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Greg Dempsey wins nomination as Peterborough-Kawartha Liberal candidate in next provincial election

Peterborough native Greg Dempsey has won the nomination as Peterborough-Kawartha Liberal candidate in the next provincial election. (Photo courtesy of Greg Dempsey)

Greg Dempsey will be the Liberal candidate for Peterborough-Kawartha in the next provincial election, to be held no later than June 2, 2022.

Dempsey won the nomination after an online vote held Saturday (November 6), beating out his competitor Dane Bland.

“Greg is truly committed to improving life for those in Peterborough-Kawartha and brings a lifetime of experience advocating on behalf of Canadians to the table,” says Ontario Liberal Party leader Steven Del Duca in a media release. “By electing Greg Dempsey as their MPP, families in Peterborough-Kawartha will have a strong fighter on their side.”

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Dempsey, who was born and raised in Peterborough and graduated from Adam Scott CVI in 1999, holds a BA in economics and a BSc in computer science from Bishop’s University in Quebec, a law degree from the University of Victoria, a certificate in International Indigenous Studies from Columbia University in New York, and a cum laude LLM in International Human Rights Law from Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

Since 2008, Dempsey served in the Canadian Foreign Service, representing Canada at the UN in New York, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and in Kabul, Afghanistan. Dempsey has also supported the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s special advisor on LGBTQ2S+ issues.

He returned to Peterborough in 2019 to serve as communications director on former Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef’s 2019 re-election campaign. Since 2020, he has worked with former Minister Ralph Goodale on Canada’s response to the downing of flight PS752 in Iran.

Greg Dempsey speaking in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber at the United Nations Conference Building in New York City. (Photo: Greg Dempsey / Twitter)
Greg Dempsey speaking in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber at the United Nations Conference Building in New York City. (Photo: Greg Dempsey / Twitter)

“From my roots in Peterborough, I’ve built a career bringing people together,” Dempsey says. “I’m committed to electing a better, more caring provincial government — one that will take decisive action on the climate crisis, support the under-resourced, partner with Indigenous peoples, and restore our relationship with healthcare and education workers.”

Dempsey will be vying against PC incumbent Dave Smith in the next provincial election. The Ontario NDP have not yet announced their nomination candidates for the Peterborough-Kawartha riding.

Peterborough’s community cycling hub B!KE celebrates its 15th anniversary

The bike rack was full behind B!KE - Peterborough's Community Cycling Hub in downtown Peterborough the evening of November 5, 2021, when cycling enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the non-profit organization's 15-year anniversary. (Photo: Luke Best)

B!KE – Peterborough’s Community Cycling Hub celebrated its 15-year anniversary on Friday (November 5) with a party and concert in the alley behind their location at 293 George Street North in downtown Peterborough.

As well, they welcomed their new executive director Mark Romeril and bid farewell to Tegan Moss, their outgoing executive director of 10 years.

The event ran from 8 to 11 p.m., with drinks donated by Publican House Brewery. Peterborough band Pop Machine began rocking the alleyway at around 9 p.m., playing a danceable mix of pop, rock, and funk.

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Romeril, excited for the event, saw it as a chance to meet some more of the community he’ll be working with.

“It’s been a long time since anything like this has really been organized by B!KE,” he said.

Although Romeril is new to Peterborough, working with cycling, advocacy, and charity is his background. He previously had a fundraising role with the non-profit Cycle Toronto, where he worked for seven years.

B!KE's 15th anniversary celebration was an opportunity to welcome Mark Romeril, the non-profit organization's new executive director, who previously worked at Cycle Toronto. (Photo: Luke Best)
B!KE’s 15th anniversary celebration was an opportunity to welcome Mark Romeril, the non-profit organization’s new executive director, who previously worked at Cycle Toronto. (Photo: Luke Best)

“When I think of B!KE, a social enterprise is one way I’d describe it, a charity is another — a community space and a bike shop as well,” Romeril said. “There’s a lot of overlap in those things, but they do have different fits and feelings.

“Each of them comes together in a really special way that I think makes B!KE not only unique, but important for the community that we’re in.”

It’s clear how B!KE sees itself is perfectly in line with his statement, with proof of this displayed on the vision, mission, and values board posted behind the bar for all partygoers to see.

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Vision:
People empowered to travel by bike

Mission:
Teach people to maintain, repair and ride bikes
Provide a workshop space and tools for bikes
Provide access to new and used bikes and parts
Advocate for people on bikes

Values:
Fun; inclusivity; self-reliance; sustainability; wellbeing.

Partygoers enjoy drinks donated by Publican House Brewery in front of a sign describing what B!KE is all about during the non-profit organization's 15th anniversary celebrations the evening of November 5, 2021. (Photo: Luke Best)
Partygoers enjoy drinks donated by Publican House Brewery in front of a sign describing what B!KE is all about during the non-profit organization’s 15th anniversary celebrations the evening of November 5, 2021. (Photo: Luke Best)

Starting in 2006, B!KE has lived up to this mandate, partnering with organizations like Peterborough GreenUP, the City of Peterborough, the Peterborough Bicycle Advisory Committee, and more to work with schools and the community to teach cycling, safety and repairs, as well as hosting events such as glow rides.

They also offer a supervised workshop space with tools, parts, and volunteers willing to guide you along the process of repairing your bike.

