Best-selling author, local educator, and parent disability advocate Adelle Purdham is one of the three featured presenters at the "Spring into Learning Series" on May 3, 2025 at Five Counties Children's Centre in Peterborough. The event is open to anyone in the community who has a child with a disability or works with individuals with disabilities. (Photo courtesy of Adelle Purdham)
From a former client sharing his experiences around growing up with a disability to a bestselling author and parent of a child with Down syndrome discussing her personal journey, Five Counties Children’s Centre is offering a new learning opportunity focused on seeing children’s abilities first.
The regional children’s treatment centre is organizing the “Spring into Learning Series” on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its site in Peterborough, located at 800 Dutton Rd.
The event features personal accounts from guest presenters, along with a Five Counties clinician who advocates for a care framework that focuses on a child’s strengths and not the need to “fix” them.
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“I think it’s important to see the abilities in all people, regardless of their age,” Bill Eekhof, spokesperson for Five Counties, told kawarthaNOW. “That said, we know research shows the early years are fundamental to a child’s future success in life. That’s why early intervention and harnessing the abilities in every child ensures they have the supports they need to succeed.”
“The Spring into Learning Series will explore this further, by helping parents, caregivers and other attendees understand they are not alone in caring for a child with a disability and that there are supports available to help assist their family while helping them to better advocate for their child. Spring has sprung, and with it, a new parent learning series that aims to shatter stereotypes about disability with the aim of embracing the abilities in all children and youth.”
While Five Counties supports kids with physical, developmental, and communication needs at five sites across the Kawarthas, the spring learning event is a community outreach effort that is open to all families of children with disabilities and community members who work with individuals with disabilities.
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“We want to help parents, caregivers, and community members understand they are not alone in caring for a child with a disability and that there are supports available to help assist their family while helping them to better advocate for their child,” says Hayley Hodges, the event organizer and client and family engagement lead with Five Counties.
The Spring into Learning Series will feature local educator and former Five Counties client Adam White, local educator and parent disability advocate Adelle Purdham, and Five Counties occupational therapist Ashley Parsons.
In his presentation “Seeing the Ability, Not the Disability, in Every Person,” White will share his experiences growing up with cerebral palsy and how the support he received from his parents and at Five Counties helped him realize that anything was possible.
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Purdham, who is the best-selling author of the book I Don’t Do Disability and Other Lies I’ve Told Myself, will lead a workshop where she will encourage parents and other participants to think more deeply about internalized “ableism” — the mistaken belief that people with disabilities are less valuable than able-bodied individuals and need to be “fixed.”
“Purdham will share her own journey as mother to a child with Down syndrome, discuss how to talk about disability, explore the concepts of ableism and allyship, and support participants in reclaiming the narrative about their child’s disability,” reads the media release.
Five Counties occupational therapist Ashley Parsons will introduce the F-words of child development, an evidence-based framework that focus on six key areas of a child’s health and well-being: Functioning, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future.
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The F-Words represent a shift in thinking, as the framework aims to move from a medical model of “fixing” kids to a strength-based approach that promotes health and development using all aspects of a child’s life.
The Spring into Learning Series will include snacks, lunch, an opportunity to mix-and-mingle with other participants, and a chance for attendees to offer input on how Five Counties can better engage and support families.
Emily Whetung-MacInnes, Director of Indigenous Partnerships at Ontario Power Generation and former Chief of Curve Lake First Nation, will be the keynote speaker during the luncheon and awards presentation for the inaugural Luminary Awards, hosted by the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. The sold-out event is taking place on May 8, 2025 at The Great Hall of Trent University's Champlain College. (File photo)
The Great Hall of Trent University’s Champlain College will soon be shining brightly with inspiring, change-making, and powerhouse local women in business.
At its inaugural — and now sold out — Luminary Awards for Women in Business luncheon on Thursday, May 8, the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating the 56 women in the city and county of Peterborough who were nominated by their peers for the awards, and announcing the five recipients of the awards that recognize both entrepreneurs and employees.
“It’s really important to be surrounded by like-minded women,” says chamber board chair Susan Dunkley. “That fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment and I think it’s wonderful to have an opportunity to gather and share experiences and celebrate everybody’s achievements.”
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With Luminary Awards co-founder Karen August acting as emcee, the event will welcome Emily Whetung-MacInnes as the keynote speaker.
Currently the Director of Indigenous Partnerships for Ontario Power Generation, Whetung-MacInnes is well known in the community as the former Chief of Curve Lake First Nation and, prior to that, as a practising lawyer.
“Emily is a person who shines brightly, and that is of course the theme of the Luminary Awards — women who are shining brightly in the community,” says Dunkley.
Emily Whetung-MacInnes paddling with her family. (Photo via Ontario Power Generation)
As for Whetung-MacInnes, who is also a mother of two boys, she is committed to supporting other women and recognizing the work that they’re doing, particularly in Indigenous communities.
“It’s really important to me to support primarily other Indigenous women — Indigenous peoples in general and women in general — but to be a supportive voice and offer a supportive space for people who are trying to make change,” she notes.
Specifically, Whetung-MacInnes says she was drawn to the idea of the awards stream celebrating not just the “best of” women in business, but also the everyday things women are doing to effect change, whether by changing perspectives and attitudes or by making systemic change.
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“I love the idea of changing the way that we interact and being supportive of the people who are changing the way the world works,” she says.
Whetung-MacInnes also recognizes the need for female leaders to guide those who are just starting out, noting that Chief Laurie Carr of Hiawatha First Nation was that person for her when she first became Chief of Curve Lake.
“(She) made me feel welcome and introduced me to leadership in general, but also to other female leaders,” she says. “She helped create a space that I could walk into, and I was so grateful for that.”
