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Ontario reports record 1,132 new cases of COVID-19, including 2 new cases in Peterborough

By kawarthaNOW -

Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.

Ontario is reporting a record 1,132 new cases today, the second straight day of more than 1,000 cases and the highest number of cases since November 2, when 1,050 were reported. In another record, for the first time during the pandemic, 18 of Ontario’s 34 health units are reporting 6 or more new cases.

Most of today’s cases are in Toronto (336), Peel (258), York (114), and Ottawa (78). Cases have increased in Halton (64), Hamilton (55), Waterloo (36), Niagara (31), Durham (30), Middlesex-London (25), with smaller increases in Sudbury (14), Simcoe Muskoka (14), Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (12), Windsor-Essex (12), Brant County (12), Huron Perth (8), Haldimand-Norfolk (7), and Eastern Ontario Health Unit (6).

This is the first time since the pandemic began that 18 health units have reported 6 or more cases, with the remaining 16 public health units reporting 5 or fewer cases, and only 6 health units reporting no new cases at all.

Of today’s cases, 52% are among people under the age of 40. With 852 more cases resolved since yesterday, the percentage of resolved cases has decreased by 0.2% to 85.6%. The positivity rate is unavailable on weekends.

For the fifth day in a row, there has been a double-digit increase in the number of deaths, with 11 new deaths today, 6 of which were in long-term care facilities. Hospitalizations have increased by 4 to 384, and the number of patients in ICUs has increased by 2 to 88, with 3 additional patient placed on ventilators.

A total of 39,165 tests were completed yesterday, and the backlog of tests under investigation has decreased by 2,502 to 44,572.

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In the greater Kawarthas region, there are 2 new cases to report in Peterborough. Reports are unavailable on weekends for Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Haliburton, and Hastings and Prince Edward counties.

There are currently 20 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, including 9 in Peterborough, 5 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, 1 in Kawartha Lakes, 2 in Northumberland, and 3 in Haliburton.

Since the pandemic began in the greater Kawarthas region, there have been 157 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (146 resolved with 2 deaths), 187 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (167 resolved with 32 deaths), 51 in Northumberland County (48 resolved with 1 death), 22 in Haliburton County (19 resolved with no deaths), and 82 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (72 resolved with 5 deaths). The most recent death was reported in Northumberland on September 8.

Province-wide, there have been 82,825 confirmed cases, an increase of 1,132 from yesterday, with 70,938 cases resolved (85.6% of all cases), an increase of 852. There have been 3,220 deaths, an increase of 11 from yesterday, with 2,056 deaths in long-term care homes, an increase of 6 from yesterday. The number of hospitalizations has increased by 4 to 384, with 2 additional patients admitted to ICUs and 3 additional patients on ventilators. A total of 5,345,001 tests have been completed, an increase of 39,165 from yesterday, with 44,572 tests under investigation, a decrease of 2,502 from yesterday.

The provincial data in this report is pulled from Ontario’s integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) at 4 p.m. the previous day. Health unit data is more current, and is usually reflected in the provincial data the following day.

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Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.

The health unit provides daily reports, including on weekends.

Confirmed positive: 157 (increase of 2)
Active cases: 9 (increase of 2)
Close contacts: 14 (increase of 4)
Deaths: 2 (no change)
Resolved: 146 (no change)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 9 (no change)
Total tests completed: Over 35,000 (increase of 100)
Institutional outbreaks: Fairhaven (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.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. These numbers are from November 6.

Confirmed positive: 260, including 187 in Kawartha Lakes, 51 in Northumberland, 22 in Haliburton (increase of 3, 2 in Kawartha Lakes, 1 in Northumberland)
Active cases: 6, including 1 in Kawartha Lakes, 2 in Northumberland and 3 in Haliburton (net increase of 1)
Probable cases: 0 (no change)
High-risk contacts: 19, including 10 in Kawartha Lakes, 5 in Northumberland, and 4 in Haliburton (net increase of 5)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 15, including 11 in Kawartha Lakes, 3 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (no change)
Deaths: 33 (no change)
Resolved: 234, including 167 in Kawartha Lakes, 48 in Northumberland, 19 in Haliburton (increase of 2, including 1 in Kawartha Lakes and 1 in Northumberland)
Institutional outbreaks: Warkworth Long Term Care (no change)

 

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. These numbers are from November 6.

Confirmed positive: 82 (no change)
Active cases: 5 (no change)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Hospitalized (total to date): 7 (no change)
Hospitalized and in ICU (total to date): 2 (no change)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator (total to date): 2 (no change)
Resolved: 72 (no change)
Total tests completed: 48,299 (increase of 684)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

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Province of Ontario

Confirmed positive: 82,825 (increase of 1,132)
Resolved: 70,938 (increase of 852, 85.6% of all cases)
Hospitalized: 384 (increase of 4)
Hospitalized and in ICU: 88 (increase of 2)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 52 (increase of 3)
Deaths: 3,220 (increase of 11)
Deaths of residents in long-term care homes: 2,056 (increase of 6)
Total tests completed: 5,345,001 (increase of 39,165)
Tests under investigation: 44,572 (decrease of 2,502)

New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 7 - November 6, 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)
New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 7 – November 6, 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 October 7 - November 6, 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)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from October 7 – November 6, 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)

 

For more information about COVID-19 in Ontario, visit covid-19.ontario.ca.

