The Gardener Becomes Pad Naming Right Sponsor For Healthy Planet Arena

The City of Peterborough has welcomed The Gardener as the Naming Right sponsor of the south pad at Healthy Planet Arena to be known as The Gardener Pad.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Healthy Planet Arena is a community twin pad arena and banquet facility located at 911 Monaghan Rd. in Peterborough. The City has undertaken renovations to replace the lighting, floor and board system on The Gardener Pad. These renovations are complete and the pad reopened in September for ice bookings in the community. The new branding will be installed to reflect the pad's name according to the City.

Pad Sponsor The Gardener is a local business that has been providing landscape design, construction, and maintenance to Peterborough and the broader region for the past 12 years.

“The Gardener is excited to announce our partnership with the City of Peterborough and Healthy Planet Arena through the naming rights to The Gardener Pad,” said Ryan Quigley, The Gardener. This sponsorship reflects our commitment to cultivating growth in our community through various initiatives, supporting local sports and events, and creating memorable experiences for everyone who walks through these doors.”

“Our community arenas are vibrant gathering places for residents and visitors of all ages. We are grateful to have the support of local businesses like The Gardener at our recreation facilities. Naming rights sponsorships contribute to the City’s ability to provide affordable recreation opportunities for our community,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell and Councillor Gary Baldwin.

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Fleming College Alumni Nominated For Premier’s Awards

Six Fleming College alumni have been selected as nominees for the this year’s Premier’s Awards.

The Premier Awards were founded in 1992. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Colleges Ontario administers the Premier’s Awards, the advocacy voice for Ontario’s 24 colleges.

This annual celebration recognizes college graduates' significant social and economic contributions on a provincial and global scale.

Colleges can nominate alumni in seven categories: Skilled Trades, Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Recent Graduate and Science, Technology and Engineering.

The Fleming College nominees for 2024 are:

Skilled Trades
Dylan Stadtke: Mechanical Techniques Plumbing (2016), HVAC Technician (2018)
The co-owner of Pristine Plumbing Peterborough, Dylan’s business is thriving, reflecting his dedication to high professional standards and community involvement. In addition to two Fleming diplomas, Dylan completed the Construction Leadership Program at Fleming in 2022, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and excellence in his field. Beyond his professional achievements, Dylan is deeply committed to men’s mental health and is a strong proponent of promoting women in trades. His dedication to these important issues underscores his role as a leader and innovator in his industry.

Health Sciences
Francine Sam: Practical Nursing (2024)
Francine Sam began her nursing career while living in Australia where she was enrolled in university for nursing. She ended up moving to a rural village in northern Uganda where she did humanitarian work for seven years alongside her young family, caring for vulnerable children and their communities. It was through her experiences there that compelled her to further her education at Fleming College. Francine recently graduated as a Practical Nurse and was the Valedictorian of the School of Health and Community Services and is now working as a Registered Practical Nurse in the Emergency Department at her local hospital.

Community Services
Heather George: Museum Management and Curatorship (2008)
Heather George is an influential leader in the Canadian museum sector. As Executive Director of the Woodland Cultural Centre, she advocates for Indigenous perspectives and creates opportunities for Indigenous artists and curators. As the Past President of the Canadian Museum Association and current Vice President for the Indigenous Heritage Circle, Heather advances the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #67, urging museums to engage in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. In 2021, she led a national review of museum policies in relation to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This review involved Indigenous communities and museum professionals, culminating in recommendations to change sector standards and develop federal repatriation laws.

Science, Technology and Engineering
Matthew Wilson: Conservation Biology (2024)
In 2022, Matthew Wilson made a significant decision to leave his career in the shipping industry and return to school. He was driven by a desire to pursue a more meaningful path, he chose to focus on addressing the pressing environmental and natural world challenges facing our planet today. Matt has always had a deep passion for animals and nature. Over the years, he has worn many hats, including biologist, arboricultural field technician, and research assistant. Recently, Matt enrolled in the Conservation Biology Program at Fleming College, where he graduated as Valedictorian of the School of Environmental and Natural Resources. Driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact on our climate, Matt is committed to preserving our natural legacy for future generations.

Recent Graduate
Jacques Graveline: Business Administration-Marketing (2022)
Jacques Graveline was a Student Ambassador for Fleming Indigenous Student Services and Fleming Student Administrative Council. He graduated from Fleming College with an Advanced Diploma in Marketing in 2022 and has been extremely involved in the College since. Elected as Board Chair at Fleming SAC in 2023, he passionately advocates for students to ensure an exceptional college experience. Jacques is a leader in the Peterborough community, supporting the United Way homeless initiative and Dragon Boat Races for Breast Cancer, while creating and implementing marketing strategies as the Marketing Assistant at Bridges Peterborough. Jacques is currently the Governance and Advocacy Coordinator with the Fleming Student Administrative Council.

