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New Northumberland County Archives & Museum ‘set to become a must-visit destination’ in Cobourg

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Northumberland County Archives & Museum (NCAM) will be closing its existing location on Ontario Street in Cobourg to the public after February 21, 2025 as the museum prepares to move to its new location in the Golden Plough Lodge long-term care facility currently under construction on Courthouse Road. The new museum is expected to open in fall 2005. (Rendering: Salter Pilon Architecture)

Tasked with carefully transporting more than 530 linear metres of archival materials and hundreds of artifacts, Northumberland County Archives & Museum (NCAM) will soon be on the move.

NCAM recently announced the museum’s current location on Ontario Street in Cobourg will be closed to the public as of February 22, as the museum’s team prepares, catalogues, and safely packages its historical possessions for the transition into its new home on Courthouse Road in Cobourg.

Non-mandatory archival services — including research assistance, donation assessments, and and genealogical services — will be temporarily unavailable to allow staff to focus on preparing the collection for the move and setting up the new facility. The museum will continue to provide essential services, including inquiries related to government records and freedom of information requests.

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County archivist Abigail Miller told kawarthaNOW the long-awaited location inside Northumberland County’s new Golden Plough Lodge long-term care home, expected to open in the fall, will be special for staff and the public alike.

“We’re thrilled that this new archives and museum will provide the space to celebrate and share Northumberland’s rich cultural heritage,” Miller told kawarthaNOW. “With an exciting inaugural exhibition on the horizon, it’s set to become a must-visit destination, adding even more to the vibrant attractions across our region.”

NCAM collects, cares for, and provides access to archival materials and artifacts that represent the stories of the people, places, and development of the county. The new NCAM site will offer enhanced programming opportunities for the community, increased access to local historical and cultural collections, and state-of-the-art archival conservation equipment to better preserve Northumberland’s history.

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The new location will also include an expanded reading room for research, a programming space for museum exhibitions and community groups, specialized standard collections storage, and a conservation lab.

As staff prepare to vacate the museum’s current site on Ontario Street in Cobourg, they’ll also begin preparations to open the new location, including setting up the facility and preparing exhibits for the museum space.

“This transition period marks an important step toward the opening of our new facility,” said Miller in a statement. “We thank everyone for their understanding as we work behind the scenes to get the collection ready for its future home.”

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Miller added that residents can follow the museum on Facebook @NCAMofficial for updates on the move.

NCAM’s last day of being open to the public in its current location will be next Friday (February 21). Any requests for research assistance underway at the time will be completed, but new requests will not be accepted until NCAM opens at the new Courthouse Road location in the fall.

Residents who have questions or concerns about the temporary changes to NCAM services can contact the NCAM team at ncam@northumberland.ca.

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NCAM’s new location is part of a collaboration with the Golden Plough Lodge, the only municipally operated long-term care home in Northumberland. The new 203,000-square foot and 180-bed facility in which NCAM will be located is adjacent to the existing Golden Plough Lodge, situated on county-owned property.

For the long-term care home, the occupancy date for staff is set for June 2025, at which time furnishing, set-up, and commissioning will take place. Residents are expected to move into the new facility in the fall of 2025.

More information about the NCAM project and the new Golden Plough Lodge is available on Northumberland County’s website.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is back for its 28th year on the Family Day long weekend

By Bruce Head -
Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count during the Family Day long weekend from February 14 to 17, 2025 and help researchers track changes in bird populations over time. Known for its easily recognizable vocalizations, the black-capped chickadee is one of the easiest birds to attract to feeders (they love sunflower seeds) and will even eat out of your hand. (Photo: Grace C. / Macaulay Library, Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

For almost three decades, the Great Backyard Bird Count has given people of all ages the chance to become citizen scientists and help researchers track changes in bird populations over time.

A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada, the Great Backyard Bird Count returns for its 28th year in 2025, beginning on Friday, February 14th and continuing until Monday, February 17th (Family Day).

On one or more days of the annual event, volunteers from around the world will count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes and then enter their checklists on the Great Backyard Bird Count website or the eBird website, or by using the Merlin Bird ID or eBird apps. For more information, visit the Great Backyard Bird Count website at birdcount.org.

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“The Great Backyard Bird Count continues to bring together millions of people every year,” says David Bonter, co-director of the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in a media release.

Participation in the Great Backyard Bird Count grows every year, with over half a million people from over 200 countries participating last year and submitting checklists reporting more than 7,900 bird species.

Combined with other bird counts, results from the Great Backyard Bird Count help create a clearer picture of how birds are faring, including whether individual species are are declining, increasing, or holding steady in the face of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an opportunity for the entire family to enjoy nature over the FamilY Day long weekend while also helping researchers understand how bird populations are changing over time because of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats. (Photo: Liz Paul)
The Great Backyard Bird Count is an opportunity for the entire family to enjoy nature over the FamilY Day long weekend while also helping researchers understand how bird populations are changing over time because of habitat loss, climate change, and other threats. (Photo: Liz Paul)

“Joining your community to count birds means that we can track the long-term changes in bird populations, and we wouldn’t be able to do that without you,” Bonter says. “The world is changing fast, and birds often reflect the impact of environmental change first.”

To learn how to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, visit the Great Backyard Bird Count website at birdcount.org. The website also has tools and information to help both birdwatching newbies and veterans participate in the count.

You can also join a free webinar at 3 p.m. on Wednesday (February 12). The one-hour live event on YouTube will offer tips, tricks, and ideas for participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Register at dl.allaboutbirds.org/2025gbbcwebinar.

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While you can simply count the birds you see in your own backyard or in a nearby park, you could also count the birds you see while hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing (depending on conditions) at one of the conservation areas, wildlife areas, provincial parks, or trails open during the winter in the Kawarthas region.

Here are some of them:

  • Birdsall Wildlife Area (1300 Birdsall Line, Otonabee-South Monaghan)
  • Darling Wildlife Area (310 5 Line, Otonabee-South Monaghan)
  • Fleetwood Creek Natural Area (902 Ballyduff Rd., Pontypool)
  • Ganaraska Forest (10585 Cold Springs Camp Rd, Campbellcroft)
  • Gannon’s Narrows Conservation Area (1762 Blackpool Rd., Selwyn)
  • Harold Town Conservation Area (2611 Old Norwood Rd., Otonabee-South Monaghan)
  • Jackson Creek Trail (610 Parkhill Rd. W., Peterborough)
  • Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park (106 Monck St., Bancroft)
  • Ken Reid Conservation Area (277 Kenrei Rd., Lindsay)
  • Lakefield Trail (22 D’Eyncourt St., Lakefield)
  • Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park (846 Highway 7, Peterborough)
  • Miller Creek Wildlife Area (1225 7 Line, Selwyn)
  • Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area (445 Gray Rd., Janetville)
  • Presqu’ile Provincial Park (328 Presqu’ile Parkway, Brighton)
  • Robert Johnston Ecoforest Trails (185 5 Line, Douro)
  • Selwyn Beach Conservation Area (2251 Birch Island Rd., Selwyn)
  • Silent Lake Provincial Park (1589 Silent Lake Park Rd., Bancroft)
  • Squirrel Creek Conservation Area (2445 Wallace Point Rd., Otonabee-South Monaghan)
  • Warsaw Caves Conservation Area (289 Caves Rd., Warsaw)
  • Windy Ridge Conservation Area (998 Mt Horeb Rd., Omemee)
About the size of a robin, the hairy woodpecker is a common and widespread year-round inhabitant of Canadian forests. They mainly eat insects, but also fruits, berries, and nuts, as well as sometimes tree sap. (Photo: Shori Velles / Macaulay Library, Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
About the size of a robin, the hairy woodpecker is a common and widespread year-round inhabitant of Canadian forests. They mainly eat insects, but also fruits, berries, and nuts, as well as sometimes tree sap. (Photo: Shori Velles / Macaulay Library, Cornell Lab of Ornithology)

Up for a stupid good time? The Coincidence Men have you covered on February 21

By Paul Rellinger -
Toronto-based improv troupe The Coincidence Men (Gord Oxley, Marcel St. Pierre, Kerry Griffin, and Ralph MacLeod) will be joining local improv artists Meg Murphy, Jennine Profeta, and Janet Van De Graaff for klusterfork entertainment's "Impros All-Pros" comedy show at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough on February 21, 2025. (Publicity photo)

In a world growing more divisive by the minute, blessed are the mirth makers.

