Volunteers sorting through donated winter outerwear during the United Way Peterborough & District's 2021 Coats for Kids (and Adults too!) collection. Now known as Coats for our Community, the annual collection takes place October 15 and 16, 2022 in Peterborough and Lakefield. (Photo: United Way Peterborough & District / Facebook)
The United Way Peterborough & District’s annual winter outerwear drive for local families in need is returning in October.
Previously known as Coats for Kids (and Adults too!), the Coats for our Community collection takes place in Peterborough on Saturday (October 15) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of the Vinnies thrift store at 799 Erskine Avenue, and in Lakefield on Sunday (October 16) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the Vinnies thrift store at 144 Queen Street.
People are asked to donate clean, gently used (or new) winter outerwear for children and adults. According to the United Way, there is a great need for children’s winter jackets and snowpants as well as an increased need for winter coats for adult women and men, especially in sizes small and XXXL. Remember to clean clothing before donating it, empty the pockets, and check that zippers are working.
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All coats donated for Coats for our Community will be distributed free of charge on Saturday, October 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Murray Street Baptist Church (175 Murray St., Peterborough). Access to the distribution will be off the parking lot at the rear of the building.
“We know the need for warm winter coats in our community is great, not just for local youth but for economically vulnerable adults as well,” the United Way states.
In 2021, 1,580 winter coats and snowpants were distributed to local families across the City and County of Peterborough who were unable to afford the cost of purchasing their own.
For more information, or to volunteer for a shift at the collection days, contact Allison Killins at the United Way at 705-742-8839 x40 or akillins@uwpeterborough.ca.
Peterborough's safer supply project, led by the Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, aims to prevent overdose deaths among substance users due to the toxic illegal drug supply, such as these counterfeit oxycodone pills seized by police that contain fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is more toxic than most other opioids. The safer supply project enables assessed participants who use drugs to access regulated substances from a legal source. (Photo: Northumberland OPP)
Imagine shopping at the grocery store, knowing full well there’s a very good chance that at least one of the items in your cart will make you sick. Still, you have to eat, so you take a chance and hope for the best.
Fortunately, we can rest easy that the food we buy undergoes rigorous and regular testing. If a problem is detected or even suspected, that information is shared widely with a product recall issued almost immediately.
Across the country, and most certainly here in Peterborough, people who use illegal drugs don’t have such safeguards. When buying and using opioids, it’s a frightening game of Russian roulette.
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As of the end of July this year, 31 people in Peterborough had died from using toxic illegal drugs. Another 234 received lifesaving attention from paramedics. At Peterborough Regional Health Centre during the same period, 343 emergency department visits were preceded by the use of tainted drugs.
Nancy Henderson and Carolyn King are certainly well aware of these numbers, and those recorded locally in preceding years. But rather than simply hope things will get better on their own — which won’t happen — they are wholly dedicated to the local success of a safer supply initiative funded through Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addiction Program (SUAP).
The Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic is the lead organization affiliated with the project, with initial research support provided by the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing. The project enables assessed participants who use drugs to access regulated substances from a legal source.
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According to Henderson, the program’s evaluation manager, what was originally envisioned as a 10-person pilot program in May 2021 is now funded to take on a total of 50 people. That’s the result of “a very big ask” in the form of an amendment that was requested in June 2021 and was subsequently approved in December of that same year.
“We were proposing a 10-person pilot program and that just didn’t make sense to me,” says Henderson, noting the deaths of 44 people from poisoned drugs in 2021 provided all the motivation she needed to apply for funding to take on more participants.
“I was out in the community doing research to understand the enablers and barriers to treatment and to safer supply. I saw the need for this program. I worked in safer supply programs in Ottawa and Toronto, so I knew the potential of these programs. I’ve seen them work really well — I wanted that for Peterborough.”
