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Lots of rain in store for the Kawarthas on Sunday

Environment Canada is forecasting significant rainfall on Sunday (April 14) and Sunday night across the Kawarthas, with a messy mix of wintry precipitation possible for northern regions.

An approaching low pressure system is expected to move into eastern Ontario by early afternoon on Sunday and persist until Monday morning.

For Northumberland County, Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning, with total amounts of 30 to 40 mm expected.

For Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes, 15 to 25 mm of rainfall are likely.

As the still-frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall, localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Keep children and pets away from creeks and river banks.

Further north, in Haliburton and Hastings County, a messy mix of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain is possible. Some areas may also change to rain if temperatures rise above the freezing mark.

Since the temperatures will be close to the freezing mark, there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding potential snowfall amounts, but Environment Canada is forecasting 5 cm of snow, with the possibility of freezing rain on Sunday night.

PTBO Northern Originals ‘Keeps The Wheel Turning’ with tribute to the late Jonathan Hall

PTBO Northern Originals owner Mike Watt has created a pin and patch to continue the legacy of the late Jonathan Hall, with proceeds from their sale going to support The Twisted Wheel, the bar and music venue in downtown Peterborough that Hall co-owned with Mike Judson and his wife Jennifer. (Photos: PTBO Northern Originals)

“Wherever you go, you can carry Jonny with you.”

So says the website for PTBO Northern Originals, which has just created a new patch and pin to “continue the legacy” of the late Jonathan Hall, known by his DJ nickname Jonny Trash.

All proceeds from the sales of the patch and pin will go to support The Twisted Wheel, the downtown Peterborough bar and music venue that Hall co-owned with Mike Judson and his wife Jennifer.

PTBO Northern Originals owner Mike Watt, who was a close friend of Hall’s, says he originally created the pin and patch design for the 2018 opening in Peterborough of The Twisted Wheel, which was named after the Manchester, England nightclub that operated from 1963 to 1971. Watt says that Hall’s own father used to frequent the U.K. nightclub.

Commonly called The Wheel, that club was one of the first in the U.K. to play “northern soul”, a music and dance movement that emerged in northern England in the late 1960s from the British mod scene. It was based on a particular style of black American soul music with a heavy beat and fast tempo.

Watt’s design reflects the poppy logo associated with the original Twisted Wheel and the northern soul movement. The clenched raised fist on the patch is also associated with the northern soul movement (often accompanied with the slogan “Keep The Faith”) and originates with the 1960s Black Power movement in the U.S.

PTBO Northern Originals owner Mike Watt created the pin and patch designs based on the poppy and clenched fist symbols associated with the original The Twisted Wheel nightclub in Manchester, England that operated in the late 1960s, along with the northern soul dance and music movement that emerged from the English mod subculture of that era. (Photos: PTBO Northern Originals)
PTBO Northern Originals owner Mike Watt created the pin and patch designs based on the poppy and clenched fist symbols associated with the original The Twisted Wheel nightclub in Manchester, England that operated in the late 1960s, along with the northern soul dance and music movement that emerged from the English mod subculture of that era. (Photos: PTBO Northern Originals)

The blue and white of the patch is “a nod to mod”, Watt says — the subculture that spread through England in the 1960s and from which northern soul eventually emerged. The mod subculture was centred on fashion and music, with mods wearing suits and other clean-cut outfits and listening to genres such as soul, rhythm and blues, ska, beat music, and British blues-rooted bands — a vibe that Hall modernized at The Twisted Wheel.

“Jon has done too many things for too many people to be forgotten,” Watt says, when asked why he created the patch and pin. “We want people to remember him and with the pin they can carry him with them and remember.”

You can buy a patch or a pin for $10 each from the PTBO Northern Originals at ptbonorthernoriginals.com/collections/the-twisted-wheel.

Jonathan "Jonny Trash" Hall DJing at The Twisted Wheel in October 2018. (Photo: Jack Martin)
Jonathan “Jonny Trash” Hall DJing at The Twisted Wheel in October 2018. (Photo: Jack Martin)

After Hall died suddenly of a heart attack on March 22, 2019, only a few days after celebrating his 44th birthday, Watt notes there was an outpouring of grief from Hall’s fans from around the world.

PTBO Northern Originals is selling the pins and patches online so everyone can purchase them, but they are also available locally at Watt’s other businesses, Providence and Flavour Fashion in downtown Peterborough.

Watt points out he is donating the proceeds from the sale of the patch and pin to The Twisted Wheel to honour Hall’s legacy, not because the venue is in any financial trouble.

While Hall’s passing has had a huge impact on The Twisted Wheel as well as the community, the venue continues to thrive and is actively booking live music acts and more.

“We want people to know that The Twisted Wheel is open for business and carrying on,” Watt says.

Otonabee Conservation issues flood warning for Peterborough and surrounding areas

The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) has issued a flood warning for all water courses and bodies within its geographical jurisdiction, which includes Peterborough and Peterborough County and portions of the City of Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County.

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

Ouse River, Indian River, and tributaries of the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River

Throughout ORCA’s geographical jurisdiction, the ground is both saturated and frozen, and therefore incapable of absorbing additional rainfall.

As a result of forecast rainfall of 50 to 70 mm forecast over the next seven days (Friday April 12th to Friday April 19th), and in particular the 25 to 40 mm forecast for Sunday, April 14th, significant pooling and ponding in low-lying areas is expected.

In addition, local rivers (Indian River and Ouse River), streams, and creeks (Squirrel, Baxter, Cavan, Jackson, Meade, Rays, etc.), which are already flowing at above normal rates, will continue to experience high flows, and will possibly even exceed their banks in some areas.

Wetlands are also expected to swell beyond their normal confines thereby flooding adjacent roads. Hence, area businesses and residents located in historically flood-prone areas are advised to prepare for localized flooding caused by forecasted rainfall, saturated and frozen ground, and poor drainage conditions.

Also, area residents and visitors are advised to not travel roads, paths, or other routes that are inundated with water.

Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, Rice Lake

As a result of snowmelt in the Haliburton Lakes and Reservoir Lakes region, inflows to the Kawartha Lakes from areas to the north have been increasing for the past several days. Accordingly, the Kawartha Lakes have been experiencing a gentle increase, and outflows from the Kawartha Lakes through the Otonabee River have also increased.

Flows on the Otonabee River at Lakefield on Friday (April 12) are in the order of 235 cubic meters per second, where average spring flows are 300 cubic meters per second. As a result, flooding of low-lying areas along the shores of the Otonabee River has begun.

These low-lying flood-prone areas can expect water levels to hold more or less steady for the time being, but water levels and flows will increase in the near future, especially as a result of increased rate of snowmelt coupled with a seven-day total rainfall forecast of 50 to 70 mm in the Bancroft and Haliburton areas, including forecasted rains of 25 to 40 mm on Sunday (April 14). Inflows to the Kawartha Lakes from the Gull, Burnt and Mississauga Rivers, as well as Nogies, Eels and Jack Creeks, are expected to increase in the coming days.

As a result, flows and levels on the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, and Rice Lake will also increase. Residents and businesses occupying low-lying and flood-prone areas on the shores of the Kawartha Lakes, the Otonabee River, and Rice Lake are advised to prepare for imminent flooding in the coming days as water levels and flows along the Trent-Severn Waterway continue to increase.

The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority will continue to monitor current conditions and issue updates as required. The flood warning will be updated by Tuesday, April 16th.

nightlifeNOW – April 11 to 17

Toronto indie dance rockers Goodnight, Sunrise (David Kochberg, Vanessa Vakharia, and Paul Weaver) perform at Simcoe Ptbo in downtown Peterborough on Saturday, April 13th, with special guests Dandy Lyon Wine and Crowfööt. (Photo: Ryan Brough)

Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, April 11 to Wednesday, April 17.

