Participants in the Youth Winter Arts Program rehearsing short scenes in preparation for the "Ten for Ten" showcase of 10 short plays at Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon on May 9, 2025. (Photo: Rebecca Anne Bloom / Globus Theatre)
Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon is hosting a night of storytelling at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 9 with “Ten for Ten,” a showcase of 10 short plays presented by participants in the not-for-profit theatre company’s Youth Winter Arts (YWA) program.
The YWA program is an extension of Globus Theatre’s School Of Dramatic Arts (SODA), which cultivates creativity in a safe space by offering accessible creative arts programming to kids, youth, and adults in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
“YWA started with the goal of providing an opportunity for older youth and young adults to pursue the theatrical arts and explore their creativity in this rural community,” says Globus Theatre’s general manager and YWA program leader Rebecca Anne Bloom in a media release.
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According to Globus, the focus of this year’s YWA program was scene work and the 10-minute plays allowed the young actors to dive headfirst into character development and staging.
“I’ve learned how a production is run and all the hard work that is put into one,” says YWA participant Stella Handley, who will be one of the performers at the May 9th showcase.
To remove any barriers to participation, Globus Theatre subsidized all of the youth in this year’s YWA program thanks to supporter donations, the Bobcaygeon CHEST Fund, and fundraising events.
The Youth Winter Arts Program showcase takes place at Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon on May 9, 2025. (Graphic: Globus Theatre)
Bloom says she has “had the privilege of watching these amazing individuals grow in confidence and experience,” adding that several of them have applied and been accepted to post-secondary programs for drama and theatre. The YWA program has seen many participants return each year, including Blake Robertson.
“I have been a part of YWA for two years, and the time I have spent there has been invaluable,” Robertson says.
“Before YWA, I struggled with finding myself in the world of acting — just thinking that I could only do one thing — but Rebecca has made me feel comfortable enough to go outside my box, acting in scenes I had never thought possible. YWA has also made it very clear to me what I want to do post-secondary, encouraging me to take what I have learned into the real world of acting.”
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As for the May 9th showcase, Globus Theatre says each of the 10 short plays “offers a fresh perspective on life’s most profound themes — time, mortality, and the search for meaning — blending comedy and heart while challenging us to see the bigger picture.” Globus notes that the content of the plays is best suited for audiences 14 years and older.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, and are available in advance online at globustheatre.com/shows-all/youth-winter-arts-showcase or by calling the box office at 705-738-2037 (toll free at 1-800-304-7897). Group bookings are also available.
On the Saturday evening following the YWA showcase, Globus Theatre is also hosting a disco dance trivia party fundraiser that also features a toonie auction and raffle prizes. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, with all proceeds supporting programming of new Canadian plays, accessible professional performances, arts education, and more. More information and advance tickets are available at globustheatre.com/shows-all/disco-dance-trivia-night-fundraiser.
Northumberland County council (left to right, front to back): Cramahe Township mayor Mandy Martin, warden and Brighton mayor Brian Ostrander, deputy warden and Port Hope mayor Olena Hankivsky, Trent Hills mayor Bob Crate, Hamilton Township mayor Scott Gibb, Cobourg mayor Lucas Cleveland, and Alnwick/Haldimand mayor John Logel. (Photo: Northumberland County)
The mayors of four municipalities in Northumberland County — the Town of Cobourg, the Municipality of Port Hope, the Municipality of Brighton, and the Municipality of Trent Hills — will be given “strong mayor powers” as part of a recently announced Ontario government proposal.
The provincial government is proposing an expansion of strong mayor powers — beyond the 47 municipalities that currently have them — to also include the heads of council in 169 additional municipalities effective May 1. The proposal was posted on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry on April 9 and is open for comments until Wednesday (April 16).
Three other smaller municipalities in the Kawarthas region that are also receiving strong mayor powers are the Town of Bancroft, Municipality of Hastings Highlands, and Township of Minden Hills.
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In a media release, the province describes the reason for the proposed expansion is “to help deliver on provincial priorities, such as building more homes, transit and other infrastructure across Ontario.”
The strong mayor powers would allow heads of council of single and lower-tier municipalities with councils of six members or more to support shared provincial-municipal priorities, such as encouraging the approval of new housing and constructing and maintaining infrastructure to support housing, including roads and transit.
Among other powers, mayors can propose certain municipal by-laws if they believe that the by-laws could potentially advance a provincial priority identified in regulation. Council can then pass those by-laws if more than one-third of all council members vote in favour — a departure from the usual majority vote required to pass a by-law.
