Renowned Peterborough artist Neil Broadfoot passed away on Sunday (July 19) at Hospice Peterborough after a brief illness. He was 82 years old.

Neil was best known for his landscape and wilderness watercolour paintings, but he also worked in in oil, acrylic, and multimedia.

He graduated from the the Ontario College of Art in 1961 and initially worked as a commercial artist and graphic illustrator in TV animation and design.

In 1966 he moved to Peterborough, where he became an art teacher at Crestwood Secondary School and taught for 34 years before retiring.

He also taught at the Buckhorn School of Art and at Fleming College’s Haliburton School of Art + Design. He mentored and inspired many local artists, including David Friesen and Lucie Lemieux-Wilson.

Neil was the artist-in-residence at The Canadian Canoe Museum from 1998 to 2005, where he designed maps, murals, and banners.

A friend of the museum’s late founder Kirk Wipper, Neil was also an avid life-long canoeist with a particular interest in Canadian explorers and indigenous peoples.

Neil paddled at Algonquin, Quetico, and Wabakimi Provincial Parks, Temagami, Lake Superior, and the Fraser River. His travels were a source of inspiration for his art, with his favourite subject matter being the canoe and paddlers.

His paintings can be found in corporate collections — including the Canada Packers Collection and the Labatt’s collection — and many private collections around the world.

His artwork has also been featured in Reader’s Digest, in illustrations for historical books, and in calendars for General Motors. Along with fellow Peterborough artist George Elliott, Neil painted the former mural at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Neil was twice selected as artist of the year for Ducks Unlimited. Recently, his work was featured in the 2018 book The Artists of Kawartha, published by Andrea Hillo of The Artists Books.

He was also a folk musician who played the banjo.

In recognition of his contribution to the arts, Neil was inducted into Peterborough’s Pathway of Fame in the visual arts category in 2012.

Neil’s wife Margaret tells kawarthaNOW that there will be a private internment and, in the future, a gathering to celebrate Neil’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Canadian Canoe Museum or Hospice Peterborough. Donations can be made through the Highland Park Funeral Centre at 2510 Bensfort Road in Peterborough.

You can view Neil’s obituary and leave condolences for his family and friends at highlandparkfuneralcentre.com/obituary/Neil-Broadfoot.

This story has been updated to correct Neil’s age. He was 82 when he passed away, not 84 as the original version of this story stated.

On Monday (July 20), Hydro One announced it has provided funding to YES Shelter for Youth and Families in Peterborough so the community organization could buy a truck to help transport food and supplies and move children and families into housing.

“At Hydro One, we’re proud to stand with the communities where we work and live, especially at a challenging time like this,” said Jason Fitzsimmons, Hydro One’s chief corporate affairs and customer care officer.

“We believe we have a deep responsibility to help families and businesses in Peterborough, Lakefield, and Norwood and we will continue to energize life by supporting charitable organizations that are making a difference in these communities.”

Hydro One’s support of YES comes as it acquires the business and distribution assets of Peterborough Distribution Inc.

After the acquisition closes on August 1st, Hydro One says customers will receive a one per cent rate reduction to the base distribution portion of bills, which will be frozen at this rate for five years. Service and billing will continue to come from Peterborough Distribution, as Hydro One brings the two companies together.

“We’re so grateful to Hydro One for providing the YES Shelter for Youth and Families with a much-needed new truck,” said YES executive director Meagan Hennekam.

“This vehicle will ensure we can pick up the food donations that feed people in shelter, drive youth to appointments that improve their lives, and will literally move hundreds of young people and families from homelessness into housing. This truck will improve the services we offer youth and families who are struggling, and Hydro One has made that happen.”

Peterborough mayor Diane Therrien and Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith were also at the funding announcement, where the new truck was unveiled. Norwood automobile dealership J. J. Stewart Motors Limited assisted YES with selection and purchase of the vehicle.

A registered charity, YES helps youth and families experiencing homelessness in Peterborough by providing shelter, education, and transitional supports. Each year, YES serves almost 250 people in its emergency shelter and also operates an emergency food cupboard that served 475 people in 2019 and a clothing cupboard that provided 395 people with clothes.

The organization also has an alternative high school classroom onsite in partnership with the local public school board, and four outreach workers who support youth on their path to independence throughout the community. YES also runs Rise Youth Housing, a transitional housing program that supports youth who are moving from homelessness to living independently and provides a homelessness prevention program for youth.

In a media release, Hydro One says it is also investing in the local economy and has committed to the development of a new operations centre and fleet maintenance facility in Peterborough.

The Peterborough Police Service announced on Monday (July 20) that retired police service dog (PSD) Wolfe has passed away.

PSD Wolfe was donated by the Knights of Columbus and spent seven years working the streets of Peterborough with his friend and partner police constable (PC) Tim Fish.

“He was crazy tough, but was always great with kids,” PC Fish says in a police media release.

“We did so many school presentations, at all levels, including college and university,” PC Fish recalls. “We would never turn down anyone who wanted a picture or ask questions. He was the best. We always did Kids and Cops and Take Your Kid To Work Day. Every chance I had to show him off I did.”

PSD Wolfe retired from active duty in 2018 but remained a part of PC Fish’s life until his passing.

“Retirement was tough for Wolfe but he ended up loving it.” PC Fish says. “He was so amazing.”

