Peterborough Blogs
Right to Heal Launches Fundraiser ‘Friendsgiving’ At 100 Acre Brewing Co. On Oct. 20
/Right to Heal is hosting a free fundraising event ‘Friendsgiving’ held at 100 Acre Brewing Co. from 2 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 20th.
Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe of Right to Heal (left) and Tim Farquharson, Port Hope Police Chief (right) before a mural with Indigenous roots painted by Brogan O'Rouke, the former's cousin. Shaughnessy-Rowe's former business, The Whistle Stop Café, would often feed those who could not afford meals daily. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The event is in collaboration with the brewery and Dream Team concerts. Live music, vendors, food trucks, beer and a corn hole tournament are the attractions slated for the fundraiser.
Acts include SJ Riley, Joslynn Burford, Mike Kidd and Brad Renaud for live music performances.
There is no goal but every dollar counts according to Liz Shaughnessy-Rowe of Right to Heal.
“The universe is the limit on this one so the more the merrier and any amount, we're grateful for,” she said. “We're about to launch sponsorships so the community can sponsor what we're doing monthly instead of just once in a while, donating money.”
Right to Heal receives limited funding. The provincial government provides $275,000 annually, which primarily funds its Redpath program, an outpatient addiction treatment program.
“It's creating community, it's creating connection and something that we all need and something that some of our clients struggle with is connection with others,” said Shaughnessy-Rowe. “They're so disconnected, and they're so lost that these events connect them with the community and make them feel human again.”
All other expenses are not funded so the organization has to be creative in obtaining funds to keep afloat.
Shaughnessy-Rowe also receives help from the Rotary Club of Peterborough, her self-run moon circle events and money from Whitepath Consulting; her mother’s for-profit business that trains frontline workers for Indigenous communities.
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Peterborough Police Urge Head of the Trent Attendees to Celebrate Safely; Heightened Police Presence During Weekend Festivities
/With Head of the Trent homecoming running this weekend from Friday until Sunday, first responders are urging the community to celebrate safely during Trent University’s festivities.
Mark Ressor, Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant (left) and Julie Davis Trent Vice-President, External Relations & Development (right) addressing the media of having a safe homecoming during the weekend’s festiviites. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The first responders include the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough Emergency Management, Peterborough Fire Services, Peterborough City-County Paramedics, Trent University, and the City of Peterborough.
The Peterborough Police have developed a coordinated response to help navigate the weekend over the coming months. As a result, a heightened police presence will be present throughout the city and additional police officers will be hired to patrol the campus.
“During large events, we often see an influx of 911 calls,” explained Mark Ressor, Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant. If you are seeing things in the community that pose a risk or a danger, we're asking people to call in so that we're aware of it and can respond appropriately. Ultimately with people's safety and well-being our primary concern.”
He continues to state that during these events, Police typically receive calls regarding noise, disturbances, mischief, damage to property and impaired driving.
While the Police say they have an all-hands-on-deck situation for the weekend, it will not affect any day-to-day calls that are not affiliated with the homecoming weekend.
Police are asking the community to be safe while celebrating, ensure everyone gets home safely and be good neighbors and community members.
“We know that this is a time of celebration and we would like to see a positive and safe experience for all,” said Ressor.
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Hometown PTBO: Leslie Yee's Contributions to the Blind/Disabled Communities In Peterborough and the Kawarthas
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This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Leslie Yee, Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough Chapter past chair (and guide dog Akira) about her service to the disabled/blind community, her condition and the significance of spreading disability awareness.
United Way Launches 'Double your Difference' Donation Match Challenge
/United Way Peterborough & District has announced a ‘Double Your Difference’ donation match challenge from their 2024-25 Community Campaign.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
According to a press release, an anonymous donor has made the donation match challenge possible.
All local donations made by individuals are eligible. United Way states that the parameters around this donation match challenge are determined based on whether you gave to last year’s Campaign (donations placed between April 1. 2023 and March 31st, 2024).
If you did not donate to United Way Peterborough & District in 2023-24: Donations of any amount made by community members who did not donate to United Way Peterborough & District in 2023-24 will be 100 per cent matched.
“We are inviting community members who have not previously donated to United Way Peterborough & District to give back to their community in a big way,” said Shirley Turner, United Way Campaign Chair. “New donors can ‘Double Your Difference’ by giving any amount that is within their means. No donation is too small, and through this matching challenge your support will be twice as impactful.”
