Police have recovered the body of a 23-year-old Peterborough man who went missing after entering the water at Little Lake on Canada Day.

At around 6:50 p.m. on Monday (July 1), police responded to the incident that occurred near the train bridge in the Lansdowne Street and Edward Street.

After arriving, officers learned a man went into the water from the shore and encountered difficulty.

A friend of the man, who had jumped from the train bridge in an unsuccessful attempt to help him, was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment.

Peterborough police, with the assistance of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) unit, Peterborough Fire Services, and the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit continuing a search for the man on Tuesday morning (July 2), with the OPP locating and recovering the man’s body by the afternoon.

“Next of kin have been notified and the incident is now a coroner’s investigation,” reads a police media release. “Thank you to the public for their help and patience during this incident.”

The original version of this story has been updated with information about police recovering the missing man’s body.

“You cannot understand where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.”

That’s the mantra that has stuck with Stephanie Jukes while she dives into the history of the nearly 150-year-old Coboconk inn she and her husband, David, are in the process of restoring.

But discovering all there is to know about the Saucy Willow Inn & Cottages — and all the history it holds — would not be possible without the help of the whole community.

When the couple purchased the property three years ago, the serial entrepreneurs from Durham region had no experience with innkeeping. However, when they were sent the property listing just as they were thinking about their retirement plan, they saw the potential — both in the property and in Coboconk.

“We just saw this huge opportunity for the house and because the area is incredibly growth-oriented, we saw it as a diamond in the rough,” says Stephanie. “We had no family or attachment to the area, but the house definitely needed saving so we were very adamant that we could do it justice.”

Today, the Saucy Willow Inn stands on four acres on the shore of Balsam Lake with six luxury inn rooms in the main house along with four cottages.

The storybook house itself was built in 1878 by Adam Carl, the first man to open a business in Coboconk and who Stephanie believes may have owned most of the land on the island at the time. When he sold the mansion to five men from Lakewood, Ohio, circa 1920, it was named The Lakewood Club (later Lakewood Lodge) and operated as a seasonal fishing and hunting camp.

“The elders here in the community here still call it ‘The Lodge,'” Stephanie notes.

A house manager who lived in the lodge in the off season for seven years, Bertha Caton bought the property from the American men in the late 1920s.

“Bertha’s granddaughter is still in touch with us,” says Stephanie, noting that she and David are the eighth owners of the inn. “We’re actually in touch with a descendent of every owner, and it’s helped up collect the stories of connections here.”

These connections to descendants, as well as reading through articles and connecting with others in Coboconk, have helped the couple put together the pieces of the property’s history.

“Early on, we would have people come by the inn because they heard through the grapevine that we were restoring it and they would either share their stories or bring their loved ones,” Stephanie says. “With any 140-year-old house, everybody’s stories are going to be unique and different, and everyone leaves their own footprint on it.”

The inn was named the Saucy Willow by Penny Johansen, who owned the property in the 1990s — two owners before the Jukes — and turned it into a bed and breakfast.

Of the many stories Stephanie has collected, one of the most memorable came in the fall of 2022. She was searching for a mason who would save the limestone pillars that stand at the entrance of the inn and found one who knew the Valentine brothers out of Norland who had built them all those years ago.

Just as the mason finished up the work, a man by the name of Ian Valentine showed up saying that, when he was six years old, he dug the ground where his dad and uncle built the pillars.

“I got a picture of him with the pillar and then he ended up going home to Sault Ste. Marie and pulled out all the pictures he had of the pillar,” says Stephanie, noting that the story is just a drop in the bucket when it comes to the inn. “We’ve got tons of those stories.”

As for Stephanie’s husband David, who is a construction worker, he has been leading the restoration of the Saucy Willow Inn, beginning with freshening up the kitchens and bathrooms in the four cottages. The Jukes have not changed any of the floor layouts, and have left little pieces of history where they can — like keeping the old paper door numbers hidden beneath the new ones.

“We appreciate the fact that we are building it to last another 100 years,” Stephanie says. “We weren’t interested in putting lipstick on a pig, but were very interested in ensuring the legacy of the house.”

Adding to that legacy, the Jukes ensure all work is staying local, including footing and foundation work done by 83-year-old Al Weaver of Norland’s Weaver Brothers Construction.

“We’re trying to use as many local vendors as possible,” says Stephanie, noting that many have long histories in Coboconk like the mansion itself. “I wanted to ensure that there were elements of locals that still contributed to the legacy.”

