The Peterborough Police Service Canine (K9) Unit has two police service dogs, Wolfe and Hal, both German Shepherds. They're brothers one year apart in age. (Photo: Peterborough Police Service)
Wolfe, a police service dog (PSD) with the Peterborough Police Service K9 Unit, had a busy Saturday.
Following a weekend break-in at a local medical clinic, PSD Wolfe located two male suspects hiding in a snowbank in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 17th. Later that evening, he located large quantities of illicit drugs in a suspicious vehicle police pulled over.
In the first incident, police received a call at around 1:30 a.m. on regarding an abandoned truck in front of a Medical Drive address.
The investigation revealed that two males had stolen the truck from the driveway of a Downie Street home, broke into the Peterborough Medical Clinic located on Hospital Drive, stole four cash trays from the ATM machine inside, and then attempted to flee the area in the stolen truck.
The truck became lodged in a snowbank and the two males then fled on foot. Officers and the K9 Unit were dispatched to the area and began a search for the suspects.
Following a track by the K9 Unit, Wolfe located the two males hiding in a snowbank in the area of Murray and Reid Streets at around 2:20 a.m. The two males were arrested on scene.
As a result of the investigation, Robert Lemieux, 52, of Melbourne Road in Strathroy, and Christopher Campbell, 53, of Culver Drive in London, were each charged with break and enter, possession of break-in instruments, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and theft of a motor vehicle.
Later on Saturday, at around 8 p.m., officers conducted a suspicious vehicle stop in the Brookdale Plaza parking lot located on Chemong Road. Previous information provided to police indicated that the accused had threatened a woman known to him then fled the area.
During the incident the K9 Unit was called to attend. During a search of the vehicle, PSD Wolfe located a large amount of cocaine and marijuana in the vehicle. A large quantity of Canadian currency was also located.
As a result of the investigation, a 39-year-old male of no fixed address, Peterborough, was arrested and charged with possession of a schedule II substance for the purpose of trafficking X2 (marijuana under 3kg, cannabis resin under 3kg), possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (Canadian currency), and intimidation.
Due to the domestic nature of this incident, police are not releasing the name of the accused.
Euphoria Wellness Spa is a five-star spa located in downtown Peterborough at the former Commercial Press building (supplied photo)
Euphoria Wellness Spa
With the opening of Euphoria Wellness Spa, owner Simone Dobson has created an incredible space in the downtown core.
Originally the Peterborough Canoe Company, then Commercial Press, the building at 290 Water Street has been completely transformed into one of the top five-star spas in Canada. Louise MacKenzie provided the design and Greg Couch and Michael Battaglia led the construction.
Euphoria offers esthetics, massage, medical esthetics and treatments, a hair salon, esthetics, hair and massage for men, and packages and specials.
Euphoria Wellness Spa is open seven days a week. Visit www.euphoriawellnessspa.com or find them on social media.
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Owners Kinjal Patel and Krishna Modi of Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Peterborough (supplied photo)
Meanwhile, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa recently opened at 999 Lansdowne Street in Peterborough.
Peterborough is location number 22 for the franchise, which offers numerous types of registered massage including swedish, deep tissue, sports, trigger points, prenatal, hot stone and couples, and many different types of facials including for men and teens.
Derek Bull and Darcy Madigan are the new owners of Peterborough EATS at Peterborough Square (photo: Peterborough EATS / Facebook)
Peterborough EATS Cafe recently underwent a change of ownership, transferring from the Community Opportunity and Innovation Network (COIN) to Derek Bull and Darcy Madigan.
COIN founded the Peterborough EATS Cafe as a social enterprise over 13 years ago. It operated in the Peterborough Public Library for the last 10 years, recently moving to Peterborough Square under the new owners.
Derek Bull is himself a graduate of COIN’s Culinary Arts program, a shining example of the success of COIN’s tradition of developing innovative programming for underserved members of the community.
Stop in to Peterborough EATS in Peterborough Square or check out www.ptboeats.com.
Tom Wilson and his son Thompson Wilson toured the United States earlier this year in support of Lee Harvey Osmond's latest record "Beautiful Scars". Tom and Thompson will be performing as Lee Harvey Osmond at the Market Hall in Peterborough on January 19. (Photo courtesy of Tom Wilson)
Lee Harvey Osmond, purveyors of “acid folk”, returns to Peterborough on Thursday, January 19th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, presented by kawarthaNOW.com and the Market Hall.
kawarthaNOW.com and Market Hall present Lee Harvey Osmond
When: Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 8 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough) How much: $35 in advance ($28 students), $40 at door, $43 cabaret-style seat
Featuring Tom Wilson, Thompson Wilson, Aaron Goldstein, and Ray Farrugia. Tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
Lee Harvey Osmond has morphed over the years, but at its heart is Hamilton native Tom Wilson, former frontman for Canadian alt-rock band Junkhouse and current member of roots-rock supergroup Blackie and The Rodeo Kings. Other core members of the band include former Junkhouse drummer Ray Farrugia and, occasionally, the talented guitarist and pedal steel player Aaron Goldstein.
Lately, Tom has been joined in Lee Harvey Osmond by his son Thompson Wilson, a singer-songwriter best known as the bassist in the now-defunct Hamilton band Harlan Pepper. A talented musician in his own right, Thompson’s songs have been recorded by Lee Harvey Osmond, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, and Colin James. Last February, Thompson opened for Lee Harvey Osmond at a concert at the Gordon Best in Peterborough.
Tom formed Lee Harvey Osmond back in 2009 as an “artist collective”, backed by Michael Timmins of Cowboy Junkies and Josh Finlayson of Skydiggers, with a signature sound Tom calls “acid folk”: groove-defining bass, guitars with lots of reverb, and hypnotic rhythms, all topped off by Tom’s fluent lyricism and sonorous baritone voice.
