Canopy Support Services, which provides specialized supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and fetal alcohol Sspectrum disorders, is opening a new autism services clinic, in collaboration with Northumberland Christian School, in Cobourg this fall. (Photo: Canopy Support Services / Facebook)
A new autism services clinic is coming to Northumberland County.
Canopy Support Services, in collaboration with Northumberland Christian School, plans to open the Cobourg clinic this fall. Canopy Support Services provides specialized supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
“The Cobourg clinic offers significant benefits to families through reduced costs and increased accessibility,” Angela Rose, Canopy’s manager of autism services, told kawarthaNOW.
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“By providing services closer to home and accommodating various schedules, the clinic minimizes travel expenses and time for families while making essential services more accessible,” Rose said. “Moreover, it strengthens community relationships by fostering partnerships with local organizations, creating a collaborative environment that enhances service quality and reach.”
The clinic’s setting promotes peer interaction among children and will help facilitate skill generalization to school and community environments — providing them the space to practise for school-based routines.
“Overall, the clinic’s convenient location supports families’ needs and contributes to smoother transitions and enhanced community engagement,” Rose added.
The clinic will be located at 8861 Danforth Rd.
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Canopy has a team of more than 115 skilled professionals serving five regions including Northumberland County, Peterborough County, City of Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region and Haliburton County.
The new autism services clinic builds upon Canopy’s experience as a regional provider of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) based autism services for 20-plus years. Initially partnering with Northumberland Christian School in 2007, Canopy will once again utilize the school’s facilities to deliver in-person clinical services, including one-to-one behavioural services, family foundational groups, and group programming focusing on social skills and emotional regulation.
“We are extremely excited to expand the new autism services clinic in the Northumberland area to address a service gap and to bring autism services closer to home,” said Himanshu Shah, CEO of Canopy Support Services, which was formerly known as Tri-County Community Support Services, in a media release.
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The Northumberland Christian School team is looking forward to welcoming Canopy into the building, said Ginette Mack, principal at Northumberland Christian School.
“We love creating partnerships with others who are serving children and families in the community,” Mack said. “We look forward to the opportunities that working together will bring.”
Canopy said this initiative marks a significant expansion of its commitment to enhance the lives of individuals across the Northumberland area.
“Our clinical team is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of families and we look forward to expanding and re-establishing a presence in Northumberland County,” Rose said.
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Similar to Canopy’s established Peterborough clinic, the Northumberland clinic will be staffed by its existing team of clinicians, all trained in ABA and supervised by registered behaviour analysts with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.
“This evidence-based approach ensures that services are both effective and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual and their family,” the release noted.
For more information about Canopy Support Services and the autism services clinic in Northumberland, visit www.canopysupport.ca or call 1- 888-616-3456.
Formed in Kingston in 1992 eight years after The Tragically Hip, Road Apples has continued to share its musical tribute even after the original band stopped performing following frontman Gord Downie's death from brain cancer in 2017. Road Apples will perform a free-admission concert at Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park on July 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Road Apples)
When planning a Canada Day party, staying true to the theme is a good place to start.
That was clearly the thinking behind Peterborough Musicfest’s pencilling in The Tragically Hip tribute band Road Apples for its July 1 date at Del Crary Park.
Peterborough Musicfest presents Road Apples
When:Monday, July 1, 2024 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: Free admission
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent). VIP seating available for sponsors. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighbourhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
With the tribute to what was and arguably remains Canada’s most loved rock band secured, the only thing missing to make the evening even more Canadian are butter tart, poutine, and maple syrup samples distributed by RCMP officers on horseback.
Like the band it emulates, Road Apples formed in Kingston in 1992, eight years after Kingston Collegiate students Gord Sinclair (bass) and Rob Baker (guitar) hooked up with singer Gord Downie and Johnny Fay (drums). When Paul Langlois (guitar) joined the fray in 1986, the quintet took the band name The Tragically Hip from a skit featured in the 1981 film Elephant Parts.
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After testing the waters with the release of a self-titled EP in 1987, The Tragically Hip released its debut full-length album two years later. Titled Up To Here, it produced rock radio airplay favourites in “Blow At High Dough,” “New Orleans Is Sinking,” “Boots Or Hearts,” and “38 Years Old.”
If Downie et al called it quits right there, they would have exited the stage on a high. As we well know, they didn’t, the result being the release of another 12 studio albums and more than 50 singles before calling it a day in 2018 following Downie’s death from glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.
With nine of its albums having attained number one status on Canadian charts, The Tragically Hip were the best-selling Canadian band in this country from 1996 to 2016. That incredible run brought forth a bevy of awards and honours, including a remarkable 17 Juno Awards.
VIDEO: Road Apples promo
One of four Canadian music acts featured on a 2013 Canada Post stamp series (the others were Rush, The Guess Who, and Beau Dommage), The Tragically Hip was inducted to Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2002 and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2005, received the Governor Generals’ Performing Arts Award in 2008 and, in 2017, was appointed to the Order of Canada.
To say Road Apples has very big shoes to fill, with audience expectations at a fever pitch, would come close to qualifying as the understatement of the year. But since forming, the band has stayed true to The Tragically Hip’s original recordings “with no interpretations or gimmicks” involved — music to the ears of longtime fans of the band they’re paying homage to.
Those who still need proof of Canadians’ love of The Tragically Hip need look no further than August 20, 2016 when the final stop of the band’s Man Machine Poem Tour was made at Kingston’s Rogers K-Rock Centre. Aired by CBC Television and streamed live on YouTube, the concert drew 11.7 million viewers — roughly one-third of Canada’s population at the time. Despite his illness, Downie, the perennial frontman, gave it his all.
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After Downie’s passing just more than a year later, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau no doubt spoke for millions when he said “Our buddy Gord loved this country with everything he had — and not just loved it in a nebulous ‘Oh, I love Canada’ way. He loved every hidden corner, every story, every aspect of this country that he celebrated his whole life.”
Road Apples takes its name from The Tragically Hip’s second studio album of the same name. Recorded in New Orleans and released in February 1991, it was the first of the band’s albums to hit number one in Canada, serving up the singles “Little Bones,” “Twist My Arm,” and “Three Pistols.”
