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Lakefield’s Pride event is essential in village where people often feel isolated and have been bullied

Having a Pride event of its very own is critical for the village of Lakefield, according to the Lakefield Pride Committee. The Lakefield Pride Picnic, an annual family event founded in 2021, takes place on September 22, 2024 in Isabel Morris Park and includes a march from the park through the village. (Photo: Lakefield Pride / Facebook)

Rebecca Rose, a member of the Lakefield Pride Committee, vividly remembers her encounter with a local senior during the first Pride picnic in the village of Lakefield.

The woman, who Rose had previously met, introduced her non-binary adult child to Rose at the event.

“(The mother) doesn’t drive, and lives at the local senior citizens’ apartments,” Rose told kawarthaNOW. “Her entire community is Lakefield. When her child expressed their identity to her, she didn’t understand, she was afraid, and worried for her child. She didn’t share with any of her peers as she felt shame.”

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“She believed something was wrong with her child, and wondered how she had gone wrong,” Rose added. “A few hours at our picnic and she left armed with information, reassurance, pamphlets, and the knowledge that her adult child was okay. She was full of pride and happiness, and most of all, relief.”

The encounter, according to Rose, remains one reason why having a Pride picnic in Lakefield each year is critical for the village.

While the Lakefield Pride Committee participates in the Peterborough-Nogojiwanong Pride’s Pride Week from September 20 to 29, Rose says it’s also important for the village to have its own event.

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Committee members are getting ready for the fourth annual Lakefield Pride picnic, which is slated for Sunday, September 22. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Isabel Morris Park, which is located at 20 Concession St. in Lakefield.

“Even though Lakefield is only a short car ride from Peterborough, it is its own community and often those who live there are isolated to it,” Rose said. “If we can reach one person every year who learns something, or feels safer, or more included, then this project is worth everything we put into it.”

There are kids in Lakefield who face bullying from other young people and the adults around them, Rose noted.

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“Our event arose out of criticism a mother received while her young son was innocently playing dress-up in his sister’s princess dresses in the front yard one day, and news articles about a Pride flag being burned at a school in a neighbouring town,” Rose explained.

According to Rose, the Lakefield Pride picnic was primarily an initiative of young people who grew up and live in the village and want to make a difference.

“By supporting them to create this event, they are empowered to be the change they want to see in the world,” Rose said.

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As for the woman with a non-binary child, attending the Lakefield Pride picnic was an important local support for her in understanding and learning to accept her child’s identity.

“This mother would never have had the ability or occasion to attend any of the other Peterborough Pride events, as she is exclusively a pedestrian, and had not told anyone she knew about her concerns,” Rose pointed out.

This year the Lakefield Pride Committee is hoping for, as always, great weather and a large community turn out.

“We really just want to create a great experience for our community to share love and kindness for all,” Rose said.

For more information about Lakefield Pride, visit lakefieldpride.com.

Peterborough Theatre Guild launches its 2024-25 season with a double-header of two one-act plays

The Peterborough Theatre Guild presents Ben Muir's "How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse" and Marni Walsh's history-based drama "Ghost Story" for 10 performances from September 20 to October 5, 2024. (Graphic: Peterborough Theatre Guild)

For the first production of its 2024-25 season, the Peterborough Theatre Guild is presenting a double-header of two one-act plays: the world premiere of the history-based drama Ghost Story by Marni Walsh and the interactive farcical spoof How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse by Ben Muir. The two plays run for 10 performances from September 20 to October 5

Ghost Story focuses on two famous historical Marys, who happen to be mother and daughter. Mary Wollstonecraft was an 18th-century British writer, philosopher, and advocate of women’s rights who wrote one of the earliest works of feminist philosophy, 1792’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Her daughter, Mary Shelley (nee Gowan), is best known as the author of the 1818 Gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, considered an early example of science fiction.

The two women never actually knew one another, as Mary Wollstonecraft died at the age of 38 only 11 days after giving birth to her daughter, Mary Wollstonecraft Gowan. Mary was raised by her father, political philosopher William Godwin, who provided her with a rich albeit informal education.

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When Mary was a teenager, she met the Romantic poet and philosopher Percy Bysshe Shelley and, in 1816, the couple and Mary’s stepsister Claire Clairmont famously spent a summer with poet Lord Byron and his physician John William Polidori near Geneva in Switzerland. During the miserable weather, which was cold and rainy due to volcanic ash from an eruption in the Dutch East Indies the previous year, the group amused themselves with German ghost stories, which prompted Byron to propose that they each write their own ghost story.

Unable to come up with a ghost story, 18-year-old Mary was anxious for days until — after the group discussed the scientific phenomenon where muscles of dead creatures could be made to move when jolted with an electric current — she had a terrifying “waking dream” about a manufactured creature that is brought to life, leading her to write her famous novel.

In Ghost Story, Mary Shelley seeks advice at the grave site of her mother where, “the words of their works shine a light on their lives and the themes that still resonate today,” according to a description of the play.

British writer, philosopher, and advocate of women's rights Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (nee Gowan), author of "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus." (Public domain photos)
British writer, philosopher, and advocate of women’s rights Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (nee Gowan), author of “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.” (Public domain photos)

“They’re both incredible women and their lives are just ripe with theatre,” says playwright Marni Walsh in a video for the Peterborough Theatre Guild. “Both Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollstonecraft were feminists. Both were very interested in the rights of all people, not just woman, but equality for all.”

“Mary Shelley had a very specific interest in science and the concern that science would go too far and too fast and that the world would suffer for it. These women warned us and their warnings are very pertinent right now. I think that we could learn from history and we should be listening to these voices once again.”

A resident of Melancthon in Dufferin County, Walsh has been an actor, director, and playwright for over 40 years. In 2020, she and Debra Hale founded Act 3 Theatre, a professional collective of women theatre artists over 55 which has performed original shows at Aki Theatre, Alumnae Theatre, Crest Theatre Green Room, the Toronto Fringe Festival, Theatre Collingwood, Orillia Opera House, and Theatre Orangeville.

Produced by Jen Eve, Ghost Story stars Carling Dulder, Lisa Guthro, Aimee Hindle, Millie Martin Thorne, and Julie Mereweather and is directed by Lee Bolton who, as well as being a director, playright, and teacher, has been an arts administrator including for the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra and the Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival. She previously directed Walsh’s The Trial of Rosie McDougall at Toronto’s Red Sandcastle Theatre.

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As Britain’s famous sketch comedy Monty Python would say, the second one-act play of the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s season-opening production is something completely different.

First staged in 2019, How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse by British writer Ben Muir was a fringe festival hit and has since spawned a best-selling book, a top-ranking podcast series, a monthly magazine column, two sequels, and more.

