On December 16, 2025, Peterborough police honoured seven area residents with citizen recognition awards for their "extraordinary actions" in connection with several incidents in the community. (Photo: Peterborough Police Service)
The Peterborough Police Service has recognized seven area residents — including four young teenagers — with citizen recognition awards for their “extraordinary actions” in connection with several incidents in the community.
The awards were presented on Tuesday (December 16) during the Peterborough Police Service board meeting, with each resident receiving a certificate presented by police chief Stuart Betts.
“We thank them for being engaged and willing to help fellow citizens or bring awareness to a crime in progress,” Chief Betts said. “While we don’t want anyone to put themselves in harm’s way, we also recognize that we sometimes find ourselves in compelling situations where we can help. In each of these cases, the actions of these residents made a difference in our community.”
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Narissa C., Malory S., Matthew H., and Noah S. – March 2025
While investigating an unrelated incident at Peterborough Square, the officers were approached by four 14-year-old youth who told them they had seen a man with his pants down, gesturing and trying to get one of the girls to join him in a washroom inside the mall.
The four teens went out of their way to make sure this was brought to police attention, and it resulted in the arrest of man who was charged with sexual touching under 16 years of age and failing to comply with a probation order. The teens remained on scene and provided police with statements. The man was later convicted and sentenced to time in jail.
“We thank these four young people for their courage to speak up and leadership,” read a media release from the police.
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James T. – August 6, 2024
James was with his wife in a bank on Chemong Road when a man rushed in, ran to a teller, and attempted to rob the bank. Realizing what was happening, James grabbed the would-be robber and wrestled him to the ground, where he was able to detain him until police arrived.
As it turned out, the suspect was wanted in two other robberies that happened in April and July of 2024. In all three robberies, police say, the man splashed lighter fluid on employees although no fires were set.
“We thank James for his quick thinking, and selfless response. His actions assisted officers in solving three robberies and led to the arrest of someone who clearly presented a danger to community safety.”
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Ruba V. – April 22, 2025
When an 80-year-old man entered the Esso Gas Station store on Parkhill Road East and attempted to use the Bitcoin ATM machine, Ruba — aware that the man could potentially be a victim of a scam — called police.
He kept the elderly man distracted until the arrival of officers, who prevented him from using the bitcoin machine and becoming a victim of a financial crime. It was further learned that the potential victim suffered from dementia.
“We thank Ruba for being aware of the warning signs of possible frauds and scams, and his willingness to intervene. He truly made a difference in this resident’s life.”
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Zachary S. – June 16, 2025
When Zachary saw a 27-year-old man who was on the wrong side of the fence at the top of the Peterborough Lift Lock, he rushed over to the man and was able to grab and hold onto him until police arrived.
Upon their arrival, officers could see the man’s feet dangling from the locks while he was being held by Zachary. Police quickly ran up to the top of the Lift Lock and were able to lift the man back to a spot of safety, where he was apprehended under the Mental Health Act.
“We truly believe the 27-year-old man would not be alive today without this intervention and it goes without saying that the act by this civilian saved a life. We thank Zachary for his actions.”
Suzette and Glen White credit Five Counties Children's Centre for helping their son Adam succeed in life. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy in 1978 at 10 months of age, Adam received treatment at Five Counties over the next 19 years. "Cerebral palsy is not a gift," Suzette notes, "but we accepted the bumps and difficulties along the way with Five Counties, which was, and still is, a fabulous and generous godsend today for so many!" (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)
The morning of Wednesday, March 22, 1978, stands out vividly for Suzette White.
After days of excruciating pain and countless tests at the then Peterborough Civic Hospital, she found herself in labour — three weeks ahead of her due date. Suzette was quickly transferred to Toronto General Hospital, where she gave birth to her son Adam later that evening.
Every month, Five Counties Children’s Centre provides a story about the work of the charitable organization. This month’s story is by Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties Children’s Centre.
Despite the difficulties of their first pregnancy, Adam’s arrival was a moment of joy and laughter for Suzette and her husband Glen. It also marked the start of an extraordinary journey for the family that took them through the doors of Five Counties Children’s Centre in Peterborough.
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It wasn’t always easy. In his first few months, Adam’s physical development seemed to lag behind his peers — something that didn’t escape the notice of his parents. Sitting upright was a struggle for Adam, crawling seemed impossible, and milestones came slowly to him.
Concerned, the Whites sought answers from their family doctor, who referred them to pediatrician Dr. Mary Thain. It was Dr. Thain who first uttered the words “cerebral palsy,” explaining that Adam’s difficulties likely stemmed from a lack of oxygen at birth — a diagnosis that, while bewildering and daunting for the Whites, also had an upside.