Peterborough man dead, another man seriously injured after their canoe capsized on White Lake northeast of Peterborough

By kawarthaNOW -

A 73-year-old Peterborough man is dead and another man is seriously injured after their canoe capsized while fishing on White Lake in Douro-Dummer Township, about 34 kilometres northeast of Peterborough on Friday (November 6).

A member of the public contacted police around 12 p.m. on Friday after finding the two men in the water near Patterson Road. The men had been in the water for an unknown period of time before being discovered.

Peterborough County OPP and emergency crews responded to the call. Both men were transported to shore by members of the Douro-Dummer Fire Department and were taken to an area hospital by Peterborough County Paramedics.

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One man was pronounced dead at hospital and the other is being treated for life-threatening injuries.

On Monday (November 9), police released the identity of the deceased man as 73-year-old Marian Wejman of Peterborough.

Peterborough County OPP is also reminding area boaters to use proper safety equipment and to wear approved lifejackets.

The cause of this accident remains under investigation.

Ontario reports 1,003 new COVID-19 cases and moves Peel into ‘Red-Control’ level

By kawarthaNOW -
At a media conference in Ottawa on November 6, 2020, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announces Peel Regional Health Unit will move into the 'Red-Control' level in Ontario's new colour-coding system. (CPAC screenshot)

Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.

With Ontario reporting 1,003 new cases of COVID-19, the provincial government has announced that Peel Region will be moved into the Red-Control level in Ontario’s new colour-coding system, which takes effect on Saturday (November 7).

Ford made the announcement at a media conference at the Ottawa Hospital on Friday afternoon (November 6).

“We need to get this virus under control in Peel,” Ford said. “The region is averaging 103 cases per hundred thousand. The per cent positivity in daily cases is growing. Hospital capacity is under pressure.”

Most of today’s cases are in Toronto (300), Peel (280), York (125), and Ottawa (43). Toronto, which has more cases than Peel, is remaining in the previous modified Stage 2 category (which is more restrictive than Red-Control) until November 14th. York and Ottawa are in the Orange-Restrict level.

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There are smaller increases in Halton (41), Waterloo (34), Hamilton (32), Niagara (26), Durham (24), Middlesex-London (16), Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (13), Simcoe Muskoka (14), Windsor-Essex (11), Brant County (11), Eastern Ontario Health Unit (9), and Sudbury (8). Except for Windsor-Essex, Middlesex-London, and Sudbury, all these health units are in the Yellow-Protect level — along with Haldimand-Norfolk, although it reported no new cases today and only 6 yesterday.

The remaining 18 public health units are reporting 5 or fewer cases, with 6 health units reporting no new cases at all. Along with Windsor-Essex, Middlesex-London, and Sudbury, all these health units are in the least-restrictive Green-Prevent level (which includes the three health units in the greater Kawarthas region).

Of today’s cases, 52% are among people 40 or older. With 949 more cases resolved since yesterday, the percentage of resolved cases has increased by 0.1% to 85.8%. The positivity rate has increased by 0.4% to 3.7%, meaning that 37 out of every 1,000 tests performed were positive for COVID-19 on November 5.

For the fourth day in a row, there has been a double-digit increase in the number of deaths, with 14 new deaths today, 8 of which were in long-term care facilities. Hospitalizations have decreased by 1 to 380, and the number of patients in ICUs remains unchanged to 86, with 1 additional patient placed on a ventilator.

A total of 41,268 tests were completed yesterday, and the backlog of tests under investigation has increased by 5,287 to 47,074.

There are 85 new cases in Ontario schools, an increase of 19 from yesterday, with 49 student cases, 8 staff cases, and 28 cases among unidentified individuals. There are 8 cases in licensed child care settings, a decrease of 12 from yesterday, with 3 cases among children and 5 cases among staff.

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In the greater Kawarthas region, there are 4 new cases to report, including 1 in Peterborough, 2 in Kawartha Lakes, and 1 in Northumberland. There are no new cases to report in Haliburton or Hastings and Prince Edward counties.

None of the new cases in Ontario schools and child care settings are in the greater Kawarthas region.

An additional 2 cases have been resolved in Peterborough, 1 case has been resolved in Kawartha Lakes, and 1 case has been resolved in Northumberland. There are currently 18 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, including 7 in Peterborough, 5 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, 1 in Kawartha Lakes, 2 in Northumberland, and 3 in Haliburton.

Since the pandemic began in the greater Kawarthas region, there have been 155 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (146 resolved with 2 deaths), 187 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (167 resolved with 32 deaths), 51 in Northumberland County (48 resolved with 1 death), 22 in Haliburton County (19 resolved with no deaths), and 82 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (72 resolved with 5 deaths). The most recent death was reported in Northumberland on September 8.

Province-wide, there have been 81,693 confirmed cases, an increase of 1,003 from yesterday, with 70,086 cases resolved (85.8% of all cases), an increase of 949. There have been 3,209 deaths, an increase of 14 from yesterday, with 2,050 deaths in long-term care homes, an increase of 8 from yesterday. The number of hospitalizations has decreased by 1 to 380, with no change in patients in ICUs and 1 additional patient on a ventilator. A total of 5,305,836 tests have been completed, an increase of 41,268 from yesterday, with 47,074 tests under investigation, an increase of 5,287 from yesterday.

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. This information is at least 24 hours old, so it is not real-time data. Note that each health unit reports the information in a different way.

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Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.

The health unit provides daily reports, including on weekends.

