Jeffery Macklin, who works with letterpress and hand-carved block printing, in his Peterborough studio. Macklin is also a freelance graphic designer who has worked within the Peterborough business community for over 30 years. The 2021 Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour, taking place on September 25 and 26, will give the public the chance to tour the studios of 43 artists working in the city and county of Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Art Gallery of Peterborough)
After a challenging year for the arts community, the public will have the chance to support some of the region’s most talented artists when the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s annual Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour returns for its 37th year on the last weekend of September.
The Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 25 and 26, is a self-guided tour that allows you to step into the working spaces of regional artists working across a range of styles and mediums. Participating artists in the city and county of Peterborough will welcome visitors into their studios, share their practice, and promote and sell their work.
This year’s tour features 43 artists, eight of whom are new to the tour in 2021.
Work by Kawarthas artists Bronson Smith (left), Stan Olthuis (middle), and Carol Forbes (right), all of whom are participating in the 2021 Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour. Over the summer, the Art Gallery of Peterborough will also be holding an exhibition dedicated to the tour, showcasing a work from each of the participating artists. (Photo courtesy of Art Gallery of Peterborough)
From painting, sculpture, and jewellery, to drawing, printmaking, and letterpress, the participating artists work in a wide range of mediums including oils, acrylics, watercolours, graphite, ceramics, textiles, metal, glass, wood, stone, mixed media, and even found materials.
With a variety of artists and mediums this diverse, there is truly something for everyone on the tour.
“We have such an exciting, talented, and diverse group of artists and makers in this region, and it’s really great to showcase that and be able to support them,” says Andrew Ihamaki, Education Programming Coordinator at the Art Gallery of Peterborough.
Gail West, one of the artists participating in the 2021 Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour, at her studio in Lakefield. West, who calls herself “The English Potter”, has been working with clay for over 20 years. West is one of 43 artists participating in the 2021 Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour. (Photo courtesy of Art Gallery of Peterborough)
On the gallery’s webpage for the tour at agp.on.ca/kast, the public can view profiles of each of the participating artists and images of their work to decide which studios they want to visit. The locations of each artist’s studio, along with a downloadable map of all of the tour stops, will be available on the gallery’s website closer to the event.
When you arrive at a tour location, signage will direct you to the right place. You will be greeted, welcomed into the studio, and invited to explore. Some artists provide demonstrations in their studios so visitors can watch how they work. Artists will also display their work for viewing and sale, and you will have the opportunity to chat with them. Each studio varies as much as the artists do. While some are in a commercial space, others are right inside the artist’s home.
“Each artist imparts their own personality into each of their spaces,” Ihamaki remarks. “It’s amazing to see. The studio itself is an insight into the artist’s mind. The locations are so different too. We cover such a wide range of the area.”
The studio of well-known artist Peer Christensen, who studied classical oil painting through the University of Victoria and has lived in Peterborough since 1985. Many of the artists participating in the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour contribute regularly to programming at the Art Gallery of Peterborough. Christensen is one of 43 artists participating in the 2021 Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour. (Photo courtesy of Art Gallery of Peterborough)
In addition to the tour itself, the Art Gallery of Peterborough dedicates an exhibition to the tour, featuring a work from each participating artist.
Not only does the exhibition capture the rich diversity of outstanding art produced within the region, it also acts as a perfect “buffet menu” opportunity for the public to come in and sample a bit of each artist’s work. From there, you can determine your destinations for the tour.
“Selections: 37th Annual Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour Exhibition” will open along with the gallery during step three of Ontario’s COVID-19 reopening plan, currently expected to begin in late July.
Sheldon Storey, a queer multidisciplinary artist who works primarily in found material installations, in his studio. The Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour features artists who work in a wide variety of styles and mediums. Storey is one of 43 artists participating in the 2021 Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour. (Photo courtesy of Art Gallery of Peterborough)
In terms of the pandemic’s impact on this year’s tour, Ihamaki says the gallery will continue to monitor public health measures. He anticipates a limited capacity of visitors to each studio at one time as well as physical distancing measures. Ihamaki also points out that, after pivoting the tour last year to accommodate public health measures, they are in an excellent position to pivot again if needed.
Last year’s studio tour was spread over a month to accommodate public health measures, including a requirement for visitors to book appointments at the studios in advance. While the pandemic resulted in fewer visitors than in previous years, the tour was still very successful. Ihamaki says it attracted as many as 500 visitors, with the participating artists collectively grossing $58,240 in sales.
The studio tour is typically an excellent economic driver as well as a great outreach event for local artists. In its best year, the tour grossed $100,689 for participating artists. Additionally, the tour would draw many visitors from other areas before the pandemic — visitors who spend money in the area in places such as local restaurants.
Detail from ‘Inver Lea’, a 2020 oil painting by John Climenhage, one of 43 artists participating in the 2021 Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour. Climenhage has been painting, teaching, and exhibiting throughout Canada and the U.S. since 1989. (Photo courtesy of Art Gallery of Peterborough)
The tour is an excellent opportunity for artists to promote themselves and connect with potential buyers, and a great educational opportunity for the public to learn about the work involved for professional artists in creating their works.
And that’s the ultimate goal of the Art Gallery of Peterborough in organizing the annual studio tour.
“It’s always been at the core of this tour to put the artist at the forefront,” says Ihamaki. “We do a lot of work to put this event on, but the whole point of it isn’t the Art Gallery of Peterborough. It’s a great way to support the artists while working with them to support our mandate, which is to emphasize local art, artists, and education.”
To learn more about the Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour and the Art Gallery of Peterborough, visit the gallery’s website at agp.on.ca. For updates, you can also follow the gallery on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
This story was created in partnership with the Art Gallery of Peterborough.
The El owners Amanda da Silva (left) and Greg da Silva (right) with manager Maddy Thompson (middle) pose for a pretend album cover in one of the many photos and videos they begin posting on the Cobourg restaurant's Instagram account during the second provincial COVID-19 lockdown. As well as building a fun and silly brand for the gastropub, the posts have also been drawing new customers. (Photo: The El / Instagram)
Many restaurant owners have been pushed to make creative pivots to sustain their businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the case for Amanda and Greg da Silva, owners of The El gastropub in Cobourg, who, along with their manager Maddy Thompson, have gone outside the box to attract customers during various pandemic lockdowns and restrictions.
Amanda, Maddy, and Greg let their personalities shine into the business by posting fun and hilarious videos, reels, and pictures on The El’s Instagram account. The posts are entertaining and a great representation of the atmosphere at The El — a positive space where working looks like a blast, so dining must be too.
