Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch for the Kawarthas region for Thursday afternoon and early evening (June 13).

The tornado watch is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening. There is a risk of these storms producing tornadoes, as well as strong winds gusting to 110 km/h, nickel to toonie size hail, and heavy rain.

Environment Canada recommends taking cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.

In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended that you go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet.

Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can. As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris.

A new 10-storey residential-commercial development is being proposed in Peterborough’s East City, to be located adjacent to Mark Street United Church at 90 Hunter Street East.

Some neighbouring residents have received a invitation to a public open house from Peterborough’s EcoVue Consulting Services Inc. on behalf of Toronto-based developer TVM Group, the company behind two other nearby East City developments: East City Condos and the St. Joseph’s Hospital redevelopment.

The public open house will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday (June 20) at Mark Street United Church.

“Applications have not yet been submitted as the proponent is first undertaking (a) technical review and seeking feedback from the public,” states the letter inviting neighbours to attend the public open house, noting it is not a “public meeting pursuant to the Planning Act” because an application for the development has not yet been submitted to the City of Peterborough.

“The developer’s consulting team will be on hand to answer questions,” the letter states. “There will be no formal presentation and attendees may come and go as they please.”

According to the letter, TVM Group is proposing to develop a 10-storey, mixed-use building with commercial space on the ground floor, a parking garage on parts of the first and second floor, and 156 apartment units on the remaining seven floors.

The development would be constructed to the west of the original Mark Street United Church building, in an area currently occupied by a 1957 addition to the church building. The original church building would remain and would be severed from the proposed development. The development would include 43.6 metres (143.1 feet) of frontage on Hunter Street East.

According to a 2024 report from the East Central Ontario Regional Council of the United Church of Canada, the board of trustees of Mark Street United Church entered into an agreement with TVM Group to exchange church property for rental condominium units in the East City Condos development valued at $2 million, “plus the construction of a new hall as approved by the congregation at no cost to Mark Street United Church.” The church’s website states that four rental units at East City Condos will be available for occupancy this summer

In September 2019, planning consultant Kevin Duguay (who was elected to Peterborough city council in 2022) represented the church’s board of trustees during a meeting of the city’s committee of adjustment for an application to sever two lots owned by the church, which contain two residential buildings on Mark Street just north of the church’s parking lot. That application was approved. The two lots are not part of the property for the proposed development.

Peterborough real estate agent and former teacher Shirley Turner has been appointed chair of the United Way Peterborough & District’s 2024 community campaign.

The United Way made the announcement at its office at 277 Stewart Street in downtown Peterborough on Wednesday (June 12).

“Shirley’s dedication and passion for our community are truly inspiring,” says United Way CEO Jim Russell in a media release. “Her leadership and commitment to making a difference align perfectly with our mission. We are confident that under her guidance, the 2024 campaign will achieve remarkable success.”

Turner has been a long-time supporter of and advocate for the United Way, first becoming involved with the organization as a young teacher and currently serving as a board member as well as the committee chair of Women United Peterborough.

“Over the years, she witnessed the profound impact of United Way-funded programs on her students and their families,” reads the media release. “Her commitment to the cause grew even stronger upon her retirement, as she transitioned into real estate and continued her philanthropic efforts.”

As chair of the 2024 campaign, Turner will lead the fundraising cabinet of volunteer leaders who will spearhead fundraising efforts, engage with potential donors, and host community events.

“Her enthusiasm and deep-rooted belief in the power of community collaboration will inspire others to join the cause and contribute to the campaign’s success,” states the release.

“United Way is the heartbeat of our community,” Turner says. “Every dollar raised here, stays here. I’ve lived in Peterborough my entire life and I’ve seen firsthand how United Way’s support transforms lives. It’s an honour to lead this year’s campaign and work towards a brighter future for our community.”

As campaign chair, Turner’s focus will be on reinforcing the “hyper-local” impact of the United Way. She will also highlight the organization’s research-based approach to ensure donated funds are distributed to meet the most important needs in Peterborough County.

