Missing 50-year-old Philip Tate of Peterborough. (Police-supplied photo)
Peterborough police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 50-year-old Peterborough man.
Update Fri Nov 24 – Philip Tate has been located and is safe.
Philip Tate was last seen on Wednesday night (November 22) at around 8:45 p.m. leaving his home in the Gilchrist Street and Parkhill Road West area of Peterborough.
He is described as white, 5’11” tall, bald with facial hair, and has green eyes.
Advertisement - content continues below
He was last seen wearing a black or blue puffy coat, a black or grey toque, sweatpants, and Keen sandals.
Police and family are concerned for his safety.
Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough police at 705-876-1122 x225 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Five children on their way to school in Peterborough. Over the past few decades, the proportion of children who walk to school has decreased dramatically. (Photo: Active School Travel Peterborough)
Walking and biking to school are great for children’s health, offer opportunities for quality time, and can even improve student concentration and performance.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s column is by Ashley Burnie, Program Coordinator, GreenUP.
Unfortunately, while most of today’s parents walked to school when they were kids, over the past several decades the number of families walking to school has steadily declined, and traffic congestion in school zones has become a daily reality.
In the 1980s, about 44 per cent of students in Canada used active transportation modes for the journey to school. Forty years later, it was down to 21 per cent according to Ontario Active School Travel’s research.
This decline in daily activity can seem like a casualty of modern life. The answers might seem obvious: we are busier, we have more commitments both at home and at work, and many of us live in more spread-out communities where walking to school seems out of reach. Let’s break down these ideas below and really get to the bottom of why less kids are walking to school.
Advertisement - content continues below
The first issue is a hard one to change: are children living too far away from their schools? Not necessarily. For Peterborough elementary schools, on average over half of students live within their school’s walk zone, meaning distance cannot be the only reason people are not choosing an active trip to school.
Another often-cited reason is concerns about traffic danger. Parenting guides from the 1960s and 1970s suggest that kids as young as six were trusted to walk to school themselves, but recent brain development studies would suggest that, until about ages nine to 12, kids are unable to accurately judge the distance and speed of traffic.
Understandably, parents want to accompany and protect their children in busy school zones. However, these concerns can create a vicious cycle, where the perception that it is unsafe to walk to school leads parents to drive children, adding more vehicles and further decreasing safety.
VIDEO: “Why did Kids Stop Walking to School?”
Increased traffic in the school zone means more chances for injury, and risk is increased by both the volume and speed of vehicular traffic. Cars going at 50 kilometres per hour, for example, have a fatality rate of 80 per cent, whereas cars heading at 30 kilometres per hour have a fatality rate of only 10 per cent.
In addition, research shows that not all children or neighbourhoods face risk equally, and it is the children who don’t have the luxury of choice who are potentially being put in more danger.
Children of equity-deserving groups are more likely to walk or bike to school, and often do so in neighbourhoods where infrastructure like sidewalks and crossings are not prioritized. A report analysis by CBC noted that lower income neighbourhoods in Toronto have 50 per cent more fatal collisions between cars and pedestrian than more affluent neighbourhoods.
Equity issues within the walk to school are both structural and cultural. Although we cannot snap our fingers and have the layout or density of our cities change, or immediately lower all speed limits, we can shift in some tangible ways with key interventions that shift our culture, or change our own mindset.
Advertisement - content continues below
Enter the walking school bus — a small solution that can yield wider social benefits.
It works similarly to a regular school bus, where students are “picked up” at predetermined times and locations. Walking together, parent or volunteer “drivers” lead the group safely to school.
Walking in a large group adds visibility and increases safety while also serving as a reminder that our streets and cities are for people, not just people in cars.
One of the main reasons parents drive their kids to school is because they are concerned about their safety. Organizing a “walking school bus” where parents or volunteers lead a group of children to school adds visibility and increases safety while also serving as a reminder that our streets and cities are for people, not just people in cars. (Photo: Active School Travel Peterborough)
With a walking school bus, kids have fun and de-stress with their friends and arrive at school with clear heads, ready to learn. In a world where only 17.5 per cent of children get their daily recommended 60 minutes of exercise, this can improve mental, social, and physical health.
It can provide relief for busy parents, too, who no longer have to drive their kids into the busy and stressful school zone. This reduces traffic congestion and harmful emissions, contributing to a safer environment for all.
Walking school buses are a powerful tool in changing our cultural attitudes. It is no wonder that this trend has been gaining traction across social media platforms.
Advertisement - content continues below
This initiative reminds us of the power of community, and that big change can come from simple solutions, even in our own neighbourhoods. Connect with friends, neighbours, or school councils to begin organizing a walking school bus today.
Peterborough city council is now proposing a 7.38 per cent residential property tax hike instead of the nearly 10 per cent proposed in the original draft 2024 budget.
After three days of meetings as finance committee this week, city council concluded it budget deliberations on Wednesday night (November 21) recommending a series of changes to decrease the proposed property tax rate increase by more than two per cent.
The proposed 7.38 per cent rate hike it is still more than twice as much as the 3.15 per cent rate increase last year. It would add $10.72 per month, or $128.65 for the year, to residential taxes for each $100,000 of property assessment. For a home assessed at $600,000, this would be an increase of $771.90 for the year.
Advertisement - content continues below
City staff say a substantial property tax hike is needed to maintain existing levels of service affected by inflationary increases as well as to support investments in infrastructure, policing, city employee compensation, transit service improvements, municipal law enforcement services, snow removal operations, and customer service improvements.
Finance committee recommended several changes to decrease the originally proposed property tax hike, primarily by shifting around $3 million in taxes from residential properties to commercial and industrial properties by increasing the tax ratio for both commercial and industrial property classes from 1.5 to 1.65 — reversing a trend of decreasing the ratios in previous years.
