The Municipality of Port Hope is investing the bulk of money generated from parking tickets into efforts that beautify the downtown and support upcoming events in the downtown core.

Port Hope recently announced that 75 per cent of the ticket revenue collected from parking enforcement between May 1 and November 1 in the municipality will be reallocated to the Heritage Business Improvement Area (HBIA). The initiative aims to support downtown aesthetic projects and events during the ongoing reconstruction of Walton Street.

The move reflects the municipality’s commitment to maintain a vibrant and welcoming downtown area, a media release noted. The HBIA will use the money to further enhance the appeal of streetscapes and to organize community events that attract visitors and support local businesses.

“The decision to allocate a portion of parking ticket revenue to the HBIA is a strategic step to help our downtown thrive during the construction period,” said Municipality of Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky.

“The goal is to balance the community’s needs with regulations to keep the downtown area active. By investing in beautification and events, we are not only supporting our local businesses but also enhancing the overall experience for residents and visitors. This initiative reflects our commitment to maintaining a lively and inviting downtown Port Hope.”

The historic downtown in the west Northumberland community is in the midst of an overhaul with the Walton Street reconstruction project, which involves making improvements to old water mains and sanitary sewers and expanding capacity for storm sewers that have become inadequate over time.

The first phase of the reconstruction, completed in 2023, involved the section of Walton Street stretching from Pine Street to Church Street. The second phase of the work encompasses the portion of Walton Street from Cavan Street to Queen Street.

Earlier this spring, the municipality officially kicked off the project with a groundbreaking ceremony downtown, which brought together residents, business owners, and municipal officials to mark the formal start of the major infrastructure improvements.

The construction began in April and continues through to November.

During this time, the municipality asks residents and visitors who drive downtown to consider parking at designated lots outside of the immediate downtown area and to use the temporarily free transit services to navigate around the downtown area.

Port Hope hopes that approach will help alleviate the challenge of finding parking during the reconstruction and peak tourism times.

In regards to parking fines, the municipality said the enforcement “is essential to maintaining the flow of traffic and ensuring that parking spaces remain available for those shopping or supporting downtown businesses,” the release noted.

“Converting designated paid parking to free parking throughout the downtown would result in prolonged occupation of parking spots,” the municipality explained. “Maintaining normal/existing paid parking encourages the movement of cars throughout the day, increasing parking availability and convenience for patrons. This approach is backed by past experience, similar main street redevelopment projects in other communities, and ongoing support from the HBIA.”

Free parking remains available in the Cavan Street lot, Town Hall lot, and Elias Street lot. No free parking spaces have been eliminated as part of the Walton Street reconstruction project, the municipality noted.

For more parking information and/or to learn more about the Walton Street project, visit porthope.ca/walton.

At its second meeting of 2024, 100 Women Peterborough has chosen the Teachers For Kids Foundation to receive a donation of $10,000 that will support the charity dedicated to addressing the needs of students facing financial hardship.

The collective philanthropy group, which has now grown to 114 members, met on Tuesday (June 19) at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre in Peterborough.

At each of its quarterly meetings, 100 Women Peterborough hears presentations from three non-profit organizations randomly drawn from a larger list of organizations nominated by the group’s members. Each member commits to donating $100, and the organization that gets the most member votes receives the collective donations.

The three organizations that presented to 100 Women Peterborough at June’s meeting were Teachers For Kids, One City Peterborough, and Public Energy Performing Arts, with Teachers For Kids chosen by majority vote to receive member donations.

“I am thrilled to share the lengths that this donation would bring about for girls in the community and would enhance their lives in the Peterborough-area KPR schools by letting these budding minds participate in life-changing STEM programs, helping them break free from the cycle of poverty and financial constraints,” said Kerrie Magnus of Teachers For Kids in a media release from 100 Women Peterborough.

Founded in 1986, the Teachers for Kids Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to addressing the needs of students facing financial hardship. The foundation provides crucial support for various necessities, including sports club registrations, sports equipment, meals to support academic progress and medical and personal needs.

According to the release, Teachers for Kids plans to use the donated funds to support dozens of female students, “enabling them to pursue their dreams and meet essential needs. This substantial contribution will make a significant impact on the lives of these students, fostering a supportive environment for their academic and personal growth.”