Maddy and Amanda star in a series of funny Instagram reels that feature every kind of local restaurant-themed fun shenanigans you could imagine.
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Amanda, Maddy, and Greg began their social media posts as a marketing tool during the second provincial lockdown when restaurants were limited to takeout only. Maddy, who had just started at the restaurant at the time, proposed they film themselves goofing around as a fun project to keep busy.
“We were doing takeout during the lockdowns and, amongst the three of us, sitting there and doing nothing,” Maddy recalls. “We tend to be silly and goofy all the time. We had the idea, ‘Why don’t we film this? Why don’t we make this our brand?'”
Greg says his favourite video is where Maddy balances trays on both hands, her leg, and then her head — complete with dramatic, suspenseful music.
“We were just standing chatting one day and I had a tray,” Maddy explains. “I put the tray on my head with a cup on it. Then slowly, I was like, how many do you think I could do?”
In Maddy’s favourite reel, she mimics how children behave in restaurants.
“Working in the industry this long, it is just so true the way children run around and are goofy in restaurants,” says Maddy. “I think that one was a lot of fun.”
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Amanda’s favourite is an ’80s music video where she and Maddy dance to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, decked out in ’80s outfits.
Greg, Amanda, and Maddy all note how much fun they had filming a reel the day before patios were permitted to reopen under step one of Ontario’s reopening plan. In this video, they went around to other local restaurants and are videoed as their respective owners kick them off their patios.
“That was a lot of fun to film because we got to see all our friends and make a day out of it,” Maddy says.
Amanda, Maddy, and Greg put no shortage of effort into the Instagram reels.
“Our hardest one to do was one where we cut to Doug Ford interviews,” Maddy notes. “It took so much research looking into all of his interviews and finding the perfect snippet that we could use to show the amount of confusion the industry has felt going through all of these lockdowns. That one took us at least a few hours.”
The El’s patrons are enjoying their Instagram content as much as Amanda, Maddy, and Greg enjoy making it. Maddy says some people came in for takeout during the lockdowns after they followed The El on Instagram and found the videos so funny they decided to try the food.
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“There’s been a few times where we’re mid doing something funny — like standing on a table or laying on the bar — and a customer walks in,” Maddy laughs. “They just stare at us and say, ‘Is this for one of those videos you guys do?'”
The El’s social media has been the perfect way to stay connected and relevant to their customers during the lockdowns. Nevertheless, they plan to continue making fun content even now that they’re open for patio dining and are preparing to reopen indoor dining under step three of Ontario’s reopening plan, expected later in July.
“We’re pretty committed to it at this point,” Maddy says. “It’s something that we’re definitely going to continue. This really has become a face for The El.”
The El owners Greg and Amanda da Silva were both born and raised in Toronto, but relocated to Cobourg in 2016 in search of small-town life. They purchased the #l Camino restaurant and renovated and rebranded it in 2020. The couple credits the community’s commitment to supporting small business for helping The El survive the pandemic. (Photo: Chantelle Watt)
Amanda and Greg opened The El after relocating to Cobourg from Toronto in search of a small-town life. They purchased the El Camino restaurant and have put a lot of work into making it their own — including a renovation completed right before the pandemic hit in March 2020.
“Maybe not ideal timing, but it gave us some extra time to perfect everything before anyone got to see it,” says Amanda.
“Coming from Toronto and then coming to what we consider as a small town, and not knowing much about it, the community was welcoming,” she adds. “We found that people are dedicated to supporting small businesses, which is awesome, especially through everything recently.”
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The El is a gastropub that serves comfort food favourite with a twist. Amanda and Greg’s travels inspire the restaurant’s menu.
“We travel quite extensively,” Amanda explains. “It’s one of our passions. Of course, while you travel, it’s majorly about the food and the culture.”
“We make sure there’s something for everyone, while introducing some new tastes to things people are already comfortable with.”
Funny restaurant reels aren’t the only thing you’ll find on The El Instagram page. The restaurant also uploads mouth-watering pictures of some of their menu items, like this lemon pesto linguine, served with either chicken or shrimp. (Photo: The El)
Before the pandemic, The El did not do much takeout. They were an experience-based restaurant focused on service, music, and an overall fun vibe. During the pandemic, Amanda and Greg had to pivot to doing takeout.
Thankfully, they’ve had great success with takeout — perhaps partially due to their social media following.
“It’s blown up in a way that we didn’t expect because we were not known as a takeout place,” Amanda says.
Takeout is still a popular offering at The El, even though they are open for patio dining.
“It’s been quite overwhelming, in a good way, how much the response has been to get takeout still,” Amanda remarks. “We’re not sure if it’s due to the limited capacity, or if people are just in a whole different mindset now where they’re just used to being at home and getting takeout. Either way, it’s good, and we’re happy to have both options for people.”
In step two of Ontario’s reopening plan, The El is hosting customers for in-person dining on their two outdoor patios. Like many other restaurants, The El’s patios have been bustling ever since reopening last month.
The El owners Amanda da Silva (bottom left) and Greg da Silva (top left) da Silva pose with their restaurant’s manager Maddy Thompson (bottom right) and chef Joe (top right). Greg and Amanda believe making their restaurant a fun environment to work is the best way to get the most from their staff. (Photo: The El / Instagram)
Currently, The El is not taking reservations due to limited capacity. However, they recommend calling 15 to 30 minutes before arrival to secure a table.
Greg, Amanda, and Maddy are all looking forward to step three when they can finally host their patrons inside The El.
“It will allow for much better occupancy which, in turn, increases revenue,” says Amanda.
In the meantime, they are excited to be open for patio dining, offering a safe and comfortable experience for every customer.
“People know when they come here, they’re going to get a clean, safe experience while still having fun,” Amanda says.
“Our community has been awesome,” she adds. “I think that’s what every small business needs from their community right now.”
The El’s menu is inspired by owners owners Greg and Amanda da Silva’s world travels. Featuring locally sourced ingredients, menu items like this fried chicken sandwich, topped with sriracha hot sauce topped, jalapeño jack cheese, jalapeños and creamy slaw, bring new flavours to classic pub food selections. (Photo: The El)
To enjoy The El’s fun and silly photos and videos, you can follow them on Instagram @the.el.cobourg, where they also host giveaways.
Visit The El’s website at theelcobourg.com to learn more about the gastropub and view their menu. You can call the restaurant at 289-252-2282 to secure a table, ask a question, or place an order for takeout.