In the play, leading zombie expert Dr. Dale Seslick of the School of Survival and his three inept assistants take audience members through an interactive seminar that not only teaches them how to survive the undead, but tests them to determine which person in the audience will be the ultimate survivor.

The cast of the original fringe production of Ben Muir's "How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse." (Photo: Attic Door Productions)
The cast of the original fringe production of Ben Muir’s “How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse.” (Photo: Attic Door Productions)

Produced by Marion Griffin and directed by Margaret Monis, the Peterborough Theatre Guild production features John Austin as Dr. Dale, the cool and collected seminar leader who is fluent in zombie survival lore and is never stumped for an answer, Andrea Lane as Judy O’Dea, Dr. Dale’s second in command who attempts to keep the rest of the team under control, James Burrell as Donald Straite, an older survivalist who has followed every conspiracy theory in the book and has attempted and succeeded many difficult training exercises, and Peter Symington as Tristen Granger, Dr. Dale’s nephew who has absolutely no idea what is going on during the seminar.

In the tradition of British farce, expect a lot of fast-paced wacky humour and, because the play is an interactive seminar, lots of audience participation.

Ghost Story and How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse run at the Guild Hall at 364 Rogers Street in Peterborough’s East City from September 20 to October 3, with performances at 7:30 p.m. on September 20 and 21, 26 to 28, and October 3 to 5, with 2 p.m. Sunday matinee performances on September 22 and 29.

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Assigned seating tickets are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors, and $20 for students and are available by calling 705-745-4211 or online at www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com.

For the September 21 and October 3 performances, the Peterborough Theatre Guild is offering a “bring a friend” discount where you can get a complimentary ticket with the purchase of one regular ticket by using the promo code FRIEND when ordering online.

 

kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s 2024-25 season.

Peterborough family doctors launch think tank to identify primary health care challenges and brainstorm strategies

A think tank of Peterborough family doctors is hoping to help solve some of the issues related to recruiting and retaining physicians. The group was formed by Dr. Madura Sundareswaran, a family physician who opened her practice in Peterborough in 2019 and founded the Peterborough Newcomer Health Clinic in 2023. She lives in Peterborough with her husband, Dr. Mathew Moore, who is also a family doctor. In March 2024, Dr. Sundareswaran received an award from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario that honours outstanding Ontario doctors. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Newcomer Health Clinic)

A group of doctors in Peterborough has created a physician think tank with the hopes of healing what ails the primary care sector, which is currently in the state of an “escalating crisis,” one physician says.

Dr. Madura Sundareswaran, the Peterborough family doctor who formed the think tank, said the group is necessary to uncover new solutions to meet the growing shortage of family doctors in the city and elsewhere. The think tank meets regularly to identify challenges and brainstorm strategies with the hopes of finding a remedy for the fragile primary care component of the health care system.

“This group aims to strengthen the sense of community among physicians and advocate for changes in the community to maintain access to primary care,” Dr. Sundareswaran said in a media release.

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Earlier this summer, the think tank generated a report proposing a collaborative, multi-systems level strategy that could be used to guide future recruitment and retention efforts.

“The think tank hopes to work alongside the City of Peterborough to support its recent commitment to physician recruitment and retention,” Dr. Sundareswaran added.

Dr. Sundareswaran, who earlier this year received an award from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario that honours outstanding Ontario doctors, shared with kawarthaNOW her motivation for the initiative.

“Our local family doctors have all been impacted by the numerous family physician retirements and practice closures in our community over the last few years — the ever-increasing administrative burden, burnout and operational expenses continue to threaten the future of our profession,” Dr. Sundareswaran said.

“Despite this, Peterborough is made up of a strong group of family physicians who continue to enjoy their work, are passionate about what they do, and dedicate time and resources to train the next generation of family physicians.”

PDF: Recruitment & Retention – Peterborough Family Doctors’ Think Tank
Recruitment & Retention - Peterborough Family Doctors' Think Tank

The think tank aims to identify and address community-level challenges of administrative and systemic barriers “that threaten the future of the profession and compromise direct patient care,” Dr. Sundareswaran said.

“The solution to successful family physician recruitment and retention cannot lie on the shoulders of a single entity, but requires collaboration between various stakeholders including but not limited to the City of Peterborough, the provincial government, and family physicians themselves.”

She hopes to foster a sense of community among family physicians and support local recruitment and retention efforts. Being involved in the think tank is a unique endeavor for many of its participants and encourages both physician leadership and advocacy, the doctor added.

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The think tank’s report shares perspectives on recruitment efforts to date and highlights potential solutions to help strengthen the recruitment and retention efforts within the community. Dr. Sundareswaran is hopeful the report can serve as a guideline for organizations, such as local government, which have identified physician recruitment as a priority.

The report shares feedback on recruitment efforts to date and “provides tangible solutions for a community-focused physician recruitment strategy.” Physicians share perspectives on incentive programs and stress the need for programs that support both new and existing family physicians.

“Family physicians are hoping for a more transparent, collaborative, and reliable recruitment strategy in the future, and hope to work with the City of Peterborough in the upcoming months to achieve this,” Dr. Sundareswaran said.

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“By creating specific, community-focused goals, the think tank aims to … support physician-led initiatives to improve the local landscape of primary care,” Dr. Sundareswaran added. “In doing so, the think tank lends itself to become an innovative and productive recruitment and retention tool for family physicians.”

Each think tank session draws between 15 and 25 participants.

Since launching this initiative, the group has created resources for family physicians, including letter templates to standardize communication with community partners and a database of local referral destinations. The think tank has also advocated for changes in how referrals and letters are received between primary care and partner institutions.

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“By being independent, the think tank aims to provide an objective forum and unify the voices of our local family physicians in a way that does not yet exist,” Dr. Sundareswaran said.

In response to the growing family physician shortage, the think tank is motivated to find solutions to mend “the escalating crisis,” she added.

The think tank is also working on strategies to retain physicians, which is another big challenge. Read more in an upcoming article in kawarthaNOW.

Kawartha Lakes woman’s photo selected as judges’ favourite in 2024 Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge

Barb Callander's photo of a pair of curious river otters in a wetland feeding Balsam Lake was the judges' favourite winner in the namesake category of the 2024 Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge. (Photo: Barb Callander)

A photo by a Kawartha Lakes woman is one of eight winners of this year’s national Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge.

Barb Callander’s photo of a pair of curious river otters in a wetland feeding Balsam Lake was selected as a judges’ favourite in the namesake category of the fourth annual challenge organized by hosted by Living Lakes Canada, an award-winning water science and stewardship non-profit organization.

“The lake system is under pressure from increased nutrient loading and invasive species,” Callander wrote as part of the caption for her photo.

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Nearly 450 photos were submitted for the 2024 challenge, which celebrates lakes across Canada and raises awareness around what’s threatening their biodiversity.