Road Apples’ Musicfest appearance marks its return to Peterborough, where the band headlined at Showplace in February of last year. Note: Stick around after the concert for a fireworks display over Little Lake courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
VIDEO: Road Apples at Nostalgia Festival Ottawa 2018
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission concerts during its 37th season, each staged on Wednesday and Saturday nights until August 17th.
Overseen by executive director Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission remains “to provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert or the 2024 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a headline sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest’s 2024 season.
Globus Theatre's production of Kristen Da Silva's poignant comedy "Where You Are" at the Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon from July 3 to 13, 2024 features (left to right, top and bottom) Anna Silvija Broks as Glenda, Joanne Latimer as Suzanne, Tara Koehler as Beth, and Josh Johnston as Patrick. (kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
For the third mainstage production of its 2024 season, Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon is presenting another play by Canadian playwright Kristen Da Silva, with her poignant comedy Where You Are coming to the Lakeview Arts Barn for 11 performances from July 3 to 13.
Last year, Globus presented Da Silva’s curling comedy Hurry Hard and, in 2018, her romantic comedy Sugar Road. It’s no accident that Canada’s most-produced playwright Norm Foster has called Da Silva “one of the brightest new comedic playwrights in all of Canada” — he began mentoring her after she wrote her first play Book Club and asked him to provide feedback.
Although the Oakville-based playwright and actor has always been a writer, including writing short stories while she was growing up and writing sketches for a comedy improv group while she was in university, Da Silva had a corporate career in human resources and labour relations when she decided to take the plunge into full-time playwriting just eight years ago.
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Along with the aforementioned plays, Da Silva has written Five Alarm, The Rules of Playing Risk, Beyond the Sea, and Gibson & Sons. She was the recipient of the Stage West Pechet Family Comedy Award and is a two-time recipient of the Playwrights Guild New Comedy award.
Da Silva says her 2016 decision to leave her corporate job for playwriting was greatly influenced by something that happened to her aunt Ruth — an experience that also inspired her to write Where You Are.
The play follows two retired sisters, widowed Glenda and her younger sister Suzanne, who are former city residents now living in Little Current on Manitoulin Island. The two sisters have remained devoted to each other ever since, 33 years earlier, the single, penniless, and pregnant Suzanne moved in with Glenda and her husband Mark.
“Where You Are” playwright Kristen Da Silva. (Photo: Patrick Hodgson)
With Suzanne’s now grownup daughter Beth a doctor in Toronto, the two sisters spend their days selling homemade jam, swapping stories about the locals, and roping their attractive veterinarian neighbour Patrick into doing various chores for them.
All that changes when Beth arrives for a summer visit. While a romance begins budding between Beth and Patrick, the two sisters reveal a weighty secret they have been keeping from Beth, who it turns out has been keeping secrets of her own.
“It’s a play about family, with a romance woven in,” Da Silva said in a 2023 interview with Gary Smith. “I think the reason it resonates with audiences is how universal its themes are — love, family, forgiveness, loss, and facing our own mortality. I try to reflect real life, where all the trials, challenges, and sorrows are balanced by moments of joy and humour.”
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While Where You Are is a comedy, it also dramatizes a serious topic.
“I think that comedy is a doorway to some tough conversations,” Da Silva told James Hitchison in a 2022 interview. “I set out to entertain people, but I don’t shy away from tackling things that might be more difficult or might evoke sadness, because I think there’s something really cathartic about feeling all of those emotions in one night.”
Where You Are premiered at Theatre Orangeville in 2019 and has since played at Upper Canada Playhouse and Victoria Playhouse in Prince Edward Island.
The Globus Theatre production features returning actors Anna Silvija Broks (Mending Fences, Lunenberg, and Sunshine Express) as Glenda, Joanne Latimer (Halfway There) as Suzanne, and Tara Koehler (Sugar Road, The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby) as Beth, with Globus newcomer Josh Johnston (Million Dollar Quartet and The Comedy of Errors at Grove Theatre and Timon of Athens at Stratford Festival) as Patrick.
Globus Theatre’s production of Kristen Da Silva’s poignant comedy “Where You Are” runs at the Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon from July 3 to 13, 2024. (Graphic: Globus Theatre)
Globus Theatre artistic producer James Barrett, who is directing the play, says that Globus first produced a staged reading of Where Your Are during the pandemic.
“There are so many touching moments shared between these three women throughout the play,” he says. “I am thrilled to finally be mounting this as a full production on our stage.”
Where You Are opens at 8 p.m. on Wednesday (July 3) with additional evening performances from July 4 to 6 and July 9 to 13, as well as two 2 p.m. matinee performances on July 6 and 11. An optional dinner is available before the evening performances. Tickets are $50 for the show only or $100 for dinner and the show, and are available by calling the box office at 705-738-2037 (toll free at 1-800-304-7897) or online at globustheatre.com.
The City of Kawartha Lakes environmental advisory committee (CKLEAC) recently presented the 2023 "Environmental Hero Awards" to local residents, businesses, and organizations for their environmental stewardship. Pictured from back to front, left to right: Paige Martin, Matt Wilson, Josh Legere, Daniel Run, Madison Sayers, Destiny Beebe, Thomas Luloff, Doug Kennedy, Randy Beacler, Mayor Doug Elmslie, CKLEAC chair Deborah Pearson, Rebecca Wood, councillor Pat Warren, and Jill and Max Quast. (Photo courtesy of City of Kawartha Lakes)
From a Coboconk resort that features native flora and eco-friendly cabins to a Fenelon Falls duo that installed recycling bins in a local park, the City of Kawartha Lakes is recognizing its environmental “heroes.”
The City of Kawartha Lakes environmental advisory committee (CKLEAC) recently presented the 2023 “Environmental Hero Awards” to local residents, businesses, and organizations for their environmental stewardship and commitment to improving their local communities.
The annual awards provide a chance for residents to nominate environmental changemakers in Kawartha Lakes and “bring attention to the amazing work they’re doing to help the environment in our community,” noted Kawartha Lakes in a media release.
This year there were three winners of the environmental business hero award, four winners of the environmental hero award, and three environmental student hero award recipients, listed below.
