Rio Holland paints his love of water with a Love Drop activity, just one of the many activities available for children through GreenUP's Wonders of Water Water Wednesday online content. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Every Wednesday, GreenUP’s water department invites you to celebrate water and take action to conserve water.
For many years, GreenUP has hosted events and shared locally relevant water-wise resources on Water Wednesdays to encourage conservation when it is most urgently needed.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Karen O’Krafka, GreenUP’s Water Education Programs Coordinator.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, we have moved Water Wednesdays online, and we are excited to be sharing things that can happen right now, even as we are together apart. Instead of gathering together physically, we are supporting the beneficial actions you can make right now, from home, towards conserving water.
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“Many of us notice we’re missing routines and structures during the COVID-19 pandemic,” observes Heather Ray, manager of GreenUP’s water department. “We hope that #WaterWednesday from @PtboGreenUP on social media provides helpful resources and also a bit of that structure each week.”
The Water Wednesday resources provide opportunities to consider our relationship with the water in and all around us. For example, in previous years we have encouraged homeowners to be water wise by “going for gold” when mid-summer drought conditions cause grass to go dormant.
The grass species used in conventional lawns do not thrive in drought conditions, but they do have a natural way of protecting themselves: in response to the stress caused by lack of rain, your lawn will enter a dormancy phase and turn brown or gold. Embracing the mid-summer gold instead of watering can significantly reduce outdoor water use.
Peterborough residents have embraced rain barrels as a way to conserve water, with rain barrel sales at the GreenUP store up 51 per cent year over year. The City of Peterborough and GreenUP also recently launched a Rain Garden Subsidy Program to help property owners design and install their own rain garden. Rain gardens can mitigate flooding, improve habitat for native pollinators, and save you money. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Many of our Water Wednesday resources emphasize the need to care for our environment and also encourage us to focus on caring for ourselves and others right now.
“Wellbeing is so important, especially now with so many more added stresses,” says Sarah Taylor, STEM learning consultant at the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board and a steering committee member with the Peterborough Children’s Water Festival.
“Some of the many resources we need to consider sharing right now are strategies to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. This includes recognizing how important water is to our care for ourselves and our loved ones.”
At GreenUP, we know residents are already taking action in record numbers to care for our shared water resources.
“Rain barrel sales are up 51 per cent year over year,” says Kristen LaRocque, coordinator of the GreenUP Store. “During such a difficult time, it’s heartwarming to see that more people than ever before are taking action to care of our water resources so we are all better able to take care of each other. We’re really grateful for the subsidy that Peterborough Utilities Group provides to their customers.”
If you are one of those people who have recently purchased a rain barrel, please consider watching this handy installation video with GreenUP water department manager Heather Ray:
For homeowners who are eager to dive into more yard projects, you can also explore whether you are eligible for the recently announced Rain Garden Subsidy program, a partnership between the City of Peterborough and GreenUP. Rain gardens can help mitigate flooding, improve pollinator habitat, and save you money.
Jenn McCallum, GreenUP’s water programs coordinator, will soon be announcing more online workshops on gardening for responsible water use.
Some parents may be reading about all these yard projects and wondering where people find the time. We feel for you. Many of GreenUP’s staff are parents themselves. Balancing full-time childcare at home is a challenging new reality.
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Whether you feel like you are caring for an eager beaver or a slippery fish, our Water Wednesday content includes a variety of stories, crafts, songs, and games to spark curiosity, and give you that short break you sometimes need just for yourself. Find it all at greenup.on.ca/water-wednesday-experiences/.
Our Wonders of Water educators, Matthew Walmsley and Karen O’Krafka, recognize the power of weaving local connections throughout our activities. They have visited thousands of students from kindergarten through to grade 8 in Peterborough city and county. Some of the greatest hits from in-class workshops have become much-loved online activities that are easy to facilitate at home.
There is also entirely new Water Wednesday content, including a three-part audiobook series that takes kids on an adventure through the Jackson Creek Watershed. These stories weave together local flora and fauna with fun and entertainment, catalyzing curiosity for nearby nature. As Peter Demakos, a facilitator and master storyteller, once said: “Nobody remembers facts — stories get to our hearts.”
Kari Jansen created original line-drawn colouring pages of local wildlife to accompany the three-part audiobook “The Adventures of Jane and Grace” through the Jackson Creek Watershed in Peterborough, part of the Water Wednesday content available at the GreenUP website. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
We hope these activities also support educators in their incredible efforts to shift learning online.
“GreenUP shares so many simple, yet important ideas that help our community get outside and enjoy our backyards,” says Sarah Taylor. “They remind us of the beauty that awaits when we step outside and just look, smell, or touch. I also feel that sometimes our families may not know about opportunities for funding that allow anyone to garden and ‘green up’ their neighbourhoods.”
