If there’s still something to be said for power in numbers, consider it said — with an exclamation mark.

A rally organized by the Frances Stewart, Ashdale, and Armour Road Residents For Harmonized Communities (FAAR Residents) saw close to 200 people, many brandishing placards, come together Thursday night (July 16) in the parking lot of Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TASS) in Peterborough, before walking to the site of a planned seven-storey apartment building at Armour Road and Cunningham Boulevard.

On July 6, Peterborough city councillors, sitting as general committee, voted 7-4 in favour of changing the vacant site’s land-use designation from commercial to high-density residential, clearing the way for the Parkview Homes development to proceed. The proposed rezoning will go to council on July 27 for a final vote.

“We’re not anti-development, we’re against crazy development that’s going to have to be fixed after the fact,” stressed rally participant Greg O’Heron, who was also one of six residents who had spoken against the zoning change before council via a speaker phone call.

One of O’Heron’s concerns with the zoning change is that it removes an option for the commercially underserviced neighbourhood. A sign on the property still promotes a commercial neighbourhood plaza with a bank, grocery store, drug store, restaurant, and more — even though the developer now intends to pursue high-density residential development.

“The biggest nut to overcome is that this is the only commercial plot from Parkhill to Pioneer Road. From my house, you’re 1.7 miles to a store. So now, rather than active transportation the city is promoting — foot, skateboard, bike or anything else — you’re in your car. If you live in this (Armour Road) corridor, every time you need something, you’re in your car.”

And then there’s the increased traffic concern.

According to a media release issued by FAAR Residents, more than 600 additional vehicles will find their way onto the already busy Armour Road — not only because of the apartment building planned for Cunningham Boulevard, but also another residential development proposed for a vacant lot just north of TASS.

While the latter development is not as far along in the process, it calls for the construction of two six-storey apartment buildings comprised of 122 units as well as 126 townhomes.

“There’s good development and there’s bad development,” said Ashburnham Ward councillor Keith Riel who, along with fellow ward representative Gary Baldwin and councillors Kim Zippel and Kemi Akapo, voted against the zoning change. Mayor Diane Therrien and councillors Stephen Wright, Andrew Beamer, Dean Pappas, Don Vassiliadis, Henry Clarke, and Lesley Parnell voted in favour of it.

“We all know there’s a need for housing, but this city needs geared-to-income housing,” Riel said. “These are all high-end apartments. But the biggest concern is Armour Road. We’ve asked for a traffic study. You’ve got the biggest high school here (TASS) and Trent University up the road. We’ve already had a traffic cop here two hours every morning. Traffic is going to get worse.”

According to O’Heron, aside from the two proposed developments themselves, another point of contention for the group is council’s consideration of the rezoning recommendation during a time when council meetings are being held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“The whole process has been really tainted,” says O’Heron, adding “The billboard there (on the development site) still says it’s going to be a plaza, so everyone assumes it’s going to be a plaza.”

“My first question as we head into stage three (of the COVID-19 recovery plan) is if the (council) meeting on July 27th is going to be in person or is it going to be on the phone? Why not put it off until delegates can be there in person?”

According to the FAAR Residents’ media release, “Many in our community … may not have the technological savvy to navigate online meetings. This is unfair to those who are most affected by the rezoning. We feel that things have been pushed through without fair and equal process.”

Organizers of the rally, such as O’Heron, are hopeful their coming together as a community will make a difference.

“If we can defer it (the final vote), councillors can get more information about the issues we are raising,” says O’Heron, whose family ties to the area date back to the 1870s.

Councillor Riel adds the squeaky wheel still gets its share of oil, noting he’s hopeful the rally will prompt his council colleagues to visit the neighbourhood, view the proposed development sites, and come away with a clear understanding of what those in the community are concerned over.

As for those who would view the residents’ concerns as just another case of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard), O’Heron has a message.

“Take our flyer, look at the Auburn North Secondary Plan, Schedule N, and realize that everything north of the property we’re talking about is zoned medium or high density,” O’Heron explains.

“You’ve got all the opportunities in the world (for residential development). Don’t take that only commercial development away from us. Don’t put high density on a low-density island.”

For more information, visit the FAAR Residents website at faarresidents.com.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit has updated its instructions on the requirement for non-medical masks in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County.

The health unit released the revised directive on Thursday (July 16) under the authority of Ontario Regulation 364/20 of the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

The revised instructions now apply to any place of business or facility that is indoors and is open to the public under Stage 3 of the province’s reopening, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday (July 17).

The revised instructions come into effect at the same time as Stage 3.

Public spaces where indoor mask use is required under the health unit’s revised instructions include retail stores, churches and places of worship, public libraries, real estate open houses, personal care services (relating to the hair or body), restaurants and food courts, fitting rooms, driving instruction services, sports and recreation facilities, movie theatres, performing arts centres, casinos and bingo halls, and museums and cultural centres.

