Higher-than-normal water levels in Lake Ontario have increased the risk of shoreline flooding and erosion (photo: Wikipedia)
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority has upgraded the Flood Watch issued on May 2 to a Flood Warning.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for the Lower Trent Conservation.
A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. A Flood Watch is issued when the potential for generalized flooding exists throughout the watershed or for specific municipalities.
The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) has upgraded the Flood Watch issued on May 2 to a Flood Warning for the Otonabee Region Watershed (Kawartha Lakes in the north including Buckhorn and Stoney Lake to Rice Lake in the south).
Total amounts of rain received in the Bancroft, Haliburton, and Peterborough regions were 100 to 150mm during the month of April. Then, in the first couple of days of May, another 40 to 60mm fell. A Special Weather Statement issued by Environmental Canada’s Meteorological Services states that another 40 to 70mm is possible on Thursday and Friday before tapering off to showers on the weekend.
As a result of above-normal April rains, combined with significant additional receipts in the first couple of days of May, inflows to the Kawartha Lakes from areas to the north have dramatically increased. Given the forecast for another large dump of rain starting Thursday, inflows to the Kawartha Lakes are expected to continue increasing throughout the coming days.
Hence, area residents living in historical flood-vulnerable areas on the shores of the Kawartha Lakes, as well as the Otonabee River, are advised to prepare for the possibility of localized flooding.
Throughout the geographical jurisdiction of the ORCA, the ground is saturated, and thereby, is largely incapable of absorbing additional rainfall. As a result, the forecasted 40 to 70 mm that will start falling on Thursday is expected to cause significant pooling and ponding in low-lying areas where there is poor drainage.
In addition, local rivers (Indian and Ouse Rivers) and creeks (Squirrel, Baxter, Cavan, Jackson, Meade, etc.), which are already flowing at rates well above normal, will continue to experience very high flows, and may even exceed their normal confines in those areas of low sidewalls and banks. Area residents located in historical flood vulnerable areas are advised to prepare for the possibility of localized minor flooding.
Also, area residents as well as visitors to the area are advised to observe caution around all waterbodies and watercourses because area lakes, rivers, streams and creeks pose a serious danger due to high levels, very fast flows and extremely cold water temperatures. Dams, culverts and other water control and water conveyance structures are to be avoided at all times.
Flood Watch for Lower Trent
Lower Trent Conservation has issued a Flood Watch for the Lake Ontario and Bay of Quinte shoreline from Grafton to Quinte West.
Water levels on Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte are well above average for this time of year. Residents living along the shoreline should be aware of the potential for flooding and erosion. Additionally, strong winds associated with a storm event that will track through the region on today and Tuesday will bring wave heights in excess of one metre. Surge-related flooding along the shoreline is possible as well as increased potential for erosion damages from high waves.
Residents should ensure personal property (boats, docks, etc.) along the shoreline is secured. Property owners are also reminded that any work along the shoreline (e.g. placement of fill, armour stone, etc.) will require a permit from Lower Trent Conservation and should call the office or visit the website (www.ltc.on.ca) for more information.
Lake Ontario typically reaches its seasonal high water level in June. As rainfall has been well above normal across the entire basin, with some areas having received at least twice their average amounts, Lake Ontario and Bay of Quinte water levels are expected to continue rising through May, and possibly into June if the wet weather persists.
Shoreline residents are also advised that storm events with strong onshore winds during this period will further increase the flooding and erosion potential.
Lake Ontario water levels rose 39 centimetres (15.4 inches) since the beginning of April. The lake level measured at Cobourg is approximately 75.5 metres above sea level which is 60 centimetres above the long term average for April.
This Flood Watch will remain in effect through the month of May.
National Girls Learning Code Day on May 13 will be celebrated in Peterborough with a workshop for girls aged eight to 13, along with their parents or guardians, at The Cube in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Ladies Learning to Code)
The fourth annual National Girls Learning Code Day takes place on Saturday, May 13th and Peterborough will be participating with a workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Cube in the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough (270 George St. N.).
On National Girls Learning Code Day, more than 650 girls aged eight to 13, along with their parents or guardians, will attend simultaneous workshops in over 29 communities across Canada.
The Peterborough workshop is presented by Ladies Learning Code, a national not-for-profit organization offering beginner-friendly tech education, with the support of Scotiabank. It will also recognize the launch of the new Peterborough chapter of Ladies Learning Code.
The year, National Girls Learning Code Day will focus on learning the skill of game making. Together with their parents, girls will build and develop a fun and interactive game to share with their friends and family.
Using a beginner-level programming language called Scratch, girls will create interactive stories through animation.