Lead organization for the safer supply project, the Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic is one of the partner agencies for Peterborough’s Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) site at 220 Simcoe Street in downtown Peterborough. Safer Supply project supervisor Carolyn King is pictured (front left) along with Fourcast executive director Donna Rogers (seated), Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic clinical director Kelly Pensom and (in the back row) PARN interim executive director Dane Record, Peterborough City-County Paramedics commander Craig Jones, CTS program manager Kerri Kightley, and Peterborough medical officer of health Dr. Thomas Piggott. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
King, the safer supply program supervisor, came on board in late February of this year, initially as supervisor lead of the now nine-member program administration team. She brought to the effort her prior harm reduction experience working with PARN, which was “experiencing the brunt of the overdose catastrophe” locally.
“When I saw the opportunity to be part of a specialized, really progressive forward-thinking project, I had to be involved,” she says.
In a province where, in 2021 according to the Office of the Chief Coroner, unregulated fentanyl was a factor in 86 per cent of all opioid-related deaths, the program prescribes safe pharmaceutical opioids to those who qualify following an extensive assessment conducted by physicians and nurse practitioners. At this point, the Peterborough program has 25 participants — halfway to its funded target of 50 participants by spring 2023.
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But, notes Henderson, the program isn’t simply about ensuring safe supply for those enrolled, as potentially life saving as that is.
“It’s not just a prescription,” she says, adding “It’s full primary care, it’s full social services support, and it’s support from people with lived experience.”
“We’re here to support people making change in their lives as they choose. The goal doesn’t have to be abstinence. The goal can be whatever they want it to be. We’re here to facilitate that. It’s not just saving people lives. It’s an opportunity for people to make changes if they want to.”
“When you take the focus off worrying about being dope sick, there’s an opportunity to do other things. There’s an opportunity to look into health issues that you’ve been ignoring for a long time. There’s an opportunity to look into getting your ID figured out and getting housing sorted out.”
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King explains that, when program applicants come off the waiting list, they first meet with a nurse practitioner who acquires their full health history and determines their primary health and social support needs before they receive a starting prescription.
Over the following weeks, program participants meet with their prescriber to adjust their dose “up to the point where optimal outcomes can be achieved.”
“Once the prescription stabilization has been achieved, that’s when the other primary care and social support needs can start to be addressed,” notes King.
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“We look to build relationships based on a trust that encourages people to engage with us in a way that they might not with other mainstream medical programs where they might have experienced stigma or harmful attitudes or, in too many cases, denial of treatment.”
“We aim to be kind of a one-stop shop where people know they can trust us and feel safe coming in, giving us the full story of what they’re wanting to work on in their lives or what is working well. Our job is to support that.”
The program, says Henderson, “started by talking to people who use drugs,” noting it was mapped out “based on what they were asking for.” Next came the formation of an advisory committee comprised of people with “lived experience.”
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“People who use drugs need to be involved and need to lead the way with these programs or they’re not going to work,” Henderson adds. “People who use drugs know how to keep themselves safe. They’ve been doing that for years. We need to listen and keep improving.”
Another key ingredient, says King, has been forging and maintaining relationships with service providers such as MSORT (Mobile Support Overdose Response Team), FourCAST, Consumption and Treatment Services, local shelters, and partner pharmacies.
If you guessed Henderson isn’t satisfied with the program’s 50-participant limit imposed by its funding, you guess right. She’s anxiously waiting the next call-out from Health Canada to put in another application to secure funding for a program extension.
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Meanwhile, for both Henderson and King, the work they’re doing demands a 24-7 commitment. That’s something that they’re both more than OK with.
“My life is about harm reduction,” says King. “It doesn’t stop when I clock out. I try not to talk or think too much about my paid work, but I’m always ready to have a conversation with somebody or seize on education opportunities.”
“When I go to appointments or to the grocery store and somebody finds out what I do and wants to hear about it, I take those opportunities to spread the message that harm reduction saves lives.”
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At the end of the day, notes Henderson, program success is rooted in participants being “able to make changes in their lives” combined with “people coming and wanting to get into the program … people who don’t go to any other services. That shows the program is working; that people trust it.”
Safer supply, says King, “is sort of a new frontier. It’s not a new concept but it’s new in its execution across Canada. Getting the team here up to speed on a very niche area of primary care, a very niche area of harm reduction, is a huge task — a very steep learning curve.”
“We are given a tight timeline and failure is not an option. We need to take what we’ve been given and say thank you and then ask for more.”
