The Climenhage Project celebrates 20 years of Peterborough artist John Climenhage painting Peterborough's urban and rural landscapes. The retrospective exhibition opens to the public at the newly renovated Sadleir House in downtown Peterborough on November 26, 2021. (Photos: The Climenhage Project and Sadleir House)
A new retrospective exhibition celebrating the work of renowned Peterborough artist John Climenhage will be unveiled to the public at Sadleir House in downtown Peterborough this Friday (November 26).
The Climenhage Project showcases multiple periods in the career of the 52-year-old artist, who has been painting Peterborough’s urban and rural landscapes for 20 years.
Born in Brockville in 1968, Climenhage has been painting since 1989. His work has been exhibited widely at public and private galleries across Ontario and is held in public and private collections around the world in countries including Australia, Cuba, El Salvador, England, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Scotland, Spain, and the United States. Climenhage has taught art at Loyalist College, Prince of Wales Public School, and the Art Gallery of Peterborough.
Advertisement - content continues below
Selections from Climenhage’s work have been installed throughout the newly renovated Sadleir House, located at 751 George Street North.
The November 26th launch event at Sadleir House runs from 7 to 10 p.m., with capacity limited to 60 attendees. Guests must register in advance by purchasing tickets at eventbrite.ca/e/204524246527. The admission cost of $10 will be donated to One Roof Community Centre.
To enter Sadleir House, proof of full vaccination is required and face masks must be worn during the event. A cash bar will be available in the dining hall.
Climenhage himself will be attending virtually, livestreaming a painting session from his studio in downtown Peterborough.
In addition to Climenhage’s paintings, the launch event will feature work created by four Peterborough poets and artists recognizing Climenhage’s artistic contributions.
At 8 p.m., spoken word artist Justin Million will be reading excerpts from the suite of poetry he has written in response to The Pandemic Series, Climenhage’s latest body of work. Poet Bruce Whiteman will also perform a reading, with copies of his limited edition essay John Climenhage: Painter Among Poets available for sale.
Advertisement - content continues below
Over the course of several months, Climenhage, Million, and Whiteman, along with visual artist and writer Ann Jaeger and designer and videographer Laura Thompson, met regularly to discuss art, poetry, philosophy, and digital media.
Thompson has created video collages containing excerpts of those conversations, which will be projected throughout Sadleir House during the November 26th event.
Jaeger has created a Google Maps walking tour for The Climenhage Project that features more than 50 locations Climenhage has painted in downtown Peterborough and East City between 2001 and 2021.
Accompanying each location on the map (which can also be viewed below) is one or more photos of a corresponding painting and link to a web page that may contain a poem by Justin Million, historic information, and more.
Environment Canada has issued a snow squall warning for Monday afternoon (November 22) for the northern Kawarthas Lakes, including Fenelon Falls, and a snow squall watch for the southern Kawartha Lakes including Lindsay.
A winter weather travel advisory for Haliburton County also remains in place Monday morning.
Snow squalls from Georgian Bay are forecast to move into the region late on Monday afternoon. These squalls will bring rapidly accumulating snowfall and reduced visibility at times due to blowing snow, with strong northwesterly winds gusting up to 70 km/h.
Advertisement - content continues below
For the northern Kawartha Lakes, local snowfall accumulations of 15 to 25 cm are expected by Tuesday morning, with amounts up to 30 cm possible in areas that experience persistent snow squalls. Snow squalls will dissipate Tuesday morning.
For the southern Kawartha Lakes, snowfall accumulations of 5 to 10 cm are expected, with snow squalls expected to dissipate Monday night.
In both areas, travel will be impacted including the evening commute. Motorists are advised to exercise caution.
In Haliburton County, a winter weather travel advisory remains in place, with snow squalls persisting throughout Monday morning. Snowfall accumulations of 5 to 10 cm are expected with locally up to 15 cm possible in areas experiencing the most intense squalls. The snow squalls are forecast to move out of the area this afternoon.
This story updates a previous snow squall warning and winter travel advisory issued on Sunday.
The Garnet, located at 231 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough, is one of the last remaining small music venues in downtown Peterborough, featuring local and touring artists. (Photo: The Garnet / Facebook)
The Garnet, located at 231 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough, has been sold.
Current owner Chad Emby announced the sale to Kim Cameron and John Clarke on The Garnet’s social media accounts on Friday (November 19).
“We want to thank the community for supporting us over the last seven years, and we wish the new owners Kim and John much success in the future,” Emby writes.