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Environmental business heroes
Green Side Up Environmental, Omemee
Green Side Up Environmental is an ecological contracting firm specializing in landscape construction, natural resource management, and sustainable agriculture. Its services cater to a diverse clientele including government, private sector firms, and various organizations.
Green Side Up Environmental also provides a variety of services including forestry services, sustainable agriculture, biological services, ecological restoration and a native plant nursery.
“With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Green Side Up Environmental continues to set industry standards through their dedication to ecological integrity,” Kawartha Lakes noted.
The Marina at Happy Days, Bobcaygeon
The Marina at Happy Days has been in operation since 1978 on Pigeon Lake, Bobcaygeon in the territory of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg. “This family-owned business exemplifies a dedicated commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability,” Kawartha Lakes noted.
The Marina at Happy Days “takes proactive steps, collaborates with partners, and engages the community to protect and enhance the environment. This effort greatly benefits the health of Pigeon Lake and the surrounding areas.
Inspire Beach Resort, Coboconk
Inspire Beach Resort “offers a peaceful escape where guests can unwind amidst untouched natural beauty.” The Inspire team envisioned a place where the harmony between comfort and nature could be preserved. Developing the resort took into consideration the integration of their structures into the landscape ensuring minimal disruption to the environment, the release noted. Large trees and native flora were preserved and serve as a backdrop for their eco-friendly cabins.
“Inspire Beach Resort’s commitment to sustainability stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion for nature meets thoughtful hospitality.”
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Environmental heroes
Sharon Britton and Linda Hibbert
Sharon Britton and Linda Hibbert have been dedicated volunteers at the Garnet Graham Beach in Fenelon Falls for the past three years, championing recycling efforts to keep the community cleaner and greener. Concerned about providing recycling options at Garnet Graham Beach Park, they took action by placing 90-gallon blue bins next to the regular waste bins.
“Sharon and Linda regularly visit the park multiple times each week to combat contamination of non-recyclable items ending up in recycling bins. To combat this, the duo diligently sort through the blue bins, removing any items that can’t be recycled and ensuring everything is disposed of correctly,” Kawartha Lakes said.
“Sharon and Linda are true environmental heroes, embodying the spirit of community service and environmental stewardship.”
Amanda Renee Samson
Amanda Renee Samson is the founder and organizer of a popular “Buy Nothing” Facebook group serving Fenelon Falls and surrounding areas. With more than 1,000 members, the group facilitates the giving away of clothing and household items that people no longer need, allowing others to request items they are looking for, all for free.
“By promoting a culture of giving and reuse, the group not only reduces landfill waste but also helps residents save money and participate in a circular economy.
“Amanda’s initiative not only fosters environmental sustainability but also strengthens community bonds by encouraging philanthropy and resource sharing.”
Randy Beacler
“Randy Beacler embodies the spirit of volunteerism and dedication to environmental stewardship through his longstanding commitment to the Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve and beyond. For years, Randy has quietly and tirelessly contributed to the preservation and enhancement of this vital sanctuary in Norland,” Kawartha Lakes said.
His volunteer efforts involve monitoring and understanding local wildlife. He has tracked amphibians, birds, and forest vegetation, “providing invaluable data that informs conservation efforts.” Beyond data collection, Beacler ensures the safety and accessibility of the sanctuary’s trails by clearing debris in spring and maintaining winter access.
As a member of the Kawartha Field Naturalists, he participates in meetings and outings, “enriching discussions with his insights and anecdotes from years spent in the field.
“Randy’s dedication to conservation and environmental education is a testament to his character and values. His selfless contributions to the Altberg Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Reserve and the community have earned him the admiration and gratitude of all who share his passion for nature.”
John Kintare
John Kintare, a resident of Bobcaygeon, has been Kawartha Land Trust’s (KLT) executive director since 2019. During this time, KLT has experienced significant growth, expanding its efforts to safeguard natural and working lands across Kawartha Lakes for future generations, the release noted.
He has helped KLT safeguard more than 3,000 extra acres of land. Other key achievements have included purchasing the Christie Bentham Wetland in 2020 and the Hammer Family Nature Preserve in late 2023, which covers 1,400 acres. Several properties totaling 376 acres have been conserved within Kawartha Lakes.
Kintare has led several projects at KLT including working together with private landowners in the Partners in Conservation program to manage landscapes. His work has also focused on protecting working lands such as farms and woodlots, and making sure everyone in the community can easily enjoy natural spaces.
“Beyond his role at KLT, John is a co-founder of a consortium of regional land trusts operating within Williams Treaties First Nations territory, emphasizing meaningful engagement with Indigenous rights holders.”
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Environmental student heroes
Frost campus window mitigation initiative
Up to one billion birds die in North America every year because of window collisions. Inspired by the conservation biology program at Fleming College’s Frost campus and motivated by an international effort to save native bird populations throughout North America, the Fleming bird conservation committee set forth to have the Lindsay, Frost campus at Fleming College be designated as Canada’s first bird-friendly college.
“The group has completed two phases of a multi-year collaborative research project to investigate the efficacy of feather-friendly products (decal patterns) on the deterrence of avian window collisions. The project had participation from 93 students, for a total of 443 human hours to get the mitigation decals installed and to complete baseline monitoring.”
“Frost campus has taken a leading role in the community for making positive action to mitigate threats to birds.”
Rebecca Wood for her Seed Library Project
Wood has been active in environmental projects and initiatives in Kawartha Lakes. She spearheaded the Seed Library Project from start to finish, which involved researching ethical methods for native seed collection, ways to ensure continued genetic variance and biodiversity, and seed processing methods. She also designed multiple seed library prototypes using repurposed materials, with plans to open them at various locations.
In addition to her work with the Seed Library Project, Rebecca has a strong background in beekeeping and pollinator education. “She joined the Kawartha Junior BeeKeepers at a young age, and has since represented Canada internationally in beekeeping forums. She founded “Bee-Friend Pollinators” to educate children about pollinators and distributed pollinator seed kits to local schools. She’s also involved in her high school’s Green Advocates Group, supporting various environmental causes like turtle conservation and community clean-up events.
“Rebecca’s activism spans a wide range of environmental efforts, showcasing her dedication to sustainability and community engagement.”
