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Peterborough city council to consider staff proposal for new economic development division

Two weeks after Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) announced it would be dissolving at the end of the year after losing its core funding from the city and county of Peterborough, Peterborough city council will consider a staff report for the city to establish its own economic development services division.

City council, meeting as general committee, will discuss the report from city CAO Jasbir Raina on Monday evening (June 17).

The city staff report comes almost two weeks after Peterborough county council approved a transition plan for the county to assume the responsibilities of economic development and tourism in advance of PKED’s dissolution — the result of both the city and county deciding not to renew a multi-year tri-party agreement to provide funding to PKED that expires on December 31.

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The county’s transition plan proposed the county hire a new general manager of economic development who would report to the existing director of planning, with the division renamed as planning and economic development. The plan also proposed the county’s communications division be renamed communications and tourism, with that division’s manager title renamed as general manager of communications and tourism, and that a new communications coordinator be hired for the renamed division.

The city staff report proposes that a new economic development division be established within the city’s infrastructure, planning and growth management department. The new division would include a director and three full-time staff, with an additional two staff to work on tourism and destination marketing within the city’s strategic communications and Service Peterborough division.

“However, staffing needs will be fully determined following the hiring” of the new director, the report states.

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The report also proposes the creation of “Experience Peterborough” branding for tourism promotion and marketing, with three city divisions — arts and culture, recreation and park services, and strategic communications and Service Peterborough — “supporting tourism functions to attract events and market the city as a destination.”

“While the staffing resources would be within the three divisions, the public facing identity for Peterborough tourism would be a single branding, Experience Peterborough, with staff contacts grouped together as a single public-facing team and staff working in collaboration on tourism-related activities,” the report states.

In addition to the six staff outlined above, there would be two additional positions similar to PKED’s “experience and tourism advisors” who would promote and support events and activities within the city, as well as half of a full-time equivalent position called “Coordinator of Cultural Programs” that would support cultural events such as Peterborough Musicfest, the Peterborough Folk Festival, Pride events, and community parades.

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A media release from the City of Peterborough issued Thursday (June 13) states that there would be a total of 10.5 staff positions to support economic development and tourism within the City of Peterborough under the proposed plan. Peterborough County’s transition plan would require two positions. It is not yet known how many staff positions would be required once the city and county have fully established their new responsibilities for economic development and tourism.

PKED currently has 12 full-time staff positions, with students hired during the summer, to support economic development and tourism in both the city and county of Peterborough.

The budget for the proposed changes for the city would be $341,000 for the remainder of 2024. While the report provides no budget for 2025, it recommends redirecting $1,015,112 — the city’s share of core funding for PKED in 2024 — to fund the new economic development division in 2025. The report also proposes that the portion of the municipal accommodation tax for tourism activities that it transferred to PKED — estimated at $425,000 in 2024 — be assumed by the city by designating the city as an “eligible tourism entity” under the Municipal Act.

The staff report sheds some light on when and how the city made the decision to not renew its tri-party agreement with PKED and the County of Peterborough. According to the report, a closed session of city council was held on June 26, 2023 where council “provided a series of directions relating to alternatives for the delivery of economic development services.” However, the report provides no detail on the “series of directions” as information from closed council sessions is not a matter of public record. Council voted 11-0 to endorse the closed session report.

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In Thursday’s media release from the city, Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal makes three statements about the city’s decision not to renew its funding agreement with PKED and the proposal for the city to assume responsibility for economic development and tourism.

“Peterborough was recently shown to be ranked last in gross domestic product growth among the Census Metropolitan Areas in Ontario — behind areas such as Belleville, Brantford, and Thunder Bay. Our business property tax base is not where we need it, leaving residential property taxpayers to shoulder a greater burden. We need a different approach to attract investment. The status quo isn’t working.”

“Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development has served our region with professionalism and dedication for 25 years. The individuals in that organization are outstanding individuals. As we move forward, we need to build on the successes of that organization but also bridge the gaps that have emerged over the last 25 years.”

“Regional collaboration, partnerships and communication will remain essential as both the City and Peterborough County transition in how they provide economic development and tourism activities. Peterborough Region is well positioned to attract growth and investment. The City and the County are taking action to move our communities forward.”

