Peterborough County has announced an emergency closure of the James A. Gifford Causeway in Bridgenorth — the county’s busiest stretch of road — to all traffic effective at 7 p.m. on Friday (September 29), with the closure lasting for one week.

County officials say “urgent unforeseen repairs” mean the causeway will be fully closed while crews work extended hours to make the repairs. No details were provided about the nature of the repairs.

“This must be completed immediately to avoid a significant safety risk to the travelling public,” states a media release from the county issued on Friday afternoon at 1 p.m.

Detours will be in place during the closure, with the causeway expected to reopen next Friday (October 6).

“Peterborough County realizes that this unexpected situation is disruptive and apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause,” reads a media release.

In August, Peterborough County announced construction on the causeway was set to begin the week of September 11 with a projected completion date of November, with the scope of the work extending from the County Road 16 (Robinson Road) intersection to west of the Chemong Bridge.

A 31-year-old Grafton man is dead after a single-vehicle collision in Cramahe Township on Thursday afternoon (September 28).

Shortly before 3:30 p.m., Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency services responded to the scene of a collision on County Road 21 near Mutton Road.

A motor vehicle had left County Road 21 and became engulfed in flames.

The driver, who police have identified as a 31-year-old man from Grafton, was found dead at the scene.

County Road 21 was closed between Shiloh Road and Mutton Road for several hours until Thursday evening while police conducted an investigation.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or their local police.

Millbrook photographer David Harry is giving back to the community by offering discounted photography sessions to raise funds for Millbrook Community Care.

Anyone who signs up for a mini-shoot from the photographer between Friday, September 29th and Sunday, October 1st will receive 20 to 40 proofs and eight edited images ready to print. Each session will cost $150, half the usual $300 cost.

“I’m just taking what I have a passion for and what I do to help whoever I can help in town, because my kids grew up here and I’ve been here a long time,” says David.

Having moved to Millbrook nearly two decades ago, David was working as a marketing consulting until he turned his hobby of photography into a full-time job a few years ago. He jokes the career shift made him feel like he was “using his powers for good” after working in marketing for so long.

“In consulting, when someone calls you, they’re not having a good day, so it was very stressful,” David explains. “Now I get to hide in the shadows, take pictures of things and people, and just make memories of things. I love it.”

In his business Fire Hose Photography, David captures everything from events and commercial photography to boudoir and family portraits. He can also be seen regularly around town, documenting community events like the portraits with Santa Claus at Christmastime last year, earlier this summer at SummerFest and Ladies’ Night hosted by the Millbrook Business Improvement Area, and last week at the Millbrook Fall Festival, also hosted by the Millbrook Business Improvement Area.

“I really enjoy giving people their memories,” says David. “It’s all about capturing people in their elements, especially when there are kids involved. As a parent whose kids are now grown, I wish I were a photographer ten years ago, because all these people I’m doing work for are getting those memories that I wish I had.”

This is the second time the photographer is hosting the fall fundraiser mini-shoots, which are flexible and can be used for family photos, couple portraits, dog portraits, or anything else the client wants. While most of last year’s sessions took place at Mill Pond, Harry explains that he can also suggest other locations with suitable lighting and backdrops that would make for good photo locations.

“It can be pretty much anything,” David notes. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get the money to Community Care.”

The photographer explains that over the years, he has connected with many people who have either been involved in or have benefited from Millbrook Community Care, one of several Community Care offices located in the city and county of Peterborough.

For that reason, this year David has chosen to give two-thirds of the proceeds of his fundraiser to the non-profit organization that provides a variety of services to seniors and adults with physical challenges that allow them to remain in their own homes and stay connected with their communities.

“I’ve always been a supporter of Community Care,” he says, pointing out he knows first-hand how necessary their work is as the organization lent him a wheelchair for three weeks while he was healing from a broken tibia several years ago. “They do a lot of really great things for the aging folks here in town.”

David is already looking ahead at planning his Christmas photography fundraiser that will raise money for another community organization in Millbrook. He explains that his choice to use his passion and work for a good cause is his way to be “proactive” towards making positive change in the community.

“I’d rather do things to actually effect change,” he says. “I’m just capturing memories and really trying to use that to help out some people, and why not? We can all do a little bit more.”

While David says he’s happy to donate his time both for the good cause in getting donations to Community Cares, it’s also an added benefit to know that he’s supplying his neighbours with photos they’ll treasure for a lifetime.

“My payment comes when I send them the pictures, and they’re just so excited and happy,” says the photographer. “I just really enjoy it.”

To book a time slot for the photography fundraiser, email David at david@vervedevelopments.com or message him on Facebook.

To see more of David’s work and to book his services, visit his website at www.firehorsedigital.com.

A Peterborough man is facing a break and enter charge after a jewellery box was stolen from a Peterborough home on Tuesday (September 26).

At around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Peterborough police were notified of a break and enter at a home in the Barnardo Avenue and Sunset Boulevard area.

