Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg recently celebrated its many volunteers with a luncheon at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre on May 1, 2025 during National Volunteer Week. (Photo: Northumberland Hills Hospital)
With more than 170 guests in attendance, appreciation and gratitude were on the menu recently when Northumberland County’s west-end hospital hosted a volunteer luncheon in Cobourg.
Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) held its annual volunteer appreciation luncheon on May 1 at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre. The event was tied into NHH’s recognition of National Volunteer Week in Canada, which ran from April 27 to May 3.
There was a diverse representation of volunteers from NHH’s board of directors, the NHH Foundation, spiritual care, patient and family advisory council (PFAC), and the NHH Auxiliary, who enjoyed food, presentations, and more.
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“A key highlight of the event was the guest speaker, Cheryl Athersych from the Ontario Age-Friendly Communities Outreach Program, who was very well received,” said Jennifer Gillard, vice-president of patient experience, public affairs and strategic partnerships.
“Many attendees noted the speaker’s message as both inspiring and relatable,” she told kawarthaNOW.
“Another highlight was the huge attendance and, through that, the opportunity to see in one room the many faces of generous volunteers who, for many reasons, support the hospital and by extension the community we exist to serve,” Gillard shared. “It was moving and very inspiring. We are so fortunate in Northumberland.”
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Gillard served as the event’s master of ceremonies and also shared highlights from the hospital’s inaugural volunteer experience survey, conducted at the end of 2024.
“While NHH has long surveyed staff, physicians, midwives and, of course, patients on the quality of their experience, we had never, until this past year, surveyed volunteers to see why they choose to bring their time and talents to NHH,” explained Gillard in a media release.
Key findings from the volunteer survey, which was recently highlighted by the Ontario Hospital Association, showed that 94 per cent of NHH volunteers “agreed or strongly agreed” that they felt valued for their contributions to NHH.
Additionally, 98 per cent “agreed or strongly agreed” that they would recommend NHH as a place to volunteer, a sentiment reflected in volunteer teams’ positive recruitment efforts over the past year, Gillard noted.
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During the event, NHH shared each volunteer team’s unique contributions to the hospital. The biggest group is the NHH Auxiliary.
When combined, inclusive of its two retail operations, NHH Auxiliary volunteers contributed more than 30,000 hours of volunteer service during the past year.
“Auxiliary volunteers are everywhere,” said Gillard. “Their presence contributes to a positive experience for patients and caregivers as well as the hospital team.”
The auxiliary runs a community thrift shop and the hospital’s gift shop, which generate more than $200,000 annually. In addition, they greet people and help them find their way when they walk into the hospital or enter the doors to access NHH’s cancer and supportive care or women’s health services.
These volunteers also support triage and communication to patients and families within the emergency department and support the post-acute care program’s hospital elder life program.
NHH also recognized the NHH Foundation for its contributions and support to the hospital. The foundation currently has more than 75 active volunteers.
Back in September 2024, the NHH Foundation celebrated the successful conclusion of the largest fundraising campaign in Northumberland County’s history. Through the “Exceptional Community, Exceptional Care” campaign, led by campaign chair Hank Vandermeer and a dedicated volunteer cabinet, it raised $26.3 million.
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NHH also recognized its volunteer board of directors. The board, and its community committee volunteers, dedicate hundreds of hours of service to the governance of the organization each year, monitoring strategic priorities, quality, and fiscal health.
PFAC also received a special shout-out for the council’s contributions to many operational tables and working groups throughout NHH.
“PFAC plays a critical role in bringing the lived experience of patients and their caregivers into the hospital’s service planning and process improvement,” Gillard noted.
In the last 12 months, they contributed more than 800 hours of volunteer service.
Finally, NHH also acknowledged its student volunteers, volunteers with NHH’s growing network of spiritual care volunteers, and its volunteers with the local St. John Ambulance therapy dog program who visit NHH weekly with their pets.
A female motorcyclist is dead following a collision on Highway 7 in Lindsay on Saturday morning (May 10).
At around 10:30 a.m., City of Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with fire and emergency medical services responded to a collision between a motorcycle and a tractor trailer.
The driver of the motorcycle, a woman from Lindsay, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not release the victim’s age.
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The driver of the tractor trailer was taken to Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay with undisclosed injuries.
Highway 7 was closed between Highway 35 and County Road 36 for several hours while police documented the scene.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed or has video/dash camera footage of the collision and who has not yet spoken with police is asked to contact the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.
Located just west of Kawartha Lakes in Georgina, Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge has partnered with seven other leading Ontario wildlife centres to spread awareness about the influx of orphaned wild animals being admitted to the centres, including as a result of babies being separated from their mothers when people evict nesting animal parents from their properties. The registered charity suggests a number of steps for humane removal of unwanted wildlife, including hiring a reputable wildlife control company and animal-proofing your home. (Photo courtesy of Shades of Hope)
In response to an increase in orphaned wild animals, the Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge has teamed up with seven other leading wildlife centres in Ontario to raise awareness and share effective strategies for homeowners dealing with unwanted visitors.
“Every wild animal plays an important role within the ecosystem,” says Shades of Hope founder Gail Lenters in a media release. “Together, we are encouraging the public to view wild animals with compassion and understanding — and seek the most humane way to deal with those that are unwanted house guests.”
