Police and emergency vehicles at the scene of a serious single vehicle collision on Highway 28 between Eels Lake Road and Dyno Road in North Kawartha Township on September 19, 2023. (Photo: Roger Cormier)
Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency crews are at the scene of a serious single vehicle collision that occurred on Highway 28 in North Kawartha Township on Tuesday afternoon (September 19).
The collision occurred between Eels Lake Road and Dyno Road, just south of Silent Lake Provincial Park.
Police have not released any information about injuries.
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Highway 28 is closed in the area while police and emergency crews deal with the collision scene, with traffic being diverted.
Police say to expect delays. The Highway 28 closure will remain in place for several hours while police investigate.
Hydro One is also reporting a wide power outage in the area as a result of a motor vehicle accident, with more than 5,000 customers affected.
British comedian Chris Gibbs will perform as Barnaby Gibbs, the bumbling chronicler of brilliant Victorian London detective Antoine Feval, in "The Case of the Mysterious Mystery: A Not Quite Sherlock Mystery" at Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon on September 23, 2023. (Supplied photo)
Fresh from the 2023 Winnipeg Fringe, British comedian Chris Gibbs returns to the Globus Theatre stage in Bobcaygeon for one night only on Saturday (September 23) to perform the latest instalment in his critically acclaimed Not Quite Sherlock series.
The Case of the Mysterious Mystery: A Not Quite Sherlock Mystery continues the hilarious story of brilliant Victorian detective Antoine Feval and his not-quite-so-clever assistant Barnaby Gibbs.
Under its original title Antoine Feval, Not Quite Sherlock premiered at the 2005 Winnipeg Fringe, where it won Best of Fest. Set in 1896 London, it introduced audiences to the incurable optimist and Sherlock Holmes fan Barnaby Gibbs, a man who knows he’s not good at anything — until he has a chance encounter with famous detective Antoine Feval.
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While Feval is “not quite Sherlock,” Barnaby becomes his Dr. Watson, chronicling Feval’s genius while proving to be considerably less sharp than Holmes’ astute companion.
Not Quite Sherlock went on to win the Just For Laughs Best Comedy award at the Montreal Fringe in 2009 and was performed all over Canada and beyond. In 2020, Gibbs returned to Winnipeg Fringe with a sequel Not Quite Sherlock 2 (The Further Adventures of Antoine Feval), where Barnaby and Feval encounter a deadly conspiracy, an evil mastermind, and a plot that could change the fate of the British Empire.
In The Case of the Mysterious Mystery: A Not Quite Sherlock Mystery, Barnaby confronts the troubling question of why the brilliant detective Feval needs a bumbling fool as his sidekick. The mystery is solved by telling the story of the original case that first brought the crime-fighting duo together.
VIDEO: “Not Quite Sherlock” (2017) by Chris Gibbs
“Chris Gibbs always delivers a fabulous show with clever twists and turns and great physical theatre,” writes Murray Hunter for The Jenny Revue. “This show continues on in that tradition. He also throws in enough backstory for those who have not seen any of the previous shows in the series to not feel left out.”
“This is a very funny show,” writes Terry Moor of UMFM 101.5 in Winnipeg. “The very well-written script is filled with plenty of Gibbs’ characteristic zingers, absurdities and ad-libs … His delivery is second to none, with his dry wit and deadpan style of humour on full display in this show.”
Chris Gibbs began his comedy career in 1991, working as a street performer in London’s Covent Garden, where he combined comedy with acrobatics, while also performing in stand-up and improv shows around London. In 1993, he teamed up with clown genius Peter Mielniczek to form the physical comedy duo Hoopal, which perform in theatre, street, and comedy festivals throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
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Chris moved to Canada in 2002 and immediately began writing and performing his one-man shows, including the Not Quite Sherlock series, the stand-up comedy shows A Legal Alien and Like Father, Like Son? Sorry, and the spoof motivational seminar The Power of Ignorance co-written with fringe legend TJ Dawe. Chris has also performed with Globus Theatre over the past 20 years, appearing in their very first season as well as in many murder mysteries and original shows since then.
A Globus audience favourite, Chris will perform The Case of the Mysterious Mystery: A Not Quite Sherlock Mystery at 8 p.m. on Saturday (September 23) at the Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon. An optional dinner is available at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 for the show only, or $80 for dinner and the show, and are available by calling the Globus Theatre box office at 705-738-2037 or online at globustheatre.com.
