With a presence during the upcoming Cobourg sidewalk festival and a 1980s-themed prom night on the bill, Northumberland Pride is gearing up for a colourful and busy June, with several activities to mark Pride Month.

The new organization is hoping for a successful series of events, and is already impressed by the embrace it has received from the Cobourg and Port Hope communities.

“The most exciting, and the most important, part of this year’s Pride events in Northumberland has been the overwhelming community engagement and support we have received as a new, local not-for-profit looking to bring community engagement on LGBT2QIA+ issues and programming,” Jason Schmidt, chair of the board for Northumberland Pride, told kawarthaNOW.

“In 2024, we have received a community grant from the (Municipality) of Port Hope and sponsorships of various forms from over 30 local businesses,” Schmidt said. “Further, we have partnered with the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope, the Cobourg DBIA, The Mill Restaurant, Cultivate, Critical Mass: A Centre for Contemporary Art, and Sounds of the Next Generation to plan this year’s events.”

Schmidt said 2024 has already been an exciting year for Northumberland Pride. For example, in February, the group partnered with the Hibernate Festival to bring Shania Twink to the Ganaraska Brewing Company in Port Hope. In April, Northumberland Pride teamed up with the Capitol Theatre for an evening of music and discussion with Lucas Silveira.

The entertainment picks up again in June with “an exciting line-up of events for all ages to celebrate,” Schmidt said.

During June, Northumberland Pride will be hosting the following events:

Saturday, June 1

Northumberland Pride is partnering with the Cobourg DBIA to hold its third annual day time family Pride event within the Cobourg King Street Pride Sidewalk Festival with games, bouncy castles, treats, face painting, a photobooth, and other activities.

As part of the Downtown Cobourg Pride Festival, Northumberland Pride and the DBIA are organizing a Pride parade at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Cobourg Police Station on King Street West and ends at Victoria Park on Division Street.

Also, as part of the Downtown Cobourg Pride Festival, there will be a Northumberland Pride stage, sponsored by Dr. Kate Everdell, Cultivate, Furby Books in Port Hope and Let’s Talk Books in Cobourg. It will feature musical performances by Lady Bird and Melissa Payne, drag performances by Oliver Klozoff, Babe Kelly, Sanjina, and Rocker Klozoff, drag story time and a DJ.

Thursday, June 6

Northumberland Pride is once again teaming up with the Capitol Theatre for Pride at the Capitol, hosted by Juice Boxx from Canada’s Drag Race. Tickets are available at capitoltheatre.com/events/pride-at-the-capitol/.

Friday, June 7

Northumberland Pride hosts “Back to the ’80s Pride Prom”, an adult, costume-encouraged social event in partnership with The Mill Restaurant in Cobourg. The party features drag performances, prizes, specialty cocktails and more. Tickets are $45 and available at eventbrite.com/e/895610905327.

Saturday, June 8

Northumberland Pride is partnering with local youth, the Capitol Theatre, Sounds of the Next Generation, and Critical Mass to host Cirque De Slay, a circus-themed youth evening Pride event by, and for, local youth between the ages of 13 and 25. Tickets are available at capitoltheatre.com/events/northumberland-pride-presents-cirque-de-slay-youth-pride.

Also as a part of the Cirque De Slay event, there will be a drag 101 workshop for youth between 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart in Cobourg. To register for the workshop, email Shannon Oliver at shannon@olivertalents.ca.

“Accessibility is particularly important to Northumberland Pride, and we are pleased to be able to confirm that the family and youth events are totally free of charge,” Schmidt said, adding the Northumberland Pride family Pride event has grown steadily since it began in 2022.

“We estimate that there were about 400 people in attendance in 2023, and we expect many more this year as this year’s family Pride is being held as part of the Cobourg Downtown Pride Festival,” he said.

When it comes to the Pride parade, the group is expecting local dignitaries, representatives of a broad range of local community organizations, members of the public school board community, and others to join the walk.

“Numbers are hard to predict but it will definitely be the biggest, proudest Pride parade Cobourg has yet to see,” Schmidt said.