Confirmed positive: 155 (increase of 1)
Active cases: 7 (decrease of 1)
Close contacts: 10 (no change)
Deaths: 2 (no change)
Resolved: 146 (increase of 2)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 9 (no change)
Total tests completed: Over 34,900 (increase of 150)
Institutional outbreaks: Fairhaven (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.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 260, including 187 in Kawartha Lakes, 51 in Northumberland, 22 in Haliburton (increase of 3, 2 in Kawartha Lakes, 1 in Northumberland)
Active cases: 6, including 1 in Kawartha Lakes, 2 in Northumberland and 3 in Haliburton (net increase of 1)
Probable cases: 0 (no change)
High-risk contacts: 19, including 10 in Kawartha Lakes, 5 in Northumberland, and 4 in Haliburton (net increase of 5)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 15, including 11 in Kawartha Lakes, 3 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (no change)
Deaths: 33 (no change)
Resolved: 234, including 167 in Kawartha Lakes, 48 in Northumberland, 19 in Haliburton (increase of 2, including 1 in Kawartha Lakes and 1 in Northumberland)
Institutional outbreaks: Warkworth Long Term Care (no change)

 

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 82 (no change)
Active cases: 5 (no change)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Hospitalized (total to date): 7 (no change)
Hospitalized and in ICU (total to date): 2 (no change)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator (total to date): 2 (no change)
Resolved: 72 (no change)
Total tests completed: 48,299 (increase of 684)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

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Province of Ontario

Confirmed positive: 81,693 (increase of 1,003)
Resolved: 70,086 (increase of 949, 85.8% of all cases)
Hospitalized: 380 (decrease of 1)
Hospitalized and in ICU: 86 (no change)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 49 (increase of 1)
Deaths: 3,209 (increase of 14)
Deaths of residents in long-term care homes: 2,050 (increase of 8)
Total tests completed: 5,305,836 (increase of 41,268)
Tests under investigation: 47,074 (increase of 5,287)

New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 6 - November 5, 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)
New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 6 – November 5, 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 October 6 - November 5, 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)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from October 6 – November 5, 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)

 

For more information about COVID-19 in Ontario, visit covid-19.ontario.ca.

Six inductees celebrated at Junior Achievement 2020 Business Hall of Fame Thursday night

By Bruce Head -
Lisa Dixon, owner of Black Honey in downtown Peterborough, speaks during the 2020 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on November 5, 2020. Dixon was one of six inductees honoured at the COVID-safe event, which was also livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. (Screenshot)

It took seven months longer than planned, but the six inductees of the 2020 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame finally had their moment in the spotlight on Thursday night (November 5) at a COVID-safe ceremony at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.

Junior Achievement – Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) had originally scheduled the event at The Venue for late March, but the pandemic threw a wrench into the organization’s plans.

While the crowd at Thursday night’s ceremony was much smaller than usual — physically distanced attendance was limited to the inductees and their family and friends — JA-NEO also livestreamed the ceremony on Facebook and YouTube, so the audience was much larger, with around 300 people watching online.

Physically distanced and masked family and friends of the six inductees of the 2020 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame during a ceremony at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on November 5, 2020. As the event was closed to the public, it was also livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook, where around 300 people watched the ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Junior Achievement - Northern and Eastern Ontario)
Physically distanced and masked family and friends of the six inductees of the 2020 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame during a ceremony at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on November 5, 2020. As the event was closed to the public, it was also livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook, where around 300 people watched the ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Junior Achievement – Northern and Eastern Ontario)

The event was emceed by Michelle Ferreri and Monika Carmichael (JA-NEO’s Business Hall of Fame Chancellor) who, along with several guests, introduced the six inductees. Short videos about each of the inductees were also shown.

The six inductees of the 2020 Business Hall of Fame are:

  • Morris Cox of Brant Basics
  • Lisa Dixon of Black Honey Bakery and Café
  • Bill and Cora Edgar of Lucky Strike Bait Works
  • Jim Glenn of Glen Isle Farms Limited
  • Haig Kelly of Kelly Fuels
  • Bill and Marion Morrison of Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn
  • Sanjeev Sukumaran of The Ear Company-Peterborough Audiology
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In her induction speech, Lisa Dixon of Black Honey Bakery and Café in downtown Peterborough spoke about the importance of leaving a legacy as a business owner — inspired by her first employer.

“Work today as if you’re dead tomorrow — that was said to me 25 years ago, on my first catering slash waitressing job,” Dixon said. “I was working in a cafe, it was run by an Eastern European woman by the name of Sylvia. I was shocked, and I was a bit hurt.”

“It took about 25 years for me to realize what that meant. It meant what we’re doing today will affect people in the future. So this became a mantra for me as a boss.”

Lisa Dixon, owner of Black Honey in downtown Peterborough, speaks during the 2020 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on November 5, 2020. Also pictured at the COVID-safe event are emcees Michelle Ferreri (left) and Monika Carmichael (far right), who is also JA-NEO's Business Hall of Fame Chancellor. (Photo courtesy of Junior Achievement - Northern and Eastern Ontario)
Lisa Dixon, owner of Black Honey in downtown Peterborough, speaks during the 2020 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on November 5, 2020. Also pictured at the COVID-safe event are emcees Michelle Ferreri (left) and Monika Carmichael (far right), who is also JA-NEO’s Business Hall of Fame Chancellor. (Photo courtesy of Junior Achievement – Northern and Eastern Ontario)

Dixon spoke about passing that wisdom not only to her own employees, but to the students she teaches at Fleming College.

