City of Peterborough Given Municipal Innovation Award

The Peter J. Marshall Innovation Award Jury has presented the City of Peterborough with its highest award for its Modular Bridge Housing Community project.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The award was presented to Mayor Jeff Leal at the 2024 AMO Conference in Ottawa.

“I am incredibly proud that Peterborough’s transitional housing project has been recognized with the prestigious Peter J. Marshall 2024 Municipal Innovation Award,” said Leal. “This award is a testament to our city's commitment to addressing homelessness with compassion, creativity, and a focus on practical solutions.”

The City spearheaded the transitional housing project in May last year to address a long-term encampment in downtown Peterborough. With help from the provincial Homelessness Prevention Program, the City built 50 modular homes, shared washroom facilities and a central service hub in just six months according to a press release. 

Engagement with encampment residents was key to the project’s success. Community outreach workers gathered input from 75 residents to ensure the modular home community would fit their needs. Considerations included everything from site design and location to security, operations and pet policies. 

The Peterborough Modular Bridge Housing Community was built at the original encampment site. During construction, residents were moved to a vacant parking lot across the street which was the City’s first temporary sanctioned encampment. 

By November last year, the first residents moved into their new modular homes. The community had a 98 per cent move-in rate for the first 50 people who were offered units. This is not typical for transitional housing programs, which normally see a 40 to 60 per cent move-in rate.

Within the first six months of operation, four people acquired jobs, one person moved into permanent housing, and emergency service calls were 90 per cent lower than when the site operated as an encampment. Staff have also reported significant improvements in the mental and physical health of the residents.

“As a Council, we knew we had to move beyond the natural tendency to stop when faced with an overwhelmingly complex challenge like homelessness,” said Leal. “We knew we had to pick a lane. We learned from the experiences of others and our professional staff delivered this project with urgency and expertise. Municipalities have shown they can innovate to create lasting positive change in our communities. I’m proud of the decisive, bold, caring approach that we have taken.”

“The modular home program at Wolfe St. is a great example of a municipality thinking outside of the box to properly use the Homelessness Prevention Program to reduce homelessness in Peterborough’s vulnerable community,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

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Lakefield's Trent Canal Bridge Closed to One Lane For Repairs On Tuesday

The Trent Canal Bridge in Lakefield/Township of Selwyn will be closed to one lane on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for repairs.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

The closure is to finalize repairs to the expansion joint located on the west side of the Trent Canal Bridge to complete surface asphalt repairs prior to the end of August.

Traffic flagging operations will be in effect for the duration of the repairs.

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Voice of Business: Exploring the Outcomes of Basic Income

As global interest in Basic Income grows, Ontario's brief pilot offers insights and raises questions about the potential for more sustainable social assistance models.

This week on the VOB we are discussing Basic Income (BI) - a concept that proposes providing people with a livable income that helps improve housing and health outcomes. The brief pilot project in Ontario did not provide enough data to get a good idea of its impact. It’s time to look at alternatives to the current social assistance status quo and see if there are better models.

Basic income would be set at 75 per cent of the median income in Canada. BI operates through a negative income tax (NIT), by assessing an individual’s tax return where their earned income would be reduced by 50 cents per dollar.  This would then determine the BI amount they could receive.

Ontario started its BI pilot project in the fall of 2017. BI aims to test how a livable income for couples and individuals would provide sustainability and how sustainability impacts employment, education, life, health, and financial security outcomes. An individual could receive up to $16,989 with an extra $500 monthly and couples could receive up to $24,000. Notably, BI would be a substitute for people on ODSP and OW.

The BI pilot project recruited 4,000 participants across three cities: Thunder Bay, Hamilton, and Lindsay. The pilot project was meant to last three years, but only lasted 18 months. The gross cost for the three years was $150 million.

Unfortunately, the pilot project was short-lived, and we could not fully analyze the impacts of the BI. These impacts could demonstrate labor market participation and healthcare use on BI.  Additionally, no data collection was done on the control group that did not receive BI, limiting our ability to compare and observe whether economic and life conditions improved without BI.

After the shutdown of the BI pilot project, recipients went back to our current social assistance, which are Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). OW currently supplies up to $733 monthly and ODSP supplies up to $1368 a month. For someone trying to re-enter the labour market, $733 is extremely difficult to live on when a rental for a one-bedroom apartment in Peterborough is $1,173. ODSP can cover rent but with very little left over.

