City Asking Residents to Bring Ice Storm Brush and Debris to the Curb

The City of Peterborough is urging residents to bring all brush and debris related to the March 28 to March 30 ice storm to the curb by Monday to ensure pickup by the City.

Photo by Aaron Elliott.

This service is for storm-related debris, branches and tree limbs that cannot be collected through the City’s regular curbside collection for yard waste.

Brush collection is expected to last another six to seven weeks. The collection is not scheduled for a particular street at a specific time. Residents are asked to ensure that all debris is at the curb, ready for pickup when the crews arrive.

Crews are currently working in neighbourhoods between Parkhill Road and Lansdowne Street. Another collection will occur in neighbourhoods completed before Monday within the next few weeks.

To help ensure efficient and prompt pickup, residents are encouraged to dispose of small sticks, branches and lightweight brush through the regular yard waste program. Brush can be tied in bundles with light rope or twine and should not weigh more than 13 kg (30 pounds). It should have a length of up to one metre (three feet) and a diameter of up to 30 cm (12 inches).

For curbside yard waste collection, residents can place unlimited quantities of yard waste in reusable containers, labelled bushel baskets or paper yard waste bags.

Residents are asked not to place whole trees or large tree stumps at the curb for removal.

Residents are also asked to avoid parking in front of curbside debris piles to help crews access debris quickly and easily.

Street sweeping of City streets is now underway in the north section of the city, and will be completed in the west, south and east sections of the city over the coming weeks. Street sweeping is expected to be completed by mid-June.

When placing storm debris at the boulevard for yard waste collection, please avoid putting debris too close to the curb so that it may wash into the street during a rainstorm.

Residents are also asked to be mindful of sightlines to ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicular traffic and to prevent debris from obstructing the sidewalk.

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Riverview Park and Zoo Reopened From March Ice Storm

The Riverview Park and Zoo and its playground have reopened following the March 28 to 30 ice storm.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park & zoo.

All other park areas, including the disc golf area, riverside trails, train station, shoreline, picnic shelters and gazebo areas, remain closed due to potentially unsafe conditions related to trees, hanging branches and debris from the severe ice storm.

The Zoo is urging visitors to follow closure signage and barricades while visiting the zoo and playground and stay out of areas that are closed.

“I am incredibly proud of our team here and so grateful for the help we received from Peterborough Utilities, Public Works crews, arborists and hydro workers,” said Cathy Mitchell, Zoo CEO manager and curator. “We have all worked extremely hard to get to this point after the worst storm damage in recent history.”

“We are very happy to be able to welcome you back. We’ve missed seeing everyone enjoying the playground and zoo,” said Dawn Pond, Zoo service program manager. “While our gates have been closed, we have received so many lovely messages of encouragement and offers of support from the community and we are so grateful for our incredible visitors.”

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Volunteer Peterborough, River of Yarn, Business Summit and Quickmill

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

One of the best ways to get involved in your community and meet some great people is to volunteer.

If you would like to know more about what opportunities are available, head to Peterborough Square on May 7 for the Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair hosted by Volunteer Peterborough. It’s a perfect opportunity to discover meaningful ways to give back. Not-for-profit organizations are invited to set up booths in a tradeshow format in the lower level of Peterborough Square while the public are invited to browse and find a volunteer roles that are the perfect match. There will also be busloads of students looking for their volunteer hours.

Congratulations to Tracy Minnema, owner of River of Yarn, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

There are still a few days left to catch their anniversary sales for the month of April. River of Yarn provides luxury knitting and crochet yarns, tools, and accessories at affordable prices. They carry a variety of brands and sources of yarn, including alpaca, wool, cotton, flax, hemp and acrylics. You can find River of Yarn at 353 Kents Bay Rd. in Keene.

There are still a few tickets left for the Business Summit, hosted by Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and Acorn30 on April 30 at Ashburnham Funeral Home and Reception Centre.

This is a half-day conference filled with inspiring speakers and informative workshops. You’ll hear directly from business leaders on what they’ve learned and what worked on topics like growing your business, building partnerships, and handling uncertain times. This year’s keynote is from Matt Holmes of Holmes Reisely.

This week we’re highlighting more made in Peterborough products with Quickmill.

I recently had the privilege of touring their facility at 760 Rye St. Quickmill has been in the computer-controlled machining business, known as CNC, since 1984. They ship turn-key machines around the world for industries that include heavy equipment, aerospace, and oil and gas. They continue to grow and innovate, finding custom solutions for their clients with world-class machines built right here in Peterborough.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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Keene Lions Club Make $30,000 Donation Towards PRHC Paediatric Cancer Care

The Keene Lions Club pledged $30,000 toward PRHC Pediatric Cancer Care and fulfilled their promise by donating the cheque at a presentation ceremony.

