Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has announced a settlement up to $988,550 has been reached in a class action lawsuit against the hospital related to inappropriate access to patient health records by four former employees over a decade ago.

“PRHC takes patient privacy very seriously and has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to inappropriate access to medical records,” states a media release issued by the hospital on Friday (September 8). “This settlement is not an admission of liability, but is a compromise of the disputed action.”

The lawsuit alleged that, between 2011 and early 2012, former employees of PRHC — identified as Dawn deCiccio (Health Information Clerk), Dana Gildon Cormier (Nutrition Services Technician), Mandy Edgerton Reid (Nurse), and Andrea Kay (Admitting Department Clerk) — used the hospital database to inappropriately access the personal information of around 280 patients. The lawsuit also alleged that, in some cases, the information was disseminated to unknown third parties without the consent of the patient.

The settlement, which was approved by the Superior Court of Justice on August 30, will see PRHC pay up to $988,550, which includes up to $650 to each eligible class member who submits a valid claim to RicePoint, the claims administrator, on or before November 30, 2023.

A eligible class member includes any individual, or representative of an estate of an individual, who was notified in 2011 or 2012 by PRHC that their health records were inappropriately accessed by one of the former employees.

Class members can make a claim for compensation by completing an online form at https://ricepointconnect.com/PRHC. The form will ask class members to confirm their name, address and date of birth, and their preferred payment type. Once verified as a member in the class, settlement funds may be transferred electronically or via cheque mailed to the claim member’s address.

Ottawa-based law firm Greenspon Granger Hill represents the class in this action and can be contacted at info@gghlawyers.ca or 1-613-288-2890 for further information.

Local climate activists are participating in a global climate strike on Friday, September 15th in Confederation Park across from Peterborough’s City Hall.

The youth-led worldwide protest was recently announced on social media by Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who pointed to the extreme heat waves, forest fires, and flooding experienced around the world this past summer.

“We need climate activists now more than ever,” Thunberg wrote. “After a summer full of extreme weather and shattered records, the world is still gearing up towards climate catastrophe. People all over the globe are already experiencing the first hand consequences of this crisis, and it will get much worse unless we radically change course.”

Thunberg posted a photo of herself holding a sign with a quote from United Nations chief Antonio Guterres.

“Climate activists are sometimes depicted as dangerous radicals,” Guterres said. “But the truly dangerous radicals are the countries that are increasing the production of fossil fuels. Investing in new fossil fuels is moral and economic madness.”

Taking place two days before world leaders are scheduled to meet in New York City for the United Nations Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit, the global climate strike is being organized by the Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels and aligns with ongoing protests being held by organizers from Fridays for Future, an international movement of school students inspired by Thunberg’s first 2018 protest in Sweden when she was 15 years old.

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Protests on September 15 are being planned in major cities around the world, including Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver in Canada. The Peterborough protest is being organized by Kawartha World Issues Centre and Sustainable Trent, supported by For Our Grandchildren.

“It is up to the richest governments of the world, those that lead the developed nations who are causing the climate crisis, to take meaningful action by ending the production, use, and funding of fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy sources,” reads a media release from the local organizers. “The transition away from using fossil fuels as energy sources must be just, equitable, and fast. This transition must prioritize those most affected by the climate crisis, and ensure no one gets left behind.”

The Peterborough protest takes place from 12 to 2 p.m. on September 15 in Confederation Park.

“This is an opportunity to support the youth-led climate movement, listen to local community members, and share why a fast, fair, and permanent end to fossil fuels use and production is important to you,” organizers say.

An Oshawa teenager drowned on Burnt River in Haliburton Highlands on Wednesday afternoon (September 6).

At around 12:11 p..m. on Wednesday, officers with the Haliburton Highlands Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with Minden Hills Fire Department and Haliburton County Paramedic Services, responded to reports of a person who had failed to resurface while swimming in the Burnt River in Minden Hills Township.

Emergency services located the victim and began CPR.

The victim was transported to the Haliburton hospital where they were later pronounced dead.

Police have identified the victim as a 17 year old from Oshawa but have not released their gender or name.

Haliburton Highlands OPP is reminding people to be vigilant of their safety on the water. Wear a PFD, never swim alone, know your limits, and stay within them.

Police have arrested and charged a 29-year-old Peterborough man with a lengthy criminal record for the murder of a 27-year-old Peterborough woman and the attempted murder of a 30-year-old Peterborough man on Wednesday night (September 6).

At around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, officers were called to an apartment on Simcoe Street between George Street and Aylmer Street about a possible stabbing. Upon arriving, officers found a female and a male victim.

Both victims were taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre, where the female victim was pronounced dead. The male victim was transported to a Toronto-area hospital in critical condition.