“I’m learning now, and it’s taken this long, that we will live in the moment,” she said. “Today it will get done, and tomorrow is a new day. And by doing it well, we will pass it on. Work today like you’re dead tomorrow.”

Since 2016, JA-NEO (formerly known as Junior Achievement – Peterborough Lakeland Muskoka) has honoured individuals whose exemplary accomplishments of vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence have strengthened the economy and community.

Sanjeev Sukumaran, owner of The Ear Company-Peterborough Audiology, speaks during the 2020 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on November 5, 2020. Sukumaran was one of six inductees honoured at the COVID-safe event, which was also livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. (Photo courtesy of Junior Achievement - Northern and Eastern Ontario)
Sanjeev Sukumaran, owner of The Ear Company-Peterborough Audiology, speaks during the 2020 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame at The Venue in downtown Peterborough on November 5, 2020. Sukumaran was one of six inductees honoured at the COVID-safe event, which was also livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. (Photo courtesy of Junior Achievement – Northern and Eastern Ontario)

Inductees are widely respected for their integrity, business acumen, and community contributions. They are regarded as inspiring role models for enterprising Junior Achievement students and young Canadians.

In addition to the six inductees, JA-NEO also recognized Myriah and Ella Mason with the Students of the Year Award), Jennifer Brown (for Junior Achievement Lifetime Volunteer Recognition), Mike Martone (for Recognition of Outstanding Contribution to Education), and Vernon (Herb) Watt Hall (for Heritage Recognition).

If you missed Thursday night’s event, you can watch the entire ceremony on Facebook or YouTube. YourTV will also be broadcasting the ceremony on Cable 10 and HD Cable 700 in the coming days; visit the YourTV schedule to find out when.

Ontario reports 998 new COVID-19 cases, 13 new deaths, and 11 new ICU patients

By kawarthaNOW -

Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.

Today, Ontario is reporting 998 new cases of COVID-19, with the majority in Toronto (350) and Peel (269). There are smaller increases in York (71), Halton (47), Ottawa (45), Hamilton (37), Durham (33), Eastern Ontario Health Unit (23), Niagara (22), Waterloo (17), Middlesex-London (16), Brant County (13), Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (9), Southwestern Public Health (7), and Windsor-Essex (6).

The remaining 19 public health units are reporting 5 or fewer cases, with 8 health units reporting no new cases at all.

Of today’s cases, 53% are among people under 40. With 998 more cases resolved since yesterday, the percentage of resolved cases has increased by 0.1% to 85.7%. The positivity rate has decreased by 0.4% to 3.3%, meaning that 33 out of every 1,000 tests performed were positive for COVID-19 on November 4.

For the third day in a row, there has been a double-digit increase in the number of deaths, with 13 new deaths today, 7 of which were in long-term care facilities. Hospitalizations have increased by 14 to 381, and the number of patients in ICUs has jumped by 11 to 86, with 4 additional patients placed on ventilators.

A total of 35,754 tests were completed yesterday, and the backlog of tests under investigation has increased by 8,700 to 41,787.

There are 66 new cases in Ontario schools, a decrease of 50 from yesterday, with 37 student cases, 7 staff cases, and 24 cases among unidentified individuals. There are 20 cases in licensed child care settings, an increase of 4 from yesterday, with 8 cases among children and 12 cases among staff.

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In the greater Kawarthas region, there are 2 new cases to report, with 1 new case in Peterborough and 1 new case in Haliburton. There are no new cases in Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, or Hastings and Prince Edward counties. None of the new cases in Ontario schools and child care settings are in the greater Kawarthas region.

There are currently 18 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, including 8 in Peterborough, 5 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, 2 in Northumberland, and 3 in Haliburton.

Since the pandemic began in the greater Kawarthas region, there have been 154 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (144 resolved with 2 deaths), 185 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (166 resolved with 32 deaths), 50 in Northumberland County (47 resolved with 1 death), 22 in Haliburton County (19 resolved with no deaths), and 82 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (72 resolved with 5 deaths). The most recent death was reported in Northumberland on September 8.

Province-wide, there have been 80,690 confirmed cases, an increase of 998 from yesterday, with 69,137 cases resolved (85.7% of all cases), an increase of 948. There have been 3,195 deaths, an increase of 13 from yesterday, with 2,042 deaths in long-term care homes, an increase of 7 from yesterday. The number of hospitalizations has increased by 14 to 381, with 11 additional patients in ICUs and 4 additional patients on ventilators. A total of 5,264,568 tests have been completed, an increase of 35,754 from yesterday, with 41,787 tests under investigation, an increase of 8,700 from yesterday.

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. This information is at least 24 hours old, so it is not real-time data. Note that each health unit reports the information in a different way.

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Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.

The health unit provides daily reports, including on weekends.