Moving forward, the Jukes are beginning to expand the gardens on the property and are building an extension to turn the coach house into one that replicates the look of the storybook mansion, even if that means hand-cutting the trusses.

“Even though it’s a detached garage, we felt it should have some cohesiveness,” Stephanie says. “It’s the fanciest garage in all the Kawartha Lakes.”

Stephanie notes that one of the best parts about the whole project is being able to engage with the community and have people excited to see the building restored.

“Although we’re in a small town, we’re not made to feel like we’re outsiders,” she says. “We feel very welcomed and appreciated, and we try to be good citizens back and supporting what we can support.”

As the Jukes continue to welcome guests and finish the coach house, Stephanie is hoping to hear even more stories about the Saucy Willow Inn and plans to make a coffee table book in honour of the inn’s approaching 150th anniversary.

“The house is really a key historical element of Coboconk,” she says. “We’re hopeful that we’ll continue to put in our hard work, dedication, and time in ensuring it’ll last another 100 years.”

For more information, visit the Saucy Willow Inn website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

A new autism services clinic is coming to Northumberland County.

Canopy Support Services, in collaboration with Northumberland Christian School, plans to open the Cobourg clinic this fall. Canopy Support Services provides specialized supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

“The Cobourg clinic offers significant benefits to families through reduced costs and increased accessibility,” Angela Rose, Canopy’s manager of autism services, told kawarthaNOW.

“By providing services closer to home and accommodating various schedules, the clinic minimizes travel expenses and time for families while making essential services more accessible,” Rose said. “Moreover, it strengthens community relationships by fostering partnerships with local organizations, creating a collaborative environment that enhances service quality and reach.”

The clinic’s setting promotes peer interaction among children and will help facilitate skill generalization to school and community environments — providing them the space to practise for school-based routines.

“Overall, the clinic’s convenient location supports families’ needs and contributes to smoother transitions and enhanced community engagement,” Rose added.

The clinic will be located at 8861 Danforth Rd.

Canopy has a team of more than 115 skilled professionals serving five regions including Northumberland County, Peterborough County, City of Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region and Haliburton County.

The new autism services clinic builds upon Canopy’s experience as a regional provider of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) based autism services for 20-plus years. Initially partnering with Northumberland Christian School in 2007, Canopy will once again utilize the school’s facilities to deliver in-person clinical services, including one-to-one behavioural services, family foundational groups, and group programming focusing on social skills and emotional regulation.

“We are extremely excited to expand the new autism services clinic in the Northumberland area to address a service gap and to bring autism services closer to home,” said Himanshu Shah, CEO of Canopy Support Services, which was formerly known as Tri-County Community Support Services, in a media release.

The Northumberland Christian School team is looking forward to welcoming Canopy into the building, said Ginette Mack, principal at Northumberland Christian School.

“We love creating partnerships with others who are serving children and families in the community,” Mack said. “We look forward to the opportunities that working together will bring.”

Canopy said this initiative marks a significant expansion of its commitment to enhance the lives of individuals across the Northumberland area.

“Our clinical team is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of families and we look forward to expanding and re-establishing a presence in Northumberland County,” Rose said.

Similar to Canopy’s established Peterborough clinic, the Northumberland clinic will be staffed by its existing team of clinicians, all trained in ABA and supervised by registered behaviour analysts with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.

“This evidence-based approach ensures that services are both effective and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual and their family,” the release noted.

For more information about Canopy Support Services and the autism services clinic in Northumberland, visit www.canopysupport.ca or call 1- 888-616-3456.

From a Coboconk resort that features native flora and eco-friendly cabins to a Fenelon Falls duo that installed recycling bins in a local park, the City of Kawartha Lakes is recognizing its environmental “heroes.”

The City of Kawartha Lakes environmental advisory committee (CKLEAC) recently presented the 2023 “Environmental Hero Awards” to local residents, businesses, and organizations for their environmental stewardship and commitment to improving their local communities.

The annual awards provide a chance for residents to nominate environmental changemakers in Kawartha Lakes and “bring attention to the amazing work they’re doing to help the environment in our community,” noted Kawartha Lakes in a media release.

This year there were three winners of the environmental business hero award, four winners of the environmental hero award, and three environmental student hero award recipients, listed below.

Environmental business heroes

Green Side Up Environmental, Omemee

Green Side Up Environmental is an ecological contracting firm specializing in landscape construction, natural resource management, and sustainable agriculture. Its services cater to a diverse clientele including government, private sector firms, and various organizations.

