This photo by Karen Suggitt of Baddow Road Photography of a black bear playing with a sapling in the woods in Kawartha Lakes was our top Instagram post for April 2023. (Photo: Karen Suggitt @karen_suggitt / Instagram)
April is my favourite month and it always flies by way too fast. This April in the Kawarthas was a mixed bag of everything that Mother Nature could throw at us. We had snow, we had sleet, we had frost, and we had buckets of rain. We had March cold and we had July heat. When spring finally arrived and the ice broke and the snow finally melted away, we welcomed back many of our favourite things.
Open water is back with the sky and sunsets reflected in our beautiful lakes, paddling is back, and the herons and loons are back. Coffee on the dock is back for the lucky few who can access cottage country early in the season. And it seems that the trilliums are back early this year — they started to bud late in April, but you’ll see them in full bloom in our May column. And nothing says spring like a black bear wandering in the woods, and our top photo tells that story.
Many thanks, as always, to our intrepid local photographers who bring The Kawarthas to us every month.
Do you want to get on our top photographers list? All you need is an Insta account and to tag us using our hashtag #kawarthanow when posting your photo.
We share photos from across our readership area, which is the five-county area surrounding Peterborough which includes Peterborough, Northumberland, City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Hastings (we sneak in the occasional Algonquin Park picture as well, particularly if it’s by a Kawarthas photographer).
To see our daily shares of photos, follow us on Instagram @kawarthanow and check out our feed’s highlight reels for recaps of every month in 2023.
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#1. Black bear playing in the woods in Kawartha Lakes by Karen Suggitt @karen_suggitt
Cottage Vacations offers a range of cottage properties for rent across the Kawarthas region, including this newly renovated cottage in northern Peterborough County. On the shores of picturesque Crystal Lake, this 850-square-foot cottage creates the ultimate coastal escape without the price of flights. The main cottage, which can sleep six, with an additional bunkie makes it a perfect destination for two families to unwind in the summer. (Photo courtesy of Cottage Vacations)
With cottage season soon in full swing, there’s good news for people looking to rent a cottage in the Kawarthas and cottage owners in the Kawarthas wanting to rent out their cottage: Ontario’s premier cottage rental company Cottage Vacations is expanding its operations in the region.
Since 1999, Cottage Vacations has offered hundreds of privately owned waterfront cottages for rent in Muskoka, Parry Sound, Georgian Bay, Simcoe, Haliburton, and the Kawarthas. Last September, Sandra Wilkins joined Cottage Vacations as the territory manager overseeing the Kawarthas region — including Peterborough and the Kawarthas, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton — which has recently experienced significant growth in cottage rental availability.
“There’s such a need in this area,” says Wilkins, acknowledging that this demand is what attracted her to the role. “I’m excited for the future — not just for myself, but for cottage owners and cottage renters in the whole area I’m working in.”
Jay Katzeff, president of Cottage Vacations, and Sandra Wilkins, territory manager for the Kawarthas, including Peterborough and the Kawarthas, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton. (Photos courtesy of Cottage Vacations)
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When Cottage Vacations president Jay Katzeff took over the Muskoka-based company last February, he noticed a high rate of Kawarthas rentals on the market, compared to properties in traditional cottage country like the Muskokas. He attributes this increase to the region offering a similar cottage experience but at a lower price point.
“People saw a lot of opportunity in the Kawarthas and it just continues to grow,” Katzeff explains. “It’s a fantastic vacation market and it’s a fantastic community. It has all the amenities one could ask for.”
While pandemic travel restrictions increased the demand for cottage rentals over the past couple of years, travel is now returning to normal and rental demand is returning to pre-pandemic levels. At the same, more owners are looking to rent their cottages to help offset increased ownership costs.
Full of traditional and modern charm, this cottage on Crego Lake in the northeast corner of Kawartha Lakes near Kinmount features three bedrooms and soaring ceilings with tons of natural light. (Photo courtesy of Cottage Vacations)
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“Because interest rates have gone up, and cost of ownership has gone up, more people have turned to renting their properties,” says Katzeff. “They need that cash flow, so more owners are looking to rent their properties than ever before.”