Kawartha Youth Orchestra asking Peterborough community to help maintain music program for local children and youth

Young musicians from the "Upbeat! Downtown" program through the Kawartha Youth Orchestra are presenting their end-of-year recital on June 13, 2024 at All Saints' Anglican Church in Peterborough, where the "Stay Upbeat!" fundraising campaign will be launched, seeking community donations to keep the program running after an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant ends. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Youth Orchestra)

The Kawartha Youth Orchestra (KYO) is calling on Peterborough residents to help local children and youth “stay upbeat” by supporting an initiative that provides them with universal access to music.

“Upbeat! Downtown” is a KYO program that has been offering musical experiences and more for young people aged six to 18 since 2002. In addition to learning instruments, participants — whose socioeconomic circumstances would otherwise restrict their involvement — receive food and enjoy social interaction through the initiative.

But KYO needs community members to help the non-profit charitable organization in its quest to keep the program on beat and to keep live music a part of area children’s lives.

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Young musicians from the Upbeat! program are tuning their instruments for their end-of-year recital and launch of the “Stay Upbeat!” fundraising campaign at 6 p.m. on Thursday (June 13) at All Saints’ Anglican Church, located at 235 Rubidge St. in Peterborough.

In addition to youth performances, well-known local musicians and Upbeat! instructors, Saskia Tompkins, Andrew Randall, and Katarina Thompson, will also take the stage.

“The event is the perfect opportunity to come see what Upbeat! is about and get involved,” Colin McMahon, KYO’s program manager, told kawarthaNOW. “The best thing that could happen is that these young musicians look out on a full crowd, to see that their community is here to support them.”

Children participating in a four-week pilot of the Kawartha Youth Orchestra's Upbeat! Downtown after-school music program in 2019. The free program is designed for children living in Peterborough who are interested in music but face barriers to accessing music education. The Ontario Trillium Foundation grant that funded the program for three years in ending. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Youth Orchestra)
Children participating in a four-week pilot of the Kawartha Youth Orchestra’s Upbeat! Downtown after-school music program in 2019. The free program is designed for children living in Peterborough who are interested in music but face barriers to accessing music education. The Ontario Trillium Foundation grant that funded the program for three years in ending. (Photo courtesy of Kawartha Youth Orchestra)

Upbeat! was launched with a three-year, non-renewable Ontario Trillium Foundation grant that is coming to an end.

“The pilot program has been a tremendous success — we’ve grown Upbeat! to accommodate 45 students who are now learning music, receiving food support, and becoming part of a supportive musical community,” said McMahon.

Without the grant, the KYO needs to find new ways of keeping Upbeat! going.

“Having seen the difference this program can make, we are determined to ensure Upbeat! continues to make an impact in the lives of Peterborough’s youth,” McMahon said. “We have a commitment to the Upbeat! children and their families, who have come to depend on this life-changing program.”

He said there is “a distinct lack” of local accessible music education, especially string education.

“So, we’re asking our local community to help us ensure it can continue.”

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In addition to music exposure, the program also offers food for participating children and youth.

“As many studies show, hungry children struggle to learn new things,” McMahon said. “We also know food insecurity is a constant struggle for many households. Upbeat! starts each day, as soon as the students arrive from school, with a nutritious snack. We call it a snack, but to make sure needs are met, it is really a full-blown meal.”

Lisa Dixon, former owner of Black Honey, leads the food program.

“The food program also provides a wonderful opportunity for bonding and community before they get to their music lessons,” McMahon added.

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McMahon has seen many rewards for children and youth partaking in the Upbeat! program.

“The biggest change we see is children learning to express themselves creatively and socially and building confidence in their abilities. I was just yesterday talking to a student, and she told me about how shy and scared she was to meet new people before she started at Upbeat! Now, she is truly one of the most outgoing young people I’ve ever met.”

“Another young boy, (who) joined just at the start of this year, broke my heart when he told me he’d never be able to play violin because he was ‘never good at anything.’ It’s taken a lot of careful and patient work to convince him he’s capable, but to see his face light up when he shows off what he can do now is the most fulfilling thing imaginable.”

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Through Upbeat!, children learn to play the violin, viola, cello, and horn in an ensemble-based program. They also get to sing in a choir, learn music theory, and experience a wide range of musical genres with guest performances.

To keep the youth initiative going, KYO’s most pressing need is for donations. For more information and to make a donation, visit www.kawarthayouthorchestra.org/support-kyo/.