VIDEO: “Shake the Hand That Shook the Earth” – Lee Harvey Osmond
The band released its debut album A Quiet Evil in 2009, followed in 2013 by The Folk Sinner, and in 2015 by Beautiful Scars. All three records were long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize, and The Folk Sinner was also nominated for a Juno award. The latest record, Beautiful Scars, is full of deep lyrics and an atmosphere tinged with a pleasant yet mysterious tone.
Between April and November this year, Tom and Thompson played close to 130 shows in the United States in support of the record. That’s a grueling schedule even for a pro, but it doesn’t scratch the surface of just how hard Tom continues to work on all the moving parts in his career.
When he stopped drinking in 1997, Tom Wilson began painting in his unique Picasso-like style, which includes intricate inscribing of song lyrics and stories onto the canvas. Here he’s pictured in front of “The Mystic Highway”, a mural commissioned by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the City of Hamilton for the 2015 Juno Awards. (Photo: The Canadian Press / Peter Power)
Tom may be the proudest Hamiltonian you will ever meet — and one of the more artistically diverse as well. A larger-than-life character, he may also be the busiest man in Canadian showbiz and, with apologies to the Dos Equis guy, perhaps the most interesting man in the world.
He writes and performs in both Lee Harvey Osmond and Blackie and The Rodeo Kings (the latter has just released its eighth record, Kings and Kings, and is performing at Toronto’s Massey Hall on February 25th). He’s an accomplished artist. He performed at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival last March. He’s writing a memoir for Random House. And he’s even expanding on his already full portfolio as a voice-over artist.
“A filmmaker who wants to make a documentary about my life just got me a job as one of the new voices for The Nature of Things,” Tom tells me. That sentence alone says something of the aura of awesome surrounding the long-time musician.
Tom Wilson from the cover of “Beautiful Scars”, the latest record from acid folk band Lee Harvey Osmond (photo: Jen Squires)
Tom spoke to me on his cell phone while an Uber driver rushed him across Hamilton towards Toronto for a meeting about the upcoming narration work. Though The Nature of Things opportunity is on a loftier level than the other commercial ad work he’d done, he felt compelled to tell me about his past exploits, including being the voice of commercials for Kibbles ‘n Bits dog food, McDonalds’ iconic Quarter Pounder with Cheese (which he admits is complete evidence that he’s “nothing but a slut”), and a particularly lucrative run for Pontiac.
“It was the first job I did and I didn’t know how much I was making,” Tom recalls. “Until my accountant said, ‘We gotta start hiding some money. You’re making $130,000 off just this commercial.’ I said, ‘Oh my god!’ It was like magic, cheques just showed up at my door every month. I stopped looking at them, I just put them in the bank, and they had medical and dental plans and all that stuff. The kind of thing I wasn’t used to as a musician.”
He was at home (in his underwear, he says) when he read The Globe and Mail headline “Pontiac Discontinues Line” and thought ‘Uh oh, I guess I’d better get back to work here.’
His philosophy on doing commercial work is straightforward: it supports what he wants to do as an artist.
“I’ve always believed that, because I came from absolutely no money, making money gives me the freedom to continue to be an artist,” he says.
“I get hired to go out to universities and colleges and talk about economics and the creative process and how people survive. Being an artist is no different than any other independent businessman. You figure out how to survive and if you really want to do this, there’s no room for contemplation or complaining. I just don’t have a lot of patience for that myself. You have to take advantage of opportunity, and if you don’t know where your two feet are standing and what moment you’re in then you’re basically a sitting duck.”
He’s never been worried about being perceived as a “sell out” since this sort of work allows him to make his art — which he approaches in a much different way.
“It’s why I started writing my own songs, and one of the reasons why now I’m writing a book and doing these readings,” Tom explains. “Because if I make a mistake I have the artistic license to do basically whatever I want. That is what I set out to do when I started doing any of this. It’s what we all hope for: to do whatever we want, whenever we want to do it, and to express ourselves. And 45 years later it seems I’m still doing that.”
VIDEO: “Dreams Come and Go” – Lee Harvey Osmond featuring Tom and Thompson Wilson
That includes being able to share his love of music and performance with his son Thompson, who’s following in his footsteps as a professional musician. For much of 2016, Tom and Thompson toured the United States supporting Beautiful Scars. The elder Wilson finds it special each and every time he shares a stage with his son.
“He’s a gift,” Tom says. “He’s like Buddha and he’s probably the most talented person I’ve met in my life … almost. And there’s something about sharing a mic with your kid or somebody who shares the same blood as you. There’s nothing like it.”
Thompson and Tom Wilson performing in concert. “There’s something about sharing a mic with your kid.” (Photo courtesy of Tom Wilson)
The two Wilsons travelled through the U.S. with a purposely small amount of gear to keep their tour as mobile as possible — this after riding on a tour bus for a couple of months that couldn’t make small stops. Travelling light also gave them the ability to check out some American musical and cultural landmarks. They went to Chess Records in Chicago, Big Pink near Woodstock (where The Band and Bob Dylan lived together), and they hit a famous motel in Joshua Tree.
“It’s where Gram Parsons died and where he and the Rolling Stones hung out and wrote songs around the pool and did a lot of drugs. It was really a beautiful experience. That motel is a great oasis in America.”
Another desert stop for them was in Taos, New Mexico.
“It’s where the first organized settlement in North America occurred. Where people stopped being traveling nomads and settled down, almost like townhouses out in the middle of the desert, so it’s a pretty magical spot.”
