Voice of Business: The Call for Urgent Action on Homelessness

A new campaign called “Solve the Crisis,” led by a group of Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM) was presented at a conference in Ottawa, hosted by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

The conference included members from several caucuses and brought together some big names such as the minister of housing, mental health and addictions, and the minister of health. Those in attendance were Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC), Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC), and Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus (EOMC). The three caucuses announced their collective support for the “Solve the Crisis” campaign.

On a local note, Mayor Jeff Leal accepted a municipal innovation award on behalf of the city of Peterborough from the AMO. The award recognizes the city of Peterborough's innovative modular housing community project which started in 2023. The project helped to end a tent encampment of people experiencing homelessness on Wolfe Street. According to a CBC report, the modular housing project has successfully housed 47 people out of 50 units.

A report by AMO in 2023, found there were at least 1400 homeless encampments in Ontario communities. The encampments were situated in communities of any size, urban, small town rural, and northern Ontario. This eye-opening statistic set in motion the call for urgency in this crisis.

The leading organization is the OBCM which includes mayors of 29 cities with a population of 100,000 or more that makes up about 70 per cent of Ontario’s population. The OBCM thus advocates for issues and policies for Ontario’s largest cities.

At the conference the OBCM highlighted their demands for urgent action on homelessness and the opioid crisis, known as “Solve the Crisis.” The conference addressed the reality of an issue that continues to grow where municipalities do not have the sufficient resources and support to combat homelessness.

The campaign calls on specific demands from the provincial government and federal government. This involves creating a ministry responsible for overseeing housing needs and mental health supports, as well as a taskforce to develop an Ontario Action Plan. In addition, they’re asking for more funding, tools and resources to address homelessness.

During the conference, Health Minister the Hon. Sylvia Jones’ announced that the province would be investing $378 million into 19 new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs which will add up to 375 supportive housing units. On top of this, the province has implemented a ban on consumption sites within 200 metres of a school or childcare centre. Several mayors from OBCM voiced their gratitude for further investment from the province. Mayor Patrick Brown of Brampton stating, “Grateful for the Ford government’s focus on treatment for addictions and not band-aid solutions. I share their concern about the proliferation of safe injection sites in area close to families and children. This needs to stop".

Looking ahead, the OBCM, and our own mayor, remain steadfast on tackling this crisis and collaborating with all levels of government. In an interview with the Peterborough examiner, Leal mentioned he has had productive conversations with the minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Micheal Tibollo’s to help address our local needs. Leal said, “we want to continue to impress upon the need to have additional funding, both from a treatment perspective and (for) supportive housing”.

The city of Peterborough has already received both federal and provincial funding for housing, drug supervision and treatment programs. These include the current supervised consumption site, affordable housing and a future residential treatment centre.

Locally, we met with Fourcast to get a better understanding of Peterborough’s Consumption and Treatment Services Site (CTS). Fourcast is the lead agency operating the CTS site here in Peterborough. The CTS which has been active since June 2022, has seen a large success in preventing overdoses according to their 2022-2023 report. While a CTS is controversial in recent news and from communities, Fourcast involves community perspectives from community and business leaders in their operations with a community committee. Therefore, any community concerns will be reviewed in the committee. If you would like to see the past year's report on the CTS, please click the following link.

While the AMO acknowledges there have been some positive steps towards action, more is needed to combat this growing problem. With the success from modular housing and our own supervised consumption site, it will be interesting to see which municipalities will have the HART hubs. Thanks to the OBCM and pressure from Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade across Canada, the homelessness crisis in Ontario is getting the attention it needs.

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

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Peterborough Petes Sign Defenceman 2023 Draft Pick to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

The Peterborough Petes make another addition as they signed defenceman Thanasi Marentette to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“Thanasi is a big, strong defenceman who is solid in his own end,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “We had a chance to watch him a lot last season as he developed with the U18 Petes, working out and practicing with the OHL team regularly. This is another good example of how our relationship with the U18 Petes provides players with a development model and pathway to the OHL.”

The Petes selected the Windsor native in the 10th round, 196th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. Last season, the 2007-born, 6’0” defenceman played 31 games for the Peterborough Petes U18s, scoring four goals and adding 12 assists for 16 points. He also played in 10 playoff games, scoring once and picking up four assists for five points.

In 2022-23, Marentette had 13 points in 32 games for the Toronto Nationals U16s, adding another three in five games in the 2023 OHL Cup.

“It feels amazing,” said Marrentette. “Being with the U18s last season gave me a great opportunity to learn about what it takes to be an OHL player. I can’t wait to get started.”

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Oshawa Man Facing Impaired Driving Charges After Almost Hitting a Person Riding An E-Bike

A 41-year-old Oshawa man is facing impaired driving charges after an incident early Sunday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 12:15 a.m., officers on patrol in the area of Aylmer Street and McDonnel Street spotted a vehicle almost colliding with a person on the e-bike.  Officers conducted a traffic stop and noticed signs of impairment with the driver.

