"Wonder Woman" (Andi van Koeverden, President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough), "Batman" (Trevor Copeland, President of BEL Rotary), and "Rotary Man" (Len Lifchus, President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha) take the Polar Plunge at the annual BEL Rotary event on February 4, 2018. The event raised more than $20,000 for local charities and organizations, including $1,765 for The Warming Room in Peterborough raised through Lifchus' participation. (Photo: Lynne Chant / Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)
When it comes to the three local Rotary Clubs in the Peterborough area, it’s not a competition: everyone pulls together to improve our community.
The presidents of all three local Rotary Clubs participated in the 38th annual BEL Rotary Polar Plunge on Sunday (February 4) at Chemong Lake at Rotary Park in Ennismore. Held during the annual PolarFest weekend, the Polar Plunge is organized by the Rotary Club of Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield. In the past 37 years, BEL Rotary has raised more than $650,000 for charities and local organizations.
This year’s plunge, which had a “Superheroes” theme, raised more than $20,000. Andi van Koeverden, President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough, was dressed as Wonder Woman. Trevor Copeland, President of BEL Rotary, was dressed as Batman. And Len Lifchus, President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha, created his own superhero: “Rotary Man”.
“Batman” (Trevor Copeland, President of BEL Rotary), “Superman” (Rick Storey, Assistant Governor of Peterborough Rotary Club), “Rotary Man” (Len Lifchus, President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha), and “Wonderwoman” (Andi van Koeverden, President of the Rotary Club of Peterborough) at the 38th annual BEL Rotary Polar Plunge on February 4, 2018. This year’s event raised more than $20,000 for local charities and organizations. (Photo: Lynne Chant / Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)
Lifchus himself raised $320 for The Warming Room in Peterborough, along with another $1,445 raised through pledges made at the BEL Rotary Polar Plunge website. The Warming Room provides shelter and a hot meal on cold winter nights for those living in poverty.
Last year, the 45 members of the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha raised more than $100,000 for local projects. In addition to The Warming Room, members supported Peterborough Musicfest, One Roof Dinner, Special Needs Day at the Ex, United Way’s Back Pack for Kids, Hospice Peterborough’s Every Moment Matters Campaign, Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Family Literacy Day, ReFrame Film Festival, Easter Seals, Rotary’s Super Spring Cleanup and River Road Cleanup.
Each year, the club also assists the Salvation Army with their hamper program and Extra Special Book program ensuring that children are provided with their own books for Christmas.
The 45 members of The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha raised more than $100,000 for local projects in 2017. This is in addition to funds raised by the two other local Rotary Clubs: the Rotary Club of Peterborough and the Rotary Club of Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha)
“The overwhelming majority of the money raised here stays here to support community organizations and initiatives,” Lifchus says. “Rotarians are committed to making a difference right here at home, as well as responding to needs abroad. This past year, 90 per cent of the money raised support projects in Peterborough.”
As another example of the local Rotary Clubs working together, both the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha and the Rotary Club of Peterborough are each contributing $25,000 towards an outdoor gym to be constructed at Beavermead Park this spring.
Also supported with a contribution of $40,000 from the City of Peterborough, the new outdoor gym will include a variety of exercise machines including some that will be accessible for people with disabilities.
The City of Peterborough, the Rotary Club of Peterborough, and the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha are each contributing funding for the construction this spring of a new outdoor gym at Beavermead Park overlooking Little Lake. (Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Peterborough)
The Spades (James McKenty, Josh Robichaud, and Tommy Street) performing "On My Mind" in a new Bandwagon video that screened after the premiere of "The Radius Project" at Market Hall in Peterborough on February 3, 2018. "On My Mind" was also the final song the band performed at their farewell show at The Hootenanny on Hunter Street in August 2013.
For those who attended the sold-out premiere of Michael Hurcomb and Ryan Lalonde’s music documentary The Radius Project at Market Hall in Peterborough on Saturday night (February 3), there was a special musical treat following the film: a new music video featuring a reunion of The Spades.