Although B!KE is a non-profit, they do have a full bike shop, selling bikes and parts at all price ranges. There is something for everyone, and they can feel at ease knowing that they are supporting an organization that is focused on much more than just profit.

Peterborough band Pop Machine rocked the alleyway behind B!KE during the non-profit organization's 15th anniversary celebrations the evening of November 5, 2021. (Photo: Luke Best)
Peterborough band Pop Machine rocked the alleyway behind B!KE during the non-profit organization’s 15th anniversary celebrations the evening of November 5, 2021. (Photo: Luke Best)

For more information about B!KE, visit communitybikeshop.org.

Kawartha Lakes Police Service announces death of one of its officers

The City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service in Lindsay. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)

The Kawartha Lakes Police Service has announced the death of one of its officers.

Constable Mike Broderick died suddenly on Friday (November 5).

The police service announced Constable Broderick’s death “with profound sadness and heavy hearts” in a media release on Saturday morning.

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Constable Mike Broderick graduated from Fleming College in 2006 and joined the Kawartha Lakes Police Service in April 2009. He was currently working in the uniform division.

He leaves behind a wife and daughter.

“Mike was an extremely dedicated officer who served his community with professionalism and compassion,” said Chief Mark Mitchell. “His death is heartbreaking for all of us. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones and we will continue supporting them through this tragic time.”

Supports are also being made available to members of the Kawartha Lakes Police Service.

At the request of the Kawartha Lakes Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police Criminal Investigations Branch will be conducting the death investigation along with the Coroner’s office.

Constable Mike Broderick’s family has requested privacy while they are grieving the loss of their loved one.

Our top nine Instagram photographers for October 2021

This shot by Memtyme of an island reflected in the still waters of Lower Buckhorn Lake was our top Instagram post in October 2021, with almost 23,000 impressions and 1,700 likes. (Photo Memtyme @memtyme / Instagram)

October is, without a doubt, our most spectacularly beautiful month in the Kawarthas.

Many of our readers are fans of fall, but even if you are not, how can you resist the breathtaking vista of a multicoloured forest lit up by the sun? And even when the temperatures dip, the misty mornings on our local lakes are beautiful and serene too. The wildlife also tends to become more visible at this time of year as they emerge when the cottage country traffic becomes lighter.

We have all of these Kawarthas things in our top photos this month and I hope you will enjoy them all!

Do you want to get on our top photographers list? All you need is an Insta account and to tag us using our hashtag #kawarthanow when posting your photo.

We share photos from across our readership area, which is the five-county area surrounding Peterborough which includes Peterborough, Northumberland, City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Hastings (we sneak in the occasional Algonquin Park picture as well, particularly if it’s by a Kawarthas photographer).

To see our daily shares of photos, follow us on Instagram @kawarthanow and check out our feed’s highlight reels for recaps of every month in 2021.

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#1. Land of reflections on Lower Buckhorn Lake by Memtyme @memtyme

Posted October 26, 2021. 22.7K impressions, 1,700 likes

 

#2. Doube’s Trestle Bridge at Orange Corners by Kirk Hillsley @kirkhillsley

Posted October 18, 2021. 13.5K impressions, 864 likes

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#3. Killer kayaker by Jesse & Susan @followmenorth

Posted October 31, 2021. 12.2K impressions, 1,088 likes

For Halloween this year, we had to reshare this classic from October 2019, when it was out top photo of the month.

 

#4. Misty fall colours in Kawartha Lakes by Fred Thornhill @kawarthavisions

Posted October 22, 2021. 10.3K impressions, 674 likes

 

#5. Fall colours in Lakefield by Memtyme @memtyme

Posted October 23, 2021. 10K impressions, 654 likes

 

#6. White-tail deer in Norwood by Brian Parypa @bparypa73

Posted October 17, 2021. 8.6K impressions, 613 likes

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#7. Kawartha Lakes backroad by Garry Turgeon Photography @getgarryt

Posted October 24, 2021. 7.6K impressions, 624 likes

 

#8. Millennium Park in Peterborough by Dede @mylifeofwanders

Posted October 20, 2021. 7.2K impressions, 504 likes

 

#9. Thanksgiving fall colours on Stoney Lake by Paul E. German Photography @paul.e.german

Posted October 11, 2021. 7K impressions, 621 likes

Gymnastics Ontario immediately suspends Champion Gymnastics owner following publication of women’s complaints against him

Gymnastics Ontario has now placed Marcel Rene, owner and operator of Champion Gymnastics in Peterborough, under interim suspension effective immediately.

On Monday (November 1), Rene, 71, had already received a lifetime suspension from Gymnastics Ontario — the sport’s governing body in Ontario that sets operating standards and practices for member clubs — but that suspension was to take effect January 1, 2022, allowing Rene to continue his role at Champion Gymnastics.

The immediate suspension follows Rene’s interviews with both kawarthaNOW and the Peterborough Examiner, in which he claimed his lifetime suspension was not the result of anything “nefarious”, was “strictly a personal thing”, and was a “private matter between myself and Gymnastics Ontario” that did not involve Champions Gymnastics club.

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In a statement about the suspension emailed to kawarthaNOW on Tuesday, Gymnastics Ontario CEO Dave Sandford stated Rene’s suspension resulted “following complaints” received by the organization, but provided no details about the nature of the complaints “out of respect for the complainants.”