The show will be followed by a question-and-answer session led by Globus Theatre’s artistic producer James Barrett, where audience members will have the opportunity to ask Gibbs about his career, the creation of his characters, and all the hilarity within his show.
Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough executive director Jennifer DeBues (left) with Jacob Rodenburg, executive director of outdoor and environmental organization Camp Kawartha, during the Foundation's June 2023 community celebration of local non-profit organizations, agency fund holders and designated fund holders, donors, supporters, and Foundation board members past and present. For the past 10 years, DeBues has worked to help the Foundation fulfill its purpose of inspiring giving to build a vital community for everyone. (Photo: Wayne Eardley courtesy of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough)
Founded nearly 15 years ago in 2009, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough was created by a group of visionary community leaders including John Martyn, Beth McMaster, Helene Lowry, and Bill Lockington.
The Foundation emerged from the Peterborough Affordable Housing Foundation (PAHF), which was winding down at the time. Eager to expand beyond PAHF’s limited scope, the Community Foundation adopted a broader vision: to help build a vibrant community for everyone.
Bill Lockington, the Foundation’s inaugural board chair, fondly recalls an early initiative.
“Around our third or fourth year, the New Canadians Centre approached us with an intriguing idea,” he reminisces. “They wanted to create a welcome pass program, similar to a coupon book, that would help introduce new Canadians to various aspects of the community such as the YMCA, museums, and other services. It required a modest $2,500 investment, and they ended up distributing over 100 passes. We got to see first hand how our support helped families discover their new home. It was pretty great.”
Andrea Dicks, the Foundation’s first executive director, played a pivotal role in its growth. Under her leadership, by the end of 2012 the Foundation distributed nearly $150,000 to various charitable agencies, including Habitat for Humanity, Kinark Child and Family Services, the New Canadians Centre, and Market Hall. Today, Andrea leads Community Foundations of Canada, the national organization for over 200 local Community Foundations.
Now celebrating her tenth anniversary with the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, Jennifer DeBues initially joined the organization as a part-time administrative assistant, gradually expanding her role to include bookkeeping and financial management, then becoming co-executive director and eventually sole director. (Photo courtesy of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough)
Now celebrating her tenth anniversary with the Foundation, Jennifer DeBues initially joined as a part-time administrative assistant. With experience in education, administration, and the non-profit sector, Jennifer gradually expanded her role to include bookkeeping and financial management.
As John Good, the Foundation’s second executive director, approached retirement, the team proposed a shared-leadership model to the board. John transitioned into part-time fund development, while Jennifer and Nicole Gagliardi took on co-executive director roles, with John’s support. Later, Nicole pursued consultancy, leaving Jennifer as the sole director.
Founding board member Kate Ramsay applauds Jennifer’s leadership.
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“Jennifer blends passion and patience in her role,” Kate says. “She mindfully weaves together the contributions of multiple stakeholders — our staff, donors, volunteers, as well as the agencies and the community members we serve — to create an ever stronger, ever more responsive and resilient social fabric in Peterborough.”
Under Jennifer’s direction, the Foundation has sought to shift the power dynamics of grant-making by inviting representatives of organizations who are most affected by an issue or cause to join a granting circle and share the work of grant-making.
“For the Community Foundation,” Jennifer says, “participatory grant-making is an expression of our values of trust, inclusivity, collaboration, and community vitality.”
On June 19, 2023, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough hosted a community celebration of agency fund holders and designated fund holders, donors, supporters, Foundation board members past and present, and local non-profit organizations including 4th Line Theatre, Camp Kawartha, Five Counties Children’s Centre, GreenUP, Hospice Peterborough, Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation, Kawartha Land Trust, Kawartha Youth Orchestra, New Canadians Centre Peterborough, Otonabee Conservation, Peterborough Field Naturalists, Peterborough Historical Society, Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, Telecare Peterborough, YMCA of Central East Ontario, and YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. (Photo: Wayne Eardley courtesy of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough)
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Moreover, the Foundation is quick to respond to urgent community needs. It led the “Light the Way to $160K” campaign to fund Peterborough’s first opioid response hub. It helped fund the StopGap Drop-in Centre, which was operated by One City Peterborough in the former Trinity United Church during winter 2023. It has also worked with the federal government to respond to the COVID-19 health crisis and advance gender equality.
