Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith at the Ennismore Community Centre on July 25, 2025 where he announced an investment of $931,750 from the Ontario government to help the Township of Selwyn replace the arena's aging floor as well as refrigeration piping and the ice rink chiller. He later also announced a $1-million investment for a similar project at the Douro-Dummer Community Centre. (Photo: Office of MPP Smith / Facebook)
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith has announced a total of over $1.9 million in provincial funding to replace the floors and other upgrades at two arenas in Peterborough County.
MPP Smith made the announcement at two separate events on Friday (July 25), first at the Ennismore Community Centre and then at the Douro-Dummer Community Centre.
The funding is part of the Ontario government’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a province-wide initiative intended to help communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy, and promote active and healthy living.
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The province will invest $931,750 for the project at the Ennismore Community Centre, which will see the arena’s 54-year-old 80-by-180 foot concrete floor replaced as well as refrigeration piping and the ice rink chiller.
“It’s more than just replacing a 54-year-old ice surface — it’s about securing the future of a vital community hub,” MPP Smith said in a media release. “This funding ensures that local sports teams, recreational skaters, and community groups will continue to have a modern, safe, and accessible facility for decades to come.”
Selwyn Township mayor Sherry Senis thanked the Ontario government for recognizing the importance of the project, saying the Ennismore Community Centre is “more than just an arena.”
“It’s a gathering place for residents of all ages,” she said. “This funding will help preserve and modernize an essential facility that supports health, wellness, and community connection.”
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For the Douro-Dummer Community Centre, the province will invest $1 million to replace the arena’s aging ice surface with one that is more energy-efficient, as well as to install in-floor heating to enable year-round use of the arena, reducing operational costs and environmental impacts.
“This critical upgrade will significantly reduce operational costs and create a vibrant, accessible space that will serve as the heart of our community for generations to come,” MPP Smith said.
Douro-Dummer Township mayor Heather Watson also thanked the Ontario government, adding the province’s investment in the arena is the “largest commitment to its future since the day it was built” 45 years ago.
“This funding will allow us to preserve and enhance a place that brings our community together,” she said.
According to the province, CSRIF is an application-based program providing a $200 million investment over two years for municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations that are repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces or building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.
Every Friday during swimming season, we post The Beach Report™ — our weekly report of the results of water quality testing at beaches in the greater Kawarthas region — and update it throughout the week as conditions change.
As of Thursday, July 31 at 12 p.m., the following beaches are unsafe for swimming:
Jones Beach in Bridgenorth
Lakefield Park in Lakefield
Rotary Head Lake Beach in Dysart et al (Haliburton County)
Caldwell Street Beach in Port Hope
In addition, as of July 3, Peterborough Public Health has received multiple reports of residents experiencing swimmer’s itch, a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to infection with certain parasites of birds and mammals, after swimming at White’s Beach in Trent Lakes. For more information and precautions, visit the Swimmer’s Itch page on the health unit’s website.
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Below are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in the City and County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
As of 2025, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health provides weekly testing results for only six designated public beaches in Hastings County and Prince Edward County. It no longer regularly samples another 13 beaches due to historically low occurrence of high bacteria levels.
During the summer, local health units sample water at area beaches and test for bacteria such as E. coli to determine if the water quality at a beach is safe for public use. Popular beaches, like the beach at Roger’s Cove in Peterborough’s East City, are tested every business day while most other beaches are tested weekly. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
Cobourg real estate agent Tony Pulla, a longtime signature sponsor of Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation's "Wine & Ale in the Park" fundraiser in Cobourg and supporter of the foundation for more than 20 years, was presented with a white "Doctor of Philanthropy" jacket during the event on June 26, 2025 at Cobourg's Victoria Park, which raised a record $42,000 for the foundation. (Photo: Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation / Facebook)
Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation is toasting the record-breaking success of a recent wine and ale fundraising event for the hospital that serves the west end of Northumberland County.
The foundation is sharing the results of Wine & Ale in the Park, held in late June in Cobourg’s Victoria Park, which raised $42,000 — the highest total in the event’s history.