Now Director of Indigenous Partnerships at Ontario Power Generation, Emily Whetung-MacInnes served as Chief of Curve Lake First Nation from 2019 to 2022. Prior to that, she was a practising lawyer. (Photo via Ontario Power Generation)
Whetung-MacInnes adds that she has had “so many incredible female role models,” including her mother, who was a principal with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and a mother to five daughters.
“She always encouraged us to take up the space that we were entitled to — or should be entitled to — and to make sure that it was the right place for who we are,” she says. “She was always very much (saying), ‘If it’s the right space for your voice, make sure that your voice is heard.'”
“One of the things I think the Luminary (Awards) committee has heard me say in the past was, as women, we have to learn to walk through the middle of the door, which just means don’t be shy, and don’t stand around the edges, but take that space. This was a message that my mother has given me since I was just a little girl, and one my father supported as well.”
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Whetung-MacInnes highlights the importance of the awards also including the employee categories, which recognize that women making change in the community are not just those in leadership positions but also those who are working behind the scenes.
“You don’t have to be the head of something or the leader of something or the best at something to be a change maker,” she says. “You can have any job at any level of a company, or any role in a community, and you can still make change.”
“I think women are particularly good at this through history, as we haven’t always been recognized and we haven’t always had the influence that we want to or that we should. But it doesn’t matter where you stand in a hierarchy or a system — you have the ability to impact it and can still be a role model.”
Some of the 56 women who have been nominated for the inaugural Luminary Awards for Women in Business celebrate during an announcement at the offices of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce on March 5, 2025. An awards luncheon will take place on Thursday, May 8 in the Great Hall at Champlain College at Trent University. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)
That ability to make change is what Whetung-MacInnes will be focusing on during her keynote speech during the Luminary Awards luncheon.
“We’ve had so many women who have created this space for us to have a voice, so it’s important to take that voice,” she says.
“If you don’t have a seat at a table, sometimes you have to bring your own (voice) and, as women, it’s okay to squish over and make space for somebody else, too, or hold their hand if they’re nervous to come through that door with you. That doesn’t take away from what you’re doing, as shining the light on somebody else makes it brighter.”
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Along with the keynote speech by Whetung-MacInnes, the inaugural Luminary Awards event will include a catered lunch provided by Trent University, followed by the award ceremony where the five recipients, as chosen by anonymous local community members, will be announced in the categories of Trailblazer – Entrepreneur, Barrier Buster – Employee, One to Watch – Employee, Emerging Entrepreneur, and Legacy.
The physical awards were made by local Douro sculptor Garrett Gilbart using silver and gold-plated trays discarded by clients of Dunkley, who is the founder of Suzi Home Maker, an organizing, downsizing, and transitioning business.
“I can’t tell you how many houses I clear where they have metal and trophies and certificates and it just goes to the landfill,” Dunkley says. “I was excited that we were taking something and recreating it into something new, because I think that’s almost symbolic of our winners. All of our nominees have created something new with themselves, with a business, or with a concept.”
Susan Dunkley, chair of the board of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, addresses attendees during an announcement of the nominees of the inaugural Luminary Awards for Women in Business at the chamber offices on March 5, 2025. An awards luncheon will take place on Thursday, May 8 in the Great Hall at Champlain College at Trent University. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)
As well as celebrating local women, the Luminary Awards luncheon will also provide ample opportunity for attendees to network and connect with one another.
“The chance to be at the luncheon opens doors for possible mentorship and collaborations,” Dunkley points out. “It’s really important to celebrate the successes that women demonstrate in their personal and professional lives, and this is a chance for us to do that.”
While the event is sold out, a waitlist is available. Contact Tricia Mason, marketing and events coordinator for the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, at tricia@pkchamber.ca if you want to have your name added to the waitlist.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be the presenting media sponsor of the Luminary Awards.
encoreNOW for April 7, 2025 features (from left to right, top and bottom) Peterborough Pop Ensemble at the Market Hall, Paul DeLong's ONE WORD at Peterborough's Sadleir House, Lunch at Allen's at Port Hope's Capitol Theatre and Lindsay's Academy Theatre, J.P. Cormier at Bancroft Village Playhouse, PJ Thomas at Peterborough's Take Cover Books, and the Peterborough Theatre Guild's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at Showplace Performance Centre. (kawarthaNOW collage)
encoreNOW is a bi-weekly column by Paul Rellinger where he features upcoming music, theatre, film, and performing arts events and news from across the Kawarthas.
This week, Paul highlights Good Ol’ A Capella featuring the Peterborough Pop Ensemble, a night of jazz fusion in Peterborough featuring Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD, last call for Lunch At Allen’s in both Port Hope and Lindsay, J.P. Cormier in concert at Bancroft’s Village Playhouse, Peterborough poet PJ Thomas’ reading of her newest work in progress, and the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s season-closing presentation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Who needs instruments? Not the Peterborough Pop Ensemble
VIDEO: “Dancing Queen” – Peterborough Pop Ensemble (2014)
There’s a reason the Peterborough Pop Ensemble continues to draw well for its concerts.
Besides being very entertaining, the choral ensemble is comfort food of sorts, its long history serving as a reminder that our local cultural organizations have had, and continue to have, a revered place in our lives.
Now the Peterborough Pop Ensemble is back at it anew, presenting “Good Ol’ A Capella” on Saturday, April 12 at Market Hall in the downtown core.
With the always-entertaining Linda Kash serving as emcee, the ensemble will perform sans instruments, their voices alone featured. On the menu are some pieces the choral group has sung for years and newer pieces arranged by group members.
Invited for the last two years to perform in Toronto at SING!, an international a capella festival, the ensemble has lost a step since first performing in 2000 as the Peterborough Singers Pop Ensemble under the direction of the late Barb Monahan. It wasn’t until 2009 the Peterborough Pop Ensemble came to be.
Tickets to the 7 p.m. concert cost $30 ($20 for students and children) and can be ordered online at markethall.org.