The Foundation’s reach extends across the City and County of Peterborough, supporting organizations addressing homelessness, food security, the arts, social services, and environmental stewardship. Their deep-rooted connections with donors and charities, combined with knowledge of community issues, allows staff to expertly direct funding to the areas that need it most.
Jennifer stands at the heart of this work.
“She leads by example with her passion and dedication to community shining through in everything she does,” says Jenn Harrington, the Foundation’s current board chair. “Jennifer is a strong role model. She cares about people’s well-being and about the organizations that deliver front line services. She inspires us all to build a community that provides opportunities for everyone to belong and thrive.
Eleven ways to get involved with the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. (Graphic courtesy of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough)
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As the Foundation approaches its 15th anniversary, Jennifer looks ahead to highlight ongoing priorities.
“I often say I have the best job in town, which is true, but it’s not without its challenges,” she notes. “Affordable housing remains a top concern, as does the opioid crisis. I’m proud of the work the Foundation continues to engage in to help with both, and would also like to see that same energy go into mitigating the climate crisis and addressing other emergent issues as they arise.”
One thing is for certain, the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough has positioned itself to be a catalyst for long-term, systemic change with the aim of creating a vital community for everyone. Since beginning nearly 15 years ago, the Foundation has attracted over $12 million in endowed and long-term funding and has granted more than $6 million to 180+ charities.
If you’re inspired by the work of the Foundation, you are invited to get involved by visiting their website now at cfgp.ca.
This branded editorial was supplied by the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
While the family cottage a treasure trove of beloved memories, it is also a valuable piece of real estate. When a seasonal property is sold or passed down to the next generation, it is subject to a taxable gain. It's never too early to consult with a financial planner like executive financial consultant Adam McInroy of Bobcaygeon-based McInroy and Associates Private Wealth Management for advice on how to reduce the impact of the impact of that taxable capital gain. (Stock photo)
If you own a family cottage, you already know about its sentimental value as a treasure trove of beloved memories. You are also no doubt aware of its financial value, especially in today’s real estate market. But you may not be aware of the tax impact of that financial value when you pass the cottage on to the next generation.
As financial consultant Adam McInroy CFP, CLU of Bobcaygeon-based McInroy and Associates Private Wealth Management explains, when an owner disposes of a seasonal property, there will be a taxable capital gain owed on the “deemed disposition” of the property — the fair market value of the property minus the adjusted cost base. It’s not uncommon for this capital gain to be in the tens of thousands of dollars.
The good news, Adam says, is there are proven strategies around how to plan now for passing on the family cottage in a way that reduces the impact of that taxable capital gain. Noting that vacation properties — specifically cottages — have seen a decrease in market value this year, he cites a conversation he recently had with a client.
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“He has a cottage not too far from here and has seen the real estate prices on his lake drop by 25 per cent,” Adam recalls. “The end of cottage season could be a great time to pass ownership to the next generation and have a lower taxable liability, rather than holding on to it for another decade or two when the value is likely to increase again.”
If a decision is made to pass ownership of the cottage to the owner’s children, “the biggest component” of succession planning may not even come down to the numbers.
“Becoming the owner of a cottage is very different than having memories of time at the cottage,” Adam points out.
“The expectation of the parents who passed it down, whether spoken or unspoken, might be they’re still going to be able to go the family cottage and enjoy it. Or, if it’s passed down to one child, the siblings might assume they have the right to use the family cottage as well.”
While one option is putting the cottage in a trust, Adam cautions this can lead to further issues if they aren’t worked out in advance.
“Simple things that you don’t think about, such as who will be responsible for to the day-to-day operation of the cottage? Who’s going to get the cottage for which weeks of the summer? How are those weeks going to be decided? Who’s going to be responsible for taxes and property maintenance?”
In his experience facilitating discussions around the passing of family cottage ownership to family members, Adam has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly, the latter two typically arising from not having a conversation around what the particulars of what the joint ownership would look like.
“I’ve seen it work well, where all the siblings are on really great terms and can work through conflict in a mature manner and they’re all of the similar socio-economic standing,” Adam says. “But I’ve seen other cases where there’s a very wide discrepancy in socio-economic standing and it’s not an even split as far as cottage costs go. That really needs to be fleshed out if the plan is to pass the cottage down.”