Whether you are interested in water conservation, landscaping, education, or all three of these areas, Water Wednesday is here to provide you with some weekly inspiration. Follow @PtboGreenUP on social media to discover our #WaterWednesday posts.
kawarthaNOW is providing a daily report of COVID-19 cases in the greater Kawarthas region.
Here’s today summary: there are 93 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area, 158 in the City of Kawartha Lakes, 19 in Northumberland County, 8 in Haliburton County, and 43 in Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
For the second day in a row, there are no new cases to report today in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Haliburton, or Hastings and Prince Edward.
There has been a total of 39 deaths. The most recent death was reported on May 7 by Hastings Prince Edward Public Health.
Province-wide, there are 32,744 confirmed cases, an increase of 190 from yesterday’s report. A total of 27,784 cases are resolved, an increase of 353 from yesterday. There have been 2,550 deaths, an increase of 12 from yesterday, with 1,636 of the deaths being residents in long-term care homes, an increase of 4. A total of 1,071,429 tests have been completed, an increase of 24,205 from yesterday, with 21,635 tests under investigation, an increase of 3,715.
This report is based on data supplied by the province’s integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS), as well as any additional information supplied by health units and hospitals. This information is at least 24 hours old, so it is not real-time data.
We publish the daily report, usually by late afternoon, with the most current information released by health units. Note that each health unit reports the information in a different way.
Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.
Confirmed positive: 93 (no change) Active cases: 3 (decrease of 1) Deaths: 2 (no change) Resolved: 88 (increase of 1) Total tests completed: Over 13,550 (increase of 400) Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)
Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s service area is the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County.
Confirmed positive: 185, including 158 in Kawartha Lakes, 19 in Northumberland, 8 in Haliburton (no change) Probable cases: 0 (no change) Hospitalizations: 13 (no change) Deaths: 32 (no change) Resolved: 163 (increase of 1) Institutional outbreaks: Fenelon Court Long Term Care Home in Fenelon Falls (confirmed), Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon (suspected, not confirmed) (no change)
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.
Confirmed positive: 43 (no change, last positive case reported on May 18) Probable cases: 182 (no change) Deaths: 5 (no change) Hospitalized: 0 (no change) Hospitalized and in ICU: 0 (no change) Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 0 (no change) Recovered: 33 (no change) Total tests completed: 7,408 (increase of 490) Institutional outbreaks: None
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Province of Ontario
Confirmed positive: 32,744 (increase of 190) Hospitalized: 383 (decrease of 30) Hospitalized and in ICU: 92 (decrease of 6) Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 65 (decrease of 5) Deaths: 2,550 (increase of 12) Deaths of residents in long-term care homes: 1,636 (increase of 4, 64.2% of all deaths) Total tests completed 1,071,429 (increase of 24,205) Tests under investigation: 21,635 (increase of 3,715) Resolved: 27,784 (increase of 353)
New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from May 17 – June 16, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from May 17 – June 16, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
As Peterborough region residents and businesses adapt to the gradual reopening of the local economy as part of the province’s stage two roll-out, Peterborough medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra is encouraged by what she sees but warns the outcome is yet to be seen.
“There are process indicators and there are outcome indicators,” Dr. Salvaterra explained during her weekly briefing held on Wednesday (June 17).
“As far as the process indicators go, I feel encouraged. However, we’ll start to see the real outcome indicators in a week or two. I’m optimistic about what I’m seeing, but if we start seeing more new cases emerging over the next couple of weeks, particularly symptomatic cases, that will not be good news for us. We need to keep vigilant.”
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As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday (June 16), the total number of positive cases in the region was 93. Of the positive cases, 87 have been resolved while four cases remain active — an increase of three over the past week — with two COVID-19 related deaths reported. There are no institutional outbreaks.
Meanwhile, an estimated 13,550 people have been tested — 2,400 over the past week. One of every 11 residents in Peterborough Public Health’s catchment area has now been tested.
Locally there have been 63 positive cases detected per 100,000 people, compared to Ontario’s rate of 219 positive cases per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, the local incidence rate over the past week is 1.4 positive cases per 100,000 people, again much lower than the provincial incidence rate of 9.8 cases per 100,000 people.
Dr. Salvaterra’s principal message focused on the use of masks.
“The wearing of non-medical masks is recommended for people will find themselves in situations, like going to the barber, where physical distancing is difficult to maintain,” she said. “It’s also the case for people using public transit or taking a taxi, and it should be standard practice for anyone going into a store.”
“Anyone going for a medical appointment is also requested to wear a mask, but masks must be disposed of or washed properly,” Dr. Salvaterra noted. “Currently the wearing of a mask is a courtesy for most, but a requirement for some. This may change as we learn more about the added protection that masking offers. We all need to accept that wearing a mask is part of the new normal in this COVID-19 reality.”
Dr. Salvaterra also added some much-needed clarification around the now-permitted gatherings of up to 10 people in social circles.
