Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the death of a 40-year-old man in a Lakefield apartment after Peterborough police responded to a report about a person in distress early Tuesday morning (December 26).
At around 1:30 a.m., a woman contacted the Peterborough Police Service to report her son was in distress and was at an apartment on Queen Street in Lakefield.
Upon arriving at the Queen Street location, an officer saw the man holding a baseball bat outside of the apartment. The man struck the officer with the bat and re-entered the apartment. After additional officers arrived at the scene, unsuccessful attempts were made to communicate with the man in the apartment.
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Officers decided to break down the apartment door, and found the man in the kitchen in medical distress. Although first aid was provided to the man by officers and emergency medical service personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The SIU is a civilian law enforcement agency, independent of the police, that conducts criminal investigations into circumstances involving police and civilians that have resulted in serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault. The SIU has assigned three investigators and one forensic investigator to the case.
The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at siu.on.ca.
The Class of 2023: Peterborough-area entrepreneurs who graduated from either the "Spark" Mentorships and Grants Program or the Starter Company Plus program and launched or grew their businesses in 2023. Both small business programs are offered through Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. (Photo: kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
After years of pandemic uncertainty, entrepreneurs once again began thinking about launching or growing their businesses in 2023, and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) was behind them all the way.
Over the past year, 35 Peterborough-area entrepreneurs who graduated from either the “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program or the Starter Company Plus program — two of the small business programs offered through PKED — have launched or grown their businesses.
From food and beverage and health and wellness to art and tourism and beyond, participating entrepreneurs were able to launch an idea for a new business or take an established business to the next level.
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“For many entrepreneurs, 2023 was the year to reinvent themselves,” says Madeleine Hurrell, Manager of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. “Some entrepreneurs had a professional career, saw a gap in an industry, and used their skillset to create their own business.”
In reinventing themselves, entrepreneurs are developing products and services available to communities within the region while also creating jobs and growing the local economy.
According to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), there are more than 1.2 million businesses in Canada. Of these, 437,891 are small businesses in Ontario. As for workforce and creating jobs, nine in 10 Canadians in the private sector work in a small to medium-sized business.
“Small business is big business in Canada,” says Hurrell. “Especially in a region like ours.”
Graduates of the “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program (2022 and 2023)
The eight Peterborough-area businesses that launched innovative tourism experiences after participating in the “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program in 2022 and 2023. (Photo: kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
That includes entrepreneurs with innovative tourism ideas who participated in the “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program, an initiative offered collaboratively by the Tourism Innovation Lab and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism (a division of PKED).
In 2023, the program saw five individuals pitch their tourism ideas to a panel of judges comprised of local partner representatives and tourism innovators from outside the region. Three finalists were awarded a $3,000 seed grant with mentorship from an established tourism operator or industry expert to help turn their spark of an idea into a flame.
“What sets these entrepreneurs apart is their winning ideas are just that — an idea,” says Jaimie Eastabrook, Tourism Development Officer with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism. “The ‘Spark’ program stands out among other tourism initiatives because it is not only open to established tourism operators but anyone with a spark of creativity and innovation in tourism.”
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In addition to this year’s winning entrepreneurs, the six entrepreneurs from the program’s inaugural year in 2022 launched their new tourism ideas in 2023.
Eastabrook says all the program’s recipients in 2022 and 2023 have “unleashed an array of tourism ideas” from hands-on culinary experiences and an outdoor escape adventure to a unique special events venue, a glamping accommodation, and camping equipment rentals.
“The ‘Spark’ program’s criteria is strategically focused on winter and shoulder season development to extend the tourism season,” Eastabrook points out. “Fostering the creation of unique experiences that captivate visitors, encourages them to spend more money, stay longer and return to this beautiful region in a variety of seasons, ultimately contributes to a thriving local economy year-round.”
Graduates of Starter Company Plus (2023 spring intake)
The 12 Peterborough-area businesses that participated in the spring 2023 intake of the Starter Company Plus program offered by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Ontario government. (Photo: kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
Also contributing to a thriving local economy were the 23 Peterborough-area businesses that participated in this year’s spring and fall intakes of Starter Company Plus, a business training program offered by the Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Ontario government.