If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.

Amandala's

375 Water St., Peterborough
(705) 749-9090

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 27
5-8pm - International Jazz Day presents "Dine with Jazz" ft Carrie Chesnutt and Mike Graham

Arlington Pub

32990 Highway 62, Maynooth
(613) 338-2080

Saturday, April 13

9pm - Russell deCarle ($25 in advance in Maynooth at the Maynooth General Store and at Sunrun Café and in Bancroft at Harvest Moon Whole Foods and Guitar Nuts Music Shop, $20 at door)

Coming Soon

Friday, April 19
8pm - Hoot In M'noot open mic w/ guest host Jesse Hannah

Saturday, April 20
9pm - Hungerford Station ($10)

Saturday, April 27
8pm - Anything Goes Café ($5, half of proceeds to Home Again animal rescue)

Arthur's Pub

930 Burnham St., Cobourg
(905) 372-2105

Thursday, April 11

8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs

Friday, April 12

9pm - High Waters Band

Saturday, April 13

8pm - DownBeat

Sunday, April 14

4:30-8pm - Celtic Sunday w/ Steve Lamb and Matti Palonen

Monday, April 15

7-9pm - Jazz and blues w/ Rob Phillips

Tuesday, April 16

7:30pm - British Invasion w/ Don Owen & Bruce Longman

Wednesday, April 17

8pm - Open mic hosted by Bruce Longman

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 18
8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs

Friday, April 19
9pm - Busker Brothers

Saturday, April 20
9pm - Hanson & Savoy

Sunday, April 21
4:30-8pm - Celtic Sunday

Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub

4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450

Coming Soon

Friday, April 26
9pm - David Byrski and Riley Towns

Friday, May 31
9pm - Steve Stacey & The Stump Splitters

Black Horse Pub

452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633

Thursday, April 11

7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues ft Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk

Friday, April 12

5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - The Emburys

Saturday, April 13

5-8pm - Benjamin Dakota Rogers; 8:30pm - Fabulous Tonemasters

Sunday, April 14

3-6pm - Sean Hully Jazz Group; 6:30pm-9:30pm - Jitensha

Monday, April 15

7pm - Rick & Gailie's Crash & Burn

Tuesday, April 16

7pm - HI5

Wednesday, April 17

9-11pm - James Higgins

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 18
7:30-11:30pm - Jazz and Blues ft Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk

Friday, April 19
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Bailien

Saturday, April 20
5-8pm - Matt Gunn; 8:30pm - Christine Atrill

Sunday, April 21
12-2:45pm - Po'Boy Jeffreys; 3-6pm - Cindy & Scott; 6:30-9:30pm - Joe Bulger

Boathouse Cafe

7100 County Rd.18, Roseneath
(905) 342-5366

Saturday, April 13

6pm - Mike Kelly

Boiling Over's Coffee Vault

148 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 878-8884

Friday, April 12

7-9pm - Looking for Heather w/ A Victory Marked

The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg

38 Covert St., Cobourg
(905) 377-9029

Friday, April 12

7pm - Marty N’ Rob

Champs Sports Bar

203 Simcoe St., Peterborough
(705) 742-3431

Thursdays

7pm - Open mic

Chemong Lodge

764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435

Thursdays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

Fridays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

Wednesdays

5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)

Coach & Horses Pub

16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006

Thursdays

10pm - Open Mic w/ Gerald Vanhalteren

Fridays

9:30pm - Karaoke Night w/ DJ. Ross

Wednesdays

7-11pm - Live music

Dominion Hotel

113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954

Coming Soon

Friday, May 3
8pm - Valdy w/ Doris Mason ($30, in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/valdy-in-concert-with-doris-mason-tickets-56596015205)

Saturday, May 11
8pm - Canadian Blues Legend Series ft Chris Antonik Band ($30, in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/chris-antonik-band-canadian-blues-legend-series-tickets-57945124427)

Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 20
1:30-5pm - PMBA Deluxe Blues Jam hosted by Jane Archer & Heart of the Blues (donations accepted for Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association)

Saturday, May 11
8pm - Doc Yates w/ Greg Williams & Kansas Stone ($20, available at www.docyates.com)

Dreams of Beans

138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 742-2406

Thursday, April 11

8pm - Open mic hosted by Jacques Graveline

Frank's Pasta and Grill

426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2720

Friday, April 12

9pm-12am - Karaoke; 12am - DJ

Saturday, April 13

8pm - Urban Angel; 11pm - DJ

Wednesday, April 17

8-11pm - Open Mic

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 20
8pm - 5W Drive; 11pm - DJ

Ganarascals Restaurant

53 Walton St., Port Hope
905-885-1888

Saturday, April 13

7pm - Float Your Funny Comedy Festival ft 8 stand-up comedians ($10)

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 27
7pm - Kim Doolittle

Saturday, May 11
7pm - Steve Marriner

Ganaraska Hotel

30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254

Thursday, April 11

7pm - Float ur Funny Comedy Festival fundraiser for Oliver "The Stache" Steins ft. 12 comics ($25)

Friday, April 12

7pm - Float ur Funny Comedy Festival ft. 10 comics ($10)

Saturday, April 13

2pm & 10pm - Brave and Crazy

Wednesday, April 17

8-11pm - Open Mic Night w/ Clayton Yates & Rob Foreman

Coming Soon

Friday, April 19
8pm - Sheer Heart Attack (Queen tribute)

Saturday, April 20
2pm & 10pm - Marty and the Mojos

The Garnet

231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107

Thursday, April 11

9pm - Canyun w/ Jackets & more

Friday, April 12

5-7pm - Forselli Fridays w/ Last Men on Earth; 9pm - Michael C. Duguay (solo), Run Coyote, Falcon Jane

Saturday, April 13

8pm - Collette Savard and The Savantes w/ Little Fire

Sunday, April 14

7:30pm - Singer-songwriter Night with Christine Jakel, Caitlin Currie, Maple Grove

Monday, April 15

8pm - Liam Duncan, Kris Ulrich, Johnson Crook

Tuesday, April 16

5-8pm - Show and Tell Poetry Series Does NaPoMo: Art for Introverts & Chapbook Launch (free or PWYC); 8-11pm - Kyle Ivan w/ MJ & The Beetus and Duncan Ivany & The North Coast Band

Wednesday, April 17

8-10pm - The Watched Pots ($5-10 or PWYC)

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 18
8pm - Mad Dalton

Friday, April 19
5-7pm - Forselli Fridays w/ Ben Rough & Hot Cross Buns

Saturday, April 20
8pm - Album Listening Party for Death by Art School

Sunday, April 21
7-10pm - Quote the Raven, Jessica Pearson, East Wind

Golden Wheel Restaurant

6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838

Saturday, April 13

8pm - Rye Street ($5)

Wednesday, April 17

6:30-8:30pm - Line Dancing w/ Marlene Maskell ($7)

Gordon Best Theatre

216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884

Coming Soon

Friday, April 26
7:30pm - International Jazz Day Peterborough Committee presents Jazz Film - Finding Carleton

Saturday, May 4
9pm - Lucky Monkey w/ The Classic 45s ($10 at door)

Saturday, May 11
8pm - Limestone ($10 at the door, or $15 for two)

Friday, May 17
Garbageface, Mokomokai

Friday, May 24
9pm - The Kents and Basement Revolver w/ Rhys Climenhage Band ($10)

Hot Belly Mama's

378 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-3544

Thursday, April 11

8pm - Live music

Junction Nightclub

253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550

Friday, April 12

10pm - Nothing But the 90s w/ DJ Bill Porter (no cover)

Kawartha Coffee Co.