As taxpayers, we are concerned with the costs of these projects. If these projects come to fruition, will the cost increase taxes? Will we see a decrease in labour market participation? These are valid concerns from both business owners and taxpayers.

For context, the Ontario Government is currently spending $3.7 billion less than required to fund existing programs and announced commitments on social assistance until 2026, and as of this year, our budget is short $0.7 billion. The 2024-2025 budget stands at $214.5 billion with social assistance covering 9.3 per cent of the budget.

From a sample of 200 participants in Hamilton, there was 24 per cent of people who were unemployed before and during the pilot. 11 per cent were employed but became unemployed during the pilot. 6 per cent were employed before the pilot but became unemployed to pursue a post-secondary education. 5 per cent of participants found work while on the pilot project. In total, there were almost two-thirds of people worked with 54 per cent of people working before and during the pilot excluding the 5 per cent who found work while on the pilot. 35 per cent of people in total did not work during or before the pilot. What is noteworthy is the 11 per cent who were employed but became unemployed during the pilot.

The Ontario government spends $85 billion on healthcare annually. In the same survey, 33 per cent of respondents reported a reduction in hospital emergency room visits, and 83 per cent noted increased access to over-the-counter medications. With a third of participants reducing their hospital visits, this could alleviate the strain on our healthcare system and improve people’s standard of living by decreasing the frequency of visits from lower-income individuals. Such a shift could potentially lead to cost savings for taxpayers by reducing the need to service a higher volume of patients.

Short-term results from the BI pilot project indicate potential cost savings for our healthcare system and the reduced effects from the rising cost of living. It’s time to look at all the options when it comes to assisting those living on the margins.

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

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Peterborough Lakers Held Scoreless Last Two Periods For 12-3 Loss Against Six Nations In Game Three

It was not the best night for the Peterborough Lakers who were held off the scoresheet in the final two periods of a 12-3 Six Nations Chiefs win at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena on Tuesday night.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and the Peterborough Lakers.

Six Nations started hot as former Laker Eli McLaughlin scored the opening goal. It was followed up by three more Chiefs goals for a 4-0 lead with 8:34 left to play. It was a game of runs as the Lakers’s special teams got them on the scoreboard. Turner Evans and Joe Resetarits had power-play goals while Thomas Hoggath scored shorthanded for a 4-3 game.

Unfortunately for Peterborough, that was all they could muster as Six Nations goalie Doug Jamieson shut the door for the last 44:16 of the game. Travis Longboat scored in the last 1:49 of the period for a 5-3 Six Nations lead after one.

The Chiefs scored seven unanswered goals including five in the second period. McLaughlin burned his former team with a hat trick to cap off the second, and Six Nations held a comfortable 10-3 lead.

In a low-scoring third period, Dhane Smith and Longboat were the lone scorers as they extended the Chiefs lead and put an exclamation point on Game Three for a decisive 12-3 win for a 2-1 series in favour of the Lakers.

The Lakers will try and rebound in Game Four at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday.

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Ticket Details Released For Peterborough Petes Millbrook Preseason Game Against Guelph Storm

The Peterborough Petes preseason schedule has been released, with three home games in local community arenas announced on Thursday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough PEtes.

Ticket details for the Peterborough Petes’s preseason game against the Guelph Storm at the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre in Millbrook on Sept. 21 have been released.

Tickets for the game start at $20 for General Admission (lobby area, upper track level, or video feed in the Community Room). Club tickets are also available for $30 and include guaranteed seating in the stands with controlled access. All tickets are available while supplies last.

Tickets can be purchased at the following locations:

• Imprinted Apparel (Peterborough) - 730 The Kingsway #6

• The Shack Pro Shop (Millbrook) - located on Distillery St. behind the old Millbrook Arena

• Home Hardware (Millbrook) - 13 King St. E. *cash only during regular store hours

Ticket details for the game in Norwood and Port Hope can be found online

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough County to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Douro Park On Sept. 1

Peterborough County is celebrating Douro Park’s 50th anniversary which marks five decades of preserving natural beauty and providing a space for community engagement on Sept. 1 at 3 p.m. at 205 Douro Second Line, Douro-Dummer.

