The Ontario government has announced a new grant program for businesses forced to close under the public health restrictions in response to the omicron variant that took effect on Wednesday (January 5) and will remain in effect until at least January 26.

The Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant will provide eligible small businesses with a one-time payment of $10,000.

These include restaurants and bars, indoor sports and recreational facilities (including fitness centres and gyms), performing arts venues and cinemas, meeting or event spaces, tour and guide services, conference centres and convention centres, driving instruction for individuals, before- and after- school programs, and museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions.

Eligible businesses that applied and qualified for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant in 2021 — which provided $20,000 to $40,000 for businesses forced to close or significantly restrict services under the December 2020 province-wide shutdown — will not need to apply for the new grant program. Those businesses will be “pre-screened to verify eligibility” according to a media release from the province.

Businesses that have been established since the 2021 grant program, and businesses that are newly eligible under the new grant program, “will need to apply once the application portal opens in the coming weeks,” the media release reads.

Any small business that qualifies for the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant can expect to receive their $10,000 payment in February, according to the government.

The province also announced it would be providing electricity-rate relief for three weeks beginning January 18. During that period, electricity prices will be set 24 hours a day at the current off-peak rate of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is less than half the cost of the current on-peak rate.

The off-peak rate will apply automatically to residential customers, small businesses, and farms who pay regulated rates set by the Ontario Energy Board and get a bill from a utility and will apply both to customers on time-of-use and tiered rate plans.

The government also announced online applications for the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program will open January 18. originally announced on December 22. the program will provide eligible businesses required to close or reduce capacity as a result of public health measures with rebate payments for up to 100 per cent of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to the measures.

Eligible businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100 per cent of their costs. Those required to reduce capacity to 50 per cent, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 per cent of their costs. A complete list of eligible businesses will be provided prior to the launch of the application portal.

From January 1 to July 1, the province is also providing an optional six-month interest- and penalty-free period for businesses to make payments for most provincially administered taxes, including the employer health tax, taxes on beer, wine, and spirits, tobacco tax, insurance premium tax, fuel tax, international fuel tax agreement, gas tax, retail sales tax on insurance contracts and benefit plans, mining tax, and race tracks tax.

For more information, visit ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs.

The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) has donated $8,725.31 to the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton in support of the YWCA Crossroads Shelter for women and children fleeing violence and abuse.

WBN president Christine Teixeira presented a cheque to Ria Nicholson, lead philanthropic advisor with YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, on Thursday (January 6).

The funds were raised in December at WBN’s annual holiday gala, where members of the networking organization have come together for more than 30 years to support the YWCA Crossroads Shelter. In 2021, people from the community were also able to add to the fundraising by participating in an online auction.

WBN’s donation supports the YWCA’s Safe Nights Program at Crossroads Shelter, which provides emergency shelter, meals, counselling and personal care supplies for women and children. One safe night at YWCA Crossroads Shelter costs $64.65, beyond what government funding provides, and includes everything from the physical safety of a private room and 24-hour support, to nutritious meals, linens, clothing, and personal care items.

“Being able to supply 135 safe nights to our sisters in the community is something we would not be able to do were it not for the generosity of this community,” Teixeira says in a media release. “I wish to express my profound appreciation for our members, volunteers, and everyone who donated an auction item. Many items came from small businesses who gave to our cause despite the current challenges they face in these times.”

According to the Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses, 58 women in Ontario were killed in 2020-21 as a result of violence by an intimate partner or family member. Violence against women had also intensified throughout the pandemic, because of factors including increased isolation and lack of available services. On any one night, more than 6,000 Canadian women and children sleep in shelters because they are not safe at home.

“The Women’s Business Network is such an important organization in our community,” says Kim Dolan, executive director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “The strong support amongst members extends beyond their meetings to impact so many other women in the Peterborough area.”