Green Side Up Environmental also provides a variety of services including forestry services, sustainable agriculture, biological services, ecological restoration and a native plant nursery.

“With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Green Side Up Environmental continues to set industry standards through their dedication to ecological integrity,” Kawartha Lakes noted.

The Marina at Happy Days, Bobcaygeon

The Marina at Happy Days has been in operation since 1978 on Pigeon Lake, Bobcaygeon in the territory of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg. “This family-owned business exemplifies a dedicated commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability,” Kawartha Lakes noted.

The Marina at Happy Days “takes proactive steps, collaborates with partners, and engages the community to protect and enhance the environment. This effort greatly benefits the health of Pigeon Lake and the surrounding areas.

Inspire Beach Resort, Coboconk

Inspire Beach Resort “offers a peaceful escape where guests can unwind amidst untouched natural beauty.” The Inspire team envisioned a place where the harmony between comfort and nature could be preserved. Developing the resort took into consideration the integration of their structures into the landscape ensuring minimal disruption to the environment, the release noted. Large trees and native flora were preserved and serve as a backdrop for their eco-friendly cabins.

“Inspire Beach Resort’s commitment to sustainability stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion for nature meets thoughtful hospitality.”

Environmental heroes

Sharon Britton and Linda Hibbert

Sharon Britton and Linda Hibbert have been dedicated volunteers at the Garnet Graham Beach in Fenelon Falls for the past three years, championing recycling efforts to keep the community cleaner and greener. Concerned about providing recycling options at Garnet Graham Beach Park, they took action by placing 90-gallon blue bins next to the regular waste bins.

“Sharon and Linda regularly visit the park multiple times each week to combat contamination of non-recyclable items ending up in recycling bins. To combat this, the duo diligently sort through the blue bins, removing any items that can’t be recycled and ensuring everything is disposed of correctly,” Kawartha Lakes said.

“Sharon and Linda are true environmental heroes, embodying the spirit of community service and environmental stewardship.”

Amanda Renee Samson

Amanda Renee Samson is the founder and organizer of a popular “Buy Nothing” Facebook group serving Fenelon Falls and surrounding areas. With more than 1,000 members, the group facilitates the giving away of clothing and household items that people no longer need, allowing others to request items they are looking for, all for free.

“By promoting a culture of giving and reuse, the group not only reduces landfill waste but also helps residents save money and participate in a circular economy.

“Amanda’s initiative not only fosters environmental sustainability but also strengthens community bonds by encouraging philanthropy and resource sharing.”

Randy Beacler

“Randy Beacler embodies the spirit of volunteerism and dedication to environmental stewardship through his longstanding commitment to the Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve and beyond. For years, Randy has quietly and tirelessly contributed to the preservation and enhancement of this vital sanctuary in Norland,” Kawartha Lakes said.

His volunteer efforts involve monitoring and understanding local wildlife. He has tracked amphibians, birds, and forest vegetation, “providing invaluable data that informs conservation efforts.” Beyond data collection, Beacler ensures the safety and accessibility of the sanctuary’s trails by clearing debris in spring and maintaining winter access.

As a member of the Kawartha Field Naturalists, he participates in meetings and outings, “enriching discussions with his insights and anecdotes from years spent in the field.

“Randy’s dedication to conservation and environmental education is a testament to his character and values. His selfless contributions to the Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve and the community have earned him the admiration and gratitude of all who share his passion for nature.”

John Kintare

John Kintare, a resident of Bobcaygeon, has been Kawartha Land Trust’s (KLT) executive director since 2019. During this time, KLT has experienced significant growth, expanding its efforts to safeguard natural and working lands across Kawartha Lakes for future generations, the release noted.

He has helped KLT safeguard more than 3,000 extra acres of land. Other key achievements have included purchasing the Christie Bentham Wetland in 2020 and the Hammer Family Nature Preserve in late 2023, which covers 1,400 acres. Several properties totaling 376 acres have been conserved within Kawartha Lakes.

Kintare has led several projects at KLT including working together with private landowners in the Partners in Conservation program to manage landscapes. His work has also focused on protecting working lands such as farms and woodlots, and making sure everyone in the community can easily enjoy natural spaces.

“Beyond his role at KLT, John is a co-founder of a consortium of regional land trusts operating within Williams Treaties First Nations territory, emphasizing meaningful engagement with Indigenous rights holders.”