During National Girls Learning Code Day, girls aged eight to 13 will use the Scratch programming language to create an interactive story using animation. (Graphic: Ladies Learning to Code)
May 13th is also International Scratch Day, the 10-year anniversary of Scratch, developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab as a stepping stone to the more advanced world of computer programming.
The May 13th workshop at The Cube will offer girls the opportunity to express their creativity in a fun environment and learn about the different elements of a story, as well as character interaction and basic design principles. At the end of the workshop, each girl will also get a chance to practice their presentation skills and showcase their creation for everyone attending the workshop.
National Girls Learning Code Day is one of the registered events for Science Odyssey Week (May 12th to 21st) sponsored by the Government of Canada. Science Odyssey celebrates Canadian achievements in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by bringing together hundreds of events and science outreach leaders to deliver fun, engaging, and inspiring activities to Canadians of all ages.
National Girls Learning Code Day is presented by Ladies Learning Code, a not-for-profit organization that runs workshops for women and youth who want to learn beginner-friendly computer programming and other technical skills in a social and collaborative way. (Graphic: Ladies Learning to Code)
National Girls Learning Code Day is presented by Ladies Learning Code, a not-for-profit organization that runs workshops for women and youth who want to learn beginner-friendly computer programming and other technical skills in a social and collaborative way. The new Peterborough chapter is one of 29 chapters of the organization, which offer a girls’ program called Girls Learning Code and a co-ed kids’ program called Kids Learning Code.
The organization’s sponsors and community partners include TELUS, Microsoft, Facebook, Scotiabank, Google, and more. For more information about Ladies Learning Code, visit ladieslearningcode.com. For more information about the Peterborough chapter, contact Steve Blair at steve.blair@ladieslearningcode.com.
The cost for a girl and her parent or guardian to attend the May 13th workshop at The Cube in Peterborough is by donation (pay what you can per pair, $30 suggested). Participants must bring their own laptop. If you’re an adult who knows how to code and wants to help out at the workshop, you can register for free. To register, visit girlslearningcodeday.com.
VIDEO: The Future According to Girls – Girls Learning Code
Son-and-father duo Joel and Bill Plaskett are playing two shows this month in the Kawarthas: May 3rd at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay and May 7th at Market Hall in Peterborough. eterborough's own Mayhemingways (Benj Rowland and Josh Fewings) are opening for the Plasketts and are also their backing band. (Publicity photo)
May is full of warm weather and great music! Here are just a few listings of live music that are sure to please just about everyone’s taste in music.
Civil Wray and Joel Parkes at The Spill in Peterborough on May 2
Head to The Spill (414 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-748-6167) on Tuesday, May 2nd for a great show, with proceeds from the door benefitting the New Canadians Centre.
The show features the clever lyrics and dancey-pop sound of Civil Wray. It’s a cool project headed up by Andrea De Boer, a Toronto-based artist who likes to mix genres. Her music twists and turns — a little bit jazzy, a little bit of a new wave vibe — are always sung with passion.
Opening the show is Joel Parkes, a local songwriter who has penned some big pop hits but performs in an honest and understated manner.
Tickets are available at the door with the show beginning around 9 p.m.
VIDEO: “Numb” – Civil Wray
Joel and Bill Plaskett with Mayhemingways on May 3 at Academy Theatre in Lindsay and on May 7 at Market Hall in Peterborough
Great Canadian songwriter Joel Plaskett and his father Bill Plaskett play two shows in the Kawarthas in early May. The first is on Wednesday, May 3rd at Academy Theatre (2 Lindsay St. S., Lindsay, 705-324-9111) and the second is Sunday, May 7th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
Joel has been a staple of the rock scene in Canada since the early 1990s from his work with Thrush Hermit. Fast forward to today, and he’s made a ton of solo records, records with his rock trip The Emergency, and now he’s made a folk/rock record with his father Bill. These shows are not to be missed.
The Plasketts and Mayhemingways in front of Toronto’s Massey Hall, where they performed with Elliott Brood on April 8 (photo via Mayhemingways/ Facebook)
Peterborough’s Mayhemingways (Benj Rowland and yours truly) will be opening and playing as the Plasketts’ band at both shows.
Tickets for the Market Hall are almost sold out, but there may be a few seats left (check at markethall.org).
Good seats are still available for the Lindsay show. Tickets are $34.50 and are available at the Box Office, by phone at 705-324-9111, or online at www.academytheatre.ca.
VIDEO: “The Next Blue Sky” – Bill and Joel Plaskett with Mayhemingways
Spring Revival at Church-Key Brewing in Campbellford on May 6
Music, food, and beer. Those three great things will combine on Saturday, May 6th at the annual Church-Key Brewing Spring Revival 2017.