The two Wilsons toured through the U.S. with a purposely small amount of gear, allowing them greater mobility and the opportunity to check out some American musical and cultural landmarks (photo courtesy of Tom Wilson)
Wilson intimates that it was hard to write new music with such a busy touring schedule.
“I couldn’t work on anything. It was rather labour intensive, and settling into the road is more important to the survival of the tour than distracting myself (by song writing)”.
Even now that he’s back home in Hamilton, his attention has shifted towards his upcoming literary efforts with Random House, who are expecting a manuscript of his new memoir by March 1st.
“All I want to do is stay home and write,” he chuckles.
A young Thompson Wilson (left) in Harlan Pepper, a band he formed in 2008 with fellow Hamilton musicians Dan Edmonds, Marlon Nicolle, and Jimmy Hayes. The band broke up in late 2015 and Thompson has since pursued a solo career as a singer-songwriter and performer. (Photo: Maple Music)
It’s doubtful that Tom will be able to stay home and write for long, as he continues to work on many other projects, including a Canadian tour in March with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings that kicks off with the February 25th concert at Toronto Massey’s Hall and, more immediately, the upcoming Lee Harvey Osmond concert at Market Hall.
Tom gets excited every time he returns to Peterborough, because he sees a lot of his hometown of Hamilton here.
“I like the people in Peterborough,” he says. “They’re a bit of a combination of country folk and Hamiltonians in some ways. I feel that Peterborough is a no-nonsense kind of community, so I like it there.”
Tickets for the Lee Harvey Osmond concert on January 19th are available now at the Market Hall Box Office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org. Advance general admission tickets are $35 ($28 for students) or $40 at the door. Assigned cabaret-style table seating is $43, with some table seats available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, is on Wednesday, December 21. After the winter solstice, the days begin to get longer again.
The winter solstice arrives on December 21st and you can celebrate the return of the light with a new event taking place Wednesday night in downtown Peterborough.
On the winter solstice, the Earth’s northern hemisphere is tilted the furthest away from the sun, resulting in the longest night and shortest day of the year.
Because the axis of Earth is tilted by 23.5 degrees, the orientation of the northern and southern hemispheres changes as the Earth orbits the Sun, resulting in the change of seasons.
Although the winter solstice happens at the same moment for everyone around the world (5:44 a.m. EST), the length of the night depends on your location between the equator and the north pole. At the equator, there’ll be 12 hours of darkness. In the Kawarthas, we’ll get 15 hours and 9 minutes of darkness. At the Arctic circle, there’ll be a full 24 hours of darkness.
In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year and the summer solstice is the longest day of the year. The opposite is true in the southern hemisphere.
After the winter solstice, the northern hemisphere begins to tilt more towards the sun. On the summer solstice (Wednesday, June 21, 2017), the northern hemisphere will be tilted the closest to the sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the year. In the Kawarthas, that means we’ll get 15 hours and 32 minutes of daylight.
Humans have been tracking the annual progress of the sun for thousands of years. Ancient peoples noticed regular patterns in the sun’s path across the sky, the amount of daylight and night, and the changing location of the sunrise and sunset. Monuments like Stonehenge in England and Machu Picchu in Peru were built for this purpose.
Pagan cultures in the northern hemisphere marked the winter solstice as the final day before the long winter by holding feast celebrations. Animals were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter, and wine and beer that was fermented during the year was ready for drinking.
Many of the traditions we now associate with Christmas have their roots in winter solstice celebrations. For example, the Celtic Druids used evergreen trees, holly, and mistletoe during winter solstice rituals.
The Light Hunters’ Promenade is a new annual tradition in downtown Peterborough that celebrates the winter solstice with a light-bearing parade through downtown Peterborough
If you want to celebrate the winter solstice in Peterborough, you can join a group of local artists for the “Light Hunters’ Promenade”, a new annual tradition of a celebratory parade carrying lit lanterns through downtown Peterborough.
On the evening of Wednesday, December 21st, parade-goers with paper lanterns, drummers, circus performers, and a host of light seekers will gather at the courtyard of Peterborough Square (340 George St. North, Peterborough), proceed north on Water Street, west on Hunter Street to Fleming Park, then east again on Hunter Street and south on George Street, returning to Peterborough Square.
The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and is free to the public (although a suggested donation of $10 per family will be gratefully accepted). If you want to join in, you can bring your own lantern or come to Peterborough Square at 5 p.m. to buy a lantern.
The Light Hunters’ Promenade is being organized by Laurel Paluck of Atelier Ludmila, and participating artists include members of Old Men Dancing, Peterborough Academy for Circus Arts, as well as other local performers and puppeteers.
The word solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium, which means “stationary sun”.
The shadow you cast at noon on the winter solstice is the longest shadow you’ll cast all year.
The Christmas carol In The Bleak Midwinter refers to the winter solstice in its title.
Every year revellers gather at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise on the shortest day.
The winter solstice happens on a different date each year (between December 21 and 23) because the Earth’s orbit around the sun is actually 365 days, five hours and 45 seconds long.
The team at Cornerstone Family Dentistry gather for a group photo in front of the new canvas tribute to founder Dr. Judith Buys, who died in a tragic accident in August 2016 (photo: Cornerstone Family Dentistry / Facebook)
Christmas is a time when we remember family and friends who we’ve lost during the year, and the team at Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Peterborough has honoured the memory of founder Dr. Judith Buys with a canvas tribute in the reception area.
The touching tribute features a photo of Dr. Buys with a quote from the 19th century American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson:
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a better place, To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
Cornerstone posted photos of the tribute on their Facebook page and wrote “We wanted to share with you the touching poem that accompanies the canvas, as we think it is absolutely beautiful, timeless, and classy, just like she was.”