The Spades — James McKenty (vocals and guitar), Tommy Street (drums and vocals), and Josh Robichaud (bass and vocals) — were one of Peterborough’s most popular indie rock bands of the early 2000s. Their Friday night performances at the former Montreal House were legendary among local music fans. They decided to disband in 2013 after Street began suffering from health issues, and played their farewell show at The Hootenanny on Hunter Street on August 10, 2013.
The new music video, called “See You When The Weather Breaks”, features the band reuniting on September 5, 2017 to perform three songs at Quality Service Recording.
VIDEO: The Spades – See You When The Weather Breaks
It’s the first episode of the seventh season of “Bandwagon”, the web series by Mexican Cheesus, Hurcomb’s video and multimedia production company, which features performances by local musicians.
Members of The Spades were also in the audience on Saturday night for the premiere of The Radius Project, along with members of other bands featured in the documentary such as Three Days Grace and Thousand Foot Krutch.
Incidentally, if you missed The Radius Project premiere — which was warmly received by the Market Hall audience, who gave the filmmakers a standing ovation — Hurcomb and Lalonde plan to arrange an additional screening in the near future.
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of its new office space at 180 Kent Street West in Lindsay on January 31, 2018. (Photo: Lindsay Chamber / Facebook)
This week we feature the grand opening of the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce’s new offices, a new business growth program in the City of Kawartha Lakes called “Downtown Dreams”, the 2018-19 Peterborough Musicfest board of directors, and upcoming regional business events including a talk by entrepreneur Barbara Stegemann, a “realtor appreciation evening” at Kawartha Lakes Construction, a talk on the new minimum wage by the Vice President of Restaurants Canada, and a career fair for GE employees.
Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce celebrates grand opening of new office space in Lindsay
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce held an open house last Wednesday (January 31) to officially open the Chamber’s new offices at 180 Kent Street West in Lindsay.
City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham attended the open house, along with around 40 Chamber members and guests. Promotional material for Chamber members was on display, and attendees had a chance to tour the dynamic and accessible office space.
Olympia Restaurant Cafe and Bar provided the food and singer Linda Brown provided the entertainment.
Chamber members and other are welcome to visit the Chamber’s new space. The Chamber is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. For more information on the Chamber, visit lindsaychamber.com.
City of Kawartha Lakes “Downtown Dreams” program for entrepreneurs accepting applications this spring
“Downtown Dreams” is a new program designed to attract new or existing businesses to open, expand, or move into the downtowns of Coboconk (pictured), Norland, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay, and Omemee. (Photo courtesy of City of Kawartha Lakes)
The City of Kawartha Lakes’ “Downtown Dreams” is a new program designed to attract new or existing businesses to open, expand, or move into the downtowns of Coboconk or Norland, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay, and Omemee.
Plans for the program will focus on business attraction, marketing and business training and development. Interested participants will be able to apply for the program online in early spring.
“Downtown Dreams works alongside the downtown revitalization plans that our communities have been working hard on for the last two years,” says Denise Williams, Acting Manager of Economic Development for the City of Kawartha Lakes. “The project aims to fill empty retail space with the right mix of specialty retail and services while helping local businesses to thrive.”
The total budget for the project is $124,300, with the City receiving up to $62,150 from the Rural Economic Development Fund administered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
For more information on Downtown Dreams, contact Leisha Newton, Economic Development Officer – Downtown, at 705-324-9411 ext. 1366 or lnewton@kawarthalakes.ca.
Peterborough Musicfest announces 2018-2019 board of directors
The Peterborough Musicfest 2018-2019 board of directors: (back row) Diane Therrien, David Feeley, Peter Lawless, Brenda O’Brien; (front row) Karen Berends, Shaun Pearce, Matt Diamond, and Shelby Parker. Not pictured: Peter Blodgett and Paul Rellinger. (Photo courtesy of Caleb Pedosiuk)
Peterborough Musicfest has announced its Board of Directors for 2018-2019: David Feeley (chair), Brenda O’Brien (vice-chair), Karen Berends (treasurer), directors Peter Lawless, Paul Rellinger, Peter Blodgett, Matt Diamond, Shelby Parker, Shaun Pearce, and City of Peterborough representative Diane Therrien.