Other recommendations include using $800,000 in investment interest generated from the sale of Peterborough Distribution Inc. to Hydro One, using $200,000 in gaming revenue from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) that the City of Peterborough receives for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough, and creating a new service fee for unplugging sanitary sewer lines on private property to generate an estimated $85,000 in annual revenue.
Advertisement - content continues below
Finance committee also decided to reverse course on proposed reductions of around 3.6 per cent in funding for community organizations including Artspace, Community Care Peterborough, Peterborough Musicfest, Peterborough GreenUP, New Canadians Centre, and more. Instead, grants to certain organizations would increase by 1.5 per cent compared to 2023 as a cost of $43,800 with additional monies coming from the city’s general contingency fund.
The three days of finance committee meetings followed a series of public meetings in the last two weeks on the proposed budget. City council is scheduled to consider approving the 2024 budget at its meeting on Monday, December 11th, when registered delegations can present to council.
Lions Theresa Hewitt and Lucas with a donated turkey during the Great Turkey Exchange in 2022, when the East Peterborough Lions Club took over the long-running program. As well as delivering turkeys and hams to individuals and families in need, the Lions distributed them to organizations including One Roof, YES Shelter for Youth and Families, the Brock Mission, and the YWCA Crossroads Shelter. (Photo: East Peterborough Lions Club / Facebook)
The East Peterborough Lions Club is seeking donations of turkeys and hams this holiday season to distribute to families who might otherwise go without a traditional Christmas dinner.
The Great Turkey Exchange was first organized in 2009 by Lois Tuffin through Peterborough This Week when she was the editor-in-chief. The program ran for 12 years and distributed 2,700 turkeys and hams until it went on hiatus in 2021, after pandemic-related supply chain shortages made it difficult to get donations.
At Tuffin’s request, the East Peterborough Lions Club agreed to take over the program in 2022 and is continuing it this year.
Advertisement - content continues below
Share on Bluesky
“Our club has helped out by delivering turkeys to groups and we saw how grateful people are to have strangers help feed their families,” says Frank Hewitt, district governor of District A-3 of Lions Cubs International, which covers central Ontario. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to resuscitate the program and fill such a great need in our community.”
Over its history, the Great Turkey Exchange has delivered the main course for 17,500 Christmas dinners in the Peterborough area, with most of the donated turkeys and hams coming from individuals and businesses.
The East Peterborough Lions Club is encouraging the community to participate again this year, either by purchasing and donating turkeys and hams or by donating cash so they can be purchased.
Advertisement - content continues below
Donations can be dropped off at the Kawartha Food Share warehouse at 665 Neal Drive in Peterborough.
The turkeys and hams will be distributed to families who cannot afford a turkey or ham for Christmas. Families in this situation can email greatturkeyexchange@gmail.com and ask to be placed on the donation list.
New Stages Peterborough is presenting "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough for six performances from December 13 to 17, 2023. Set in a 1940s radio station before a live "studio" audience, actors (from left to right) Kerry Griffin, Megan Murphy, M. John Kennedy, Ordena Stephens-Thompson, and Brad Brackenridge will play all the characters from the movie and also create all of the sound effects. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
Five professional actors will bring Frank Capra’s classic 1946 Christmas film to when New Stages Peterborough presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough for six performances from December 13 to 17.
The Market Hall stage will be transformed into a 1940s radio station, with the Market Hall audience as a live “studio” audience, while actors M. John Kennedy, Ordena Stephens-Thompson, Megan Murphy, Kerry Griffin, and Brad Brackenridge will play all the characters from the movie and also create all of the sound effects.
The family-friendly play was inspired by the film’s screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Jo Swerling, and Capra himself, who also directed and produced the film. The screenplay was based on the short story and booklet The Greatest Gift self-published by Philip Van Doren Stern in 1943, which itself was loosely based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella A Christmas Carol.
Advertisement - content continues below
Originally filmed in black and white, It’s a Wonderful Life stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has sacrificed his personal dreams to run the family business Bailey Building and Loan — a type of financial institution similar to a credit union that made home loans more broadly accessible from the 1830s to the 1930s. After the business suffers a devastating financial loss on Christmas Eve, a despondent George considers taking his own life. Clarence Odbody, a guardian angel attempting to earn his wings, intervenes to show George all the lives he had touched and what the world would be like had he not existed.
“Bringing Frank Capra’s classic film to the stage began almost twenty years ago when longtime friend and teacher Frances Kondziela asked me to pen an adaptation for her high school ensemble,” playwright Joe Landry said in 2006. “After the premiere of this original incarnation, the piece was produced by TheatreWorks in New Milford, Connecticut, and was then chosen for its first professional production at the legendary Westport Country Playhouse.”
As that original full-scale production literally attempted to replicate the film on stage, its costs skyrocketed and the production was dropped. That’s when the concept of staging the production as a live radio play set in the same time period as the original film was born.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” was written by Joe Landry after an attempt to stage a full-scale production of Frank Capra’s classic 1946 Christmas film proved too costly. The radio play version premiered in 1996 and has since been produced around the world, largely through word of mouth alone, to critical acclaim. (Photo: Colin Eastland)
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play premiered in 1996 at Stamford Center for the Arts in Stamford, Connecticut.
Since then, the play has been produced around the world, largely through word of mouth alone, to critical acclaim — including by one of the only surviving cast members of the original film who says the famous line, “Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.”
“I have seen the radio show performed many times and this was the best one I have ever seen,” said Karolyn Grimes, who played six-year-old Zuzu Bailey. “You have found the true magic from this story.”
Advertisement - content continues below
Although It’s a Wonderful Life is now considered one of the greatest films of all time, it bombed at the box office when it premiered and received mixed reviews, despite being nominated for five Academy Awards in 1947, including best actor, best picture, and best director.
“The weakness of this picture, from this reviewer’s point of view, is the sentimentality of it — its illusory concept of life,” wrote Bosley Crowther in The New York Times on December 23, 1946. “Mr. Capra’s nice people are charming, his small town is a quite beguiling place and his pattern for solving problems is most optimistic and facile. But somehow they all resemble theatrical attitudes rather than average realities.”