Advertisement - content continues below
Emby purchased the business, when it was called The Red Garnet, from the former owner in 2014. It is one of the last remaining small music venues in downtown Peterborough, featuring local and touring artists.
The new owners plan to open a new British-style pub called Crook & Coffer in the location in 2022. The new venue will continue to offer live music.
Emby writes The Garnet will still be available for private parties during the month of December, and all previously booked live music dates will be honoured.
Kim Cameron and John Clarke plan to open Crook & Coffer, a British-style pub, at at 231 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough in 2022. (Graphic courtesy of Kim Cameron)
One person is dead and another seriously injured following a two-vehicle collision on Friday night (November 19) on Highway 35 around 22 kilometres south of Lindsay.
Kawrtha Lakes OPP and emergency crews responded to the collision near Highway 7A East at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
Police report an SUV was travelling southbound on Highway 35 when, for unknown reasons, it crossed into the northbound lane and struck a pick-up truck.
Advertisement - content continues below
The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pick-up truck was transported to a Toronto-area hospital with serious injuries.
Police have not yet released the identity of driver of the SUV who died.
Highway 35 was closed between Highway 7A East and Lifford Road overnight while police documented the scene.
The historic Capitol Theatre in Port Hope has announced its 2022 season, the first under the leadership of the non-profit organization's new artistic producer Rob Kempson. (Photo: Capitol Theatre)
The Capitol Theatre in Port Hope has announced its 2022 season, the first under the leadership of the non-profit organization’s new artistic producer Rob Kempson.
Kempson, who was appointed to the position in August, may be considered a newcomer to the area, but he is not new to the world of theatre — in fact, it’s his area of expertise.
“I have never felt more connected to and supported by a community,” Kempson said during a meet-and-greet session following the season announcement on Tuesday (November 16). “The community spirit here is so clear. The investment and reciprocal relationship between the community and this organization is also clear.”
Advertisement - content continues below
“This building is incredible, the volunteer team is incredible, the staff is small but mighty and incredible, and we have a lot of potential,” Kempson added. “It’s exciting to be joining an organization where there is potential to grow and change and move things forward, and there is the appetite for that at all levels.”
To celebrate its 25th anniversary of the Festival of Lights and Trees this year, theatre staff have put a lot of work into creating a pandemic-safe environment for audiences. Managing director Erin Peirce and her team have taken every precaution to protect theatregoers, staff, and visitors.
But Kempson said the effort to welcome back audiences goes far beyond plexiglass barriers and wearing masks.
Rob Kempson was appointed artistic producer of Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre in August 2021. A director, writer, and educator, he has 15 years’ experience in the non-profit professional arts sector and has served in various artistic leadership positions. (Photo: April Potter / kawarthaNOW)
“I have programmed with artistic excellence in mind, because ultimately — if you’re going to drive somewhere, park your car, pay for parking, and spend two hours sitting in a theatre wearing a mask — we need to hold up our end,” he explained. “We need to give our audiences quality entertainment.”
“That doesn’t mean that the work on stage is going to be to everyone’s tastes, but it will be of an undeniably high quality. Our community is changing constantly, and I want our stage to reflect that too.”
According to Kempson, his approach to programming reflects community, diversity, and inclusion, and he has a few core principles in mind, including achieving balance and consulting with the community.
Advertisement - content continues below
Balance means holding onto the theatre’s legacy, heritage, and history while moving forward to create a season with a little something for everyone. He said he wants the work on the Capitol stage to celebrate Northumberland County and the Port Hope community.
“This place should be a hub for the community,” he said. “Everyone should feel welcome here at the Capitol, especially those who have traditionally felt marginalized. It is my job to make sure our community feels welcome here, and it starts with the programming. When there’s something for everyone, it means that there’s diversity in the programming, ensuring that everyone has access and is interested in what’s going on.”
Since he has been working at the theatre, Kempson said he has already spoken with many community members including the local arts organization, Critical Mass, the Northumberland Orchestra, and Alderville First Nation. He said he’s committed to engaging with community organizations to find opportunities for partnerships.
“I think that there’s a lot of opportunity for inclusion and access — making sure that traditionally marginalized groups feel increasingly welcome here by programming work that reflects the needs of those communities. We’re engaging with amazing arts and cultural organizations and individuals.”