Upon arrival, officers learned someone had entered the home and taken a jewellery box that contained almost $10,000 in jewellery. Neighbours located the empty box in front of another home.

Through investigation, officers were able to identify a suspect. At around 3:50 p.m. on Wednesday, police spotted the suspect in the Sherbrooke Street and Brealey Drive area and took him into custody without incident. During a search after the arrest, officers located some of the stolen jewellery.

A 43-year-old Peterborough man has been charged with break and enter a place to commit a indictable offence.

The accused man is being held in custody and will appear in court on Tuesday.

Imagine a sign as you enter town: “Welcome to Peterborough / Biindigen Nogojiwanong — the Place at the Foot of the Rapids”. It would remind us of our place here, a calm site by the river after rapids and travels, and the traditional and current territory of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg (Mississauga Ojibwe).

Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are coming up on Saturday (September 30). What might we do here to foster deeper understanding of residential schools’ impacts and bring forth untold truths and steps towards reconciliation?

Like other cities, we could follow through with our vision and official plan and add a welcome sign, written in Anishinaabemowin (the Ojibwe language). Maybe at entrances to the city, in business windows, and at City Hall, as my friend Georgie suggests. What else can we think of, tangible or not, that are direct actions towards reconciliation?

Representatives of some of the local Indigenous ally groups recently met with Mayor Jeff Leal and the city’s diversity, equity, and inclusion advisor Reem Ali. We wanted to explore local possibilities and respond to the calls to action and justice for municipalities made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry.

We came to learn that the city is working with First Nations and the urban Indigenous community, offering internal training for city staff, and working toward other steps over the coming months. Several councillors have had other good ideas, expressed during last fall’s municipal election campaign (e.g., relationship building, consultation approaches, and economic partnerships).

This is a start. It’s going to be a big year, with November marking the 100th anniversary of the problematic Williams Treaty, a main treaty applying to this region of the country. Readers may be surprised to learn that treaties are constitutional agreements, still in force today, that set out responsibilities for First Nations, governments, and settlers like me. That means that we are all treaty people and need to reflect on what responsibilities we are committed to.

This ongoing treaty relationship is also cause to reflect on our ancestry and heritage. I have Celtic roots and grew up in Michi Saagiig territory, extending across what is known as central Ontario. On Orange Shirt Day, I’ll learn more about area treaties and my responsibilities under them. Perhaps I’ll read a bit, get out and connect with critter kin on the land, learn a few more words or bird names in Anishinaabemowin. Or I’ll put up my own little sign, or share questions and learnings with my family at Thanksgiving.

Making a donation and wearing an orange “Every Child Matters” shirt is one way I can show support. A new shop owned and operated by Indigenous local maker Nish Tees just opened on Hunter Street [Fresh Prints of Hunt-Air at 219-1/2 Hunter Street] if you are looking for an orange shirt of your own. There are lots of interesting videos, graphic novels, and kids’ books out there around Orange Shirt Day to share with younger ones.

As well, for me, attending Indigenous-led events is always a great chance to learn.

Curve Lake just held its Mnoominkewin (Wild Rice ways) festival and 70th Pow Wow. On September 30th, Hiawatha First Nation is hosting an awareness event from 2 to 4 p.m. at Confederation Square in front of City Hall (and a later feast).

On the same day, there’s an Anishinaabe art tour from 2 to 3 p.m. at Trent University’s Enwayaang building, and a musical benefit concert from 3 to 10 p.m. at Crook and Coffer on Hunter Street (formerly the Garnet). The Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre (580 Cameron Street) will host a sacred fire, crafts, and information from 2 to 6 pm on the 29th, and Trent hosts more events around the weekend and on October 2nd.

On a larger scale, there was also the March for the Land at Queen’s Park in Tkaronto/Toronto on Wednesday (September 27) to address the mining claim system and encroachment on five First Nation territories in northern Ontario. The march is in part about consultation, reconciliation and environmental racism.

Environmental racism refers to the systems that enable environmental privileges and exploitation for predominantly White communities while pushing environmental contamination and damaging consequences onto mostly racialized/ BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) communities. Addressing significant issues of environmental racism from a Truth and Reconciliation perspective can bring to light many other issues that need attention.

Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination. We might sometimes be in the rapids, in our parallel two rows of settler ships and Indigenous canoes, as originally agreed in the Two Row Wampum treaty. Yet we’re on the same river, heading for a calmer place where we can chat, share, and camp together — and maybe find a “Welcome/Biindigen” sign. Still, to get there, we’ll all need to paddle.

Ian Attridge is a lawyer, Trent University instructor in environmental law, and member of the Unitarian Indigenous Allies Working Group. Across Canada and beyond, Ian has advised land trusts, non-profit organizations, landholders, and government agencies at all levels.

Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre and Peterborough Child and Family Centres are the recipients of the United Way Peterborough & District’s inaugural Women United Fund.

The 2023-24 Women United Fund was made possible by a gift from Maryam Monsef, founding chair of Women United, that allowed the United Way to offer a special funding opportunity for one-time projects.

