Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.
Ontario is reporting 179 new COVID-19 cases, with the seven-day average of daily cases decreasing by 4 to 188.
Of Ontario’s 34 health units, only 5 are reporting double-digit increases — Waterloo (32), Grey Bruce (27), Toronto (23), Peel (21), and Hamilton (16) — with 10 health units reporting no new cases at all.
Hospitalizations have fallen by 24 from yesterday to 165, with the number of ICU patients decreasing by 5 to 197 and the number of patients on ventilators decreasing by 9 to 134.
Ontario is reporting 8 new COVID-related deaths, including 2 in long-term care homes.
Over 16.8 million vaccine doses have been administered, an increase of 207,507 from yesterday, with over 91% of Ontario’s total population now having received at least one dose. Over 6.7 million people have been fully vaccinated, an increase of 186,664 from yesterday, representing over 45% of Ontario’s total population.
COVID-19 cases in Ontario from June 9 – July 9, 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 9 – July 9, 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 9 – July 9, 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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Numbers for the greater Kawarthas region are unavailable on weekends as health units in the region no longer publish reports on Saturdays or Sundays. The weekend’s numbers will be provided when regional health units issue their reports on Monday.
As of July 9, there are 56 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, a decrease of 4 from July 8, including 26 in Peterborough, 25 in Kawartha Lakes, and 5 in Hastings Prince Edward (1 in Tyendinaga & Deseronto, 2 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 (1,566 resolved with 22 deaths), 1,120 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (1,051 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 (1,118 resolved with 11 deaths). The most recent two deaths were reported in Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes on June 29.
The Loft Cinema in downtown Cobourg is a second-storey, soft-seat, boutique theatre. The venue has a stage, a 20-inch screen, digital cinema system, and a full P.A. They typically screen documentaries, independent and foreign films, ballets, and operas. Pre-COVID, they also staged live events such as jazz concerts. (Photo: Elizabeth LaFontaine)
Pandemic restrictions requiring cinemas to remain closed haven’t just affected large theatre chains — they’ve also threatened the viability of small and independent repertory cinemas like The Loft Cinema in downtown Cobourg.
According to The Loft owner Ken Prue, the financial burden of the pandemic meant The Loft was facing imminent closure. However, when a group of supporters caught word of the impending closure, they wouldn’t let the cultural cornerstone go under without a fight.
The group, who call themselves “The Fiends of the Loft” due to a serendipitous typo, raised funds to provide Prue with much-needed support after a difficult 15 months.
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“They’re saving me from ruin,” Prue tells kawarthaNOW. “It’s a beautiful thing they have done.”
The Loft is a self-described “art house cinema” located above Craft Food House in downtown Cobourg. At his 63-seat theatre, Prue screens what large, conventional cinemas may not — opera performances, ballet performances, documentaries, and independent films from the past and present. The theatre also has a stage on which they can hold small live music events and workshops.
“I’ve got a killer sound system, a big screen, and a wonderful cinema system,” Prue says. “I tend to show niche films and do small live concerts. I’m providing something that fits a niche need, and I’ve cultivated a really loyal audience because of that.”
A 2019 film screening at The Loft Cinema in Cobourg. (Photo: The Loft / Facebook)
Through his business, Prue has garnered strong relationships with a considerable number of patrons. He has a mailing list of over 2,000 to whom he sends frequent newsletters.
One such loyal audience member is Prue’s friend Martin Partridge. When Partridge came in for a screening one afternoon, he asked Prue how he was doing.
“I said, ‘I’m on my knees and I’m going to probably have to close,'” Prue recalls. “I was in arrears on my rent and with some film distributors for film royalties. I needed a new bulb for my film projector, and I didn’t have $500 to buy a new bulb. When the bulb starts to wear out, the image gets softer on the screen, and I can no longer say I’ve a sharp image with a big sound because it’s not that anymore.”
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Due to pandemic restrictions, The Loft has had to remain closed for 11 of the past 15 months and, when it was permitted to open, could only seat 18 due to capacity restrictions. The lack of revenue from audiences left Prue in an increasingly perilous position financially.
