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.
Community Care Peterborough, which supports Peterborough-area seniors and adults living with physical challenges, will use its $20,000 grand prize from CanadaHelps to support the organization's Give a Meal program, which subsidizes Meals on Wheels services to those in greatest need, and the Drive for Dialysis program, which drives dialysis patients to medical appointments. (Photo: Community Care Peterborough / Facebook)
Community Care Peterborough has won the $20,000 grand prize in CanadaHelps’ Great Canadian Giving Challenge.
The non-profit organization, which supports seniors and adults living with physical challenges in the City and County of Peterborough, beat out more than 16,000 charities across Canada to claim the prize.
During June, CanadaHelps asked Canadians to donate to their favourite charity, with every $1 donated through the CanadaHelps donation platform giving the charity another chance to win a $20,000 grand prize.
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“The Great Canadian Giving Challenge was originally launched in order to counter the cyclical summertime drought many charities experience annually,” says CanadaHelps president and CEO Marina Glogovac in a media release. “As the pandemic continues and we begin recovery efforts, many charities are in need of critical support as some face declining donations.”
During this year’s challenge, 214,672 donors from across Canada gave $26,218,918 to 16,611 charities, with CanadaHelps naming Community Care Peterborough the winner on Canada Day.
“We are so thrilled to win the Great Canadian Giving Challenge,” says Alicia Vandine, donor relations and communications lead for Community Care Peterborough, in a media release. “For over 30 years and of course, throughout the COVID pandemic, we have been supporting our clients to remain safely in their own homes.”
VIDEO: Community Care Peterborough wins Great Canadian Giving Challenge
Vadine attributes the win to the organization’s efforts to make it easier for people to donate using CanadaHelps.
“We adapted our fundraising plans, operating virtual events and improving our online presence, to make it easier for people to support this work with their donations, improving our capacity and process to make online donations easy and secure using our CanadaHelps charity account.”
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Vadine says Community Care Peterborough plans to use half of the grand prize to support the organization’s Give a Meal program, which subsidizes Meals on Wheels services to those in greatest need, and the other half going to the organization’s Drive for Dialysis program, which drives dialysis patients to medical appointments.
“Our staff and more than 700 active volunteers support nearly 7,000 clients in the City and County of Peterborough,” says Community Care Peterborough executive director Danielle Belair. “Together, we have provided more than 42,000 hot and frozen meals through our Meals on Wheels program and 22,000 drives to help clients get to medical appointments and other important visits.”
“Our team also provides grocery delivery, telephone reassurance checks to check-in with clients at home, support with home care and maintenance, medical equipment loans, as well as many more client programs.”
For more information about Community Care Peterborough and to make a donation, visit commcareptbo.org.
Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.
Ontario is reporting 164 cases today, the lowest daily increase since last July 18 when 164 cases were also reported. Of Ontario’s 34 health units, 5 are reporting double-digit increases, including Toronto (32), Peel (26), Waterloo (25), York (13), and Grey Bruce (10). The seven-day average of daily cases has decreased by 7 to 203.
Hospitalizations have increased by 47 from yesterday to 202, but some of this increase may be a result of underreporting yesterday when more than 10% of hospitals did not submit data for the daily bed census. The number of ICU patients has decreased by 2 to 226 and the number of patients on ventilators has increased by 4 to 161.
Ontario is reporting 9 new deaths, including 2 in long-term care homes.
Almost 16 million vaccine doses have been administered, an increase of 215,719 from yesterday, with over 88% of Ontario’s total population now having received at least one dose. Over 5.8 million people have been fully vaccinated, an increase of 196,164 from yesterday, representing almost 40% of the total population.
COVID-19 cases in Ontario from June 5 – July 5, 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 5 – July 5, 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 5 – July 5, 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 13 new cases to report, including 10 in Peterborough, 2 in Hastings Prince Edward, and 1 in Kawartha Lakes. There are no new cases in Northumberland or Haliburton.
An additional 8 cases in the region have been resolved, including 4 in Peterborough, 3 in Kawartha Lakes, and 1 in Northumberland.
Regional active cases have increased by 6 in Peterborough and by 2 in Hastings Prince Edward and have decreased by 2 in Kawartha Lakes and by 1 in Northumberland.
There are currently 54 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, an increase of 5 from yesterday, including 25 in Kawartha Lakes, 23 in Peterborough, 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 1,605 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (1,560 resolved with 22 deaths), 1,115 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (1,045 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.
Warren Hennessy, owner and chef of Hendows Fine Food, has moved his restaurant and catering business to the plaza at 116 Parkhill Road in Peterborough. Hennessy uses locally sourced ingredients and is committed to offering high-quality food to his customers. (Photo courtesy of Warren Hennessy)
After a challenging year, Warren Hennessy of Hendows Fine Food is marking a new beginning with a new location for his restaurant and catering business at 116 Parkhill Road in Peterborough,
According to Hennessy, the restaurant has moved from its previous location at 309 Townsend Street since its landlord sold it. However, the move is an incredibly positive and timely change for Hendows Fine Food.
“It’s a much better location,” Hennessy told kawarthaNOW in an interview last week. “We’re getting ready to open, and I’m looking forward to it. We’ve had a lot of inquiries, and we haven’t even opened yet — we’re just cleaning and prepping.”
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The restaurant, which opened on Tuesday (July 6), is located in the former Nicholls Oval Restaurant, at the plaza where the Rotary Greenway Trail crosses Parkhill Road.
Hennessy says he has completely transformed the inside of the building by cleaning and redecorating. With high schools and elementary schools out for the summer, Hennessy says he received help with cleaning and setting up from his teacher friends.
The change in locations comes after a challenging year for Hendows due to the pandemic. Between the lack of in-person dining and events to cater, Hennessy says the latest lockdown greatly affected his business.