“The donation will surely make a significant difference, opening doors to college, university, and careers and fostering a brighter future for these young girls and women,” added Janie Kelly of Teachers for Kids. “Together we can help shape a better tomorrow and we are extremely happy to receive a gracious donation from the women of our community.”

Since its formation in 2018, 100 Women Peterborough has collectively donated over $200,000 to 24 local organizations: YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, Vinnies Peterborough, Hospice Peterborough, Peterborough Youth Unlimited, One Roof Warming Room, New Canadians Centre, Cameron House, Five Counties Children’s Centre, Casa De Angelae, Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, Community Care Peterborough, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, Community Counselling and Resource Centre, Peterborough Pregnancy Support Services, Heads Up for Inclusion, Kawartha Youth Orchestra, Peterborough GreenUP, Bridges Peterborough, YMCA Strong Communities, Homeward Bound Peterborough, Good Neighbours Care Centre and Food Bank, PARN – Your Community AIDS Resource Network, Camp Kawartha, and the Teachers For Kids Foundation.

“Together, our dedicated giving group is supporting a local charity uplifting students in our community, proving that collective generosity can transform futures and create lasting change,” said Wendy Hill, a founding member of 100 Women Peterborough.

100 Women Peterborough is part of a growing collective philanthropy movement that began in the United States in November 2006, when Karen Dunigan of Michigan formed the “100 Women Who Care” group. After their first meeting, those women raised over $10,000 for the purchase of 300 new baby cribs for a local organization. The movement has grown over the past 18 years to include groups of men, women, youth, and children around the world, with hundreds of chapters in Canada alone.

For more information about 100 Women Peterborough, visit www.100womenptbo.ca.

Peterborough police have arrested a man wanted in connection with a shooting incident over the weekend.

Just after midnight on Saturday (June 15), a woman went to Peterborough Regional Health Centre with two gunshot wounds, and was later transported by air ambulance to a Toronto hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

According to information released by police on Saturday, they were searching for a suspect in what they believed was a targeted incident. Police have since revealed the incident was domestic in nature.

On Wednesday (June 19), Peterborough police officers along with the emergency response team arrested a 22-year-old Peterborough man in the Bancroft area. As a result of a police investigation, he has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm, and trafficking in firearms.

The accused man is being held in police custody and will appear in court on Thursday.

The police investigation also determined a second man was involved after the shooting incident occurred, and he was located on Tuesday evening and arrested. A 20-year-old Peterborough man has been charged with accessory after the fact to commit an indictable offence, obstructing justice, unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm, trafficking in firearms, failure to comply with a probation order, and possessing a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order.

The second accused man is being held in police custody and will appear in court on Wednesday.

A moose on the loose in Peterborough has been safely captured for relocation.

Multiple sightings of the moose in the city’s west end began early Tuesday (June 18) and were reported to Peterborough police, who contacted the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).

By Wednesday, the moose had travelled to Kawartha Chrysler at 1515 Lansdowne Street West where, in the business’s back lot with the assistance of police, MNRF conservation officers tranquilized the moose.

The moose, which was also tagged, will be relocated.

While it is rare for a moose to be seen as far south as Peterborough, it is around this time of year that yearlings are rejected by their mothers and begin a solitary existence.

Yearlings begin foraging on their own, which can lead them to unusual places.

This was the experience of kawarthaNOW publisher Jeannine Taylor, who in early June discovered a young female moose on the property of her family cottage on Eels Lake north of Apsley. While her cottage is surrounded by woods, moose are rarely seen so close to humans in that area.

According to Taylor, the moose was docile and unperturbed by her presence. For four days, the moose roamed around the property, spending its time munching on leaves, lounging, and sleeping.

Concerned that the moose was exhibiting unusual behaviour, Taylor contacted the MNRF who — after viewing photos and videos of the moose — stated “The moose looks to be very healthy at this time, and the behaviour is not abnormal for this yearling. It appears to have found a good natural food source.”

The MNRF added the moose would eventually leave of its own accord, which it did. Taylor shared her moose experience with host Molly Thomas on CBC Ontario Morning.

While moose are not usually aggressive, they can charge if threatened, especially if a moose is protecting its calves.

Wildlife experts advise keeping a safe distance from a moose. If you have a dog, keep it leashed and away from the moose. If a moose approaches you, back off and look for a tree, fence, or building to hide behind and as protection in case the moose charges.

If you live in the Peterborough area and encounter a moose in an unusual location such as your property, you can report your sighting to MNRF at 705-755-2001 or mnrf.pet@ontario.ca.

