In honour of his 100th birthday this fall, Guy Aiello is walking the distance of a marathon in July to raise funds for equipment and technology at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

A long-time supporter of the hospital, Aiello will begin his marathon walk of 42.2 kilometres on Canada Day, walking 1.8 kilometres every day except Sundays throughout July.

He’s already an avid walker, which may help explain his excellent physical condition at 99 years of age.

According to a media release from the PRHC Foundation on Thursday (June 25) announcing the marathon, Aiello has been a PRHC Foundation donor and former hospital volunteer for almost 30 years.

He wants to do “something challenging and unforgettable — something that not only reflects his personal determination, but inspires others to support their regional hospital through the spirit of philanthropy” before turning 100 this fall.

“We are grateful to Guy for his ongoing support of our hospital,” says PRHC Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway. “As a donor, and now by fundraising through his walking challenge, he’s helping make sure PRHC’s doctors, nurses and staff have access to the very best tools and technology that support innovative and compassionate care for patients from across our region.”

Heighway adds the money raised through Aiello’s initiative will be used to fund the hospital’s most critical priorities, helping to transform patient care.

“There are significant investments needed to fund the technological advancements and essential medical equipment required to support world-class patient care,” she says.

If you want to help Aiello meet his goal, you can donate online at prhcfoundation.ca or over the phone at 705-876-5000.

How would you react if you saw a water snake swimming alongside you in open water? Would you shriek in alarm and scramble to shore, or marvel at the snake’s athleticism?

Canadians biggest fear in 2015 was of snakes, beating out things like heights and public speaking according to a fundraising initiative launched by the Canadian Cancer society called the Fearless Challenge.

It found that 40 per cent of all Canadians were afraid of snakes.

But why? Many of us know that some of our fears are irrational and like many things they persist if left unchallenged.

“In Ontario, there is no need to fear our snakes for the same reason that someone in, let’s say Australia or India, might fear snakes,” says Rachel Dillon, who recently completed a Masters of Science in environmental and life sciences at Trent University. “We only have one venomous species of snake and our other 16 species of snake are harmless to humans.”

In other words, the risk of harm from snakes in Ontario is very low. The massasauga rattlesnake is the only venomous species in the province, and their population is considered at risk both provincially and federally. There have only been two recorded deaths caused by a massasauga rattlesnake bite in the province and neither of them occurred in the last 50 years, according to the Government of Ontario.

Knowing this helps put the level of risk snakes present in Ontario into perspective, something that’s commonly part of overcoming fears. While these steps might not help everyone, these three things helped me overcome my fear of snakes.

1. Expose yourself to snakes in a safe and supportive environment

For me, this meant interacting with a milk snake at Science North in Sudbury. I first watched another person holding the snake from a distance. Then, I was able to get closer to the snake and eventually touch her. (Snakes aren’t slimy, by the way; they’re scaly.)

Next, I worked up my courage to allow the snake to slither onto me until I was comfortable holding her. If you are afraid of snakes but want your kids to be comfortable with them, I recommend allowing them to interact with snakes in a safe and supervised environment.

While the Indian River Reptile Zoo is not currently allowing visitors into their snake exhibits due to COVID-19, this is a welcoming local spot to go with your family to see snakes in a fun, non-threatening way. In the meantime, you can support Indian River Reptile Zoo by enjoying the drive-through dinosaur park.

2. Learn more about snakes

Snakes, including massasauga rattlesnakes, are crucial to healthy ecosystems because they help control rodent populations that can otherwise damage crops and spread disease.

Snakes also serve as important food sources for other predators like hawks and foxes.

Learning how to identify the different species that we have in Ontario, including the massasauga rattlesnake, can help you develop a respect and appreciation for these reptiles. You may even start to say they’re cool!

You can learn more about the snakes of Ontario through the online Reptile and Amphibian Atlas on Ontario Nature’s website.

Did you know the eastern hog-nosed snake, which is listed as threatened in Ontario, can grow up to one metre long? It has a unique upturned or “hog-nosed” snout and can flatten out its neck to look like a cobra when it feels threatened.

While this display may appear terrifying to some, this non-venomous snake does it all for show. If you do get bitten by a non-venomous snake, wash the bite area with soap and water, check your immunization status, and get a tetanus shot if you are not up to date.

3. Dress and act responsibly to avoid snake bites

When out in natural areas hiking or camping, always wear sturdy closed-toed footwear and long pants. Be sure to stay on maintained trails as this will help minimize the chances that you’ll encounter snakes.

If you do encounter a snake, Dillon reminds us that “just like all wild animals, we should respect snakes and give them their space.”

Now that you understand the things that helped me overcome my fear of snakes, let’s learn a little more about Ontario’s only venomous snake species.

