Organization Raising Funds For Inclusive Playground to Be Built In Ennismore

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To remove barriers for children to be able to play together equally, Accessible Playgrounds Ontario (APO) is raising $250,000 to build an inclusive playground at the Ennismore Waterfront Park in Ennismore.

Grant (left) pushing her son Jude (right) on a swing. According to Grant, 38 per cent of Canadian children with a disability almost never get physical exercise outside of school. Photo courtesy of APO.

Julie Grant of APO is spearheading the project, ‘Jude's Joy,’ named after her three-year-old son Jude, who was born with cerebral palsy.

According to Grant, there are no accessible playgrounds in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

“The closest fully accessible/inclusive playground to Selwyn is 64 km away in Port Hope and the second closest is Port Perry,” she explained.

Jude cannot independently walk and requires a walker to travel. Grant says several playground features are not as accessibility-friendly as they seem.

Most accessible playgrounds have rubber surfacing and intentionally designed play elements such as ramps. Roughly half of the money raised goes towards that surfacing, and Grant attributes the wood chips as a cheaper alternative.

“The most common barrier at playgrounds is the surfacing choice, which is often wood chips, which limits Jude's ability at two to three years old to use his walker independently,” she explained. “Secondly, the absence of ground-level play elements does not permit the learning opportunities that fully abled people can experience. Therefore, potential learning is lost.”

The other half of the funds raised have already been deliberated on, as Grant explained how else the money will be spent.

“Considerations include a ramp onto the main play structure, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, an accessible swing with a harness, various music elements at ground level, and a play-tot structure for younger children from 18-plus months.”

So far, $55,000 has been raised for the initiative. Grant is seeking more from the community to get closer to the goal.

“Our journey began with an initial donation and partnership with the Ennismore Optimist Club. We are currently reaching out to all of the local service clubs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas to inform these organizations of our initiative and build relationships to support this venture,” she explained. “We recognize this playground will draw from our entire region. We also are using our donor packages to introduce our project to surrounding businesses and organizations.”

Donations can be made through the Township of Selwyn in person or by mail via debit, cheque, or cash; Canada Helps; or by cheque to the Optimist Club of Ennismore.

“This provides the opportunity for the entire family, with members of varying abilities, to share in the play experience,” explained Grant. “It is inclusive, not exclusive.”

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Two People Charged and Arrested With Possession of Drugs, Cash and Stolen Vehicle During Traffic Stop

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A 38-year-old Peterborough man and a 29-year-old Curve Lake woman are facing multiple charges after an incident involving having a stolen car with drugs and cash on Friday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:15 a.m., officers made a routine traffic stop in the area of George St and Lansdowne St for a Highway Traffic Act violation.

Police discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen. The driver and passenger were subsequently arrested. An investigation revealed a quantity of cash and illegal drugs were located in the possession of the vehicle occupants.

During a search of the vehicle and suspects after arrest, officers seized:

  • 106.9 grams of Methamphetamine

  • 10.1 grams of Crack Cocaine

  • 0.2 grams of Fentanyl

  • Quantity of pills believed to be Xanax, Dilaudid, and Ecstasy

  • $710 CAD and $19 USD

  • Several cell phones

  • Drug paraphernalia

The man was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Other Drugs x 2

  • Driving while under suspension

  • Red light – fail to stop

The woman was arrested and charged with:

  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine

  • Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Other Drugs x 2

  • Fail to comply with probation order

Both accused were held in custody and appeared in court on Friday.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $9.5 Million For Peterborough's Critical Infrastructure

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The Ontario government is investing $9,536,982 to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in the City of Peterborough, announced at City Hall on Friday morning.

In 2025, Ontario will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 423 small, rural and northern communities build roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure. Communities may accumulate funding for up to five years to address larger infrastructure projects. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding will be delivered in 2025 through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and is part of the government’s $190 billion capital plan to build and expand more homes, highways, hospitals, transit and high-speed internet across the province according to a press release.

