The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) has announced the Ganaraska Forest will remain closed until September 30, due to damage sustained from the May 21, 2022 derecho storm.

The Ganaraska Forest is southern Ontario’s largest forest at 11,000 acres (4,452 hectares), straddling Northumberland and Peterborough counties, Kawartha Lakes, and Durham Region. May’s derecho storm was the largest natural disaster to affect the Ganaraska Forest since it was established in 1947.

According to the GRCA, the storm resulted in more than 600 acres (250 hectares) of tree blowdown, affecting main trail access points and systems within the West Forest next to Boundary Road and Porter Road, as well as the Central Forest trailhead located at the Ganaraska Forest Centre.

There are also isolated blowdown locations scattered throughout the West and Central forests affecting various trail systems, which are popular destinations for ATV and dirt bike riders.

“The GRCA knows how much the Ganaraska Forest means to the local community and recreational users that come from across Ontario and out of province,” says Linda Laliberte, GRCA’s chief administrative officer and secretary-treasurer, in a media release.

“The GRCA is committed to reopening recreational trails in the Ganaraska Forest to recreational use. Everyone’s continued cooperation, understanding, and patience is appreciated.”

While GRCA staff continue to clear affected areas along the 600 kilometres of trails in the forest, many trails remain impassable with hazards along the sides of trails including overhead hangers. The GRCA says it cannot open certain trail sections while others remain closed because of various recovery operations taking place throughout the forest.

Additional high-wind events have also occurred since the storm, causing more downed trees on trails already cleared. Because of the unstable environment in the forest, high-wind events are causing more trees to fall than is normal.

While the East Forest was not as severely affected by the storm, it will remain closed as the East Forest does not have the capacity or the parking areas to accommodate the pressures of recreational use. Tree Top Trekking Ganaraska, whose courses are in a small area on the southern edge of the forest, continues to operate as does the Ganaraska Forest Centre, which is operating by appointment only.

Another reason for the ongoing forest closure are multiple logging operations in the West and Central Forests that began mid-July and will continue into the fall.

Along with regular annual harvest operations, salvage harvest operations of storm-damaged trees will be taking place along trails. As is normal practice, trails within and near logging operations are closed or restricted for recreational use.

Recovery efforts are being managed by the GRCA’s five full-time staff and four summer contract staff, assisted by staff from the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, and Northumberland County Forest.

Because most of the trail-clearing work is dangerous and complicated, the GRCA is currently not seeking volunteers from the public to assist with the recovery.

“Many of the downed tree situations include very dangerous spring poles, cracked, and/or unusually compressed trees,” explains GRCA forest recreation technician Ed Van Osch. “GRCA staff and contractors are highly trained professionals with many years of experience and are equipped to deal with hazardous forestry situations.”

The GRCA says it will consider volunteer opportunities as recovery efforts continue.

Due to the forest closure, the GRCA will extend Ganaraska Forest memberships purchased between June 1, 2021 and May 21, 2022 for an additional 12 months from the original membership expiry date.

Those with cross country ski memberships that expired during the closure (between May 21, 2022 and the reopening date) will receive a six-month hiking membership.

For updates on recovery efforts, visit the GRCA on Facebook at facebook.com/GanaraskaFC.

While it’s strongly recommended that those aged 60 and up — and those medically at risk for COVID-19 — receive a fourth vaccine dose as soon as they’re eligible, the second booster shot recommendation for those aged 18 to 59 isn’t as cut and dry.

That’s the word from Peterborough’s medical officer of health Dr. Thomas Piggott who, on Thursday (July 14), convened a Peterborough Public Health media briefing — the first since April 6 — on the same day when eligibility for second booster doses expanded to all adults in Ontario.

While the COVID-19 risk index for the Peterborough region is currently at moderate and local wastewater surveillance — a very accurate barometer of the virus’s presence in the community — isn’t showing a dramatic increase, Dr. Piggott suggested this may change.

“We had a small bump over the last couple of weeks that has plateaued, but we are anticipating this will increasing in the next couple of weeks,” he explained.

While the current situation is steady for now, Dr. Piggott, like his colleagues across the province, is looking ahead to late summer and fall as an expected seventh pandemic wave, fed by the highly transmissible BA.5 Omicron subvariant, takes firmer hold.

With that in mind, Dr. Piggott focused his comments on vaccine doses and, in particular, who should get their booster shot and when. As Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore pointed out on Wednesday, five million eligible Ontarians have yet to receive their first booster dose.

“Unfortunately, our coverage for third doses is not where we’d like it to be,” said Dr. Piggott, noting that, while 81 per cent of the region’s eligible population have received two doses, just 54 per cent have received the first booster shot — a gap of 27 per cent “we hope to close. Almost a third (of those eligible) are lagging behind and don’t have full protection.”