For the next three decades, It’s a Wonderful Life remained relatively forgotten. Then, in 1974, the film’s copyright expired and it fell into the public domain. This meant the film could be broadcast on television without licensing or royalty fees — which it was, year after year during the holiday season, soon becoming a tradition for many families. Capra, who passed away in 1991, said it was his favourite of the films he directed and that he screened it for his own family every Christmas.
Donna Reed and James Stewart (middle) in a scene from Frank Capra’s classic 1946 Christmas film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In New Stages Peterborough’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” five actors will perform all the characters from the film as well as sound effects. (Photo: RKO Radio Pictures)
The New Stages production of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play stars eight-time Dora Mavor Moore Award actor M. John Kennedy (The Tilco Strike, Give ‘Em Hell, Fireside Munsch) as George Bailey, two-time Dora-nominated actress Ordena Stephens-Thompson (‘Da Kink in My Hair, Fairview, Harlem Duet, Sweat) as Mary Hatch and other characters, Megan Murphy (The Verandah Society, Murphy’s Law) as Violet Bick and other characters, Kerry Griffin (SlapHappy, Second City, Bad Dog Theatre Co., Globus Theatre) as Henry F. Potter and other characters, and Brad Brackenridge (comedic and dramatic actor, puppeteer, and theatre artist) as Clarence the Angel and other characters.
The play is directed by the New Stage’s artistic director Mark Wallace, a two-time Dora nominee and a 2003 recipient, with Toronto’s Gabriel Vaillant as music director and pianist, Korin Cormier as costume designer, Sean Harris and Patricia Thorne as set and lighting designers, and Esther Vincent as stage manager.
Recommended for audience members over eight years of age, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play opens on Wednesday, December 13th and runs until Sunday, December 17th, with 7 p.m. evening performances from Wednesday until Saturday and 2 p.m. matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday.
New Stages artistic director Mark Wallace (third from left, wearing the Christmas hat) is directing “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” for six performances at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough from December 13 to 17, 2023. Actors (from left to right) Brad Brackenridge, Ordena Stephens-Thompson, M. John Kennedy, Megan Murphy, and Kerry Griffin will play all the characters from the movie and also create all of the sound effects. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
General admission tickets are $40 ($20 for students, arts workers, and those who are underemployed) and are available in person at the Market Hall box office (140 Charlotte St, Peterborough), by phone at 705-775-1503, or online at markethall.org. A 25 per cent discount is available for group sales of 10 or more tickets.
For more information about New Stages’ 2023-24 season, visit www.newstages.ca.
The original version of this story has been updated with cast photos. kawarthaNOW is proud to be media sponsor of New Stages Theatre Company’s 2023-24 season.
Five Counties Children's Centre CEO Scott Pepin hands the puck over to Five Counties alumnus Nick Scarr, who prepares to do the ceremonial puck drop before the Cobourg Cougars home game on November 20, 2023, which helped raise funds for the charitable organization serving children with special needs in the greater Kawarthas region. During his time at Five Counties, the centre's augmentative communication team set up Nick with a tablet to help him better communicate. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties)
Every month, Five Counties Children’s Centre provides a story about the work of the charitable organization. This month’s story is by CEO Scott Pepin.
While many of us take advantage of Black Friday sales, the Tuesday afterwards is worth buying into as well.
Giving Tuesday (November 28) is all about giving back, whether it’s making someone smile, assisting someone in need, making a donation, or being generous with our time and talents.
At Five Counties Children’s Centre, we have plenty to give and be grateful for every day. It’s obvious in seeing a child walk for the first time or hearing the giggle of a child greeting their therapist as they get ready for their visit.
Advertisement - content continues below
I experienced a grateful moment at our Cougars for Kids night in Cobourg on Monday (November 20), when I had the good fortune of joining Five Counties alumnus Nick Scarr at centre ice for the pre-game puck drop before the Cobourg Cougars hockey game.
Nick is a huge Cougars fan and was thrilled to do the honour. It’s fitting that, during his time at Five Counties, our augmentative communication team set up Nick with a tablet to help him better communicate. He now uses it to text, email, and cheer on Cougars players.
There’s more to appreciate in Cobourg. Our field of dreams — the Northumberland Backyard Project — behind our centre site in Cobourg is a step closer to reality thanks to generous community support. This fall, we started the grading, drainage, landscaping, and fencing that’s needed to start the transformation of the backyard.
We want to create a safe, fully accessible outdoor area that provides space and options for treatment, recreation, cultural awareness, and outdoor education program. We hope to share more good news about the backyard project very soon, as we aim to complete it in 2024.
VIDEO: Northumberland Backyard Project – From a Field of Dreams to Reality
In Peterborough, we’ve had incredible news with a generous donation from a retired couple. Dr. James and Mrs. Sheila Ryan have gifted $227,000 to Five Counties to help us attack wait lists for kids’ treatment.
The couple worked in a hospital setting — James as a doctor and Sheila as a pediatric/orthopedic nurse — so they know of what they speak when they say: “Prompt treatment can bring amazing results.” We estimate the Ryans’ donation will benefit more than 280 children in our region.
There’s an art to saying ‘thank you’, and that was on full display this past June at our centre in Lindsay when we welcomed six-year-old Gordon and his family for the unveiling of our new Five Counties ‘thank you’ card. Gordon’s crayon-coloured dinosaur picture graces the cover of the card, with a short description on the back about the aspiring young artist.
Advertisement - content continues below
Gordon is a former Five Counties client, who was born with a rare genetic condition called Aarskog-Scott syndrome that can cause many anatomical changes. Early on, Gordon’s parents noticed how he had difficulty reaching for objects and supporting his weight with his hands due to how they were developing.