Well before its time to pass the family cottage to the next generation, executive financial consultant Adam McInroy of Bobcaygeon-based McInroy and Associates Private Wealth Management suggests having open discussions with family members to address questions that may cause future discord such as who will get use of the cottage and when, who will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the cottage, and who will pay for taxes and property maintenance. (Stock photo)
Adam says consulting with a financial planner can help identify succession planning issues in advance, well before they can potentially cause rifts in the family.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat with clients and asked the simple question, ‘Who’s going to get the Canada Day long weekend at the cottage every year?’,” he explains. “The answer is ‘I don’t know.’ Then I ask, ‘How are you going to figure that out?’ The answer is ‘I don’t know.’ It’s simple things like this that can really create a massive conflict.”
Beyond relationship factors, Adam explains there is a financial impact to transitioning cottage ownership, including the tax liability that may be created.
The most important factor in reducing the taxable capital gain, he says, is to track expenses since the property was purchased, especially those that have increased the value of the property.
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“What did you pay for the property and what were the lawyer fees and the real estate fees at that time? What major upgrades have you done since then? All these things add to the adjusted cost base of the property. Photocopy your receipts — the originals fade over time — or store them digitally. That gives you a hard record of what you put into the property.”
“By increasing your adjusted cost base, you reduce your overall tax burden when you sell. The capital gain is determined by subtracting the adjusted cost base from the fair market value.”
Like all discussions around estate planning and the disposition of assets, Adam adds, open and regular communication with family members is vital.
“Keeping your will or your desires for your property a secret isn’t really part of a good estate plan,” he advises. “It shouldn’t come down to everyone sitting in the lawyer’s office after you’re gone and then figuring out what they get or what they don’t get.”
According to executive financial consultant Adam McInroy of McInroy and Associates Private Wealth Management (pictured), open and regular communication with family members is vital for any disucssion around estate planning and the disposition of assets, including the family cottage. Adam says consulting with a financial planner can help identify succession planning issues in advance, well before they can potentially cause rifts in the family. (Photo: McInroy & Associates Private Wealth Management)
Instead, Adam suggests you have conversations with your family members well before the time comes to pass on the cottage.
“Sitting around at the cottage and talking about the cottage is never a bad idea,” he says. “Having conversations in advance with family is really important.”
Those conversations can include who will be responsible for maintaining the cottage, who will pay for what and when, and how the family will decide who gets to use the cottage for which weeks during the season.
Adam adds something else to consider during estate planning is flexibility if your current situation changes. For example, what happens if you need to sell the cottage for income instead of passing it down to the family? The situation for your family members may also change.
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“The child that wants the cottage today may not want it in 20 years. The child that doesn’t want it today may want it in 20 years. Building an estate plan with some flexibility to give them options is a great opportunity. You’re not locking anything in stone. You’re giving them options.”
Equally important, Adam says, is building liquidity into the estate plan so that all family members are treated fairly.
“If there are three children and they’re each entitled to a third of the cottage, the one who wants the cottage can buy out the other two,” Adam says. “Everyone walks away happy. That’s a great scenario.”
Meanwhile, for those who think gifting the cottage to the kids — or selling it to them for a dollar — is a way to avoid the taxable capital gain, think again. The capital gain is based on the fair market value of the property when it is disposed. What’s more, gifting at no cost or selling for below fair market value can result in double taxation.
McInroy & Associates Private Wealth Management is located at 21 King Street West in Bobcaygeon. For more information, visit www.mcinroypwm.com. (Photo: McInroy & Associates Private Wealth Management)
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When all is said and done, helping clients navigate the conversation around their cottage property is “often where our value lies,” says Adam.
“It’s not just about the dollars and cents. It’s how we can help create a harmonious environment that allow our clients the time to digest information, reflect on it, and make informed decisions. This gives our clients peace of mind and also allows for a smooth transition, regardless of what that transition looks like for them and their family.”
McInroy & Associates Private Wealth Management is located at 21 King Street West in Bobcaygeon. You can email Adam at adam.mcinroy@igpwm.ca or call 705-748-1950. For more information about McInroy & Associates Private Wealth Management, visit www.mcinroypwm.com.
Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
This is a general source of information only. It is not intended to provide personalized tax, legal, or investment advice, and is not intended as a solicitation to purchase securities. Adam McInroy is solely responsible for its content. For more information on this topic or any other financial matter, please contact an IG Wealth Management Consultant.