“This investment of over $9 million will improve infrastructure throughout the City of Peterborough, particularly in the downtown core,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “It is formula-based funding that is sent out to the municipalities each year and is something they can count onto plan for critical infrastructure projects.”

“With this support, we can address key projects that will improve our core infrastructure and create long-lasting benefits for our residents,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Strong infrastructure is the backbone of our city’s future, and this partnership with the province plays a pivotal role in ensuring a vibrant Peterborough for many years to come.”

The OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in municipalities with populations under 100,000, rural and northern municipalities and Local Services Boards that own water or wastewater systems.

The funding allocations are based on a formula that accounts for each community's needs and economic conditions.

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City of Peterborough to Remove Temporary Downtown Patio Starting Oct. 29

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The City of Peterborough is removing the temporary downtown patios to prepare sidewalks and roads for winter snow-clearing operations starting on Oct. 29.

File Photo.

Restaurants and other businesses that have temporary patios on sidewalks and in on-street parking next to their businesses will remove their patio furniture by the end of the day on Oct. 28 to clear the way for the removal of the fencing and large planters starting the next day.

The expanded patio spaces were installed in May.

With the expanded patio areas removed, Hunter Street West between George Street North and Aylmer Street will return to a two-lane, two-way street. During the summer, that section of Hunter Street was temporarily made into a one-lane, westbound, one-way street to add more patio and pedestrian space in the café district.

“This was the fifth summer for the central area patio program, enhancing public space in the heart of the City. We thank local restaurants, cafes and businesses who work with the City to create a welcoming experience for visitors in the downtown, bringing the community together throughout the summer season,” said Town Ward Councillor Alex Bierk and Councillor Joy Lachica in a joint statement.

“The downtown patio program has once again created an inviting and animated atmosphere to our urban core, transforming our streets into lively, welcoming spaces for both residents and visitors to enjoy." said Nour Mazloum, Downtown Business Improvement Area executive director. “As the season wraps up, we want to thank our partners at the City of Peterborough for this incredible initiative that not only supports local businesses but also greatly contributes to making downtown Peterborough a vibrant destination in the summer season.”

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Peterborough Petes Goaltending Stellar But Fall In Overtime to Rival Oshawa Generals

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Peterborough Petes’s goaltender Zach Bowen earned first star of the game honours with 43 saves but could not get the win as they lost to the Oshawa Generals 2-1 in overtime at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Peterborough struck first 1:47 into the game. On the rush, Caden Taylor opted to take the shot and rifled it past Generals goalie Jacob Oster for a 1-0 lead.

It was the only goal until the early third period as Oshawa’s Luca Marrelli had the puck at the point and was able to snipe it through traffic for a 1-1 tie.

The game needed overtime to decide a winner but it gave the Petes their first point of the season after they had been held without one in seven games.

It only took 25 seconds to finish overtime as Lauri Sinivuori in a two-on-two, received a saucer pass and rifled it top shelf for the walk-off goal and a 2-1 win.

The Petes can get revenge on the second half of the home-and-home series as they travel to Oshawa to face the Generals on Friday night. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.

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Peterborough Humane Society's Wraps Up 50/50 Lottery & Marlin Travel ‘Ruff’le With Record-Breaking Numbers

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The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has wrapped up its’ Fall 2024 PHS 50/50 Lottery with an all-time high record of $43,905, completed on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

Melissa of Peterborough was announced as the 505/50 winner and claimed the $21,950 grand prize.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery featured an additional raffle draw, the Marlin Travel ‘Ruff’le, for a $5,000 gift certificate for use at Marlin Travel Peterborough won by Elaine Mason.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery & Marlin Travel ‘Ruff’le ran from Sept. 14 to Oct. 15 raising $36,312 for needy animals at Peterborough Humane Society. Tickets

“Once again Peterborough and the Kawarthas have answered the call to help animals at Peterborough Humane Society; we are humbled by their kindness,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “We are so grateful to everyone who bought tickets, the small businesses that promoted the lottery and to the community who helped spread the word. Everyone had a hand in making this a great success.”