Owners of emerging and established small businesses received in-class training and assistance in crafting a business plan along with one-on-one consultation, with 15 of the participating entrepreneurs awarded a $5,000 microgrant based on the strength of their business plan.
Both the Starter Company Plus program participants and “Spark” program grant recipients received a conditional pre-approved microloan from Community Futures Peterborough. Starter Company Plus participants also received access to a six-month trial membership with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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“It was highly subscribed and a very competitive process,” says Hurrell, noting that it was encouraging to see applications from those who had been recommended from program alumni. “That power of word of mouth from another business owner, sharing what they received from the program and how it can help someone they know, is tremendous. It’s nice to see local entrepreneurs supporting each other.”
Starter Company Plus microgrant recipients wasted no time in putting the funding and their newly acquired business knowledge to use. For example, just a few months after participating in the spring intake, Take Cover Books owners Andrew and Sean Fitzpatrick transformed their successful online bookstore into a brick-and-mortar business in Peterborough’s East City.
“They had identified an independent bookstore as being a gap here in our community,” says Hurrell, adding that it serves as a space for the whole community. “They are giving back by creating a space for local and travelling authors and the community to come and connect.”
Graduates of Starter Company Plus (2023 fall intake)
The 11 Peterborough-area businesses that participated in the fall 2023 intake of the Starter Company Plus program offered by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Ontario government. (Photo: kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
Participants in the fall intake of Starter Company Plus — the tenth intake of the program — achieved similar success in business growth. For example, in the weeks since graduating and receiving a $5,000 microgrant, Meg Kynock’s healthy dog treat business muttmixx has become a finalist for the Canadian Choice Award, which recognizes small businesses across the country, and also received the Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Business of the Year Award.
“We have certainly seen exceptional growth throughout the year,” says Hurrell. “One of the major advantages of the program is connecting entrepreneurs with valuable business training, which helps them really look ahead to future opportunities for investment.”
The fall intake of Starter Company Plus was especially significant as it marked the return to in-person programming after eight intakes were held virtually during the pandemic. The change proved worthwhile for the participants who were able to create more long-term connection with one another.
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“The relationships that were formed over just a short period were really fantastic,” says Hurrell. “This program is something the group does together. They all learned at the same time, so they have their own alumni network within the business community, and that’s something that’s unique to these programs.”
To celebrate the entrepreneurs who participated in the “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program and Starter Company Plus, PKED will be hosting a showcase event on February 8, 2024. The entrepreneurs will be there to introduce themselves to the community, explain their businesses, and show off their accomplishments and successes.
The Starter Company Plus program, offered by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Ontario government, provides business training to new and established businesses in Peterborough City and County. The 2023 fall intake of the program was the first to return to in-person training since the start of the pandemic. (Photo: PKED)
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“We like the business owners to invite their supporters, because it really takes a village,” says Hurrell. “It’s a night to also celebrate their friends, families, clients, and suppliers — the entire community that supports local small business.”
Location and more details on the showcase event will be announced soon, in addition to details on when applications will open for the 2024 “Spark” Mentorships and Grants program.
For more information about how Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre helps small businesses, and for updates on the showcase and available programs, visit investptbo.ca/business-advisory-centre and follow on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Peterborough actor Naomi Duvall waits as the production crew including Pawel Dwulit, Christian Moes, Drew Antzis, and Rob Viscardis prepares for a scene during the Paradigm Pictures filming of a proof-of-concept mini-series called "Grist" at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene in September 2023. Dwulit is involved in the Peterborough Kawartha Film Office, a not-for-profit organization currently curating a list of shooting locations as part of a three-phase plan to establish the region as a film production destination. (Photo: Zach Ward)
“2024 is going be great year for filmmaking and for the future of filmmaking in Peterborough.”
So declares cinematographer Pawel Dwulit, who has teamed up with local production professionals to launch a project that aims to introduce Peterborough and the Kawarthas as a filming destination.