The eight-week free summer music festival is funded completely through corporate sponsorship, government support at all levels, fundraising initiatives, and private donations. The 32nd season of the annual festival begins on June 30, 2018.
Entrepreneur Barbara Stegemann speaks at the Market Hall on February 6
Barbara Stegemann, founder and CEO of Halifax-based ethical perfume company The 7 Virtues. (Publicity photo)
FastStart “Fleming Talks” is presenting a talk by Canadian entrepreneur Barbara Stegemanm from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Founder and CEO of Halifax-based ethical perfume company The 7 Virtues, Stegemann became known to millions of Canadians when she became the first woman from Atlantic Canada to land a venture capital deal on the CBC TV show Dragons’ Den. She went on to become the “Top Game Changer” in the history of the show for creating her social enterprise.
The event is free but seating is limited and registration is required. Register at Eventbrite.
Upcoming business seminars at Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland: February 7 and March 6
The Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland is hosting two upcoming seminars as part of its Advanced Seminar Series.
On Wednesday, February 7th from 1:30 to 3 p.m., professional photographer Mike Gaudaur will present a product and business photography workshop. He will discuss set up and lighting for your product photos, how to make your photos effective for your online marketing, and taking professional-quality photos of yourself and your staff.
On Tuesday, March 6th from noon to 2 p.m., Peter Thomas will present a seminar on today’s online marketing environment. He will speak about what makes a good website, search engine optimation, content marketing, digital marketing plans, and more.
The cost is $10 for members of the Port Hope and Trent Hill chambers and $15 for non-members (cash only at the door). Advance registration is required to secure a space. Email bizhelp@northumberlandcounty.ca or call 905-372-9279.
Launch & Learn at Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre in Cobourg on February 7
Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre is offering a “Launch & Learn” session about corporate and wellness day retreats offered at the farm on February 7. (Photo: Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre / Instagram)
Headwaters Community Farm & Education Centre (3517 Rowe Rd, Cobourg) is hosting a “Launch & Learn” from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7th.
Owners Linda and Tony Armstrong are inviting representatives from organizations to find out more about corporate and wellness day retreats offered at the farm, which is located 10 minutes north of Highway 401 between Port Hope and Cobourg.
The preview includes a sampling of Headwaters’ food and mocktails, a tour of their activity and meeting facilities, a presentation about what the centre has to offer, and a choice of three sample workshops.
Kawartha Lakes Construction celebrates 30th anniversary with Realtor Appreciation Evening on February 8
Kawartha Lakes Construction (KLC) is hosting a Realtor Appreciation Evening from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 8th.
2018 marks KLC’s 30th anniversary and the company wants to refresh its collaboration with local real estate professionals to help guide prospective buyers.
Open to all real estate professionals in the area, the evening of “wine and design” will provide an opportunity for realtors to meet with the KLC team and learn more about how the company’s innovative design-build approach can help homeowners.
The event takes place at the KLC office at 3359 Lakefield Road in Lakefield.
Vice President of Restaurants Canada to speak on minimum wage in Lindsay on February 8
Steve Virtue, Vice President of Restaurants Canada. (Publicity photo)
The Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce is presenting Steve Virtue, Vice President of Restaurants Canada, at the Olympia Restaurant Cafe & Bar (106 Kent St. W., Lindsay) from 8 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 8th.
Virtue will present tips and ideas for restaurants and small businesses on implementing the new minimun wage and policies of Bill 148. Peter Sanagan, owner of Sanagan’s Meat Locker, will also participate virtually to explain how his business has implemented the wage increase.
The event costs $10 for Chamber members and $15 for non-members. Register online or contact Colleen Collins at the Chamber at 705-324-2393 or colleen@lindsaychamber.com.
Nomination deadline for Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce 12th Annual Business & Community Achievement Awards is February 15
Nominations for the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s 12th Annual Business & Community Achievement Awards are open until 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 15th.
Award categories are Business Achievement, Customer First, Business, Customer First, Employee, Entrepreneur of the Year, Innovation & Creativity, New Business (1-3 years), Young Professional of the Year, Not-for-Profit of the Year, Skilled Trades & Industry, Tourism & Hospitality, and Highlander of the Year.
