Seven was indeed a lucky number for Peterborough, with its recent ranking of seventh place in the national City Nature Challenge held in celebration of Earth Day in April.

Peterborough exceeded last year’s numbers when it came to higher public participation, more species sighted, and greater total observations logged.

From amphibians and insects to trees and fungus, the annual nature challenge encourages people to spot and record their wildlife observations. The City of Peterborough helped residents identify local species during a weekend “bio-blitz” from April 26 to 29.

In total, there were 2,076 observations that recorded 577 species within the community during the four days of citizen science for the second annual community bio-blitz to record wildlife.

Of the 40 participating Canadian communities, Peterborough ranked 13th in the total number of observations made, 12th in total number of species observed, and 11th in the number of participants making observations.

However, Peterborough ranked seventh per capita for the total number of observations made during the bio-blitz, outperforming larger cities including Kingston and Toronto.

On May 6, wildlife experts completed their identification and verification of recorded nature observations gathered during the bio-blitz and submitted it to the event organizers.

“Community events like the City Nature Challenge showcase how truly alive our city is, with wildlife in every nook and cranny waiting to be discovered,” said City of Peterborough Councillor Joy Lachica in a media release. “Residents should celebrate that they share their homes with so many plants and animals, which makes Peterborough an extra-special place to live for all.”

The City of Peterborough partnered with the Peterborough Field Naturalists to curate guided nature walks led by volunteers at GreenUP Ecology Park and Beavermead Park on April 26 and 27.

In addition, organizers offered nature-focused children’s programming during the two days that was intended “to excite kids about the beauty of nature found in Peterborough.”

Peterborough’s most observed species from April 26 to 29 were as follows:

• Plant species: 31 Yellow Trout Lilies (Erythronium americanum)
• Bird species: 25 Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos)
• Tree species: 23 Eastern White Cedars (Thuja occidentalis)
• Fungus species: 16 Black Knot (Apiosporina morbosa)
• Mammal species: 12 Eastern Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis)
• Insect species: Seven Asian Lady Beetles (Harmonia axyridis)
• Amphibian species: Seven Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans)

Retired botanist Michael Oldham made the most observations at 300 and also recorded the most species at 181.

The full list of local observations is available on the Peterborough iNaturalist project page, with national results also available on the iNaturalist website.

The next City Nature Challenge is slated to run from April 25 to 28, 2025.

Always observed on the Monday preceding May 25, Victoria Day is both a federal and a provincial statutory holiday, so all government offices and services are closed. All liquor stores and all beer stores are closed, except for two beer stores in Peterborough and one in Lindsay. Many grocery stores and big box stores are open, except in Peterborough where most are closed. Most drug stores and pharmacies are open.

For your convenience, we provide this list of holiday hours for 297 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 to confirm” (which means the business did not indicate specific 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.

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Those protesting the planned $4.4 million redevelopment of Peterborough’s Bonnerworth Park are hopeful that divine intervention will help them in their effort.

On Saturday (May 18) at 1 p.m., a rally organized by retired priest Father Leo Coughlin will be held at the central Peterborough park, where city council has approved 16 pickleball courts, an expanded skate park, a bike pump track, and an 80-vehicle parking lot scheduled for construction in 2025.

A resident of the Marycrest at Inglewood seniors’ complex on Monaghan Road directly across from the park, Father Coughlin’s involvement comes as a concerted effort by the park’s neighbouring residents to see the redevelopment halted continues.

Organized as Save Bonnerworth Park, their concerns number three: the noise impact that the pickleball complex will have on their quality of life, the loss of their neighbourhood greenspace, and what they claim was a flawed process in terms of notification that the park was being considered for redevelopment and what the scope of the plan was.

As of Friday (May 17), an online petition that can be accessed at savebonnerworthpark.ptbo.org had garnered more than 3,500 signatures. The vast majority of signees are from across the city.

Just this past Monday during a Peterborough city council general committee meeting, Town Ward councillor Joy Lachica put forward a motion that council be granted final approval authority for the redevelopment plan.

