A view of Victoria Beach on Lake Ontario in Cobourg. (Photo courtesy of Linda McIlwain)
Every Friday during swimming season, we post The Beach Report™, our weekly report of the results of water quality testing at beaches in the Kawarthas, and update it throughout the week as conditions change.
As of July 25, 2019, the following beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming:
Bewdley Beach – Northumberland County
Harwood Beach – Northumberland County
Below are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
During the summer, local health units sample water at area beaches and test for bacteria such as E. coli to determine if the water quality at a beach is safe for public use. Popular beaches, like the beach at Roger’s Cove in Peterborough’s East City, are tested every business day while most other beaches are tested weekly. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
While we strive to update this story with the current conditions, you should confirm the most recent test results by visiting the local health unit websites at Peterborough Public Health and Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. As noted above, the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead are tested every business day so the results listed below may not be current.
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Peterborough City/County
City of Peterborough Beaches (sampled each business day)
Roger’s Cove (131 Maria St, Peterborough) – sample date July 24 -SAFE
Beavermeade (2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough) – sample date July 24 – SAFE
Peterborough County Beaches (sampled weekly)
Back Dam Beach (902 Rock Rd., Warsaw, Township of Douro-Dummer) – sample date July 22 – SAFE
Buckhorn (John Street, Buckhorn) – sample date July 23 – SAFE
Crowe’s Line Beach (240 Crowe’s Line Rd, Harvey) – sample date July 23 – SAFE
Curve Lake Lance Woods Park (Chemong St S, Curve Lake) – sample date July 23 – SAFE
Curve Lake Henry’s Gumming (Whetung St E, Curve Lake) – sample date July 23 – SAFE
Douro (205 Douro Second Line, Douro-Dummer) – sample date July 22 – SAFE
Ennismore (1053 Ennis Road, Ennismore) – sample date July 22 – SAFE
Hiawatha (1 Lakeshore Rd, Hiawatha) – sample date July 24 – SAFE
Jones Beach (908 Jones Beach Road, Bridgenorth) – sample date July 22 – SAFE
Lakefield Park (100 Hague Boulevard, Lakefield) – sample date July 22 – SAFE
Norwood (12 Belmont St, Norwood) – sample date July 22 – SAFE
Sandy Lake (1239 Lakehurst Road, Municipality of Trent Lakes) – sample date July 24 – SAFE
Selwyn (2251 Birch Island Road, Selwyn) – sample date July 22 – SAFE
Squirrel Creek Conservation Area (2445 Wallace Point Rd, South Monaghan) – sample date July 23 – SAFE
Warsaw Caves (289 Caves Rd, Warsaw) – sample date July 22 – SAFE
Peterborough County Beaches (sampled monthly)
Belmont Lake (376 Miles of Memories Road, Belmont) – sample date July 11 – SAFE
Chandos Beach (Hwy 620, North Kawartha) – sample date July 11 – SAFE
Kasshabog Lake (431 Peninsula Road, Methune) – sample date July 11 – SAFE
Quarry Bay (1986 Northey’s Bay Rd, Woodview) – sample date July 11 – SAFE
White’s Beach (Clearview Drive, Galway) – sample date July 4 – SAFE
Multiple award-winning Canadian blues singer-songwriter and guitarist Morgan Davis will be performing at the Dominion Hotel in Minden on Monday, July 22nd. (Publicity photo)
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, July 18 to Wednesday, July 24.
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.