From birth, Gordon also had crooked feet which raised concerns about how this could affect his walking. At Five Counties, Gordon was assessed to see what supports were needed, and he subsequently received assistance from an occupational therapist and physiotherapist.
“Thankfully we knew who to call — Five Counties,” notes Gordon’s mom Sarah.
Six-year-old Gordon is joined by his parents Len and Sarah in displaying his artwork that graces the cover of Five Counties’ new “thank you” cards given to its donors, volunteers, and supporters. Gord, who was born with a rare genetic condition called Aarskog-Scott syndrome, was assessed at Five Counties to see what supports he needed and subsequently received assistance from an occupational therapist and physiotherapist. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties)
We know how thankful families are to get support at Five Counties. Inspiring stories like Gordon’s and Nick’s speak to the life-changing work and impact we have in our community.
The support shown to us from groups and individuals, like the Ryans, allow us to go above and beyond. Consider that last year, treatment provided to one out of every eight children seen at Five Counties was paid for through fundraising events and donations.
At Five Counties, we know every act of generosity counts — any day of the year.
VIDEO: Investing in Our Kids Thank you to the Ryans!
Cast and crew on the set for the Peterborough Theatre Guild's production of "The Enchanted Bookshop" by Todd Wallinger, which runs for eight performances from December 1 to 10, 2023. The family-friendly comic fantasy takes place in a used bookstore where literary characters come to life at night. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Theatre Guild)
For the third production of its 2023-24 season, the Peterborough Theatre Guild is staging the family play The Enchanted Bookshop by Todd Wallinger with eight performances from December 1 to 10 including weekend matinees.
A comic fantasy, The Enchanted Bookshop is set in a used bookstore called A Likely Story, where something magical happens at night: beloved literary characters leave the pages of their books and come to life — unbeknownst to Margie, the bookstore’s cat-loving, kind-hearted, and eternally optimistic owner who struggles to find customers to buy her books.
Worried about Margie and her bookstore, six of the literary characters who have come to life — The Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy Gale (and her little dog too), Robin Hood, Pollyanna, Sherlock Holmes, Heidi, and Tom Sawyer — wish they could help her, but there are two rules to the magic that brought them to life: they aren’t allowed to leave the bookstore and they aren’t allowed to let humans see them, or else they’ll disappear back into their books forever.
Advertisement - content continues below
After a mysterious lady in red hides a locked book containing a stolen necklace in the bookstore, two threatening but rather inept jewel smugglers soon come looking for it, leaving the book characters with a dilemma. Should they risk their real-life existence by warning Margie, or is there some other way they can protect her without being seen?
In this play that celebrates the joy of reading, additional famous literary characters also make an appearance, including Fagin from Oliver’s Twist, the Queen of Hearts, Long John Silver, Doctor Dolittle, Anne of Green Gables, the Wicked Witch of the West, Hopalong Cassidy, and Frankenstein’s monster.
The Enchanted Bookshop was written in 2017 by American playwright Todd Wallinger, who fell in love with theatre as a child but went on to become an electrical engineer before deciding to follow his dreams and return to the theatre. In 2005, he launched a children’s theatre company in Colorado where he discovered writing plays was his true calling. Since then, the award-winning playwright has published 25 plays that have been produced more than 2,500 times in 23 countries.
“The Enchanted Bookshop” was written in 2017 by Todd Wallinger, an award-winning American playwright who has published 25 plays that have been produced more than 2,500 times in 23 countries. (Photo: Todd Wallinger)
Share on Bluesky
“The Enchanted Bookshop is my favourite play because I think it’s my most personal play,” Wallinger told Jeremy Johnson of Pioneer Drama Service, which has published most of his plays.
“When I was writing it, there had been some other plays that have book characters coming alive, but I just had to write this one because it just had so much personal meaning to me. Growing up, I was such a big reader. I loved books, and when I read it all came alive for me.”
“Now that I’m an adult, I just don’t see kids reading so much — I understand why, with so many other entertainment options out there. I wanted to write something that really shared that love of books with a new generation. I wanted to write something to show how powerful books can be for inspiring our imagination and really helping each of us become more human.”
Advertisement - content continues below
Directed by Sarah Rogers and produced by Marion Griffin with Hayley Griffin-Montgomery, the Peterborough Theatre Guild production features a cast of both adults and children. It stars Emma Cartwright as bookstore owner Margie, Maeve O’Neill as Dorothy, Edward Sweeney as Robin Hood, Cailleach Beaton as Pollyanna, Stewart Grainger as Sherlock Holmes, Skye Beaton as Heidi, Darragh O’Connell as Tom Sawyer, and Keith Goranson and Jill Lipsett as jewel smugglers Fingers and Eddie.
The cast also features Isabella Russell as Margie’s cat Bombalurina, Rylie Milwain as Toto, Olyvia Foster and Hannah Lipsett as mother-and-daughter bookstore customers Mom and Tammy, Mridul Harbhajanka as the Lady in Red, Emily Beamish as Officer Ketchum, Ashley Gosselin as the Book Fairy, Mark Caravaggio as Fagin, Saoirse MacQuarrie as the Queen of Hearts, Aaron Black as Long John Silver, Jim Mills as Doctor Dolittle, Anna Mcintyre as Anne of Green Gables, Miranda Moorcroft as the Wicked Witch of the West, Vienna Black as Hopalong Cassidy, and Mark Caravaggio as Frankenstein’s monster.
The production’s crew and creative team includes stage managers Hayley Griffin-Montgomery and Saoirse MacQuarrie, musical director Christina Wheeler-Moorcroft, choreographer Bryanna Ostrander, and set designer Hayley Griffin-Montgomery, with set construction by Hayley Griffin-Montgomery and Phil Griffin-Montgomery and set dressing and painting by Shirley Bankey, Sharon Pearsall, Hayley Griffin-Montgomery, and Bella Joore.
