Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for the Kawarthas region for the next four to five days, beginning Tuesday (June 30).
“Orange” heat warnings are in effect for southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County, with “yellow” heat warnings in effect for northern Peterborough County and northern Kawarthas Lakes.
A long duration heat event will begin Tuesday and continue through Friday and possibly into Saturday.
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The southern areas of the region have “orange” heat warnings as maximum daytime temperatures of 31 to 33°C expected, possibly reaching as high as 36°C. There will be little relief at night, with minimum temperatures of 21 to 24°C.
The northern areas of the region have “yellow” heat warnings as temperatures will be slightly more moderate, with maximum daytime temperatures of 31 to 33°C expected and minimum temperatures of 21 to 23°C. However, humidex values of 34 to 36°C are also expected.
The hottest days are expected to be Wednesday (Canada Day) and Thursday, with maximum temperatures of 34 to 36°C expected in the southern areas of the region and 34°C in the northern areas of the region.
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The City of Peterborough is encouraging residents who need of a place to cool down to visit the following city-operated facilities during regular business hours.
The Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N.) is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Miskin Law Community Complex (271 Lansdowne St. W.) from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Note that, on Canada Day, the Peterborough Public Library is closed and the Miskin Law Community Complex and Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre are only open until 2 p.m.
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Environment Canada recommends taking action to protect yourself and others as extreme heat can affect everyone’s health:
Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids.
Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.
Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library, or shaded park.
Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.
Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind.
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Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone, and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.
Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.
Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category.
Sponsored by Trent Valley Honda, the grand prize of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha's first-ever Pay It Forward Lottery is a Honda Hybrid CR-V, with the winner to be drawn on August 15 at the Peterborough Folk Festival, one of five local organizations that will receive the proceeds from the lottery. The winner of the final early bird prize will be drawn on July 17, with the winners of both of the first two early bird prizes donating them. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)
The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha’s first-ever Pay It Forward Lottery is living up to its name.
With the lottery now well underway, both of the first two early bird prize winners have chosen not to keep their prizes for themselves but instead donate them back to support the spirit of the community fundraiser.
The first two early bird prizes — a camping package from Wild Rock Outfitters and a paddleboard package from Cottage Toys — have already been drawn. In both cases, the winners decided to “pay it forward,” with one prize package donated back to Kawartha Rotary and the other being donated to a kids’ camp.
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One of the donated prize packages has been put up for auction, with proceeds going back into the campaign. The paddleboard package will be donated to Camp Northern Lights for use by underserved children who attend the camp.
Jim Lowe of Assisting You Social, who has helped promote many charitable lotteries for other organizations and is supporting Kawartha Rotary with the campaign, said he has never seen anything like it before.
“The spirit of the lottery has really been embraced by the public,” Lowe said. “People are not only buying tickets, they are truly paying it forward.”
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Inspired by the generosity of the paddleboard package winner, Cottage Toys will now be donating the entire value of its prize package — $1,800 — rather than providing it to Kawartha Rotary at a discounted rate as originally arranged.
Sponsored by Trent Valley Honda, the Pay It Forward Lottery features a grand prize Honda Hybrid CR-V, a 50/50 draw, and three early bird prize packages. The grand prize draw and 50/50 draw will take place at the Peterborough Folk Festival on August 15.
There is still one early bird prize remaining: a kayak package from Wild Rock Outfitters, which will be drawn at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 17.
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Proceeds from the Pay It Forward Lottery will benefit five local organizations: Kawartha Food Share, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, Right to Heal, YES Shelter for Youth and Families, and the Peterborough Folk Festival.
One hundred per cent of net proceeds from the lottery will be used to support the five local causes.
“The Pay It Forward Lottery is an exciting and meaningful way for people to come together and support organizations that are making a real difference in our community,” said campaign lead Fraser Wilson. “Every ticket purchased helps fund important local work — from food security and housing support to youth services, healing initiatives, arts and culture, and community programs that improve lives across our region.”
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The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha says the lottery is part of its long history of investing in local initiatives that improve lives and help build a stronger community.
With one early bird prize still to be won, a grand prize vehicle on the line, and a growing 50/50 draw, community members are being encouraged to buy tickets at payitforwardlottery.ca and support the campaign.
Tickets for the grand prize and remaining early bird prize cost $20 for a single ticket, $50 for a three-ticket pack, and $100 for a seven-ticket pack. Tickets for the 50/50 draw cost $10 for a five-ticket pack, $20 for a 20-ticket pack, $50 for a 100-ticket pack, and $100 for a 250-ticket pack.
Retro rock tribute band Neon Nostaligic returns to Peterborough Musicfest for the second year in a row to perform a free-admission concert in Del Crary Park on Canada Day. The band performs hits from the 1980s and 1990s in synch with the artists' original music videos that are screened as a stage backdrop. The concert will be followed by a fireworks display over Little Lake. (Photo: Serrano Photography Studios)
Peterborough Musicfest presents Neon Nostalgic
When:Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: Free admission
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent). VIP seating available for sponsors. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighbourhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
There’s no reason to believe that what worked well once can’t work well again.
That in mind, Peterborough Musicfest has again turned to a touring retro rock tribute band that brought the heat to Del Crary Park on Canada Day last year, and kept the thermostat on high until fireworks over neighbouring Little Lake closed out Canada’s birthday in style.
On Wednesday (July 1), the same script will be followed as Neon Nostalgic headlines the second show of Musicfest’s 39th summer concert series. Admission to the 8 p.m. concert is free.
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Billed as “the world’s only live television music show,” Neon Nostalgic brings a unique twist to its tribute show, performing hit songs from the 1980s and 1990s that are in synch with the artists’ original music videos that are screened as a stage backdrop.