Her motion read “The redevelopment project for Bonnerworth Park has generated significant concern over the loss of greenspace, its impacts on current park users, and its compatibility with surrounding residential neighbourhoods,” adding “the city has acknowledged that the public engagement process for the redevelopment of Bonnerworth Park could have been improved and been more inclusive of park neighbours.”

However, her motion was shut down by committee chair Andrew Beamer, who ruled it out of order. That was supported by a 6-5 vote. Mayor Jeff Leal and councillors Beamer, Gary Baldwin, Don Vassiliadis, Kevin Duguay, and Lesley Parnell voted in favour of the chair’s ruling, while councillors Lachica, Alex Bierk, Keith Riel, Dave Haacke, and Matt Crowley voted against it.

Despite the denial to pause the park’s redevelopment plan for another council discussion and ultimately a re-vote, Father Coughlin is optimistic that the rally can and will make a difference.

“The focus here is to bring forward, again, that there is energy and motion to stop this thing from happening,” he says. “I know everybody’s saying it’s a done deal. It doesn’t have to be a done deal. The voice of the power of the people should be able to stop this thing.”

“Look at the green belt and (Ontario Premier Doug) Ford. He was going to allow development there and the people’s voices stopped it. Now, I know it’s not the same thing, but it’s somewhat similar.”

Particularly troubling for Father Coughlin is the impact the pending pickleball complex is having on Marycrest at Inglewood residents.

“Every one of them has made their contribution to this city,” he says. “They’ve worked here and they’ve raised families here. Their families are still here. They’ve paid their taxes and they’ve volunteered.”

“Now they’re seniors. There’s both fear and anxiety over the noise (from the pickleball complex) that will disturb their final years. The level of disrespect is tremendous.”

The bottom line, says Father Coughlin, is “the common good is not being served.”

“This park has been available to, and welcomed, everybody. Now it’s going to be an exclusive park, excluding people unless you’re a pickleball player. The park has moved from inclusion to exclusion. Anybody should be able to see that’s wrong.”

Father Coughlin says a friend of his, who is a professional videographer, will video Saturday’s rally as well as interview some of the participants. The video will be subsequently posted online, shared with local media outlets, and emailed to each member of city council.

A 39-year-old Hamilton Township man is facing multiple charges in connection to a collision on Highway 115 south of Peterborough in December that resulted in the death of a 34-year-old woman.

On December 6, a pickup truck came into contact with a commercial motor vehicle on Highway 115 at Highway 7A before striking the guardrail and leaving the roadway, crashing into the centre median between the northbound and southbound lanes.

The guardrail ripped off the passenger side door and an occupant was thrown from the pickup truck before it came to rest a short distance further in the centre median.

A 34-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene, with a second occupant of the vehicle transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment.

As a result of the police investigation into the collision, a warrant was later issued for the arrest of the second occupant of the pickup truck, who had initially claimed to be a passenger rather than the driver.

On Wednesday (May 15), Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) became aware that the wanted person was driving a vehicle in the city of Peterborough. Officers located the vehicle and observed the driver and passenger switch seats. Officers spoke with the driver, who was now located in the passenger seat, and identified him as the wanted person.

Corey Neil, 39, of Hamilton Township, was arrested and is facing multiple charges related to the December 6th collision. He has been charged with dangerous operation causing death, operation while impaired – blood drug concentration, obstructing a peace officer, 10 counts of operation of a vehicle while prohibited, operation of a vehicle causing death, and two counts of driving while under suspension.

As a result of the May 15th incident, Neil has also been charged with obstructing a peace officer, 10 counts of operation of a vehicle while prohibited, and driving while under suspension.

The accused man was held in custody for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough.

Patients, staff, and the planet are expected to benefit from recent upgrades to Campbellford Memorial Hospital’s (CMH) heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

The Municipality of Trent Hills hospital announced it recently completed its HVAC project, “marking a significant milestone” in CMH’s journey to provide safe and high-quality care to the community.

The improvements include the replacement of air handling units, enhancements to ductwork, the installation of advanced air filtration and ventilation systems, and the implementation of an automated building control system.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the successful completion of our HVAC project, which represents a significant investment in the infrastructure of (CMH),” said Jeff Hohenkerk, CMH CEO, in a statement.