Directed by Sarah Rogers and produced by Marion Griffin with Hayley Griffin-Montgomery, the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of the family comedy “The Enchanted Bookshop” features a cast of both adults and children. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Theatre Guild)
Props are by Bella Joore, Christian Joore, and Sarah Joore, sound and light design by Andrew Duncan and Abbey Duncan with sound and light operators Amy Willshaw, Mark Gray, and John Robinson, costume design by Elaine Day and Gwen Hope, and makeup design by Shelley Moody with makeup by Bryanna Ostrander, Terry Lucy-MacNeil, Kate O’Connell, and Hayley Griffin-Montgomery. Siobhan MacQuarrie is the production’s photographer.
The Enchanted Bookshop opens on Friday, December 1st at 7:30 p.m., with other evening performances from Tuesday, December 5th to Thursday, December 7th and 2 p.m. matinee performances on Saturday, December 2nd and Sunday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th. All performances take place at the Guild Hall at 364 Rogers Street in Peterborough’s East City.
Tickets are $15 and are available online at peterboroughtheatreguild.com or by calling the box office at any time at 705-745-4211 (if the box office is not open when you call, leave a message and they will call you back).
The Peterborough Theatre Guild’s production of “The Enchanted Bookshop” opens on Friday, December 1st at 7:30 p.m., with other evening performances from Tuesday, December 5th to Thursday, December 7th and 2 p.m. matinee performances on Saturday, December 2nd and Sunday, December 3rd and on Saturday, December 9th and Sunday, December 10th. (Artwork: Colton DeKnock)
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s 2023-24 season.
Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal speaks to the crowd at the annual Mayor's Breakfast at the Peterborough Golf Country and Club on November 21, 2023. Hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, the event also featured an update from Martin Imbleau, the newly minted CEO of VIA HFR (High Frequency Rail), on the planned high frequency rail corridor between Toronto and Quebec City. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
One spoke of moving Peterborough forward, the other spoke of moving Ontarians more efficiently, and both spoke of the their vision and determination to make both of those things happen.
Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal and Martin Imbleau, the newly minted CEO of VIA HFR (High Frequency Rail), shared the podium at the annual Mayor’s Breakfast held early Tuesday (November 21) at the Peterborough Golf Country and Club.
Hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, the breakfast event saw a packed room of local business leaders and politicians, Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark among the latter, listen as both speakers updated the current status of their respective portfolios while providing a peek of what’s ahead.
Advertisement - content continues below
Share on Bluesky
While the gathering was held to mark Mayor Leal’s first year in office, Imbleau’s address created an initial, and palpable, sense of excitement.
Relatively new to his post — he most recently served as president and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority — Imbleau laid out where the development of a high frequency rail corridor between Toronto and Quebec City is currently at and what’s now ahead.
“I came here today for one reason, to start a relationship between you and I, but more fundamentally between us all in a vision that has been too long discussed — a Toronto-Quebec City fast and efficient electric railway corridor,” said Imbleau.
“While unfulfilled promises of the past might have led to skepticism, I stand here with a renewed sense of momentum. Why? Because we have reached two significant milestones.”
“A new corporation that I lead was just created to realize the vision. We’ve also selected three qualified international teams (Cadence, Intercity Rail Developers, and Partenaires Ferroviaires QCONNECTION Rail Partners) that will engage in a competitive request for proposals. By the end of 2024, one of those teams will be our partner to co-develop this monumental project.”
Martin Imbleau, CEO of VIA HFR (High Frequency Rail), provides an update on the planned high frequency rail corridor between Toronto and Quebec City during the annual Mayor’s Breakfast at the Peterborough Golf Country and Club on November 21, 2023 hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
Before revealing what he could about the planned high frequency rail corridor, Imbleau paid homage to the late Tony Smith, who served as chair of the chamber’s board of directors and, as such, was a passionate advocate for passenger service linking Peterborough with points east and west.
“Tony said a train service, like the one we’re suggesting, will be a game changer for the (Peterborough) community,” said Imbleau. “An entrepreneur and an innovator, Tony rallied troops to support our train project because he knew that this vision was about more than a train. It was an infrastructure (project) that would not only carry people but would also bring opportunities … significant opportunities. He knew very well that this train would not only enhance transportation but that it would also carry dreams of a better tomorrow for Peterborough.”
After summarizing the benefits the high frequency rail corridor will have for communities along its 1,000-kilometre-plus passenger rail-dedicated track, such as heightened job activity during the construction process, reduced commuter times, a reduced carbon footprint, and new residential development, Imbleau outlined next steps.
Advertisement - content continues below
Share on Bluesky
“By next fall, the (federal) government will select a winning team,” Imbleau said. “From then on, our team will work with the private partner that was selected to scope the project in a progressive design deal approach. This type of public-private partnership allows us to work through the complexity of this important project together, enabling us to better assess the scope, the cost, and the calendar. It will take some time, for sure, but we will do it the right way.”
As for his motivation for taking on “the new adventure” of leading VIA HFR, Imbleau said he didn’t leave his prior position “to work on an abstract concept.”
“When I close my eyes and I see myself in 2040 and 2050, I just can’t imagine seeing millions more cars on congested costly highways. We need to act now for the future generations. We need to develop a transportation service that Canadians will pick over driving that is the smarter, more eco-friendly choice.”
Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal (right) speaks with VIA HFR CEO Martin Imbleau (back to camera) prior to both men delivering remarks during the annual Mayor’s Breakfast at the Peterborough Golf Country and Club on November 21, 2023 hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
With the assurance that a project that has seen so many starts and stops is moving forward with renewed vigour ringing in their ears, the breakfast audience was then treated to a state-of-the-union-like address from Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal.
In his comments, the former Peterborough MPP and provincial cabinet minister touched on the progress realized since he was elected mayor in October 2023, citing in particular the adoption of Peterborough’s inaugural strategic plan, the appointment of new CAO Jasbir Raina, the initial steps toward Service Peterborough “one-stop shopping” for residents and businesses interacting with municipal government, the introduction of curbside organic waste collection, and the establishment of the modular bridge housing community for 50 people experiencing homelessness.