58 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
(705) 738-1500

Friday, April 12

7pm - Karaoke

Local No90

90 Mill St. N., Port Hope
(905) 269-3373

Saturday, April 13

11am-3pm - Parking Lot Party ft. DJ Chris Martell, family-friendly activities, brown bag bingo, kids crafts, and more ($5 adults, $2 youth, free for kids 5 and under)

McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery

13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600

Friday, April 12

8pm - Shaun Savoy

Mckecks Tap & Grill

207 Highland St., Haliburton
(705) 457-3443

Friday, April 12

6:30-8:30pm - Broken Clock Collection (no cover, reservations recommended)

Coming Soon

Friday, April 24
7-9pm - The Swingin' Blackjacks (no cover, reservations recommended)

McThirsty's Pint

166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220

Thursdays

9pm - Live music hosted by Tony Silvestri and Greg Caven

Fridays

10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey

Saturdays

10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey

Sundays

8pm - Open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon

Mondays

9:30pm - Trivia Night hosted by Cam Green

Wednesdays

9pm - Live music hosted by Kevin Foster

Moody's Bar & Grill

3 Tupper St., Millbrook
(705) 932-6663

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 20
2-5pm - Max Mouse & The Gorillas

Next Door

197 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(647) 270-9609

Friday, April 12

9-11pm - Mike & Whit (from Paper Shakers) w/ Lance Isaacs (no cover)

Coming Soon

Friday, April 19
9-11pm - Hunter Sheridan

Oasis Bar & Grill

31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634

Sundays

5:30pm - PHLO

Pappas Billiards

407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-9010

Thursday, April 11

7-10pm - Open Mic

Saturday, April 13

1-3pm - Shipwrecked Saturdays w/ Jacques Graveline

Pastry Peddler

17 King St., Millbrook
(705) 932-7333

Coming Soon

Friday, April 26
5:30pm & 7:45pm - Jazz Dinner Weekend ft Lenni Stewart, Michael Monis, Howard Baer ($50 per person)

Pie Eyed Monk Brewery

8 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay
(705) 212-2200

Coming Soon

Friday, April 19
1-5pm - Linda "Pinky" Brown

Saturday, May 4
8pm - The Seven Man Trio ($15 in advance, $20 at door)

Saturday, May 25
7-11pm - Two for the Show (no cover, reservations recommended)

Publican House Brewery

300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743

Friday, April 12

7-9pm - Shai Peer

Saturday, April 13

7-9pm - House Brand

Coming Soon

Friday, April 19
7-9pm - Mike Graham Duo

Saturday, April 20
7-9pm - Cindy & Scott

Saturday, April 27
7:30-10pm - International Jazz Day presents "Dine Later With Jazz" ft Rob Phillips Trio

Puck' N Pint Sports Pub

871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078

Friday, April 12

9pm - Andy McDonald and friends

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 20
High Waters Band

Red Dog Tavern

189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400

Saturday, April 13

9pm - Latin Party (salsa, merengue and bachata lessons from 9-11pm)

Monday, April 15

8-11pm - Sean and Chris Conway and guests

Tuesday, April 16

9pm - Open mic hosted by Davey Mac

Coming Soon

Friday, April 19
10pm - Tokyo Police Club w/ special guests TBA ($25, in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/22684/)

Friday, April 26
8pm - Death by Art School album release w/ St. Homer and Bellyflop ($10 or PWYC)

Saturday, April 27
MJ & The Beetus

Thursday, May 9
9pm - Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace and Saint Asonia acoustic show ($15 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/24136/, $20 at door)

Friday, May 10
Kasadors

Riley's

257 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 750-1445

Thursdays

Travis Berlinbach

Fridays

Travis Berlinbach

Saturdays

Josh Gontier

Sundays

Josh Gontier

Mondays

Josh Gontier

Tuesdays

Josh Gontier & Cale Gontier

Wednesdays

Guest performers

Sapphire Room

137 Hunter St., Peterborough
(705) 749-0409

Coming Soon

Wednesday, April 24
8-11pm - Peterborough Poetry Slam NaPoWriMo Edition (sign-up at 7:30pm,$5-10 or PWYC)

Serendipitous Old Stuff Lounge

161 Old Hastings Rd., Warkworth
(705) 924-3333

Coming Soon

Saturday, April 27
12-9pm - Helping BJ Rebuild benefit ft David Papple, Cheryl Casselman, Fiddling Jay, Al Kirby, Mark Sepic, Marsala Lukianchuk, Rob Phillips, Saskia Tomkins, Steafan Hannigan, Al Lerman, Jane Archer & many more (free, donations encouraged)

Simcoe Ptbo

172 Simcoe St., Peterborough
705-874-3825

Friday, April 12

9pm - Bleu Nuit w/ Trashbags, Stillness and Stars, DJ bodyhorrorgenre ($10)

Saturday, April 13

9pm - Goodnight, Sunrise w/ Dandelion Wine & Crowfööt ($10 in advance, $15 at door)

VIDEO: "Catch Up" - Goodnight, Sunrise

Coming Soon

Friday, April 19
9pm - Doors & Fours w/ Cudbear, Vinyl Hero, Deviants and The Odd Man Out ($10)

Saturday, April 20
9pm - League of Wolves and F.Scott and The Nighthawks w/ Joan Smith & the Jane Does

Friday, April 26
8pm - Onionface, Bowtie Killers, Antixx, Latest V

Saturday, April 27
9pm - The Castor Troys and Hot Lips w/ The Crooked and One In The Chamber ($10)

The Social

295 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 874-6724

Wednesday, April 17

10pm - Ace and The Kid

Coming Soon

Friday, April 19
9pm - The Beresfords

The Thirsty Goose

63 Walton St., Port Hope

Thursday, April 11

7pm - Conor Gains

Friday, April 12

8pm - Brian Bracken

Saturday, April 13

8pm - JJ Thompson

Turtle John's Pub & Restaurant

64 John St., Port Hope
(905) 885-7200

Saturday, April 13

2:45-4:15pm - DJ Spinmart and Luke Force

The Twisted Wheel

379 Water St., Peterborough

Thursday, April 11

7-10pm - Back Room Bazaar hosted by Washboard Hank ft George Douglas & Marcus Star

Coming Soon

Thursday, April 25
7-10pm - Washboard Hank's Backroom Bazaar w/ Tami J. Wilde and Jimmy Deck

Friday, April 26
7-10pm - People with AIDS Foundation fundraiser ft Nick Procyshyn and the Bad Milk, Lance Isaacs, Niall, Conner Clarkin ($10)

Saturday, May 11
7-10pm - Future History w/ Say Ritual and Tijuana Jesus

The Venue

286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008

Tuesday, April 16

7pm - The Tea Party ($45, available at www.ticketmaster.com)

Coming Soon

Sunday, May 18
7pm - The Beaches ($25+fees, available Mar 1 at https://www1.ticketmaster.ca/the-beaches-peterborough-ontario-05-18-2019/event/10005659DDEE3F62)

Wednesday, August 7
7-10pm - Buckcherry w/ Joyous Wolf, Ian K. & more ($34.99 - $39.99 on sale Fri Apr 5 at 10am at www.ticketscene.ca/events/23864/)

If you’ve ever lived with someone, you will relate to ‘The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine’

Chris Jardin as Earnest and Robyn Smith as Ernestine, newlyweds who move into their first home and soon discover each other's annoying foibles. Directed by Ryan Kerr, "The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine" runs at The Theatre on King in downtown Peterborough from April 11 to 13, 2019. (Photo: Andy Carroll)

On Thursday, April 11th, director Ryan Kerr presents Leah Cherniak, Robert Morgan and Martha Ross’ dark comedy The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine at The Theatre on King (TTOK) in downtown Peterborough.

