Peterborough Blogs
Fleming College Receives $360,000 to Fight "Canada's Worst Invasive Plant"
/The money will go to fighting a highly prevalent aggressive reed commonly known as invasive phragmites.
FLEMING COLLEGE PHOTO
Fleming is getting the funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF).
Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry made the announcement last week.
Fleming will partner with Nature Conservancy Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Saiwa Inc. to innovate the fight against what’s being billed as “Canada’s worst invasive plant”.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada with their important conservation work,” said Fleming president Maureen Adamson. “Together, we will provide conservationists and resource managers with valuable tools to effectively combat the spread of invasive plants that threaten our native vegetation.”
The 3 year project is led by the researchers from Fleming’s Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT) and School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences (SENRS).
It aims to advance automation in the detection and surveillance of the invasive plant using machine vision algorithms, remote sensing data, and innovative drone technologies.
CAMIIT’s Dr. Fereydoon Diba, in collaboration with Saiwa Inc., will develop a specialized drone with machine vision capability to recognize the invasive plant.
SENRS professor, Dr. Josh Feltham, along with Nature Conservancy Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada will collect drone surveillance data.
Fleming students will assist with the project’s data collection and hardware development.
“This collaboration highlights the capabilities that technology and innovation can bring to natural resources, and the real-world problems that can be solved through applied research,” added Adamson. “It’s promising to see CAMIIT and SENRS combining forces with such highly respected national conservation organizations.”
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More Than 600 Trees Planted in South-End Park
/About 60 volunteers planed 620 new trees at Kiwanis Community Park on Saturday.
city of peterborough photo
The event was put on by Tree Canada and the LCBO as part of Tree Canada’s Community Tree Grant program and the Trees 4 Peterborough initiative which includes contributions from RBC Dominion Securities, the Excelsior Group, Peterborough Homes and Merrett Home Hardware.
“Tree Canada’s Community Tree Grants program provides funding and technical expertise for community greening, innovation and stewardship initiatives,” said Nicole Hurtubise, CEO of Tree Canada. “We are thrilled to support the City of Peterborough’s tree planting project, which will bring long-lasting social and environmental benefits where people live, work and play.”
The event, to enhance the city’s urban forest canopy, was also supported by The Rotary Club of Peterborough, Peterborough GreenUp and Otonabee Conservation.
A diversity of native trees were planted at the park to replace approximately 400 dead or dying ash trees that have been negatively affected by the emerald ash borer.
The affected trees along with understory vegetation including invasive buckthorn were removed in August.
“The planting of a diverse species of more than 600 trees in Kiwanis Park will be very much appreciated by the residents of Ashburnham Ward who live in close proximity to this park,” stated councillor Gary Baldwin, co-chair of the Community Services portfolio.
“I believe the residents of the area will be pleased with the end results and enhancements to the park,” added councillor Keith Riel.
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Contemporary Dance Company "Le Patin Libre" to Perform at Peterborough Memorial Centre
/Public Energy Performing Arts is bringing the internationally-renowned contemporary dance company Le Patin Libre and their performance ‘Murmuration’ to the Peterborough Memorial Centre on April 8, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Public energy performing arts supplied photo
Le Patin Libre of Montreal has assembled a company of 15 virtuoso skaters from 7 countries to perform the original dance on ice, ‘Murmuration’, based on the aerial ballets of swarms of birds.
According to a media release, the dancers move at high speeds around the rink, nearly careening into each other, coming together as one, instantly changing directions and splitting up into separate flocks.
Tickets for the event are available from the Peterborough Memorial Centre Box Office.
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Otonabee Conservation Issues Watershed Conditions Statement
/Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety has been issued for all watercourses within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation, with the exception of the Trent-Severn Waterway.
otonabee conservation logo
With widespread rainfall over the next few days, Otonabee Conservation says high-than-normal water flows and levels that could be dangerous are expected, although flooding is not a concern.
Total local rainfall amounts of 30 to 45 mm are predicted over the next 24 hours with showers becoming heavier at times with the risk of thunderstorms this evening and overnight and into the day on Wednesday.
While flooding is not expected, Otonabee Conservation says the forecasted rainfall will create ponding in low lying areas, roadways and higher-than-normal water levels and flows on all local watercourses.
The alert is in-effect until Thursday afternoon at 3 p.m., unless updated earlier.
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Events and Programs to Mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
/Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
city of peterborough photo
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important opportunity to reflect on our histories, learn about the injustices committed against Indigenous communities and dedicate ourselves to contribute toward reconciliation,” stated mayor Jeff Leal. “As a community, we need to take meaningful action to fulfil our collective commitment to reconciliation. I encourage everyone to take part in the activities organized by groups across our community.”
The Every Child Matters flag will be flown at City Hall for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Programs and Activities:
Peterborough Public Library
Adults and Teens
Sept. 24: Adult Book Club - Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Sept. 27: Quilling with Sandra D. Moore
Oct. 10: Just Get Over It: Exploring Stereotypes, Biases and Racism Between Indigenous Peoples and Settlers
Oct. 17 - 22: Secret Path Film Viewings
Children
Sept. 27: PA Day: Rabbit & Bear Paws - The Way with Chad Solomon
Oct. 17: Indigenous Bilingual Story Time
Peterborough Museum and Archives
The Peterborough Museum and Archives is offering an Every Child Matters and reading centre and children’s activity during the month of September.
It’s also providing Every Child Matters stickers, buttons and bookmarks to encourage participation and learning through its National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities.