“The proceeds of the December 2021 WBN Holiday Gala send a strong message to women in our region who experience gender-based violence,” Dolan adds. “You are seen, you matter, you are not alone. On behalf of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton and the women we serve, thank you!”

While there are 1,111 confirmed active cases of COVID-19 in the Peterborough area, the number of active cases in region is significantly much higher according to the medical officer of health.

During a Peterborough Public Health media briefing held Thursday (January 6), Dr. Thomas Piggott said that, due to the provincially mandated restrictions on PCR testing, “We know these current case numbers are a significant underestimation of transmission in our community.”

“Prior to the changes in the testing criteria, the modelling estimates we saw provincially showed potentially we were underreporting by a factor of eight. So there are eight times more cases.”

“Now that we’re testing a more narrow range of people, the active cases we’re reporting are an enormous underestimate,” Dr. Piggott added. “I would assume that the (actual) number could be in excess of 10,000, but we don’t know for certain.”

Dr. Piggott said that, with the omicron variant, “It’s like a whole new pandemic.”

“There is lots of concern and uncertainty with what’s happening, but there’s reason for hope,” he added. “I really feel we’re at the darkest part of the night before the dawn that is coming.”

While Dr. Piggott’s optimism is music to the ears of the pandemic-fatigued, the current picture isn’t a rosy one. Along with aforementioned 1,111 active cases confirmed — an increase of 141 on Wednesday alone — the COVID-related death of a man in his 80s who was double vaccinated is being reported. There have now been 30 deaths in the region from the virus since the pandemic began.

Outbreaks have risen dramatically as well, with nine on the go at the present — the most recent being declared Wednesday at a congregate living facility. Previously declared and still active outbreaks are being monitored at Rubidge Retirement Residence, St. Joseph’s at Fleming, Fairhaven Long-term Care, Extendicare Lakefield, Riverview Manor, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), and two other congregate living facilities. PRHC, meanwhile, had 17 hospitalized COVID patients as of Thursday morning.

“The increases in hospitalizations that we’re seeing provincially and locally are deeply concerning,” said Dr. Piggott. “The coming weeks will be really telling. I hope it (COVID-19) won’t overwhelm our health care system. As much as I see hope on the other side, we’re still on this side of it at this point.”

“We will eventually get there (to the endemic stage) but we’re not there yet. We know this pandemic has taken an incredible toll. We know we need to get back to society functioning and ensure that there isn’t a continued disruption of the social fabric of our society and of our economy. We need to be very vigilant and careful in the face of omicron.”

Dr. Piggott points to local vaccination numbers as a central reason for any optimism we can muster at present.

“It’s really exciting to see that 45 per cent of local children aged 5 to 11 have received their first dose,” he said, noting more than 1,000 additional appointments for those in that age group have been opened up and available as soon as this coming weekend.

With no walk-ins being taken, parents and guardians must book a vaccination appointment. Visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/clinics for a listing of locations and times of clinics.

To date, 41.6 per cent of eligible local residents aged 18 and up have received a third booster shot. 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. Some local pharmacies are also offering booster shots.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, 85.2 per cent of eligible residents aged five and up have received one dose while 80 per cent have received two doses. Dr. Piggott says those looking for a first or second shot can walk in to a clinic with no appointment.

“If you haven’t come forward yet (for vaccination), there’s no time that’s too late,” he said.

Dr. Piggott also spoke at length on “how we can get through” the next few weeks.

“The January blues were a thing before COVID,” he reminded. “This is going to be a very difficult month for some. I encourage you keep your connections to friends and family as much as you can — a phone call, a virtual visit, an outdoor visit. And look for signs that people aren’t coping well. If you need it, seek help.”

Also participating in the media briefing were Peterborough mayor Diane Therrien, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, and Selwyn mayor and Board of Health chair Andy Mitchell.

Mitchell admitted to never having “felt so frustrated and discouraged” as he feels now. That said, he stressed the need to persevere via vaccinations and continued adherence to measures such as masking, social distancing and isolating when feeling ill.