“Getting the diagnosis, it was for me at least a bit of a relief,” Glen says. “Now there’s an issue, now there’s an approach on how we can deal with it. Not knowing is, in my mind, the worst.”
Adam White never forgot the support he received at Five Counties, returning as a volunteer to assist with various youth and teen programs. As an adult, he also served many years on the Five Counties Board of Directors as a member and eventual chairperson. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre)
The Whites’ introduction to Five Counties came in December 1978, courtesy of Dr. Thain’s referral. Five Counties physiotherapist Karen Bowen was the first to guide 10-month-old Adam through his initial therapy sessions. The Centre soon became a lifeline for the Whites, offering not just medical expertise but compassion, patience, and hope.
For Glen, that last point was everything: “Hope, to me, hope … if you’ve got that, you’ve got a future.”
Suzette recalls the gentle care Adam received, and how Five Counties staff — Karen, Barb Purdie, Sharon White, Sue Russell, and Darlene Callan — opened doors to a brighter future for her son.
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Over the next 19 years, Adam’s life would be shaped by the Centre’s unwavering support. When he was six, a major surgery at Toronto Sick Children’s Hospital, arranged through Five Counties, helped improve his mobility. The ordeal of metal plates and screws in his legs was tough, but the results were transformative. Adam’s resilience grew, and so did his independence.
Sports and recreation became an avenue for Adam’s growth. Through Five Counties’ programs, he tried swimming, skiing, tae kwon do, and track and field. A highlight was his participation in the Metropolitan Toronto Police Games at Variety Village, a source of pride for both Adam and his parents.
Later, Adam discovered a passion for sledge hockey, joining the Five Counties Blazers and eventually coaching the team. The camaraderie and sense of achievement he found on the ice were invaluable, and when the team transitioned to the Kawartha Blazers Sledge Hockey Association, Adam continued to inspire others as a coach.
VIDEO: The White’s Story: How Five Counties Changed One Family’s Life
Adam’s involvement didn’t stop there. He volunteered for summer programs, joined the Teen Committee, and even created the teen newsletter, sharing his experiences and encouraging younger children. He would go on to a career in education, where he continues to nurture and support young minds.
For Suzette, the Centre also became a place of purpose. She volunteered for fundraising campaigns, worked in the Foundation office, and served on the Board of Directors (something Adam would also do).
Reflecting on nearly five decades, Suzette describes Five Counties as a “godsend, miracle … it was like a second home” and a place that educated, sustained, and uplifted her family. The friendships forged with other parents facing similar challenges brought joy and relief, reminding them they were not alone.
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“Cerebral palsy is not a gift,” Suzette notes, “but we accepted the bumps and difficulties along the way with Five Counties, which was, and still is, a fabulous and generous godsend today for so many!”
As Five Counties marks its 50th anniversary, the White family’s story stands as a power testament to what can be done together. For Adam, Glen, and Suzette, the journey continues — marked by gratitude for the dedication, love, and support that helped them overcome every obstacle.
Five Counties is grateful to have been part of the ride!
For more than two decades, the ReFrame Film Festival has been bringing thought-provoking social and environmental justice documentaries from around the world to audiences in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough, expanding the festival in recent years to include a virtual program available to audiences across Canada. The 2026 festival will present more than 40 films, with in-person screenings as well as Q&As, panels, and performances in downtown Peterborough from January 30 to February 1 followed by a virtual program from February 3 to 8. (Photo courtesy of ReFrame Film Festival)
For more than two decades now, the ReFrame Film Festival has offered documentary film lovers “a bright light at the end of January.”
According to festival board chair Melanie Buddle, that’s one of the many reasons for the continued success of the annual festival, which returns for its 22nd year from January 30 to February 8, 2026.
But beyond warming the hearts and minds of winter-weary audiences, Buddle says it’s the power of documentary storytelling that really inspires people to experience the festival year after year.
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“Once you’ve seen some great documentaries, you can see the possibilities,” says Buddle. “Sometimes people think a documentary is just a learning tool and it’s going to be very earnest, but that’s not true. Documentaries run the gamut — they’re everything. They’re creative. They’re whimsical. The subject matter is wildly different.”
When ReFrame returns with in-person programming from January 30 to February 1 in downtown Peterborough and Canada-wide virtual programming from February 3 to 8, it will mark Buddle’s second year as the chair of the non-profit organization’s board.
Buddle, who is principal of Peter Gzowski College at Trent University, has been a board member of ReFrame for five years and says her involvement came from her desire to “do something community minded.”
“Peterborough has a really vibrant and incredible arts scene, and it’s only so because everyone supports each other,” she says.