Experience a night of ’70s jazz fusion with Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD at Sadleir House on April 16
VIDEO: Paul DeLong’s ONE WORD promo reel
If you missed Canadian drum legend Paul DeLong’s jazz fusion band ONE WORD when they performed at Peterborough’s Gordon Best Theatre in May 2023 and again at the Market Hall in October of that year, you’ll get another chance at Sadleir House in Peterborough on Wednesday, April 16.
April is Jazz Appreciation Month, so it’s a great time to check out this show, billed as “A Night of Fusion”. A Juno award-winning drummer, Paul DeLong formed ONE WORD seven ago to perform rarely heard classic tunes from the great jazz-rock fusion bands of the 1970s, including the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Chick Corea’s Return to Forever, Allan Holdsworth, Weather Report, the late guitarist Jeff Beck, jazz violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, and more.
Award-winning electric violinist Victoria Yeh, who moved from Toronto to Peterborough a few years ago and now performs regularly around town including with guitarist Mike Graham, is one of the members of the band, along with Grammy nominee Steve Lucas on bass, Michael Murray on guitar, and Marco Luciani on keyboards, and band leader Paul DeLong on drums.
Guitarists will also want to check out a masterclass with ONE WORD’s Michael Murray at Sadleir House prior to the concert at 3:30 p.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome to attend and bring their guitars for what is promised to be “an interactive learning experience that will maximize your creativity and push you to new heights on the guitar and in your music.”
Tickets are pay what you can, with a suggested price of $15, and are available at victoria-yeh-violin.tickit.ca/events/28849. All participants will save $10 at the door for the evening concert.
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Lunch At Allen’s finale features stops in Port Hope and Lindsay on April 17 and 24
VIDEO: Lunch At Allen’s Farewell Tour in Ontario 2025
The number of now years-old endeavours, musically or otherwise, that started as a one-off is really quite remarkable. Take Lunch At Allen’s, for example.
It was back in 2004 that Canadian recording artists and songwriters Cindy Church, Marc Jordan, Murray McLauchlan, and Ian Thomas came together for a one-off eight-city tour.
Here we are now, two decades and countless performances on, and the quartet is on the road for its final tour — a farewell celebration that includes a stop at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre on Thursday, April 17 followed a concert at Lindsay’s Academy Theatre on Thursday, April 24.
Having taking its name from Allen’s Restaurant on Toronto’s Danforth Avenue where Jordan, MacLauchlan, and Thomas often met for lunch, the group formed at the bidding of MacLauchlan after he was diagnosed with serious heart issue requiring surgery.
As individuals, its members have written for, or sung on, a staggering 25 million recordings. This concert will see them perform many familiar hit songs as well as new selections, all while sharing stories of their music journey, both as individuals and as a group.
It’s difficult not to be impressed by the calibre of entertainment that the Bancroft Village Playhouse habitually brings to its stage.
Add J.P. Cormier to that long list of terrific performers.
On Wednesday, April 23, the London-born bluegrass-folk-Celtic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist will perform, drawing upon a huge catalogue of his songs.
It was back in 1997 that Cormier released his debut album Another Morning to rave reviews, earning himself a Juno Award nomination.
Sixteen albums followed, bringing him 13 East Coast Music Awards, another Juno Award nomination, and a Canadian Folk Music Award. Along the way, Cormier’s mastery of a variety of instruments — guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, piano and the like — has been a constant.
Not even serious injuries resulting from a 2009 truck accident slowed down Cormier. While he had to put a halt to touring in 2012, he kept up his songwriting ways, releasing a new album that same year.
Tickets to the 7 p.m. concert, presented by Tweed & Company, cost $32.50 plus tax at www.villageplayhouse.ca.
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Peterborough poet PJ Thomas shares her latest work-in-progress at April 24 reading at Take Cover Books
VIDEO: “Emerging” – PJ Thomas (2022)
I count myself among the many who have enjoyed PJ Thomas’ company. Her down-to-earth persona immediately puts one to ease.
But more than that, I’ve come to admire Thomas’ dedication to her craft, and the self-discipline it takes to daily sit down, pen in hand, and create images, and capture thoughts, with a few well-chosen words.
Thomas regularly shares her poetry on Facebook — a most welcome break from the divisive and antagonistic diatribes that thrive on social media.
But every now and then, she ventures out to share her work in person. One of those times is Thursday, April 24 (rescheduled from April 10) when, at Take Cover Books on Hunter Street East, she’ll host a live reading of her half-finished manuscript for Afterwaves.
A work-in-progress that has been funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, Afterwaves examines the Peterborough arts community as it navigated the challenges of the pandemic years. Incorporating both poetry and creative non-fiction, it’s described as funny, lyrical, and heartbreaking.
Reading Thomas’ work will be Laurel Paluck, Frank Flynn, and Hilary Wear. Audience feedback will be sought afterwards during a question-and-answer session.
With the grant, Thomas was able to ask friends, and artists she had never met, for their experiences during the pandemic, providing $50 for 10 who responded. The questionnaire is still accessible at pjpoet.ca for any artist who wants to share.
Joseph’s bringing his remarkable dreamcoat to Showplace Performance Centre from April 24 to May 23
VIDEO: “Any Dream Will Do” – Donny Osmond (1999 Film)
You know anything that Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice worked on together is going to be good. Really good, actually.
Take Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, for example.
First staged on Broadway in 1982 where it was nominated for seven Tony Awards, the musical — based on the character of Joseph from the Old Testament’s Book of Genesis — is as family-friendly as it gets, its retelling of Joseph’s story, familiar themes, and catchy music numbers ensuring a lively night at the theatre.
To close out what’s been a very good 2024-25, the Peterborough Theatre Guild is presenting the musical that has seen many revivals — including a film version that many recall starring Donny Osmon — at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough.