For both visiting production companies and for those looking to produce locally, the Peterborough Kawartha Film Office will make it easier for all types of productions to come to the region by providing assistance with locations, permits, crews, equipment rental, and other support services.
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“We should be marketing both regions, Kawarthas and Peterborough, under one lens because of the amazing variety of locations we have and creative people we have,” says Dwulit, pun fully intended. “We are trying to help build the pipeline that needs to exist so that the region can be marketed better.”
Dwulit is the owner of Paradigm Pictures, a production company specializing in TV commercials, documentaries, and narrative films. Established in 2013 though branded as Paradigm in 2019, the company is a collective of filmmakers and creatives across different roles in production including agencies, brands, and artists.
“I just love creating ecosystems for other ideas to be born,” says Dwulit. “That’s happening with the film office, and the more we get it out there, the more positive reactions we get.”
Director of photography and co-director Pawel Dwulit waits for actors to reset a scene as co-director Drew Antis looks on during the production of a proof-of-concept mini-series called “Grist” at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene in October 2023. Dwulit is the owner of Peterborough-based production company Paradigm Pictures, which specializes in commercials, music videos, documentaries, and narrative film. (Photo: Adam Martignetti)
The concept of the film office came out of “necessity” explains Dwulit, who just wrapped up filming a proof of concept for a three-part mini-series called Grist, which was written, produced, filmed, and edited in Peterborough County.
While filming at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene, Dwulit, who is director of photography and co-director, thought about how a central film hub would provide a lot of benefit and opportunity for the “talented” crew he had been working alongside.
“There’s a huge pendulum shift now away from the giant studios — from the big Marvel movies — to good storytelling that impacts you and makes you think about people, life, and humanity — we have all that here,” says Dwulit. “At the core is good storytelling and there’s huge potential for that in this region.”
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Dwulit adds that while there are already big features being filmed in Peterborough — including an episode from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds at The Mount Community Centre — the region’s full potential is not being realized.
“That kind of production brings a lot of money locally to all kinds of businesses, but there’s no one marketing plan designed around making it easier for all types of productions to come to the region,” he says.
Local industry professionals have already shown support for the project, including award-winning editor and producer Rob Viscardis, filmmakers Michael Hayes, Drew Antzis, and Brendan Fell, actress Tamara Bick, actor and improv comedian Adam Martignetti, and musician SJ Riley, among others who were involved in the hyperlocal production of Grist.
Anson Mount as Christopher Pike in episode four of season two of the Star Trek prequel “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” in which the castle interior scenes were filmed at The Mount Community Centre in Peterborough. Pawel Dwulit of Paradigm Pictures, who believes the region’s full potential as a film production destination is not being realized, is part of a group of local filmmakers, producers, and more who have established the Peterborough Kawartha Film Office. (Photo: Paramount+)
The development of the not-for-profit film office is currently in the first of a three-phase plan to span the next three to four years. Currently in the first stage, the team is curating a list of locations that are willing to be rented out for film production. All locations are welcome to get involved, from bowling alleys to restaurants and event venues to cottages. Other talent and service providers, like visual effects and makeup artists, will also be in the database.
“We’re going to have a whole slew of vendors that have been pre-vetted and pre-approved by the film office,” explains Dwulit. “If someone wants some sort of service, they want to go to one place and find somebody that’s trusted to give them that level of service.”
The cinematographer explains the database would not only encourage the growth of the local film community, but the business itself would generate a new revenue stream.
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“It’s the same idea as being listed in a directory,” he says, noting that there’s potential for the spaces to be rented even outside of film for things like content creation. “It promotes your business as well, and the rates can always be negotiated, or they it can be offered in exchange for product placements.”
Once a thorough list of participating locations has been gathered, the next phase will involve the collection of data for each service. All relevant data including rental rates and permits will be recorded, and 360-degree photos of the location will be taken. This will make it easier to scout suitable locations.
“For example, you want to be able to say ‘I need a 20-by-20-foot room with big windows facing east, unobstructed for light.’ How many of those exist? I don’t know, but hopefully once we have the database all put together, you can search for something like that. We want to make it as detailed as possible.”