“The success of this event is a true reflection of the generosity and spirit of our community,” said NHH Foundation events specialist Courtney Ker in a media release. “We’re deeply grateful for the incredible partnerships that make this possible, from our sponsors and vendors to every person who showed up to support.
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Held on June 26, the fundraiser saw guests gather to sample food and drinks from 11 local vendors, both returning supporters and new additions to the event.
This year, the NHH Foundation recognized Cobourg real estate agent Tony Pulla with a “Doctor of Philanthropy” award in celebration of his commitment as the signature sponsor for a decade and his “unwavering support for more than 20 years,” according to NHH Foundation CEO Rhonda Cunningham.
“We’re so proud to be part of a community that continually shows up for our hospital,” Cunningham said.
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Funds raised through Wine & Ale in the Park will help NHH continue to care for the growing Northumberland community by funding medical equipment and technology.
Cunningham told kawarthaNOW the NHH Foundation’s goal is to raise almost $6 million this year.
“Proceeds raised from Wine & Ale will be directed in support of this larger objective,” she said.
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The NHH Foundation is also expressing its appreciation for the Lions Club of Cobourg, which provided at no charge the use of their tent for the event.
“Beyond offering their tent, the Lions went above and beyond, volunteering their time throughout the evening to help with set-up, clean-up, and even serving as our beverage team,” Ker said.
“We’re incredibly grateful for their continued support and community spirit.”
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In addition to Pulla, Sydney Fairman and Trenholm Parker of the Sydney Fairman Group returned as the exclusive beverage sponsor for the evening.
Elliott Insurance Services, Quantrill Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac, Nikolovsky Wealth Management – BMO Private Wealth, Assante Wealth Management, LeBlanc Enterprises, Stadtke Plumbing and Heating, Milner Financial supported the event’s success as station sponsors and Defined Design joined as the mocktail sponsor.
For upcoming events and additional ways to support NHH, visit the foundation’s website at nhhfoundation.ca.
Veteran Toronto-based indie rock band By Divine Right, led by guitarist and vocalist José Miguel Contreras and whose former members include Broken Social Scene's Brendan Canning and Feist, is performing at The John at Sadleir House in Peterborough on Friday night with openers Valleyspeak and Jenina MacGillivray. (Photo: Bob Cliofi)
Every Thursday, kawarthaNOW publishes live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that musicians provide directly or that venues post on their websites or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, July 24 to Wednesday, July 30.
If you’re a musician or venue owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.
With the exception of karaoke, we only list events with performing musicians. Venues may also host other events during the week (e.g., dancing, DJs, comedy shows).
A thunderstorm over Bobcaygeon in Kawartha Lakes in May 2022. (Photo: Jay Callaghan / CalTek Design)
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for most of the Kawarthas region for Thursday evening (July 24).
The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings Highlands.
Conditions are favourable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 110 km/h, torrential rainfall with amounts possibly in excess of 50 mm, and nickel-sized hail.
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Significant damage to property, buildings, and trees is possible, along with power outages.
Be prepared for severe weather. If threatening weather approaches, take cover in a basement or interior room. If outside, protect yourself from flying debris and hail.
Heavy rain can cause flash flooding and significant reductions to visibility. Strong wind gusts can damage trees, buildings and overturn vehicles.
This story has been updated with the latest forecast from Environment Canada.
Five people were injured after two passenger vehicles and a motorcycle collided on Highway 28 just east of Bancroft on July 23, 2025. (Photo: Bancroft OPP)
Five people were injured, at least one seriously, following a multi-vehicle collision on Highway 28 just east of Bancroft on Wednesday afternoon (July 23).
At around 3:30 p.m., Bancroft Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and emergency services responded to a collision involving two passenger vehicles and a motorcycle.
Five people were transported to hospital, with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. Highway 28 was closed for several hours between Bronson and Detlor Roads while police documented the scene.
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Police believe the collision may have been caused by a muffler that fell off a vehicle onto the highway.
