The shelves at Northumberland County’s Food 4 All Warehouse can be further stocked following a donation from a Cobourg business.

Canadian Tire Cobourg recently made a $6,000 contribution to the Food 4 All Warehouse, located in Cobourg, that supplies food to various destinations throughout Northumberland County.

“Food 4 All does important work in Northumberland County,” said Peter Puglia, associate dealer at Canadian Tire Cobourg, in a media release. “We are pleased to support their efforts, especially in these difficult times.”

This latest donation builds upon previous donations from Canadian Tire Cobourg over the past several years that target helping alleviate hunger in the community, Northumberland County noted.

“We are immensely grateful to Mr. Puglia and the Canadian Tire Cobourg team for their continued dedication to giving back to the community and supporting those in need,” said Rob O’Neil, Northumberland County facilities and food security services manager.

“Each year, over 4,200 residents access food support in our community. Generous donations like this help ensure the shelves are stocked with food and essential items at our local food banks and food security programs. Together, we are able to work toward fostering a community where no one faces hunger alone.”

The county’s Food 4 All Warehouse, located on William Street, supplies local food banks, not-for-profit community agencies, and school nutrition programs with food and essential items. Each year, more than 1.3 million pounds of food and other needed items are distributed to more than 120 local organizations and programs throughout the community to support food security in Northumberland.

Specifically in 2022, 4,246 people were served by food banks in Northumberland County. Of those accessing food support, 79 per cent were adults and 21 per cent were children, according to the Feed Change 2023 report.

Also in 2022, 355 volunteers provided 52,046 hours of service to Food 4 All and to 12 local food banks.

Food 4 All hosts community events throughout the year that aim to raise as much food and money as possible in a short time.

Residents who want to learn more about the Food 4 All warehouse, including how to provide support by donating food, money, or their time, can visit the county’s website at www.northumberland.ca/food4all. Residents can also call 2-1-1 for a list of food banks in their area.

In 2022, these were the top 10 items in most demand at local food banks:

• 1. Fresh fruit/vegetables
• 2. Canned meat/fish
• 3. Peanut butter
• 4. Canned fruit/vegetables
• 5. Soups/stews
• 6. Pasta sauce
• 7. Canned tomatoes
• 8. Canned pasta
• 9. Toilet paper
• 10. Shampoo/soaps

Construction on the City of Peterborough’s affordable housing project at 681 Monaghan Road is well underway since the official groundbreaking event in October.

Precast structural loadbearing walls and precast floor slabs are being installed, which will be followed by prefabricated wall panels. According to a media release from the city, this is the first city construction project to use prefabricated construction techniques.

When completed, the six-storey building that will include 53 units, including 37 one-bedroom units, 11 two-bedroom units, and five three-bedroom units, along with amenity space and utilities on the ground floor.

“It’s exciting to see the progress of construction at 681 Monaghan Road,” said city councillor Keith Riel, chair of the city’s housing portfolio. “This important housing project is being funded as part of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Rapid Housing Program, so it was essential that the team assessed construction techniques for both cost efficiency and the ability to facilitate a shorter construction period.”

Expected to be completed in summer 2024, the 681 Monaghan Road project will provide housing for vulnerable populations in Peterborough, including Black Canadians, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and homeless people or those at risk of homelessness.

The building has been designed by Unity Design Studio, formerly Lett Architects, with Mortlock Construction the lead contractor.

“As the building takes form, we would like to express our gratitude for the dedication of the entire project team,” said Unity Design Studio senior project lead Roy Turner. “Their commitment ensures that upon completion, this building will offer affordable housing to many and positively impact our community.”

The 681 Monaghan Road project received $18.9 million in federal funding through the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative, $40,000 in SEED funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), $854,810 through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, and over $4 million from the City of Peterborough.

“As proud members of this community, we are so fortunate to be able to help address this crisis with this much needed project,” said Mortlock Construction president Craig Mortlock. “To date, we’ve spent many months working together with the City of Peterborough and the design team to design, coordinate, implement and construct this building.”

“We are now at a very exciting stage of the project. We, and any other passerby, get to witness the fruits of the team’s planning and coordination, as the precast concrete structural panels are being delivered and placed on site. It is so rewarding to see this building taking shape so quickly, growing daily, eventually allowing so many people to call this building home.”

Peterborough police are investigating the weekend theft of three mini track loaders from a local business.

On Monday (January 29), officers were made aware of the theft at Bobcat of Peterborough at 2161 Whittington Drive in Cavan-Monaghan.

The theft is believed to have happened at around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday.

The three Bobcat MT100 mini track loaders are valued at $165,000.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough police at 705-876-1122 x555.