The Guild has called upon the considerable talents of Robert Ainsworth to direct the production. Since emigrating here from England in 1980, he’s collaborated in producing musicals and children’s plays, and written plays too, including Dirty Little Secrets, Autumn Leaves, and The Mouse House. His bookshelf is chock full of awards for his work. Joseph et al are clearly in the very good hands of the Peterborough Pathway of Fame inductee.
With Brian Macdonald as musical director and Julie Fallis as choreographer, the spring musical’s leading cast members include Brayden Ellis as Joseph, Macayla Vaughan as the Narrator, Mark Hiscox as Jacob, Brian MacDonald as Reuben, Keevin Carter as Simeon, Harry Clark as Judah, Keith Goranson as Potiphar, Patty Best as Mrs. Potiphar, and James Burrell as the Pharoah.
Performances are April 25 and 26 and April 30 to May 3 at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on April 27 and May 4. For tickets, visit www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com.
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Encore
Not unlike any one of a number of Folk Under The Clock concerts since 1986, the April 11 show headlined by Lennie Gallant is sold out — but this one is particularly special as it marks the grand finale of the 38-year concert series. It’s sure to be an emotional evening for series founder Mike Barker and his wife Sonja, who turned their passion for all things folk music into a cherished Peterborough live music tradition. More than one folk music fan remains grateful that the couple pursued their love of the genre after moving here from Edmonton, the result being 141 concerts featuring a who’s who of Canadian and international artists. Well done, Mike and Sonja … and thank you.
While one music tradition is ending, another may be in the offing with the Canadian Canoe Museum announcing its inaugural Music in the Museum concert. On May 24, two-time Juno award-winning singer and songwriter Old Man Luedecke will perform in the museum’s lovely and intimate atrium space. According to museum programs manager Peter Vooys, it’s the first of a number of concerts planned. That said, they’ll only proceed with support, so visit www.canoemuseum.ca/music-in-the-museum to order your $45 ticket.
Northumberland County Archives & Museum (NCAM) has announced its inaugural exhibition at its new Cobourg facility will be titled Gidinawendimin, meaning "we are all related" in Anishinaabemowin, also known as the Ojibwe language. The new museum is expected to open in the fall of 2025. In recognition of Cameco's support for the exhibition, the public research and programming space within the new NCAM facility will be named the "Cameco Reading Room." (Rendering: Salter Pilon Architecture)
Northumberland County Archives & Museum (NCAM) has announced the inaugural exhibition at its new state-of-the-art space, set to open in Cobourg this fall.
NCAM’s first exhibition in the new space will be titled Gidinawendimin, meaning “we are all related” in the Ojibwe language Anishinaabemowin. The exhibit, opening alongside the new building, will celebrate Anishinaabemowin in the Michi Saagiig dialect — the first predominant language spoken on the Williams Treaty First Nations territory.
“The idea for the exhibit came from our desire to honour the long history of people on this land and our commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action,” NCAM curator Katie Kennedy told kawarthaNOW.
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The exhibit has been designed through collaboration and partnership with e wiindmaagzijig — a circle of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and leaders in language revitalization — who provided guidance to ensure the Michi Saagiig content is authentic, accurate, and respectfully showcases the beauty, resiliency and vibrancy of the Anishinaabeg language.
“Through years of discussion and partnership with e wiindmaagzijig, the seed of an idea has grown into a beautiful, dynamic celebration of the Anishinaabe culture,” Kennedy said. “By welcoming the community into the new NCAM with some of the words first spoken on this land, we hope to support ongoing language revitalization efforts and begin in a good way.”
The e wiindmaagzijig circle provided guidance both to NCAM staff and Entro, an award-winning experiential design firm, for the exhibit.
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Tom Cowie, Hiawatha First Nation Eagle Staff carrier and member of e wiindmaagzijig, spoke about the exhibit in Anishinaabemowin.
Translation: “Our language is everything. It carries our stories, traditions, and knowledge. It connects us with our relations, our people, the lands, water, and the living things. This exhibit invites everyone to hear and understand the wisdom passed down from our ancestors.”
A full version of the exhibit will be available in Cobourg at the new NCAM when it opens, and at the Peterborough Museum and Archives in 2026, creating a year-long celebration. A compact mobile version of the exhibit will also circulate in 2025 and 2026 through communities, cultural centres, and schools across Williams Treaty First Nations territory.
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The inaugural exhibit and NCAM has also been made possible in part by the Government of Canada, along with significant support from Cameco, the world’s largest publicly traded uranium company based in Saskatoon and with a uranium conversion facility in Port Hope.
“Cameco is honoured to support the development of Gidinawendimin and to celebrate the first predominant language spoken on this territory,” said Dale Clark, vice-president of Cameco’s Fuel Services Division. “This is an important initiative to honour the rich history of Indigenous languages and demonstrate the need to preserve Indigenous history, culture and the wisdom of generations.”
Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander said Northumberland is grateful for Cameco’s support of the exhibit.
“This partnership will help us honour the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous languages on this territory, while creating a space where all residents can learn, reflect, and appreciate the diverse history that has shaped this community,” Ostrander said. “We are excited for residents and visitors to experience this meaningful exhibit, and we are proud to work with Cameco and e wiindmaagzijig in preserving a vital part of this land’s history.”
As part of Cameco’s contribution, a public research and programming space within the new NCAM facility will be named the “Cameco Reading Room.”
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NCAM’s new location is part of a collaboration with the Golden Plough Lodge, the only municipally operated long-term care home in Northumberland. The new 203,000-square foot and 180-bed facility in which NCAM will be located is adjacent to the existing Golden Plough Lodge, situated on county-owned property.
The new location will also feature a gallery, conservation lab, and collections storage to support the protection and preservation of archival materials and artefacts that represent the stories of the people, places, and development of Northumberland County.
Events and programs will be announced in the coming months, and residents will be invited to tour the facility and explore Gidinawendimin.
