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Construction well underway on City of Peterborough’s Monaghan Road affordable housing project

By kawarthaNOW -
Precast structural loadbearing walls being installed in January 2024 at 681 Monaghan Road, the site of a City of Peterborough affordable housing project that will see a six-storey building with 53 units intended to provide housing for vulnerable populations in Peterborough. (Photo: City of Peterborough)

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

Related story

Three levels of government announce funding to build and repair affordable homes in Peterborough

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.

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“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.”

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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 investigating weekend theft of $165,000 in equipment from local business

By kawarthaNOW -
A Bobcat MT100 mini track loader. (Photo: Bobcat)

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.

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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.

Peterborough poet PJ Thomas collaborates with three other artists to bring some bliss to winter

By Megan Gallant -
Peterborough poet PJ Thomas has collaborated with musician Rick Fines, videographer Mari Ya, and digital creator Laurel Paluck to create a series of videos called "12 Weeks of Bliss" featuring her poetry set to music and stunning visuals. One video will be released online every week beginning on Valentine's Day. (Photo: Esther Vincent)

Four local artists have combined their talents for an art project meant to get you through the last few weeks of winter.

’12 Weeks of Bliss’ consists of a dozen videos of original poetry set to music. With poetry by PJ Thomas, music by Rick Fines, videography by Mari Ya, and post-production by Laurel Paluck, the collaborative videos will be released online every Wednesday at 12 p.m. between February 14 and May 1.

“Peterborough/Nogojiwanong is known for its high caliber of artists within the area,” says Thomas in a press release. “These four seasoned creators have brought a level of excellence to the area and beyond, for years. Bringing them together was a gift of inspiration.”

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Related story

Peterborough poet PJ Thomas launches her new book ‘Waves’

The emerging poet has received critical acclaim for her books of poetry, Waves and Undertow, which are the first two instalments of her Water Trilogy. The ’12 Weeks of Bliss’ videos will include works to be published in Drifting, the forthcoming third book in the series.

“All the poems all meant to portray beauty and peace and really counteract a bit of what’s going on in the world,” Thomas tells kawarthaNOW. “It takes a peaceful break from all the information we are bombarded with to look at visual beauty, hear oral beauty, and hear music. I like to think of them like a cup of tea which can uplift you and relax you at the same time.”

When Thomas had the idea to put the poems into video, she was very intentional about the local artists she wanted to collaborate with.

VIDEO: “Fundamental Nature” with music by Rick Fines and lyrics by PJ Thomas (2021)

Her friendship with Peterborough blues musician Rick Fines dates back more than three decades. Having previously collaborated on lyrics for his most recent Juno Award-nominated album, Solar Powered Too, the duo reunites for the 12 Weeks of Bliss project with Fines crafting original music to complement the poetry.

Thomas has also previously worked with multi-disciplinary artist Mari Ya, the project’s videographer who is known for her outdoor footage.

“I couldn’t believe how few people know about her work,” says Thomas. “She’s a world-class artist and I always thought if I ever get a chance to put my poetry to video, I would love to work with her.”

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Post-production work on the videos was done by digital creator Laurel Paluck, artistic director and curator of Ludmila Atelier Gallery, who has become well-known for her presence at Peterborough’s First Friday Art Crawl.

“They’re all favourite artists,” says Thomas. “The technical work is gorgeous, the poetry and art is gorgeous — it’s all very gorgeous. I just hope it helps people feel a bit of bliss leading into the first weeks of spring.”

The first episode will be available at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14 on Thomas’ Facebook, YouTube, Patreon, Instagram, and TikTok.

Peterborough poet PJ Thomas with her first book of poetry in 2022. Part of the Water Trilogy, "Waves" was followed by "Undertow" and the 12 Weeks of Bliss video series will include works to be published in "Drifting", the forthcoming third book in the series. (Photo: Adelle Purdham)
Peterborough poet PJ Thomas with her first book of poetry in 2022. Part of the Water Trilogy, “Waves” was followed by “Undertow” and the 12 Weeks of Bliss video series will include works to be published in “Drifting”, the forthcoming third book in the series. (Photo: Adelle Purdham)

Peterborough fraternity’s ‘TKE in a Box’ event on February 2 to raise awareness, money for affordable housing

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
The 13th annual Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) student fraternity's "TKE in a Box" fundraiser returns to Peterborough from February 2 through 4, 2024. The 48-hour camp out aims to raise awareness about housing insecurity in the Peterborough region as well as funds for phase two of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region's Leahy's Lane affordable condo development. Pictured are TKE members during the 2023 fundraiser in the parking lot of VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Tau Kappa Epsilon)

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.