“The OPP wants to remind everyone to ensure proper maintenance is maintained on your vehicle and make sure items being transported are securely fastened to the vehicle,” reads a police media release.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage of the incident and who has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact the Bancroft OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or make an anonymous report by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Peterborough indie rock bands The Spades and The Weber Brothers will combine their talents to perform a free-admission concert at Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park on July 26, 2025. Pictured performing at a private event are, from left to right, Josh "Chachi" Robichaud, Tommy Street, and James McKenty of The Spades and Sam and Ryan Weber of The Weber Brothers. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of In Record Time video)
Back in 2004, as Peterborough band The Spades gained serious traction with the self-release of their debut album, Baltimore musician brothers Ryan and Sam Weber were hard at work in their new home of Peterborough, their roots-rock sound winning over a staunchly loyal fan base.
All these years later, the two bands, buoyed by what they call a “longstanding friendship,” have seen fit to do something they haven’t done since: amalgamate as one band for select shows.
“We played a few shows for a few months where it was myself, Tommy (Street) on drums, and Ryan and Sam doing Spades material and some of their material as well,” recalls James McKenty of The Spades of an earlier union.
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Peterborough Musicfest presents The Spades & The Weber Brothers
When: Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: Free admission
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent). VIP seating available for sponsors. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighbourhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
“But it became apparent that these were separate entities. Each had their own thing going. Fast forward to more recently. We did a private party around Christmas (last year) and sort of became the house band for a bunch of singers to get up. That was the impetus for continuing to do a few shows together.”
On Saturday (July 26) at Del Crary Park, that reborn collaboration will be front-and-centre as The Spades and The Weber Brothers headline Peterborough Musicfest. Admission to the 8 p.m. concert, as always, is free, thanks to the ongoing support of sponsors, kawarthaNOW among them.
The Spades — McKenty on guitar, Street on drums, and Josh “Chachi” Robichaud on bass — last performed with The Weber Brothers in late March at Showplace, closing out Peterborough Performs V, a fundraiser for Peterborough United Way-supported agencies providing shelter and homelessness relief.
VIDEO: “Maybe I’m Amazed” (Paul McCartney) – The Spades & The Weber Brothers
Their one-hour set at Showplace was memorable for all the right reasons, but came about quite by happenstance. Originally scheduled to perform that night as separate acts, that changed when McKenty sold the idea of the acts reprising their private party show act of a few months earlier.
“That is the thing this (the Musicfest show) came out of,” says Ryan Weber of the Showplace concert.
While The Spades and The Weber Brothers are coming together for just the third time for Musicfest, there’s no arguing that either act on its own would draw equally well.
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After releasing their debut Burning On Fumes in 2004, The Spades released two more albums — Let It Grow (2007) and Subatomic (2010) — along with the EPs The Spades (2009) and Live From The Narrows (2012).
Known and revered for their high-energy stage performance, The Spades sold out shows here in Peterborough and across Canada for some 10 years. Their Friday night performances at the former Montreal House were legendary among local music fans. They decided to disband in 2013 after Street began suffering from health issues, and played their farewell show at The Hootenanny on Hunter Street on August 10, 2013.
The band reunited in 2017 to record three songs for a video performance co-produced by Michael Hurcomb. Seven years later, full evidence of The Spades’ enduring popularity was provided when the trio took to the main stage of the Peterborough Folk Festival last August.
VIDEO: The Spades at Peterborough Folk Festival (2024)
Just two months before their Peterborough Folk Festival appearance, an impromptu performance at a benefit for musician Dan Fewings at The Pig’s Ear proved to the surprised and enthusiastic crowd that the band hadn’t missed a beat.
“That show was originally just going to be myself and an acoustic guitar,” recounts McKenty. “It was fairly last minute, unrehearsed. We thought ‘Well, let’s just see what we come up with.’ There was part of me that felt a little out of place coming in there with that kind of volume at three o’clock in the afternoon. Afterwards, I didn’t know whether to apologize for what we just did.”
While now devoting the bulk of his time to producing other acts at his Peterborough-area recording studio — where he has worked on albums by the likes of Blue Rodeo, Matt Barber, Dylan Ireland, Melissa Payne, and Cuff The Duke — McKenty remains a musician at heart who loves to play. This collaboration with The Weber Brothers allows him to do just that.
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For their part, The Weber Brothers have recorded and released a remarkable 17 albums since showing up at the door of the Stoney Lake home of the late Ronnie Hawkins. They asked the rock-a-billy legend to teach them everything he knew, and he did just that.
