With the closure of Peterborough’s Consumption and Treatment Site (CTS) soon approaching, public health and harm reduction experts are raising concerns about the potential for increased medical need, further stigmatization of service users, and fewer opportunities for inter-agency collaboration.

“I think the closure and this loss is tremendous — I don’t understand it,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health and CEO of Lakelands Public Health, in a recent interview with kawarthaNOW.

A response to the opioid crisis, the Peterborough CTS opened in June 2022 inside the renovated former bus terminal at 220 Simcoe Street in downtown Peterborough to provide a safe and medically supported space for people to consume pre-obtained illicit substances under the supervision of trained health professionals.

Medical officer of health: ‘These sites work … they do keep people alive’

Lakelands Public Health has been a leading clinical and advocacy partner in the operation of Peterborough’s CTS, in part through holding the medical directive that permits on-site staff to provide life-saving medical care such as the administration of Naloxone and oxygen.

“Most sites across Ontario have some kind of a medical director,” explained Dr. Piggott. “Because there was no budget for this (a medical director at Peterborough’s CTS), we voluntarily provided my support and services in-kind to the site.”

Dr. Piggott said that public health organizations across North America and Europe have been involved in harm reduction efforts such as safe consumption, needle exchange programs, and safer supply for 30 to 40 years.

Drug strategy collectives across Canada, including both Peterborough Drug Strategy and Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland (HKLN) Drug Strategy, identify harm reduction as part of their multifaceted four-pillars approach.

“We have three to four decades of knowledge that these sites work and that they do keep people alive and help to support their access to potential healthcare support,” Dr. Piggott said.

Another member of the Peterborough and HKLN Drug Strategy collectives, the Peterborough AIDS Resource Network (PARN) has also said the long history of harm reduction work has shown proven results in reducing fatalities and medical emergencies associated with substance use.

“The risk of fatal drug poisonings decrease a lot — the data tells you that,” Dane Record, executive director for PARN, told kawarthaNOW.

In December 2025, Peterborough Public Health (now merged with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit as Lakelands Public Health) reported that drug poisoning deaths were 41 over 11 months, down from reported figures of 60 in 2024 and 78 in 2023.

PARN receives funding from the Ministry of Health to provide single-use supplies such as injection and inhalation equipment to promote and enable safe use of personal illicit substances.

“There are so many benefits to having a sanctioned consumption and treatment site in that it makes the work of PARN, along with other agency partners, a little bit easier,” said Record.

EMS calls and ER visits for opioid-related overdoses increased after first nine CTS sites closed

For Dr. Piggott, the closure of the CTS will have “widespread” impacts on the healthcare system at large due to the numerous services available at the CTS beyond supervised consumption and needle exchanges.

People using the CTS are provided with information on safer consumption practices, drug checking, basic medical services, and referrals to addiction treatment services, housing, and other social services.

One direct impact Dr. Piggott noted was the loss of the CTS as an alternative drop-off location for emergency medical services when someone is experiencing a drug-related medical emergency.

“Now with the closure, they’ll be presenting in more of an emergency state at the (Peterborough Regional Health Centre) emergency department,” said Dr. Piggott.

Following the Ontario government’s closure of the first nine CTS sites in the province, the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition tracked calls made to emergency services and visits to the emergency department for opioid-related overdoses.

A release from the coalition says “Ontario-wide data shows a sharp increase in EMS calls (+69.5%) and emergency department use (+67%).”

Dr. Piggott cited this research when speaking about the likelihood of the CTS closure directly impacting emergency medical services, saying “it’s not a hypothetical — this will happen.”

In addition, Dr. Piggott said that many service users receive all of their healthcare through the CTS, as they do not have other access to primary care. As such, he explained, primary care shortages and access challenges in the wider community may be exacerbated by the closure by forcing more people onto waitlists.

Local healthcare leader Ashley Safar, executive director of the Peterborough Community Health Centre, also expressed concerns that the impending closure will impact the work of other healthcare organizations within the community.

“I am concerned about what the impact will look like on the larger healthcare system,” Safar told kawarthaNOW recently.

CTS closure will push unsafe consumption into public spaces

Further to this, both Dr. Piggott and Record identified the significant intersection between people who use substances and historically marginalized populations such as Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and people of colour experiencing barriers to accessing healthcare.

“Some people that are using the CTS have huge distrust with healthcare services,” Dr. Piggott said. “They don’t feel safe going to another family doctor or to the emergency department for care.”

When the initial CTS closures were announced by the Ontario government in August 2024 as part of their “safer communities” policy shift, one reason given for this decision was increased safety concerns in public spaces.

However, harm reduction advocates say that the closure of supervised consumption sites does not decrease the level of substance use, but rather it forces people to use in unsafe spaces — often public spaces.

“There’s always going to be a way and a means and an opportunity if somebody wants to get high,” said Record.

Dr. Piggott said that the elimination of harm reduction services “pushes consumption to other areas, but it doesn’t address the root causes.”

Both Record and Dr. Piggott spoke about the connection between public safety concerns, cuts to harm reduction services funding, and the stigmatization of substance use and addictions.

“That gets to the stigma there is against street drug use,” said Dr. Piggot. “We wouldn’t ever turn people away at the hospital if they had a health impact from alcohol or cigarettes.”

For his part, Record spoke to the safety concerns for CTS service users and identified the potential for increased surveillance of individuals using substances in public spaces.

“It’s a potential return to being surveyed — being over-surveyed,” said Record.

He said that a major concern is a rise in vigilantism, with local residents attempting to displace people using or suspected of using substances in public. Record noted instances where tents and belongings of unhoused people being damaged or removed to dissuade them from staying at a location.

“It’s vigilantism and it’s violent,” he added.

Harm reduction work will continue after CTS closes

Looking ahead, both Lakelands Public Health and PARN will continue their work in harm reduction, health education, and community engagement in the absence of the CTS.

At the same time it closed CTS sites across Ontario, the Ontario government invested $500 million in 28 Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs, including one in Peterborough, that are focused on treatment, recovery, and housing. However, the hubs do not offer supervised consumption or harm reduction services like needle exchange.

Record explained that, as an HIV-prevention organization, PARN is funded by the government to provide needle exchange and clean equipment programming and therefore will continue to do so following the closure.

“Not having 220 Simcoe Street available is going to be a hindrance, but there is no disruption of needle exchange or inhalation exchange programming or resources,” he said.