Dr. Buys died following a tragic accident at a Kawartha Lakes cottage on August 13, 2016. The 55-year-old dentist left behind her husband Dr. Jim McGorman, an emergency room physician at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, and their two sons, Brendan and Connor.
Loved and respected in the community, Dr. Buys established her dental practice at 681 Reid St. in Peterborough in 1987. She dedicated her time volunteering and donating to the United Way, the Festival of Trees, the Dragon Boat Festival, and Five Counties Children’s Centre.
The tribute to the late Dr. Buys in the reception room at Cornerstone Family Dentistry, which was hung by Dr. Buys’ husband Dr. Jim McGorman (photos: Cornerstone Family Dentistry / Facebook)
After many years of performing in Peterborough, actress and musician Kate Suhr relocated to Toronto where her career is thriving with several big roles. But it wasn't an easy road to success, as she tells kawarthaNOW's Sam Tweedle. (Photo courtesy of Kate Suhr)
2016 was a big year for Peterborough actress and musician Kate Suhr. Finally making a successful move to Toronto, Kate secured two high-profile leading roles in stage productions of Walt Disney’s The Little Mermaid, in which she played Ariel, and the title role in Mary Poppins.
Currently finishing a second run of The Little Mermaid, in January Kate will be continuing the momentum when she takes on the role of Mrs. Winthrop in Podium Concert Productions premiere production of The Secret Garden, spearheaded by director Steve Ross, musical director Mark Camilleri, and theatrical agent and producer Peter da Costa. In what could be her biggest opportunity yet, Kate will be sharing the stage with a number of well-known Toronto-based performers.
“I always loved The Secret Garden when I was a kid, along with The Little Princess,” Kate says. “I held them on the same pedestal.”
Kate Suhr in the leading role in Mary Poppins (photo courtesy of Kate Suhr)
Podium Concert Production’s The Secret Garden is a new type of show for the producers, who have all had long and successful careers in Toronto. Instead of putting on a regular stage production, they will be featuring the performers in a concert setting, with an emphasis on the music instead of the action. However, the production will still be complete, with all the costumes, drama, and magic that a regular show would have.
The Secret Garden will see Kate performing alongside such Toronto favorites as Adam Brazier, Louise Camilleri, Kyle Golemba, Shawn Wright, and Gabi Epstein.
“I did my research on the cast and I listened to their voices,” Kate says, who at the time of our visit had not yet met her co-stars. “They are all powerful. These people are always working. Putting those voices with that music and an orchestra is going to be so special.”
“The music in The Secret Garden is haunting,” Kate continues. “These songs are timeless and they are going to be played with a live orchestra. We are going to have a string section, which is very special. A lot of shows still use orchestras, but the last couple of shows I’ve seen have used canned music. So it’s so exciting that there are live musicians.”
Kate Suhr as Ariel in The Little Mermaid (photo courtesy of Kate Suhr)
Kate’s path to The Secret Garden opened after signing on with theatrical agent Peter da Costa after he saw her in a performance of The Little Mermaid.
“Peter da Costa opened and operates Da Costa Management, which is a well-known agency in Toronto,” Kate says. “He and Mark Camilleri decided to get together and start this show process. Mark owns Imagine Sound Studios but he is also an arranger, conductor, and a musical director. I saw him on the stage in Forever Plaid and I was so captivated by him. Then, before I knew it, I was in his sound studio auditioning for him, which was so exciting.”
Steve Ross, whose spouse Randy Read is the artistic director of Peterborough’s New Stages Theatre Company, is directing The Secret Garden and will also be performing in the production (publicity photo)
Another Peterborough connection to the show is director Steve Ross (his spouse is Randy Read, artistic director of Peterborough’s New Stages Theatre Company). As well as directing The Secret Garden, Steve is an accomplished actor who will be performing the part of Ben Weatherstaff/Major Holmes.
“Steve has been at Stratford for thirteen seasons,” Kate says. “It’s so rare to hang on to Stratford for that long. That speaks volumes about him as an artist and an actor. I think he’s extremely talented and his heart is so kind.”
Kate says that it was Steve, as well as Peterborough’s Linda Kash, who helped her make the transition from the small stage in Peterborough to the big stage in Toronto.
“I struggled just to make it to Toronto,” Kate admits.
“I didn’t know if I’d make it, but I did. I made it here and I started researching auditions right away. Steve and Linda have been so wonderful to me. They’ve been super supportive and have given me great advice.”
Despite moving to Toronto, Kate continues to be a local favourite and one of the most beloved actresses to come out of our community. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by the producers of The Secret Garden.
“I just went to go and pick up a cheque for a commercial I did through the agency and Peter came in and said ‘Kate, there’s something in the water in Peterborough’,” Kate recalls. “I said ‘What do you mean?’ He said ‘We just sold a block of twenty tickets to somebody in Peterborough.’ A lot of ticket sales are apparently from Peterborough. That touched my heart.”
As Kate explains, her new career on the Toronto stage hasn’t been an easy ride, nor is it all glamorous.
“I’m trying hard not to be so hard on myself,” she says. “I often will call my mom and I’ll be exhausted. I’d be doing Mermaid rehearsals during the day, and performing Mary Poppins at night, and just trying to survive. But she just reminds me by saying ‘Kate, breathe. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Look at all the doors that are opening. You’re meeting people. Be patient.’ She points out all the silver linings that are happening.”
Although I asked Kate what the secret to her success has been, she tells me it’s more about survival.
“From where I sit, it’s about finding the balance of working so hard, and wanting it more than anything. You need to stay humble and modest and kind. If you do that, I feel that doors will open for you.”
Over the last year, as many seasoned performers like Kate have left Peterborough in search of bigger opportunities, I have met a lot of young new performers who are filling the void. For these performers, who are just seeking local stardom and still dream of the lights of the Toronto stage, I ask Kate what her advice would be.