“By supporting United Way, we’re not just addressing immediate needs — we’re investing in long-term solutions that build a stronger, more resilient community,” Turner says. “I encourage everyone to get involved, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about our mission. Together, we can make a difference.”

For more information on how to get involved with the 2024 campaign, visit www.uwpeterborough.ca or call the United Way’s director of philanthropy Anne Ondercin at 705-742-8839 ext. 30.

Following a recent night of music, art and philanthropy, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) is launching a project slated to bring 41 more affordable housing units to Peterborough.

On June 1, Habitat PKR held its first-ever garden party, “HomeGrown: A Habitat Garden Party Fundraiser,” at Peterborough’s Northview Gardens.

Garden party guests enjoyed fiddle music of Irish Millie and an aerial performance by Nicole Maulbeuf of Trellis Entertainment. Some attendees took home ceramic centrepieces, created by more than 15 volunteers from the Kawartha Potters Guild, which raised more than $1,000.

“Filled with community spirit, entertainment, and remarkable generosity” according to a media release, the HomeGrown fundraiser also served as the kick-off to Habitat PKR’s new planned development: a multi-unit condominium to be located on Lansdowne Street West.

“Modelled after the award-winning Leahy’s Lane project, this (initiative) will be a life-changing hand-up to over 40 families in the Peterborough community,” Habitat PKR said.

The first phase of the Leahy’s Lane project, a 41-unit affordable condo development at 33 Leahy’s Lane near Parkhill Road East and Armour Road, was completed in April 2022, and the second phase, a 12-unit affordable condo development at 21 Leahy’s Lane, is approaching completion.

The proposed Lansdowne Street West condominium development will be located just east of the Peterborough Memorial Centre. Habitat PKR is currently involved in the rezoning process for the Lansdowne project, and is excited about the next steps, Jenn MacDonald, Habitat PKR’s communications and donor services manager, told kawarthaNOW.

“Following the success of the phase one and two developments on Leahy’s Lane, (Habitat PKR) is looking forward to helping more local families and individuals into much-needed safe and affordable housing,” MacDonald said.

“With a low vacancy rate and lack of affordable housing in the city of Peterborough, this new development will provide a hand-up to another 41 homeowner families, giving them the stability they need to invest in their futures.”

Attendees at the HomeGrown fundraiser, which in total raised more than $21,500 for affordable home building projects, heard the story of a local Habitat homeowner family who shared how affordable homeownership enabled them to achieve strength and stability.

“Habitat PKR extends heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers, donors, and attendees who made HomeGrown an unforgettable evening,” the release noted. “Your support is invaluable in helping to build a better future where everyone has a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home.”

Habitat PKR is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting affordable homeownership. Since 2002, Habitat PKR has helped 83 local families achieve affordable homeownership.

When Showplace Performance Centre opened in downtown Peterborough on October 5, 1996, the first song performed was “This Is The Moment” from the musical Jekyll & Hyde.

On Tuesday afternoon (June 11) at the performing arts venue, Beth McMaster — the founding chair of the non-profit organization’s board of directors — had her moment, feted by friends and local arts leaders as a plaque denoting her many, and continuing, contributions was unveiled.

Prominently displayed in Showplace’s ‘Sunshine’ Sean Eyre Lobby, the plaque reads “Showplace Performance Centre gratefully acknowledges the outstanding contribution of Founding Chair Beth McMaster. Her inspiration and ongoing commitment to this theatre have made a lasting impact on the arts in Peterborough.”

McMaster was overwhelmed by the tribute, fighting to hold back tears as the plaque was unveiled to rousing applause. Prior, she accepted a certificate from the City of Peterborough from mayor Jeff Leal, who said, “The citizens of Peterborough owe Beth a tremendous debt of gratitude.”

Showplace executive director Scott Lale also addressed he gathering, expressing gratitude to McMaster on behalf of the current board and staff.

Following the plaque unveiling, McMaster reflected on the effort to establish a performing arts centre in Peterborough.

“It was very hard to envision (what Showplace would become),” said McMaster who, in 1992, met with Erica Cherney, Elizabeth Farquharson, and Barb Scott “and decided we had to make something happen.”