Dr. Piggott and Record both said that ultimately the decision to close CTS sites is political, and as such harm reduction experts will continue to advocate for policies based on frontline evidence and past successes.

“It’s certainly not lost on me that it’s an election season,” Record said. “This is going to be a hot button topic.”

“I think we’re at a moment, a political moment, where there is a lot of upset and anger,” said Dr. Piggott, referring to the perception of issues with supervised consumption sites. “I think that is because we are attributing problems to a solution, instead of attributing problems to the root causes.”

Of behalf of the City of Peterborough,, city council honoured more than two dozen residents and organizations at the Civic Awards ceremony on Thursday evening (May 21) at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Presented annually, the Civic Awards recognize those who have made a difference in the community through arts, culture, sports, and volunteering, with awards in 12 categories.

After a public call for nominations from members of the community is completed, a Citizen Appointment Selection Committee reviews the nominations and provides a list of candidates to city council, which decides on the recipients in a closed session meeting to keep the results confidential before the awards are presented.

“The Civic Awards recognize the outstanding individuals and groups whose contributions and achievements have made a meaningful difference in our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal in a media release.

“Through their volunteer efforts, dedication, and commitment to others, this year’s recipients have helped enrich the lives of residents across Peterborough. On behalf of city council and the community, I extend congratulations and appreciation to all of the 2025 Civic Award recipients for the positive impact they have made.”

The recipients of the 2025 Civic Awards are listed below by category, with descriptions of each recipient provided by the City of Peterborough (edited for consistency).

Community Betterment

Community Care

In 2025, the Community Care Peterborough Visiting and Social Safety Volunteers supported many clients with a dedicated group of 34 volunteers. The volunteer work does not go unnoticed as they provide companionship and regular check-in visits to older adults and individuals over the age of 18 living with physical disabilities.

Many of these interactions are the only opportunity the individuals have to connect with a friendly and caring voice. The volunteers assist in monitoring the health of the clients, and their overall well-being. These interactions help build meaningful relationships that are grounded in trust, empathy and shared interests.

Jan Williams-Stephen

Jan is being recognized for her extraordinary volunteer work supporting the homeless and disenfranchised members of the community. Jan’s passion for supporting the most vulnerable has not gone unnoticed. Through her volunteer work, Jan has been known to start her mornings at 4 a.m. to prepare food for those that are in need.

In addition to providing meals, Jan spends countless hours ensuring that those experiencing homelessness also have access to clothing and the necessities of life. Jan is a fierce advocate for the unhoused and makes it her mission to ensure that everyone she interacts with feels seen and valued.

In the words of her nominator, “It’s not often we meet someone as kind, thoughtful and action oriented as Jan.”

Alan Cavell

Alan came to Peterborough after completing his Master’s degree in adult education to take on a supervisor position at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. While he was in this role for 17 years, he spearheaded the development and funding of many supportive housing programs, community-based respite care, and programs for seniors. In this role, he supervised long-term care facilities ensuring that the utmost care was delivered to those residents.

Eventually, Alan left the ministry to become the executive director of VON Peterborough, where he remained for 14 years. Alan was a major part of the development of the Neighbours Helping Neighbours program, a service to assist seniors remain as independent as possible in a community setting. Alan was also responsible for developing an innovative compensation system as well as quality improvements at VON. Once he felt fulfilled in this role, he left to become the eecutive director of a long-term care facility in Peterborough.

In his 44 years of volunteer service in Peterborough, Alan was known by all as a kind and generous person that was a staunch supporter of improving the lives of those in need. Unfortunately, Alan passed away last month. We know his legacy and impact will live on in Peterborough.

Dr. Cam Crawford

Having grown up in Peterborough, Dr. Cam Crawford understands all too well about coming together to help his community. Dr. Crawford has spent countless hours providing free dental care treatment to hundreds of individuals who would otherwise not have access to care.

Volunteering over 250 hours throughout 2025, Dr. Crawford understands that by restoring smiles, treating emergencies, and educating patients, he has tangibly improved both health outcomes and quality of life across the Peterborough community.

Notably, during the Sandy Lake evacuation, Dr. Crawford led the development and deployment of a mobile dental trailer at Trent University and provided compassionate care in a moment of crisis.

In the words of his nominator, “Through service, innovation, and compassion, Dr. Crawford is helping build a healthier, more equitable Peterborough, one smile and one life at a time.”

Tiffany Arcari

Through the Tiffany Show, Tiffany is a community builder. Tiffany tells inclusive storytelling that amplifies local voices, celebrates community leaders, and creates platforms that foster connection, understanding, and pride in Peterborough.

Along with the show, Tiffany supports many local causes, including serving as a United Way Burger Ambassador, promotes fundraising and awareness for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation, and the Peterborough Humane Society.

These efforts were done voluntarily, without obligation and helped extend the reach of important community campaigns.

Tiffany was also instrumental in organizing the International Women’s Day celebration that brings hundreds of women together to celebrate local women, share stories, and provide accessible experiences focused on connection, empowerment, and well-being.

In the words of Tiffany’s nominator, “Tiffany leads through action, create space for others to feel seen and supported, and quietly make things better wherever they are.”

Phillip Jolicoeur

Phillip Jolicoeur is an active and engaged leader who generously gives his time to support numerous local initiatives and organizations, including serving on several community boards such as the Children’s Aid Society, where he provides thoughtful leadership and oversight.

Beyond his leadership roles, Phillip is deeply committed to raising awareness and support for mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, while consistently advocating for positive change that uplifts vulnerable individuals and families in our community.

Through both his professional and volunteer efforts, he has helped foster connection, belonging, and meaningful community impact across the city.

In the words of his nominator, “What sets Phillip apart is not only his involvement, but his consistency, integrity, and compassion he brings to every role he undertakes.”

Makaya Dafoe

Makaya has been a dedicated volunteer with the East Peterborough Lions Club, whose commitment to community service and supporting local causes has made a meaningful and lasting impact across Peterborough.

From helping organize and support events such as the Diabetes Walk for Peterborough and the Walk for Leader Dogs for the Blind to volunteering her time at numerous other community initiatives, Makaya consistently steps forward wherever help is needed. Her compassion, reliability, and willingness to give back reflect the true spirit of volunteerism and community pride.

