Morris Park along the Otonabee River, and just steps from the Lakefield Marina and the Lakefield Trail. Photo courtesy of Lakefield Farmer’s Market.

Staff and volunteers will hand out small Canadian flags, temporary maple leaf tattoos and Canadian-themed colouring sheets. The Lakefield Village Lions Club will be in attendance with their boat raffle and Avian Agenda will provide Canadian live music.

Pam Hart from the Kawartha Truth & Reconciliation Support Group will be present with its quilt. Each square on it tells its own unique story.

Market vendors will be fully stocked with Canada Day supplies including fresh produce for salads, local meat for the BBQ, fresh baking, craft beer, VQA wines and more.

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Riverview Park & Zoo's 13th Annual Fun Run Held On June 29 to Support Aviary Exhibits

Jog your way to helping the birds as the Riverview Park and Zoo’s (RPZ) 13th annual Fun Run takes place on June 29.

Last year’s event supported construction of the new outdoor meerkat exhibit. Photo courtesy of Riverview Park & Zoo.

This year’s proceeds will fund the aviary exhibits which include emu, peafowl, turkey and guineafowl species.

“The Fun Run began in 2011 by community members that wanted to help contribute to the Riverview Park & Zoo.” said Cathy Mitchell, RPZ manager and curator. “Jim and Jodi Mulder created and managed the volunteer-led RPZ Fun Run for seven years.”

The Fun Run's goal is to raise $5,000 to support the construction of a new outdoor aviary and the revitalization of indoor aviary spaces. All funds raised from the Fun Run will go toward this goal.

“The event has supported some significant and varied improvements to the Park and Zoo over the years,” said Mitchell. “The funds raised focus on accessibility, conservation efforts, and excellence in animal care standards. The Park and Zoo is proud to be such a key part of the Peterborough culture and is shaped and made better by the generosity of our community.”

Registration can be found online. The following is the race-day schedule:

Race Day Schedule:

• 8:10 a.m. - Yoga warmup in the Gazebo

• 8:25 a.m. - 1K runners at the starting line

• 8:30 a.m. - 1K race begins

• 9 a.m. - 1K racers pick up medals

• 9:10 a.m. - 5K runners at the starting line

• 9:15 a.m. - 5K race begins

• 10 a.m. - 5K racers pick up medals

In-person registration and race kit pick-up are available at the Rotary Education Centre at Riverview Park and Zoo on June 27 and June 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can also register in person on June 29 before the race begins between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. The 1k race begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5k race starts at 9:15 a.m. There are prizes for kids under 12 in the 1k and the top three males and females overall in the 5k.

RPZ encourages those to dress up as birds for the event as there are additional prizes for the best animal costume and top three fundraisers.

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Peterborough Transit Making Service Adjustments Starting June 23

Peterborough Transit is adjusting some of its routes starting this Sunday.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Changes include increased frequency on Route 2 Chemong and a seasonal shift to weekday hourly service on routes that typically experience lower volumes over the summer.

Route improvements including new stops, expanded service, enhancements to rider safety and improved timing on connections between routes, will be made to Route 4 Weller, Route 8 Monaghan and Community Bus Routes 22 and 23.

Route 2 Chemong

On weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., both southbound and northbound service will increase frequency, with trips departing every 20 minutes.

Route 3 Park

Weekday service will transition to an hourly schedule for southbound and northbound routes.

Route 4 Weller

• Eastbound route will travel west off Medical Drive onto Alexander Court, servicing new stops on Alexander Court at Extendicare, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) at south entrance, PRHC at main entrance and PRHC at the Emergency Department.

• Westbound route will bypass the PRHC circle, travel along Hospital Drive past the Medical Centre to Weller Street and loop into the hospital on the eastbound return route. 

Route 5 The Parkway

Weekday service will transition to an hourly schedule for southbound and northbound routes.

Route 8 Monaghan

• While the frequency of both southbound and northbound trips remains the same, service has been increased by five minutes on all trips.

• Southbound and northbound routes will now serve the Lily Lake Road subdivision, travelling on Lily Lake Road, turning south on York Drive, and proceeding to a new stop near the York Drive roundabout. As of June 23, the Casino stop on Route 8 is no longer in service.

