This morning (June 13), officers from the City of Kawartha Lakes detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in Bobcaygeon.
At around 8:35 a.m. at the intersection of Mill Street and Squires Row in Bobcayegon, a man in a grey four-door sedan-style car offered a 12-year-old female student a ride.
The student, who didn’t know the man, declined the offer and walked away.
The driver had opened the passenger side door of the car from inside, for the student to get in, and left with the door still open.
The driver is described as an older man, between 50 and 60 years of age, with grey hair.
Police are looking to speak with the driver of the vehicle or with any witnesses in the area this morning. If you have information related to this investigation, contact PC Perrin at the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP at 705-324-6741.
OPP are reminding all members of the public to be aware of their personal safety and that of children at all times.
Phil Marshall performing at the Pig's Ear Blues Jam, which he founded to raise money for those in need (photo: Phillip Connor)
In lieu of this month’s Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association (PMBA) Deluxe Blues Jam on Saturday, June 17th, we’re hosting the fourth annual Phil Marshall Birthday Bash. It’s happening from 12 to 6 p.m. at Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews (282 Aylmer St. N, Peterborough, 705-874-5717).
4th Annual Phil Marshall Birthday Bash
When: Saturday, June 17, 2017 from 12 – 6 p.m. Where: Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews (282 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough) How much: $10 at the door (proceeds to PMBA)
A fundraiser for the Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association (PMBA) featuring the Victory Boys, the Rick and Gailie Band, the Quick Shifters, the Fabulous Tonemasters, the Bridget Foley Band, and Water Street Slim & The Unlikely Heroes.
This is the PMBA’s only major fundraiser each year and it’s always around the anniversary of Phil’s birthday. One of the reasons Phil started the PMBA was as a way to give back to our local musicians who occasionally need a hand up.
When he died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of 61, Phil left behind a legacy that represented his respect and admiration for the Peterborough and area musical community.
Thanks to the loyal supporters of the PMBA, and of the live music scene in Peterborough, we’ve been able to assist over 30 musicians to the tune of $12,300. We can’t thank them enough.
And of course we couldn’t do it without the support of our wonderful local musicians who give up their time and talent so willingly on the third Saturday of every month to help us with this cause.
Singer and keyboardist Phil Marshall performing with The Blue Tones at the Blues Jam at The Pig’s Ear Tavern (photo: Phillip Connor)
Phil’s Birthday Bash is the only time all year that the third Saturday is not an open jam, and also the one and only time there’s a cover charge. Not only do you support the PMBA with the $10 cover, you also get to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of excellent music.
Every cent raised goes into the PMBA bank account so we can continue doing what we love to do — supporting our local musicians.
The 4th Annual Phil Marshall Birthday Bash on June 17 features six hours of music by local bands.
Six bands will each be performing 45 minute sets, so the music just keeps rolling on all afternoon. The bands we have lined up for you this year are: the Victory Boys, the Rick and Gailie Band, the Quick Shifters, the Fabulous Tonemasters, the Bridget Foley Band, and Water Street Slim and the Unlikely Heroes.
We also have raffle draws for great prizes that are donated by supporters in our community.
So mark this Saturday on your calendarand please try to come out and support this great cause of assisting our local musicians to “get by with a little help from their friends”. It will be a fun afternoon and you’re sure not to be disappointed.
If you’ve been attending the Deluxe Blues Jams, you know it’s become THE place to be, so get there early and grab a good seat! Dr. J’s is on the corner of King and Aylmer.
The Sears store at Lansdowne Place in Peterborough.
On Tuesday (June 13), Sears Canada released some dismal results for the first quarter of 2017, warned about the company’s financial future, and postponed a shareholders’ meeting.
Despite efforts to reinvigorate its brand as “Sears 2.0” — including plans to open 10 “new format” stores this summer — the company continues to suffer from weak performance in the retail sector.
Since 2014, Sears Canada has reported recurring operating losses and negative cash flows and the trend continues in 2017.