This is one of a series of branded editorials created in partnership with McInroy & Associates Private Wealth Management. If your business or organization is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Five Counties Children's Centre has launched the new SmartStart Hub that aims to more easily connect local families to services to support their child's developmental needs. Here, Five Counties staff members help to promote the different ways families can click and connect to care. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)
Every month, Five Counties Children’s Centre provides a story about the work of the charitable organization. This month’s story is by Alex Cranfield, Program Manager, Five Counties Children’s Centre.
September is the start of a new school year, and for families with busy lives, it may feel like ‘New Year’ as they get back into routines and fall activities.
This time of year, it’s always good to reflect on your child’s growth and development, something that may be evident as they have grown into bigger clothes or shoes. It may be obvious in a new skill they learned over the summer.
Whatever the case, parents with questions about a child’s development and how well they may be moving, speaking, doing day-to-day activities, or socializing with others have an easy first step to get answers and connect to services.
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The newly launched SmartStart Hub at Five Counties Children’s Centre helps parents and caregivers with concerns about child development more easily connect to the help they need close to home.
Navigating the system is challenging at the best of times, but more so if families are worried about a child’s ability to speak, move around, or get along with others.
SmartStart Hub is available to families in Peterborough, Northumberland County, City of Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton County who have children or youth up to age 19 (or age 21 if still in school).
Families may find it challenging to connect to the right services, especially if they have concerns about their child’s development. The SmartStart Hub at Five Counties Children’s Centre is designed to simplify the process so that kids get the help they need. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre)
SmartStart can find support for any child development concerns relating to:
Moving around
Performing daily tasks like feeding and eating
Speaking with and being understood by others
Getting along with other people
Taking part in routine activities
Families can visit the SmartStart Hub at fivecounties.on.ca/smart-start-hub/ to register a child and select services from which they think their child could benefit.
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All information shared through SmartStart is confidential and secure; no referral or diagnosis from a physician or other professional is needed.
Once a request for services is submitted, Five Counties staff will follow up with the parent/guardian to do an intake assessment to see if their child is eligible and, if so, what the right service is for their child. From there, a referral is sent to the appropriate agency and treatment goes from there.
Services provided through the SmartStart Hub include infant-child development, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, parent coaching, assessments, and much more. All services are provided in a friendly, supportive, and culturally safe environment that includes the family as a full partner in the care being provided.
The SmartStart Hub at Five Counties Children’s Centre helps parents and families find and access developmental services for children and youth in Peterborough, Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. After a parent or guardian registers at SmartStart Hub either online, by phone, or by email, Five Counties will connect them directly to services and supports that their child or youth needs. (Graphic courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre)
Families aren’t the only ones being encouraged to use SmartStart. Online referrals for help can also be made by schools, health care providers, and other community agencies.
SmartStart Hub is being spearheaded by Five Counties, but we’re grateful for the support of our partners. They include: Peterborough Public Health; Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit; Point in Time Centre for Children, Youth and Parents; BGC Kawarthas; Oak Valley Health System (Infant Hearing Program/Blind-Low Vision Program); Kinark Child and Family Services; Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services; and Northumberland Child Development Centre.
Consider SmartStart the front door to support for a child’s developmental needs. We’ve rolled out the welcome mat, so be sure to drop by for an online visit at fivecounties.on.ca/smart-start-hub/.
Haliburton Highlands theatre company Ctrl-ART-Del hosted the Canadian premiere of Toby McShane's irreverent black comedy "Cherubs" at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion in Haliburton in spring 2023. Originally formed to present contemporary theatre that appeals to young working age adults and to provide younger adults with opportunities to participate in theatrical production, the company is expanding its focus to include teens, with an acting class for for teens and young adults this fall. (Photo: Ctrl-ART-Del)
Haliburton Highlands theatre company Ctrl-ART-Del is offering an acting course for teens and adults this fall, which will culminate with a public performance on October 15 when the company will also announce its 2024 season.
Ctrl-ART-Del was formed last year to present contemporary theatre that appeals to young working age adults as opposed to families with young children or seniors, and also to provide local younger people with opportunities to participate in theatrical production.
According to Amy Leis, Ctrl-ART-Del’s production manager and a Haliburton County resident, the company has decided to expand its focus this year to include teens as well.
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“Last year I volunteered to help with the Drama Club at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School,” Leis says in a media release. “I met many very talented kids that are hungry for more theatre than they can get at school alone. They kept asking me if they could get involved with Ctrl-ART-Del. Who am I to say no to that? The whole point was always to get young people into the theatre.”