Judges’ favourites and public favourites were selected in each of four categories — lake landscapes, lake biodiversity, and lake impacts, along with a youth category — for a total of eight winning shots from across Canada, plus a special mention.

The judges’ favourites were selected by a panel of Living Lakes Canada team members and photo challenge partners and prize sponsors, and the public favourites were selected based on 1,228 votes.

This photo by Adam Benn of a cedar waxwing enjoying the Vaseux Lake Migratory Bird Santuary in Okanagan, B.C. was voted the public favourite winner in the namesake category of the 2024 Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge. (Photo: Adam Benn)
This photo by Adam Benn of a cedar waxwing enjoying the Vaseux Lake Migratory Bird Santuary in Okanagan, B.C. was voted the public favourite winner in the namesake category of the 2024 Lake Biodiversity Photo Challenge. (Photo: Adam Benn)

The full list of winners is below.

Judges’ Favourites

  • Lake Landscapes Category: Mario Mailloux, Lanaudière region, QC
  • Lake Biodiversity Category: Barb Callander, Kawartha Lakes, ON
  • Lake Impacts Category: Haolun Tian, Eastern Ontario
  • Kids Category: Zoe Bystrov, Simcoe County, ON
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Public Favourites

  • Lake Landscapes Category: Andy Li, Banff National Park, AB
  • Lake Biodiversity Category: Adam Benn, Okanagan, BC
  • Lake Impacts Category: Tracey, Halladay, East Kootenays, BC
  • Kids Category: Neora Varghese, Southern Alberta, AB
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Special Mention

  • Sophie Sanfacon, Vancouver Island, BC

Each winner will receive the grand prize of an online photography workshop with professional photographer Viktoria Haak, Nikon Canada Ambassador and Kase Filter Global Ambassador, as well as prize packages with items from Kicking Horse Coffee, Lush, and Laykhaus.

All the winning photos, along with all other submissions, can be viewed at livinglakescanada.ca/lbpc2024.

Peterborough’s Kawartha World Issues Centre celebrates 35 years at the Market Hall on October 29

Kawartha World Issues Centre's 35th anniversary fundraising celebration on October 29, 2024 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough will feature a keynote speech by award-winning anti-racism and Indigenous researcher and entrepreneur Larissa Crawford and a performance by Indigenous roots singer-songwriter Mimi O'Bonsawin. (Photos: Feather Photo and Jen Squires)

Peterborough’s Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC) is asking residents to “think global and act local” when it comes to making a meaningful difference in the community in Peterborough and beyond.

The charitable organization is hosting a milestone anniversary celebration and fundraiser on Tuesday, October 29 called “Think Global, Act Local: 35 Years of KWIC.” The event begins at 6 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough and will explore and celebrate KWIC’s history and provide a glimpse into the future for the organization.

Dr. Stephanie Rutherford, chair of the 35th anniversary committee and vice-chair of the board, told kawarthaNOW that KWIC has a few aspirations for the upcoming 35th anniversary affair.

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“Our hope is that this event will be a celebration of the three-and-a-half decades of KWIC advocacy to make our community a better place,” said Rutherford, who is also associate professor of environment and resource studies at Trent University.

“We want this be a joyful event, where people come together to recognize our successes and recommit ourselves to making positive change in Peterborough and beyond. We also hope this event will be an opportunity for those less familiar with KWIC to learn about our work and build our community.”

The event features a keynote speech by award-winning anti-racism and Indigenous researcher and entrepreneur Larissa Crawford, addressing the importance of youth voices in the fight for social and environmental justice.

“Crawford proudly passes on Métis and Jamaican ancestry to her daughter, Zyra, and is a published Indigenous, anti-racism, and climate justice researcher, policy advisor, and restorative circle keeper with over 15 years of experience,” a media release noted. She is also the founder of Future Ancestors Services, a social impact and sustainability consulting firm that aims to advance systemic barrier removal through anti-racism and ancestral accountability.

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The event will also feature a performance by Mimi O’Bonsawin, a contemporary roots singer-songwriter born in northeastern Ontario with mixed French Canadian and Abénaki heritage, and a member of Odanak First Nation.

“Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi’s music embraces the beauty of Land,” the release said.

KWIC has been invested in creating change in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough and in the surrounding areas since 1989, and has engaged with causes such as the UN’s sustainable development goals, food justice, gender equality, and climate justice.

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The centre’s work currently focuses on empowering youth to become changemakers through skill development and education opportunities such as mentorship programs, in-school workshops and placements. KWIC invites all community members to join the organization in the quest to Think Global, Act Local and share in conversation about the future of advocacy and the role of young people in creating change.

Residents can attend the event and also support KWIC’s ongoing fundraising efforts by participating in the silent auction, which features a variety of donated prizes including personal training sessions, a Yankee Candle gift hamper, and some exclusive vintage KWIC swag.

Tickets for the October 29 event are $100 and can be purchased online at markethall.org or by emailing KWIC at development@kwic.info.

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Looking ahead, Rutherford provided a preview of KWIC’s future goals.

“The primary focus of KWIC will continue to be to mentoring local youth changemakers to take action on global issues, creating a more just and sustainable world,” she said. “In line with our new strategic plan, we will empower youth and community members to take action through mentorship and community education that connects global issues to local initiatives.”

“Over the next 35 years, KWIC’s focus will be expanding its network of youth changemakers while continuing to empower a new generation of young people to lead the way toward a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.”

For more information about Kawartha World Issues Centre, visit kwic.info.

Large crowd at public meeting surprised to hear crime is down in Peterborough, although calls are up

Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant Mark Reesor listens to an Ashburnham Ward resident following a public meeting on community safety at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre in East City on September 11, 2024. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)

If anything was abundantly clear Wednesday night (September 11) at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre in East City, it’s that the city that earlier generations called home is long gone and there’s no chance of a comeback.

Manufacturing giants are long departed, infrastructure is straining under increased traffic, and barely a week passes without word that a long-established business is either closing or relocating. Then there’s crime.

But as the audience of some 120 people gathered at the Burnham Street meeting place were well aware, it’s the types of crime that is causing the most concern. Residential and vehicle break-ins are all too common, making all, regardless of where they live, more susceptible to being a victim.

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On this night, crime and police enforcement in Area 4 — a police-designated sector that encompasses Ashburnham Ward as well as south Peterborough west to past Monaghan Road — was the focus during a community meeting called for by resident Kelly King and subsequently organized by Ashburnham Ward councillors Keith Riel and Gary Baldwin.

Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant Mark Reesor was the keynote speaker, but Chief Stuart Betts made a surprise appearance.

