Peterborough and the Kawarthas Under Severe Thunderstorm Watch For July 24

Peterborough, Lakefield and southern Peterborough County are under a severe thunderstorm watch that began Wednesday morning through until the evening.

Photo courtesy of Jay Callaghan.

Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for developing severe thunderstorms. These may produce strong wind gusts up to 90 km/h, torrential downpours with 50 mm falling within an hour, nickel- to Toonie-sized hail, and heavy rain.

These conditions can cause significant damage. Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees and overturn large vehicles. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Water-related activities may be unsafe due to violent and sudden gusts of wind over bodies of water.

Emergency Management Ontario recommends taking cover immediately if threatening weather approaches. Go indoors if you hear thunder roar.

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Voice of Business: ​Exciting Visit By US Consul General to Peterborough

The City of Peterborough and the Chamber recently hosted Baxter Hunt, the US Consul General and his wife Deborah. The meeting occurred at the newly opened Canoe Museum, marking the US Consul General’s first trip outside the GTA.

Sarah Budd, CEO of the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, chaired the meeting. Mayor Jeff Leal, Warden Bonnie Clark and CAO Jasbir Raina attended. Several business owners and representatives from Trent University and Fleming College were also present.  

The meeting began with comments from Mayor Jeff Leal and Warden Bonnie Clark, who expressed gratitude to the Consul General for visiting Peterborough. Hunt reiterated the prosperous economic relationship between Canada and the US and stressed the need to continue strengthening business ties. Several businesses and organizations showcased their roles within the community throughout the meeting.

Common themes discussed included ways to strengthen our cross-border relationship. Some businesses mentioned wanting to expand into the US, while others noted their connections with US cities. Hunt added that 35 US states have Canada as their biggest trading partner, stressing the immense potential to strengthen our economic partnerships.

Leal highlighted Peterborough’s key water system as a valuable resource. Peterborough's geographical location, marked by rivers and lakes, offers abundant opportunities to explore in collaboration with our American neighbours. Trent and Fleming were also mentioned for their renowned water science programs that have attracted American students.

Hunt noted that businesses looking to expand into the US have a great reference point in Toronto. The American Chamber of Commerce in Canada (AmCham) serves as a valuable resource for connecting partners from the US and discovering advantages in different US states. This would be a great resource for companies in Peterborough County looking to tap into US markets.

Hunt further encouraged businesses or organizations with questions about US visas to reach out to the American Consulate General in Toronto. Moreover, he suggested that businesses or organizations looking to invest in the US market should consider SelectUSA, which hosts its annual summit in Washington, D.C., which attracts 4,500 attendees from around the world to promote investment in the US.
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To close the meeting, Hunt reciprocated the growing interest in strengthening the cross-border relationship, highlighting Peterborough's abundant opportunities and attractions. This meeting began a great opportunity to enhance our cross-border relationship, with Hunt remarking, “I’m already feeling bullish on Peterborough.”

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

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Dryer Fire Breaks Out Of Aylmer Street North Basement; No Injuries Reported

A dryer fire has caused roughly $5,000 in damages at an Aylmer Street North basement however, no injuries were reported late on Wednesday night.

File Photo.

At roughly 20:11 p.m., Peterborough Fire Services responded to a report of a possible structure fire on Aylmer Street North. Fire crews observed smoke coming from a detached dwelling with all occupants exiting prior to FD arrival.

Fire Crews entered the unit to find that a fire had started in a clothes dryer that was located in the basement of the dwelling. It was quickly extinguished and damage was contained to the dryer and immediate area in the basement.

Peterborough Fire say the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

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Peterborough County Cattlemen's Association Hosting 42nd Annual All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Aug. 10

The Peterborough County Cattlemen’s Association is holding its 42 Annual All-You-Can-Eat BBQ at Whiskey Lane Livestock located at 2295 on Hwy 7, Indian River on Aug. 10.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County Cattlemen's Association.

Activities and the Peterborough County 4-H Beef Club Achievement Day starting at 1 p.m.

An animal show and sale starts at the conclusion of the beef show, slated for 3 p.m. Dinner is being served at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. with all-you-can-eat barbecued beef, baked potatoes, baked beans, a dinner roll and dessert.

The association is asking guests to bring their own plates and cutlery but there are some at the event. There is plenty of space for lawn chairs.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate with cash or debit. Adults are $25 while children aged six to 12 are $10. Kids under six are free.