After Rene’s media interviews, Lindsay lawyer Jason Ward contacted the Peterborough Examiner at the request of his clients, Kaylie Hengg, 22, and Tonya “TJ” Kirkwood, 35, who had filed civil actions against Rene and Champion Gymnastics in November 2020 and January 2021 respectively, alleging sexual harassment in the workplace.

Ward subsequently provided kawarthaNOW with copies of the statements of claims for both women and the statements of defence from Rene, as well as the results of a code of conduct and ethics investigation conducted by an independent third party on behalf of Gymnastics Ontario.

“Kaylie Hengg and Tonya Kirkwood are equally courageous, brave and inspiring,” Ward writes in an emailed statement to kawarthaNOW. “They are shocked and dumbfounded by Mr. Rene’s representations to the media about himself and their lawsuit against him.”

“They have sacrificed their own privacy and well being to step forward and publicly expose what happened to them and how it will forever change their lives. They did so to raise more awareness about sexual misconduct in gymnastics and elsewhere and to hopefully protect others in future.”

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Both women were previously athletes at Champion Gymnastics and were working as coaches at the club when the harassment allegedly took place.

The women’s statements of claims against Rene both allege he “engaged in prolonged and continuous sexual harassment and other improper conduct” through verbal and non-verbal conduct. Both statements include multiple allegations of inappropriate jokes, unwelcome comments of a sexual nature, and unwelcome sexual solicitations while the women were working at Champion Gymnastics.

Rene’s statements of defence against both claims deny some of the allegations and admit to others, but state that each woman “was an active participant in sexual humour” and that neither “express(ed) any discomfort”.

In one example from the statement of defence, “The Defendants admit that on one occasion in or around June 2020, Mr. Rene stated that he would not ‘physically assault’ Ms. Hengg because he viewed her as a friend, but that because he is a guy, the thought of it is ‘always in the back of [his] head’.”

As for the independent code of conduct and ethics investigation conducted for Gymnastics Ontario, the investigator found that inappropriate jokes and sexually charged comments took place, as did private interactions and sexual invitations, and that these constituted workplace harassment and sexual harassment that were unwelcome by both the women.

“I find that the behaviour exhibited by Marcel against Kaylie and TJ, meets the minimum threshold to constitute both workplace harassment and sexual harassment, as defined within the code,” the investigator concluded.

The civil actions were settled out of court, with Rene agreeing to a lifetime suspension of membership in Gymnastics Ontario, according to Sandford.

During his interviews with media following news of the lifetime suspension, Rene did not mention the allegations or civil actions against him, telling kawarthaNOW “The only reason there’s a sort of sensationalist attachment to this is I run a gymnastics club,” and stating “It’s not a big thing.”

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These public comments led to Hengg and Kirkwood instructing Ward to release information about their allegations to the Peterborough Examiner.

“Neither will tolerate Mr. Rene’s deliberate attempts to re-victimize them, particularly for his own benefit,” Ward says in his emailed statement to kawarthaNOW. “Today no one should condone any attempt by any other to minimize, trivialize or conceal inappropriate and insidious sexual misconduct, particularly in the workplace.”

“Our clients firmly believe this an attempt by Mr. Rene to manipulate the media and the public by means of declaring mistruths and falsehoods, designed to protect only himself and his business, while continually degrading, discounting and endangering those who have suffered during what is supposed to be a life-enriching experience.”

Within 48 hours of the women’s complaints against Rene first being published in the Peterborough Examiner, Gymnastics Ontario issued a notice of the immediate membership suspension of Marcel Rene, including a prohibition on coaching and training of athletes and contacting Champions Gymnastics’ students, parents, staff, or employees.

“Effective immediately, Marcel Rene has been placed under interim suspension by Gymnastics Ontario,” the notice reads. “Mr. Rene is not to have any contact with members of Gymnastics Ontario, in relation to Gymnastics Ontario matters, while the suspension is in effect.”

On Friday (November 5), after this story was published, Marcel Rene provided a statement to kawarthaNOW:

“The dispute between myself and two former employees has been settled,” the statement reads. “While I deny the allegations of sexual misconduct, I understand that my actions have had an unintended effect on my former employees and I regret that.”

“I will be abiding by the agreement I made with Gymnastics Ontario to step away from Champions Gymnastics. I want to be clear that this matter had nothing to do with the youth who take part in the programming at Champions. The Club remains in good standing with Gymnastics Ontario and will continue to serve the community as they have for over 32 years.”

nightlifeNOW – November 4 to 10

Close Kicks (aka Darryl James, co-writer and bass player in The Strumbellas) has collaborated with Latino hip hop artist Luis Louwop Segura on the new single "Small Town Big Dreams" and is hosting a video release party on Saturday, November 6 at the Pie Eyed Monk in Lindsay. Admission is by donation with proceeds going to the BGC Kawarthas Music Maker Program. (Photo: Close Kicks / Facebook)

Every Thursday, we publish live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, November 4 to Wednesday, November 10.

If you’re a pub or restaurant owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.