Featuring Robyn Smith and Chris Jardin, the play take a comedic look at love and anger — and the old idea that you don’t truly know someone until you live with them.

The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine was written more than 30 years ago by Leah Cherniak, Martha Ross, and Robert Morgan. After training with French physical theatre master and clown Jacques Lecoq, Leah and Martha returned to Canada where they formed Theatre Columbus and developed the play through a process of improvisation. They debuted the play at the former Poor Alex Theatre in Toronto in 1987 and subseqeuently remounted it several times.

This show is distinctly different from the type of plays Ryan usually directs, and as a result is potentially accessible to a wider audience. The play is highly relatable to anyone who has ever lived with another person, be it a friend, a relation, a lover, or a spouse.

It’s a show about how opposing lifestyles can cause cracks in a foundation created by mutual love, as well as the dangers of unhealthy communication. But most of all, we recognize our own foibles through the characters of Ernest and Ernestine, allowing us to laugh in spite of ourselves.

The Anger is Ernest and Ernestine takes a look at the lives of well-dressed quirky young couple Ernest (Chris Jarden) and Ernestine (Robyn Smith). Recently married, the couple rents a basement apartment with a small kitchenette and a fussy water heater. As they are unpacking their possessions, Ernestine points out that while all their individual possessions can fit on a shelf, not all of their possessions fit on the shelves together.

When the newly married Ernestine (Robyn Smith) and Earnest (Chris Jardin) move into their first home, they are deeply in love. However, they soon discover each other's annoying habits. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
When the newly married Ernestine (Robyn Smith) and Earnest (Chris Jardin) move into their first home, they are deeply in love. However, they soon discover each other’s annoying habits. (Photo: Andy Carroll)

Very soon it becomes obvious that it’s not only the possessions that don’t fit together, but it may also be their lifestyles. The next morning, as the couple eats breakfast, it becomes painfully obvious that Ernest and Ernestine have very different ways of living.

The two become more and more aggravated with one another but, in order to keep the illusion of their “perfect love”, each contains their own inner rage until it comes bursting through like an explosive gas fire. Can love be saved, or is it curtains for Ernest and Ernestine?

The narrative of The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine is an interesting one. Not only do the early scenes set the audience against the characters, but they also have potential to set audience members against each other as well.

"The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine" is a dark comedy exploring the cracks that form in a couple's relationship.  (Photo: Andy Carroll)
“The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine” is a dark comedy exploring the cracks that form in a couple’s relationship. (Photo: Andy Carroll)

In the beginning of the play, there is a certain cute obnoxiousness to the couple. They embody a beautiful hipster couple whose lives seem so perfect that it’s almost nauseating. The audience can’t help but delight at the cracks in their relationship the moment they start to appear. But as their love turns to anger, the show takes a darker turn and suddenly the loss of love seems more tragic.

Audience members may also find themselves siding with one of the two characters during the drama. It’s not that one is right or wrong but, depending on which of the two characters you relate to, you may find yourself vilifying the other. Personally, I found myself being an Ernestine type of person, although I know Ernest-type people. It really is a ingenious way of presenting two different character types whose strange habits agitate the other.

The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine not only rely on its clever script, funny monologues, and eccentric characterization, but also on physical humour and the actors’ ability to relay emotion. Both Robyn and Chris do this very well.

Earnest (Chris Jardin) troubleshoots the water heater while Ernestine (Robyn Smith) provides her own opinion. (Photo: Andy Carroll)
Earnest (Chris Jardin) troubleshoots the water heater while Ernestine (Robyn Smith) provides her own opinion. (Photo: Andy Carroll)

Chris is not only a great emotional actor, but he’s also excellent at physical comedy. At the beginning of the play, he brings a kooky Ned Flanders quality to Ernest, along with a funny little laugh and a huge smile. A perfectionist with keen observations and a place for everything, Ernest is the first of the couple to crack and, just as Chris is able to create the quirkiness in his character, he can also generate primal rage.

Robyn’s character seems a bit more human, but her own eccentricities take her character way over the top. Emotional where Ernest is vacant and removed, Ernestine’s need for attention is often not recognized by her spouse, which feeds into her own rage. In Ernestine, Robyn creates a perfect foil for Chris’s character

Their on-stage chemistry make Chris and Robyn so entertaining to watch as Ernest and Ernestine. These two characters with extreme issues and no anger management skills are adorable yet annoying, vicious yet lovable, and terrifying yet relatable. In other words, they are a lot like all of us and the people we know, and our ability to recognize that is what makes Ernest and Ernestine so awful yet so endearing.

Chris Jardin and Robyn Smith's on-stage chemistry Ernest and Ernestine make "The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine" an enjoyable show.  (Photo: Andy Carroll)
Chris Jardin and Robyn Smith’s on-stage chemistry Ernest and Ernestine make “The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine” an enjoyable show. (Photo: Andy Carroll)

A special shout out to Kate Story for assembling Ernest and Ernestine’s outfits for this show. Beautifully dressed, they have a sort of space-aged retro look as if they walked off of a White Stripes album cover. And for Bruce Springsteen fans, be prepared to enjoy a midshow performance featuring the music of The Boss that becomes one of the true highlights of the show.

If you’ve never been to a TTOK show, The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine is a great one to see. More contemporary and less avant-garde than many of the plays at TTOK, this one will appeal to a wider audience but still packs the power and punch of the shows that have given TTOK its reputation.

The show is very funny and well acted, but contains extreme emotion and a dark hint of tragedy. I loved The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine and have added it to my list of all-time favourite TTOK productions.

The Anger in Ernest and Ernestine runs from Thursday, April 11th to Saturday, April 13th at The Theatre on King (171 King St., Peterborough). All performances begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 or pay what you can and are available at the door.

Port Hope kicks off spring with annual ‘Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny’ river race

A team paddling their makeshift watercraft battles the current of the Ganaraska River during last year's 'Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny' race. This year's race is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2019. (Photo: Walton St. Photography)

Every year for the past four decades, Port Hope has welcomed spring by hosting “Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny”, a weird and wacky race down the Ganaraska River.

“We’ve seen this event grow year over year and we are thrilled to be able to bring together the community and visitors from all over the province to participate in this exceptional experience,” says Port Hope Mayor Bob Sanderson.

During the annual spring event (scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 13th), attendees can enjoy activities, food, music, and, of course, the entertaining Cannonball Run-esque race itself.

VIDEO: Float Your Fanny Down The Ganny (2018)

While the race is a fun celebration of spring, it marks a catastrophic event in Port Hope’s past.

“It pays homage to the great flood of 1980 in such a unique and special way and reminds us of the true community spirit that we enjoy in this municipality,” Mayor Sanderson says

On March 21, 1980, a torrential downpour of rain combined with blocked storm drains and sewers caused the banks of the Ganaraska to spill over into the town of Port Hope. Every bridge on the river was washed out, as well as the board sidewalk and part of Walton Street, damaging buildings, and a child was recorded as having been drowned.

As well as being a celebration of spring, "Float Your Fanny Down The Ganny" commemorates the 1980 flood in Port Hope that crippled the town. (Photo: Mark Clayton / YouTube)
As well as being a celebration of spring, “Float Your Fanny Down The Ganny” commemorates the 1980 flood in Port Hope that crippled the town. (Photo: Mark Clayton / YouTube)

The Port Hope flood was forever recorded in the history books and the commemorative race has become a signature event for Port Hope.

The Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny Executive Committee anticipates a good turnout for this weekend’s event.

“We’re very much looking forward to another terrific year,” says committee co-chair Barry Adamson. “The wacky costumes and crazy craft designs are more unique and innovative each year, and we are always blown away by the creativity shown by our participants. We can’t wait to see this year’s lineup.”