With a musical arsenal of more that 100 songs, Neon Nostalgic — Shawn Brady, Kevin Strom, Grant Strom, and John Johnstone — recapture the period when music videos ruled the television landscape, initially offered by MTV starting in 1981 and, three years later, by CHUM Limited-owned MuchMusic.
For pop and rock music stars, both new and long established, it was no longer simply good enough to simply release a vinyl record or, later in the decade, a CD. For their songs to gain any serious hit traction with their target audience, they had to be accompanied by a corresponding music video. More often than not, music videos were big productions — think Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
VIDEO: “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol – Neon Nostalgic
For more than 10 years now, Neon Nostalgic has sparked new interest in the music video craze that was so popular through the 1980s and well into the following decade.
Prince, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi, U2, Michael Jackson, INXS, The Cure, Oasis, and Pearl Jam are but a few of the top-selling acts they pay tribute to as their audience views the original video that was released for each song.
Following a July 2024 Neon Nostalgic performance at Toronto’s Sounds of Leslieville & Riverside music festival, Joe Taylor of Blast Toronto wrote “This was one hell of a good party.”
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“Shawn (Brady), the lead singer, took it upon himself to come off the stage and get into everybody’s face while he sang (David Bowie and) Queen’s ‘Under Pressure.’ Now the crowd was waking up. He took it a step further and got people to move forward to the fun heavy metal anthem from Twisted Sister, ‘We’re Not Going To Take it.’ People walked towards the stage while belting out the song of rebellion from their youth.”
Belanger’s review seems to pay truth to the band promoter’s claim that Neon Nostalgic “isn’t just a show; it’s an invitation to dance, sing and relive the magic of the past.”
And way back in 2017, the Bermuda Sun hailed Neon Nostalgic’s New Year’s Eve sold-out performance in that country as “a musical and visual triumph.” Since then, the quartet has brought their unique spin on the video craze to more than 15 countries. As it happens, Neon Nostalgic is returning to Peterborough on the heels of a June 26 show in Hamilton, Bermuda.
VIDEO: “Bobcaygeon” by The Tragically Hip – Neon Nostalgic
When all is said and done, a Neon Nostalgic show is a wide-open invitation to sing, dance and relive the past. On a day when we celebrate this country’s storied history, that seems like pretty good fit. Again.
While there will be no Future Sound Series prior to the concert on Wednesday night, there will be family-friendly entertainment beginning at 1 p.m. in partnership with the City of Peterborough and, following the concert, fireworks will again light up the night sky over Little Lake to celebrate Canada Day, starting at around 9:30 p.m.
The Future Sound Series will return on Saturday, July 4 prior to the Good Lovelies concert, when Ty Wilson will perform from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. near the food trucks at the George Street entrance to Del Crary Park. The Peterborough alt-country singer-songwriter just released his debut album Northern Heart, Southern Soul.
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Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission concerts during its 39th season, staged in Del Crary Park on Wednesday and Saturday nights until August 19.
Overseen by executive director Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission remains “to provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert or the 2026 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or call the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a headline sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest’s 2026 season.
The original version of this story been corrected: there is no Future Sound Series on Wednesday night.
Peterborough mother Kristen LaRocque has returned to Trent University as a mature student in the field of psychology. It's given Kristen the opportunity to pursue research into autism, a topic that truly hits close to home for her and her family. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children Centre)
Every month, Five Counties Children’s Centre provides a story about the work of the charitable organization. This month’s story is by Bill Eekhof, Communications Coordinator, Five Counties Children’s Centre.
Returning to Trent University as a mature student to pursue her studies appealed to Kristen LaRocque. The fact her research focuses on autism is extra meaningful.
As this Peterborough mother knows all too well, autistic people are often misunderstood and unfairly judged. Kristen has first and second-hand experience on this front — she was diagnosed with autism and ADHD as an adult, and she has a neurodivergent son in middle school.
“Suffice it to say, I was very motivated to research topics that were relevant to me and my family,” Kristen reflects one day, sitting at her kitchen table.
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“I kept running up against knowledge gaps among professionals in multiple domains, for example, when trying to access educational and health care services for myself and my son,” Kristen explains. “Even within autism-specific diagnostic services, I found that some clinicians did not have a nuanced understanding of neurodivergence or an appreciation for how it can look really different in different populations.”
As Kristen knows all too well, autism is a complex multi-dimensional spectrum, not a simple linear one and there is a lot of variability in this group.
“Some autistic individuals make eye contact, crack jokes, and demonstrate strong social skills, and these capacities can vary day-to-day, depending on the balance between energy and demands,” she says.
“Other autistic individuals will need support with hygiene-related tasks and may use alternate ways to communicate to interact with others. I think it’s important we move away from the notion that autism can be defined by a narrow set of characteristics or a handful of stereotypical presentations.”
As part of her undergraduate thesis in psychology at Trent Universty, Kristen LaRocque is working under the supervision of professor Dr. Mowei Liu to gather the perspective of parents and caregivers whose children are on the autism spectrum. As she continues to collect and analyze data, Kristen is hopeful that her research will lead to more awareness and understanding of autism beyond academia. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children Centre)
Trent University is familiar to Kristen and proving a good spot for her to explore people’s attitudes about autism. Kristen completed her bachelor’s degree in philosophy and applied ethics at Trent in 2008. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, the COVID pandemic hit — along with a growing recognition of her own neurodivergence and the fact that working in a public-facing role might not be sustainable for her in the long run.
Going back to Trent seemed like a better fit to Kristen. As she completes a second undergraduate degree in psychology, she intends to pursue graduate and doctoral studies that will support a career in community-based research.
As part of her undergraduate thesis, Kristen is working under the supervision of psychology professor Dr. Mowei Liu to gather the perspectives of parents and caregivers whose children are on the autism spectrum.