After arriving at the apartment, officers learned that a man had been seen leaving the area. After thoroughly investigating and examining footage from the closed-circuit television cameras in the area, both police-maintained and private ones, police identified a suspect.

At around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, officers received information the suspect was spotted in a wooded area near Ashburnham Drive and Maria Street. The Emergency Response Team, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Unit, officers from the Investigative Services Unit, and a canine unit from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attended the area.

After arriving, officers learned two women known to the suspect had been verbally threatened and one had been attacked with a hatchet. The two women were able to escape and were taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment.

VIDEO: Peterborough police media conference

Officers continued searching the woods and, shortly after, took a man and woman into custody without incident.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested and charged 29-year-old Jesse Rowe of Peterborough with second degree murder, attempt to commit murder, assault with a weapon, two counts of uttering threats, and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

Peterborough police say Rowe has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2012. He is currently before the courts for robbery with a weapon and failure to comply with a probation order. He is also bound by a probation order with conditions to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. He is also bound by seven prohibition orders with regard to firearms, restricted weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

“Thanks to the quick work of our officers, an arrest in this case was able to be made,” said Peterborough police chief Stuart Betts in a media conference on Thursday. “Our OPP colleagues and their canine unit were incredibly helpful in helping us identify the location where this individual was and taking him into custody.”

Rowe is being held in custody and will appear in court on Thursday. Police have notified the next of kin of the 27-year-old Peterborough woman who Rowe is accused of killing. At the request of the family, police are not releasing her name.

The 30-year-old Peterborough woman who was found with Rowe has been taken into custody on the strength of a warrant for a shoplifting incident on August 27, and has also been charged with two counts of uttering threats in connection with the incident in the woods early Thursday morning. She is being held in custody and will also appear in court on Thursday.

This October, supporters of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region are invited to come together as a family and enjoy a shared meal while supporting affordable homeownership.

Taking place on Sunday, October 22nd from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Peterborough North ReStore (300 Milroy Drive), the organization’s inaugural “Sunday Dinner at the ReStore” fundraiser will include a harvest dinner with wine and cocktails, entertainment, and a silent auction featuring a large selection of donated items.

At a ticket cost of $125 per person, all funds raised through the event will support Habitat’s Phase Two 12-unit affordable condo development at 21 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough. Tickets are available now at sunday-dinner-at-the-restore.square.site.

“We wanted to bring our community supporters together to give back to local families needing a hand-up,” explains Jenn MacDonald, the charity’s communications and donor services manager. “What better time to do that than in the fall around harvest, when we’re all thinking about what we’re thankful for and coming together as a family?”

Acoustic sounds from Caleb McKinnon of KEEBS Music will set the backdrop to the evening as guests make bids at the silent auction or even browse retail items at the ReStore. A festive roast beef harvest dinner will be served, with an alternative vegetarian lasagna option also available.

“Working with so many families, one thing we always think about is the importance of having that time to sit down together as a family and enjoy dinner together,” says MacDonald, adding that this type of fundraiser has been very successful for neighbouring affiliates who have run the event in the past. “It’s a really special thing that takes place that some people, unfortunately, don’t have the opportunity to have with their families.”

Serving Peterborough, Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, and the Haliburton Highlands, the regional affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada builds and rehabilitates homes to provide affordable homeownership.

Since 2002, the not-for-profit organization has helped 82 low-income working families become homeowners through low-interest, geared-to-income mortgage plans.

All profits from the Sunday Dinner at the ReStore fundraiser will go towards the 12-unit condo building currently under construction at 21 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough. Located next to the completed Phase One development at 33 Leahy’s Lane, Phase Two comprises 11 two-bedroom units and a single one-bedroom unit, fully complete with in-suite appliances including a fridge, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and stove. The energy-efficient condo units will help owners save on utility costs.

“When we raise funds to help cover the cost of construction, that allows us as an organization to support lower-income families who are applying for the homes,” says MacDonald.

According to MacDonald, only two families have been selected so far for the Phase Two development at 21 Leahy’s Lane, meaning there are still 10 units available. Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is currently accepting applications from qualified families for the remaining units.

Completed last April, the Phase One 41-unit condo development at 33 Leahy’s Lane has provided affordable homeownership for a mix of individuals, couples, seniors, and families. The multi-unit building marked a dramatic departure from the regional affiliate’s previous focus on single-family homes.

“This was the first time our affiliate has taken on this type of build,” says MacDonald. “It’s proven very successful and we’re one of the leading Habitat affiliates across the country to move forward with this type of innovation.”

The Phase Two development is made possible through support from the Government of Canada. Through the National Housing Strategy’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund, the federal government has invested $600,000 into the build.

To ensure that more proceeds from Sunday Dinner at the ReStore can support affordable homeownership, Habitat for Humanity is seeking additional sponsors for the October 22nd fundraiser.