Confirmed positive: 154 (increase of 1)
Active cases: 8 (increase of 1)
Close contacts: 10 (increase of 1)
Deaths: 2 (no change)
Resolved: 144 (no change)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 9 (no change)
Total tests completed: Over 34,750 (increase of 100)
Institutional outbreaks: Fairhaven (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.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 257, including 185 in Kawartha Lakes, 50 in Northumberland, 22 in Haliburton (increase of 1, in Haliburton)
Active cases: 5, including 2 in Northumberland and 3 in Haliburton (increase of 1, in Haliburton)
Probable cases: 0 (no change)
High-risk contacts: 14, including 6 in Kawartha Lakes, 5 in Northumberland, and 3 in Haliburton (no net change)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 15, including 11 in Kawartha Lakes, 3 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (no change)
Deaths: 33 (no change)
Resolved: 232, including 166 in Kawartha Lakes, 47 in Northumberland, 19 in Haliburton (no change)
Institutional outbreaks: Warkworth Long Term Care (no change)

 

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 82 (no change)
Active cases: 5 (no change)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Hospitalized (total to date): 7 (no change)
Hospitalized and in ICU (total to date): 2 (no change)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator (total to date): 2 (no change)
Resolved: 72 (no change)
Total tests completed: 47,615 (updated data unavailable)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

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Province of Ontario

Confirmed positive: 80,690 (increase of 998)
Resolved: 69,137 (increase of 948, 85.7% of all cases)
Hospitalized: 381 (increase of 14)
Hospitalized and in ICU: 86 (increase of 11)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 48 (increase of 4)
Deaths: 3,195 (increase of 13)
Deaths of residents in long-term care homes: 2,042 (increase of 7)
Total tests completed: 5,264,568 (increase of 35,754)
Tests under investigation: 41,787 (increase of 8,700)

New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 5 - November 4, 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)
New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 5 – November 4, 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 October 5 - November 4, 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)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from October 5 – November 4, 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)

 

For more information about COVID-19 in Ontario, visit covid-19.ontario.ca.

David and Patricia Morton donate $50,000 to YWCA Women’s Centre of Haliburton County

By kawarthaNOW -
Local philanthropists David and Patricia Morton have donated $50,000 in support of YWCA Women's Centre of Haliburton County Outreach Services. (Supplied photo)

Local philanthropists David and Patricia Morton have donated $50,000 in support of YWCA Women’s Centre of Haliburton County Outreach Services.

“We are inspired by the courage of isolated and vulnerable women who are struggling to survive and escape from abuse and violence, and to build a better life for themselves and their children,” Patricia Morton says. “We greatly hope that our donation will encourage others to help to support them and the dedicated and great work of the Peterborough Haliburton YWCA.”

In a media release announcing the donation, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton says the need for safety and specialized supports that address violence against women has increased steadily since the initial pandemic lockdown this spring, particularly in rural areas.

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The organization’s clinical therapist and transition support workers, who continue to work remotely during the pandemic, are responding to five to 10 women per week reaching out for support.

“Recent trends in the county, with more cottagers opting to stay in the area, have resulted in an increase in calls to our Haliburton County services for information, support, and safety planning,” says YWCA executive director, Kim Dolan. “We expect this to continue as the reports of abuse are more serious and complex given the heightened stressors brought on by the pandemic.”

YWCA outreach programming in Haliburton County offers clinical therapy and counselling, risk assessment and safety planning, systems navigation and referral, emergency client transportation, court accompaniment, and more.

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The YWCA Women’s Centre of Haliburton County provides a home base for three part-time transition support workers, one full-time clinical therapist, an office coordinator, and an independent family law lawyer who provides information to women.

The Mortons are well-known philanthropists in the Peterborough community, having made generous gifts to organizations including Trent University, Peterborough Humane Society, United Way of Peterborough & District, and the Morton Community Healthcare Centre in Lakefield.

In April, during the height of the first wave of the pandemic, they encouraged the community to donate to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation by matching donations up to $50,000.

Supporting local this holiday season benefits the economy and the environment

By GreenUP -
Doing your holiday shopping at locally owned independent businesses indirectly benefits non-profit organizations like Peterborough GreenUP, since local business owners tend to provide greater support to local charities and also are more likely to shop locally themselves. You can also support local by shopping at the GreenUP Store at 378 Aylmer Street in downtown Peterborough, which carries eco-friendly products from several local makers. (Photo: Ben Hargreaves / GreenUP)

No matter what your normal holiday traditions are, it’s likely they will look a little different this year due to COVID-19. We must adapt the way we connect with loved ones during this special season, but we also need to recognize that our buying habits need some adaptation as well.

Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Kristen LaRocque, GreenUP’s Store and Resource Centre Coordinator.

Big box stores or online marketplaces like Amazon can be tempting ways to satisfy our loved ones’ wish lists. Many of the common arguments for shopping this way have to do with convenience. In a time when Peterborough’s economy is suffering, please consider — if you are able — making your holiday purchases locally rather than supporting multinational companies and sending your dollars outside “the Patch.”

You will likely find that the experience of buying from local makers and businesses is actually much more enjoyable, and just as convenient. Many local makers have responded to the pandemic by setting up online stores, delivery, and curbside-pickup options. Some orders are ready the same day.

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Perhaps you have questions about inventory or delivery time. There’s a good chance you can get the owner or local maker on the phone to answer your questions directly, without even being put on hold. Don’t underestimate the gift of connecting with a real, local, wonderful human being when many of us are experiencing more isolation than we’re used to.

“When you choose to shop at locally owned independent businesses, more money is kept in our wonderful community,” says Terry Guiel, executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA). “Local businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers, and farmers.”

“The same is true of local artisans, craftspeople, and artists. These people are the fabric of our community and, like you, they pay taxes, access health care, and live their lives in this community. They care about our community. They’re invested, and they’re more accountable. We really are in this together.”