Kieran Andrews and Scott Murison are celebrating 30 years since they founded Wild Rock Outfitters in downtown Peterborough. Looking to the future, the pair are gradually scaling back their ownership stake and involvement in the business, with general manager Tori Silvera and aerobic sports department manager Jeff Faulds becoming majority owners. (Screenshot of 30th anniversary video produced by Birchbark Media)
Think back to when you were 24 years old. You were old enough to know better but a novice in terms of life experience. You were confident based on what you had achieved but unsure of a future that would present its share of challenges.
In the early 1990s, Scott Murison and Kieran Andrews, both 24 years old, were working at an Ottawa camping goods store. Both, recalls Andrews, “really enjoyed” their work but also shared something else — a desire to strike out on their own and make a serious go of it.
On September 10, Wild Rock Outfitters on Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough marked 30 years in business, and co-founders Murison and Andrews couldn’t have been happier as they mingled and reminisced with longtime — and very loyal — staff and customers, as well as the simply curious.
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That celebratory event in the rear view mirror, Wild Rock Outfitters is now stepping into a new era with both Murison and Andrews reducing their ownership stake as general manager Tori Silvera and aerobic sports manager Jeff Faulds acquire majority ownership.
The transition, explains Murison, can be traced back five years to a staff brainstorming session that focused on Wild Rock’s future.
“I said, in 10 years, Kieran and I are going to be 60 years old, so we’ll no longer be shareholders,” recalls Murison, noting he then presented three options. “Either one of you or a number of you can buy the business, or we can find a buyer elsewhere, or we can sell it down to the ground. For us (him and Andrews), success would be someone on staff owning it. People will continue to retain their jobs and Wild Rock will continue to be part of the community.”
Wild Rock Outfitters general manager Tori Silvera and aerobic sports department manager Jeff Faulds will become majority owners of the business as founders Scott Murison and Kieran Andrews gradually scale back their ownership and involvement as they approach their retirement years. (Photo courtesy of Wild Rock Outfitters)
“Jeff and Tori are a great blend,” Murison affirms. “They have experience in the business and they know our staff; they respect the staff and the staff respect them.”
Andrews is equally excited over what the future promises.
“The breadth of experience, knowledge and intellect is better than it has ever been. Wild Rock will be much better five years from now than it was five years ago; better in terms of customer service, community engagement — everything.”
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Whatever the future holds, one can rest assured both Murison and Andrews will bring to the table the same relentless drive and determination they displayed three decades ago when they settled on Peterborough being the home of Wild Rock Outfitters.
“We were looking for a community that had what we believed to be the perfect mix of opportunity and this is where we landed,” says Andrews, noting there was an opportunity to buy the Ottawa business they worked at but “a whole host of challenges” connected to that gave them “cold feet.”
Murison notes a number of Ontario communities — he mentions Cornwall and Hawkesbury as examples — fit their business model but, in the end, Peterborough checked all the boxes.
VIDEO: Wild Rock 30th Anniversary – How It All Began
“The math said it would work but it also worked from a lifestyle point of view,” Murison says, adding “There were plenty of other cities that also needed an outdoor store. They just weren’t as appealing to live in.”
So it was, with Canada in the midst of a recession, Wild Rock Outfitters opened at a location near Brock and George streets.
“Most who walked in our door for the first six or eight months, they didn’t believe that we had a hope of surviving,” recalls Andrews.
A young and hirsute Scott Murison and Kieran Andrews in the early days of Wild Rock Outfitters. (Photo: Michael Cullen)
“That wasn’t a lack of faith in us. A lot of people who lived here didn’t believe in their community. There had been a lot of business failures, a lot of factory closures, and people were living with the fallout of that. People looked at us and said ‘You guys look great. I like what you’re doing. Too bad you’re probably not going to make it.'”
Located since 1998 in a sprawling 8,000-square-foot space at 169 Charlotte Street, Wild Rock Outfitters has indeed made it and then some with a loyal and growing customer that has come to rely on the store’s merchandise and staff’s advice in their pursuit of outdoor adventures.