Photo courtesy of Keene Lions Club.

“Our members were eager to support this project to give children in our community the lifesaving treatment they deserve while sparing families the emotional and financial burden of seeking care far from home,” said Robin Creeden, Keene Lions Club Member. “We were proud to support the building of PRHC twenty years ago with a donation of $30,000 and we are equally proud to support the $60 million campaign of the PRHC Foundation with a pledge of $30,000 as we choose to design our own healthcare future.”

“The Keene Lions is a small club from a small rural community,” said Marion Burton, Keene Lions Club president. “People from this area support our fund raising events throughout the year such as the May long weekend Toll Road, weekly community bingo, Delta Bingo and our food trailer fish and chicken frys. The Lions’ motto is “We Serve” so to support families in our community by supporting our local regional hospital is a perfect fit.”

Lions for Pediatric Cancer Care is a campaign for Lions clubs in Districts A3 and A16 and reaches out to Clubs in Northumberland, Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes regions.

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Peterborough Public Library Hosting Interactive Community Art Installation For Red Dress Day

The public is invited to a community art installation of ‘The Red Dress’ hosted and occuring at the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Legacy Space in the Peterborough Public Library at noon on Monday.

According to Statistics Canada, more than 63 per cent of Indigenous women in Canada have experienced physical or sexual assault in their lifetime. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Public Library.

The event is in recognition of Red Dress Day, which is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people (MMIWG2S+) according to the Library.

The dress is on display from April 28 to May 5. The installation invites the community to contribute pieces of red fabric, yarn, beading or other textiles to help create a large, collective red dress. All are welcome to participate and materials will also be provided on site for those who wish to contribute in the moment.

There will be an opening ceremony and smudging with Drumming in the Legacy Space at noon.

Daily smudges will take place each morning from April 29 through May 5 as the installation continues to grow with community contributions.

This project has been developed in partnership with Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle and the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre.

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Three Minors Arrested and Charged With Breaking and Entering a Construction Site and Arson

Officers with the Peterborough Police Service have identified three individuals in connection with a series of break-ins at a construction site first reported Tuesday. 

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday, officers were dispatched to the site on Deline Street regarding reports of young people attempting to set a fire on the property. Officers located and arrested two males.  Through investigation, a third male was identified and arrested and Police determined that these youths were also involved in two other incidents (April 11 and April 20) at the same construction site.

As a result of the investigation,

A 12-year-old Peterborough male was arrested and charged with:

• Break, Enter a place - commit indictable offence – mischief X3

• Arson – Damage to Property

A 14-year-old Peterborough male was arrested and charged with:

• Break, Enter a place - commit indictable offence - mischief X3

• Arson – Damage to Property

• Obstruct Peace Officer (providing a false name)

A 16-year-old Peterborough male was arrested and charged with:

• Break, Enter a place - commit indictable offence – mischief X3

• Arson – Damage to Property

All the accused were released on a youth undertaking and are scheduled to appear in court on June 9.

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Three Organizations Chosen For Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign

The cookie crumbles in a good way for three local organizations as they have been chosen to be the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign recipients in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.

Representatives from BGC Kawarthas, Canadian Mental Health Association HKPR, and Five Counties Children’s Centre join with owners of local Tim Hortons in Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, Curve Lake and Havelock to mark the launch of the Smile Cookie campaign. Tim Hortons has been raising funds for local charities for over 25 years. Photo courtesy of FCCC.

The BGC Kawarthas Foundation, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) were the selected organizations for this year’s campaign.

It runs from April 28 to May 4 at 19 Tim Horton locations in Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, Curve Lake and Havelock.

“We are very grateful to Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough and the surrounding area for selecting BGC Kawarthas Foundation, CMHA HKPR, and Five Counties to be the beneficiaries of the annual Smile Cookie Campaign,” said Scott Pepin, FCCC CEO. “Fundraising efforts like this will support all aspects of the health and wellness for children and youth in our communities.”

Proceeds are collected at 19 Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough and surrounding areas buy purchasing a Smile Cookie. Bulk orders are also available and can be ordered by completing a form and dropping it off at one of the locations.

“We’re looking forward to working with the local restaurant owners and engaging with local businesses and community members to create a fun, and successful Smile Cookie Campaign,” said Amy Terrill, BGC Kawarthas executive director. “As our organization continues to grow its services in the Peterborough area, this is an exciting way to work with our amazing partners at CMHA HKPR and Five Counties to share as many ‘smiles’ as possible.”

“Our team is thrilled to partner with Five Counties and BGC Kawarthas to support the Peterborough Smile Cookie campaign,” said Ellen Watkins, CMHA HKPR CEO. “This is a wonderful way to demonstrate the collaboration necessary to support children in families across the community.”