As a result of the investigation, a 41-year-old Oshawa man was arrested and charged with:

• Operation while impaired - alcohol

• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

• Fail to surrender insurance card (Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act)

• Drive motor vehicle, no currently validated permit (Highway Traffic Act)

• Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle (Highway Traffic Act)

• Driver fail to surrender licence (Highway Traffic Act)

The accused was issued a 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 15.

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Canadian Council of the Blind To Open New Office Sept. 12

CCB Peterborough is bringing people together in the community with vision loss and with a new office space at 159 King St., Suite 206, on Sept. 12.

Photo courtesy of the Canadian Council of the Blind.

“We are so excited to have a new space in a great location accessible to our members. This is especially important for our From the Blind, For the Blind lending library that provides visual aids for those in need,” said Christel Galachiuk, CCB Peterborough co-chair.

Mayor Jeff Leal will deliver an address, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and member speeches. Chamber of Commerce members have been invited to attend the ceremony.

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Peterborough Police Service Release Safety Tips For Back to School

As children return to school on Tuesday, the Peterborough Police Service Traffic Unit will be out this week providing enforcement and education to motorists with safety tips.

The Peterborough Police reminds the public that all speeds around the schools are reduced to 40 km/h on the main roads and 30 km/h on more residential roads where pick up and drop-offs can occur.  As these are identified as Community Safety Zones, fines are doubled.

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Peterborough Petes Sign Three Players to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreements

The Peterborough Petes signed Masen Johnston, Adam Levac and Genc Ula to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreements on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

“Adam and Genc were two players that our scouts were impressed with during evaluations last year,” said Michael Oke, general manager and vice president of operations. “We were very excited when we were able to select them in the draft.” 

Johnston, a Peterborough native, was originally selected by the Petes in the sixth round, 112th overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. The 2007-born, 6’1” goaltender featured in 21 games last season for the Peterborough Petes U18s, posting a 2.39 goals against average (GAA). In 2022-23, Johnston played for the Peterborough Petes U16, picking up a 1.20 GAA in 17 games. He also played in six games in the 2023 OHL Cup, recording a 2.89 GAA.

“Masen is another example of the great partnership we have utilizing the U18 Petes as our primary affiliate,” said Oke. “Last season, Masen was able to continue his development playing with the U18 Petes while working out and practicing with the OHL team on a regular basis including getting one-on-one time with Andrew Verner.”

“It’s surreal,” said Johnston. “Being from Peterborough and growing up watching the Petes, it’s a dream come true to sign with the team.”

Levac, a 2008-born forward from Embrun, Ont. was selected by the Petes in the fifth round, 85th overall, in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. In 32 games last season with the Eastern Ontario Wild U16s, he scored 18 goals and added 24 assists for 42 points while serving as team captain. Levac also featured in two games for the Navan Grads of the CCHL, picking up one assist.

“It feels amazing to sign with the Petes,” said Levac. “I'm very honoured to have this opportunity and I’m excited to get started.”

Ula, a 2008-born defenceman from Chappaqua, N.Y., was selected by the Petes in the fifth round, 99th overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. In 22 games with the North Jersey Avalanche last season, Ula scored 11 goals and added nine assists for 20 points. 

“It’s incredible,” exclaimed Ula. “I’m very honoured and excited to sign with the Petes. I have a great opportunity in front of me and I can’t wait to take advantage of it.” 

Quinn Binnie has been reassigned ahead of Sunday’s preseason opener in Port Hope. Binnie, an overage forward, played in 57 games for the Petes last season.

“I’d like to thank Quinn for being a great ambassador for the Petes both on and off the ice over the last year,” said Oke. This was a very difficult decision, but one that we had to make due to the number of overage players each team is allowed to carry. We wish Quinn nothing but the best moving forward.”

The following players have also been reassigned:

• Joshua Kaufman

• Kaiden Thatcher

• Aiden Lee

• Vasily Serov

• Easton Lynds

“As we move into preseason, more tough decisions have had to be made,” said Oke. “We will continue to monitor these players moving forward.”

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Willow Studio, Dietrich Homes, Gauvreau CPA and Summer Soul Yoga

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…

The Willow Studio is celebrating a grand re-opening on Sept.21.

Angela Demeester took over the business earlier in the summer and is celebrating the new venture with an open house that includes free classes all day, food and drinks, giveaways, and special offers. The Willow Studio offers beginner-friendly yoga and Pilates. As the mother of a son diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Angela prioritizes accessibility with an accessible studio and she teaches adaptive yoga for children with disabilities. Drop by 1600 Lansdowne St. Wt. on Sept. 21 to see what The Willow Studio has to offer.

Local homebuilder Dietrich Homes is being recognized provincially for their great work.

They have been named as a finalist for two categories in the Ontario Home Builders’ Association 2024 Awards of Distinction. Dietrich Homes is a finalist for Builder of the Year in the Small Volume category and Production Built Home in the two storeys up to 2,500 square feet category. Winners will be announced on Sept. 24 in Niagara Falls. Being one among hundreds of submissions from top builders across the province, it’s great to see the team at Dietrich Homes recognized for their hard work and dedication to building quality homes in the region.