The awards gala will be held on Saturday, March 17th at Pinestone Resort (4252 Haliburton County Rd 21, Haliburton).
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Annual General Meeting on February 21
The 2017 Chamber AGM at The Village Inn in Lakefield. This year’s AGM also takes place at The Village Inn on February 21.
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, February 21st, at The Village Inn (39 Queen St, Lakefield).
The meeting will include highlights from the past year, and the nominating committee will present the slate of directors for the coming year.
Networking and refreshments will begin at 5 p.m. The meeting will run from approximately 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Peterborough Chamber “Power Hour” evening with elected officials returns on February 21
MP Maryam Monsef, County Warden Joe Taylor, Mayor Daryl Bennett, and MPP Jeaf Leal listen to a question from moderator Sandra Dueck at the “Power Hour” event hosted by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce on January 25, 2017. (photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Power Hour” — an evening with Peterborough’s elected officials — returns on Wednesday, February 21st.
The event takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m at The Venue in downtown Peterborough.
There will be a full hour of questions and answers with Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, MPP Peterborough Jeff Leal, County of Peterborough Warden Joe Taylor, and City of Peterborough Mayor Daryl Bennett.
Tickets cost $65 for Chamber members and $75 for non-members (or $450 for a table of seven for members and $525 for non-members). HST will be added to the ticket price. Register here.
GE employees career fair on February 23
A career fair where employers can explore potential opportunities with more than 300 employees transitioning from GE in Peterborough is taking place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, February 23rd at the Evinrude Centre (911 Monaghan Rd., Peterborough).
Employers will have the opportunity to showcase their companies and employment opportunities while meeting with GE employees from a wide range of fields including engineers, programmers, production workers, lab technicians, and much more.
The 10 finalists in the 2018 Win This Space entrepreneurial competition. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
The finale of this year’s Win This Space entrepreneurial competition takes place on Thursday, March 1st at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
Ten businesses are competing to win a storefront for one year lease-free in downtown Peterborough, along with other prizes.
The 10 finalists are The Bicycle Museum by Dandyhorse Media, Bonita’s Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio, The Willow’s Bark, StayFit LifeStyle, Argania Natural Health Clinic, Alexander Frames, Best Wishes in a Basket, Baby Bop Teething Accessories, Escape Maze, and Scars and Strops Ltd.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and networking from 5:30 to 6 p.m., followed by the finale from 6 to 8 p.m.
“Bridges Out of Poverty” workshop for employers on March 7
The City and County of Peterborough Social Services, along with Agilec, Employment Ontario, Employment Planning & Counselling, Fleming Crew Employment Centre, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge, are hosting a free workshop for employers on “Bridges out of Poverty”.
The Bridges out of Poverty fraemwork, which originated in the U.S. and has been adopted by other communities in Canada, aims to help people who grew up in poverty and educate the agencies who assist them. The workshop will provide information on the framework as well as the variety of financial incentives available for employers in the community. It will also provide information on understanding and retaining employees.
The free workshop takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7th at Agilec Peterborough office (Brookdale Plaza, 863 Chemong Rd, Unit 20-A). Refreshments will be served.
Jonathan Hall and Mike Judson are opening "The Twisted Wheel" at 379 Water Street in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
Following a year that saw the closure of three beloved live music venues in downtown Peterborough — The Pig’s Ear, The Spill, and Catalina’s — Jonathan Hall and Mike Judson are partnering to open a new one.
The Twisted Wheel, located at 379 Water Street, will be opening in four to six weeks, according to Hall.
The new bar and lounge is a joint venture of Hall (former owner of Spanky’s, Splice, and The Trasheteria, and creator of The Hootenanny on Hunter Street) and Judson (actor, former CHEX weather analyst, and current co-host on Country 105 FM).
The Twisted Wheel is a bar, lounge, and event space. (Graphic: Mike Judson / Jonathan Hall)
Located between Amandala’s Restaurant and Watson & Lou, The Twisted Wheel is a half block away from the former location of The Trasheteria, which closed in 2012 after 14 years.