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Black Horse Pub

452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633

Thursday, November 4

7-10pm - Rob Phillips ft Marsala Lukianchuk

Friday, November 5

7-10pm - Rick & Gailie

Saturday, November 6

7-10pm - Odd Man Rush

Sunday, November 7

4-7pm - Lotus Wight

Monday, November 8

6-9pm - Rick & Gailie's Crash & Burn

Tuesday, November 9

7-10pm - Open stage

Wednesday, November 10

6-9pm - Irish Millie

Coming Soon

Saturday, November 13
7-10pm - Cheryl Casselman

Sunday, November 14
4-7pm - Broadtree

BrickHouse Craft Burger Grill

123 Simcoe St., Peterborough
705-874-7474

Thursday, November 4

7-9pm - Hilary Dumoulin

Coming Soon

Friday, November 12
8pm - Karaoke

Thursday, November 18
7-9pm - Amanda J Thomas

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The Cow & Sow Eatery

38 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-5111

Friday, November 5

6-9pm - Jesse Byers

Coming Soon

Friday, November 12
6-9pm - North Country Express

Friday, November 19
8-11pm - Rob Fitzgerald

Friday, November 26
8-11pm - U-Jimmy

Dominion Hotel

113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954

Friday, November 5

8-10pm - Open Mic with John Dawson

Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717

Coming Soon

Saturday, November 20
2-5pm - Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association fundraiser ft Nicholas Campbell and the Two Metre Cheaters

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Ganaraska Hotel

30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254

Saturday, November 6

2-6pm - Matt Marcuz

The Garnet

231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107

Thursday, November 4

7-10pm - SJ Riley

Friday, November 5

9pm - Gregory Childs & Heart Lung w/ Some Guys ($10 at door)

Sunday, November 7

3-6pm - Little Fire

Coming Soon

Thursday, November 18
7-10pm - SJ Riley

Graz Restobar

38 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
705-738-6343

Coming Soon

Saturday, November 13
7pm - Kelly Burrows

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Maple Moose Pub

331 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-9494

Coming Soon

Friday, November 26
9pm - Two For The Show

McThirsty's Pint

166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220

Thursday, November 4

9pm - Greg Dowey

Friday, November 5

9pm - Jordan Thomas

Saturday, November 6

9pm - Cale Crowe

Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio

3 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-1100

Thursday, November 4

7:30pm - Open mic hosted by David Evans

Pie Eyed Monk Brewery

8 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay
(705) 212-2200

Saturday, November 6

8pm - Close Kicks' "Small Town Big Dreams" video release party ft Louwop & special guests (PWYC in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/201368838617, all proceeds to BGC Kawarthas Music Maker Program)

Coming Soon

Saturday, November 13
8pm - Looking For Heather, Cassie Noble, and Jonathan Greer w/ with Phil Heaslip of the Ditch Lilies ($10 in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/97604837697)

Red Dog Tavern

189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400

Friday, November 5

8pm - Hot Lips, Skinwalker Collective, Cole LeBlanc ($10 or PWYC at door)

Saturday, November 6

8pm - Willy Nilly, Monach, Tripsonix

Coming Soon

Friday, November 19
9pm - Deadwolff, Bayside Dropouts, Antixx ($10 at door)

Saturday, November 20
7pm - Sons of Butcher & Revive the Rose w/ The Mickies ($15 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/37510/)

Friday, November 26
10pm - BA Johnston, The Mickies, Poor Pelly ($5 at door before 10pm, $10 at door after 10pm)

Saturday, February 19
8pm - Elliott Brood ($20 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/36984/)

Friday, March 18
8pm - Five Alarm Funk ($20 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/36526/)

Thursday, May 26
8pm - Shad ($15 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/38891/)

Sammy's Roadhouse n Grill

2714 Brown Line, Peterborough
(705) 876-9994

Friday, November 5

7-10pm - Live music TBA

Saturday, November 6

7-10pm - Checkmate w/ The Colton Sisters

The Thirsty Goose

63 Walton St., Port Hope

Thursday, November 4

7pm - Open mic hosted by Thomas Sandziuk

Friday, November 5

8pm - Live music TBA

Saturday, November 6

8pm - Live music TBA

Health unit says AstraZeneca vaccine recipients shouldn’t be concerned about booster shot recommendation

Ontario Premier Doug Ford received his second dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at an Etobicoke pharmacy on June 24, 2021. (Photo: Office of the Premier)

With those who received two doses of the Astrazeneca vaccine among the first approved for a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna, Peterborough’s acting medical officer of health is reassuring those who received AstraZeneca that is remains effective against COVD-19.

During a Peterborough Public Health media briefing held Thursday (November 4), Dr. Ian Gemmill — who himself, like Premier Doug Ford, has received two doses of AstraZeneca — termed its 80 per cent efficacy rate “pretty darn good” in terms of the protection it offers from serious illness and hospitalization.

“When they get a third dose of an mRNA vaccine, they’re going to have amazing protection,” he said.

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“It is not a reflection of any concerns regarding the effectiveness of any of the vaccines,” Dr. Gemmill said of the booster dose. “We know that the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines are very safe. We know that they provide powerful and resistant protection against COVID-19. However, as vaccine protection may begin to wane over time, the booster shots will protect our most vulnerable population.”

Eligible Peterborough-area residents can book a booster shot starting November 8, with the first available appointments on November 9. Those eligible for a booster shot are individuals aged 70 and up, health care workers and essential caregivers in congregate settings such as long-term care and retirement homes, those who received two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Janssen, and First Nations people and their non-Indigenous household members.