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This project focuses on the experiences of these parents who have recognized autistic traits in their child, and possibly themselves. The goal is to understand how recognizing autism within the family affects a parent’s confidence and satisfaction in the caregiving role, as well as their relationship with their child.
The study also considers how parents gain knowledge about autism prior to, during and after recognition, assessment, or formal diagnosis.
“Too often, families are forced to navigate piecemeal or siloed systems that still do not fully understand autism,” Kristen says. “I want this research to help create better supports, better recognition and better outcomes for autistic children and their families.”
Participants are still being sought until August 1, 2026 to take part in Trent-based research that explores autism in the family. The goal is to get upwards of 250 participants in the study. (Screenshot courtesy of Five Counties Children Centre)
The study uses a mixed-methods, multi-phased approach. In phase one, caregivers complete an anonymous, online survey which collects demographic information related to both parent and child. This is followed by a series of questionnaires that assess their confidence and satisfaction with the caregiving role, autism-specific knowledge, and individual characteristics.
Phase two is optional and consists of a one-hour interview conducted in-person, by phone, via email, or Zoom. During this phase, parents can offer insights into their lived experiences, specifically when and how autism was first recognized within their family and the influence this had on parenting practices and the parent-child relationship.
To date, dozens of parents have taken part in the study — the goal is to get upwards of 250 participants in phase one, with a smaller sample expected for phase two.
Based on a preliminary analysis, most parents demonstrate a robust understanding of autism, with their knowledge and awareness often occurring long before their child receives a formal diagnosis.
Another emerging theme is more sobering: autistic mothers tend to judge their own parenting abilities more harshly than their non-autistic peers, possibly as a result of internalized ableism, a tendency towards perfectionism, and/or the overwhelming pressure to meet the social expectations associated with caregiving.
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As she continues to collect and analyze data, Kristen remains hopeful that this research will lead to more awareness and understanding of autism beyond academia. In her own case, receiving an autism diagnosis was validating and liberating — especially when getting one was very rare for girls born prior to 1995.
As an example, Kristen refers to her hypersensitivity to loud noises. When a fire truck passed by, she would cover her ears and cringe.
“Before, I would feel like such a weirdo for covering my ears,” she says. “But now that I know I’m autistic, I feel empowered to cover my ears and attend to my sensory needs.”
Based on dozens of interviews with study participants, Kristen has observed a noteworthy trend. Many parents have told her that understanding and loving their autistic child is not the problem. Instead, it’s navigating the people and systems around them.
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Securing appropriate supports, finding respite, and watching a child struggle in environments that treat difference as deliberate defiance — that is the problem that makes parenting hard. Although many of the stories are harrowing, Kristen is hopeful that first-person insights can help to set the record straight and change that reality.
“Parents should not have to become experts and full-time advocates just to be heard or to access the right support,” Kristen notes. “If this study can help systems listen earlier and respond better, that’s where real change begins.”
Community leaders and representatives of municipal and provincial governments gathered at the Miskin Law Community Complex on June 26, 2026 to mark the launch of the Homelessness and Addictions Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Peterborough. Pictured are Trent Lakes mayor Terry Lambshead, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark, Scarborough-Rouge Park MPP and associate minister of mental health and addictions Vijay Thanigasalam, and Selwyn Township deputy mayor Ron Black, who is also board chair of the Four Counties Addictions Services Team (Fourcast), the lead organization for the HART Hub. (Photo courtesy of Ron Black)
Community leaders and representatives of municipal and provincial governments gathered at the Miskin Law Community Complex on Friday morning (June 26) to mark the launch of the Homelessness and Addictions Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Peterborough.
The Ontario government is providing $6.3 million in annual funding to support Peterborough’s HART Hub, which will provide transitional and supportive housing and addiction services as well as healthcare services at 210 Wolfe Street — the site of the City of Peterborough’s modular housing community for people experiencing homelessness.
Peterborough is one of 29 HART Hubs funded by the province representing a total investment of more than $560 million.
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Recovery and treatment model focused on residents of Wolfe Street modular housing community
“This historic investment will change the lives of many people in our community,” said Donna Rogers, executive director of the Four Counties Addictions Services Team (Fourcast), the lead organization for the HART Hub.
Those attending Friday’s event included municipal politicians Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott, and Scarborough-Rouge Park MPP and associate minister of mental health and addictions Vijay Thanigasalam, along with local politicians including Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal, Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark, Trent Lakes mayor Terry Lambshead, and Selwyn Township deputy mayor Ron Black, who is also board chair of Fourcast.
“I want to applaud the provincial government for their generous investment in our local HART Hub model,” Black said. “Your investment vision allowed local innovation and design, leveraging the expertise and experience of our local partners.”
MPP Smith, who has been an ardent supporter of the HART Hub, described its continuum of services as a “buffet” with a number of entry points.
“We’re giving them the opportunity to be reintegrated back into society, to be part of the community again and it’s something that we haven’t seen in a very long time,” Smith said of HART Hub clients.
For his part, MPP Thanigasalam shared stories from other HART Hubs and spoke of the Ford government’s focus on “breaking the cycle” of addiction by focussing on recovery and treatment.
“This is a comprehensive recovery treatment hub,” Thanigasalam said. “You can go through, get the treatment you need, and go through the journey all the way to employment training as well.”
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Long-term housing stability for unhoused people with addiction and mental health issues is the goal
Rogers said that the Peterborough HART Hub will provide specialized services to individuals living at the Wolfe Street modular housing community to enable them to secure supportive and long-term housing.
“Our unique model puts a laser focus on long-term housing stability for those with few housing options,” Rogers said. “We believe that housing is the solution for those in our community facing the intersecting crisis of addiction, mental health, and homelessness.”