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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.

Members of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) student fraternity in Peterborough camping out "in a box" in the parking lot of VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough in 2023 to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region and awareness about housing insecurity. The "TKE in a Box" fundraiser returns to Peterborough from February 2 through 4, 2024. (Photo: Tau Kappa Epsilon)
Members of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) student fraternity in Peterborough camping out “in a box” in the parking lot of VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough in 2023 to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region and awareness about housing insecurity. The “TKE in a Box” fundraiser returns to Peterborough from February 2 through 4, 2024. (Photo: Tau Kappa Epsilon)

“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.

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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.

The Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) student fraternity's "TKE in a Box" fundraiser in 2023 raised a total of $6,190 for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. (Photo: Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)
The Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) student fraternity’s “TKE in a Box” fundraiser in 2023 raised a total of $6,190 for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. (Photo: Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region)

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/.

Wounded Warriors Canada to offer mental health support for Peterborough Police Service

By kawarthaNOW -
The Peterborough Police Service announced a partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada at police headquarters in downtown Peterborough on January 29, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service)

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.

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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.
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  • 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 arrest three men in weekend stabbing in Lindsay

By kawarthaNOW -
A police cruiser outside the Kawartha Lakes police station. (Photo: Kawartha Lakes Police Service)

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.

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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).

SPARK Photo Festival announces emerging artists for 2024 festival

By kawarthaNOW -
"The Lookout" by Keith Manser, one of the six emerging photographers who participated in SPARK Photo Festival's 2023 Emerging Artists Exhibit Program. The program returns in 2024, with Alexis Belliveau, Will Pearson, Kathy Romard, Sarah Van Ryn, and Margaret Wood selected as participants. (Photo: Keith Manser, courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)

Organizers of the 2024 SPARK Photo Festival have announced the five emerging artists selected for the 11th annual festival, which runs for the month of April across the city and county of Peterborough, Northumberland county, and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Applications closed on January 12 for the 2024 Emerging Artists Exhibit Program, which was piloted at last year’s festival and is intended for photographers who have never before publicly exhibited their work.

The following photographers have been selected as the five participants in this year’s program: Alexis Belliveau, Will Pearson, Kathy Romard, Sarah Van Ryn, and Margaret Wood.

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The selected participants will work with photography, printing, and exhibiting professionals to learn how to collaboratively mount a group exhibit for April’s festival at a venue to be announced. All costs for the program are covered by festival organizers and sponsors, with participants using their own photographic equipment and supplying their own photographs.

Other photographers who want to participate in the 2024 festival have until Thursday (February 1) to submit their images for “Textures,” this year’s themed juried exhibit. The top 25 submissions, as determined by a jury of professionals, will be printed and exhibited for the month of April. In addition, photographers have until Wednesday, February 7th to register for the open call exhibit.

For more information about the SPARK Photo Festival, to submit photographs for the juried exhibit, and to register for the open call exhibit, visit www.sparkphotofestival.org.

SPARK Photo Festival's 2023 Emerging Artists at their Light the SPARK: Emerging Artists Exhibit at the Peterborough Public Library, from left to right: Elayne Linn, Keith Manser, Lezley Woodhams, Jonathon McKinney, Shirlanne Pawley-Boyd, and Sioux Dickson. (Photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)
SPARK Photo Festival’s 2023 Emerging Artists at their Light the SPARK: Emerging Artists Exhibit at the Peterborough Public Library, from left to right: Elayne Linn, Keith Manser, Lezley Woodhams, Jonathon McKinney, Shirlanne Pawley-Boyd, and Sioux Dickson. (Photo courtesy of SPARK Photo Festival)

Nature Conservancy of Canada: Canada’s wetlands need to be conserved and restored

By kawarthaNOW -
Wagosh Bay at Cockburn Island in northern Lake Huron. Cockburn Island supports a wide variety of globally significant species and plant communities. In a binational study of 32,000 islands in the Great Lakes, led by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and U.S.-based The Nature Conservancy, Cockburn Island was ranked one of the top 10 islands for its conservation importance, lack of disturbance, and biodiversity. Cockburn Island also provides important stopover and breeding habitat for migrating songbirds and waterfowl. (Photo courtesy of Nature Conservancy of Canada)
This guest editorial is by Dana Kleniewski, Ontario Vice President with Nature Conservancy of Canada.