In a downtown core that has seen businesses go as frequently as they come, Wild Rock Outfitters has been a constant. Even the debilitating COVID-19 pandemic didn’t slow business down. Quite the opposite, says Andrews.
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“The number of new people coming into the outdoors sphere was phenomenal,” says Andrews, adding “It’s now up to us to do the right things to foster them so they don’t right back to their keyboard the first moment they can. Demand is one thing but, if you can’t fill it, it’s nothing but frustration and chasing your tail.”
Post-pandemic, Wild Rock hasn’t been immune to the supply chain issues been experienced across the country. Murison says that’s “better than what it was but it’s in no way fixed. The general feedback we’re getting from suppliers is it’s going to be late and you’re not going to get all of what you ordered.”
Chalk that up as just another challenge that Murison and Andrews have had to face and overcome.
Kieran Andrews and Scott Murison in 2012, when Wild Rock Outfitters was celebrating its 20th anniversary. (Photo: Carol Lawless / kawarthaNOW)
When all is said and done, after all the stress and frustration of store ownership is met and dealt with, their friendship remains intact.
“We have similar morals and ethics, and our greed level is similar,” assesses Murison. “Neither of us wants to strip the business of all the cash and drive Porsches. That keeps the stress level within the business low.”
“We keep a healthy business going and we want similar things out of it. The negative thing of getting along so well is we have a relationship that’s also easy to ignore.”
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Andrews adds it’s “so easy for us” to have to pay attention to the demands of the business.
“When we had our 30-year celebration, I pulled Scott aside and gave him a hug. I hadn’t said a word to him in two days. We were so busy doing all this stuff with our customers and our staff.”
Not lost on either of them is the loyalty of their staff, many of whom have been with them for years now. Camping/paddling department manager Jonathan Moreno, for example, has been on the job for close to three decades, and he is also part owner.
“We’ve had people older than us who have retired out of here,” notes Murison, adding “It’s a blessing, an amazing thing, to have a crew that has gotten to know each other and has each other’s backs.”
Wild Rock Outfitters founders Scott Murison and Kieran Andrews in the Adirondacks in the early 2000s. Also pictured from the same time period is Jonathan Moreno leading a snowshoeing hike. Moreno, who is part owner of the business and manager of the camping and paddling department, has worked at Wild Rock Outfitters for 28 years. (Photos courtesy of Wild Rock Outfitters)
Now, as Andrews eases back from his store responsibilities with an eye on retirement in 2025, and Murison also begins the process of a similar transition, they’re both perfectly OK with that.
“If it was a sudden transition, like next week I’m no longer coming to Wild Rock and will never see it again, I would definitely miss it,” says Murison.
“The way we’re both retiring is we’re slowly going to have less and less responsibility. There won’t be that big clap and a sudden silence. ”
VIDEO: The Future Is Very Bright At Wild Rock Outfitters
In the meantime, there’s more time to reflect on the road they have travelled together.
“It is surprising that we’re still doing the same thing,” admits Murison.
“Many times, Kieran and I have come together, whether it’s over a beer or a glass of wine, and asked ‘Are you still interested in doing this for another five years?’ The answer has always been ‘Yes.’ The alternatives all seemed to be less than what we’re doing now, so why change?”
Kieran Andrews and Scott Murison transformed their passion for outdoor adventures into Wild Rock Outfitters, reflected in the tagline “Go out and play.” (Photo courtesy of Wild Rock Outfitters)
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For all the water that has flowed under the bridge as that relates to starting a business from scratch, and growing and sustaining it over 30 years, one thing hasn’t changed, and won’t, according to Andrews.
“At the end of the day, the core of our business is good service — taking care of core customers. If we don’t honour that, and keep earning their support, this place won’t survive.”
Murison goes a step further.
“If it doesn’t help people get outside and enjoy the outdoors, then we probably shouldn’t be doing it.”
For more information about Wild Rock Outfitters, visit www.wildrock.net.