Later, impressed by the brothers’ talent, showmanship and drive to succeed, Hawkins declared “If I had The Weber Brothers with me in 1952, Elvis would have been my roadie.”
With album number 18 due for release later this year, Ryan and Sam are in the midst of a busy summer of performing at festivals, both locally and abroad. That’s pretty much the same as each summer prior, with the addition this year of their joint performance with The Spades at Musicfest.
VIDEO: “Shelter from the Storm” – The Weber Brothers (2010)
“You could just jump up there (on stage) but we want to present the best thing we can,” says Ryan, adding “One of Ronnie’s big lessons was practice all the time. That has really been instilled in us, so that’s what we’re doing for this one.”
“The last time we did Musicfest was the tribute (in 2023) to Ronnie. That, of course, was a very special one. This one, playing with The Spades, is going to be very special and exciting, and fun too.”
According to McKenty, Saturday’s concert will see the quintet perform “a pretty even split of Weber Brothers material and Spades material, with a few covers thrown in.”
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“It’s fun to perform in this fashion, with Ryan and Sam, because you get to share the load of getting ready for a show when you haven’t been playing that often,” says McKenty.
“Just to share vocal duties between everybody — I really enjoy that, just like I’ve enjoyed playing with Melissa (Payne). The Spades was a three-piece band. There was a lot of work to generate that sound (out) of three people. Now, all of a sudden, we’ve got five and everybody’s singing. We love that time period of music when there were multiple vocalists and harmonies in bands, that type of thing. It’s really fun.”
“What makes it even more exciting is realizing we’re going to see some familiar faces,” McKenty adds about the Musicfest performance.
Ryan is equally excited about Saturday night’s show in Del Crary Park.
“I’ve said many times that Peterborough is the land of dreams. It’s always good to play the land of dreams.”
VIDEO: “In The Tangled Web” – The Weber Brothers (2023)
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission concerts during its 38th season, each staged on Wednesday and Saturday nights until Saturday, August 16th.
Overseen by executive director Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission remains “to provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert or the 2025 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a headline sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest’s 2025 season.
The majority of Peterborough homes are more than 30 years old, with many being much older. Older homes typically use more energy to run, resulting in higher bills and greenhouse gas emissions. Upgrades like insulation and air sealing can significantly reduce energy use while improving comfort. The City of Peterborough has recently launched the Better Homes Peterborough program to assist residents dealing with these common surprises of homeownership, both through financing and trusted advice. (Photo: Clara Blakelock / GreenUP)
Homeowners know — or quickly find out — that buildings are full of surprises.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by staff at GreenUP.
Most of Peterborough’s housing stock is more than 30 years old and, in general, the older the home, the more surprising it gets. Dealing with these surprises often requires significant investment on the part of the homeowner.
It may be finding out during a heat wave that a formerly reliable air conditioner is no longer up to the job, discovering that some or all of the walls or ceiling have no insulation or are insulated with unsafe materials, learning that pests are entering the home through unexpected pathways, or dealing with sky-high utility bills in the winter.
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The City of Peterborough has recently launched a program to assist residents dealing with these common surprises of homeownership, both through financing and trusted advice.
Better Homes Peterborough offers low-interest loans to Peterborough homeowners (including landlords) for improvements that result in significant energy savings in the home.
Beyond the loans available, the program also offers customized, local support to help Peterborough residents navigate the complicated prospect of upgrading their homes.
Heather Ray, the new local program coordinator for Better Homes Peterborough with EnviroCentre, speaks with a community member during the Canada Day festivities at Millennium Park. Better Homes Peterborough will be attending community events throughout the year to raise awareness about the program and its offerings among residents. (Photo: Clara Blakelock / GreenUP)
Better Homes Peterborough’s newest staff member is Heather Ray. Ray has years of experience working with Peterborough community members to make positive impacts.
As a former director of programs at GreenUP, Ray successfully worked with neighbourhoods, schools, and residents to promote collaborative hands-on climate action. She is now program coordinator for Envirocentre, which has been engaged by the city to run the Better Homes initiative.