ReFrame Film Festival board chair Melanie Buddle speaks to audiences during the 2025 festival in downtown Nogojiwanong/Peterborough. She says the festival brings “a bright light at the end of January” to winter-weary audiences, and is encouraging longtime festival-goers to bring a young person with them this year. (Photo courtesy of ReFrame Film Festival)
Originally called the “Travelling World Community Festival” until it was renamed in 2009, ReFrame was co-founded in 2005 by Carole Roy and Krista English who, with the help of volunteers from the community and Trent University, had the vision of bringing world-class, global documentaries to Peterborough.
“The stories we offer through films from around the world are stories of people who are inventing and reinventing their social environments, their realities, and their futures,” reads the program from the inaugural festival. “These are people who challenge the limits they face and find a myriad of ways to imagine a better world.”
That original vision continues to be the mandate and focus as ReFrame prepares for the 2026 festival with a lineup of more than 40 documentary films from around the world.
“We’ve had documentaries about Sesame Street and Mr. Dressup, alongside ‘plastic is bad for the world’ documentaries, alongside really hardcore documentaries about race and racism,” says Buddle. “It’s everything, and I think that’s what makes it timeless. People know they’re going to see a wide variety of films.”
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Every year, the films are curated with the help of a volunteer program advisory committee and divided into categories that cover a broad range of subject matter and themes to help audiences find the stories they are most interested in.
“Loyal viewers will know that you can’t leave a ReFrame festival feeling only despair — that’s not a fun place to be — but also you don’t want to leave a festival feeling like it was pretty lightweight and there’s not much to learn,” Buddle says.
“It is a balancing act, and many films will be all of that in one. You’re moved, you’re crying, you’re laughing, and you leave with this nice mix of a little sadness and then a little bit of hope. That’s what great art does. It leaves you partly wanting more, but it also puts you through all the emotions. You’re left emotionally breathless and hyper aware and inspired about what we can do.”
Following the screening of “Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story” at the 2025 ReFrame Film Festival, Karleen Pendleton Jiménez (left) led a Q&A with editor Mike Munn and director Michael Mabbott. The in-person panel discussions, Q&As, performances, and other events during the festival not only aim to continue the conversations being explored in the films, but also give audiences an inside look into documentary filmmaking. (Photo courtesy of ReFrame Film Festival)
Alongside the lineup of documentaries to be screened in-person and virtually, the festival will also feature a series of additional Q&As, workshops, panel discussions, and related performances. These events not only guide the audience’s understanding of the themes and subject matter of the films, but give them behind-the-scenes insight into the production process.
“When you’ve watched a very thought-provoking deep documentary, you often finish with a lot of questions about how they filmed it, where they went, how they know to ask those questions,” Buddle says. “That really enhances that community feel and allows you to immerse yourself in the experience.”
Over more than two decades, ReFrame has remained committed to fostering an experience that is accessible to all audiences. Reasonably priced festival passes, the Community Access Program, and no-questions-asked pay-what-you-can ticket pricing ensures financial barriers do not prevent people from enjoying the festival.
“We continue to maintain that as part of our ethos, and that’s part of giving back to a community and social justice,” Buddle explains. “It shouldn’t be only for people who can afford it. If you want to attend a film, just show up and you can watch.”
Accessibility also means accommodating the needs of all audience members, which means there are “tone notes” for all films, content warnings as appropriate, and sensory supports during screenings including quiet rooms, assisted listening devices, captions, and more.
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With its hybrid model since the pandemic of an in-person program and a virtual program, ReFrame essentially delivers two festivals in one with support from two full-time staff members alongside seasonal and contract team members, as well as volunteers — who have been at the heart of the festival since it began. Along with those who donate their time to assist during screenings, volunteers also include the festival’s board and the programming advisory committee.
Buddle says ReFrame has been adamant about maintaining the “ethos of a community-minded approach” with the programming advisory committee.
“That was important because ReFrame had operated as a collective and so, when we went to a more formalized structure, we wanted to keep the creative piece of the collective,” she says. “ReFrame did incredibly well with small budgets for a long time, but you do really hit some burnout. To have a structure where we have volunteers such as the board, and staff members as well, has allowed us to keep its high standard.”
Some members of the ReFrame Film Festival team at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough during the 2025 festival, including (front) board chair Melanie Buddle, creative director Eryn Lidster, and executive director Kait Dueck and (back) intern Hannah McCammon, communications officer Michael Morritt, financial controller Michael Goede, and technical lead Philip Fox Jones. (Photo courtesy of ReFrame Film Festival)
Ahead of the 2026 festival, Buddle is encouraging loyal festival-goers to bring along those who are new to the festival — including young people.
“My challenge to all those that love ReFrame is bring a young person, bring a nephew, bring a kid, bring a grandkid,” she says. “It will help the festival, and the arts community in general in Peterborough, continue to be vibrant if the next generation coming up is attending.”
Buddle adds that community support for the festival — whether by attending, volunteering, donating, or through partnerships and sponsorships — is increasingly important.