After providing a lengthy review of the organizational structure of the city police service, which is comprised of 148 deployable officers and 80 civilian staff, Staff Sgt. Reesor revealed that occurrences of violent crime in the city, as measured by the national Crime Severity Index, have dropped by one per cent since 2022.

Further, also since 2022, there has been a reduction of more than seven per cent in non-violent crimes. Combined, Peterborough has seen drop of just more five per cent, ranking 21st out of 45 Ontario municipalities, with one being the worst ranking.

Not surprisingly, that revelation came as a surprise to most on hand.

“We would love to see those numbers drop more,” said Staff Sgt. Reesor. “But the fact they’re going down, and trending down, doesn’t mean that the work is done — but it’s certainly trending in the right direction.”

Around 120 people gathered at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre in East City on September 11, 2024 for a public meeting on community safety where Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant Mark Reesor made a detailed presentation on the police service and crime statistics in the city. (Photo: Ashley Bonner / East City Peterborough Facebook group)
Around 120 people gathered at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre in East City on September 11, 2024 for a public meeting on community safety where Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant Mark Reesor made a detailed presentation on the police service and crime statistics in the city. (Photo: Ashley Bonner / East City Peterborough Facebook group)

Despite that overall decrease, city police are responding to significantly more calls.

From January 1 to the end of August, officers responded to 26,699 occurrences, which is a sizable jump of 10 per cent over the same period in 2023. However, just 16.5 per cent of those occurrences — 4,415 — were “criminal in nature.”

During the same period, 3,079 criminal charges were laid, a 33 per cent increase over the same time frame in 2023. Broken down further, charges laid for theft under $5,000 are up 61 per cent this year, followed by failure to comply with probation (up 53 per cent), and possession of property obtained by crime (up 39 per cent).

According to Staff Sgt. Reesor, most of the calls that police are responding to aren’t related to crime at all.

“What are they? They are a whole bunch of different things. It could be a neighbour dispute, which isn’t criminal. It could be an unwanted person. It could be a motor vehicle accident. It could be somebody asking for information or advice. There’s a ton of different types of calls that we respond to.”

“When somebody calls and says ‘I need help,’ we go because often there’s nobody else to go. It may not be our primary job or role, but when somebody calls and asks for help they expect somebody to show up. That’s us because no one else is often responding.”

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Meanwhile, referring specifically to Area 4, Staff Sgt. Reesor noted officers have responded to 6,045 occurrences this year, again to the end of August — a 12 per cent jump over the same period last year. Close to 20 per cent of those occurrences — 1,197 — resulted in criminal charges being laid.

“There’s a real mix in this area of town,” said Staff Sgt. Reesor. “We’ve got schools. We’ve got businesses. We’ve got residential, and we’ve got industrial. It just creates a lot of different dynamics. That’s not unique to this area, but it certainly plays into how we respond to calls and what takes up a lot of our time.”

The good news, noted Staff Sgt. Reesor, can be found in the early success of the police service’s Community F.I.R.S.T. (Community-Focused Investigation Response Support Team) unit. Launched in January as a year-long pilot program and comprised of four frontline officers, its sole responsibility is to investigate property crimes involving both residences and businesses.

This year has seen Community F.I.R.S.T. respond to 1,149 calls and recover $31,414.80 in stolen property as well as 112 shopping carts, more than 20 bicycles, and a handful of green organic waste bins.

“Community F.I.R.S.T. is dealing with what would be triaged as low priority (crime), meaning there not an immediate safety risk,” Staff Sgt. Reesor noted. “Thefts are typically in this category.”

“If somebody breaks into your car overnight and steals a bunch of stuff, it’s important to us, but we may not have an officer available at that time to send right away because of our call volumes. This unit follows up on those types of calls.”

Peterborough police chief Stuart Betts addresses the crowd during an Ashburnham Ward community meeting on September 11, 2024 at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre in East City. (Photo: Ashley Bonner / East City Peterborough Facebook group)
Peterborough police chief Stuart Betts addresses the crowd during an Ashburnham Ward community meeting on September 11, 2024 at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre in East City. (Photo: Ashley Bonner / East City Peterborough Facebook group)

Staff Sgt. Reesor also spoke at length on the service’s Safer Public Spaces initiative. When it was launched in October 2023, it made Peterborough one of just two Canadian police jurisdictions that has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to the use of illicit drugs in public.

Staff Sgt. Reesor drew the meeting’s loudest reaction when he noted Chief Betts has directed “our primary function as a police service is public safety.”

That said, officers encountering someone using an illicit substance in public is first asked to go the Consumption and Treatment Site at 220 Simcoe Street in downtown Peterborough, where he or she can do so legally while begin medically supervised. As a result, of the 395 calls responded to under the program, only 13 arrests have been made, and those for non-drug related reasons.

“When the public doesn’t feel safe, that’s a problem,” acknowledged Staff Sgt. Reesor. “You should have the right to be safe and feel safe. That’s specifically what this program is geared towards. When we get a call about somebody using drugs in an open public space, we will respond and we will deal with that person.”

“That doesn’t mean we’re going to show up and arrest the person, but we’re going to speak with that person and let them know that that behaviour is not appropriate — that we’re not going to tolerate it. Then we’re going to direct them to services that are available in the community. The idea of just pushing them down the road isn’t effective.”

Staff Sgt. Reesor said 78 of the 395 calls for open air drug use were in Area 4. And of the total, 361 calls were resident-initiated.

“That’s good,” he pointed out. “We don’t have the resources to be everywhere. There’s a lot of people in this room, and in Peterborough, that see things. We want to know what’s going on so we can deal with it.”

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Finally, Staff Sgt Reesor addressed what is perhaps the most contentious issue for many city residents: tenting.

“If it happens on city property, city bylaw enforcement is the primary responding agency, not the police,” he clarified. “If they require our assistance, they’ll call us and we’ll go and assist them. But our primary purpose, our mandate, isn’t to be dragging people in tents off of public property. Same with bus shelters.”

Somewhat surprisingly, when questions were opened up to the audience, there was little concrete criticism — contrary to what you might see on social media — of city police’s performance. However, there were requests for clarifications about police procedures and initiatives outlined earlier by Staff Sgt. Reesor.

After the meeting, he told kawarthaNOW that the meeting turnout alone provided encouragement for a police service that is tasked to do more with less due to budget restraints.

“When people don’t show up, it means they’ve stopped caring,” Staff Sgt. Reesor explained. “So to see this many people is great. It shows us that people still care. People want to see our community get better.”

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He added that the changing make-up of communities across the province, Peterborough included, is a fact of life that is a factor in the occurrences of certain types of crime and how police services adapt to meet the challenges presented.