5-8:30pm - Tiki Tuesday w/ Gary and the Rough Ideas
Coming Soon
Saturday, July 27 1pm - Saturday afternoon jazz w/ Chris Smith; 8pm - Ian Reid
Sunday, July 28 12-3:30pm - Sunday afternoon gospel w/ Blaine Burnie, Gene and Fat Fingers Slimm; 8pm - Ian Reid
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717
Coming Soon
Saturday, July 20 1:30-5pm - Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association (PBMA) Deluxe Blues Jam hosted by Dennis O'Toole & the Assassin's Hotel Orchestra (donations to PMBA encouraged)
Dreams of Beans
138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 742-2406
Thursday, July 18
8pm - Open mic hosted by Jacques Graveline
Coming Soon
Saturday, July 20 8pm - Acoustic Showcase ft Jeff Clarke, Jacques Graveline, and more
Wednesday, July 31 5-7pm - Sarah Tohnin
Frank's Pasta and Grill
426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2720
Friday, July 19
9pm-12am - Karaoke; 12am - DJ
Saturday, July 20
8pm - Breezeway Band; 11:30pm - DJ
Wednesday, July 24
8-11pm - Open Mic
Coming Soon
Saturday, July 27 8pm - Batten Down the Hatches; 11:30pm - DJ
Ganarascals Restaurant
53 Walton St., Port Hope
905-885-1888
Coming Soon
Saturday, August 10 7-10pm - Mayhemingways ($15, call or email to reserve your tickets)
Ganaraska Hotel
30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254
Friday, July 19
8pm - All Things Woodstock Show #2 ($20)
Saturday, July 20
2pm & 10pm - Straight Shooter
Coming Soon
Friday, July 26 8pm - All Things Woodstock Show #3 ($20)
Saturday, July 27 2pm & 10pm - Blueprint
The Garnet
231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107
Thursday, July 18
9pm - Ten Minute Detour w/ Kill the Ego
Friday, July 19
5-7pm - Julia Fenn & Friends; 9pm - Lars Lundehave Hansen w/ Hymns57 and Olias ($10 at door)
Saturday, July 20
9pm - George Douglas, Marcus Starr Band
Sunday, July 21
8pm - Kimberly Sunstrum w/ Kira Montfort, Niambi Tree ($10 or PWYC)
Monday, July 22
7pm - Gary Cain Band
Wednesday, July 24
9pm - Mars On The Water, Black Night Satellite, Puppet
Coming Soon
Thursday, July 25 8pm - Jennis w/ Joel Parkes ($10 or PWYC)
Friday, July 26 9pm - Death By Art School, High Heels Low Fi
Sunday, July 28 6pm & 10pm - Julie Doiron, Jose Contreras, Apollo Ghosts ($10 in advance, $15 at door)
Gordon Best Theatre
216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884
Friday, July 19
8pm - Cross Dog album release w/ Indican Handcrafts and Deathsticks ($10, all proceeds donated to Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre)
Sunday, July 28 7pm - Cottage Country Drag Bingo w/ Ms. Madge Enhat & Miss Divalicious
Marley's Bar & Grill
17 Fire Route 82 Catalina Bay, Buckhorn
(705) 868-2545
Friday, July 19
7-10pm - Chris Culgin
Saturday, July 20
7-10pm - Midnight Vesta
Coming Soon
Friday, July 26 7-10pm - Kayla Howran & Melissa Payne
Saturday, July 27 7-10pm - Ace & The Kid
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
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177
Thursday, July 18
7pm - Garage Dog
Murphy's Lockside Pub & Patio
3 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-1100
Tuesday, July 23
7-9pm - North Country Express (patio)
Coming Soon
Saturday, August 3 8pm - Michael O'Grady & Jason Lynn (patio)
Next Door
197 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(647) 270-9609
Friday, July 19
9pm - Dylan Ireland
Coming Soon
Friday, July 26 9pm - The Musician Next Door presents Bruno Merz
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, July 18
7-10pm - Open Mic
Saturday, July 20
1-3pm - Shipwrecked Saturdays w/ Jacques Graveline
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Publican House Brewery
300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743
Friday, July 19
6-9pm - Shai Peer
Saturday, July 20
6-9pm - Rob Phillips
Sunday, July 21
3-6pm - Ace & The Kid
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078
Friday, July 19
9pm - Captain Cryptic and the Deciphers (Andy McDonald, Dave Clarke, Denton McConnell, Craig McEachern)
Saturday, July 20
9:30pm - High Waters Band
Red Dog Tavern
189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400
Thursday, July 18
8pm - The Weber Brothers present WE Thursdays Concert Series ft Charlie Earle ($10 at door); 10:30pm - Busty and the Bass w/ I The Mountain ($10 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/25113/)
Saturday, July 20
10pm - RöckBïtür ft Taylor Beatty, Brandon Humbrphey, Liam Archer, & Eric Pill ($10 at door)
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef announcing $256,250 in federal funding for three new green economy hubs, including in Peterborough. An initiative of the non-profit organization Green Economy Canada, green economy hubs have already been established in Hamilton and Burlington, Kingston, London, Ottawa, Sudbury, Waterloo Region, and York Region, with 250 businesses collectively reduced 200,000 tons of greenhouse gases to date. (Photo: Office of Maryam Monsef / Facebook)
Peterborough is about to join seven other Ontario communities to become a “green economy hub” that will help local businesses achieve their energy efficiency and sustainability goals.