In Northumberland County, those at the helm of council in four of the county’s seven municipalities would receive strong mayor powers. While three of those four mayors have different reactions to the news, all say using strong mayor powers wouldn’t be a decision made hastily, and in one case, if at all.
“I have been a strong supporter of council and staff collaboration as we drive policy forward in the municipality — that will not change,” Municipality of Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander told kawarthaNOW.
“I am discussing these new powers with staff to get a sense of what it all means, but I don’t see much changing for Brighton. We have a seven-person council that has been effective at moving development forward and advancing public policy for our community.”
“However, I’m certainly not one to throw away tools that have been granted to the municipality just because I don’t see a good use for them today,” Ostrander added. “I respect the province’s willingness to advance these new rules to smaller municipalities and will continue to work with council and staff on best practices for their uses.”
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In the Town of Cobourg, Mayor Lucas Cleveland shared his reaction to the news in a statement.
“I am honoured to be given the trust by the province in these extra legislative powers,” Cleveland said. “However, I know they are meant to be used judiciously, and I will consider enacting them only in circumstances that warrant it.
“I am proud of the accomplishments that Cobourg has made in the last two years and remain steadfast to our commitments to this community. This council has worked collaboratively and takes a united approach to break down obstacles that lay in the way of positive progress. Our efforts are recognized through the over $30 million we received in provincial and federal funding in 2024 — a testament that this council is fiscally responsible, making progressive change and already encompassing both provincial and federal priorities with the decisions we are making.:
“I am grateful to Premier Ford and the provincial government for this recognition and look forward to continuing the good work we are doing here in Cobourg,” Cleveland said.
The province said the significant expansion reflects “Ontario’s commitment to streamline local governance and help ensure municipalities have the tools they need to reduce obstacles that can stand in the way of new housing and infrastructure development.”
Strong mayor powers, initially introduced for Toronto and Ottawa in 2022, have been gradually rolled out across the province. The province currently has 47 municipalities with these enhanced powers, “which have helped to cut red tape and accelerate the delivery of key priorities in their communities,” the release noted. “These enhanced powers come with increased accountability for heads of council and maintain essential checks and balances through the oversight of councillors.”
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The Municipality of Port Hope’s top politician, Olena Hankivsky, also issued a statement that implied she did not support using strong mayor powers to override council.
“As mayor, my top priority is always to advocate at every level of government for the best interests of our community,” Hankivsky said. “While I fully support the provincial focus on housing, infrastructure improvements, and growth for Port Hope, I believe we can achieve these objectives within our existing organizational structure.”
“I hold the utmost respect for the vital role and responsibilities of a municipal chief administrative officer, and I have every confidence in our council and staff. Together, we are committed to engaging with the public — listening, discussing, debating, and, when necessary, disagreeing — to ultimately make the best decisions for our community as a collective.”
“Heads of council are key partners in our efforts to build homes and infrastructure across the province,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “By extending strong mayor powers to these additional municipalities, we are providing mayors every tool at our disposal to empower them to get homes and infrastructure built faster. Mayors know their municipalities best, and we support them in taking bold actions for their communities.”
Trent Hills mayor Bob Crate has not commented on the province’s proposal.
Heads of council can only use the strong powers listed below to support prescribed provincial priorities, such as building new homes and constructing and maintaining infrastructure like roads that support new and existing housing developments.
Choosing to appoint the municipality’s chief administrative officer.
Hiring certain municipal department heads and establishing and re-organizing departments.
Creating committees of council, assigning their functions, and appointing the chairs and vice-chairs of committees of council.
Proposing the municipal budget, which would be subject to council amendments and a separate head of council veto and council override process.
Proposing certain municipal by-laws if the mayor is of the opinion that the proposed by-law could potentially advance a provincial priority identified in regulation. Council can pass these by-laws if more than one-third of all council members vote in favour.
Vetoing certain by-laws if the head of council is of the opinion that all or part of the by-law could potentially interfere with a provincial priority.
Bringing forward matters for council consideration if the head of council is of the opinion that considering the matter could potentially advance a provincial priority.
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To date, strong mayor powers have been used on two occasions in the Kawarthas region.
In Peterborough, Mayor Jeff Leal used his strong mayor powers in February 2025 to expedite a request by Brock Mission for a new transitional housing project by amending the city’s zoning by-law and exempting the project from the city’s site plan requirements. The mayor’s motion passed even though seven of the city’s 11 councillors voted against it.