“I am excited to see this program available to City of Peterborough homeowners and landlords,” Ray says. “With similar programs successfully transforming homes in other communities, we have an opportunity really make an impact to minimize climate change and costs.”
“As program coordinator, my role is that of support and guidance. I am here to help homeowners understand the ins and outs of the program, help them determine if the program is a good fit, help with the application, answer questions along the way, and ensure a positive and smooth experience.”
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GreenUP home energy program manager and registered energy advisor Clara Blakelock is also engaged with Better Homes Peterborough as an energy coach.
“The energy coach is there to be a resource for Peterborough homeowners on energy efficiency,” explains Blakelock.
As part of the program process, participants are offered the opportunity to book a free appointment with the energy coach to speak over the phone, online, or in person.
Better Homes Peterborough energy coach Clara Blakelock checks a heat pump nameplate at a client’s home. She is available for consultations over the phone, in person, or at residences located in the City of Peterborough. (Photo: Yvonne Hollandy / GreenUP)
“I may spend a coaching session sorting through the available financing and rebate programs with a homeowner to find the best fit,” Blakelock says.
“I may help a homeowner understand their energy audit reports. I can review heat pump quotes to help a homeowner understand them. Or I may provide advice on best practices for insulation based on building science principles. It’s really about trying to meet the homeowner’s needs as much as I can.”
Better Homes Peterborough is also testing out a new energy coaching service, in which an energy coach will visit with the homeowner at their property and conduct the session there.
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“This is unique to Peterborough’s program,” says Blakelock. “While it doesn’t take the place of a full energy audit, an in-home session can make it easier for me to provide advice about next steps because I’m actually seeing the issues first-hand.”
Peterborough residents can feel free to reach out, even if they’re not sure if they’ll take advantage of the financing available through the program.
“The goal of Better Homes Peterborough is to help homeowners reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on energy bills,” explains Ray. “It’s a key piece of the recently passed Climate Change Action Plan. Staff are available to support homeowners in achieving these goals by working together. Homeowners and landlords don’t need to do this work alone.”
Learn about the resources offered by Better Homes Peterborough by visiting betterhomesptbo.ca, where you can also register for a free online information session being offered at noon on Thursday (July 24).
The Lufthansa InTouch customer service centre is located at 1900 Fisher Drive in Peterborough. (Photo: Google Maps)
Peterborough is going to lose another long-time major employer.
kawarthaNOW has learned that Lufthansa InTouch will be closing its customer service centre in Peterborough by spring of next year, affecting around 400 employees.
Located at 1900 Fisher Drive, the customer service centre is operated by the Lufthansa Group in Germany, which owns and operates Lufthansa Airlines and several other airlines in Europe, as well as other aviation-related companies.
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The Peterborough location employs customer service agents, quality assurance specialists, and team managers who provide 24/7 multilingual customer support for flight bookings, reservations, rebooking assistance, and loyalty program services.
After initially reaching out to Orlando Casas, human resources coordinator at Lufthansa InTouch in Peterborough, kawarthaNOW later received a statement from Tal Muscal, Lufthansa Group’s director of group communications for The Americas, confirming the closure.
“Lufthansa InTouch (LIT) has made the difficult decision to gradually close its location in Peterborough, Ontario (Canada) by 31 May 2026 as part of ongoing business transformation efforts,” the statement reads.
“The customer service industry operates in a volatile, highly competitive environment, and the decline in customer service volume at Lufthansa InTouch requires decisive action. Increasing automation, advanced self-service technologies, and improved operational performance at Lufthansa Group airlines are the reasons for ensuring long-term profitability and sustainably adapting operations within LIT’s global network.”
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Traditional centralized call centres are in decline worldwide, particularly for phone-based customer service roles that are being supplanted by increased automation, including AI-powered chatbots and digital self-service options, and by decentralized human labour that can work virtually.
Muscal’s statement notes that Lufthansa InTouch will be providing support to the employees at the Peterborough location.
“LIT greatly appreciates the commitment and professionalism of the team in Peterborough, whose service has contributed significantly to customer satisfaction among Lufthansa Group airlines and is committed to supporting the affected employees during this transition phase, including through fair severance payments, an employee assistance program, and professional support in finding new jobs.”