Although Cottage Vacations has always listed some cottages in the Kawarthas since its founding in 1999, Katzeff felt it was an “obvious next step” to onboard someone located in and dedicated to the region given its recent growth in rentals.
“You need to have someone who lives and breathes and understands the Kawarthas market,” he notes, referring to Wilkins. “There’s nuance to every lake and there’s nuance to every property.”
Cottage Vacations is offering even more rental properties in the Kawarthas. This cottage is located on beautiful Crystal Lake, southeast of Kinmount and north of Bobcaygeon in northern Peterborough County. (Photo courtesy of Cottage Vacations)
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Labelling themselves as “matchmakers,” Cottage Vacations offers something that other companies in the short-term rental industry don’t: a hands-on, personalized experience for both owners and renters.
“We are there to support the owner, to make sure it’s the right rental group for their property so they’re going to have the best experience,” Katzeff explains. “And we’re there to support the renter, to make sure the property they’re paying for is going to be the best one for their vacation.”
To do this, Wilkins visits each property before it gets listed, eliminating the potential for false advertising and owner biases. Though renters can find a variety of properties — ranging from a basic rental to a luxurious one — at Cottage Vacations, not just any property can be listed on the platform; it must meet certain standards.
At Cottage Vacations, available rental properties vary from classic cottage country to luxury lakehouse and everything in between. This luxury property can be found on the shores of Twelve Mile Lake in Haliburton County, with six bedrooms spread across the three storeys. Infused with natural light, the open concept interior provides uninhibited views of the lake. (Photo courtesy of Cottage Vacations)
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“We evaluate whether the property is going to meet needs of the renters that we attract,” Wilkins says.
“We take pride in being very honest,” Katzeff adds, explaining the company knows their listed properties inside and out so they can make accurate recommendations based on a renter’s needs. “If there are one hundred steps from the deck to the water, we tell you there are one hundred steps from the deck to the water. That’s why renters can rely on us.”
Cottage Vacations is equally dedicated to protecting the interests of cottage owners, requiring renters to fill out a thorough application form.
“We make sure the people who are renting our properties are going to take care of them and are going to treat the property with respect,” Katzeff points out.
Cottage Vacations offers in-house professional photography to all its owners to help capture and showcase their properties’ best attributes, including this stunning kitchen and dining area of a luxury cottage on Twelve Mile Lake in Haliburton County. (Photo courtesy of Cottage Vacations)
The company also keeps a database of renters and, if a cottage owner has a bad experience with a renter, they don’t allow the renter to book again on the Cottage Vacations platform.
Along with these protections, Cottage Vacations is also working to address the “absentee owner” issue which, according to Katzeff, is creating a bad name for the short-term rental industry — leading municipalities like the City of Kawartha Lakes to consider a short-term rental by-law and licensing program.
“We want to work with municipalities, townships, and neighbourhoods to let us manage those properties,” he says. “We are here to protect this industry and we’re here to protect these neighbourhoods.”
Cottage Vacations properties range from deep to shallow entry. Finding a cottage to suit your group’s needs has never been easier. Located near Wilberforce on Grace Lake, this cottage features a large sandy beach for guests to enjoy. (Photo courtesy of Cottage Vacations)
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While companies like Airbnb and Vrbo have received much of the criticism around short-term rentals, Cottage Vacations understands the “simplicity” of their platforms is appealing to renters. The company will soon be launching an updated website offering a user-friendly rental process similar to the one offered on these platforms. Clients will be able to easily complete rental applications and provide payment details directly on the website.
Both owners and renters are still welcome to pick up the phone and speak directly with someone in the office anytime they require.
“Our updated website will marry the ease and appeal of Airbnb with the safety net of working with an agency,” Katzeff says.