“It is a mutually exclusive social circle,” she clarified. “You can only be in one.”
“Everyone who commits to being part of that social circle commits that this is their only social circle. You’re only as strong and protected as the others who are part of the circle. Only the social circle members can break the two-metre distance rule. Anyone one else has to stay outside of those two metres.”
Thinking back to the early stages of the pandemic and subsequent measures, Dr. Salvaterra said she purposely “tried not to imagine what the future holds,” adding “I’ve tried very much to stay in the moment.”
“That’s how I prepare myself to cope with potential setbacks. We had weeks earlier on in March and April where we fewer cases, and then we would have a week with double the number of cases. The way I help myself is take it as it comes and be prepared for either scenario.”
“We can’t lose sight of the fact that we are in a pandemic that’s going to last 18 to 24 months, if we’re lucky, or until we get a vaccine — if we get a vaccine. We have to be prepared for this being a long haul.”
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Meanwhile, Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien notes the city is continuing to review what can be done to create more space for now-permitted-to-open restaurant, café, and pub patios. The city shut down a portion of George Street last Friday (June 15), only to re-open it to traffic in short order following pushback from some downtown merchants.
“It (street closings) is certainly not something that’s off the table going forward, but the key part is communication so everyone knows what we’re doing, everyone knows how they can be a part of it,” Therrien said. “It happened on four days’ notice. Communication needs to be a stronger piece of that puzzle so all merchants can feel they’re part of that process.”
Also participating in the briefing was Julie Brown, the interim executive director of the Peterborough Family Health Team.
She noted physicians and nurse practitioners are “urging” patients to wear a mask when attending appointments. As for those who are without a family doctor, Brown notes a virtual care clinic option is available. For more information on that service and how it works, visit www.peterboroughfht.com or phone 705-536-0882.
With revenue evaporating during the COVID-19 pandemic, renowned ceramic artist and potter Bill Reddick decided to turn his cake-making hobby into a business. He is now making his famous gluten-free chocolate cakes at Fresh Urban Plate in downtown Peterborough. The cakes are available for delivery or pick-up in Peterborough and can also be shipped across Canada. (Photo: Bill Reddick / Instagram)
Every week, our managing editor collects news and events related to businesses and organizations from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
This week, we feature renowned ceramic artist and potter Bill Reddick, who has pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to turn his hobby — making his famous gluten-free chocolate cakes — into his livelihood.
We also cover 4th Line Theatre’s plans for a Friday farmers’ market this summer at Winslow Farm in Millbrook, Peterborough’s cleantech leaders being recognized at Water Canada’s Water’s Next Awards, grants available to Selwyn Township businesses adapting to COVID-19, Lakefield’s PKA SoftTouch now raising capital for animal clinical trials of its Micro-Needle, the Ontario government releasing a COVID-19 workplace guide for employers, and Sandra Dueck being appointed to a new vice president role at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.
This week’s events include Trent University’s webinar for employers on June 18th, the Innovation Cluster’s virtual open house for start-ups on June 18th, the Innovation Cluster’s online workshop on incorporation on June 23rd, the Bobcaygeon Chamber’s virtual networking event on June 24th, Community Futures Peterborough’s virtual annual general meeting on June 24th, and Venture13 and Northumberland CFDC’s four-part e-commerce webinar series in June and July.
Artist Bill Reddick pivots during the pandemic to turn his famous gluten-free chocolate cake into his livelihood
Artist Bill Reddick has spent eight years perfecting the recipe for his popular gluten-free chocolate cake. The cakes are available in Peterborough and he also ships them across Canada. (Photo: Bill Reddick / Instagram)
When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, renowned ceramic artist and potter Bill Reddick found himself at a crossroads. The Peterborough-based artist realized that all the normal opportunities to generate an income from his art has evaporated, with art galleries closed, craft shows cancelled, and in-person teaching no longer available.
So he has now turned his side hobby — his famous gluten-free chocolate cake — into his livelihood.
Bill Reddick is making his cakes at Fresh Urban Plate, located at 372 Water Street in downtown Peterborough, thanks to owner and friend Chef Marc Brunet. (Photo: Bill Reddick / Instagram)
“I first began developing the cake making as a small business concept about 18 months ago, but then had to put things on hold because all my time and scarce resources were being fully utilized to make and sell porcelain,” Reddick writes in an email.
“When COVID-19 struck, I saw it as an opportunity to further develop the cake enterprise. I pivoted immediately. My dream is to have a cake-generated income, such that my ceramic pursuits can be more focused on exploration, and less on trying to make a living.”
Reddick first began developing his cake recipe eight years ago, inspired by the memory of a cake with a rich and chocolate fudge icing from his childhood in Toronto. He introduced an earlier version of the cake alongside his porcelain art at the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market in 2018, and was encouraged by the positive feedback.