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“To keep festivals like ReFrame going, and to keep the arts community going, constantly requires funding. Government funding has gotten harder (to secure) and we continue to rely on the generosity of our audiences and our community partners,” Buddle says.
“Thank you to the generosity of Peterborough. This doesn’t happen in every town, so I would like to thank Peterborough/Nogojiwanong at large and our audience for continuing to offer such warm support for this festival because you can’t do it without the people.”
Purchase in-person, virtual, and hybrid passes for the 2026 ReFrame Film Festival at reframefilmfestival.ca, where you’ll also find information about volunteering and donating.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of the 2026 ReFrame Film Festival.
Through the Morton Family Foundation, Peterborough residents David and Patricia Morton have made a $60,000 donation to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton to help women and children experiencing gender-based violence in Haliburton County. Since 2020, the Morton Family Foundation has donated $310,000 to the charitable organization. (Photo supplied by YWCA Peterborough Haliburton)
Having donated $50,000 each year to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton over the past five years, well-known Peterborough philanthropists David and Patricia Morton have stepped up once again to support women and children escaping domestic abuse in the Haliburton region — this year by donating $60,000.
The couple have been donors to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton for 13 years, and began their annual $50,000 donation at the height of the pandemic in 2020, when violence against women increased, especially during lockdowns. With this year’s $60,000 gift through the Morton Family Foundation, the couple’s six-year total donation to the YWCA has reached $310,000.
The Mortons say they increased their annual donation by $10,000 this year after seeing a need for even more support, as instances of gender-based violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) are continuing to increase both nationally and locally.
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“Police reports and other recent statistical data show that domestic abuse and IPV have actually increased since 2024,” Patricia says in a media release.
According to Statistics Canada, police services across the country in 2024 reported 349 victims of family violence per 100,000 individuals and 356 victims of IPV per 100,000 individuals aged 12 and older.
As a professor emerita who taught history and women’s studies for 26 years at Trent University, Patricia says she strongly believes that helping women is vital in creating a more safe and equitable society where families can live and thrive — something her husband David also believes.
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“It is becoming almost a tradition for David and I to help support the wonderful work of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton,” Patricia says.
“This year, we are increasing the amount of our annual donation because, sadly, recent studies show that children who experience or witness domestic abuse and violence in their own homes have twice the rate of psychiatric disorders as children in non-violent homes.”
She adds that, so far, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton has been able to accommodate all vulnerable rural women and children who are fleeing from domestic abuse and violence through its services in Haliburton County, which include the YWCA Women’s Centre and Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace (HERS).
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For his part, David says he and Patricia “are very pleased to be able to continue our support of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.”
“The work that YWCA Peterborough Haliburton does to keep women who are at risk safe is obviously critical,” David says. “As a man, I am always shocked and appalled at how many men continue to abuse their partners. I have never been able to understand why this happens so frequently, but it is something that must somehow be addressed more seriously by social and government agencies.”
“And now, to learn that there have been a few human trafficking cases in Haliburton in recent years makes YWCA’s role even more crucial. We are so pleased to be able to continue to support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s efforts as its activities in support of abused women are, unfortunately, more needed than ever.”
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Both Patricia and David say they “deeply hope” their donation encourages other residents who can afford to do so to donate to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton .
“Let us all always remember that ‘There but for good fortune go you and I,'” the couple says.
Warrants have been issued for the arrest of 28-year-old Peter Pople, 44-year-old Michael Waterman, and 29-year-old Kaya Coughlin, all of Peterborough, in connection with the homicide of a 33-year-old man in downtown Peterborough on December 6, 2025. (Police-supplied photos)
Peterborough police are searching for three suspects wanted in a connection with the homicide of a 33-year-old man in downtown Peterborough earlier in December.
At around 6 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, officers were called to an apartment building near Brock and Aylmer streets where they found a severely injured man in an apartment. Despite life-saving efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Through investigation, police have identified three suspects — all Peterborough residents — and obtained warrants for their arrest.
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Two of the suspects, 28-year-old Peter Pople and 44-year-old Michael Waterman, are wanted for second-degree murder. The third suspect, 29-year-old Kaya Coughlin, is wanted for manslaughter.
Police have already arrested a fourth person, 32-year-old Dominick Rivers of Peterborough, in connection with the homicide and charged him with accessory after the fact to murder, failure to comply with probation, and six counts of operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code. The accused man appeared in court on December 10 and was remanded into custody.
Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough police at 705-876-1122 ext 555, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at stopcrimehere.ca.
A temporary overnight warming centre was established at Northumberland County headquarters on Courthouse Road in Cobourg on November 27, 2025 after county council decided to close the low-barrier warming room at the 310 Division Street shelter (pictured) earlier in the year. (Photo: Northumberland County)
Northumberland County’s new warming centre in Cobourg has been open for two weeks now and has welcomed an average of 15 people nightly looking for a place to escape winter’s chill.