Many locally owned independent businesses have responded to the pandemic by setting up online stores, delivery, and curbside-pickup options. To encourage Peterborough residents to support local, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) launched "The Boro" website earlier this year, where you can connect with local businesses including restaurants, order online, purchase gift cards, and more. (Photo: Joon Kim / Peterborough DBIA)
Many locally owned independent businesses have responded to the pandemic by setting up online stores, delivery, and curbside-pickup options. To encourage Peterborough residents to support local, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) launched “The Boro” website earlier this year, where you can connect with local businesses including restaurants, order online, purchase gift cards, and more. (Photo: Joon Kim / Peterborough DBIA)

In addition, choosing to shop local indirectly benefits non-profits, like us here at GreenUP. Charities typically receive greater support from local business owners, who are also more likely to shop locally themselves. Additionally, non-profits and charities often offer local programming and services for little or no cost, making these organizations a tremendous boon to the community.

By supporting local business, you are driving an ongoing cycle of local support that includes local charities.

Consider sending lightweight locally made gifts and cards to friends and family members living farther away. This could include a set of beeswax food wraps to kick start a waste-free journey, or a gift card in support of a small business in their own local community.

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We can also call on our own creative capacities (perhaps newly discovered during lockdown) and make miniature paintings or drawings that can be sent by mail and hung up in the home. Paper crafts, such as origami or snowflake cut-outs, are excellent gifts that add holiday cheer and can engage children in the gifting process.

“When I’m able, I prefer to make gifts for the holidays,” says Jenn McCallum, coordinator of GreenUP’s water programs. “A favourite is cookies or brownies in a jar. I save my dry ingredients inside the jar, add a nice reusable bow, and write out the cooking directions.”

“We are making candles this year with thrifted teacups, soy wax, and a few drops of essential oil,” adds Natalie Stephenson, coordinator of Green Economy Peterborough at GreenUP. “Also, instead of stuff, I love giving intangible things like services and experiences — like music lessons, memberships to B!KE, or a workshop at the Endeavour Centre or Johnston’s Greenhouse.”

It's not just local businesses that need support during the pandemic. Some non-profit organizations, such as the Market Hall Performing Centre in downtown Peterborough, have been severely affected by the pandemic. Consider gifting someone a membership or making a donation on their behalf to help ensure the local arts community can survive the pandemic. (Photo: Joon Kim / Peterborough DBIA)
It’s not just local businesses that need support during the pandemic. Some non-profit organizations, such as the Market Hall Performing Centre in downtown Peterborough, have been severely affected by the pandemic. Consider gifting someone a membership or making a donation on their behalf to help ensure the local arts community can survive the pandemic. (Photo: Joon Kim / Peterborough DBIA)

If you are sending a parcel, there are lots of eco-friendly packing materials available in your own home. Check your recycling bin for newspaper and cardboard boxes. Find some pieces of worn-out clothing destined for the scrap pile.

There are plenty of instructional videos online that can help you craft a fun envelope or fabric bubble mailer from repurposed materials like these.

As we look ahead to Black Friday and the holiday shopping season, here’s a handy list of ways you can manage your purchases, keep things sustainable, and support our local economy.

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Participate in White Monday and Giving Tuesday

In response to the consumer wave that Black Friday brings, White Monday encourages people to be circular consumers and avoid disposable purchases.

Giving Tuesday asks people to consider donating their time or money to a non-profit charity or someone in need.

Support marginalized communities

COVID-19 has highlighted and exacerbated the disparities in our world. Consider supporting local organizations that help those in need and fight for equity.

If you are able to, please donate to local food banks.

Also consider supporting organizations like the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre and Black Lives Matter Nogojiwanong.

A fun and thoughtful way to support local and gift sustainably is to give experiences and access to resources instead of more stuff. For example, if you have a bike enthusiast on your list, gift them a membership to B!KE, the community bike shop in downtown Peterborough that is also now a registered charity. Besides supporting B!KE, a membership provides unlimited shop time for a year, access to a wide selection of inexpensive used parts, and more. (Photo: B!KE)
A fun and thoughtful way to support local and gift sustainably is to give experiences and access to resources instead of more stuff. For example, if you have a bike enthusiast on your list, gift them a membership to B!KE, the community bike shop in downtown Peterborough that is also now a registered charity. Besides supporting B!KE, a membership provides unlimited shop time for a year, access to a wide selection of inexpensive used parts, and more. (Photo: B!KE)

Shop local and support local businesses

Keep your money circulating in the local economy by supporting local business owners, makers, and artists that live in our community.

Make a list and check it twice

Avoid impulse buys and purchasing things you don’t need. Stick to a pre-planned gift list.

Less is more

Buy less and be thoughtful about your purchases. Consider gifts that are useful and not frivolous.

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Do stuff, don’t buy stuff

Consider an experiential gift instead of more “stuff” for your loved ones.

Look for online options, like a gift card to upcoming online workshops with the Art School of Peterborough, or outdoor experiences that can be done safely, like a Parks Canada Pass.

Support retailers taking climate action

Purchase goods from retailers who carry organic, reusable, sustainable, local, and renewable products and who are making climate action part of their business model.

 

However you plan to adapt your normal holiday traditions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please do what you can to support local.

Be on the lookout for an article in early December about local gift ideas to help even last-minute shoppers buy sustainably.