“Remember that you are never done learning,” Kate says. “You never know it all, and there is so much more to know. Acting is about humility. You’re vulnerable and it’s scary. There is so much that people you meet down the road are going to teach you. You have to be open and accepting of people’s guidance.”
“Don’t give up. There are going to be so many moments when you don’t get into a show. There are going to be times where you’re going to wonder if you’re good enough, or ‘What’s wrong with me?’ or ‘I thought I was perfect for that part’. You’re never going to know the reason. You won’t know why you weren’t right for that part. It could have been anything, and it doesn’t mean that you’re not good enough. It means that you keep on working and that you just never give up.”
In The Secret Garden, which runs from January 13 to 15 in Toronto, Kate Suhr will be sharing the stage with some well-known Toronto performers (photo: Podium Concert Productions)
Kate’s final piece of advice to young performers comes from some self-insight.
“If I could have met myself a few years ago I would have said ‘It’s okay to be vulnerable and it’s okay to not look cool’,” she says. “Young girls and young guys are scared to look vulnerable. I was like that, but I think I’d have been a better actor if I had opened my heart a little more. But then again, I don’t think I’d be where I am today if I hadn’t chosen the things I did, or hadn’t done the things I’ve done.”
Kate Suhr is not only one of the most talented individuals I have met, but also one of the most genuine and kindest women I’ve ever spoken to. The power and the beauty in her voice matches that within her heart. If anybody deserves the type of opportunities she is having, it’s Kate.
The Secret Garden is an important production to Kate, and her chance to work with some of Toronto’s most respected theatre professionals. You can support Kate and her career by seeing The Secret Garden, which runs for three performances only from January 13th to 15th at Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre (427 Bloor Street West, Toronto). Tickets range from $39 to $79 and are on sale now at www.podiumconcerts.com.
VIDEO: “A Life That’s Good” performed by Kate Suhr with Kate Brioux
Members of the public at Peterborough's Market Hall, almost all opposed to the proposed sale, left disappointed when City Council voted 6-5 in favour of selling the electricity distribution utility to Hydro One (photo; Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
Those opposed to the sale of Peterborough Distribution Inc. (PDI) would love to be proclaiming “what a difference a week makes.”
Instead, they departed Market Hall severely disappointed late Thursday night as city council ratified, by an identical 6-5 vote, its December 7th committee decision to sell PDI to Hydro one.
Voting in favour of the sale were councillors Henry Clarke, Lesley Parnell, Dave Haacke, Andrew Beamer Dan McWilliams, and Mayor Daryl Bennett. Councillors Don Vassiliadis, Diane Therrien, Keith Riel, Dean Pappas, and Gary Baldwin voted against the sale.
Unlike the committee meeting held at Showplace, delegations were permitted and 26 speakers took to the podium — all but one against the sale. Among them was Peter Morgan, a member of the Save PDI Coalition.
There were 26 delegations at the City Council meeting at Market Hall, all but one against the sale. Most of the crowd in the audience was also against the sale. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
“Hydro One is bleeding money all over the place and yet it can afford to buy us (PDI) and keep its promises … it doesn’t make any sense,” argued Mr. Morgan, urging council to delay any decision for six months and “answer some more questions” in the interim.
“What evidence is there that PDI will lose value if we keep it? I’ve heard this presented as fact but no information has been shown to make that true.”
Also lending his voice to the opposition was Roy Brady, chair of the local chapter of the Council of Canadians. He expressed a popular sentiment by asserting “democracy is being violated” by council moving ahead with the decision to sell PDI despite strong opposition to the move.
“What we have is a vote and, following that, people are effectively supposed to disappear. When they are consulted, they’re ignored. What we are getting, particularly with this PDI vote, is elitist governing.”
“What we are getting, particularly with this PDI vote, is elitist governing.” Roy Brady, chair of the local chapter of the Council of Canadians, speaks to city council. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
Also having their say were former provincial NDP election candidate Sheila Wood — “Privatization is based on profit driven by user fees” — and longtime activist Kathryn Langley — “It’s the rush that bothers me.”
But it was the presentation made by Michael Angemeer, CEO and president of Veridian Corporation, that raised yet another scenario — a merger between the municipally owned electricity distributor and PDI. Veridian is currently providing electricity delivery to 120,000 residential and business customers.
Mr. Angemeer noted Veridian wanted to submit a proposal to the City and, in fact, had written the City a letter requesting that opportunity, but no reply came back. Under questioning, he later noted that if the City is simply interested in getting money from an outright sale of PDI, it should do business with Hydro One.
Councillor Dean Pappas, who voted against the sale on December 7th and again last night, moved a motion to defer the sale to allow staff the opportunity to explore the possibility of other possible buyers. His motion was defeated. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
Hydro One’s offer is $105 million for PDI, which will net about $55 million for the City after settling PDI’s debts, taxes, and costs related to the sale.
Hydro One has promised to reduce electricity distribution rates by one percent for existing PDI customers, freeze distribution rates for five years (with rate-of-inflation increases over the following five years), protect jobs for PDI employees for one year and build a new Hydro One operations centre and fleet maintenance garage in Peterborough, creating 30 new jobs while maintaining the 70 existing local Hydro One jobs.
City of Peterborough Holdings Inc. — the private corporation that owns PDI — recommended in October that the City accept the offer from Hydro One.
Prior to the vote on the motion to sell PDI, two attempts to delay a decision on the matter were made.
First, Coun. Pappas moved to defer the matter to allow staff the opportunity to explore the possibility of other possible buyers, saying “It’s not a good business deal if you’re only looking at one offer.” His motion was defeated by a 6-5 vote, with Coun. Clarke leading the charge.