“This project ensures that our hospital maintains optimal indoor air quality, which is crucial for the health and well-being of our patients, staff, and visitors.”

Air quality becomes particularly important if the hospital encounters another pandemic or an outbreak of infectious disease, Peter Mitchell, CMH’s communications manager, told kawarthaNOW when asked how the new infrastructure would fare during those instances.

“Our HVAC upgrades include an advanced air filtration system, which helps to reduce the risk of airborne transmission within the hospital,” Mitchell said.

“Additionally, the system provides enhanced ventilation rates, ensuring a higher turnover of fresh air, which helps to dilute the concentration of airborne contaminants, thus helping to reduce the likelihood of viral spread,” the communications manager explained.

The hospital said the HVAC upgrades also contribute to its environmental sustainability efforts. Expected to reduce CMH’s yearly natural gas consumption by 10,000 cubic meters and lower greenhouse gas emissions by more than 19 tons annually, these improvements align with the hospital’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the media release noted.

CMH received more than $6 million in one-time capital funding from the provincial government for the HVAC project. There were extensive upgrades to the hospital’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning infrastructure.

The completion of this project is the result of a collaborative effort between CMH and TRANE, the company that upgraded the hospital’s HVAC system.

“We are proud to have partnered with (CMH) on this important project,” said Luis Rodrigues, TRANE’s general manager of comprehensive energy and infrastructure solutions. “The upgrades implemented will not only enhance the operational efficiency of the hospital but also contribute to creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for patients and staff.”

CMH said the completion of the HVAC project represents a significant step forward towards ensuring the current building can effectively meet the needs of the community.

“As CMH continues towards redevelopment as part of a campus of care, we remain committed to investing in the infrastructure and technology our current facility requires in order to meet the evolving needs of our patients, staff and community,” Hohenkerk said.

Campuses of care offer a continuum of community support programs, health care services, housing options and long-term care home beds in one location. CMH’s proposed site will include a new hospital, a long-term care home, a community mental health clinic, the Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network (GAIN) program, and supportive senior housing.

A 19-year-old Lindsay man is dead following a single-vehicle collision near Lindsay on Thursday afternoon (May 16).

The collision happened at around 5:40 p.m. on Cheese Factory Road between Post Road and Settlers Road just east of Lindsay.

Police, fire, and emergency services responded to the scene. The driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cheese Factory Road was closed between Post Road and Settlers Road while police documented the scene.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Anyone who witnessed or has video or dash camera footage of the collision and who has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact the Kawartha Lakes Police Service at 705-324-5252.

Both Peterborough citizens and police officers were honoured Wednesday night (May 15) during the 46th Annual Knights of Columbus Police Appreciation Night.

Six citizens received awards for displaying for courage and commitment during three different incidents, 16 police officers received awards and medals for their service in the community, and a entire division of the police service was also recognized.

Three Peterborough women were commended for their response during an incident on August 17, 2020, when another woman was attacked while walking on the Trans Canada Trail north of the Jackson Heights subdivision. The three women — who were strangers to one another — came together to stop the attack, help the victim, and provide a description of the suspect that ultimately led to his arrest a short time later.

A man identified as Christopher was commended for his response during an incident on December 19, 2022, when loss prevention officers at the Canadian Tire on Lansdowne Street West attempted to apprehend a shoplifter. Christopher was shopping at the store at the time and, when he heard someone yell “Knife!”, he immediately ran over to assist staff struggling with the shoplifter on the ground and was able to disarm the man. No one was injured during the incident.

A woman and man identified as Nicole and Ryan were commended for their response during an incident in November 2023 when a member of the community was injured. Without considering the risk to herself, Nicole immediately helped the injured person, stopping the immediate harm and resulting in the person who had been harmed feeling cared for in a compassionate and responsive way. Ryan ensured the immediate scene was safely maintained and reduced the potential for further harm. While putting himself at risk to keep others safe, he also called emergency services.

Police officers who received awards included Constable Dan Mundell, who received the Carol Winter Humanitarian Award that recognizes a member of the police service who has contributed to the needs of vulnerable people in the community. Sergeant Nancy Loucks (retired), Constable Stacey Rutherford (retired), Alison Jackson, and Loranne Thompson were recipients of the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement Service Awards.