The El is located at 74 King Street West in Cobourg. During the week, they are open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, and 11:30 to 10 p.m. on Fridays. Their weekend hours are 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.
Ontario is reporting 210 cases today, with 7 of the province’s 34 health units reporting double-digit increases: Waterloo (52), Peel (23), Hamilton (19), Toronto (18), Grey Bruce (17), Simcoe Muskoka (12), and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (11). The seven-day average of daily cases has decreased by 11 to 194.
Hospitalizations have decreased by 7 from yesterday to 194, with the number of ICU patients decreasing by 5 to 215 and the number of patients on ventilators dropping by 10 to 145.
Ontario is reporting 4 new COVID-related deaths, including 1 in a long-term care home.
Almost 16.4 million vaccine doses have been administered, a record increase of 268,884 from yesterday, with over 89% of Ontario’s total population now having received at least one dose. Over 6.3 million people have been fully vaccinated, an increase of 243,259 from yesterday, representing almost 43% of the total population.
COVID-19 cases in Ontario from June 7 – July 7, 2021. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day rolling average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU admissions in Ontario from June 7 – July 7, 2021. The red line is the daily number of COVID-19 hospitalizations, the dotted green line is a five-day rolling average of hospitalizations, and the purple line is the daily number of patients with COVID-19 in ICUs. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)COVID-19 vaccinations in Ontario from June 7 – July 7, 2021. The red line is the cumulative number of daily doses administered and the green line is the cumulative number of people fully vaccinated with two doses of vaccine. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
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In the greater Kawarthas region, there are 3 new cases to report in Kawartha Lakes. There are no new cases in Peterborough, Northumberland, Haliburton, or in Hastings Prince Edward.
An additional 2 cases in the region have been resolved, in Kawartha Lakes.
Regional active cases have increased by 2 in Kawartha Lakes and remain unchanged in Peterborough and Hastings Prince Edward.
There are currently 60 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, an increase of 2 from yesterday, including 29 in Peterborough, 25 in Kawartha Lakes, and 6 in Hastings Prince Edward (1 in Quinte West, 1 in Prince Edward County, 1 in Tyendinaga & Deseronto, 1 in Central Hastings, and 2 in North Hastings). There are no active cases in Northumberland or Haliburton.
Since the pandemic began in the greater Kawarthas region, there have been 1,614 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (1,563 resolved with 22 deaths), 1,120 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (1,050 resolved with 58 deaths), 945 in Northumberland County (928 resolved with 17 deaths), 122 in Haliburton County (121 resolved with 1 death), and 1,134 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (1,117 resolved with 11 deaths). The most recent two deaths were reported in Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes on June 29.
COVID-19 infections at a social gathering held on Father's Day in North Kawartha Township, where public health measures were not followed, spread to a childcare setting and a local business. The cases in North Kawartha, along with an outbreak at an outdoor workplace in the City of Peterborough where public health measures were also not followed, have pushed the Peterborough region's case incidence rate to the fourth highest in Ontario. (Photo: Wikipedia)
As Ontario’s vaccination rates rise and the province moves through the steps of reopening, Peterborough’s surge in COVID-19 cases this week reminds us that the pandemic is not yet behind us.
During a Peterborough Public Health media briefing held Thursday (July 8), Dr. Rosana Salvaterra reported 29 active cases in the community, more than double the 11 active cases the previous week, with the increase largely due to an outdoor workplace outbreak in the City of Peterborough and community transmission resulting from a Father’s Day social gathering in North Kawartha Township.
As a result, Peterborough region’s weekly case incidence rate has now jumped to 19 per hundred thousand people — up significantly from the 2.7 per hundred thousand reported last week and well above the current provincial average of nine cases per hundred thousand.
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“This is the first time in the whole course of the pandemic that Peterborough’s local rate is higher than the provincial case incidence rate,” Dr. Salvaterra said. “It is not only higher, but it’s more than double the provincial rate.”
Peterborough’s case incidence rate is the fourth highest in the entire province this week, according to Dr. Salvaterra.
“When I look at these numbers, it indicates to me that we continue to be at a very precarious point in our pandemic,” Dr. Salvaterra said.
The region’s rise in cases is tied to an active outbreak at an outdoor workplace in the City of Peterborough, as well as a few clusters of transmission in North Kawartha.
The workplace outbreak, which was declared on July 6, is the first outbreak in the Peterborough region for weeks.
Although the workplace is outdoors, Dr. Salvaterra noted that an investigation found workers were not properly adhering to personal protective equipment requirements for workplaces.
“With transmissibility of these variants, despite the workers working outdoors, there was a lot of transmission that occurred,” Dr. Salvaterra said. “These variants are very transmissible, even outdoors.”
Both the alpha and delta variants make up the 29 active cases in the region, according to Dr. Salvaterra.
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Along with the workplace outbreak, most of the new cases occurred in North Kawartha, where infections at a social gathering spread to a childcare setting and a local business.
Dr. Salvaterra said the North Kawartha spread is all tied to a single social gathering held on Father’s Day — before the province permitted social gatherings.
“Public health measures were not followed for the social gathering, and it spread from there,” said Dr. Salvaterra. “It doesn’t take much to light the fire and see it spread out. We saw that with the Severn Court outbreak in February. I think we’re seeing a little bit of that in North Kawartha on a smaller scale.”
Noting that other regions with high transmission rates remained in lockdown while the rest of Ontario moved to step one and two of reopening, Dr. Salvaterra said she’s concerned Peterborough could be prohibited from moving to step three unless cases decline.
“If we can follow public health measures, we can potentially move ahead to step three, but if we don’t, we can go backwards,” she noted. “I think it just reminds us that we can’t be complacent. We have to follow the rules. There’s good reason and evidence behind them.”
Among the new cases reported in the Peterborough region this week, Dr. Salvaterra said some were not vaccinated while others had only received a single dose.
“We also can observe elsewhere in the province that most hospitalized cases of COVID-19 are in patients who have either one dose or no dose of the vaccine,” Dr. Salvaterra said. “That’s why it is important to make vaccinations as accessible as possible.”
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According to Peterborough Public Health’s immunization reports, 76 per cent of the eligible population have now received their first dose, and 42 per cent have received their second dose. These numbers include Peterborough residents who received their vaccines both within and outside the region.
“The numbers continue to climb, and the gap between those who’ve received just a first dose and those who’ve been fully immunized is starting to narrow,” said Dr. Salvaterra. “For adults hanging on to their late August second-dose appointments, please consider rebooking for an earlier date. We have lots of availability as of July 20.”