Now, after eight years and more than a thousand cakes, he has perfected the recipe.
Reddick is currently making his cakes at Fresh Urban Plate, located at 372 Water Street in downtown Peterborough, thanks to owner and friend Chef Marc Brunet. Reddick already has 100 cakes ready for delivery, with each cake priced at $50.
Bill Reddick using a potter’s wheel to help ice his gluten-free chocolate cake. Reddick decided to turn his cakes into a business after he lost income as an artist during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: Bill Reddick / Instagram)
Reddick draws some parallels between making his art and making his cakes.
“The cake is a work of art and craft, which evolves over time, driven forward by curiosity, commitment, and passion,” he says. “I experience a sense of fulfillment and gratitude when a cake I have created is enjoyed, as I do when my ceramic work is enjoyed.”
You can find his cakes at the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market at Citi Centre Court at 245 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough on Saturday morning. He also offers free porch delivery in Peterborough, or porch pick-up at 171 Lock Street in Peterborough.
For people not living in the Peterborough area, Reddick also offers shipping. He freezes and wraps the cakes right after he makes them. When shipped, the frozen cake is surrounded in bubble wrap then enclosed in a rugged shipping box. He charges a flat shipping rate of $15 for up to four cakes to any populated area in Canada.
Bill Reddick ships frozen cakes across Canada for a flat shipping fee. (Photo: Bill Reddick / Instagram)
For those wondering if his gluten-free cake can measure up to a traditional one, Reddick says the popularity of the cake speaks for itself.
“For some, gluten-free may suggest that the taste or quality of a baked good has been compromised,” he says. “Certainly not in this case, as the almond flour creates a delicately exotic flavour and a moist texture. Many have said “This is the best cake I have ever had in my life.”
4th Line Theatre is planning a Friday farmers’ market this summer at Winslow Farm in Millbrook
4th Line Theatre in Millbrook is Canada’s premier outdoor theatre company. (Photo: 4th Line Theatre / Facebook)
4th Line Theatre has decided to offer a farmers’ market for local producers at Winslow Farm in Millbrook this summer.
The outdoor theatre company was forced to postpone its entire 2020 summer season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been exploring ways it can safely engage local residents while promoting the community.
The market would run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Friday, beginning July 3rd and running until August 28th.
4th Line Theatre will ensure the market adheres to public health requirements. Vendors will be spread around the farm property, and customers will follow a one-way track with signage, with the first station being a hand-sanitizing station where face masks will be available for customers who do not bring their own.
The market would also be limited to 15 to 20 vendors to ensure proper physical distancing. Participating vendors will be asked to donate a $20 fee to help cover associated costs.
Peterborough’s cleantech leaders recognized at Water Canada’s Water’s Next Awards
John Gillis, president of Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas, won the Business Leader award from Water Canada’s Water’s Next Awards. (Supplied photo)
Peterborough clean technology (cleantech) leaders were recognized at the Water’s Next Awards during the 11th annual Canadian Water Summit, held virtually from Ottawa last Thursday (June 11). The Water’s Next Awards is a national awards program that honours the achievements and ideas of individuals, projects, and technologies that have made significant contributions to the water industry in Canada.
John Gillis, president of Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas, won the Business Leader award for his work at the Innovation cluster supporting the local cleantech sector.
Local cleantech company and Innovation Cluster alumni Aclarus Ozone won the Projects and Technology (Water Resources) award. Aclarus provides a practical and affordable system for the complete treatment of rain water and green roof run-off water for non-potable reuse without chemicals.
Trent University’s Chris Metcalfe, an internationally recognized expert in water quality, was named a finalist for the Academic Leader award, in recognition of his pioneering research into the effects of chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals, that are flushed into our waterways and become environmental contaminants.
“We are thrilled that Peterborough and the Kawarthas continues to be seen as one of Canada’s rising cleantech and water technology centres thanks to innovative local companies, researchers, and institutions who have helped develop a strong ecosystem here,” says Rhonda Keenan, president and CEO of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development
Grants available to Selwyn Township businesses adapting to COVID-19
Selwyn Township and Community Futures Peterborough have launched the Selwyn Business Re-opening Program, which provides grants of up to $2,500 to eligible businesses located within Selwyn Township to go towards expenses related to adapting to COVID-19.
The aim of the program is to increase customer confidence in accessing stores by funding expenses such as personal protective equipment, screens, signage, floor markings, sanitizing stations, customer service, changing room adaptations, and implementation or expansion of a business’s online presence, including e-commerce. The grant can be used for eligible expenses going back to March 17th, when the Ontario government first declared a state of emergency, up to August 31st.
Eligible businesses must be physically located in Selwyn Township, must be a registered business, and must have either been closed by one of the Ontario government’s emergency orders or were only able to provide limited services due to COVID-19.