To help prepare teens to perform in mainstage productions with the company, artistic director Tim Nicholson wanted to start out with some solid basic training.
“What a lot of people don’t realize is that acting is a skilled trade,” Nicholson says. “Raw talent exists, but there are also technical skills that can and should be taught. Once you have those technical skills in your mental toolbox, you can apply them to any role you take on.”
“Contemporary Scene Study: Learn the Basics of Acting” will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends of September 23 and 24 and September 30 and October 1 at Minden Lions Hall (166 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden).
The two-weekend course will be followed by a weekend of rehearsals on October 14 and 15, with individual scenes called for an hour each between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on October 14 at the Lions Hall, with a full cast rehearsal day at the Haliburton Legion (719 Mountain St., Haliburton) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. culminating with a public performance at 4 p.m. that’s open to everyone.
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During the course, students will get a hands-on taste of working as an ensemble, be cast in a scene from a contemporary play, get individual rehearsal time with a professional director, and finish off by performing their scene for an audience at the end of the course.
“The course is ideal both for people who have never been onstage before but want to learn some of these technical skills, and for people who have been onstage in school or community theatre and want an idea of the skills needed to thrive in a post-secondary theatre program or a professional rehearsal room,” Nicholson says. “It’s open to anyone age 14 and up.”
Following the October 15th performance, Ctrl-ART-Del will announce its 2024 season of plays.
“I will say in advance that all the pieces we’re doing have roles for both teens and adults,” Leis says. “We’re also doing open auditions. Our big focus this season is on getting fresh blood onto the stage. If you’ve always wanted to be onstage in Haliburton, we want to meet you. The more new people, the better.”
The cost for the fall acting course is $60 per participant, although Ctrl-ART-Del can arrange for a bursary if the cost is a barrier. Registration is open for a maximum of 20 participants until Friday (September 22).
Municipal council passed a new short-term rental by-law for the City of Kawartha Lakes in June 2023. In September, the municipality is continuing a "soft rollout" of the short-term rental by-law and licensing program by launching a business license application form, with a new 24/7 complaint hotline coming by October. (Photo courtesy of City of Kawartha Lakes)
The City of Kawartha Lakes is continuing a “soft rollout” of its new short-term rental by-law and licensing program by launching a business license application form.
License fees range from $150 to $1,500 depending on the duration and type of licence (hosted or un-hosted short-term rentals). Hosted short-term rentals are those where the owner resides at the property while it is being used as a short-term rental accommodation, while un-hosted means the owner is not residing at the property while it is being used as a short-term rental accommodation.
The license fee for a six-month period (May to October or November to April) is $150 for hosted short-term rentals and $750 for un-hosted short-term rentals. The year-round fee is $300 for hosted short-term rentals or $1,500 for un-hosted short-term rentals. The fee must be paid prior to agency approval and is non-refundable.
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Owners of short-term rental properties can either either apply for a license online and pay by credit card, or download a printable version that can be taken to the Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing office in Lindsay and pay in person or by cheque.
For both the online and printable application form, applicants must supply all required supporting documents for the short-term rental property being registered, including proof of ownership, a copy of the property owner’s driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a detailed site diagram.
Along with the business license application form, the City of Kawartha Lakes has also updated supplementary documents including information sheets for renters and property owners and for resident and property owner complaints. Short-term rental owners are being asked to post both documents at the short-term rental property.for renters and visitors to read upon arrival.
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The soft rollout of Kawartha Lakes short-term rental by-law began in June after city council passed the new by-law, with full implementation expected in 2024. The municipality is currently working to have a new 24/7 complaint hotline set up by October.
Questions can also be directed to the Municipal Law Enforcement and Licensing office by calling 705-324-9411 extension 1238 or emailing str@kawarthalakes.ca.
One person is dead after a vehicle struck a home in Cramahe Township early Sunday morning (September 17) and burst into flames.
At 1 a.m. on Sunday, Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the scene of a collision where a vehicle struck a home on County Road 25 near Huycke Road, about eight kilometres south of Warkworth in Trent Hills.
Both the vehicle and home became engulfed in flames, and the lone occupant of the vehicle was later found dead.
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Police have not released any information about the victim.
County Road 25 remained closed in the area for several hours while police conducted an investigation at the scene.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision.