Creative Arts and Design
Aaron Robitaille: Graphic Design-Visual Communication Advanced Diploma (2020)
A 2020 graduate of Fleming College’s Graphic Design (GDV) program and recipient of the Muriel Cooper Award for Design Excellence, Aaron launched “Aaron Robitaille Design” and developed notable branding for Haven Brewing Company. Her expertise spans large-scope murals, websites, and mentoring local artists, with work featured across Ontario. She is currently an instructor at Fleming College and acts as Vice Chair and member on Artspace’s Board of Directors, Peterborough’s only artist-run centre. The GDV program’s comprehensive training and community partnerships were pivotal in her success, fostering a blend of art and design that continues to drive her career and contributions to the local arts community.

The Premier’s Award nominees will be recognized at a gala event in Toronto on Nov. 25 where the winners will be announced.

To nominate a deserving Fleming graduate for a 2025 Premier’s Award, please contact the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office at 705-749-5530 ext. 1197 or email alumni@flemingcollege.ca.

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Monaghan Ward Meeting to Be Held Oct. 23

Councillors Matt Crowley and Don Vassiliadis will host a Monaghan Ward meeting on Oct. 23 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Westdale United Church, 1509 Sherbrooke St.

File Photo.

“Community safety and crime prevention is of utmost importance and we’re looking forward to meeting with Monaghan Ward residents to provide information about Peterborough Police initiatives,” said Councillors Matt Crowley and Don Vassiliadis. “We invite residents from the West End to join the conversation on October 23. We trust it will be an informative evening.”

The meeting will include a presentation by Mark Ressor, Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant, regarding policing in Monaghan Ward, the importance of online reporting, crime prevention strategies through environmental design, and Peterborough Police Service’s Community F.I.R.S.T. Unit, which investigates property crimes that were initiated in November 2023.

Following the presentation, there will be time for a question-and-answer session on crime and safety concerns.

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Peterborough Concert Band Performing In Benefit Concert Fundraiser for the New Canadians Centre On Oct. 27

The Peterborough Concert Band (PCB) will perform in a fundraising concert with all proceeds to benefit the New Canadians Centre (NCC) on Oct. 27 at Market Hall from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the NCC.

In 2023-2024, NCC reports that more than 2,000 newcomers received assistance from their organization. It was a 50 per cent increase over the previous year and was the highest number of clients ever. The number included 1216 new clients according to the NCC.

“While Canada remains a global leader in welcoming newcomers, we are sobered by the local and global challenges and conflicts affecting all of us and often the newcomer community even more acutely. The services the NCC provides to clients are making resettlement in Peterborough a little more bearable. The top 10 countries from which newcomers arrive are Syria, Ukraine, India, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Iran, Mexico, and Pakistan,” according to a statement from the NCC.

The Peterborough Concert Band is one of the longest-running concert bands in Canada. Their Juno-nominated conductor and composer, Saman Shahi, will lead the band through selections ranging from classical to contemporary.

Following the performance, a reception will be organized by NCC.

Tickets are available through the Market Hall box office, their website or Peterborough Concert Band.

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Kawartha World Issues Centre Appoints New Executive Director

Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC) announced on Tuesday that Margaret Zou has been appointed as the new executive director.

Photo courtesy of KWIC.

“We are excited to see the valuable contributions Margaret will undoubtedly bring to our team and are confident her skills and passion for social justice and sustainable development will greatly enhance KWIC’s efforts,” said Ryan Sisson, KWIC Board Chair.

Margaret earned a Bachelor of Science with Honors (BScH) in Life Sciences from Queen's University in Kingston. She holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Management and Assessment from the University of Liverpool and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, specializing in Environmental Health.

Recently, Margaret served as the SDG Network Coordinator, spearheading community-driven initiatives to raise awareness about the SDGs. Additionally, as the Lead Program Facilitator at Global Health Mentorships (GHMe), Margaret led a team of facilitators, ensuring the effective delivery of mentorship programs globally according to a press release.

Zou will focus on advancing climate action, promoting gender equality and supporting the broader goals of the SDGs, ensuring these important issues remain at the forefront of KWIC’s mission.

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Peterborough County Senior Director Announces Retirement After 36-Year Tenure

Peterborough County’s Bryan Weir, senior director, is calling it a career after 36 years and will retire in late November, announced Monday evening.

LinkedIn Picture.