The Peterborough HART Hub will operate four new services: an on-site healthcare team at Wolfe Street integrated with existing frontline staff from the Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough (EFry), 50 units of transitional housing for residents moving out of modular housing, six spaces of supportive housing hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association – Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) for individuals with acquired brain injuries or a dual diagnosis including developmental disorders, and a six-month “sober living” program for people who are unhoused when entering addictions treatment.
Healthcare organizations involved in the HART Hub include the Peterborough Community Health Centre, Peterborough County-City Paramedics, and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
In an interview with kawarthaNOW in May, Rogers spoke about the design and values of the HART Hub and described how they intend to operate their services.
“Our goal is long-term stable housing, with the appropriate supports for the people who are the most complex in our community,” said Rogers.
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Specialized supports for modular housing community residents with complex needs
Fourcast and partners identified the residents of the Wolfe Street modular housing community as being highly complex due to the intersection of challenges with mental health, disability, addictions, and homelessness.
In particular, Rogers said that this is a population that does not have reliable access to primary care or specialized healthcare, which leads to health issues becoming more severe and complex. The on-site health team established by the HART Hub funding will address this disconnection and provide essential care to residents.
“This is a responsive and accessible model of healthcare,” said Rogers.
The 50 units of transitional housing will be provided in partnership with private and non-profit landlords, including One City Peterborough through their additional rental unit (ARU) developments.
Rogers said that securing and maintaining housing is difficult for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, especially residents of the Wolfe Street modular housing community who require low-barrier entry to services and shelter.
“Finding housing units is not easy — housing is not available for the people that we are trying to serve,” Rogers said.
Correen Day, director of services for EFry, spoke to kawarthaNOW about the challenges that Wolfe Street residents face when working towards transitioning out of chronic homelessness.
“We’re seeing intersections with our criminal justice system and with our healthcare system based upon the way they’ve had to survive over the time that they were homeless,” Day explained.
Day said that having on-site supportive services at all stages of the HART Hub system creates an accessible route for transition out of Wolfe Street for individuals who require additional support.
The HART Hub will provide specialized support for individuals with acquired brain injury or dual diagnosis including developmental disorders through the six spaces hosted by CMHA HKPR.
Kerri Kightley, director of programs and services at CMHA HKPR, said that securing housing for people with many co-occurring conditions and health issues as the care required is much more specialized, and therefore, more limited.
“I think we’re just looking at how we build small steps so that people have more opportunities to then live more independently and in housing that they choose,” Kightley said.
The six-month sober-living program that will serve unhoused people entering addictions treatment is the only HART Hub program that will require abstinence for participation, Rogers told kawarthaNOW.
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A philosophical shift away from supervised consumption sites
Although the Ford government has positioned the HART Hubs as a replacement for now-defunct Consumption and Treatment Sites (CTS), Rogers described the transition from the CTS model to the HART Hub model as a “philosophical shift,” further saying, “it’s doing diametrically different things.”
A response to the opioid crisis, Peterborough CTS’s opened in June 2022 in the former bus terminal at 220 Simcoe Street in downtown Peterborough to provide a safe and medically supported space for people to consume pre-obtained drugs under the supervision of health professionals.
On March 16, the Ontario government announced it would end funding for seven CTS sites in communities that now have a provincially funded HART Hub, including Peterborough, with a “90-day wind-down period … to give clients time to transition to the support provided by their local HART Hub.”
Like all HART Hubs, the Peterborough hub will not offer safer supply, supervised drug consumption, or needle exchange programs.
When asked about the transition from a consumption-based model to an abstinence-based model, Thanigasalam said the Ford government is responding to calls for funding for recovery services.
“Our government doesn’t believe in providing tools for the most vulnerable communities to use drugs. Instead, we believe in providing recovery and treatment by breaking the cycle of addiction,” said Thanigasalam.
He further said that the investment in the HART Hub program is four times larger than what had been provided to operate CTS sites.
For his part, MPP Smith reiterated his position that “Harm reduction without treatment is palliative care.”
The driver and passenger of a northbound SUV that turned in front of a southpound pickup truck on Tara Road north of Ennismore on June 26, 2026 were both taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre, with one later airlifted to a Toronto-area trauma hospital. (Photo: Peterborough County OPP)
One person was critically injured after a two-vehicle collision north of Ennismore in Selwyn Township late Friday afternoon (June 26).
At 4 p.m. on Friday, Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency services responded to a report of a serious collision on Tara Road at Viner Line.
First responders arrived on the scene to find a pickup truck on the shoulder of Tara Road with significant front-end damage and an SUV on its side in the ditch.
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Witnesses told police the northbound SUV made a turn in front of the southbound pickup truck, resulting in the collision.
Both the driver and the passenger of the SUV were transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre, with one later airlifted to a Toronto-area trauma hospital.
The occupants of the pickup truck were treated for minor injuries.
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Tara Road was closed between Edenderry Ln. and Ennis Rd. for several hours while police documented the scene.
Police are continuing to investigate the collision.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam or video footage and has not yet spoken to police is asked to callthe Peterborough County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
The cast of the Capitol Theatre's production of the Broadway smash-hit musical "Come From Away" at the historic venue in Port Hope from July 10 to August 9, 2026 includes (front) Beau Dixon and Julie Lumsden and (back) Melissa Payne, Kyle Blair, Kyle Golemba, and Donna Garner. Not pictured: Monique Lund, Tat Austrie, Annika Tupper, Charlie Clark, Brendan Wall, and Scott Carmichael. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
You would think being able to act and sing would be enough to land a role in a musical.