Trent University graduate student Simal Iftikhar was just four years old when she immigrated to Canada from Pakistan. She is now a social justice advocate, recognizing the challenges of marginalized people in the community and often organizing events and fundraisers to raise awareness about homelessness, mental health, human trafficking, and refugees. (Photo courtesy of Simal Iftikhar)
From working in mental health care and studying refugee experiences to raising awareness and fundraising for human trafficking and homelessness, Simal Iftikhar has been a catalyst for positive change and education for several social justice issues in Peterborough.
That’s because the Trent University graduate student knows social justice issues don’t exist independently of one another.
“Everything is interconnected, and that’s really important when you’re looking at service delivery and how to help people,” Iftikhar explains.
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Currently, Iftikhar combines her passions of education and social justice as a communications coordinator with Compass Early Learning & Care while completing her master’s degree in education at Trent University.
For her thesis, which took third place at the 2022 School of Graduate Studies’ Three Minute Thesis competition and the Trent Graduate Student Association Prize, Iftikhar is researching how Canada’s education system supports refugee students, and the barriers that affect their learning.
To do so, she has been interviewing newcomers who have either completed or are working towards completing high school.
Simal Iftikhar displays a posterboard of her thesis research at the Queen’s University Rosa Bruno-Jofré Symposium in Education. After completing her undergraduate degree in psychology at Trent University, she is in her final year of her masters of education. Her research, which is focused on refugee experiences in the education system, was inspired by her own experience as an immigrant in the system. (Photo courtesy of Simal Iftikhar)
“I really wanted to do something to be able to support them and understand how we can do better for Canada, and for education,” Iftikhar says.
She explains her decision to focus her research on refugees stems from her own experience arriving in Canada from Pakistan at just four years old. Looking back, Iftikhar says she certainly had struggles in the education system but ultimately felt “privileged” as an immigrant rather than a refugee.
“When you immigrate, you’re choosing to come to another country because you have the choice to,” she says. “We came here for my education, and the difference is that refugees have no choice but to leave home, and I think that’s a huge issue that people don’t understand.”
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The graduate student explains that a common thread she’s noticed is the refugees feel they always need to remain grateful, despite the barriers they face — like being told they have a learning disability for failing English language tests because they don’t know the language.
“I just hope in the future at some point, they feel comfortable being able to voice those concerns because that is the only way we’ll be able to change anything, specifically in the education system.”
Furthering her work with newcomers to Canada, Iftikhar is a member of Azadi Peterborough, a refugee sponsorship group. First formed to help Syrian refugee Rashid Sheikh Hassan come to Canada, the group is now helping the 19-year-old reunite with his family (who he only recently discovered is still alive after not seeing them for eight years). With fundraising now complete, Azadi Peterborough is working toward the application process to bring the family to Canada.
At the Trent University School of Graduate Studies’ 2022 Three Minute Thesis competition, Simal Iftikhar’s thesis took third place, winning the Trent Graduate Student Association Prize. Her research analyzes the experiences of refugees in the Canadian education system, looking for barriers to success and how changes can be made. To conduct her research, Iftikhar has spoken to refugees who have either recently finished high school or are on their way to completing high school in Canada. (Photo courtesy of Simal Iftikhar)
“There are so many people that go through this daily, and it’s so heartbreaking,” says Iftikhar. “But I think we have an amazing community and people really rally together when they hear these stories, and they want to help … I just really hope that we can be successful in reuniting them.”
Iftikhar attributes the small community in Peterborough and at Trent University for largely supporting her journey in getting involved in social justice organizations. It was through these connections that she was able to be part of the Family Health Team, doing the background research and stakeholder presentation which led to the opening of the Mental Health Walk-in Clinic.
“There’s an amazing team of progressive and compassionate people in Peterborough that are doing the work every day and at a larger capacity for which I’m really grateful and wish they received more recognition for the impact they have,” Iftikhar points out. “Everyone is really interconnected with service delivery, and that’s something that we know we need moving forward to really give better quality of services to see people flourish. It’s something I love about Peterborough — when you are in a smaller community, it’s easier to connect with all the other agencies to provide care.”
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For almost four years, Iftikhar worked at Peterborough Youth Services where she began to recognize the overlap of youth experiencing not just mental health challenges, but also homelessness. She had already been volunteering at the YES Shelter for Youth and Families, though it was really during the onset of the pandemic that Iftikhar really noticed Peterborough’s homeless population, which she referred to as the “crisis within a crisis.”