Sears reported revenue of $505.5 million, a decline of 15.2% compared to the same quarter last year. The net loss for the first quarter was $144.4 million ($1.42 per share) compared to a net loss of $63.6 million (62 cents per share) in the same quarter last year.
The results were so bad that Sears Canada included a warning in its June 13th financial results:
“Cash and forecasted cash flows from operations are not expected to be sufficient to meet obligations coming due over the next 12 months,” the statement says.
“There are material uncertainties as to the Company’s ability to continue to satisfy its obligations and implement its business plan in the ordinary course. Accordingly, such conditions raise significant doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.”
Sears Canada has also postponed its 2017 annual meeting of shareholders, originally scheduled for Wednesday (June 14).
In the Kawarthas, Sears Canada operates one department store at Lansdowne Place in Peterborough and two “hometown stores” in Bancroft and Haliburton (selling appliances, tools, and lawn and garden equipment).
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
This summer, Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough continues its tradition of offering visual and performing art camps for kids and youth. Green Roof Theatre Camp with Dan Fewings enables children to explore their imagination through theatre games, writing, music, movement and masks. (Photo: Bradley Boyle / Market Hall Performing Arts Centre)
Starting in July, Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough, 705-749-1146) will begin its summer Creativity Camp, an inspiring hands-on, art-centered camp experience that allow kids and youth to explore their creative talents, while meeting new people, working together and challenging themselves in a supported and authentic theatre environment.
For nearly 20 years, the historic downtown Peterborough venue has been offering high energy, action-packed adventures that encourage campers to stretch their imaginations and have a blast in this fun, mixed media visual and performing arts camp.
Each program offers campers a way to connect with themselves and others artistically — onstage or behind the scenes — through a variety of structures: dance, drama, storytelling, music, mixed media, circus acrobatics, mask and mime, theatre production, puppetry, stage make-up and technical design, and much more.
No experience necessary
Market Hall in downtown Peterborough has been offering visual and performing arts camps for children and youth for nearly 20 years. According to General Manager Chad Hogan, many of the current instructors of the Creative Camps attended the camps themselves when they were kids. (Photo: Bradley Boyle / Market Hall Performing Arts Centre)
You don’t need to be a performer or someone who necessarily wants to be on stage for any of these programs, explains Chad Hogan, Market Hall’s General Manager.
“There’s no experience or skill set necessary,” says Hogan. “There’s something for every child. All children can explore their creative abilities. If there are kids who are already involved in the arts, they’re certainly not to going to be bored or feel like they’re not learning anything.”
The camp’s unique approach provides children with a true sense of ownership and pride in their work. The all-inclusive experience allows every child to participate in the final product to show their loved ones at the end of the program.
Green Roof Theatre Camp with Dan Fewings enables children to explore their imagination through theatre games, writing, music, movement and masks. (Photo: Bradley Boyle / Market Hall Performing Arts Centre)
The final performance, entirely created and produced by the campers, results from Market Hall’s unique educational experience that aids in the development of creativity, social skills, goal achievement, self-esteem, and communications and life skills.
Each camp is taught by professional teachers and artists with many years’ experience directing summer camps and they are assisted by a full-time teaching assistant who is present throughout the day.
“Our instructors are local, considered experts in their field, and of the highest caliber that we can find,” says Hogan.
“Many of them attended these camps [at Market Hall] when they were kids,” he adds.
Appreciation for the arts
Thomas Vaccaro, creative director for Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts, trains children on an apparatus in the Circus Extravaganza Camp. (Photo: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre)
For a city so devoted to cultivating the arts, Hogan says he hopes children learn to appreciate the important role art plays in society.
“Sending a child to camp is an investment not only for that child, but also the future of the community itself,” says Hogan.
Shannon Stanlick’s Triple Threat Dance Camp combines acting, signing, and dancing onstage. Children also take part in a variety of choreographed and directed musical theatre numbers. (Photo: Bradley Boyle / Market Hall Performing Arts Centre)
“Peterborough has such a vibrant arts community and we want to make sure that every child has the opportunity to reap the benefits of that culture that you don’t find on an iPad or TV.”