“We are very well briefed and informed,” said Coun. Clarke. “We know of no other offers to purchase.”
Councillor Keith Riel, who voted against the sale on December 7th and again last night, moved a motion calling for a referendum on the PDI sale. His motion was defeated. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
Then Coun. Riel, saying “It’s high time we give power back to the people,” moved a motion calling for a referendum on the PDI sale come the October 2018 municipal election. That, too, was voted down.
Prior to voting on the motion to sell PDI, each councillor clarified his or her position. Noting that PDI is “making a steady and reliable income,” Coun. Baldwin argued that’s too good to walk away from.
“I don’t know why we’re selling an asset that makes us money,” he said.
Coun. Clarke, meanwhile, admitted to a mistrust of Hydro One but clarified his belief that this is a good deal for ratepayers.
After five hours and 26 speakers, City Council voted exactly the same way as it did at the special committee meeting on December 7th, with the Mayor and the same five councillors supporting the sale, and the same five councillors opposing the sale. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
After the vote, Coun. Parnell noted the debate on the sale “has definitely been the most emotional” of any matter discussed during her seven years on council.
“The idea went out so early in the year; there was this vacuum of about six months where we didn’t have an offer (from Hydro One) and the ‘No’ crowd really worked at getting the fear out there,” she said.
“In my heart, I really would have loved to voted ‘No’ but it wasn’t the correct financial decision to do so, in the short term or the long term. I was a ‘No’ in the beginning based on the fact that I did not agree with the Province privatizing any part of Hydro One.”
“When the premier said (on Nov. 19) that she’s streamlining the remaining small utilities, it’s like wow, we better take that money and the job security and the rate guarantees. It really came down to the math. But for anyone to say we have not listened, it’s just not true.”
For his part, Mayor Bennett maintained “This is a good deal for this community.”
“It (the council debate) wasn’t so much divisive as it was educational. Six of us analyzed the information and came to a ‘Yes’ vote; five of us analyzed the information and came to a ‘No’ vote. That’s not a divided council. It’s just people looking at the issues in a different fashion and coming to a different conclusion.”
As for Coun. Riel’s push for a referendum in two years, Mayor Bennett noted the value of PDI has decreased $8 million “since these discussions started and it will continue to decrease to the point that we’ll get book value for it. Councillor Clarke hit it dead on … we’re not sustainable at 36,000 customers.”
Ahead, lawyers for Hydro One and PDI will finalize legal documentation covering the sale. After, a public process involving the Ontario Energy Board will commence and take some nine months to complete before Hydro One assumes control of local electricity distribution.
Some of the weapons police have seized during their Project Runway drug investigation (supplied photos)
Peterborough Police have arrested nine more people in a drug investigation called “Project Runway” and have seized illegal firearms, drugs, and cash.
Nine search warrants were executed today (December 15) in Peterborough and Toronto and charges were laid against suspects who belong to a group known as the “Ugly Crew”, responsible for bringing illicit drugs to the Peterborough area to be trafficked.
The police investigation, which has also focussed on a number of violent incidents linked to this group, has been ongoing for several months (seven suspects have been previously charged).
The investigation was led by the Peterborough Police Service’s Drug Unit, with the assistance of the Intelligence Unit, Street Crime Unit, High Risk Unit, Asset Forfeiture Unit and Crime Analyst. During the execution of the search warrants, Peterborough Police were also assisted by additional members from its Investigative Services Unit, the Emergency Response Team, two K9 Units, and members from Durham Regional Police Service’s Tactical Team, Guns and Gang Unit, Drug Unit and K9 Unit, and the members from the Toronto Police Service.
Police seized a quantity of illicit drugs (including cocaine, heroin, hashish, and marijuana), two handguns, a quantity of Canadian currency, and a vehicle. Police are continuing the investigation and further arrests and charges are pending.
The following nine people were charged today:
Justin Boyer, 27, of Richmond Street, Toronto, is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine and methamphetamine), possession of marijuana, and two counts of proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000
Matthew Kellough-Garrett, 25, of Parkhill Road West, Peterborough is charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (three for cocaine and one for marijuana), and proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000
Jonathan Morningstar 24, of Raymond Street, Peterborough, is charged with five counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (four for cocaine and one for marijuana), proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, and breach of recognizance
Krystie-Lee Ranger, 24, of Raymond Street, Peterborough, is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine and hash), possession of marijuana, and proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000
Adian Nyenhuis, 21, of Parkhill Road West, Peterborough, is charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (three for cocaine and one for marijuana), proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, and two counts of breach of probation
Holly Crossman, 24, of Aylmer Street N, Peterborough, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (marijuana)
Sarah Octeau, 22, of Aylmer Street North, Peterborough, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (marijuana)
Ashley Moore, 23, of Aylmer Street North, Peterborough, is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine and marijuana)
Jason Brown, 36, of Collison Avenue, Peterborough, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, possession of marijuana, careless storage of ammunition, and possession of ammunition contrary to prohibition order.