As for those who have yet to receive their first dose, Dr. Salvaterra noted the mass immunization clinic at the Evinrude Centre accepts walk-ins. The clinic has been administering first does to 60 to 80 walk-ins per day.
“I do encourage everyone who has not had their first dose to head down and get immunized at one of our mass immunization clinics, or head to your closest pharmacy and get yourself on a list there,” said Dr. Salvaterra.
As of July 7 at 4:50 p.m., there are 29 active cases of COVID-19 in the Peterborough region — an increase of 18 cases this week. There have been 22 COVID-related deaths in the region to date.
On July 8, 2021, Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra (left) was joined by Peterborough Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Stuart Harrison, Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, VIA Rail president and CEO Cynthia Garneau (partially obscured), and Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien to announce the start of the procurement process that will lead to passenger rail service returning to Peterborough. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
Two worlds collided Thursday morning (July 8) in Peterborough as the future of passenger rail service in southern Ontario was unveiled at the site of one of the Ontario’s most historic Canadian Pacific rail stations.
Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, joined by Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef and Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien, announced Ottawa’s commitment to develop intercity high frequency rail (HFR) service in the Toronto to Quebec City corridor.
With completion of the project forecasted for 2030, and with $500 million already set aside in the federal budget for the early stages of the procurement process, the HFR line will feature stops at a number of communities along the corridor, Peterborough among them.
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As a project that has been considered, reviewed, reconsidered, lobbied for and outright promised for years, there’s now a light at the end of the train tunnel.
Being done in conjunction with VIA Rail — the passenger rail service’s president and CEO Cynthia Garneau was also on hand — the project represents the largest transportation infrastructure initiative undertaken in Canada in decades.
The new dedicated rail line will result in shorter travel times and faster trains that will reduce average trip times significantly. For example, as much as 90 minutes will be shaved off the average Toronto-to-Ottawa trip.
Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced on July 8, 2021 that a new High Frequency Rail line spanning the Toronto-Quebec City corridor will see passenger rail service return to Peterborough come 2030. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
The dedicated passenger rail track would allow for train speeds in the 177 to 200 kilometres per hour range.
Other benefits include more reliable on-time performance (up to 95 per cent from the current average of 67 per cent), more direct routes with improved connectivity between communities as well as to other modes of transportation, and new rail service for a number of communities including Peterborough.
The procurement process for the project begins this fall. That will include engaging Indigenous groups and communities for feedback, working with the private sector to determine capacity as well to gather opinions on the best possible delivery model, and starting a dialogue with partner rail companies to negotiate for dedicated routes both in and out of communities situated along the corridor.
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“A phased approach will help ensure the success of this project,” said Minister Alghabra.
“A significant amount of work has been done since 2016. We’ve been working closely with VIA Rail and the Canada Infrastructure Bank to make progress in the design and planning stages. Our government plans to select a delivery model prior to the request for proposals that will launch this fall. We want more reliable and cleaner travel options for Canadians and we want it to be done right.”
Terming the announcement “a historic moment for the people of Peterborough, for the people of Ontario and for the people of Canada,” Alghabra acknowledged the restoration of passenger rail service to Peterborough “has been talked about for years.”
A large crowd gathered outside the historic CPR train station off George Street on July 8, 2021 as preliminary details of a new High Frequency Rail line that will bring passenger rail service back to Peterborough were revealed by federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
In her remarks, MP Monsef echoed that, crediting “leaders in Peterborough-Kawartha who believed this was the right thing to do for our community — who brought others along and did the due diligence. This moment, this celebration, is for you.”
“In post-pandemic Canada, we are all aware of how vital our connections are,” Monsef added. “Whether it’s our internet connections, whether it’s our connections by water, whether it’s our connections by air, whether it’s our connections through land transportation opportunities, these connections are vital.”
Mayor Therrien, meanwhile, shared that her mom told her stories about taking the train to Peterborough when she was a kid.
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“This project has been talked about and studied … to know that things are moving forward is exciting,” Therrien said. “I know we still have decisions to make, like where the new station is going to go — this spot (the historic CPR station that houses the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce) looks pretty great to me — but that’s to be decided.”
Afterwards, Therrien talked about the impact the new passenger rail service will have on the city.
“There are a lot of people that live in Peterborough that work in the GTA,” she noted. “It will help alleviate traffic on the 115. There are a lot of people working remotely that might want to live here but still want easy access to not just Toronto but Ottawa and Montreal.”
“We know we’re trying to move people out of their cars as much as possible, so any form of public transportation is a good thing.”
As for the location of a new train station, Therrien said the downtown is her preference.
“Historically, there was a reason this stop was downtown. That would really be a boon to our economy.”
An interested observer of the announcement, who was acknowledged for his behind-the-scenes work lobbying for passenger rail service to the region, was Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Mayor Jim Martin.
“We’re hoping we’re going to be a part of it … we have almost 100 acres right in the middle of town (Havelock) that’s all rail yard,” Mayor Martin noted.
“Whether it’s cleaning the trains or servicing them, and also perhaps a (train) stop, Havelock is a railway town. A lot of things have changed but it’s kind of coming back. Maryam (MP Monsef) has kept things rolling, as did (former Peterborough-Kawartha MP) Dean Del Mastro in the past. It’s my hope that we remain in the conversation.”
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Hosting the announcement was Peterborough Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Stu Harrison, who has also been a key player in the lobbying process for a return of passenger rail service to the region. He noted there’s another local benefit to the service.
“There’s a significant amount of freight business that comes through this area,” Harrison pointed out. “But it’s a 10-kilometre-per-hour speed limit all the way into Toronto — a 16-hour trip.”
With passenger trains using the HFR line during the day, freight trains could run on the line at night.
“That freight would now be allowed to run at night at dramatically faster speeds,” he explained. “That’s going to be transformative. It will literally save freight service in this area and save us putting a lot of trucks on the road if we lost the line.”
Cyclists enjoying the popular Rotary Greenway Trail in Peterborough's East City in 2017. When non-cyclists see people on bikes, they may want to take part but may need some support to develop skills or access equipment. GreenUP's 'Finding Balance' pilot program in 2020 was created to meet that need. (Photo: Lindsay Stroud)
When the pandemic arrived in Ontario in March of 2020, it disrupted the typical ways people in our community travel for daily needs. Transit use and carpooling dropped drastically.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Lindsay Stroud, Director of Programs and Development at GreenUP.