The brewery, located just outside of Campbellford at 1678 County Road 38, hosts bands from the area playing a wide variety of genres. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the performers include Jonny & Jane with David Frey, Broken Harmony, Crowes Feat, Melissa Payne, Tubourg Cindy & Scott, Ken Tizzard, Janet Jeffery Band, Tastes Like Chicken, Jana Ried, Muddy Hack, Madmans Window, Antixx, Sean Conway, and E.L.E.
The event is a chance to try some great craft-brewed beer and to check out the brewery as well. It’s free to attend, with beer and food available for purchase.
VIDEO: Church Key Brewing (Spring Revival at 1:21 mark)
East Coast Music Celebration at The Red Dog in Peterborough on May 6
There will be a celebration of East Coast music for a good cause at The Historic Red Dog Tavern (189 Hunter St. W, Peterborough, 705-750-1710) on Saurday, May 6th.
The event, which features North Atlantic Drift, Clan Hannigan, and McCallum’s Reach, is a benefit for the Camp Kerry Ontario, which offers a family bereavement retreat.
Authentic Maritime music and a kitchen party like atmosphere should make for a great time. There will also be door prizes, raffles, and a silent auction, and a raffle.
Tickets are $20 at the door, or available in advance (cash only) at Black Honey (217 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-750-0024).
The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
VIDEO: Clan Hannigan
The Northern Pikes at The Venue in Peterborough on May 10 and at The Lions Centre in Cobourg on May 12
Canadian rock band The Northern Pikes celebrate their 33rd anniversary with a tour stop at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-876-0008) on Wednesday, May 10th.
Best known for their 1990s radio hit “She Ain’t Pretty”, the band continues to make records and rock hard.
Tickets are $45 are available at The Venue. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m..
The band is also performing n Cobourg at The Lions Community Centre in Cobourg on Friday, May 12th. Tickets are $45 for that show too.
VIDEO: “She Ain’t Pretty” – The Northern Pikes
Peterborough LIVE Music Festival in downtown Peterborough from May 10 to 14
Peterborough LIVE Music Festival is back! The festival takes place from Wednesday, May 10th to Sunday, May 14th and features more than 100 acts at 23 venues across downtown Peterborough.
There are far too many performers to list here but, with rock, folk, metal, punk, hip hop, rap, jazz funk, R&B, country, bluegrass, DJs, and (new this year) dance, poetry, and comedy, there’s literally something for everyone.
All-access passes for the festival are $15 and single-show tickets are $5 and are available online at www.ticketscene.ca/series/469/. You can also get passes directly from the performers and venues, and passes and single-show tickets at the door for each show.
For more information on who’s playing when and where, check out peterboroughlive.ca.
The five-day Peterborough LIVE Music Festival features more than 100 acts at 23 venues across downtown Peterborough (poster: Peterborough LIVE)
“Songs in the Key of Cree” featuring Tomson Highway at the Market Hall in Peterborough on May 11
Living legend and Cree-Canadian playwright, songwriter, composer and pianist Tomson Highway performs “Songs in the Key of Cree” on Thursday, May 11th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
The evening will feature songs and compositions from five of Highway’s musicals written over the past 30 years. Joining him on stage will be Marcus Ali on saxophone and Peruvian-Canadian singer Patricia Cano.
This will be a special night featuring lively cabaret music and songs with Cree, English, and French lyrics by the trilingual Highway.
The concert is a fundraiser for Public Energy and the final show of the performing arts organization’s current season.
Tickets are $40 plus fees and there are special VIP cabaret seats for $100 plus fees that include a food and drink and a pre-show talk with Highway. Tickets are available at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.
VIDEO: Tomson, Patty and Marcus rehearsing “Songs in the Key of Cree”
VIDEO: Playing with Tomson Highway
Ian Foster at Catalina’s in Peterborough on May 15 and at The Loft in Cobourg on May 25
Newfoundland songwriter Ian Foster brings his clever tunes to Catalina’s (131 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-5972) on Monday, May 15th at 8 p.m.
Fosters’ writing contrasts living in a modern world with some elements of songcraft handed down by Ron Hynes and company. Tickets are available at the door.
Foster is also performing at The Loft (201 Division St., Cobourg, 905-372-2210) at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 25th.
VIDEO: “An Open Letter From the Island” – Ian Foster
DUNES at The Garnet in Peterborough on May 19
DUNES from Sudbury brings their hip garage rock sound to The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Friday, May 19th.
The band’s sound has elements of ’90s alternative rock that weave through their tunes, while sounding current and fresh. Cool stuff. DUNES will be joined by Peterborough (and beyond) favourites The Lonely Parade and Peterborough garage pop band Prime Junk.
The show begins around 10 p.m. with tickets available at the door for $5 to $8 or pay what you can.