Dr. Gemmill confirmed that, as of next week, all residents of local long-term care homes and retirement residences will have been offered a booster shot.

To support residents eligible for a booster shot, Peterborough Public Health will once again be part of the provincial booking system. Appointments can be booked online at covid19.ontariohealth.ca or by phone 1-833-943-3900.

The overall vaccination picture to date reveals a slow but sure increase in the number of people rolling up their sleeves, be that for a first or second dose.

As of late Wednesday (November 3) afternoon, 86.8 per cent of eligible residents aged 12 and up have received one dose while 83.6 per cent have received two doses. In the age 12 to 17 group, 86.5 per cent have received one dose while 80.4 per cent are now fully immunized.

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“The percentage of fully vaccinated youth has increased by two per cent from two weeks ago,” noted Donna Churipuy, the health unit’s director of public health programs and COVID response incident commander, adding “This is contributing to the low number of cases in our secondary schools.”

Against the backdrop of increasing vaccine percentages and the pending administration of booster shots, the active case count continues to trend downward.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, there were 12 active cases in the region with 36 close contacts of cases being monitored. Both these numbers are down from the last briefing two weeks ago, in particular the close contacts total that was 132 at that point. To date this week since Monday, just three new cases have been detected.

However, this positive news is tempered with word of another COVID-related death involving a man in his 70s who, according to Churipuy, was unvaccinated. The first COVID-related death since September 10, it’s the 24th since the pandemic was declared in March 2020.

As for outbreaks, there is one that was just declared in a workplace.

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Meanwhile, on the vaccine certificate enforcement front, Peterborough Public Health environmental health manager Julie Ingram said she’s pleased with the level of compliance.

“A lot of premises that we’ve done secret dining at have been fully compliant doing their proof of vaccine checks and proof of identification checks,” she said. “We know it’s not easy and we know it can be a pain but it’s exceptionally important that these activities continue, especially now with the increase in capacity limits.”

Since the last media briefing on October 21, two Peterborough eateries — Wild Wing on Charlotte Street and PJ’s Diner on Sherbrooke Street — have been charged and fined $880 each for lack of compliance with the proof of vaccination and identification requirement.

Earlier in October, Peterburgers on George Street was similarly fined. Ingram notes there remains “issues with compliance” at that business and an investigation is ongoing.

“We’re now six weeks into this requirement,” notes Ingram. “There was a time and a place for continuous education and warnings — we’re starting to get to the point that we’re past that. Proof of vaccine is an expectation. It’s your responsibility as a business owner to know if the requirement applies to you or not.”

Also in attendance for Thursday’s media briefing was Board of Health chair and Selwyn mayor Andy Mitchell.

Three local environmental experts discuss United Nations COP26 and why it matters globally and locally

Performer Tim Holland carries a sign that says "Over 350ppm is too high" in the 2019 'Fridays for Future' global climate strike event in Peterborough. Scientific consensus states that 350 parts per million carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the maximum threshold for sustainable human civilization on the planet. We are currently at over 413 parts per million. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels today are higher than at any point in at least the past 800,000 years. (Photo: Leif Einarson)

This week, senior political officials from nations around the world are at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. This “Conference of the Parties” (COP for short) is the 26th annual meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

There’s a lot at stake with COP26, so I asked three local experts for their perspectives on COP26 and why it matters both globally and locally.

“The COP meetings began almost 30 years ago at the 1992 Rio Summit, when the UNFCCC was negotiated,” explains Stephen Hill, associate director of the Trent School of the Environment. “The goal of the UNFCCC has always been to commit to stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions. In their language, the goal is to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.”

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Hill shares an analogy to explain this. Think of the entire planet as a bathtub that can only hold so much greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) before it overflows into “dangerous” territory. That overflow point is 1.5 to 2 degrees of global warming.

“There are two parts to preventing dangerous global warming,” Hill says. “First, we have to stabilize the GHG level in the bathtub by reducing the flow to a trickle. The modelling shows we must act now. That means reducing emissions at least 45 per cent below 2010 levels as soon as possible, ideally by 2030.”

“The second part is figuring out how to drain the bathtub. Reducing emissions to near zero is crucial but not enough by itself. That net-zero target requires capturing and storing significant amounts of carbon, both with natural and technological solutions.”

VIDEO: Earth To COP

This film was shown at the opening ceremony of the World Leaders Summit at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow, UK.

The intention of the 2015 Paris Agreement (COP21) was for each nation to commit to reductions they felt they could achieve, not to stabilize GHG levels globally.

Brace yourself: here comes some doom and gloom. The global flow of GHGs into the atmospheric bathtub continues to increase — even during COVID-19 — and has increased every year since the 1992 UNFCCC agreement was signed.

Today world leaders are gathering at COP26 to evaluate the progress of each nation and set another round of ambitious reductions targets.

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“Even with our late start, it will take time to turn a big ship like our energy system around,” Hill points out. “Emissions don’t go down that quickly. What we need to see first are domestic policies and accountability measures that back up the commitments nations make at the COP.”

“The Paris Agreement, along with public pressure and youth activism, acted as a catalyst for recent political action. In the last five years, climate politics have changed tremendously in Canada. For the first time, we now have credible policies and plans.”