On Thursday (July 18) at the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough, Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, on behalf of federal natural resources minister Amarjeet Sohi, announced $256,250 in federal funding for three new green economy hubs.
Green economy hubs support local networks of businesses to set and achieve sustainability targets, including carbon emission reductions. The hubs are an initiative of Green Economy Canada, a non-profit organization founded in Waterloo in 2014 as Sustainability CoLab.
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With provincial funding to date, Green Economy Canada has already helped launch green economy hubs in Hamilton and Burlington, Kingston, London, Ottawa, Sudbury, Waterloo Region, and York Region. According to Green Economy Canada, 250 businesses in green economy hubs have so far collectively reduced 200,000 tons of greenhouse gases — the equivalent of taking over 42,000 cars off the road for one year.
The organization is now working with partners to launch hubs in Peterborough and New Brunswick by the fall of 2020. The New Brunswick hub will be the first one created outside of Ontario.
VIDEO: Green Economy Hubs
“Our government believes that Peterborough has all the right credentials to be a national hub and leader in this work,” Monsef says. “Climate change is real. There is no longer a choice to be made between protecting our environment and growing our economy. We must do both.”
The project is funded through Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Efficiency Program, which promotes the benefits of energy efficiency, such as lower energy costs, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, improved operating performance, and increased asset values.
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“Local businesses play an integral role in creating a sustainable future,” Monsef says. “Becoming more energy-efficient leads to lower energy costs and maintenance costs and creates less pollution, all while creating jobs and increasing industry competitiveness.”
The Peterborough hub will involve the City of Peterborough, Peterborough GreenUP, Peterborough Distribution Inc., Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Sustainable Peterborough, and Trent University.
The group will work together with local business and and community partners to create the tools, resources, and supports necessary to advance a low-carbon future in the region.
For more information on Green Economy Canada, visit greeneconomy.ca.
Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for all of southern Ontario, including the Kawarthas.
Significant heat and humidity will arrive on Friday (July 19), with daytime temperatures in the low-to-mid thirties and afternoon humidex values of 40°C or higher.
There will be little relief in the evenings, with nighttime minimum temperatures in the low-to-mid twenties expected for Friday and Saturday (July 20).
A cooler and less humid air mass is forecast to arrive by Monday in the wake of a weak cold front on Sunday (July 21).
Environment Canada issues heat warnings are issued when very high temperature or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
While extreme heat affects everyone, the risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and people working or exercising outdoors.
Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle, and outdoor workers should take regularly scheduled breaks in a cool place.
Juno-nominated pop singer-songwriter Virginia to Vegas (Derik Baker) performs a free sponsor-supported convert at Peterborough Musicfest in Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough on July 20, 2019. (Publicity photo)
Staying power on the crowded pop music landscape — a milieu that sees all too many artists fade as quickly as they ascend — is an attribute reserved for the ultra talented.
Peterborough Musicfest presents Virginia to Vegas
When: Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: Free admission
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent for $4/chair). VIP seating available for sponsors. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighbourhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
Since signing with Wax Records in the summer of 2013, Virginia to Vegas — the stage name of 29-year-old Derik Baker — has proven more than worthy of the attention shown him by label executive Jamie Appleby, who discovered the American-born and Guelph-raised singer-songwriter via YouTube.
The Virginia native has since rewarded Appleby’s intuition and confidence with two platinum singles and a 2018 Juno Award nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year. With a new EP released just this past June and another high-charting single, he arrives in Peterborough on Saturday, July 20th to headline Peterborough Musicfest.
Admission to the 8 p.m. concert is free, thanks to the support of sponsors.
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“We Are Stars”, Virginia to Vegas’ first single release, entered the Canadian Singles Top 100 chart at #94 and rose to the #14 spot. The track, which features Canadian singer-songwriter Alyssa Reid, has since been certified platinum by Music Canada.
“The songwriting process was really cool,” notes Baker in a June 2014 interview with The Extra Mile.
“Alyssa and I are on the same record label (Wax Records) so for us to write together is almost a daily process. That process came together very quickly … the song literally came together in about five or ten minutes.”