Asked about the best possible outcome for Pride Month, he said it would be “continuing to develop and enhance meaningful partnerships with local organizations and (to) extend Northumberland Pride’s engagement with our local community into programming during all 12 months of the year.”

The Kawartha Art Gallery (KAG) has received an additional $150,000 financial boost for 2024 from the City of Kawartha Lakes — one which will allow the gallery to move into its own space in downtown Lindsay later this year.

Currently located on the second floor of the Lindsay branch of the Kawartha Lakes Public Library at 190 Kent Street West, the gallery intends to rent the building at 19 Cambridge Street South, across from the Cambridge Mall. Owned by Linborough Property Corp, the building with its 3,000-square-foot main floor space was constructed in the late 19th century, when it was as a livery stable.

“With the gallery remaining in its current space, it impedes not only our growth, but the growth of the library,” reads a business case that Kawartha Art Gallery executive director Susan Taylor presented to city council on April 9. “To shift to a location with more foot traffic, space, and control will fundamentally change the operations of KAG.”

At that meeting, Taylor asked council for an additional $500,000 over the next three years, on top of the city’s existing funding of $150,000 over three years that began in 2023.

“This three-year investment allows KAG to build its staff and move into a new space, achieving a level of stability and increased/diverse revenue sources,” the business case reads, adding that the funding will allow the gallery to also hire additional staff, develop a strategic plan, and meet the growing demand for gallery programming.

With additional financial support from the city, the gallery would move into its new location in September. The City of Kawartha Lakes is currently conducting a feasibility study for a new cultural centre, and the gallery will have the option to relocate into the centre when it is completed.

“We have been given the flexibility of either moving into the centre or consider a hub and spoke model where we will have a satellite presence in the centre, in addition to our core new space,” reads the business case.

At its April 30th meeting, council approved a staff recommendation to transfer $150,000 to the Kawartha Art Gallery in 2024 from the city’s 2023 surplus of $3.2 million, and to accommodate the gallery’s additional funding request of $150,000 in 2025 and $200,000 in 2026 in future budgets, with annual reporting to council by the gallery.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the City of Kawartha Lakes,” said Taylor in a media release on Tuesday (May 28). “This funding will allow us to give back even more to our community, through exceptional exhibitions, expanded educational programs, and investment in community outreach initiatives. And perhaps most significantly, it will allow us to realize a space of our own in downtown Lindsay.”

“Council is proud to support the arts, culture and heritage sector in Kawartha Lakes,” Mayor Doug Elmslie said. “We believe that keeping creativity and our traditions alive is very important. Supporting the KAG at this time is crucial as they work to make art more accessible for everyone. We’re excited about the opportunities this investment will bring to our community.”

PDF: Kawartha Art Gallery Business Case
Kawartha Art Gallery Business Case

The Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre Foundation is inviting Northumberland residents to help support local palliative care by joining the organization’s board of directors.

The foundation is extending an open call for “dedicated and passionate individuals” as it expands its board of directors. Those who are suitable are community-minded leaders who can bring a variety of expertise and skillsets to help guide and support Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre’s mission.

Trish Baird, CEO of the Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre Foundation, said those who lend a hand are making a valuable contribution to the community.

“Volunteering for the Ed’s House foundation board is a deeply rewarding experience because it allows individuals to play a crucial role in raising the much-needed funds that ensure Ed’s House can continue providing exceptional end-of-life care,” Baird told kawarthaNOW.

“Our board members often express that the most fulfilling part of their service is witnessing the profound impact their efforts have on residents and their families. Being part of a compassionate team dedicated to supporting such an essential community resource makes every contribution meaningful,” Baird added.

The foundation plays a crucial role in supporting Community Care Northumberland’s (CCN) Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, and the delivery of hospice palliative care programs for Northumberland County.

According to a media release, those serving on the board of directors have the unique opportunity to make a positive difference in Northumberland County. Those who become board members will contribute their skills and expertise to support and enhance fundraising for hospice palliative care programs, collaborate with a diverse group of professionals and community members dedicated to making a difference, and help shape the strategic direction and ensure the sustainability of fundraising efforts.