With the new space intended to serve as a warm place to rest, Northumberland County and the Town of Cobourg say they are working together to ensure people who drop into the room in the Northumberland County headquarters building at 555 Courthouse Road know the purpose of the centre.
Because the warming room is located in a government building not designed to include sleeping accommodations, provincial and local regulations — such as building code, fire code, and zoning — affect how the room can be used, the county noted in a media release on Friday (December 12).
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“For this reason, the room is not set up for sleeping, but instead for rest, with tables and chairs available,” the county stated. “While visitors are no longer required to remain awake, staff do conduct regular wellness checks that can be disruptive to continuous sleep.”
The county and town are encouraging those seeking “meaningful rest” with designated sleeping facilities to inquire about accessing shelter services at Northumberland County’s homeless shelter, Transition House, which is located at 310 Division Street in Cobourg.
“Our priority in hosting the warming room is to offer a safe space where people can seek respite from the cold, ensuring the health, safety, and dignity of residents facing the harsh realities of homelessness,” said Brian Ostrander, warden of Northumberland County, in the release.
“While the warming room is necessarily set up as a drop-in warming space, we know how essential uninterrupted sleep is for physical and mental well-being. Staff encourage visitors seeking this type of service to check availability at (Transition House).”
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According to the county, 50 people have accessed the warming room since it opened on November 27.
kawarthaNOW reached out to the county for comments about expectations related to occupancy and other details, but a spokesperson was not available prior to deadline.
In the release, Northumberland County and the Town of Cobourg say they will continue to work closely to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors who rely on the space.
“Our approach has always been ensuring that the warming room operates safely, responsibly, and in the best interests of the people who depend on it, as well as the surrounding community,” said Town of Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland.
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Located in committee room A at the Northumberland County headquarters building, the space operates nightly from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily until March 31. In addition to providing a warm indoor location for people experiencing homelessness, the centre provides access to washrooms, seating, and light refreshments.
The reason for the temporary warming room goes back to earlier this year, when county council directed staff to close the low-barrier warming room on the lower level of the 310 Division Street shelter and explore other locations outside of Cobourg to establish a new space.
The decision to close the shelter’s warming room followed seven months of complaints from neighbouring residents and businesses after the shelter, which is owned by Northumberland County and operated by Transition House, opened in December 2024.
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Over the summer, county staff toured and considered eight possible warming room locations, six of which were outside of Cobourg (including three churches and three municipal sites) and two of which were within Cobourg (including two municipal sites owned by Northumberland County).
In early October, council directed staff to explore the potential of a warming room at four of those locations: county headquarters at 555 Courthouse Road, the county building at 600 William Street, the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre at 216 Purdy Road in Colborne, and Fenella Hall at 8071 County Road 45 in Roseneath.
Later in the month, at its October 28 meeting, county council reviewed a staff report describing the operational considerations, outcomes and impacts, and financial implications of each location, with council ultimately deciding on the Courthouse Road location.
You can enjoy a cozy alfresco dining experience in December thanks to the snow domes at Cheeky Duck Vineyard in Lakefield. Warmed by electric heaters, the two plastic domes seat up to 12 to 14 diners each, and are already drawing diners from across and beyond The Kawarthas. The snow domes are available until January 2, when Cheeky Duck closes until the spring. (Photo courtesy of Cheeky Duck Vineyard)
If you’ve ever wanted to dine alfresco in the winter in The Kawarthas, Cheeky Duck Vineyard is making it easy to do so. The Lakefield farm-to-table restaurant has brought back their snow domes, which keep heat trapped inside and snow trapped outside so you can enjoy the wine and bites regardless of the weather.
“It’s a really cool experience that we offer,” says founder and head chef Josh Keepfer. “We have lots of clients that are even booking Airbnbs in the area and coming up from the city just to have a dome experience, which is super fun.”
Providing an experience is exactly what Keepfer and his team have always set out to do. Cheeky Duck’s origins go back to 2018 as the catering company Kitchen Farmacy, which does about 40 off-site weddings each year.
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During the pandemic, Keepfer began planting five acres of grapevine and, in June of 2024, opened the restaurant to serve share plates and pizzas made on wood stoves and live fires. As a biodynamic vineyard, Cheeky Duck prioritizes a regenerative cycle, including runner ducks assisting with pest control in place of pesticides and all food scraps going right back to the animals.
“We just want to have something a bit close to us to be able to serve the beautiful food that we offer, but also a kind of agritourism experience,” says Keepfer. “When people park and they see the farm animals, then come and sit down and have the dining experience, it’s the whole picture. It’s something that we’ve been working so hard in creating so that experience in not just the food and wine, but the land itself.”