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Ontario Government Investing Nearly $2.2 Million In Community and Frontline Agencies

The Ontario Government is investing $2,197,672.29 in Peterborough and the Kawarthas for increasing support to community agencies so they can continue to deliver frontline services.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The agencies are receiving the following:

• Canopy Support Services - $1,006,534.11

• Community Living Trent Highlands - $876,095.21

• Alternatives Community Program Services (Peterborough) Inc. - $ 64,853.21

• John Howard Society of Peterborough - $ 10,260.44

• Peterborough Child & Family Centres - $8,918.34

• Peterborough County-City Health Unit - $2,329.27

• Peterborough Youth Services - $19,981.84

• Victim Services of Peterborough and Northumberland - $1,184.01

• YWCA Peterborough-Haliburton - $9,835.56

• Service Coordination for Children and Youth - $16,841.28

• Access Community Services Incorporated - $171,473.55

• Community Counselling and Resource Centre - $2,028.26

• Dalhousie Youth Support Services - $7,337.21

“Our local agencies make our communities stronger, more resilient and inclusive. They work hard to provide people with access to the right resources and services they need to succeed and thrive,” said Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “By strengthening supports for our community agencies in the City and County of Peterborough, we are helping them deliver critical services to people in need.”

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Little Lakers Night Raises Over $15,000 For High-Demand Treatment In Children

The home team won on and off the lacrosse field after Little Lakers Night in Peterborough, raising $15,287 for local kids’ treatment services on July 11.

Brothers Bo and Oak had a ball at Little Lakers Night as the Five Counties kids also got to participate in the pre-game ball drop during the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers home game. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The money raised was more than double the $6,784 raised at the first-ever Little Lakers Night last year for Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).

“The Peterborough Lakers were amazing hosts and partners for Little Lakers Night, and we’re extremely grateful to the team as well as everyone who attended, participated, donated, sponsored and volunteered,” said Linsey Kampf, FCCC annual giving coordinator. “If you measure the success of the event, it’s not only in dollars raised but also in the many smiles on the faces of our kids and families that were evident throughout the game.”

Little Lakers Night featured many highlights, including:

• Five Counties kids and families took part in a behind-the-scenes experience. Kids met Lakers players during their pre-game warmup, took part in the pre-game ball drop, and assisted in the PA booth during the first period.

• Facepainting, Little Lakers Night T-shirt sales, giant Lego and a silent auction organized by Five Counties volunteers and staff took place before and during the game.

• Members of the Junior A and Junior C Lakers volunteered to do pass the bucket through the crowd, which raised $4,000 alone for Five Counties kids.

• Prior to the game, two St. Teresa kindergarten students, Bailey and Raelynn, were honoured for having their design chosen for the special jerseys worn by Lakers players during their pre-game warm-up. The girls’ teacher, Jocelyn Lemay, had encouraged her St. Teresa’s class to enter the jersey design contest. Bailey and Raelynn’s design for the warm-up jerseys -- a red-green-blue, stylized-crayon creation featuring rainbows and hearts – was ultimately transformed into reality thanks to the generosity of Merrett Home Hardware. After the game, the warm-up jerseys were sold in an online auction.

“Five Counties has played a big role throughout the years in our family, and we’re grateful to have this incredible Centre serving families in our community,” said Len Powers, FCCC ambassador and Peterborough Lakers’ board member.

The $15,287 raised from Little Lakers Night supports Five Counties’ Building Abilities for Life campaign. It goes directly to fund high-demand treatment services like speech therapy and occupational therapy.

The end result is that more kids and youth in the region can access life-changing treatment services that they need when they need it.

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VIDEO: Peterborough Police Save Man Attempting to Jump From Bridge

Peterborough Police had stopped a man who was attempting to jump off a bridge on Monday night.

Warning: The following is footage of an actual incident, it may be disturbing to some viewers.

At roughly 11 p.m., officers on general patrol were stopped by a concerned resident after they spotted a man on the Lansdowne Street bridge near River Road who looked as though he was going to jump from the bridge.

Officers initially searched the area including using the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) without any luck in locating the man. However, while the RPAS was still up, the man returned to the bridge and was attempting to climb over the railing. 

An officer approached the man and grabbed the back of his shirt. The man appeared to be very impaired and continually resisted the officers attempts to get him away from the railing.  When the officer successfully removed him away from the railing, he continued to resist the officers and try to go back to the edge. After a brief struggle, he was placed in an ambulance and taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for assessment. There were no injuries to anyone involved.

“These calls aren’t easy. They don’t get measured in crime statistics and they don’t get measured as things the police do every day but sometimes a police officer is what’s needed in a situation where the difference between life and death is just a few feet,” said Chief Stuart Betts. “I am thankful for the concerned citizen who took the time to recognize and call 9-1-1 to report a person in distress, and I am grateful for the quick actions by our officers.”