VIDEO: “Welcome Back” to the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope by Rob Kempson
Rob Kempson, artistic producer of the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope, performs “Welcome Back” during the announcement of the theatre’s 2022 season on November 16, 2021, with Jeffrey Newberry on piano and Kyler Tapscott on guitar. Original video by Erin Peirce.
The 2022 season will begin in March with the “mind-blowing multimedia masterpiece” Boom, written, directed, and performed by Rick Miller. The production was originally scheduled during the 2020 season and was postponed because of the pandemic (ticket holders are scheduled to be contacted).
The summer season will kick off in June with A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Dean Reagan’s tribute to the iconic country legend. In July, Mark Crawford’s “high-flying farce” Stag & Doe will take the stage. in August and early September, the Capitol will present 9 to 5 The Musical, based on the 1980 hit film with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick.
An experienced director, Kempson will be directing this production himself. He sees his directorial debut at the Capitol as the perfect opportunity to show the community who he is as an artist and as a person.
“I love Dolly Parton,” Kempson said. “She has a miraculous ability to reach across barriers, across political divides, and generational divides. The thing that I like most about theatre is that it brings people who are different into the same room together.”
Advertisement - content continues below
Ideally, moving forward, Kempson said he won’t be directing very much. He is looking forward to many future collaborative productions with artists from across the country.
In addition to its main theatrical shows, the Capital has created four entertainment categories for additional programs within the 2022 season.
Capitol Kitchen Party will feature live bluegrass, country, Celtic and roots music in the Sculthorpe Theatre, while Capitol Concerts will be held in the Festival Theatre downstairs. Capitol Cabaret will feature intimate musical performances from “stages across the country”. Capitol On Screen will include TIFF films throughout the year, as well as on-screen performances of the MetOpera Live. The Capitol also hopes to bring back broadcasts of National Theatre Live.
Capitol Theatre’s 2022 season includes five main shows, as well as four entertainment categories for additional programs to be announced during the 2022 season: Capitol Kitchen Party, Capitol Concerts, Capitol Cabaret, and Capitol On Screen. (Graphic: Capitol Theatre)
To give back to loyal patrons of the Capitol, the theatre has launched subscriptions for its 2022 summer season. Patrons can purchase tickets to all three summer shows and receive the perks of advance seating selection and special discounts for other Capitol events. Subscriptions are now on sale, with single tickets for the 2022 summer season available in January.
The Capitol’s 2022 season will conclude with the holiday panto Sleeping Beauty: A Panto Awakening, written by husband-and-wife team (and Second City alumni) Paloma Nuñez and Kevin Whalen. Kempson said that, while the show will poke fun at cancel culture, performative politics, and our divisive society, it will not include any jokes that would jeopardize a safe and inclusive space for marginalized groups.
“I’m not going to put anything on the stage that’s homophobic, racist, or sexist,” he affirmed. “It’s just not going to happen.”
Advertisement - content continues below
With Kempson’s background as a theatre artist and educator, youth access to theatre is something that is important to him. He said he’s optimistic that school audiences will be able to return the Capitol in time for 2022 panto.
“I’ve spent a lot of my life teaching,” he said. “I’ve developed college and high school programs. I’ve worked for Young People’s Theatre as a resident artist and educator. It’s a big part of who I am.”
For this holiday season, the Capitol is changing things with an improv show instead of a panto. Miracle on Queen Street, running from November 30 to December 23, will showcase the improv chops of six talented Canadian performers.
The Capitol Theatre’s managing director Erin Pierce said the show will deliver “the same energy, laughs, and holiday cheer” as a traditional panto and, like a panto, will include both family-oriented and “naughty” performances.
“This show offers the chance for audiences to come back again and again,” she said. “They’ll never see the same thing twice.”
The Capitol Theatre’s annual Festival of Lights & Trees, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is on now and runs until December 16. (Photo: April Potter / kawarthaNOW)
Kempson added it’s a “pandemic silver lining” the theatre can bring together six of Canada’s best improvisers for the show.
“I cannot believe that these people are available to deliver amazing comedy for our audiences every night,” he said. “It’s musical, it’s hilarious, and it has the same kind of great panto energy of a larger production — and it’s something we can safely produce during the middle of a pandemic.”
The Capitol Theatre is also hosting its annual Festival of Lights & Trees, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The annual fundraiser for the theatre, which is on now and runs until December 16 (with the raffle draw on December 17), features a COVID-safe one-way tour experience to allow for physically distanced viewing of the trees in the theatre, as well as a virtual slideshow for those who prefer to stay home.