Upbeat! is also in need of volunteers. Those interested in volunteering when Upbeat! starts back up in September can email contactus@thekyo.ca.

Know Your Locals: Shirl’s your Girl when it comes to buying or selling your home

Shirley Turner is a real estate agent with EXIT Realty Liftlock Brookerage who, under her brand "Shirl's Your Girl," helps clients buy or sell homes in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Born and raised in Peterborough, she has a deep understanding of the city's neighbourhoods and beyond. (Photo courtesy of Shirley Turner)

Buying or selling your home is one of the biggest decisions you make in life, which is why you want to be guided by someone who lives and breathes your community.

Born and raised in Peterborough, real estate agent Shirley Turner has that personal, insider knowledge when it comes to finding the best the region has to offer. Turner, a REALTOR® with EXIT Realty Liftlock Brokerage, helps clients buy and sell across Peterborough and the Kawarthas under her brand “Shirl’s Your Girl.”

Having lived in neighbourhoods across the city, Turner combines her background as a former teacher at St. Peter’s Secondary School and the former owner and operator of a cottage rental company to provide excellent insight into the ins-and-outs of the whole region — from the neighbourhoods with the best schools to where your garden will thrive in rural communities. She offers a listings portal for her clients looking to buy a home, where they have immediate access to new listings.

As well as being a real estate agent, Shirley Turner is an active community member and volunteer, always eager to give back to local initiatives. She is currently serving on the board for United Way Peterborough and is the committee chair of Women United Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Shirley Turner)
As well as being a real estate agent, Shirley Turner is an active community member and volunteer, always eager to give back to local initiatives. She is currently serving on the board for United Way Peterborough and is the committee chair of Women United Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Shirley Turner)

For clients looking to sell, Turner knows exactly how to pitch a home that people want to buy. A big believer in the power of a professional photographer, she also attaches floor plans to all listings so buyers known what makes your home special, while staging your home so it looks its best for prospective buyers. Going above and beyond the traditional role of a real estate agent, Turner often helps downsizing seniors who do not have support from family by helping them purge, pack, and clean their homes before selling.

With her passion for the region she lives in, Turner not only shows off the best of Peterborough and the Kawarthas, but she is actively working to better the community in any way she can.

An active volunteer, she is a proud board member of United Way Peterborough & District and the committee chair of Women United Peterborough, and has previously lent her support to the New Canadians Centre, Diabetes Association, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Turner will not only help you find or sell your home, but she’s also dedicated to making the community surrounding that home one you will be proud to live in. For more information, call 705-768-5043, email realestateshirl@gmail.com, or visit shirlsyourgirl.ca. You can also follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

 

Know Your Locals™ is a branded editorial feature about locally owned independent businesses and locally operated organizations, and supported by them. If your business or organization is interested in being featured in a future “Know Your Locals” branded editorial, contact Jeannine Taylor at 705-742-6404 or jt@kawarthanow.com or visit our Advertise with kawarthaNOW page.

Northumberland County residents can expect news soon about improved internet access

A telecommunications tower. (Photo: Eastern Ontario Regional Network)

Northumberland County residents should see movement towards rural internet improvements in the coming months, the county’s top politician says.

Brian Ostrander, Northumberland County warden and mayor of the Municipality of Brighton, said the county is poised to share news this autumn regarding the promised rural broadband expansion project.

“Northumberland is expecting to be able to announce next steps in rural broadband expansion early in the fall with an aggressive rollout timeline,” Ostrander told kawarthaNOW.

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Following COVID-19 and deemed essential for post-pandemic economic recovery, the federal and provincial governments announced $45 million in joint funding towards an initiative to deliver high-speed internet access to all households and businesses across Northumberland, in partnership with Northumberland County and private sector partners.

The county has said providing high-speed internet services across Northumberland’s hilly landscape and dispersed population makes the task complex. About one-third of Northumberland households are either underserved with broadband access or entirely unserved, according to the county.

Northumberland announced in 2022 it had developed “an innovative approach” intended to meet the growing high-speed internet needs of residents, businesses, and public services. Ultimately, county council endorsed establishing a municipal services corporation to manage broadband as an open access utility.

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The approach merges significant public funding and private capital investment to create the utility. The private sector-led utility is designing and building a local fibre-to-the-home telecommunications network and then — over time — will provide open, wholesale access to this network to Internet Service Providers (ISPs), the county noted. ISPs will use this network to deliver high-speed internet services to Northumberland residents and businesses.