High satisfaction rate
Hogan says both campers and parents report high levels of satisfaction with the camp experience and that it is rare children attend Market Hall’s Creativity Camps just the one time.
“Quite often it’s a recurring experience for kids each summer,” says Hogan.
“Once they start and get to work with their projects, it’s very typical that we will see them return the following summer until they reach the age limit where they can no longer take the program.”
Hogan encourages interested parents to act fast, because space for the camps is limited and the spots are filling up quickly.
Download the registration form on the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre website under Creativity Camps.
Children will not only explore jazz, hip hop, contemporary dance, ballet, musical theatre, and many more genres, but will also study how to become choreographers themselves.
Due to its popularity and high demand, Green Roof Theatre Camp has expanded its number of sessions. This camp is an established tradition of excellence working with children in a theatrically creative context enabling them to explore their imagination through theatre games, writing, music, movement and masks.
Children will collaborate to create an original production inspired by Canada’s history and our community to be mounted at Market Hall. They will also partake in a specialized workshop including movement, vocal music, mask and mime, theatre production, storytelling, puppetry, stage make-up, and technical design.
Utilizing skills gained from this workshop, children will become their very own theatre company, experiencing firsthand what it takes to put their hard work onstage, and will showcase a performance the last Friday of the camp.
Thomas Vaccaro, a graduate of the circus instructor/trainer program and creative director for Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts will be adapting the youth program taught by the École nationale de cirque (ENC) and Cirque Du Soleil. The program focuses heavily on balance, acrobatics, aerials, and object manipulation, and uses games as a means to learn.
Children will not only be a star in their own movie, but will learn to operate a camera, edit footage, and create special effects during this week-long movie-making camp.
Children will combine acting, signing, and dancing onstage, receiving daily acting, singing and dance training. They will also take part in a variety of choreographed and directed musical theatre numbers. Each day, rehearsal and training will be intertwined with exciting camp games, activities and crafts. Children will also have the opportunity to choreograph and direct their very own musical theatre number. The week culminates with the children starring in a magnificent musical theatre showcase that exhibits their newfound multiple talents.
For more information about Market Hall’s Creativity Camp programs and fees, visit at markethall.org. Follow Market Hall on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Both Peterborough Public Health and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit have issued the first heat warnings of the year.
Temperatures are expected to reach 31°C degrees on Monday (June 12) with an overnight low near 20°C on Monday night. Temperatures are expected to fall to more seasonal norms on Tuesday when a new weather system moves in.
Health units issue heat warnings when the maximum day time temperature is forecast to be equal or greater than 31°C and the night time temperature is greater or equal to 20°C for two consecutive days, or when the humidex is greater or equal to 40°C for two consecutive days.
The heat warnings are in effect for the City and County of Peterborough and for the City of Kawartha Lakes. They do not apply to Northumberland, Haliburton, or Hastings counties.
Environment Canada has also issued a heat warning for the same area.
Extreme heat can be a health risk for everyone, but infants, elderly people, people with chronic diseases, people who are morbidly obese, and people who do not have permanent housing are especially at risk.
Heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are preventable. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, headache, fainting, paleness, weakness, tiredness, dizziness, and nausea.
During hot and humid weather, take the following precautions:
Drink plenty of water, even before you feel thirsty.
Seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, swimming pool, shower or bath, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.*
Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
Avoid outdoor sports activities or moderately intense physical activity.
Wear loose fitting, light clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.
* In Peterborough, the One Roof Community Centre located at 99 Brock St. will extend its hours of service, remaining open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Remember to call or visit family, friends, and neighbours — especially seniors who live on their own — to make sure they are coping with the heat.
The Hunter County Cuisine & Wine Bar, which recently opened in downtown Peterborough, features locally sourced farm-based cuisine.
Hunter County Cuisine & Wine Bar
Located at 211 Hunter Street in downtown Peterborough, the Hunter County Cuisine & Wine Bar is a new addition to the Hunter Street café district.