It's not a dock, it's a boat! A team floats down the Ganaraska River during 2018's 'Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny'. The 10-kilometre "Crazy Craft" race begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the Sylvan Glen Conservation Area.  (Photo: Walton St. Photography)
It’s not a dock, it’s a boat! A team floats down the Ganaraska River during 2018’s ‘Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny’. The 10-kilometre “Crazy Craft” race begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at the Sylvan Glen Conservation Area. (Photo: Walton St. Photography)

Spectators are encouraged to line the river banks and cheer on race participants during the exciting, action-packed event. It is recommended that you leave your four-legged family members at home due to all of the people and activity happening during the race.

Fannyville Village and the race

The finish line, located in the Cavan Street Park area at the river’s west bank, will be a hub of activity known as “Fannyville”.

The event village will host food, drink, and merchant vendors, as well as children’s crafts and activities, a live commentary of the race results, and an awards presentation for race finalists. Race attendees will be treated to live on-stage entertainment.

The village will open at 10 a.m. and awards presentations will begin at 1 p.m.

A signature event in the town of Port Hope, 'Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny' is an enjoyable (but wet) day for race participants as well as for spectators.  (Photo: Walton St. Photography)
A signature event in the town of Port Hope, ‘Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny’ is an enjoyable (but wet) day for race participants as well as for spectators. (Photo: Walton St. Photography)

The race is currently scheduled for this Saturday, April 13th. However, the weather will ultimately decide: if the weather is not good, or the river is deemed unsafe to race for any reason, there is an alternate date scheduled for Saturday, April 20th.

As of the date of this story, the weather is looking good for Saturday, with a forecast of sunny skies and a high of 11°C.

For the race, there are two courses. The kayak and canoe race is 14 kilometres, starting at 10 a.m. at the bridge in the Town of Canton and finishing by 11 a.m. at Fannyville in Port Hope. The “Crazy Craft” is 10 kilometres, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Sylvan Glen Conservation Area and finishing up at Fannyville around 12:30 p.m.

'Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny' begins with a 14-kilometre canoe and kayak race, departing from the Canton bridge at 10 a.m. on  April 13, 2019.  (Photo: Walton St. Photography)
‘Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny’ begins with a 14-kilometre canoe and kayak race, departing from the Canton bridge at 10 a.m. on April 13, 2019. (Photo: Walton St. Photography)

An environmentally friendly race

The Ganaraska River is home to a variety of wildlife and fish, including rainbow trout and salmon.

Every fall, the river sees a massive annual salmon migration where the fish travel up the river at the end of their life cycle to spawn in Port Hope. As a result of this important role in the life cycle of both Coho and Chinook salmon, the Ganaraska River’s fish and wildlife habitats are protected by government agencies.

In preparation for this event, the Municipality of Port Hope and the race committee has obtained the support and approval of these agencies to ensure the safety of both fish and wildlife.

As 'Float Your Fanny Down The Ganny' is an environmentally friendly event, no fish will be harmed during the race. The same can't be said for some of the questionable watercraft in the 10-kilometre "Crazy Craft" race, such as this one at at 2018's 'Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny'.  (Photo: Walton St. Photography)
As ‘Float Your Fanny Down The Ganny’ is an environmentally friendly event, no fish will be harmed during the race. The same can’t be said for some of the questionable watercraft in the 10-kilometre “Crazy Craft” race, such as this one at at 2018’s ‘Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny’. (Photo: Walton St. Photography)

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority have all reviewed and approved the plans for the race.

In addition, members of the race committee and volunteer teams spend time after the race to ensure the river is returned to a state better than before they held the event.

Float Ur Funny Comedy Festival

Ontario Street Theatre is presenting the annual "Float Ur Funny Comedy Festival" during race week, including a fundriasing comedy show featuring kid comics at Ganarascals in Port Hope on April 14, 2019. (Poster: Ontario Street Theatre)
Ontario Street Theatre is presenting the annual “Float Ur Funny Comedy Festival” during race week, including a fundriasing comedy show featuring kid comics at Ganarascals in Port Hope on April 14, 2019. (Poster: Ontario Street Theatre)

Now in its third year, the “Float Ur Funny” comedy festival is a local event organized by Sean Carthew of Ontario Street Theatre that runs concurrently with the race weekend. On now until April 14th, for just $10 a show, Port Hope has become home to its very own comedy festival.

Demonstrating the “community spirit” noted by Mayor Sanderson, the Ganaraska Hotel at 30 Ontario Street is hosting a very special Float Ur Funny Comedy Festival event on Thursday, April 11th at 7 p.m.. The evening will be dedicated in support of a long-established local business owner who has recently been diagnosed with ALS.

The fundraiser for Oliver “The Stache” Steins, owner of Ganaraska Art and Framing on Walton Street, will showcase 12 comics performing in a “joke or choke” competition.

The audience will participate and decide how long a performer stays up on the stage; the longer they “joke” the more they get paid; if they “choke”, they’ll be booed off of the stage.

In addition, Float Ur Funny Comedy Festival will present ‘Your Hood’s a Joke’ (13 comics roasting each other for laughs) at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 12th at the Ganaraska Hotel, and an all-out no-holds-barred show with eight comics at Ganarascals at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 13th at Ganarascals (53 Walton St., Port Hope).

In the spirit of the race, the comedy festival also aims to be family friendly. On Sunday, April 14th, Ontario Street Theatre and Ganarascals will host “Stand Up For Kids”, a children’s comedy show. The 2 p.m. show is sold out, so a second show has been added at 4 p.m.. Tickets are $10 each, with all proceeds going to a Song, Sounds of the Next Generation, a children’s charity focused on promoting musical education for kids.

A team at 2018's 'Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny' supporting ALS research. Surround this year's event, there are at least two fundraisers for  Oliver "The Stache" Steins, a well-known Port Hope business owner who was recently diagnosed with ALS.  (Photo: Walton St. Photography)
A team at 2018’s ‘Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny’ supporting ALS research. Surround this year’s event, there are at least two fundraisers for Oliver “The Stache” Steins, a well-known Port Hope business owner who was recently diagnosed with ALS. (Photo: Walton St. Photography)

Carthew was inspired to create the annual comedy festival by the comedic element of race day. A few years ago, he was struck by how funny the madcap race is and decided to run a comedy fest parallel to the annual race weekend.

“It just seemed to go hand in hand,” Carthew says. “Float Your Fanny is hilarious. What can we do to celebrate that? A comedy festival! I approached Float Your Fanny and they came up with the name Float Ur Funny. As I get more solidified, I hope to work more closely with them — the event is Port Hope’s biggest attraction.”

Loonie fries for a loony race

Olympus Burger in Port Hope is offering an order of french fries for $1 during race day. (Photo: Giorgos Kallonakis / Olympus Burger)
Olympus Burger in Port Hope is offering an order of french fries for $1 during race day. (Photo: Giorgos Kallonakis / Olympus Burger)

Comedy isn’t the only way Port Hope locals are getting into the zany spirit of the race.

Olympus Burger has traditionally always offered a little something special for both residents and visitors coming Port Hope for Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny.

On race day this year, you can get an order of french fries at Olympus Burger for just $1 (with the purchase of any burger). Don’t miss out on “loonie fries” during this “loony race”.

The restaurant is conveniently located close to the river at 55 Mill Street. Enjoy a meal at a restaurant that has received some serious accolades, including a feature on the Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here and being voted as Canada’s Best Burger by readers of Canadian Living magazine.

Interested in registering for race day?