Neil Young performing at his "Home Town" concert at Coronation Hall in Omemee in 2017. (kawarthaNOW screenshot)
More than seven years after he performed a hometown concert in Omemee, legendary Canadian musician Neil Young will be performing a benefit concert for Lakefield College School — but ticket prices will be out of the range of the average fan.
According to a media release from the school, Young will perform a solo outdoor concert on the Northcote campus at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 23.
Located just north of the school’s main campus, the Northcote campus is a 160-acre farm that was donated to Lakefield College School in 2007 by Gretchen and Donald Ross. The property is home to a historic farmhouse built in 1878.
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All proceeds from Young’s concert will be donated to support the restoration of the farmhouse and adjacent cabins.
The idea for the concert began when Young and his wife, actor and director Daryl Hannah — the couple moved from Colorado to the Omemee area in 2020 during the pandemic — visited the farm last fall. Hannah and a friend joined the students in harvesting vegetables and learning preparation and dying.
“While exploring the farmhouse and surrounding land, they were struck by the character of the site and the school’s commitment to sustainability-focused, hands-on education,” reads the media release, and “offered to help restore the farmhouse and cabins.”
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“This classic turn-of-the-century farm, restored to its original greatness, is a testimony to the history of Canada,” Young said.
Lakefield College School says it hopes the Northcote campus, which is home to the school’s organic educational farm, will one day also be used to celebrate music and the arts.
As a child, Young lived in Omemee — the “town in north Ontario” mentioned in Young’s 1967 song “Helpless.” The Young family moved there at the end of August 1949, when Neil was almost four years old.
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He lived in Omemee for four years (it was where he contracted polio, during the 1951 epidemic) until 1953, when his family moved to Winnipeg. Many years later, his father — journalist and author Scott Young — returned to live in the area until he died in 2005 (a public school in Omemee is named in Scott Young’s honour).
Young returned to visit Omemee many times since then and, on December 1, 2017, performed a by-invitation-only “Home Town” concert in the village’s Coronation Hall. Directed by Hannah, the concert was livestreamed to fans both in Canada and around the world.
As for Young’s benefit concert for Lakefield College School, it’s taking place during Lakefield College School’s “Home to the Grove” alumni weekend from May 23 to 25. Around 2,500 tickets — which were offered first to alumni — will be sold for the concert.
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Tickets range from $500 to $1,500 plus fees, depending on how close you are to the stage, and are available via Ticketmaster.
Gates open at 6 p.m. for the May 23rd concert and no on-site parking is available.
For those who can’t afford tickets, a new documentary on Neil Young called Coastal will premiere in theatres on Thursday, April 17. Directed by Hannah, the film follows Young on a coastal road trip and musical journey during his solo tour, offering intimate backstage moments.
Little Lake rising above the retaining walls and flooding the parking lot at Ashburnham Lock 20 between Rogers Cove and Beavermead Park in Peterborough in May 2017. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
The City of Peterborough is offering sandbags to residents affected by localized flooding as a result of high water levels on the Otonabee River.
The Trent-Severn Waterway is currently experiencing higher-than-normal water levels due to recent rainfall as well as snow melt from the watershed’s northern region.
As a result, some residential properties along the Otonabee River below Lock 19 – Scott Mills south of Little Lake may be affected by the high water levels.
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For residents who need sandbags to divert water from their properties, the city has set up sandbag fill locations with sand, bags, and shovels.
The stations are located at Graham Avenue at Lillian Street, Riverside Drive at Archibald Street, and Sherin Avenue at Bensfort Road. They are open on Sunday (April 6) until 7 p.m. and will remain open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. as required.
Public works crews will be at each location to help residents fill sandbags, but residents are responsible for transporting the sandbags and placing them on their properties. The city is recommending sandbags be place around basement window wells and doors.
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High water levels are also affecting other areas along the Otonabee River, including Little Lake. The Peterborough Marina and other areas have been taped off or barricaded due to flooding conditions.
Residents are asked to avoid these areas and follow all posted signage.
The city is also advising residents that shorelines and riverbeds should be considered unstable due to high and fast water levels. Residents should use extreme caution around shorelines, with children closely supervised and pets leashed at all times.
Local food systems is one of the topics to be highlighted at the Municipality of Port Hope's first-ever sustainable expo on April 27, 2025 at Port Hope High School, along with climate action, renewable energy, waste reduction, water sustainability, nature-based solutions, active transportation, and more. (Photo: Port Hope Farmers' Market / Facebook)
Port Hope is hosting its first-ever sustainability expo on April 27.
The Municipality of Port Hope’s environmental advisory committee is gearing up for the one-day affair, which will showcase how community groups, organizations, and local businesses are implementing sustainable initiatives and activities in Port Hope.
The municipality invites residents and community partners to explore sustainable living and nature-based solutions by attending the free event.
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Municipality of Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky shared her thoughts with kawarthaNOW about the significance of the inaugural expo.
“At the start of our term, Port Hope council unanimously declared a climate emergency, joining more than 600 municipalities across Canada in recognizing the urgency of climate change,” the mayor said.
“This declaration was not just symbolic — it was a commitment to protecting our economy, ecosystems, and community. The sustainability expo is an extension of that commitment, providing residents with practical tools, local connections, and innovative solutions to help build a more resilient and sustainable future for Port Hope.”
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The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 27 at Port Hope High School at 130 Highland Drive.
At the all-ages event, a wide array of local community groups, environmental organizations, businesses, and individuals will share information about their projects and initiatives related to climate action, renewable energy, waste reduction, water sustainability, nature-based solutions, local food systems, active transportation, and more.
“The sustainability expo is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, share knowledge, and learn from one another about practical and innovative ways to support a more sustainable future,” said Port Hope councillor Claire Holloway Wadhwani, who also serves as chair of the environmental advisory committee, in a media release.