Shades of Hope is a registered charity based just west of Kawartha Lakes in Georgina, Ontario, though it follows no boundaries to the animals it will aid. The charity will field calls about animals in need across Ontario and will work with partner centres to provide the best care possible.
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Such partner sanctuaries include Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (Rosseau), Holly’s Haven Wildlife Rescue (Dunrobin), Procyon Wildlife (Beeton), Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre (Napanee), Speaking for Wildlife (Orillia), Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre (Val Caron), and Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary (Minden).
While the organization sees an influx in orphaned babies every spring, this year, Shades of Hope is seeing an even higher demand than usual, which is likely the result of the longer winter and recent devastating ice storm.
Shades of Hope is raises awareness around species such as squirrels, skunks, bats, and raccoons who seek warm, secluded spaces to nest and raise their young as the temperature rises. While this is an issue of concern for homeowners as animals will nest in attics, chimneys, and other quiet and undisturbed areas in the home, it also poses a concern for wildlife rehabilitation centres who take in the baby animals that are orphaned when mothers are “evicted” from the premises.
While many baby wild animals are left orphaned because of human interference, others are orphaned because of natural events. Such is the case for baby porcupine Spruce, who was brought to Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge from Cookstown after a tree fell and crushed her mother during the ice storm. The centre has been nursing the porpupette back to health and hopes to have her released back in the wild this summer. (Photo courtesy of Shades of Hope)
“If the orphaned animals are found quickly enough, they can be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation centre for care and eventual release … but many are found too late,” says Lenters. “All the wildlife centres in Ontario will soon reach their capacity, and calls will keep coming in for months. This means rehabbers will struggle to keep up with the influx of babies and do their best not to turn any animal away due to overcrowding.”
While many of the babies end up orphaned due to human interference —whether it be the result of a car accident, a pet attack, or habitat degradation — other times it does happen naturally.
Such is the case with Spruce, a two-week-old porcupette (baby porcupine) whose mother was crushed by a tree just outside Cookstown during the ice storm. The homeowner found her and brought her to Shades of Hope where, despite being dehydrated and scared, she was found to be relatively healthy. Shades of Hope will keep her until she is grown and ready to be on her own and back in the wild later this summer.
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But not all babies have such luck, which is why Shades of Hope outlines ways homeowners can reclaim their homes without disrupting wildlife.
While homeowners may be tempted to use live traps, Shades of Hope explains they are no more humane than kill traps as animals typically experience significant stress and often injure themselves in attempts to escape the traps.
Not only may the animal be injured, but because Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act requires all live animals be relocated no more than one kilometre from their capture site to minimize risks and the potential for disease transmission, many species have strong homing instincts and will likely return to their original territory to find their young
As temperatures rise, mothers often seek quiet and warm areas of human-occupied buildings to nurse their babies, who can become orphaned if the mothers are removed from a property or prevented from returning to their babies. To reduce the influx of orphaned babies, Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge is spreading awareness and educating homeowners to deal with unwanted wildlife. (Photo courtesy of Shades of Hope)
The best practices approved by Ontario’s wildlife rehabbers is to give the animals time to leave on their own and then to discourage future occupancy by animal-proofing your home. However, before sealing the entry points, placing a crumpled paper towel at the entrance can help track movements as an animal is likely still inside if the towel is disturbed at all.
To encourage wild animals to leave dens on their own, Shades of Hope recommends making it as unattractive for a mother as possible by playing a talk radio station (not music), using a non-flammable light source in or near the den area, and introducing strong smells like apple cider vinegar to put on rags placed in plastic bags with holes. These methods together will encourage the mother to move her babies to a new den.
If the situation gets out of hand, the rehabbers encourage seeking a reputable wildlife control company with expertise in wildlife biology during mating and breeding seasons. The company’s service should include identifying entry points, locating the mother and babies, using humane techniques like a one-way door to prevent re-entry, gently removing the babies and placing them in a heated reunion box where they stay warm until the mother returns, and then taking the animals to a safer den site.
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After the humane removal and reuniting the family, the company should then secure entry points into your home and repair any damage. Upon removal of the wildlife, homeowners can also take proactive steps including sealing possible entry points, installing chimneys and vent covers, removing food sources, and securing trash bags or storing them in secure bins.
By working in partnership with the other larger rehab facilities, Shades of Hope maintains its dedication to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing wildlife, though, without financial or provincial funding, it relies on community donations. The organization is also always seeking volunteers, including volunteers for maintenance and management and volunteer drivers to support rescue efforts and transporting the animals.
For more information about donating to Shades of Hope or to volunteer, visit www.shadesofhope.ca.
The Town of Cobourg is hosting its annual greenhouse tour and talk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 10, 2025. (Photo: Town of Cobourg)
Cobourg residents can stop and smell the flowers on Saturday (May 10) when the Town of Cobourg hosts its annual greenhouse tour and talk.
To celebrate the beginning of this year’s gardening season, the Town of Cobourg’s community services division is inviting community members to attend an open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the town’s greenhouse at 501 Thompson Street in Cobourg.
Cobourg park department’s horticulturist Rick Cromlish and his team are providing guided tours of the greenhouse, where participants will learn how town staff seed and transplant the annuals and perennials that will soon adorn Cobourg’s public flower beds and hanging baskets.
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Cromlish, along with parks manager Stu Dafoe, shared some of their goals for the event with kawarthaNOW.