Stephanie Rutherford, associate professor in the Trent School of the Environment, agrees.

“The plans that the Canadian government has put forward in the last year aren’t perfect, but they’re the first I’ve seen with any kind of teeth,” Rutherford says.

The University of Reading's "Show your Stripes" project has created this bar code visualization of human-caused climate warming. The average global temperature has increased by over 1.2°C from 1850 to 2020. (Graphic: University of Reading)
The University of Reading’s “Show your Stripes” project has created this bar code visualization of human-caused climate warming. The average global temperature has increased by over 1.2°C from 1850 to 2020. (Graphic: University of Reading)

“We need to be asking for real, measurable targets, enforcement mechanisms, and plans for ratcheting down emissions throughout the course of the policy over many years. There are also lots of environmental non-governmental organizations, like GreenUP, that have decades of experience and knowledge on these issues that the government could leverage going forward.”

Rutherford’s research focuses on environmental justice and multi-species perspectives. While previous COPs have tended to overlook the importance of habitat and ecosystem protection and restoration, this year’s COP looks different.

“The climate crisis is not separate from the biodiversity crisis,” explains Rutherford. “These are interlinked crises. You can’t have a conversation about climate change without also talking about habitat loss and mass extinction.”

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According to Rutherford, the stakes are high for Canada.

“Climate change is an issue not only of the environment and the economy, but also of justice and equity,” she says. “First Nations people in Canada have disproportionately felt the impacts of climate change, and there is a lot at stake in the relationship between climate change and reconciliation.”

“Canada was once known as an environmental leader, but no more. We take a lot of body blows at these COPs because we make big promises but with almost no follow-through. The world is waiting to see us actually act. It will not be easy. There are jurisdictional disputes with some provinces. Historically, Canada has also not pursued the kind of policies that prioritize habitat protection, ecosystem integrity, and treaty rights before resource extraction. We have work to do.”

Biofibre hempcrete blocks were used instead of concrete in the creation of the net-zero Forensic Building at Trent University. The building demonstrates world-leading approaches to storing as much carbon in its materials as was emitted in making all those materials, resulting in net-zero carbon emissions. (Photo: Endeavour Centre)
Biofibre hempcrete blocks were used instead of concrete in the creation of the net-zero Forensic Building at Trent University. The building demonstrates world-leading approaches to storing as much carbon in its materials as was emitted in making all those materials, resulting in net-zero carbon emissions. (Photo: Endeavour Centre)

Like Canada, Peterborough (once known as “The Electric City” as it was the first town in Canada to use electric streetlights in the late 1800s) likes to stake claim to a reputation for innovation and environmental leadership.

“As a community, we should be thinking about how we will live in this changing world in a low-carbon economy,” Hill says. “We should be anticipating what this means for jobs, businesses, housing, education systems, and transportation systems. There are pockets of truly amazing leadership in Peterborough, but we are falling behind other communities.”

One of those pockets of amazing leadership is the Endeavour Centre, the Sustainable Building School.

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“I am most excited and also most frustrated about the potential of the building industry for emissions reductions,” shares Chris Magwood, founder of the Endeavour Centre. “There’s so much talk about incremental reductions in emissions over decades, but with buildings it could be way more than incremental. We could literally — right now in the next few years — reverse the climate impact of buildings.”

“COP26 is the first time that buildings and the building industry have had a central presence. There is a net-zero demonstration house at COP26. For decades, the Endeavour Centre has been trying to demonstrate the potential of low-carbon building approaches. The new forensic crime scene building at Trent University is a net-zero carbon storage building. This and other local projects are world-leading demonstrations of what’s possible right now. These approaches exist, but it seems people do not recognize them as the major precedent-setting examples that they truly are.”

Magwood believes municipalities are going be the leaders in this area, even though building codes are written at the national level.

Designed and built by Straworks Inc., the new Rotary Health Centre at Camp Kawartha features carbon-storing materials like locally grown straw bale walls. If conventional materials had been used for this building, manufacturing emissions would have been nearly 40 tonnes. Adopting sustainable manufacturing methods for new buildings across Canada could reduce annual emissions by the equivalent of 3.1 million vehicles or 3.6 coal-fired power plants. (Photo: Camp Kawartha)
Designed and built by Straworks Inc., the new Rotary Health Centre at Camp Kawartha features carbon-storing materials like locally grown straw bale walls. If conventional materials had been used for this building, manufacturing emissions would have been nearly 40 tonnes. Adopting sustainable manufacturing methods for new buildings across Canada could reduce annual emissions by the equivalent of 3.1 million vehicles or 3.6 coal-fired power plants. (Photo: Camp Kawartha)

“Duoro-Dummer had the very first low-carbon building incentive program in North America,” Magwood notes. “The Endeavour Centre is working with Nelson in B.C. right now on something like that. We start working next month with Vancouver and Toronto looks on the verge of doing something. Municipalities don’t have power over building codes, but there seems to be the most willingness to move quickly at that level.”

“I would hope that politicians start to see the potential for becoming the world leader in manufacturing biogenic building materials,” suggests Magwood. “Canada is rich in all the best sources of raw materials, and most of these resources are available in rural areas like Peterborough. We are smart enough to manufacture here. We just need the push to do it and scale it up. There’s a compelling economic and environmental case for doing this.”

To learn more about the global significance of COP26, visit the UN Climate Change YouTube channel.