Yes, we could all benefit from a good laugh right about now and, once again, improv comedy will deliver, this time in the form of “Impros All-Pros” on Friday, February 21 at the Gordon Best Theatre on Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough.

Presented by klusterfork entertainment and sponsored in part by kawarthaNOW, the show’s first half will see local improv comedy artists Meg Murphy, Jennine Profeta, and Janet Van De Graaff joined by longtime improv comedy quartet The Coincidence Men.

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After the break, Coincidence Men members Kerry Griffin, Gord Oxley, Marcel St. Pierre, and Ralph MacLeod will prove that their being held in high regard on the crowded Toronto improv comedy circuit is more than justified.

Tickets to the 8 p.m. show cost $20 in advance at www.klusterfork.com and, if available, at the door.

“We need a distraction right now, if nothing else,” says Griffin, an actor, director, improviser, and multiple Canadian Comedy Award winner who relocated from Toronto to Peterborough in 2021.

“I was working at Second City in 2016, directing a show, when a certain (U.S.) president got elected. We were trying to be topical and satirical and all that, but it reached a point where it was hard to satirize reality when reality is so absurd. How do you make fun of something that’s so gonzo?”

“We don’t strive to do anything political or topical,” Griffin says of The Coincidence Men. “We just want to get on stage and have fun, and be a little silly. Unless you’re doing something directly satirical, like The Daily Show or something where you’ve got to attack those issues, I’m a fan of comedy for the sake of comedy, and for a release and a distraction. Let’s forget about all the crap that’s so serious and frustrating and have some fun.”

Local improv performers Meg Murphy, Jennine Profeta, and Janet Van De Graaff will be joined by Toronto-based improv comedy troupe The Coincidence Men for klusterfork's "Impros All-Pros" comedy show at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough on February 21, 2025. (kawarthaNOW collage)
Local improv performers Meg Murphy, Jennine Profeta, and Janet Van De Graaff will be joined by Toronto-based improv comedy troupe The Coincidence Men for klusterfork’s “Impros All-Pros” comedy show at the Gordon Best Theatre in downtown Peterborough on February 21, 2025. (kawarthaNOW collage)

Each member of The Coincidence Men has indeed had fun since they first performed under that name at the Social Capital Theatre in east-end Toronto. The quartet continues to headline its monthly Stupid Good Comedy Show at the same venue.

“We came up in the improv and sketch comedy scene in Toronto around the same time in the nineties,” says Griffin. “We all kind of knew of each other. We would see each other at shows and occasionally work together on various things.”

“At some point, roughly 2011, we did a show together at the Social Capital Theatre and we had a wonderful time. Everything clicked. We were on the same page and making each other laugh, and making the audience laugh. We were like ‘This is great. Let’s play more with each other.'”

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The act’s name, notes Griffin, grew out of “something that happened onstage that somebody later termed a coincidence. Somebody said ‘Yeah, well, that’s us … the coincidence men.’ We thought ‘That’s a fun name. Let’s do it.'”

“We’re all of a similar age. We’re all nerds for not only improv but various pop culture things. Our brains are on the same wavelength. We all grew up with Monty Python and SCTV. We clicked and stuck together as a troupe.”

Each member of The Coincidence Men is an accomplished actor and comedy artist in his own right.

A founding member of the award-winning improv troupe Slap Happy as well as a Second City alumnus who has directed five revues for its stage, Griffin has appeared in more than 100 television and radio commercials as well as appeared in episodes of Schitt’s Creek, Covert Affairs, and Murdoch Mysteries. Locally, he has appeared regularly on stage at Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon, and most recently starred alongside klusterfork co-founder Linda Kash in New Stages Theatre’s holiday production of A Christmas Carol Comedy.

VIDEO: The Stupid Good Comedy Show – The Coincidence Men (March 2022)

Oxley has performed in countless improv and sketch comedy shows in Toronto, and formed one-half of the Gemini Award-nominated comedy duo Fast & Dirty, while St. Pierre has performed across North America with Second City and Monkey Toast, and acted in episodes of Kids In The Hall, Air Farce, The Rick Mercer Report and Designated Survivor.

MacLeod, who co-founded Toronto’s Bad Dog Theatre Company with St. Pierre and co-owns The Social Capital Theatre, has produced, created, directed, starred in and/or written hundreds of live shows as well as appeared in YTV’s Extreme Babysitting and Undercover High.

As impressive as those credits are, the comedy magic really happens when the four come together to deliver on their declaration of “We Do Stupid Good.”

“We don’t use stupid as a pejorative or as a negative thing — this is a good kind of stupid,” says Griffin.

“We don’t always necessarily go for the smartest humour, although there is an element of that, but we are quite willing to have a stupid good time. That’s what we want to bring the audience into, saying ‘Let’s just have fun.’ We’re playing, you’re going to be part of the moment, and we’re going to have a stupid good time.”

“We enjoy being silly. We do try to go for some sort of grounded, relatable human experience kind of scenes but, inevitably, we delve into the absurd. Also, we’re all big fans, whether we want to admit it or not, of dad jokes and puns.”

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Improv comedy, emphasizes Griffin, is a team sport — a marked difference from comedy of the stand-up variety. The Coincidence Men’s performance symmetry provides full evidence of that.

“If you try to make the other person look good, than we all look good,” says Griffin.

“Stand-up is very much a me-against-the-world kind of thing but, with improv, you have that team; you have that support and collaboration. The greatest things in improv happen when we surprise each other on stage. That’s the beauty of improv. It’s more than the sum of its parts. We get to places in improv we would never get to on our own.”

“It really is (about) being inspired by your fellow performer. That’s the joy of it. And the audience becomes part of that. Part of why improv is so great for the audience is they know they’re in on the creation of this thing living in this moment.”

Colin Mochrie (second from right) performing with Toronto-based improv troupe The Coincidence Men's Marcel St. Pierre, Kerry Griffin, Ralph MacLeod, and Gord Oxley. (Photo: Brent Robichaud)
Colin Mochrie (second from right) performing with Toronto-based improv troupe The Coincidence Men’s Marcel St. Pierre, Kerry Griffin, Ralph MacLeod, and Gord Oxley. (Photo: Brent Robichaud)

Not lost on anyone, least of Griffin, is the fact that Peterborough has staked out a formidable place on the improv comedy landscape.

That’s due in no small way to the efforts of klusterfork entertainment, founded by Linda Kash and Pat Maitland with support from Ian Burns. Since its inception, it has provided improv comedy training and workshops as well as presented improv showcases, most of those also at the Gordon Best.

“The improv community in Peterborough is fairly small but, for a city of its size, it feels like it has grown during the short time I’ve been here,” says Griffin.