“(Our) hopes for the weekend are to show a preview of the 2025 season’s wide variety of annual flowers and hanging baskets that will be on display throughout the town this summer,” they said.
The open house is also an opportunity “to bring awareness to the public that town staff grow all plant material in-house start to finish.”
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The Town of Cobourg greenhouses have been in operation since 1991.
“The idea for the greenhouse came about to grow annual flowers for town facility gardens (and) parks including decorating the downtown core with containers and hanging baskets,” the parks team noted.
The array of greenhouse plants residents will see are earmarked for municipal gardens only, and are not for sale to the public.
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When asked about any future plans for expansion, Cromlish and Dafoe said, “there are no plans to grow other plants or vegetables in the future, as we have reached capacity for growing.”
On Saturday, in addition to the tour, residents can also peruse historic photo albums featuring past floral clock designs, grab a cup of complimentary coffee or other refreshment, and stay for a barbecue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., which is sponsored by Experience Cobourg. There will be a Mother’s Day giveaway, while supplies last.
The town expects the event to be “fun and educational for all ages — a great outing for families and garden enthusiasts,” a media release noted. “Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at one of Cobourg’s most colourful traditions.”
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The Town of Cobourg’s greenhouse consists of almost 7,000 square feet of growing space, with around 100,000 individual plants grown each year. The greenhouse also features 300 hanging baskets that are grown for Cobourg’s downtown and waterfront.
There are three seasons of growing: one for summer annuals, two for fall mums, and three for poinsettias used in winter to decorate town facilities.
The Town of Cobourg is a multiple-year “Communities in Bloom” award winner.
Elyse Saunders from Peterborough, Tebey from Peterborough, and Sacha from Warkworth have each received multiple nominations for the Country Music Association of Ontario's 2025 CMAOntario Awards, with Daryl Scott from Douro and Jesse Slack from Peterborough receiving a nomination for Songwriter of the Year. The CMAOntario Awards Show will be held on June 1, 2025 at The Music Hall in Hamilton. (kawarthaNOW collage of promotional photos)
Country music talent is alive and well in the Kawarthas region, with five local artists nominated for the Country Music Association of Ontario’s 2025 CMAOntario Awards.
Hosted by Jason McCoy, the CMAOntario Awards Show at The Music Hall in Hamilton will close out the 13th annual CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend from May 30 to June 1, featuring concerts, open stages, and an industry conference.
Elyse Saunders from Peterborough, who was named Female Artist of the Year at the 2024 CMAOntario Awards, is up for the same award again, as well as for Single of the Year (for “Never Have I Ever”), Songwriter of the Year (with Jason Blaine for “Never Have I Ever”), and Music Video of the Year (for “Never Have I Ever”).
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Sacha (Sacha Visagie) from Warkworth has received nominations for Single of the Year (“Hey Mom I Made It”), Female Artist of the Year, and Fans’ Choice. Sacha will also headline the Bonfire show on May 31 during the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend.
Tebey (Tebey Solomon Ottoh) from Peterborough is nominated for Single of the Year (“Blinding Lights (Country Version)”), Songwriter of the Year (with G. Palmer, S. Walker, and D. Dupelle for “Hangover at My Place”), Music Video of the Year (for “Blinding Lights (Country Version)”), and Fans’ Choice.
Daryl Scott from Douro and Jesse Slack from Peterborough are nominated for Songwriter of the Year, along with Owen Riegling, for their work on Riegling’s song “Moonshines,” which is also up for Single of the Year. Scott also received a Songwriter of the Year nomination at the 2024 CMAOntario Awards along with Jade Eagleton.
The osprey, which is the official bird of the City of Kawartha Lakes, can migrate more than 250,000 kilometres during its 15-to-20-year lifetime. (Photo courtesy of City of Kawartha Lakes)
As birds take flight this spring to return to their breeding grounds, the City of Kawartha Lakes is inviting residents to mark World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday (May 10).
With the varied species of birds passing through the Kawartha Lakes or returning to the area for the summer, May is an ideal time to explore birding, and there are several opportunities on Saturday for community members to learn more about the importance of nature’s feathered friends.
Originally created in 1993 as International Migratory Bird Day by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center in Washington, D.C., World Migratory Bird Day is an awareness and education campaign celebrated twice a year to highlight the importance of conserving migratory birds and their habitats across international borders.
Reflecting when birds migrate south and north, the day is officially celebrated annually in Canada and the U.S. on the second Saturday in May, and in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean on the second Saturday of October.
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Taking part in World Migratory Bird Day is important for a number of reasons, according to Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes chair Jamie Morris.
“We are fortunate to have many bird species sharing our city, from tiny kinglets and warblers to soaring bald eagles and ospreys — our official city bird,” Morris told kawarthaNOW. “They’re all worth celebrating. They deserve to be thanked, too.”
Morris noted that birds perform important environmental services, including turkey vultures clearing up carcasses, hummingbirds pollinating, and tree swallows consuming mosquitoes. They also act as benchmarks for environmental health.
“If birds are doing well, it indicates the environment is in good shape,” Morris pointed out. “If they’re not, we should be worried.”
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Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes is inviting residents and visitors to take part in seven guided bird walks, led by experienced local birders, which are taking place in communities across the municipality.
Whether a person is new to birding or a long-time enthusiast, the walks are a great way to explore local trails and discover which birds are making their seasonal journey through the region, a media release noted.