A big shout out to Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory which lead a record-breaking Gear up for Good drive.

They exceeded their goal of collecting 200 fully-stocked backpacks for local children in need, collecting a total of 208. A big thanks to seven local businesses that stepped up in support of the campaign: Domino's Pizza, Ricart Branded Apparel and Promo, Quaker, Eco Chalet Homes, Mirror Mirror Beauty Salon, Angela's Hair Co, and Hair Studio One. Great news as many kids head back to school this week.

Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness Studio is celebrating one year in business!

Located at 394 George St. N. in Downtown Peterborough, Summer Soul offers an experience that enhances your growth, boosts your happiness, and connects you to a supportive community. They even offer stand up paddleboard yoga on the lake. To celebrate their first year in business, they’re offering three free classes, live music with Deanna Earle, and a number of giveaways like four free months of yoga and Pilates. Find out more at summersoul.ca.

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Local Realtors Support Sick Kids Foundation Through Third-Annual Lemonade Stand

Local realtors and brothers Dan and Dion Gemmiti took the classic lemonade stand to another level for the third year in a row to raise money for Sick Kids Hospital on Brealey Drive on Friday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The public was invited to the stand to enjoy food, snacks and lemonade while accepting donations for Sick Kids Hospital on a ‘pay what you want’ basis. Photos could also be taken before a large banner hanging on a trailer's side.

Up to roughly 70 people came to the event at a time to support the cause, a significantly higher number than last year’s.

“We are lucky to be in this community and everybody knows Peterborough is one of the most special places on Earth,” explained Dan. “If we can live here, work here and share, that's exactly what we do.”

The brothers have a close family member who has used Sick Kids Hospital’s services but they know several people who have benefitted from it.

“The greatest thing we've been able to do is hear people's Sick Kids stories in this great city,” said Dion. “We're very lucky that people share it and we're very lucky for what that hospital does for our community.”

Dion Gemmiti (left), Taso Hatzianastasiou, owner of Taso's Restaurant and Pizzeria (middle) and Dan Gemmiti (right) sharing ice-cold lemonade and pizza with the hundreds of guests that came in and out of the event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

New to this year’s stand was wood-fired pizza made by Taso’s, who wanted to jump in on the action.

“I came to the lemonade stand last year and I said, 'Listen, I want to jump in. How can I help?' explained Taso Hatzianastasiou, owner of Taso's Restaurant and Pizzeria. “It was for Sick Kids and I was all on board because have friends and family that gone there and I'll do it gladly for as much as we can.

The brothers aim to continue the lemonade stand annually for as long as possible.

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International Overdose Awareness Day Held to Reduce Stigma and Mourn Those Lost From Drug Addiction

Moms Stop The Harm Peterborough held an International Overdose Awareness Day memorial service honouring those lost at the Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park on Friday afternoon.

Kelly Whetung looks over her late son Joey who passed away from drug poisoning in Dec. 21, 2017. The event had a photographic mural and white crosses in purple decor to honour those fallen to drug addiction. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The day coincides with International Overdose Awareness Day that is held every year on Aug. 31.

The global event is to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief of families and friends suffering from losing a loved one or a victim of injury as a result of a drug overdose.

During the event, stories of how speakers’ loved ones were lost or affected by drug addiction, claiming that there should not be a stigma for it and no judgment should be passed for those suffering.

Between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2022, Peterborough paramedics responded to 234 suspected opioid-related 911 calls and drugs were responsible for 343 emergency department visits according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH).

“I think the crisis requires a continuum of response and massive investment. We look at how we respond to other societal crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and it requires an all-of-society, massive investment on many interventions and solutions.” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health.

Of that same span last year, there were 182 calls, and 232 ER visits but an increase of 43 deaths.

“We need support to address the toxic supply of drugs on the streets. We need support to prevent substance use in the first place. We know that trauma and social determinants of health are the drivers of why many people end up using drugs or have a substance use disorder,” Piggott continued. “We need access to treatment in this community. People that want treatment still can't get access, that needs to improve. We also need to keep people alive and harm reduction responses are trying to do that. People may not be ready for help today or tomorrow but they need they need help to stay alive.”

PPH offered quick sessions on administering aid with a naloxone kit at the event and gave them out for free. Piggott says that carrying naloxone is even easier than learning basic first aid and CPR and this information can be life-saving.

“In five or ten minutes, we can safely train people on how to administer it,” he said. “I think if you are around people who use drugs, if you are in an area of the city where you may see and find somebody who needs help, this is an easy way to learn a little bit more about how you can save a life so I encourage people to carry naloxone.”

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Hometown PTBO: Ted Higgins Involved In 70 Years of Lacrose and Fundraising For Parkinson's Disease

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Lakers president Ted Higgins about being involved in lacrosse for 70 years, how Peterborough became invested in the sport and his fundraising efforts for the Parkinson SuperWalk Campaign on Sept. 7.

Click here to donate now!

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