• Northbound route will turn west off Medical Drive onto Alexander Court, servicing new stops on Alexander Court at Extendicare, continuing to PRHC at south entrance, PRHC at main entrance, and PRHC at the Emergency Department entrance.

Route 9 Parkhill

Weekday service will transition to an hourly schedule for both westbound and eastbound routes.

Community Bus Route 22 Blue and Route 23 Red

As part of a pilot project to enhance safety of our riders, both routes will no longer enter the circle at the main PRHC entrance due to the high volume of traffic in that area.

Community Bus Route 22 Blue and Route 23 Red will enter the PRHC travelling from Medical Drive, west onto Alexander Court, serving news stops on Alexander Court at Extendicare, the PRHC south entrance, main entrance at the walkway and the PRHC Emergency Department.

Construction detours

Peterborough Transit continues to adjust routes for construction detours this season. 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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City of Peterborough to Have Fireworks Display For Canada Day

As part of the Canada Day celebrations, a fireworks display will be held over Little Lake from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 1following the Peterborough Musicfest concert at Del Crary Park.

File Photo.

The concert features the Road Apples, a tribute to The Tragically Hip. The City of Peterborough provides the fireworks display. 

Before and during the fireworks display, Crescent Street near the T-wharf will be temporarily closed. Access to local traffic will be maintained.

Residents are reminded to follow all on-street parking regulations in the area, including calendar parking where applicable. Please ensure fire hydrants and driveways are not blocked.

Residents are asked to respect their neighbours and fellow residents when using fireworks in the City of Peterborough.

City by-laws allow for the use of family or casual fireworks in the City on private property. Fireworks cannot be discharged on City property. Larger exhibition-style fireworks displays require a permit.

While fireworks displays may be permitted, residents who use fireworks must follow the Noise By-law and be aware of safety precautions. Fireworks can also disturb pets.

Using fireworks can be dangerous, causing injury or property damage. Peterborough Fire Services provides the following safety tips when using fireworks:

• Only adults who are aware of the hazards and have read the label should handle and discharge fireworks.

• Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.

• Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.

• Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.

• Do not discharge fireworks in windy conditions.

• Keep sparklers away from children, as they are extremely hot and pose a risk of burns and eye injuries.

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Morello's Independent Grocer Given Retailer Award Supporting Ontario Foods

From creating prominent displays to promoting local produce, Morello’s Independent Grocer on Lansdowne Street received the Foodland Ontario Gold Level-Seasonal Award on Monday morning.

(left to right) Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP; Shawn Mahood, Morello’s Produce Manager and Dave Morello, Owner displaying some of Ontario’s fresh local produce such as strawberries from McLean Berry Farm in Lakefield. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The distinction is part of the 2023 Retailer Awards—given by representative Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP—and was given to stores that show excellence in display, promotion of Ontario foods, and support of Foodland Ontario.

“For us, it's such a proud thing,” said Dave Morello, owner of Morello’s Independent Grocer.

According to Foodland Ontario, the gold category is awarded to 12 Ontario retailers for distinguished excellence in three specific categories: seasonal, creative and cross-merchandised.

Seasonal

• Presented for supporting the Ontario seasonal commodities of your choice.

Creative

• Presented for the most creative display of Ontario commodities using themes, display props, unique signage, etc.

Cross-merchandised

• Based on the number of non-produce items cross-merchandised with the Ontario commodity of choice, the compatibility of products, and appropriate signage.

Two featured items displayed when receiving the award were asparagus and strawberries from Mclean’s Berry Farm.

“(These are) Products that are basically in the field this morning and our stores the same day,” explained Morello. “That allows the product to be that much tastier and more nutritious because it's on the plant longer and it's not picked when its picked when it's ripe, ready to eat and it's just a wonderful product.”

Morello continued to explain why supporting local is important to his business and the economy.

“It's the right thing to do to support not our local farmers and our community but we're selling better products to our customers,” he said. “We have to support our neighbours, our farmers, those who shop in our community, shop in our stores and give back to that community. We do everything we can to support that local farm community and we will continue to do so.”

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