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.

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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.

The Frontenac Arch Natural Area in eastern Ontario. With over 72 per cent forest cover, the Arch is one of the most important forest corridors in North America. It forms a critical habitat linkage between the northern hardwood and mixed forests in the Algonquin Highlands of Ontario and the Appalachian Mountain chain of eastern North America. It fosters a diversity of plant, insect, and animal species, many of which are at risk and globally rare. The Arch also serves as a funnel for migrating birds, bats and insects, as well as animals with large home ranges, such as fisher, black bear, moose and eastern wolf. (Photo courtesy of Nature Conservancy of Canada)
The Frontenac Arch Natural Area in eastern Ontario. With over 72 per cent forest cover, the Arch is one of the most important forest corridors in North America. It forms a critical habitat linkage between the northern hardwood and mixed forests in the Algonquin Highlands of Ontario and the Appalachian Mountain chain of eastern North America. It fosters a diversity of plant, insect, and animal species, many of which are at risk and globally rare. The Arch also serves as a funnel for migrating birds, bats and insects, as well as animals with large home ranges, such as fisher, black bear, moose and eastern wolf. (Photo courtesy of Nature Conservancy of Canada)

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.

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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.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada's 445-hectare Britain Lake Wetland and Woodlands property on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula features beech trees providing fatty meals of beech nuts for the unique local population of American black bears. As a result of geography and human development that have restricted their movement, the small number of bears left in the region are genetically distinct from their provincial cousins and, without adequate protection, could become locally extinct within a generation. Having space to eat, sleep, roam and mate around intact natural spaces such as Britain Lake is vital for their survival. (Photo courtesy of Nature Conservancy of Canada)
The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s 445-hectare Britain Lake Wetland and Woodlands property on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula features beech trees providing fatty meals of beech nuts for the unique local population of American black bears. As a result of geography and human development that have restricted their movement, the small number of bears left in the region are genetically distinct from their provincial cousins and, without adequate protection, could become locally extinct within a generation. Having space to eat, sleep, roam and mate around intact natural spaces such as Britain Lake is vital for their survival. (Photo courtesy of Nature Conservancy of Canada)

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.

New Cobourg long-term care home will include ‘ground-breaking addition’ of sensory room

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Sensory rooms can be very beneficial for elderly people, especially those with dementia or other special needs, by stimulating all five senses through virtual reality projections of serene environments, aroma diffusers, and more. (Photo: Broomx Technologies)

From promoting relaxation to stimulating conversation, Golden Plough Lodge resident and family services manager Leyla Attis is excited about the inclusion of a sensory room in the new long-term care home being built in Cobourg.

Attis looks forward to having this unique feature, where scenes of serene environments like the ocean or forest will be projected on the walls, as part of the new 180-bed facility.

Construction work continues on the new facility, which is being built on Courthouse Road adjacent to the existing 151-bed Golden Plough Lodge — the only municipally operated long-term care home in Northumberland County. The new facility is slated to open later this year.

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Attis presently offers a sensory program for residents but having a room will substantially elevate that experience, she said.

“It’s a very, very successful program for our residents,” Attis said.

The sensory program help ease agitation that sometimes accompanies dementia. It’s also grounding, and the overall health benefits are “outstanding,” she noted.

“I’ve wanted to have a room dedicated to sensory (programming) — I’ve wanted something that was always there,” she noted.

The room will offer a virtual reality experience through a projector. The manager can tailor the scenery to accommodate residents’ individual needs and tastes. She can incorporate aromatherapy and lighting to further create the desired atmosphere.

Employees and family members can also enjoy the space, Attis said.

“It’s very meditative.”