That’s typically the case, but then the Capitol Theatre’s production of Come From Away isn’t your typical musical, what with its demand that some of the actors also be able to play an instrument. Walking and chewing gum at the same time seems like a breeze by comparison.
When the hit Canadian musical about how the residents of the small town of Gander in Newfoundland welcomed thousands of airline passengers and crew who were stranded there after the 9/11 terrorist attacks opens July 10 at the historic Port Hope theatre, two of Peterborough’s most revered musicians will be in the mix in the form of Beau Dixon and Melissa Payne.
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Dixon is playing the dual roles of Gander policeman Oz and Egyptian passenger Ali while Payne is portraying Bonnie, an SPCA worker tasked with caring for any animals aboard those same planes.
Not lost on either is their part in bringing the beloved and multi-awarded musical to a local stage for a remarkable 35 performances over a one-month period. The show has already been extended with eight additional performances in August because it’s selling so well.
With book and music by the Canadian writing team of David Hein and Irene Sankoff, Come From Away relates the true events that followed when 10,000 Gander residents were confronted with almost 6,600 very unexpected arrivals in the form of the passengers and crew of 38 flights diverted when American airspace was closed following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington DC.
Planes line up on the runway of the Gander airport in Newfoundland after they were diverted following the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Thirty-eight planes carried almost 6,600 passengers and crew. Residents took care of the stranded passengers for days and many have remained in touch with them since. (Photo: Nav Canada)
Each character in Come From Away is based on a real-life person who was embroiled in the drama of that dark day, and the days that followed.
The critically acclaimed Broadway run that saw close to 1,700 performances from March 2017 to October 2022 was punctuated by seven Tony Award nominations in 2017, winning Best Direction of a Musical for director Christopher Ashley. Two years later, it was nominated in nine categories at the Laurence Olivier Awards, and won three, including Best Musical.
It’s a pretty good bet that the most vindicated man in the room at both award ceremonies was Toronto theatre producer Michael Rubinoff, whose concept for the show was turned down by several writers before Hein and Sankoff jumped on it.
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As for Dixon and Payne, they bring different levels of experience to this staging of the musical, which is directed by Capitol Theatre artistic director Rob Kempson with music direction by Jeff Newberry and choreography by Genny Sermonia.
In Detroit-born Dixon, Kempson has casted an award-winning playwright, an actor whose resumé is overflowing with stage and television credits, and an accomplished musician and singer who has written and produced songs for television and radio, performed live on countless occasions, and has numerous album credits.
Meanwhile, Ennismore native Payne is a creative tour de force in own right, albeit mostly as musician. Her mastery of the fiddle has anchored numerous live performances both locally and abroad and her songwriting has produced several albums and singles. What is missing is any notable stage experience. That, says Dixon, has proven a non-issue.
Musicians and actors Beau Dixon and Melissa Payne during a rehearsal of the Capitol Theatre’s production of “Come From Away” at the historic venue in Port Hope from July 10 to August 9, 2026. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
“Day one of rehearsal, we did a reading,” Dixon says. “Monique Lund (in the role of Beulah), who’s a professional actor who has worked for like 25 years, had no idea that Melissa wasn’t an equity actor. She received very high praise about her acting ability from a fellow actor — that’s just a testament to how good Melissa is going to be in this show.”
Thankful for the compliment, Payne admits “It all makes me sweat a bit.”
“I said to the cast on the first day that I have imposter syndrome. Beau’s done everything, from TV to Stratford. I’m sitting in a room full of professionals. I’m like ‘What am I doing here?’ But everyone has been so supportive and so kind, and I get to learn from people like Beau.”
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In Come From Away, Payne plays the fiddle, sings, and does “a little dancing” while Dixon brings his guitar and bass skills to the proceedings.
As she navigates what is a new experience for her, Payne says seeing a familiar face helps.
“It’s calming,” she says, adding, “I’m an extrovert but also introverted, so I’m kind of like inside my own head. Having someone who I know and trust, Beau is just such a safe place to say all my thoughts and talk me through things.”
Speaking to the story, and particularly what makes it resonate with audiences, Dixon says Come From Away speaks to many demographics.
“You don’t see thinly dressed chorus girls on stage. You don’t see good-looking men — not that we’re not good-looking men, but you’ve got all shapes and sizes. It’s about everyday people. That’s why it resonates so well with the masses. It’s broken that cliché of tassels and tap shoes. It’s a working-class musical.”
The cast during a rehearsal of the Capitol Theatre’s production of “Come From Away” at the historic venue in Port Hope from July 10 to August 9, 2026. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
For her part, Payne agrees there’s something about stories that speak to human kindness when uncertainty and despair descend.
“This production about a small town is being staged in a small town. People grab on; they see themselves. In Peterborough and Port Hope and the surrounding area, if there is someone who has fallen on hard times or some kind of tragedy, people just jump in. You can see your aunt or uncle or uncle doing the same (as Gander residents did on 9/11).”
“It’s a timeless musical because it’s about hope,” Dixon adds. “It’s about universal compassion. It’s about racial equality. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together. More so than ever, we need a musical like this.”
“There are actors in the show who weren’t around when 9/11 happened. Still, they are emotionally invested and engaged in the musical. It’s the same thing for audiences. I can’t think of a musical that taps into the themes like Come From Away does.”
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Both Dixon and Payne have clear memories of that September Tuesday morning close to 25 years ago when 2,977 victims lost their lives, most when the twin skyscrapers of the World Trade Center collapsed after being struck by passenger jets hijacked by terrorists.
At his mom’s home in Peterborough’s East City, Dixon called a friend to ask him if he wanted to “throw around a frisbee.” His friend said “Beau, you’ve got to turn on the TV. New York is under attack.”
With that, Dixon drove to his friend’s place, arriving in time to see the second hijacked plane crash into the north tower.