If you prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at stopcrimehere.ca.

Members of a local fraternity in Peterborough will brave the elements for 48 hours to raise awareness and money for area affordable housing efforts.

Volunteers from Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) student fraternity will camp out for two days to spotlight housing insecurity in the city of Peterborough and generate funds for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat for Humanity PKR).

The 13th annual “TKE in a Box” fundraiser returns to Peterborough from February 2nd to 4th.

The event has supported various shelter-based organizations in the city over the years, including One City Peterborough, One Roof, and Habitat for Humanity PKR.

“Last year the event brought in $6,190, which was the first time partnering with TKE on this event,” said Jenn MacDonald, communications and donor services manager for Habitat for Humanity PKR.

“We hope TKE’s event starts a conversation with folks passing by about the need for more affordable housing solutions to support lower-income and working families,” MacDonald told kawarthaNOW.

“We hear from too many (people) across our community that they currently have nowhere to turn to, or are one eviction notice or rent increase away from not having a place to call home,” MacDonald added.

“After learning about how Habitat for Humanity PKR helps families gain equity, build strength, and have stability through our affordable homeownership program, we hope the community will support this fundraiser and the local families and individuals we serve.”

The proceeds from TKE in a Box will support Habitat for Humanity PKR’s affordable condo development currently under construction in the city of Peterborough. The project is in phase two and in the final stretch of construction. Located near Parkhill Road East and Armour Road, the Leahy’s Lane development will feature 41 new-build condos.

The TKE event is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. Friday and run until 4 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of the VentureNorth building at 270 George Street North.

“Like anyone else, we want to support our community as much as we can, and we hope this event can make some real change in Peterborough,” said Frank Bouranakos, the fraternity chapter president.

The TKE Peterborough fraternity “helps male-identifying students from Fleming College and Trent University improve to become better men for a better world,” a media release noted.

Habitat for Humanity PKR provides local families with “a hand-up” into affordable homeownership, with no down payment and geared to income mortgage payments.

“With Habitat’s assistance, homeowner families can achieve the stability, strength, and self-reliance they need to build better lives and are empowered to overcome the barriers that so often stand between their families and healthier, more financially stable futures,” the organization noted.

For more information or to donate to the fundraiser, visit www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/tke-in-a-box-2024/.

The Peterborough Police Service has announced a partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada that will see additional mental health support and services available for members of the service and their families.

Wounded Warriors Canada is a nationally recognized mental health service provider dedicated to serving ill and injured trauma-exposed professionals and their families.

A trauma-exposed professional is someone who, in the course of their regular job duties, is continually exposed to traumatic events involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Such professionals include active and former members of the Canadian military, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and more.

Originally founded in 2013 to serve ill and injured veterans and their families, the charitable organization also now supports first responders and their families. The organization works with over 100 police services across the country.

“Given the complexities of operational stress injuries, we know that no single organization can provide the 100 per cent solution when it comes to the mental health and wellness needs of its members and their families — partnerships are vital,” says Wounded Warriors Canada executive director Scott Maxwell in a media release.

“Together, we are working to break down barriers to accessing culturally appropriate mental health care while reducing stigma for those who serve. We’re grateful for their willingness to collaborate, and we look forward to working with the Peterborough Police Service in the months and years to come.”

VIDEO: Operational Stress Intervention Dog – Saanich Police Department, B.C.

Programs offered by Wounded Warriors Canada that will be available for members of the Peterborough Police Service and their families include:

• Trauma Resiliency Program – a residential group counselling intervention to help those dealing with the negative effects of post-trauma symptoms.
• Spousal Resiliency Program – a program that brings together spouses to receive clinically facilitated group-based trauma support that draws on leading trauma research.
• Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday – a clinically facilitated couples-based trauma program that was Wounded Warriors Canada’s first internationally recognized program.
• Couples Resiliency Program – a program that combines equine-assisted learning, psychological intervention, and tools to reduce conflict, manage anger, and improve communication.

• Warrior Kids Camp and Warrior Kids Virtual Program – a program for children and youth aged 8 to 16 whose parents are trauma-exposed professionals. The program consists of a two-day in-person overnight camp delivered at various locations in Canada and a six-week psycho-educational virtual group.
• Surviving Family Program – a program designed to assist immediate family members who have lost their service member loved one in the line of duty or to suicide.
• PTSD Service Dogs – Wounded Warriors Canada provides funding to support the training and pairing of PTSD service dogs nationally.
• Operational Stress Intervention Dog – Wounded Warriors Canada provides funding for operational stress intervention dogs, which are specially trained to help individuals deal with trauma, emotional distress, anxiety, and work stressors.