The network will be able to deliver a minimum internet speed of one gigabit per second, according to the county. At the time of the announcement, the target timeline for delivering high-speed internet access to all households and businesses across Northumberland was the end of 2024 to early 2025.

In other telecommunications news, the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN), the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and Rogers Communications announced earlier in June that Rogers 5G mobile services are now available in 21 communities across eastern Ontario. Forty-two new cell towers and four additional upgrades to existing sites are completed, and now offer Rogers 5G mobile services to residents, businesses and visitors.

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Rogers 5G mobile services are now available in parts of the following areas:

  • City of Kawartha Lakes
  • County of Frontenac
  • County of Haliburton
  • County of Hastings
  • County of Lanark
  • County of Lennox and Addington
  • County of Northumberland
  • County of Peterborough
  • County of Prince Edward
  • County of Renfrew
  • United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
  • United Counties of Prescott and Russell
  • United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
  • City of Kingston
  • Town of Gananoque
  • Alderville First Nation
  • Algonquins of Pikwakanagan
  • Curve Lake First Nation
  • Hiawatha First Nation
  • Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
  • Mohawks of Akwesasne

The announcement is part of the EORN Cell Gap Project, a $300-million public-private partnership to improve and expand cellular services across rural eastern Ontario. About half the project is co-funded by federal and provincial governments, as well as municipal members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and most of the Eastern Ontario Mayors’ Caucus.

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Rogers Communications, which was selected through a competitive bidding process, is providing the balance of the investment, a media release noted.

“High-speed, reliable, and affordable cellular services are essential for Canadians to succeed today,” said Sean Fraser, federal minister of housing, infrastructure and communities, in the release.

“We are proud to support this project, and I am incredibly excited about today’s milestone with even more Ontarians now able to access enhanced broadband services and all the benefits that come with it.”

Through this partnership, Rogers Communications is building approximately 332 new telecommunications cell towers consisting of newly built and co-located sites, which are sites shared with other providers. In addition, 312 existing sites will be upgraded — bringing wireless infrastructure to more municipalities and Indigenous communities in eastern Ontario. To date, 309 sites have already been upgraded and 100 new cell towers have been completed, according to the release.

Tornado watch in effect for Kawarthas region Thursday afternoon and evening

A tornado at Sturgeon Lake in Kawartha Lakes on June 23, 2020. (Photo: Amy Reeds @amy_reeds / Twitter)

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

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

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

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Environment Canada recommends taking cover immediately if threatening weather approaches.

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

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

New 10-storey development proposed for Peterborough’s East City beside Mark Street United Church

The approximate area for the TVM Group's proposed residential-commercial development in East City, based on a site location map provided as part of an invitation from EcoVue Consulting Services Inc. to a public open house on June 20, 2024. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW / Google Maps)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peterborough’s Ecology Park returns to its roots with new plant propagation initiative

GreenUP staff and volunteers from the Trent Learning Garden constructed Ecology Park's first air prune bed in spring 2024. This structure will be used to propagate tap-rooted trees and shrubs. (Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)

You may have noticed changes underway at Ecology Park this spring. This is an exciting year for GreenUP as we break ground — literally and figuratively — on a long-term propagation project at the park.

The most dramatic transformation has been the reconstruction of the Lath House, a pergola that casts dappled shade on more than two dozen woodland plant species, such as bloodroot, pawpaw, and mayapple.

With the structure complete, we’re embarking on stage two, which is to reorganize the beds so there are ample populations of healthy, seed-producing plants. This space will be an area where visitors can see native woodland species in their mature form, while also providing the nursery with a source of quality seed and plant material.

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Another area of transformation is the “propagation station” adjacent to the children’s playscape and vegetable gardens. Here we are experimenting with methods of growing nursery stock intensively using minimal energy and irrigation.

For example, we recently constructed an air prune bed to grow trees and shrubs with long taproots, such as hickories and pawpaws. An air prune bed is a raised planting bed with a mesh bottom that is elevated off the ground. It is covered by a cage to prevent our curious animal friends from ‘helping’ us plant.

When tap-rooted trees are grown in containers, their roots will circle around the pot many times, which compromises the trees’ long-term health.