VIDEO: “We Are Stars” – Virginia To Vegas ft Alyssa Reid
VIDEO: “Lights Out” – Virginia To Vegas
Come November 2014 when Virginia to Vegas’ released his debut EP Vol. 1, the inclusion of “We Are Stars” was a no-brainer but it was another track, “Lights Out”, that garnered equal or greater attention. Garnering extensive radio airplay, the single was also certified platinum.
Featuring those two tracks, plus the additional singles “Don’t Fight The Music” and “Our Story”, Virginia to Vegas’ debut full-length album Utopian was released in December 2016.
A second EP, Hartland St., has since followed along with the release of four singles — “Selfish”, “Emotions”, “Yesterday”, and “Just Friends”.
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As beneficial as Appleby’s discovery of his talent has proven, Baker makes it clear in a May 2014 interview with UMusicians who the real drivers of his passion have been.
“I was very lucky to have very supportive parents who recognized my passion in music and have always told me to go for it … to never give up on my dream,” he shares, adding making music has always been Plan A.
“I remember being back in school, or working a day job, where the only thing I was thinking about was being able to do music. So the fact that now it’s coming to a point where I can do music as a living and to be able to write songs, it seems like the right thing.”
VIDEO: “Selfish” – Virginia To Vegas
VIDEO: “Yesterday” – Virginia To Vegas
Similar to his collaboration with Reid on “We Are Stars”, 2018 saw Baker work with America singer-songwriter blackbear and Canadian electronic dance music duo Dvbbs, co-writing the single “IDWK” that, to date, has amassed more than 45 million streams worldwide.
Win VIP passes to MusicFest!
As a returning sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest, kawarthaNOW.com will be giving away VIP seats to every one of this summer’s concerts again this year.
While the concerts are free to all, VIP seats are not available to the general public — only to festival sponsors. You are guaranteed a chair near to the stage for the best view.
The giveaways are exclusive to subscribers to our weekly e-news. For your chance to win, sign-up to our weekly e-news at k-n.ca/subscribe.
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 16 free-admission, sponsor-supported concerts featuring a total of 21 acts during its 33rd season — each concert staged on Wednesday and Saturday nights at Del Crary Park.
Overseen by general manager Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission is to “provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert or the entire 2019 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
The Peterborough Public Library is one of 78 organizations and businesses in the Kawarthas participating in GreenUP's BlueW program, where you can fill up your reusable water bottle with municipal tap water at no charge. Look for the BlueW sticker, or use the online map at the BlueWPtbo website to find a location where you can fill up. (Photo: Karen Halley)
Last weekend, I was running errands around town with two children in tow — and yes, it was during the heat wave. We were hot and sweaty, but we were happy to be making the most of the short time we have to enjoy the warmth of summer.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Heather Ray, GreenUP Water Programs Manager.
I must admit that I have not been the most prepared parent these past few months; with spring weather arriving so late, I have been scrambling to stock up on summer essentials like sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and shorts (yes even shorts). However, last week I was prepared with all these things, plus snacks (#parentingwin)!
Then it happened.
My toddler threw his water bottle to the ground and I heard the all-too-familiar hollow clink of an empty water bottle. I should have known better in a heat wave; I’m the manager of water programs at GreenUP and hydration is constantly on my mind but with more errands to run, heading home was not an option, so we pushed on.
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My nine-year-old is helping me participate in Plastic Free July, a global challenge to reduce single-use plastic, so purchasing bottled water was out of the question. We needed to fill up our water bottles, but where? The last thing I wanted to do was cart a now very grumpy toddler in and out of several places, looking for somewhere we could fill up.
But then, like a little beacon of blue hope, I saw the BlueW Ptbo sticker on my daughter’s water bottle and it reminded me that we could refill nearby.
GreenUP’s BlueW Ptbo program is an online map that shows you where you can find clean, free, public, and commercial water sources to fill your reusable bottle at no cost, and with no expectation that you buy anything. The map can be found at bluewptbo.ca helps you to discover the local businesses and public service buildings that are participating in BlueW Ptbo.
The Peterborough Public Library has a water refill station on the second floor, pictured here, as well as the bottom floor. (Photo: Karen Halley)
You can also look for the BlueW decal in the windows of participating businesses when you are out and about in the city.
Currently, there are 78 taps registered with the BlueW program. Participating businesses are located throughout Peterborough, Northumberland, and the City of Kawartha Lakes region, including Curve Lake, Hiawatha, and Alderville First Nations. Certain public libraries, parks, recreational facilities, and many privately owned businesses are mapped options for drinking water refills.