Part of the fun at 'Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny' for spectators is witnessing the wacky watercraft some participants select for the 10-kilometre "Crazy Craft" race.  If you want to participate in this year's race, you have until April 12, 2019 to register. (Photo: Walton St. Photography)
Part of the fun at ‘Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny’ for spectators is witnessing the wacky watercraft some participants select for the 10-kilometre “Crazy Craft” race. If you want to participate in this year’s race, you have until April 12, 2019 to register. (Photo: Walton St. Photography)

It’s not too late to get in on the action yourself! If you’re interested in dressing up in a zany costume and testing your skills navigating the Ganaraska River, grab your canoe, kayak, or crazy craft of choice. If you’d like to register online, you have until Friday, April 12th to get your fanny into the race. Visit www.floatyourfanny.ca for more information.

Of course, you don’t have to participate in the race. You can just head to Port Hope this Saturday to watch the race, cheer on the competitors, and take in some of the related events in Port Hope, including horse-drawn wagon rides along Walton Street, a parking lot party at Local No90 at 90 Mill Street North ($5 adults, $2 youth, free for kids 5 and under), and a Crazy Cookie fundraiser for Oliver Steins at Dreamers Cafe at 2 Queen Street.

Peterborough DBIA engages residents on the future of the downtown core

Visitors to the 'Shaping Your Downtown' input-gathering event hosted by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) at the Peterborough Public Library on Wednesday night (April 10) examined and discussed a map of the city core showing the DBIA boundaries and building types. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)

Over the six years he has headed the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), executive director Terry Guiel has told everyone and their brother that city residents are passionate about the downtown core — and have plenty to say in regards to its future.

The proof was in the pudding Wednesday night (April 10) at the Peterborough Public Library, as a lively and engaged citizenry participated in the “Shaping Your Downtown” input-gathering event hosted by the Peterborough DBIA. With the organization in the midst of developing a new five-year strategic plan for adoption later this spring, the event was held as part of the ‘homework’ phase of that process.

To that end, visitors made the rounds to four designated stations themed ‘Getting To Know Your DBIA’, ‘What Do You Do Downtown?’, ‘How Do You Feel About Downtown?’, and ‘Opportunities, Challenges and the Future of Downtown’. They wrote their responses to questions grouped under each theme and left them behind as input for the Peterborough DBIA’s strategic plan process.

Terry Guiel (right), executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), chats with one of the many people who dropped by the 'Shaping Your Downtown' input-gathering event held Wednesday night (April 10) at the Peterborough Public Library. Working towards the completion and adoption of a new five-year strategic plan come May, DBIA staff and board members hosted the event to gain a better handle on people's views of downtown Peterborough, what they would like to see more or less of, and what they see as barriers standing in the way of a better downtown core experience. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
Terry Guiel (right), executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), chats with one of the many people who dropped by the ‘Shaping Your Downtown’ input-gathering event held Wednesday night (April 10) at the Peterborough Public Library. Working towards the completion and adoption of a new five-year strategic plan come May, DBIA staff and board members hosted the event to gain a better handle on people’s views of downtown Peterborough, what they would like to see more or less of, and what they see as barriers standing in the way of a better downtown core experience. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)

“We’re only as effective as implementing what our community wants to see,” said Guiel.

“Any organization, like a BIA, is making a mistake if they think they alone know what’s best for their downtown. We believe downtown is for everyone and that’s what we’re trying to do with this session. How can we make your downtown experience better? There are a lot of great ideas out there; people share them with me weekly. This is a great way to capture them, map them out and then have a game plan for the next five to 10 years.”

According to Guiel, a similar event was held in 2014 but it wasn’t “as robust as this one”, in the sense that input gathered this time around will directly help shape the vision as outlined in the pending five-year strategic plan.

Facilitating the process for the DBIA since the beginning of the year has been BIA Solutions, which works closely with Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) across Canada.

“Many BIAs are resource scarce, they are stretched, they have very few staff if any, and yet they have a very big mandate to serve their members and their communities,” said Lyle Shipley, a partner with BIA Solutions.

Visitors to the 'Shaping Your Downtown' input-gathering event hosted by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) at the Peterborough Public Library on Wednesday night (April 10) filled out questionnaires seeking their input on the current state of downtown Peterborough and what they would like to see happen in the core moving forward. The event was held as part of the process that will lead to the development of a new five-year strategic plan. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
Visitors to the ‘Shaping Your Downtown’ input-gathering event hosted by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) at the Peterborough Public Library on Wednesday night (April 10) filled out questionnaires seeking their input on the current state of downtown Peterborough and what they would like to see happen in the core moving forward. The event was held as part of the process that will lead to the development of a new five-year strategic plan. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)

“When you’re in that situation, you really need to be efficient with how you use your resources. The best way to do that is to start with having a strong strategy that’s informed by consultation with your members and by an understanding of the past and the present as well as the potential future.

“We started here by doing a discovery process where we looked at all the materials and articles and past work that has been done by the (Peterborough DBIA): past issues, past strategies, past business plans — all these different things — and aggregated them into a report.

“The second prong of the process is consultation where we’re reaching out to (Peterborough DBIA) members. This event is the public part of that consultation where we’re reaching out to community members to have constructive conversations about the present and also the future.”

Representing more than 400 businesses, Peterborough DBIA’s mandate is to promote and beautify the downtown core as well as advocate on members’ behalf when matters arise which impact their businesses. In addition, the DBIA annually organizes a number of community events to bring more people downtown, such as Taste of Downtown, Ribfest, and Hootenanny On Hunter.

According to DBIA board chair Paul Bennett, the president of Ashburnham Realty that has developed several downtown properties, his belief that Peterborough’s downtown “is, more than ever, everybody’s downtown” cements his view that Guiel and his staff have done a good job. Still, he said, DBIA members, as one would expect, want more people to come downtown “and that’s what we’re working here to do.”

“I think, for whatever reason, there was an escape from downtown,” Bennett explains. “I don’t think that was just in Peterborough but all across North America. There’s a real need now for community and the idea of creating little boroughs, whether that’s downtown or in East City.”

Northcrest Councillor Steven Wright engaged lawyer Ann Farquharson in conversation during the 'Shaping Your Downtown' input-gathering event held Wednesday night (April 10) at the Peterborough Public Library. The pair, along with several others, provided their input on the current state of downtown Peterborough and what they would like to see happen in the core in the future. The event was held as part of the process that will lead to the development of a new five-year strategic plan. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
Northcrest Councillor Steven Wright engaged lawyer Ann Farquharson in conversation during the ‘Shaping Your Downtown’ input-gathering event held Wednesday night (April 10) at the Peterborough Public Library. The pair, along with several others, provided their input on the current state of downtown Peterborough and what they would like to see happen in the core in the future. The event was held as part of the process that will lead to the development of a new five-year strategic plan. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)

Both Bennett and Guiel readily admit there are very real challenges, with negative perceptions held by some people who stay away from the downtown core.

“You counter that by listening and that’s why we’re here tonight … to find solutions,” said Bennett.

“This is the first time a real outsourced strategic plan has been done, so we can listen to both our membership and the community as a whole and develop plans to ensure those concerns are addressed and Peterborough’s downtown thrives for a long time.”

For his part, Guiel says the Peterborough DBIA needs “some other people to do the heavy lifting” when it comes to tackling challenges associated with the downtown core.

“I’m not going to solve homelessness and panhandling. What I need is a lot more support from other organizations and government to handle the residual effects of having every single service in one small downtown geographical area.”

“How I combat that is I do as much as I can by filling vacancies with Win This Space, more events like Hootenanny and Pulse and Taste of Downtown. We’re doing everything we can to make downtown fun and lively and animated in a positive way. That’s all I can do and that’s what I’m going to do.”

According to Shipley, it’s important that the pending strategic plan become a living document.

“The last thing you want to do is spend all this time and energy and money making a document that ends up sitting on a shelf collecting dust. We really focus on creating a plan that is actionable and that’s very clear for people to follow and understand.”

Shipley added Peterborough is well served by its DBIA.