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“This event showcases the incredible efforts of local organizations and individuals who are leading the way in environmental stewardship,” Wadhwani added. “I encourage all residents to attend, engage with our community partners, and explore how small changes can make a big impact.”
Attendees can expect to learn more about local initiatives from sustainable gardening and energy conservation to waste reduction and green infrastructure installation. Visitors can participate in interactive displays, attend expert-led discussions, and engage with local sustainability advocates to discover how they can contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable future.
According to the release, the sustainability expo aims to inspire attendees with real-world examples of how local groups and organizations can tackle environmental challenges by working together, highlighting the importance of community participation and the powerful role nature-based solutions play in creating a sustainable future.
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The event will encompass demonstrations, interactive exhibits, conversations, and information on do-it-yourself green solutions.
The committee is asking anyone who wants to take part in the expo to complete a participant form. For more expo details and for the participant form, visit porthope.ca/sustainability-expo.
Port Hope’s environmental advisory committee provides perspectives and advice to municipal council relative to the preservation, growth, and sustainability of the overall landscape and natural infrastructure of the municipality.
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region's ReStore in Lindsay is hosting a spring-cleaning donation drive to help residents get their homes and cottages summer ready, while keeping unwanted items out of the landfill and supporting the non-profit organization's work to provide affordable home ownership. Donations of gently used furniture, building materials, and home décor can be dropped off or scheduled for free pick-up. All donations made in-store are eligible for a 25 per cent off voucher that can be used at any of the three ReStores in Lindsay, Peterborough, and Lakefield. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)
If the warmer weather has you feeling inspired to pull on the rubber gloves, take out the feather duster, and get to spring cleaning, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) is here to help.
The organization’s ReStore at 55 Angeline Street North in Lindsay is hosting a spring-cleaning donation drive to help residents declutter their homes, offices, and cottages to get them ready for summer after a long winter.
A one-stop shop for donations, the Lindsay ReStore accepts furniture, antiques, appliances, electronics (even ones that don’t work!), building materials, tools, and other gently used household items that come from a smoke-free home. Donations can be dropped off anytime when the Lindsay ReStore is open (Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Donations to any of Habitat PKR’s three non-profit ReStores in Lindsay, Peterborough, and Lakefield not only help divert waste from landfills, but sales of the donated items support Habitat PKR’s work to provide local families with affordable homeownership.
Those who have a larger donation to make, or who are looking to clean out their homes or cottages in one trip, can get their donations picked up entirely free of charge by Habitat PKR’s Procurement Department.
The organization now has two trucks on the road, making it easy to serve homes and cottages across the entire Peterborough and Kawarthas region. Donation pick-ups can be scheduled by contacting the Procurement Department at 705-652 0552 or donate@habitatpkr.ca.
If you’re about to start on renovation or deconstruction projects, the team can also carefully and efficiently dismantle major built-in household items for donation, including countertops and cabinets, bathroom fixtures, door frames, and more. Habitat PKR also does pick-ups for family estates.
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawarthas Region’s Lindsay ReStore manager Colleen Attwell displays the 25 per cent off voucher for anyone who donates items to the Lindsay ReStore or the two other ReStore locations in Peterborough and Lakefield and which can be used at any of the three ReStores. Those who make donations valued at over $100 will also be eligible for a charitable tax receipt and every 100th donor of the month across all three ReStores will receive a $25 ReStore gift card. (Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)
Donations valued at $100 are eligible for a charitable tax receipt, and all ReStore donors will be given a voucher for 25 per cent off that can be used at any of Habitat PKR’s three ReStore locations in Lindsay, Peterborough, and Lakefield. If that’s not enough incentive to donate, every month, the 100th donor across all ReStores will receive a $25 gift certificate that can be redeemed at any location.
If you only have time to donate, the Lindsay ReStore and other locations are always seeking volunteers of any age and experience level. The shifts are very flexible to the volunteer’s needs and preferences, and could involve working the cash register, fixing electronics, organizing donations, or using your skills to help the Procurement Department.
Given that Habitat’s homeowners are required to contribute 500 hours of their time at a ReStore, volunteers are often working alongside community members who have been supported by funds raised at the ReStores that support affordable home ownership.
Know Your Locals™ is a branded editorial feature about locally owned independent businesses and locally operated organizations, and supported by them. If your business or organization is interested in being featured in a future “Know Your Locals” branded editorial, contact Jeannine Taylor at 705-742-6404 or jt@kawarthanow.com or visit our Advertise with kawarthaNOW page.
Registration is now open for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton's 2025 "Walk A Mile In Their Shoes" fundraiser to be held on Friday, May 23, with the walk beginning at Confederation Square in downtown Peterborough. The organization has set the goal of raising $20,000 through team sponsorships and individual donations to support programs and services that help women and children recovering from gender-based violence. (Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton)
This spring, you can walk beside YWCA Peterborough Haliburton as they walk beside vulnerable women and children recovering from gender-based violence.
On Friday, May 23, the non-profit organization will be holding their annual “Walk A Mile in Their Shoes” event to gather the community while raising funds that will support their signature programs and services for the women, children, and gender-diverse people they serve.
Originally called “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes” before adopting a more inclusive name in 2024, the walk will begin at Peterborough’s Confederation Square park at 12 p.m. and continue around the downtown area. Check in for participants begins at 11 a.m. on event day.
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“It really brings the community together,” says Tina Thornton, director of philanthropy for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “Everybody comes out to this event because it gives them an opportunity to really show their support for women who are fleeing domestic violence and show their support for the YWCA — all while being out in the community and engaging with others.”
Thornton says last year’s event, the first after a four-year pandemic hiatus, saw more than 100 participants registered for the walk, with many additional individuals and dignitaries coming out to show their support.
