The pilot of the stolen plane that crashed in Peterborough on August 12 has been identified as 20-year-old Mohammad Hassan Chaudhary of Markham, in a report today by Global News.

Chaudhary died shortly after the Piper Tomahawk aircraft, stolen from a Markham airport, crashed on Peterborough’s Lansdowne Street near Lansdowne Place mall at around 1:20 a.m.

Global News initially reported the RCMP were treating the investigation as a potential “national security issue”. After Global News published its story, an RCMP spokesperson advised the RCMP has concluded the crime has no national security aspect.

Mohammad was diagnosed with schizophrenia two years ago, according to his father Afzal Chaudhary, and had been treated at the Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Mohammad was known to police, having been charged in 2015 after an alleged armed robbery at a gas station in which he showed the clerk a pellet gun and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money. Court documents obtained by Global News showed charges were later stayed.

According to his father, Mohammad had not received a “single minute” of flight training and didn’t even have a driver’s licence. He apparently rode a bicycle to get to the airport.

“I think he went on the bicycle,” Afazl told Global News. “They found the bicycle [at the airport].”

Afazl says his son had “bad mental health” and suspects he may have stolen the plane as an “adventure.”

Afazl also expressed concern that his son was able to freely enter the airport and steal a plane without any intervention from the authorities.

“It’s not national security issue on my son,” he told Global News. “It’s a national security issue for the airport. How come they left the airport like this? He was sick. He had a mental problem.”

On August 19th, the RCMP released a statement about their investigation, advising that the Ontario RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) has no information to indicate a link between the stolen plane and national security.

“The investigation has not revealed the motive for the theft and all indications are that the young man acted alone”, the statement reads in part. “The RCMP have no further details to provide on this investigation.”

Incidents in Canadian airspace always involve federal authorities in the investigation.

“It is very common for the RCMP to work with other police agencies on investigations,” says Superintendent Lise Crouch, Assistant Criminal Operations Officer with INSET. “Law enforcement partnerships are essential to maintain the safety of our communities.”

With a hot, dry summer like this one, flooding may not be in the forefront of our minds. However, for many residents of Peterborough and the Kawarthas the floods of past years — and the damage that they caused — are never far in our minds.

Over the past several years, Ontario has seen increased incidences of large storm events causing rivers to spill over their banks. Since the large flood in 2004, Peterborough has experienced a number of storm and snow melt events that have put people’s properties and livelihoods at risk.

To mitigate flooding when the next big storm hits, GreenUP, the City of Peterborough, and local residents — as part of a Green Communities Canada program, Rain Ready Peterborough — will be holding a series of public forums for people to share their opinions, ideas, and knowledge about flooding in their neighbourhoods.

The first Rain Ready Peterborough forum will be held at Prince of Wales Public School on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 6 p.m. We encourage you to come and share your thoughts on how to mitigate flooding in our community.

Local knowledge is critical when it comes to understanding how flooding impacts a neighbourhood and how water flows across the landscape. We can understand how to divert runoff more effectively by understanding what people have experienced during previous storms.

In The Avenues, a low-lying flat neighbourhood in Peterborough, flooding is a risk. GreenUP, in partnership with community members of The Avenues, will be embarking on a quest to re-envision how rainfall is managed there over the next several months.

Flood mitigation plans must take into consideration the specific geography of each neighbourhood, along with the voices of residents to ensure that plans are region-specific. For example, a flood mitigation plan for The Avenues may not be the same as a plan for the south end of Peterborough.

Allowing residents to participate in flood mitigation plans will help tailor the strategies to the needs of people in their respective neighbourhoods.

GreenUP will also be partnering with community members to install and maintain eight rain gardens within The Avenues neighbourhood.

Rain gardens are a partnering of new and old ideas to manage rain where it falls.

Instead of channeling rainfall directly into storm sewers, the rain can be diverted into a depression in the ground that is filled with material to dissipate the water and allow it to soak into the ground.

Rain gardens can be populated with species of flowers and plants that are able to withstand the trials of both drought and heavy rain — and they look fantastic! Rain gardens may become a much more common sight in our neighbourhoods as municipalities explore new ways to deal with storm water runoff.

Climate change threatens to bring more rainfall and higher intensity storm events, so now is a crucial time to be discussing the role we all play in managing rainfall.

For more information about public forums, or to ask questions about water, rain, or flood-related issues, please contact Dylan Radcliffe, Water Programs Coordinator, by email at dylan.radcliffe@greenup.on.ca or by phone at 705-745-3238 ext. 217.

To learn more about the Rain Ready Peterborough program, please visit www.greenup.on.ca/rain. We are also accepting public comment on our interactive Peterborough Water: Community Mapping Page.

The town of Omemee in the City of Kawartha Lakes will be featured on the popular CBC Television comedy series Still Standing in an episode to be broadast on Tuesday, August 23rd.

The series stars comedian Jonny Harris, who has been travelling across Canada to explore small towns that are “on the ropes” and meet with the people who, despite economic hard times, remain fiercely proud of their communities.

