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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rebound is still welcoming sponsors for the event.

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

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

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

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

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

A few days after the new Canadian Canoe Museum opened its doors on the shores of Little Lake and an international houseboat rental company launched its new base on the Otonabee River, a hit Canadian-made television show for boating enthusiasts has named Peterborough and the Kawarthas the inaugural winner of its “destination of the year” award.

Steven J. Bull, an award-winning broadcaster and comedian and executive producer and host of Water Ways, made the announcement on Wednesday (May 15).

“Peterborough and the Kawarthas caught our eye in 2024 by welcoming the newest base for world’s largest fleet of luxury houseboats, Le Boat, while also opening the stunning new waterfront Canadian Canoe Museum which houses the world’s largest collection of paddled watercraft,” Bull said in a media release.

“These incredible boat-based attractions add to the already storied history of the region which features the world’s highest hydraulic lift lock and some of the most beautiful and popular waters along the entire 9,500 kilometre-long Great Loop,” Bull added. “This certainly sets the bar high.”

The annual Water Ways Destination of the Year award recognizes communities for bringing world-class boating experiences to locals and visitors from around the world. As the first-ever winner of the award, Peterborough and the Kawarthas will have an entire episode dedicated to its waterways in the series’ third season, Water Ways: Ontario, coming in September.

“Ontario is a fitting launch for our slate of new regional shows — with Florida and the Pacific Northwest planned for 2025 — and will celebrate destinations from Toronto to Temiskaming, and experiences from wakesurfing to walleye fishing, yachting to kayaking,” Bull said.

VIDEO: “Peterborough” – Water Ways

Debuting in 2022, Water Ways is a boating and lifestyle program designed specifically with boaters in mind. The first season featured the Trent-Severn Waterway, including an episode dedicated to Peterborough. The second season debuted on Global TV in Canada last fall, and is also available on America’s Boating Channel and Sportsman Channel Canada.

“This recognition appropriately celebrates Peterborough and the Kawarthas’ thriving boating culture, which has for decades motivated locals and visitors alike to take to its waters to explore the region’s natural beauty and wealth of recreational opportunities on offer,” said Ontario minister of tourism, sport, and culture Neil Lumsden.

“I am proud that Waters Ways: Ontario will showcase the best boating destinations across our province and the small business owners and operators that continue to connect us to the water, benefiting local economies and reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a choice destination for endless adventure.”

Rick Layzell, CEO of the Boating Ontario Association, said he is also looking forward to the new season of Water Ways.

“Water Ways: Ontario is set to shine a positive light on the exceptional recreational boating opportunities across our incredible province,” Layzell noted. “Boating Ontario members have a ground floor opportunity to engage with this new series and benefit from the anticipated consumer engagement.”

Joe Rees, director of tourism with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, said it is “truly an honour” for the region to receive the inaugural Water Ways award.

“As the official destination marketing organization for the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County, our team works diligently to position the waterway and recreational boating at the heart of our story,” Rees explained. “2024 is an incredible year for Peterborough and the Kawarthas and this recognition couldn’t have arrived at a more celebratory moment for our sought-after destination.”

The 18th edition of Jukebox Mania has raised $40,000 for Community Counselling Resource Centre (CCRC).

The Peterborough-based organization’s largest fundraiser returned as an in-person event on Friday night (May 10) at The Venue in downtown Peterborough, hosted by Megan Murphy and featuring a friendly name-that-tune trivia competition as well as an online auction.

A total of 35 teams participated, with Lyrical Labourers taking the top prize, followed by TrentU Trivializers cCambium & Tennille.

“We were so thrilled to see so many people back in person this year,” says CCRC’s executive director Kirsten Armbrust in a media release. “Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, and participants for making JBM 2024 fabulous. We are looking forward to seeing you all again next year.”

Of the $40,000 raised from the event, $20,500 is net revenue that will directly support CCRC’s programs and services.

CCRC provides professional counselling for individuals, couples, and groups, and housing support for anyone who is homeless or at risk of losing their housing.

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association (PKHBA) has joined the growing chorus of those objecting to Fleming College’s recent decision to cancel 29 programs.

On Monday (May 13), PKHBA president Jennifer Hurd and executive officer Rebecca Schillemat sent a letter to Fleming College board chair Don Gillespie and president Maureen Adamson expressing their “deep concern” about the impact of the program suspensions on the building industry in Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes, and urging the college to reconsider the decision.