Payne, meanwhile, was in her high school science class.
“The teacher said ‘We have to take a moment here to roll in a TV and put on the news.’ We watched it unfold as it was happening. We felt like the world was under attack. My mom came and picked up my brother and I. We didn’t leave the TV for like 24 hours.”
Capitol Theatre artistic director Rob Kempson (standing on the table) directing the cast during a rehearsal of the Capitol Theatre’s production of “Come From Away” at the historic venue in Port Hope from July 10 to August 9, 2026. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
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Dixon and Payne say the staging of an ambitious musical such as Come From Away, with all its moving parts, calls for a steady hand at the helm. To that end, each has nothing but praise for Kempson’s direction and guidance.
“Rob makes you feel seen and heard and confident,” Payne says.
“He’s very kind and thoughtful, but he’s very serious when it comes to the production. But he’s there to make sure we got this. I’m lucky. I know there are horror stories (about directors), but he’s not one of them.”
Dixon, who has acted under several directors as well as directed himself, worked with Kempson in Toronto back in the day.
“I was elated when I found out he was AD (artistic director) of the Capitol Theatre,” he says, adding “Being in Peterborough, and now having a son, I don’t really want to be travelling to Toronto. This is my dream. I would love to retire here — do 4th Line (Theatre) in July and do Port Hope in August, or vice versa, and do film and television in the winter.”
“Rob really understands the balance of business and pleasure. He’s an actor’s director. He trusts the actors. He doesn’t teach them how to act.”
Capitol Theatre artistic director Rob Kempson (right) directing the cast during a rehearsal of the Capitol Theatre’s production of “Come From Away” at the historic venue in Port Hope from July 10 to August 9, 2026. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
As for what’s next for Payne after Come From Away, she says the experience has whet her appetite for more theatre work, but admits “I’d be scared to go somewhere that wasn’t the Capitol. It has been great.”
“I’m turning 40 in two weeks. I’m learning a new skill at this age. I’ve learned so much, and that’s fun.”
Meanwhile, for all he has done theatrically, Dixon says there’s always something to learn, noting “If there wasn’t, I don’t think I would do it.”
“With this show, it’s rehearsing the lines, rehearsing the songs, getting my pitch right, my vocal delivery. We’re thrown into situations where people are asking for the impossible and we’re having to re-invent ourselves over and over. It’s incredibly terrifying, but it’s exhilarating at the same time.”
Julie Lumsden, Kyle Golemba, Donna Garner, Beau Dixon, Melissa Payne, and Kyle Blair in a promotional shot for the Capitol Theatre’s production of “Come From Away” at the historic venue in Port Hope from July 10 to August 9, 2026. Not pictured: Monique Lund, Tat Austrie, Annika Tupper, Charlie Clark, Brendan Wall, and Scott Carmichael. (Photo: Sam Moffatt)
In addition to Dixon, Payne, and Lund, the cast of Come From Away features Donna Garner as Diane, Tat Austrie as Hannah, Annika Tupper as Janice, Julie Lumsden as Beverley, real-life couple Kyle Blair and Kyle Golemba playing Kevin T and Kevin J respectively), Charlie Clark as Bob, Brendan Wall as Claude, and Scott Carmichael as Nick.
Come from Away will be staged at 7:30 p.m. on July 10 and 11, 16 to 18, 23 to 25, July 30 to August 1, and August 6 to 8, with 2 p.m. matinee performances on July 12, 14 to 16, 18 and 19, 21 to 23, 25 and 26, August 1 and 2, 4 to 6, and 8 and 9.
Tickets are $50 ($40 for those under 30) and are available online at capitoltheatre.com, but be aware that many performances are already sold out and others have mainly single tickets remaining.
Every Friday during swimming season, we post The Beach Report™ — our weekly report of the results of water quality testing at beaches in the greater Kawarthas region — and update it throughout the week as conditions change.
As of Wednesday, July 1, the following beaches are at moderate risk for swimming:
Head Lake Beach – Laxton
Low risk means the water is safe for swimming, moderate risk means swimming is not advised due to elevated bacteria levels, and high risk means a beach is closed due to high bacteria levels or hazardous water conditions.
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Below are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in the City and County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings and Prince Edward Counties
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
While we strive to update this story with the current conditions, you should confirm the most recent test results by visiting the regional health unit websites at Lakelands Public Health and Southeast Public Health.