In an air prune bed, taproots grow straight down until they reach open air, at which point they go dormant and send out healthy lateral roots instead. At this stage, the trees can be sold as bare root stock, or moved to containers for a short period while they find their forever homes.

Grass-leaved goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia) growing in the Ecology Park gardens. Grass-leaved goldenrod will be available at the Ecology Park nursery later in the 2024 season. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)
Grass-leaved goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia) growing in the Ecology Park gardens. Grass-leaved goldenrod will be available at the Ecology Park nursery later in the 2024 season. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)

These initiatives are part of a project to propagate native plants at low cost for the benefit of the Native Plant Nursery and Ecology Park. This stock will be well adapted to urban environmental conditions, and will help cushion the nursery from supply side challenges.

For example, this season we are excited to offer a new species propagated from a species that has thrived at the park for many years: grass-leaved goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia).

This cousin of the true goldenrod is a tough but delicate-looking plant that provides pollinating insects with nectar very late in the season. Its fine foliage and flat-topped yellow flowers are beautiful paired with one of the many native asters.

As our propagation efforts expand, excess plants will be planted out in gardens and trail areas to replace invasive and unwanted species, such as common buckthorn and dog strangling vine.

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The managed areas of the park will in turn provide us with important genetic resources to continue propagation. The result is a positive feedback loop that sustains the nursery economically while increasing biodiversity and improving the health of the urban forest.

Of course, as a small-scale nursery, we cannot produce all of our stock on site. Nor do we want to! A diverse network of regional growers and retailers is critical to supply increasing demand for native plants in Ontario and builds resilience across the sector.

Finally, our location in a public park creates unique opportunities to educate the public about how to responsibly and effectively harvest seed and grow native plants in an urban setting. After all, all of our work is on full display.

The Native Tree & Plant Nursery at GreenUP's Ecology Park carries more than 200 species of native trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. (Photo: Jessica Todd / GreenUP)
The Native Tree & Plant Nursery at GreenUP’s Ecology Park carries more than 200 species of native trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. (Photo: Jessica Todd / GreenUP)

We will be hosting a series of workshops and volunteer opportunities this season, where you can get your hands dirty and build new skills. Be sure to pencil this one into your calendar: our Propagation Open House is on Wednesday, July 10th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

At the event, there will be a short presentation, followed by refreshments and all the plant nerdiness your eco-loving heart desires.

Check out our air prune boxes, try your hand at rooting cuttings in the propagation station, or swing by the Little Forest ‘Ask Me Anything’ booth staffed by GreenUP’s neighbourhood and residential programs coordinator Laura Keresztesi.

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Ecology Park’s propagation program is funded by a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation until late 2025. For more information, email Hayley Goodchild, Native Plant Propagation Coordinator, at hayley.goodchild@greenup.on.ca.

The Native Tree & Plant Nursery at Ecology Park carries more than 200 species of native trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. It is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit greenup.on.ca/native-plant-nursery/

For more information about the Ecology Park Learning Series, visit the GreenUP events calendar at greenup.on.ca/events/.

Shirley Turner named chair of United Way Peterborough & District’s 2024 community campaign

Flanked by the United Way Peterborough & District's CEO Jim Russell and director of philanthropy Anne Ondercin, Shirley Turner gives the thumbs up after her appointment as the chair of the non-profit organization's 2024 community campaign. The Peterborough real estate agent and former teacher has been a long-time supporter of and advocate for the United Way and currently serves on the board. (Photo courtesy of United Way Peterborough & District)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New downtown eatery Love You, Mean It is a ‘love letter’ to Peterborough

Sam Sayer, owner of Sam's Place, has teamed up with long-time employee and manager Owen Walsh to launch a new restaurant and bar in downtown Peterborough. Set to open in early July 2024 at the former Food Forest location on Hunter Street, Love You, Mean It will combine casual and fine dining, serving seasonal share plates and specialty house cocktails. (Photo: Justin Ross)

You may have noticed some movement behind the storefront at 135 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough, which has been vacant since the closure of vegan restaurant The Food Forest last fall.

Well, wait no further for answers as Love You, Mean It has moved in with the goal of opening in just a few short weeks. While the restaurant and bar might be all new, the faces behind it are not.