VIDEO: “Deciding to get a 4th dose if you are young and healthy — Dr. Thomas Piggott”

Turning his attention to fourth dose eligibility, Dr. Piggott noted it provides “important protection” for those aged 60 and up, First Nations residents, and immunocompromised individuals. As such, he explained, it’s strongly recommended that those in these groups — who have already been eligible for a fourth dose since April — get their fourth dose five months after they received their third dose.

However, the fourth dose recommendation for healthy people aged 18 to 59 “is more discretionary or conditional,” according to Dr. Piggott.

“If you had a recent infection, the recommendation is to wait three months before your next dose — your immune system will a have a better and more robust response to the vaccine,” said Dr. Piggott.

“A key consideration that people are asking about is ‘If I get a fourth dose now, how long will that add protection for me?’ We don’t have a lot of evidence on this, but the evidence we do have says the benefits against prevention of infection with a fourth dose is probably only for two to three months’ time. It’s a short-lived transient protection.”

Dr. Piggott noted with the expected development and rollout of the next generation vaccine, a bivalent one providing protection against multiple variants, that may change.

“Generally, a longer gap between doses gives a better immune protection overall but, at the same time, we are headed into a seventh wave,” he said. “It (getting a fourth shot if you’re 18 to 59 years old) is not a simple, clear decision. This is the first time during the pandemic where I’m not able to say I strongly recommend this.”

“It’s not that it’s unsafe. Rather (the benefits that different people get) may not be as significant as we’ve seen before. As a result, it’s a more nuanced conversation and decision that individuals should be thinking about as they try to make decision whether to get a fourth dose now or wait.”

Asked if not being able to provide clearer direction for those 18 to 59 considering a fourth shot is somewhat frustrating, Dr. Piggott said not at all.

“There genuinely is the need for people to consider their personal circumstances and make the best decisions that they can,’ he said. “This is a little bit different than other points in the pandemic, but not all that different than other things we do in public health.”

“For example, we often tell people to quit smoking. People may or may not listen to that advice. That doesn’t mean I bang my head against the wall — it means I continue to communicate the evidence. The reality is there’s some uncertainty here (around the benefits of fourth doses for those aged 18 to 59). It’s my job to be honest about that.”

With the current active case count in the region at 200, the prognosis is that number will rise as the seventh wave takes hold.

“Risk (of infection) is increasing,” noted Dr. Piggott. “Exposure risk is an important individual consideration. Some people are frontline workers. Other people may be travelling in airplanes or in poorly ventilated areas more often, so their risk going into a seventh wave may be higher.”

“Some people may be around those who are elderly, not yet vaccinated, immunoompromised, or medically at risk of severe COVID-19,” he added. “Those people may want added protection (from a fourth dose), even if that added protection is smaller (than previous doses).”

Part of the complexity in advising people whether or not to get a second booster dose now, according to Dr. Piggott, is uncertainty about the potential severity of the seventh wave and how the situation will look in the fall.

“What were trying to do is ensure the public has the information and protections it needs in place and that, if things do change, and the context worsens and is more severe, we’re prepared to respond,” he said. “I’m quite confident we’ll continue to meet needs, and continue to protect the public’s health.”

Those who wish to get a first or second booster dose can book an appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

Eligible individuals can also book an appointment directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, and through participating pharmacies.

Peterborough resident Jill Artibello won $1 million in the June 7th Lotto Max draw.

The retiree says she has been playing the lottery since Lotto Max launched.

“I always play Quick Pick and this is my first big win,” she said at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto where she claimed her winnings, a Maxmillions prize.

An avid sewer and crafter, Artibello said she checked her tickets at home when she discovered she won big.

“I kept looking and double checking the numbers online,” she said. “I just couldn’t believe it. I told my sister and she said, ‘Stop — you’re lying!’.”

Artibello plans to share her win with family.

“I will share with my sister, nieces, and nephews and my good friend,” she says. “I will also enjoy a more comfortable retirement and do some work around the house. I’m so happy. I never dreamed I would win.”

Artibello bought her winning ticket at the Shoppers Drug Mart on Charlotte Street at Aylmer in downtown Peterborough.

Meeting an online buyer or seller in the Haliburton area? How about doing it in a police parking lot?

That’s the idea behind Project Safe Trade, a program from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) that creates “community safe zones” at an OPP detachment parking lot to facilitate property transactions arranged on the internet.

Online classified and auction sites are often used as tools to sell stolen property to unknowing victims, and they can also present a safety threat. Only five per cent of internet or telephone scams and frauds are reported, largely due to shame or embarrassment on the part of the victim.