The following seven suspects were charged earlier during the investigation in October, November, and December:
Lucas Allison, 19, of Lock Street, Peterborough, was charged with possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, possession of prohibited or restricted firearm/ammunition, possession of a prohibited device or ammunition, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of Schedule I substance (cocaine), and possession of a schedule II substance (marijuana under 30 grams)
Austin Bradley Murphy, 23, of Garside Drive, Peterborough, was charged with the possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, possession of prohibited or restricted firearm/ammunition, possession of a prohibited device or ammunition, two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine), and possession of a schedule II substance (marijuana under 30 grams)
Dylan Hamre, 25, of Peterborough, was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (heroin), possession of a schedule II substance for the purpose of trafficking (marijuana under 3kg), possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, five counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order, occupant of a motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm, possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (crystal meth), two counts of careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition, possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Veronica Freeman, 21, of Peterborough, was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (meth), two counts of careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition, possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Isan Ricardo Murley, 24, of no fixed address, Peterborough, was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), possession of a Schedule II substance for the purpose of trafficking (marijuana under 3kg), and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
Shawn William Ward, 35, of Water Street, Peterborough was charged with possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), possession of a Schedule II substance (marijuana under 30 grams), and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
Jessica Alyssa Stammis, 25, of Water Street, was charged with possession of a Schedule II substance (marijuana under 30 grams) and failing to comply with a probation order.
Canadian/Icelandic singer-songwriter Lindy Vopnfjörd is playing at The Spill in Peterborough on Saturday, December 17 in support of his latest release "Frozen in Time". Canadian indie rock singer-songwriter Wax Mannequin (aka Chris Adeny) will be opening. (Photo: Berkley Vopnfjörd)
Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, December 15 to Wednesday, December 21.
If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.
Thursday, January 19 10pm - Adventure Club w/ Young Bombs ($20, 100 tickets available, early bird tickets on sale Friday, December 16 at noon)
Arlington Pub
32990 Highway 62, Maynooth
(613) 338-2080
Friday, December 16
8pm - Open mic
Saturday, December 17
9pm - Salty Dog
Coming Soon
Closed on Friday, December 23 & Saturday, December 24
Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub
4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450
Friday, December 16
9pm - Dave Byrski
Tuesdays
7:30pm - Trivia Tuesdays
Wednesdays
7pm - Jam Night in the York Room
Black Horse Pub
452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633
Thursday, December 15
7:30pm - Jazz & Blues w/ Rob Philips & Marsala Lukianchuk
Friday, December 16
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Pop Machine
Saturday, December 17
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Northern Soul
Sunday, December 18
3pm - Brian Haddelsey
Monday, December 19
7pm - Crash and Burn w/ Rick & Gailie
Tuesday, December 20
7pm - Open mic w/ Randy Hill
Wednesday, December 21
8pm - Student Band Night
Coming Soon
Thursday, December 22 7:30pm - Jazz & Blues w/ Rob Philips & Marsala Lukianchuk
Friday, December 23 5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Rop Phillips Band
Saturday, December 24 4-8pm - Christmas Eve Celebrations w/ Terry Finn/4 Front (closing at 8pm)
Sunday, December 25 Closed
Canoe & Paddle
18 Bridge St., Lakefield
(705) 651-1111
Saturdays
8-11pm - Live music
Sundays (2nd/4th of month)
2-5pm - Live music
Tuesdays
7-10pm - Open jam
Coming Soon
Saturday, December 31 7:30pm - New Year's Eve ft The Gunslingers (19+, $80 per person, includes 3-course meal, drink, entertainment, and champagne at midnight)
The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg
38 Covert St., Cobourg
(905) 377-9029
Fridays
9pm - Live music (TBA)
The Ceilie (Trent University student pub)
1600 West Bank Dr., Peterborough
(705) 748-1011
Thursday, December 15
7-9pm - Beer Tasting (19+, $10 for 10 samples)
Friday, December 16
Last call, open until 8pm and then closed until the New Year
Chemong Lodge
764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435
Thursdays
5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)
Fridays
5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)
The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse
26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001
Thursday, December 15
9pm - Turborg w/ Ray on the Radio
Friday, December 16
9pm - Terry Blankey & David Morrison
Saturday, December 17
9pm - Booth Street Records official launch party w/ KTBI & Muddy Hack
Mondays
Trivia Monday
Wednesdays
Whiskey Wednesday w/ Ken Tizzard
Coming Soon
Friday, December 23 6-10pm - Xmas Party ft Muddy Hack
Coach & Horses Pub
16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006
Thursdays
10pm - Open Jam w/ Gerald Vanhalteren
Wednesdays
7-11pm - Live music
Dobro Restaurant & Bar
287-289 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 775-9645
Friday, December 16
10pm - Robin Hawkins Band
Saturday, December 17
10pm - Bailen (Shea Bailey, Brent Bailey, Jan Shoute)
Wednesdays
Open stage
Coming Soon
Saturday, December 31 New Year's Eve w/ The High Waters Band (no cover)
Dominion Hotel
113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954
Saturday, December 17
2pm - Kitchen Party Music Jam (free, musicians and fans welcome)
Wednesday, December 21
7:30pm - Poets in the Pub
Coming Soon
Thursday, December 22 7:30pm - Trivia w/ Sue & Justin
Saturday, December 31 8pm - NYE Party ft Sawdust from 8-11pm & DJ Shreddy Beats from 11pm-3am ($15 includes guaranteed seating for Sawdust, party favours, sparkling wine)
Ganaraska Hotel
30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254
Friday, December 16
10pm - Quickshifters
Saturday, December 17
2-5pm & 10pm - Bad to The Bone George Thorogood tribute
Wednesdays
8pm - Open mic w/ host Marty Hepburn
Coming Soon
Friday, December 23 10pm - Baz Little Rock Band
The Garnet
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107
Thursday, December 15
Craig Paterson, Fredrico Pontani