“Our mission is clear: keep people safe,” he said. “First by ensuring our health care system can care for the ill and keep the vulnerable protected, and second, ensure our essential services have the staff necessary to continue protecting us. We need to be focused. There will be lots of time later to discuss the what-ifs, and debate long-term solutions to structural challenges and determine processes that lead to good evidence-based decisions. But not today. For now, our mission is to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible with as many doses as possible.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Therrien confirmed that while city services haven’t been adversely affected to date as a result of COVID-related staff absences, she is aware that has been the case in other municipalities.

Jodi DeNoble, the city’s manager of emergency management, insurance, and risk management, said there is a corporate business continuity plan in place, part of which involves regular review of the current status of each department in terms of COVID’s impact on staffing numbers.

“So far we’ve been able to manage,” DeNoble explained. “We’re not in the critical stage that some of our municipal colleagues are finding themselves in, but we are seeing absences. When and if need be, we will make adjustments to service levels.”

Happy 2022 from GreenUP!

This is the third and final instalment of a special holiday series in which we’ve asked community leaders to respond to the question, “What is your green wish for our community for 2022?” In previous columns we heard from political and business leaders and environmental and social justice leaders.

For our final column, we saved the best for last. While all voices — including yours — are critical to the success and vitality of our community, artists and activists prod us to dig deeper and to tap into our creativity, passion, and our commitment to our community, to create a better future.

The Peterborough region is known as an artistic hub and an engaged community. Below are the green wishes of some of our local cultural leaders and community activists.

Ann Douglas, parenting author, radio commentator, and speaker

My green wish for our community is simple: I want us to take the climate emergency seriously and to elect governments that are prepared to take action.

Two-thirds of Canadians want politicians to do more, and yet the archaic first-past-the-post voting system that we use to elect governments at both the provincial and federal levels is preventing us from making meaningful progress. We need a system of government that encourages politicians to work together and that prioritizes long-term thinking as opposed to short-term political gain.

We need electoral reform and, more specifically, proportional representation. That’s my green wish this year!

Beau Dixon, actor, playwright, singer/songwriter, music director, sound designer

My green wish for our community in 2022 is that the City of Peterborough involves more of the community in environmental projects that subsidize the unemployed. I think one of the big problems in the city of Peterborough is the opioid crisis.

It would instill great hope in this city if those that were unemployed were taught how to do simple gardening tasks. Whether it’s proper soiling, planting or vegetation, these are skills that are needed to sustain a healthy lifestyle and environment. And by teaching these skills to the unemployed, we are creating jobs and trade skills that are valuable for our future generation.

Lastly, we must reduce our carbon footprint by eating less meat and implementing a better transit system. Whether it’s more carpooling with friends or parking your car and taking longer walks, something’s gotta change before it’s too late!

Cathy Dueck, environmental educator and coordinator with the Pathway to Stewardship and Kinship

My wish for everyone is to step out of your worries every day, take a walk, and soak in all the wonders around you — the sights, sounds, smells, temperature, wind, rain, and all the things that remind you that you’re alive. We let so many miracles pass us by, unnoticed, every day.

Walking refreshes the body, the mind, and the spirit, and it’s even carbon-free! Focus your attention on where you are, what’s happening around you, and tune in to the little things — the sound of a chickadee flitting past, the rustle of a dry leaf in the wind.

These are everyday gifts of life with the power to heal and energize. All it takes is a walk and opening up your heart.

Charmaine Magumbe, community activist

My green wish is for the citizens of Peterborough to ditch their cars and enjoy the beauty of outside on our awesome Peterborough trails.

Taking the time to stop and smell the flowers, taking time to disconnect from their technology, taking time to walk, bike, run, jog, or even take public transit.

Enjoy life in the heartbeat of nature, outside!