The parking spots, which are identified by signs, provide a public space for people meeting strangers to complete an online sales transaction. The hope is that internet fraud will be reduced by moving online transactions away from secluded parking lots, personal residences, or other areas and bringing them to a public place associated with the police.

Residents of the Haliburton area are invited to use the two designated parking spaces at the Haliburton OPP detachment’s parking lot at 12598 Highway 35 in Minden, which are available at all times with no appointment necessary. However, the OPP does not monitor the spots, mediate transactions, or check serial numbers of items being exchanged.

The OPP also recommends bringing a trusted friend or family member as a witness during the meeting, to keep transactions to daylight hours, and to not erase emails, texts, or voicemails between you and the seller or buyer.

Project Safe Trade was also launched at the Kawartha Lakes OPP detachment in Lindsay in 2019 and at the Bancroft OPP detachment in 2021.

Former Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Jeff Leal has ended months of speculation, taking the first step toward winning election as Peterborough mayor this October.

On Thursday (July 14), the Peterborough native filed his nomination paperwork at City Hall, entering the race for Peterborough’s top elected post. In doing so, he joins current city councillors Henry Clarke and Stephen Wright on the mayoral ballot.

On July 21, Leal will make his nomination official via a media announcement at the Lions’ Community Centre on Burnham Street in East City.

In making a bid to become Peterborough’s 39th mayor since 1905, when the Town of Peterborough and the Village of Ashburnham amalgamated to form the City of Peterborough, Leal is eyeing a return to his political roots.

In 1985, Leal was first elected to Peterborough city council, continuing on to represent Otonabee Ward until 2003. From 1993 to 2003, he served as deputy mayor, first under Mayor Jack Doris and then Mayor Sylvia Sutherland.

Under the Liberal banner, Leal first ran for a Queen’s Park seat in 1999 but narrowly lost to Progressive Conservative frontrunner Gary Stewart. Four years later, in 2003, Leal entered the provincial election fray again, this time winning election by a comfortable margin over incumbent Stewart.

Subsequent provincial elections — in 2007, 2011, and 2014 — saw Leal emerge victorious.

During his time at Queen’s Park, Leal served as parliamentary assistant to several ministers. In 2013, then-premier Kathleen Wynne named Leal to her Cabinet as Minister of Rural Affairs. In June of the following year, his Cabinet responsibilities expanded with his appointment as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

In 2018, Leal sought his fifth term as MPP but — reflecting the unpopularity of the Wynne government — he placed well back behind the winner, Progressive Conservative Dave Smith, and second-place finisher Sean Conway of the NDP.

In April 2019, at a dinner held to honour his 30-plus years of public service, Leal made it clear that he had no intention to again enter politics.

However, Liberal supporters have pressed him to run municipally this year — a behind-the-scenes push that increased following current Peterborough mayor Diane Therrien’s November 2021 announcement she would not be seeking re-election.

With the nomination period for the October 24 municipal election set to close August 19, Leal joins current Northcrest councillor Stephen Wright and longtime Monaghan Ward councillor Henry Clarke as mayoral hopefuls. For all three, this is their first mayoral bid.

Born and raised in Peterborough’s south end, Leal graduated from Kenner Collegiate before attending Trent University where he attained an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science, and three years later, a degree in Business Administration from the University of Windsor.

Before entering politics, he was employed as a health and safety representative for Coyle Corrugated Containers in Peterborough.

Leal and his wife Karan have two adult children, Braden and Shanae, the former being the current chair of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board.

Highly respected and much-loved Curve Lake First Nation Elder, knowledge keeper, and former chief Douglas Williams (Gidigaa Migizi) has died.

Facebook tributes posted early Wednesday evening (July 13) referenced Williams’ passing, drawing a number of comments on his life and legacy.

“Elder Doug Williams ban was a child of the 7Fire who retraced the steps of the Ancestors and found the wisdom left on the trail,” posted Curve Lake resident Dorothy Taylor, an Ojibwe traditional elder, hand drummer, and water environmental activist.

“He remained strong in his belief of our culture, teachings and ceremonies,” Taylor wrote. “His voice was the drum song we listened to for guidance on our long journey back to balance. His dedication to the Mississauga Nishinaabe culture and ceremony may very well ensure the lighting of the 8th Fire. Miigwech we love you.”

Chippewas of Rama First Nation member Ted Williams also shared his thoughts via a Facebook post.

“Elder Doug Williams of our sister First Nation Curve Lake has begun his spirit journey,” he wrote.