“I grew up in Peterborough — I remember when it was different than it is now,” Staff Sgt. Reesor said. “Maybe (we) were a little bit more ignorant to the things that were going on back then, but we have seen a shift in this community. It is disappointing and sad to see that shift. I think that certainly spurred a lot of the people to come tonight.”

Although he did not specifically address it when speaking from the podium, Staff Sgt. Reesor implied that crime prevention begins with the exercising of common sense.

“We can only be so many places at a time,” he said of the police. “A couple of the programs I talked about tonight are geared toward providing people with information about how they can reduce the risk of crime at their residence or business.”

“Absolutely people need to take steps in order to reduce the risk of crime. There’s a place for police — our presence and other things play into efforts to reduce overall crime — but we can’t be everywhere, so it is partly on individuals and businesses as well.”

nightlifeNOW – September 12 to 18

For the past two years, drummer and harmonica player Al Black (left), along with fellow musicians Rob Foreman and Brandon Humphrey, has been hosting the free blues jam every Sunday afternoon at Jethro's Bar + Stage in downtown Peterborough. For the two-year anniversary of the Jethro's Blues Jam this Sunday, Black, Foreman, and Humphrey will come together as the house band along with some special guests. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)

Every Thursday, kawarthaNOW publishes live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that musicians provide directly or that venues post on their websites or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, September 12 to Wednesday, September 18.

If you’re a musician or venue owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.

With the exception of karaoke, we only list events with performing musicians. Venues may also host other events during the week (e.g., dancing, DJs, comedy shows).

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100 Acre Brewing Co.

390 Ashburnham Dr., Peterborough
705-243-2444

Thursday, September 12

6-8pm - Cameron von Criegern (no cover)

Friday, September 13

5-8pm - Harry Hannah (no cover)

Coming Soon

Thursday, September 19
6-8pm - Carly Peech (no cover)

Saturday, September 21
1-4pm - Joseph Landau (no cover); 5-8pm - The Polka Dot Four (no cover)

Amandala's

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

Sunday, September 15

6-8pm - Dinner & Jazz featuring Mike Graham and Victoria Yeh (reservations recommended)

Arthur's Pub

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

Thursday, September 12

8-10:30pm - Open mic w/ Bruce Longman

Friday, September 13

8-11pm - Chris Devlin

Saturday, September 14

8-11pm - Colin Ronald

Monday, September 16

7:30-9:30pm - Local talent night ft Bradley McAree

Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, September 28
7pm - Near The Open

Bar 379 - The Old Twisted Wheel

379 Water St., Peterborough
705-742-0777

Thursday, September 12

9pm - Karaoke

Saturday, September 14

8pm - Metal Show ft Acid Rot, Deafened, Deathclub, Misothronos ($20 at door)

Coming Soon

Friday, September 20
8pm - MOONRIIVR and Nick Ferrio ($20 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/969048388817)

Bar Vita

413 George St. N., Peterborough
705-743-3339

Saturday, September 14

7:30-10:30pm - Josylnn Burford

Beamish House Pub

27 John St., Port Hope
905-885-8702

Sunday, September 15

4-7pm - Live music TBA

Belly's Lakeside Bar + Restaurant

17 Fire Route 82B, Buckhorn
705- 931-4455

Friday, September 13

6-8pm - Caitlin O'Conner

Black Horse Pub

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

Thursday, September 12

7-10pm - Jazz & Blues Night ft. Rob Phillips

Friday, September 13

5-8pm - Brennen Sloan; 9pm - The Woodhouse Crooks (ft Bridget Foley)

Saturday, September 14

5-8pm - Ky Anto; 9pm - Ancient Youth

Sunday, September 15

4-7pm - Zachary Lucky

Monday, September 16

7-10pm - Crash & Burn w/ Rick & Gailie

Tuesday, September 17

6-10pm - Open mic w/ Joslynn Burford

Wednesday, September 18

6-9pm - Jeanne Truax & Nicholas Campbell

Coming Soon

Friday, September 20
5-8pm - Charlie Horse; 9pm - Vortexans

Saturday, September 21
5-8pm - The Colton Sisters; 9pm - Water Street Slim and The Unlikely Heroes

Sunday, September 22
4-7pm - Washboard Hank & The Wringers

Wednesday, September 25
6-9pm - Dave Tough Band

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Boshkung Social - Boshkung Brewing Co.

20 Water St., Minden
705-809-0512

Thursday, September 12

6-9pm - Live music TBA

Sunday, September 15

12-3pm - Live music TBA

Boston Pizza Lindsay

435 Kent St. W., Lindsay
705-328-0008

Friday, September 13

8-11pm - Derrick Seed

Wednesday, September 18

8-11pm - Karaoke w/ Ian Clement

Coach & Horses Pub

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

Thursday, September 12

10pm - Karaoke with DJ Ross

Saturday, September 14

10pm - Karaoke with DJ Ross

The Cow & Sow Eatery

38 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-5111

Friday, September 13

6-9:30pm - Karaoke w/ Pat & Steve (fundraiser for Kawartha North Family Health Team Walk-in Clinics)

Saturday, September 14

7-10pm - Open mic hosted by Shannon Roszell

Crook & Coffer

231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
705-876-0505

Thursday, September 12

7-9:30pm - Maggie Sabyan & Mike MacCurdy

Friday, September 13

7:30-10:30pm - High Waters Trio

Saturday, September 14

7:30-10:30pm - Side Hill Gougers

Dominion Hotel

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

Coming Soon

Friday, September 20
7:30pm - Open mic w/ Shawn (no cover)

Saturday, September 21
7:30-9:30pm - Rory Taillon ($20 in advance at https://dominionhotelpub.tickit.ca)

Saturday, October 19
7-9:30pm - Salt Cellars CD Release Party ($20 in advance at https://dominionhotelpub.tickit.ca/)

Erben Eatery & Bar

189 Hunter St W,, Peterborough
705-304-1995

Thursday, September 12

5-7pm - Dennis and Michael O'Toole

Friday, September 13

6-8pm - Van Loon; 9pm-1am - Karaoke w/ Ian Clement

Saturday, September 14

9pm - Owen Wright Open Mic & Birthday Bash

Monday, September 16

5-7pm - The Groove Lounge w/ Doug McLean

Tuesday, September 17

8pm - Karaoke w/ Ian Clement

Wednesday, September 18

8-11pm - Open mic

Coming Soon

Saturday, September 28
6-11pm - Rock N' You For The NICU in support of PRHC ($10 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/910087695797)

Ganaraska Brewing Company

33 Mill St., Port Hope
905-885-9029

Saturday, September 14

7-10pm - James Higgins

Sunday, September 15

2-5pm - Open mic w/ Errol Boucher

Ganaraska Hotel

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

Saturday, September 14

2-6pm - Baz Littlerock

Gordon Best Theatre

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, November 16
8pm - Austin Carson Band w/ Tony Silvestri, Brandon Humphrey, and Irish Millie ($25 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1001031501167)

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Haliburton Highlands Brewing

15543 Highway 35, Carnarvon
705-754-2739

Sunday, September 15

2-4pm - Chris Smith

Haven Brewing Co.