To fill this gap in affordable transportation options, there was a surge towards cycling for essential trips. Cycling and walking also became fast favourites for exercise and recreation for all ages.
However, while many were able to make this move, others were not.
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What prevents you from jumping on a bike? This is a question we at GreenUP ask often at events and in surveys to find out what barriers stand in the way of someone choosing to cycle. Often we hear that people want to feel safe and confident on local roads. Some require access to and knowledge about cycling equipment. Others confide in us that they never had the chance to learn to ride.
During spring 2020 — at a time when cycling was filling such an important need for affordable and convenient transportation and recreation — it felt important to work with our community to open up this opportunity to people who may be facing these barriers.
‘Finding Balance’ was created for this purpose, with generous support from the United Way Peterborough and District and the Government of Canada. This pilot program aimed to provide participants with the equipment and support needed to make a big, positive change in their lives.
After completing GreenUP’s Finding Balance program in 2020, participants have been out exploring Peterborough’s trails this spring and summer, discovering (as this photo from a participant shows) both the ease and excitement of being able to cycle. (Photo: J. Outterson)
The motivation for participants ranged widely. They expressed a need for access to reliable transportation for essential trips. With Finding Balance, they found the freedom to move through the city on their own schedule and directly to the places they needed to go.
Many participants desired the added bonus of fitting more physical activity into their week to reach physical and mental health goals. Cycling is a great way to get some exercise, but it also provides a break to process the stresses of the day. In our initial Zoom chats, it was also clear that people had memories of how much fun and freedom they had on their bikes as children and they hoped they may experience these simple joys again.
Some Finding Balance participants had never had this experience. For any number of reasons, they didn’t learn how to cycle when they were young. The program gave them a chance to attempt something they’ve long wondered about. Motivations for our brand new riders matched those of other participants, but also touched on the importance of social inclusion — with comments that they would now be able to go on bike rides with their children or friends.
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The team behind Finding Balance worked to remove barriers and set participants on the road to reaching these goals during a difficult time.
One of the first barriers was cost. Transportation costs account for 20 per cent of household expenses on average. Bikes can offer a substantially lower cost alternative than cars. However, acquiring a working bike and gear can still present significant up-front costs. COVID-19 also made this first barrier more challenging, as increased demand for bikes caused a reduction in supply of options.
Thanks to community partners like B!KE in Peterborough and their wonderful volunteers, participants received quality, cost-effective, refurbished bikes. The program also made sure to include the gear necessary to make a bike both lawful and safe — including helmets, bells, lights, and locks.
A decade or so ago, cycling on the road was seen as potentially dangerous. However, with the development of dedicated bike lanes, more adults are using bicycles to commute to work, for exercise, or to enjoy some quality time with family and friends. (Photo: Lindsay Stroud)
The next barrier we worked on overcoming through Finding Balance was building cycling skills so adult participants could feel confident on the roads.
Not long ago, riding on the road was seen as sweaty, tricky, aggressive, and sometimes dangerous. Over the last decade or so, this has shifted. More and more adults are beginning to see themselves in the cyclists who pass them on the street and are curious to try out riding a bike.
We offered one-on-one sessions with Finding Balance cycling instructors when public health restrictions allowed. These sessions provided a safe space for each participant to improve handling and road skills as they worked toward the goal of riding independently.
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New riders not only learned balance and control in these on-bike sessions, but also had a chance to explore Peterborough by bike. They learned of the city’s vast trail network, and found ways to navigate important daily routes.
The final barrier we overcame through Finding Balance was connecting with the local cycling community and local knowledge. Once you’re feeling confident controlling your new two-wheel vehicle, a lot of questions still pop up. Where are the best places to ride? How do I get through this intersection? How do I lock my bike safely? What do I need to carry groceries by bike?
The one-on-one sessions addressed some of these questions, but connecting with the incredible cycling community in Peterborough can help answer these questions in an ongoing way. While group activities were put on hold due to public health restrictions this spring, projects are in the works that will bring these new cyclists together with local bike mentors to continue the building of skills and connections.
Finding Balance instructor Lindsay Stroud snaps a selfie with program participant Alyssa in 2020. During personalized one-on-one instruction participants work to improve skill and find transportation solutions. For Alyssa, that included finding new routes to her yoga class. (Photo: Lindsay Stroud)
Following the program, participants have shared that Finding Balance provided what they needed to feel more prepared and confident when cycling around town.
They feel ready to tackle some basic bike maintenance, explore a new trail, and safely move through tricky intersections. Participants are riding farther and taking on more types of trips. Most delightful to hear, they expressed that they were more excited to use their bikes!
While the pilot of Finding Balance has wrapped up, GreenUP is continuing to work with participants and partners on plans for the future. If you have interest in becoming a future Finding Balance participant, bike mentor, or funding partner, please contact Lindsay Stroud at lindsay.stroud@greenup.on.ca.
On Thursday morning (July 8), Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for all of Ontario, including the Kawarthas, for heavy rainfall on Thursday.
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast to move across the province on Thursday.
Some of these showers and thunderstorms will be capable of producing locally heavy rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 mm. Isolated amounts exceeding 50 mm will also be possible in some locations.
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On Thursday afternoon, Environment Canada also issued a rainfall warning for Peterborough County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County, with rainfall amounts of 50 to 75 mm possible by early Thursday evening.
Affected locations include Peterborough, Cobourg, Port Hope, and Trent Hills.
Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
Volunteers gather for planting day in May 2021 at the pollinator garden at Reaboro Park in Reaboro, between Omemee and Lindsay in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Organizer Marnie Callaghan says the project, which garnered its volunteers through word-of-mouth and Facebook, has been a fantastic community-builder while also helping the environment. (Photo: Elayne Windsor)
A community project to create a pollinator garden in a park in Reaboro — located between Omemee and Lindsay in the City of Kawartha Lakes — is nurturing the ecosystem and friendships alike.
Community volunteers have enjoyed coming together socially to do something incredibly positive: create a garden of native plants that attract and create a habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, and other beneficial pollinators.
It all started when project head Marnie Callaghan, who loves nature, read Nature’s Best Hope – A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard by entomologist Douglas Tallamay.
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“He says the natural parks and all these areas we’ve set apart simply aren’t big enough,” Callaghan explains. “Our pollinators and our birds are crashing in numbers.”
After reading Tallamay’s book, Callaghan felt a call to action. She wondered about her surroundings and considered what she could do to better create a habitat for pollinators.
“His book is very hopeful in that if all private landowners plant native plants, they will come back,” Callaghan says. “I’ve started planting a lot of native plants even in my garden.”