The massasauga rattlesnake is a threatened species in Ontario

The massasauga rattlesnake is a thick-bodied snake that grows 50 to 70 centimetres (19 to 27 inches) long and has a rattle at the end of its tail. Its head is triangular shaped and it has a grey to dark brown body with darker brown splotches down its back and sides. It is the only Ontario snake whose eyes contain a vertical pupil, similar to the eyes of a cat.

This unique snake has two known populations within the province. They can be found near Georgian Bay and the Bruce Peninsula in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region, and in the Carolinian region near Windsor.

Massasaugas were once more widespread in Ontario but persecution by humans, road mortality, and loss of habitat have reduced their numbers. Eight other species of snake are considered at risk in Ontario, having faced similar threats to their survival.

VIDEO: The Science in Saving the Massasauga Rattlesnake

Massasaugas are shy and prefer to avoid humans. If scared, the snake may shake its tail, which makes a distinct rattling sound. It does this to ward off potential predators, so if you do encounter one and hear the rattle, give the snake some space.

If you get too close and ignore the rattle, a massasauga may bite. Ontario Poison Control recommends that you remain calm if you are bitten by a massasauga rattlesnake as they don’t always release their venom. It’s best to call 911 and ask for an ambulance to the hospital as antivenom medicine is available in Ontario.

Keep in mind that the species is protected by the Ontario Endangered Species Act and the Canadian Species At Risk Act and it is illegal to harm or kill them.

Snakes are important for a healthy ecosystem

Of Ontario’s 17 species of snakes, nine of them are considered at risk of extinction.

The next time you see a snake, remember that it is performing an important role by eating rodents and keeping rodent populations in check.

Snakes are important for a healthy ecosystem and it is always best to let them be.

Please note: the steps above should not be taken in place of medical or psychological advice. These are meant to help overcome surface-level fears and should be explored on that basis.

He’s smarter than the average bear.

A bear in Haliburton has developed an “interesting talent” of opening unlocked car doors, according to the Haliburton OPP.

On Tuesday night (June 23) around 10 p.m., police were called to investigate car entries in the area of Kennaway Road and Dudley Road in Haliburton.

The investigation revealed a bear had been entering the vehicles. Officers spoke to residents in the area and discovered a bear had opened the doors of more than 10 vehicles over the previous nights, presumably looking for food.

Many of the vehicles entered by the bear were significantly damaged.

Police are asking residents to keep their car doors locked and make certain there is nothing inside their vehicles that could be food for a hungry bear.

Environment Canada has confirmed that a tornado touched down on Sturgeon Lake north of Lindsay in Kawartha Lakes on Tuesday afternoon (June 23).

Several people captured the tornado in photos and video as it moved along Sturgeon Point, causing damage along the shoreline. Country musician Madison Kozak, a Lindsay native, said on Twitter the tornado tore the roof off of her family’s boathouse.

“Videos and pictures via social media received by the Ontario Storm Prediction Centre confirm a tornado occurred today at Sturgeon Lake around 3:00 pm EDT, and tracked north through Sturgeon Point and likely north beyond this,” Environment Canada wrote on its weather summaries page.

“Information regarding a track and a rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale will be forthcoming later when more information is gathered and analysis can be done in consultation with the Northern Tornadoes Project.”

The Enhanced Fujita Scale rates the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause.

The scale runs from EFO (winds of 105 to 137 kilometres per hour causing minor damage) to EF5 (winds over 322 kilometres per hour causing incredible damage).

Environment Canada is asking residents to send videos, photos, or damage reports of the tornado to ONstorm@canada.ca.

The agency did not issue a tornado watch or warning on Tuesday as there were no indications a tornado could form in the area.

This shot was taken from our yard on Pleasant Point. Sturgeon Point is straight across. Hope everyone is safe! pic.twitter.com/HrnRcLMtGJ

— Amy Reeds (@amy_reeds) June 24, 2020

While ongoing COVID-19 emergency measures and steps being taken toward recovery have been front of mind for Peterborough’s medical officer of health since mid-March, another public health crisis has emerged as “a second more deadly one.”

During her weekly media briefing held Wednesday (June 24), Dr. Rosanna Salvaterra noted there have been 24 overdose deaths in Peterborough city and county since the beginning of the year.

In May alone, there were six fatalities and, to date in June, that number has been equalled. In comparison, there have been two fatalities in the Peterborough area due to COVID-19 since the pandemic began in March.

There were almost three more drug-related deaths this week. Early on Wednesday morning (June 24), three drug users were found with vital signs absent — but were fortunately revived by first responders and are now recovering at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

“There are three families in Peterborough this morning coping with the aftermath and who came close to planning funerals,” said Dr. Salvaterra, admitting to having spent “a sleepless night.”

