With the help of a $3.55 million investment from the community, the cardiac catheterization laboratory at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology that can stop a heart attack in its tracks.

On Tuesday afternoon (March 25) at the hospital, a media tour was held for the first time to showcase the two cardiac cath lab suites that were renovated and upgraded between September 2021 and December 2022 to allow doctors to perform minimally invasive cardiac procedures more safely and effectively using tools that didn’t exist when PRHC opened.

“The cath lab is one of the first investments that we made with $3.55 million investment fully funded by the community,” said PRHC Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway, who hosted the event. “Gifts of all levels brought this to fruition.”

Upgrades to PRHC’s cath lab, which serves cardiac patients from the city and county of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, North Hastings, Northumberland County, and Durham Region, were identified by the hospital as a priority care area when the PRHC Foundation first launched its $60 million Campaign for PRHC, the largest to date, in 2020.

Fundraising took place between 2020 and 2023 with grateful patients sharing their experiences and fundraising appeals going out to the public. Businesses, organizations, and individuals held their own fundraising challenges or gave through one-time or monthly donations to help bring world-class cardiac care to the regional hospital.

PRHC interventional cardiologist and head of cardiology Dr. Warren Ball led the media tour, giving demonstrations of the state-of-the-art tools in the two suites while highlighting how essential the advancements are to patient care.

“Time is muscle as we say in the cath lab, so the sooner we get that blocker reopened, the less muscle damage and disability that you’re going to have going forward,” Dr. Ball said. “Having that care so close to home is essential.”

Coronary artery disease is caused by a buildup of fatty deposits (called plaque) on the walls of the artery that can block the flow of blood to the heart. Many people only find out they have the disease when they have a heart attack, which happens to somebody in Canada every seven minutes. Almost 16,000 Canadians die each year as a result of a heart attack — many before they even get to a hospital.

Interventional cardiologists open a blocked artery using percutaneous coronary intervention, commonly called angioplasty, which involves temporarily inserting and inflating a tiny balloon where the artery is clogged to help widen the artery. Angioplasty is often combined with a cardiac stenting procedure, where a small wire mesh tube called a stent is permanently placed in the artery to keep it open and decrease its chance of narrowing again.

While PRHC began offering angioplasty procedures in 2012, preventing the need for patients in the region to travel to other hospitals for the treatment, Dr. Ball explained that what was then state-of-the-art technology no longer provided the high-resolution imagery needed to make the most accurate assessments.

Today, when PRHC’s interventional cardiologists perform an angiogram, which involves injecting dye into the arteries and using X-rays to identify blockages, the procedure results in the highest definition images possible, allow doctors to accurately diagnose and treat coronary blockages and stop heart attacks.

“That procedure might be as quick as half an hour to 45 minutes to get pictures and then the whole procedure to place the stent and fix it is maybe another 45 minutes,” said Dr. Ball. “In an hour or hour and a half the artery is open, and hopefully you’re feeling better — and we save some heart muscle.”

With the donor-funded upgrades, the cath lab suites now have the technology to seamlessly integrate multiple complementary imaging tools with bedside controls to dramatically shorten the time for even complex procedures, while delivering up to 75 per cent less radiation exposure to patients than the older generation systems.

“For patients, the amount of radiation they get is minuscule for one procedure,” Dr. Ball said, explaining the importance of minimizing exposure since the lifetime exposure to all forms of radiation, such as from chest X-rays, CAT scans, and angiograms, can increase cancer risk.

“The risk (from one procedure) is extremely low, but obviously if all parts of healthcare can deliver that high-quality care with as little risk as possible, that’s the benefit.”

The two renovated suites opened in March 2022 and December 2022 respectively, and have since performed 5,872 cardiac procedures (as of March 16, 2025), averaging 2,500 procedures in a year, 300 of which included stenting while a heart attack was taking place.

Dr. Ball explained that there is still more to go when it comes to making advancements in cardiac care at PRHC. The next goal through the $60 million Campaign for PRHC is to add a third cath lab that will introduce minimally invasive electrophysiology technology to assess and diagnose electrical conditions of the heart, such as abnormal heart rhythms and arrhythmia.

“Those patients still have to go out of town to another bigger centre to have those procedures done,” Dr. Ball pointed out. “We’re trying to get that next foundational piece of our cardiac program brought to Peterborough.”

Heighway noted that, when PRHC was built, it included space for a third cardiac lab, “so that’s a key part of our $60 million campaign.”