Marnie Callaghan plants a shrub at Reaboro Park in May 2021. She was inspired to organize a pollinator garden in the park after reading “Nature’s Best Hope” by entomologist Douglas Tallamay, and was assisted by her friend Elayne Windsor, a former teacher, and her organizational skills. (Photo: Elayne Windsor)
But Callaghan wanted to do more outside of her garden. She brought her attention to a section of Reaboro Park that was not being used. After some inquiry, the City of Kawartha Lakes permitted a section of the park to be used for the garden.
The project was made possible by a grant from the federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, which supports projects led by seniors that promote volunteerism and benefit communities, with seniors being involved in the garden project every step of the way.
Callaghan says that once she had the project approved and funded, it was down to planning, but she wasn’t sure how to make her idea come to life.
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Enter Elayne Windsor, a friend of Callaghan with the organizational skills the project needed. The former teacher arrived at Callaghan’s house, equipped with her “massive teacher chart paper and markers,” as she tells kawarthaNOW, ready to break the project down into tasks and begin delegating.
“I think with any project you’re trying to get off the ground, you need different people and their different skills,” Windsor explains.
The two women spread the word, finding friends and neighbours interested in helping with the project. The first crew of volunteers got together to lay all the groundwork for the garden. That included taking out all the existing grass, bringing in topsoil, making a path, and installing a fence. Another volunteer crew got together later to do the planting.
While the pollinator garden project was funded through a grant from the federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program, it wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of many volunteers from the Reaboro community. (Photo: Elayne Windsor)
“That was just lovely because we had all been so isolated because of COVID,” Callaghan recalls. “It was just such a nice day. We took down our lunches and had our lunch down in the park.”
According to Callaghan, every volunteer at the park that day met someone they did not know, so the project had the added benefit of expanding their circle of neighbours.
“My original thought was to create a pollinator garden, but it’s ended up being a great community-building project,” Callaghan remarks.
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“During COVID, I realized the value of having community projects,” Windsor adds. “To bring people together and have a common goal — that appealed to me.”
The garden, which is mainly finished with the plants and fence installed, is also an educational opportunity. Some who visit the garden are deciding to plant native plants in their home gardens too.
“I’m a gardener, and it’s inspiring me to look and research the plants that I do put into my garden, really making sure that I don’t have invasive species,” Windsor says.
Volunteers Sue Kucher, Shelley McNamara, and Linda Reeds on planting day in May 2021 at the pollinator garden at Reaboro Park in Reaboro. All plants in the garden were purchased from Green Side Up Environmental Services and Landscaping in Omemee. (Photo: Elayne Windsor)
There have already been two bee hotel workshops run at the garden, as well.
As for long-term plans, Callaghan says they plan to further the educational experience of the garden by placing identifications in front of each plant. The signs will include the name of the plant and the butterfly or moth for which it is a host.
Although it won’t happen this summer, Callaghan adds that they look forward to adding trees on the north side of the garden, colourful birdhouses, and two benches.
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A sign donated by RK Designs of Reaboro is soon to be installed at the garden as well.
The garden is part of the Kawartha Lakes Pollinator Pathway, one of the efforts by the City of Kawartha Lakes to support healthy pollinator populations by creating and preserving pollinator habitat. The municipality has been officially recognized as a “Bee City” by Bee City Canada, a charitable organization that encourages action to protect pollinators.
The garden will need to be maintained throughout the summer, so volunteers have set up a schedule where, in pairs, they are responsible for a couple of weekends to water and weed.
Those interested in getting involved with the Reaboro Park pollinator garden can email Marnie Callaghan at callaghandrafting@outlook.com.
A section of the pollinator garden at Reaboro Park in June 2021. The garden includes native flowers such as wild bergamot, black-eyes Susan, blue indigo, native sunflowers, and many more. Native shrubs are also planted behind the garden. (Photo: Elayne Windsor)
Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.
Ontario is reporting 194 cases today, with 5 health units reporting double-digit increases: Waterloo (42), Toronto (35), Peel (26), Hamilton (16), and Grey Bruce (11). The seven-day average of daily cases has increased by 2 to 205.
Hospitalizations have decreased by 1 from yesterday to 201, with the number of ICU patients decreasing by 6 to 220 and the number of patients on ventilators decreasing by 6 to 155.
Ontario is reporting no new COVID-related deaths.
More than 16 million vaccine doses have been administered, an increase of 204,594 from yesterday, with almost 89% of Ontario’s total population now having received at least one dose. Over 6 million people have been fully vaccinated, an increase of 186,006 from yesterday, representing over 41% of the total population.
COVID-19 cases in Ontario from June 6 – July 6, 2021. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day rolling average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU admissions in Ontario from June 6 – July 6, 2021. The red line is the daily number of COVID-19 hospitalizations, the dotted green line is a five-day rolling average of hospitalizations, and the purple line is the daily number of patients with COVID-19 in ICUs. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)COVID-19 vaccinations in Ontario from June 6 – July 6, 2021. The red line is the cumulative number of daily doses administered and the green line is the cumulative number of people fully vaccinated with two doses of vaccine. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
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In the greater Kawarthas region, there are 10 new cases to report, including 9 in Peterborough and and 1 in Kawartha Lakes. There are no new cases in Northumberland, Haliburton, or in Hastings Prince Edward.
An additional 6 cases in the region have been resolved, including 3 in Peterborough and 3 in Kawartha Lakes.
Regional active cases have increased by 6 in Peterborough, decreased by 2 in Kawartha Lakes, and remain the same in Hastings Prince Edward.
There are currently 58 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, an increase of 4 from yesterday, including 29 in Peterborough, 23 in Kawartha Lakes, and 6 in Hastings Prince Edward (1 in Quinte West, 1 in Prince Edward County, 1 in Tyendinaga & Deseronto, 1 in Central Hastings, and 2 in North Hastings). There are no active cases in Northumberland or Haliburton.
Since the pandemic began in the greater Kawarthas region, there have been 1,614 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (1,563 resolved with 22 deaths), 1,116 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (1,048 resolved with 58 deaths), 945 in Northumberland County (928 resolved with 17 deaths), 122 in Haliburton County (121 resolved with 1 death), and 1,134 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (1,117 resolved with 11 deaths). The most recent two deaths were reported in Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes on June 29.