Welcome to Reverence on Kennisis Lake, a gorgeous Canadian Shield cottage with granite outcrops located in the heart of the 100,000-acre Haliburton Forest. This log-construction cottage will serve as your base for all the outdoor adventure the region has to offer. (Photo courtesy of Cottage Vacations)
With the recent launch of Cottage Vacations Real Estate Brokerage, the company is taking their services a step further to also help people looking to purchase their own rental property.
“Cottages are big investments and you have to have the right information,” says Katzeff, explaining new cottage owners often have unrealistic expectations of the rental market after receiving inaccurate information from real estate agents.
“We’re able to leverage 23 years of rental history and data from between 150 and 300 properties all over cottage country to help you make the best decision on your purchase.”
Located on Lake Scucog in Janetville near Lindsay, the Loon Street Lodge is just 90 minutes away from Toronto, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the big city in the summer. (Photo courtesy of Cottage Vacations)
As for Wilkins, she is currently enrolled in the Real Estate Salesperson Program, delivered by Humber College, so she can also help people looking to buy a rental cottage in the Kawarthas.
“It just makes sense because we have people who have rented from Cottage Vacations for years and years and years,” she says. “They may be now so in love with the concept and be in the position to buy their own.”
For those who buy a rental cottage through Cottage Vacations Real Estate Brokerage, the company can also help them with the entire rental process.
Cottage Vacations at the Spring Cottage Life Show, held from March 23 to 26, 2023 at the International Centre in Mississauga (from left to right): president Jay Katzeff, Real Estate Broker Of Record Tyler DaCosta, Muskoka/Georgian Bay territory manager Tammy Rice, and Kawarthas territory manager Sandra Wilkins. (Photo courtesy of Cottage Vacations)
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“We stay involved,” Katzeff says. “We’re not just going to help you buy the property. We’re also going to manage it for you, to make sure that you achieve the outcome you’re looking for. We bring it to life with real numbers, real data, real information, and then we’re there to help you succeed.”
For new cottage owners entering the rental market, both Katzeff and Wilkins want to be along for the journey.
“You let us help you find the perfect property,” says Katzeff. “Let us stay with you before, during, and after the transaction. And when you’re ready to upgrade it or sell it, let us be there for you too.”
Cottage Vacations will soon be launching their updated website with plenty of rentals still available for summer bookings. In the interim, you can browse available properties at cottagevacations.com, where cottage owners looking to rent out their properties can also arrange an appointment.
For more information about Cottage Vacations Real Estate Brokerage and to see featured listings, visit cvrealestate.com.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with Cottage Vacations. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Located at 83 Robinson Street in Peterborough's East City, the John C. Sullivan House was built in 1886 and designed by famed Peterborough architect William Blackwell. The Sullivan family, which founded Sullivan's Pharmacy, sold the home in the Roman Catholic diocese in 1936 which used it as a convent from 1941 until 1953. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
Update – Listed with Forest Hill Real Estate Inc., the asking price for John C. Sullivan House is $1,399,800. The home has a total of eight bedrooms and four full bathrooms, including a three-bedroom apartment on the third floor. You can take a 3D tour.
The John C. Sullivan House, a historic home built for the founder of Sullivan’s Pharmacy in Peterborough’s East City that later served as a convent, is apparently going up for sale.
A real estate sign with a “Coming soon to MLS” label was recently placed in front of the property, which is located at 83 Robinson Street across from Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School.
According to information from the City of Peterborough’s heritage register, the mansion — which became known as Lakeview (presumably because its highest south-facing windows would have a view of Little Lake) — was built in 1886 for John C. Sullivan, who hired famed Peterborough architect William Blackwell to design it.
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Among many other buildings, Blackwell also designed the Academy Theatre in Lindsay in 1893, the Young Men’s Christian Association building in downtown Peterborough in 1896, and King George Public School in East City in 1913.
As for Sullivan, he was a grocer by trade who opened a store in Ashburnham Village, in the building on Hunter Street East just west of where Sullivan’s Pharmacy is located today. Sullivan and his Irish-born wife Mary lived in rooms over the grocery store before having the Robinson Street house built. In 1913, two of the couple’s children opened a pharmacy in the same building and John C. Sullivan’s grandson Hugh Sullivan took over operation of the pharmacy when his father passed away.