To mark World Migratory Bird Day, Kawartha Lakes City Hall in Lindsay will go dark overnight on May 10.
As many birds migrate at night, bright lights can confuse or harm them, and turning off lights helps protect birds as they navigate the night skies. The municipality is encouraging residents and businesses to do the same, to help birds on their migratory paths.
In the last 50 years, North American bird populations have dropped by more than 25 per cent.
“Maybe the biggest reason to mark this day is that birds are under threat, and there are simple things we can do to help them out, particularly during the migration season,” Morris explained. “Three billion of our birds are gone — turning off lights at night helps.”
Morris noted there are other things people can do to help protect birds.
“Keeping cats indoors is another helpful measure,” he said. According to Birds Canada, domestic cats kill more than 100 million birds each year in Canada alone.
“(Creating) backyards with plants that offer shelter, nesting opportunities, and food makes a difference too,” he added.
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The month of May also marks the one-year anniversary of Kawartha Lakes becoming a certified “Bird Friendly City,” the 24th municipality in Canada to earn this recognition from Nature Canada. A Bird Friendly City certification is a program that encourages local communities to take action to protect and support bird populations.
“The title highlights our community’s work to protect bird habitats, reduce threats like window strikes and pollution, and educate people about the value of birds in our ecosystems,” the release noted.
As for marking World Migratory Bird Day, Morris said, “We encourage everyone to come out to a walk or workshop and learn more about how we can help protect these amazing creatures.”
World Migratory Bird Day walks in Kawartha Lakes on Saturday, May 10 are listed below. Families can also learn how to make their yards safer for birds at a free presentation offered at the Lindsay branch of the Kawartha Lakes Public Library on Tuesday, May 20.
All walks are free, and open to all ages and levels of experience. They provide opportunities to discover how to spot and identify birds and learn about local and migratory species. Bird walks occur rain or shine. Participants should dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, water, and binoculars, if available.
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Ken Reid Dawn Chorus – 5:30 a.m.
Arrive at Ken Reid Conservation Area (277 Kenrei Rd., Lindsay) with a lawn chair and enjoy the dawn chorus of birdsong on a slope looking out over Sturgeon Lake. Follow signs to the P2 lot. The event will be led by Laura Swift of Kawartha Conservation with Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes’ Mark Robbins.
Burnt River Bird Walk – 8:30 a.m.
Meet at the Burnt River Community Centre (16 Somerville Centre Rd.) for a walk sponsored by Kawartha Field Naturalists and led by John Bick.
North Bear Conservation Area Bird Walk – 10 a.m.
Meet at the North Bear Conservation Area off Alvar Road. Arrive early for a parking spot. This walk is sponsored by Carden Field Naturalists.
Fenelon Falls Library Branch Bird Walk – 10:30 a.m.
Meet at the Fenelon Falls library branch (19 Market St.) to join Leslie Dyment from the Kawartha Field Naturalists for a one-hour guided walk along a local trail.
Omemee Library Branch Bird Walk – 10:30 a.m.
Meet volunteers from Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes at the Omemee library branch (24 King St. E.) for a one-hour walk along the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail. There will be an option to climb the drumlin behind Scott Young Public School afterwards.
Dunsford Library Branch Bird Walk – 10:30 a.m.
Meet volunteers from Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes at the Dunsford library branch (26 Community Centre Rd.) for a one-hour walk along the Dunsford Nature Trail.
Ken Reid Bird Walk – 7 p.m.
Join Laura Swift of Kawartha Conservation and Bird Friendly Kawartha Lakes’ Mark Robbins for a guided bird walk in Ken Reid Conservation Area (277 Kenrei Rd., Lindsay). Follow the signs to the P2 lot.
In addition to the above guided walks, residents can also attend a free “Chatty Café” event from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20 at the Lindsay library branch (190 Kent St. W.) where guest speaker Rob Stavinga will share 12 key strategies to make your backyard a safe haven for birds.
The late Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2021 for "her promotion of women in science and for her commitment to nurturing Canada's next generation of leaders." (Photo via McGregor Leadership website)
Family, friends, and associates of a highly respected and awarded champion of women are remembering her as someone who touched many lives, be that as a veterinarian, a federal election candidate, a mentor of students, an author, or a supporter of special needs athletes.
Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor, of Clear Lake northeast of Lakefield, passed away on Tuesday (May 6) at the age of 77 from the ovarian cancer she was diagnosed with in January 2022. Her nephew, Robert John McGregor, shared word of her passing Wednesday via a Facebook post that brought forth condolences from a number of his followers.
Born in Peterborough — one of four siblings raised by Doug and Stevie McGregor — McGregor attended the former Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School (PCVS) before attaining a Master’s degree in geography from Hamilton’s McMaster University. That brought her to St. Peter Catholic Secondary School where she taught geography and physical education.
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Having graduated in 1987 from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, McGregor later founded the World Women’s Veterinary Association and, in 1995, led an international delegation at the United Nations (UN) Conference on Women held in Beijing, China. McGregor also worked with the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization in Indonesia.
But for all her professional accomplishments, including those achieved as a federal civil servant with Industry Canada and Agriculture Canada, McGregor’s tireless dedication to the mentorship and empowerment of young people and women became her calling card. Hosting leadership workshops or taking Lakefield College School students on trips to Harvard University, from which she received two fellowships, McGregor inspired countless others to be all they can be.