For more information on the climate action resources available locally, now, visit greenup.on.ca/climate-action-resource/.

74-year-old Dave Graham is walking 7,000 steps a day to raise funds for Peterborough Regional Health Centre

74-year-old Dave Graham of Bridgenorth is walking the equivalent of 225 kilometres by December in a fundraiser for cancer care for Peterborough Regional Health Centre — all while he continues to receive chemotherapy for his colon cancer. Graham, pictured here with a neighbour he met on one of his walks, has already raised more than $7,500. (Photo courtesy of Graham family)

When Dave Graham was diagnosed with colon cancer in late March 2020, he came to that proverbial fork in road: either wallow in self-pity while thinking endlessly of a possible tragic outcome, or take action to ensure others facing a similar trial continue to have the healthcare they need locally.

With surgery now well in his rear-view mirror, the 74-year-old Bridgenorth resident is looking very much forward as he undergoes twice-monthly chemotherapy treatments, having chosen to go the latter route by walking a very challenging 7,000 steps daily to raise money for cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

To date, he’s logged in excess of 650,000 of his goal of 735,000 steps — an estimated 225 kilometres. More notably, since beginning his daily walks August 1, Graham has raised more than $7,500 in donations for the PRHC Foundation — an amount well in excess of his original $5,000 goal. With plans to continue his walks until early December when his chemotherapy ends, Graham has set a new goal of $10,000.

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Donations in his name can be made online through his PRHC Foundation fundraising page at prhcf.akaraisin.com/ui/PRHCFPersonalFundraisingPages/participant/7077596.

“When I was diagnosed, my wife and I were both in the room — we were floored,” recalls Graham, noting the results of an at-home cancer screening test suggested there was a problem and a subsequent colonoscopy confirmed his cancer.

“We came home and talked about it. I’ve got cancer and there’s nothing I can do about it, so I might as well make the best of it. I thought there’s got to be something good that can come out of this. Shortly after, I came to the conclusion that I’ll do this walk and we’ll see what happens. I then went to the hospital and spoke to the foundation and they set up the fundraising page.”

Through his cancer journey, Dave Graham has been buoyed both by his religious faith and the support of his his wife Liz, their daughter Leslie, and their sons Matt and Alan. Leslie and Matt are hosting their own hair-shaving fundraiser in support of their dad. (Photo courtesy of Graham family)
Through his cancer journey, Dave Graham has been buoyed both by his religious faith and the support of his his wife Liz, their daughter Leslie, and their sons Matt and Alan. Leslie and Matt are hosting their own hair-shaving fundraiser in support of their dad. (Photo courtesy of Graham family)

Admitting his 10 chemotherapy treatments to date “knock the energy out of you,” Graham readily admits to days when he wants to “stay in bed” or “sit down and do nothing” but credits his faith with helping him stay the course. In addition, there’s the selfless support of his family: his wife Liz, their daughter Leslie, and their sons Matt and Alan.

“I can’t describe how proud I am of my kids that they have stepped up to support me the way they have,” says Graham.

On November 13 at her Bridgenorth home, Leslie will have her head shaved while her brother Matt will shave off his “signature” handlebar moustache. That commitment has brought in close to $2,000 in pledges, yet to be added to the overall fundraising total.

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“My plan was to somehow put myself in a position outside my comfort zone to say ‘I’m here with you,'” says Leslie.

“You can’t take it away,” she adds, referring to her father’s cancer. “You can’t fix it. You can wish and wish, and pray and pray, and hope and hope. This is a way for me to feel a little bit out of my comfort zone. I want do that for him.”

Leslie admits to being “completely in awe” of her father’s walking fundraiser, noting his cancer diagnosis “has given him a different determination and grit.”

“I can’t take the diagnosis and the fear away — what we can do is something like this,” she says of her and Matt’s hair-shaving fundraiser. “We’re saying ‘You’re not alone. We’re behind you and we’re beside you.'”

Nov 3rd – $1890!! So close to that Gift Card! (To be clear I will be purchasing the GC. It will not come from the…

Posted by Les Lie on Saturday, October 30, 2021

Dave Graham’s daughter Leslie and son Matt are supporting their dad’s fundraising campaign with their own fundraiser, in which Leslie will shave her head and Matt will shave off his moustache.

“I’m more proud of my dad than I thought was possible,” Leslie adds. “I stand behind him 100 per cent in what he’s doing. He’s going through chemo and wants to do 7,000 steps a day up until his final treatment. That seems unreachable, yet here he is. I’m amazed.”

According to PRHC Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway, while she’s most appreciative of the funds being committed in Graham’s name, the bigger value of what he has undertaken can be found in the message it sends.

“It gives people hope and it inspires other people to consider making a difference of their own by doing something similar,” says Heighway.

“As we’re still navigating the pandemic, these fundraising events are more important than they have ever been for so many reasons. Yes, financially, they are extremely important for our hospital but they also galvanize people. They bring people together. He’s inspiring others to think ‘Wow, look at what he’s doing. Maybe I could do something similar.'”

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Heighway stresses that all fundraisers that benefit PRHC are vital, regardless of their scope and the amount ultimately raised.

“Many times they start with a patient experience — a patient saying thank you for the great care they received,” she says. “The best way that they can give back is by organizing, or getting a group together to organize, an event like this one.”