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July Talk Announced As Saturday Headliner For Peterborough Folk Festival

July Talk has been announced as the main stage headliner for Saturday night at the 35th annual Peterborough Folk Festival (PFF) on August 17.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Folk Fest.

The four-time JUNO Award-winning group is known as one of Canada’s premier touring acts. Their energizing live performances and familiar radio hits have led to Gold Records and number-one songs in Canada.

“We are thrilled to share the full lineup for this year's festival after announcing the first wave in early June," says Peterborough Folk Festival artistic director, Ryan Kemp. “July Talk are not only an amazing live band, they share Peterborough Folk Festival’s values of inclusion and creating a safe and welcoming performance environment.”

“It's so exciting to bring them back to Peterborough and have Leah Fay Goldstein and Peter Dreimanis, surrounded by whiplashing guitarists Ian Docherty and Josh Warburton and double drummers Danny Miles and Dani Nash, perform their award-winning music,” said Kemp. I hope people who have yet to attend Canada's longest-running free folk festival will come out and see/hear all the amazing artists and experience this incredible community gathering.”

Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo, The Spades (opening for July Talk), Katie Tupper, Mariel Buckley, Pretty Archie, SHEBAD and Odario, Irish Millie, Nicholas Campbell, Darren Roy Clarke (The Stables), Hunt the Hare, SJ Riley Chet Singh and B.A Johnston are also part of the lineup announced for PFF.

The lineups are as follows in no particular order:

Saturday (Aug. 17) lineup:

• July Talk

• The Spades

• Mariel Buckley

• Leanne Betasamosake Simpson

• Odario

• Kalàscima featuring Andrea Ramolo

• Sharon, Lois and Bram sing-along with Sharon and Randi

• B.A Johnston

• Polky

• Pretty Archie

• Quote The Raven

• SHEBAD

• Evan Redsky

• Nicholas Campbell

• Irish Millie

• VanCamp

• Chet Singh

• Mr. Sauga

Sunday (Aug. 18) lineup:

• Greg Keelor

• Boy Golden

• Katie Tupper

• Brooks and Bowskill

• Meredith Moon

• Jadea Kelly

• Darren Roy Clarke

• Hunt The Hare

• The Spades

• Irish Millie

• Pretty Archie

• Andrea Ramolo

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July 21 to 27 Is National Drowning Prevention Week For the City of Peterborough

The City of Peterborough will host a drowning prevention educational event with community organizations and emergency services on Wednesday during National Drowning Prevention Week (July 21 – 27).

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The open event will include interactive displays, such as trying on life jackets and information on water activity safety.

Peterborough Fire Services, Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough County-City Paramedics, Fleming College, the YMCA, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough lifeguards are participating in the event.

It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Beavermead Park beach as a drop-by event.

Swim to Survive classes are open to all age groups. There is no fee to participate. Registration is required as spaces are limited to ensure the appropriate number of instructors. To register for Swim to Survive, go online then select Swim to Survive under the Splash section or call 705-742-0050.

The next Swim to Survive session starts on Aug. 10 at Beavermead Park beach and runs for one hour on Saturdays for three consecutive weeks: August 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 water safety and how to survive if one unexpectedly falls into deep water. This includes how to roll into deep water, tread water for one minute, and swim 50 metres.

An adult must accompany children under 12 years old.

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Three Laker Hat Tricks Propel Lakers Over Owen Sound 14-4; Peterborough Has 2-0 Series Lead

Joe Resetarits, Thomas Hoggarth and Rob Hellyer all had hat tricks for the Lakers en route to a 14-4 win over the Owen Sound North Stars in Game Two of their best-of-five series at the Bayshore Community Centre on Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of Anna Taylor and the Peterborough Lakers.

Peterborough opened the game with a five-goal run while Lakers goaltender Landon Kells kept the ball out of the net, shutting out Owen Sound in the first period for a 5-0 score.

The Lakers continued to ring up the scoreboard and Hellyer got his second of the game, just as he opened the scoring in the first period for a 6-0 lead. Owen Sound broke the shutout, scoring two straight goals for a 6-2 score. Hoggarth got his second of the night and Hellyer got the hat trick to pull away from Owen Sound again for an 8-2 score at the end of two periods.

Peterborough did not let up on offense, scoring another six goals to finish an eight-goal run. That included three goals from Resetarits for a four-goal night. Owen Sound got two scores in garbage time, and the Lakers easily left with a 14-4 win.

The Lakers can sweep the series as game three is back in Peterborough on Thursday at 8 p.m.

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