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Through its eight customer service centres around the world, Lufthansa InTouch employs 3,000 people from more than 38 nationalities, speaking 30 languages and servicing 118 markets.
The Peterborough location is the only Lufthansa InTouch customer service centre in North America, with other centres located in Germany, Czech Republic, Serbia, South Africa, Namibia, Philippines, and Turkey.
Lufthansa InTouch opened its customer service centre in Peterborough in 2003.
The news of Lufthansa InTouch’s closure of its Peterborough location comes less than a month after Siemens Canada announced it is moving its Peterborough manufacturing operations to Concord, affecting around 160 jobs, over the next two years.
Hayley Hodges is the Client and Family Experience Lead at Five Counties Children's Centre, where she received treatment as a child growing up with cerebral palsy and related challenges. She often felt stigmatized about her disability, believing she had to prove her worth and value while showing she was capable and competent. (Photo: Five Counties Children's Centre)
July is often associated with rest and relaxation as summer vacation arrives, but it’s notable for another reason.
Every month, Five Counties Children’s Centre provides a story about the work of the charitable organization. This month’s story is by Hayley Hodges, Client and Family Experience Lead, Five Counties Children’s Centre.
July is Disability Pride Month, which celebrates persons who experience disability, their identities and culture, and their positive contributions to society. It’s different than Pride Month festivities in June, which celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ community. While they fall one after the other, Disability Pride Month is separate and unique in its own right.
The event seeks to change the way people see and perceive disability, promoting all types of disability as a natural part of human diversity. First celebrated in the U.S. in 1990, Disability Pride Month is now marked worldwide — including in Canada where an estimated 27 per cent of people ages 15 years and older (or eight million Canadians) live with a disability.
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As one of the millions living with a disability, Disability Pride Month has tremendous value for me to inform and change perceptions about disability.
Growing up with cerebral palsy and related challenges, I was fortunate to come to Five Counties Children’s Centre for treatment as a child. I received physiotherapy and occupational therapy, while also benefiting from recreational therapy and social work support.
Five Counties inspired and supported me to become the person I am today — and I’m blessed to now be able to bring this perspective in my work at the centre.
First celebrated in the U.S. in 1990, Disability Pride Month is now marked worldwide every July, including in Canada. The month-long celebration highlights the positive contributions of people with disabilities and aims to change perceptions about disability, promoting it as a natural part of human diversity. (Graphic: Five Counties Children’s Centre)
It wasn’t always like that. Growing up in the community, I often felt stigmatized about my disability, believing I had to prove my worth and value, while showing I was capable and competent.
Subtle forms of this still exist today, especially with “ableism” — the assumption that persons with disabilities require “fixing” and that their disability defines them.
We may fall into this trap on occasion, telling someone they “don’t look disabled” as a compliment, or finding ourselves talking louder to someone with a visual impairment (hello … it’s their eyes, not ears, that are affected).
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Local author and accessibility advocate Adele Purdham shares a story of having to address ableism when it came to her daughter, Elyse, who has Down Syndrome.
In this case, it was correcting a teacher’s belief that Elyse was only capable of learning basics like the alphabet and counting in school, even thought she had almost mastered these skills at home.
There are many silly assumptions that persist about persons with disabilities, and Disability Pride Month in July is an opportunity to shatter them.
VIDEO: “What does disability pride mean for you”
We can start by challenging ableism — our own and that of others. Evaluate whether you are consciously or subconsciously ableist, and mindfully combat or correct this perception.
Becoming informed about disability history, rights and the lived experience of persons with disabilities can help. After all, knowledge is power and allows us to be more empathetic and understanding.
It also allows us to speak out against ableism and advocate for accessible spaces, events and resources for people of all abilities.
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Putting people first — literally — in our words and language is also beneficial. Saying “person with disability” rather than “disabled person” may seem inconsequential, but in fact allows us to acknowledge the person, not the disability, first and foremost.
Each one of us, with or without disabilities, deserves to feel a sense of pride. For persons with disabilities, July is the month to do that.
But it’s also the time to seek allies to work alongside us so we can achieve true respect, equity, and inclusion — an objective that matters every day 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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