A month after that lunch meeting, a board of directors was established. Among its members were former Peterborough mayor Sylvia Sutherland, Doug Armstrong, and Pat Lett — each of whom attended Tuesday’s event.

“We looked at a lot of places in Peterborough,” recalled McMaster of the search for a location for the performance venue. “This was the Odeon theatre, which we decided on. We had people who said ‘It’s not going to be big enough.’ Other people said ‘It’s too big.’ We tried to come up with a mid-sized theatre and that’s what we ended up with.”

Purchased in 1995, the space at 290 George Street North was designed by the Peterborough architectural firm of Lett/Smith to accommodate 650 seats. Aggressive fundraising resulted in the mortgage being paid off by 2000.

Admitting to being “very emotional” during Tuesday’s unveiling ceremony, McMaster said what made it particularly special were the people that shared the tribute with her.

“I was allowed to look at the guest list because they asked who I would like to have here. I (have) here the people who influenced my life and have been great supporters of me over the years. They come to all my shows. They are always there. I can depend upon them.”

Guest list or not, it was pretty clear most all on hand were going to attend regardless.

“Such visionaries,” said Pat Hooper of McMaster et al of their efforts to make Showplace a reality.

Hooper was most recently co-champion, with McMaster, of Showplace’s “Take A Seat for Act II” campaign. That efforts raised funds to replace the venue’s aging seats and for other upgrades.

“We’ve had a long relationship … it’s always fun to be with her and feed off her energy and talent,” said Hooper of McMaster. “She’s patient but she has high expectations, and expects people to meet those. That’s fair enough. And she doesn’t suffer fools but she’s got a great sense of humour, which is so important.”

Meanwhile, Paul Wilson — a Peterborough city councillor at the time that Showplace was discussed, developed, and opened — said he “can’t imagine Peterborough without Showplace, and I can’t imagine Showplace without Beth.”

“She’s very modest,” Wilson added. “She doesn’t extol her abilities and accomplishments. What they’ve done with the plaque in the lobby is marvellous — long overdue.”

Over the years, McMaster has created many fundraising productions for Showplace, including the very popular “Spring Tonic” shows and, more recently, “The Legendary Icon Series” that will continue this October with a tribute to Dolly Parton and Tom Jones.

While Showplace’s founding and reputation as a premier performing arts venue has McMaster’s fingerprints all over it, her resumé is also highlighted by a number of high-profile volunteer roles, including past chair of the annual United of Peterborough and District Campaign and board positions with a number of non-profits, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough among them.

McMaster is also a founding member of the Peterborough Theatre Guild, and has premiered many of her plays on its Guild Hall stage.

McMaster’s community service has seen a number of honours bestowed upon her, including Peterborough Citizen of the Year (1994), Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellowship (1996), a Peterborough Pathway of Fame induction (2000), the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal (2003), Trent University’s Distinguished Alumni Award (2012), and in 2018, the City of Peterborough Arts Champion.

Following the formal portion of the plaque unveiling, the celebration moved to Showplace’s downstairs lounge where entertainment was provided by singers Meg Murphy, Lisa Devan, Wayne Robinson, and Bob Trennum, with Rob Phillips accompanying the quartet on piano.

Among the selections performed was a song written especially for McMaster — a clear crowd favourite.

The Peterborough & District Pathway of Fame has announced the 10 inductees of the 2024 Pathway of Fame, including the late founder of The Canadian Canoe Museum.

Established in 1997, the Pathway of Fame honours people who have contributed to the arts and humanities heritage of the Peterborough. Nominations are submitted annually by the public in the categories of visual arts, literary, dramatic arts, entertainment/musical, cultural/community betterment, community Samaritan, media, and community builder.

Kirk Wipper, whose collection of more than 600 canoes, kayaks, and other paddled watercraft became the basis for what would become The Canadian Canoe Museum in 1997, has been inducted in the category of community builder. His induction, 13 years after his death at the age of 87, comes on the heels of the May opening of the new state-of-the-art museum facility on the shores of Little Lake, where all of Wipper’s collection will be accessible for display for the first time in the museum’s history.