Love You, Mean It is the latest project from Sam Sayer, the well-known entrepreneur and namesake behind Sam’s Place and its expansion, Sam’s Place Wienery — both of which are just steps away from the new restaurant. A staple in the downtown core, Sam’s Place has been making original “samwiches,” with all meats cured, smoked, and prepared in-house, since 2010.

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For her latest project, Sayer has joined forces with Owen Walsh, a Peterborough native who has worked at the deli for four years, working his way from line cook to manager. Now he is eager to take on an ownership role alongside Sayer.

“Sam is one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met, and a very big inspiration,I think she’s fantastic,” he says. “I think she’s fantastic. We work really well together.”

Together, they are opening Love You, Mean It with the goal to “bridge the gap between casual dining and fine dining.”

“We’re coming in the middle with the best of both worlds,” Walsh says. “You’re going to eat the best version of a smash burger, but you also may eat a more accessible version of a beef carpaccio.”

Love You, Mean It is a new restaurant and bar in downtown Peterborough owned and operated by Sam Sayer and Owen Walsh that is set to open in early July 2024, with Mack Found as head chef. (Graphic: Love You, Mean It / Instagram)
Love You, Mean It is a new restaurant and bar in downtown Peterborough owned and operated by Sam Sayer and Owen Walsh that is set to open in early July 2024, with Mack Found as head chef. (Graphic: Love You, Mean It / Instagram)

Behind such plates is another familiar face — or at least someone who offers familiar tastes — to Peterborough foodies, as everything is the brainchild of head chef Mack Found. Found is the former head chef at Publican House Brewery & Pub, and has also worked in the kitchen at Rare Restaurant and Black Honey.

“The nice thing is that all three of us come from very different backgrounds, but we have similar views on food and how we want to make our customers happy,” says Walsh.

With a rotating seasonal menu and a few popular mainstay items, diners can expect to find just a handful of entrées alongside a list of sharables. Staples include a house bread, onion dips, and a fried mortadella steak served with mustard and a baguette, where guests can make their own sandwiches right at their table.

“We’re big believers that when you go out, it’s for that sense of community,” Walsh says. “You’re joining friends, and you all enjoy the same foods as each other and discuss what you’re eating. That’s an exciting opportunity to have as a consumer.”

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The share plates will be paired with a selection of Ontario craft beers and wines. Alongside classics like the ever-popular espresso martini and a negroni, the restaurant bar will offer a list of house cocktails, including one special which plays into the “high-low” theme: a Miller High Life with a shot of Campari — a drink Walsh is excited to bring to downtown Peterborough.

“It adds a slight bitterness to that sweetness from the beer, for a really balanced taste,” he says.

The food will be served in the “intimate” and “cozy” space which seats 36 people across a bar top, tables, and a lounge area with couches and armchairs for a more relaxed dining experience.

After spending the last four years working his way from a line cook to manager position at Sam's Place in Peterborough, Owen Walsh is moving into an ownership role and teaming up with Sam Sayer for the launch of an all-new restaurant, Love You, Mean It, in the downtown core. Bridging casual and elevated dining, the restaurant and bar will serve season share plates to encourage diners to eat out and create a sense of community by dining on the same menu items. (Photo: Sam's Place )
After spending the last four years working his way from a line cook to manager position at Sam’s Place in Peterborough, Owen Walsh is moving into an ownership role and teaming up with Sam Sayer for the launch of an all-new restaurant, Love You, Mean It, in the downtown core. Bridging casual and elevated dining, the restaurant and bar will serve season share plates to encourage diners to eat out and create a sense of community by dining on the same menu items. (Photo: Sam’s Place )

“We wanted this restaurant to feel like when you haven’t been home to your parent’s house in a while, where you come in and you realize it’s a familiar space to you,” Walsh says. “You’ll be greeted with a friendly and positive experience that will make you feel warm and at home.”

The name of the restaurant itself is a homecoming for Walsh, as “Love You, Mean It” is a common saying that has always been used by Sayer and her employees at Sam’s Place. While he says the phrase has many “layers,” Walsh explains that it was something they would add on to requests and demands when working diligently in the quick pace of the kitchen.

“When you’re working quickly, things can sound cold and direct sometimes, so we always said this as a sign off and to say that we appreciate each other,” says Walsh, noting that Sayer also often signs off on her text messages the same way. “When we were deciding on the name, it made sense because this restaurant is a love letter to Peterborough and the community.”