BlueW is an national not-for-profit initiative that aims to provide free tap water wherever you are. This unique community-based program, founded in 2012 by Evan Pilkington, is dedicated to promoting municipal tap water as a healthy and easily accessible alternative to purchasing bottled drinks.
“The goal of BlueW is to promote access to drinking water, and to help people make better, healthier beverage choices,” explains Pilkington, who is also managing director of the program.
“The service that BlueW provides is in creating a dialogue between the water provider (municipalities) and the community that they provide water to.”
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Since its inception, BlueW.org has expanded to over 26,000 participating businesses across North America. In 2016, GreenUP initiated the BlueW program in Peterborough through funding from the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, as part of its effort to promote drinking water over other more sugary beverage options.
Currently, GreenUP delivers BlueW Ptbo through support from the Peterborough Utilities Group to promote municipal tap water as a healthy, readily available, and less wasteful source of drinking water.
“Since 1914 Peterborough Utilities has been providing safe, reliable, and consistently high-quality water from source to tap,” says David Whitehouse, vice-president of customer and corporate services and conservation at Peterborough Utilities Group.
You can explore a map of locations in the Kawarthas participating in the BlueW program by visiting bluewptbo.ca. The website also uses geolocation to identify the closest refill location. (Photo: Karen Halley)
“When you find yourself away from your home tap, BlueW Ptbo can help you access tap water from other places around the city, maintaining a constant flow of refreshing and cold tap water, even when your water bottle is empty.”
I was so grateful for the BlueW Ptbo program on a hot day. My children and I were able to locate a spot to fill up, quench our thirst, be plastic free, and go on our way.
GreenUP would love to hear about your experience with BlueW Ptbo. Tweet us your story by tagging us at @ptbogreenup and by using the hashtag #bluewptbo.
Watch for GreenUP throughout the summer. We will be popping up around the region, along the trails, and at events with BlueW Ptbo stickers, fresh water, and prizes!
To learn which businesses and public service buildings will refill your water bottle for free, check out bluewptbo.ca, and look for the decal in business windows. Are you a business who wants to sign up? It’s easy — just go to bluewptbo.ca.
Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating the sudden death of a man and a woman north of Campbellford.
On Wednesday (July 17) around 12:30 p.m., police responded to reports of gunfire at a rural farmhouse on Thomson Road.
Emergency first responders arrived to find a man and a woman with no vital signs.
The Northumberland OPP Crime Unit is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths, in conjunction with the Ontario Corner’s Office and with the assistance from the Central Region Forensic Identification Services.
The investigation, which is being led by Detective Inspector Brad Robson of the Criminal Investigation Branch, is in its early stages.
Police advise there is no public safety concern at this time.
This story will be updated when more details are available.
Peterborough city council voted unanimously at an emergency meeting on Wednesday night (July 17) to allow the Peterborough Public Library to be used as a temporary overnight shelter while the city seeks a more permanent solution.
The city is working with YES Shelter for Youth and Families, Brock Mission, Fourcast, and United Way of Peterborough and District to open 15 overflow beds in the library’s auditorium (345 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough) as well as another 15 overflow beds at YES Shelter (196 Brock St., Peterborough).
The 30 overflow beds are in addition to the regular beds already provided at the city’s existing emergency shelters (Brock Mission, Cameron House, and YES Shelter).
The city’s social services division will coordinate intake at the library when the overflow beds become available at 9 p.m. every night. Homeless people requesting shelter will either be directed to beds at one of the existing emergency shelters or one of the 30 overflow beds at either the library or YES Shelter.
People who use the overflow beds will be asked leave by 8 a.m. each morning. The library opens to the public at 10 a.m. daily except Sunday, when it opens at 2 p.m.
The 30 overflow beds at the library and YES Shelter are a temporary solution as the city works with local organizations to find a longer-term location for overflow beds.
While YES Shelter normally only provides beds for youth and families, the organization is able to provide 15 temporary overflow beds for people of all ages as families using the shelter have moved into housing and other accommodations.
The city’s decision to open temporary overflow beds at the library and YES Shelter is a result of the closure of the previous overflow bed service at the Warming Room Community Ministries program at John’s Anglican Church on July 1st. On the last night of service at the Warming Room, there were 29 people using overflow beds.