Those wanting to take part can sign up as a solo walker or they can sign up as a team of friends, family, or colleagues to first raise money through sponsorships. On event day, participants often don red shoes — high heels if they’re feeling courageous — to walk alongside fellow community members.
YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is encouraging participants, including men and allies, to sport red heels when participating in the 2025 “Walk A Mile In Their Shoes” fundraising event on Friday, May 23 to advocate for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. Red shoes will be available on loan for those literally wanting to walk in someone else’s shoes for the event. (Photo: Mellissa Jane Photography)
“We firmly believe what a great team-building opportunity this event could be for folks,” says Thornton. “There’s a lot of opportunity for corporate engagement and a little bit of corporate rivalry back and forth to try and beat other businesses.”
YWCA Peterborough Haliburton encourages men, boys, and allies to participate, as well as people of all ages including children.
The walking route will be accessible and will accommodate mobility challenges, with those who may be walking slower, pushing strollers, or walking with children setting the pace at the front of the crowd.
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“This is not a race — it’s an opportunity for us to get out in the community and just take a nice walk with our community and friends,” says Thornton, adding that you don’t have to participate to show your support for the event.
“We encourage the community to come out and simply join us to stand on the side of the streets and wave and congratulate the people that are walking by, or to pop by the park and hear about what we’re doing.”
The early bird registration fee for Walk A Mile In Their Shoes is $40 until the end of April, after which the cost will increase to $50 ahead of the event. The registration fee includes a custom water bottle, a T-shirt in the participant’s preferred size, and lunch on the day of the walk. Red shoes will also be available for loan.
New this year, high school students and students enrolled at Trent University and Fleming College can register for a discounted price of $25.
While red shoes are not required to participate in the 2025 “Walk A Mile In Their Shoes” fundraising event on Friday, May 23, they will be available for loan for participants who literally want to walk a mile in their shoes. YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is also encouraging those who don’t want to or can’t participate in the walk to come out and congratulate and encourage the walkers, or to come by Confederation Square to learn more about the organization’s work. (Photo: Mellissa Jane Photography)
Last year’s event raised $20,871, bringing the total funds raised in support of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton through Walk A Mile to almost $1 million since the walk first took place in Peterborough in 2009.
This year, the organization is hoping to raise a minimum of $20,000 for their Journey of Care, which covers the range of signature programs and services that support women and children recovering from gender-based violence.
From the Crossroads Shelter, safe spaces, and transitional housing to the START service hub and support for court processes, housing, income, and more, the Journey of Care encompasses a “wrap-around” flexible support model.
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“It’s important for people to understand that we are so much more than a shelter,” says Thornton. “Our goal is to really make sure that when that woman is stepping away from the YWCA and is ready to be independent and on their own, they have all the services and support they need so that they’re starting off fresh.”
“It only begins when they come to Crossroads,” she adds. “There is an incredible amount of support that’s required before she’s ready to actually stand on her own, and we walk beside her through that entire journey.”
To register as a participant and create your personal fundraising page, or to sponsor someone with a donation, visit www.walkamilepeterborough.com.
YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is encouraging local businesses and organizations to use the 2025 “Walk A Mile In Their Shoes” fundraising event on Friday, May 23 as a team-building exercise and to challenge other businesses and organizations in some friendly fundraising rivalry . All funds raised will support YWCA’s Journey of Care, which encompasses each of the organization’s signature programs and services that support the women, children, and gender-diverse people they serve. (Photo: Mellissa Jane Photography)
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of Walk A Mile in Their Shoes.
Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark speaks to the media at an ice storm response daily briefing on April 5, 2025 at the Peterborough County-City Paramedics base in East City, as Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal (seated), Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith (standing), Peterborough County-City Paramedics Chief Patricia Bromfield, and Peterborough County OPP detachment commander Chris Galeazza look on. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
On Saturday morning (April 5), Peterborough’s political leaders held the first of what will be a daily media briefing at the Peterborough County-City Paramedics base in East City to provide an update on the response to last weekend’s devastating ice storm.
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark, and City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal all spoke at the briefing, which was also attended by Peterborough County OPP detachment commander Chris Galeazza, Peterborough County-City Paramedics Chief Patricia Bromfield, and communications staff from the city and county.
MPP Smith launched the briefing by noting “we’re in much, much better shape” compared to the beginning of the week, when between 101,000 and 102,000 commercial and residential properties in the county were without power (representing around 170,000 people) and 97,000 to 98,000 properties in the city were without power.
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Across the province, the storm caused 1.4 million Hydro One customer to lose power from Penetanguishene to Kingston, which Smith said is “an area the size of Switzerland.” Later, he noted the combined area of the city, county, and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations is larger than the province of Prince Edward Island.
“We have about 250 to 260 hydro workers based out of the County of Peterborough and the City of Peterborough, but we are now over 650 who are on-site doing the repairs,” Smith said.
He pointed out that, as power has been restored in other communities affected by the storm (most recently, Kingston, Trenton, and Bowmanville), hydro workers have been allocated to Peterborough County, Fenelon Falls in Kawartha Lakes, and Orillia.
“Those three communities are still the hardest hit,” Smith said.
In Peterborough County, Smith noted the biggest challenge has been the tree canopy cover, giving the example of Ennismore Waterfront Park. While Hydro One crews came into the area on Wednesday morning, it took them almost 11 hours just to clear broken limbs and tree debris so they could bring in the equipment needed to perform repairs — and then they discovered the situation was worse than originally thought.
“When they got in, the system was showing it was a single pole that was damaged, but it was actually nine of the 11 poles that had to be replaced,” he said.
According to Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark, around 267 hydro poles across Peterborough County have been damaged.
Smith added that hydro workers often expect to find a single pole damaged based on the information in Hydro One’s system, only to find that the poles on either side of the damaged pole are also damaged, as are the cross-arms that hold the wires.