“Sponsorships help make the event a success and raise more funds, while allowing us to give back to the local businesses who support us and champion us throughout the work that we do,” explains MacDonald. “We really want to showcase them as leaders in supporting affordable housing in the community.”

MacDonald adds that with a 100-seat capacity at the Sunday Dinner, the silent auction also provides a great opportunity for local businesses to market themselves to a wide range of demographics.

“We’ll have a diverse group of people in the room, from our donors to community leaders to the general public and supporters,” she says. “We will be including a variety of items in the silent auction to suit all needs and desires.”

She says Habitat is also seeking volunteers to assist with the Sunday Dinner fundraiser, adding that these events would not be possible without support from the community.

MacDonald points out people can also support the Leahy’s Lane project by shopping at the three ReStore locations in the region, located at Peterborough North (300 Milroy Drive), Peterborough South (550 Braidwood), and in Lindsay (55 Angeline Street North), where you can purchase new and used building materials, appliances, home décor items, and more. The ReStores fund Habitat’s operational costs and programs, helping direct 100 per cent of cash donations made to the organization to local build projects..

People can also support Habitat by donating items — including windows, cabinets, and doors — to the ReStores, or by making a cash donation to the organization to support construction costs.

To purchase tickets for Sunday Dinner at the ReStore, visit sunday-dinner-at-the-restore.square.site. For more information about Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region and to donate, visit habitatpeterborough.ca.

This branded editorial was created in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.

The Peterborough Police Service is participating in the 2023 National Police Dog Competition in Barrie.

Presented by the Canadian Police Canine Association and hosted by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Barrie Police Service, the five-day event features nearly 40 canine teams competing from across the country.

Police constable Bob Cowie and police service dog (PSD) Isaac and police constable Dillon Wentworth and PSD Gryphon are representing Peterborough.

PSD Isaac, a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix who specializes in drug detection, joined the canine unit in 2019. PSD Gryphon, a Dutch Shepherd who joined the canine unit in 2022, is trained in human scent detection and location, suspect apprehension, article detection, handler protection, and narcotics detection.

Along with the Peterborough Police Service, the OPP, and the Barrie Police Service, handlers and their canines as well as judges are attending the competition from police and government agencies including the RCMP, Regina, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Victoria, Ottawa, Canada Border Services Agency, Alabama, Calgary, Peel, London, Saanich, York, Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie, Ottawa Airport Authority, and Metro Vancouver Transit.

The final day of the National Police Dog Competition on Saturday (September 9) will be open to the public at the Sadlon Arena in Barrie. Show times begin at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and continue throughout the day.

Campbellford Memorial Hospital has unveiled the first rendering of its proposed “Campus of Care” to be located on County Road 30 just west of Campbellford.

The ambitious concept would see an array of health care services in a single location within the decade, including a redeveloped 50-bed hospital, a new 128-bed long-term care home, and a medical office building designed to house the hospital’s community mental health program, geriatric assessment and intervention network, primary care offices, and other ancillary health services.

The site would also include supportive and staff housing complexes, recreational trails, community gardens, and wooded areas.

“This project will usher in a new era of health care excellence in our region,” says Campbellford Memorial Hospital president and CEO Jeff Hohenkerk in a media release.

“By expanding the hospital’s capacity, adding more long-term care beds, and offering a comprehensive range of ancillary health services all in one location, we will provide an unprecedented level of care that surpasses what is typically available in communities our size.”

Built in 1953, Campbellford Memorial Hospital has not undergone any major renovations or expansions since the construction of its emergency department wing, which was completed in 1987.

According to Hohenkerk, the proposed Campus of Care would represent a substantial improvement in the delivery of care, including more private rooms, increased accessibility features, medical units optimized for efficient patient flow, and an upgraded electrical grid to accommodate advanced medical equipment, and it would also help attract health care professionals to the region.

“In a competitive job market, modern and state-of-the-art facilities play a crucial role in attracting health care workers, especially new graduates,” Hohenkerk explains. “Our new hospital will be designed to meet the highest standards, offering a cutting-edge environment not seen elsewhere in our region.”

Having secured a 48-acre parcel of land donated by local farmer Jim Curle last October, Campbellford Memorial Hospital has been working to address zoning issues, conduct soil testing, study traffic flow, and develop comprehensive program plans.

Once provincial government approval is received for its planning grant, the hospital expects it will take three or four years before construction begins and another three to five years for construction to be completed.

“Right now our hope is to have our new hospital completed within the next seven to 10 years,” says Campbellford Memorial Hospital board chair Carrie Hayward. “We are working every day to ensure those timelines are met.”

The hospital says it “is committed to ensuring a meticulous, transparent, and efficient development process” for the proposed Campus of Care project. For more information about the project, visit cmh.ca/redevelopment.