County Road 45 in Alderville First Nation was closed for around seven hours after a 45-year-old Roseneath man was struck by a pickup truck on April 11, 2025. The man later died in hospital. (Photo: Northumberland OPP)
A 45-year-old Roseneath man is dead after he was struck by a vehicle in Alderville on Friday night (April 11).
At around 8:40 p.m. on Friday, the Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), fire department, and emergency medical services responded to the scene of a collision involving a pedestrian and a pickup truck on County Road 45.
The pedestrian, a 45-year-old man from Roseneath, was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
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County Road 45 was closed between County Road 18 and County Road 24 until around 3:50 a.m. on Saturday while police conducted a preliminary investigation.
Northumberland OPP are continuing to investigate the collision, and are asking anyone who may have witnessed or has video/dash camera footage of the collision and who has not spoken with police to call the Northumberland OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.
Police are advising anyone who witnessed the collision or is affected by the incident and needs support to call Peterborough-Northumberland Victim Services 705-748-0324.
Famous Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds appeared virtually from his New York home to address the Town of Cobourg's community services, protection and economic development standing committee on April 9, 2025, lending his support to a request from the family of the late Grace Bowen that the Pond Arena in the Cobourg Community Centre be named after the nine-year-old Grafton hockey player who died less than a year after being diagnosed with bone cancer. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of Town of Cobourg video)
An outgoing and determined little girl from Grafton who loved to play hockey before she was diagnosed with the cancer that took her life may soon have a Cobourg arena named after her, thanks in part to a plea from famous Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds.
The Deadpool star appeared virtually in a delegation to the Town of Cobourg’s community services, protection and economic development standing committee on Wednesday (April 9), when he proposed renaming the Pond Arena in the Cobourg Community Centre after Grace Bowen.
Reynolds, who had first met Grace more than 10 years ago, agreed to appear before the committee at the request of Grace’s parents Greg and Andrea, who attended the committee meeting in person along with Grace’s sister Mackenzie.
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“She changed my life,” Reynolds told the committee. “I was really taken by Grace. Her name kind of said it all.”
In 2014, when Grace was just eight years old, she was already passionate about hockey and embraced everything about it, from practices and tournaments to her teammates. She was a member of the West Northumberland Girls Hockey Association and played at the Cobourg Community Centre and rinks around the community.
That all changed when a sore knee that was bothering Grace turned out to be something much more serious. On April 14, 2014 — two days before her ninth birthday — she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the same rare and aggressive bone cancer that took the life of Terry Fox.
An avid hockey fan and player, Gracie Bowen was just two days shy of her ninth birthday when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the same rare and aggressive bone cancer that took the life of Terry Fox. After undergoing 11 months of surgeries and chemotherapy treatments while maintaining her positive and determined outlook, Grace passed away on March 13, 2015. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of Town of Cobourg video)
Over the next 11 months, Grace underwent surgeries — including rotationplasty surgery that removed part of her leg — and chemotherapy at SickKids in Toronto, all while facing the ordeal with a positive and determined attitude and demonstrating compassion for those around her.
When a mutual friend requested an autograph for Grace from Canadian hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser, Wickenheiser met Grace and soon developed a close relationship with her and her family. She later invited Grace to be her guest at the Canada’s Walk Of Fame ceremonies on October 19, 2014 in Toronto, where Wickenheiser was one of the inductees.
Reynolds was also one of the inductees and was sitting in the audience when Wickenheiser introduced Grace on stage. Wickenheiser asked Grace who she was most excited about meeting. “Ryan Reynolds” was her answer, and Reynolds immediately ran on stage to give Grace a hug and a kiss. He later met with Grace and her family backstage.
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Less than five months later, on March 13, 2015, Grace passed away from her illness.
Reynolds attributes meeting Grace with changing the way he approached his philanthropic work. Previously, he had kept out of the public eye and didn’t use the platform he had to advocate for the causes he supported.
“Grace just changed that,” Reynolds told the committee. “From the moment I met her that night, I said as long as I live, if I had a free moment for any kid who’s carrying a bag of rocks around like that, or their parents, I will make time for them.”
VIDEO: Grace Bowen meeting Ryan Reynolds at Canada’s Walk of Fame
As a result of meeting Grace, Reynolds began his tradition of making funny fundraising campaign videos in support of SickKids, often featuring a signature ugly Christmas sweater.
Since then, he has helped raise over $3 million for SickKids through a combination of personal donations and his promotional efforts to encourage others to donate.