Hugh Sullivan later bought Irwin’s drug store and moved it to the current location of Sullivan’s Pharmacy, which he operated with his son Peter until selling the business in 2014 to Jason Hinton and Doug Shier (Hinton is now the sole owner).
A real estate sign with a “coming soon to MLS” label was recently placed in the John C. Sullivan House at 83 Robinson Street in Peterborough’s East City. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
In 1936, the Sullivan family sold the Robinson Street property to the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation for the Diocese of Peterborough, which conveyed it to the Sisters of the
Precious Blood of the Diocese of Peterborough in 1941.
For the next 12 years, the mansion served as a convent for nuns whose principal occupation was making wafers for Holy Communion.
The house had several different owners from 1953 until 1967, when it began to be used as a boarding house. In 1981, John and Theresa Topic, both professors at Trent University, purchased the home with the intent of converting it back to a single family dwelling.
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In 1985, the house received heritage designation from the City of Peterborough.
Described as one of the largest homes in Peterborough, the John C. Sullivan House is considered one of the best examples of the bracketed Italianate style of architecture in the city.
Public information about the ownership and use of the property after 1985, when the house received heritage designation, is currently unavailable.
The original version of this story, which included information about John C. Sullivan’s business from research completed by Gina Basciano for the City of Peterborough, has been updated with corrections supplied by Peter Sullivan.
Dr. John Beamish presents at Hospice Peterborough's annual general meeting in 2018. One of the founding members of Hospice Peterborough in 1988, Dr. Beamish served in many roles at the organization before becoming its medical director in 2018. (Photo: Hospice Peterborough)
Dr. John Beamish, medical director of Hospice Peterborough and a tireless advocate for hospice palliative care, has retired.
One of the founding members of Hospice Peterborough in 1988, Dr. Beamish has served in many roles in the organization over the past four decades, including as board member, staff mentor, and donor.
In 2018, he became Hospice Peterborough’s medical director for community programs and the hospice care centre which opened in 2019 at 325 London Street in Peterborough. He was a driving force behind the 10-bed residence, which provides around-the-clock end-of-life care for hospice clients and family members.
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Also a family physician, Dr. Beamish provided palliative care to patients living in the city and county of Peterborough for more than four decades.
“During this time, palliative care has evolved from a discipline on the fringes of medicine to a respected part of the care continuum,” reads a newsletter from Hospice Peterborough announcing Dr. Beamish’s retirement. “He is considered by many to be a trailblazer in the palliative field.”
“In the early days of Hospice Peterborough, Dr. Beamish would participate in weekly client and system reviews that resulted in not only better care for clients, but also incredible growth of Hospice and palliative supports in the community for clients and their families. His knowledge, responsiveness, good humour, and ability to empower patients with information to make their own care decisions continue to be commended today.”
Dr. John Beamish (middle) received the Paul Harris Fellow award from the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha in 2021 for community service. (Photo: Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)
After retiring from his family practice in 2020, Dr. Beamish continued to provide palliative care at Hospice Peterborough and at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
He became a local hero during the height of the pandemic when, to limit the risk of Hospice Peterborough clients’ exposure to the virus, he volunteered to be the only palliative physician for the care centre residents, never taking a day off.
“He came in every day for four months, without complaint, and, as always, showed kindness, compassion, and good humour,” says Hospice Peterborough executive director Hajni Hos.
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Dr. Beamish also played an integral role in establishing community health initiatives including Ontario’s Community Palliative On-call Physician (CPOC) group and the 360 Clinic, which provides more equitable healthcare to people who struggle to use regular services in the community.
In 2021, he was awarded the Dr. S. Lawrence Librach Award for Palliative Medicine in the Community for excellence and leadership in palliative care, as well as the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha’s Paul Harris Fellow award for community service.