Lakefield’s PKA SoftTouch now raising capital for animal clinical trials of its Micro-Needle
PKA SoftTouch Corp. co-founder and CEO Dick Crawford with the company’s patented Micro-Needle, , a device that delivers pain-free injections of medication and vaccines for both people and animals. (Photo: PKA SoftTouch Corp.)
Having surpassed its initial equity crowdfunding target of $110,870 by almost $70,000, Lakefield medical startup PKA SoftTouch Corp. is now moving onto its next equity crowdfunding target — raising funds for animal clinical trials.
PKA SoftTouch Corp. produces the Micro-Needle, a device that delivers pain-free injections of medication and vaccines for both people and animals.
The small disposable cylinder-shaped device injects medication directly beneath the skin layer, avoiding the nerves that cause pain. It combines the applicator and drug in one pre-measured dose, which is injected directly into the skin.
Once PKA SoftTouch Corp. meets its next target of $412,000, it will begin animal clinical trials at the Ontario Veterinary College of the University of Guelph. These trials will be followed by human clinical trials.
To date, the company has raised $1,373,338, and will move on to commercialization after clinical trials are completed.
PKA SoftTouch Corp. is using the Vancouver-based equity crowdfunding platform Frontfundr to raise capitaal from small investors. For more information and to invest, visit frontfundr.com/PKASoftTouch.
Ontario government releases COVID-19 workplace guide for employers
The Ontario government is providing employers with a new general workplace guide to help them develop a safety plan to better protect workers, customers, and clients.
The new downloadable toolkit offers tips on how employers can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 as they resume business under stage two of the province’s reopening.
The new guide includes information on the use of face coverings, as well as applying controls in the workplace, from most important to least important. It also includes information on what personal protective equipment may be needed for workers.
The guide is accompanied by a template that employers can fill in to develop their own unique COVID-19 safety plan. The materials will help employers identify the risks for transmitting the virus, determine what controls they need to help mitigate risk, create and implement a workplace safety plan with regular reviews and updates, and communicate the actions being taken to protect workers and other people entering the workplace.
Sandra Dueck appointed to new vice president role at Peterborough Chamber of Commerce
Sandra Dueck is now Vice President and Director of Government Relations & Communications at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. (Supplied photo)
Sandra Dueck has been appointed to the new role of Vice President and Director of Government Relations & Communications at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.
Previously the Chamber’s policy analyst and communications specialist, Dueck will continue her responsibilities as the Chamber’s government relations lead and overseeing the Chamber’s communications.
Her added responsibilities will include a decision-making role in the absence of Chamber president and CEO Stuart Harrison, assisting with the development of annual strategic plans and work plans, and representing the organization at conferences, meetings, committees and round tables.
“We are very pleased to appoint Sandra to this role,” says Chamber board chair Dawn Hennessey. “Her work on behalf of the entire business community is exemplary. She represents the greater Peterborough region well across multiple levels of government and various organizations. The board recognizes the tremendous work done by Sandra and all the staff at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.”
Dueck joined the Peterborough Chamber in 2013 after a career in radio news and journalism. She is currently chair of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development Corporation’s board, a member of The Mount Community Centre’s board, co-chair of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s policy committee, and co-chair of the Ontario caucus for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
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Trent University hosts webinar for employers on June 18
Trent University is hosting a webinar called “Careerspace: The Trent Advantage for Employers” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 18th.
The session will cover the experiential learning program at Trent University and ways employers can engage and connect with Trent University students, staff, and faculty.
The webinar will be hosted by student experience coordinator Julianna Louise Stonehouse and Trent Community Based Research coordinator Ryan Sisson.
Innovation Cluster hosts virtual open house for start-ups on June 18
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is hosting a virtual open house for start-ups from 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 18th.
The session is an opportunity to meet Innovation Cluster staff, tour the organization’s full-service business incubators, and find out about the services offered by the Innovation Cluster.
Innovation Cluster hosts online workshop on incorporation on June 23
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is hosting “Hands-ON: Everything You Need to Know About Incorporation with LLF Lawyers” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23rd.
Facilitated by Le Nguyen of LLF Lawyers LLP, the online workshop will explain when and why you should incorporate, things to consider prior to incorporation, the cost of incorporation and maintenance, and the impact of COVID-19.
Bobcaygeon Chamber hosts virtual networking event on June 24
The Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Virtual Coffee Connection” at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24th.
This is an opportunity for Chamber members to connect with other business owners and share experiences and ideas about how they have been preparing and managing business through the COVID-19 recovery.
This free event will be hosted on the Zoom video conferencing platform. To register, visit bobcaygeon.org/event-3870753.
Community Futures Peterborough hosts virtual annual general meeting on June 24
Community Futures Peterborough is hosting its 2020 annual general meeting virtually, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24th.