Omemee’s claim to fame is that it was the childhood home of musician Neil Young, immortalized by the lyrics of the song “Helpless”: There is a town in north Ontario … All my changes were there. Neil’s father, author and sportswriter Scott Young, continued to live in Omemee until shortly before his death in 2004.

Omemee was also the birthplace of Lady Eaton, the wife of Toronto department store president and heir Sir John Craig Eaton.

In the episode of Still Standing, which was filmed in Omemee at Thanksgiving last year, Jonny Harris meets Neil Young’s childhood friend, takes rifle shooting lessons from the town doctor, and goes adventure diving in a swimming pool.

“The airing of this show is a delight to our small town,” says Councillor Mary Ann Martin. “It will put Omemee on the national screen and will tell the stories of some of our long-time residents. Tune in and see why we love Omemee!”

The episode airs at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23rd on CBC Television and, after the broadcast date, you can watch it online.

Although the 1,247 residents of Omemee may challenge the assertion the town is “on the ropes”, like many small towns in Ontario established by pioneers, Omemee’s glory days are in its past.

Omemee was originally founded by Irish emigrant William Cottingham in the early 1800s, after the Cottingham family established a grist and saw mill on Pigeon River. A village grew around the mill and, in 1835, was named Williamstown. The village was renamed Metcalf in the 1840s and then Omemee in 1857 — based on a Mississauga word meaning “pigeon”.

The construction of the Port Hope, Lindsay and Beaverton Railway in 1857 (when the town also acquired a post office) fostered the growth of the community, which became a thriving shipping point for timber and grain.

Until the 1860s, Omemee competed with Lindsay as the largest town in Victoria County. At its zenith in the late 1800s, Omemee had a grist mill, two sawmills, a tannery, a foundry, a shingle mill, a cloth mill, three churches, four hotels, an elementary and secondary school, and a newspaper.

As Ontario’s economy shifted away from agriculture and surrounding towns grew, the industrial section of Omemee declined until, 100 years later, only the Regal Stationary Company remained (the factory has since closed). Today, Omemee’s economy is supported by the town’s population as well as seasonal residents and retirement communities in the surrounding area.

Neil Young revisits Omemee – Neil Young Journeys Trailer

Following the passing of Erica Cherney earlier today, the business community of Peterborough has now suffered a second loss with the death of local businesswoman Dr. Judith Buys.

kawarthaNOW has learned that Dr. Buys, one of the partners of Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Peterborough, died today at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto.

On Saturday, August 13th, she was rushed to Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay after suffering severe burns following a naphtha lamp gas explosion at a cottage near Burnt River in the City of Kwawartha Lakes. She was later airlifted to Sunnybrook, where she underwent emergency surgery.

Dr. Buys succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday morning. She was 55 years old.

Like Erica Cherney, Dr. Buys was an active member of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. The organization is reeling from learning of the deaths of two of its members in the same day.

Erica Cherney & Dr. Judith Buys: They were amazing women & we're thankful that they both were part of our lives. pic.twitter.com/TidvmDlIO0

— WBN Ptbo (@wbnptbo) August 17, 2016

Dr. Buys completed her dental education at the University of Western, graduating in 1985, and established her dental practice in 1987 on Reid Street.

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.

She leaves behind her husband Dr. Jim McGorman, an emergency room physician at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, and their two sons, Brendan and Connor.

The Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP, and the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario are investigating the explosion that led to Dr. Buys’ death, which also injured two other people.

Visitations for Dr. Buys will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 18th at the chapel at Ashburnham Funeral Home (840 Armour Rd., Peterborough). A private service for the family will be held at a later date.

Dr. Buys’ family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Five Counties Children’s Centre or the YWCA Crossroads shelter. Donations and condolences to the family can be made at www.ashburnhamfuneral.ca or by calling 705-740-0444.

Peterborough is mourning the passing of the matriarch of its business community, Erica Cherney, who passed away at home this morning after a long fight against cancer.

Respected for her quiet wisdom, opinions, and leadership, Cherney was well known and beloved in the Peterborough community.

A businesswoman who owned and operated Cherney Realty for many years, she was also a community leader and relentless volunteer who served on numerous boards and committees.

She received many honours over the years, including YWCA Woman of the Year in 1987 and Peterborough’s Citizen of the Year Award in 1999. In 2005, Trent University bestowed her with an Honorary Doctorate and, more recently, she was inducted into Peterborough’s Business Hall of Fame.

A public service will be held on Wednesday, August 17th at Beth Israel Synagogue (775 Weller St, Peterborough), after which there will be a private family burial.

In the Key of E – A film by Megan Murphy

Tributes pour in for Erica Cherney on Twitter …

With deepest sadness, DBIA informs our community that Erica Cherney, the champion of the community, passed away. pic.twitter.com/8GZ7uMSjge

— Ptbo DBIA (@downtownPtbo) August 16, 2016

We have lost one of our grand ladies, a true community builder in many ways. A sad day for all who were touched by Erica Cherney's life.