Owner Ryan Legault and Executive Chef Kyle Wagenblast feature locally sourced farm-based cuisine from the Peterborough County area, paired with Ontario-only wine, beer, and spirits.
The Hunter County Cuisine & Wine Bar offers Ontario-only beer as well as wine and spirits.
Watch for the grand opening this Saturday (June 17) and visit them on Facebook.
DueNorth Dog Training Academy
DueNorth Dog Training Academy has moved to a larger venue south of Lakefield.
Patricia Robertson recently moved her business, DueNorth Dog Training Academy, to a larger venue at 3347 Lakefield Road (just south of Lakefield in the Creekside Plaza).
Patricia offers a complete line of group and private lessons, all of which are outlined at www.duenorthdogtraining.com.
The Robyn’s Nest Photography Company & Beauty Boutique
Robyn Jenkins and Evelyne Derkindren of The Robyn’s Nest Photography Company & Beauty Boutique.
The Robyn’s Nest Photography Company & Beauty Boutique is Evelyne Derkindren’s and Robyn Jenkins’ new business.
The Photography Company specializes in boudoir photography, glamour, head shots, pet portraits, family portraits, product development, and video production. The Beauty Boutique offers hair and makeup application, bridal, prom, glamour, makeup lessons, beauty lessons, eyelash extensions, eyelash lifts, and micro blading eye brows.
The Women’s Wellness Fair takes place on June 12 at The Mane Intent in Indian River. (Photo: The Mane Intent)
Events this week include the Women’s Wellness Fair, hosted by the Business Advisory Centre, tonight (June 12) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Mane Intent in Indian River.
The free event is billed as a celebration of female entrepreneurship with a focus on health and wellness. You can find the details at www.peterboroughed.ca and you can register on Eventbrite.
Seniors Showcase
The Seniors Showcase takes place on Wednesday, June 14.
Don’t miss the annual Seniors Showcase this Wednesday (June 14) at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.
Presented by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Age Friendly Peterborough, and the Peterborough Council on Aging, you’ll find over 100 exhibitors, demonstrations, workshops, free parking, free admission, free shuttle service, and free snacks and refreshments.
Breast cancer survivor and festival co-chair Michelle Thornton (second from left) during the annual flower ceremony, remembering those who have lost their battle with the disease, at Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival on June 10. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
At nine in the morning on Saturday (June 10), Peterborough’s Little Lake is like glass. The sounds of the early racers echo over the water, the sun hints at the scorch to follow, and the unmistakeable words of the race announcer over the sound system fill Crescent Street, now lined with tents.
At one end of the festival space, a van pulls up and a tower of coolers is placed on the sidewalk next to a tent marked Volunteer Lunches. Sponsors are erecting attention-grabbing flags. The trophy table is draped to display silver cups, even the tongue-in-cheek Booby Prize.
At the other end, paddlers belonging to smartly dubbed teams such as the Pink Sensations, Wild Water Power, Hope Floats, and Rockers and Knockers receive last-minute instruction from captains, cheer over final fundraising tallies, and welcome family friends who will soon form the sea of spectators and paddlers flowing through the festival space.
The Heat Strokes team getting ready to race. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)Paddlers in action. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
In the middle of this, John Gullick answers his two-way radio. The caller is asking where to find extra toilet paper for the portable toilets. John finds the answer and dispatches a toilet-paper supplier in the correct direction.
“You just never know what you will be asked on Race Day,” he says warmly. “It could be anything from where’s this or that, to ‘Where’s the toilet paper?'”
And John knows the answers — he’s been volunteering with the festival since it started 17 years ago, and he’s been the race director for the past four. He was also chair of the festival for nine and a half years. To boot, he’s a cancer survivor himself — although he says that happened after he was already hooked on the festival.
Race director John Gullick. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
“I don’t think you will ever find a family that hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way,” he says. “The cause … well, it just took hold of me.”
This is John’s last performance as race director. He’s passing the torch; Debbie Kay will pick it up next year.
“It’s been a fabulous run,” he says, adding that, next year, he will return to a previous role — chairing the safety committee.