687 Rye St., Unit 6, Peterborough
705-743-4747

Saturday, September 14

5-7pm - Owen Wright

Honkey Tonk Angel Bar (Golden Wheel Restaurant)

6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838

Coming Soon

Saturday, October 5
7-11pm - Stockdale Central ($10 at door)

Jethro's Bar + Stage

137 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
705-931-0617

Thursday, September 12

8-10pm - Crocky's Tune Saloon ft Little Fire Collective; 10pm-12am - The Union

Friday, September 13

8-10pm - Low Hanging Fruit; 10pm-1am - The Lonesome Fugitives

Saturday, September 14

8-10pm - Dirty Pat Walsh; 10pm-1am - The Russlin' Bears

Sunday, September 15

3-6pm - Two-year anniversary of Jethro's Blues Jam ft the original Blue's Jam house band (Al Black, Rob Foreman, and Brandon Humphrey) with special guests

Monday, September 16

9pm - Karaoke w/ Anne Shebib

Wednesday, September 18

8pm - Apollo Suns

The John at Sadleir House

751 George St. N., Peterborough
705-742-3686

Coming Soon

Saturday, September 28
8pm - Calvin "VanCamp" Bakelaar "Diner Coffee" CD Release Show w/ Gamekeeper and Brooklyn Doran ($15 in advance at https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/49166/)

Kawartha Country Wines

2452 County Road 36,, Buckhorn
705-657-9916

Sunday, September 15

1-4pm - Tami J. Wilde

Kelly's Homelike Inn

205 3rd Street, Cobourg
905-372-3234

Friday, September 13

7-10pm - Joe Bulger

Saturday, September 14

4-8pm - Little Lake

Lock 27 Tap and Grill

2824 River Ave., Youngs Point
705-652-6000

Coming Soon

Friday, September 20
1-4pm - Kathy Wiles

The Locker at The Falls

9 Lindsay St., Fenelon Falls
705-887-6211

Saturday, September 14

7-10pm - Derrick Seed (no cover)

Mainstreet Bar & Grill

1939 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn
(705) 657-9094

Friday, September 13

7:30pm - Karaoke hosted by DJ Ross

Saturday, September 14

8pm - Jay Ezs

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McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery

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

Thursday, September 12

7-11pm - Karaoke

McThirsty's Pint

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

Friday, September 13

9pm-1am - Chris Collins

Saturday, September 14

9pm-1am - Ian Clement

Sunday, September 15

8pm - Open mic

Tuesday, September 17

8pm - Live music TBA

Wednesday, September 18

9pm - Live music TBA

Moody's Bar & Grill

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

Saturday, September 14

8-10pm - Tiny Montgomery

Olympia Restaurant

106 Kent St. W., Lindsay
705-328-1444

Saturday, September 14

5-8:30pm - Live music TBA

Pig's Ear Tavern

144 Brock St., Peterborough
(705) 745-7255

Saturday, September 14

2pm - Piggy Jam w/ The Fabulous Tonemasters; 8pm - Shuga (Rob Darling and Steve Van Trans of Bootleg XXX)

Tuesday, September 17

9pm - Open stage

Wednesday, September 18

9pm - Karaoinke

The Publican House

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

Thursday, September 12

7-9pm - Jake Dudas

Friday, September 13

7-9pm - Chris Collins

Puck' N Pint Sports Pub

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

Friday, September 13

7pm - Andy & The Boys

Saturday, September 14

8pm - KC Carter

Riverside Grill & Gazebo at Holiday Inn

150 George St, Peterborough
705-740-6564

Saturday, September 14

1-4pm - Chad Driscoll (no cover)

Sunday, September 15

1:30-4:30pm - Caitlin O'Conner (no cover)

Rolling Grape Vineyard

260 County Rd 2, Bailieboro
705-991-5876

Thursday, September 12

5:30-8:30pm - Shellie Taylor

Sunday, September 15

2-5pm - Brad Renaud

Royal Crown Pub & Grill

4 King St. E., Colborne
905-355-1900

Saturday, September 14

8-11pm - Nitetime Drive (no cover)

Scenery Drive Restaurant

6193 County Road 45, Baltimore
905-349-2217

Saturday, September 14

5-7:30pm - Mike Tremblay

The Social Pub

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, September 21
1-4pm - PMBA Deluxe Live ft Pat Temple & the Hi-Lo Players ($10 donation suggested)

Springville Tap n' Grill

2714 Brown Line, Peterborough
(705) 876-9994

Saturday, September 14

11am-3pm - Back to School Springville Market ft Brian Tisdale

Tap & Tonic Pub & Bistro

18-22 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 947-2333

Thursday, September 12

7-10pm - Deborah Lynn

Taps and Corks on King

70 King St. W., Cobourg
905-372-6634

Coming Soon

Thursday, September 19
8pm - Cale Crowe "Burn Blue" album release party

The Thirsty Goose

63 Walton St., Port Hope

Friday, September 13

8pm-12am - Belford Bells

Saturday, September 14

8pm-12am - Cale Crowe

The Venue

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

Saturday, September 14

8pm - Man Machine Poem - Tragically Hip tribute (POSTPONED UNTIL JANUARY)

Coming Soon

Wednesday, October 23
7:30pm - Sebastian Bach ($55.28 general admission, $371.23 VIP in advance at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/996432435237)

Peterborough city staff report proposes extending and expanding Wolfe Street modular housing community

The modular bridge housing community program at Wolfe Street in Peterborough opened in November 2023 with 50 modular homes, shared washroom facilities, and a central service hub operated by the Elizabeth Fry Society with 24/7 services and staff support on site. A city staff report to be considered by city council on September 16, 2024 recommends extending the program at its current location and adding up to 16 more modular cabins at a cost of up to $1.12 million. (Photo: City of Peterborough)

Peterborough city council will be asked to approve an extension in funding and an expansion in size of the modular bridge housing community (MBHC) program at Wolfe Street in downtown Peterborough.

A report from community services commissioner Sheldon Laidman to be presented at city council’s general committee meeting on Monday (September 16) recommends the city continue to support the program beyond November 30, 2025, and that up to 16 more modular cabins be installed at the location at a cost of up to $1.12 million.

The report also recommends that the MBHC program remain located at Wolfe Street beyond November 2025, as long as the location is not needed for other city activities or services and as long as funding under the Ontario government’s homelessness prevention program remains at its current level.