“Grist” director of photography and co-director Pawel Dwulit adjusts a Arri Orbiter light on a 85-foot crane before it is raised up, as first assistant camera Jonathan Miller looks on, during the production of the proof-of-concept mini-series at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene in August 2023. Dwulit, a cinematographer and owner of Peterborough-based production company Paradigm Pictures, believes that with recent shifts in film towards narrative storytelling, there is great potential for Peterborough and the Kawarthas to be marketed for film production. (Photo: Adam Martignetti)
In the effort to provide learning opportunities, which is another goal of the hub, Fleming marketing and business students will begin building the website database in the spring. By September 2024, the aim is for the film office to have secured the necessary grants and economic development support to have completed phase two with the fully formed database.
Also by September, Dwulit is hopeful that Paradigm Pictures will be in the process of filming their first holiday film. The production company has partnered with Peterborough-based screenwriter Carley Smale, who has already written more than a dozen holiday feature films and wants to create one that is hyperlocal.
The third phase of the project will involve the creation of a virtual production stage (a wrap-around screen with ceiling panels that can display any environment) right here in the Kawarthas. The stage would be commercially rentable and allow for crews to be “in multiple places in a short amount of time” explains Dwulit.
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“This would round out the service offerings in terms of production,” Dwulit explains. “You won’t have to drive to Toronto to rent. You can rent from us here locally.”
He adds that, like the film office database, the virtual production stage will create more capacity for learning opportunities “at various levels” right here in the community.
“We could have a smaller production, a local production from Peterborough, or a marketing agency come in and use this stage, and not only educate their team but have a much higher level of production quality,” he says. “We want to bring in people from the community at heavily reduced rates so they can learn. We want to make it accessible — the gates aren’t up, and the chains aren’t on them.”
“Grist” director of photography and co-director Pawel Dwulit sets the frame during the production of the proof-of-concept mini-series at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene in October 2023. Dwulit is part of a group of local filmmakers, producers, and more who have teamed up to develop the not-for-profit Peterborough Kawarthas Film Office to encourage local film production by assisting with locations, permits, equipment rental, finding crew, and other support services. (Photo: Brendan Fell)
While the virtual production stage may still be years out, Dwulit assures that the educational opportunities, creative education advancements, and economic growth are all happening much sooner.
“The aim is to help the region and those interested in film be the best that they can be at this time where we are, and this whole pipeline is going to make that happen,” he says. “It’s the obvious thing to be doing right now in order to establish more economic interest in the region.”
Visit ptboklfilmoffice.com for more information on the Peterborough Kawartha Film Office and follow them on Instagram and to stay up to date on film projects.
Peterborough actors Naomi Duvall as Sophie and Lindsay Unterlander as the general store owner in a scene from “Grist” at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene in July 2023. As part of the Peterborough Kawarthas Film Office project, Peterborough-based production company Paradigm Pictures recently finished filming a proof of concept for the three-part mini-series. (Photo courtesy of Paradigm Pictures)
Sharron Wharram-Spry and Brian Spry of Spry Family Christmas Tree Farm in Cobourg present a cheque for $29,677 to Megan Fluxgold of the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation, representing the proceeds from the ninth annual Family Christmas at Spry Christmas Tree Farm fundraiser held on December 2, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation)
The act of cutting down a fresh Christmas tree recently yielded a gift of more than $29,000 for the Cobourg hospital.
The Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation announced that the ninth annual family Christmas fundraiser at Spry Family Christmas Tree Farm in Cobourg was a success.
The event held in early December generated $29,677 for the foundation’s “Light up a Life” campaign. More than 144 trees were sold and 100 per cent of the proceeds were donated to the cause, the NHH Foundation noted.
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“This magical holiday tradition isn’t just about finding the perfect tree; it’s also a heartwarming demonstration of the community coming together to make a difference,” said Megan Fluxgold, NHH Foundation’s community engagement and events specialist, in a media release.