In 2019, McGregor, who sought federal election in 2008 and 2011, wrote a book titled Women on the Ballot: Pathways to Political Power that highlighted Canadian women with diverse backgrounds who entered into politics at all levels. Two years later, she was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada for “her promotion of women in science and for her commitment to nurturing Canada’s next generation of leaders.”
The late Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor, pictured in the front row, was the founding architect of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Women Leader’s Network, and coordinator of the science and technology stream. (Photo via McGregor Leadership website)
In a written statement shared with kawarthaNOW, former Peterborough Liberal MP Maryam Monsef characterizes McGregor as “a force for good.”
“Her creative mind, her deep expertise, her impressive education and her sincere care for our community and country made her a strong candidate for MP. We all lost out when she lost that bid to be our Member of Parliament. We all grieved that loss again, years later, when the country discovered her opponent had broken election laws during the campaign. She didn’t give up on our community after that, and she didn’t give up on politics either.”
“I am among many women she encouraged, mentored and championed. She took the time to teach me how campaigns are won and lost, gave me a meaningful role on her own campaign when she ran for MP, took me to other ridings to see how things work elsewhere, and volunteered her time and talent when I worked up the courage to put my name on a ballot.”
“She invited me to events she convened, introduced me to lovely people, said my name in powerful rooms, and was there with a bright smile and great wisdom throughout my time in office.”
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McGregor’s first bid for a seat in Ottawa in 2008 saw her come second to Conservative candidate Dean Del Mastro. The second attempt, in 2011, saw her place a distant third, with Del Mastro again winning the seat.
David Goyette served as an advisor on McGregor’s second election bid in 2011.
“Right after that, we had dinner to talk over her future,” recalls Goyette.
“I advised her that I thought another run would not be successful. To her great credit, Betsy had the wisdom, she had the humility, to know that her time as a candidate was over. I had great admiration for her. It’s very difficult for people to do that.”
“She spent her remaining years mentoring women from across Canada on how to run for office, and how to do so in a man’s world. That was a defining characteristic of who she was.”
The late Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor pictured with Maryam Monsef, former Liberal Peterborough-Kawartha MP and Cabinet minister. (Photo: Maryam Monsef / Instagram)
Another encounter, says Goyette, spoke specifically to McGregor’s big heart.
“I was at City Hall (as an assistant to then-mayor Daryl Bennett). On my last day in late 2014, Betsy showed up with a huge bouquet of flowers. To me, that was an incredible act of kindness; the epitome of what it means to be a kind person. When no one else would do that Betsy did that.”
Goyette kept up his friendship with McGregor, to the point that he drove her to several of her medical appointments.
“It’s hard to have a conversation with someone in the car when you’re taking them to their cancer treatments and you know they don’t have many months left,” says Goyette.
“The only thing she wanted to talk about was politics. It was her enduring passion. I think, for her whole life, that never left her. She had a passion, an enthusiasm for life, that was unmatched, probably in any person I have ever known. Betsy was never in a bad mood. It always wonderful to be around a person with such a optimistic and positive disposition.”
“She would have been a good MP. She was good at everything she did.”
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The man who twice stood in the way of McGregor achieving that goal remains very respectful of her passion, and her determination to seek political office.
“We had different firmly held beliefs but, at the same time, there was respect shown each other,” recalls Del Mastro.
“The second election was difficult on her, obviously. But after the election, she booked appointments at my office. We talked about problems and potential solutions. On at least one occasion, her and Maryam Monsef came to talk about the plight of women in Afghanistan. We have a very constructive conversation.”
“After the election in 2008, she congratulated me. Her first comment to me was ‘Remember the poor.'”
Del Mastro says his admiration for McGregor remains rooted in her “putting herself on the line” by seeking election, adding “You’re putting it all out there. You’ll have people that love you and you’ll people that attack you. Anyone who puts their name forward deserves appreciation for doing that.”
The late Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor (pouring a glass of water) sitting beside Peterborough-Kawartha Conservative candidate Dean Del Mastro at an all-candidates debate during her first foray into federal politics in 2008. Although she came in second to Del Mastro, after a second attempt in 2011 saw her place a distant third, she decided to instead focus her attention on helping other women enter politics. (Photo via Elect Betsy McGregor Flickr account)
Another side of McGregor that few were, or are now, aware of was her commitment to Special Olympics athletes as well as the Kawartha Komets special needs hockey program. Her involvement with the latter stemmed from her support for her nephew, a visually impaired goalie.
“One of our sons played Special Olympics soccer,” recalls David Fisher, whose wife Carol founded the Kawartha Komets program.
“Carol and I would go out to watch those soccer games at Keith Wightman (Public School). Just watching the way Betsy interacted with those kids was just incredible. She poured her heart and soul into it. It was inspirational.”
“You don’t read about Betsy McGregor, the Special Olympics soccer lady. It was just something that she did. With the Komets, Betsy and Barb would to out-of-town games, and sometimes invites other family members. Invariably, she would come to Carol and me and thank us profusely for letting her nephew’s dream (of playing hockey) become a reality.”
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Monsef writes her last conversation with McGregor centred around her second edition of Women on the Ballot: Pathways to Political Power.
“It was a project she worked on diligently, interviewing Canadian women in politics about their stories and their resilience, with the goal of encouraging more women to enter and to stay in politics. Betsy’s calling was to elevate the voices of women. She did it with joy, she did it relentlessly.”