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City and County of Peterborough
Beavermead Beach – Peterborough – Low Risk
Belmont Lake – Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – Low Risk
John Street Beach – Trent Lakes (Buckhorn) – Low Risk
Chandos Beach – North Kawartha – Low Risk
Crowe's Line Beach – Trent Lakes – Low Risk
Douro Park North – Douro-Dummer – Low Risk
Ennismore Waterfront Beach – Selwyn – Low Risk
Henry's Gumming – Curve Lake First Nation – Low Risk
Hiawatha Beach – Hiawatha First Nation – Low Risk
Jones Beach – Selwyn (Bridgenorth) – Low Risk
Kasshabog Lake – Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – Low Risk
Lakefield Beach – Selwyn – Low Risk
Lime Kiln Park – Curve Lake First Nation – Low Risk
Quarry Bay Beach – North Kawartha – Low Risk
Roger's Cove – Peterborough – Low Risk
Sandy Beach – Trent Lakes – Low Risk
Selwyn Beach Conservation Area – Selwyn (Owned by Otonabee Conservation) – Low Risk
Squirrel Creek Conservation Area – South Monaghan (Owned by Otonabee Conservation) – Low Risk
Warsaw Caves Conservation Area – Douro-Dummer (Owned by Otonabee Conservation) – Low Risk
White's Beach – Trent Lakes – Low Risk
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City of Kawartha Lakes
Head Lake Beach – Laxton – Moderate Risk
Riverview Beach Park – Bobcaygeon – Low Risk
Beach Park – Bobcaygeon – Low Risk
Birch Point – Fenelon Falls – Low Risk
Blanchards Road Beach – Bexley – Low Risk
Bond Street – Fenelon Falls – Low Risk
Burnt River Beach – Somerville – Low Risk
Centennial Beach – Verulam – Low Risk
Centennial Park West – Eldon – Low Risk
Four Mile Lake Public Beach – Somerville – Low Risk
Lions Park – Coboconk – Low Risk
Norland Bathing Area – Laxton – Low Risk
Sturgeon Point Beach – Fenelon Falls – Low Risk
Valentia Sandbar Beach – Low Risk
Verulam Recreational Park – Low Risk
Centennial Verulam Parkette – Testing Season Closed – Beach Closed until July 1st, 2026
Omemee Beach – Testing Season Closed – Beach Closed until July 1st, 2026
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Northumberland County
Hastings Waterfront North – Trent Hills – Low Risk
Hastings Waterfront South – Trent Hills – Low Risk
Little Lake – Cramahe – Low Risk
Sandy Bay Public Beach – Alnwick-Haldimand – Low Risk
Victoria Beach- Cobourg – Low Risk
Haliburton County
Bissett Beach – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Dorset Parkette – Algonquin Highlands – Low Risk
Eagle Lake Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Elvin Johnson Park – Algonquin Highlands – Low Risk
Forsters Beach – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Gooderham Lake Beach – Highlands East – Low Risk
Glamour Lake Beach – Highlands East – Low Risk
Haliburton Lake Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Horseshoe Beach – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Paudash Lake Beach – Highlands East – Low Risk
Pine Lake Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Rotary Beach – Head Lake – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Rotary Head Lake Beach Lagoon – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Rotary Park Lagoon – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Rotary Park Main – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Sandy Cove Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Sandy Point Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Slipper Beach – Dysart et al – Low Risk
Twelve Mile Lake Beach – Minden Hills – Low Risk
Wilbermere Lake Beach – Highlands East – Low Risk
Hastings and Prince Edward Counties
Beaches sampled monthly
Moira Lake Park – Moira Lake – Low Risk
Centennial Park, Deseronto – Bay of Quinte – Low Risk
Frankford Park – Trent River – Low Risk
Kingsford Conservation Area – Salmon River – Low Risk
Tweed Park – Stoco Lake – Low Risk
Wellington Beach – Wellington Bay – Low Risk
Beaches sampled once at the start of bathing season
Centennial Park, Northport – Bay of Quinte – Low Risk
Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal (third from left, front) accepts a symbolic key from Parks Canada's manager of canal operations Chad Buchner for the new Peterborough Visitor Centre during a media event on June 25, 2026, the day before the centre opened to the public, surrounded by city councillors, Parks Canada staff, and two representatives of the Indigenous community. Operated by Peterborough Tourism, the visitor centre is located in the building previously operated by Parks Canada as the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre until 2020. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)
Coinciding with the beginning of summer break, the City of Peterborough has opened its new visitor information centre to the public on Friday (June 26).
The Peterborough Visitor Centre is located at 353 Hunter Street East, just west of the Peterborough Lift Lock, in the building that was formerly the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre operated by Parks Canada.
“Today marks a new beginning for one of Peterborough’s most iconic spaces,” Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal said during a media event at the visitor centre on Thursday.
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“We are excited to open the doors of the Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock and work to revitalize the space to incorporate diverse perspectives of the shared cultures and histories of the community.”
Parks Canada, the federal government agency that manages the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site including the Peterborough Lift Lock, shuttered the building during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 and never reopened it.
In an agreement with Parks Canada, the new visitor centre is operated by Peterborough Tourism, the city’s tourism services and destination marketing program. Under the agreement, the city is responsible for any renovations or updates and their costs, as well as operating costs including rent, utilities, snow removal, washroom access, and taxes.
Cathy Mitchell, the City of Peterborough’s recreation, parks and culture service manager, emceed the media event on June 25, 2026 for the opening of the new Peterborough Visitor Centre. Formerly the manager curator of Riverview Park and Zoo, she recently joined Peterborough Tourism, the city’s tourism services and destination marketing program. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)18-year-old Kelvin Boissoneau from Garden River First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie performs as the City of Peterborough’s Indigenous relations advisor Shelley Knott holds the microphone during a media event on June 25, 2026 for the opening of the new Peterborough Visitor Centre. The city consulted with Indigenous members of the community to ensure the visitor centre adequately reflects the Indigenous history of the area. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)The City of Peterborough’s commissioner of infrastructure, planning and growth management Blair Nelson smiles as Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal acknowledges his work as a major behind-the-scenes player in the opening of the new Peterborough Visitor Centre during a media event on June 25, 2026. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)Peterborough MP Emma Harrison speaks during a media event on June 25, 2026 for the opening of the new Peterborough Visitor Centre. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)
Before the city assumed responsibility for tourism services from the now-defunct Peterborough & The Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) in 2025, the visitor centre was located at PKED’s office at the Venture North building in downtown Peterborough. When that office was closed, it was then moved to the box office inside the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
The new visitor centre’s location beside the Peterborough Lift Lock means it’s easily accessible for travellers arriving by boat, car, bike, or on foot. According to Parks Canada, the Lift Lock draws more than 35,000 land-based visitors annually, with additional visitors arriving by water via the
Along with Mayor Leal, Thursday’s media event was attended by city councillors Lesley Parnell, Kevin Duguay, Matt Crowley, Keith Riel, Dave Haacke, and Alex Bierk, along with Peterborough MP Emma Harrison, Parks Canada’s manager of canal operations Chad Buchner, the city’s Indigenous relations advisor Shelley Knott, and 18-year-old Kelvin Boissoneau from Garden River First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie.