The interior of the 379 Water Street, which at one time was occupied by fireplace and home decor business Alternative Enterprises, is currently undergoing renovations.
According to Hall, The Twisted Wheel will be a lounge/bar and events space that will feature “live music alongside vinyl DJ culture and special events”.
The new bar is named after The Twisted Wheel nightclub in Manchester, England that was open from 1963 to 1971. Commonly called The Wheel, the club was one of the first in the U.K. to play “northern soul”, a music and dance genre that emerged in northern England in the late 1960s from the British mod scene.
The Twisted Wheel is named after the nightclub in Manchester, England that was open from 1963 to 1971 and is considered the birthplace of the “northern soul” music and dance genre. (Photo: Mike Bird, 1970)
During The Wheel’s heyday, DJs would play rare and imported U.S. soul records while people danced on the talcum powder-ridden floors. On Saturday nights, famous American blues, soul, and R&B artists would perform, including Ike and Tina Turner, Junior Walker, Edwin Starr, Sonny Boy Williamson, Ike and Tina Turner, Ben E. King, John Lee Hooker, and Little Walter. The club also showcased new U.K. talents at the time such as Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, and Elton John.
Police are reminding the public to be aware that no ice is safe ice and to avoid driving on frozen lakes and rivers.
Two separate incidents on Friday (February 2) involving motorized vehicles going through lake ice in the Haliburton area have resulted in one man having his driver’s licence suspended.
In the first incident at 4:45 p.m. on Friday, officers from the Haliburton Highlands Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) — with the assistance of Minden Hills Fire Department, Algonquin Highlands Fire Department, and Haliburton County Paramedic Services — responded to a report of a snowmobile and an ATV that had gone through the ice on Twelve Mile Lake in the Township of Minden Hills.
Four men were travelling together on a snowmobile and ATV to drill holes for ice fishing when they broke through thin ice.
Three of the four men were able to pull themselves out of the water, while a bystander threw a rope out to the fourth man and was able to pull him out of the water. Paramedics transported all four men to the local hospital for precautionary reasons.
In the second incident at 9:20 p.m. on Friday, the OPP and emergency services responded to a call that a side-by-side vehicle had gone through the ice on Boshkung Lake in the Township of Algonquin Highlands.
The male driver and the three male passengers had entered the water, but were able to extricate themselves and made their way to shore prior to the arrival of emergency services. None of the four men was injured.
Upon speaking with the 35-year-old driver, officers had determined he had been consuming alcohol. Following a warn range result at the roadside test, officers issued a three-day driver’s licence suspension.
The Haliburton Highlands OPP are reminding the public that no ice is safe ice and to avoid driving on frozen lakes and rivers. Water that may usually be open could appear to be frozen due to a drop in temperature. If it can’t be avoided, check ice conditions before heading out. Always be prepared and travel with safety equipment in the event of an emergency: wear a floater suit and carry ice picks and make sure they are accessible.
Police are also reminding the public to never drive impaired. Alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription or over-the-counter drugs can slow your reaction time and affect your ability to make good decisions. If convicted of impaired driving on a snowmobile, you will lose your driving privileges for all types of vehicles — including motor vehicles, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles.
One of Canada's greatest songwriters, Willie P. Bennett (pictured here in the 1970s) died at the age of 56 from a heart attack in his Peterborough home on February 15, 2008. (Photo: Willie P. Bennett Legacy Project)
Thursday, February 15th will mark 10 years since the passing of one of Canada’s greatest singer-songwriters, Willie P. Bennett.
Take the Willie P. Challenge
Winnipeg’s Jaxon Haldane has challenged musicians to record a cover of a Willie P. song and then post it on social media. To see the Willie P. Challenge videos, search for the hash tag #WPBChallenge on social media.
Willie P, as he was known to his friends and fans, died in Peterborough on February 15, 2008, after suffering a heart attack at the home he shared with local artist Joe Stable. He was only 56 years old.
Musicians are coming together this month with a series of tribute concerts in Guelph, Toronto, Hamilton, London, and Peterborough to remember and celebrate the music of the legendary Willie P.