“She was a Liberal, but respected women across all party lines, often speaking about women like Flora MacDonald with great reverence.”
The late Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor at the Art Gallery of Guelph in October 2022, 10 months after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, when the University of Guelph Alumni Association recognized her with the Alumni of Honour Award. After graduating from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1987, McGregor founded the World Women;s Veterinary Association, sponsoring field projects empowering rural women and children globally. (Photo: University of Guelph Alumni Association)
Monsef adds McGregor was an early supporter of Red Pashmina. Founded 15 years ago by Monsef and Jessica Melnik, the non-profit supports the education of women and girls in Afghanistan through proceeds from the sale of red pashmina shawls.
“Not only did she help with the concept, she wrote the first big cheque to purchase the first big order of red shawls,” writes Monsef.
“When we repaid her generous loan, she expressed her pride in our efforts and thanked us for allowing her to be part of a solution for women and girls’ education in Afghanistan. That was Betsy. Keenly aware of how interconnected we are, and truly invested in youth leadership. ”
“The Order of Canada recognition for her work to advance women and girls in stem fields shines a light on one of her many contributions to Canada. I will miss her very much, and will keep the lessons she shared with me close to heart.”
VIDEO: University of Guelph Alumni of Honour: Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor (2022)
There will be two celebrations of McGregor’s life, one hosted in Toronto at the end of May and the other at Clear Lake in July.
Her family encourages guests to wear something colourful, noting that yellow was McGregor’s favourite colour.
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) held a groundbreaking ceremony in Fraserville on May 7, 2025 for a 3D-printed affordable home to be built for a local family. Pictured from left to right are Cormor Inc. CEO and co-founder Dwight Corcoran, Community Futures Peterborough board member Ron Black, Otonabee-South Monaghan Township mayor Joe Taylor, Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark, Habitat PKR board chair Hope Lee, and future Habitat homeowners James, Kayla, and their three children. (Photo courtesy of Habitat PKR)
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) is breaking ground in Fraserville on a unique, 3D-printed affordable home for a family of five.
Community members, local officials, and supporters of Habitat PKR gathered on Wednesday (May 7) to kick-off the journey towards the first-of-its-kind type of home in the Township of Otonabee South-Monaghan.
A local couple, Kayla and James, and their three children, are looking forward to the move into the new, affordable place of their own.
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“In today’s world, owning a home feels more and more out of reach for families like ours,” said Kayla in a media release. “But thanks to Habitat PKR — and the community of Fraserville — we’ve been given the opportunity to build a better future for ourselves and our children, in what will be our forever home.”
Habitat PKR prides itself on giving a “hand-up” and not a “hand-out,” by offering families no down payment and monthly payments that are geared to their income, making homeownership accessible to local families.
This particular project is possible as a result of the support from the former Bailieboro-Springville United Church community, donated land from Don and Pat Wood, and a partnership with local construction technology company Cormor Inc.
The build plan for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR)’s 1,674 square foot four-bedroom home in Fraserville for a local family. Habitat PKR has partnered with Cormor Inc. to build the home using large-scale 3D concrete printing technology. It will be one of the first Habitat for Humanity homes in Canada to be built using this method. (Image courtesy of Habitat PKR)
Habitat PKR has partnered with Cormor Inc. to build the home using large-scale 3D concrete printing technology — one of the first Habitat for Humanity homes in Canada to use this method. This technology reduces construction time, minimizes waste, and keeps costs lower, which is “a powerful tool in the face of today’s housing crisis,” the release noted.
“This 3D-printed home is a model of what’s possible when we think differently, work together, and lead with heart,” said Habitat PKR board chair Hope Lee.
“This project has faced the same challenges many affordable housing builds do — zoning hurdles, red-tape challenges, and rising construction costs — but the vision has never wavered: that everyone deserves a safe, decent place to call home.”
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The groundbreaking also highlighted the legacy gift of $100,000 from the Bailieboro-Springville United Church, which was made possible when the congregation restructured in 2022. That donation — along with the land gifted by the Woods — “exemplifies how community generosity can create lasting impact,” Habitat PKR noted.
Congregation member Robin Maughan said, “This build is about creating a lasting legacy and giving our congregation the chance to extend our faith beyond our place of worship and into the local community.”
“By supporting the construction of this Habitat home, we are putting our commitment to helping others into action and ensuring more families have an affordable place to call home,” Maughan added. “We also hope it inspires others to get involved and serve our community in such a hands-on, meaningful way.”
The 1,674 square foot four-bedroom single-family home is slated for completion by the end of the year.
Kayla and James and their three children participated in a groundbreaking ceremony in Fraserville on May 7, 2025 for their new affordable home, to be built by local company Cormor Inc. using large-scale 3D concrete printing technology. Providing families seeking affordable home ownership with a “hand-up” and not a “hand-out,” Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) offers families no down payment and monthly payments that are geared to their income. (Photo courtesy of Habitat PKR)
Cormor Inc. CEO and co-founder Dwight Corcoran spoke about the importance of showcasing this technology locally.
“We are thrilled to partner with Habitat PKR on this proof-of-concept build in our own backyard,” Corcoran said. “This milestone demonstrates the transformative power of additive construction in building sustainable, affordable homes across Ontario and beyond.”
Public officials in attendance included Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark and Otonabee South-Monaghan Township mayor Joe Taylor, who both acknowledged the importance of innovative solutions to address the growing need for more affordable housing in Ontario.