The meeting will showcase the work that Community Futures Peterborough does to support local businesses, with a focus on the vision for 2020. Rhonda Keenan, president and CEO for Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, will be the guest speaker and will talk about the regional economic recovery plan.
Venture13 and Northumberland CFDC hosts four-part e-commerce webinar series in June and July
Cobourg’s Venture13 and Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation are hosting “Innovating your Business – From Bricks to Clicks”, a four-part webinar series in June and July.
Session one (Thursday, June 25th) covers marketing, session two (Friday, June 26th) covers websites, session three (Tuesday, July 14th) covers content creation, and session four (Thursday, July 23rd) covers LinkedIn.
The Ontario government has extended until Tuesday, June 30th all existing emergency orders made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The orders were set to expire this Friday (June 19).
On June 2, the Ontario legislature extended the province’s state of emergency for another 30 days until June 30. Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, emergency orders must be renewed every two weeks to remain in force.
Existing orders and be removed and new ones created at any time during a state of emergency. For example, on June 11 the government issued a new emergency order defining which businesses can reopen under stage two of the province’s reopening, as well as the public health units to which the order applies.
Although the emergency orders remain in place until the end of the month, the government will be reviewing each one to determine when and if they can safely be adjusted or lifted as part of the province’s framework to safely reopen the province.
kawarthaNOW is providing a daily report of COVID-19 cases in the greater Kawarthas region.
Here’s today summary: there are 93 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area, 158 in the City of Kawartha Lakes, 19 in Northumberland County, 8 in Haliburton County, and 43 in Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
There are no new cases to report today in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Haliburton, or Hastings and Prince Edward.
There has been a total of 39 deaths. The most recent death was reported on May 7 by Hastings Prince Edward Public Health.
Province-wide, there are 32,554 confirmed cases, an increase of 184 from yesterday’s report. A total of 27,431 cases are resolved, an increase of 218 from yesterday. There have been 2,538 deaths, an increase of 11 from yesterday, with 1,632 of the deaths being residents in long-term care homes, an increase of 3. A total of 1,047,224 tests have been completed, an increase of 21,724 from yesterday, with 17,920 tests under investigation, a decrease of 338.
This report is based on data supplied by the province’s integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS), as well as any additional information supplied by health units and hospitals. This information is at least 24 hours old, so it is not real-time data.
We publish the daily report, usually by late afternoon, with the most current information released by health units. Note that each health unit reports the information in a different way.
Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.
Confirmed positive: 93 (no change) Active cases: 4 (no change) Deaths: 2 (no change) Resolved: 87 (no change) Total tests completed: Over 13,150 (increase of 50) Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)
Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s service area is the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County.
Confirmed positive: 185, including 158 in Kawartha Lakes, 19 in Northumberland, 8 in Haliburton (no change) Probable cases: 0 (no change) Hospitalizations: 13 (no change) Deaths: 32 (no change) Resolved: 162 (increase of 1) Institutional outbreaks: Fenelon Court Long Term Care Home in Fenelon Falls (confirmed), Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon (suspected, not confirmed) (no change)
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.
Confirmed positive: 43 (no change, last positive case reported on May 18) Probable cases: 182 (no change) Deaths: 5 (no change) Hospitalized: 0 (no change) Hospitalized and in ICU: 0 (no change) Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 0 (no change) Recovered: 33 (no change) Total tests completed: 6,918 (no change) Institutional outbreaks: None
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Province of Ontario
Confirmed positive: 32,554 (increase of 184) Hospitalized: 413 (decrease of 6) Hospitalized and in ICU: 98 (decrease of 6) Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 70 (increase of 1) Deaths: 2,538 (increase of 11) Deaths of residents in long-term care homes: 1,632 (increase of 3, 64.3% of all deaths) Total tests completed 1,047,224 (increase of 21,724) Tests under investigation: 17,920 (decrease of 338) Resolved: 27,431 (increase of 218)
New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from May 16 – June 15, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from May 16 – June 15, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
The splash pad at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes facility in Lindsay will be available to summer camp and child care program attendees, but will not be open for after-hours public use. (Photo: Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes / Facebook)
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes (BGCKL) is planning to offer both licensed child care and an in-person summer camp program.
Licensed child care will be provided at the Kids in Motion site in Lindsay and at the Dr. George Hall Child Care site in Little Britain, although BGCKL has not yet confirmed start dates.
The organization will offer a general summer camp program for children ages five to 12 in four groups at its Lindsay site. Registration will open at noon on Wednesday, June 17th, with the camp scheduled to begin on Monday, June 29th.
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“Everyone at the club is eager to welcome children back to our facility,” says BGCKL executive director Amy Terrill. “We have been working hard behind the scenes to clean and disinfect our facility and to develop procedures that meet health and safety guidelines so that we can offer a high-quality experience while keeping everyone safe.”