Peterborough County announces winners of #PicturePtboCounty photo contest

By kawarthaNOW -
Molly Cadigan won first place and $250 for her submission "Heritage Matters" (top) in Peterborough County's #PicturePtboCounty photo contest. Barry Mortin (bottom left) won second place, with Connie Kot, James Forrester, and David Frey receiving honourable mentions for their submissions. (Supplied photos)

Peterborough County has announced the winners of its #PicturePtboCounty photography contest.

Molly Cadigan won first place and $250 for her photo “Heritage Matters”, with Barry Mortin taking second place and $100 for his photo “Lightning Lake”.

Connie Kot (“Winter Waterfall”), James Forrester (“Red Door”), and David Frey (“Ice Hockey”) each received an honourable mention and $50.

The winning photos are displayed below.

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Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones announced the winners at the virtual county council meeting on Wednesday (November 4).

The contest, which ran during the month of October, encouraged local residents to submit pictures of Peterborough County’s natural beauty, dynamic infrastructure and industry, or vibrant community life.

The county received 160 submissions, with Jones selecting the first-place winner.

 

Winner – Molly Cadigan

"Heritage Matters" is the winner of the 2020 #PicturePtboCounty contest. (Photo: Molly Cadigan)
“Heritage Matters” is the winner of the 2020 #PicturePtboCounty contest. (Photo: Molly Cadigan)

 

Second Place – Barry Mortin

"Lightning Lake" won second place in the 2020 #PicturePtboCounty contest. (Photo: Barry Mortin)
“Lightning Lake” won second place in the 2020 #PicturePtboCounty contest. (Photo: Barry Mortin)
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Honourable Mentions – Connie Kot, James Forrester, David Frey

"Winter Waterfall" received an honourable mention. (Photo: Connie Kot)
“Winter Waterfall” received an honourable mention. (Photo: Connie Kot)
"Red Door" received an honourable mention. (Photo: James Forrester)
“Red Door” received an honourable mention. (Photo: James Forrester)
"Ice Hockey" received an honourable mention. (Photo: David Frey)
“Ice Hockey” received an honourable mention. (Photo: David Frey)

Ontario reports 987 new COVID-19 cases, with 14 deaths including 11 in long-term care homes

By kawarthaNOW -

Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.

Today, Ontario is reporting 987 new cases of COVID-19, with the majority in Toronto (319), Peel (299), York (85), and Durham (62). There are smaller increases in Ottawa (48), Halton (47), Hamilton (32), Simcoe Muskoka (25), Waterloo (21), and Niagara (16). The remaining 24 public health units are reporting 5 or fewer cases, with 10 health units reporting no new cases at all.

Of today’s cases, 52% are among people 40 and older. With 945 more cases resolved since yesterday, the percentage of resolved cases has increased by 0.2% to 85.6%. The positivity rate has dropped by 0.3% to 3.7%, meaning that 37 out of every 1,000 tests performed were positive for COVID-19 on November 3.

For the second day in a row, there has been a double-digit increase in the number of deaths, with 16 new deaths today, 11 of which were in long-term care facilities. Hospitalizations have increased by 10 to 367, with 2 additional patients in ICUs and 3 fewer patients on ventilators.

A total of 28,567 tests were completed yesterday, and the backlog of tests under investigation has increased by 12,329 to 33,087.

There are 116 new cases in Ontario schools, a decrease of 18 from yesterday, with 81 student cases, 7 staff cases, and 28 cases among unidentified individuals. There are 16 cases in licensed child care settings, a decrease of 7 from yesterday, with 8 cases among children and 8 cases among staff.

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In the greater Kawarthas region, there are 3 new cases to report. There is 1 new case in Peterborough; however, an additional case has been resolved. There is 1 new case to report in Haliburton, after a case previously reported at a different health unit was transferred based on where the case resided at the time; however, an additional case has been resolved in Northumberland. There is 1 new case in Hastings and Prince Edward counties; however, 2 additional cases have been resolved.

There are no new cases to report in Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland. None of the new cases in Ontario schools and child care settings are in the greater Kawarthas region.

There are currently 16 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, including 7 in Peterborough, 5 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, 2 in Northumberland, and 2 in Haliburton.

Since the pandemic began in the greater Kawarthas region, there have been 153 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (144 resolved with 2 deaths), 185 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (166 resolved with 32 deaths), 50 in Northumberland County (47 resolved with 1 death), 21 in Haliburton County (19 resolved with no deaths), and 82 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (72 resolved with 5 deaths). The most recent death was reported in Northumberland on September 8.

Province-wide, there have been 79,692 confirmed cases, an increase of 987 from yesterday, with 68,189 cases resolved (85.6% of all cases), an increase of 945. There have been 3,182 deaths, an increase of 16 from yesterday, with 2,035 deaths in long-term care homes, an increase of 11 from yesterday. The number of hospitalizations has increased by 10 to 367, with 2 additional patients in ICUs and 3 fewer patients on ventilators. A total of 5,228,814 tests have been completed, an increase of 28,567 from yesterday, with 33,087 tests under investigation, an increase of 12,329 from yesterday.

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. This information is at least 24 hours old, so it is not real-time data. Note that each health unit reports the information in a different way.

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Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.

The health unit provides daily reports, including on weekends.