There’s a tribute to Willie P. happening tonight (February 3) at 8 p.m. Silence at 46 Essex Street in Guelph.
Willie P’s guitar player Rick Taylor, Jenny Whiteley, and Linda McRae, along with Guelph musicians Scott Merritt and Tannis Slimmon, will be performing tunes written by Willie P. Tickets are $25.
On Thursday, February 8th, Hugh’s Room (2261 Dundas St. W., Toronto) will present a Willie P tribute hosted by Taylor and Barry James Payne, who perform together as Payne & Taylor. As well as performing some of Willie P’s songs themselves, they are bringing in guitar virtuoso David Essig (Willie P’s first record producer) and Juno Award winners Russell deCarle with Steve Briggs, and Jenny Whiteley.
Other performers will include Hamilton’s Ginger St. James, Peterborough’s Pat Temple and the Hi-LO Players, Liam Russell, Lynne Hansen, and Linda McRae. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are $25 to $30, available in advance at hughsroom.com.
Willie P. Bennett was a virtuoso mandolin player as well as being a prolific and talented songwriter. He continued to perform until he suffered his first heart attack on stage in May 2007. (Photo: Willie P. Bennett Legacy Project)
Additional tribute shows are happening in Hamilton and London on February 9th at Artword Artbar (15 Colbourne St., Hamilton) and on February 10th at Aeolian Hall (795 Dundas St., London).
The two Hamilton shows feature David Essig, Jenny Whiteley, Rick Taylor, Barry James Payne, Lynne Hanson, and Paul Langille. The London show features David Essig, Jenny Whiteley, Rick Taylor, Barry James Payne, Allison Brown, New Cumberland, Paul Langille, Lynne Hanson, and Mickey Ethelston.
Then, on Sunday, February 11th from 2 to 6 p.m., The Black Horse Pub (52 George St. N., Peterborough) will host the 10th anniversary edition of “Blue Valentine”. The tribute, which is named after one of Willie P’s songs and recognizes he passed away on the day after Valentine’s Day, is held every year.
VIDEO: Willie P. Bennett Playlist
Some of the same musicians performing at the other tribute concerts — Rick Taylor, Barry James Payne, Russell DeCarle, and Pat Temple — will also be at The Black Horse, along with Sean Conway, Spencer Evans, David Berger, Kelly Pineault & John Mather, Jay Lindon, Rob Foreman, Kyler Tapscott, Tom Eastland, and more. Joe Hall is also on the bill, although he is recovering from recent surgery and may not be able to perform.
“It’s been said that Willie probably wouldn’t want any of this fanfare, but his legacy is too important to ignore,” Taylor says.
“He was one of the most respected songwriters to ever come out of Canada. A songwriter’s songwriter. One of the all time best. We can’t let his memory fade.”
Although many people may never have heard Willie P perform, many will recognize his songs, which are revered for their lyricism, compassion and humour, and depictions of loneliness and addiction. (Photo: Willie P. Bennett Legacy Project)
Born in Toronto in 1951, William Patrick Bennett was part of the folk music scene in 1970s, alongside contemporaries like Bruce Cockburn, Stan Rogers, Murray McLauchlan, and David Wiffen. He released his first single (“White Line”) in 1969, and his final solo album (the Juno award winning Heartstrings) in 1998.
Throughout his career, Willie P kept busy as a sideman in bands fronted by other artists including The Dixie Flyers, Joe Hall, Doug McArthur, Sneezy Waters, and Pat Temple and the High Lonesome Players.
In 1991, he joined Fred Eaglesmith’s band The Flying Squirrels with whom he toured for many years, playing mandolin and harmonica and singing.
Although many people may never have heard Willie P perform, many will recognize his songs, which are revered for their lyricism, compassion and humour, and depictions of loneliness and addiction.
In 1996, musicians (and friends of Willie P) Tom Wilson, Colin Linden, and Stephen Fearing formed the roots-rock supergroup Blackie and the Rodeo Kings to record a one-off tribute album of Willie P’s songs (the band is named after one of his tunes).