In December 2016, when Reynolds received the Entertainment Weekly’s Entertainer of the Year award at the 22nd annual Critics Choice Awards, he dedicated the award to Grace and to Connor McGrath, another child who died of cancer, along with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and SickKids Foundation of Toronto.
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After sharing his story of meeting Grace and the impact she had on him, Reynolds proposed that Grace’s memory be honoured by renaming the arena.
“It would be pretty beautiful if we could rename the arena the Grace Bowen Arena or the Grace Bowen Memorial Arena,” he said.
After Reynolds’ comments, Grace’s father Greg also addressed the committee, describing how his daughter faced her illness.
VIDEO: Ryan Reynolds delegation to Town of Cobourg Standing Committee
“Her concern for others was unmatched for a nine-year-old little girl,” Greg said, noting that Grace was always showing compassion for the other children and their families at SickKids
“She loved everything she did, and she did everything she did with a passion. We often can only describe her in our household as relentless.”
He also said that one of the fears of parents who have lost a child is that their name will be forgotten.
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The arena-renaming request comes one week after the Town of Cobourg joined forces with the West Northumberland Girls Hockey Association and the Bowen family to celebrate the 150th anniversary of The Hospital for Sick Children.
One of the SickKids 150th birthday balloon sculptures is on display in the grand hall of the Cobourg Community Centre until Sunday (April 13).
Following the delegation, the committee voted unanimously to move the item forward to the regular council meeting scheduled for April 30, where all of Cobourg council will give their final vote.
Reynolds said that, if the renaming request is approved, he would like to come to Cobourg to take part in any renaming ceremony.
Bancroft's artist-run collective A Place for the Arts is presenting the fourth annual North Hastings High School Student Art Show in the Annex Gallery until April 27, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Gayle Crosmaz)
Bancroft’s artist-run collective A Place for the Arts (APFTA) is instilling confidence and pride in young local artists by hosting the fourth annual North Hastings High School Student Art Show.
On now until April 27, the exhibition at the Annex Gallery features dozens of artworks of various styles, created by students in grades 9 through 12 at the local high school.
“I think it’s wonderful,” says APFTA communications and marketing manager Gayle Crosmaz, who used to be an art teacher herself. “When students are involved in art (outside of school), it gives them a purpose and a goal in life. It keeps them occupied and productive and it’s good for their self-esteem.”
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Some of the student artwork was made in the art classes at North Hastings High School, though many others were also produced by students on their own time as a form of creative expression.
“Processes set up in art class at the high school are designed to promote critical thinking, creativity and skill development in a variety of media,” said APTFA member and North Hastings High School visual arts teacher Andrew Edgar in a statement provided to kawarthaNOW.
“Students focus on studio work and critical analysis of a wide range of art works by the masters. While applying the elements and principles of art, students are encouraged to produce artworks that communicate ideas, emotions or comment on issues.”
The dozens of artworks featured in the North Hastings High School Student Art Show, now showing at the Annex Gallery, were completed by students from grades nine through 12, both in class and on their own time. (Photo: Barbara Allport)
According to Crosmaz, students who have their artwork on display in a public setting and available for purchase can see how art and creative exploration can be a viable career path.
“I’m really excited that they get to sell their work,” she says. “Even if it’s not a full-time career, art is also relaxing and it puts you in that zone to be calm and relaxed while you push all other challenges away for the time being. It gives you that chance to regenerate and recuperate your energy and self-esteem and confidence.”
Crosmaz recalls when her own daughter was in the ninth grade and her teachers allowed her to get school credit by working alongside her mother on a mural in the community. Though her daughter is now in her 40s, Crosmaz acknowledges how beneficial the experience was for her development.
“It really gave her the confidence to go out there and, afterwards, she was commissioned by a local business to do a mural on the side of his laundromat,” she says. “These opportunities really help students get into the workforce and have the confidence to take on any challenges.”
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As a visual artist herself, Crosmaz understands how impactful a public exhibit can for building confidence. As a young adult, she was told by friends and colleagues that she had the talent for art school, though she did not initially believe it.
“Family and friends will say that, but I don’t really believe them unless there’s someone out there who is neutral and has to give their honest opinions,” she says. “That’s what this is — we’re neutral. The students getting an honest opinion not just from their friends and family and classmates, but from the general public.”
Crosmaz hopes that in getting the students to view their artwork in a professional setting, they will be inspired to lend their talents for APFTA’s ongoing project to revitalize a community mural on the west side of the building at 23 Bridge Street in Bancroft. For the project, the collective is recruiting local professional and amateur artists.