The revised directive also clarifies when masks do not have to be worn indoors in public spaces, such as when a person is “in place” and no longer “roaming” inside the space:

• In restaurants, patrons will not have to wear masks when sitting at their table, but would have to wear them when entering and exiting the restaurant and when walking around the restaurant (for example, goint to the washroom).
• In gyms and fitness clubs, masks will have to be worn in change rooms, washroom and waiting areas, but not when people take part in an activity or sport.
• At indoor weddings, funeral services, or religious services, rites, or ceremonies, attendees will have to wear masks until seated with a secured distance of two metres (six feet) from others.
• At movie theatres, performing arts venues, and casinos and other gaming facilities, patrons will have to remain masked until they are seated with a secured distance of two metres (six feet) from others.

People who remain exempt from wearing masks indoors include children under two, children under five (either developmentally or in actual years) who refuse to wear masks, people who cannot remove a mask without help, and people with medical conditions such as respiratory disease or cognitive difficulties.

Further details are provided in the fact sheet below on the updated instructions.

“As more indoor public spaces open under Stage 3, it’s important we provide clarity and clear direction on the use of non-medical masks and face coverings for everyone in our community,” says Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, medical officer of health for the HKPR District Health Unit.

“We want to continue to work with businesses and facilities to ensure compliance with mask use, while also helping them understand why some people may not be able to wear masks due to age or medical reasons.”

Increasing scientific evidence supports wearing a mask when in enclosed public spaces as way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Together with physical distancing, hand and cough hygiene, and staying home if sick, the use of a non-medical mask or face covering in indoor public places are all important measures to protect everyone from COVID-19,” Dr. Noseworthy adds.

Dr. Noseworthy is asking businesses and facilities to use their “best effort” to ensure patrons and members of the public wear a mask by pointing out the health unit instructions.

She says no one should be denied service if they cannot wear a mask, and encourages everyone to be understanding of those people who have a legitimate reason not to wear a mask.

“Let’s continue to be kind to each other and support everyone in the community as we work together to stop the spread of COVID-19,” she adds.

PDF: Required Use of Non-Medical Masks and Face Coverings within Indoor Public Places
Required Use of Non-Medical Masks and Face Coverings within Indoor Public Places

A 59-year-old man is dead following a single-vehicle crash on Highway 118, west of Big East Lake in Minden, on Wednesday morning (July 15).

At around 10:30 a.m., Haliburton Highlands OPP responded to a call of a westbound vehicle that had travelled over the guardrail and rolled over.

The driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police have not yet publicly identified the deceased man, but released a photo of the vehicle on social media and have expressed condolences to the man’s family and friends.

The Haliburton Highlands OPP, with assistance from Bracebridge OPP, are investigating the accident. All lanes on Highway 118 are blocked and expected to remain closed until Wednesday evening.

Witnesses are asked to call Haliburton Highlands OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that happened in Haliburton County on Wednesday (July 15), following a mask-related incident at a Minden grocery store earlier in the day.

The shooting resulted in the death of a 73-year-old man.

According to the OPP, the shooting occurred in the area of Indian Point Road in the Eagle Lake area, off Harburn Road in the municipality of Dysart at al, east of the village of Haliburton.

At around 8 a.m., the OPP received a call about a disturbance at Easton’s Valu-Mart grocery store on Highway 35 in Minden, around 40 kilometres away from the site of the shooting.

Witnesses say a man assaulted a store employee who asked the man to put on a face mask, as is required by the local health unit. He reportedly then crashed his vehicle into the store before driving away.

Follow-up investigation led police to an address on Indian Point Road in the Eagle Lake area. During the investigation, shots were fired which caused the responding police to request additional officers.

Further confrontation between police and the man resulted in him being injured. He was transported to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injury.

Police closed Harburn Road at around 11 a.m. where witnesses report seeing an ambulance arrive.

As of 2 p.m., the OPP said there was no longer concern for public safety but are requesting residents stay away from the the area of Indian Point Road.

Police are currently investigating a serious criminal matter near the Village of #Haliburton. Currently there is no concerns for public safety. Please remain away from Indian Point Road near Eagle Lake until police complete this investigation. ^jf pic.twitter.com/ecncyluG1W

— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) July 15, 2020

As the SIU is now investigating, the OPP will be providing no further information on the incident.

This story has been updated with further information from the OPP.

With stage three of the province’s COVID-19 recovery plan dawning this Friday (July 17) in the Peterborough region, public health officials and municipal leaders are bracing for a whole new set of challenges that will inevitably result.