Hailing from Wales, Keepfer trained under Michelin chefs across Europe and says that eating outside and dining on share plates is something that’s very common overseas but also something he describes as being the “Canadian cottage way.”
“It’s special when we go out to the lakes here and see family at the cottage,” he says. “You have a dining table and people bring food and share food, and it’s just the romance of it and the experience from it that we really wanted to harness here.”
The snow domes at The Cheeky Duck Vineyard make for an intimate and cozy gathering for dining as well as for special occasions including corporate dinners, bachelorette parties, birthdays, and more. For head chef and founder Josh Keepfer, dining outdoors is reminiscent of the “Canadian cottage way” as people share food over the dinner table. (Photo courtesy of Cheeky Duck Vineyard)
Keepfer says Cheeky Duck Vineyard focuses on “comfort familiarities that people love and can relate to,” which is why they want to make outdoor dining available, even in the winter.
“We wanted to carry on that experience of guests sitting outside and dining and really enjoying the food aspects, the wine aspects, and the views of the vineyard, so we thought about how we can keep that experience in place,” Keepfer says.
The vineyard is now equipped with two large plastic domes — upgraded in size from last year’s — that can seat up to 12 to 14 diners at a time across three tables. Larger groups can also secure an entire dome, which has been done for corporate dinners, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, and other events.
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While they are kept warm with electric garage heaters, the domes aren’t insulated so Keepfer recommends diners wear layers just in case they get chilly.
“I’ve walked in and there’s been people just in their T-shirts and there have been people with just a small jumper on, so it’s really dependent on your comfort level,” Keepfer says. “We pre-heat the domes so when guests arrive, they’re already warm.”
Open “snow or shine,” the domes are already proving to be a popular destination, with lots of reservations already booked right through Christmas and until January 2 when Cheeky Duck closes until the spring. Of course, if a snow dome table isn’t available, you can still dine inside the restaurant.
Founded by Chef Josh Keepfers, Cheeky Duck Vineyard is a biodynamic and zero-waste vineyard. Runner ducks are used for pest control in place of pesticides and all food waste goes back to the animals. Because the land plays such a major role in the farm-to-table restaurant’s operations, dining alfresco has become an important experience offered on site. (Photo courtesy of Cheeky Duck Vineyard)
“People just want to do something different in the Kawarthas right now,” Keepfer says. “It’s been a very welcomed experience.”
Located at 1786 Youngs Point Road in Lakefield, Cheeky Duck Vineyard is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and from 10 to 3 p.m. on Sundays for brunch. Note that the restaurant is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but will reopen on Boxing Day.
Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)
First responders in the City of Kawartha Lakes will be using $50,000 in provincial government funding to take care of their own.
The Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service and the Kawartha Lakes Police Service have each received a $25,000 grant through Ontario’s Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel (MHS4PSP) program to enhance mental health and wellness initiatives for their front-line staff.
The funding targets mental health and wellness initiatives for employees, such as providing first responders with access to specialized training and resources that address the unique pressures and trauma associated with emergency response work.
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The Ontario government announced the MHS4PSP program last November with a $32 million budget to provide specialized services for police officers, firefighters, correctional workers, paramedics, and others who support Ontario’s public safety system.
This November, the province announced grants to 72 fire services, 43 emergency health services, and 24 police services across Ontario.
Services in northern Ontario received $30,000 grants and services in southern Ontario received $25,000 grants.
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With paramedics in Kawartha Lakes responding to nearly 14,000 calls annually, the Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service will use the $25,000 grant to provide advanced training for its peer support team, superintendents, and front-line staff.
“We are very appreciative of the opportunity to improve mental health and resiliency support for our paramedic service,” said Jamie Golden, Kawartha Paramedic Services’ deputy chief, in a statement.
“Over the next four months, we will use this access to training to assist our staff with a focus on mental health promotion, resiliency-building and early intervention measures tailored to the occupational stresses associated with the work our staff perform daily.”
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In 2024, the Kawartha Lakes Police Service responded to just under 17,000 calls. The service will use its $25,000 grant to offer enhanced resiliency training and initiatives that strengthen peer support.
“Our officers have a demanding job, both physically and mentally, which takes a toll on their overall health,” said Kawartha Lakes Police Sergeant Ryan Boutin in a statement. “Shift work, exposure to traumatic events, and the constant need to make critical decisions under pressure can be overwhelming.”
“The training opportunities provided through this funding will help ensure that everyone in our organization has the tools to maintain their mental and physical well-being.”
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In addition to Kawartha Lakes paramedics and police, $25,000 grants under the MHS4PSP program were allocated in the Kawarthas region to the Port Hope police, Peterborough County paramedics, City of Peterborough fire services, Cobourg fire services, and Minden Hills fire services.