Environmental student heroes

Frost campus window mitigation initiative

Up to one billion birds die in North America every year because of window collisions. Inspired by the conservation biology program at Fleming College’s Frost campus and motivated by an international effort to save native bird populations throughout North America, the Fleming bird conservation committee set forth to have the Lindsay, Frost campus at Fleming College be designated as Canada’s first bird-friendly college.

“The group has completed two phases of a multi-year collaborative research project to investigate the efficacy of feather-friendly products (decal patterns) on the deterrence of avian window collisions. The project had participation from 93 students, for a total of 443 human hours to get the mitigation decals installed and to complete baseline monitoring.”

“Frost campus has taken a leading role in the community for making positive action to mitigate threats to birds.”

Rebecca Wood for her Seed Library Project

Wood has been active in environmental projects and initiatives in Kawartha Lakes. She spearheaded the Seed Library Project from start to finish, which involved researching ethical methods for native seed collection, ways to ensure continued genetic variance and biodiversity, and seed processing methods. She also designed multiple seed library prototypes using repurposed materials, with plans to open them at various locations.

In addition to her work with the Seed Library Project, Rebecca has a strong background in beekeeping and pollinator education. “She joined the Kawartha Junior BeeKeepers at a young age, and has since represented Canada internationally in beekeeping forums. She founded “Bee-Friend Pollinators” to educate children about pollinators and distributed pollinator seed kits to local schools. She’s also involved in her high school’s Green Advocates Group, supporting various environmental causes like turtle conservation and community clean-up events.

“Rebecca’s activism spans a wide range of environmental efforts, showcasing her dedication to sustainability and community engagement.”

I.E. Weldon Green Advocates Team

The I.E. Weldon Secondary School Green Advocates Team includes a variety of students ranging from grades 9 to 12 who share a passion for environmental change.

The Green Advocates Team meets weekly to address various environmental issues and strategize on ways to make positive change. Throughout the 2023 to 2024 school year, they undertook several impactful projects, including:

Organizing a “change for change” fundraiser, collecting more than $600 to plant trees at I.E. Weldon through the canopy project.

Collaborating with SCAN! on a letter-writing campaign, leading to local government action on environmental policies.

Initiating a recycling program at school, including educational sessions on waste reduction.

“Through their various activities, the Green Advocates Team has discovered that collective action can drive significant change and foster community engagement.”

Kawartha Lakes asks residents to keep an eye out in their communities for environmental heroes. Nominations for 2024 will begin in the spring of 2025.

KLEAC recognizes individuals, businesses and students who have made outstanding contributions towards helping the environment.

For more information about the awards and nomination criteria, see the Environmental Hero Awards section at www.kawarthalakes.ca/environment.

As Canada Day is a federal statutory holiday, all government offices and services are closed. All liquor stores are closed, with a few beer stores open in selected locations. Some grocery stores are open, except in Peterborough where all are closed. Most malls and big box stores are closed, while most drug stores are open. Some tourist attractions and recreational services are open.

For your convenience, we provide this list of holiday hours for 303 selected businesses, services, and organizations across the Kawarthas. This information comes from their websites and social media accounts, which may or may not be up to date, so please always call them first to confirm their hours (we’ve included phone numbers), especially where you see “call” or “call to confirm” (which means we couldn’t find or confirm holiday hours) or if you are travelling any distance.

If your business or organization is listed and the hours are incorrect, please let us know by using our content feedback form. We do not have the hours for restaurants in this list as there are far too many to include.

Search by business name, location, or keyword:

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The owner of a long-vacant downtown Peterborough property says he’s “very interested” in having talks with the City of Peterborough regarding its availability as the location of a 16-court pickleball complex, but the city doesn’t appear to share that interest.

Developer Don MacPherson owns the former Baskin-Robbins property at Simcoe and Aylmer Streets that has been proposed by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce as a viable alternative location for the courts now planned for Bonnerworth Park.

Chamber CEO and president Sarah Budd emailed a 12-page proposal to city council on Thursday (June 27). She noted locating the pickleball courts there would not only give new life to a long-vacant property but also provide the core with a much-need shot in the arm in the form of increased activity and spending at area businesses.

“Sarah gave me a call in regards to a possible proposal and, as I indicated to her at the time, I am receptive to doing anything with the chamber or the city if they have an appetite for that,” MacPherson tells kawarthaNOW. “I’m interested in exploring it further with them. I’m open to further conversation.”

“Personally, I don’t feel Bonnerworth is the right place for it (the 16-court pickleball complex). I do feel there’s a need for pickleball courts in the city. Where is another question for another day.”