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith speaks to the media at an ice storm response daily briefing on April 5, 2025 at the Peterborough County-City Paramedics base in East City, with the monitor in the background showing the number of active power outages in Peterborough County from the Hydro One outage map. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
Smith also said that a number of transformers that have also been damaged are in the process of being replaced. Once a transformer is replaced and brought online, hydro workers often find additional damage.
“It is taking time to discover all of the problems,” Smith said. “Our expectation is that we will be dealing with this for a number of weeks afterwards.”
Smith noted that Team Rubicon — a registered charity and volunteer-based disaster response organization that sends skilled disaster response teams into areas requiring assistance — has been active in the city and county. Team Rubicon teams are made up of Canadian military veterans, first responders, and civilians who have the expertise and specialized equipment to quickly assess damage to properties and put together a safe work plan at no cost to homeowners.
Smith said that while Team Rubicon will not remove tree debris from properties, they will clean it up and put it in stacks and piles for pick-up. He added that some municipalities will be able to pick up tree debris, but others will not as the priority is getting power restored.
The City of Peterborough has announced that curbside removal and chipping of tree debris that is too large to be processed through regular yard waste collection will begin in the north end of the city starting on Monday (April 7), as the city is now able to redeploy some public work crews for that purpose. It is expected that it will take four to six weeks to complete curbside removal and chipping in all areas of the city.
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As for provincial support for the city and county’s costs for the storm response, Smith said municipal disaster relief fund will be made available over the next three or four months. However, he added that he couldn’t commit to specific dollar amounts at this time.
“The city, the county, and all of the municipalities in the county have been given instructions to keep track of all of the direct and indirect costs related to the storm activity,” he said. “Once we’re able to gather all of that, then we can come up with a plan on how we’re going to address it from the provincial level.”
Smith noted that “we have experienced all four seasons in one week” and that the snow and additional freezing rain and significant rainfall during the past week have added to the challenges.
He said that, with the spring thaw now underway, the Otonabee River is experiencing higher-than-normal elevated water flows. He noted that the snow pack in Haliburton County has been 175 per cent larger than what it would normally be. He also said that tree debris may increase the risk of damming on the river, and there is also a potential for some of beaver dams to burst because of water flow.
For people with seasonal properties in Peterborough County, Smith recognized that people may be anxious to visit their property to assess damage, but encouraged them to delay a visit as some fire routes may be impassable and hydro lines may be down.
“If you don’t need to go to the cottage, perhaps consider holding off for another week,” he said.
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In her remarks, Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark said that public safety is the priority in the county’s ice storm response. She noted that, in addition to Peterborough County, a state of emergency has been declared in the Municipality of Trent Lakes, Asphodel-Norwood Township, Douro-Dummer Township, and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.
“Safety, and I can’t stress it enough, is paramount and decisions are being made to ensure that public safety comes first,” the warden said.
Echoing MPP Smith’s comments, Clark said some fire routes remain impassable, hydro lines are down, and damage to the tree canopy means many broken limbs are hanging that could come down “with a gust of wind.”
She said the county’s emergency operations command has been meeting twice daily, with participation from First Nations, townships, emergency responders, Hydro One, the health unit, Emergency Management Ontario, conservation authorities, and Trent Severn Waterway (Parks Canada).
She noted that 14,238 customers in Peterborough County still don’t have power, representing 14 per cent of total households in county.
While one county road is clear, Clark said many township roads and private roads are still blocked and that flooding is another threat to roads. She recommended people keep travel to a minimum.
Workers take down an ice-damaged tree at the corner of Mark and Sophia streets in Peterborough’s East City on April 2, 2025. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
Clark also pointed out that warming centres open in each of the townships (some with showers) and have food and snacks available. The City of Peterborough has made the McDonnel Street Activity Centre available as a warming room for county and city residents.
All county depots are open for tree debris drop-off free of charge until April 14 and possibly longer. Tree debris, as well as spoiled food, can be taken to the city-county landfill at Bensfort Road for free disposal.
She encouraged residents to visit the county website and their township websites for updates.
The warden said that paramedics have been performing wellness checks on all patients and delivering food boxes across the county and city. She encouraged people who need free tree debris clean-up to call Team Rubicon at 647-473-8655.
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Clark also noted the impact of the ice storm on businesses in the county and encouraged people to support local businesses and restaurants, some of whom have extended their hours to make sure hydro workers have a warm meal at the end of the day.
“While our primary focus has been on public safety, we also acknowledge that our businesses here in Peterborough County have also been impacted by this storm,” she said. “Support is available from our economic development and tourism division of the county, and also our partners Community Futures Peterborough and the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. We encourage all our residents to shop local and support local businesses.”
In closing, Clark pointed out the geographic challenge of the storm response in the county when compared to the city, noting the county comprises 4,147 square kilometres versus 67 square kilometres in the city.
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For his part, Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal provided a relatively brief update.
He noted that 2,000 customers in the City of Peterborough remain without power Saturday morning, compared to 4,000 on Friday.
The mayor thanked Jodi DeNoble, the city’s director of emergency and risk management, for her efforts in leading the city’s response. He said both he and Warden Clark have spoken to Premier Doug Ford, and that Ontario’s minister of emergency preparedness and response Jill Dunlop has visited Peterborough to survey the storm damage.
Leal said that the mayors of both Clarington and Belleville (Adrian Foster and Neil Ellis) have dispatched crews to assist Peterborough with clean-up efforts.
“This is a marathon — it’s not a sprint,” he said. “It will be, I think, months before the clean-up is completed.”
Leal wrapped up the media briefing by calling the repair of damaged hydro poles in the county as “crucial.”
“As the former warden would say, we’re all in this together, he said. “It’s going to test our resolve and our resiliency over the next little while, but I know we can do it and we’ll do it together.”
Smith, Clark, and Leal will continue to provide daily late morning media briefings at the Peterborough County-City Paramedics base in East City until further notice.
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