In 1992, Scott Murison and Kieran Andrews first launched Wild Rock Outfitters in a 900-square-foot-store on George Street in downtown Peterborough. In 1997, they purchased the old bingo hall (previously an A&P grocery store originally built in 1929), gutted it, and renovated it. In the spring of 1998, they moved into the new 8,000-square-foot location. (Photo courtesy of Wild Rock Outfitters)The Wild Rock Outfitters storefront in 2012. In 1999, Scott Murison and Kieran Andrews expanded the business with an innovative concept for a world-class whitewater retail operation called Boat Werks. Boat Werks comprised a web-based store, a traditional store at the Wild Rock Outfitters location, and mobile seasonal stores located on the shores of the Ottawa River, Gull River, and Madawaska River. They sold Boat Werks to long-time employee Jeff Strano in the fall of 2002. (Photo courtesy of Wild Rock Outfitters)Scott Murison in front of the current Wild Rock Outfitters storefront in 2021. In 2003, Murison and Kieran Andrews took on partners Dave Woodfine and long-time employee Jonathan Moreno and launched the Bike Werks store, offering sales and service of mountain, road, and hybrid bikes. Eventually, they dropped the Bike Werks branding and bike sales and service were incorporated into Wild Rock Outfitters. (Photo: Ben Hargreaves / GreenUP)
A 51-year-old Hastings Highlands man is dead after his amateur-built aircraft crashed on Saturday night (October 1) near Maynooth.
Shortly before 9 p.m. on Saturday, officers with the Bancroft Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a person who was overdue.
Police searched the area and located the aircraft on the ground. The pilot was pronounced dead a short time later.
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The pilot has been identified as 51-year-old Jason Reynolds of Hastings Highlands Township.
The investigation into the incident is continuing, involving the Bancroft OPP and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, which deployed a team of investigators on Sunday.
An initial statement from the Transportation Safety Board indicates the crash happened at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday at a private airstrip near Maynooth. The wreckage of the plane, known as a “SuperBear,” was found in a forested area 160 metres from the end of the airstrip.
Investigators, who say the aircraft hit several large trees before crashing into the ground, are examining selected components of the aircraft and gathering further data.
According to Peterborough police, a crowd of around 500 young people gathered in downtown Peterborough on October 1, 2022 coinciding with Trent University's homecoming and Head of the Trent Regatta. (kawarthaNOW screenshots of Twitter videos)
Peterborough police are investigating several incidents of mischief, theft, and nuisance calls coinciding with Trent University’s homecoming and Head of the Trent Regatta on Saturday night (October 1).
In one incident, a crowd of young people flipped over a private security car on London Street in downtown Peterborough. In another incident, a pedestrian was struck in the area of George Street and King Street and was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment of injuries.
In a media release issued on Sunday, police stated they would be following up on the incidents over the next few days.
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On Monday afternoon, police issued a media release indicating they had concluded their investigation into the pedestrian being stuck and determined no charges would be laid in connection with the incident.
Anyone with any information or video evidence to share is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service’s non-emergency line at 705-876-1122. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca
“The Peterborough Police Service would also like to acknowledge that despite the ongoing investigations, the vast majority of the participants in homecoming and the (Head of the Trent Regetta) were peaceful and respectful,” a media release states. “Trent University has expressed that they will assist in the investigation wherever it will be helpful.”
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Police say that extra officers were on patrol, including paid duty officers through Trent University, on both Friday and Saturday to help with an anticipated increase in calls for service. In an interview on Tuesday morning with CBC Ontario Morning, a police spokesperson said that up to 500 young people were involved in the gatherings and officers did not intervene out of concerns for safety.
Several videos of the raucous behaviour, including the flipping over of the security car and large crowds of young people partying, were shared on social media.
This video was shared with our newsroom as the ‘Head Of The Trent’ festivities continue around the city pic.twitter.com/e1c8rS5qzf
On Sunday, Trent University — which had on September 26 prior to the homecoming weekend reminded students of their “collective responsibility to be good neighbours” and advised “behaviour that causes disruption, noise, damage or danger to yourself or others could result in university sanctions or provincial/municipal fines — issued a statement condemning the unsanctioned gatherings and “irresponsible” and “reckless” behaviour.