Inductees in the cultural/community betterment category include retired journalist and active volunteer Jim Hendry, educator and environmental activist Glen Caradus, former Peterborough County warden J. Murray Jones, and Peterborough GreenUP executive director Tegan Moss.

Local musicians Earl Wilfong and Melissa Payne have been inducted in the entertainment category, artist and 2SLGBTQ equity advocate Spencer J. Harrison has been inducted in the visual arts category, and YourTV producer and on-air host John Lewis has been inducted in the dramatic arts category.

Ray Ostapovich, who has been a member of the Peterborough Lions Club for almost six decades, has been inducted in the community Samaritan category.

A public induction ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10th at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough, which the Pathway of Fame notes is the first time the induction ceremony has been held on a weeknight. The event is free and open to the general public as well as to families, friends, and supporters of the inductees and past inductees.

Below are the short bios of each of the 2024 inductees, as provided by the Pathway of Fame.

Spencer J. Harrison (Visual Arts)

As an artist, activist and academic, Spencer J. Harrison’s work has been, and remains, highly influential in the call for a change in attitudes around equity and for fuller inclusion for members of 2SLGBTQ community, his art featured at several galleries across Ontario as he positions artists in the academic work as knowledge creators.

John Lewis (Dramatic Arts)

Possessing of an unabashed love for Peterborough’s music scene, YourTV producer and on-air host John Lewis, via his well researched signature programs Junction 28 and The Skinny, has introduced a broad audience to music artists in our midst while mentoring countless volunteers looking to make their own mark in the community television realm.

Earl Wilfong (Entertainment)

A lifelong entertainer who has performed across North America and overseas in Europe, Peterborough native Earl Wilfong has shared stages and collaborated with numerous well-known acts but has never forgotten where he comes from, selflessly gifting his talent time and time again to the benefit of countless local causes and organizations.

Melissa Payne (Entertainment)

Ennismore born and raised Melissa Payne was gifted her first fiddle at age four and has never put it down, fashioning a remarkable music journey that has seen her record three full-length albums and collaborate with the likes of Natalie MacMaster and Greg Keelor, while making the mentoring and supporting up-and-coming musicians a priority.

Jim Hendry (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Since retiring from The Examiner in 2014 after a 32-year career with the Peterborough newspaper, Jim Hendry found himself with the time to devote to causes that he’s passionate about, and the United Way of Peterborough and District, the ReFrame Film Festival and newcomers to Peterborough remain grateful he didn’t put his feet up.

Glen Caradus (Cultural/Community Betterment)

As an educator with Camp Kawartha, Ecology Park and the Canadian Canoe Museum, musician, storyteller and puppeteer Glen Caradus has made educating kids and young people on Canadian history and the environment his mission while raising thousands of dollars for climate change advocacy groups by way of his Ride For Climate initiative.

J. Murray Jones (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Retiring in 2022 after a remarkable run in Peterborough County politics, including 11 years as warden, J. Murray Jones’ legacy is as well-founded as it is secure, his leading the charge to bring expanded broadband and cellular service to the county and rural eastern Ontario, and his steady hand during the pandemic, being hallmarks of his time in office.

Tegan Moss (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Promoting active transportation, as she did as the longtime executive director of B!KE, or working to mitigate the effects of climate change, as she does now leading Peterborough GreenUP, Tegan Moss has long had the best interests of Peterborough residents well in mind, her advocacy helping others lead healthier eco-friendly lives.

Ray Ostapovich (Samaritan)

A member of the Peterborough Lions Club for close to 60 years, Ray Ostapovich played a key role in the development of the service club’s Handicap/Medical Equipment Loan Program which, at age 88, he still oversees, collecting, repairing and delivering used assistive devices and medical equipment to anyone hard pressed to purchase new.

Kirk Wipper (Community Builder)

With the new home of the Canadian Canoe Museum now open, Kirk Wipper is being remembered for his diligent efforts, over many years, securing, storing and preserving more than 500 canoes and related artifacts, providing the springboard for what has become the internationally recognized Peterborough-based home of all things canoe.