Drew Hayden Taylor, award-winning playwright, author, columnist, filmmaker, and lecturer

My green wish for 2022 is no different than most people, I believe: a greater understanding and respect for the land.

It’s not that difficult. Contrary to popular belief, we do not own the land. It is not ours to control and play with. We are supposed to live in unison with it and respect it as we hope it respects us.

Climate change is an example of that lack of respect.

Joelle Favreau, Manager of Nourish and Community Development and Training Supervisor at YWCA of Peterborough, Victoria, and Haliburton

As we wrap up 2021, I hope that we finally learn the lessons from the pandemic. It had devastating impacts on the lives of people living in poverty, as well as women and BIPOC individuals and families.

My green wish for 2022 is that it will herald the implementation of a guaranteed livable basic income, along with robust anti-racism strategies to transform our health, legal, social, economic, and environmental systems.

These policies will champion an equitable transition anchored in wealth redistribution. They will also ensure that everyone in our community and beyond is able to feed themselves well, and with dignity.

John McNutt, Executive Director of the Council for Persons with Disabilities

I would be thrilled to see household green waste collected throughout the year.

Food scraps amount to roughly 40 per cent of residential waste that ends up in landfills and rots, producing the greenhouse gas methane, which traps heat in the air.

Using a green bin to separate your kitchen organics from the garbage is an easy step towards considerable waste reduction. It’s been done in other Ontario cities, and I believe would be an excellent, smart fit for Peterborough.

Kim Blackwell, Managing Artistic Director at 4th Line Theatre

My green wish for our community in 2022 is for all of us to take mindful stock in our carbon footprint and keep the climate and the climate crisis front of mind.

At 4th Line, we are hoping to take stock in our footprint and look at ways to cut down on waste and garbage at the farm property. We want to eliminate plastic water bottles at the farm in the next three to five years. We want to look at an even more robust reuse and recycle strategy for sets and costumes at the theatre.

Being an outdoor environmental theatre means we are at the forefront of seeing the climate crisis playing out in such things as extreme weather. We can all make a difference together.

Shaelyn Wabegijig, Program and Outreach Coordinator at the Kawartha World Issues Centre

My green wish for our community in 2022 is for the City of Peterborough to create a green and just COVID recovery, by investing in and implementing basic income, composting, green transportation, and increased protections for water, wetlands, and greenspaces.

I hope city councillors review and build upon the seven reports that KWIC and GreenUP created from our work Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, centring Indigenous leadership and the principle of leaving no one behind.

I wish that our leaders understand how interconnected environmental and social justice issues are, and take an inclusive and intersectional approach to this work.

A special thank you to all those that were able to participate in our green wish project, both for our column and online. Your submissions have brought smiles to our faces and hope to our hearts. Importantly, they can guide us all as we learn to overcome COVID-19 and move towards a more sustainable future.

Here’s to a healthy, happy and green 2022 for everyone in the Peterborough region!

Please share your green wish with us on social media @PtboGreenUP or by visiting greenup.on.ca/green-wish.

Peterborough Public Health is hosting kid-friendly immunization clinics for children aged five to 11 on the January 8th weekend and is encouraging families to get their children vaccinated.

First and second doses are available at the two clinics, which take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (January 8 and 9) at the Healthy Planet Arena at 911 Monaghan Road in Peterborough.

Appointments can be booked online at covid19.ontariohealth.ca or by phone at 1-833-943-3900.

According to the health unit, 55 per cent of children aged five to 11 in the Peterborough area have yet to receive a first dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine.

“I urge families to get their children vaccinated as quickly as possible to protect them and help in the community-wide effort to slow the spread of omicron,” says medical officer of health Dr. Thomas Piggott in a media release announcing the clinics.

“We are pulling out all the stops to make vaccinations as accessible as we can, and there are currently 3,200 appointments available for those aged five to 11, including over 1,000 this weekend alone.”