Bancroft artist collective A Place for the Arts is hopeful that, by inviting local high students to exhibit their artwork to the public in the Annex Gallery, the budding artists will not only see art as a viable career path but be instilled with a confidence they can carry forward. (Photo: Barbara Allport)
“I’m trying to get the kids involved for the chance to display their art on a permanent basis,” she says.
The 4th Annual North Hastings High School Student Art Show is on now until Sunday, April 27 in the Annex Gallery at A Place for the Arts at 23 Bridge Street West in Bancroft. The Annex Gallery is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
An opening reception for the show, which was originally scheduled for April 4 but was cancelled due to the aftermath of the ice storm, has been rescheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday (April 17). The free reception will feature a presentation from Edgar.
For more information on the North Hastings High School Student Art Show, visit www.apfta.ca.
Northumberland County is gearing up for Earth Day on April 22, 2025 with a variety of activities, including the popular "Mayors' Keep the County Clean Challenge." (Graphic: Northumberland County)
As Earth Day approaches on Tuesday, April 22, Northumberland County is inviting community members to pitch in and put trash in its place by taking part in activities planned throughout April — including the popular “Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge” that runs from Monday, April 21 to Saturday, April 26.
“Earth Day is an opportunity to reflect on our shared responsibility to respect our natural environment and protect invaluable natural resources for future generations,” said Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander in a media release.
“Each year, I look forward to joining Northumberland residents in our collective efforts to make a positive difference during the Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge.”
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Back for its 15th year, the challenge encourages Northumberland municipalities and townships to engage in friendly competition through community clean-up efforts.
Community members can register with their municipality to help clean up litter in their neighbourhood, including roadsides, parks, and trails. Municipalities with the highest proportional representation of volunteers and most litter collected per volunteer will receive trophies at a meeting of county council.
More than 3,000 community members collected 11,427 kilograms of litter during last year’s county-wide competition, marking the highest turnout in the history of the event.
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The Township of Alnwick-Haldimand came out on top for the highest proportional representation of volunteers, with 6.2 per cent of its population participating in the challenge. Alnwick-Haldimand was followed closely by the Town of Cobourg as the first runner-up in this category.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Port Hope earned the title of hardest-working volunteers by collecting an average of 9.4 kilograms of waste per volunteer. The Township of Cramahe was the first runner-up in this category.
“This friendly competition between our fellow Northumberland communities has the net benefit of working together to beautify Northumberland,” Ostrander previously told kawarthaNOW.
The annual competition promotes both civic pride and making a positive difference for the environment, he noted.
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“On behalf of county council, I encourage community members to register for the challenge to help tidy up their local neighbourhood, show their pride for their municipality, and contribute to a healthier Northumberland,” Ostrander said.
Community members can also participate in the “20-Minute Makeover” on Friday, April 25 by spending a short period of time tidying up a nearby park, school, or trail. No registration is required — just bring gloves and a bag.
For more information about other Earth Day-related activities in Northumberland County and to register for the Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge, visit northumberland.ca/earthday.
Lindsay resident Mark Doble was elected Ward 5 councillor for the City of Kawartha Lakes in a by-election held on April 10, 2025. (Photo via Mark Doble campaign website)
Longtime Lindsay resident Mark Doble has been elected councillor for Ward 5 in the City of Kawartha Lakes in a by-election held on Thursday (April 10).
The council seat for Ward 5, which includes most of Lindsay, became vacant after previous Ward 5 councillor Eric Smeaton announced his resignation last November, citing health and personal reasons.
Unofficial election results released by the City of Kawartha Lakes on Thursday night show that Doble received 1,176 votes (41 per cent of the 2,909 votes cast).
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Retired OPP inspector Malcolm Quigley came in a distant second with 586 votes, followed by former longtime councillor Patt Dunn at 469 votes and Kawartha Dairy electrician and United Way board member Duncan Gallacher at 459 votes. Alex Steven received 173 votes and Aananth Paraparan received 15 votes.
Voter turnout information will be released when the official certified results are published.
Now retired, Doble worked for almost 40 years in various roles at Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and the Ontario Ministry of Finance’s assessment division.
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During his career, Doble was also involved in the Institute of Municipal Assessors, Canada’s largest association of property assessment and taxation professionals, including as a member, president, and interim executive director.
Doble and his wife Terry have lived in Lindsay since 1981, and have two adult children and a grandson. He has volunteered for various community organizations, including the Lindsay Concert Foundation and Kawartha Lakes Public Library, and has coached minor sports.