“I think they’re really hard on themselves in terms of having issues downtown,” he says. “The city is going through a lot of changes and is trying to grapple with some very significant issues that could change the face of downtown. The DBIA is doing so many things and they’re doing them at a high level.

“They just recently collected an award at the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association Conference in Ottawa (for the Downtown Vibrancy project that saw an unused section of Water Street transformed into green space). Many of the programs and initiatives they’re running are models.

“That’s not to say it’s going to be easy going forward, but having a strong plan that’s informed by a lot of consultation will set them on the right path.”

Missing 51-year-old Peterborough woman has been located

51-year-old Natalie Zwirner of Peterborough has been missing since April 8, 2019. (Photo supplied by Peterborough Police Service)

Update

Peterborough police report that Natalie Zwirner has been located safe and sound.

 

Original story:

Peterborough police continue their search for missing person 51-year-old Natalie Zwirner.

Zwirner was last seen at her Peterborough home at around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8th. At around 1:40 p.m., she was discovered to have left her home in her car and has not been heard from since.

Zwirner is described as Caucasian, 5’6″ to 5’9″ tall, 120 lbs, with medium-length brown hair.

She is believed to be driving a silver 2012 four-door Honda Civic, with Ontario licence plate number CDPY708. The car has a dent on the passenger side door.

Anyone with information on the location of Zwirner, or who has seen her car, is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122, their local police service (if outside Peterborough), or 9-1-1.

NeighbourPLAN encourages Peterborough residents to re-imagine public spaces

GreenUP's NeighbourPLAN program engages residents in reimagining public spaces in three neighbourhoods in Peterborough, including the Downtown Jackson Creek neighbourhood. At a NeighbourPLAN event in the Downtown Jackson Creek neighbourhood, residents were ask to write down one aspect of the neighbourhood they enjoy. (Photo: Francis Nasca)

What does community connectedness mean to you? For residents of the Downtown Jackson Creek neighbourhood, community connectedness is a physical and social network that is inclusive, welcoming, engaging, and safe.

Community connectedness happens in shareable multi-use spaces that allow opportunities to meet new people, host fun community events, and celebrate public spaces such as parks and streets.

These spaces should be friendly for residents of all ages and accessible to all.

The GreenUP NeighbourPLAN program supports residents in re-imagining public spaces in three neighbourhoods in Peterborough, bringing residents together to connect, imagine, and design through hosting a wide range of engagement activities using a collaborative process called co-design.

“Being connected to my community is one of the most important things to me,” says Connie Webb, resident of the Downtown Jackson Creek neighbourhood and active member of the NeighbourPLAN resident committee.

Many residents GreenUP has worked with share similar thoughts as Webb: community, connection, and inclusivity have been reoccurring priorities for each of the program’s neighbourhoods.

A passersby at a NeighbourPLAN event stops to contribute to the community asset mapping exercise, by placing pins on a 3D model of the neighbourhood to signify where they shop, work, or play, as well as areas of which they are proud or afraid. (Photo: Francis Nasca)
A passersby at a NeighbourPLAN event stops to contribute to the community asset mapping exercise, by placing pins on a 3D model of the neighbourhood to signify where they shop, work, or play, as well as areas of which they are proud or afraid. (Photo: Francis Nasca)

For Webb, contributing to community connectedness is about “knowing the needs, wants, and hopes of everyone in that community and having the ability, desire, and drive to meet those needs to the best of my ability.”

GreenUP will be unveiling a new portrait document of the Downtown Jackson Creek neighbourhood, which illustrates the unique assets and opportunities for improvement in the community.

NeighbourPLAN has been working with residents in this neighbourhood since June 2018 through community barbecues, pop-up map chats, visits to seniors’ homes, exploratory walks, resident committee meetings, and more.

NeighbourPLAN has engaged with more than 400 people who have contributed their thoughts and expertise to the Downtown Jackson Creek neighbourhood portrait.

If you live, work, or travel through the Downtown Jackson Creek neighbourhood, you are invited to join GreenUP at a neighbourhood gathering from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).

Residents attending an event in the Downtown Jackson Creek neighbourhood were asked, "What is one aspect of your neighbourhood that you enjoy?"  (Photo: Francis Nasca)
Residents attending an event in the Downtown Jackson Creek neighbourhood were asked, “What is one aspect of your neighbourhood that you enjoy?” (Photo: Francis Nasca)

Residents are hosting a drop-in open house to launch and celebrate the portrait. There will be free food and you can learn more about what is happening around the downtown’s vibrant community.

Residents are also encouraged to attend NeighbourPLAN’s regular resident meetings, held on the second Tuesday of every month from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Brooklawn Apartments (485 Donegal St., Peterborough). Resident meetings are a great opportunity to express your visions for what great streets and public spaces should look like.

“I am so enjoying the time I have spent with the neighbourhood committee and look forward to learning more and giving more to the neighbourhood family,” Webb says.

GreenUP's NeighbourPLAN program encourages community connectedness in shareable multi-use spaces that allow opportunities to meet new people, host fun community events, and celebrate public spaces such as parks and streets. NeighbourPLAN hosted a community BBQ in Peterborough's Downtown Jackson Creek neighbourhood in Peterborough.  (Photo: Francis Nasca)
GreenUP’s NeighbourPLAN program encourages community connectedness in shareable multi-use spaces that allow opportunities to meet new people, host fun community events, and celebrate public spaces such as parks and streets. NeighbourPLAN hosted a community BBQ in Peterborough’s Downtown Jackson Creek neighbourhood in Peterborough. (Photo: Francis Nasca)

Don’t live in the Downtown Jackson Creek area? NeighbourPLAN is also working in two other communities in Peterborough: the Jackson Park-Brookdale neighbourhood is working on a final vision document and work in the Talwood community is just beginning.

To learn more about NeighbourPLAN and its work in all three neighbourhoods, visit greenup.on.ca/neighbourplan.

For more information about NeighbourPLAN, contact Kortney Dunsby at kortney.dunsby@greenup.on.ca. This project is a partnership with Active Neighbourhoods Canada and is funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation and supported by local community partners.

More than a radio station, Trent Radio is breaking down barriers and building connections in the community

Trent Radio's Production Manager and Deputy General Manager Jill Staveley (centre), with (left to right) Matt Jarvis, Trent Radio's Local Content Project Manager Rob Hailman, Connor Stinson, and Erika Nininger. Trent Radio will continute its efforts in 2019 to build connections to the community and to improve accessibility and inclusivity, so that more people and groups can become involved in local radio while expanding the reach of the not-for-profit organization run by student volunteers from Trent University. (Supplied photo)

Don’t let the name fool you: Trent Radio is more than just a local radio station serving Trent University.

Those involved with the radio station are a remarkably diverse group of individuals with a focus on the entire community of Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

In addition to their community focus, anyone spending just a short time at Trent Radio will notice a common theme: an attempt to break down barriers that prevent people from becoming involved in local music and radio.

“Everything we do is about creating a space for people to create the radio they want,” says Jill Staveley, Production Manager and Deputy General Manager of Trent Radio. “It’s about creating a space where all individuals feel welcome and can participate.”

This emphasis on accessibility can be seen in the recent renovations to the Trent Radio building, located at the corner of Parkhill and George in downtown Peterborough. Power-assisted doors and an accessible washroom were installed to ensure that all community members would have a comfortable space in which to operate.

To improve accessibility for community members, power-assisted doors and an accessible washroom have been installed at Trent Radio House  at 715 George Street North in downtown Peterborough.  (Supplied photo)
To improve accessibility for community members, power-assisted doors and an accessible washroom have been installed at Trent Radio House at 715 George Street North in downtown Peterborough. (Supplied photo)

In addition to these careful measures to transform Trent Radio into an accessible space, fostering inclusivity has also been central to the station’s mandate.