Art Gallery of Peterborough
The exhibition “Watershed” is on display until Oct. 6.
It features work by Mary Anne Barkhouse, John Boyle, Brad Copping, Liz Magor, Stan Olthuis, Amanda Strong and Olivia Whetung.
Other Activities
Canadian Canoe Museum - Sept. 24 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.: reading, Q&A and book signing of “North of Nowhere, Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner” with Marie Wilson, the 2024 Jack Matthews Fellow.
GreenUP and Kawartha Land Trust - Sept. 25 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Oct. 8 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Saving Native Seeds is a two-part workshop series.
Learn how to collect and save seed from a variety of native trees, shrubs, forbs, grasses and sedges.
Part I is at Ecology Park and Part II is a field trip to the Dance Nature Sanctuary.
Artspace - Sept. 27 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.: launch and celebration of the Maker Space Mural, Niimikaage: she/he dances for a purpose, by Anishinaabe artist Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin)
Curve Lake First Nation - Sept. 28 (all day): 5th annual Mnoominkewin Gathering at Lime Kiln Park.
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100 Women Peterborough Raises More Than $10,000 for Hearts 4 Joy
/On Sept. 17, 100 Women Peterborough gathered at Fleming College to support individuals with intellectual exceptionalities (21+).
Photo by 100 women peterborough.
The event, hosted by the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office, benefited Hearts 4 Joy, a group that has been advocating for and enhancing the lives of young adults with Down Syndrome, Autism, or Learning Disabilities since 2020.
The initiative began in the backyard of one of Hearts 4 Joy’s co-founders and current board member, Norma Christensen.
“We are proud to nurture the talents of individuals with Down Syndrome, Autism, and Learning Disabilities,” said Christensen. “With the generous support from 100 Women Peterborough, we hope to purchase a new kiln and expand our product line.”
“I am incredibly proud of our group for donating over $10,000 to this remarkable organization,” said Rosalea Terry, a founding member of 100 Women Peterborough. “It’s a testament to the power of collective giving and the impact we can have when we come together.”
Hearts 4 Joy has seen its program membership expand to include 14 artists with intellectual exceptionalities, who have found a dedicated space to create and sell their work in the Charlotte Mews, called the Hearts 4 Joy Artisan Shoppe.
“We are overjoyed and thankful for this support,” said Debbie Quinlan, Hearts 4 Joy co-founder. “These funds will help us hire a web designer to create, launch, and maintain our first Hearts 4 Joy website, showcasing our unique products, raising awareness for upcoming events, and facilitating monthly donations.”
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8th Annual Fire Truck Pull for Dementia Recognizes World Alzheimer's Day
/Teams flexed their collective muscles in a test of strength and teamwork to pull a fire truck for a good cause.
Nine teams of 10-12 ‘pullers’ hit the AON Citi Centre on Aylmer Street on Friday to compete to see who can pull a 44,000-pound fire truck across a 100-foot pull zone the fastest.
Teams included the Dementia Defenders, AON 1 and 2, Day Service and Minds in Motion, Ptbo Axe Club, CIBC Private Wealth, SGS 1 and 2 and Trent Rowing.
Team SGS1 ended up taking home the title of fastest pullers with a time of 19.85 seconds.
All proceeds raised supported local programs and services at the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton.
Local strongman Kevin Fast was in attendance and pulled a truck by himself.
Fast also offered up some advice for teams that attempted to pull the truck as well.
According to a media release on Monday morning, $9,000 and counting was raised from the event.
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Major Peterborough Infrastructure Project Now Complete
/Parkhill Road West had been closed to through traffic between Reid and George streets for several months while major upgrades were completed.
Photo by CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.
Parkhill Road West, between Reid and George streets, has been reopened to through traffic following a months-long closure for infrastructure improvements including the replacement of storm sewers, sanitary sewers and a watermain, as well as substantial grading and road reconstruction.
“I’m extremely pleased to see the successful completion of this substantial improvement to one of our major transportation routes through the city, which included significant underground infrastructure to support current residents and future growth,” Mayor Jeff Leal said. “I want to thank the community for their patience during this process.”
“We’re seeing progress on much needed infrastructure work throughout the community, including Armour Road, Lansdowne Street, the downtown repaving work, Brealey Drive and this project on Parkhill Road,” Leal added.
The $7.25 million project, which started construction in June 2023, included excavation, grading, removal and installation of storm sewers, sanitary swears, watermain, storm, sanitary and water services, low impact development features, stormwater management, new curb and gutters and sidewalks.
It also included structural adjustments, asphalt milling, base and surface asphalt installation, tree plantings, signage installations and pavement markings.
“Investments in infrastructure such as the major infrastructure work on Parkhill Road is critical for the life of our community, upgrading and protecting core services including the transportation network, storm water management, sanitary sewers and drinking water pipes,” stated councillors Kevin Duguay and Joy Lachica, co-chairs of the city’s Infrastrucutre, Planning and Growth Management Portfolio. “It’s the foundation for a thriving and growing community.”
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Lansdowne Street West Temporarily Closed Due to Water Main Break
/Lansdowne Street West closed between Monaghan Road and High Street until late Monday afternoon.
peterborough utilities logo
The busy east-west artery has been closed to traffic Monday due to a water main break.
In a post on X, Peterborough Transit advised it would detour the following routes due to the closure:
7W - Lansdowne, Park, Braidwood, Monaghan, McKellar, Erskine, Lansdowne.
8 - Monaghan, Chamberlain, High, McKellar, Monaghan (same in reverse for northbound)