Only children who are five to 11 years old at the time of their appointment, based on their date of birth, are eligible to receive a paediatric dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

While the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that children receive their second dose eight weeks after their first dose, parents and guardians who consent can get a second dose for their child only three weeks (21 days) after the first dose.

Parents must call 1-833-943-3900 and provide informed consent to make an appointment for an accelerated second dose; accelerated appointments cannot be booked online.

Peterborough Public Health says it will be adding more clinics for children aged five to 11 over the coming weeks, and reminds parents it takes two weeks after the second dose for full immunity.

Seven-year-old Callan Perks of Lakefield brought talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres to tears when he appeared on her show on Wednesday (January 5).

The enthusiastic young hockey fan rose to fame after he delivered a rousing speech to the Peterborough Petes before their November 28th game against the Ottawa 67’s. Callan had been selected to act as head coach as part of the OHL Team’s “Next Gen” promotion where kids five to 12 were invited to audition to shadow various roles with the organization.

“Legends are made every day and you could be one of the greats,” Callan said during his minute-long speech. “We’re going to do whatever it takes to get the W.”

The Petes went on to win the game and, after the organization shared a video of “Coach Cal” giving the speech on social media, it went viral.

The speech was broadcast on Sportsnet and TSN, and Coach Cal quickly became a media darling, appearing on CBC, CTV, Global, and ABC.

Callan and his family were flown to Los Angeles to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which was recorded on Tuesday.

VIDEO: Kid Motivational Speaker ‘Coach Cal’ Brings Ellen to Tears with Pep Talk

“First of all, do I call you Callan or Coach Cal?” Ellen asks.

“It really doesn’t matter, but Coach Cal has a really good ring to it and coaches are like a leader and they coach hockey teams and a lot of sports … so Coach Cal’s good,” Callan replies, to laughter and applause from the audience.

After commenting on his energetic hand gestures while speaking, Ellen asks Callan if he has always been so optimistic and positive.

“I always want to think positive, so even if you’re having a bad day just go out there and get the W, no matter what comes,” he says.

After calling him “absolutely adorable,” Ellen then tells Callan she understands he has a motivational speech for her, which he proceeds to give.

“For 19 seasons you have given your all on this stage,” he begins, before concluding with “When it’s time to say goodbye and turn out the lights, just remember that you Ellen will always get the W because you have given whatever it takes to be you.”

“Just keep working hard and staying positive and making people laugh, ’cause you are a legend. So let’s get fired up and go out there and get the W, today and every day. Let’s go Ellen!”

VIDEO: Callan Perks’ pre-game speech to the Peterborough Petes

The audience erupts with applause, cheers, and a standing ovation, and a teary-eyed Ellen then gives Callan a big hug.

“I know a lot of fancy people and what you just said to me means more to me than what I can possibly convey to you,” she tells him. “I don’t even know you, but you are just a special little being with such a big heart and I thank you for that. That was the sweetest thing.”

Ellen then presents Callan with a personalized “Coach Cal” tracksuit, clipboard, and megaphone.

“I think you’re going to go on to do big, big things,” Ellen says.

Peterborough resident Wendy Bianco is starting the new year over $46,000 richer after winning the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation’s 50/50 lottery.

Bianco won the December grand prize of $44,252 when her ticket number C-1374879 was drawn on Thursday (December 30). Bianco also had the choice of a bonus prize of either a $2,500 Resorts of Ontario gift certificate or an additional $2,000 in cash. She chose the cash bonus prize, making her total winnings $46,252.

“I have been buying PRHC Foundation 50/50 Lottery tickets to support our hospital,” Bianco says in a media release. “My husband needed the PRHC Cardiac Cath Lab last summer and we were so grateful to not have to travel out of town for his procedure. With our winnings my husband and I plan to take our honeymoon in Sicily, and share some of the money with our sons.”