“Peterborough is a great little arts community. That’s one of the reasons I moved here. There is a growing improv community here. It’s a little bit of a mini hotbed and, if it continues doing what it’s done the last couple of years, I think it’s going to continue to grow.”

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As for the Impros All-Pros show, Griffin says “Expect the unexpected — we’re going to have fun and it’s going to be a little crazy,” adding the comedic talents of Murphy, Profeta, and Van De Graaff will greatly up the merriment level.

“Our shows are typically 45 per cent riffing on the human relatable condition, 45 per cent absurd silliness, and 10 per cent dad jokes and puns, so there’ll be a little bit of everything.”

For information on The Coincidence Men, visit www.coincidencemen.com. For more information on klusterfork’s workshops and classes, visit www.klusterfork.com.

"Impros All-Pros" posted. (Graphic courtesy of klusterfork)

 

kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of klusterfork entertainment’s Impros All-Pros.

‘I’m humbled and excited to support our whole new merged health unit’: Dr. Thomas Piggott

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Dr. Thomas Piggott, the recently appointed acting medical officer of health and CEO for the new Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit, participated in a virtual media conference on February 10, 2025, from his office at Peterborough Public Health, which merged with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit on January 1. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of YouTube video)

After being appointed as acting medical officer of health and CEO of the Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough (HKNP) Health Unit, Dr. Thomas Piggott held a virtual media conference on Monday (February 10) along with the new board of health’s chair and vice-chair to share more about information about his new role at the helm of the newly merged health unit.

Dr. Piggott’s position will be an acting role until a new employment agreement is finalized and Ontario’s health minister officially signs off on the board’s appointment.

“It’s really an honour — I’m humbled and excited to support our whole new merged health unit geography as the legacy of (Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit) and (Peterborough Public Health) come together,” Dr. Piggott said.

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The board of health for the HKNP Health Unit announced last Tuesday (February 4) that Dr. Piggott, previously the medical officer of health and CEO for Peterborough Public Health, will be assuming the same roles for the new health unit, subject to the Minister of Health’s approval.

Dr. Natalie Bocking, previously medical officer of health and CEO for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, will be the deputy medical officer of health for the merged health unit.

During the media conference, Selwyn Township deputy mayor and board of health chair Ron Black shared some details about the process of selecting a leader for the new merged health unit, including how Dr. Piggott was chosen to take the lead after he and Dr. Bocking both applied for the position.

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Over the past year, a joint merger steering committee was responsible for decisions around merger activities, including the selection of the new leadership.

“We certainly had two great leaders in their respective health units,” Black noted. “As we got closer to the merger decision, we were unable to make a decision.”

The merger committee, with the support of both boards, asked the province and Ontario’s chief medical officer of health for assistance in choosing the new medical officer of health and CEO. The leadership selection committee was comprised of professionals including board of health members as well as provincial leads.

Discussion centred around core competencies, which helped shape interview questions for the candidates and questions for their references. The selection process included a complex scoring matrix, which involved waiting for information around competencies.

“After all the processes were completed, Dr. Piggott was deemed to be the successful candidate to lead the new health unit,” Black concluded.

“Dr. Piggott brings excellent knowledge of our community and public health to the role, and we are confident that our mandate of protecting and promoting the health of all residents will be met and exceeded upon,” he shared earlier in a statement.

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With Dr. Bocking serving as deputy minister of health, “there really is an intention to have a second public health position role within the organization,” Black said, noting more detail would be forthcoming.

For his part, Dr. Piggott said, “I’m privileged and honoured to help lead the new health unit in the first year of the merger. It’s very early in the journey, and as you can imagine, a very stressful time for everyone.”

A public health and preventive medicine specialist as well as a family physician, Dr. Piggott joined Peterborough Public Health as medical officer of health and CEO in December 2021, following the retirement of Dr. Rosana Salvaterra.

During those early days, the father of a then-newborn daughter recalls swaddling her during teleconference calls as she was born during the pandemic. Piggott’s wife is also a family physician, and they now have a second young daughter.

“They keep me really busy,” he said. “They’re a source of constant joy but also an inspiration to help (keep) working to make our communities a better, healthier place into the future.”

His family enjoys the outdoors and spends time at the family cottage in the Minden area and has relatives in the Kawartha Lakes area. Dr. Piggott enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, and other activities in all of the geographic area covered by the HKNP Health Unit.

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Prior to joining Peterborough Public Health, Dr. Piggott served as the medical officer of health of Labrador-Grenfell Health in the northern regions of Labrador, where he also served as the executive lead for population health and rural and remote health in the region. Earlier in his career, he worked as a field doctor with Médicins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

As medical officer of health and CEO for the HKNP Health Unit, Dr. Piggott will be working to design senior leadership team responsibilities and the design of a second public health physician position, which is part of a plan for strengthened medical coverage for the new organization.

The boards of health for the two previous health units had voluntarily considered a merger for some time, in response to an offer from the provincial government for additional one-time funding for health units that decide to merge. The merger, which took effect January 1, will see the HKNP Health Unit receive $10.1 million in new provincial funding.

Although the legal name of the merged health unit is Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit, the original health units remain operational with no immediate impact on programs and services provided to the public. Later in the year, the merged health unit will announce its official business name and branding.

‘Murmuration’ will see 15 virtuoso skaters take to the Peterborough Memorial Centre rink on April 8

By Megan Gallant -
Montreal contemporary ice skating company Le Patin Libre will perform "Murmuration" on April 8, 2025, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre as the final production in Public Energy Performing Art's 2024-25 season. Combining ice skating and dance, this unique performance will see 15 virtuoso skater from seven countries move at high speeds around the entire rink, nearly careening into each other, coming together as one, instantly changing direction, and splitting into separate groups. (Photo: Rolline Laporte)

This April, Public Energy Performing Arts will be transforming the Peterborough Memorial Centre into a performing arts theatre where 15 virtuoso skaters will take to the rink in a combination of ice skating and dance.

As the last stop on a North American tour, Montréal contemporary ice skating company Le Patin Libre will present its acclaimed and unique performance of Murmuration at the arena on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.

“It impressed us right from the beginning because they’ve paid a lot of attention to the presentation of the work and really honoured the artistic goals,” says Bill Kimball, Public Energy’s outgoing executive director, about first experiencing the show.

“They’ve put in a lot of effort to turn the rink into a theatre, starting in complete darkness with a dramatic beginning and, from there, building with really good lighting effects and exciting choreography throughout the duration of the show.”

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Le Patin Libre — “The Free Skate” in English — was first founded in 2005 by former high-level competitive figure skaters who came together to turn their athleticism into a form of artistic expression. Co-founder and artistic director Alexandre Hamel is a championship figure skater with experience in traditional ice-skating shows like Disney on Ice, but he has long since ditched the sparkling outfits and Prince Charming costumes.

“We were still passionate about skating and felt that we had a special talent and special skills and wanted to use them, but we were tired of the usual formats and the usual aesthetics of it all,” Hamel says. “These skaters just wanted to be themselves and be more free, but to rejoice in using their skating virtuosity.”

For their latest work, which was four years in the making, the professional company brings together 15 virtuoso skaters from seven different countries including France, Poland, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and beyond.

VIDEO: “Murmuration” by Le Patin Libre

Murmuration is named for the breathtaking natural phenomenon in which large flocks of birds, typically starlings, fly together in a coordinated, fluid, and dynamic pattern. Instead of a single bird leading the flock, each bird reacts only to its nearest neighbours, creating a chain reaction that results in perfectly synchronized movements. Thee swirling and shifting formations appear almost like a living cloud in the sky.