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“I am delighted on behalf of the federal government to share responsibility for this gem in the heart of the riding of Peterborough,” MP Harrison said.
“The Lift Lock represents some of the best of our past, but also our goals for the future. I know that the City of Peterborough will be the best custodians of this historical landmark for our community and all that visit our beautiful home.”
Other attendees at Thursday’s media event included city staff, Parks Canada staff, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area executive director Nour Mazloum, and members of the community.
Parks Canada’s manager of canal operations Chad Buchner (left) smiles during a media event on June 25, 2026 for the opening of the new Peterborough Visitor Centre as Parks Canada staff and the City of Peterborough’s strategic communications and Service Peterborough communications specialist Cara Walsh (right) look on. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal smiles as stands in front of a map of the Trent-Severn Waterway holding a symbolic key for the new Peterborough Visitor Centre during a media event on June 25, 2026. The city has entered into an agreement with Parks Canada to use the building that previously was the home of the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre until 2020. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area executive director Nour Mazloum explores the gift shop at the new Peterborough Visitor Centre during a media event on June 25, 2026. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)The new Peterborough Visitor Centre is located just west of the iconic Peterborough Lift Lock, which attracts more than 35,000 land-based visitors annually. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)
New signage on Hunter Street East and Peterborough Tourism branded banner flags promote the location of the visitor centre, while the inside features a large map of the Trent-Severn Waterway, historic displays about the Peterborough Lift Lock, interpretive areas, information resources including the city’s official destination guide and the regional Peterborough and The Kawarthas visitor map developed in collaboration with Peterborough County, and a gift shop.
While the centre is now open to the public, work is continuing on the interior of the building — which has been unused for six years — to improve the visitor experience.
Operating year round, the Peterborough Visitor Centre is currently open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, visit the Peterborough Tourism website at www.ptbotourism.ca.
Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal and Parks Canada’s manager of canal operations Chad Buchner lift a symbolic key for the new Peterborough Visitor Centre during a media event on June 25, 2026, with Peterborough MP Emma Harrison pictured at left. The city has entered into an agreement with Parks Canada to use the building that previously was the home of the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre until 2020. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)Signage for the new Peterborough Visitor Centre at 353 Hunter Street East just west of the tunnel under the Peterborough Lift Lock. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)Peterborough Tourism branded banners hanging outside the new Peterborough Visitor Centre at 353 Hunter Street East. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)Operated year round by Peterborough Tourism, the new Peterborough Visitor Centre at 353 Hunter Street East is currently open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. (Photo: Jordan Lyall / kawarthaNOW)
The Xtract One SmartGateway weapons detection system was installed at the emergency department at Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro, Nova Scotia in 2025. The sensors can detect the shape of a potential weapon in real time and where it is concealed on a person's body. The system is designed to detect genuine threats while distinguishing everyday items like phones and keys, significantly reducing false alerts compared to traditional metal detectors. (Photo: Nova Scotia Health)
Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) will permanently install a weapons detection system at the entrance to its emergency department following a successful three-week trial last summer.
The Xtract One SmartGateway system will be installed and activated on Tuesday, July 7. Once in place, everyone entering or re-entering the hospital through the emergency department will be required to pass through the system’s sensors.
The permanent installation follows a three-week trial in June 2025, during which 113 items were detected and removed from people entering the regional hospital that services a population of 600,000 people.
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PRHC’s decision to install the weapons detection system comes as hospitals across Canada are responding to increased concerns about violence and weapons in healthcare settings.
In April, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions reported that 95 per cent of nurses surveyed across Canada had experienced workplace violence or harassment in the previous year, and has called for violence-prevention infrastructure including weapons detection systems, surveillance cameras, and personal alarms.
In Ontario, Windsor Regional Hospital has been using AI weapons detection at its emergency departments since 2023, while London Health Sciences Centre announced last year it was installing similar systems at its emergency departments.
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PRHC says the Xtract One system uses artificial intelligence and sensor technology to detect potential weapons while distinguishing them from everyday items. Unlike traditional metal detectors, the system allows people to walk through without stopping or removing items such as phones, keys, or metal water bottles.
According to Xtract One Technologies, the SmartGateway system is designed to provide high-throughput screening without requiring people to divest personal belongings or undergo secondary screening unless a potential threat is detected.
“Healthcare organizations are increasingly embracing digital transformation strategies that enhance safety without compromising the patient experience,” said Xtract One CEO Peter Evans in a media release.
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“Our work with Peterborough Regional Health Centre demonstrates how forward-thinking providers can balance intelligent screening technology that proactively addresses modern threats with the openness and accessibility that are essential to care environments,” Evans added.
PRHC says the system is mobility and accessibility-friendly and supports wheelchairs, walkers, and assistive devices. The hospital notes the system does not use facial recognition technology.
For people who have medical devices, mobility needs, or other considerations, alternative screening will be available. PRHC adds that it will also continue to respect spiritual and cultural practices throughout the screening process.
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“As the Peterborough region’s largest employer, PRHC views care and safety as inseparable,” said Jennifer Taylor, PRHC’s vice-president and chief financial officer.
“We believe that every team member, patient, family member, and caregiver deserves to feel safe and supported from the moment they walk through our doors. SmartGateway is a solution we’re proud to introduce in our emergency department, where it will support us to uphold this standard for patients and families, who depend on us to be there when they need us most.”
Xtract One says PRHC selected the system following the hospital’s pilot and evaluation period, including testing in a real-world clinical environment. The company says the deployment adds to its growing presence in healthcare settings, following previous Canadian deployments in Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia.
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