U.S. Consul General Takes a Stop In Peterborough

The City of Peterborough welcomed Baxter Hunt, U.S. Consul General in Toronto to town on Monday.

(From left to right) Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor; Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden; Vijay Kumar Khatri, Fairlife/Minute Maid senior director of operations and Baxter Hunt, U.S. Consul General. Fairlife/Minute Maid was one of several places Hunt was toured to by Leal and Clark. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Consul General Hunt's visit is part of the City’s efforts to position Peterborough as a destination of choice for innovative businesses and people as outlined in the City Council’s Strategic Plan according to a press release.

Hunt was welcomed by Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor and Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden at City Hall. They discussed the strong, existing relationships with American companies and people in the region.

“It was truly an honour to host Consul General Baxter Hunt in Peterborough today and to have meaningful conversations with the esteemed representative of the United States in Toronto. We are focused on building strong, collaborative relationships and were delighted to be able to showcase the deep connections we share with our American neighbours,” said Leal. “The visit was a welcome opportunity to show off our beautiful, dynamic, innovative community. I look forward to more collaborative conversations and visits.”

Hunt joined a roundtable with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce members to learn about the region’s business climate and build conversations with the local businesses. He also toured the Coca-Cola facility, the Flexjet Flying Colours facility at the Peterborough Airport and the new Canadian Canoe Museum next to Little Lake. 

The daylong visit featured local cuisine and a tour of Peterborough County and the Peterborough Region.

“I have had the honour of serving as the Consul General in Toronto since last October and one of the best parts of my job is engaging with communities and regions such as Peterborough that are creating jobs and economic prosperity in both our countries,” said Hunt. “I appreciate the invitation to Peterborough where I have experienced the vibrant community first-hand this summer. The full day engagements highlighted the strong economic ties, people-to-people ties and collaborative spirit between the United States and Canada.  I look forward to continuing the many conversations we started today.”

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Executive Director Announces Departure From Kawartha World Issues Centre

After joining in 2022, Sam Rockbrune, Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC) executive director has announced her departure, announced on Monday.

Rockburne holds a BA Honours from Carleton University in Law with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Photo courtesy of KWIC.

“Sam will be missed by the Board, staff, volunteers, and our many community partners,”  shares Ryan Sisson, KWIC board chair. “Her dedication to empowering youth leaders and building sustainable and equitable communities has been a key thread in her time with the organization.”

During her time with KWIC, Rockburne has extensively supported KWIC's umbrella programs including TRACKS Youth Program, according to Sisson.

“During Sam’s tenure, KWIC has become a stronger, and more resilient organization, that is ready to face future challenges,”he said. “As KWIC celebrates our 35th anniversary, we are seeking the next community leader to position us as a key hub for global to local connections and supporting youth leaders.” 

KWIC has already begun its search for the next Executive Director.

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Peterborough Man Charged With Two Counts of Attempted Murder Involving His Intimate Partner

The Peterborough Police Service investigated an incident regarding an attempted murder between involving a 28-Peterborough man and his partner in the Brock Street and Aylmer Street area on Saturday.

After the investigation, the man has been arrested and charged with:

• Attempted murder X2 

The accused is being held in custody and appeared in court on Sunday.

Police say there is no threat to public safety as a result of this incident and thanks the community for their understanding during the investigation.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

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Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project Survey Open to Public

The City of Peterborough is inviting the public to take a survey regarding the streetscape along Charlotte Street, between Park Street North and Aylmer Street North to inform the creation of conceptual options for an enhanced streetscape design.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

A public survey for the Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project is available online through July 28. Visit City Hall reception at 500 George St. N for a paper copy of the survey.

The Charlotte Street West Streetscape Project builds upon:

• past investigation and consultation work for Charlotte Street, incorporating new guidance from updated national and provincial transportation standards;

• recently approved City of Peterborough planning documents, including the Official Plan, Transportation Master Plan, Cycling Master Plan, and Central Area Urban Design Guidelines; and

• current public consultation activities.

The project aims to integrate multi-modal transportation options (walking and rolling, cycling, transit, and driving) to support sustainable, efficient, and accessible travel for all ages and abilities according to the City. Concepts will balance space needs for travelling, loading/unloading and parking while strengthening user experience, downtown activity, and economic growth with improved amenities, wayfinding, and urban design.

According to a press release, the City is inviting community members to share feedback through the public survey on how they use this section of Charlotte Street, their experience and their ideas for the future of this important area of Peterborough’s downtown.

Feedback from the consultation will help inform the development of the conceptual design options. When the design options are created, another consultation stage will be held to get feedback on the design options before recommendations are presented to City Council.

The reconstruction of Charlotte Street has not been approved and the construction project has not been fully funded. The City is preparing a streetscape design recommendation so that a project plan is in place for when the construction is ready to proceed.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Carin' Crystals, Watson & Lou, Community Futures and Ghost Taco

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…

Carin' Crystals is now open in Bobcaygeon.

The shop is located at 232 Main St. on the east side of the Shell station. Owner Karen Francis officially launched her new business on June 8. She carries rocks, minerals, fossils and crystals, including spheres, towers, tumbles and raw. She has one-of-a-kind gifts and home décor ranging from more affordable items to high-end. Drop by and you’re sure to find something unique.

After seven years, Erin Watson, co-founder of Watson and Lou, is passing the torch to new owner Katie Küntz.