“These units will help some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Mayor Leal. “I’ve often said, and I’ll repeat it here, people experiencing homelessness is the toughest policy issue that I’ve ever faced in my time in public life. There’s no playbook to follow.”
Advertisement - content continues below
Share on Bluesky
While much has been accomplished, said Mayor Leal, there remain major challenges on the horizon — challenges, he says, that must be met and overcome.
“Peterborough has an acute shortage of housing,” acknowledged Mayor Leal, noting the city’s vacancy rate of 1.1 per cent makes it the fourth tightest housing market in Canada while average rent is the 10th most expensive in the country.
“The lack of housing is one of the things I hear most about from residents and businesses,” said Mayor Leal. “The province has given us a target of 4,700 (new) housing units by 2031. I’ve committed to that target, but the city is only one part of the solution.”
“Our municipal services corporation is exploring opportunities to develop around 700 units over the next 10 years. But for the most part, the city’s role is the granting of approvals, not to build buildings themselves. We need a cooperative, collaborative, and constructive relationship with the private sector.”
As Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Sarah Budd listens, Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal speaks during a question-and-answer session during the annual Mayor’s Breakfast at the Peterborough Golf Country and Club on November 21, 2023 hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
Noting that Peterborough’s tax base is comprised of 80 per cent residential and 20 per cent commercial/industrial, Mayor Leal said that “isn’t a healthy ratio.”
“We need to grow our employment land tax base to create new opportunities for residents and to ensure the financial health of our community,” he said. “We need to maintain infrastructure and services as we grow.”
“I’m eager to engage our neighbours who want to work together to create productive win-win mutually beneficial solutions. I know we’ve not been able to come together as a region over the past couple of decades for the benefit of our residents and communities. There’s a long history of disappointments on all sides. I want to move forward and I want to move forward together.”
To that end, Mayor Leal pledged that if a neighbouring township has a proposal for the city to extend services to their land in exchange for a share of tax revenue, “I’ll be happy any day to discuss that.”
Advertisement - content continues below
Share on Bluesky
Mayor Leal clarified that the city’s official plan has been amended in the past to allow for cross-border servicing, adding “We can and will amend the city’s official plan on a case-by-case basis for economic growth for all.”
Finally, speaking to the draft 2024 city budget and its proposed property tax increase of close to 10 per cent, Mayor Leal said he intends “to reduce that number” but warns “Whatever number we end up with will be a shock to residents.”
“We need to take action now. This is a course correction budget to avoid a series of double-digit increases down the road. We can’t keep kicking the can down the road. There are no more dents that can be kicked in. The tab is due. This budget will deliver results.”
“I hear from people all the time about what it’s like to drive down George and Water streets. These roads are an embarrassment to me and they should be an embarrassment to you. The budget will redevelop those roads in 2024.”
It was a full house for the annual Mayor’s Breakfast at the Peterborough Golf Country and Club on November 21, 2023. Hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, the event featured an update from VIA HFR CEO Martin Imbleau (pictured at podium) and from Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
For her part, County Warden Clark was particularly interested in Mayor Leal’s comments concerning the cross-border servicing of city-neighbouring land.
“Christmas is getting close, so I’ll equate it to the turkey — we’ve got the carcass on the table but we’ve got to put some meat on the bones,” said Warden Clark.
“The city is looking for employment lands. How can we work together? He has said annexation is off the table. The municipalities that border the city were very glad to hear that. How we can make this work with a different model rather than annexation is a good start.”
A tractor-trailer jackknifed on Highway 28 north of Apsley on November 21, 2023 due to icy road conditions. (OPP photo)
With a winter weather travel advisory in effect for the northern Kawarthas region for Tuesday (November 21), police are advising people to slow down and drive safely after a tractor-trailer jackknifed on Highway 28 north of Apsley.
Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) report an influx of calls related to dangerous road conditions due to roads becoming icy.
On Tuesday afternoon, a tractor-trailer that jackknifed as a result of icy road conditions has blocked Highway 28 north of Mill Lake Road. Emergency crews are working to clear the vehicle from the road.
Advertisement - content continues below
Officers have reported that Highway 28 anywhere north of Burleigh Falls is experiencing icy conditions. Peterborough County’s roads department has been advised of the situation.
“Peterborough County OPP would like to advise the public to use caution when travelling today and drive according to conditions,” reads a media release.
“With the current temperatures as well as precipitation icy conditions are expected. Be prepared to have your drive take longer and, if you don’t need to be on the roads, then please stay home.”
In the psychological thriller "Leave the World Behind" coming to Netflix on December 8, 2023, Myha'la, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, and Julia Roberts must work together to save their families when a cyberattack threatens the world. (Photo: Netflix)
Every month, kawarthaNOW is the only local media source to bring you a list of what’s coming to Netflix Canada. Here are a few highlights of what’s coming to Netflix in December.
Leave the World Behind is a psychological thriller written, directed, and produced by Sam Esmail based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam. Amanda and Clay Sandford (Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke) have rented a house on Long Island for a family vacation. After a cyberattack causes a blackout, the home’s owners (Mahershala Ali and Myha’la) return. As the threat grows, both families must decide how best to survive the potential crisis, all while grappling with their own place in this collapsing world. After a limited release in theatres on November 22, Leave the World Behind comes to Netflix on Friday, December 8th.
VIDEO: “Leave the World Behind” trailer
Advertisement - content continues below
Another film scheduled for a limited theatrical release on November 22 before premiering on Netflix is the biographical drama Maestro, which chronicles the lifelong relationship between famed American composer Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) and his wife Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan).
Directed by Cooper based on a screenplay he wrote with Josh Singer and produced with Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, the film also features Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, and Sarah Silverman in supporting roles. It will be released on Netflix on Wednesday, December 20th.