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While no exact opening date is set yet, as the restaurant finishes renovations in the coming weeks, Walsh is hopeful that Love You, Mean It will be opening to the public by early July.

“I can’t wait to have people in for dinner,” he says.

For updates, follow Love You, Mean It on Instagram.

Sam Sayer, owner of Sam's Place, pictured in 2019 in her then newly renovated deli. She also opened Sam's Place Wienery in 2023 and now, with long-time Sam's Place employee and manager Owen Walsh, is opening Love You, Mean It in the former location of The Food Forest on Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA / Facebook)
Sam Sayer, owner of Sam’s Place, pictured in 2019 in her then newly renovated deli. She also opened Sam’s Place Wienery in 2023 and now, with long-time Sam’s Place employee and manager Owen Walsh, is opening Love You, Mean It in the former location of The Food Forest on Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA / Facebook)

Country pop artist Lindsay Ell coming to Peterborough Musicfest for the first time on August 10

Also known as the host of "Canada's Got Talent," Calgary-born and Nashville-based country pop artist Lindsay Ell is an award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist who will perform a free-admission concert at Peterborough Musicfest for the first time on August 10, 2024. (Photo supplied by Peterborough Musicfest)

Peterborough Musicfest has announced Alberta-born country pop artist Lindsay Ell will perform a free-admission concert at Del Crary Park on Saturday, August 10th — the first of three performers to fill the remaining open dates in the festival’s 37th summer season. It’s Ell’s first-ever appearance at Peterborough Musicfest.

Now a dual Canadian-American citizen, the singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist was born and raised in Calgary, where she started playing piano at the age of six before falling in love with the guitar when she was eight — courtesy of her father’s collection of guitars. She also fell in love with the blues as a child, and began writing songs when she was 10.

Five years later, Canadian musical icon Randy Bachman discovered and mentored Ell, calling her “the most talented and multi-faceted artist I’ve come across in many years, producing her first album Consider This when she was 17, also co-writing most of the album’s 11 songs with Ell.

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After releasing her 2009 album Alone, Ell began making regular trips began Calgary and Nashville, where she participated in songwriting sessions while playing live shows, moving there permanently when she was 21.

Her first official single with record label Stoney Creek Records, entitled “Trippin’ on Us,” debuted in 2013 as the most added song for country music radio in both Canada and the United States, and Ell made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2014.

Three years later, she released her EP Worth the Wait, which was followed the same year by the album The Project, and then by 2018’s The Continuum Project and Heart Theory in 2020.

VIDEO: “Trippin’ On Us” – Lindsay Ell

Along the way, she has been nominated for almost 30 awards, winning Female Artist of the Year at the 2015 Association of Country Music in Alberta, Interactive Artist of the Year at the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Canadian Country Music Awards, and Single of the Year at the 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards for “Right on Time.” She has also been recognized for her role as host of the Citytv reality competition show Canada’s Got Talent, which earned her a 2024 Canadian Screen Award nomination.

It was recently announced that Canadian country superstar Shania Twain will be joining Canada’s Got Talent as a judge, and Ell will be joining Twain’s Las Vegas residency as her lead guitarist (she opened for Twain during her 2023 Canadian tour).

Here’s Peterborough Musicfest’s summer lineup, with acts still to be determined and announced for Wednesday, July 10 and Saturday, July 27.

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  • Tenille Townes – Saturday, June 29
  • Road Apples – Monday, July 1
  • Aysanabee (with Cale Crowe) – Wednesday, July 3
  • Tim Baker/Great Lake Swimmers – Saturday, July 6
  • To be announced – Wednesday, July 10
  • I Mother Earth – Saturday, July 13
  • Metric – Wednesday, July 17
  • The Beau Dixon Band – Saturday, July 20
  • To be announced – Saturday, July 27
  • Rêve – Wednesday, July 24
  • Down With Webster – Wednesday, July 31
  • Elton Rohn – Saturday, August 3
  • Dwayne Gretzky – Wednesday, August 7
  • Lindsay Ell – Saturday, August 10
  • Choir! Choir! Choir! – Wednesday, August 14
  • David Wilcox – Saturday, August 17

For more information about Peterborough Musicfest, including details about upcoming concerts, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca.

 

kawarthaNOW is proud to be a headline sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest’s 2024 season.

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