If you did donate to United Way Peterborough & District in 2023-24: Community members who donated to United Way Peterborough & District in 2023-24 can participate in the donation matching challenge as well. Anyone who increases their donation by at least 10 per cent from last year will have the increased amount matched. For example, if someone gave $1,200 last year and increases their gift to $1,320, the additional $120 will be matched.
“Inflation has been hitting us all over the last few years. Rising costs have especially impacted the agencies that we fund and the vulnerable clients that they serve,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “Our campaign goal was set at 10 per cent higher than last year, so we are asking our current supporters to increase their donation by at least 10 per cent to help us achieve our $1.5 million goal and continue to meet the need for services in our community.”
United Way Peterborough & District’s 2024-25 Campaign is currently underway. Several large workplace campaigns, such as Trent University and GM Financial, launched in late September. In addition to workplace launches, community initiatives, such as LCBO's give-at-the-till program, are also underway for a limited time. United Way will provide the community with an update on campaign progress later this month.
Donations are accepted online or at the United Way Peterborough & District office at 277 Stewart St.
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Peterborough Petes Squander Three-Goal Lead; Rookie Scores Twice In Losing Effort
/Petes rookie Colin Fitzgerald had two goals to help give the team a three-goal lead but could not hang as they lost to the North Bay Battalion, 5-3, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Pride Night on Thursday.
Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.
Fitzgerald opened the scoring 50 seconds off a one-timer on a pass from Ryder McIntyre to give Peterborough a 1-0 lead. Battalion’s Zach Wilson was charged with a high-sticking double-minor penalty which gave Peterborough a four-minute power play. Quinton Pagé capitalized after gathering a rebound from a point shot and scoring on the backhand to make it 2-0. On the same power play, Fitzgerald scored again, similar to Pagé’s goal but on the forehand to make it 3-0.
North Bay had battled back as less than two minutes later, Kent Greer and Jacob LeBlanc had scored to make it 3-2 at the end of one.
The visitors were the only team to score in the second thanks to Lirim Amidovski and the game was tied going into the third.
Ethan Procyszyn scored just under eight minutes into the frame to give North Bay their first lead of the game. Peterborough had 13 shots in the period but could not find the back of the net. They also allowed one empty-net goal from Anthony Romani and the Battalion leave Peterborough with a 5-3 win.
Fitzgerald, the Peterborough native was selected by the Petes in the first round, third overall of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. His two goals were the first of his OHL career.
“It was pretty special,” he said. “I think I went dizzy when I scored. It didn’t feel real out there. Once the boys got me the puck, it kind of sunk in that I scored my first goal.”
The Petes play on back-to-back days as they hit the road to take on the Sudbury Wolves. The game is on Friday at 7:05 p.m. at Sudbury Community Arena.
Peterborough County Takes a Stand Against Aggressive Behavior Towards Construction Workers
/As the 2024 construction season approaches its end, Peterborough County is committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all construction workers announced on Thursday.
File Photo.
The County reminds motorists, residents, and visitors that any form of aggressive behavior—including yelling, insults, threats, intimidation, or physical abuse—directed at County staff or contractors will not be tolerated.
“As the CAO for Peterborough County, any violence or harassment of our workers or our contractors will not be tolerated”, said Sheridan Graham, Peterborough County CAO. “Our staff are professionals, who are proud of the work they do in their communities. Construction and delays can be stressful, we understand that, but they are a necessary part of maintaining our critical infrastructure. Our communications department does an amazing job of updating on projects and delays, and we also use Municipal 511 services – please follow us on these channels to get more information and to plan your travel.”
“Harassment of Construction Workers is becoming a serious problem. It stems from impatience, self-importance, and putting the safety and well-being of our vital construction crews second to experiencing a minor disruption in travel,” said Bryan Weir, Peterborough County senior director of planning and public works. “Without the important work that is done, there would be no infrastructure to travel upon, no clean water or sanitary conditions, no sidewalks, and unbearable ongoing inconveniences to daily living. Respecting a workplace is a right that everyone is entitled to.”