Friday, December 16
Ewan MacIntyre, Bonus Numbers
Saturday, December 17
James Bell, Nick Procyshyn, Jamie Gia
Monday, December 19
Communi-Kitch w/ Dan LeDanDan
Tuesday, December 20
10pm - Evangeline Gentle
Coming Soon
Thursday, December 22 STPS: A Keyboards Christmas
Friday, December 23 Tipsy Eve w/ Benj Rowland
Saturday, December 24 Closing early
Sunday, December 25 Open regular hours
Gordon Best Theatre
216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884
Thursday, December 15
7pm - Peterborough Folk Fest presents Fortunate Ones ($20 general admission, tickets at www.peterboroughfolkfest.com)
Friday, December 16
9pm - The Citiots Improv ($12 adults, $10 students)
Saturday, December 17
7pm - Silver Hearts Album Release Show w/ Mayhemingways ($17.50 at www.thegordonbest.ca)
Saturday, January 28 7pm - Peterborough Folk Fest presents Hannah Georgas ($20 general admission plus $3 service fee, tickets at www.peterboroughfolkfest.com)
Junction Nightclub
253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550
Friday, December 16
10pm - Nothing But the 90s w/ DJ Bill Porter (no cover)
Saturday, December 17
10pm - Pure Saturdays
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Thursdays
10pm - Jan Schoute
Fridays
10pm - Brian Haddlesey
Saturdays
10pm - Brian Haddlesey
Mondays
10pm - Trivia Night
Wednesdays
9pm - Cody Watkins
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177
Thursday, December 15
7pm - Todd Mason & Nick Marcuz
Coming Soon
Thursday, December 22 7pm - The Greg Hannah Band
Oasis Bar & Grill
31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634
Thursdays
6:30pm - Live music
Sundays
5:30pm - PHLO
Wednesdays
6:30pm - Live music
Pig's Ear Tavern
144 Brock St., Peterborough
(705) 745-7255
Fridays
Pingo
Saturday, December 17
2-5pm - PMBA Deluxe Blues Jam hosted by Victory Boys; 9pm - Pig's Ear Christmas w/ Washboard Hank and The Wringers
Mondays
Pool Night
Tuesdays
Open stage (second Tuesday of each month: 5-7:30pm - Family Friendly Open Mic)
Wednesdays
Humpday Karaoinke
Coming Soon
Saturday, December 31 8pm - New Year's Eve Party w/ Mayhemingways ($5)
In celebration of GreenUP’s 25th year, plans are being made to make improvements to the facilities at GreenUP Ecology Park which is located on Ashburnham Drive, in the heart of Peterborough (graphic: GreenUP)
2017 is GreenUP’s 25th year! For each of those 25 years, GreenUP has been offering opportunities for learning, skill-building, and environmental action in our community.
Over that time, the landscape has shifted dramatically, but with generous community support from volunteers, donors, and funders, GreenUP has been able to continue developing innovative, relevant, and diverse programs that have had a lasting impact on the health of our shared environment.
For children growing up in this region, the GreenUP Ecology Park has been a site of wonder, learning, and environmental immersion. Whether it’s investigating pollinator habitats at the beehives, getting their hands dirty while planting vegetables, or examining the health of local streams with a dipnet, children have been able to explore and learn through dynamic, nature-based programs at GreenUP Ecology Park.
Next year, we hope to enhance facilities at GreenUP Ecology Park, to strengthen our capacity to offer high quality outdoor programming, maximize the impact this unique facility can have on the health of children, and increase accessibility to enable a greater number of children to use the park.
When children are outside, they move more, sit less, and play longer. Ecology Park’s focus on outdoor, experiential learning includes nature-based and environmental programming but also actively integrates opportunities for children to play freely; because we know that less-structured free play helps children to get in touch with their environment and feel more confident, connected, and healthy.
GreenUP’s Executive Director, Brianna Salmon explains, “GreenUP is committed to environmental programming that builds our region’s capacity to meaningfully address the challenges yet to come; that increases resilience for the people and places that are most vulnerable; and, that inspires hope, enabling action for people of all ages.”
Plans for improvement at Ecology Park include improving the teaching shelter, replacing the hand washing station, and adding a drinking water station. They also include the installation of additional lighting and a fully accessible washroom.
The current children’s education structure has been standing for decades and is in great need of renewal. We plan to renovate the structure next year and expand the teaching shelter to offer an enhanced outdoor learning space for hosing workshops, camps, and larger school groups.
When planning for the renovation of a 20+ year-old structure, improving accessibility is at the forefront of mind. Providing an accessible environment for children will facilitate increased socialization with peers, community and the environment, and will support healthy development.
“The longer-term vision for the site also includes a greenhouse, which would allow for onsite native plant propagation,” says GreenUP Ecology Park Manager, Marcy Adzich, “A greenhouse would also give us more autonomy and control over our inventory, and could extend our growing season beyond what we are able to do now.”
The watering system at Ecology Park is also quite rudimentary; installing an enhanced irrigation system would enable staff and volunteers to water the plant nursery more efficiently. Right now, watering the nursery consists of connecting multiple rubber hoses and moving them around the park to access all edges of the nursery. It is quite cumbersome for staff, taking a great deal of time and effort to complete all of the necessary watering, and with very little water pressure remaining at the furthest-to-reach areas.
Through the years, donations of time and funds, as well as the sharing of skills, have all helped to sustain Ecology Park as a vibrant urban site, and have enabled thousands of students to develop stronger connections with the natural world.
As we look toward the future, community support remains as vital as ever to strengthen our capacity and educate our children in places like GreenUP Ecology Park. We are excited to continue strengthening our facilities to increase GreenUP’s capacity to educate the next generation of environmental stewards.
GreenUP’s Executive Director adds, “Working to enhance environmental health can be both challenging and complex, but, to me, the support and strength of local community has never felt more important.”
For more information about GreenUP’s 25th and for ongoing updates with GreenUP Ecology Park improvement projects, visit greenup.on.ca. To help with improvements to GreenUP Ecology Park, you can contribute to the specially created NEST Fund at greenup.on.ca/donate.
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