VIDEO: “Alright” – Dunes
Hillsburn at The Loft in Cobourg on May 21
Halifax band Hillsburn have been getting a buzz across Canada with their infectious pop/folk sound. Layered vocals, lush arrangements. and powerful performances are their trademarks. They have garnered a number of award nominations and their star is quickly on the rise.
Catch them at The Loft (201 Division St., Cobourg, 905-372-2210) on Sunday, May 21st for a matinee show at 2 p.m.. For more information, call 905-372-2210 or email kenprue@gmail.com.
VIDEO: “Bury My Heart” – Hillsburn
Mairi Rankin and Allie Robertson at the Market Hall in Peterborough on May 26
Mairi Rankin, of Nova Scotia’s famous Rankin Family, will bring her wealth of traditional Cape Breton music to the stage at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) on Friday, May 26th at 8 p.m.
Also performing is Scottish-born Allie Robertson on the harp. This is a double bill that will be full of Celtic magic.
Tickets are $20 plus fees for general admission ($17 plus fees for students) or $25 plus fees for an assigned cabaret table seat. Get your tickets at the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
VIDEO: Mairi Rankin (with Quinn Bachand)
VIDEO: “Swerving for Bunnies” – Allie Robertson
Bobby Dove with Bobby Watson at The Garnet in Peterborough on May 29
Montreal cowgirl crooner Bobby Dove returns to Peterborough to play The Garnet (231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, 705-874-0107) on Monday, May 29th and will be joined by the great Bobby Watson on guitar.
Dove’s music is from the heart and combines her influences of great songwriters with personal anecdotes and moments in time that resonate with her audience. The show begins around 9 p.m. and tickets are available at the door.
VIDEO: “Another Doggone Day” – Bobby Dove
Save the date: Country Wild Music Festival at Victoria Park in Cobourg on June 3
On Saturday, June 3rd, head down to Cobourg’s Victoria Park for the town’s first-ever country music festival.
Cobourg locals Matt Williams and J Andrew Hall of Cobourg Music Festivals Inc. have lined up nine Canadian bands to perform at the one-day festival, including headliners Cold Creek Country.
Runaway Angel, Gentlemen Husbands, Kansas Stone, Colin Amey, Sacha, Sawmill Road, SweetGrass Band, and Marc Ekins will also be performing at the festival, which takes place from 3 to 10 p.m. (gates open at 2 p.m.).
It’s an all-ages event, but alcohol will be available.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the new 24-unit affordable housing project in Lindsay: Dylan Robichaud (representing Jamie Schmale, MP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock), Mayor Andy Letham, City of Kawartha Lakes Housing Manager Hope Lee, City of Kawartha Lakes CAO Ron Taylor, Director of KLH Housing Corp Board Elizabeth Howell-Jones, Councillor Doug Elmslie, Councillor and Director of KLH Housing Corp Board, and Councillor John Pollard. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)
The City of Kawartha Lakes held a ground-breaking ceremony today (May 1) for a new affordable housing project in Lindsay.
“Affordable housing must be the cornerstone of any poverty reduction plan,” said Mayor Andy Letham. “This project is one of the ways that, together with our federal and provincial partners, we’re executing a housing strategy to support our residents. We recognize that housing stability benefits our whole community.”
The new two-storey building, on Lindsay Street north at the corner of Queen Street, will consist of 24 one-bedroom apartments to be managed by Kawartha Lakes-Haliburton Housing Corporation (KLH Housing Corp), a local housing corporation and non-profit housing provider.
The $8 million project is supported by all levels of government and is aimed at ending long-term homelessness. The housing will accommodate some of the most vulnerable homeless individuals in the community. Occupancy is expected by July 2018.
Partnerships with support service agencies will provide on-site support for tenants, with programming and service space located within the building. The building will also house the City of Kawartha Lakes Human Services offices (currently located at 322 Kent Street in Lindsay).
In March 2016, councils of both the City of Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton approved participation in the 20,000 Homes National Campaign and committed to house 24 vulnerable homeless individuals by July 2018. With the help of more than 40 volunteers, the city’s Housing Help division identified 136 people as experiencing homelessness within the region.
“Unaffordable and poor quality housing is directly connected to poor health and well-being,” said Hope Lee, Manager of Housing for the City of Kawartha Lakes. “This significant investment in the quality and quantity of safe, affordable housing in Kawartha Lakes creates a foundation upon which those living in poverty and facing homelessness can build to achieve good health, well-being and opportunity.”
More than 1,200 residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes and County of Haliburton are waiting for financially assisted housing, 348 of whom identify with homelessness.