The Ontario government selected Warrior Health as the vendor to design and deliver the services and programs for the MHS4PSP program. The consortium brings together over 300 years of combined mental health expertise and more than 1,000 mental health professionals, treatment providers, navigators, and volunteers from industry-leading organizations such as Wounded Warriors Canada, Homewood Health, CAMH, Trillium Health Partners, and Boots on the Ground.
Services and programs for the MHS4PSP program include a website and mobile app offering public safety personnel confidential and anonymous access to services such as internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy, self-screening tools, educational resources, and round-the-clock support. Warrior Health also offers 156 fee-for-service programs including general wellness, peer support, leadership, mindfulness, anti-stigma programs, and pre-employment mental health screening.
A 63-year-old person from Lindsay is dead following a two-vehicle collision on Highway 35 north of Pontypool on Saturday morning (December 13).
At around 11 a.m., Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency crews responded to a collision involving a cargo van and a car on Highway 35 just north of Ballyduff Road.
The driver and lone occupant of the car, a 63-year-old person from Lindsay, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police have not released the gender or name of the victim.
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The driver and lone occupant of the cargo van was taken to Ross Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
Highway 35 was closed between Highway 7A and Telecom Road for seven hours while police documented the scene.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, submit a tip to Kawartha Haliburton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.khcrimestoppers.com.
From locally made gifts to holiday décor to hosting festive gatherings, locally owned independent small businesses on Water Street between Hunter and Simcoe streets in downtown Peterborough have you covered this holiday season, including Needles in the Hay, Watson & Lou, The Neighbourhood Vintage, Sweet Fern Floral Studio, and St Veronus and Bijoux Bar. (kawarthaNOW collage)
There’s a certain section of Water Street in downtown Peterborough, between Hunter and Simcoe streets, that’s long been known for the locally owned independent small businesses that line the street.
Whether you’re doing your Christmas shopping or hosting a holiday get together with family or friends, you can find anything from yarn and fibre arts accessories, handmade items from local and Canadian artists and makers, vintage clothing, fresh cut flowers, Belgian cuisine and beer, classic cocktails, and more.
When you head to downtown Peterborough this holiday season, make sure to stop in at the eclectic businesses along Water Street, including Needles in the Hay, Watson & Lou, The Neighbourhood Vintage, Sweet Fern Floral Studio, and St Veronus and Bijoux Bar. You might be surprised how many things you can cross off your shopping list.
Needles in the Hay
Owned and operated by Deanne Guttman, Needles in the Hay is a haven for the crafters and fibre artists you’re shopping for this year. The store is stocked with premium natural fibre yarns that come in a range of colours and price points, alongside hooks, needles, and other accessories for fibre art crafts. (Photo courtesy of Needles in the Hay
One of the longest-running shops in downtown Peterborough, Needles in the Hay is a haven for the crafters and fibre artists you’re shopping for this year. Founded and owned by Deanna Guttman, the store is stocked with premium natural fibre yarns that come in a range of colours and price points, alongside hooks, needles, and other accessories for fibre art crafts.
This holiday season, shop the curated collection of “Great Gifts for Makers” featuring guidebooks, stitch markers, project wallets, and so much more made by quality small businesses located across Canada. If you know someone whose New Years Resolution is to learn a new activity, gift them the joy of a beginner knitting or crochet class. In the new year, Guttman will be hosting the beginner classes in the workshop space above the store called The Hayloft to support fibre artists and create a supportive community.
Needles in the Hay is open at 385 Water Street in downtown Peterborough from Mondays to Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Browse the holiday collections at needlesinthehay.ca.
Watson & Lou
Owned and operated by Katie Küntz, Watson & Lou is a boutique shop and studio space that supports and celebrates the local arts community. The store stocks a wide variety of handmade products made to be gifted, from bath products and candles to jewellery, glassware, artwork, and more. (Photo courtesy of Watson & Lou)
If you’re hoping to wrap locally made gifts to put under the tree this year, make sure to drop in to Watson & Lou, a boutique shop and studio space owned by Katie Küntz that supports and celebrates the local arts community. The store stocks a wide variety of handmade products made to be gifted, from bath products and candles to jewellery, glassware, artwork, and so much more.
Not sure what to get? Find gift-giving inspiration through the boutique’s curated gift guides being posted on Facebook and Instagram throughout the holiday season.
Watson & Lou is also your one-stop shop to get you all decked out for the holidays, with collections of seasonal decorations and essentials from cards and wrapping paper to candies, scented candles, and ornaments. Shopping the collection will undoubtedly put you in the Christmas spirit.
Located at 383 Water Street, Watson & Lou is open daily throughout December, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday. You can also shop online at www.watsonandlou.com.