“Those formations are not geometrical, but they are harmonized by a beautiful order,” Hamel explains. “The shapes the birds create in the sky are liquid and magic and we felt, as creators, we could do that because we’re fluid like the birds.”

“Over four years, we found tons of ways to organize big groups of skaters in a way I’ve never seen before. It’s not the pinwheel and the straight lines that we see in synchronized skating and ice shows — it’s something much more organic.”

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While Murmuration uses some of the spins and jumps audiences are used to seeing in figure skating competitions, Hamel says the show is more focused on the “choreography of extreme speed” that produces “power and grace.”

“To some people, it’s reminiscent of playing hockey because we looked at hockey players, admiring the purity of their body lines and the aesthetic of the human body and perfect effort which happens in hockey and speed skating,” he says. “It’s a powerful image to talk about togetherness and, at some point, how that that togetherness can be destroyed or turned into conflict, and then how it can be found again. Starting from birds, we end up talking about big things.”

“You can’t believe how quickly they can move back and forth without running into each other,” adds Kimball. “But then there are other times in the show that there’s only one solo skater doing something fabulous, so it really has a lot of dynamics to it.”

A French Canadian former international-level figure skater, Alexandre Hamel skated professionally for Disney On Ice before founding Le Patin Libre, the world's first contemporary ice skating company, in Montréal in 2005. (Photo courtesy of Alexandre Hamel)
A French Canadian former international-level figure skater, Alexandre Hamel skated professionally for Disney On Ice before founding Le Patin Libre, the world’s first contemporary ice skating company, in Montréal in 2005. (Photo courtesy of Alexandre Hamel)

Along with lighting design that is reminiscent of theatre and ballet, Kimball says the sound is “another extraordinary part of the experience.”

“They have a great musical track, but a lot of the times, it’s silent and all you hear are the blades on the ice,” he says. “The whole effect is quite magical.”

Murmuration will mark the first time in over 31 seasons that Public Energy Performing Arts has used the Peterborough Memorial Centre to stage a full-length production.

The only other time it was used was for a 10-minute short from Indigenous women’s art collective O’Kaadenigan Wiingashk, prior to the Canada’s Mann Cup lacrosse championship game in 2011. The excerpt was part of the Ode’min Giizis Festival, which Public Energy co-hosted.

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The capacity of the Peterborough Memorial Centre makes it the largest-ever venue for a Public Energy show, and Kimball hopes Murmuration will appeal to a wide audience, with patrons of the performing arts, families who attend figure skating shows and competitions, and maybe even some hockey fans filling the stands.

“The hope is that audiences will see that these artists are incredible athletes,” says Kimball. “The rise of circus arts in the last few years has fuelled this kind of performance as well, and audiences are getting more open to thinking about performing arts as a very multi-disciplinary kind of experience.”

As well as being the final production of Public Energy’s 31st season, Murmuration will mark the final production before Kimball retires from Public Energy, which he founded as Peterborough New Dance back in 1994. Kate Alton has been hired as Public Energy’s new programming director, joining managing director Eva Fisher to lead the performing arts organization after Kimball’s departure.

“My goal has always been to give Peterborough a window on the exciting world of contemporary dance, theatre, and performance,” says Kimball, reflecting on his time with Public Energy. “I think we’ve managed to do that and have had a positive effect on audiences, as well as the many local artists who have been inspired and learned from the visiting artists and companies who have come here.”

"Murmuration" will be performed by Montreal contemporary ice skating company Le Patin Libre. In English, the company's name means "the free skate," referring to the freedom of the skaters in using their skating virtuosity for artistic expression. (Photo: (Photo: Nora Houguenade)
“Murmuration” will be performed by Montreal contemporary ice skating company Le Patin Libre. In English, the company’s name means “the free skate,” referring to the freedom of the skaters in using their skating virtuosity for artistic expression. (Photo: (Photo: Nora Houguenade)

To ensure Murmuration is accessible and affordable to everyone, tickets are being sold on a sliding scale from $10 to $50 plus fees, with a suggested price of $30 plus fees.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Peterborough Memorial Centre’s box office at 151 Lansdowne St. W. from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, by phone at 705-743-3561, or online at tickets.memorialcentre.ca.

Prior to presenting its season finale with Murmuration on April 8, Public Energy will also be presenting new works by Indigenous performing artists Heryka Miranda and Norma Araiza on February 28 and March 1 at Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space, followed by the one-woman show Blind Dates by Dora Award nominated performer Vivian Chong on March 20 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre.

 

kawarthaNOW is proud to be a long-time media sponsor of Public Energy Performing Arts.

United Way Peterborough & District only $117,000 away from meeting its $1.5 million campaign goal

By kawarthaNOW -
Thanks to the generosity of individual community members and local workplaces, the United Way Peterborough & District is only $117,000 away from meeting its 2024-25 campaign goal of raising $1.5 million by March 31, 2025. Pictured is are members of GM Financial in Peterborough, which raised $38,795 for the United Way through its workplace campaign, including through fun events such as Jeopardy. (Photo: United Way Peterborough & District)

United Way Peterborough & District is only $117,000 away from meeting its campaign goal of raising $1.5 million by March 31.

The funds raised during the campaign will support the non-profit organization’s 20 partner agencies, which focus on social issues including homelessness, domestic violence, mental health, unemployment, and addiction.

According to a media release from the United Way on Monday (February 10), the annual campaign — which runs from September to March — has already been a success, with community support returning to pre-pandemic levels thanks to the generosity of local workplaces and individual community members.

“Being a part of this effort has been truly inspiring,” says campaign cabinet chair Shirley Turner in the release. “Seeing our community come together — neighbours, businesses, and even strangers united by a shared purpose and working hard towards a shared goal — is amazing. We set a priority of having fun this campaign and it has paid off.”

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Despite the success so far, the United Way is encouraging the community to help with a final push to meet the $1.5 million campaign goal.

“The campaign goal is so much more than just a number,” says United Way CEO Jim Russell. “It serves as both a sign of the level of need in our community, but also as a beacon of hope. Achieving the campaign goal means that our community came together, recognized the need, and responded.”

Donors can take advantage of United Way’s “Double Your Difference” campaign, which is still in effect. Launched last fall, the campaign means individuals who did not give to the United Way’s 2023-2024 campaign will see their donations to the 2024-2025 campaign matched 100 per cent by an anonymous donor. In addition, anyone who donated to the 2023-2024 campaign and increases their donation to the 2024-2025 campaign by 10 per cent or more will see that increased amount matched.

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With the federal government having extended the deadline for claiming 2024 charitable donations until February 28, any eligible donations made during February can be claimed on a donor’s 2024 tax return.

You can support United Way Peterborough & District’s 2024-2025 campaign by making a donation by March 31. Donations can be made in person at 277 Stewart Street on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or by calling 705-742-8839 ext. 3, or online at give.unitedway.ca/donate/wpeter.

Related story

Peterborough Performs returns for its fifth time to raise funds to address homelessness

You can also support the United Way by purchasing tickets to upcoming events such as Peterborough Performs – Musicians United Against Homelessness, which takes place on Wednesday, March 26th at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough, and by particpating in its virtual silent auction (more details to come).

encoreNOW – February 10, 2025

By Paul Rellinger -
encoreNOW for January 27, 2025 features (from left to right, top and bottom) Cirquelesque 6(9), "Something Rotten!", Against the Wind, Buzz Brass, Brushstrokes & Jazz, and "Fireside Munsch". (kawarthaNOW collage)

encoreNOW is a bi-weekly column by Paul Rellinger where he features upcoming music, theatre, film, and performing arts events and news from across the Kawarthas.