From feeling the beat of live drumming to learning about the history of the Michi Saagiig peoples, Northumberland County residents can partake in an upcoming Indigenous celebration in Cobourg.

To mark National Indigenous Peoples Day on Friday (June 21), the Northumberland County EarlyON Centres and the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, in collaboration with Alderville First Nation, are hosting a free Indigenous cultural event from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Cobourg Community Centre at 750 D’Arcy Street.

The event, which is open to the public and suitable for all ages, is designed to offer community members with an opportunity “to experience the richness and diversity of Indigenous culture,” Northumberland County noted.

Themed as the “Ode’miin Giizis (Strawberry Moon) Celebration,” Indigenous leaders will take the lead for the event, which features interactive activities, singing and food, in addition to the drumming and presentations on the history of the Michi Saagiig peoples.

Called Ode’miin Giizis in Anishinaabemowin (the Anishinaabe language), the Strawberry Moon is the first full moon of summer and, this year, it falls on National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. The Anishinaabe keep track of the seasons by the moons, with Ode’min Giizis the sixth moon of the calendar. It marks the beginning of summer, the longest day of the year, and the harvest of the strawberry in June. The root word of ode’min is “ode,” which signifies the heart in Anishinaabemowin, with the strawberry resembling the shape and colour of the heart.

“Understanding and appreciating Indigenous culture is crucial for fostering reconciliation and mutual respect in our community,” said Brian Ostrander, warden of Northumberland County, in a media release.

“On National Indigenous Peoples Day, I encourage everyone to take the time to learn, reflect, and act in support of our shared responsibilities as Treaty people,” Ostrander added. “This event will be an opportunity to learn and engage with Indigenous traditions and to acknowledge our shared responsibilities to respect and uphold the treaty rights and privileges we all enjoy today. This means recognizing the importance of these agreements and working together towards reconciliation by honouring our commitments and building a more inclusive community for everyone.”

Anishinaabeg Nation Southeast Regional Chief Marsha Smoke will provide a territorial welcome. Sarah Lewis of Curve Lake First Nation, who was Nogojiwanong-Peterborough’s inaugural poet laureate, will share Indigenous poetry and its teachings.

There will be songs and drumming by Rod Nettagog of Henvey Inlet First Nation, and presentations on the history of the Michi Saagiig peoples by Brian Beaver from Alderville First Nation. The event also includes many interactive activities for young children and displays for people of all ages, the release noted.

“Building strong partnerships and engaging in cultural education is key to honouring Indigenous traditions and creating a more inclusive community,” said Cynthia Gray, program manager at the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre.

“This celebration is a testament to the power of collaboration and the richness of Indigenous heritage. We look forward to celebrating at the Ode’miin Giizis (Strawberry Moon) Celebration, deepening everyone’s understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture and history, and supporting the path of reconciliation.”

A few highlights of the event include:

• Welcome to the territory at 3:05 p.m.
• Strawberry (Ode’miin) welcome and teaching at 3:15 p.m.
• History of Alderville First Nation and the Michi Saagiig peoples at 3:50 p.m.
• Indigenous poetry and teachings at 4:40 p.m.
• Words, drumming and singing (Supported by Loyalist College) at 5:15 p.m.
• Ode’miin Giizis Indigenous event activities
• Indigenous history
• Interactive Indigenous activities for children
• Singing and drumming
• Listen and learn about Ojibwe Language
• Experience Indigenous food
• Create a Ode’miin Giizis coloured button
• Review Ode’miin Giizis information displays
• Peruse Alderville First Nation history books for sale
• See other displays ranging from Indigenous medicine to Indigenous education and more.

The Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre strives to enhance the quality of life for Indigenous people in the City of Peterborough and the surrounding area. It strives to provide a place of acceptance and well-being for urban Indigenous people through a wide range of community-based programs and services.

Alderville First Nation, a thriving community that is rich in heritage and native culture, is located on the south side of Rice Lake, approximately 30 kilometres north of Cobourg. The First Nation has approximately 300 members who live in Alderville, and another 650-plus members who reside elsewhere.

Other events to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day are also taking place across the region on June 21, including a celebration from 1 to 5 p.m. at Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre at 580 Cameron Street in Peterborough. The celebration will feature a sacred fire, craft and activities, vendors, strawberry teachings, and a community meal at 4 p.m.