The foundation is interested in community members who have experience with board and governance, legal issues, fundraising and donor relations, and communications and public relations.

To download an application form, visit edshouse.northumberlandhospice.ca/foundation-board/. For any questions about the application, email Baird at t.baird@commcare.ca or call 1-866-514-5774.

“We welcome applicants from all across Northumberland County and are committed to building a board that reflects the diversity of our community,” the media release noted. “Our work ensures that individuals in our community receive compassionate and comprehensive care during some of life’s most challenging moments.”

The foundation strives to ensure that everyone in Northumberland County has access to compassionate end-of-life care, surrounded by family, friends, and a caring community.

Ed’s House offers services such as the palliative care community team and visiting hospice, in partnership with the 24/7 end-of-life care and support provided at the hospice care centre. Hospice services are offered at no cost to clients and their families. Featuring a home-like environment, residents, relatives, and friends have access to all amenities at Ed’s House including a dining room, living room, quiet space, spiritual room, a kitchen and an outdoor space, along with shower and laundry facilities.

Located in Cobourg, Ed’s House opened in the fall of 2020. In addition to providing a comfortable setting to receive palliative care, the centre serves as a centralized “hub” for CCN’s interdisciplinary hospice services team by providing caregiver support, palliative outreach and education, health system navigation and grief and bereavement supports.

A 36-year-old Mississauga man is facing charges after he was injured by a homemade explosive at an Algonquin Highlands home last Friday (May 24).

At around 5:04 p.m., Haliburton Highlands Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to assist fire and emergency services at a home on Comak Crescent in Algonquin Highlands, around 38 kilometres north of Minden, after a man suffered an injury from a homemade explosive device. The man was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Neighbours were evacuated and the OPP’s explosive disposal unit recovered and secured additional explosive substances and devices from the home. Police say there are no explosive substances or devices remaining at the location that pose a threat to public safety.

As a result of the police investigation, 36-year-old Kevin Brown from Mississauga was arrested and charged with making or possessing explosives for an unlawful purpose and breach of recognizance.

Police are continuing their investigation and are asking anyone with information call Haliburton Highlands OPP at 1-888-310-1122. If you prefer, you can submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

“The OPP takes all threats to public safety seriously and provides resources necessary to assess and respond to the threat,” a media release reads. “If you have information about a possible explosive device, call 9-1-1 and provide as much information to police as possible about the threat.”

Drivers can expect traffic delays and detours in downtown Peterborough as road surface repair work takes place on some begins in late May or early June and continues until next fall.

The work will take place on the following roads:

• George Street North from Hunter Street West to Sherbrooke Street
• Water Street from Brock Street to Simcoe Street
• Brock Street, Simcoe Street, and King Street between George Street North and Water Street
• Brock Street from Water Street to Sheridan Street
• Sheridan Street from Brock Street to Hunter Street West

The City of Peterborough has hired IPAC Paving Limited to complete the required work, which will begin in late May to early June, with the work scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2025.

The type of work being completed includes milling of existing asphalt (road resurfacing), base asphalt repairs as necessary, installation of hot mix surface asphalt, concrete curb and gutter removals and re-installations, resetting of water main valve boxes, application of pavement markings, and more.

Curb repairs and structure adjustments will involve flagging operations and lane shifts for 10 to 15 days for the work on George Street North and Water Street, and five to eight days for the work at other sites. Milling and paving operations will involve short-term road closures with posted detours for two to four nights per site.

While access for local traffic and businesses will be maintained during flagging operations, lane shifts, and road closures, local traffic may experience delays within the construction areas.

At a time when shelters are facing an unprecedented number of pet surrenders, a Peterborough-based grassroots organization is helping to find rescue placements for animals potentially facing euthanasia.

No Paw Left Behind does exactly as its name suggests: ensures no pet is left forgotten and abandoned. The charity acts as a “buffer” to help animals when a shelter runs out of space for them, putting them at risk of being euthanized, and finds them a new home at a rescue.