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City of Peterborough Opens Comments For Tourism Municipal Services Corporate Proposal

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The City of Peterborough is inviting residents to submit comments on its proposal to incorporate a Municipal Services Corporation as an eligible tourism entity.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

It administers, pursuant to applicable law, the 50 per cent net transient accommodation tax, also known as municipal accommodation tax or MAT, which must be used exclusively to promote tourism according to the City.

To submit a comment on the proposal to incorporate the Peterborough Tourism Municipal Services Corporate can go online.

The commenting period will close on Oct. 30. The comments will be reviewed and summarized in a report to the City Council. 

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Hometown PTBO: Mike Watt and His Business Flavour Celebrating 25 Years in Downtown Peterborough

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This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Mike Watt, owner of Flavour Fashion, about the store's 25th anniversary, what they're doing to commemorate the occasion and the importance of keeping it local.

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Lang Pioneer Village Museum Bringing Halloween of the Past to Life With 'Spooky All Hallows' Eve'

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Lang Pioneer Village is inviting everyone to an evening of fun and games with origins of some favourite Halloween traditions at the Spooky All Hallows’ Eve On Oct. 25 and 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty and Lang Pioneer Village.

The night features a 19th-century All Hallows’ Eve celebration with a modern twist.

Events and amenities include a wagon/tractor ride, history of confines, party games, graveyard stroll, a witch’s lair, Pirate Hall with a treasure hunt, potions/poison class, shopping, magic show, fortune telling and more.

Listen to the Michi Saagiig people’s tale of the Wendigo. Learn about paranormal investigations undertaken at Lang Pioneer Village Museum by ghost hunters, the Paranormal Seekers and see some of the specialized equipment they use to make their discoveries. Warm up by the fire and witness the magic of the Samhain Celtic fire festival.

Take a break by the Cider Barn for some delicious hot chocolate and monster cookies or visit the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building (PCAHB) for a hot dog or grilled cheese sandwich (additional fee applies). You can also purchase candy and sweet treats in the General Store as you learn about the origins of trick-or-treating.

Remember to come disguised to blend in with the spirits and ghosts lurking in the Village or have your face painted in the PCAHB Great Hall by Faces by 2. At the end of the evening, children will receive treat bags to enjoy on their way home.

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$10,000 Donation Helps Launch Morning Drop-in Program In Partnership From PATH and Elizabeth Fry Society

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Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) has donated $10,000 to support the Morning Drop-in Program at the Trinity Community Centre (One City Peterborough) in partnership with the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough as it reaches its two-year anniversary in January next year.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Fry Society.

PATHs has been a community partner of the Morning Drop-in since October last year according to a press release. The partnership has been centred around providing clothing and other textile-related resources to those who access the program. It continues to state that along with the donation, PATH volunteers will take on a more active role at The Morning Drop-In, facilitating the Community Resource Room (clothing and hygiene supplies) and other programming (to be announced later).

“Elizabeth Fry wishes to express our deep appreciation to PATH for their donation, community partnership and the services they will help to provide for our community,” said Kristal Jones-Craighead, Morning Drop-in Program Facilitator. “When organizations work alongside each other, capacity is increased. The Morning Drop-in Program will provide direct service experience and mentorship to PATH volunteers and enables them to create relationships and trust as they provide this service for our unsheltered neighbours.”

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough has operated the Morning Drop-in Program since January 2023. Located at 360 Reid St. in partnership with One City Peterborough, the Program is a space where community members can gather, share a light breakfast, enjoy a cup of coffee, access the Community Resource Room (clothing/hygiene items), washrooms, and showers, connect with housing outreach workers, access harm reduction supplies, participate in community programs and have the occasional dance party.

Some program highlights include:

  • 428 days of Morning Drop-in service

  • Served an average of 46 guests per day

  • 19,688 meals served

  • Housing Outreach accessed approximately 260 times

  • The full impact report can be viewed online

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