“I have had the privilege to work with Bryan for over 20 years. Without hesitation, I can say he is the classiest, most humble, kind, and thoughtful person I have ever worked with,” said Sheridan Graham, County CAO. “He has worn many hats over the years, serving as EMS Chief, head of Economic Development, Planning, GIS and most recently, Public Works. In all his roles, Bryan has led his teams with his heart.”

According to Graham, Weir is known for his unwavering staff support and has been entrusted with numerous leadership roles due to his exceptional ability to inspire and guide.

“Staff trust him, respect him, and genuinely like him. His leadership has fostered a supportive and cohesive environment,” she said. “While we are all sad to see him retire, we are grateful for the strong foundation he has built. He has grown, trained and nurtured staff to ensure a smooth transition, demonstrating true leadership.”

Iain Mudd was appointed the new Director of Planning, Development and Public Works, effective on Sept. 6.

“I really can’t believe how fortunate I am to have been, first, hired by the County, and second, able to enjoy such a fulfilling and rewarding career,” said Weir. “I find it hard to describe the feeling of being able to come to work each day and know that my day will be good no matter what happens and it’s entirely due to the extraordinary people and support I have experienced both at the staff level and Council level. I would like to thank the County for its faith and trust when considering my involvement.”

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Peterborough Musicfest Seeks Volunteer to Join Board of Directors

Peterborough Musicfest is seeking a volunteer to join as a Director for its Board of Directors.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The term is for three years and starts in February. The role is roughly 25 hours per year.

The following are the roles of the director:

• Shape the future of Peterborough Musicfest by contributing to strategic goals and decision-making.

• Support the festival’s financial planning and help secure key sponsorships and donations.

• Be an ambassador for the festival within the community, forging connections with stakeholders, artists, and sponsors.

• Bring your leadership and vision to ensure the festival thrives for years to come!

Applications can be emailed to Tracy Condon, Board Chair at info@ptbomusicfest.ca by 4 p.m. on Oct. 25.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Seeking Nominations For Paul Harris Fellowship

The Rotary Club of Peterborough is seeking nominations for its prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Recognition in honour of the founder of Rotary International in 1905.

Tom Jenkins (third from left) was a recipient last year for his work with Peterborough Bigs for over 20 years. Photo courtesy of the Rotary Club of Peterborough.

According to Rotary, the Fellowship recognizes local individuals for their leadership and service contributions within our community, the surrounding area and the world at large. It is considered the highest honour Rotarians can give.

Nominations in the following categories can be completed online with the deadline on Friday.

Categories include:

• Community Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant leadership contribution to the advancement and betterment of the Peterborough Community. 

• International Service: To recognize an individual who makes a significant contribution toward to betterment of the communities in other parts of the world, and/or leadership toward work peace and understanding. 

• Vocational Service: To recognize an individual who uses their vocational skills consistent wit Rotary ideals toward community and/or international matters.

• Youth Services: To recognize an individual who makes significant contributions toward to youth (programs, services and/or related matters).

• Environmental Service: To recognize an individual who supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of our environment.

• Club Service: To recognize a Peterborough Rotary Club member for their outstanding service and dedication. 

The recipients will be celebrated at the Club’s Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Dinner on Nov.18, the location of which will be determined. 

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One Woman Dead From House Fire Been Ruled Accidental From Last Tuesday Afternoon

The Ontario Fire Marshal has ruled that the fire was accidental and claimed the life of a 43-year-old Peterborough woman at a residence last Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:40 p.m., an officer on general patrol was flagged down and was informed of the fire at Rubidge Street and Townsend Street.  

The woman was found inside the apartment by Peterborough Fire Services and despite life-saving efforts from Fire and EMS, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

What started the fire has not been determined.

The police investigation is considered completed after the Fire Marshal’s ruling.

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Recalled Beef Jelly Tongue Products Sold in Region

Health Canada has issued a recall of Beef Jelly Tongue products following confirmed cases of listeria linked to these products that have been sold within the region.

THe product sold at the Bridgenorth Deli. Photo courtesy of the Government of Canada.

One case of Listeria infection has been confirmed following the purchase of the product at Bridgenorth Deli, located at 871 Ward St. in Bridgenorth, prior to being informed of the recall.

The premise is cooperating with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) regarding the product recall and assuring the safety of their clients according to press release. The deli is making every effort to contact the customers directly.

A visible display of sliced beef jelly tongue being sold. Photo courtesy of the Government of Canada.

Actions to take:

• DO NOT EAT recalled products

• If you are ill and think you have consumed the product, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• Check to see if you have recalled product and throw out or return to location of purchase.

Symptoms to monitor for:

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Persistent fever

• Muscle aches

• Severe headache

• Stiff neck

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