What makes Makaya especially inspiring is her commitment to leading by example. As a mother, she brings her children to many volunteer events, teaching them the importance of helping others, giving back to the community, and never taking anything for granted. Her dedication to instilling those values at such a young age speaks volumes about her character and the positive example she sets for others.

In the words of her nominator, “Her goal with her children is to teach them to give back to the community, never take anything for granted, and to help others as much as you can.”

Cultural Betterment

Peterborough Folk Festival 2025 Board of Directors

Board members include Rob Davis, Megan Wells, Rebecca Schillemat, Chad Hogan, Carol Lawless, Tanye Nye, Lyn Giles, Emma Macdonald, Jennifer Jaruczek, and Teresa Mycroft.

The Peterborough Folk Festival Board of Directors is an extraordinary group of volunteers whose dedication has significantly strengthened the arts and cultural life in Peterborough.

The board produces the Peterborough Folk Festival, a free-admission community event that celebrates music, supports artists, and promotes Peterborough as a culturally vibrant destination.

Without the dedication and volunteerism of the board, the Folk Festival would not be going into its 37th year and holds the record of Canada’s longest-running free-admission folk festival.

In the words of their nominator, “Through their passion, commitment and vision, the Peterborough Folk Festival Board has created one of the city’s most beloved cultural events.”

Peterborough Musicfest Volunteers

Volunteers include Lynda Motschenbacher, Marilyn Philpot, Matthew Cabanlig, Sharon Smith, Lucy Ferrill, Michael Shearer, and Tracy Beverley. These individuals consistently go above and beyond their assigned responsibilities to support the Peterborough Musicfest.

This group steadily sets the standards for excellence within the organization. They approach their roles with professionalism, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility.

The volunteers welcome and usher VIPs, sell 50/50 raffle tickets to fundraise for the festival, help direct patrons at through Guest Services at Del Crary Park, and support on-site operations to ensure the concert nights flow smoothly. These volunteers help ensure the park is welcoming and safe for thousands of music lovers.

In the words of their nominator, “This group volunteers not for recognition, but out of a genuine commitment to community. They represent the very best of volunteerism, and Peterborough Musicfest could not thrive without individuals like them.”

Athletic Award of Merit

Braxtin Howard

Braxtin is recognized for his outstanding achievements in both hockey and lacrosse. He is a remarkable young athlete whose talent, leadership, and work ethic have set him apart both on and off the field of play.

Excelling at the highest levels in both hockey and lacrosse, he has earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and competitors alike through his dedication, toughness, and commitment to excellence.

What makes him especially deserving of this recognition is the example he sets for others. A natural leader, he elevates those around him, holds himself and his teammates to a high standard, and represents Peterborough with pride and integrity.

Peterborough U8 Tigers Baseball

The Peterborough U8 Tigers have shown that determination, teamwork, and heart can accomplish extraordinary things.

Their memorable championship run, highlighted by an incredible comeback to capture the OBA AAA Championship, reflects their resilience, sportsmanship, and unwavering belief in one another. Through hard work, dedication, and a love for the game, these young athletes represented Peterborough with pride and inspired our community along the way.

Beyond their success on the field, the U8 Tigers embody what youth sport is all about: teamwork, perseverance, and community spirit. Their achievement is a testament not only to their talent, but to the support of their coaches, families, and everyone who helped them along their journey.

Team members include Weston Perrin, Lucas Nelson, Easton Condon, Louis Curry, Reed Tivy, Chase Massie, Camden Raftis, Declan Manol, Asher Young, Reign Mercer, Henry Helleman, and Jackson Pyke.

Kawartha U9 Girls Lacrosse

The Kawartha U9 Lacrosse Team has achieved something truly special through teamwork, determination and outstanding athletic performance.

Competing at a high level throughout the season, the team earned gold in the U9 A Division at the 2025 OWFL Provincial Championships, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects their dedication, skill, and love for the game. Their success is a proud moment not only for their club, but for the entire Peterborough community.

Beyond their championship result, this young team has demonstrated the very best qualities of sport: resilience, sportsmanship, and a commitment to supporting one another every step of the way. Their hard work, positive spirit, and team-first attitude make them truly deserving of this recognition.

Team members include Sienna Adams, Kinsley Briffett, Jocelyn Brioux, Carly Clark, Grace Crawford, Layla Doherty, Addie Harrald, Chloe Hunt, Nev McCormick, Olivia Oakley, Emma O’Halloran, Rylan Tully, and Perry White.

Anna Christensen

Anna is an exceptional young athlete whose dedication, versatility, and commitment to excellence have brought pride to the City of Peterborough.

Excelling at provincial and national levels in cycling and Nordic skiing, while also competing in cross-country running and track and field, she has demonstrated remarkable discipline, resilience, and athletic achievement across multiple sports.

Beyond competition, Anna is also a leader within the sporting community, mentoring young athletes, giving back through coaching, and representing Peterborough with integrity and sportsmanship in everything she does.

Reed Chamberlain

Reed has distinguished himself as one of Peterborough’s outstanding young athletes through exceptional skill, dedication, and competitive success in lacrosse.

From being named Rookie of the Year in the Ontario Junior C Lacrosse League, to helping lead the Peterborough Jr. C Lakers to scoring and championship success, and earning recognition as an all-Canadian in his freshman season at Trent University, his accomplishments reflect both remarkable talent and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

As he continues to excel at the next level while representing Peterborough with pride, he serves as an inspiring example of what hard work, perseverance, and passion for sport can achieve.

Environmental Stewardship/Sustainability

Steve Paul

Steve Paul has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to environmental stewardship through his hands-on leadership, tireless volunteerism, and passion for building a cleaner, more sustainable Peterborough.

As the founder of Clean Up Peterborough, Steve has transformed a grassroots idea into a meaningful community movement, inspiring residents, organizations, and local businesses to take an active role in protecting and enhancing the natural spaces that make our community special.

Through organized clean-up initiatives, waste diversion programs, and environmental education efforts, he has shown that meaningful change begins with individual action and community collaboration.

Beyond his leadership in the community, Steve’s longstanding commitment to conservation through volunteer efforts in habitat restoration, native planting, and environmental advocacy has helped advance sustainability initiatives across the region.

His passion for protecting the natural environment and inspiring others to take action has made a meaningful and lasting impact on Peterborough.

Mayor’s Youth Award

Natalie Keys

Natalie is an outstanding young leader whose dedication, work ethic, and character have made a meaningful impact both on and off the field of play.