“We are very disappointed in the behaviour of these groups and individuals and will be working with police and the community to address the situation,” said Trent University president Leo Groarke. “Homecoming and (Head of the Trent Regatta) events were carefully planned and we were clear with students about our expectations before this event. We will be pursuing disciplinary action for any students who were involved.”
The statement says the university and its security team will be working with Peterborough police to identify any students involved in causing damage and harm in the community. Students involved will be followed up with in accordance with the Trent University Student Charter of Rights and Responsibilities, “and the outcomes will be in proportion to the level of impact on our community. Student Affairs will work with these individuals to ensure they work to repair harm and rebuild trust.”
This story has been updated with a new photo, a statement from Trent University, and an update from police on their investigation.
Deb and Ken Fraser are retiring as owners and operators of The Main Ingredient bulk food store at 326 Charlotte Street in Peterborough. The store will continue on under new ownership. (Photo: The Main Ingredient / Facebook)
After 43 years, Ken and Deb Fraser are retiring as owners and operators of The Main Ingredient bulk food store at 326 Charlotte Street in Peterborough, but the store will continue on.
Ken announced the couple’s retirement on Facebook on Friday (September 30).
“There comes a time, however, when one must decide to pass on the baton,” Ken writes. “Deb and I are retiring. We have a lovely couple that have chosen to take on that baton, and they will be introducing themselves very soon.”
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The Frasers opened The Main Ingredient in 1979 — making it possibly Canada’s oldest bulk food store — with the intention of saving students and seniors money by allowing them to buy only what they need using reusable containers.
When the Frasers first opened their store, the environmental sustainability movement was still on the fringes of mainstream society.
With grocery store selling heavily packaged products in the name of convenience, the business model of selling bulk food was still relatively untested in Canada. The Frasers were unable to get financing from the banks and had to rely on family loans to launch the business.
Deb Fraser serving a customer during The Main Ingredient bulk food store’s first day of operation in 1979. The top of the couple’s newborn son’s head can be seen at the bottom of the photo. (Photo: The Main Ingredient / Facebook)
The Frasers proved they were on to something when, three years later, Carl O’Field founded Bulk Barn, which has since become Canada’s largest bulk food retailer with more than 275 stores across the country.
Despite newfound competition from other bulk food retailers, The Main Ingredient continued to flourish thanks to the support of regular customers.
“We have been overwhelmed by the number of folks who let us serve them (even on our first day!) and became loyal customers,” Ken writes. “We will always be thankful for every customer who chose to shop local and step through our doors.”
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The Main Ingredient’s original store at 326 Charlotte Street in Peterborough, along with a newspaper advertisement promoting financial savings and less waste from purchasing bulk food compared to similar products at the grocery store. (Photos: The Main Ingredient / Facebook)
After opening the original location, the Frasers also opened a now-closed second location called Main Ingredient Too on Hunter Street in Peterborough’s East City, which later moved to Willowcreek Plaza on Lansdowne Street East.
“We want to say a BIG thank-you to our amazing staff over the years, and especially our current staff,” Ken says . “Barbie, our store manager, and the rest of the crew will still be here to continue serving you with the best products at the best prices in town.”
“Thank you for giving us an opportunity to serve you, laugh and share with you, watch your families grow (and become customers themselves) and sometimes even grieve with you. It has been our privilege and honour.”
Ken and Deb Fraser inside The Main Ingredient at 326 Charlotte Street in Peterborough. (Photo: The Main Ingredient website)
Linda Kash and Megan Murphy, pictured here in a promotional video, will be emceeing the inaugural "Cancer Takedown" fundraiser on November 16, 2022 at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough. (kawarthaNOW screenshot)
Local celebrities Linda Kash and Megan Murphy are emceeing a night of “song, story, and solidarity for anyone touched by cancer” in November.
The inaugural “Cancer Takedown” fundraiser begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough, with all proceeds going to cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).
Described as a “spirit-raiser” as much as a fundraiser, the evening will feature local musicians Kate Suhr and Melissa Payne and their bands, along with musical director Anthony Bastianon and singer, dancer, and actor Denise Oucharek.
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Along with the performances, people with cancer will also be sharing their stories.