VIDEO: “A Conversation with Curve Lake First Nation Elder Doug Williams”

“Different times he would talk about our shared ancestry and lineage,” Ted wrote. “He was a gentle man, always giving of himself, his knowledge of our ways. Condolences to his immediate family, the community, we were better with you cousin Doug … only one life that too soon is past, only what’s done with love will last … miigwech, miigwech, miigwech, miigwech.”

Williams’ passing will also be mourned at Trent University, where he was an associate professor and director of studies for the PhD program in Indigenous Studies, teaching the land-based course for the PhD program.

A 1972 graduate of what was then called the “Indian/Eskimo Studies” program at Trent (now Indigenous Studies), Williams recalled, in the fall 2021 issue of Trent magazine, his earlier eagerness to see Indigenous issues taught at the university.

“I was friends with Professor Kenneth Kidd,” said Williams who, at the time, held jobs planting pines and helping with the construction of Champlain College.

“Archaeologist. Nice guy. Soft spoken. We used to read books together. So one day I said to him ‘Is there any way, as you start up anthropology at Trent, that you could introduce Indian studies? Like the Black studies they are introducing in American universities.'”

Williams left Curve Lake shortly after for other parts of Canada, including St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia but, while he was gone, Trent president Tom Symons led an effort to create a new Indian/Eskimo Studies program, the predecessor of what is now one the foremost Indigenous Studies programs in the country.

Over the years after graduation, Williams maintained close ties with Trent.

“There were First Nations scholars here and I got to associate with some of them,” he recalled, adding “I got to volunteer. Alice (his wife) and I brought students out to our place to ceremony, dance, eat and feast.”

In recent years, as Trent University took concrete action toward reconciliation with Indigenous people, Williams was front-and-centre, showing support for those efforts while lamenting that Trent took so long to build a sincere and meaningful relationship with First Nations people.

One of Williams’ last public appearances was on September 30, 2021 — the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — for the unveiling of a ‘treaty rock’ installation in recognition of the treaty lands upon which the university is located.

Williams spoke briefly at that event held outside the university’s Bata Library, explaining the significance of the dodem carvings on the rock that are representative of the clans that signed Treaty 20 in 1818.

A prolific writer, Williams wrote Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg: This Is Our Territory with Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.

Published in 2018, the book recounts key moments of Williams’ personal history, connecting them to the larger history of the Anishinaabeg and other Indigenous communities.

And, in 2021, the Peterborough Historical Society honoured Williams with its Thomas H.B and Christine Symons Heritage Award, which is annually presented for an outstanding or one-time contribution to local, regional, provincial, national or international heritage causes.

The award citation read as follows:

On Thursday, Chief Keith Knott of Curve Lake First Nation issued a statement on Williams’ passing.

This story will be updated with additional details when they become available.

More than four months after offering second booster doses to people over 60, the Ontario government has expanded eligibility to all adults aged 18 and over as of Thursday (July 14).

The second booster doses will be available to those who received their first booster dose — their third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — at least five months ago.

Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore made the announcement during a 30-minute media conference at Queen’s Park on Wednesday — his first since before the provincial election.

Dr. Moore’s announcement comes with Ontario in the midst in a seventh wave of COVID-19 driven by the BA.5 Omicron sub-variant, a more transmissible variant that is now predominant in Ontario.

In the face of criticism from some health care professionals about the province’s delay in expanding second booster dose eligibility, Dr. Moore said healthy people aged 18 to 59 who have already received three doses continue to have “significant persistent protection against severe disease” and do not need to get a second booster dose.

“However, there may be individuals with personal or medical circumstances in those age groups who may benefit from the additional protection of a second booster,” Dr. Moore said, adding that people can check with their health care provider if they have any questions.

Dr. Moore said healthy people who have had their first booster dose could wait until the fall, when Health Canada is expected to approve a new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine that may offer more targeted protection against multiple Omicron variants.

In response to a reporter’s question about why the province did expand eligibility for second booster doses earlier as in Quebec, Dr. Moore referred to the five million eligible Ontarians who have yet to receive their first booster dose, and the over 1.6 million who have yet to receive their second booster dose.

“My biggest issue is just getting the five million who are still eligible for the first (dose) before we expand to the second, and then having a risk-based approach for the second booster dose,” Dr. Moore said. “As you’ve heard, many Ontarians have yet to heed the call.”

Starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, eligible people can book an appointment for their second booster dose through the COVID-19 vaccination portal at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. Eligible individuals can also book an appointment directly through public health units that use their own booking systems, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, and through participating pharmacies.

The Ontario government will also continue to provide free rapid antigen tests to the general public through existing channels like grocery stores and pharmacies, as well as to workplaces, schools, hospitals, and long-term care and retirement homes and other congregate settings until the end of the year.