After learning of his friend’s predicament, Partridge went home and — unbeknownst to Prue — called fellow patrons of The Loft, who decided to organize a fundraiser to save the cultural venue they loved. They asked Prue if he’d be willing to accept their help and how much would be needed to save The Loft.
Noting that he was both shocked and heartened by his friend’s offer, Prue says he accepted it.
“It’s not in my nature to ask for help,” Prue admits. “I’m the guy who’s going to go down quietly.”
“Then they got to work,” he says. “They created an email appeal and they sent it to 600 people, carefully culled from several mailing lists — but not my mailing list because I have a contract with the people on my list that I won’t solicit from them.”
The Loft Cinema also hosts small live music events on its stage and is home to the Les AMIS chamber music concert series. Pictured is the Ensemble Made in Canada’s unique Mosaïque Project in 2019. (Photo: The Loft / Facebook)
According to Prue, the first email sent for this initiative contained a typographical error. “The Friends of The Loft” became “The Fiends of The Loft”, a notion the group fell in love with.
Over three weeks, “The Fiends of The Loft” raised the money for Prue to pay off his rental arrears, film royalties, and purchase a new projector bulb — and even a spare.
“I was absolutely flabbergasted with what they were able to raise,” Prue says. “I’ve never had a spare bulb in my life. I also had several electrical repairs and upgrades that are required, so now I can hire an electrician to do that stuff.”
“I’ve got a new lease on life,” he adds. “It’s just a wonderful thing they’ve done. They took the lead on this initiative and kept me informed, but I was at arm’s length. They did all the work. It was amazing.”
Prue notes that, although he will be told who donated to support The Loft, he has asked not to be told how much each person donated.
“I don’t want to see people and think of dollar signs,” he explains.
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A true cinephile, Prue is overjoyed to continue operating The Loft, which is truly a passion project. Now retired, Prue had an entire career with Cineplex Entertainment before opening The Loft. He also started a film society in 2003 called “Northumberland Film Sundays”.
“I come by this interest honestly,” notes Prue. “I just love movies. I love curating them. I love talking about them. I love introducing people to quirky stories that they’re not going to find elsewhere. It focuses my interest and keeps me alive.”
Now that the Ontario government has announced step three of its reopening plan will begin on July 16, Prue has announced he will be reopening The Loft on Tuesday, July 20th. Although step three will still create challenges with its 50 per cent indoor capacity limit for cinemas, Prue is delighted his business has been given another shot at survival.
Ken Prue, owner of The Loft Cinema in downtown Cobourg, is overjoyed to continue operating his business and passion project thanks to financial support from his loyal patrons. Prue has been involved in cinema his entire career, working for Cineplex Entertainment before retiring and relocating to Northumberland. (Photo courtesy of Ken Prue)
“I have to say I am overwhelmed and looking forward to getting back to business,” Prue says. “I’d love to be able to one day get back to something like a full room. My dream is to again show movies to full houses of people who are not wearing a mask — who are laughing and singing and enjoying themselves the way they used to.”
As for how the community can continue to support The Loft during step three, Prue says the best thing you can do is visit for a film or show.
“You know the adage ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it’ — it’s as true for businesses that form the cultural fabric of a community as it is of anything else,” Prue says. “Arts and culture can languish if they’re not supported. The best thing that people could do for my business and others like mine is to use them.”
The Loft Cinema is located at 201 Division Street in Cobourg, over the Craft Food House. To browse their scheduled films and live music events, purchase tickets, or sign up for Prue’s email list, visit The Loft’s website at cobourgloft.ca.
Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.
On the same day the Ontario government announced the province will be moving into step 3 of its reopening plan on July 16, a week earlier than scheduled, Ontario is reporting 183 cases — with none in the greater Kawarthas region for the first time since the third wave began.
Of Ontario’s 34 health units, only 5 are reporting double-digit increases — including Waterloo (50), Peel (24), Grey Bruce (24), Toronto (22), and Halton (10) — with 14 health units reporting no new cases at all. The seven-day average of daily cases has decreased by 2 to 192.