Dr. Ball added that the addition of the third cath lab will mean the hospital will need to recruit additional specialists. Given that many physicians are studying with and learning from modern equipment and technology, those are the tools they are looking for when it comes to selecting a place of work.

“Having the latest and greatest technology is key in a time when there’s a doctor shortage and we’re trying to compete will all the hospitals across the country to bring new talent to town,” said Dr.Ball, who noted that PRHC’s recently hired interventional cardiologist came to the hospital in 2022 in part because of the cath lab upgrades.

With a third cath lab for electrophysiology studies, Dr. Ball said, “we could literally say that we had the newest and latest criteria and technology in the entire province.”

Dr. Ball also noted the government doesn’t fund equipment and technology for hospitals, highlighting how essential the community donors were to making cath lab upgrades. Since 2020, $52.9 million has already been raised towards the PRHC Foundation’s $60 million goal.

“It’s the generosity of the foundation and their donors that fund all of these technologies,” Dr. Ball said. “We say thanks to the donors because without them, none of this is possible.”

If making a good first impression still counts for something, it would appear the Peterborough Federal Liberal Association has hit upon something good in its choice of Emma Harrison as its candidate for the April 28 federal election.

Three days after being acclaimed as the party’s local candidate, Harrison was officially introduced Tuesday (March 25) to the Liberal faithful at the party’s campaign headquarters on King Street in downtown Peterborough.

A broad smile rarely leaving her face, and emotional when referencing her late father, the third-generation Selwyn farmer and small business owner was equal parts resolute and humble as she accepted her nomination before a red-clad crowd hanging onto her every word.

“I’m in this room tonight, and I believe you are as well, because we share a mutual understanding of the critical nature of this election,” said Harrison.

“Not just here in our community, but on a global scale. We, together, believe Prime Minister Mark Carney is the leader we need and deserve in this pivotal moment. That our prime minister will continue to create and build, at a blinding speed, a steadfast emphatically driven mission to protect all Canadians.”

While she avoided any direct references to her major party opponents — incumbent Conservative MP Michelle Ferreri and NDP candidate Heather Ray — Harrison pledged, to the evening’s loudest cheer, to “restore the honour of being called a Member of Parliament.”

“I will listen; I will build bridges,” added Harrison, but added the disclaimer “Do not be fooled. While I am very kind, empathetic, smiley, maybe even described as bubbly, I am not to be trifled with.”

“I stand firmly on my moral convictions and values. I am not easily swayed. I’m excited to show you that. All my life experiences have led me to this moment and to be the leader that we need in this time.”

Turning to her motivation for allowing her name to stand as the Liberal candidate, Harrison, who is married with three young children, said it’s rooted in her desire to pay back the “enormous support” she received as a high school student, as a local and national women’s lacrosse team member, and, since 2021, when she and her husband assumed full-time operation of the family farm.

Taking time to acknowledge and thank her campaign team, led by campaign manager Andy Mitchell, a former Liberal cabinet minister, Harrison said “I adore the saying ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.'”

While her campaign is but a few days along, Harrison noted some 300 volunteers have signed on to help, and donations totalling $30,000 have come in.

After Harrison closed by promising to “to work my ass off” over the course of the campaign, her audience erupted into a rousing rendition of “O Canada.”

Later, Harrison told kawarthaNOW she was “overwhelmed” by reception she received.

While she’s only just started canvassing, Harrison says many she has met have expressed concerns about the future of the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The ruling Liberals have said if re-elected, plan coverage will be expanded to include those under 65 years old. The Conservatives have indicated, to this point, those who now have coverage won’t lose it.

“I talked to one dentist and they’ve seen more than a thousand patients who wouldn’t be able to have had dental work done if they hadn’t been under the plan,” she said.

That said, Harrison noted the U.S. tariffs threat and the Trump administration’s continued talk of Canada becoming the 51st state “is really the biggest concern on most people’s minds. What does that mean moving forward? What does that look like for our community?”

“We need strong, fierce leaders with an incredible amount of compassion and empathy for people; and who understand the issues our community is facing. Those issues aren’t going to be removed just because of these bigger threats from the United States. We need someone who is very attuned to local needs and issues.”

“People have also been asking about the divide between rural and urban. The truth is that people who are rural use all of the major services in Peterborough. The truth is we’re one unit, and we rely on the services of both the rural and the urban. It’s a whole riding approach, and we need to focus on how we create stability for those services.”

Among those in the crowd was Jim Patterson, a local Liberal election campaign veteran of some 25 years.