A talented multi-sport athlete, she has excelled in basketball, volleyball, track and field, and ultimate frisbee, while also achieving academic excellence in the classroom.

Her accomplishments, including qualifying for OFSAA in four different sports in a single school year and earning recognition for her elite athletic performance, reflect an extraordinary level of discipline, perseverance, and commitment.

What makes her truly deserving of this award is the example she sets for others. She is known as a supportive teammate, a positive leader, and a role model who carries herself with humility, confidence, and integrity.

Her ability to inspire those around her, combined with her dedication to excellence in everything she pursues, makes her a deserving recipient of the Mayor’s Youth Award.

Holnbeck Award

Andrea Dodsworth

Andrea has dedicated a lifetime to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities in Peterborough through extraordinary service, advocacy, and compassionate leadership.

For decades, she has been a tireless voice for inclusion, accessibility, and dignity, working across organizations, initiatives, and community partnerships to ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families are not only supported, but empowered, respected, and truly included. Her work has helped remove barriers, elevate lived experience, and shape more thoughtful, responsive, and inclusive programs and services throughout our community.

What makes her contribution especially remarkable is the way in which she has led, with humility, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to others. Whether mentoring volunteers, advocating for systemic change, connecting organizations, or quietly helping individuals and families navigate challenges, she has consistently placed service above recognition and community above self.

Her ability to build trust, bring people together, and inspire meaningful action has left a profound and lasting mark on Peterborough, influencing not only programs and policy, but the very culture of how inclusion and accessibility are understood and embraced in our city.

The Holnbeck Award recognizes lifelong volunteer contributions that create lasting change, and this year’s recipient embodies that spirit in every sense. Her dedication has enriched countless lives, strengthened our community, and helped make Peterborough a more compassionate, accessible, and welcoming place for all.

Junior Athlete of the Year

Matthew Kathiravelu

Matthew has established himself as one of Peterborough’s most exceptional young athletes through remarkable achievement, dedication, and all-around excellence both on and off the field of competition.

His outstanding performances in track and field, particularly in the triple jump and long jump, have earned him provincial and national recognition, including record-setting performances, championship titles, and a place among the very best athletes in Canada in his age group. His accomplishments in 2025 have not only been impressive, they have been historic.

What makes him especially deserving of this honour is that his excellence extends far beyond athletics. A standout student, multi-sport competitor, and respected leader among his peers, he has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to hard work, discipline, and personal growth in everything he pursues. Through his achievements, character, and dedication, he has brought tremendous pride to Peterborough and serves as an inspiring example for young athletes across our community.

Matthew’s impressive athletic and academic accomplishments have led him to be awarded a NCAA Athletic Track Scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League School where he was accepted into the prestigious Wharton School of Business.

Adult Athlete of the Year

Karl Allen

Karl Allen has distinguished himself as one of Peterborough’s premier athletes through excellence, perseverance, and achievement on the international stage.

As a member of Team Canada’s wheelchair curling program, Karl helped Canada’s Team White capture a bronze medal against Team Italy at the inaugural Grand Slam of Curling Wheelchair Invitational, showcasing elite skill, teamwork, and composure against top competition while helping elevate the profile of wheelchair curling nationally and internationally.

Karl’s accomplishments extend far beyond a single championship. Through his dedication to high-performance sport, he has become a proud representative of Peterborough and an inspiring example of resilience, commitment, and competitive excellence.

His success on the world stage has brought tremendous pride to our community, and his leadership within sport continues to leave a lasting impact.

Senior Athlete of the Year

Scott Wasson

Scott has built an exceptional legacy through decades of excellence, dedication, and championship success in the sport of fastball.

A 10-time Peterborough City League champion, along with being a multiple-time Ontario and Canadian champion, he has consistently competed at the highest level, earning the respect of teammates, competitors, and the broader sporting community through his skill, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the game.

His remarkable return to elite competition further demonstrates his passion and perseverance. After stepping away from the sport for many years, Scott returned to compete on the world stage and helped lead the Cobourg Force to an undefeated championship run at the 2025 OSC World Fastball Championships, where the team outscored opponents 64 to four across seven games en route to capturing the Legend Division title.

His enduring excellence, competitive spirit, and outstanding achievements make him a truly deserving recipient of the Senior Athlete of the Year Award.

Youth Volunteer of the Year

Jenisha Sanjit Arora

Jenisha has made an extraordinary impact on the Peterborough community through her compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Since arriving in Peterborough as an international student at Fleming College, she has dedicated herself to supporting fellow students as they navigate the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and academic environment.

Through volunteering with student services and taking on a leadership role as an International Student Services Assistant, she has worked tirelessly to ensure students feel welcomed, supported, and connected, offering guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging during some of their most difficult moments.

Her contributions extend far beyond campus. Through advocacy, mentorship, and meaningful community engagement, she has helped foster cultural understanding, inclusivity, and stronger connections within Peterborough’s diverse community. Her ability to bring people together, inspire involvement, and uplift those around her has enriched the lives of countless students while strengthening the cultural fabric of our city.

Her service reflects the very best of volunteerism, and her dedication, empathy, and positive impact make her truly deserving of recognition.

Volunteer of the Year

Mary Jane Smith

Mary Jane exemplifies the spirit of selfless service, leadership, and community commitment.

For decades, she has dedicated countless hours to supporting youth, athletes, and fellow volunteers through her extraordinary work in the sport of swimming, serving at the local, regional, provincial, and national levels. As a highly respected official, mentor, and leader, she has helped ensure competitions are conducted with excellence, fairness, and professionalism, while also guiding and developing the next generation of officials and volunteers who will carry the sport forward.

Her impact reaches far beyond the pool deck. Through her volunteer work with the Peterborough Swim Club, local high school swimming competitions, the Peterborough Special Olympics Swim Program, and her leadership as Chairperson of Camp Northern Lights, she has created meaningful opportunities for youth of all backgrounds to grow, participate, and thrive.

With more than 800 volunteer hours in 2025 alone, her dedication is nothing short of remarkable. What sets her apart is not only the breadth of her service, but the humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment with which she gives her time.

Her lasting contributions have strengthened Peterborough’s sporting and volunteer communities in profound ways, making her a truly deserving recipient of Volunteer of the Year.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The late Paul Wilson

Paul is being recognized for a lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Peterborough community.