Monsef joined representatives from the United Way and the two recipient organizations at a funding announcement on Wednesday morning (September 27) at the main offices of Peterborough Child and Family Centres at 201 Antrim Street in Peterborough.

“The Women United Fund embodies what is possible when community comes together to address a shared goal,” said Betsy Farrar, the United Way’s manager of community impact. “This grant was not only made possible through Maryam’s generous donation, but also her drive and awareness of local issues as the founding chair of our local Women United group. In addition, we want to extend our gratitude to all of the applicants who brought forward creative and compassionate solutions to complex gender-based issues.”

In June, the United Way issued a request for proposals for initiatives that support women, girls, and gender-diverse people in the community. The request for proposals focused on equitable opportunities for personal growth, economic security, and leadership among members of these groups.

Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, which was selected for their ‘Leading Ladies’ project, will receive $4,750 in funding to provide leadership training for women in the local non-profit sector.

“Women have traditionally made up a strong portion of employees within the non-profit sector, so providing leadership training that is tailored to the unique intricacies of the sector will support their personal and professional growth as they advance into senior roles,” states the United Way.

Through weekly seminars, women will engage in training that spans across topics related to leadership and advocacy. Guest speakers from a range of professional backgrounds will participate in the delivery of the training.

“With this funding we will be able to provide leadership training and expertise to women in the non-profit sector,” said Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre executive director Brittany McMillan. “Our Leading Ladies curriculum will create a safe community for women to support their growth as future leaders.”

Peterborough Child and Family Centres, which was selected for their ‘Empowering Two Generations’ project, will receive $11,050 funding to support young parenting women through life skills programming. This project will enhance the organization’s existing programming to ensure vulnerable clients are able to increase their skills and confidence in areas of parenting, health and well-being, educational support, financial literacy, and personal development.

Participants will also be supported through access to transportation, child care, and a meal to reduce barriers in accessing the programs and services at Peterborough Child and Family Centres.

“Peterborough Child and Family Centres has been providing support to vulnerable pregnant women, parents, and their young children for almost 30 years,” said Peterborough Child and Family Centres CEO Nicola Lyle. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our work with young parenting women, providing the tools they need to overcome barriers to employment and education, build resilience, and improve their families’ well-being.”

Monsef, CEO and founder of ONWARD and former Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Liberal cabinet minister who established Canada’s first full department for women and gender equality, concluded the announcement by expressing her gratitude for those working to improve the community for women and girls.

“Tough economic times are often toughest on women and women-led families,” Monsef said. “I applaud every agency working to support women and the most vulnerable in our community. Thanks to the team at United Way for working with me to establish the Women United Fund and for selecting two projects that offer professional and personal development opportunities for young moms and leaders in the non-profit sector. I look forward to building on this momentum with the Women United steering committee and our caring community.”

Now that fall COVID-19 vaccine guidance has been released by Ontario’s health ministry, Peterborough Public Health will be holding community immunization clinics throughout October and November.

Moderna’s updated Spikevax monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine, which better protects against the new omicron XBB variant of the virus, will be available for all Ontario residents six months of age and older in the next few weeks.

The updated vaccine can be used both by those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine as well as those who have been previously vaccinated, as long as it’s been six months since their previous vaccination or last known COVID-19 infection.

“At this time, sub lineages of the XBB COVID-19 strain are circulating in the country, with predictions that it will become the dominant strain this season,” says Peterborough medical officer of health Dr. Thomas Piggott in a media release.

“This means that the new XBB vaccine should provide an important update to people’s current protection, even if they have previously had booster doses including the bivalent vaccine. Those who are at higher risk for complications related to a COVID-19 infection are strongly advised to receive a booster dose with the XBB.1.5 formulation.”

Eligibility for the updated COVID-19 vaccine will align with eligibility for the influenza vaccine. The first eligible group includes people who are hospitalized and hospital staff along with residents, staff, and caregivers in long-term care homes and elder care lodges. The next eligible group will be people at high risk of complications from influenza or COVID-19 or hospitalization (including residents and staff of congregate living settings, pregnant women, Indigenous people and their household members, and people 65 years of age and older) and health care workers and first responders.

The final eligible group is the general public, for whom the updated COVID-19 vaccine will be available as soon as supply permits. Pfizer XBB and Novavax XBB COVID-19 vaccines are still awaiting approval from Health Canada and are not yet available for use.

Residents who are eligible for a vaccination can book an appointment through the provincial vaccine booking centre call line at 1-833-943-3900 or online at ontario.ca/bookvaccine.

Some of the upcoming Peterborough Public Health community immunization clinics, which will be held at the health unit’s office in downtown Peterborough and across Peterborough County, will be offering both COVID-19 vaccines and influenza vaccines.

Dr. Piggott will be hosting an event about the upcoming respiratory season and COVID-19 and influenza vaccines on Peterborough Public Health’s Instagram @ptbopublichealth at 5 p.m. on Thursday (September 28).