By projecting Google Street View Maps on the walls, a sensory room can help residents reconnect with their past by virtually revisiting their hometowns. (Photo: Broomx Technologies)
By projecting Google Street View Maps on the walls, a sensory room can help residents reconnect with their past by virtually revisiting their hometowns. (Photo: Broomx Technologies)

Northumberland County recently highlighted the sensory room in its email update about the progress of the new Golden Plough Lodge. The county said the room is “a ground-breaking addition” that “promises to enhance the well-being of our residents.”

“Traditionally associated with children, media sensory rooms are increasingly recognized as invaluable tools for seniors and adults with disabilities,” the county noted.

“In this dedicated space, equipped with the latest therapy technology, residents will engage their senses through a variety of stimuli, including fibre optic lighting, aroma diffusers, colour-changing projectors, and virtual reality projections.”

The sensory room “will serve as a haven” for residents, offering a way for them to relax and reconnect with their past, if appropriate.

Residents can virtually revisit their hometowns, Attis noted, as she can pull up Google maps to display on the walls.

“The team is looking forward to the positive impact this innovative program will have on the lives of our residents, fostering a sense of joy, tranquility, and connection and most importantly, elevate the quality of life for our residents where they can truly engage with their senses and create lasting memories.”

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The new Golden Plough Lodge will include a combination of one-bed and two-bed rooms across six resident home areas. The county said its design features are aimed at providing comfort and safety, promoting independence, and respecting residents’ privacy.

In addition to the sensory room, the new facility will include fireside lounges, a café and a hair salon, a greenhouse for agri-therapy, an auditorium for concerts and resident events, and outdoor courtyards and pathways.

To learn more about Golden Plough Lodge and the new facility, visit Northumberland County’s website at www.northumberland.ca/gpl.

What’s new on Netflix Canada in February 2024

By kawarthaNOW -
The British limited series "One Day", based on David Nicholls' bestselling 2009 novel as well as the 2011 feature film starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, follows the 20-year love story of Emma and Dexter (Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall) by exploring their lives on the same day every year, starting from when they first spent a platonic night together after graduating from university and went their separate ways. One Day debuts on Netflix on February 8, 2024. (Photo: Netflix)

Every month, kawarthaNOW is the only local media source to bring you a list of what’s coming to Netflix Canada. February is the month of love, so of course Netflix is offering a lot of romantically themed content, from thrillers to comedies to reality series.

One Day is a British limited series based on David Nicholls’ bestselling 2009 novel as well as the 2011 feature film starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. The 14-episode series tells the love story of Emma and Dexter (Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall) over 20 years by exploring their lives on the same day every year — July 15, when they first spent a platonic night together after graduating from university, talking about where they would be once they are 40 before going their separate ways. One Day debuts on Netflix on Thursday, February 8th.

VIDEO: “One Day” trailer

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Love comes with a dark twist in the Netflix legal thriller film Mea Culpa, written and directed by Tyler Perry. Kelly Rowland is a criminal defense attorney who takes the case of a seductive artist (Trevante Rhodes) accused of murdering of his girlfriend. Her big case takes a dangerous turn when desire takes hold. Mea Culpa comes to Netflix on Friday, February 23rd.

VIDEO: “Mea Culpa” trailer

The romantic comedy film Players follows New York sports writer Mack (Gina Rodriguez), who has spent years developing a playbook of successful hook-up schemes with her friends (Damon Wayans Jr., Liza Koshy, Augustus Prew, and Joel Courtney). When she unexpectedly falls head-over-heels for one of her targets (Tom Ellis), she must learn what it takes to go from simply scoring to playing for keeps. Players premieres on Netflix on Valentine’s Day (February 14).

VIDEO: “Players” trailer

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Also coming to Netflix on Valentine’s Day is the German romantic comedy The Heartbreak Agency, which tells the story of single mom Maria (Rosalie Thomass), who has founded an agency to help heartbroken clients get over their sadness. When she talks one of her unhappy clients out of her relationship with the commitment-phobic journalist Karl (Laurence Rupp), the newly dumped and skeptical Karl wants to get back at Maria by exposing her as a heartbreak fraud — and then things take a turn. The film is loosely based on the successful self-help book “Goodbye Herzschmerz” (Goodbye Heartache) by Elena-Katharina Sohn and her real-life Heartbreak Agency (Die Liebeskümmerer).