Ashburnham Ale House, a popular dining destination in Peterborough's East City, is celebrating eight years in business. Owners Scott and Nollie Wood opened the craft beer cafe, located right beside the Rotary Greenway Trail, on June 27, 2013. (Photo: Ashburnham Ale House / Facebook)
businessNOW™ is our round-up of business and organizational news from Peterborough and across the greater Kawarthas region.
In businessNOW, our managing editor collects news and events related to businesses and organizations from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
In this week’s column with files from Hannah Abrahamse, we feature Ashburnham Ale House in Peterborough’s East City celebrating eight years in business, Bobcaygeon’s Douglas + Son partnering with Kawartha Dairy to produce t-shirts and hoodies to support the Bobcaygeon Food Bank, former chef Chris Carvalho launching East City Knife Sharpening in Peterborough, Kawartha Quilting and Sewing moving to a new location in Bethany, and Bobcaygeon Flower Company opening as the village’s only dedicated flower shop.
In other news, Andrea Cant is the new executive director of Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton, a Peterborough resident has cofounded Ontario’s first not-for-profit cooperative owned by personal support workers, the third intake of Northumberland’s Digital Footprint Program is open for tourism-related small businesses, and Regional Tourism Organization 8 has extended its call for board members
Ashburnham Ale House in Peterborough’s East City celebrates eight years in business
Ashburnham Ale House owners Nollie and Scott Wood, pictured in June 2020 preparing for the reopening of their restaurant’s patios during the first pandemic summer. The couple completely renovated the building previously occupied by Fergusons Dry Cleaners and opened the craft beer cafe on June 27, 2013. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
Ashburnham Ale House, located at 128 Hunter Street East right beside the Rotary Greenway Trail in Peterborough’s East City, recently marked its eight-year anniversary.
Scott and Nollie Wood opened what they describe as a ‘craft beer cafe’ on June 27, 2013.
“We love living in East City,” Scott told kawarthaNOW at the time. “Ashburnham is filled with great businesses and a lot of really nice people. We wanted to create a place that everyone in the neighbourhood would feel welcome to enjoy, whether they’re walking to work or coming in after a cycle on the trail.”
Ashburnham Ale House’s logo pays tribute to Daniel “Dan” Macdonald, a late 19th-century occupant of the original building who became known as “Peterborough’s Strongest Man” for lifting heavy objects over his head, including animals like pigs. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
The restaurant, which features three patios on the east, west, and south sides of the building, is built mainly of cedar from Douro, with the windows trimmed with pine from Bancroft and the massive bar made of solid oak from Woodview Farm & Forest just outside of Lindsay.
The main bar at Ashburnham Ale House is made of solid oak from Woodview Farm & Forest, just outside of Lindsay. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
The exterior of the building is covered in Corten steel which, over time, develops a gorgeous deep dark rustic colour and texture.
Previously Fergusons Dry Cleaners, the Woods completely gutted and renovated the building. Over the past eight years, they have made it the go-to dining destination in East City.
In the late 19th century, the original building was the home of Daniel “Dan” Macdonald, who gained fame as “Peterborough’s Strongest Man” by publicly lifting large and heavy objects, including multiple barrels of ale, bells, anchors, and animals like pigs.
Ashburnham Ale House’s logo, which features a man holding a huge pig over his head, pays tribute to Macdonald.
Buy a Kawartha Dairy t-shirt or hoodie from Douglas + Son and help the Bobcaygeon Food Bank
Bobcaygeon’s Douglas + Son and Kawartha Dairy have collaborated on a line of Kawartha Dairy branded t-shirts and hoodies, with a portion of every sale supporting the Bobcaygeon Food Bank. (Photo: Douglas + Son / Facebook)
Douglas + Son Vintage Mercantile and Kawartha Dairy have collaborated to bring you Kawartha Dairy t-shirts and hoodies. The two companies are teaming up to donate $5 of every item sold to Bobcaygeon Food Bank.
Douglas and Son in Bobcaygeon is a custom clothing shop established by owners Sacha and Bill Douglas in 2013. The company designs apparel inspired by classic northern imagery printed on modern-cut clothing.
Douglas + Son first collaborated with the iconic Kawartha Dairy, also based in Bobcaygeon, last winter when they were asked to design a holiday gift for Kawartha Dairy staff. The apparel was so popular that they decided to offer a version to the general public, while also giving back to charity.
The Kawartha Dairy hoodie, designed and sold exclusively by Bobcaygeon’s Douglas + Son. (Photo: Douglas + Son)
To shop the Douglas + Son and Kawartha Dairy apparel collection, visit the Douglas + Son website at douglasandson.ca or drop by their Bobcaygeon store at 68 Bolton Street.
For more information about Kawartha Dairy, including all their ice cream flavours, visit kawarthadairy.com.
– By Hannah Abrahamse
Former chef Chris Carvalho launches East City Knife Sharpening in Peterborough
Former chef Chris Carvalho has launched East City Knife Sharpening. (Photo/graphic courtesy of East City Knife Sharpening)
Former chef Chris Carvalho’s new Peterborough business East City Knife Sharpening offers convenient and accessible knife sharpening to home and professional cooks, hunters, and knife collectors. Carvalho also offers maintenance, repair, and restoration of knives.
East City Knife Sharpening is a pick-up and delivery service. Carvalho takes no longer than 24 hours to complete an order in his workshop.
Customers can reach out to Carvalho by phoning or texting him at 705-977-3317 or emailing chris@eastcityknife.co. From there, you can set a pick-up date and time for Carvalho to pick up your knives from outside your door.
In his workshop, Carvalho will inspect your knives and contact you if any additional repairs need to be made. He will then send you an invoice for payment and deliver your knives back to your home. Payments can be made by cash, email transfer, or credit card.
East City Knife Sharpening also offers on-site sharpening for restaurants, if requested.
Carvalho realized the importance of sharp knives during his 15 years in the food industry. He sharpens knives using whetstones for a gentle and precise sharpen that ensures a long-lasting, high-quality edge.
Kawartha Quilting and Sewing moves to a new location in Bethany
Kawartha Quilting and Sewing, ownedy by Erik and Philippa Skaveland, is now located at 1436 Highway 7A in Bethany. (Photo: Kawartha Quilting and Sewing / Instagram)
On June 15th, Kawartha Quilting and Sewing opened for the first time at their new location at 1436 Hwy 7A in Bethany.
Owners Erik and Philippa Skaveland decided to move to a bigger location when they ran out of room for merchandise at their previous location in Millbrook.
The Bethany building was previously known as the ‘From the Heart Quilt Shoppe’, until owner Cyndy Manol retired and leased the building to Erik and Philippa.