MacPherson adds he’s open to selling the property to the city “for the purpose of pickleball courts, and for that purpose, I would sell it well below market value. Market value would be determined by what the city and I think it is.”

But a brief statement from City Hall on the Chamber proposal emailed to kawarthaNOW makes it very clear there’s no willingness to enter into any negotiation with MacPherson for his property as a location of the pickleball courts.

“Purchasing and preparing a former industrial site that’s downtown to be used for pickleball courts would potentially add millions of dollars to the project cost,” it reads. “The project to expand the skateboard park, build a bike pump track and build pickleball courts does not contemplate buying property.”

“The other consideration is the former Baskin-Robbins site is a prime location for redevelopment for residential or potentially a mixed commercial-residential building to add much needed residential units to the community and the downtown.”

Following all this with great interest is Town Ward councillor Joy Lachica.

Lachica first tabled a motion at city council’s April 2nd general committee meeting to delay the Bonnerworth Park redevelopment plan for further consideration and consultation, in response to concerns expressed by neighbouring residents about the impact of noise from the proposed pickleball courts and the loss of greenspace, as well as a lack of consultation on the part of the city.

The motion lost in an 8-3 vote, with only councillors Lachica, Alex Bierk, and Keith Riel voting in favour of delaying the project. The motion was defeated a second time, by the same 8-3 vote, when it came before the regular city council meeting on April 8th — clearing the way for the project to proceed in the hands of city staff with no further council oversight.

Then, at council’s May 13th general committee meeting, Lachica attempted to introduce a new motion that proposed council be granted final approval authority over the redevelopment’s site plan and associated reports. That motion was not tabled for discussion or a vote after councillor and committee chair Andrew Beamer ruled it out of order and six of the 11 committee members supported his ruling.

“I think it’s brilliant that the chamber cares so much to contribute ideas for a solution that will rally the community together in a positive way,” Lachica tells kawarthaNOW, adding “All of this struggle is not about pickleball. It’s about community decision making.”

“We’ve all been looking at that piece of land (MacPherson’s property) for a very long time and thinking ‘What a shame. That could be something really important in the nucleus of our city.’ It (the proposal) is worth a look. Our downtown needs a facelift. We need to look at the missing teeth and this is a missing tooth that needs addressing.”

Lachica points to the possibility of a public-private partnership as being the springboard for a deal that would see the pickleball courts developed on what has been a long-vacant property.

“I think we’re being shortsighted to not consider that (a public-private partnership,” she says. “That land could be purchased. The bill wouldn’t have to be funded by the city entirely. A private partner could participate in the purchase of the land. There are many ways that we could look at this.”

“It’s very important that each of us who have been elected by the community look at options that come forward, whether it’s at the table when a motion comes forward or afterwards. We need to be open to changing our minds. It happens all the time and I think this is one of those moments.”

Asked if she would be willing to put forward a motion calling for the city to explore an arrangement with MacPherson regarding the property, Lachica says “certain limitations to a councillor bringing something forward” would make doing so difficult, if not impossible.

“For a motion to reconsider, you need a two-thirds majority, so there are some obvious issues around bringing a motion forward. It would need to be someone (a councillor) from the prevailing side bringing forth a motion to reconsider. Then we need to be all in and all together on a decision moving forward.”

Meanwhile, MacPherson’s offer stands — no doubt music to the ears of Save Bonnerworth Park, a large and well-organized group of residents that has actively protested the paving over of the greenspace for the development of pickleball courts, an expanded skate park and a bike pump track.

Saying he’s “very familiar with any kind of development,” MacPherson notes “You have to have different studies done for anything that you’re proposing.”

Referencing the Bonnerworth Park site, he says “I’m not aware of any noise studies that the city has done. I’m not aware of any traffic studies having been done. There seem to be some pieces of the puzzle that are missing.”

“As we all know, the Bonnerworth site is all green grass, which means it would have to undergo a significant stormwater study,” MacPherson explains. “My opinion is (the city) would incur significant stormwater retention facility costs because it’s all greenbelt now and what they’re proposing would be all pavement.”

“So you’ve got one of two avenues. You either put a pond on the property to control the water going in and going out, or you put in a storm chamber underground to control the water. It’s a huge cost.”

As for the potential noise levels produced by pickleball being played on multiple courts, MacPherson says that wouldn’t be nearly the same concern downtown as it would be in the Bonnerworth Park area, which is close to residential properties.

“I’m open to sitting down with (the city) at any time; all they have to do is give me a phone call,” MacPherson says.