“There’s so much joy with many of these events though. In Dave’s case, he’s still going through treatment. It’s a difficult time, but look at what he has already accomplished. He set an inspired goal and he’s already met it. Now he has raised the bar while still going through treatment for his cancer. That’s pretty miraculous.”

The foundation, notes Heighway, wholly supports such community fundraisers by making staff available to provide tips, answer questions, and set up a dedicated donation webpage.

Saying she’s “surprised every day” by the community’s support of PRHC, Heighway says there’s no such thing as a small gift, adding “All of those gifts come together to enable the great care that we have here.”

“It’s a huge morale boost when staff and medical professionals see what people are undertaking in the community to ensure that the next person who comes after them can have access to world-class care.”

Graham is quick to credit PRHC in return, saying the doctors, nurses, and staff he has had contact with throughout his cancer journey have been “absolutely wonderful.”

“I am overwhelmed,” he says. “The support I have received, both in the donations and through people sending me cards or giving me a phone call, has been just phenomenal. It gives me that little extra step, that little extra encouragement, to keep on going. They all say I’m in their prayers. That’s the most important thing for me.”

“There have been times when my wife has had to pull me up by the bootstraps and say ‘Come on, get going.’ You’ve got cancer. It’s a deadly disease. You think ‘How am I going to get through this?’ My faith has carried me to the point where I’ve never really felt panicky. I’ve been reasonably calm about the whole thing.”

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Graham’s daughter Leslie says every donation, no matter what denomination, “is like a shot of adrenaline for my dad. He has this undiminished appreciation for people’s generosity. It’s almost like a child seeing a train for the very first time.”

“We have had our struggles independently and jointly, but there’s always something to smile about and there’s always something to laugh about. There’s always something positive that you can find and hang onto. Dad taught us that. When things are super tough, or you’re dealing with something really hard, address it. When things are heavy, attach a balloon to it and it’s okay. That’s my dad.”

Dave Graham has been making the most of his daily walks to raise funds for cancer care for Peterborough Regional Health Centre. (Photo: Dave Graham)
Dave Graham has been making the most of his daily walks to raise funds for cancer care for Peterborough Regional Health Centre. (Photo: Dave Graham)

Looking ahead, Graham has reason to be cautiously optimistic. With his chemotherapy treatments expected to come to an end in early December, his blood work to date has come back clear and a CAT scan produced a similarly favourable result.

In the meantime, he makes no secret of his strong religious faith and how it sustains him.

“Give it all to the Lord and he’ll look after it. People will say ‘Yeah, sure, okay, that’s wonky’, but the strength that He provides so you can keep a positive attitude is as important as anything. If you let it, it will get you down so fast and then you’re in big trouble.”

Ontario expands COVID-19 booster shot eligibility to those 70 and older, health care workers, and more

Effective Saturday (November 6), the Ontario government will be expanding eligibility for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to those aged 70 or older, health care workers, and First Nation, Inuit, and Metis adults and their non-Indigenous household members, as well as people who received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Provincial officials provided details of Ontario’s booster dose rollout during a technical media briefing on Wednesday (November 3), prior to an announcement by Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore on Wednesday afternoon.

Currently, third doses of COVID-19 vaccines are only being offered to people who are immunocompromised, at an interval of eight weeks after their second dose. More than 161,000 of the 250,000 currently eligible for third doses have received them.

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Beginning November 6, those eligible for a third dose can book their booster dose appointment through the government’s COVID-19 vaccination portal at covid19.ontariohealth.ca or by calling the provincial vaccine contact centre at at 1-833-943-3900. between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

People can also book their booster dose directly through public health units that use their own booking systems or at select pharmacies. Hospital-based health care workers are encouraged to reach out to their hospital employer to get vaccinated directly through their hospital’s vaccination program.

Either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) may be used as a booster dose, regardless of which COVID-19 vaccine was used for the first and second dose.

The expanded eligibility for the booster shots represents around 2.75 million people.

Officials said the government is making booster doses for those aged 70 and over a priority based on increased risk of gradual waning immunity six months after receiving their second dose and a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

First Nation, Inuit and Metis adults and their non-Indigenous household members are being prioritized due to increased risk of gradual waning immunity, as well as these communities having been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in Ontario and inequities related to the social determinants of health.

Health care workers are being prioritized based on increased risk of gradual waning immunity and a higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their work environments. which could result in an increased risk of transmission to vulnerable populations.

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The list of health care workers eligible for a booster dose is broad, including all hospital and acute care staff, all patient-facing health care workers and staff, medical first responders, health care workers and essential caregivers in congregate settings, and home and community health care workers providing in-person care.

The government also announced it would be proceeding with first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 beginning in November, pending approval of COVID-19 vaccines by Health Canada (expected during November).

The vaccine will be delivered through mass immunization clinics, school-based clinics, pharmacies, and more. Parental or caregiver consent will be required for the Pfizer vaccine for children, which will at a lower dose than the adult version.

Government officials said the province will focus on expanded third doses until the vaccine for 5 to 11 year olds is approved and available in Ontario, at which point the priority will shift to vaccinating that age group with first doses.

Officials said the province is also planning to gradually expand eligibility for booster doses to all Ontarians sometime next year, with timing for the rollout to the general public to be based on clinical recommendations.

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