“Every dollar spent on these magnificent trees contributes directly to the well-being of our hospital. It was a triple win — the perfect tree, the joy of giving, and the knowledge that our annual Light up a Life campaign is truly supported by our community.”
The event was hosted by Sharron Wharram-Spry and Brian Spry at their Christmas tree farm on Danforth Road West, with proceeds raised through tree sales and by sponsors.
Over the past nine years, the Family Christmas at Spry Christmas Tree Farm fundraiser hosted by Sharron Wharram-Spry and Brian Spry has raised over $172,000 for the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation between monetary contributions of sponsors and tree sales. This year’s proceeds will support the purchase of an automatic tablet packager for the hospital’s pharmacy. (Photo courtesy of Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation)
Returning sponsors included Baker Tilly, Wharram Tree Service Ltd., Cameco, Tim Hortons (Toronto Road and Highway 28 locations in Port Hope), Canada Candy Company, and Craft Food House, with Ley Hall Wealth Management, Cobourg Nissan, and Just in Time Sanitation joining as new sponsors.
A visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a complimentary chili lunch, hot chocolate, and coffee and treats around a bonfire were part of the day.
“NHH Foundation extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event possible — from the generous hosts, Sharron and Brian, to the many dedicated volunteers, returning and new attendees, and event sponsors,” states the media release.
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“With the success of this year’s event, this annual tradition has now raised a spectacular sum of over $172,670 over its nine years in support of Light Up a Life.”
Proceeds from the 30th annual Light Up a Life campaign will support the purchase of an automatic tablet packager for the hospital’s pharmacy. The NHH Foundation said the device will “help streamline medication packaging and increase efficiency across all departments at NHH.”
First introduced in 1994, the Light Up a Life campaign has raised more than $3.7 million over the years. It has helped pay for various pieces of equipment such as surgical scopes, anaesthetic machines, hospital beds, and NHH’s MRI machine.
As Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day are all statutory holidays in Ontario, all government offices and services and liquor and beer stores are closed, except for a selected few liquor and beer stores that will be open on Boxing Day. Most retail businesses — including malls, big box stores, and grocery stores — are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day but are open on Boxing Day. Many pharmacies remain open on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
For your convenience, we provide this list of holiday hours for 288 selected businesses, services, and organizations across the Kawarthas. This information comes from their websites and social media accounts. Please always call them first to confirm their hours (we’ve included phone numbers), especially where you see “call” or “call to confirm” (which means the business did not indicate specific holiday hours) or if you are travelling any distance.
If your business or organization is listed and the hours are incorrect, please let us know by using our content feedback form. We do not have the hours for restaurants in this list as there are far too many to include.
Bewdley Community Recycling Centre 7650 County Rd. 9, Hamilton 905-342-2514
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Brighton Community Recycling Centre 1112 County Rd. 26, Brighton 613-475-1946
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Canada Post Mail Delivery / Offices (Note: post offices operated by the private sector will be open according to the hours of service of the host business
Not applicable
No collection / delivery
No collection / delivery
Not applicable
No collection / delivery
City of Kawartha Lakes City Hall, Municipal Service Centres, and Administration Offices 26 Francis St., Lindsay 705-324-9411
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities, arenas, and pools Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411
Check with facility
CLOSED
Check with facility
Check with facility
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Public Libraries Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411 x1291
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Regular hours
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Waste and Recycling Collection 26 Francis St., Lindsay 1-888-822-2225
Not applicable
Moves to Tue Dec 26
Moves to Wed Dec 27 (Dec 27 to 28, 28 to 29)
Not applicable
Moves to Tue Jan 2 (Jan 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5)
City of Peterborough Day Cares Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
City of Peterborough Garbage Pickup Peterborough 705-745-1386
Not applicable
Not applicable
Moves to Sat Dec 30 (Zone 1)
Not applicable