In addition to the new 24-unit building in Lindsay, KLH Housing Corp is working on creating another 40 affordable housing units, including 12 one-bedroom units for for seniors and those with physical disabilities at 57 Parkside Street in Minden, 12 three-bedroom family townhouses at 5 Bond Street East in Lindsay;, and a 16-unit addition to 48 St. Paul Street in Lindsay.
Six businesses run by entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 29 will be located and supported in The Cube in the VentureNorth building over the next four months, as part of the Slingshot summer incubator program run by the Innovation Cluster - Peterborough and the Kawarthas. (Photo: Innovation Cluster).
Six businesses run by youth entrepreneurs have been chosen for the new Slingshot summer incubator program at the Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas, which launched today (May 1) in The Cube at the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough.
The entrepreneurs are Tyler Williamson (World Tea Podcast), MaryBeth Miller and Melissa Butler (XXIV Social), Alex Gastle (Vetterview), Richard Cochrane (Status Exempt), Geoff Wolfer (Front Office Hockey), and Mackenzie Evenden (Evenden Imaging).
All the selected applicants are between the ages of 18 and 29 and were chosen for pitching business ideas deemed high potential for success, as well as showing determination in growing their businesses. Their businesses range from Software as a Service (SaaS) to high-resolution drone mapping and photography.
“By giving the opportunity for youth to have access to an innovative space like The Cube, it will allow them to move past their starting point of having an idea and turn their business goals into a reality, right in downtown Peterborough,” says Rosalea Terry, Marketing Manager and Innovation Specialist with the Innovation Cluster.
Slingshot is the Innovation Cluster’s first summer incubator program, which provides the opportunity for six young entrepreneurs to execute their business idea (or recent startup business) in Peterborough’s new downtown incubator The Cube, a business incubator located in the VentureNorth building at 270 George Street North.
The Innovation Cluster will provide the six entrepreneurs with co-working space in the Cube’s open concept environment as of Monday, May 1st.
Over the next four months, they will receive up to $5,000 worth of resources and funding opportunities throughout the program. During their time in The Cube, the entrepreneurs will work to grow their businesses while being guided and supported by other experienced clients and a staff of innovation specialists.
As an added incentive, the most successful business of the six youth entrepreneurs will receive a grand prize of $1,000 at the end of the four months.
Ponding of rainwater in the soccer fields on May 5 at Beavermead Park in Peterborough. (Photo: kawarthaNOW)
Environment Canada is continuing the rainfall warning for the Kawarthas region on Friday (May 5).
As of 2 p.m. on Friday afternoon, Environment Canada has reported the following rainfull totals:
51.8mm in Trent
48.3mm in Cobourg
33.8 mm in Peterborough
25.3 mm in Bancroft
Rain is forecast to persist through Saturday, as the weather system responsible for the precipition stalls over the region. The rain will be heaviest on Friday evening, with another 10 to 15 mm forecast, after which it should become lighter.
The total amount of rain may reach 70mm before the system moves out of the area.
With the ground already saturated, there is the potential for local flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Keep children and pets away from creeks and river banks. Consider moving valuable items in your basement to higher levels.
Otonabee Conservation has also updated its Flood Warning for the area. Current watershed conditions, combined with the latest weather forecast, suggest that water levels on the Kawartha Lakes (Buckhorn, Chemong, Pigeon, Lower Buckhorn, Lovesick, Stony, Clear and Katchewanooka Lakes) could experience unprecedented heights in the coming days.
Residents on these lakes are advised to prepare now by taking appropriate steps to protect themselves, their family members, their pets and their personal property. In particular, the following known historical flood-vulnerable areas are advised to take heed of this flood warning (note that this is not an exhaustive list):
Lake Name
Location Municipality
Location Description
Pigeon
Selwyn
Kingfisher Drive
Pigeon
Selwyn
Fothergill Drive
Buckhorn
Selwyn
Rabbit Run Road
Buckhorn
Selwyn
Shannon Drive
Buckhorn
Selwyn
Duffus Drive
Buckhorn
Selwyn
Roger Place
Buckhorn
Selwyn
Emerald Isle
Buckhorn
Selwyn
Greenwood Island
Buckhorn
Selwyn
Fire Route 19
Lower Buckhorn
Selwyn
Fire Route 22 / 23
Lower Buckhorn
Selwyn
Fire Route 25a
Lower Buckhorn
Selwyn
Victoria Springs
Lower Buckhorn
Selwyn
Deer Bay
Chemung
Selwyn
Newforest Drive
Chemung
Selwyn
Gifford Causeway
Chemung
Selwyn
Gifford Drive
Chemung
Selwyn
Pinehurst Ave
Chemung
Selwyn
Selwyn Shores Drive
Chemung
Selwyn
Upper Chemung Drive
Chemung
Selwyn
Fire Route 14b
Lovesick
Selwyn
Spring Lane N
Clear
Selwyn
Ayotte’s Point Lane
Clear
Selwyn
Youngs Point
Clear
Douro – Dummer
South Beach Rd
Clear
Douro – Dummer
Monroe Island Area
Clear
Douro – Dummer
Salmon Bay Rd
Katchewanooka
Selwyn
Fire Route 55
Katchewanooka
Douro – Dummer
Englewood Lane