The Neighbourhood Vintage
Owned and operated by Jacquelyn Craft, The Neighbourhood Vintage offers a range of vintage clothing for men and women that covers an array of eras and styles, as well as vintage sunglasses and BAGGU bags. This holiday season, you can give the gift of the vintage shopping experience by purchasing gift cards of any value. (Photo: Bryan Reid)
Do you want to ensure you give someone a truly unique gift this year? Head to The Neighbourhood Vintage, where you will find one-of-a-kind vintage clothing.
Vintage gift giving has become more and more popular in recent years, and you never know what you’ll find at this vintage consignment shop founded by Jacquelyn Craft. The store represents a range of eras and styles of high-quality clothing that’s at least 20 years old, making for some unique finds — some of which are coming back into style.
Not sure what to pick out? You can give the experience of vintage shopping by purchasing a gift card to The Neighbourhood Vintage so your loved one can search for their own undiscovered treasures.
The Neighbourhood Vintage is open at 391 Water Street from Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To browse the curated collection, visit theneighbourhoodvintage.com.
Sweet Fern Floral Studio
Owned and operated by Angela McDonald, Sweet Fern Floral Studio is a boutique flower shop that sells pre-arranged and custom bouquets and arrangements of fresh cut premium flowers. With holiday centrepieces, faux greenery, potted plants, and custom wreaths to home décor, sweet treats, and local artwork, the shope has the decorations needed for any holiday celebrations. (Photo courtesy of Sweet Fern Floral Studio)
When you’d like to liven up your home for festive gatherings or gift fresh cut flowers, visit Sweet Fern Floral Studio. Coming from a family of florists, owner and head designer Angela McDonald has crafted a boutique studio that’s blooming with premium flowers pre-arranged in bouquets and arrangements suitable for any occasions.
From designs ordained with ornaments, pine, and dogwoods to gift boxes that pair blooms with Canadian-made goods, you’ll find stunning floral holiday gifts made with care, attention to detail, and a creative eye.
Potted plants, faux greenery, holiday centrepieces, and custom wreaths will help you deck the halls with the holiday spirit ahead of your gatherings, while the home décor, sweet treats, and locally made artwork will bring the cozy vibe to your home all winter long.
Sweet Fern Floral Studio is open at 387 Water Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. To learn more about Sweet Fern Floral Studio or to shop online, visit www.sweetfernfloralstudio.com.
St Veronus Café and Tap Room and Bijoux Bar
St Veronus Café and Tap Room and annex bar Bijoux Bar are owned and operated by wife-and-husband Shannon Mak and Roland Hosier. St Veronus serves Belgium cuisine and rare Belgium ales while Bijoux Bar offers an extensive wine list, Belgian beer, and classic cocktails with a twist. Both St Veronus and Bijoux Bar can accommodate holiday gatherings and celebrations. (Photo courtesy of St Veronus)
When you need a break from your Water Street shopping spree, warm up by stepping into St Veronus Café and Tap Room for lunch or dinner or its annex bar Bijoux Bar for a relaxing beverage or two. Owned by husband-and-wife Roland Hosier and Shannon Mak, both businesses bring a taste of Belgium beer culture to downtown Peterborough.
St Veronus serves up authentic Belgian cuisine and rare ales that each come with a story staff would love to share with you. Bijoux Bar is a cozy space inspired by the warm “brown bars” of Antwerp where you’ll find an extensive wine list, Belgian beer, and classic cocktails with a twist — everything, from the fresh-pressed juice to the bitters and syrups, is made from scratch in house.
As well as treating yourself, St Veronus and Bijoux Bar are also ideal for hosting a sit-down dinner with visiting family or an intimate holiday cocktail party with friends. To book a group or party, email roland@stveronus.com. For larger groups of up to 30 guests, private dining is also available at St Veronus.
Located at the corner of Water Street and Hunter Street West, St Veronus is open 5 to 11 p.m. on Monday and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday (the kitchen closes at 10 p.m.). Bijoux Bar is located at 399 Water Street and is open 5 to 10 p.m. on Wedesday and 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday to Saturday. Visit www.stveronus.com
Shop The Boro is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in downtown Peterborough, created in partnership with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).
With a Boro gift card, supporting locally owned businesses in downtown Peterborough has never been easier. Buy a Boro gift card for your family, friends, or co-workers and let them choose their own adventure. Whether it’s a delicious meal and a night out, a one-of-a-kind find, or a day of relaxation, it’s truly the gift of possibility. You choose the value, they choose the gift.
With a Boro gift card, you are giving more than just a gift — you’re also supporting the people and places that make Peterborough/Nogojiwanong a truly special place to work, live, and play. Shop, dine, and explore the core with Boro gift cards, available online at theboro.ca/product/the-boro-gift-cards/.
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