Not applicable
City of Peterborough Green Bin Pickup Peterborough
Not applicable
Not applicable
Moves to Sat Dec 30 (Zone 1 & 2)
Not applicable
Not applicable
City of Peterborough Recycling Pickup Peterborough 705-876-1600
Not applicable
Not applicable
Moves to Sat Dec 30 (Zone 1 & 2)
Not applicable
Not applicable
City of Peterborough Social Services (for emergency shelter services call 705-926-0096) Closed, Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Cobourg Public Library 200 Ontario St., Cobourg 905-372-9271
Lindsay Human Services 322 Kent St. W., Lindsay 705-324-9870
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Lindsay Library 90 Kent St. W., Lindsay 705-324-9411 x1291
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
10:00am-5:00pm
CLOSED
Lindsay Ops Landfill 51 Wilson Rd., Lindsay 1-888-822-2225
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Lindsay Transit / LIMO Specialized Transit 180 Kent St. W., Lindsay 705-324-9411
9:00am-4:00pm
NO SERVICE
7:00am-7:00pm
9:00am-4:00pm
NO SERVICE
Municipality of Port Hope Municipal Offices 56 Queen St., Port Hope 905-885-4544
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
North Kawartha Municipal Office 280 Burleigh St., Apsley 705- 656-4445
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
North Kawartha Township Recycling Collection 340 McFadden Rd., Apsley 705-656-3619
Not applicable
No collection
Not applicable
Not applicable
No collection
North Kawartha Township Waste Collection 340 McFadden Rd., Apsley 705-656-3619
Not applicable
Moves to Tue Dec 26 (Dec 28 collection moves to Fri Dec 29)
Not applicable
Not applicable
Moves to Tue Jan 2 (Jan 4 collection moves to Fri Jan 5)
Northumberland County Administration Offices 555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg 905-372-3329
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Northumberland County Waste and Recycling Collection 555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg 1-866-293-8379
Not applicable
Moves to Wed Dec 27
Moves to Thu Dec 28 (Dec 27 to Dec 29, Dec 28 to Dec 30)
Not applicable
Moves to Tue Jan 2 (Jan 2 to Jan 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5)
Northumberland Material Recovery Facility (no material drop-off by public, but blue boxes, green bins, backyard composters are available for purchase) 280 Edwardson Rd., Grafton 1-866-293-8379
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism Visitor Centre 1400 Crawford Dr., Peterborough 705-742-2201
Environment Canada has issued a freezing rain warning for most of the greater Kawarthas region for Saturday (December 23).
The freezing rain warning is in effect for Peterborough County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.
A few hours of freezing rain are likely beginning early Saturday morning and ending by late afternoon.
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Freezing rain is expected to be light, which should limit ice build-up to 2 mm at most.
For areas close to Lake Ontario, the threat of freezing rain will be less as temperatures are expected to be just above the freezing mark.
Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. Slow down while driving in slippery conditions, particularly on untreated surfaces. Watch for taillights ahead and maintain a safe following distance.
Police have arrested and charged the homeowner of this Russell Street East home in Lindsay that was destroyed by fire on December 17, 2023, also damaging a neighbouring home and displacing a single mother and her son and their two pets. (Photo via GoFundMe)
Police have arrested and charged the owner of a Lindsay home that burned down early Sunday morning (December 17).
At around 2 a.m. last Sunday, Kawartha Lakes police and fire and rescue crews responded to a residential fire on Russell Street East in Lindsay. The fire destroyed the home and damaged a neighbouring home, displacing a single mother and her son.
Following an investigation by Kawartha Lakes police with the assistance of the Ontario Fire Marshall Office, on Friday (December 22) police arrested a 24-year-old woman who owns the home that burned down and charged her with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence (arson endangering life) and fraud over $5,000. The accused woman has been held for a bail hearing and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Lindsay on Friday.
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Police are continuing their investigation into the fire.
The day after the fire, police had released a photo of a suspect taken by a camera within the home of a suspect pouring what appears to be gasoline onto the floor. Police have released additional photos of a person of interest purchasing a gasoline container from a local store, and are looking to identify and speak to the man.
If you are able to identify the man or have any information in relation to this incident, contact the Kawartha Lakes Police Service at 705-324-5252. If you prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.khcrimestoppers.com.