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In May 2023, city council approved the MBHC program to operate for 18 to 24 months as a measure to provide supported temporary housing options for people experiencing homelessness, largely in response to a controversial tent encampment at the Wolfe Street/Rehill Lot. By fall 2023, the city had constructed 50 modular homes, shared washroom facilities, and a central service hub operated by the Elizabeth Fry Society with 24/7 services and staff support on site.

“The initial program impacts and preliminary evaluation data from the MBHC program indicate that the program is making significant strides in stabilizing residents’ lives and positively impacting the surrounding community,” the report reads. “The data is showing that there are improvements in resident stability, successful transitions to permanent housing, and residents making progress on goals and employment, all suggesting the program’s effectiveness.”

“The MBHC has also addressed a critical gap in the local housing system by providing a transitional housing opportunity for chronically unhoused, higher acuity individuals to help individuals to integrate into the local housing continuum. Additionally, the program has contributed to a safer and more positive neighbourhood environment, evidenced by a decrease in police calls and favorable community feedback. While challenges remain, particularly in meeting the broader demand for housing, the MBHC is a successful intervention that continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of its residents and the community.”

According to a city staff report to be considered by Peterborough city council on September 16, 2024, an initial evaluation of the modular bridge housing community program at Wolfe Street shows improvements in resident stability, successful transitions to permanent housing, and residents making progress on goals and employment.  (Photo: City of Peterborough)
According to a city staff report to be considered by Peterborough city council on September 16, 2024, an initial evaluation of the modular bridge housing community program at Wolfe Street shows improvements in resident stability, successful transitions to permanent housing, and residents making progress on goals and employment. (Photo: City of Peterborough)

When city council approved the program in May 2023, council also directed city staff to explore alternative locations for modular housing, including both municipally and privately owned sites. While city staff have determined there are 12 city-owned properties that have the basic requirement to support the MBHC program, the report recommends it remain at the Wolfe Street location.

According to the report, it would cost at least $1.68 million to relocate the MBHC to a different site, with additional expenses possible depending on the new site. The current funding under the provincial homelessness prevention program would not be sufficient to cover the cost of moving the program.

In addition to potential costs, the report notes other reasons against moving the program to another location, including minimizing disruptions to the residents at the current location and potential challenges in replicating operational procedures and processes at a different site.

“Staff have not identified any reasons to expect the site would function better in a different location,” the report states.

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The report also notes risks in moving the MBHC program to another location. Not all existing residents may want move to a different location, and converting the existing location back to a parking lot may result in a return to its use as a tent encampment.

Even if council decides to proceed to another location, the report states, an extension to the MBHC program at Wolfe Street would be required until summer 2026 if the new location is on city-owned property, and to summer 2027 if the new location is on privately owned property.

Should the MBHC program remain at Wolfe Street, the report recommends an expansion of the program with up to 16 additional modular cabins, at a cost of $1.12 million with funding coming from the city’s social services reserve.

“Staff have done an evaluation of the site and have determined that up to 16 additional cabins could be placed on the site within the planning limitations of the site,” the report states. “This would be a one-time capital purchase to expand the reach of the program by housing and providing supports to an additional 16 people. The cost to purchase and install each cabin is estimated at a price of $70,000 per cabin.”

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Aside from the capital costs, the report states that expansion would depend on whether operating costs for the site can remain within the funding allocation under the provincial homelessness prevention program.

An additional $75,000 would come from the city’s social services reserve to enhance the site’s security infrastructure,

“If expansion is approved, staff would like to make some minor physical adjustments to the site, based on program evaluation after the last seven months,” the report states. “Staff are recommending that there be changes to the fence line and supporting security cameras to better support the program operations and physical site.”

In terms of community consultation, the Wolfe Street Neighbourhood Liaison Committee has met every one or two months since July 2023 to assess the impact of the MBHC program on the local community. According to the report’s appendix, members of the committee have reported “feeling safer and more positive about their community, noting a decrease in noise levels.” In addition, the appendix states, there has been “a noticeable decrease in police calls for service” since the MBHC program began.

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In May, city staff distributed a survey to 85 residents, organizations, and businesses in the vicinity of Wolfe Street and received seven responses, with most respondents stating that the overall impact has been positive, with the neighbourhood being cleaner and having an “increased sense of safety.”

It should be noted, however, that the city has not yet consulted with surrounding residents and businesses about the proposed extension or expansion of the program.

“The continued engagement with the Wolfe Street community and stakeholders will be essential to maintaining the program’s effectiveness and addressing any emerging concerns as the project progresses,” the report states.

Items endorsed by general committee on September 16 will be considered by council for final approval the following Monday (September 23), when public delegations will be heard.

Council meetings are streamed live at www.peterborough.ca.

Five Counties Children’s Centre teaming up with Lindsay retailers for fundraising fashion show

Five Counties Children's Centre kids Payton and her sister Paisley are excited about the first-ever "Couture for Kids" fashion show fundraiser taking place on October 3, 2024 in Lindsay. The event will raise funds to support services for Five Counties kids in the City of Kawartha Lakes. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)

The latest fashions will hit the runway in the City of Kawartha Lakes next month for a good cause.

Five Counties Children’s Centre is teaming up with Lindsay clothing retailers to present “Couture for Kids,” a fashion show fundraiser for clients of the treatment centre, which serves kids and youth who have disabilities.

The fundraiser features fashions from local retailers, including Brittany’s N Bros, Bonita Clothing & Co, Cathy Allan Ladieswear, John G’s, Homethreads Boutique, The Lingerie Loft, Lizzy’s by Cathy Allan, and Nisbett’s Clothiers.

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The inaugural event of its kind for Five Counties takes place on Thursday, October 3 in Lindsay.

“Couture for Kids came about thanks to the ideas and ingenuity of some of our Five Counties staff who live in Lindsay,” Maddie Jackson, fund development communications associate at Five Counties and a key organizer of Couture for Kids, told kawarthaNOW.

“Emma Scully, one of our staff and owner of Bonita Clothing & Co and John G’s Menswear, was particularly instrumental in suggesting a fundraising fashion show, as she’s been involved with similar events before. We’re fortunate to have staff and friends from each of the participating business helping model the fashions.”

"Couture for Kids" takes place at Celebrations in Lindsay on October 3, 2024. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. (Image courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)
“Couture for Kids” takes place at Celebrations in Lindsay on October 3, 2024. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. (Image courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre)

Five Counties kids will be the beneficiaries of the money raised through Couture for Kids. As the event grows, the children’s centre hopes to get more kids and their families and alumni involved in the show to model the clothes, Jackson noted.

“Five Counties has a number of fun, fundraising activities that we hold in different communities, but we don’t currently have a signature event in Lindsay. Couture For Kids lets us change that, as it allows Five Counties to showcase our services and provide a fun activity for Lindsay and area residents to show their support.”

