A Lindsay man is in custody and facing charges following a six-hour standoff with police overnight on Saturday (January 8).

On Saturday at 8:01 p.m., Kawartha Lakes police responded to a report of a man pointing a firearm at another resident at a rooming house on Division Street in Lindsay. The resident had left the house and called police.

Police arrived and set up a containment area around the house for public safety. Officers then contacted the man and negotiated with him to leave the house, which he refused to do. The OPP’s Tactical Response Unit arrived to assist local police and took over containment around the house.

After several hours, police obtained a warrant to enter the residence. At 2:35 a.m., the OPP Tactical Response Unit entered the rooming house and took the man into custody. Officers seized a replica firearm while executing a search warrant.

Alexander LeClair, 35, of Lindsay, is charged with pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, breaching the conditions of release order not to possess any weapons of firearms, and failure to notify change of address.

The accused man was held in custody for a bail hearing.

Peterborough Public Health is investigating after social media posts surfaced of an event held at the Keene Centre of the Arts in Keene on Saturday night (January 8).

Based on videos posted on social media of the event at the venue, which is located at 12 1st Street in Keene, it appears around 20 people were in attendance, with no face masks in sight and few attendees respecting physical distancing requirements.

Under the current provincial public health measures, indoor concert venues and theatres must close and social gatherings are limited to five people indoors.

“Peterborough Public Health is aware of the events that took place over the weekend at the Keene Centre for the Arts,” wrote Peterborough Public Health on its social media accounts on Monday (January 10).

“PPH is currently reviewing the information received and will be following up with the establishment. Further enforcement action will be taken, as necessary.”

The health unit is asking anyone with concerns or more information to submit a complaint using the online complaints form on its website.

The Keene Centre for the Arts
owned by Ida Brown in the small community of Keene, Ontario hosted this event last night with absolutely no COVID-19 protocols.

On stage is Roy from Peterburgers.

These folks sure look “threatened” @mferreriptbokaw!@twpiggott @Ptbohealth pic.twitter.com/nLkwiicWXe

— Tanya (@TanyaFusco) January 9, 2022

Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for the northern Kawarthas for Friday night (January 7) into Saturday morning.

The extreme cold warning is in effect for Haliburton County and northern Hastings County, with wind chill values of -35°C expected.

Meanwhile, Peterborough Public Health has issued the first frostbite alert of the season for all of Peterborough County as well as Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, with wind chill values of -28°C expected Friday night and early Saturday morning.

Extreme cold puts everyone at risk, but infants, elderly people, people with circulatory problems, and people who are marginally housed are especially vulnerable.

If going outside, dress in layers (including a wind-resistant outer layer). Cover up exposed skin, as frostbite can develop within 10 to 30 minutes on exposed skin, especially with wind chill.

Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods.

Remember: if it’s too cold for you to stay outside, it’s too cold for your pet to stay outside.

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.”