— Daryl Bennett (@MayorBennett) August 16, 2016

The @TrentUniversity and #ptbo communities have lost a true friend and leader. It is a sad day for anyone who knew Erica Cherney.

— Trent Alumni (@TrentAlumni) August 16, 2016

So sad to hear about Erica's passing. Our deepest condolences. She will be missed by all.

— LEPC (@WorkforceDB) August 16, 2016

CCRC mourns the loss of an incredible community leader, and strong supporter, Erica Cherney pic.twitter.com/ERbfgPpXZx

— CCRC (@CCRC_Ptbo) August 16, 2016

Incredibly sad to hear of Erica Cherney's passing. Her contribution to #Ptbo will be felt for generations to come. Our deepest condolences.

— Community Foundation (@cfgp_) August 16, 2016

I will cherish this forever, a business card from Erica Cherney. You will truly be missed and forever in my heart ?? pic.twitter.com/KOcSDYamXj

— Anne Marie Arnold (@AnneMArnold) August 16, 2016

RIP to one of our greatest and most influential fans, Erica Cherney.
Your smile and laughter will be missed by… https://t.co/W9mOVB6u77

— Citiots Improv (@CitiotsImprov) August 16, 2016

@wiredwoman @kawarthanow This city will miss our "Mighty Mouse". A life well lived, loved and laughed. RIP, dear lady – my friend.

— Donna Clarke (@councilwidow) August 16, 2016

Erica Cherney was such a supporter of culture in Peterborough.
Peterborough mourns death of Erica Cherney https://t.co/xc2oqk2v7e

— AGP (@AGPtbo_) August 16, 2016

Our community is losing so many great leaders! We will certainly miss one of our biggest supporters, Erica Cherney.

— Kawartha Food Share (@Kaw_FoodShare) August 16, 2016

In small but mighty Erica Cherney, we have lost a true giant. Thank you, Erica for your laughter, your generosity, and your legacy.

— Gordon Gibb (@GordoGibbo) August 16, 2016

We share in the mourning of wonderful and compassionate community leader Erica Cherney. She will be greatly missed #ptbo

— Peterborough Police (@PtboPolice) August 16, 2016

Heartfelt condolences to Erica Cherney's family & friends. She will long be remembered for her strength, leadership & philanthropic spirit.

— Hospice Peterborough (@hospiceptbo) August 16, 2016

#TrentU saddened to learn of passing of Erica Cherney, 1st woman to chair Board of Governors https://t.co/9kX7zSu7Ne pic.twitter.com/FrE5V0tJzx

— Trent University (@TrentUniversity) August 16, 2016

Peterborough Utilities Inc. has announced three new renewable generation facilities are now in commercial operation.

The utility company recently expanded the London Street hydro power generating station on the Otonabee River to produce an additional six megawatts, bringing the station’s total capacity up to 10 megawatts — alone enough to power 4,000 homes.

There’s also the facility located at Kinsmen Civic Centre, developed in partnership with the City of Peterborough, which can produce 431 kilowatts, and the 380-kilowatt biogas-fueled heat and power project at the City’s waste water treatment plant.

Two additional rooftop solar projects are also under construction and scheduled to be complete by the end of August.

With the successful completion of all these projects, the utility’s total renewable generation capacity will equal 36.8 megawatts. Peterborough Utilities will produce around 120,000 megawatt hours of green energy each year, sufficient to meet the electricity needs of around 12,000 homes.

During the 2003 blackout, power from the London Street station was used to keep the Peterborough Regional Health Centre operating. The increased output from the new generating station, as well as increasing the percentage of green power in the City of Peterborough, could be used in similar situations in the future.

Sylvie Copland, a French immersion teacher at St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School, has won the 10th Annual Canadian Family Teacher Award.

Copland, who teaches junior and senior kindergarten, received more than 62,000 votes in an annual Canada-wide competition by Canadian Family, a lifestyle parenting website.

“I never thought I would receive so many votes,” Copeland says. “The community of Peterborough is so supportive. It is such a privilege to be part of this amazing community. I really would like to thank everyone for their support.”

Along with two other teachers, Copland has also won $2,500 for school programming and supplies at her school, courtesy of program sponsor Johnson Inc.

“At our school, we are like a big family. We love each other and care about each other. Everyone I work with is very dedicated and could be a winner,” Copland says.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Canadian Family Teacher Awards continue to recognize outstanding elementary and secondary school educators from across Canada.

This past March, Canadian Family welcomed nominations from Canadians who wished to recognize educators in their communities worthy of the prize.

The best were selected via a panel of education experts where 12 finalists were shortlisted and an online vote determined the top three winners.

The other two winners were Amy Nye and Karen Sveinson, both from Ecole Barrie Wilson Elementary in Red Deer, Alberta.

Read more about Sylvie Copland’s win at www.canadianfamily.ca/teacher-awards/sylvie-copland/.