“We recognize that employee wellness is of critical importance to the success of our organization and our commitment to public safety,” says Sergeant Jen Bell of the Peterborough Police Services. “We also know that how we offer help is just as important and through this partnership we are pleased to offer different pathways for individuals and their families to access.”

Kawartha Lakes police have arrested and charged three men in connection with a stabbing incident in Lindsay on Sunday night (January 28).

Shortly after 11 p.m. on Sunday, officers responded to a report of a stabbing in an apartment building in Lindsay, where they located a man suffering from multiple lacerations. The victim was treated at Ross Memorial Hospital and later released.

Officers located two male suspects in the area, who were both arrested and charged. Further investigation resulted in police arresting and charging a third male suspect.

David Dunn, 29, of Barrie has been charged with assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm, and Asher Ralph-Farrell, 29, of Toronto has been charged with assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and failing to comply with a release order.

Dashawn Powell, 24, of Lindsay has been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and break and enter a place with intent to commit an indictable offence.

The three accused men are all scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Lindsay on Monday (January 29).

Friday, February 2nd is World Wetlands Day. While many of these beautiful places are frozen over this time of year, this occasion gives us a chance to reflect on their importance and the never-ending services they offer to set our own communities up for a hopeful future.

Canada is home to one quarter of the world’s wetlands. Bogs, peatlands, marshes, rivers, lakes, deltas, floodplains and flooded forests cover 15 per cent of our country’s landmass, and we are failing to protect these places. An estimated 70 per cent of southern Canada’s wetlands have been lost. That figure rises to a nearly 95 per cent loss near densely populated areas.

Every time we convert or degrade a wetland, we destroy the environmental benefits these ecosystems provide: filtering water, storing carbon, protecting nearby communities from spring melts and summer droughts, and providing homes for hundreds of plant and animal species.

Wetlands are amazing for all what they do for us. Like giant sponges, they absorb and hold water around our cities and farms, acting as buffers from floods and droughts. Coastal wetlands dampen storm surges by absorbing the wave energy and abating shore erosion.

During heavy rains, these giant sponges hold water and release it gradually. Wetlands also provide natural fire breaks, which is incredibly important when considering the wildfires we’ve recently experienced in parts of Canada.

Like landscape-sized water treatment plants, they store and filter the water that we depend on. Their intricate plant life filters out sediment and excess nutrients from the water we use to make our coffee, brush our teeth and quench our thirst.

Wetland loss comes at a price

Around the world and here at home, we are feeling the brunt of the dramatic loss of wetlands. The Insurance Bureau of Canada reported in January that Canada suffered $3.1 billion in insurance damage from severe weather events during 2023. According to the report, insurance losses in this country “now routinely exceed $2 billion annually, and most of it is due to water-related damage.”

Wetlands serve as natural defences that protect our homes and infrastructure from storms and floods and make everyday life for us healthier. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We can protect what wetlands remain and restore the ones we have lost. This is a tangible solution to mitigating the effects of severe weather events and our rapidly changing climate.

We have a global responsibility to conserve and restore these areas. The good news is that many communities and conservation organizations like the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) are working on it.

To date, NCC has ensured the future of nearly 168,000 hectares of wetlands on 924 properties across the country. Together, the ecosystems store 87 million tonnes of carbon — equivalent to CO2 emissions from over 97 million passenger vehicles, nearly 136 billion litres of gasoline consumed or 213 million homes’ electricity use in one year. The nature-based solutions for people, our communities, and the planet are made possible thanks to the landowners and donors working with us to conserve and care for our country’s wetlands.

Here in Ontario, NCC is continuing to protect and restore 353 wetland sites conserving nearly 24,000 hectares. This spans eco-regions and across great lakes, from fragmented landscapes highly impacted by human development in the south to wetlands and peatlands located in vast expanses of forest in the north.

This Wetlands Day, NCC is pleased to announce the conservation of over 940 hectares on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, as well as on Lake Superior’s Black Bay Peninsula near Thunder Bay.

NCC also recently completed a major wetland restoration at the Florian Diamante Nature Reserve on Pelee Island. What was once a marginal field of soybeans now supports diverse wetland species like shorebirds, ducks, songbirds, turtles, and amphibians. The newly planted wildflowers that line the shores attract many species including the endangered monarch butterfly.

These projects bring us hope. But the urgency with which we must protect and restore our wetlands is increasing every day.

As we face the impacts of climate change and the biodiversity crisis together, Canada needs everyone — all levels of governments, corporations, foundations, communities and individuals — to invest, support and volunteer in the efforts to conserve wetlands. Let’s act together to change their future and secure our own.

For more information on the Nature Conservancy of Canada, visit www.natureconservancy.ca.