“The lockdown in December hurt us, and the next one just killed us,” Hennessy recalls. “It was absolutely devastating. I would say we’re down over 80 per cent.”
At its former location, catering was Hendows’ primary source of income before the pandemic — once catering 15 weddings in a single year.
“That was my big income,” Hennessy says. “You get three or four weddings of 200 people, and that makes a year to live off.”
Hendows Fine Food is now located at 116 Parkhill Road in Peterborough, in the former Nicholls Oval Restaurant at the plaza where the Rotary Greenway Trail crosses Parkhill Road. (Photo courtesy of Warren Hennessy)
With the restrictions on events and large gatherings this year, Hennessy has only two weddings of 50 people to cater. However, these events are still subject to cancellation depending on the COVID-19 situation.
As for the restaurant side of his business, Hennessy says breakfast was his most popular option pre-COVID.
“Since people were locked up for so long, they don’t go for breakfast anymore,” Hennessy explains. “Nobody gets breakfast for pickup. Who wants to take cold eggs home?”
So while the move is an exciting new beginning for Hennessy, it is also hard to do financially. Hennessy, who has quite a bit of his own money invested in the move, says he has been unable to receive government assistance for his business.
He applied for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant, and like many others are reporting, had issues with the application. Although his application was received, Hennessy says it has neither been approved nor rejected.
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In March, Hennessy applied for the grant and still has not received any help or resolution to the problems. He says he has contacted Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith’s office and was told they had someone working on his case, but he still has not received an update or resolution.
“It would be nice if the government gave us a little bit of help,” Hennessy says. “With the 10 or 20 grand I would have received, it would have made this move a whole lot easier.”
In terms of Hennessy’s pandemic pivots, Hendows has been kept afloat by offering home-style, take-home meals — including lasagnas, cabbage rolls, meatloaves, and more.
“People were looking to feed their families because they’re working and they’re tired,” Hennessy notes. “That’s what kept us going. A lot of my regular customers stayed regular and ordered quite often.”
After spending days cleaning and redecorating the former Nicholls Oval Restaurant location at 116 Parkhill Road in Peterborough, Warren Hennessy opened the new location of his restaurant and catering business Hendows Fine Food on July 6, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Warren Hennessy)
In the new space on Parkhill Road, Hennessy is looking forward to hosting his regular customers in-store and expanding his customer base. Although the restaurant has no space for a patio, Hennessy says there is plenty of space inside for physically distanced indoor dining when permitted in step three of Ontario’s reopening plan, expected later in July.
At its former location, Hendows Fine Food was a catering restaurant that also happened to offer indoor dining. Their business model is now changing to focus more on the restaurant aspect. He is adjusting his menu slightly, taking some items off and adding others. Scottish batter fish-and-chips is one such item Hennessy is adding.
According to Hennessy, the “fine food” part of his business is very important to him. Hendows uses locally sourced ingredients and Chef Hennessy’s recipes are his own. Even home-style options like burgers and ribs are top quality.
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“I like good food,” Hennessy remarks. “I don’t want to serve poor quality food.”
With Hendows now open at its new location, Hennessy expects to begin offering daily specials for his home-style meals. For example, on Tuesdays, they might offer meatloaf and, on Wednesdays, lasagna.
He also promised to offer a special to students.
“A burger, fries, and a pop for around 10 dollars,” Hennessy says. “It will be something like that.”
Hendows Fine Food is open at 116 Parkhill Road in Peterborough from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. To view the menu and learn more about the restaurant and catering business, visit their website at www.hendowsfinefood.com.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism has launched a new tourism campaign based on Indigenous teachings. The "O'de Piitaanemaan Pledge" encourages both residents and visitors to respect the land, waterways, and communities of the region. (Graphic: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism)
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism has launched a new tourism campaign, based on Indigenous teachings, that encourages both residents and visitors to respect the land, waterways, and communities of the region.
Developed in consultation with Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation and drawing on the traditional teachings of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg, the “O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge” is about respect — “respect for the land, for each other, and for those who will come after us”, according to a media release from Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism.
“If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s the power of unity, of working together for a mutual cause,” says Tracie Bertrand, director of tourism for Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, a division of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the offical destination marketing organization for the city and county of Peterborough.
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“Respect for the people, culture, and natural spaces we depend on, for future generations — for each other — has never been more important, and the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge is meant to unify everyone for whom Peterborough & the Kawarthas lives within their hearts,” Bertrand adds.
Pronounced “Oh-da Pee-tah-na-mawn”, the Ojibway word for respect, the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge comes from the Indigenous teaching of “mnaadendamowin” to give respect to all creation.
The pledge is as follows:
I pledge to be light on the land and wise on the water.
I’ll explore my surroundings with an open heart, ask for help when I need it, and be kind to strangers.
Before starting my day, I’ll gear up, make a game plan, and get wind of the weather.
I’ll remember my miigwech’s, thank-you’s, and merci’s.
With every new season, I’ll seek fresh experiences and flavours, trails, and friends.
I’ll place safety before sport when pedalling, paddling, parking, or power boating.
Be it bison, baked goods, or a crafty brew, I’ll buy local where I can.
I’ll greet new cultures and traditional teachings with curiosity, kindness, and compassion .
After feeding my soul with authentic adventures, I’ll take fond memories with me and leave nothing but footprints behind.
VIDEO: The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge: Peterborough & the Kawarthas
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The people of Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation believe that because everything is connected, everyone must do their part.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism is encouraging everyone to take the pledge and share it with friends and family via social media using the hashtag #OdePiitaanemaanPledge, with a goal of reaching more than 500 pledges by the end of the year.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
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