Following the closure of the Warming Room service, some homeless people began camping at Victoria Park just north of St. John’s Anglican Church.
The city is encouraging any people who are camping in public spaces to go to the library at 9 p.m. to speak with staff who will connect them with a shelter or overflow bed.
Shelter bed availability can change each day. Last week, there were as many as about 25 beds available in the shelter system. On July 17th, there were six beds available at Cameron House for women, three beds available at YES Shelter for youth, and no beds available at the Brock Mission for men.
Original story
Peterborough city council is holding a special emergency meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday night (July 17) to consider whether the Peterborough Public Library will be used a temporary overnight shelter location.
Council will meet for a special emergency general committee meeting at 7:30 p.m. to consider the recommendation then, immediately following that meeting, will hold a special emergency council meeting to consider approving the recommendation. Public delegations are permitted at the council meeting.
If council decides to proceed, 20 overflow beds in the auditorium on the lower level of the library at 345 Aylmer Street North would open at 9 p.m. on Wednesday night.
The temporary overflow beds location would then be open from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. each night. People who use the space would be expected to leave by 8 a.m. each morning.
The city would encourage people who are camping in public spaces to go to the library at 9 p.m. and speak with outreach staff, who would then connect them with either an overflow bed or a bed at one of the existing emergency shelters (Brock Mission, Cameron House, and Youth Emergency Shelter).
The city had contracted with St. John’s Anglican Church, through its Warming Room Community Ministries program, for the provision of overflow beds. However, Warming Room Community Ministries was unable to provide the service after its lease expired at its former location at the end of June.
According to a media release from the city, the library would be a temporary location while the city secures a longer-term location for the overflow beds service.
On Tuesday (July 16), the City and County of Peterborough issued a joint letter to people who are staying in tents in Victoria Park in downtown Peterborough, due to safety concerns related to extreme heat and humidity and severe thunderstorms forecast for this week.
The letter encourages people to check with emergency shelters daily and to talk to outreach workers to find alternative shelter.
Kawartha Lakes Police Service K9 unit police service dog Xena with handler P.C. Keith Watson visiting a kindergarten class at Leslie Frost Public School in Lindsay in 2017. (Photo: Keith Watson / Twitter)
The City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service has suspended its canine unit (K9) program.
According to a media release, the decision was made after the department’s dog handler stepped down due to unexpected health concerns.
“A number of other factors were also considered by the police service in making this difficult decision,” the release adds.
Kawartha Lakes Police Service K9 unit police service dog Xena went on active duty in 2016. (Photo: Keith Watson / Twitter)
Chief Mark Mitchell advised the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Services Board of the decision at the board’s regular meeting on Monday (July 15).
“Residents can continue to feel safe and secure in their homes, schools, and place of work, despite this difficult decision to suspend our K9 program,” Mitchell says.
When there is a need for canine unit services, the release states, City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service officers will be supported through existing partnerships in place with the Peterborough Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police.
“The K9 program will be re-evaluated in the future to determine the feasibility of returning it to active service,” Mitchell says.
Kawartha Lakes Police Service have confirmed that Xena, their existing K9 police service dog, is now in the care of a private K9 handler.
PedalBoro's 15-passenger party bike received a fair share of attention on Tuesday (July 16) during the bike tour company's inaugural downtown tour from The Olde Stone Brewing Company to the Publican House Brewery before heading to Millennium Park. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
With a ‘We’re all in this together’ spirit at its centre, PedalBoro unveiled Peterborough’s first party bike on Tuesday (July 16) in downtown Peterborough.
Owned and operated by Hillary Flood and Peter Rellinger, the 15-passenger group pedalling experience went on its inaugural tour, travelling from The Olde Stone Brewing Company on George Street North to The Publican House Brewery on Charlotte Street before heading off to its final stop at Millennium Park.
All along the way, the eco-friendly transportation alternative drew the attention of motorists and pedestrians, many of them taking cellphone photos or offering a friendly wave.
PedalBoro owners and operators Hillary Flood and Pete Rellinger officially unveiled the 15-passenger party bike at the centre of their new business venture on Tuesday (July 16). Offering downtown tours in partnership with local pubs and eateries, PedalBoro offers an eco-friendly transportation alternative for exploring Peterborough’s core. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
According to Flood, initial PedalBoro tours will take participants to downtown core pubs for pub crawl “brew stops” featuring samplings of their beer, with the plan to expand that offering later this summer to include Dish Crawls to four restaurants for a “progressive” meal.