This week, Paul highlights a racy Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts’ Valentine’s treat at Market Hall, Northumberland Players’ staging of Something Rotten! In Port Hope, a Bob Seger tribute as only Against The Wind can deliver, Performing Arts Lakefield’s presentation of Buzz Brass, a unique convergence of music and art at The Theatre On King, and the opening event of the second annual Brand New Stages Festival.

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Spice up your Valentine’s date night with Cirquelesque 6(9) at Peterborough’s Market Hall

Presented by the Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts, "Cirquelesque 6(9) - Sexy Time" is an adults-only cabaret-style fusion of circus and burlesque theatre aat Peterborough's Market Hall on February 14 and 15, 2025. (Photo: Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts)
Presented by the Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts, “Cirquelesque 6(9) – Sexy Time” is an adults-only cabaret-style fusion of circus and burlesque theatre aat Peterborough’s Market Hall on February 14 and 15, 2025. (Photo: Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts)

Valentine’s Day has seen you do all the “right” things to show your partner your love — the flowers, chocolates and an intimate dinner for two, and of course, a card. Don’t forget the card. That’s a hard lesson I learned a long time ago.

Now, in Monty Python parlance, it’s time for something completely different in the form of “Cirquelesque 6(9) – Sexy Time.”

Presented by the Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts (PACA) for a sixth year, the cabaret-style show brings a fusion of circus and burlesque theatre to Peterborough’s Market Hall on February 14 and 15.

Featuring a feast for the eyes in the form of aerial and fire arts, acrobatics and puppetry, the age 18+ show explores time travel while playing with the “irresistible warping of 6 into 69.”

Intrigued? You should be.

Now its 10th year, PACA sprung forth from its founders’ love for circus arts and commitment to sharing that affinity with the world. With Thomas Vaccaro and Opal (Jennifer) Elchuk at the helm, the non-profit organization’s primary focus is education-driven through the provision of recreational programs via classes and workshops.

Anchoring PACA’s mission is the fact that circus arts, be it aerials, acrobatics, balancing or object manipulation, is linked to positive outcomes in physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth and development. All that aside, it’s just plain fun.

Advance tickets for the 8 p.m. revue cost $51 for cabaret seating, $38.50 for general admission seating ($44 at the door), and $24 for students, the underwaged, and artists ($29 at the door). Visit www.markethall.org to order.

 

There’s something rotten at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre, and that’s a good thing

VIDEO: “Something Rotten!” promo

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When talk turns to regional theatre companies that have done good, the Northumberland Players have earned a prominent place in that conversation.

Incorporated in October 1977, the theatrical performance troupe has since entertained thousands — a journey greatly furthered by its 1985 securing of Cobourg’s historic Second Street Firehall as its home.

That said, the Northumberland Players have a fine home away from home in the form of Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre where, from February 21 to March 2, the musical comedy Something Rotten! will be staged as part of the company’s 2024-25 season.

Featuring a live orchestra, colourful costuming, and ambitious dance numbers, the musical takes us back — way back — to the 1590s and introduces us to the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel.

Desperate to write a hit play, they are stuck in the shadow of one William Shakespeare. However, when a soothsayer predicts that the future of theatre lies in the simultaneous presentation of singing, dancing, and acting, the brothers switch gears to write the world’s first musical.

Directed by Jack Boyagian, with music direction by Anna Mastin and choreography by Alina Adjemian, Something Rotten! is a proven favourite. After it opened on Broadway in April 2015, it hung on for more than 700 performances. That saw it nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, with Christian Borle winning for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. from February 21 to 23 and February 27 to March 1, with 2 p.m. matinees on February 22 and 23 and March 1 and 2. Tickets cost $42 ($34 for those under 18) and are available at capitoltheatre.com.

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Against The Wind bringing Bob Seger’s music to Peterborough’s Market Hall

VIDEO: Against The Wind promo

As I typically do when writing, I turned to Spotify for some company when crafting this edition of encoreNOW. More specifically, I revisited the music of Detroit-born rocker Bob Seger.

There was a method to my madness, with Against The Wind returning to Peterborough on February 22, bringing what’s billed as “The Ultimate Bob Seger Experience” to the Market Hall.

Founded in 2013 by drummer Jeffrey Dean Goldstein, the internationally acclaimed tribute act is fronted by singer Ty Wilson backed by a full and very talented band. It takes a special performer to seamlessly emulate Seger’s trademark raspy blues-soaked vocals. By all accounts, Wilson has that down pat.

There’s certainly no shortage of material to choose from. After putting together the Silver Bullet Band in 1973, Seger arrived in a very way three years later with the release of his breakout album Night Moves, with its huge singles “Rock and Roll Never Forgets,” “Mainstreet,” and the title track.

That marked the beginning of what was a remarkable hitmaking run that brought us the likes of “Still The Same,” “Old Time Rock and Roll,” “Like A Rock,” and “Against The Wind.” That impressive song list only scratches the surface of a career that has spanned six decades and earned Seger induction into Cleveland’s hollowed Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012. Now 79, Seger held his farewell tour in 2018 and 2019.

I consider myself very fortunate to have caught Seger in concert at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens following the release of Night Moves. It was powerful in every sense of the word. I expect Wilson et al will be no less dynamic, especially in a smallish venue.

Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. concert cost $59 at www.markethall.org.

 

Another Performing Arts Lakefield treat courtesy of Buzz Brass

VIDEO: Famous Inspirations – Buzz Brass

It’s difficult to not admire Performing Arts Lakefield (PAL) for its consistent presentation of world class entertainment since 1981.

The late Alasdair Wallace was on the mark when he reached out to the Ontario Arts Council for help presenting a seasonal offering of professional touring artists. Since The Tapestry Singers opened the first series, PAL has brought a litany of acclaimed singers, dancers, comics, and actors to local audiences. Loreena McKennitt, Valdy, Murray McLauchlan, Michael Kaeshammer, Guido Basso, Rod Beattie and Lorne Elliott have all made the trip to the village.

That tradition of performance excellence continues on February 23 when PAL presents Buzz Brass at Lakefield United Church on Regent Street.

Since 2002, the quintet has traveled the globe, recorded eight albums and earned numerous awards while giving close to 2,000 performances, both alone and with guest musicians. For the “Famous inspirations” PAL concert, Sylvain Lapointe, Frédéric Gagnon, Sylvain Arseneau, Gabriel Trottier, and Blaise Margil will present turn-of-the-20th-century pieces by Debussy, Ravel, Dvorak, Liszt and others, including an inspired take on Khachaturian’s celebrated “Sabre Dance.”

Tickets to the 3 p.m. concert cost $40 ($15 for students) and are available at performingartslakefield.org. Tickets are also available at Happenstance Books & Yarns in Lakefield.

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Want art with your music? Brushstrokes & Jazz at Peterborough’s The Theatre On King is the answer

VIDEO: “Last Letter To a Friend” – Carling Stephen with Rob Phillips on piano

What happens when two completely different art forms collide?

On February 25 at The Theatre On King, we’re going to find out when Brushstrokes & Jazz is presented at the intimate downtown Peterborough performance space.

As pianist Rob Phillips and singer Carling Stephen perform jazz melodies, an acclaimed painter, inspired by their soulful and captivating rhythms, will create a masterpiece. Who’s the artist? Well, that’s a surprise, and will remain so right up until the event, but if you want different, this checks all the boxes and then some.

Full disclosure here. I’m an unabashed Phillips fan — an adulation that, while rooted in his huge talent, has as much do with his patience. Back in the day, for a column I was writing, he assured me he could teach me how to play piano in but a few weeks. That didn’t go well. Some people are simply unteachable. My fumbling fingers no doubt caused Phillips to muse ‘What was I thinking?’ but, to his immense credit, he smiled and carried on undaunted.