“One coroner shared that the blood level of fentanyl in a deceased person was three times what is considered a lethal dose. Found at the scene were crystal meth and cocaine, so apparently these drugs have enough fentanyl in them to be life threatening. Any drug use in Peterborough right now should be considered extremely dangerous.”

“I am appealing to everyone to find out if anyone you love has a drug addiction and connect with them. If you are estranged, please reconnect and hold them tighter than ever. Help them create a safe consumption site. Be that safe place if they need you and be prepared to respond with naloxone. Have a phone ready to call 9-1-1. I really need you to be their lifeline.”

Dr. Salvaterra added that with the borders closed, there is less access to opioids. That has resulted “in a real cocktail”, she said.

“You can’t really be sure of what you’re buying and using. The number of deaths point to the fact that supply is toxic.”

Speaking to the local COVID-19 situation, Dr. Salvaterra remains encouraged by the numbers as the Peterborough region cautiously reopens according to the provisions of the Ontario government’s stage two recovery plan.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday (June 23), the total number of positive cases in the region was 95, with no new cases since last Saturday (June 20). Of the positive cases, 89 have been resolved while four cases remain active — an increase of two over the past week — with two COVID-19 related deaths reported. For the fifth consecutive week, there are no institutional outbreaks reported.

Meanwhile, an estimated 15,400 people have been tested — 1,850 during the course of the past week. One of every 10 residents in Peterborough Public Health’s catchment area has been tested.

Locally there have been 64 positive cases detected per 100,000 people compared to Ontario’s rate of 228 positive cases per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, the local incidence rate over the past week remains at 1.4 positive cases per 100,000 people, again much lower than the provincial incidence rate of 10 cases per 100,000 people.

Speaking to measures put in place in Peterborough’s downtown core to facilitate a safe experience for shoppers and patio patrons, Dr. Salvaterra heaped praised on the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area for working together to come up with a plan that works for most.

“Some of the changes may seem quite significant and will take time for familiarity to set in,” she conceded of the measures that include some traffic lane closures.

Also participating in Wednesday’s media briefing was Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien. She too touched on the downtown measures.

“I know there are some who aren’t fully on board but I’m encouraging people to give it a chance. This is new for all of us.”

Meanwhile, it was announced the COVID-19 drive-through testing clinic at the Kinsmen Arena has been extended, open all next week until Friday, July 3rd with the exception of Canada Day on July 1st.

The Canadian and Ontario governments are investing $10.6 million in public transit infrastructure in Peterborough.

The funding was announced on Wednesday (June 24) by federal rural economic development minister and Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, Ontario infrastructure minister and Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, and Peterborough mayor Diane Therrien.

The vast majority of the funding is for Peterborough Transit to support the purchase of six fully equipped conventional transit buses, four accessible buses and two specialized transit buses, and 15 new fully accessible buses over three years, as well as the refurbishment of eight buses.

For the County of Peterborough, the two levels of government are contributing $43,941 to support the replacement of a public transit accessibility van in 2021.

In total, the federal government is investing $5.9 million and the Ontario government is investing $4.8 million, with a contribution of $3.6 million from the City of Peterborough and $18,980 from the County of Peterborough.

This is one in a series of funding announcements being made over several weeks by the governments of Canada and Ontario. Last Friday, the two governments announced $8 million in funding for Peterborough County and the Township of Selwyn’s project to improve the James A. Gifford Causeway in Bridgenorth.

The goverments also announced funding for other road and bridge improvement projects in the Kawarthas, including in Hiawatha First Nation, Asphodel-Norwood in Peterborough County, Faraday in Hastings County, and Minden Hills and Highlands East in Haliburton County.

The Government of Ontario announced on Wednesday (June 24) that it has extended the province’s state of emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for another two weeks, until Wednesday, July 15th.

The state of emergency was set to expire on June 30th, after being extended by an additional 28 days by the Ontario legislature on June 2nd.

Premier Doug Ford says the government hopes a further extension of the state of emergency beyond July 15th will not be needed.

“We are hopeful that another extension of the Declaration of Emergency will not be needed as we see improvements in the public health trends and as people and businesses continue to act responsibly and adapt to the new environment,” Ford says.

The extension of the state of emergency allows the government to make and modify emergency orders for health and safety during the pandemic.

In consultation with the Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, the government will continue to monitor public health trends related to COVID-19 and will decide whether the state of emergency needs to be extended.

The government will also continue to review emergency orders currently in place to determine when and if it is safe to amend or lift them, as more places in the province are allowed to reopen in a safe and measured way.

A list of all emergency orders in force during the state of emergency is available at ontario.ca/page/emergency-information.