Tickets are $50 for assigned cabaret table seating and $30 general admission seating. Prices include all taxes and fees. You can buy tickets over the phone at 705-775-1503 or in person at the Market Hall box office at 140 Charlotte Street (3rd floor) from noon to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, or online anytime at tickets.markethall.org.
Sponsors for the event include Arrowhead Homes, Paradigm Pictures, Kemp Insurance Brokers Ltd., and Peterborough Volkswagen.
A local climate action advocacy group has released the results of a survey of all the municipal election candidates in the city and county of Peterborough.
For Our Grandchildren (4RG) invited all candidates in the City of Peterborough and Asphodel-Norwood, Cavan-Monaghan, Douro-Dummer, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, North Kawartha, Otonabee South Monaghan, Selwyn, and Trent Lakes to answer five questions about their intentions on the issue of the climate crisis:
Could you give one or two examples from your personal or public life of something you have done to mitigate climate change?
How high among the proper concerns of an elected official would you place climate change mitigation?
Could you briefly describe policies which you would like to see enacted, and actions which you would like to see taken, for the purpose of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in your municipality?
What do you consider the one or two biggest challenges which will be faced by the residents of your municipality as a result of global warming and climate change?
If elected, would you join the Climate Caucus, a national group through which elected officials share best practices for addressing the climate emergency? With which other organizations — local, provincial, or national — would you expect to consult and collaborate?
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4RG first sent the survey to candidates on September 4, with two subsequent reminders. As of September 29, all mayoral candidates in the City of Peterborough had answered the survey questions, with more than half of all the other candidates also responding. The responses of candidates to the survey is available on the 4RG website at forourgrandchildren.ca/2022-municipal-election/2022-candidate-survey/.
“From the response to our survey, we saw a wide range of opinion about the importance of taking action and what candidates were interested in trying to accomplish,” 4RG states on its website. “For a minority of candidates who responded to our survey, taking action to reduce GHG emissions was a top or high priority.”
“However, for many, the priority was much lower or was not seen as important at all. Some didn’t think there was anything their municipality could do. We don’t know what opinion was held by those who chose not to respond to our survey.”
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4RG has also produced a “report card” highlighting the voting record of all City of Peterborough councillors in the last session of council on five specific issues. The report card is available on the 4RG website at forourgrandchildren.ca/2022-municipal-election/2022-council-report-card/.
“We are in a climate emergency,” states a media release from 4RG. “Peterborough is responding to this crisis with a patchwork of projects whose gains are useful but insufficient to meet Peterborough’s commitment to a 45 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. We need municipal council leaders who consistently push for climate action and a long-term funded plan to reach our greenhouse gas reduction goals: plans that have already been developed by several Canadian cities.”
Established in 2006, For Our Grandchildren is a Canadian not-for-profit voluntary organization with a mission to engage and mobilize the community to take effective action to combat
climate change, to advocate support from local governments, and to collaborate effectively with like-minded community organizations.
A garage fire on Brunswick Avenue west of High Street in Peterborough has caused an estimated $75,000 in damage. One person was taken to hospital and released. (Photo: David Post)
A garage fire at a Peterborough home on Thursday afternoon (September 29) caused an estimated $75,000 in damage.
At 3:38 p.m. on Thursday, Peterborough Fire Services responded to the report of a garage fire on Brunswick Avenue west of High Street.
Upon arrival, fire crews found the garage fully engulfed in flames, with a vehicle inside the garage also fully engulfed in flames.
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The intensity of the fire had caused it to spread to a home on one side of the garage. The fire also caused exposure damage to the home on the other side of the garage. Another vehicle in front of the garage received exposure damage as well.
Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire in the garage and the two vehicles and homes.
An occupant of one of the homes was treated for burns and transported to Peterborough Regional Health Centre, where they were treated and released.
The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.
Garage-country rockers The Sadies will be performing at the Historic Red Dog in Peterborough on Tuesday, October 4 in support of their new record "Colder Streams" which was completed just before singer and guitarist Dallas Good (right) unexpectedly passed away in February at the age of 48. (Photo: Chris Colohan)
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, September 29 to Wednesday, October 5.
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.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
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