He hasn’t much time to chat longer: John’s “Ask me” shirt invites a question from another festival goer.
“The festival has changed over the years, but it has always maintained the ability to attract really, really good people,” he adds. “And the community … if you still see this kind of support and response to a festival” — John gestures to the growing crowd of volunteers, spectator and paddlers — “even when the weather is lousy — and there have been some ‘lousy weather’ years — then you know you have a winner!”
Patti Perry and Janice Ephgrave (left and second from left) of the RBC Queens Bees, the top fundraising team for the second year in a row. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
Just down the way, a pink “comfort station” stands out against a white tent with a large label: Dragon’s Lair. Unlike the other tents, visitors need permission to enter this one. It not only has comfy couches and enticing food plates, but also a butler and a social director. The inhabitants of this tent, the top fundraisers for the second year in a row, are the RBC Queen Bees.
“We’re thinking of renaming the Dragon’s Lair the Bee Hive,” laughs team captain Patti Perry, Branch Manager at RBC in Lakefield.
In the spirit of the day, there’s a fine line between laughter and tears. Like John, Patti has been involved in the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival since it began 17 years ago.
“You’re going to make me cry,” she says when asked why she keeps at it year after year.
“It’s the feeling you get being part of this,” she explains. “It’s the great team we have, the fun we have raising money ahead of time, the support of RBC, and being here every year and paddling.”
This year’s Dragon’s Lair for the top fundraising team came with its own butler. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
Captain of the RBC Queen Bees for the past five years, Patti says it’s not always easy to fill the boat, but once the paddlers are signed up, the fun begins. She keeps an email chain active for the six weeks prior to the festival, linking 10 branches within the Kawartha Lakeshore RBC region. Members share photos, ideas, fundraising goals. The events this year included a paint night, bake sales, cake raffles, book sales, and candy-bag sales.
“To be honest, fundraising is not a challenge,” she says. This year, the RBC Queen Bees raised $14,076.30, about the same as last year.
Janice Ephgrave echoes her captain’s remarks.
“This festival is just so well run. Everything is on time, organized, and it’s just such a great day — even when the weather is crappy. Believe me,” she says, gesturing at this year’s sunshine, “we’ve paddled in some pretty crappy weather over the years.”
So what makes the annual festival so successful?
The team of festival host Survivors Abreast. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
Organizers say it’s hard to tease out one factor. Is it the hundreds of volunteers, the paddlers who register year after year and inspire new ones to give dragon boating a try, or the committee members who do the lion’s share of the organizing in the months leading up to the event? Is it the Survivors Abreast organization that first dreamt the festival into being and continues to fuel it with passion and hard work?
If you ask sponsorship chair Sandi Shortt, she tells you the key is the sponsors — all 35-plus of them.
“We simply couldn’t do this without the sponsorship,” she says. “I am so thankful.”
While the platinum sponsor Kawartha Credit Union plays a key role, the gold (media) sponsors like kawarthaNOW raise awareness of the festival and encourage fundraising, while the silver and teak sponsors keep the wheels rolling by providing everything from a coffee cart and fresh water stations, to tents, signs, boats, food, and golf carts.
Festival sponsorship chair Sandi Shortt. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
“It’s amazing how detailed the organization of this festival is,” Shortt adds. “To get something this well run, you have to have details.”
On average — and 2017 was no exception — about 3,000 people attend the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival. By 11:30 on Saturday morning, most of them were somewhere on the festival grounds or on the water, the sounds of the paddlers panting and cheering and their drummers beating now drowned out by the spectators whooping and clapping, and the race organizers thanking sponsors and announcing teams.
As I write this, there are still more heats to run, finals to race, and a full afternoon ahead. But now, for a few minutes, there’s a pause, a breath in the day, a break from the water.