Councillor-elect Doble will take his oath of office in council chambers at Kawartha Lakes City Hall in Linday at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22.
85-year-old Peterborough resident Doug Armstrong credits his longevity to the cardiac cath lab at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), where he underwent three angioplasties in two years to clear arterial blockages to his heart before having quadruple bypass surgery in Toronto. Armstrong, who remains active by golfing in the summer and curling in the winter, is a longtime supporter of the PRHC Foundation and is sharing his personal healthcare story to encourage donations so the hospital can continue to upgrade its technology and equipment, like it did with the cardiac cath lab in 2022 thanks to $3.55 million in early investments of the $60 million Campaign for PRHC. (Photo courtesy of Doug Armstrong)
When you’re a complex cardiac patient like Peterborough resident Doug Armstrong, you want to know the physicians treating you have access to the best equipment currently available.
With the completion of state-of-the-art donor-funded upgrades to the cardiac catheterization laboratory’s two suites at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), patients like Armstrong can be assured they are receiving world-class, lifesaving cardiac care.
“The upgrades were made possible through $3.55 million in early investments of the $60 million campaign for PRHC,” says PRHC Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway. “Gifts of all levels brought this to fruition.”
Dr. Warren Ball (left), interventional cardiologist and head of cardiology at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), and regional cardiac care coordinator Jeff Dunlop look at high-definition angiogram images of coronary blockages during a media tour of the hospital’s upgraded cardiac catheterization laboratory on March 25, 2025. Funded by community donations to the PRHC Foundation’s ongoing $60 million campaign, the new technology will allow for blockages to be diagnosed more accurately with 75 per cent less radiation risk to patients and staff. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)
The 85-year-old Armstrong, who golfs several times a week in the summer and curls in the winter, is one of many patients who have undergone some of the more than 5,800 cardiac procedures performed at PRHC since the two renovated suites opened in 2022.
“I have to give credit to the cath lab for my longevity and for the condition I’m in,” he says. “I was so impressed knowing the new cath lab came from the community and the Foundation fundraising for it.”
A former decades-long Peterborough County chief of administration and former general manager of what was at the time the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Armstrong was also a board member for the PRHC Foundation from 1999 to 2007 and is now a governor emeritus.
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He couldn’t have known back then that 20 years later, just before the PRHC Foundation was to launch their largest fundraising campaign to date, he would come to rely so much on the lifesaving technology available at the regional hospital.
In 2018, after experiencing a discomfort in his upper chest that kept him up at night, Armstrong finally went to PRHC and he learned he had blockages in his arteries that were stopping blood from flowing to his heart.
He had an angiogram, where an interventional cardiologist assessed the blockages using a dye that goes up the arteries, before undergoing an angioplasty, where the cardiologist placed a stent that widened the arterial passage to keep blood flowing to his heart.
“There’s no aches or pains, and you’re awake throughout,” Armstrong recalls of the minimally invasive procedure. “Within a day I started to feel better, and a few days later I couldn’t believe how good I felt compared to how bad I was feeling the week before.”
Doug Armstrong (left) with his sons Steven and Scott. Armstrong worked as the Peterborough County chief of administration for 20 years before working as a general manager of the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. Also a father to three adult children, Armstrong was a board member for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation from 1999 to 2007 and is a governor emeritus. (Photo courtesy of Doug Armstrong)
Unfortunately, Armstrong became one of the two per cent of cardiac patients who experience plaque building up around the stent. Within eight months, he had to return to PRHC to have another stent put in. He ultimately had a total of three stents put in within two years, before having to undergo a quadruple bypass surgery in Toronto.
“My wife and I just marvel about how well we were treated as a patient at PRHC,” he said. “Everybody was so good to explain stuff to us and make sure we understood what was going on and what was going to happen afterwards.”
When he had his last stent procedure in May 2024, Armstrong noticed the changes that had been made to the cardiac cath lab thanks to early donor investments made to PRHC Foundation’s $60 million Campaign for PRHC.
Between September 2021 and December 2022, the two cath lab suites were upgraded with cutting-edge technology that supports the highest possible definition imagery that allows interventional cardiologists to accurately diagnose coronary blockages to stop a heart attack — sometimes while a heart attack is taking place.
“We have a new system to give higher resolution pictures faster with 75 per cent less radiation exposure to patients and staff,” says PRHC interventional cardiologist and head of cardiology Dr. Warren Ball. “We can take pictures of the arteries, find the blockage and, as accurately as possible, fix it.”