Hospice Peterborough is collecting well wishes to compile into a book to present to Dr. Beamish. You can send your well wishes to admin@hospicepeterborough.org by Friday, June 2nd.
Peterborough band Charlie Horse (Alan Black, Clifford Maynes, Trevor "Tiny" Davis, and JP Hovercraft) performs rarely heard country songs recorded by The Rolling Stones along with "country-fried" Stones favourites at The Ganny in Port Hope on Saturday afternoon. (Photo courtesy of Charlie Horse)
Every Thursday, we publish live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, May 4 to Wednesday, May 10.
If you’re a pub or restaurant owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.
With the exception of karaoke, we only list events with performing musicians. Venues may also host other events during the week (e.g., dancing, DJs, comedy shows).
Police are investigating a fatal head-on collision on County Road 2 between Cobourg and Port Hope on Thursday morning (May 4).
At around 10 a.m., officers with Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a two-vehicle collision on County Road 2 between Loveshin Road and Apple Orchard Road.
Northumberland OPP have not yet released any details of the number of fatalities or injuries.
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County Road 2 has been closed between Loveshin Road and Apple Orchard Road while police document the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the collision who has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact the Northumberland OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Peterborough writer Erica Richmond with her first book "Pixie and the Bees", which is based on her own experience of living with an anxiety disorder. During Mental Health Month in May, Richmond is donated half of the sales of the book, illustrated by Peterborough artist Brooklin Holborough, to Peterborough Youth Services. (Photo courtesy of Erica Richmond)
For the second year in a row, Peterborough writer Erica Richmond is donating half of the sales of her children’s book Pixie and the Bees to a local charity during May for Mental Health Month.
Last year, Richmond raised $530 for the Trans Peer Outreach program at the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (Richmond’s youngest child is transgender). This year, she will be raising funds for Peterborough Youth Services.
Mental health awareness is a cause close to Richmond’s heart. She wrote Pixie and the Bees, her first book, while she was struggling with a diagnosed anxiety disorder.
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“The only way I could describe my anxiety to anyone was that I felt like I had bees swarming through my body all the time,” says Richmond in a media release, adding she also felt lonely because no one else could see anything wrong with her.
Published in November 2020, Pixie and the Bees tells the story of a happy Pixie who has an encounter while picking wildflowers that leaves her with constant pain and discomfort that nobody else understands at first. The book is illustrated by Peterborough artist Brooklin Holborough.
The month of May also marks the anniversary of the death of the father of Richmond’s children to suicide.
With illustrations by Peterborough artist Brooklin Holborough, Erica Richmond’s “Pixie and the Bees” tells the story of a happy Pixie who has an encounter while picking wildflowers that leaves her with constant pain and discomfort that nobody else understands at first. (Photo courtesy of Erica Richmond)
“This fundraiser is my way of acknowledging the deep impact his death had on my family and the great need to support others who are struggling,” Richmond says.
Peterborough Youth Services provides accessible services that engage youth in a respectful, professional, and therapeutic relationship to foster emotional and social health. In 2021-2022, the organization provided support to 728 local youth through their mental health programs.
“Funds raised through this generous project will assist our efforts to reach out to young people and their families to offer counselling, support, and youth justice services,” says Peterborough Youth Services executive director Gord Langill. “Thank you, Erica.”
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The owner of Open Sky Stories, Richmond leads a variety of workshops focusing on connection and healing using expressive writing. In addition to Pixie and the Bees, Richmond partnered with North Carolina’s Shannon Fitzgerald to write The Mail Art Stories Project: Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19, which showcases 119 decorated envelopes and postcards received from 52 people from 11 different countries around the world.
Scott Williams and Lea Tran of Wildflower Bakery, a European-style bakery in Havelock best known for its sourdough bread and croissants. One of three Peterborough-area entrepreneurs to receive a $3,000 seed grant and three-month mentorship the 2023 'Spark' Mentorships and Grants Program to develop their tourism-related business ideas, Williams' award-winning idea is to offer sourdough bread-making workshops. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
Three Peterborough-area entrepreneurs are one step closer to making their new tourism ideas a reality thanks to the 2023 ‘Spark’ Mentorships and Grants Program.