Confirmed positive: 153 (increase of 1)
Active cases: 7 (no change)
Close contacts: 9 (decrease of 8)
Deaths: 2 (no change)
Resolved: 144 (increase of 1)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 9 (no change)
Total tests completed: Over 34,650 (increase of 100)
Institutional outbreaks: Fairhaven (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.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 256, including 185 in Kawartha Lakes, 50 in Northumberland, 21 in Haliburton (increase of 1, in Haliburton)*
Active cases: 4, including 2 in Northumberland and 2 in Haliburton (decrease of 1 in Northumberland, increase of 1 in Haliburton)*
Probable cases: 0 (no change)
High-risk contacts: 14, including 4 in Kawartha Lakes, 4 in Northumberland, and 6 in Northumberland (no change)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 15, including 11 in Kawartha Lakes, 3 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (no change)
Deaths: 33 (no change)
Resolved: 232, including 166 in Kawartha Lakes, 47 in Northumberland, 19 in Haliburton (increase of 1, in Northumberland)
Institutional outbreaks: Warkworth Long Term Care (no change)

*One previously reported case at a different health unit has been transferred based on where the case resided at the time.

 

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 82 (increase of 1)
Active cases: 5 (decrease of 1)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Hospitalized (total to date): 7 (no change)
Hospitalized and in ICU (total to date): 2 (no change)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator (total to date): 2 (no change)
Resolved: 72 (increase of 2)
Total tests completed: 47,615 (increase of 824)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

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Province of Ontario

Confirmed positive: 79,692 (increase of 987)
Resolved: 68,189 (increase of 945, 85.6% of all cases)
Hospitalized: 367 (increase of 10)
Hospitalized and in ICU: 75 (increase of 2)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 44 (decrease of 3)
Deaths: 3,182 (increase of 16)
Deaths of residents in long-term care homes: 2,035 (increase of 11)
Total tests completed: 5,228,814 (increase of 28,567)
Tests under investigation: 33,087 (increase of 12,329)

New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 4 - November 3, 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)
New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 4 – November 3, 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 deaths Ontario from October 4 - November 3, 2020. The red line is the aggregate total of deaths reported daily and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of reported deaths. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 deaths Ontario from October 4 – November 3, 2020. The red line is the aggregate total of deaths reported daily and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of reported deaths. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from October 4 - November 3, 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)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from October 4 – November 3, 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)

 

For more information about COVID-19 in Ontario, visit covid-19.ontario.ca.

Ontario invests another $680 million in broadband and cellular access

By kawarthaNOW -
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the provincial government is investing an additional $630 million in broadband and celluar access across Ontario during an announcement in Minden Hills on November 4, 2020. (Photo: Office of the Premier)

The Ontario government is investing another $680 million to improve broadband and cellular access across the province, particularly in rural and remote communities.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon (November 4) at the Haliburton County Public Library in Minden Hills, accompanied by finance minister Rod Phillips, infrastructure minister and Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott, and Treasury Board president Peter Bethlenfalvy.

“This pandemic has shown us the importance of access to high-speed internet and reliable cell service, access that so many of us take for granted,” Ford said. “Reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it is necessary for everyday life. It allows people to bank, shop, learn, get their news, or watch their favourite movies.”

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Except, Ford said, for people like an area woman who has travelled the world but “is lucky to get one bar of service on her cell phone” at home.

“She says she got better cell reception as a tourist in the Serengeti desert in Africa,” Ford added. “She had five bars of service there.”

The $680 million in funding is in addition to $315 million announced in July 2019, resulting in an investment of almost $1 billion over six years.

The funding will be used for shovel-ready projects starting this year and next.

According to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, more than 1.4 million people in Ontario do not have broadband or cellular access, and as many as 12 per cent of households in Ontario — mainly in rural, remote, or northern areas — either have no broadband internet service or are underserved.

Ontario infrastructure minister and Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott Ontario during the broadband and cellular access announcement in Minden Hills on November 4, 2020. (Photo: Office of the Premier)
Ontario infrastructure minister and Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott Ontario during the broadband and cellular access announcement in Minden Hills on November 4, 2020. (Photo: Office of the Premier)

“This investment will connect even more residents in communities across Ontario to faster more reliable internet and cell service,” Scott said. “Today’s commitment to connect more people to reliable broadband and cellular service — along with many others we’ve made — will make it easier for more people to work and learn from home, run their businesses and connect with others.”

Related story

$1.6 billion proposal would deliver ultra-fast gigabit internet to rural eastern Ontario

The $680 million in funding will double the investment in the Improving Connectivity in Ontario (ICON) program, which partners with telecom companies, municipal governments, First Nation communities, and non-profits to improve connectivity. With the additional funding, ICON will be able to leverage more than $900 million in total funding with program partners.

The Ontario government has also partnered with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) to invest $71 million in a $213 million project to improve access to cellular service and mobile broadband in eastern Ontario.

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City of Kawartha Lakes mayor Andy Letham, who is chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus that created EORN, also attended Wednesday’s announcement along with Minden Hills mayor Brent Devolin.

“In the 21st century, connectivity is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity,” Letham said. “It is a social, cultural, and economic lifeline for students, families, businesses, and seniors in communities across the province. The COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted this need.”

“Members of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association have been calling for investments in broadband infrastructure, particularly now as we try to recover from COVID-19 and strive for long-term prosperity,” Letham added.

“Today’s exciting announcement by the province of Ontario, on top of previous announcements in connectivity, are welcome and much appreciated. It will help connect more homes and businesses in Ontario communities, increase their economic competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses.”

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