I.E. Weldon Green Advocates Team
The I.E. Weldon Secondary School Green Advocates Team includes a variety of students ranging from grades 9 to 12 who share a passion for environmental change.
The Green Advocates Team meets weekly to address various environmental issues and strategize on ways to make positive change. Throughout the 2023 to 2024 school year, they undertook several impactful projects, including:
Organizing a “change for change” fundraiser, collecting more than $600 to plant trees at I.E. Weldon through the canopy project.
Collaborating with SCAN! on a letter-writing campaign, leading to local government action on environmental policies.
Initiating a recycling program at school, including educational sessions on waste reduction.
“Through their various activities, the Green Advocates Team has discovered that collective action can drive significant change and foster community engagement.”
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Kawartha Lakes asks residents to keep an eye out in their communities for environmental heroes. Nominations for 2024 will begin in the spring of 2025.
KLEAC recognizes individuals, businesses and students who have made outstanding contributions towards helping the environment.
For more information about the awards and nomination criteria, see the Environmental Hero Awards section at www.kawarthalakes.ca/environment.
As Canada Day is a federal statutory holiday, all government offices and services are closed. All liquor stores are closed, with a few beer stores open in selected locations. Some grocery stores are open, except in Peterborough where all are closed. Most malls and big box stores are closed, while most drug stores are open. Some tourist attractions and recreational services are open.
For your convenience, we provide this list of holiday hours for 303 selected businesses, services, and organizations across the Kawarthas. This information comes from their websites and social media accounts, which may or may not be up to date, so please always call them first to confirm their hours (we’ve included phone numbers), especially where you see “call” or “call to confirm” (which means we couldn’t find or confirm holiday hours) or if you are travelling any distance.
If your business or organization is listed and the hours are incorrect, please let us know by using our content feedback form. We do not have the hours for restaurants in this list as there are far too many to include.
Bewdley Community Recycling Centre 7650 County Rd. 9, Hamilton 905-342-2514
CLOSED
Brighton Community Recycling Centre 1112 County Rd. 26, Brighton 613-475-1946
CLOSED
Canada Post Mail Delivery / Offices (Note: post offices operated by the private sector will be open according to the hours of service of the host business
No collection or delivrey
City of Kawartha Lakes City Hall, Municipal Service Centres, and Administration Offices 26 Francis St., Lindsay 705-324-9411
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities, arenas, and pools Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Public Libraries Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411 x1291
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Waste and Recycling Collection 26 Francis St., Lindsay 1-888-822-2225
Mon Jul 1 collection moves to Tue Jul 2, Jul 2 to 3, Jul 3 to 4, Jul 4 to 5
City of Peterborough Day Cares Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
City of Peterborough Garbage Pickup Peterborough 705-745-1386
No change
City of Peterborough Green Bin Pickup Peterborough 705-745-1386
No change
City of Peterborough Green Waste Pickup Peterborough 705-742-7777
No change
City of Peterborough Recycling Pickup Peterborough 1-888-597-1541
No change
City of Peterborough Social Services (for emergency shelter services call 705-926-0096) Closed, Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
Cobourg Public Library 200 Ontario St., Cobourg 905-372-9271
Lindsay Human Services 322 Kent St. W., Lindsay 705-324-9870
CLOSED
Lindsay Library 90 Kent St. W., Lindsay 705-324-9411 x1291
CLOSED
Lindsay Ops Landfill 51 Wilson Rd., Lindsay 1-888-822-2225
CLOSED
Lindsay Transit / LIMO Specialized Transit 180 Kent St. W., Lindsay 705-324-9411
NO SERVICE
Municipality of Port Hope Municipal Offices 56 Queen St., Port Hope 905-885-4544
CLOSED
North Kawartha Municipal Office 280 Burleigh St., Apsley 705- 656-4445
CLOSED
North Kawartha Township Recycling Collection 340 McFadden Rd., Apsley 705-656-3619
No change
North Kawartha Township Waste Collection 340 McFadden Rd., Apsley 705-656-3619
No change
Northumberland County Administration Offices 555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg 905-372-3329
CLOSED
Northumberland County Waste and Recycling Collection 555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg 1-866-293-8379
Mon Jul 1 collection moves to Tue Jul 2, Jul 2 to 3, Jul 3 to 4, Jul 4 to 5
Northumberland Material Recovery Facility (no material drop-off by public, but blue boxes, green bins, backyard composters are available for purchase) 280 Edwardson Rd., Grafton 1-866-293-8379
CLOSED
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism Visitor Centre 1400 Crawford Dr., Peterborough 705-742-2201
A conceptual rendering of 16 pickleball courts, with greenspace and parking, located at the site of the former Baskin-Robbins plant at Simcoe and Aylmer streets in downtown Peterborough. The property is owned by by developer Don MacPherson and currently sits vacant after being rezoned from industrial to commercial-residential use. (Graphic: Unity Design Studio Inc.)
The owner of a long-vacant downtown Peterborough property says he’s “very interested” in having talks with the City of Peterborough regarding its availability as the location of a 16-court pickleball complex, but the city doesn’t appear to share that interest.
Developer Don MacPherson owns the former Baskin-Robbins property at Simcoe and Aylmer Streets that has been proposed by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce as a viable alternative location for the courts now planned for Bonnerworth Park.
Chamber CEO and president Sarah Budd emailed a 12-page proposal to city council on Thursday (June 27). She noted locating the pickleball courts there would not only give new life to a long-vacant property but also provide the core with a much-need shot in the arm in the form of increased activity and spending at area businesses.
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“Sarah gave me a call in regards to a possible proposal and, as I indicated to her at the time, I am receptive to doing anything with the chamber or the city if they have an appetite for that,” MacPherson tells kawarthaNOW. “I’m interested in exploring it further with them. I’m open to further conversation.”
“Personally, I don’t feel Bonnerworth is the right place for it (the 16-court pickleball complex). I do feel there’s a need for pickleball courts in the city. Where is another question for another day.”
MacPherson adds he’s open to selling the property to the city “for the purpose of pickleball courts, and for that purpose, I would sell it well below market value. Market value would be determined by what the city and I think it is.”