Over decades of meaningful involvement, he helped strengthen the social, civic, and economic fabric of our city through thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to community-building. Whether supporting local organizations, fostering partnerships across sectors, or quietly guiding initiatives behind the scenes, his influence has been broad, lasting, and profoundly impactful.

What set him apart was not simply the length of his service, but the character and integrity with which he served.

He was known as a steady and trusted leader; someone who brought people together, championed collaboration, and consistently worked to create opportunities that would benefit Peterborough for generations to come. His leadership was never about recognition, but about impact, lifting others up, strengthening institutions, and leaving the community stronger than he found it.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honours those whose contributions create a lasting legacy, and this year’s recipient embodies that spirit in every sense. His decades of dedication, quiet leadership, and measurable impact have left an enduring mark on Peterborough that will continue to be felt for years to come.

Kathy Hiltz

Kathy is being recognized for more than five decades of extraordinary volunteer service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Peterborough community.

Since first becoming involved with the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Association in the early 1970s, she has devoted countless hours to strengthening local sport, supporting generations of young athletes, and helping build one of the most respected lacrosse communities in the country.

Through leadership roles on the executive, decades of organizing major fundraising initiatives, tireless support of house league and representative programs, and her longstanding involvement with the Peterborough Laker Classic, her impact on the game and on this community has been immeasurable.

What makes her legacy especially remarkable is that her service has always extended far beyond a title or role. Whether mentoring families, supporting young players, stepping forward whenever help was needed, or quietly working behind the scenes to ensure programs thrive, she consistently led with humility, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Her lifelong dedication to youth sport has helped create opportunities for thousands of children and families, strengthened community connections, and left a lasting foundation that will continue to benefit Peterborough for generations to come.

Her extraordinary volunteerism also extends beyond sport, including decades of devoted service to her parish community through children’s programming, faith mentorship, and parish leadership. In every area of her life, she has embodied the true spirit of service, giving her time, heart, and energy to make her community stronger, more welcoming, and more connected.

Representatives from a veritable who’s who of charitable organizations gathered at St. Joseph’s at Fleming on Thursday afternoon (May 21) to express their gratitude to the Peterborough Foundation.

Ranging from arts and music to healthcare and social services to heritage and the environment, 28 organizations have received Foundation grants ranging from $500 to over $15,000 between December 2024 and December 2025, totalling over $250,000.

During Thursday’s recipient reception, representatives shared information about their respective organizations and how the funds they received from the Peterborough Foundation have supported the work they do in the community.

“Those of us who sit on the foundation’s board of directors love hearing from the organizations about the amazing work they’re doing each day,” said board secretary Pat Hooper. “It is very inspiring to hear such positive stories.”

The recipient charities featured at Thursday’s event included:

• Achieve Charity
• All Saints Anglican Church
• Art Gallery of Peterborough
• Art School of Peterborough
• Camp Kawartha
• Community Counselling and Resource Centre
• DeafBlind Ontario Foundation
• Geriatric Health/Alzheimer Society
• Heads Up for Inclusion
• Hospice Peterborough
• Kawartha Children’s Aid
• Kiwanis Music Festival
• Market Hall Performing Arts Centre
• New Canadians Centre
• Our Daughter’s Home
• Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH)
• PARD Therapeutic Riding
• Peterborough Folk Festival
• Peterborough Historical Society
• Peterborough Symphony
• Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation
• Showplace Performance Centre
• St. Joseph’s at Fleming
• Starlight Foundation
• Trent Valley Archives
• Trout Unlimited
• VON Peterborough
• Watersheds Canada

For over 70 years, the Peterborough Foundation has awarded grants to hundreds of not-for-profit charitable organizations in the city and county of Peterborough for capital projects.

Operated by a small but dedicated volunteer board of directors, the Peterborough Foundation was incorporated in 1953 from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Magie. Louis Magie, an American engineer who worked for General Electric in the United States, moved to Peterborough in 1900 to take a position with company’s Canadian subsidiary, retiring 38 years later.

In 1950, he began to make arrangements for the disposition of the family estate and, with no immediate family members, decided to establish a foundation with the help of Dr. G.S. Cameron and accountant James H. Turner, who would later serve as two of its first directors. A modest man, Magie requested that the foundation not include his name.

After Magie passed away in 1956, the Peterborough Foundation began its work and has since distributed more than $2 million from an original capital base of just under $1 million.

Twice a year, each June and December, the Peterborough Foundation issues grants to charities that have submitted funding applications for capital projects. Applicants must be not-for-profit organizations with a charitable number carrying out operations within the city and county of Peterborough. Grants are awarded for capital purchases only, not operating costs or deficits.

Deadlines for each round of applications are May 1 and November 1. To learn more about about the Peterborough Foundation and to apply for a grant, visit www.peterboroughfoundation.org.

A new initiative to keep Peterborough streets clean, a revised council code of conduct, a new winter shelter response plan, traffic changes to Armour Road, delegation of authority to city staff during the “lame duck” period of council during an election year, and a pilot program to help seniors clean snow from the end of their driveways are some of the items on city council’s upcoming agenda.

Council will meet in open session as general committee at 6 p.m. on Monday (May 25), following a closed session to consider items related to litigation or potential litigation and to receive advice from city legal counsel.

Here are some highlights of what’s on the open session agenda:

Proposed “Clean Streets Peterborough” initiative

A report from municipal operations commissioner Ilmar Simanovskis and community services commissioner Sheldon Laidman is recommending that council implement a wide-ranging “Clean Streets Peterborough” initiative “intended to improve the cleanliness of parks, streets, the downtown core, and other public spaces.”

Combining waste management changes, public education, enforcement, and community outreach, the coordinated strategy is aimed at tackling illegal dumping, overflowing public bins, improper waste set-outs, and garbage accumulation in parks and public spaces across the city.

According to the report, a working group of city staff was established last fall to explore new ways of addressing waste management issues, both downtown and across the city. In the downtown core, staff began increased weekend enforcement to fine property owners where waste was found in front of their properties outside the collection days.

That led to some property owners being fined for what councillor Alex Bierk called “orphaned garbage” — garbage placed on a property that does not belong to the property owner — and resulted in council approving a motion that directed staff to pause the fines until they could consult with affected property and business owners and report back to council with recommended by-law amendments “to improve clarity and fairness in enforcement.”