“It just broke my heart because I was thinking this is something that’s already been going on, but for me, that was the first time I was seeing it right downtown in such a large capacity,” she recalls. “And I just thought I had to do something.”
So, she hosted a “sleep-out” in March 2021. Following its success, she hosted another in September 2022.
In March 2021, Simal Iftikhar organized a virtual “sleep-out” in Peterborough to raise awareness about homelessness during the pandemic, which she called “a crisis within a crisis,” as well as funds for YES Shelter for Youth and Families in Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Simal Iftikhar)
Inspired by Toronto’s Convenant House, Iftikhar put out a call to the public to join her in spending a night out on the streets to raise awareness and understanding for homelessness. Because of the pandemic, the first was held online, so she offered for participants to sleep in their own backyards (or even on their floors if it felt safer for them) while, in the second year, she invited people to join her in spending the night outside the Peterborough Lions Club Community Centre.
“I realized there’s so much stigma against homelessness and addictions as I’m working in health care and mental health care,” Iftikhar explains. “Like that they’ve gotten themselves there or they haven’t done anything (to help themselves), which is not the case at all. Typically, they’ve been experiencing so many other issues that have led them to this. No one chooses to be homeless.”
Iftikhar says the community was “amazing” in showing support and willingness to participate in the fundraiser. In its first year, the sleep-out raised over $5,000 for YES Shelter for Youth and Families.
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“Having an apartment, having a house, having food, going to the bathroom when you need it — it’s not something you ever have to think about when you already have access to it,” says Iftikhar, who adds that the experience was very eye-opening to a lot of the participants. “They had never thought to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, and when they did that, it really broke a lot of the stereotypes that they had come to believe over the years.”
In the event’s second year, she further showed the intersectionality of issues facing the community by using the sleep-out to educate the public on human trafficking, highlighting that Peterborough has one of the highest human trafficking rates in Ontario. The close to $3,000 that was raised was put towards both YES Shelter for Youth and Families and the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre.
“We hear a lot about addiction and we hear a lot about mental health, but one thing I don’t hear enough about is that trafficking correlates a lot with homelessness,” notes Iftikhar, adding that a lot of victims of human trafficking also experience homelessness.
Recognizing that social issues are intersectional, Simal Iftikhar organized a second fundraiser sleep-out in September 2022 outside the Peterborough Lions Club Community Centre to raise awareness of both homelessness and human trafficking, with all proceeds going to both YES Shelter for Youth and Families and the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre. Iftikhar’s two sleep-outs raised nearly $5,000. (Photo courtesy of Simal Iftikhar)
“One of the biggest reasons they’ll stay with their trafficker is because they need access to different things like housing and hygiene products, to food, water — all these basic necessities. So it makes it really difficult for them to get away from the trafficker when they offer those things, even though they’re being abused at times.”
While Iftikhar isn’t exactly sure where she’ll end up once she’s done with her studies, she’s confident she’ll continue raising awareness and funds for community organizations and initiatives.
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“I know that my purpose and my goal is to continue supporting and helping marginalized people in any way I can,” she says. “I don’t think I have to choose one issue. These issues all intersect so much.”
Most importantly, Iftikhar hopes to educate the public so people develop compassion for marginalized communities and feel empowered to take action.
“There’s so much work to be done and we need more people in the community using their voices to create positive change,” she says. “(Part of the issue) comes from not seeing other people as human beings and not trying to understand their experience.”
“If you do, I guarantee you’ll start to understand more about these issues and what people are going through and what’s brought them to this point in their life. I really hope it brings more gratitude and more compassion into people’s own lives.”
This story has been updated with a correction that Iftikhar’s thesis took third place at the 2022 School of Graduate Studies’ Three Minute Thesis competition, rather than the 2023 competition.
A 73-year-old man was seriously injured in a head-on collision south of Kinmount in Kawartha Lakes on Friday evening (September 15).
At around 6:40 p.m., police and emergency services responded to a serious head-collision on County Road 121 south of Kinmount, when a northbound car crossed the centre line and struck a southbound pickup truck.
The driver of the car, a 73-year-old Orillia man, was transported to a local hospital and was later airlifted to a Toronto-area trauma centre. No other injuries were reported.
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County Road 121 was closed for several hours on Friday night while police documented the scene.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Anyone who may have witnessed or has video/dash camera footage of the collision and has not spoken with police is asked to contact the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.
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