Kawartha Lakes police are seeking to identify and speak with this person of interest as part of their arson investigation into a fire that destroyed a home on Russell Street East in Lindsay on December 17, 2023. (Police-supplied photos)
Earl Hugill and Agatha Rumney of Coboconk in 1923, the year before Agatha wrote a recipe for golden marmalade on the back of a menu from her husband's restaurant. Submitted by Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives, the recipe is one of four recently added to the City of Kawartha Lakes' "Recipe Revival" project. (Photo: Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives)
Just in time for the holidays, the City of Kawartha Lakes has released four new recipes for its “Recipe Revival” project.
Launched in August, the project intends to collect, document, and celebrate recipes that reflect the region’s cultural heritage, whether Indigenous, agricultural and industrial, or immigrant.
Kawartha Lakes residents, food enthusiasts, and history buffs can participate in the Recipe Revival project by submitting their family’s favourite recipes, along with any associated anecdotes, memories, stories, and photos.
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Joining three recipes that are already part of the project — Nana’s fudge by Fenelon Falls seasonal resident Barbara Hooey, tea biscuits from Abbott Sisters’ Recipe Book, and coleslaw from The Lady Hughes Chapter — are four new recipes, each coming with a story. “This recipe is a time machine that takes us back to the flavours of Coboconk in the 1920s,” according to a media release.
Kawartha Lakes Museum and Archives submitted a recipe for golden marmalade, written in 1924 by Coboconk’s Agatha Rumney on the back of a menu for Central Restaurant, which was run by Agatha’s husband Earl Hugill.
Laura Love shared a recipe for gingerbread from her great-grandfather Edward ‘Curtis’ Leslie from Fredericton, New Brunswick. Born in 1899, Edward worked on the family farm for more of his early life, but family lore has it he always enjoyed baking and, in the early 1940s, he ran his own bakery until his death in 1966.
Janet Cain from Bethany submitted a recipe for a Christmas cake featuring gumdrops that originally came from her grandmother-in-law. The recipe is one of four recently added to the City of Kawartha Lakes’ “Recipe Revival” project. (Photo: Janet Cain)
Janet Cain from Bethany has submitted a recipe for a light Christmas cake that originally came from her grandmother-in-law. Along with traditional ingredients like raisins and fruit, this festive cake also features gumdrops and coconut.
Finally, Rachel Kruyf from Beaverton shared a recipe for shepherd’s pie that her mother often made when Rachel was a child, telling her that finding the bay leaf in the pie would bring good luck. When making the recipe for her own family, Rachel passed on the bay leaf story, thinking it was an old wives’ tale, only to find out from her mother a few years ago that she had made up the story so Rachel wouldn’t be disgusted by the bay leaf in the pie.
“Now a family joke, the bay leaf tradition lives on, showcasing the delightful way culinary customs are born,” reads the media release.
For more information about the Recipe Revival project, to see all the current recipies, and to submit your own, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/recipes.
With respiratory illness season upon us and mounting pressures at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), local health care organizations are asking residents to consider alternative care options in the community for non-urgent health concerns before turning to the hospital's emergency department. (Photo: Frank Gunn / Canadian Press)
‘Tis the season for holiday cheer but respiratory illness is also near, and circulating, at this time of year.
As a result, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and area health care partners are encouraging residents, should they get sick, to consider treatment options in the community before turning to the hospital’s emergency department for care.
“With mounting seasonal pressures being felt at PRHC, we encourage our community members to assess the urgency of their condition and consider alternative options,” stated PRHC, Peterborough Family Health Team (PFHT), and Peterborough Public Health (PPH), in a joint news release.
“If you have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, they should be contacted first with non-urgent health concerns. Your health care provider may offer same-day appointments. PFHT-affiliated physicians also offer extended-hours clinics to serve patients with non-urgent health concerns.”
For residents who don’t have a primary care provider, the health care trio points to alternatives, including regular and after-hours services offered by PFHT and other primary care providers, virtual care clinics, PRHC’s pediatric urgent care clinic, walk-in clinics, and Health 811.