“We are producer-focused rather than listener-focused,” Staveley explains. “Our content is not driven by how many listeners we have. It’s about giving a platform to creativity, diversity, and providing a space for people to learn how to produce radio content.”

Content at Trent Radio changes on a seasonal basis and producers are required to re-apply each season, ensuring a variety of content and an equal chance to participate. Seasons run from September to December, January to April, and May to August, and as Staveley explains, you won’t be hearing the same program schedule from one season to the next.

The influence of Trent Radio extends well beyond the physical space at 715 George Street North. In September 2018, Trent Radio received funding from the Community Radio Fund of Canada — the only organization mandated to financially support Campus and Community Radio Stations in Canada — for a project called Community Connections.

Until now, Trent Radio's content has always been produced and broadcast from Trent Radio House, such as this performance by Benj Rowland and Josh Fewings of Peterborough band Mayhemingways. With funding from the Community Radio Fund of Canada, the Community Connections project will allow Trent Radio to invest in remote broadcasting gear and produce as many remote broadcasts as possible.  (Supplied photo)
Until now, Trent Radio’s content has always been produced and broadcast from Trent Radio House, such as this performance by Benj Rowland and Josh Fewings of Peterborough band Mayhemingways. With funding from the Community Radio Fund of Canada, the Community Connections project will allow Trent Radio to invest in remote broadcasting gear and produce as many remote broadcasts as possible. (Supplied photo)

With the funding, Trent Radio has been working on two projects that will increase their capacity to dismantle access barriers: delivering remote broadcasts and developing community workshops.

This year, Trent Radio has been hosting monthly broadcasts from locally owned and operated businesses.

“We are trying to support some of the many great local businesses and develop relationships and sponsorship opportunities,” Staveley says. “Most importantly, getting out into the community allows us to connect with people and organizations who might not be able to come to our location. Remote broadcasts help to break down this barrier.”

Up until this point, content featured on Trent Radio has always been produced and broadcast from Trent Radio House. The Community Connections project is an opportunity for Trent Radio to invest in remote broadcasting gear, and produce as many remote broadcasts as possible to gain familiarity with the technology.

On April 15th, Trent Radio will host a full day of Community Connections programming featuring remote broadcasting from Tiny Greens, Ritual Apothecary, and Sam’s Place Deli. This project is part of their four-day Community Radio Marathon & Fundraiser, broadcasting at 92.7 FM from Friday, April 12th to Monday, April 15th. To support Trent Radio, you can donate online at canadahelps.org.

Trent Radio volunteers setting up at Bluestreak Records in downtown Peterborough. Trent Radio has been hosting monthly broadcasts from locally owned and operated businesses and, on April 15th, Trent Radio will host a full day of Community Connections programming featuring remote broadcasting from Tiny Greens, Ritual Apothecary, and Sam’s Place Deli. This project is part of their four-day Community Radio Marathon & Fundraiser, broadcasting at 92.7 FM from Friday, April 12 to Monday, April 15, 2019. (Supplied photo)
Trent Radio volunteers setting up at Bluestreak Records in downtown Peterborough. Trent Radio has been hosting monthly broadcasts from locally owned and operated businesses and, on April 15th, Trent Radio will host a full day of Community Connections programming featuring remote broadcasting from Tiny Greens, Ritual Apothecary, and Sam’s Place Deli. This project is part of their four-day Community Radio Marathon & Fundraiser, broadcasting at 92.7 FM from Friday, April 12 to Monday, April 15, 2019. (Supplied photo)

Next month, Trent Radio will be broadcasting live at the Theatre on King (May 1st), at the First Friday Art Crawl (May 3rd), and at Public Energy’s 25th anniversary gala (May 25th).

Trent Radio also regularly organizes and facilitates workshops within the community. To date, these workshops have been created and delivered based on the requesting organization’s particular needs.

Trent Radio is now working to make this process more efficient by developing a regular curriculum of workshops that they can offer to community organizations.

“We’ve been delivering workshops in the community, but without a clear curriculum,” explains Mauricio Interiano, Community Outreach Development Manager at Trent Radio. “We’ve been making workshops up on a case-by-case basis depending on what people ask for. Developing a series of workshops with set curriculum will allow us to provide services to more people, more efficiently.”

Mauricio Interiano, Community Outreach Development Manager at Trent Radio, is also President and Chair of the Peterborough Independent Podcasters and a member of the board of the Electric City Culture Council. (Supplied photo)
Mauricio Interiano, Community Outreach Development Manager at Trent Radio, is also President and Chair of the Peterborough Independent Podcasters and a member of the board of the Electric City Culture Council. (Supplied photo)

The first curriculum model in development is a one-time workshop to support organizations in developing promotional content, and to show these organizations how to use the Trent Radio studio. Among other things, participants will learn how to create and record public service announcements (PSAs) to promote their organization on-air.

The second curriculum model in the works focuses on youth and will offer classroom workshops that develop students’ practical skills with hopes of growing participation in radio by taking the radio to local schools. Trent Radio staff will be running a workshop at Queen Mary Public School in May, where grade 8 students will work to create a live remote broadcast from the school.

A third curriculum model will also use remote broadcasting gear to further the mandate of Trent Radio. This model focuses on identifying individuals or groups with valuable content but who are unable to attend the Trent Radio House to record. For these groups, Trent Radio will make sure the content is heard by bringing the recording gear to them.

In 2019, participants in a radio/podcast workshop class at Trent University produced live radio dramas from Scott House that were broadcast on Trent Radio as part of the Community Connections project. Trent Radio is working to develop a regular curriculum of workshops they can offer to community organizations. (Supplied photo)
In 2019, participants in a radio/podcast workshop class at Trent University produced live radio dramas from Scott House that were broadcast on Trent Radio as part of the Community Connections project. Trent Radio is working to develop a regular curriculum of workshops they can offer to community organizations. (Supplied photo)

One example of this project is the work Trent Radio hopes to achieve by developing a relationship with local long-term care facilities, to visit with residents and record interviews for broadcast.

Beyond the workshops and remote broadcasting events in May, Trent Radio has two other exciting projects on the horizon that continue to demonstrate its commitment to community, inclusion, and accessibility.

“We would like to build a satellite studio,” shares Staveley, explaining that a satellite studio will give those who cannot visit the current studio access and encourage greater participation in radio. Multiple locations are currently being considered for this project.

"Jill Staveley, Production Manager and Deputy General Manager of Trent Radio, pictured in 2014 during Trent Radio's "Local Youth in Music" project. Staveley says Trent Radio hopes to engage with programmers and volunteers to support the production of programming in other languages for those in the Peterborough area for whom English is not their first language. (Photo: Frank Climenhage)
“Jill Staveley, Production Manager and Deputy General Manager of Trent Radio, pictured in 2014 during Trent Radio’s “Local Youth in Music” project. Staveley says Trent Radio hopes to engage with programmers and volunteers to support the production of programming in other languages for those in the Peterborough area for whom English is not their first language. (Photo: Frank Climenhage)

Finally, Trent Radio recognizes the barrier that English-only content creates in our increasingly diverse community, and are currently working towards developing programs in other languages.

“We are looking to engage with people that can support us to build programming that’s not in English,” explains Staveley. “There are a lot of people in Peterborough who don’t speak English. Broadcasting content for these people will expand our reach and break down another barrier.”

You can visit Trent Radio House on Saturday, May 4th as part of the city-wide Open Doors Peterborough Event. Come for a coffee, a tour of the house, or maybe even join a Trent Radio volunteer live on-air.

For more information on Trent Radio and their upcoming projects, visit www.trentradio.ca, email info@trentradio.ca, or call 705-741-4011.

This story was created in partnership with Trent Radio.

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