VIDEO: “The Heartbreak Agency” trailer

If unscripted love is more your thing, Netflix’s hit reality series Love Is Blind returns for a sixth season on Valentine’s Day, following a new set of singles from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Love is like chocolate — sometimes you can have too much. For something different, both kids and former kids can check out Avatar: The Last Airbender, a live action reimagining of the popular 2005 animated series. The 10-episode series debuts on Netflix on Thursday, February 22nd.

VIDEO: “Avatar: The Last Airbender” trailer

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Following the success of the film Oppenheimer comes the new British docudrama Einstein and the Bomb, which uses archival footage and Einstein’s own words in dramatizations to explore key points in the German-born physicist’s life, including fleeing Nazi Germany, and how his work changed the course of history. Einstein and the Bomb premieres on Netflix on Friday, February 16th.

VIDEO: “Einstein and the Bomb” trailer

For the first time ever since it debuted in 1995, the annual Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony will stream live on Netflix. The 30th annual awards ceremony on Saturday, February 24th will celebrate the best motion picture and television performances of the year as voted on by SAG-AFTRA’s membership of more than 122,000 performers.

Theatrically released movies coming to Netflix in February include The 5th Wave, Boyz in the Hood, Eat Pray Love, Happy Feet, Home Alone and Home Alone 2, Minions, and The Shawshank Redemption (all on Feb 1.), The Devil Wears Prada (Feb. 7), Despicable Me (and 2 and 3, all on Feb. 9), Father Stu (Feb. 11), Crossroads (Feb. 15), Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park III, and The Lost World: Jurassic Park (all on Feb. 16), Hereditary (Feb. 19), 22 Jump Street (Feb. 20), and Morbius (Feb. 29).

VIDEO: New on Netflix Canada in February 2024

Here’s the complete list of everything coming to Netflix Canada in February by date, along with what’s leaving.

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Coming in February (no release date specified)

  • Detective Forst (Netflix series) – When a detective’s maverick approach to investigating gets him fired, he teams up with a journalist to solve a series of brutal murders outside the law.
  • The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth (Netflix documentary) – Featuring new revelations and unprecedented access, this docuseries digs into the disappearance of 25-year-old Sheena Bora and the shocking aftermath.

 

Thursday, February 1

  • ¡Sálvese quien pueda! (Netflix series) – After 14 successful years on Spanish TV, the biggest personalities of “Sálvame” look for new job opportunities across America in this reality series.
  • The 5th Wave
  • The Big Sick
  • Boyz n the Hood
  • Eat Pray Love
  • Happy Feet
  • Home Alone
  • Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  • House, M.D.: Seasons 1-8
  • In a World…
  • Little Women (1994)
  • Minions
  • Mr. Deeds
  • Seven
  • The Shawshank Redemption
  • The Skeleton Twins
  • This Is Where I Leave You
  • Tusk

 

Friday, February 2

  • Let’s Talk About Chu (Netflix series) – Part-time vlogger Chu Ai uses her channel to speak candidly about sex. But in real life, she finds that subject to be so much trickier.
  • Orion and the Dark (Netflix family) – A boy with an active imagination faces his fears on an unforgettable journey through the night with his new friend: a giant, smiling creature named Dark.
  • Plus One

 

Monday, February 5

  • Dee & Friends in Oz (Netflix family) – When a mysterious key transports her to the land of Oz, a regular kid named Dee goes on a musical journey to save magic — and be the hero of the story.

 

Wednesday, February 7

  • The Devil Wears Prada
  • The Hating Game
  • Love Never Lies Poland: Season 2 Part 2 (Netflix series) – Six couples put their love on the line by living together in a villa, where, for a few weeks straight, their truthfulness is tested by a modern lie detector. Participants of Love Never Lies Polska lose money for every lie, while telling the truth adds to the total cash prize. The couple that is most honest with each other will win the program.
  • Luz: The Light of the Heart (Netflix family) – Raised by a kind Kaingang family after a tragedy, adventurous Luz launches a quest with her firefly companion to learn the truth about her roots.
  • Mr. D: Seasons 4-6
  • Raël: The Alien Prophet (Netflix documentary) – Featuring interviews with his followers, critics and Raël himself, this docuseries traces how a UFO-inspired religion spiraled into a controversial cult.