More information about these options, along with tips on how to determine what type of care is appropriate, is available on the PRHC website at www.prhc.on.ca.
Meanwhile, PRHC’s emergency department is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for people who need emergency care.
A pharmacist prepares to administer a shot of Comirnaty, the updated Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19 that targets the new omicron XBB subvariant, in Orlando, Florida, on September 14, 2023. (Photo: Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel / The Associated Press)
When it comes to influenza and COVID-19, the health care providers remind residents that flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for anyone over the age of six months old. PRHC itself does not offer these vaccines.
Community members can find more information about locations for COVID-19 and flu vaccines on the Peterborough Public Health website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or connect with their local pharmacy for details.
Updated every Wednesday, the index consolidates available local data for COVID-19 transmission, influenza, and influenza-like illnesses. As of December 20, the COVID-19 risk factor is considered high while the risk level for other respiratory viruses is ranked as moderate.
Health care providers ask residents to consider borrowing a CO2 monitor from the library to monitor indoor air quality to prevent the spread of respiratory infections.
“This holiday season, please stay home if you are ill to prevent spreading infections to friends and loved ones.”
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Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPRDHU) is also reminding residents in its catchment area “to be vigilant and stay up-to-date with vaccinations.”
The colder months bring increased spread of respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), HKPRDHU stated in a news release.
“The holiday season is typically when we see higher rates of respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, HKPRDHU’s CEO and medical officer of health.
“It’s important that we continue to protect one another by using the public health precautions we are all familiar with. In doing so, we are providing our best defence against getting sick, reducing the spread of illness, and we are ensuring that critical health care services are there for those who need them most.”
COVID-19 and flu shots are accessible through participating pharmacies, primary care teams, and HKPRDHU.
The health unit said residents can book appointments by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or they can book appointments online at ontario.ca/book-vaccine.
Charlotte Jewelers owner Levon Eginliyan gives the thumbs up after customer Margaret C. (not pictured) won a $500 Boro gift card after her Holiday Shopping Passport was drawn as the second early bird winner. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
A customer of Charlotte Jewelers is the latest winner of a $500 Boro gift card for shopping local in downtown Peterborough, as part of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) annual Holiday Shopping Passport program.
For ever $10 people spend at any of more than 140 participating downtown business, they receive a stamp in their holiday shopping passport. When a passport is filled with 20 stamps (representing $200 in spending), the completed passport is entered into a draw for three $500 early bird prizes and a $1,500 grand prize.
Margaret C.’s passport was drawn as the winner of the second Holiday Shopping Passport early bird prize last Wednesday (December 13) at the historic Pig’s Ear Tavern, which reopened this summer.
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Margaret completed her winning passport after shopping at Charlotte Jewelers at 341 George Street.
“We’re so excited to see one of our customers win,” says owner Levon Eginliyan. “So many people fill out passports at our shop during the holidays and we couldn’t be happier to see one of our customers be rewarded for supporting our downtown economy.”
Margaret can redeem her $500 Boro gift card at any of the participating businesses in downtown Peterborough.
“It feels so nice to win,” Margaret says in a media release. “When you have a thriving downtown your community feels so much stronger. I come from a small town myself and love participating in downtown events like First Friday because it also makes you feel like you are a part of something. Shopping locally really makes you feel more connected to your local community on a deeper level.”
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The winner of the remaining $500 early bird prize, which was drawn on December 20, will be announced later. The final $1,500 grand prize will be drawn on Wednesday, January 10th.
You can get a holiday shopping passport at any of the participating shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants, and cafes in downtown Peterborough. Visit theboro.ca/holiday-shopping-passport for a list of all the participating businesses.
To start off your holiday shopping passport with no purchase necessary, you can get complimentary stamps at the Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer Street North, the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitors Centre at 270 George Street North, and the DBIA office at 313 Water Street.
To make it easier to shop downtown, the City of Peterborough is now offering free two-hour parking in the downtown until the end of December, courtesy of Wolfe Lawyers.
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