The holiday window display at Wild Rock Outfitters at 169 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) holiday window contest is back for another year, with small businesses in downtown Peterborough competing for votes for the best-decorated festive window.
The business that gets the most votes for their holiday window will win a $1,000 cash prize, with the second and third place businesses winning $500 and $200.
The theme for this year’s contest is “Holiday Cheer”.
Advertisement - content continues below
“I love seeing our shop windows illuminated with lights and holiday decorations,” says DBIA executive director Terry Guiel in a media release. “Our merchants always create top-notch displays that bring a wonderful festive spirit into the downtown core.”
The Peterborough DBIA has also created a holiday window map showing the locations of the holiday windows, along with the best spots in the downtown where you can enjoy hot chocolate as you take the tour.
Environment Canada has issued a snow squall warning for Haliburton County and a winter weather travel advisory for northern Peterborough County and northern Kawartha Lakes.
Lake effect snow squalls are expected to affect the areas Thursday night (November 18) into early Friday morning.
In Haliburton County, local snowfall accumulation of up to 20 cm is expected, with higher amounts possible for areas under the heaviest snow squall bands. In addition to the snowfall, reduced visibility in local blowing snow is also possible.
Advertisement - content continues below
In northern Peterborough County and northern Kawartha Lakes, including Apsley and Fenelon Falls, local snowfall accumulation of 10 to 15 cm is possible by Friday morning.
The snow squalls will start to shift south overnight and are expected to move out of the area by early Friday morning.
Motorists should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and adjust travel plans accordingly. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow.
While there has been an increase in the emergence of new COVID-19 cases in the Peterborough area over the past two weeks, Peterborough’s acting medical officer of health says we’re not at the point of seeing earlier pandemic-related restrictions reinstated — at least not yet.
During a Peterborough Public Health media briefing held Thursday (November 18), Dr. Ian Gemmill said such a determination would be based on “close monitoring and good judgment.”
“What we’re seeing are some significant percentage increases but still relatively low numbers,” he added.
Advertisement - content continues below
“We will remain vigilant, checking our case count every single day. If we start seeing increases that make us think that make us think we have undocumented transmission in the community, we would have to look at various measures to keep our community safer. When we start getting cases where we cannot find a source, and if we get enough of these, that worries us. That’s going to be the number one trigger for us to look at what additionally needs to be done. That isn’t out of the question anywhere in Ontario, including Peterborough.”
As of late Wednesday afternoon, there were 21 active cases in the region with 108 close contacts of cases being monitored. Both these numbers are up markedly from the last briefing two weeks ago, when 12 active cases and 36 close contacts were reported.
To date this week since Monday morning, 10 new local cases have emerged — the same number as reported during the entire week of October 25. Since then, weekly new case counts have totalled 24 and 21 respectively. Meanwhile, the total number of COVID-related deaths reported since the pandemic’s onset remains at 24. As for outbreaks, none are reported at present.
According to Donna Churipuy, Peterborough Public Health’s director of public programs and incident commander, the fourth wave of the pandemic is “playing out somewhat differently” — a reference to that fact some regions of Ontario that were hot spots during previous waves aren’t seeing new case increases at present.
The flip side of that is some areas, like the Kingston region, that “escaped major case surges during previous waves” according to Churipuy, are seeing a hike in their numbers.
“This reflects how unpredictable the virus is and why it is so important to continue to limit travel as much as possible,” she added.
Advertisement - content continues below
Meanwhile, on the vaccination front, modest increase in the uptake continue to be seen.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, 87.3 per cent of eligible residents aged 12 and up have received one dose while 84.5 per cent have received two doses. In the age 12 to 17 group, 87.3 per cent have received one dose while 82.1 per cent are now fully immunized.
Peterborough Public Health is now reporting booster shot response as well to date, noting 3.1 per cent of local residents aged 18 years old and older who are eligible for a third shot have received it. In the 70 years old and older group, 9.1 per cent have received that added protection.
Dr. Gemmill noted that while those numbers seem low, it’s important to remember that those eligible for a booster shot — individuals aged 70 and up, health care workers and essential caregivers in congregate settings, those who received two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Janssen, and First Nations people and their non-Indigenous household members — aren’t eligible for that shot until six months after their last shot.
As such, he expects booster shot numbers to increase significantly as that benchmark is reached by more of those eligible.