Sarah Budd, president and CEO of the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, has sent a proposal to Peterborough city council suggesting the site of the former Baskin-Robbins plant could be used to house the 16 pickleball courts that are the most controversial part of the city’s redevelopment plan for Bonnerworth Park. (Photo from Chamber proposal)
But a brief statement from City Hall on the Chamber proposal emailed to kawarthaNOW makes it very clear there’s no willingness to enter into any negotiation with MacPherson for his property as a location of the pickleball courts.
“Purchasing and preparing a former industrial site that’s downtown to be used for pickleball courts would potentially add millions of dollars to the project cost,” it reads. “The project to expand the skateboard park, build a bike pump track and build pickleball courts does not contemplate buying property.”
“The other consideration is the former Baskin-Robbins site is a prime location for redevelopment for residential or potentially a mixed commercial-residential building to add much needed residential units to the community and the downtown.”
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Following all this with great interest is Town Ward councillor Joy Lachica.
Lachica first tabled a motion at city council’s April 2nd general committee meeting to delay the Bonnerworth Park redevelopment plan for further consideration and consultation, in response to concerns expressed by neighbouring residents about the impact of noise from the proposed pickleball courts and the loss of greenspace, as well as a lack of consultation on the part of the city.
The motion lost in an 8-3 vote, with only councillors Lachica, Alex Bierk, and Keith Riel voting in favour of delaying the project. The motion was defeated a second time, by the same 8-3 vote, when it came before the regular city council meeting on April 8th — clearing the way for the project to proceed in the hands of city staff with no further council oversight.
Then, at council’s May 13th general committee meeting, Lachica attempted to introduce a new motion that proposed council be granted final approval authority over the redevelopment’s site plan and associated reports. That motion was not tabled for discussion or a vote after councillor and committee chair Andrew Beamer ruled it out of order and six of the 11 committee members supported his ruling.
A visual representation of what 16 pickleball courts could look like from a “preliminary facility fit” document for the Bonnerworth Park Redevelopment that City of Peterborough staff presented during a community meeting on March 21, 2024. One reason some residents in the Bonnerworth Park neighbourhood object to the proposal to have that many pickleball courts at the park is because of the amount of additional noise and traffic that will result. (Image: City of Peterborough)
“I think it’s brilliant that the chamber cares so much to contribute ideas for a solution that will rally the community together in a positive way,” Lachica tells kawarthaNOW, adding “All of this struggle is not about pickleball. It’s about community decision making.”
“We’ve all been looking at that piece of land (MacPherson’s property) for a very long time and thinking ‘What a shame. That could be something really important in the nucleus of our city.’ It (the proposal) is worth a look. Our downtown needs a facelift. We need to look at the missing teeth and this is a missing tooth that needs addressing.”
Lachica points to the possibility of a public-private partnership as being the springboard for a deal that would see the pickleball courts developed on what has been a long-vacant property.
“I think we’re being shortsighted to not consider that (a public-private partnership,” she says. “That land could be purchased. The bill wouldn’t have to be funded by the city entirely. A private partner could participate in the purchase of the land. There are many ways that we could look at this.”
“It’s very important that each of us who have been elected by the community look at options that come forward, whether it’s at the table when a motion comes forward or afterwards. We need to be open to changing our minds. It happens all the time and I think this is one of those moments.”
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Asked if she would be willing to put forward a motion calling for the city to explore an arrangement with MacPherson regarding the property, Lachica says “certain limitations to a councillor bringing something forward” would make doing so difficult, if not impossible.
“For a motion to reconsider, you need a two-thirds majority, so there are some obvious issues around bringing a motion forward. It would need to be someone (a councillor) from the prevailing side bringing forth a motion to reconsider. Then we need to be all in and all together on a decision moving forward.”
Meanwhile, MacPherson’s offer stands — no doubt music to the ears of Save Bonnerworth Park, a large and well-organized group of residents that has actively protested the paving over of the greenspace for the development of pickleball courts, an expanded skate park and a bike pump track.
Saying he’s “very familiar with any kind of development,” MacPherson notes “You have to have different studies done for anything that you’re proposing.”
Referencing the Bonnerworth Park site, he says “I’m not aware of any noise studies that the city has done. I’m not aware of any traffic studies having been done. There seem to be some pieces of the puzzle that are missing.”
More than 250 people attended a ‘Save Bonnerworth Park’ rally on May 18, 2024 at the park at McDonnel Street and Monaghan Road where the City of Peterborough plans to build 16 pickleball courts. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of Mark Wollard video)
“As we all know, the Bonnerworth site is all green grass, which means it would have to undergo a significant stormwater study,” MacPherson explains. “My opinion is (the city) would incur significant stormwater retention facility costs because it’s all greenbelt now and what they’re proposing would be all pavement.”
“So you’ve got one of two avenues. You either put a pond on the property to control the water going in and going out, or you put in a storm chamber underground to control the water. It’s a huge cost.”
As for the potential noise levels produced by pickleball being played on multiple courts, MacPherson says that wouldn’t be nearly the same concern downtown as it would be in the Bonnerworth Park area, which is close to residential properties.
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“I’m open to sitting down with (the city) at any time; all they have to do is give me a phone call,” MacPherson says.
“I’ve got the studies done (for the former Baskin-Robbins site) and I’ve got the stormwater management done. I’m sure, because they would be paving over the site, that would have some benefit. I’m more than glad to provide that information to the city and I’m more than glad to have Engage Engineering pursue it further if need be.”
MacPherson’s property has sat vacant since the former Baskin-Robbins’ plant was demolished in 2020, with the property rezoned from industrial to commercial-residential in 2023 after several years of delays.
“I would like to see something happen (with the property),” MacPherson says. “That’s why I’m all for it. And below market value to help things. We’ll see what the city does.”
Five Counties Children's Centre clinicians supported more than 6,100 kids and youth across the region in 2023/2024. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)
While the wait list for access to children’s treatment services has decreased, the number of kids who need support from Five Counties Children’s Centre is on the rise, according to a report from the charitable organization.
The children’s treatment centre, which serves kids and youth in Peterborough, Haliburton, and Northumberland counties and in the City of Kawartha Lakes, has released its annual report for 2023/2024.