The report being presented to council, which is a result of the staff working group recommendations and a response to council’s motion, also summarizes interim results from a city-wide survey that has so far received about 400 responses.

Between 70 and 80 per cent of respondents identified household garbage in public bins, waste left beside bins, and illegal dumping of bulk items as major concerns. Respondents identified parks as the places where they believe most debris is being found, and reported household bagged garbage and food waste as being a common material.

Around 10 per cent of the respondents admitted to participating in illegal dumping themselves, with over half reporting they knew it was wrong but felt they had no other option. Others said they assumed the city or someone else would collect it, didn’t consider it a big deal, didn’t know how to properly dispose of it, or believed everybody else did it as well.

Many respondents linked illegal dumping to disposal fees, missed collection days, lack of transportation, and frustration with current waste collection rules. About 60 per cent agreed that some city waste rules do not match some residents’ real living conditions, while 85 per cent supported more visible enforcement and 82 per cent supported lowering disposal costs.

“The results support moving forward with a program that combines faster cleanup, clearer communication, easier legal disposal options, targeted enforcement, hotspot monitoring, and stronger expectations for property owners and landlords,” the report states.

Among the proposed changes is eliminating the city’s bulk item collection fee for the remainder of 2026, which currently costs $60 for the first item and $30 for each additional item. Staff say disposal costs were repeatedly identified in the survey as a factor contributing to illegal dumping of furniture, mattresses, and appliances.

Staff are also proposing a surveillance camera pilot program at selected parks and other public locations where recurring garbage accumulation, illegal dumping, or misuse of public receptacles is taking place. The cameras would be used to identify recurring behaviours and to discourage illegal dumping.

Another recommendation is temporarily doubling residential garbage bag limits until the end of 2027, with staff citing concerns that bi-weekly garbage collection, clear bag requirements, and existing bag limits may be contributing to improper disposal behaviours. The report notes survey respondents identified extra garbage bags as one of the hardest waste items to dispose of properly.

Other recommendations include reducing the replacement cost of the city’s green bins from nearly $89 to about $35, launching a public communication and engagement campaign, improving the city’s reporting process for illegal dumping, and resuming enforcement against unattributed garbage left on boulevards in the downtown area after the temporary pause approved by council.

Other than investing in cameras, staff estimate the initiative could be implemented without additional costs, although the city would forgo up to $20,000 annually in bulk item collection fees and up to $20,000 in reduced green bin replacement fees.

“Overall, the Clean Streets Peterborough program provides a balanced path forward,” the report concludes. “It reduces barriers that may contribute to improper disposal, improves the city’s ability to respond to problem locations, and creates a clearer framework for education, compliance, and enforcement. Staff will monitor implementation and outcomes so that council can assess the effectiveness of the program and consider any future refinements based on evidence and community experience.”

Amendments to council’s code of conduct

A report from the city’s people and culture director Jen McFarland proposes an amended code of conduct for council, originally initiated in response to a December report from the city’s integrity commissioner over Mayor Jeff Leal’s use of the N-word at Trent University the previous March. In his report, the commissioner suggested council may wish to amend council’s code to address conduct to prohibit the use of the N-word.

A staff report presented to council at its March 23 general committee recommended that the section of the code of conduct that states that members of council must not “use indecent, abusive or insulting words, or expressions toward any other (member of council), and member of staff or any member of the public” be amended to read “use indecent, abusive or insulting words, expressions or racial slurs.” At that meeting, councillor Joy Lachica put forward a motion to refer the matter to city DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) staff to report back to council with recommendations on wording.

On April 13, McFarland presented a report to general committee recommending further amendments to the code of conduct, including adjusting gendered language, referencing protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code, aligning the definition of harassment with the Ontario Human Rights Code, and expanding the examples of harassment. Council approved the report at general committee and at the city council meeting the following week.

McFarland’s report to general committee at Monday’s meeting includes a draft by-law for the code of conduct with the recommended amendments, which have been reviewed by city legal staff.

The draft by-law replaces the use of “his or her” and “himself or herself” with “their” and “themselves,” provides a definition of discrimination, expands the definition of harassment to include examples, includes a definition of racial harassment with examples, expands the definition of sexual harrasment, and references the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Winter shelter response plan

A report from community services commissioner Sheldon Laidman recommends options for a planned seasonal winter shelter model for people experiencing homelessness in winter 2026-27, instead of the temporary temperature-based shelter response used this past winter.

The report states the city “continues to face sustained pressure” on its four emergency shelters and overnight drop-in program providing 127 beds, with demand exceeding available capacity and people remaining unsheltered, especially during the winter months.

According to the report, at least 932 people experienced homelessness in 2025, a 16 per cent increase from 2024, with an average of 370 people experiencing homelessness on any given day. The report also highlights several homelessness trends in Peterborough, including increases in chronic homelessness, first-time homelessness, and longer shelter stays. Indigenous people continue to be overrepresented among the homeless population, according to staff.

The report notes the city operated an emergency temperature-based shelter response at the former fire station on Carnegie Avenue for up to 40 people per night over 10 days during the winter of 2025-26, but staff say the model created significant operational and staffing challenges and could not reliably open during all periods of extreme cold.

The report presents two options for a planned overnight shelter model, both of which would operate out of the former fire station and provide at least 30 additional beds nightly.

The first option would operate for three months from January through March — the coldest winter months — and would cost about $303,000 annually, plus $20,000 in startup costs.

The second option would run for six months from November through April at an annual operating cost of about $576,600, plus $20,000 in startup costs. Staff say the longer model would provide greater operational stability, better staffing retention, and shelter access during colder fall and spring periods and over the holiday season.

A third option would see the city decline to fund any additional winter shelter spaces. Staff warn that, without additional seasonal shelter capacity, unsheltered individuals would face continued exposure to prolonged periods of cold weather, increased health and safety risks, and additional strain on existing shelters already operating at or above capacity.

“Options A and B presented in this report reflect a shift toward a more planned and reliable approach to winter shelter provision,” the report concludes. “While a seasonal model does not fully address year-round system demand, it represents a practical and achievable step to increase access to indoor space during the highest-risk period.”

Armour Road traffic operations review

A report from infrastructure, planning and growth management commissioner Blair Nelson presents the findings and recommendations of a traffic operations review of Armour Road between Hunter Street and Parkhill Road.

The report recommends a series of traffic-calming and pedestrian safety measures as a result of the review, which identified high vehicle speeds, limited pedestrian crossing opportunities, and sightline problems caused by on-street parking.