The Peterborough Pop Ensemble sings “Never Really Gone”, composed by artistic director Barb Monahan and performed annually at the festival since 2010. (Photo: Linda McIlwain / kawarthaNOW)
In a moment that embraces months of tireless organizing and myriad moments of uttered and unuttered support, the survivor paddlers join their four boats, wave pink carnations, remember those lost to cancer and, with the refrains of their signature song “Never Really Gone” blanketing the water and land alike, allow tears to overflow as the carnations are tossed onto the water.
And, with the flowers, far beyond a ceremonial nod to tradition, a breath of hope for the future is ignited, and the circle is renewed; the 2018 festival is just 364 days away.
As of the date of this story, Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival is at 86 per cent of its 2017 fundraising goal. You can still help the festival reach its goal by donating at ptbodragonboat.ca.
Two boys jumping off of a cliff in Fenelon Falls. 15-year-old boy Harley Broome of Fenelon Falls drowned Saturday afternoon after swimming with friends on the Sturgeon Lake side of the Fenelon Falls locks. (Photo: xorozzzi / YouTube)
City of Kawartha Lakes OPP have recovered the body of 15-year-old Harley Broome of Fenelon Falls, who went missing on Saturday (June 10) after swimming with his friends on the Sturgeon Lake side of the Fenelon Falls locks, known for its cliffs.
The OPP responded to a call about a suspected drowning at around 4:15 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. Broome had entered the water, had not resurfaced, and was missing.
The OPP’s Underwater Search and Recovery Unit began searching for the missing boy and, at around 8 p.m. on Saturday night, recovered Broome’s body from Sturgeon Lake. He was transported to hospital and pronounced deceased,
VIDEO: Cliff jumping in Fenelon Falls
While it is unknown whether Broome was cliff jumping, it is a popular activity for area youth in the summer. Cliff jumping is an inherently risky activity, with several deaths occuring every year in Ontario as a result.
As well as the possibility of underwater logs and rocks, people who misjudge a jump can impact the rock face on the way down or hit the water at the wrong angle.
The most prominent new interior feature of the Peterborough Public Library's $12 million expansion and retrofit is the large, naturally lit central staircase connecting the main level with the expanded lower level children's programming area. (Photo: Peterborough Public Library)
One year since the first hammer sounded, the $12 million expansion and retrofit of the Peterborough Public Library’s main branch on Aylmer Street remains “on target” for completion this coming fall.
That’s the word from Peter Berton of Toronto-based Plus VG Architects. As the partner in charge of the project, he led a media tour of the site on Friday (June 9), highlighting several building features taking shape under the guidance of contractor Buttcon Limited.
“I’m very pleased … the project is coming along very well,” assessed Berton.
“We’re bringing this building into the 21st century — opening it up, making it more transparent, more user friendly, more interactive, more open and airy. It’s really neat to work on a building by (original architect) Ray Moriyama, who I know, but also be able to keep the original concept intact. It’s about 70 or 75 per cent done now. The structure is up. Next is enclosure and then the finishing.”
When completed, patrons will be greeted by a building with a decidedly more open concept that features additional meeting room space as well as larger programming areas. However, the most impressive new feature — judging by the reactions of tour participants — is the prominent and naturally lit central staircase that will bring library patrons from the library’s street level down to the lower level children’s books area.
Architect’s drawing of the front entrance of the Aylmer Street location of the Peterborough Public Library once renovations are completed. Artwork will be installed in the new plaza beside the renovated library at Aylmer and Simcoe Streets. (Graphic: Peterborough Public Library)
“‘Wow’ is the right word for it,” said Mayor Daryl Bennett of the work done to date.
“The stairwell bringing the two floors together is exceptionally well done. The elevators at the front and at the back make it very serviceable long term. All the little details are making this an engaging facility that’s far more than a library. It’s a hub for activity going forward for the next 50 years.”
Library CEO Jennifer Jones echoed that sentiment while highlighting a by-product of the new design: the prevalence and use of natural light.
“It’s subtle. You don’t realize how much light is here until you’re in it. That natural light is now a part of the library. It’s a feature of it. It’s a little surreal and it hasn’t quite hit home yet but they (library staff) are getting more excited because (completion) is soon. They’re excited about the new opportunities, the new programs and services we’ll be able to offer, and just being able to be in a brand new space.”