Phillips and Stephen have performed as a duo numerous times, most frequently at the Black Horse. Peas and carrots, as they say. With the added element of a visual art creation taking shape in real time, this really is something different, and different is always good.

Part of New Stages Theatre’s Brand New Stages festival, Brushstrokes & Jazz begins at 9 p.m., with doors open at 8:30 p.m. Advance tickets are pay what you can ($20 suggested) and are available at eventbrite.com/e/1230544595009.

 

Robert Munsch stories kick off New Stages Theatre’s Brand New Stages Festival at Peterborough’s Market Hall

VIDEO: “Fireside Munsch” trailer

After a successful inaugural Brand New Stages Festival last year, New Stages Theatre is bringing back a new and expanded festival back to Peterborough from February 25 to March 2, the centrepiece of which is the staging of four plays at the Market Hall.

Full details of the festival are available at www.newstages.ca, but I’ll focus on the first here, that being Fireside Munsch on February 25.

Adapted and performed by accomplished actor, writer, and teacher M. John Kennedy, this theatrical retelling of classic Munsch stories, such as “Paperbag Princess” and “Mortimer,” has been presented across the province, including in Toronto where it was nominated for an impressive eight Dora Mavor Moore Awards. As you’d imagine, with Munsch in the title, it’s a family-friendly show that’s suitable for anyone age 5 to 95.

An American-born Canadian author, the 79-year-old Munsch has written and published numerous books, and is known as much for his exuberant storytelling style as for the words he crafts on paper. A member of the Order of Canada, Munsch won a 1985 Juno Award for his portrayal of “Murmel, Murmel, Munsch: More Outrageous Stories.” More telling of his enduring popularity is the fact that his books are listed as among the most stolen from the Toronto Public Library.

Tickets to 7 p.m. show cost $22 ($11 for children) plus a venue fee, and are available at www.markethall.org.

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Encore

  • I’ve been meaning for a while now to put a plug in for the Jethro’s Blues Jam held each Sunday, 3 to 6 p.m., at Jethro’s Bar + Stage on Hunter Street West. For those who like their live music in a close setting and are looking to be introduced to up-and-coming musicians and singers, this is an event in every sense of the word. You just never know who you’re going to bump into. There are worse ways to spend a late Sunday afternoon, believe me. It doesn’t hurt matters that jam founder Al Black, one of my favourite humans, is in the mix each week as a member of the host band. Young musicians need a cheerleader. Al certainly fits the bill. Check it out and, when you do, take notice of the tip jar.
  • New music from two Peterborough-based musicians and songwriters has caught my attention, in the form of Tom Eastland’s “Rest Your Head” and Sarah-Jayne Riley’s “Comeback Kid.” Tom’s single was recorded with help from Ryan and Sam Weber, Marcus and Rico Browne, and John Baker. That’s pretty good help. Sarah-Jayne’s song, meanwhile, is a feel-good listen during a time when we do need to feel good about something. Taken together, both songs offer further proof of the breadth of talent that has called Peterborough home for as long as anyone can remember.

Winter storm warning in effect for northern Kawarthas with snowfall warnings in the south Wednesday night into Thursday

By kawarthaNOW -

Environment Canada has updated its winter storm watch for the Kawarthas with a winter storm warning for the northern parts of the region and a snowfall warning in the south starting Wednesday evening (February 12) and continuing into Thursday,

A winter storm warning is in effect for northern Peterborough County, northern Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands. A snowfall warning is in effect for southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.

Snow will begin Wednesday evening and will be heavy at times.

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For northern Peterborough County and northern Kawartha Lakes, total snowfall amounts of 20 to 30 cm are likely. For Haliburton County and Hastings Highlands, 30 to 40 cm of snow is possible. Peak snowfall rates will possibly exceed 5 cm per hour.

For southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County, total snowfall amounts of 15 to 25 cm are possible, with peak snowfall rates of 2 to 4 cm per hour. Snow may become mixed with ice pellets early Thursday morning as well.

In all areas of the region, the heaviest snow is expected to fall Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Snow will gradually taper off through Thursday afternoon.

Rapidly accumulating snow will make travel difficult. In the northern Kawarthas region, avoid travel. Road closures are possible. If you must travel, keep others informed of your schedule and destination and carry an emergency kit and mobile phone.

 

This story has been updated with the latest forecast information from Environment Canada.

Canadian Mental Health Association launches mental health walk-in clinics in Peterborough and Lindsay

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched new mental health walk-in clinics in Lindsay and Peterborough as of February 3, 2025. No appointment is necessary to access the clinics, which run on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pictured are virtual care clinic registered practical nurse Jessica Swift and CMHA HKPR programs and services director Tracy Graham. (Photo: CMHA HKPR)

By creating a welcoming space that can be accessed on a walk-in basis, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is hoping to help support the mental health care needs of residents in Peterborough and Lindsay.

Last Monday (February 3), CMHA HKPR launched two new mental health walk-in clinics — one in Peterborough and another in Lindsay — that are open Monday through Friday for youth and adults. The mental health walk-in clinics are located at CMHA HKPR’s offices at 466 George St. N. in Peterborough and at 33 Lindsay St. S. in Lindsay.

The new clinics are appropriate for people aged 16 and older who aren’t already connected with CMHA HKPR but are seeking mental health support and don’t know where to start.

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Tracy Graham, director of programs and services for CMHA HKPR, shared with kawarthaNOW her biggest aspiration for the impact the new offering will have in the two Kawartha region communities.

“Our hope for the new clinic is that people feel comfortable in accessing a mental health walk-in clinic as they need it,” Graham said, adding she hopes “the clinic is a helpful resource for them.”

The clinics run on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — with the exception of being closed for the lunch hour from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. — and no appointment is necessary to access services.

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People who drop in will meet with a mental health worker who will conduct an assessment, and then connect them with CMHA HKPR services or another community service, depending on the individual’s specific needs.

“This clinic is about creating a resource that allows people to have a real-time connection with a mental health professional who can provide support and assist in helping people have information that is helpful to them as they access the mental health system,” Graham noted.

The mental health walk-in clinics offer an opportunity for conversation in addition to the assessment with the intent of helping the person “determine the best pathway to care.”

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According to CMHA HKPR, the clinics are not appropriate for people who are in a mental health crisis or for those who require acute care.

People who are in crisis or experiencing emotional distress should contact the 9-8-8 National Suicide Crisis Line by calling or texting 9-8-8. People seeking acute care should go to the emergency department at their local hospital,

CMHA HKPR also notes the mental health walk-in clinics differ from Peterborough’s Talk Now mental health and addictions clinic, which is offered in-person, over the phone, or virtually by CMHA HKPR in partnership with Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), Peterborough Youth Services, FourCast, Kinark Child and Family Services, Canopy Support Services, and the Peterborough Family Health Team.

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“The Talk Now Clinic provides talk therapy supports, while our new clinics connect individuals to a wider network of mental health supports and pathways,” CMHA HKPR states in a media release, adding that the new clinics “are about helping people get to the right place of care” by providing a real-time connection to a mental health worker who can assess and connect people to the most appropriate care.

With 330 community locations across Canada, CMHA is a nationwide organization that promotes mental health and supports people recovering from mental illness.

CMHA HKPR works with individuals, families, and community partners in Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County to provide services that promote and enhance mental health and wellness of people. For more information, visit cmhahkpr.ca.