Watson started the shop with Anna Eidt back in 2017 with their mutual love for contemporary art and design. Their objective has been to host a creative shop that helps local artists and makers reach a wider audience, invites people to try new skills, and helps people find unique items to brighten someone's day while also investing in the local creative community.

Looking for entrepreneurial expertise and support to start or grow your business?

Community Futures is taking on the local Business Advisory Centre services, offering access to funding and advisory services all in one location. This includes delivering Small Business Enterprise Centre programs and offering the popular Starter Company Plus. These services had previously been offered by Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development. Community Futures is a not-for-profit organization that offers flexible financial support for small businesses. You can find them at Venture North at 270 George St. N.

There’s a tasty new option in Peterborough’s west end.

Ghost Taco has opened at 110 Chandler Cres. Dine in, take out, or get it delivered. Ghost Taco started as a pop-up after the pandemic forced their events business to close. Right from the start they’ve been inundated with orders. They took two years to perfect their menu and are now building an empire of chef-inspired tacos with quality ingredients. They currently have locations in Newmarket, Maple, and Peterborough with another location coming soon in Whitby.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Assistance In Locating Missing 15-Year-Old Girl

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Neveah Wallwork who was reported missing on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

Wallwork was last seen leaving her residence on Monday in the Crawford Drive area.

She is described as:

• 5’8'

• Slender

• Long blonde hair

• Fake eyelashes

• Nose pierced on right side

 Last seen wearing:

• White crop top

• Black spandex shorts

• Possibly wearing green Air Jordan shoes

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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SPARK Photo Festival to Conclude Its 12-Year Run

After 12 years of showcasing photography, the Board has decided the 2024 festival was the final SPARK Photo Festival, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival.

A press release issued the following statement:

“The mission of SPARK was to celebrate photography and the artists and enthusiasts behind the camera lens. The Festival introduced accessibility for photographers to have venues to display their art and for the audience to discover it. Right here in our region tens of thousands of visitors experienced printed and digital photography from hundreds of local photographers. Exhibits were mounted in traditional galleries and studios, and also in unexpected places such as shops, cafes, libraries, community centres, and even in the great outdoors.

Like many arts and cultural efforts today, SPARK has encountered financial pressures that do not appear to be resolvable over the next few years. Instead of potentially entering negative cash flow territory, the SPARK Board decided it would be preferable to exit following a strong run of eleven successful festivals.”

To view archive exhibit pages, virtual exhibits and past Festival catalogues, viewers can go online before July 20.

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City to Celebrate National Drowning Prevention Week From July 21 to 27

The City of Peterborough will host its annual Swim to Survive and drowning prevention educational programs at Beavermead Park beach starting July 13.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

Swim to Survive classes are open to all age groups with no fee to participate. Registration is required as spaces are limited to ensure the appropriate number of instructors. To register, visit peterborough.ca/RegisterRec then select Swim to Survive under the Splash section or call 705-742-0050.

There are two Swim to Survive sessions, with three classes in each session at Beavermead Park Beach.

Each class is for an hour on Saturday for three consecutive weeks:

• Session A is on July 13, 20 and 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

• Session B is on Aug. 10, 17 and 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Swim to Survive is a Lifesaving Society-designed program that teaches people water safety and how to survive if they unexpectedly fall into deep water. This includes how to roll into deep water, tread water for one minute, and swim 50 metres.

Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

In addition to the Swim to Survive program, the City will host a drowning prevention educational event at Beavermead Park beach from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on July 24 during National Drowning Prevention Week.

The drop-in event will include information on water activity safety and interactive displays, such as trying on life jackets. Anyone is welcome to attend.

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City of Peterborough Planning Litter Action Initiative On July 14

After the City’s first Great Community Litter Clean-up events held during the spring, a Community Cigarette Butt and Litter Clean-Up planned by local group Clean Up Peterborough, will be held on July 14 with the City providing supplies and waste collection.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This event is planned in conjunction with Unsmoke Canada Cleanups, a program that supports litter cleanup projects and helps raise awareness on littering in Canada, with an emphasis on cigarette butt waste according to the City. Cigarette butts are among the most frequently littered items in the world, taking decades to decompose and leaching toxins into soil and water says Umsoke Canada. It is harmful to wildlife if ingested.

Residents are invited to participate in the Community Cigarette Butt and Litter Clean-Up between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., meeting at the Del Crary Park municipal parking lot, 100 George St. N. A table will be set up near the parking lot for participants to get supplies and drop off garbage.

The clean-up will target locations in Del Crary Park and the Marina, Millennium Park, and the shoreline of Little Lake. City of Peterborough’s Recreation and Parks Services Division will provide disposable latex gloves and garbage bags for volunteers. To ensure sufficient supplies and to record participation numbers, residents are asked to sign up by emailing cleanuppeterborough@gmail.com.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Suspect Committing Indecent Acts At Kawartha Heights Park

The Peterborough Police Service are seaching for a man committing indecent acts at Kawartha Heights Park on Thursday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9 p.m., officers received calls from two concerned residents about a man masturbating in Kawartha Heights Park. The man had been seen leaving the park on a bicycle headed toward Kawartha Heights Boulevard. Officers checked the area but could not locate a suspect.

The man was described to police as:

• Male, white

• Grey hair

• 50-60yrs

• Approx. 6’ tall

• Wearing Red t-shirt and grey shorts

• Dark square framed glasses

• Riding a bicycle

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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