United Way Peterborough & District Names Recipient of 2024 Scholfield Award of Community Distinction
/Paul Armstrong, a long-time housing advocate, is the recipient of the award.
united way peterborough & district photo of paul armstrong
Peterborough Blogs
Hometown PTBO: Erica Evans As a Lacrosse Ambassador and World Lacrosse Box Championships Experience
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This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Erica Evans of Team Canada about her journey and performance at the Women's World Lacrosse Championships, being a lacrosse ambassador for the next generation and the origin story of getting into the sport.
Peterborough Police Seek Suspects in Shooting
/Peterborough Police say it is looking for two, possibly three, suspects after a shooting Wednesday evening that’s being investigated as an attempted murder.
File photo
The shooting took place in the area of George Street North and Parkhill Road just before 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.
Police say witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots.
With the help of the K-9 Unit, police searched the area but were unable to find the suspects.
A Scarborough male, 17, was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
He was then taken to a Toronto-area hospital and is now listed in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.
Police add the connection between the suspects and victim is not fully clear, however it is believed to be related to the drug subculture.
"At this time, we are actively following up on investigative leads and searching for the suspects. We are asking anyone with information to come forward, and if not comfortable speaking directly to the police, then to do so anonymously through Crime Stoppers,” said Chief Stuart Betts.
“These events are absolutely concerning and strike at the feelings of safety for everyone in our community. Although little comfort, we have information to believe that this was another targeted incident, and once again, we believe the illicit drug trade is at the heart of it. I have said many times, where there are illicit drugs, violence is likely to follow.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 extension 555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at stopcrimehere.ca.
Peterborough Petes General Manager Wins Award
/The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has awarded Petes GM and vice-president of Operations Mike Oke with the 2024 Naresh James Champion of Mental Health Award.
Photo supplied by peterborough petes
The annual award recognizes an individual who has championed, critical challenges, pioneered initiatives and achieved lasting impacts in support for those who live with mental health issues.
CMHA HKPR’s Jack Veitch nominated Oke for the award, citing his dedication to the work on the OHL’s Talk Today Program as well as his commitment to the mental health of his players and staff.
The award was presented at Wednesday's CMHA HKPR Annual General Meeting.
“Mike Oke transformed the Peterborough Petes' approach to mental health and wellness,” said Veitch. “In 2013, he and the Petes partnered with the CMHA to pilot the 'Talk Today' program, which became a national movement in Canadian junior hockey.”
“We piloted the Talk Today program in 2013 after the initiative was brought to us by Dave and Heather Pogue,” Oke added. “We were the first team to implement the program with our players and staff here in Peterborough, it then became mandatory in the entire CHL, growing to involve other junior hockey leagues in Canada.”
Oke noted they know of at least one situation where the work of the team’s support staff has had direct life saving impact in the community.
“These individuals work very closely with our players and staff daily to help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health,” Oke said.
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Peterborough County Hubs Program Expands
/The Peterborough County Hubs Program is now offering drop-in services in Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.
Peterborough county logo
The new drop-in service, which started on Tuesday, gives rural residents access to supports related to health care, mental health, addictions, employment, developmental services, housing, income, senior services and more within their home community.
"The expansion of the Peterborough County Hubs Program is an important step in ensuring that all Peterborough City-County residents, no matter where they live, have easy access to the services and supports they need, said Peterborough city councillor Alex Bierk. “By bringing these services closer to home, we are removing barriers for communities across the region and making sure that residents can get help with everything from health care to employment services.”
The drop-in program has opened new hubs in several locations:
Millbrook Hub at Old Millbrook School - open Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Havelock Hub at Havelock Community Care office - open Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Apsley Hub at Apsley Community Care office - open first and third Wednesday of each month 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Norwood Hub at Asphodel-Norwood Township Office - open Thursdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The program is a collaboration between the City/County Social Services administered by the City of Peterborough, Canopy Support Services, Canadian Mental Health Association - Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge and Fleming CREW and Academic Upgrading.
A staff person from of the agencies will be at the hubs when the open for drop-in service.
The program builds on the existing Peterborough County Hubs Program that has nine locations across the county in Keene, Warsaw, Douro, Buckhorn, Lakefield, Millbrook, Havelock, Apsley and Norwood.
“Last year, I was proud to be at the launch of the eight Peterborough County Hubs which provided bookable space for social service providers to meet with clients,” said warden Bonnie Clark. “Local clients will now have the convenience to drop-in during office hours and not have to book an appointment. This pilot project brings social services access for our rural and small urban communities closer to parity with larger urban centres.”
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City of Peterborough Launches Interactive Official Plan Map
/Residents and stakeholders now have access to an interactive web mapping application to access and visualize the new Official Plan.
file photo
According to the City of Peterborough, the innovative tool was designed to enhance public engagement, transparency, and understanding of the strategic vision for growth and development.