After hearing Harrison’s remarks, he assessed “This young lady is going to really make a mark.”

“She’s smart. She’s dedicated. She’s a mother. She’s a farmer. She’s educated. She checks a lot of boxes. We’ve worked with some winners, and I think we’ve got a winner here.”

Asked what has impressed him most from what he heard, Patterson was quick to answer.

“Genuine, genuine, genuine. I’m not going to make comparisons (to other candidates), but we need genuine.”

When pressed over the fact that Conservative candidates typically do well in rural areas while Liberals are strong amongst urban voters, Patterson maintained Harrison can make gains outside the boundaries of the city.

“She has to sell herself to the rural community as being one of them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jessica Correa said her concerns over American threats to Canada have left her “very fired up,” prompting her to become actively involved in an election campaign for the first time.

“I don’t want to be a bystander this time,” she said, adding “I’m tired of the things I’ve heard from our MP.”

“There’s two times in my life that brought me to tears — when my husband became a Canadian citizen last year and tonight was the second time,” she said, referring to the crowd’s spontaneous singing of the national anthem.

“We all feel what’s happening down south. We’re all feeling anxious and concerned. We want to fight back and make sure Canada stays a sovereign nation, so elbows up. That’s why I’m here tonight.”

As for Harrison, Correa said “We need to hear more from her, but it’s a good start.”

Well-known Peterborough resident Lori Richey has passed away at the age of 57.

According to her official obituary, she passed away on Sunday (March 23) after a “short but aggressive battle with cancer.”

“Throughout her battle, Lori fought with unmatched determination and grace, inspiring everyone who knew her.”

Richey spent 28 years working in the local healthcare sector, including 14 years as manager of human and information resources at Fairhaven long-term care home.

In 2006, she began working with the Peterborough Family Health Team, including as executive director of primary healthcare services for five years before leaving in 2020 to pursue an interest in interior design and photography.

In October 2023, she returned to the healthcare field when she became Peterborough County’s new physician recruiter.

“An avid outdoor enthusiast, she found joy in nature, whether hiking through serene forests or enjoying the tranquility of the mountains,” reads her obituary.

“Her creative spirit shone through in everything she did, inspiring those around her with her unique talents and ideas. Lori was known for her strength, compassion, and unwavering love, leaving a profound impact on all who knew her.”

Richey, whose husband of 34 years Steve passed away in 2018 after a massive heart attack, is survived by her children Kyle (Natalie) and Travis (Ieva) and four grandsons, as well as by her brother Craig Lesurf (Lisa), father-in-law Bob (Sylvia), brother-in-law Todd (Larraine), and her boyfriend Mike Hearne.

Richey’s family and friends are encouraging people who knew her to email their stories to memoriesofloririchey@gmail.com.

“We know that Lori has had a positive impact on many lives, and we would love for these stories to be shared with us. This will allow us all to reminisce about the good times with family, both present and future.”

A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 4 at Highland Park Funeral Centre (2510 Bensfort Rd. Peterborough). Flowers for the celebration of life would be appreciated, as would donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters — an organization that Richey supported for many years.

“Lori will be deeply missed by many but remembered as a fun-loving, genuine, life of the party. She will continue dancing, laughing, and being a light to all those around her.”

Peterborough’s award-winning Mac & Cheese Festival is returning for its fourth time, with a spring edition this year that includes a new outdoor celebration and a new award for the festival champion.

Running from April 1 to 26, this year’s festival features exclusive specials at 17 downtown restaurants, each of whom will put their own creative spin on the classic comfort food, and will culminate with a grand finale celebration at Quaker Foods City Square on the last day of the festival.

First organized by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) in 2021, the festival won a special events and promotions award at the Ontario Business Improvement Area awards conference the following year. The festival has previously taken place annual during the fall, but did not happen in 2024.

“We’re excited to bring this event back with an outdoor festival component that not only supports our local business community, but also kicks off the spring season in a really exciting way with a day full of food, music, and fun for all ages,” says DBIA executive director Nour Mazloum in a media release. “The Mac & Cheese Festival is a fantastic way to showcase the culinary talent and the creativity of our downtown restaurants, while also bringing the community together over a dish we all love.”

As with the previous editions, foodies can indulge in specialty mac and cheese dishes at participating restaurants, who will serve up everything from classic homestyle recipes to bold gourmet interpretations and even unexpected twists, like The Dirty Burger’s Mac & Cheeseburger Samosa and a spicy offering from pescatarian restaurant The Vine — the winner of the 2023 festival.