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Additive construction, otherwise known as 3D construction printing, “represents a significant advancement in construction technology, with the potential to change the industry by increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing design flexibility” according to the Cormor Inc. website.
When it comes to planning and design, a 3D model of the structure is created using computer-aided design software. The model is then broken down into instructions that the robotic arm can follow to lay each layer of material.
The mobile robotic arm is mounted on hydraulic tracks, similar to a mini excavator, which allows it to move around the construction site. It is equipped with precise control systems that allow it to place materials with high accuracy, following the digital blueprint.
Additive construction, otherwise known as 3D construction printing, represents a significant advancement in construction technology, with the potential to change the industry by increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing design flexibility. A mobile robotic arm extrudes specialized construction materials layer by layer, with each layer hardening before the next layer is added. (Photo courtesy of Habitat PKR)
The arm extrudes or deposits construction materials layer by layer. The material hardens after each layer, gradually building up the structure. This specialized material sets extremely quickly.
The robotic arm operates autonomously or with minimal human oversight. It continuously adjusts its movements and material deposition based on real-time feedback from the sensors, ensuring that each layer is placed correctly and maintaining structural integrity.
The arm’s mobile nature allows for flexibility in construction, with the ability to work on various terrains or move between different parts of a construction site.
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Habitat PKR is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership. Since 2002, the organization has helped 96 local families secure affordable homeownership.
To help support the Fraserville build and other upcoming projects, Habitat PKR is holding “HomeGrown: A Habitat Vineyard Party Fundraiser” on Saturday, June 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Rolling Grape Vineyards at 260 County Rd. 2 in Bailieboro. At the event, which will be emceed by Neil Morton of Cormor Inc., guests will enjoy a gourmet meal paired with Rolling Grape’s award-winning wines, take in live entertainment, and hear stories of transformation.
They will also learn about Habitat PKR’s upcoming build projects, including the Fraserville project, a partnership with the non-profit organization Our Daughters’ Home to build a duplex in in Peterborough’s East City for seven adult women with special needs, and a 41-unit condominium in Peterborough. Altogether, these projects will create 49 new affordable housing units in the region.
Cambridge-based roots singer-songwriter Craig Robertson, who released his sixth album "Running the Other Way" last September, performs at Jethro's Bar + Stage in downtown Peterborough on Friday night. (Publicity photo)
Every Thursday, kawarthaNOW publishes live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that musicians provide directly or that venues post on their websites or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, May 8 to Wednesday, May 14.
If you’re a musician or venue owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.
With the exception of karaoke, we only list events with performing musicians. Venues may also host other events during the week (e.g., dancing, DJs, comedy shows).
Saturday, May 17 8pm - Macabre Obscurum ft live music w/ Acid Rot, Titan Arum, drag w/ Banshii Waylon and Sahira Q, stunts by Bella M. Eurta ($15 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1259827089739)
Friday, May 23 8pm - Mokomokai w/ Thunderor and Garbageface ($25 at door)
Saturday, June 7 8pm - Radiohead tribute band Idioteque performs "The Bends" ($20 early bird or $25 general admission in advance at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1301654807569)
Graz Restobar
38 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
705-738-6343
Friday, May 9
8pm - Jam Night
Saturday, May 10
7:30pm - Dar & Jake
Honkey Tonk Angel Bar (Golden Wheel)
6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838
Friday, May 9
8pm - Bootleg XXX ($10)
Jethro's Bar + Stage
137 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
705-931-0617
Thursday, May 8
10pm-12am - The Union
Friday, May 9
8-10pm - Craig Robertson; 10pm-12am - Tapes In Motion
VIDEO: "Caledonia Rain" - Craig Robertson
VIDEO: "Goodbye Saskatoon" - Craig Robertson
Saturday, May 10
8-10pm - Graven; 10pm-12am - The Space Heaters & Friends
Friday, May 30 7:30pm - Labyrinth Ontario ft Araz Salek, Canan Sezgin-Geylan, Yahya Geylan ($20, $10 students in advance at https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/52861/)
Saturday, May 31 7:30pm - Bal Folk Dance w/ Boing Boing Zoom Zoom ($30 patron of the arts, $25 general admission, $20 arts worker, $15 student in advance at https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/52468/)
Kelly's Homelike Inn
205 3rd Street, Cobourg
905-372-3234
Friday, May 9
7-10pm - Joe Bulger
Saturday, May 10
4-8pm - Urban Rednecks
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Friday, May 9
9pm-1am - Cale Crowe
Saturday, May 10
9pm-1am - Will O'Neill
Sunday, May 11
8pm - Karaoke and open mic
Tuesday, May 13
8pm - Joanna & Danny Bronson
Wednesday, May 14
8pm - Kevin Foster
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Moody's Bar & Grill
3 Tupper St., Millbrook
(705) 932-6663
Wednesday, May 14
7-10pm - Open Mic Night hosted by Travis Eugene
The Muse Gallery & Cafe
23 Bridge St., Bancroft
613-332-1573
Coming Soon
Saturday, May 24 7-9pm - The Coe Hill Gills ($10, tickets at the Muse)
Olympia Restaurant
106 Kent St. W., Lindsay
705-328-1444
Saturday, May 10
5-8:30pm - Live music TBA
Pig's Ear Tavern
144 Brock St., Peterborough
(705) 745-7255
Saturday, May 10