As a rare cardiac patient who needed to get multiple stents, Armstrong expresses how much it meant for him to get that treatment done without having to travel out of the city where he continues to reside.
“When I was in the hospital here at different times, my daughter could drop in for a little while, and then my wife could be there for a bit and then still go home,” he says. “The convenience of it for us who live here can’t be overstated. I don’t think we give the community enough credit for having the kind of healthcare service that’s here.” Dr. Warren Ball (right), interventional cardiologist and head of cardiology at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) displays a stent at the hospital’s upgraded cardiac catheterization laboratory as PRHC Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway and regional cardiac care coordinator Jeff Dunlop look on during a media tour on March 25, 2025. Upgrades to equipment and technology at the cath lab, which provides lifesaving minimally invasive cardiac procedures, were funded through $3.55 million in early community donations to the PRHC Foundation’s $60 million Campaign for PRHC. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)
Admitting that he also did not seek medical attention as early as he should have, Armstrong says knowing that the latest in cardiac care equipment and technology is available close to home at PRHC means patients like him are less likely to delay seeking lifesaving care.
“Having that care close to home is essential,” adds Dr. Ball. “Thanks to donors, we can bring updated technology here that saves lives and makes less stressful what’s already a terrible situation for patients.”
The PRHC Foundation has now reached 88 per cent of its $60 million goal for the Campaign for PRHC. Fundraising is ongoing and one of the current cardiac care priorities donors can support is the addition of a third cardiac lab, which will introduce minimally invasive electrophysiology technology to assess and diagnose electrical conditions of the heart, such as abnormal heart rhythms and arrhythmia.
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“It’s unfortunate the government doesn’t put more money into healthcare and hospital care than they do,” Armstrong notes. “Since they don’t, donating is just about the only way we can modernize the equipment that needs to go there. The community support for the hospital has been nothing short of outstanding in my view.”
The upgraded technology and equipment available at the cath lab also encourages top healthcare professionals to bring their talents and expertise to PRHC — something that is not lost on Armstrong.
“The people who work at the cath lab are world-class,” he says. “I feel confident that if I was to get a more serious problem than I have now, I’d be there in a heartbeat, and I just know that I’d be so well looked after. I just think what they’ve done for me has been just amazing.”
Doug Armstrong with his wife Joyce and their granddaughter Stephanie Bahmann. Thanks to the cardiac cath lab at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), Armstrong was able to receive the world-class cardiac care he needed close to home, allowing his family to visit him throughout his stays without having to travel out of the region. With new state-of-the-art technology at the cath lab offering high-definition imagery, undergoing cardiac stenting was a minimally invasive procedure that had Armstrong feeling better in a matter of hours. At 85 years old, he continues to enjoy life by maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. (Photo courtesy of Doug Armstrong)
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As for Heighway, she is grateful to Armstrong not only for his continued support for world-class healthcare close to home but for his willingness to share his personal healthcare story.
“Doug has been a longtime supporter of the PRHC Foundation and our hospital,” she says. “That commitment and Doug’s experience of receiving great care close to home, especially in both the previous and recently upgraded cardiac cath lab suites, give him a unique perspective on how vital donations are to keeping world-class cardiac care available right here.”
“We really appreciate him sharing his story to help others see that, and celebrate the difference that donors are making in real patients’ lives.”
This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Peterborough's own Victoria Yeh will be performing on electric violin when Paul DeLong's ONE WORD comes to The John at Sadleir House in Peterborough on Wednesday night. The band, which plays rarely heard classic tunes from the great jazz-rock fusion bands of the 1970s such as the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Weather Report, also features Paul DeLong on drums, Steve Lucas on bass, Michael Murray on guitar, and Marco Luciani on keyboards. (Photo: Trevor Hesselink / Groundswell Photography)
Every Thursday, kawarthaNOW publishes live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that musicians provide directly or that venues post on their websites or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, April 10 to Wednesday, April 16.
If you’re a musician or venue owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.
With the exception of karaoke, we only list events with performing musicians. Venues may also host other events during the week (e.g., dancing, DJs, comedy shows).