Stony
Selwyn
Rock Crossway Lane
Stony
Douro – Dummer
Juniper Island
Stony
Douro – Dummer
McCracken’s Landing
Stony
Douro – Dummer
Hawkins Line
Stony
Douro – Dummer
Moore Island
Stony
Douro – Dummer
Gilchrist Bay
Stony
Douro – Dummer
Gibson Island
Stony
Douro – Dummer
Puffers Shore Road
Stony
Douro – Dummer
South Bay Shore Rd
Stony
Douro – Dummer
Fire Route 31
The Otonabee River may also experience unprecedented water levels and flows as a result of current watershed conditions when combined with the updated weather forecast. Residents located in historically flood-prone areas should take appropriate steps to protect themselves, their family members, their pets and their personal property ahead of the rising waters. In particular, the following known flood-vulnerable areas are advised to take heed of this flood warning: Cambelltown; Rosa Landing Road; Bensfort Bridge area; Jones Road; Deyell Road; Seven Oaks Drive; Wallace Point area; Cedar Bank Road; Green Acres Road; and, Willow Road / Matchett Line area (note that this is not an exhaustive list).
As the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River rise, there may also be backwater and tailwater conditions that cause flooding on the tributaries to these waterbodies and watercourses including, but are not limited to, Ray’s, Sawer, Jackson, Meade, Byersville, Riverview, Tompson, Bears, Cavan, Baxter and Squirrel Creeks.
Throughout the remainder of the Otonabee Region watershed, significant pooling and ponding can be expected in low-lying areas where there is poor drainage. As well, local rivers (Indian and Ouse Rivers) and creeks, which are already flowing at rates well above normal, will continue to experience very high flows and may even exceed their normal confines in those areas of low sidewalls and banks. Area residents located in historical flood-vulnerable areas are advised to prepare.
Area residents as well as visitors to the are, are advised to observe caution around all waterbodies and watercourses because area lakes, rivers, streams and creeks pose a serious danger due to high levels, very fast flows and extremely cold water temperatures. Dams, culverts and other water control and water conveyance structures should be avoided at all times.
A 46-year-old Peterborough man is facing numerous charges after police allege he defrauded his parents out of thousands of dollars.
In late April, the parents returned from several weeks out of town when they noticed multiple unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts, cheques that had been forged and cashed, a credit card account fraudulently opened in their name, and items stolen from their residence.
The parents also noticed that internet service and a home phone account had been added to their existing home services without their permission.
The parents reported the incidents to the police, who began an investigation.
On Saturday, April 29, the accused man was arrested and charged with: 11 counts of fraud under $5,000; eight counts of use, deals, acts on forged document; eight counts of making a forged document; three counts of identity theft; two counts of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000; one count of theft under $5,000; one count of mischief under $5,000; and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.
The accused man, who police have not identified, appeared in weekend and statutory holiday court on Sunday, April 30th.
The Peterborough Downtown Farmers' Market is a producers-only market, so you can be assured of fresh locally produced and grown products
The Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market opens for its 20th season this Wednesday (May 3) at 8:30 a.m.
The market, located at the Louis Street Parking Lot on Charlotte Street just east of Aylmer in downtown Peterborough, is open every Wednesday until October from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market originally opened in 1997 on Charlotte Street between Water and George Street, and moved to the Louis Street Parking Lot in 2011.
The market is located at the Louis Sreet Parking Lot on Charlotte Street just east of Aylmer in downtown Peterborough
At its current location, it has expanded to include more than 50 stalls and 35 vendors at peak season.
The market is a producers-only market, with vendors required to be the primary producer of 80 per cent of the products on their tables (the exceptions being Ontario-grown fruit that’s not available locally as well as approved products from neighbouring farms).
The market offers seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meats, honey, maple syrup, flowers and plants, baked goods, and arts and crafts.
It’s almost strawberry season!
Prepared foods are also available, so it’s a great place to stop during your Wednesday lunch hour.
Every year, the market organizes special events such as Pancake Fest, Strawberry Fest, and Corn Fest to celebrate local produce as it comes into season, and caps off the season with the popular Iron Chef Market Cook-Off Challenge in September.
The market also hosts a guest chef monthly to provide an on-site cooking demonstration and to give out samples of their wares.
Guest chef Martin Vanden Anker at the Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market
For a list of vendors at the market, check out the “map” below and visit ptbodowntownmarket.com.