4-7pm - The Wild Cards; 9pm - Jetson, Hutch, Intimidators
Tuesday, May 13
9pm - Open mic
Wednesday, May 14
9pm - Karaoinke
Porch & Pint
172 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough
(705) 750-0598
Sunday, May 11
2-5:30pm -- The Hippie Chicks
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078
Friday, May 9
7pm - Brisk Recharge
Riverside Grill & Gazebo at Holiday Inn
150 George St, Peterborough
705-740-6564
Coming Soon
Friday, May 23 6pm - Gunslingers
Rolling Grape Vineyard
260 County Rd 2, Bailieboro
705-991-5876
Thursday, May 8
5:30-8:30pm - Brad Renaud
Sunday, May 11
2-5pm - Sean & Catherine
Royal Crown Pub & Grill
4 King St. E., Colborne
905-355-1900
Saturday, May 10
8pm - The Wheel House (no cover)
The Social Pub
295 George St. N., Peterborough
705-874-6724
Coming Soon
Saturday, May 17 1-4pm - PMBA Deluxe Live ft Beau Dixon w/ Curtis Cronkwright, Ryan Browne, and Sam Weber and spotlight musician Grainne Ryan w/ Al Black, Jeremy Spencley, and Sean Daniels ($10 donation suggested)
Springville Tap n' Grill
2714 Brown Line, Peterborough
(705) 876-9994
Saturday, May 10
7pm - Karaoke Party
Tap & Tonic Pub & Bistro - Campbellford
18-22 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 947-2333
Thursday, May 8
7-10pm - Deborah Lynn
Tap & Tonic Pub & Bistro - Marmora
16 Forsyth St., Marmora
613-666-9767
Thursday, May 8
7pm - Tami J Wilde
The Thirsty Goose
63 Walton St., Port Hope
Friday, May 9
8pm-12am - Bruce Longman
Saturday, May 10
8pm-12am - Brian Bracken
The Venue
286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008
A sold-out crowd of 200 people attended the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Luminary Awards celebration at the Great Hall of Trent University's Champlain College on May 8, 2025, which saw awards in five categories that recognize women at all stages of their careers presented to Sheena Howard, Jenisha Sanjit Arora, Rachel Stark, Tiffany Arcari, and Jeannine Taylor. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)
Five Peterborough-area women in business were honoured at the inaugural Luminary Awards celebration held on Thursday (May 8) at the Great Hall of Trent University’s Champlain College.
The Luminary Awards for Women in Business, created and hosted by the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and presented by Sullivan Law, are intended to shine a light on the valuable contributions that women in the local business community have made, continue to push for, and inspire others to emulate.
A sold-out crowd of 200 people attended the celebration, which saw awards presented in five categories that recognize women at all stages of their careers: Trailblazer – Entrepreneur, Barrier Buster – Employee, One to Watch – Employee, Emerging Entrepreneur, and Legacy.
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The five award recipients — Sheena Howard, Jenisha Sanjit Arora, Rachel Stark, Tiffany Arcari, and Jeannine Taylor — were selected from nominations for 56 women across all categories.
“Peterborough is full of women who are leading our community on all fronts,” says Susan Dunkley, chair of the chamber’s board and CEO of Suzi Homemaker. “We created the Luminary Awards to recognize and honour their successes.”
“Women in business, employees and entrepreneurs, entry level to seasoned veterans, add so much value to their companies. We’re grateful to all nominators, nominees and sponsors for helping us bring this idea to life.”
Sheena Howard of Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy and BizNurse Savvy reacts to winning the Trailblazer – Entrepreneur award during the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Luminary Awards celebration at the Great Hall of Trent University’s Champlain College on May 8, 2025. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)
The 2025 Luminary Awards for Women in Business categories and recipients are listed below.
Trailblazer – Entrepreneur
Celebrating a business owner who has created innovation and success through her leadership, vision, courage and commitment.
Winner: Sheena Howard – Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy and BizNurse Savvy
Barrier Buster – Employee
Celebrating the achievements of a remarkable woman who has excelled in her field/place of employment, embraced new ideas, technologies or ways of working and demonstrating exceptional skill, dedication, and perseverance when faced with adversity.
Winner: Jenisha Sanjit Arora – Fleming College and Fleming Student Administrative Council
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One to Watch – Employee
Future leader known for their innovative, meaningful contributions to their workplace, proven professional success, and shows outstanding potential for the future. Nominee may hold entry- to mid-level management positions in their workplace.
Winner: Rachel Stark – Municipality of Trent Lakes
Emerging Entrepreneur
Owner engaged in a new successful, innovative and inspiring business venture that shows outstanding potential for the future. Nominee must have been in business for a minimum of two years and no more than five years.
Winner: Tiffany Arcari – The Tiffany Show
Legacy
kawarthaNOW founder, CEO, and publisher Jeannine Taylor speaks at the podium at the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Luminary Awards celebration at the Great Hall of Trent University’s Champlain College on May 8, 2025 after being announced as the winner of the Legacy award. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)
She has spent her successful business career inspiring others and giving back to her community. She strives for business excellence and through realizing their vision, the nominee has provided a host of opportunities for others for employment, growth, philanthropy, etc.
Winner: Jeannine Taylor – kawarthaNOW
The Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is already planning for the second annual Luminary Awards for Women in Business, which will be held on May 7, 2026.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
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