There were also four early bird winners during the December lottery, each taking home $500 cash: Margaret Pettie, Ian Armstrong, Margaret McLean, and Jackie Taylor.

Tickets for the first lottery of 2022 are now on sale at prhcfoundation5050.com, where you can buy 10 tickets for $10, 40 tickets for $20, 160 tickets for $40, or 400 tickets for $75. The more tickets you buy, the greater your odds of winning.

The first lottery of 2022 runs until Wednesday, February 16th with the grand prize winner drawn the following day. The grand prize consists of the jackpot, which grows every time more tickets are purchased, plus a bonus prize of a $2,500 Resorts of Ontario gift certificate or $2,000 cash.

Five early bird draws will also be held on “WINter Wednesdays”. In three of the draws, three winners will each receive $500 cash and, in the other two draws, 10 winners will each receive a $50 Shoppers Drug Mart gift card.

Ticket buyers must be 18 years of age or older and in the province of Ontario to play.

Half of all the ticket sales in the 50/50 lottery go the PRHC Foundation to support equipment and technology at the hospital that the government doesn’t fund. For more information about the PRHC Foundation, visit prhcfoundation.ca.

On the eve of new public health restrictions taking effect across Ontario in an attempt to reduce the spread of the omicron variant, at least 3,400 active cases of COVID-19 are being reported across the greater Kawarthas region, with around 28 people currently in hospital due to the disease.

As of Tuesday (January 4), Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is reporting 1,323 active cases; Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Health Unit is reporting 1,041 active cases; and Peterborough Public Health is reporting 1,035 active cases.

However, due to changes in eligibility for PCR tests that went into effect on Friday, all regional health units are cautioning these numbers are underestimates of actual cases.

In Hastings Prince Edward, there are 540 active cases in Belleville, 364 in Quinte West, 158 in Prince Edward County, 136 in Central Hastings, 78 in North Hastings, 32 in Tyendinaga & Deseronto, and 14 in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. There are 10 active outbreaks, including six at long-term care and retirement homes, three in congregate living facilities, and one at Quinte Health Care Belleville General Hospital. A total of 18 people are hospitalized due to COVID-19, with five patients in intensive care.

In Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge, there are 370 active cases in Kawartha Lakes, 593 in Northumberland, and 76 in Haliburton. There are 13 active outbreaks, including six at long-term care and retirement homes, five in congregate living facilities, one at a elementary school, and one at Northumberland Hills Hospital. Five people are currently hospitalized because of COVID-19, with three patients in intensive care.

In Peterborough, 424 new cases have been confirmed since the health unit’s last report on Friday, increasing the number of active cases to 1,035. There are eight active outbreaks, including five at long-term care and retirement homes, two in congregate living facilities, two at elementary schools, and one at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. There are at least five people hospitalized due to COVID-19. Peterborough is reporting its 30th COVID-related death, the sixth death in the last month.

Provincially, Ontario is reporting 11,352 new cases confirmed by PCR testing. However, Ontario’s COVID-19 science advisory table is estimating the daily number of cases at 19,854, with a test positivity rate of 32.4 per cent — meaning around 32 out of every 100 people tested are positive for COVID-19.

According to the provincial government, around one out of every 100 people infected by the omicron variant will end up in hospital. As of Tuesday, there are at least 1,290 Ontarians hospitalized with COVID-19, with 266 patients in intensive care due to a COVID-related critical illness.

Effective January 5, Ontario will be limiting social gatherings to five people indoors and 10 outdoors, closing indoor dining at restaurants and bars, closing gyms, and closing indoor concert venues, theatres, cinemas, museums, galleries, and more.

The measures will remain in effect for at least three weeks, in an attempt to limit the spread of the omicron variant and preserve hospital capacity until more people receive their booster shots of vaccine.

The province is also delaying the return of students to in-person learning by at least two weeks until January 17, moving schools online, and instructing hospitals to pause all non-emergent and non-urgent surgeries and procedures.