 

Thursday, February 8

  • One Day (Netflix series) – After spending graduation night together, Emma and Dexter go their separate ways — but their lives remain intertwined. Based on David Nicholls’ novel.

 

Friday, February 9

  • A Killer Paradox (Netflix series) – When one accidental killing leads to another, an average college student finds himself stuck in an endless cat-and-mouse chase with a shrewd detective.
  • Alpha Males: Season 2 (Netflix series) – Nothing changes overnight. No matter how hard the four pals try to do things right, they always find new ways to mess up in work, family and sex.
  • Ashes (Netflix film) – From an intoxicating fantasy to a dangerous affair, a wealthy married woman finds her life irreversibly shattered after picking up an unpublished novel.
  • Bhakshak (Netflix film) – A struggling local journalist begins a dogged investigation into harrowing cases of abuse being covered up at a shelter for young girls.
  • Despicable Me
  • Despicable Me 2
  • Despicable Me 3
  • Lover, Stalker, Killer (Netflix documentary) – In this twisting documentary, a mechanic tries online dating for the first time and meets a woman who takes romantic obsession to a deadly extreme.

 

Sunday, February 11

  • Father Stu

 

Tuesday, February 13

  • Kill Me If You Dare (Netflix film) – When a twist of fate reverses the fortune of their troubled marriage, Piotr and Natalia decide to stay together — but only until death do them part.
  • Sunderland ‘Til I Die: Season 3 (Netflix documentary) – With Sunderland desperate for some stability, a new manager is brought in to haul the club out of League One and into the coveted Championship.
  • Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All (Netflix comedy) – In her third Netflix original comedy special, Taylor Tomlinson talks about having your dream job, finding your perfect partner, dealing with anxiety and insomnia — all while asking the age-old question, “Can you really have it all?”

 

Wednesday, February 14

  • A Soweto Love Story (Netflix film) – Desperate for her three single sons to get married, a mother promises her house to the first one to tie the knot, setting off a race to the altar.
  • Good Morning, Verônica: Season 3 (Netflix series) – Verônica forms unlikely alliances and unravels her past as her quest for justice culminates in this heart-stopping final season.
  • The Heartbreak Agency (Netflix film) – When a skeptical journalist reluctantly participates in heartbreak therapy for an article, he ends up opening his heart to his charming therapist.
  • Love Is Blind: Season 6 (Netflix series) – The hit reality series is back for a sixth season, following a new set of singles from Charlotte, North Carolina — all ready to cut through the static of modern dating and forge authentic relationships, sight unseen. This season, the singles form deep and immediate connections, setting the stage for an unexpected journey full of twists, turns, and shocking revelations that will test each relationship well after the contestants leave the pods for the real world.
  • Players (Netflix film) – A New York sports writer with a playbook of clever hookup schemes unexpectedly falls for a fling. Can she go from playing the field to playing for keeps? Gina Rodriguez, Damon Wayans Jr. and Tom Ellis (“Lucifer”) star in this cheeky, fast-paced rom-com.

 

Thursday, February 15

  • AlRawabi School for Girls: Season 2 (Netflix series) – A new year means a new class, new rules — and new rulers — at the prestigious AlRawabi School for Girls.
  • Crossroads
  • House of Ninjas (Netflix series) – Years after retiring from their formidable ninja lives, a dysfunctional family must return to shadowy missions to counteract a string of looming threats.
  • Little Nicholas: Life of a Scoundrel (Netflix documentary) – As a teen, Little Nicolás managed to sneak between politicians, millionaires and even royals. In this docuseries, he tells his side of the scandal.
  • Love, Simon
  • Ready, Set, Love (Netflix series) – In a world grappling with a dwindling male population, an unassuming woman becomes a contender in a government-sponsored dating competition.
  • The Vince Staples Show (Netflix series) – Kind of famous and sort of rich, rapper and actor Vince Staples navigates the challenges and surprises of everyday life in his hometown of The Beach.