A map of the local vendors at the Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market
All photos and graphics courtesy of the Peterborough Downtown Farmers’ Market.
On May 5th, Paul Rellinger will ascend to the roof of The Brick in Peterborough for a sixth straight year. He will stay there for 48 hours while volunteers collect donations to support Habitat for Humanity.
Everything has a shelf life — including a 59-year-old man who’s not good with heights calling the roof of a Peterborough store home for two days.
But one thing that has no expiry date is the generosity of Peterborough and area residents. So it is that Habitat For Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region will benefit for a sixth year courtesy of Relly On The Roof, my annual 48-hour stay on the roof of The Brick (in the Summit Plaza at 1200 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough).
With the help of the Peterborough Fire Department and its very cool aerial ladder, I’ll ascend at noon on Friday, May 5th.
Using its aerial ladder, the Peterborough Fire Department will deposit Paul “Relly” Rellinger on the roof of The Brick. Here he is at last year’s event, accepting a pizza donated by Peter Bouzinelos of The Pizza Factory. (Photo: Habitat for Humanity)
There I will stay until noon on Sunday, May 7th, as dozens of pink t-shirted Habitat For Humanity volunteers, buckets in hand, collect donations at the plaza’s two main entrances off Lansdowne and Clonsilla Avenues, as well as at various locations in the plaza proper.
My job? Simple, according to Brick manager Derek Deyell. Don’t fall off.
This is how Paul gets his food and drink while staying on the roof. He won’t say how he deals with the inevtiable result of eating and drinking. (Photo: Habitat for Humanity)
Following in the roof steps of Al Harding and Ted Dawes, Relly On The Roof was first held in October 2011 as a fundraiser for the United Way campaign. For years, Harding raised cash and awareness for Easter Seals atop Canadian Tire while Dawes danced atop Morello’s Independent Grocer to the great benefit of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.
All that Relly On the Roof has become I owe to their groundbreaking spirit. Both have kindly dropped by and lent their support. Only roof toppers understand their own.
That first Relly On The Roof event saw close to $5,500 raised for the United Way along with a load of awareness for the campaign. A key supporter, as he is now, was Camille Parent. When the event was next held in spring 2012, it was first presented as part of the Peterborough Cares Fundraising Weekend, which saw thousands of dollars raised for a number of charities.
With Habitat For Humanity being one of the charities The Brick supports nationally, it was a no-brainer to designate that organization the benefactor moving forward. Like many of you, I have since come to appreciate Habitat For Humanity’s core mission and values as well as the uplifting spirit its staff and volunteers bring to the important work they do.
I’m just a guy on the roof. They do the grunt work. This is their event. They own it and they make it work, thanks in no small part to Resource Development Manager Emily Ferguson and Community Engagement Co-ordinator Kate Cook as well as Sara Mountenay, the current ReStore manager who, in the years prior, pulled it all together.
In 2016, Relly on the Roof raised $9,375.65 for Habitat for Humanity (mainly in change).
Last year saw an incredible $9,375.65 collected — all in loose change for the most part. Each year, when asked if there’s a goal, I note cracking the $10,000 mark would be swell, but that shouldn’t be interpreted as a measure of the event’s success. With the help of so many media friends who kindly donate space and air time, and the social media postings of countless others, Habitat For Humanity is very much in the news, raising awareness of its important work. That is the true value of this event.
Better still, because of the deals it has with suppliers, Habitat For Humanity is able to make the dollars brought in stretch further, helping it build simple, decent and affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. The number of homes built is inching towards 30.
The one question I answer most in the lead-up to Relly On The Roof concerns, well, personal waste disposal. That is a roof fundraising trade secret. That said, I don’t advise hanging out on the west side of The Brick during the overnight hours. I’m just saying.
A rooftop selfie from 2016’s Relly on the Roof. Paul will spend two nights on the roof of The Brick in a tent, complete with a sleeping bag and mattress.
Where do I sleep? I have a tent, complete with a sleeping bag and mattress, and I allow myself the luxury of a space heater.
As for hazards, the seagulls don’t always play nice and, a few years back, I almost got clunked by a wayward golf ball courtesy of a very bad slice at the nearby Kawartha Golf and Country Club.
As for the weather, it has been cold, hot, windy and rainy. I don’t do lightning and thunder very well, so fingers crossed on that one.
I have to say a few words about a very special group of people who, year in and year out, are there for this event. Whenever I ask local singers and musicians to entertain as part of a live music showcase at the event, the answer back is always “What time?”
Paul’s early morning view from the roof of The Brick, with coffee courtesy of Tim Hortons.