Under stage three, dine-in restaurants, bars, performing arts venues, movie theatres and gyms are among amenities allowed to reopen with well-entrenched safety protocols still required. In addition, the limit on social gatherings will increase to 50 for indoor events and 100 for events held outdoors.

During her weekly media briefing held Wednesday (July 15), Peterborough medical officer of health Dr. Rosanna Salvaterra confirmed a mandatory face covering requirement, similar to what has been put in place in neighbouring health unit districts, “is under active consideration” for the Peterborough region, adding, “We are hoping to have something to share publicly by early next week at the latest.”

“Wearing a face covering is recommended for indoor dining,” said Dr. Salvaterra. “The only time you don’t have to wear a face covering is while you are eating or drinking. When you get up to use the washroom or move about, there is an expectation that a face covering be worn.”

Dr. Salvaterra added that those dining out should stay in their social circle and not mix with others. Speaking again to the face covering requirement, she added increasing numbers of people are wearing masks despite her not making them mandatory.

“I was at Lansdowne Place on the weekend and the percentage of people wearing face coverings was close to 90 per cent. That’s a big increase from even a few weeks ago. We’re seeing more compliance than less and that gives me a great deal of reassurance.”

Referencing an information session she held last week involving local municipal leaders. Dr. Salvaterra said she heard “strong support for the requirement of face coverings in commercial establishments and on public transit.”

She said she also heard concerns about overburdening the business sector, and prefers taking an educational approach by providing businesses with the tools and resources they require, and making sure that the language does not mean that someone will be refused entry but “rather that a best effort will be made to ensure that everyone entering is wearing a face covering.”

Meanwhile, in response to a concern raised by a kawarthaNOW reader regarding public health staff not seen to be wearing masks during that person’s visit to the King Street building on Tuesday (July 14), Dr. Salvaterra said that while all of her staff have been provided masks but, “as long as they can maintain the two-metre distance (from others) they’re not required to use them.”

She added that, where plexiglass dividers separate staff from visitors, a face covering is not required.

“That said, we’re noticing an increase in the number of people coming into the building. As the (building) traffic increases, it’s going to be required that staff always wear a mask when travelling within the building.”

Also allowed under stage three guidelines are team sports and a partial re-opening of Shorelines Casino.

Speaking to the former, Mayor Diane Therrien said City of Peterborough staff have been, and will be, in touch with applying user groups regarding the granting of permits. As for the casino, she has heard nothing on its opening and there is nothing as of yet on Shorelines website to indicate what the plan is.

Dr. Salvaterra, while encouraged that the Peterborough region has come out of stage two with no new cases and that the two-week incubation period since Canada Day has now been passed with no new cases, said preparation for a second wave of the virus continues per direction from the province.

“Right from the start, we recognized that we’re in this for the long haul,” she said, noting events occurring south of the border and worldwide teach invaluable lessons. “We’re seeing resurgences in India, Brazil, and other jurisdictions. That serves as a reminder that we are in a pandemic.”

“This is not over. If we let down our guard, we can expect to see more cases. It makes a compelling case for all us to continue to do our part.”

As stage three arrives locally, the latest COVID-19 related numbers provide reason for optimism.

As of 4 p.m. Monday (July 14), the total number of positive cases in Peterborough city and county and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations remained at 95, with no new cases reported over the past 24 days.

Of the positive cases, 93 have been resolved with two COVID-19 related deaths reported. For the eighth consecutive week, there are no institutional outbreaks reported.

Meanwhile, an estimated 19,550 people have been tested, with 1,000 people during the course of the past week. One of every eight residents in Peterborough Public Health’s catchment area has been tested — a testing rate of 13.2 per cent.

Locally, there have been 64 positive cases detected per 100,000 people compared to Ontario’s rate of 249 positive cases per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, the local incidence rate over the past week is zero positive cases per 100,000 people, again much lower than the provincial incidence rate of six cases per 100,000 people.

Also participating in Wednesday’s media briefing was Selwyn mayor and Peterborough board of health chair Andy Mitchell.

Police have recovered the body of a a 20-year-old North York man who went missing after a canoe capsized on Tuesday night (July 14) on Pigeon Lake south of Bobcaygeon.

Just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, the Kawartha Lakes OPP and Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue responded to a call of a capsized canoe.

Police say five people, none of whom were wearing life jackets, were in the canoe when it capsized.

Four of the five people were located by a boater and taken to shore, but one canoeist was not found.

Fire services and police, including an OPP helicopter, conducted a search for the missing canoeist on Tuesday night but were unsuccessful.

The OPP’s underwater search and recovery unit joined the search early on Wednesday morning (July 15) and later recovered the missing man’s body.

Police have not yet released the man’s name.

This story has been updated with information that the missing man’s body has been recovered.