To request a space in the summer camp program, email info@bgckl.com or call 705-324-4493, ext 200. Requests will be processed on a first-come first-served basis. All registration will be week-long and the cost will be $147.50 per week for members.
BGCKL is not offering a summer camp program in Peterborough at this time, although it is working with its partners in Peterborough to see if such a program could be offered.
Both the licensed child care and summer camp programs will require approval from the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit before they can begin.
BGCKL will be adopting the following public health directives provided by the Ontario government:
Children and staff will be placed in groups of 10 or less day over day.
A COVID-19 response plan to be implemented if a child, parent or staff member/provider is exposed to COVID-19.
All staff and children will be screened prior to entry (anyone feeling unwell must stay home.
Daily attendance records, which are always part of the program, will be revised to support contact tracing by the health unit if needed.
The facility will be been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, with cleaning protocols meeting or exceeding provincial standards.
Drop-off and pick-up of children will be designed to facilitate physical distancing.
The organization will also be implementing additional protocols:
Outdoor programming will be encouraged as much as possible.
Groups will have specific room and equipment assignments with no crossover.
Supplies and equipment that cannot be easily disinfected will be removed.
Children will be encouraged to maintain social distance.
Hand hygiene will be encouraged and additional hand washing stations provided.
Supervisors will be in place to monitor social distancing, safety, quality of programming, hand hygiene, support staff and other related needs.
For camps, face coverings (non-medical masks) will be used if physical distancing of at least two metres cannot be maintained. Consideration will be given to participants when face coverings are not tolerated due to by underlying health, behaviour issues, or beliefs.
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Summer camp groups will be using the basketball courts at BGCKL’s facility at 107 Lindsay Street during the day, but after 5 p.m. the courts may be used by the public.
However, the splash pad will only be used by the summer camp groups and child care programs — it will not be open for public use.
“The capacity limits mandated by the province and health and safety requirements leave us no choice but to limit access to the splash pad to our summer camp groups and childcare programs,” Terrill says. “This is not an easy decision as we know how much our visitors enjoyed the splash pad last year, but we encourage the public to access other alternatives.”
BGCKL also plans to offer a virtual summer camp with the support of Jays Care Foundation. The organization continues to provide nutrition support to vulnerable families and virtually delivers infant and child development and various support services. Youth leadership programs will also be offered through virtual means.
Rentals of club facilities remain unvailable until further notice.
For more information about BGCKL, visit bgckl.com.
A home in Lakefield is flying a Confederate flag along with the Canadian flag. Peterborough resident Mark L. Craighead objects to the display of the flag as a symbol of hate that has no place in society. (Photo courtesy of Mark L. Craighead)
As protests against systemic racism show no sign of abating on both sides of the border, a Peterborough man has set his sights on the immediate removal of a Confederate flag displayed for a few years now at a Lakefield property.
Mark L. Craighead says over the course of the past few years, he noticed the Confederate flag flying — along with a Canadian flag — on a pole attached to a secondary structure at a Clementi Street property.
After attending the Black Lives Matter rally held recently in Peterborough, Craighead got to thinking about the flag, prompting him to write a Facebook post on June 5th that detailed his disgust.
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“I want to walk over to the house, take the flag down and burn it on their lawn … I want to shoot a flaming arrow at it,” he wrote before asking his Facebook followers “What can I do in real life?’.
He subsequently posted about the flag again on Facebook on June 10th, prompting even more discussion.
There's a house in Lakefield flying a confederate flag. I spoke to the police about it, after doing the research to…
Since then, Craighead has reached out to Selwyn Mayor Andy Mitchell as well as each member of Peterborough city council, along with Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef and federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, asking that a local or national law banning the public display of Confederate flags be debated and passed.
Craighead also reached out to the Peterborough Police Service for clarification if the flag’s display is illegal in any way. According to Craighead, on Tuesday morning (June 16), a constable spoke with a resident living at the property who subsequently informed him he doesn’t intend to take the flag down.
kawarthaNOW.com reached out to a person listed as living at the Lakefield property for comment, but was unable to leave a message.
The Confederate flag has a long association with slavery. In 1860-61, 11 southern American states seceded from the United States to protect the institution of slavery, forming the Confederate States of America and precipitating the Civil War.
During the war, the Confederacy and its military forces used a variety of flags, but the flag that became most associated with the Confederacy was the so-called “battle flag” or “rebel flag”. Organizations such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans adopted the flag as a symbol of southern heritage, but the flag also came to serve as a potent symbol of slavery and white supremacy, which caused it to be very popular with members of white supremacist groups.
“I’m trying to make as much noise as I can about this,” says Craighead. “It (the Confederate flag) is a symbol of hate. It’s a symbol of an ideology that has no place in our society.”