 

Friday, February 16

  • The Abyss (Netflix film) – As the Swedish town of Kiruna sinks, Frigga finds herself torn between her family and her job as security chief at the world’s largest underground mine.
  • Comedy Chaos (Netflix series) – After getting kicked out of his own company, a hapless man must juggle his delicate marriage and his struggling comedy club.
  • Einstein and the Bomb (Netflix documentary) – What happened after Einstein fled Nazi Germany? Using archival footage and his own words, this docudrama dives into the mind of a tortured genius.
  • Jurassic Park
  • Jurassic Park III
  • The Lost World: Jurassic Park

 

Monday, February 19

  • Hereditary
  • Little Angel: Volume 4
  • Rhythm + Flow Italy (Netflix series) – In this music competition show, Fabri Fibra, Geolier and Rose Villain hit the streets of Rome, Naples and Milan to find the next Italian rap superstar.

 

Tuesday, February 20

  • 22 Jump Street
  • Mike Epps: Ready to Sell Out (Netflix comedy) – Comedian Mike Epps keeps it real as he riffs on poor personal hygiene, failing at infidelity and waging war on work husbands in his latest stand-up special.

 

Wednesday, February 21

  • Can I Tell You A Secret? (Netflix documentary) – Three women’s lives are changed forever when a prolific stalker infiltrates their social media accounts. And they’re only a fraction of his many victims.

 

Thursday, February 22

  • Avatar: The Last Airbender (Netflix family) – Water. Earth. Fire. Air. Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony — then everything changed. A live-action reimagining of the popular animated series.

 

Friday, February 23

  • Formula 1: Drive to Survive: Season 6 (Netflix documentary) – Drivers, managers and team owners live life in the fast lane — both on and off the track during one cutthroat season of Formula 1 racing.
  • Mea Culpa (Netflix film) – A criminal defense attorney must choose between family, duty and her own dangerous desires when she takes on the case of an artist accused of murder. Tyler Perry wrote, directed and produced this seductive romantic thriller starring Kelly Rowland and Trevante Rhodes.
  • Through My Window: Looking at You (Netflix film) – Raquel and Ares can’t forget each other, even while seeing other people. Can they reunite despite family pressure in the final chapter of the trilogy?

 

Saturday, February 24

  • The 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (Netflix live event) – The 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®, presented by SAG-AFTRA with Screen Actors Guild Awards, LLC will be produced by Silent House Productions. The ceremony will stream live on Netflix Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT from the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall. One of awards season’s premier events, the SAG Awards annually celebrates the outstanding motion picture and television performances of the year. Voted on by SAG-AFTRA’s robust and diverse membership of 122,000+ performers, the SAG Awards has the largest voting body on the awards circuit. Beloved for its style, simplicity, and genuine warmth, the show has become an industry favorite and one of the most prized honors since its debut in 1995.

 

Monday, February 26

  • Blippi Wonders: Season 3
  • Rhythm + Flow Italy (Netflix series, new episodes) – In this music competition show, Fabri Fibra, Geolier and Rose Villain hit the streets of Rome, Naples and Milan to find the next Italian rap superstar.

 

Wednesday, February 28

  • American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders (Netflix documentary) – When journalist Danny Casolaro was found dead in a hotel bathtub, police ruled it a suicide. But his family and colleagues believe he may have been murdered for investigating a conspiracy he called “The Octopus” – a hidden organization connected to stolen government spy software, a string of unsolved murders, and some of the biggest political scandals of the 20th century.
  • The Mire: Millennium (Netflix series) – As the year 2000 draws near, officials investigate a local murder, a skeleton in Gronty forest and a string of horrifying abductions.
  • Code 8 Part II (Netflix film) – In a city where people with powers are policed and oppressed, a former criminal must turn to a drug lord he despises to protect a teen from a corrupt cop. “Arrowverse” alums Robbie Amell and Stephen Amell reteam for this gritty sci-fi film directed by Jeff Chan.

 

Thursday, February 29

  • A Round of Applause (Netflix series) – Struggling with existential angst and longing for his past life in an orange, a man navigates his quirky family in this decades-spanning drama.
  • Morbius

 

Leaving Netflix Canada in February

Thursday, February 22

  • The Big Short

Monday, February 26

  • Million Pound Menu: Seasons 1-2

Wednesday, February 28

  • Babylon Berlin: Seasons 1-3

Thursday, February 29

  • Men in Black
  • Men in Black II
  • Pitch Perfect
  • Pitch Perfect 2
  • Pitch Perfect 3
  • Promising Young Woman

 

All titles and dates are subject to change.

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