Current pub crawl partners are The Olde Stone Brewery Company, The Publican House Brewery, Next Door, and The Twisted Wheel.
“It’s kind of a crazy thing to have a spunky ginger pop up in a business and say ‘Hey, I want to bring a party bike here. There will be about 15 of us and, P.S., can you give us beer?'” said Flood.
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“There’s something to be said for our community and how lovingly receptive people are. They (PedalBoro’s partners) saw the value in this. When we work together, we’re able to build a destination eco-system as part of an enviable downtown where people want to be and want to be seen.”
According to Flood, the idea for PedalBoro first evolved about three years ago when she was working as a member of the team organizing Peterborough Pulse.
“We were trying to come up with solutions for getting folks from one end of the (Pulse) route to the other. I was checking out bike taxis and happened upon the party bike. I thought ‘What a wonderful idea’ and the next thing I know I’m thinking about it weekly, and then I’m thinking about it daily.”
“I pitched the idea to my partner. He thought I was crazy at first. Then he saw what I was talking about on the internet and was like ‘Yeah … maybe.’ I’m a contract worker. I was coming into a time when I wasn’t sure what was next, so I thought ‘Let’s do it.'”
ith seating for 15, the PedalBoro party bike was unveiled Tuesday (July 16) outside The Olde Stone Brewing Company on George Street North. Peterborough is now one of just five Canadian cities offering the eco-friendly transportation alternative. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
Through the Starter Company Plus program offered by the Business Advisory Centre at Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Flood and Rellinger received mentoring and secured a $4,000 grant for their new venture. In addition, their PedalBoro pitch lifted them to a top-three finalist spot at the 2019 Bear’s Lair Competition, bringing another $1,000 their way.
“We connected to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, got all the support we could hope and dream for, and were able to activate this business in under a year,” noted Flood.
The party bike was manufactured in Europe according to specifications spelled out by Flood and Rellinger — “PedalBoro is a fun and cheeky business so we wanted something that reflects that” — and shipped to Halifax before travelling by train to Toronto and then by truck to Peterborough, a journey that took three weeks.
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With the launch of PedalBoro, Peterborough is just the fifth Canadian city offering the party bike experience, the others being Vancouver, Calgary, London, and Montreal.
“This is something you don’t see in a lot of downtowns … it’s extremely creative and animated and it has the fun factor,” lauded Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) executive director Terry Guiel.
“Kudos to Hillary and Pete for taking on this challenge. So many things are so overdone. Stepping outside the box is what you need to do in order to stand out. This is a perfect example of that. It’s hugely creative. I can’t wait to see the positive spin-offs for businesses because of what they’re doing.”
It was smiles all round Tuesday (July 16) on George Street outside The Olde Stone Brewing Company as participants readied for the inaugural PedalBoro ride. The eco-friendly transportation alternative for exploring Peterborough’s core, owned and operated by Hillary Flood and Pete Rellinger, offers pub and restaurant tours which can be booked online. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
For her part, Kelly Jessup, corporate marketing officer with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism, said “the immersive experience” PedalBoro offers is something that travellers are looking for, while Mayor Diane Therrien termed the group pedaling concept “super cool,” adding, “I can’t wait for the day when I can join in and have some beers.”
“We want to be that go-to spot where you celebrate milestones,” said Flood, noting the party bike experience is perfect for all get-togethers, from bachelorette parties to workplace team-building functions.
Due to Ontario liquor licensing regulations, no alcohol is permitted on the party bike itself and, as such, isn’t made available. That suits Flood just fine.
“I would much rather showcase the vibrant downtown businesses that are doing what they do best than slap a keg on the bike. It’s a stronger value proposition if we bring new faces into businesses.”
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Full details on PedalBoro’s Pub Crawl, Team Building, Dish Crawl and Private Pub Crawl tour packages are available at www.pedalboro.com where you can also register as an individual or group.
The Pub Crawl and Team Building rides are offered at $40 per person, the Dish Crawl cost is $75 per person, and the Private Pub Crawl tour costs $525 for the group.
The first stop during the inaugural PedalBoro ride held on Tuesday (July 16) was at the Publican House Brewery, where Bailey Brown welcomed participants with a generous, and most appreciated, sampling of the brewery’s products. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
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