“The shelters that have municipal animal control contracts have to take in strays, and at some point they become full and have to do something to make a little space,” says Sabine McConnell, the founder and board chair of No Paw Left Behind. “These are not dangerous animals or animals at the end of their lifetime. These are just some that have been dealt really bad cards and need a little bit of extra help that the shelters cannot provide.”

After volunteering for some years with a similar organization called Pound Paws, McConnell founded No Paw Left Behind in 2019 and registered it as a charity in 2020.

“I wanted to foster animals, but I am horribly allergic to dogs so I had to be a little careful,” she says. “This was a nice outlet for me to contribute something without actually having another dog in my house. I’m a huge animal lover so when I found (Pound Paws) that was, to me, a really intriguing approach, because it was a bit different as a facilitator between the rescues and shelters. That was a really unique twist and that was very appealing to me.”

Many of the animals supported at No Paw Left Behind come from shelters in Quebec as, according to McConnell, “resources are tighter” than they are in Ontario. Shelters don’t always have the time or access to rescues, so they contact No Paw Left Behind because it has a wider reach to rescues all over Canada — many of which are in Ontario and on the East Coast where there is often more space.

The charity also helps with any legislation that might be involved with moving animals across provincial boundaries, and enlists volunteer drivers’ groups to transport the animals to their new homes.

“These are animals that have no other option, and nobody else will help them — we really are the last resort,” McConnell says. “The shelters do not have the resources to help. They do what they can and it’s not their fault because they have other pressures that they’re facing — they have to take in strays, they have to make room. So, I’m so thankful for them for reaching out to us and allowing us to help.”

If they cannot find a rescue for the animal right away, No Paw Left Behind spends time learning about the animal, putting them into boarding (for dogs) or foster care (for cats), and providing veterinary care where needed to reduce the cost for taking in rescues.

“They all get their shots, and we do tests to make sure they don’t have heartworm or Lyme disease, and just to make sure there isn’t anything lurking in the background,” McConnell explains. “Sometimes the information we get from the shelter is really sparse because they’re just so busy, but we can get a little more information to help them find their rescue spot.”

No Paw Left Behind has committed to always having at least six dogs in boarding and currently have 10, with some waiting to find a rescue and others waiting on transportation to their new home. McConnell says that the organization’s work has been “steady” since last summer, with shelters seeing an influx in pet surrenders and fewer people looking to adopt — especially larger and older dogs.

“A lot of people got animals during COVID-19, but there can be all kinds of issues that come up with animals that have never been alone in all their lives, and then the owners have to go back to work,” she notes. “That adds pressure to the owners, of course, and it’s sometimes hard to deal with those issues. Veterinarian care is harder to get with everything getting more expensive these days, so there’s lots of pressure on the owners which makes it more difficult to keep an animal.”

On Monday (May 27), the charity launched an online silent auction in support of the animals currently under their care, with proceeds going towards upcoming boarding bills for several animals, as well as a few costly surgeries.

The wide selection of goods available through the auction includes a basket with dog-themed items, a cat blanket, a handmade bag, original artworks, and more, all donated by generous supporters. Online bidding is available via the Facebook event page until 9 a.m. on Friday (May 31).

“We’re so grateful for the donors,” McConnell says. “They’re alongside us on that journey to see the animals progressing, too. It just such a wonderful community that comes together to help.”

The charity recently celebrated a success story with the one-year adoption anniversary of Phoenix, the only pet they have helped to get adopted.

“We pulled him from a shelter when he was almost euthanized,” McConnell says, noting he was older and had health issues. “He’s the typical dog we help — the ones that would never get adopted at the shelter because they have a whole bunch of little issues going on and need veterinary care and tests the shelter cannot do. So we took him into our care, fixed him up, and then he got adopted.”

With the team of volunteers, and those who donate, the work done at No Paw Left Behind is, for McConnell, “the best feeling ever.”

“To see how we can all pull together to save these lives is amazing,” she says. “This really is a collaborative approach. Nobody can do this alone and I’m so thankful that we found that little missing piece that we could contribute, but we would not be able to do this without the support and collaboration of everyone else.”