Hospitalizations have decreased by 5 from yesterday to 189, with the number of ICU patients falling by 13 to 202 and the number of patients on ventilators decreasing by 2 to 143.
Ontario is reporting 9 new COVID-related deaths, with none in long-term care homes.
Over 16.6 million vaccine doses have been administered, an increase of 224,864 from yesterday, with over 90% of Ontario’s total population now having received at least one dose. Over 6.5 million people have been fully vaccinated, an increase of 203,054 from yesterday, representing over 44% of Ontario’s total population.
COVID-19 cases in Ontario from June 8 – July 8, 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 8 – July 8, 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 8 – July 8, 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 no new cases to report in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Haliburton, or Hastings Prince Edward.
An additional 5 cases in the region have been resolved, including 3 in Peterborough, 1 in Kawartha Lakes, and 1 in Hastings Prince Edward.
Regional active cases have decreased by 3 in Peterborough, by 1 in Kawartha Lakes, and by 1 in Hastings Prince Edward.
There are currently 56 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, a decrease of 4 from yesterday, including 26 in Peterborough, 25 in Kawartha Lakes, and 5 in Hastings Prince Edward (1 in Tyendinaga & Deseronto, 2 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 (1,566 resolved with 22 deaths), 1,120 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (1,051 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 (1,118 resolved with 11 deaths). The most recent two deaths were reported in Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes on June 29.
The Ontario government announced on Friday (July 9) that the province will be moving to step three of its reopening plan a week earlier than scheduled — next Friday, July 16th.
Crowd limits for events and social gatherings increase to 25 indoors and 100 outdoors, indoor dining at restaurants will be permitted with no table limits (except for physical distancing), and concert and performing arts venues, as well as cinemas, can reopen with a 50 per cent capacity limit indoors.
Retail can operate with no capacity limits, other than ensuring two metres of physical distance between people, and museums, galleries, and historic sites can reopen at 50 per cent capacity indoors.
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Face coverings in indoor public settings and physical distancing requirements will remain in place.
In a media release, the government said it made the decision since key public health and health care indicators continue to improve and the province-wide vaccination rate has surpassed the targets set for step three. To enter step three, Ontario needed to have vaccinated 70 to 80 per cent of adults with one dose and 25 per cent of adults with two doses for at least two weeks. As of July 8, over 77 per cent of the population in Ontario ages 12 and over have received one dose of a vaccine and over 50 per cent have received their second dose.
Here’s what will be allowed in step three, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 16:
Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 100 people with limited exceptions.
Indoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 25 people.
Indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services permitted with physical distancing.
Indoor dining permitted with no limits on the number of patrons per table with physical distancing and other restrictions still in effect.
Indoor sports and recreational fitness facilities to open subject to a maximum 50 per cent capacity of the indoor space. Capacity for indoor spectators is 50 per cent of the usual seating capacity or 1,000 people, whichever is less. Capacity for outdoor spectators is 75 per cent of the usual seating capacity or 15,000 people, whichever is less.
Indoor meeting and event spaces permitted to operate with physical distancing and other restrictions still in effect and capacity limited to not exceed 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people, (whichever is less).
Essential and non-essential retail with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres.
Personal care services, including services requiring the removal of a face covering, with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres.
Museums, galleries, historic sites, aquariums, zoos, landmarks, botanical gardens, science centres, casinos/bingo halls, amusement parks, fairs and rural exhibitions, festivals, with capacity limited to not exceed 50 per cent capacity indoors and 75 per cent capacity outdoors.
Concert venues, cinemas, and theatres permitted to operate at up to 50 per cent capacity indoors (or a maximum limit of 1,000 people for seated events, whichever is less) and up to 75 per cent capacity outdoors (or a maximum limit of 5,000 people for unseated events, whichever is less), and up to 75 per cent capacity outdoors or a maximum of 15,000 people for events with fixed seating (whichever is less).
Real estate open houses with capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain a physical distance of two metres; and
Indoor food or drink establishments where dance facilities are provided, including nightclubs and restobars, permitted up to 25 per cent capacity or up to a maximum limit of 250 people (whichever is less).