In 2023/24, Five Counties saw its wait list for services drop year-over-year by 11.1 per cent to 2,309 kids/youth — the lowest level since the pandemic.
The annual report was released at Five Counties’ 49th annual meeting held on June 25 in Peterborough.
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“There were many pleasant surprises in 2023/24, including seeing our wait list for treatment services go down and getting more support from our donors and supporters as well as an increase in provincial government funding,” Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties Children’s Centre, told kawarthaNOW.
“Going forward, I think the greater support we’ve received will allow Five Counties to invest in more staff and services. This, in turn, will help us to further reduce wait times in the coming year — ensuring kids get the care they need when they need it.”
The CEO said the drop in wait times is a credit to staff, who support children in many different ways and places and through various means. Even as the centre served a near-record number of clients last year — just more than 6,100 kids — and provided almost 53,100 visits for families, Five Counties was also the first children’s treatment centre in Ontario to switch to a new client information system.
“Being first to switch meant there was a steep learning curve, so I’m extremely grateful to our employees for their work and dedication throughout the transition,” Pepin said in a media release.
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In 2023/24, Five Counties also introduced new initiatives aimed at improving access to care for kids and families. For example, Five Counties implemented tiered intervention for students receiving occupational therapy in schools. The goal is to shift more school-based and in-centre services to this model, allowing for more kids to be seen with better outcomes, the centre noted.
Also in 2023, the centre launched the “SmartStart Hub,” which is designed to make it easier for families with concerns about their child’s development to get help. Using an online request form, families are matched up to the right services their child needs at Five Counties or another community agency.
The past year also yielded record results when it came to investments.
The Ontario government announced in 2023 a historic investment in pediatric services that included a $2.025 million annual funding increase for Five Counties. The money was used to invest in staff and services, helping to reduce wait times for kids and families, the centre noted.
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When it came to fundraising, Five Counties raised a record total of $1.216 million – the most in its history – that goes directly to support kids’ treatment services. “Fundraising efforts in 2023/24 were punctuated by a $250,000 donation from a retired Peterborough-area couple, Dr. James and Sheila Ryan,” Five Counties said.
“At a time when demand for services and programs is on the rise, we’re extremely grateful for the record-setting support that helps Five Counties fill the gaps that can’t always be covered by government funding,” noted Lyn Giles, the centre’s director of fund development.
At the end of 2023, fundraising efforts for the Northumberland Backyard Project in Cobourg also successfully wound down. In 2024, this means that work is now underway to transform the backyard space at the Northumberland site into a safe, fully-accessible outdoor area that provides more space and options for treatment, recreation, cultural awareness, and outdoor education activities.
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Five Counties highlighted these other findings in the annual report:
Of the approximately 6,100 kids/clients served by Five Counties last year, almost half were seen in Peterborough, 26 per cent were seen in Northumberland, 22 per cent were seen in the City of Kawartha Lakes, and four per cent were seen in Haliburton County.
Two-thirds of all kids supported by Five Counties were ages five to 12 years, with 22 per cent being age four and younger. The remaining 12 per cent of clients were between the ages of 13 and 21.
For the third straight year, referrals to Five Counties topped the 3,000 mark — in this case, being 3,067 kids/youth referred in 2023/24.
Just more than 3,900 students received treatment services in local schools, the vast majority being for either occupational therapy or speech therapy.
One-third of kids/clients seen at Five Counties received two or more services.
Five Counties Children’s Centre provides therapy services that assist children who are delayed in their development to build the skills they need in everyday life such as walking, talking, and activities of daily living. For more information, visit www.fivecounties.on.ca.
Rosemary Burns Ganley, William Anthony Fox, and Mark Joseph Cameron have each been appointed as members of the Order of Canada by Governor General of Canada Mary Simon. (kawarthaNOW collage)
Three Kawarthas residents have been appointed to the Order of Canada by Governor General of Canada Mary Simon.
Rosemary Burns Ganley and William Anthony Fox of Peterborough and Mark Joseph Cameron of Hastings are among 64 Canadians to be appointed as members of the Order of Canada, along with 16 officers, two honorary officers, and one companion.
“The Order of Canada recognizes individuals who have made positive and lasting impacts on communities here in Canada or who have brought honour to our country abroad,” said Governor General Mary Simon when announcing the appointments on Thursday (June 27). “Congratulations to the new appointees and thank you to the nominators who cast a spotlight on their achievement, purpose, and exceptional talent.”
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Born and raised in Kirkland Lake, Rosemary Ganley is a lifelong feminist teacher, activist, and writer. She lived for six years in Jamaica and Tanzania, with the Canadian International Development Agency and, with her husband John, founded the development agency Jamaican Self Help in 1980.
She was co-editor of the independent newspaper Catholic New Times in Toronto from 2001 to 2006 and is a longtime columnist for the Peterborough Examiner. She has also been published in the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, and more.
Ganley was inducated into the Pathway of Fame in 2011, along with her husband (who passed away in 2013). In 2018, she received both the YMCA Peace Medal and a Peterborough-Kawartha Women’s Leadership Award, and was also invited by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to sit on the Gender Equality Advisory Council for the G7 meetings in Quebec,
She gave the Margaret Laurence Lecture at Trent University on feminist theologies in 2011 and, in June 2022, was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws from the university.
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A research fellow and adjunct professor at Trent University, William Fox is one of Canada’s foremost authorities on archaeology. The long-standing leader of the Ontario Archaeological Society has devoted his career to advancing knowledge of Canada’s archaeological past, and the society awarded him its J. Norman Emerson Silver Medal in 2010.
Now retired from public service, Fox worked for more than 20 years as a manager of government programs, beginning in 1986 with the Ontario Ministry of Culture, then in the 1990s with Parks Canada, first in Winnipeg, then Inuvik, then Ucluelet, and then in Peterborough. Most of his most important research contributions to Ontario archaeology was in a non-professional capacity, funding his own research out of his own pocket.
Fox was among the first archaeologists to advocate the participation of Indigenous communities in preserving their material heritage, thus broadening the understanding of Canadian history.
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A former paramedic, Hastings resident Mark Cameron cofounded the Canadian International Medical Relief Organization (CIMRO) in 2011 with Syrian physician Khaled Almilaji and Toronto pediatrician Jay Dahman.