“I’ve got the studies done (for the former Baskin-Robbins site) and I’ve got the stormwater management done. I’m sure, because they would be paving over the site, that would have some benefit. I’m more than glad to provide that information to the city and I’m more than glad to have Engage Engineering pursue it further if need be.”

MacPherson’s property has sat vacant since the former Baskin-Robbins’ plant was demolished in 2020, with the property rezoned from industrial to commercial-residential in 2023 after several years of delays.

“I would like to see something happen (with the property),” MacPherson says. “That’s why I’m all for it. And below market value to help things. We’ll see what the city does.”

PDF: Chamber Pickleball Proposal
Chamber Pickleball Proposal

While the wait list for access to children’s treatment services has decreased, the number of kids who need support from Five Counties Children’s Centre is on the rise, according to a report from the charitable organization.

The children’s treatment centre, which serves kids and youth in Peterborough, Haliburton, and Northumberland counties and in the City of Kawartha Lakes, has released its annual report for 2023/2024.

In 2023/24, Five Counties saw its wait list for services drop year-over-year by 11.1 per cent to 2,309 kids/youth — the lowest level since the pandemic.

The annual report was released at Five Counties’ 49th annual meeting held on June 25 in Peterborough.

“There were many pleasant surprises in 2023/24, including seeing our wait list for treatment services go down and getting more support from our donors and supporters as well as an increase in provincial government funding,” Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties Children’s Centre, told kawarthaNOW.

“Going forward, I think the greater support we’ve received will allow Five Counties to invest in more staff and services. This, in turn, will help us to further reduce wait times in the coming year — ensuring kids get the care they need when they need it.”

The CEO said the drop in wait times is a credit to staff, who support children in many different ways and places and through various means. Even as the centre served a near-record number of clients last year — just more than 6,100 kids — and provided almost 53,100 visits for families, Five Counties was also the first children’s treatment centre in Ontario to switch to a new client information system.

“Being first to switch meant there was a steep learning curve, so I’m extremely grateful to our employees for their work and dedication throughout the transition,” Pepin said in a media release.

In 2023/24, Five Counties also introduced new initiatives aimed at improving access to care for kids and families. For example, Five Counties implemented tiered intervention for students receiving occupational therapy in schools. The goal is to shift more school-based and in-centre services to this model, allowing for more kids to be seen with better outcomes, the centre noted.

Also in 2023, the centre launched the “SmartStart Hub,” which is designed to make it easier for families with concerns about their child’s development to get help. Using an online request form, families are matched up to the right services their child needs at Five Counties or another community agency.

The past year also yielded record results when it came to investments.

The Ontario government announced in 2023 a historic investment in pediatric services that included a $2.025 million annual funding increase for Five Counties. The money was used to invest in staff and services, helping to reduce wait times for kids and families, the centre noted.

When it came to fundraising, Five Counties raised a record total of $1.216 million – the most in its history – that goes directly to support kids’ treatment services. “Fundraising efforts in 2023/24 were punctuated by a $250,000 donation from a retired Peterborough-area couple, Dr. James and Sheila Ryan,” Five Counties said.

“At a time when demand for services and programs is on the rise, we’re extremely grateful for the record-setting support that helps Five Counties fill the gaps that can’t always be covered by government funding,” noted Lyn Giles, the centre’s director of fund development.

At the end of 2023, fundraising efforts for the Northumberland Backyard Project in Cobourg also successfully wound down. In 2024, this means that work is now underway to transform the backyard space at the Northumberland site into a safe, fully-accessible outdoor area that provides more space and options for treatment, recreation, cultural awareness, and outdoor education activities.

Five Counties highlighted these other findings in the annual report:

• Of the approximately 6,100 kids/clients served by Five Counties last year, almost half were seen in Peterborough, 26 per cent were seen in Northumberland, 22 per cent were seen in the City of Kawartha Lakes, and four per cent were seen in Haliburton County.
• Two-thirds of all kids supported by Five Counties were ages five to 12 years, with 22 per cent being age four and younger. The remaining 12 per cent of clients were between the ages of 13 and 21.
• For the third straight year, referrals to Five Counties topped the 3,000 mark — in this case, being 3,067 kids/youth referred in 2023/24.
• Just more than 3,900 students received treatment services in local schools, the vast majority being for either occupational therapy or speech therapy.
• One-third of kids/clients seen at Five Counties received two or more services.

Five Counties Children’s Centre provides therapy services that assist children who are delayed in their development to build the skills they need in everyday life such as walking, talking, and activities of daily living. For more information, visit www.fivecounties.on.ca.