PKHBA, which represents over 115 member companies comprising builders, renovators, tradespeople, and industry professionals, states that over half of the suspended programs support the residential construction industry.

“PKHBA is appalled and concerned about this decision due to the repercussions of losing these programs,” the letter reads. “This decision will affect our community in many ways: teachers lose their jobs; students go further away to get their education and may not settle back in the Kawarthas; the industry must attract talent from outside our area; and our municipalities lose the economic benefits of a thriving college.”

PKHBA is especially concerned about the cancellation of the Heavy Equipment Techniques program. The organization says over 24,000 housing units are being planned in Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough over the next decade, all of which will need heavy equipment operators to move soils for both greenfield and infill developments.

“The Heavy Equipment Techniques program at Fleming College has been instrumental in launching countless graduates into successful careers within the field,” Hurd and Schillemat write. “Notably, it has served as a vital pathway for students from Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC), Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB), and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) to gain the necessary skills and knowledge for employment in the heavy equipment industry.”

“Suspending the Heavy Equipment Techniques program not only deprives current and prospective students of valuable educational opportunities but also creates a significant inconvenience for those who now must travel long distances to access similar training,” the letter reads.

“Given the pressing need for skilled workers in this specialty, the discontinuation of the program is both surprising and concerning.”

PKHBA has sent a copy of their letter to Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, Premier Doug Ford, and Minister of College and Universities Jill Dunlop. The complete letter can be viewed below.

PDF: PKHBA Letter to Fleming College (May 13, 2024)

From the soccer pitch to the pool, Tessa Scates has gained confidence and made new friends by participating in sports in Peterborough.

Scates, 27, along with 19 other athletes, are warming up for the Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games, which run from May 23 to 26 in Waterloo at Wildred Laurier University.

Peterborough will be sending three teams from 10-pin bowling, basketball, and swimming to the upcoming games, which have been long awaited for athletes after the 2020 Spring Games in Waterloo were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The athletes are pumped to participate in their respective events, Jenn Scates, Tessa’s mom and manager of the Peterborough swim team, told kawarthaNOW.

“Our goal for the athletes is to (number one) have fun and (number two) do their best,” Scates said. “Our hope is they enjoy the experience and understand that hard work pays off.”

As the swim team manager, Scates takes care of team expenses, organizes pool rentals, and helps organize the team’s connection to the community by participating in different events.

Tessa is a distance swimmer and specializes in 200-metre freestyle, 100-metre freestyle, and the 50-metre backstroke. She made her debut with Special Olympics about 10 years playing soccer.

“The coach on the soccer team asked Tessa what she was doing in the winter and invited Tessa to swim on the Thursday swim team. Tessa has been a swimmer ever since,” Scates said.

For her daughter, the Special Olympics experience has had a positive impact.

“Special Olympics has helped Tessa with her confidence and has helped her develop friendships. She is driven to try as hard as she can. She has learned to be a teammate,” Scates added.

Wilfrid Laurier University welcomes athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers and spectators to the Waterloo campus for the event. Hosted by Waterloo Region Police Services, the Spring Games celebrate the achievements of Special Olympics athletes in Ontario.

Laurier is an official Games partner. Laurier residences will serve as the athletes’ village, while the athletic complex will host select basketball and swimming events. More than 750 athletes will be competing in five sports, including basketball, swimming, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, and 10-pin bowling.

“We are thrilled to host the exceptional athletes of the Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games on our Waterloo campus,” said Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier president and vice-chancellor, in a media release. “Laurier is proud to be a part of supporting an inclusive and thriving community.”

Scates said the Peterborough team members have been training all winter in anticipation of the Spring Games.

Here are the Peterborough athletes headed to the games:

• 10-pin bowling: Michael Biroux, Crystal Cochrane
• Basketball: Kacee Quinlan, Candiance Bushie, Jesse Campbell, Mark Crowder, Hannah Goode, Kristin Lackey, Max Lagrous, Cotton Nancarrow
• Swimming: Jasmine Davis, Miriam McHugh, Gillian McHugh, Merecedes Laking, Lisa Butler, Steve Caban (nominee for the Peterborough Hall of Fame), Breanne MacKenzie, Dominic Wickham, Tessa Scates, Nick Gardner.