Celebrate your loved ones with Valentine’s Day and Family Day events in the Kawarthas

By Megan Gallant -
With Valentine's Day falling on the Friday before the 2025 Family Day long weekend, there are plenty of festivals, celebrations, and other events happening across the Kawarthas region, including the annual Snofest winter festival in Peterborough. (Photo: Peterborough Tourism)

It’s not every year that Valentine’s Day falls on the Friday right before the Family Day long weekend, but such is the case for 2025. That offers the perfect excuse to turn the long weekend into an extended four-day celebration with the people you love most — or even a five-day celebration with many Valentine’s Day events happening on Thursday.

Across the Kawarthas region, businesses and organizations are hosting everything from outdoor festivals to encourage quality time with your family to delicious, romantic dinners to help you spoil that special someone. Either way, these events will give you the chance to unwind and spend time with loved ones this Family Day weekend.

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“Love is in the Air” in downtown Cobourg – February 13

“Love is in the Air” across downtown Cobourg on Thursday, February 13, when retailers, cafés, and specialty shops will be open late until 8 p.m. so you can shop for the loved ones in your life, while kicking off the love-filled long weekend by dining, sipping, and experiencing what the downtown’s small businesses have to offer.

Participating businesses include Gemini Boutique, Pink Lemon Décor, Hunter’s Holy Dough, Nessie’s, We Made It, All Creatures Great & Small, The Pink Café, Flipping Beautiful,
Ten Thousand Villages, Readers’ Nook, Modella, Brittany & Bros, and more.

Visit the Cobourg Downtown Business Improvement Area website at www.downtowncobourg.ca/events for a full list of participating businesses.

 

“Love Yourself, Love the Boro” in downtown Peterborough – February 13

Peterborough will also be showing local businesses some love on Thursday, February 13, with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area is inviting visitors and residents to “Love Yourself, Love the Boro.”

Running from 4 to 9 p.m. in downtown Peterborough, the inaugural event includes a self-guided tour of downtown businesses with pop-ups, live entertainment, pampering, and giveaways, with the first 100 attendees receiving a swag bag.

To kick off the event, from 4 to 7 p.m., businesses will be open late offering in-store discounts and promotions, workshops, and demonstrations. Participating businesses include The Vanilla Room, Couture Candy, Needles in the Hay, Watson & Lou, By the Books, Lavender Moon, The Speak Easy Café, Sugar Me Right, Iceman Video Games, Agave, Brothers Pizza, and more.

Then, drop into The Venue between 7 and 9 p.m. for pop-ups from local artists and businesses, ive music by Caitlin Currie and Jeanne Truax, pampering, and fun surprises.

For more information and the full list of participating businesses, visit www.theboro.ca/love-yourself-love-the-boro/.

 

Galentine’s Party at Burleigh Falls Inn – February 13

Leave the boys at home, grab your besties, and head to the falls for a Valentine’s Day celebration filled with laughter and your closest gal pals. The Burleigh Falls Inn is hosting a Galentine’s Day Party on Thursday, February 13 beginning at 7 p.m.

The evening will be complete with a complimentary cocktail or mocktail, snacks, and line-dancing instruction.

Tickets are priced at $25 per person. As of the date of this story, only a few tickets are left. They can be purchased on the Facebook event page.

 

Who says art camp is just for kids? And what says love more than receiving your own custom portrait from your sweetie or best friend?

The Art Gallery of Peterborough is hosting a Couples and Friends Portrait Paint Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, when participants will learn techniques for portrait drawing and painting to craft a portrait of a partner that they can take home. No skill or experience is required, and materials and refreshments will be provided.

Register for $50 at agp.on.ca/learn/programs/adult-programs/adult-art-camp/

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Valentine’s Day Dinner and Music at Kawartha Country Wines in Buckhorn – February 14

Dinner, music, and wine makes for a perfectly romantic Valentine’s Day and that’s exactly what Kawartha Country Wines is offering during a special event on Friday, February 14 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The evening at the Buckhorn family winery will kick off with a welcome glass of cider, before a four-course meal will be set to the jazzy soundtrack of Rob Phillips on piano and Carling Stephen on vocals. The meal will include bruschetta, a salad, beef wellington, and a decadent chocolate brownie, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

To keep the spirits high and complement the meal, diners will be served three specially selected glasses of wine. The dinner will be followed by more music and a Valentine’s Day surprise.

The Valentine’s Day Dinner and Music at Kawartha Country Wines costs $79 per person, with tickets available at kawarthacountrywines.ca.

 

Valentine’s Day Tea and Valentine’s Brunch at Rolling Grape Vineyard in Bailieboro – February 14 to 16

After being closed for January, Rolling Grape Vineyard in Bailieboro is reopening on the Valentine’s Day weekend and rolling out the love, starting with Valentine’s Day Tea on Friday, February 14. With 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. seatings, the menu features premium David’s Tea loose leaf teas, scones, savoury sandwiches and bites, and sweet desserts. Tickets are priced at $60 per person.

Regular dinner service is also available on Valentine’s Day, including a special live music performance by Kevin Foster from 5 to 9 p.m.

A Valentine’s Weekend Brunch is also available on Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16, with 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 p.m seatings each day. Brunch boards will include quiche, bacon, salami, salmon, macrons, berries, cheeses, croissants, and more. Boards are priced at $24 per person.

For more information and to book a reservation, visit rollinggrape.com.

 

Love Day Brunch Features at The Vine in Peterborough – February 14 to 16

From a romantic outing for Valentine’s Day to a great opportunity to gather the whole family together, brunch is something all your loved ones will enjoy. Peterborough pescetarian restaurant The Vine is serving up some lovely offers from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 16 with their Love Day brunch features.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the restaurant will be serving up $4 refills on mimosas (including non-alcoholic versions) and the “sir loves-a-lot” sangria. The drinks will pair nicely with special brunch features including fluffy Belgian waffles, panko-crusted seafood cake benny, and a salmon burger. For dessert, there will be lots of love-filled baked goods.

Visit www.thevineptbo.com to reserve your spot.

 

Till Death BBQ’s all-your-can-eat Valentine’s Feast at the Haliburton Legion – February 15

Nothing says “I love you” quite the way food does, so take your loved one out for as much food as they can eat at Till Death BBQ’s Valentine’s Feast at the Haliburton Legion from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 15.

Till Death BBQ will be serving up a decadent buffet with brisket, pulled pork, fish and chips, chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, and barbecued veggies, as well as access to a salad bar and dessert bar.

Diners can enjoy music from Joslynn Burford while they enjoy their meals and can take the opportunity to get a special Valentine’s Day photo with a donation to Snowflake Meadows dog day care centre.

Tickets are priced at $45 for adults, $20 for kids 5 to 10, and free for kids under five, with $5 from each adult ticket sold donated to Snowflake Meadows.

Email tilldeathbbqinc@gmail.com to get your tickets.

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Peterborough Snofest – February 14 to 17

The City of Peterborough’s annual Snofest winter festival returns from Friday February 14 to Monday, February 17. Residents and visitors can spend their Family Day weekend getting active outside with family-friendly events happening across the city.

Snofest will tick off on Friday with an adult afternoon tea social from 2 to 4 p.m. featuring tabletop games, treats, and tea at the McDonnel Street Community Centre, and a family drop-in swim from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre.

Activities on Saturday include a public skate at the Quaker Foods City Square from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Drag Queen Story Time with Betty Baker from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. at the Peterborough Public Library followed by a “crafternoon” of making shibori-inspired paper snowflakes from 1 to 4 p.m., and a spaghetti dinner hosted by the East Peterborough Lions Club at the McDonnel Street Community Centre from 6 to 8 p.m. (pay what you can, cash only).