“People argue ‘Well, maybe it’s just heritage and pride.’ When NASCAR and the (United States) Marines (Corp) are banning it, and they’re taking reruns of the The Dukes of Hazzard off the air (the flag was decaled atop The General Lee, the TV show’s iconic 1969 Dodge Charger), well, now is the time to really think about how hard you want to hold on to this thing.”
Sections 318-319 of Canada’s Criminal Code makes it clear the use of Confederate flag is only illegal if it’s used to promote or incite hatred or violence against an identifiable group. The display of a Confederate flag on its own is not illegal, and no one is prohibited from purchasing one, owning one, or displaying it.
Since Craighead first saw the flag a few years back during family trips to Lakefield from his home in Peterborough’s East City, he says he has been offended by its display. His Facebook posts drew a number of responses with views on both sides of the fence expressed.
“There were a lot of suggestions — a lot of them perhaps not the most legal or safe,” Craighead says about his Facebook posts. “I was surprised by the kickback … people trying to make excuses for it and pulling the heritage thing.”
According to a June 13th story by the CBC, residents of some Ontario municipalities are petitioning their towns to ban the Confederate flag. In Collingwood, residents launched a petition objecting to Confederate flags being flown by two “Civil War re-enactors”, one of whom took down the flag in response to the petition, which garnered 28,000 signatures.
kawarthaNOW.com founder, CEO, and publisher Jeannine Taylor will be a guest on Friday Morning Business Breakfast Talks with Kim Blackwell, the artistic director of 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook. (Supplied photos)
kawarthaNOW.com founder, CEO, and publisher Jeannine Taylor will be the next guest on 4th Line Theatre’s “Friday Morning Business Breakfast Talks with Kim Blackwell”.
The online event takes place at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 26th on the Zoom video conferencing platform. Register at eventbrite.com/e/109368524200.
The Friday Morning Business Breakfast Talks series is one of the virtual events under the umbrella “Nexicom Presents 4th Line Theatre @ Home”, which 4th Line Theatre has developed to keep the community engaged and connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The outdoor theatre company in Millbrook has postponed its 2020 summer season due to the pandemic.
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In Friday Morning Business Breakfast Talks, 4th Line’s artistic director Kim Blackwell invites local business leaders in the community to talk about the day-to-day challenges and opportunities of their businesses, what led them on their chosen career paths, and the impact the “new normal” is having on how they lead, both in business and the communities they serve.
“These sessions will be an excellent opportunity to get to know local political and business leaders and the inner working of their sectors,” says Blackwell. “I hope you can join me.”
Blackwell’s June 26th guest Jeannine Taylor has more than 30 years’ experience in marketing, media, and communications, with 24 years specializing in internet marketing and web development. In 1996, the life-long Peterborough resident launched quidnovis.com, one of the region’s first informational websites, which eventually became kawarthaNOW.com.
Taylor’s awards include Peterborough’s Business Woman of the Year in 2005, a Premier’s Award nomination in 2003, and a City of Peterborough Civic Award for chairing the development of Millennium Park and the Otonabee River Trail. She was a recipient of a Peterborough-Kawartha Women’s Leadership Awards in 2018 from MP Maryam Monsef.
Friday Morning Business Breakfast Talks is sponsored by long-time 4th Line Theatre supporter Nexicom. The event is free, but is limited to 100 attendees.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outside of his home in Ottawa on June 16, 2020. Trudeau announced that federal government will be extending the Canada Emergency Response Benefit for an additional eight weeks. (Screenshot / CPAC)
If you’re still out of work due to COVID-19 and have been relying on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), you no longer have to worry about how to pay your bills this summer.
The federal government will extending the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) for an additional eight weeks.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement on Tuesday (June 16) during a media conference from outside his home in Ottawa.
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“Over the past few months, Canadians have been able to count on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help them get through a tough time,” Trudeau said. “And the reality is that, even as we start to reopen, a lot of people still need this support to pay their bills while they look for work.”
“That’s why today I am announcing that we will be extending eligibility for the CERB by eight weeks. So if you’ve been getting the CERB and you still can’t work because you’re unable to find a job, or it’s just not possible, you will keep getting that $2,000 a month.”
Trudeau said that, over the next few weeks, his government will be looking at international best practices and monitoring the economy and the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic to evaluate if any changes need to be made to CERB so that more people are supported.
CERB has provided a payment of $2,000 per month for a maximum of 16 weeks, retroactive to March, to Canadians who lost their employment or self-employment income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadians who applied for CERB every month since the payment became available received their final payment in June.
Since the program was announced, more than 8.4 million Canadians have applied for CERB, with the federal government paying out more than $43.5 billion in benefits. Almost 1.2 million Canadians have left the program, either because they have resumed work or because their employers have taken advantage of the wage subsidy program.
Trudeau also announced the Canadian and American governments have agreed to keep the Canada-U.S. border closed to non-essential travel for an additional 30 days, until Tuesday, July 21st.
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