The centre dubs the event as the opportunity “to make an important fashion statement, while supporting children’s treatment services in the City of Kawartha Lakes.”

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The fashion show takes place at Celebrations, located at 35 Lindsay St. N. in Lindsay. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Couture for Kids will feature a raffle, consisting of flower arrangements by Hill’s Florist, skin care basket, hair care basket, gift cards for local businesses, and more. “Pass the purse” will also be on the agenda, with any attendee who puts a donation in the purse being entered in a draw to win the bag.

“We are excited to mix fashion and fun at our first-ever Couture for Kids event in Lindsay,” said Lyn Giles, director of fund development at Five Counties, in a media release. “This fundraising event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and support the life-changing work that goes on every day at Five Counties.”

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Tickets for Couture for Kids are $25 each and include light snacks provided by Milk and Honey Eatery and Brouwer Bake Shop. Tickets can be purchased at participating retailers or online at bit.ly/coutureforkidslindsay.

All proceeds from Couture for Kids will support Five Counties kids in the City of Kawartha Lakes, helping them access needed life-changing treatment services close to home, the release noted. In 2023/2024, the centre served more than 1,300 kids and youth in Kawartha Lakes.

The regional children’s treatment centre supports kids and families with physical, communication, and developmental needs in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton, and first opened its doors in Peterborough in 1975.

Peterborough GreenUP shares four reasons to plant a tree or shrub this fall

Community volunteers plant a fruit tree at the Reid and McDonnel Community Orchard. The GreenUP Peterborough Community Orchard Stewards care for 65 fruit trees in seven public spaces throughout the City of Peterborough. (Photo: GreenUP)

At GreenUP Ecology Park, September brings cool mornings and some peace and quiet after the bustle of our Earth Adventures summer camps.

It’s also when we collect seed and plant new trees to enhance Peterborough’s urban canopy.

Here are four reasons to plant a tree and shrub of your own, and a few other ways to get involved in local conservation work this fall.

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1. Fall weather is ideal for planting

These maple trees were planted at GreenUP Ecology Park in October 2023. Their trunks are wrapped in plastic trunk protectors to prevent rabbits from chewing the bark. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)
These maple trees were planted at GreenUP Ecology Park in October 2023. Their trunks are wrapped in plastic trunk protectors to prevent rabbits from chewing the bark. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)

Most native trees and shrubs thrive when planted in the autumn because they focus on root development rather than expending energy on foliage, flowers, or seed.

The moist soils and cooler temperatures assist with root growth too.

However, most native conifers do better when planted in spring because evergreen species do not go dormant in winter like deciduous trees do. Evergreen trees and shrubs that are planted in early autumn will benefit from extra watering and an insulating layer of mulch.

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2. There’s no time to waste

Planting trees and shrubs is a great way to take climate action, since trees help sequester (store) excess carbon from the atmosphere.

Trees and shrubs are also instrumental for weathering the effects of climate change, including extreme heat and increased flooding. For example, planting a deciduous tree or large shrub in a south or west-facing yard can cool your home in summer and allow in additional sun in winter.

By planting a tree at home, you are also helping the wider community. Studies show that urban neighbourhoods with substantial canopy cover experience fewer heat-related illnesses and deaths than ones with limited tree cover. Be a good neighbour and plant a tree (or five).

 

3. Woody plants are (relatively) low maintenance

Staghorn sumac has stunning fall colour. Female specimens will retain their berries well into the winter. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)
Staghorn sumac has stunning fall colour. Female specimens will retain their berries well into the winter. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)

If you’re daunted by the prospect of maintaining a big blousy pollinator garden, a tree or shrub might be more your speed.

Establishing healthy woody plants still takes work; however, it is less laborious than managing a whole garden. Most important is to water your new plants regularly for the first few weeks or months after planting, especially if rain is irregular.

Another important fall task is to protect your trees and shrubs from rabbits, voles, and deer. We recommend putting trunk protectors on trees less than two inches in diameter, and chicken wire cages around young, multi-stem shrubs. Make sure to remove the trunk protectors next spring to prevent fungal issues.

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‘But wait,’ you might be thinking, ‘what about the leaves? Raking is so much work!’ It is better for the environment — and your back — to leave the leaves where they are. Leaves provide critical habitat for overwintering insects, such as fireflies, and they return nutrients to the soil when they break down. Unless it is very thick and dense, leaf cover will not kill your lawn.

If you must, rake leaves into your garden beds or an out of the way pile where they can break down over time.

Editor’s note: Another option is to mulch your leaves using a lawnmower, which will help them break them down more quickly to nourish your lawn. You can also gather up mulched leaves and at them to your compost pile, or spread them around trees and shrubs or on on garden beds.

 

4. Trees and shrubs provide excellent winter interest

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) develops a unique corky bark that provides wonderful visual interest in the winter garden. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) develops a unique corky bark that provides wonderful visual interest in the winter garden. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)

When flowers start to fade, it’s the shapes, colours, and textures of trees and shrubs that carry our gardens through the colder months.

Interesting bark adds dimension and texture to an otherwise bland winter landscape. For example, American Sycamore (Platanus americana), Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) and Bluebeech (Carpinus caroliniana) all have distinctive bark.

Shrubs also provide winter interest. The classic example is Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea), whose red stems brighten dull grey days. Other shrubs retain berries well into the winter months, such as Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) or the aptly named Winterberry (Ilex verticillata).

Ecology Park still has lots of trees and shrubs available at our nursery. Purchasing from Ecology Park directly supports the work of GreenUP. Check out our plant catalogue and current inventory at greenup.on.ca/native-plant-nursery. Alternatively, come by the nursery and speak with our knowledgeable staff. We are open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Friday, October 11th.

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Don’t have a space to plant your own tree or shrub? No problem! Here are additional ways to support local conservation efforts this season.

  • Register for the free Saving Native Seeds: A Workshop Series, beginning with “Part I: Seed Collection 101” at GreenUP Ecology Park on Wednesday, September 25th from 4 to 6 p.m. led by Vern Bastable, director of Ecology Park and a certified tree seed collector. Participants are then invited to attend “Part II: Field Trip” at Kawartha Land Trust’s Dance Nature Sanctuary near Young’s Point on Tuesday, October 8th for hands-on seed collection. For more information and to register, visit savingnativeseeds.eventbrite.ca or contact Ecology Park staff at 705-927-1104.
  • Get out for a walk or roll at Ecology Park or another nature area to enjoy the fall colours. Take time to learn about the species you see.
  • Lend a hand at the City of Peterborough’s fall treeplanting event, happening from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 21st at Kiwanis Park (234 Middlefield Rd.). For more information and to sign up as a volunteer, visit peterborough.ca/trees.

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