Those seeking a third shot can book an appointment online at covid19.ontariohealth.ca or by phone at 1-833-943-3900. Walk-ins will not be accommodated.
Advertisement - content continues below
Dr. Gemmill also addressed the pending Health Canada approval of a vaccine for children aged five to 11. Approximately 9,000 local children in that age group will be eligible for first shot once the green light is given.
“Once that vaccine (for children) becomes available, that will be a game changer,” said Dr. Gemmill, noting it will put a huge dent in the current situation which sees 25 per cent of the region’s total population unvaccinated.
“We’ll be ready to go as soon as the vaccine arrives in our community, which will likely be a week after Health Canada gives its authorization. As with any new vaccine, parents and caregivers will need to consider the risks of this disease and the benefits of getting their children vaccinated.”
Similar to the booster shot protocol, when the vaccine arrive for children, an appointment must be made. At present, the clinic at the Healthy Planet Arena on Monaghan Road is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m to 3 p.m.
Of note, this media briefing was the final one for Dr. Gemmill, who has been filling in pending the arrival of new Peterborough medical officer of health Dr. Thomas Piggott. Dr. Piggott will in place for next scheduled briefing on December 2.
Also in attendance for Thursday’s media briefing were Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien and board of health chair and Selwyn mayor Andy Mitchell.
Niagara rockers Revive The Rose perform at the Red Dog Tavern in downtown Peterborough on Saturday, November 20 with Sons of Butcher and The Mickies. (Photo: G3 Designs Photo + Video)
Every Thursday, we publish live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, November 18 to Wednesday, November 24.
If you’re a pub or restaurant owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.
Sunday, November 28 4-7pm - Washboard Hank & Mountain Muriel
Wednesday, December 1 6-9pm - Irish Millie
BrickHouse Craft Burger Grill
123 Simcoe St., Peterborough
705-874-7474
Thursday, November 18
7-9pm - Amanda Thomas
Friday, November 19
8pm - Karaoke
Che Figata
53 Bolton St., Bobcagyeon
705-738-5979
Saturday, November 20
6-9pm - BGC Kawarthas Foundation Dream Ball dinner w/ live music by James Ursel & Sandy Murphy ($150, tickets at www.bgckawarthas.com/events/dream-ball)
Coach & Horses Pub
16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006
Thursday, November 18
8:30pm - Open Jam Night
Friday, November 19
9pm - Karaoke
Advertisement - content continues below
The Cow & Sow Eatery
38 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-5111
Friday, November 19
8-11pm - Rob Fitzgerald
Coming Soon
Friday, November 26 8-11pm - U-Jimmy
Dominion Hotel
113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954
Coming Soon
Friday, December 3 8-10pm - Open Mic with John Dawson
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717
Saturday, November 20
SOLD OUT - 2-5pm - Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association fundraiser ft Nicholas Campbell and the Two Metre Cheaters
Ganaraska Hotel
30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254
Saturday, November 20
2-6pm - Live music TBA
The Garnet
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107
Thursday, November 18
7-10pm - SJ Riley
Saturday, November 20
5pm - Alisha, Shahrazi, and Little Fire (PWYC)
Graz Restobar
38 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
705-738-6343
Coming Soon
Saturday, December 11 7:30-9:30pm - Four Lanes Wide
6-9pm - BGC Kawarthas Foundation Dream Ball dinner w/ live music by Mike Graham & Dennis Pendrith ($150, tickets at www.bgckawarthas.com/events/dream-ball)
Red Dog Tavern
189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400
Friday, November 19
9pm - Deadwolff, Bayside Dropouts, Antixx ($10 at door)
Many volunteers at Winfield Shores Harbour Park, this year's Depave Paradise project in Lakefield, were older adults who continue to lead the maintenance of the parkette in their neighbourhood.
Enhancing urban spaces using the principles of universal design, which meets the needs of all people regardless of age or ability, will be even more important as the percentage of people in the Peterborough area who are over 65 continues to increase in the next 25 years. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)
“What age do you consider to be old?”
That’s the provocative question at the heart of a video (see below) from the Disrupt Aging campaign by AARP that has garnered more than 1.3 million views on YouTube since 2016.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s column is by Hayley Goodchild, NeighbourHOOD and Residential Programs Coordinator at GreenUP.
The video debunks stereotypes about aging by inviting millennials and older adults to talk about their lives and teach one another something they’re good at. At the end, the millennial participants revisit their earlier assumptions around the meaning of old. The takeaway? Many people live life to the fullest well into their seventies, eighties, and beyond.