Colin Linden, Stephen Fearing, and Tom Wilson originally formed Blackie and the Rodeo Kings in 1996 as a tribute to the songs of Willie P (Publicity photo)
Although the band decided to stay together and has gone on to record eight more albums of mostly original material (their latest album is 2016’s Kings and Kings), the trio still perform Willie P’s songs in concert (their final song is always “White Line”).
Willie P’s songs have also been covered by musicians like Old Man Luedecke, Prairie Oyster, Colleen Peterson, Stan Rogers, Garnet Rogers, David Wiffen, Matt Andersen, and Russell deCarle. Both Corb Lund and Kenny Butterill have written tribute songs for Willie P
Willie P was well-known and loved by many in the Peterborough community, including his roommate (artist Joe Stable), musicians like Washboard Hank and Dennis O’Toole, and many others.
VIDEO: “White Line” – Blackie and The Rodeo Kings at Peterborough’s Market Hall
“If you were ever at a Willie show, it was like an hour of musical perfection,” Hank says.
Willie P is perhaps best known for his work with Canadian folk/country troubadour Fred J. Eaglesmith. Willie first appeared on Fred’s 1987 album Indiana Road and went on to accompany Fred until 2008.
“Willie knew what he wanted out of life and he liked being the sideman,” Hank says. “He liked not having to be perfect on stage.”
Willie P. Bennett with his friend Washboard Hank on stage at Peterborough’s Market Hall during a benefit concert for Willie P on July 27, 2007. (Photo: Rainer Soegtrop)
Although Willie P won the Juno for Best Solo Roots/Traditional Album in 1998 for Heartstrings, his last official studio release, he never pursued success and fame.
“There are stories about him going to Nashville, walking into a record executive’s office and playing him a couple songs,” Hank says. “And the guy says, ‘This is fantastic, come back tomorrow and we’ll sign you up for forever and ever, and for millions of dollars.’”
Despite the indisputable quality of Willie P’s songwriting, he seemed to fear his own success and continued to perform in relative obscurity. And it was while he was performing during a 2007 Victoria Day weekend concert in Midland that he suffered a heart attack on stage. He played through the heart attack but was forced to stop touring.
VIDEO: “Willie’s Diamond Joe” performed by Matt Andersen
In July 2007, a group of musicians — including Fred Eaglesmith, Stephen Fearing, Colin Linden, Tom Wilson, Washboard Hank, Brent Titcomb, Liam Titcomb, Brock Zeman, Reverend Ken, and more — hosted a benefit concert at the Market Hall in Peterborough for Willie P, who joined the musicians on stage for a few numbers.
While Willie P attempted to take better care of his health so he could resume touring, he suffered another — this time fatal — heart attack while at his home in Peterborough on February 15, 2008.
In September 2010 in Edmonton Alberta, Willie P was officially inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame during the Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs). The award was accepted by his mother, sister, and nephew.
Willie P. Bennett performing at a benefit in his honour at Peterborough’s Market Hall on July 27, 2007. The concert raised funds for the musician, who had to stop touring after suffering a heart attack on stage. (Photo: Rainer Soegtrop)
Before he died, Willie P had recorded a final album, but it has never been publicly released due to family issues with his estate.
In February 2014, a group of Willie P’s friends and fans launched the Willie P. Bennett Legacy project (www.willieplegacy.com), aimed at preserving and promoting the works of Willie P.
William Patrick “Willie P” Bennett (October 26, 1951 – February 15, 2008) (Photo: Willie P. Bennett Legacy Project)
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for northern Peterborough County including Apsley, northern Kawartha Lakes including Fenelon Falls, and Haliburton including Minden.
These areas can expect up to 15 centimetres of snow, beginning later today (February 3) and continuing tonight and Sunday.
A low pressure centre currently over the Dakotas is forecast to track across Georgian Bay early Sunday and into southern Quebec by evening. Although it is a relatively weak system, it will absorb some moisture from the Great Lakes tonight and Sunday.
A few locales may exceed 15 centimetres of snow, especially near the Bruce Peninsula and to the east of Georgian Bay.