Visit nopawleftbehind.ca to learn more about the charity and to get involved or follow No Paw Left Behind on Facebook.

To participate in the fundraising auction in support of No Paw Left Behind before it ends at 9 a.m. on May 31, visit the Facebook event page to review auction items and to place your bids.

Affording the cost of putting healthy meals on the table is a struggle for many families living in the Kawarthas region, according to a recent area health unit report.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit has released its 2023 food insecurity and poverty report, which shows 12.9 per cent of households in Haliburton County are considered low income and struggled to pay for rent, bills, and healthy food in 2020. The same situation applied to 10.2 per cent of households in the City of Kawartha Lakes, and 8.7 per cent of households in Northumberland County.

Entitled Addressing Food Insecurity and Poverty in the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District, the report captures some of the challenges faced by low-income families in the City of Kawartha Lakes, County of Haliburton, and Northumberland County to pay for necessities, such as housing and food, because incomes and social assistance rates are not keeping up with rising costs.

Since 1998, Ontario public health units have been mandated to monitor food affordability using the national nutritious food basket, a survey tool used by various levels of government and organizations to monitor the cost and affordability of healthy eating based on Canada’s food guide. The food basket includes approximately 60 nutritious foods and their quantities for people in various age and gender groups.

In its report, the HKPR District Health Unit compares the incomes and expenses of several household scenarios to show how much money would be left over for families and individuals after paying for housing and food. In some situations, those expenses alone exceeded their income, leaving not enough money to pay for other basic needs like utilities, phone, internet, and medications.

“When families don’t make enough money to buy food, they are food insecure,” said Sarah Tsang, registered dietitian and health equity coordinator with the health unit, in a media release. “These families are forced to make hard decisions like if they will buy healthy foods or pay for other basics like rent and utilities.”

The HKPR District Health Unit estimates a family of two adults and two children would have spent on average $1,184 per month towards eating healthy in 2023. In this household income scenario within the report, if the family collectively earns minimum wage, they would have spent 28 per cent of their income on food that meets Canada’s food guide. After paying for rent, that would leave them with a few hundred dollars to pay for other basic living expenses.

Food insecurity is a sign of poverty, the health unit noted. Poverty keeps people from meeting their basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, and education.

“Food insecurity is a serious social and public health problem,” said Tsang. “In order to address food insecurity, we need income-based solutions that are long term and that focus on poverty reduction such as, adequate incomes, improving employment standards, increasing social assistance rates and providing (a) basic income guarantee.”

When it came to attaining food, the report showed 20 per cent of Canadian households experiencing food insecurity use food charities, such as food banks and soup kitchens, that offer short-term relief for people who cannot afford to buy their own food.

While food banks and other charitable food programs do help some of the most urgent food needs experienced by a small minority of food insecure people, the report noted, they are unable to address the issue of insufficient incomes that is the cause of poverty and food insecurity.

Other findings in Addressing Food Insecurity and Poverty in the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District include the following:

• In the HKPR district, 39.8 per cent of tenant-households spent more than 30 per cent of their income on housing.
• There are more than 3,300 households waiting for community housing throughout Northumberland County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton County.
• Across the HKPR district, there are more than 9,000 recipients of Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program combined.
• The 2023 living wage in the HKPR district is $20.60 per hour.

The HKPR District Health Unit is encouraging residents, municipal leaders, and community partners to learn more about the issues impacting many households in its geographical area.

“It is also important to speak up for income-based solutions, support programs and services that make life more affordable, and support companies that respect the health and dignity of their employees,” the health unit said.

Food insecurity is defined in the report as inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints. The physical and mental health of adults and children are impacted by food insecurity. Living in a food-insecure household increases the risk of mental health diagnoses, infections, and non-communicable disease.

Every year, the HKPR District Health Unit publishes a food insecurity report that highlights the struggles faced by low-income families to pay for basic necessities, such as housing and food, because incomes and social assistance rates are not keeping up with rising costs.

The full Addressing Food Insecurity and Poverty in the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District report is available for download from the HKPR District Health Unit’s website.