Medals for 20 years of service by sworn members of the Peterborough Police Service were given to Staff Sergeant Robert Fitzgerald, Sergeant Jennifer Bell, Sergeant Trevor Hickey, Constable Keith Calderwood, Constable Grant Eastwood, Constable Sam McCullum, Constable Jason Morris, and Constable Michael Stephens, with Special Constable Matt Thomas receiving a medal for 20 years of service as a civilian member of the service.

The Knights of Columbus Meritorious Service Award was given to Constable Joshua Gibbs for his role in an incident on April 29, 2023 when a woman suffering from an apparent mental health episode had caused damage at the home of her elderly mother.

After police arrived at the adult daughter’s apartment, the woman leapt from a third-floor window and was hanging from an eavestrough. From an adjacent balcony, Constable Gibbs was able to pull her to safety, preventing her from falling and suffering severe injury or death. While the woman was being treated by emergency medical services, she thanked the officer for saving her life.

The Knights of Columbus Meritorious Service Award was also given to the entire Investigative Services Division of the Peterborough Police Service for their dedication and work in resolving a series of violent crimes, including four homicides in six months.

“All of these cases are still before the courts and while we are proud to have brought the persons believed responsible to this stage of justice, we know that the work is continuing and not yet finished,” reads a media release. “The officers and supporting units, such as Digital Evidence Management, invested thousands of hours and used various forensic and investigative techniques to bring the people believed to be responsible before the courts within days and hours.”

“These crimes struck at the core of our feelings of safety, and it was through the collective work and dedication to public safety in solving these most violent crimes that is worthy of recognition.”

Community members of all ages can step up to support mental health wellness for children and youth in Northumberland County by lacing up their sneakers for an upcoming event.

Rebound Child & Youth Services is hosting its annual “Kilometers for Kids” run/walk, which kicks off at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 26 in Cobourg’s Donegan Park, which is located on D’Arcy Street.

All proceeds from the event are channelled into helping the not-for-profit charitable organization enhance its programs and services with the goal of ensuring every child, youth, and family in Northumberland can reach their fullest potential.

“This year is our 10th annual Kilometers for Kids fundraiser and we set ourselves the challenging goal of raising $30,000,” Nicole Wood, Rebound’s executive director, told kawarthaNOW.

“Kilometers for Kids is Rebound’s signature fundraiser and so we hope that not only will it bring our community out to participate, but that is also brings awareness to the work we do with the children, youth, and families in Northumberland County.”

The event supports Rebound’s offerings for children, youth, and their families in need access timely and responsive mental health and emotional supportive services.

Kilometers for Kids participants can choose either five or 10 kilometre routes, and the event is suitable for individuals, families, children of all ages, and pets. The walk/run offers those who take part a view of the Cobourg waterfront, Victoria Park, and the marina. Community members can donate and register to participate individually, or they can assemble a team for the event.

kawarthaNOW asked Wood the best thing that could happen from this year’s Kilometers for Kids.

“Hitting our fundraising target would be phenomenal,” Wood said. “However, it’s not just about that — Kilometers for Kids is so much more. It’s about fostering awareness, nurturing mental health and emotional well-being, creating opportunities for education, skill development, and paving the way for stronger, healthier family bonds and community connections.”

Rebound is still welcoming sponsors for the event.

“By being a sponsor, you will help us amplify our message and reach a wider audience, increasing awareness about child, youth, and family mental wellness,” Wood said.

She noted the organization is grateful for its sponsors, particularly presenting sponsor Aaron Farrow and Associates for supporting the event. Part Time CFO Services, Home Depot Cobourg, and the Toronto Maple Leafs have donated prizes, which will be awarded to both the top individual fund-raiser and the top team fund-raiser.

Along with registering, each participant is asked to raise a minimum pledge of $100 to help Rebound reach its goal.

Residents can also make in-kind donations, which will provide direct assistance to children, youth, and families in accessing mental health services, counselling, and educational programs, Rebound noted. There are also corporate matching opportunities.

For more information and to register or sponsor the event, visit the Rebound website at www.rcys.ca/kilometers-for-kids.