Advertisement - content continues below
You’ll get no argument from this elder millennial. Many volunteers at this year’s Depave Paradise project in Lakefield were older adults, who ripped up asphalt by hand and moved many yards of soil over multiple days. Since then, a group of committed volunteers — all older in age — have been leading the maintenance of this wonderful parkette in their neighbourhood.
At the same time, many people do develop challenges as they age, from declining vision and mobility, to social isolation, and more. According to the Age-Friendly Peterborough Community Action Plan, “the Peterborough region has an older age profile than the provincial average, and the percentage of people over 65 in the region is projected to increase substantially over the next 25 years, with a sharper increase expected in the County.”
While life expectancy and quality of life in older age are both increasing, people are more likely to have one or more disabilities as they age, such as a chronic health condition. Such issues aren’t necessarily unique to older adults. Even though the average age of onset of a disability is the early forties, people of all ages have diverse abilities and accessibility needs.
VIDEO: Millennials Show Us What ‘Old’ Looks Like | Disrupt Aging
Through GreenUP’s NeighbourHOOD programs, we’ve heard from many people about the ways that urban spaces could be enhanced using the principles of universal design. Universal design is design that meets the needs of all people regardless of age, ability, and other factors.
For example, older residents in Peterborough’s Kawartha Heights neighbourhood, some of whom provide child care for their grandchildren, have explained that local green spaces are geared more toward young, able-bodied children.
Shaded seating areas, accessible washrooms and pathways, and exercise equipment are just some of the features they would like to see added to parks in their neighbourhood. These enhancements could support people of all ages and abilities.
Advertisement - content continues below
Roads and sidewalks also present many barriers.
“In many of our neighbourhoods, even when there are sidewalks, the width of the sidewalk, the quality of the pavement, and the location of curb cuts all contribute to whether or not folks can use them effectively,” explains Laura Keresztesi, GreenUP’s NeighbourHOOD Programs coordinator.
“In neighbourhoods like Jackson Park-Brookdale, Talwood, and Downtown Jackson Creek, folks who use mobility aids say they are often forced to travel on the road, where they don’t feel safe. Other residents avoid using particular intersections because of the speed and unpredictability of traffic.”
According to a Statistics Canada survey on disability, one in seven Canadians aged 15 years and older reported a disability, representing around 3.8 million Canadians, with the average age of onset of disabilities in the early forties. In the Downtown Jackson Creek neighbourhood in Peterborough, there are several reasons why people using wheelchairs are forced onto the street even where sidewalks are available. (Photo: GreenUP)
The need is obvious: urban spaces should meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities. We were thrilled to learn that Green Communities Canada is emphasizing age-friendly design in its latest round of Depave Paradise projects.
“Depave projects help communities adapt to climate change by allowing rain to soak into the ground where it falls, reducing the risk of flooding, and helping to protect the health of our waterways,” explains Brianna Salmon, executive director of Green Communities Canada. “They also create valued community green spaces in areas that were previously underutilized, and this means they provide an opportunity to transform spaces with the public interest in mind.”
“We are encouraging an intentional approach to engaging older adults because we recognize that they are a demographic who can be disproportionately impacted by urban design,” continues Salmon. “We want them to be part of the conversation, and celebrate their involvement with the Depave program, because we believe that a site designed with age-inclusive principles benefits everyone.”
Advertisement - content continues below
To kick-off our next Depave project in an age-friendly way, GreenUP is hosting a virtual community conversation on Thursday, November 25th. This session will focus on age-friendly, accessible design and continue these discussions with residents throughout the greater Peterborough region.
The event will feature short presentations from community members and other aging, accessibility, and planning experts. Learn more about what age-friendly and accessible universal design means to residents throughout the greater Peterborough region. Then we’ll explore how parks, roadways, and parking lots can be enhanced in age-friendly and accessible ways.
Peterborough GreenUP is hosting a free virtual session on exploring age-friendly design on November 25, 2021. (Graphic: GreenUP)
GreenUP’s NeighbourHOOD work is generously funded by the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough (CFGP). Depave Paradise is a program of Green Communities Canada (GCC) that is funded through a private trust. For more information about the Community Conversations event, or Depave Paradise, please contact Hayley Goodchild at hayley.goodchild@greenup.on.ca.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
Submit your event for FREE!
Use our event submission form to post your event on our website — for free.
To submit editorial content or ideas, please contact us.