“We figured why settle for just one cheesy guilty pleasure when you can have two?” says The Vine owner Tyrone Flowers. “This year we’ve combined two fan favourites — mac and cheese and jalapeno poppers — into one irresistible dish. It’s rich, creamy, packed with flavour, and just the right amount of heat. Cheese lovers, we made this one for you.”

New this year is the grand finale event, taking place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at Quaker Foods City Square on Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough, which will feature vendors, live music, entertainment, a beer garden, and a variety of mac & cheese vendors offering samples of their creations.

Also new this year is the Judge’s Choice Award, which will see a panel of local celebrity judges at the grand finale event decide which dish reigns supreme as Peterborough’s Mac & Cheese Champion for 2025.

As with previous festivals, people will still be able to vote online for their favourite mac and cheese dishes at participating restaurants. This year, the dish receiving the most votes will win the People’s Choice Award. Online voting will open on Tuesday, April 1.

As for the April 26th grand finale celebration, a lineup of four local bands — Jeanne Truax, Warren Frank, Brooklyn Doran, and VanCamp — will be performing throughout the afternoon.

“I’m really looking forward to playing the Mac and Cheese Festival at Quaker Square with the band,” says Peterborough-based songwriter and VanCamp founder Calvin Bakelaar.

“There’s nothing like an outdoor event with live music and an unreasonable amount of mac and cheese to really kick off spring.”

A beer garden will be set up on the rink pad at Quaker Foods City Square featuring local breweries including 100 Acre Brewing Co., Sandbagger Hard Seltzer, and Maple Light.

The grand finale event is being supported by Peterborough Tourism, the City of Peterborough’s new tourism department, and is sponsored in part by Sparq Retail.

For more information about the Mac & Cheese Festival and to vote online for your favourites starting April 1, visit theboro.ca/program/mac-cheese-festival/.

There are 15 new banners hanging from lamp posts on George Street in downtown Peterborough for the bicentennial of the Peter Robinson emigration of Irish settlers to the Peterborough region.

The non-profit organization Nine Ships 1825 Inc., in partnership with the Peterborough Historical Society and with funding from the Peterborough Foundation, has installed the banners to promote bicentennial events that will be taking place from August 1 to 10, during which the Civic Holiday — long recognized as Peter Robinson Day in Peterborough — falls.

“We’re expecting people from all over the world,” said Maureen Crowley, Nine Ships 1825 board member and secretary, in an interview with kawarthaNOW. “We’ve had interest already from the United States and from Ireland.”

Events planned so far during August include a walking tour on Friday, August 1 hosted by Elwood Jones of Trent Valley Archives, a “Grand Irish Gathering” on Saturday, August 2 at The Canadian Canoe Museum, and a week-long Bicentennial Heritage Fair at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 317 Hunter Street West. In addition, 4th Line Theatre will present the world premiere of Megan Murphy’s play Wild Irish Geese about the Peter Robinson emigration from July 29 to August 30 at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook.

Nine Ships 1825 was formed to coordinate and promote all the local Irish-related heritage, historical, and community groups that are planning events during the bicentennial year. The organization’s name refers to the nine ships that carried the Irish settlers across the Atlantic in 1825 under an emigration plan led by Upper Canada politician Peter Robinson.

As well as promoting the bicentennial events taking place from August 1 to 10, the lamp post banners on George Street in downtown Peterborough also highlight each of the nine ships that carried 2,024 Irish men, women, and children to Canada: the Fortitude, Brunswick, Regulus, Resolution, Star, Elizabeth, Albion, Amity, and John Barry.

“The Peterborough Foundation is proud to fund these banners which highlight such a significant part of the history of our community,” says Peterborough Foundation chair Nancy Martin in a media release.

To learn more about the Peter Robinson emigration bicentennial, members of the public can attend a meeting of the Millbrook and Cavan Historical Society meeting at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 11 at the Millbrook Legion (9 King St. E., Millbrook), where members of Nine Ships 1825 will give a presentation.

Cultural resource manager and historian Dennis Carter-Edwards will speak to the significance of the emigration, outline the journey, and highlight the resources available to learn more. Crowley, a past president of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club, and former Selwyn Township mayor Mary Smith will speak about previous commemorations of the emigration, describe how Nine Ships 1825 was formed, and share the events planned during 2025.

More information about Nine Ships 1825, the Peter Robinson emigration, and events planned during the bicentennial is available at nineships1825.com.

With files from Paul Rellinger.