Google Maps Screenshot.

Since 1974, the Park has been a cherished destination for residents and visitors as stated in a press release. With 151 acres, Douro Park lines both banks of the beautiful Indian River. It contains baseball diamonds, soccer fields, pickleball courts, tennis courts, a playground and picnic areas and scenic landscapes.

The anniversary event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including:

• Welcome remarks from local officials and park advocates reflecting on the park's history and impact

“Douro Park has been a vital part of our community for 50 years, and we are excited to celebrate this milestone,” said Mayor Heather Watson. “This event is not just about looking back; it’s about looking forward and continuing to protect and enhance this beautiful space for future generations.” "The celebration will also highlight upcoming initiatives aimed at improving park facilities and promoting long-term ecological health." Community members are encouraged to participate and share their memories of Douro Park over the years.

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Havelock's Plato Creek Bridge to Be Closed For Construction Starting Next Week Monday

Havelock’s Plato Creek Bridge is being closed to all traffic for construction starting next Monday and continuing until Sept. 30, announced by Peterborough County on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

The bridge is located on the 6th Line in Township of Havelock Belmont Methuen,

The bridge will be closed to allow for the installation of new steel beam guide rails, concrete approach slabs, and a new asphalt-wearing surface.

During this period, the bridge will be closed entirely to all traffic.

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Peterborough Petes Add Athletic Therapist Ahead of Training Camp

The Peterborough Petes have added athletic therapist Sarah McGall to the hockey operations staff ahead of training camp for the 2024-25 season.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Owen Sound native has served as an athletic therapist for several teams such as the Owen Sound Jr. B Northstars Lacrosse Team, Owen Sound Rugby Club, the Kingston Jr. Ice Wolves and various Team Ontario hockey teams.

Most recently, she was the assistant athletic therapist and strength and conditioning coach for the Collingwood Blues of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. She has also been a registered physical therapist with CONNECT Rehabilitation in Owen Sound since November of 2020.

“Sarah is an experienced athletic therapist with a great resume,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “We think that she’s a good fit for our staff and we’re looking forward to having her at the rink this season.”

McGall has played Division 1 NCAA hockey at Lindenwood University and is no stranger to hockey. Since 2021, she has been a goalie instructor in her hometown. She has also worked for several Championship teams, winning the Centennial Cup in 2024 and Buckland Cup in back-to-back years (2023 & 2024) with the Collingwood Blues. She was also at the Canada Winter Games Gold with Team Ontario in 2023 on a team featuring current Petes Carson Cameron and Nico Addy.

The Petes congratulate two training staff members who have added their families in the past month. Athletic therapist Natasha Lagacé and her husband, TJ Jarvis, welcomed their son, Grayson, while assistant therapist and chiropractor Dr. Chelsea McQuade and her fiancé Cam Walker welcomed their daughter, Isla.

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Two Peterborough Teens Charged In Hate Bias Incident From Early August Police Say

Two Peterborough teens are facing assault and harassment charges from an incident earlier this month.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

On Aug. 6, officers were called to the Spillsbury Drive and Sir Sandford Fleming Drive area and learned that a woman had been followed off the bus by two teens, was spat on. With the help of video, officers could identify the two suspects through investigation. One suspect was recently arrested and charged in an incident at the end of July. 

As a result of the investigation:

A 14-year-old Peterborough male was arrested on Aug. 7 and charged with:

• Assault

• Criminal Harassment – Threatening conduct

The accused was held in custody and appeared in court Aug. 8.

A 14-year-old Peterborough male was arrested on Aug. 18, 2024, and charged with:

• Criminal Harassment - threatening conduct

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 25.

The police have classified this incident as a hate bias incident.

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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David Wilcox Peterborough Musicfest Concert Rescheduled to Wednesday After Saturday Cancellation

Following last Saturday’s unexpected weather conditions and power outage, Peterborough Musicfest has rescheduled the David Wilcox concert for this Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Musicfest.

Wilcox made the following statement on his social media account regarding the cancellation:

“We are heartbroken. Yesterday afternoon thunderstorms knocked the power out at the Peterborough Musicfest and we couldn't play. Many of our friends were there and we got to say hello to some of them. We're hoping to come back as soon as possible to rock out with you. Can't wait!”

This is the final concert for Musicfest for the season.

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