Other areas in the Kawarthas, including Hastings, southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland can expect between 5 and 10 centimetres of snow by Sunday night.
Motorists should allow extra time to reach their destination due to accumulating snow and lower visibility in falling snow.
Environment Canada may issue a snowfall warning if it appears amounts will be appreciably higher than initially forecast.
Some of the 20,000 pills seized by the Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The pills are stamped 'A215', a designation attributed to oxycodone 30mg, but actually contain fentanyl. (Photo: Northumberland OPP)
The Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning residents of Northumberland County that counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl may be in circulation.
The Community Street Crime Unit recently seized 20,000 pills that tested positive as fentanyl. The light blue-coloured pills are stamped ‘A215’, a designation attributed to oxycodone 30mg.
While the investigation is ongoing, the OPP is warning the public that similar pills may be in circulation and not to ingest any medication not prescribed by a physician.
The Northumberland OPP Community Street Crime Unit are warning the public that similar pills containing fentanyl may be in circulation. (Photo: Northumberland OPP)
Fentanyl is a synthetic (man-made) opioid that is more toxic than most other opioids. It is around 20 to 40 times more toxic than heroin and 50 to 100 times more toxic than morphine.
While fentanyl can be prescribed by a physician, it is being increasingly produced in illegal labs to be sold on the streets, often mixed with other drugs.
A detail from a photo posted on Instagram by outdoor photographer Andrew Holden that he took at Warsaw Caves. When we shared Andrew's photo, it received almost 7,000 views from our Instagram followers, making it the most popular photo for January. (Photo: Andrew Holden @andy.holden / Instagram)
If you love Instagram as much as we do, you’ll also love this new monthly feature where we post the nine most popular Kawarthas photos from our Instagram account @kawarthanow.
For the past few years, we’ve been curating and sharing photos from local photographers on Instagram, who generously give us permission to share their images with our followers. We’re aiming to give them more exposure, so please do follow them on Instagram (handles included below).
And follow us too @kawarthanow. Make sure to tag us with #kawarthaNOW to have your Kawarthas area photograph considered.
We share great photos every day, so it’s hard to decide which ones to include! The photos we’ve selected are based on the total views for each photo by our Instagram followers during January.
Barry Killen would rather be at Coon Lake. You might recognize Barry’s name from his recent 15 minutes of fame when he found Randy Bachman’s cell phone and ended up hanging out with him at the Neil Young concert. Follow Barry for his great photos and his shenanigans. Posted January 5, 2018. 6,052 views.
Born and raised in Peterborough, Tracy is a photographer and painter who lives with her husband in Norwood. Tracy is an avid canoeist and regularly posts photos from Algonquin Park. Posted January 14, 2018. 6,039 views.
An early morning fire on February 2, 2018 destroyed Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli in the historic PG Towns and Sons General Store in Douro. (Photo: Harrison Perkins / Facebook)
A fire early this morning (February 2) has destroyed the historic PG Towns and Sons General Store in Douro, which just reopened last year as Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli.
At around 1:30 a.m., a neighbour spotted the building in flames and called 911.
Firefighters battled to save the building, but the structure was destroyed. Fortunately, there were no injuries.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, and fire crews remain on the scene.
?Douro Dummer township firefighters remain on scene of a structure fire at the former P.G Towns General Store in Douro that broke out earlier this morning.
Fire crews were called around 1:30 a.m.
Check back for more information as it becomes available.
After 125 years as a cornerstone of the Douro community and four generations of the Towns family running the shop, PG Towns and Sons General Store finally closed its doors in September 2016 — the victim of the changing retail landscape of big box superstores.
Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli, operated by Nancy Towns and Bernard and Lise Leahy, reopening in the historic building last year. (Photo: Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli / Facebook)
Nancy Towns, along with Bernard and Lise Leahy, opened a new store — Towns and Leahy Mercantile and Deli — in the building in May 2017.
The store was the subject of a recent documentary, called Towns End, by local filmmaker Megan Murphy.
Katie Ellement Photography was also located in the building.
This story will be updated as more details become available.
The original PG Towns and Sons General Store in Douro closed in September 2016 after 124 years of operation.
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