City staff are recommending seven short-term measures for implementation in 2026, including a new 40 km/h speed limit throughout East City, lane narrowing through pavement markings, additional no-stopping and no-parking restrictions, new permanent driver feedback signs, and an extension of the existing community safety zone north to Swanston Avenue. These measures would cost around $70,000, an amount that is available in the 2026 approved capital budget for traffic improvements.

As a medium-term objective, the report also recommends the installation of a new intersection pedestrian signal at Armour Road and Dufferin Street, with staff requesting council pre-commit $250,000 in the 2027 capital budget for the project.

The traffic review found vehicles consistently speeding on Armour Road at around 60 km/h despite a posted speed of 40 km/h in the portion of the road fronting Kaawaate East City Public School and 50 km/h elsewhere. The report states the road’s wide lanes between Parkhill Road and Douro Street and steep grades south of Parkhill Road and north of Hunter Street contribute to speeding, and recommends reducing lane widths from 5.75 metres to 3.3 to 3.5 metres using urban shoulder pavement markings.

The study also identified a lack of protected pedestrian crossings in the 640 metres between McFarlane Street and Parkhill Road. Staff recorded frequent pedestrian crossings at Dufferin Street by residents, students, trail users, and transit riders accessing Nicholls Oval Park, the Rotary Greenway Trail, bus stops, and nearby businesses.

Although the Dufferin Street location does not technically meet the city’s warrant requirements for a signalized pedestrian crossing, staff are still recommending the installation because pedestrians currently face only one safe crossing opportunity every three to four minutes during peak traffic periods.

Collision data reviewed between 2017 and 2024 showed 84 reported collisions along the corridor and at the Hunter Street intersection, including 11 collisions involving injuries or fatalities. Staff identified angle and turning-movement collisions as a significant concern, with restricted sightlines at intersections blamed partly on parked vehicles, hydro poles, and vegetation.

Staff are recommending the implementation of no-stopping signs a minimum of 30 metres from all intersections between Hunter Street and Parkhill Road, and the removal of on-street parking on the west side of Armour Road between Hunter Street and Douro Street.

The report also recommends pavement markings and signage at entry points to Nicholls Oval Park to help provide clear direction for park visitors and extending the existing community safety zone on Armour Road to encompass the pedestrian crossing at McFarlane Street, which has an existing school crossing, and the proposed pedestrian crossing at Dufferin Street.

Delegation of authority during council’s “lame duck” period

A report from legislative services commissioner David Potts recommends the delegation of authority to allow the city’s chief administrative officer (CAO) to temporarily exercise certain powers during a potential “lame duck” period in the 2026 municipal election year.

Ontario’s Municipal Act imposes restrictions on the authority of council during an election year once it’s determined the incoming council will have less than three-quarters of the members of outgoing council either seeking re-election or re-elected. For Peterborough, the threshold would be fewer than nine of the current 11 council members (including the mayor).

The restricted act period could either begin after the nomination period ends on August 21 and fewer than nine of the current members of council are certified to run for office, or following voting day on October 26 if fewer than nine of the current members of council have been re-elected.

During the restricted acts period, council is prohibited from making certain decisions, including hiring or dismissing city employees and (unless it was already included in the 2026-27 budget) disposing of municipal property worth more than $50,000 or approving any expenditure or incurring any liability over $50,000.

To maintain continuity of municipal operations during such a period, staff are recommending council approve a temporary by-law delegating limited authority to the city’s CAO. The proposed delegation would allow the CAO to appoint or remove commissioners, approve property dispositions over $50,000, and authorize expenditures or liabilities exceeding $50,000 if necessary.

The report notes the city already has existing delegated authority provisions through its procurement and CAO by-laws, but the proposed by-law would address any remaining operational gaps during the restricted acts period.

The report also notes the Ontario government is proposing changes to the Municipal Act that would affect strong mayor powers during a municipal election year. Specifically, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is proposing to limit outgoing heads of council in designated strong mayor municipalities from proposing the municipal budget for the year immediately following a regular municipal election.

Mayors in designated strong mayor municipalities would also be restricted from appointing or removing the CAO and other municipal division heads, changing the organizational structure of the municipality, or (if not already authorized in the municipality’s budget) exercising their by-law power to dispose of property valued over $50,000 or authorize expenditures or liabilities over $50,000.

These restrictions, which would be in place before nominations close for the 2026 municipal election, would apply if it can be determined that either three-quarters of the outgoing members of council will not be members of the new council or if it can be determined that the outgoing head of council will not be the incoming head of council.

Windrow removal subsidy pilot program

A report from municipal operations commissioner Ilmar Simanovskis is recommending a pilot subsidy program for seniors and residents with disabilities, beginning in the 2026-27 winter season, for the removal of windrows — the often large and difficult-to-remove ridges of snow and ice left at the end of residential driveways by city snow plows.

The proposed program comes in response to a February council motion, initiated by Mayor Jeff Leal, that directed staff to investigate snow-clearing support options for older adults and people with mobility challenges. Staff are recommending a subsidy model rather than a municipally delivered or contracted snow-clearing service.

Under the proposal, eligible residents would receive a subsidy of up to $450 per winter season to help offset the cost of hiring private contractors to clear windrows.

To qualify, applicants would need to be Peterborough residents who own and live in their homes, are either age 65 or older or have a physical disability, have no other able-bodied adult in the household able to clear the windrow, and fall below Statistics Canada’s low-income measure threshold.

The report says a public survey conducted through Connect Peterborough received 636 responses, with 63 per cent of respondents reporting they have a disability or health condition that makes clearing windrows difficult. Seventy per cent said they have avoided leaving their homes because of uncleared windrows.

Staff considered three possible delivery models: an in-house city-operated service, a contracted service, and a subsidy program.

The report says a municipally operated service would require additional staff, specialized equipment costing up to $170,000, and more storage space at the city’s public works yard. A contracted service would cost an estimated $55,000 for 100 driveways to as much as $100,000 per year, depending on the number and distribution of participating households and the severity of winter weather.

Staff ultimately concluded the subsidy model would provide residents with greater flexibility to hire contractors familiar with their properties, while limiting the operational burden on city staff during major winter storms.

The report also recommends the city support the promotion of the volunteer-based “Snow Angels” initiative, although the program would operate independently and not be administered by the municipality.