Construction workers play a vital role in our community by contributing to essential infrastructure and development projects that benefit everyone as stated by the County. They continue to state that workes frequently encounter unwarranted hostility while on the job. This aggressive behaviour disrupts their work, can lead to significant delays in project completion, and, if warranted, may require police involvement.
”As Acting Staff Sergeant of the Peterborough County OPP, I want to make it clear: we have zero tolerance for any threats or violence against construction workers at road closures,” said Angie Kerr, OPP acting staff sergeant. '“These closures are necessary to maintain our community’s infrastructure. While we understand the frustration, we will not tolerate aggression toward workers. In past incidents, workers have faced hostility from motorists, and anyone engaging in such behavior could face charges like Uttering Threats, Assault, or Mischief, with penalties under the Criminal Code of Canada ranging from fines to imprisonment. Protecting our workers and the public is our priority.”
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City of Peterborough to Host Home Energy Expo On Oct. 19
/The Home Energy Expo will occur at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St., on Oct.19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., announced on Thursday.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
The City of Peterborough, GreenUP and For Our Grandchildren are hosting the Home Energy Expo, which will feature informational booths. Admission to the Home Energy Expo is free.
The Home Energy Expo will demystify household retrofit options for those planning their home energy renovation journeys. Local tradespeople will be on hand to discuss various energy-saving solutions that can be installed to lower home energy bills, improve interior comfort, and reduce fossil fuel pollution.
Several Peterborough homeowners who have completed an energy renovation will be present. Expo attendees can speak directly with these homeowners to learn about their experiences undertaking a retrofit and realizing utility bill savings.
“Providing residents with vital information directly from homeowners with first-hand experience completing an energy renovation is important. Homeowner-to-homeowner interactions are less intimidating for some than speaking with contractors, especially if one has never completed a renovation before,” said Councillor Joy Lachica, City Council's representative on the Peterborough Environmental Advisory Committee.
Booths tabled by Heating-Ventilation-and-Air Conditioning, insulation, and solar photovoltaic contractors will be present to discuss specific technology and answer product-related questions. Representatives from Enbridge Gas will be featuring the Home Efficiency Rebate program, which includes up to $5,000 in energy retrofit incentives for qualifying applicants. Homeowners can also speak with energy auditors to learn more about the building assessment process, typical renovation projects, and likely energy savings.
"It's pretty amazing how much money and energy can be saved by doing some simple upgrades to homes, like improving insulation and air sealing,” said Clara Blakelock, Peterborough GreenUP home energy program manager. “Heating a home with a fossil-fuel burning furnace, like natural gas, oil, or propane, is often the largest household contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Homeowners can save even more energy by upgrading to an efficient heat pump, which in many cases will also slash the home's greenhouse gas emissions by 30 to 50 per cent or more.”
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City of Peterborough Recognizing October As Women's History Month
/The City of Peterborough is recognizing October as Women’s History Month with the theme as ‘Women at Work: Economic Growth Past, Present, and Future.’
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
In honour of the occasion, Mayor Jeff Leal has released the following statement:
As we observe Women’s History Month this October, it’s an honour to celebrate the pivotal role that women have played in shaping our workforce and driving economic growth throughout history. This year’s theme, “Women at Work: Economic Growth Past, Present, and Future,” highlights the significant contributions women have made to our community’s prosperity.
From pioneers in traditional fields to modern innovators, women have been a driving force in our local economy. Today, and every day, we recognize the importance of their leadership, entrepreneurship, and dedication in industries. As we look to the future, we must continue to create inclusive spaces to ensure women are empowered to reach their full potential in every sector.
On behalf of the City of Peterborough, I encourage everyone to take time this month to reflect on the profound impact of women in the workforce, past and present. Let’s celebrate their achievements and commit to fostering a future where all women can thrive.
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Two Men Charged and Arrested From Stabbing Incident At Millennium Park Last Friday
/Two Peterborough men have been arrested and charged in connection with a stabbing last Friday evening at Millennium Park.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The suspects were identified through the investigation. Officers with the Investigative Services Unit arrested the two men at a Peterborough residence on Wednesday.
At roughly 7:45 p.m. Friday, officers were called to Millennium Park and discovered a man with multiple stab wounds.
He was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre and then transported to a Toronto hospital in stable condition.
As a result of the investigation,
A 22-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:
Aggravated Assault
A 52-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:
Aggravated Assault