Connor McIlveen and Glyne Pease, Katie Jackson, and Scott Williams will each receive a $3,000 seed grant and a three-month mentorship to develop their tourism-related business ideas.
This is the second intake of the ‘Spark’ program, an initiative offered collaboratively by the Tourism Innovation Lab and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism (a division of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development) with funding support from the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
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Last year, 16 Peterborough-area entrepreneurs applied for the program and six were awarded grants and mentorships.
This year, 10 entrepreneurs applied and the top five were invited to pitch their new tourism ideas virtually on Tuesday (May 2) to a panel of judges comprised of local partner representatives and a tourism innovator from outside the region, who then selected the three winners.
Connor McIlveen and Glyne Pease of Shamrock Acres won for their idea for a rustic farm venue and event space. Katie Jackson of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience in Lakefield won for her idea to offer a mystery agritourism and culinary experience. Scott Williams of Wildflower Bakery in Havelock won for his idea to provide sourdough bread-making workshops.
A panel of judges selected three winning entrepreneurs from five finalists who participated in a virtual pitch session on May 2, 2023 for the second intake of the ‘Spark’ Mentorships and Grants Program offered by collaboratively by the Tourism Innovation Lab and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
“It’s a privilege to work with these local tourism innovators,” says Joe Rees, director of tourism with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, in a media release. “Our team looks forward to supporting the development of tourism products that give visitors new and engaging ways to explore Peterborough & the Kawarthas.”
In addition to the $3,000 grants and three-month mentorships with a tourism innovator, experienced operator, industry leader, or sector expert, each winning applicant gains access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the province.
“We congratulate the second-round winners of the Peterborough & the Kawarthas ‘Spark’ Program and are excited to work with them to help develop new and exciting tourism offerings in the region,” says Tourism Innovation Lab program lead Justin Lafontaine.
Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating after racist graffiti was found at Squirrel Creek Conservation Area in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township south of Peterborough.
On Tuesday (May 2), two separate incidents of mischief involving words deemed to be racial in nature were reported to the OPP.
Both incidents involve graffiti including spray-painted words and took place at or close to Squirrel Creek Conservation Area.
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Police do not know the exact dates when the incidents took place, but the mischief was reported to the OPP on May 2.
The investigation is ongoing and has also been forwarded to the OPP hate crimes unit for review and input.
Investigators are actively looking for information that may lead to a suspect or suspect in this case. Anyone with incormation can contact Peterborough County OPP at 705-742-0401 or the non-emergency line 1-888-310-1122. If you prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or at stopcrimehere.ca.
Many homes in Peterborough built decades ago when there were less stringent building codes have tremendous potential for better energy efficiency, improved comfort, smaller energy bills, and reduced greenhouse gasses by undergoing deep retrofits. (Photo: Clara Blakelock / GreenUP)
With the heating season almost at a close, it’s a good time to take stock of your home’s energy use. How much electricity did you use over the winter? What about natural gas, propane, or fuel oil? Do you know how much greenhouse gas your home emitted this winter?
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s column is by Clara Blakelock, Program Manager & Registered Energy Advisor, GreenUP.
A new community greenhouse gas emissions inventory was recently completed by staff at the City of Peterborough. This inventory gives a more elaborate picture of what actions we must do as a community to meet our climate targets.
As of 2021, our homes have contributed to 23 per cent of Peterborough-Nogojiwanong’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Our homes account for 114,779 metric tons of CO2 annually. Locally, only on-road transportation emits more.
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Emissions from the residential sector have decreased by about 12,500 metric tons from 2011 levels, but residential emissions still need to go down by about 45,000 additional metric tons of CO2 to meet the 2030 climate target. This means a reduction of over two metric tons of CO2 for every single detached or semi-detached home in Peterborough.
The good news is that there is a tremendous opportunity for homeowners to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In our area, 82 per cent of homes were built over 30 years ago, when there were less stringent building codes. Simple retrofits like topping up attic insulation can reduce a home’s emissions by 10 per cent or more.