The new design of the Peterborough Public Library makes prominent use of natural light via both existing and new windows, giving the building’s interior a much more airy ambience. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
Library staff are also no doubt anxious to move back ‘home’ from the library’s interim location in Peterborough Square. A month after that move was made in May 2016, Concord-based Buttcon was awarded the construction contract and started work immediately.
“We’ve come a long way; it seems so long ago that we went through the original needs assessment,” said Peterborough Community Services Director Ken Doherty.
“We’ve added about 6,000 square feet of new space but created 9,000 square feet of public space, so we’ve opened up the building. I think what people are going to really get excited about is how much more light there is, and how much more accessible the lower floor is to the main floor. I think people will be blown away. This is not just a renovation project.
“The architect has paid homage to the original architecture as envisioned by Ray Moriyama. The windows on the north side are still a dominant feature, except now they are providing light the lower level through that wonderful stairwell.
“The other thing I’m excited about is the new public space at the corner outside of the building (at Aylmer and Simcoe Streets). It’s really going to make the library a focal point of this part of the downtown. We envision people coming into the library, getting books, maybe getting some refreshments, going and sitting outside. It just makes the whole area much more accessible.
Architect’s concept drawing of the new public plaza to be adjacent to the new Peterborough Public Library, with Bethune Street at the left (west), Aylmer Street at the right (east), and Simcoe Street at the top (north). (Drawing: Daniel J. O’Brien & Associates)
“Our (City) facilities are part of our community infrastructure. They’re the kind of things that really affect quality of life. To to see a facility like the library get such a significant refresh, that’s a good feeling.”
“It’s an appropriate investment of funds on behalf of the taxpayers,” lauded Mayor Bennett.
“They said when the internet got up and running completely there would be no more need for paper or for books or for anything else along that line. That’s not true. I see my youngest grandchildren, my oldest grandchildren, and my children, reading books and still dealing with stuff on paper.
“Yes, technology has had an impact but it certainly hasn’t eradicated the use of this type of facility. It’s more than library. It’s got the meeting hub aspect to it. It’s a gathering place.”
The lower level of the library’s main branch, once home exclusively to administrative offices and meeting rooms, will be the site of a greatly expanded children’s programming area. Offices and additional meeting rooms have been relocated in the larger facility. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW)
While on target for its scheduled fall completion and opening, Berton notes there have been challenges.
“All existing buildings are problematic. You always come across unknown conditions but with this particular one, the building is of a very different geometry than most buildings. There are angles, there are curves, so working with that geometry and matching the new with the old is like matching two parts of an airplane together that were built in different cities.”
Opened on September 2, 1980 at the site of the former central fire hall, the main branch saw the library’s holdings moved from the aging and cramped Carnegie Building adjacent to City Hall.
Last fall, during the first media tour of the site, Doherty didn’t outright dismiss the possibility that the library could be renamed. There is a precedent. The De La Fosse branch in Peterborough’s south end, which opened in 1965, was named in honour of Frederick Montague De La Fosse, who served as Peterborough’s chief librarian from 1910 to 1946.
For updates on the progress of work on the new library and for more information on library services offered at the temporary Peterborough Square location, visit www.peterborough.library.on.ca.
The Canadian Canoe Museum has released a new promotional video produced by Peterborough's BrandHealth
Hockey fans may disagree, but The Canadian Canoe Museum has released a new promotional video that proposes that it is the canoe, rather than hockey, that has defined Canadian culture.
The video, produced by BrandHealth of Peterborough, opens with striking aerial views of the winter landscape and then shows a group of settlers carrying old-fashioned hockey sticks as they walk through a forest.
“Some say it was hockey that defined us,” a narrator says. “But with more kilometres of inland waterway than any other nation on Earth, we explored our land, grew our economy, and connected our people — all by water.
The video ends when the group arrives at the lake, discovering that the ice is out, and begin to smile.
“Hockey? It was just the game we played, waiting for the waterways to open — again.”
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