The BGC Kawarthas Foundation raises funds to support the work of BGC Kawarthas, which provides essential programs and services for children and youth, including mental health and wellness programs, nutrition, after-school programs, summer camps, and leadership development activities.

CMHA HKPR provides mental health services and support to individuals in the community. Its programs promote mental wellness, offer crisis intervention, and provide counselling and therapy services.

FCCC has been dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs for 50 years. Last year, Five Counties provided treatment services for over 2,950 children and youth in Peterborough and Peterborough County.

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City of Peterborough Launches Home Retrofit Loan Program

The City of Peterborough has launched a new financing program for its residents, aimed at helping homeowners lower their energy bills, improve home comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Better Homes Peterborough is a four-year retrofit program offering low-interest financing, targeted incentives and personalized support to help homeowners navigate complex retrofits according to the City.

“Residential buildings contribute almost 40 per cent of local greenhouse gas emissions. Retrofitting your home is not just an investment in your house, but an investment in the collective future of our residents and our city,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “By taking individual steps to reduce our emissions we can help the city hit its target of net-zero by 2050. Better Homes Peterborough is a key part of that effort.”

“Programs like Better Homes Peterborough demonstrate how municipalities, financial institutions, and delivery partners can work together to remove barriers to deep energy retrofits,” said Melanie Johnston, EnviroCentre director of energy programs.

Upgrades can include insulation, windows, doors, heat pumps, air sealing, solar panels and battery storage, high-efficiency water heaters, lighting, EV chargers, and electrical upgrades. Homeowners can use up to 30 per cent of their retrofit loan for cosmetic or non-energy-related upgrades.

“We know from experience that navigating energy rebate programs is challenging and the coaching that this new program will provide is critical to helping homeowners make their homes more comfortable and efficient,” Tegan Moss, GreenUP executive director, “We look forward to working with partners and participants to ensure that Better Homes Peterborough helps reduce emissions in our region.”

The City says improving a home’s energy efficiency can also help boost resiliency to extreme weather events.

The program is available to city residents who own detached or semi-detached houses, townhouses or small multi-unit buildings up to three storeys high.

Two financing options are available for residents - a Local Improvement Charge (LIC) Loan through the City of Peterborough or a personal loan through Kawartha Credit Union.

“We are proud to partner with the City of Peterborough on Better Homes Peterborough, which reflects our dedication to sustainability and to helping community members achieve their home improvement goals,” Norah McCarthy, Kawartha Credit Union  President and CEO.” We’re actively reducing our carbon footprint by choosing 100 per cent renewable energy, and we believe in empowering homeowners in our communities to embrace a greener future for all.”

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The Back40 Smoke House Restaurant Set to Open Its Doors In Downtown Peterborough On May 1

The flavour of slow-cooked meats is coming to Downtown Peterborough, as restaurant The Back40 Smoke House opens its doors to the public on May 1.

Mitch Lowes, owner of Flame Spitters Hot Sauce and co-owner of The Back40 Smoke House has his hot sauce available in over 160 locations. His brand has also won seven first-place awards. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

It is co-owned by Jamie and Darby Mousseau, Chris Duplantis and Mitch Lowes. It is located at 287 George St. N. at the former Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria and the short-lived The Locker Room location.

The restaurant will feature traditional smokehouse cuisine including pulled pork, brisket, ribs and more. The restaurant is an extension of the Mousseaus as they own the restaurant ‘The Back40 Smoke Box’ in Fenelon Falls and Whitby and have a catering business of the same affiliation.

“At first it was going to be a Cajun Creole restaurant, that's what my plan was,” explained Lowes. “He owns three restaurants so he suggested bringing it here and it just made sense.”

Both the Mousseaus and Lowes have their own lines of hot sauces, The Back40 Hot Sauce and the locally owned Flame Spitters Hot Sauce, respectively, which are also being incorporated into the menu. Their respective products will also be available for purchase at the establishment.

They met at a hot sauce expo and frequently attended the same events over time. Their partnership helped spark the dream of the local entrepreneur to open a restaurant.

“Eventually, I was going to take Flame Spitter to the next level, take the money I've been saving for it and this opportunity arrived for me,” said Lowes.

To accommodate the bar rush, the smokehouse will have a take-out window with a condensed menu, as it is conveniently located near several nightclubs and bars. It will be open until 3 a.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It will feature sandwiches, poutine and chicken wings.

The restaurant plans to feature live music, special event nights, daily food specials, and 12 local draft beers on tap, with two of them on rotation.

“We hope to turn this into a place for the community will actually love, sit down and enjoy,” said Lowes.

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