An internationally recognized non-governmental organization, CIMRO provides medical education and relief in disaster zones — including the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that devastated southern Turkey and northern Syria in February 2023.
Before cofounding CIMRO, Cameron spent more than three decades working as a paramedic with Peterborough Emergency Medical Services and in his hometown of Hastings as well as Hastings County. He is associate director of the Sunnybrook Advanced Life Support and Trauma Education program, which specializes in courses for cardiac, pediatric, and trauma life support.
In 2014, Cameron received the Governor General of Canada’s Medal of Bravery for direct line-of-duty action and the Meritorious Service Medal in 2017 for his work in Syria. A 1989 graduate of Humber College’s Primary Care Paramedic program, he also received a 2022 Premier’s Award.
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Established in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest honours. It recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to Canada. Appointments are made by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada who review nominations.
There are three levels of the Order of Canada, with “member” recognizing distinguished service in or to a particular community, group, or field of activity, “officer” recognizing achievement and merit of a high degree, especially service to Canada or to humanity at large, and “companion” — the highest level — recognizing outstanding achievement and merit of the highest degree, especially in service to Canada or to humanity at large.
Along with the other appointees, Ganley, Fox, and Cameron will be invited to an investiture ceremony at a yet-to-be-announced date to receive their insignia.
Every Friday during swimming season, we post The Beach Report™ — our weekly report of the results of water quality testing at beaches in the greater Kawarthas region — and update it throughout the week as conditions change.
As of Thursday, July 4, the following beaches are unsafe for swimming:
Belmont Lake – Peterborough County
Birch Point – Fenelon Falls
Blanchards Road Beach – Bexley
Four Mile Lake Beach – Somerville
Head Lake Beach – Laxton
Lions Park – Coboconk
Wicklow Beach – Alnwick-Haldimand
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Below are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in the City and County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
During the summer, local health units sample water at area beaches and test for bacteria such as E. coli to determine if the water quality at a beach is safe for public use. Popular beaches, like the beach at Roger’s Cove in Peterborough’s East City, are tested every business day while most other beaches are tested weekly. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
While we strive to update this story with the current conditions, you should confirm the most recent test results by visiting the local health unit websites at Peterborough Public Health and Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. As noted above, the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead are tested every business day so the results listed below may not be current.
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Peterborough City/County
h4>City of Peterborough Beaches (sampled each business day)
Beavermead Park (2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough) – sample date 2 July – SAFE
Rogers Cove (131 Maria Street, Peterborough) – sample date 2 July – SAFE
Peterborough County Beaches (sampled weekly)
Buckhorn Beach (12 John Street, Buckhorn, Municipality of Trent Lakes) – sample date 26 June – SAFE
Crowe’s Line Beach (240 Crowe’s Line Road, Trent Lakes) – sample date 24 June – SAFE
Douro North Park (251 Douro Second Line, Township of Douro-Dummer) – sample date 2 July – SAFE
Ennismore Waterfront Park (1053 Ennis Road, Ennismore) – sample date 26 June – SAFE
Henry’s Gumming (150 Chemong Street S, Curve Lake) – sample date 25 June – SAFE
Hiawatha Park (1 Lakeshore Road, Hiawatha) – sample date 27 June – SAFE
Jones Beach (908 Jones Beach Road, Bridgenorth) – sample date 26 June – SAFE
Lakefield Park (100 Hague Boulevard, Lakefield) – sample date 2 July – SAFE
Lime Kiln Park (150 Whetung Street E, Curve Lake) – sample date 25 June – SAFE
Norwood Beach at Mill Pond (12 Belmont Street, Norwood) – sample date 26 June – SAFE
Sandy Beach (1239 Lakehurst Road, Municipality of Trent Lakes) – sample date 26 June – SAFE
Selwyn Beach Conservation Area (2251 Birch Island Road, Selwyn) – sample date 25 June – SAFE
Squirrel Creek Conservation Area (2445 Wallace Point Road, South Monaghan) – beaver sample date 27 June – SAFE
Warsaw Caves Conservation Area (289 Caves Road, Warsaw, Township of Douro-Dummer) – sample date 2 July – SAFE
Peterborough County Beaches (sampled monthly)
Belmont Lake (376 Mile of Memories Road, Belmont) – sample date 26 June – UNSAFE
Chandos Beach (2800 County Road/Highway 620, North Kawartha) – sample date 26 June – SAFE
Kasshabog Lake (431 Peninsula Road, Havelock) – sample date 26 June – SAFE
Quarry Bay (1986 Northey’s Bay Road, Woodview) – sample date 26 June – SAFE
White’s Beach (26 Clearview Drive, Trent Lakes) – sample date 24 June – SAFE
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City of Kawartha Lakes
Beach Park – Bobcaygeon – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Birch Point – Fenelon Falls – sample date June 21 – UNSAFE
Blanchards Road Beach – Bexley – sample date June 21 – UNSAFE
Bond Street – Fenelon Falls – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Burnt River Beach – Somerville – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Centennial Park West – Eldon – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Centennial Beach – Verulam – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Centennial Verulam Parkette – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Four Mile Lake Beach – Somerville – sample date June 21 – UNSAFE
Head Lake Beach – Laxton – sample date June 21 – UNSAFE
Lions Park – Coboconk – sample date June 21 – UNSAFE
Norland Bathing Area – Laxton – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Omemee Beach – Emily/ Omemee – sample date June 21– SAFE
Riverview Beach Park – Bobycaygeon – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Sturgeon Point Beach – Fenelon Falls – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Valentia/ Sandbar Beach – Valentia – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Verulam Recreational Park – Verulam – sample date June 21 – SAFE
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Haliburton County
Bissett Beach Minden Hills – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Dorset Parkette – Algonquin Highlands – sample date June 21 – Results pending
Eagle Lake Beach – Dysart et al – sample date June 21 – Results pending
Elvin Johnson Park – Algonquin Highlands – sample date June 21 – Results pending
Forsters Beach – Minden Hills – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Glamour Lake Beach – Highlands East – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Gooderham Lake Beach – Highlands East – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Haliburton Lake Beach – Dysart et al – sample date June 21 – Results pending
Horseshoe Beach – Minden Hills – sample date June 21 – Results pending
Paudash Lake Beach – Highlands East – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Pine Lake Beach – Dysart et al – sample date June 21 – Results pending
Rotary Head Lake Beach – Dysart et al – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Rotary Park Lagoon – Minden Hills – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Rotary Park Main – Minden Hills – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Sandy Cove Beach – Dysart et al – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Sandy Point Beach – Dysart et al – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Slipper Beach – Dysart et al – sample date June 21 – Results pending
Twelve Mile Lake Beach – Minden Hills – sample date June 21 – Results pending
Wilbermere Lake Beach – Highlands East – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Northumberland County
Caldwell Street Beach – Port Hope – sample date June 25 – SAFE
Crowe Bridge Park – Trent Hills – sample date June 21 – Results pending
Harwood Waterfront & Dock – Hamilton Township – sample date June 21 – Weed growth
Hastings Waterfront North – Trent Hills – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Hastings Waterfront South – Trent Hills – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Little Lake – Cramahe – sample date June 25 – SAFE
East Beach – Port Hope – sample date June 25 – SAFE
West Beach – Port Hope – sample date June 21 – Results pending
Sandy Bay Beach – Alnwick-Haldimand – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Cobourg Victoria Park Beach – Northumberland – sample date June 21 – SAFE
Wicklow Beach – Alnwick-Haldimand – sample date June 25 – UNSAFE
New Stages Theatre's artistic director Mark Wallace announced the theatre company's 2024-25 season at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough on June 9, 2024. New Stages has released more details of each of the productions in the coming season, with season subscriptions now available. (Photo courtesy of New Stages)
Although New Stages Theatre just wrapped up its 2023-24 season earlier in June, the theatre company has already announced its next season of professional theatre in Peterborough — and it’s even bigger than last season, which was then the biggest in New Stage’s 27-year history.