Adorned with a sign designed by Barking Pixel Designs and made by Steve Manol, the new location is approximately 2,400 square feet larger than the previous location. The building offers more room for sewing and quilting inventory such as sewing machines, sewing desks, thread, rulers, fabrics, and more.
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As a part of their lease, Kawartha Quilting and Sewing has access to an adjoining chapel on the property. Built in 1876, the deconsecrated church will hold local quilt guilds, sew days, annual education events, and more — once COVID-19 public health measures allow it.
During the pandemic, Kawartha Quilting and Sewing has seen a growth in demand for quilting and sewing equipment. Between people purchasing material for homemade masks or taking up quilting as a pandemic hobby, materials and sewing machines are selling quickly this year.
Kawartha Quilting and Sewing is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The quilt shop has an online store offering nationwide shipping or curb-side pickup.
Bobcaygeon Flower Company opens as village’s only dedicated flower shop
Jenna Sawyer opened Bobcaygeon Flower Company at 47 William Street on June 26, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Bobcaygeon Flower Company)
Owner Jenna Sawyer opened Bobcaygeon Flower Company, the village’s only dedicated flower shop, on Saturday, June 26.
Sawyer grew up in Bobcaygeon, moved away for school, and has returned to enjoy small-town life and open the business of her dreams.
The family-owned and operated business, located at 47 William Street, had a fantastic first week of operation according to Sawyer.
A full-service florist, Bobcaygeon Flower Company fulfills orders for local delivery from anywhere around the world. Staff can assist customers with creative suggestions for what to send, or will design bouquets and arrangements themselves. You can also shop gift baskets, scented candles, silk arrangements, home décor items, and more.
The flower shop also offers daily floral delivery to local funeral homes and hospitals, as well as custom-designed floral packages for weddings and parties.
Bobcaygeon Flower Company is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are closed on Sundays. To place an order by phone, call 705-731-0111 during store hours.
Andrea Cant is new executive director of Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton
Andrea Cant. (Photo via LinkedIn)
The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton has announced the appointment of Andrea Cant as the new executive director of the non-profit organization.
Cant has 16 years’ experience in the non-profit sector and has both front-line and management experience serving people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. A previous employee of the Alzheimer’s Society, she is returning to the organization after her most recent role at Community Care Durham.
She began in her new executive director role at the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton at the end of May following the retirement of Leslie Parham, who served as executive director for the past five years.
“When the pandemic made in-person services impossible Leslie and her team pivoted the organization to include virtual education, activities, and support programs,” Cant says in a media release.
Assuming the pandemic allows it, Cant plans to have in-person services return in the fall.
“Now we’re looking forward to getting back into the community in the fall and providing in-person services to community members who are disproportionately isolated, and who depend on social engagement for support and to help slow the progression of the disease,” Cant adds “They’ve had to endure a long pandemic largely on their own.”
Peterborough resident cofounds Ontario’s first not-for-profit cooperative owned by personal support workers
Home Care Workers’ Co-operative Inc. is Ontario’s first not-for-profit cooperative owned by personal support workers. (Graphic: Home Care Workers’ Co-operative Inc.)
Peterborough’s Danielle Turpin has cofounded Home Care Workers’ Co-operative Inc., Ontario’s first not-for-profit cooperative owned by personal support workers (PSWs).
Home Care Workers’ Co-operative Inc. provides personal support services to seniors in their homes, including grooming, medication reminders, mobility assistance, meal preparation, light housekeeping, companion care, transportation, and more.
Turpin, who cofounded the cooperative with home care PSW Denise Armstrong of Clarington, has been working in the caregiving and PSW field for 15 years. She has experience in home care ans long-term care and retirement homes and has some background in human resources business administration.
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On its website at homecareworkers.coop, Home Care Workers’ Co-operative Inc. describes why a not-for-profit cooperative owned by PSWs is a better approach for supporting seniors at home:
“Traditional, for-profit long-term care has been neglected by successive governments for decades, and the results have been largely unsuccessful and entirely unacceptable. To cut costs and maximize shareholder profit, workers’ wages and client care both suffer.
As a not-for-profit worker co-operative, we are committed to providing high quality care to our clients by highly skilled and trained PSWs, and democratic member control within a framework that fairly compensates its members for their labour.
By making our workers a priority, we can assure they will, in turn, confidently and compassionately care for our most vulnerable community members, and give them the high quality care they deserve. This is a win for everyone!”
Home Care Workers’ Co-operative Inc. serves Peterborough, Lindsay, Clarington, Port Hope, Cobourg, and the surrounding areas.
Third intake of Northumberland’s Digital Footprint Program open for tourism-related small businesses
The third intake of Northumberland County’s Digital Footprint Program — supported by Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) through an investment by the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries — is open for small businesses in the tourism sector.
This program helps small businesses enhance their online presence, including developing website, social media, and e-commerce capabilities. As well as receiving an assessment of their current digital footprint, with ideas and recommendations for enhancements, businesses receive up to $2,500 to implement digital enhancements through a local vendor.
The program is open to all tourism-related small business in Northumberland County, including accommodation, performing arts, visual arts, festivals, heritage, tourist attractions, agri-tourism, restaurant and dining, specialty shopping and retail, outdoor adventure experiences, and spa and retreats.
Since the first intake of the Digital Footprint Program launched in August 2020, it has assisted more than 55 Northumberland businesses to grow their online capacity, with subsidies stimulating more than $134,000 in investments with local vendors to implement upgrades and supporting more than 280 jobs.
Applications for the third intake close on Wednesday, September 1st or when available funds have been exhausted.
Regional Tourism Organization 8 extends call for board members
Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) has extended its call for new board members to serve a term of up to three years.
RTO8 is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries to promote regional tourism activity in the area that is now branded as Kawarthas Northumberland, which includes the City of Kawartha Lakes, the City and County of Peterborough, and Northumberland County.
According to a media release, the organization is “looking for talented leaders willing to devote their time and skills in shaping the future of the tourism industry in the Kawarthas Northumberland Region. People who are able to communicate effectively, think strategically, and work well with others will make good candidates.”
Board members work with RTO8’s executive director to provide strategic leadership and launch innovative initiatives that promote and grow the tourism sector in the Kawarthas Northumberland region. Skills in governance, public relations, marketing, and financing are an asset.
The original deadline was July 20th, but RTO8 is now accepting applications until Tuesday, August 24th. For more information and to apply, visit rto8.com/eoi-rto8-board/.
For business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
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