Since day one, Rick and Gailie Young, Jan Schoute, Terry Guiel, and John Crown have lent their time and talents to Relly On The Roof. They will do so again this year on Saturday, May 6th starting at 1 p.m., joined this year by Elyse Saunders and Austin Carson.
I can’t thank each of them enough for bringing more attention to Relly On The Roof by the simple act of their involvement.
And then there’s the support of plaza tenants Canadian Tire, Scotiabank, Tim Hortons, and Sobeys — the latter again donating hot dogs and soft drinks for the weekend-long barbecue.
As for keeping me nourished, Boston Pizza is on it. The penne with the Italian sausage is killer! And, of course, there’s Deyell and the staff of The Brick who keep me safe, and entertain my hope that one year I will find a big screen TV in my tent to help while away the quiet night hours.
And while I always joke that my wife Mary donates a couple of hundred bucks to keep me on the roof for a week, this doesn’t happen without her unfailing support. Not even close.
Paul’s evening view from the roof of The Brick as he prepares to crawl into his roof-top tent. “I don’t do lightning and thunder very well, so fingers crossed on that one.”
After the first Relly On The Roof event, I was quoted as saying I was “humbled and delighted but not surprised” over the amount raised, adding, “This is Peterborough. This is what we do.” That holds true now.
What we do is look after our own like nobody else. You don’t have to have a panoramic view of the city to see that. It’s all around us every day … and it’s wonderful.
All photos courtesy of Paul Rellinger except where noted.
In this scene from the award-winning "Murphy's Law", which returns to Showplace for a screening on May 12, filmmaker Megan Murphy lies at the edge of a cliff on the Aran Islands in Ireland. It was the same spot where her father, taking the same journey of self-discovery in 1973, decided to spend the rest of his life with Megan's mother. (Photo: Megan Murphy)
This spring, local filmmaker Megan Murphy is bringing back her award-winning documentary Murphy’s Law for one last screening at Showplace Performance Centre — along with her latest work, Towns End, a short documentary about the recent closing of PG Towns & Son General Store in Douro.
The Towns End screening will also feature an Irish-style party to celebrate the launch of a new business in the PG Towns & Son General Store building.
Megan — well known in Peterborough as a radio host and an actor (she has a role in the New Stages production of Our Town) — premiered Murphy’s Law, her first feature film, last June at two sold-out screenings at Showplace.
VIDEO: Murphy’s Law trailer
Last fall, she took Murphy’s Law to the prestigious Fingal Film Festival in Ireland, where it won Best Documentary.
The acclaimed documentary, which kawarthaNOW’s Sam Tweedle calls “a brave and beautiful film”, describes Megan’s journey of self-discovery that begins after she discovers her late father’s long-lost journal in her childhood home. The journal chronicles his 1973 solo bike journey through Ireland when he was just 26 years old.
Heart-broken after the end of a six-year relationship, and still struggling with grief over the 2012 death of her mother and the 2004 death of her father, Megan decides to resurrect her father’s original 1973 red Peugeot and travel to Ireland to retrace his journey and to discover her Irish roots.
In “Murphy’s Law”, after discovering her father’s long-lost journal in her childhood home, Megan Murphy retraces the same bicycle journey across Ireland that her father took in 1973. (Photo: Megan Murphy)
The screening of Murphy’s Law takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 12th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469). Make sure to bring some tissues!
Megan will participate in a question-and-answer session following the screening.
Tickets are $20 and are available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
The following Thursday (May 18) at Showplace, Megan will also be screening her new short documentary Towns End, which premiered at Peterborough’s ReFrame Film Festival this past January to rave reviews.
Towns End, directed by Megan with cinematography by Rob Viscardis, tells the story of the closing of PG Towns & Son General Store in Douro.
After 124 years as a cornerstone of the Douro community and four generations of the Towns family running the shop, the store finally closed its doors in September 2016 — the victim of the changing retail landscape of big box superstores. The 24-minute documentary asks the question: what do we really value?
“Towns End” is Megan Murphy’s short documentary about the closing of the 124-year-old PG Towns & Son General Store in Douro. (Photo: Megan Murphy)
Ironically, the screening of Towns End will also feature a celebration. Nancy Towns, along with Bernard and Lise Leahy, plan to open a new store in May — Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli — in the former PG Towns & Son General Store building. So, prior to the screening, Megan is hosting a party akin to a traditional Irish kitchen party. There will be drinks, music (including by Kate Suhr and Melissa Payne), storytelling, and more.
The Irish kitchen party celebration and screening of Towns End begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 18th at at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-7469). Tickes are $20 and are available at the Showplace Box Office or online at www.showplace.org.
If you’re interested in attending the screenings of both Murphy’s Law and Towns End, Showplace is offering a 10 per cent discount if you order tickets for both events at www.showplace.org.
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