The Official Plan Map Viewer, developed by the city’s Geomatics/Mapping Division, takes information about growth areas, infrastructure and natural heritage systems from the recently adopted Official Plan document and applies them to geographic information about the city.
The user can then filter information based on schedules, providing information about land use, road and trail networks and natural heritage systems, the city states.
Users can also search by address to see which schedules of the document apply to a given location.
The map is available on the city’s website.
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50/50 Cash Raffle to Support Four Peterborough-area Community Groups
/Profits from the Lakefield & District Lions Club’s “Collaboration 50/50 Cash Raffle” will be divided evenly between Kawartha Food Share, PRHC Foundation, Community Care Peterborough and the Lions Club.
LAKEFIELD & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB "COLLABORATION 50/50 CASH RAFFLE” POSTER
“Fundraising is always challenging, but the people of Peterborough have been very generous in helping us provide our services throughout the region,” Kawartha Food Share General Manager Ashlee Aitken said.
Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation extended gratitude to the Lakefield & District Lions Club for organizing the fundraiser.
“Yours is a powerful example of how we all can make a real difference, close to home,” she said. “Community-led fundraisers are essential to local charities.”
Heighway states the funds will empower world-class care at PRHC by fueling innovation and bringing new services to the region.
“They’ll also support solutions to critical hospital challenges, including helping PRHC attract the best and brightest healthcare experts,” she added.
“Our mission is to support the health and wellbeing of individuals, caregivers and communities,” Danielle Belair, CEO of Community Care Peterborough said. “Our programs and services allow people across the City and County of Peterborough to maintain their independence and dignity.”
Belair goes onto say Community Care Peterborough’s programs impacted more than 6,000 seniors and adults with disabilities in 2023.
“The Lakefield & District Lions Club has been around since 1946 and we are giving back to our community through the generosity of supporters,” added club president Don Parsons.
The winning ticket will be selected on Nov. 15.
Tickets are on sale at lakefieldlions5050.ca.
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City of Peterborough Puts Out Call for Community Advisory Group Members
/The City of Peterborough is asking residents to consider joining the community advisory group that will help inform the creation of a Secondary Land Use Plan and Community Planning Permit System for the City’s Strategic Growth Areas.
downtown photo
The plan and permit system will help promote intensified development, speed up development approvals and implement the new Official Plan, the City of Peterborough stated in a media release.
The Strategic Growth Areas are designated in the new Official Plan and include the downtown core as well as major corridors such as Lansdowne Street, Chemong Road, Clonsilla Avenue, Water Street and Armour Road.
There are openings for two residents on the advisory group.
It will also include representatives from local community organizations involved in a range of issues including housing, transportation, arts, cultural heritage, Indigenous rights and heritage, and environmental sustainability.
Interested persons can apply at Connect Ptbo by Oct. 4.
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Maria Street Bridge to Temporarily Close Next Week For Repairs
/Parks Canada is advising residents and visitors that the Maria Street Swing Bridge at Lock 20 will be closed to vehicular, cyclist and pedestrian traffic between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily from Sept. 30 - Oct. 4.
file photo
The closure will allow crews to complete structural repairs and inspections of the bridge.
Detour signage will be posted to direct vehicles to alternate crossings on Parkhill Road East (the Warsaw Road Swing Bridge) or Lansdowne Street.
Pedestrians and cyclists can still cross the Trent-Severn Waterway by using the lock gate crossings at Lock 20.
The bridge will be opened daily from 3:30 p.m. - 9 a.m.
Vessel traffic along the Trent-Severn Waterway will not be affected by the bridge closure.
Parks Canada is advising motorists to limit traffic on quieter residential streets.
Trucks over 5 tonnes must avoid using the Hunter Street crossing at the Peterborough Lift Lock and the single-lane McFarlane Street bridge.
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City of Peterborough Hands Out 2023 Civic Awards
/The 2023 Civic Awards were presented by City Council at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Tuesday.
civc awards photo
The awards recognize contributions to the community that enriched the lives of residents and outstanding individual and group achievements in the city in 2023, according to a City of Peterborough media release.
“It’s an honour to recognize the outstanding achievements and efforts of these exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the life of our community,” mayor Jeff Leal said. “Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to making our city a better place is truly inspiring.”
Award Recipients:
Community Betterment
Peterborough Police Auxiliary Unit
Myles Conner
Irish Millie
Jennifer and Braden Glasbergen
Marie Gulliver
Dave Rumball
Peterborough Lions Club
Cultural Betterment
Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay
Tina Avlonitis
Environmental Stewardship/Sustainability
Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group
Athletic Award of Merit
Holy Cross Secondary School Girls Hockey Team
Chelsea Burton
Kenner Senior Boys Basketball Team
MacKenna Hancock
Holnbeck Award
John McNutt
Junior Athlete of the Year
Alexis Jenkins
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Titus Ngouepo
Volunteer of the Year
Greg McLeod
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ron Cambridge