VIDEO: “Maestro” trailer
Advertisement - content continues below
For science fiction fans, the epic space opera Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire comes to Netflix on Friday, December 22nd after a limited theatrical release on December 15. Directed by Zack Snyder based on a story he created, the film is set in in a universe controlled by the corrupt government of the Motherworld and its Imperium army, who threaten the peaceful settlement on the moon of Veldt.
One of the settlers is Kora, a former member of the Imperium seeking redemption for her past, who soon tasks herself to recruit warriors from across the galaxy to make a stand against the Motherworld’s forces before they return to the planet. The film features an ensemble cast including Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Michiel Huisman, Djimon Hounsou, Doona Bae, Ray Fisher, Cleopatra Coleman, Jena Malone, Fra Fee, Ed Skrein, and Anthony Hopkins.
VIDEO: “Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire” trailer
Advertisement - content continues below
Already released in selected theatres, the dark comedy-drama May December tells the story of a married couple (Julianne Moore and Charles Melton) who buckles under the pressure when an actress (Natalie Portman) arrives to do research for a role she is going to play in a film about their notorious past.
The film was loosely inspired by the true story of Mary Kay Letourneau, a 34-year-old American teacher who was convicted of sex offences after having an affair with her 12-year-old student beginning in 1996. She had two children with him while he was still under age and they were married for 14 years after she served a six-year prison term. May December comes to Netflix on Friday, December 1st.
VIDEO: “May December” trailer
Advertisement - content continues below
Also coming to Netflix in December is the second part of the sixth and final season of The Crown (Dec. 14), in which Queen Elizabeth II reflects on her life and legacy and paves the way for her successors Charles and William, and the new Netflix series Berlin (Dec. 29), a spin-off of the popular Spanish heist crime drama series Money Heist, that follows the character Berlin (Pedro Alonso) and a masterful gang who gather in Paris to plan one of his most ambitious robberies ever.
On Christmas Day, Netflix will release Ricky Gervais: Armageddon, a stand-up special from the star of The Office, Extras, and Afterlife. In the show, recorded at the London Palladium earlier this year as part of the comedian’s latest stand-up tour, Gervais will riff on the end of humanity, political correctness, family weddings, funerals, and artificial intelligence. “For the next 2000 years, people will remember the 25th December as the day Armageddon was released on Netflix,” Gervais says.
VIDEO: New on Netflix Canada in December 2023
Here’s the complete list of everything coming to Netflix Canada in December by date, along with what’s leaving.
Friday, December 1
May December (Netflix film) – Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under the pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.
Sweet Home: Season 2 (Netflix series) – Who’s knocking? A monster, a human, or a hybrid…? The stakes are higher than ever as the lines begin to blur, and nobody is safe from infection.
Bad Boys II
Chronicle
Confess, Fletch
The Craft
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
It’s Complicated
Julie & Julia
Office Christmas Party
Pride & Prejudice
Shrek
Transplant: Seasons 1-3
Sunday, December 3
Welcome to Samdal-ri (Netflix series)
Monday, December 4
Dew Drop Diaries: Season 2 (Netflix family) – Whoosh, here we go! Athena, Phoebe and Eden return to help their kids solve everyday problems with glitter, grit and a great attitude.
Tuesday, December 5
The F Word
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Stavros Halkias: Fat Rascal (Netflix comedy) – Acerbic comic Stavros Halkias skewers tech culture, air travel, sex — and himself — in this raunchy, rollicking and irreverent stand-up set.
Top Chef: Seasons 6 and 12
Wednesday, December 6
Blood Coast (Netflix series) – As a vicious drug dealer tries to overtake Marseille, a rogue police captain and his daredevil team welcome a new recruit with an agenda of her own.
Christmas as Usual (Netflix film) – To celebrate their engagement, Thea takes Jashan home — but his Indian roots and her family’s Norwegian traditions clash in a chaotic Christmas.
Thursday, December 7
Analog Squad (Netflix series) – After learning of his estranged father’s sickness, a scheming middle-aged man assembles a fake family to reunite with him for one last time.
The Archies (Netflix film) – Set in 1960s India, Archie and the gang navigate romance, friendship, and the future of Riverdale as developers threaten to destroy a beloved park.
Hilda: Season 3 (Netflix family) – A trip to see her great-aunt sparks Hilda’s interest in fairies. But the young explorer may have a stronger connection to the creatures than she thinks.
I Hate Christmas: Season 2 (Netflix series) – It’s that time of year again, but now Gianna is in love and ready to embrace the Christmas spirit — even if new issues arise and threaten it.
High Tides (Netflix series) – Over a tense summer on the Belgian coast, a wealthy friend group faces adulthood’s harsh realities while grappling with love and societal expectations.
My Life With the Walter Boys (Netflix series) – When a tragedy disrupts her life, a teen moves in with her guardian’s big family in a small town and learns new lessons about love, hope and friendship.
Naga (Netflix film) – Teenage Cindy has high aspirations: to conquer the world. But first, she must survive high school — and high society — in her hometown of San Pedro.
World War II: From the Frontlines (Netflix documentary) – Through vividly enhanced archival footage and voices from all sides of the conflict, this docuseries brings WWII to life like never before.
Friday, December 8
Blood Vessel (Netflix film) – Brought together by chance, six people fleeing a town devastated by oil pollution stow away on a mysterious ship — not realizing the dangers that await.
Leave the World Behind (Netflix film) – A family’s getaway to a luxurious rental home takes an ominous turn when a cyberattack knocks out their devices — and two strangers appear at their door.
Women on the Edge (Netflix film) – After meeting in an anger-control group, two women set out to expose a sketchy plastic surgeon, resulting in an empowering journey — and friendship.
Monday, December 11
21 Jump Street
Tuesday, December 12
Kevin Hart & Chris Rock: Headliners Only (Netflix documentary) – From back in the day to the top of their game, Kevin Hart and Chris Rock offer an unparalleled, behind-the-scenes look at their friendship and careers.