Sunday features a free pancake and sausage breakfast offered by the East Peterborough Lions Club and hosted by Mayor Jeff Leal from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, where kids can visit with Snofest Pete and participate in fun family activities in the gym. The afternoon features Family Sunday at the Art Gallery of Peterborough from 1 to 4 p.m. where families can explore current exhibits and drop in to the studio to make their own Snofest Pete to take home.

The celebrations end Monday with free drop-in sports (including pickleball, badminton, and basketball) from 6:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, and a public skate at the new Miskin Law Community Centre from 12 to 1:50 p.m.

Snofest is sponsored by Recycle Your Batteries Canada!, and participants are encouraged to bring their used batteries to selected Snofest events for safe recycling.

For more information, visit www.peterborough.ca/snofest for a full line-up of events.

 

Bobcaygeon Frost Fest – February 14 to 17

Bobcaygeon will be transformed to a winter extravaganza over the Family Day weekend from Friday, February 14 to Monday, February 17. To break up the winter blues, Bobcaygeon Frost Fest is an annual celebration featuring town-wide sales and specials, outdoor events, and lots of community connection.

The weekend’s outdoor activity highlights include free indoor and outdoor public skating as well as cross country ski trails and tobogganing at Eganridge Resort Golf Club & Spa all weekend long, a myriad of family fun activities at the Kawartha Settlers’ Village on Saturday, February 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the annual Dunsford Lions Club Radar Run on Sturgeon Lake at 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 16.

Other activities that can be found around town include face painting, a puzzle hunt, craft stations, blowout sales at local retailers, and more.

There will also be no shortage of food available to keep you warm throughout the weekend, including Valentine’s Day features at Grâz on Friday, February 14 and many offers from Just for the Halibut, including half price for kids, frosty mini donuts, and poutine specials all weekend long.

For a full list of what’s happening during Bobcaygeon Frost Fest, head to www.visitbobcaygeon.com.

 

Hibernate Festival in downtown Port Hope – February 14 to 17

Described as “a warm hug on a cold weekend, filled with live music, local food, arts, crafts and community,” the annual Hibernate Festival returns to downtown Port Hope for the Family Day long weekend from Friday, February 14 to Monday, February 17. Presented by the Cultivate Festival, Hibernate features a mix of mostly free and some paid events.

Live music kicks off on Friday, February 14 with a pay-what-you-can concert at the Capitol Theatre featuring the Cultivate Festival All-Stars (Kyler Tapscott, Melissa Payne, Derek Downham, Saskia Tomkin, Ian McKeown, and Nicholas Campbell). Free live music on Saturday, February 15 includes Doghouse Orchestra and Matthew Holtby at Ganaraska Brewing Company, Irish Millie and Derek Downham at Beamish House Pub, and Brian Bracken, Jakeb Daniel, and Harry Hannah at The Thirsty Goose, with a ticketed concert featuring The Pairs and Lotus Wight in the Sculthorpe Theatre at the Capitol Theatre. On Sunday, February 16, award-winning Americana artist Kaia Kater and local folk pop duo Shannon & Jakeb will perform at Ganaraska Art and Framing.

Sunday will also see a range of free arts and craft activities for the entire family throughout downtown Port Hope, including Bunting with Kate Hunter from 12 to 4 p.m. at Feel Good Company, Winter Songs and Stories with Pete Moss from 3 to 4 p.m. at Furby House, Design and Print Making from 12 to 3 p.m. at Mad World, Songwriter’s Circle with Shannon Linton from 2 to 4 p.m. at Dwellissimo, Letter Writing and Greeting Card Design from 12 to 4 p.m. at Feel Good Company, Stories and Songs with Ted Staunton from 1 to 2 p.m. at Furby House, Artist Talk & Reception with Raechel Wastesicoot from 12 to 4 p.m. at Port Hope Town Hall, Micro Heritage Tours by ACO Port Hope Branch on the hour in the afternoon, Young Artists Showcase from 12 to 3 p.m. at On 2nd Thought Upcycling, Open Fire and S’mores from 1 to 4 p.m at Linger Zone on John St., and live music from 1 to 4 p.m. at multiple venues.

On Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16, Hibernate Eats will see delicious food and drinks from some of Port Hope’s finest downtown restaurants, including The Thirsty Goose, Beamish House Pub, Ganaraska Brewing Company, Olympus Burger, Frosted Flour, Cafe Lviv, and Queenie’s Bake Shop.

Hibernate culminates with a pay-what-you-can Family Day Extravaganza at the Port Hope Lions Recreation Centre from 12 to 4 p.m. on Monday, February 17, featuring performances by Trash Panda Brass, Balfolk Dance, and the Paddling Puppeteer Glen Caradus as well as arts and crafts and more.

For more information and for tickets for paid events, visit cultivatefestival.ca/hibernate-festival-2025.

 

The Great Backyard Bird Count – February 14 to 17

Spend the Family Day weekend outdoors this year and show your love for birds by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC).

Now in its 28th year, the annual global event from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada is returning for the whole weekend from Friday, February 14 to Monday, February 17.

All you have to do is watch for birds! Whether in your backyard or in your favourite local park, spend 15 minutes or more anytime during the weekend and record all the birds you see and hear. Sightings can be uploaded to Merlin Bird ID app (recommended for beginners) or the eBird mobile or desktop app. The data collected will support research on bird populations and help scientists assist birds around the world.

For tips on birding, resources on using the apps to upload the sightings, and more, visit www.birdcount.org.

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Family Day Winter Fun in Hastings Highlands – February 15

Get bundled up for an afternoon of winter fun when Hastings Highlands and North Hastings Children’s Services presents “Let’s Celebrate Winter!” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 15 at Bird’s Creek Park just north of Bancroft.

From 10 a.m. to noon, North Hastings Children’s Services will be offering a variety of outdoor activities including ice chiselling, snow graffiti, snow volcanoes, ice castle building, and snowshoeing. At noon, a free lunch of chili and hot chocolate will be served, followed at 1 p.m. by a winter in nature walk led forest educator Virginia DeCarle.

Weather permitting, ice skating will be available throughout the day, as well as a campfire to keep you warm no matter how cold it is.

For more information, call 613-334-0716 or email eventscoordinator@hastingshighlands.ca.

 

Blizzardfest at the Buckhorn Community Centre – February 15

Celebrate the Family Day weekend during Blizzardfest at the Buckhorn Community Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 15.

For a cash donation at the door, participants can enjoy family-friendly activities including outdoor games, horse-drawn wagon rides from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., ice skating, kids’ crafts and live music. Outdoor activities are dependent on the weather.

And don’t miss the chili cook-off, where community members bring their favourite chili recipes fully cooked and ready to be eaten. At around noon, three judges will taste the chili dishes to determine the Judges’ Award Winner, and attendees will cast their votes for the Peoples’ Choice Award.

For more information about Blizzardfest, and to register your chili for the cook-off, visit www.buckhorncommunitycentre.com.

 

Family Day Celebration in Cobourg – February 17

The Town of Cobourg’s Community Services Division is inviting the community to celebrate Family Day at Rotary Harbourfront Park from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, February 17.

Due to unseasonable weather, Cobourg’s First Night celebration in January was cancelled, and the festivities will now be rolled into the Family Day celebration, which features skating at the outdoor rink with music by a DJ, horse and wagon rides from the Albert Street Bus Terminal, a scavenger hunt, fireworks at 7 p.m., soups and sandwiches from a local food vendor, special guests from Cobourg’s fire and police departments, and more.

For more information, visit www.experiencecobourg.ca.

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