Council is being asked to pre-commit $45,000 in the 2027 public works budget to fund a pilot program supporting up to 100 households. Staff would report back to council in early 2027 on the pilot’s effectiveness.

“The introduction of a windrow removal subsidy program will enhance the safety of our neighbourhoods within the existing staff resources the city has,” the report concludes. “Complementing the subsidy with the promotion of the Snow Angels volunteer initiative further strengthens the city’s response by fostering community support networks and expanding assistance options.”

Items endorsed by general committee on May 25 will be considered by council for final approval the following Monday.

Council meetings are streamed live at www.peterborough.ca.

Having focused on building a strong foundation since it was established in 2024, the Peterborough Community Health Centre (PCHC) is now looking to increase its impact through new programs, resources, and increased participation in services.

A non-profit community-governed organization located on two floors in Peterborough Square in the downtown core, the PCHC provides a combination of primary healthcare services, community programs, and community development initiatives.

“We’re seeing a lot of strong engagement for the community programs — there’s an appetite for this,” said Ashley Safar, inaugural executive director of the PCHC, in a recent interview with kawarthaNOW.

Providing primary healthcare and more for marginalized communities

Safar said the PCHC plays a critical role in addressing gaps in the healthcare system, especially for those whose needs are not met by a traditional healthcare system or provider.

The PCHC’s priority population is people who self-identify as Indigenous and those who do not have a primary care provider and experience barriers related to social, economic, cultural, or systemic factors.

That includes people from one or more of the following groups: people from racialized groups or communities, people with physical or mental disabilities (including mental health conditions, substance use challenges, or both), people who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, people experiencing homelessness, newcomers (including immigrants and refugees), people living in conditions of extreme poverty, and people living in geographically or physically isolated areas who face barriers to accessing care.

“We’re doing outreach work where we attend spaces like Trinity (Community Centre) and other places in the community with other organizations to be able to decrease barriers and increase access to care,” said Safar.

To date, the PCHC has served over 4,300 individuals totalling over 13,000 visits through a combination of primary care, cultural services, and community programs.

For Safar, a key facet of the PCHC’s work is to build rapport and personal relationships with community members to promote trust and positive engagement.

“One of the needs of community is to meet people where they’re at,” she said.

Holistic wellness model expands beyond primary healthcare

Safar said, in line with the provincial government goal to connect every Ontarian with a primary healthcare provider by 2029, the PCHC has been able to serve currently unattached patients from the Healthcare Connect waitlist.

However, the PCHC also recognizes the importance of providing support and care for individuals who are not able to register for Healthcare Connect or who experience other barriers to mainstream healthcare.

The Peterborough Community Health Centre also differs from traditional healthcare providers by taking a holistic approach to health and wellness, which they define as “supporting the whole person — mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing.”

To support this approach, the PCHC employs a 30-person team of medical and paramedical professionals, including nurses, physicians, health promoters, social workers, system navigators, and other team members.

In March, the PCHC introduced a wellness team to the organization. This team includes a program manager, social workers, system navigators, a health promoter, and an Indigenous cultural wellness coordinator.

This team, sometimes known as an allied health team, provides interdisciplinary and intersectional wellness support that focuses on social determinants of health such as housing stability, social connection, access to community services, and cultural supports.

“We want to continue to build community programming that support mental health, social connection, community connection, and overall wellbeing,” Safar said of the goal of these interdisciplinary services.

Embedding Indigenous knowledge and culturally safe care

Safar highlighted the inclusion of the Indigenous cultural wellness coordinator on the wellness team and the ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the PCHC and local First Nation communities as central to the organization’s mission to provide culturally safe care for Indigenous patients.

“Indigenous people have often faced discrimination, barriers, and challenges (in the healthcare system) and continue to do so,” said Safar.

During the development of the PCHC, the organization worked with local Indigenization and decolonization consultant Mshkiki Gitigaan Kwe, to ensure that reconciliation values and practices were embedded into the structure and policies of the organization.

Safar described the PCHC as an organization that “weaves together traditional knowledge with western medicine to fit them together in a way that’s really meaningful and well-intentioned to create a space that is for everybody.”

One way in which the PCHC actions their values is through their engagement with the “Ode Bundle,” which uses the Seven Grandfather Teachings — a foundational set of guiding moral principles and values in Anishinaabe culture — to establish both organizational policies and systems and clinical and patient-facing care.

Safar told kawarthaNOW that the PCHC engages with the Ode Bundle in every meeting, where staff members are encouraged to “talk about one of the teachings and how this has showed up in their work.”

Also speaking to Indigenous-centric programming and services, Safar said the PCHC will be joined by Grey Cloud (James Carpenter) to offer two traditional healing clinics on May 25 and June 29.

‘It belongs to the community’: Community support and engagement important as PCHC looks to the future

Further, Safar said the support of community members, private, charitable, and governmental funders, and corporate and business partners is vital to supporting culturally safe and inclusive programming, noting these types of services typically fall outside funding that the Ontario government provides to PCHC as a primary care provider.

That includes PCHC’s washer and dryer and community kitchen, which have been funded with a $30,000 donation from MCI Constructors, formerly Mortlock Construction.

Safar said this donation will allow the PCHC to “better support clients experiencing housing instability (and) improve access to food and nutrition programming.”

Having on-site laundry services means PCHC can provide clean clothing to clients while the community kitchen will also provide nourishing meals to clients who arrive hungry.

“Those things can make such a big difference in terms of how people access the PCHC and what their experience is,” Safar added.

Looking ahead, the PCHC will continue to collaborate with healthcare providers, social services, businesses, and numerous other local organizations to amplify its impact and create sustainability within services.

One such initiative is the pilot collaboration with the Trent-Fleming School of Nursing, which provides mobile care to those living in the rural localities of Havelock, Ennismore, and Hiawatha First Nation.

As the PCHC expands its capacity to provide primary care and wellbeing services, the centre is looking to the community to provide feedback on areas of need and current barriers to care.

“That comes from meaningful engagement to help inform what types of programs we’re developing within the PCHC,” said Safar.

Safar added the PCHC is committed to listening to its clients and the community at large, and being responsive in its approach to care to ensure flexibility and accessibility.

“Being a community health centre, at the end of the day, it belongs to the community,” Safar said.

For more information on the Peterborough Community Health Centre, visit www.ptbochc.ca.