PSD Wolfe received numerous accolades, including a Commanders Commendation in 2015 for Outstanding Police Work while arresting an armed suspect.

He was responsible for countless successful tracks and located approximately $10,000 cash, and over $20,000 in drugs during a search in Brookdale Plaza. He was also available as an invaluable support to all units, specifically front-line patrol officers and the Peterborough Police Service’s Emergency Response Team.

“PSD Wolfe will be missed,” states the police media release.

This story has been updated with an additional photo of Wolfe.

A crowdfunding campaign in support of Helen McCarthy, owner of KitCoffee Peterborough in downtown Peterborough, has raised more than $11,000 in 24 hours.

Last Wednesday (July 15), McCarthy severely broke both her ankles after an accident on a friend’s dock, requiring emergency surgery on both ankles.

“Helen is a beloved member of the Peterborough community and a loving mother to her beautiful three-year-old daughter Maggie who will be under the care of her co-parents during this difficult time,” writes Emily Amon, who organized the crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe. “This tragic incident comes after a previous emergency medical leave where Helen suffered a broken left leg in January.”

The surgery will require McCarthy to use a wheelchair until October, meaning she will have significant challenges running her business at 144 Hunter Street West in downtown Peterborough, which she opened last July.

“Helen is a strong, independent and positive force in this community, always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need,” Amon writes. “Her cafe is a community hub, supporting local farmers, producers and makers with diverse retail offerings from many other small businesses.”

“Helen has used her place of privilege as a downtown business owner to support both BLM and the Nogojiiwaanong Friendship Centre in recent months through personal campaigns. This community advocacy reflects a deep commitment to uplifting folks in need.”

The crowdfunding campaign is raising funds to help keep KitCoffee open while McCarthy cannot work, by paying employee wages, as well as help to pay for a wheelchair-accessible washroom and other necessary mobility adaptations at McCarthy’s home.

Funds may also be used for any unexpected physical therapy and home health care support costs.

The initial goal of the crowdfunding campaign of $10,000 was met and exceeded in less than 24 hours. As of the date of this story, $11,435 had been raised for McCarthy.

As for McCarthy herself, she writes on social media that she is “floored” by the support shown by the community.

To support McCarthy and KitCoffee, donate at gofundme.com/f/tphact-help-for-helen.

Peterborough Public Health announced on Monday (July 20) that face coverings will become mandatory for local residents in most indoor settings as of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 1st.

After collaborating with local municipal leaders, Peterborough medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra is invoking a directive under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to require people to wear a face covering in certain indoor public spaces.

“Under the directive, the person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall operate it in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials, including any advice, recommendations or instructions on physical distancing, cleaning or disinfecting,” reads a media release from Peterborough Public Health.

“The directive applies to all owners and operators of commercial establishments, public transit services, and commercial transportation services within the Peterborough Public Health catchment area.”

Peterborough Public Health’s catchment are includes the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, and Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations. Face masks have already been made mandatory in the health units surrounding Peterborough, including the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit serving Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Northumberland and the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health serving Hastings and Prince Edward counties.

“Although not conclusive, there is increasing scientific evidence that wearing a face covering can help reduce COVID-19 transmission,” says Dr. Salvaterra. “This measure will help both residents and visitors to our area and adds to a clear and consistent regionalized approach to mandatory face coverings across the Central Ontario region, especially as we move into Stage 3 of our restart.”

Peterborough Public Health is using existing networks to communicate to owners and operators directly. The directive will be enacted and enforced in good faith and will be primarily used as a means to educate people on mandatory mask use in enclosed public spaces.

“We have heard directly from many local residents and community partners that a clear mandatory mask directive is important to them to keep our community safe,” says Dr. Salvaterra. “Socializing and normalizing mask use in enclosed public places will help protect others, especially our most vulnerable residents.”

Dr. Salvaterra adds it is important not to stigmatize those who are unable to wear face coverings for medical reasons.

“Being kind, patient and respectful to others is just as important as any infection control measure as we also must remember to support each other’s mental health during the pandemic,” she says.

As with mask-wearing directives from other public health units, some people will not be required to wear a face covering. According to the Peterborough Public Health directive, a person will be exempt from wearing a face covering if:

• The person is a child under the age of two years, or is a child under the age of five years either chronologically or developmentally and he or she refuses to wear a face covering and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver
• The person is incapacitated and unable to remove their face covering without assistance
• Wearing a face covering would inhibit the person’s ability to breathe such as, but not limited to, during athletic, fitness or physical activity or any activity that would preclude its use (such as swimming)
• For any other medical reason, the person cannot safely wear a face covering such as, but not limited to, respiratory disease, cognitive difficulties or difficulties in hearing or processing information
• For any religious reason, the person cannot wear a face covering.

The public health directive will remain in place until provincial emergency orders expire, which were recently extended until July 29th.

However, on July 7th, the Government of Ontario introduced the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020. If passed, the legislation will ensure emergency orders remain in place to address the threat of COVID-19 once the province’s state of emergency has has ended. The government continues to review emergency orders currently in place to determine when and if they can be safely eased or lifted.

PDF – Peterborough Public Health Directive on Mandatory Face Coverings
Peterborough Public Health Directive on Mandatory Face Coverings

This story has been updated to include face covering exemptions, links to the Peterborough Public Health website for additional details, and a copy of the directive.