Residential homes comprised 23 per cent of of Peterborough’s overall greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 according to a new community greenhouse gas emissions inventory recently completed by staff at the City of Peterborough. (Infographic: GreenUP)
However, to meet these ambitious targets, we’ll need to do more than what simple retrofits can offer. Most homes in Peterborough emit between five and eight metric tons of CO2 annually, depending on age, insulation levels, and heating type.
To meet our targets, many homes will need to conduct deep retrofits. A deep retrofit will reduce energy use by 50 per cent or more.
“The latest community greenhouse gas inventory revealed the extent of emissions produced by housing in Peterborough,” says Peterborough city councillor Joy Lachica, chair of the city’s environment and climate change portfolio. “Deep energy retrofits are needed to lower the energy demand of homes.”
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Deep retrofits consist of three elements: improving the building envelope, updating mechanical systems, and adding renewable energy.
“As a homeowner, a deep energy retrofit can improve the comfort, durability, and indoor health of your home, while lowering maintenance and monthly utility costs,” says Eric Ta, energy coordinator at Green Communities Canada, a national non-profit working to expand deep retrofits in Canada. “Deep energy retrofits will increase the overall future value of your home.”
A deep retrofit first focuses on improving the building envelope. This means adding insulation to attics as well as to walls, sloped ceilings, and basements. Improving the envelope also means making the home more airtight, so that less warm air is leaking to the outside in winter. To do this, you repair or replace windows, weatherstrip doors, and seal up cracks and holes in the building.
Peterborough has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent from 2011 levels by the year 2030. To help meet this target, half of Peterborough homes would need to undergo deep retrofits to reduce their emissions. (Infographic: GreenUP)
Alex Joseph, senior manager of deep energy retrofits with Green Communities Canada, explains the next two steps of a deep retrofit.
“Once your building envelope is airtight and insulated, then the mechanical system can be upgraded. The added benefit is that these systems can be smaller due to the reduced heating and cooling load. Consider adding solar to your roof or yard where space exists. Solar systems are modular and can be added in stages and installed and connected as funding permits.”
Electric air-source heat pumps are a popular choice for many homeowners that wish to upgrade their mechanical systems. A heat pump can drastically reduce a home’s emissions from heating and cooling and is the most efficient choice for heating your water.
If you’re thinking about undertaking a deep retrofit on your home, there are supports available.
The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program offers grants up to $10,000 for Enbridge customers (up to $5,000 for non-Enbridge customers) to install measures such as insulation, air sealing, heat pumps, and solar panels. The federal government’s Canada Greener Homes Loan offers a $40,000 interest-free loan to further assist with upgrades.
In addition, the City of Peterborough is in the process of developing the Home Energy Efficiency Program, which will provide additional low-interest loans to support deep retrofits.
The first step of a deep retrofit is improving the building envelope. This means adding insulation to attics as well as to walls, sloped ceilings, and basements. Improving the envelope also means making the home more airtight, so that less warm air is leaking to the outside in winter. To do this, you repair or replace windows, weatherstrip doors, and seal up cracks and holes in the building. (Infographic: GreenUP)
GreenUP believes that these programs, and the homeowners who choose to undertake deep retrofits, are exactly the type of leadership we need to reduce our residential emissions.
“The Home Energy Efficiency Program will help guide homeowners through the renovation journey and direct them to select third-party financing or property tax repayment methods to fund the retrofit,” Lachicha says.
“Once launched, the program can support many Peterborough homeowners to access capital to undertake extensive energy renovations that will lower utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions.”
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To be eligible for any of these programs, the first step is to book an EnerGuide home energy assessment with GreenUP. A registered energy advisor will assess your home’s energy use, perform a blower door test, and provide recommendations for how best to upgrade your home to reduce energy and emissions.
Over the next several months, GreenUP will be covering the elements of deep retrofits in greater detail online, over the news, and with engaging webinars.
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