Single’s Inferno: Season 3 (Netflix series) – A new set of singles embark on a journey of love on a remote island — navigating drama, passion and everything in between for a chance at Paradise.
Talk to Me
Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team (Netflix documentary) – In this docuseries, the U.S. women’s national soccer team pursues their third consecutive title amid trials and triumphs at the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
Wednesday, December 13
1670 (Netflix series) – A quirky nobleman navigates family feuds and clashes with peasants in his misguided quest to become Poland’s most famous figure In this satirical comedy.
Car Masters: Rust to Riches: Season 5 (Netflix series) – New faces join the Gotham Garage gang as they prepare to bring their business to the next level — but it’ll take a lot of hard work and creativity.
Holiday in the Vineyards
The Influencer (Netflix series) – After a social media stunt goes wrong, an influencer is forced to rebuild her reputation while navigating a cutthroat online scene.
Se Eu Fosse: Luísa Sonza (Netflix documentary) – Brazil’s most polarizing pop singer opens up in this docuseries about her love life, career, controversies and the creation of a new album.
Thursday, December 14
As the Crow Flies: Season 2 (Netflix series) – Asli and Lale must break from the norm and face fresh challenges as they continue to fight for their survival in a cutthroat media industry.
The Crown: Season 6 Part 2 (Netflix series) – With the Commonwealth irrevocably changed, Queen Elizabeth II reflects on her life and legacy, and paves the way for her successors Charles and William.
The Devil’s Advocate
Yu Yu Hakusho (Netflix series) – After a selfless act costs him his life, teen delinquent Yusuke Urameshi is chosen as a “Spirit Detective” to investigate cases involving rogue yokai.
Friday, December 15
Archer: Season 14
Carol & The End of The World (Netflix series) – With a mysterious planet hurtling towards Earth, extinction is imminent for the people of the world. While most feel liberated to pursue their wildest dreams, one quiet and always uncomfortable woman stands alone — lost among the hedonistic masses.
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (Netflix film) – A fearless band of chickens flock together to save their own kind from an unsettling new threat: a nearby farm that’s cooking up something suspicious.
Face to Face with ETA: Conversations with a Terrorist (Netflix documentary) – Josu Urrutikoetxea, also known as Josu Ternera, gives an exhaustive interview to journalist Jordi Évole about his involvement in the terrorist group ETA.
Familia (Netflix film) – As a family discusses the future of their idyllic olive farm over a meal, the complexity of their relationships emerges through laughs and confessions.
Get Santa
PAW Patrol: Season 10
Yoh’ Christmas (Netflix series) – Single, 30 and under pressure, Thando lies to her family that she has a boyfriend. Now she has 24 days to bring one home for Christmas. Can she do it?
Tuesday, December 19
Children Ruin Everything: Seasons 1-2
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Seasons 1-2
Trevor Noah: Where Was I (Netflix comedy) – Returning to Netflix for his fourth original comedy special, Trevor Noah shares his hilarious experiences from his recent travels around the world, ranging from foreign national anthems to varying cultural norms.
Wednesday, December 20
Cindy la Regia: The High School Years (Netflix series) – Teenage Cindy has high aspirations: to conquer the world. But first, she must survive high school — and high society — in her hometown of San Pedro.
Inception
Love is Blind Brazil: After the Altar (Netflix series) – Drama, closure and rekindled flames collide as cast members from past seasons of “Love is Blind Brazil” come together in this special reunion episode.
Maestro (Netflix film) – Maestro is a towering and fearless love story chronicling the lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein. A love letter to life and art, Maestro at its core is an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love.
Taming of the Shrewd 2 (Netflix film)
Thursday, December 21
Flipping Out: Seasons 4-5
Like Flowers in Sand (Netflix series) – Supa Team 4: Season 2 (Netflix film) – While Mr. Magedzee searches for a cleaner, greener power source, Supa Team 4 searches for the evil Chusi. Will they all find what they’re looking for?
Friday, December 22
Gyeongseong Creature: Season 1 Part 1 (Netflix series) – Gyeongseong, 1945. In Seoul’s grim era under colonial rule, an entrepreneur and a sleuth fight for survival and face a monster born out of human greed.
Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire (Netflix film) – When a peaceful settlement on the edge of a distant moon finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, a mysterious stranger living among its villagers becomes their best hope for survival.
Sing 2
Saturday, December 23
Pretty Woman
Sunday, December 24
A Vampire in the Family (Netflix film) – When a fainthearted ex-soccer player learns his brother-in-law is a vampire with world domination plans, he must gather his courage and save the day.
The Manny (Netflix series) – A high-powered executive hires a rancher in a panic to care for her kids. Little does she know, he’ll challenge her views of gender roles — and of love.
Monday, December 25
Ricky Gervais: Armageddon (Netflix comedy) – The BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning mind behind The Office, Extras, and Afterlife takes the stage for a provocative new stand-up special, riffing on the end of humanity, political correctness, family weddings, funerals, and artificial intelligence.
Tuesday, December 26
Thank You, I’m Sorry (Netflix film) – Suddenly alone during the late stages of her pregnancy, Sara receives an unexpected lifeline when Linda, her estranged older sister, arrives.
Wednesday, December 27
Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare (Netflix documentary) – The brutal conditions of an infamous wilderness therapy camp — and the alleged abuse of the troubled teens who attended — are exposed in this gripping tell-all documentary.
Thursday, December 28
Pokémon Concierge (Netflix family)
Friday, December 29
Berlin (Netflix series) – Back to his golden age before the events of “Money Heist,” Berlin and a masterful gang gather in Paris to plan one of his most ambitious robberies ever.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
Submit your event for FREE!
Use our event submission form to post your event on our website — for free.
To submit editorial content or ideas, please contact us.