Building on the success of last season — which saw New Stages present eight shows, including its first-ever holiday production, and double the growth of its operations and donor base — the theatre company will present an all-Canadian line-up of nine plays from September 2024 to June 2025.
The 2024-25 season is sure to appeal to a wide audience, with a mix of dramatic and comedic shows, the ever-popular staged reading series of contemporary plays, a night of music and theatre, the return of the popular week-long Brand New Stages Festival, and another family-friendly holiday production in December.
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If you want to ensure you don’t miss out (several of last season’s productions were sold out), season subscriptions are on sale now at www.newstages.ca, with individual tickets available for sale closer to the beginning of the season in September.
While New Stages artistic director Mark Wallace revealed the 2024-25 season following last season’s final production (a staged reading of David Henry Hwang’s Yellow Face), the theatre company has released even more details of each of the productions in the coming season, almost all of which will be staged at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough.
The 2024-25 season kicks off on September 27 and 28, with what New Stages describes as an “enhanced” staged reading of Rosamund Small’s Dora award-winning play Vitals, about the life of a Toronto paramedic who hits her breaking point.
New Stages artistic director Mark Wallace (third from left) directed the December 2023 production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” at Market Hall Performing Arts, which featured musical director Gabriel Vaillant (far right) playing piano during the performance and actors (from left to right) Brad Brackenridge, Megan Murphy, Kerry Griffin, M. John Kennedy, and Ordena Stephens-Thompson performing all the characters from the movie and also creating all of the sound effects. For its 2024-25 season, New Stages will present the family-friendly play “A Christmas Carol Comedy” in December 2024. (Photo: Dahlia Katz)
On November 16, New Stages will present a night of short theatrical and musical performances by an all-star cast, not surprisingly called A Night in November (editor’s note: this event is now called “What’s in Your Songbook?” and takes place on Sunday, November 17).
Following the success of last season’s acclaimed production of It’s A Wonderful Life – A Radio Play, New Stages is presenting another family-friendly holiday production from December 11 to 15. Katie Leaman’s A Christmas Carol Comedy, an irreverent take on Charles Dickens’ classic tale, will star Peterborough’s own Cream Cheese Angel Linda Kash as Scrooge, with one yet-to-be-cast actor performing all the other characters.
For the second year in a row, from February 25 to March 2, New Stages will present its Brand New Stages Festival that features four plays in six days, along with drama workshops, special events, and more.
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The festival includes a staged reading of Magic Lies, a play about the life of work of beloved Canadian writer W.O. Mitchell, written by his son Orm Mitchell and Barbara Mitchell of Peterborough.
Acclaimed B.C. playwright Nicolle Nattrass will perform a staged reading of her play Suddenly 50, and Paul Tedeschini will perform his work Clown Fish.
The festival will also see the return of hometown actor M. John Kennedy to New Stages, after performing in last season’s It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play and Yellow Face. Kennedy, who is the head of the acting program at Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto, will perform his Dora award-nominated hit solo show Fireside Munsch, a high-energy performance featuring four of Robert Munsch’s classic stories performed as one wacky storytelling play.
The 2024-25 season of New Stages Theatre in Peterborough features nine shows from September 2024 through June 2025. (Graphic courtesy of New Stages)
On May 3, New Stages will present a staged reading of Emil Sher’s Dora award-winning play The Boy in the Moon. The play tells the story of Walker, the severely handicapped son of Globe & Mail columnists Ian Brown and Johanna Schneller, and is based on Brown’s award-winning 2009 memoir, The Boy in the Moon: A Father’s Search for His Disabled Son.
New Stages will wrap its 2024-25 season on June 14 with a staged reading of Marcia Johnson’s Serving Elizabeth, which is the Black playwright’s response to a first-season episode of the Netflix series The Crown.
Performed at the Stratford Festival in 2021 to rave reviews, Johnson’s play reimagines — from a Kenyan perspective — young Princess Elizabeth’s visit to Kenya in 1952 when she learned that she had become Queen.
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New Stages, a not-for-profit charitable organization, is committed to keeping its prices as affordable as possible. Subscriptions for New Stages’ 2024-25 season cost $178 for six shows, or $217 for all nine shows.
Subscribers not only realize cost savings, even if they miss a couple of shows, but they can transfer their tickets to someone else if they have to miss a show. They also get discounts on any workshops or special events and can request reserved seating during the shows, which is otherwise general admission.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
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