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The government says the province will remain in step three for at least 21 days and until 80 per cent of the eligible population aged 12 and over has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 75 per cent have received their second, with no public health unit having less than 70 per cent of their population fully vaccinated.
After step three, the province says most public health and workplace safety measures, including capacity limits for indoor and outdoor settings and limits for social gatherings, will be lifted. Only a small number of measures will remain in place, including the requirement for passive screening, such as posting a sign, and businesses requiring a safety plan.
The beach at Sandy Lake in Trent Lakes. (Photo: Michael Hurcomb)
Every Friday during swimming season, we post The Beach Report™ — our weekly report of the results of water quality testing at beaches in the greater Kawarthas region — and update it throughout the week as conditions change.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials recommend staying home if you feel sick, visiting a beach close to your home to avoid unnecessary travel, bringing hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, and maintaining at least two metres of physical distance from other beachgoers.
As of Thursday, July 15, all regional beaches are safe for swimming.
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Below are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in the City and County Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White?s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health provides weekly testing results for beaches in Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
During the summer, local health units sample water at area beaches and test for bacteria such as E. coli to determine if the water quality at a beach is safe for public use. Popular beaches, like the beach at Roger’s Cove in Peterborough’s East City, are tested every business day while most other beaches are tested weekly. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
On Tuesday (July 27), Peterborough police received information regarding the location of missing person Roy Gillman. Police attended the area of The Kingsway in Peterborough and located Gillman deceased. Police are working with the coroner and say foul play is not suspected in Gillman’s death.
Peterborough police are still searching for missing 60-year-old Roy Gillman and continue to ask for the public’s assistance in locating him.
Gillman, who is known to be transient, was last accounted for on June 21 and police and his family are concerned for his well-being.
Police believe Gillman is still in the Peterborough area, but he also has ties to Cobourg and Port Hope.
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As Gillman has been known to seek shelter in parked tractor trailers, shipping containers, and outbuildings or sheds, police are asking residents and businesses to check any such locations on their properties.
“Peterborough Police Service would like to thank those who have called in with tips,” reads a media release. “Officers continue to follow up and say any information is welcome.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough police at 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca.
This story has been updated with information that Gillman has been found deceased.
In partnership with community agencies, Peterborough Public Health held a three-day drop-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic for vulnerable residents outside of Peterborough City Hall. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Public Health)
Peterborough Public Health held a drop-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic outside Peterborough City Hall earlier this week for vulnerable residents, including those experiencing homelessness.
The three-day clinic, which took place from Tuesday (July 6) to Thursday, administered first and second doses to 96 people despite the heat, humidity, and rain.
To reduce barriers to getting vaccinations, the health unit did not require appointments. Even those without a health card were able to receive a vaccine dose.
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“None of this would have been possible without the help of our community partners in organizing, promoting and staffing this multi-day clinic,” says Hallie Alter, the health unit’s manager of family and community health, in a media release.
Participating community agencies included the Brock Mission, Canadian Mental Health Association, Fourcast, Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, One City Peterborough, One Roof Community Centre, PARN, Salvation Army, YES Shelter for Youth and families, and YWCA Crossroads Shelter, along with support from the City of Peterborough, Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, and Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
According to Atter, clients of community agencies serving vulnerable people find it harder to protect themselves from exposure to COVID-19 and can be at greater risk for severe illness.
The three-day drop-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic outside of Peterborough City Hall saw 96 people receive first or second doses. Clients of community agencies serving vulnerable people find it harder to protect themselves from exposure to COVID-19 and can be at greater risk for severe illness. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Public Health)
A recent Ontario study found that people experiencing homelessness were at least 20 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 and over 10 times more likely to be admitted into intensive care with COVID-19.
Due to their circumstances, vulnerable residents may also find it challenging to follow public health measures as well as to register for and attend mass vaccination clinics.
With the highly contagious delta variant circulating in the region, Peterborough Public Health plans to continue increasing local vaccination coverage through various strategies including pop-up clinics.
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.
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