8pm - Trent Radio Fundraiser ft hit'n'run (Charlie Watson), The Watched Pots (Melissa Lorraine & Erin Clancy), LA Alfonso, Jill Staveley, Robert Hailman, and Sadye & Madison (PWYC at door)
Wednesday, April 23 5:30-9pm - PMBA Deluxe Live's "Intimate Live" series ft Melissa Payne w/ Emily Burgess (SOLD OUT)
Wednesday, May 7 5:30-9pm - PMBA Deluxe Live's "Intimate Live" series ft Ken Tizzard ($50, includes pizza and show, available via e-transfer to )
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078
Friday, April 11
7pm - Andy & The Boys
Saturday, April 12
8pm - Gregory Thomas
Rolling Grape Vineyard
260 County Rd 2, Bailieboro
705-991-5876
Thursday, April 10
5:30-8:30pm - Deanna Earle
Sunday, April 13
2-5pm - Homestead Elite
Royal Crown Pub & Grill
4 King St. E., Colborne
905-355-1900
Saturday, April 12
8pm - Tyler Cochrane (no cover)
Scenery Drive Restaurant
6193 County Road 45, Baltimore
905-349-2217
Coming Soon
Saturday, April 19 5-7:30pm - Mike Tremblay
The Social Pub
295 George St. N., Peterborough
705-874-6724
Sunday, April 13
1-3pm - PMBA Tribute to Lynn Morris
Coming Soon
Saturday, April 19 1-4pm - PMBA Deluxe Live ft Caitlin O'Connor & The Detention Club (Rio Browne, Aaron Hoffman, Chris Hiney, Sam Quinn, Brandon Munro, Marcus Browne) ($10 donation suggested)
Springville Tap n' Grill
2714 Brown Line, Peterborough
(705) 876-9994
Saturday, April 12
7pm - Adult Easter Egg Hunt & Karaoke Night
Tap & Tonic Pub & Bistro
18-22 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 947-2333
Thursday, April 10
7-10pm - Jon Beal
The Thirsty Goose
63 Walton St., Port Hope
Friday, April 11
8pm-12am - Cale Crowe
Saturday, April 12
8pm-12am - Bruce Longman
The Venue
286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008
Kawartha Conservation staff are working to clear downed trees, overhanging branches, and storm debris at both Ken Reid Conservation Area near Lindsay and Windy Ridge Conservation Area near Omemee following the March 2025 ice storm that caused widespread damage to both properties. (Photo: Kawartha Conservation / Facebook)
While it saddens Kristie Virgoe to see the havoc the historic ice storm has had on some of Kawartha Conservation’s conservation areas, she has also seen some beautiful moments emerge in the aftermath.
Kawartha Conservation is currently working “with limited resources under challenging conditions” to restore access to both Ken Reid Conservation Area near Lindsay and Windy Ridge Conservation Area near Omemee following the storm that caused widespread damage to both properties.
The storm brought down trees and tree limbs throughout the two conversation areas, blocking trails and creating hazardous conditions.
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Restoration efforts are ongoing but several trails remain inaccessible due to fallen trees and debris, Kawartha Conservation noted in a media release. Crews continue to work as safely and efficiently as possible.
Virgoe, who is Kawartha Conservation’s interim director of planning and development services, shared some of her thoughts with kawarthaNOW about the impact and significance of the storm over the final weekend in March that caused so much damage to communities across the Kawarthas region.
“Clean up takes time and energy and that’s difficult, especially when our community is also dealing with property damage and a disruption to their normal day-to-day routines,” Virgoe said. “Change is hard — sometimes with climate change, change can also be quite violent.”
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“Staying positive can sometimes be difficult. But even though our parks are devastated, and the damage hurts my heart, I’ve seen some pretty beautiful things in the forest this past week, not the least of which is the way our team and community has come together to help each other out — sharing a joke, lending a hand, and treating each other with kindness.”
Ken Reid Conservation Area is scheduled to reopen to the public on Monday (April 14), but with limited access. Windy Ridge Conservation Area is expected to reopen on Thursday (April 17), also with limited access.
“This was a historic weather event that did a significant amount of damage to our forests and trails,” Virgoe said. “It will take months to fully recover.”
In a Facebook post on April 3, Virgoe said she visited Ken Reid Conservation Area “to see my old friend, the oak,” only to be shocked by the damage.
“This giant has been standing longer than Canada has been a country,” she wrote. “I was defeated to see how almost every leading limb has been snapped off. I wasn’t sure my heart could break any more, but today it did.”
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Despite the damage, Virgoe — who is also a certified forest therapy guide — said the popular forest therapy sessions she leads at Ken Reid Conservation Area will continue in the future.
“Forest therapy is a way of connecting to the forest,” she said. “I will definitely continue to provide these walks into the future.”
Noting she knows “the forests here at Ken Reid quite well,” Virgoe says the benefits of the walks are not diminished by the damage to trees.
“It’s heartbreaking to see some of the iconic trees destroyed, but the forest is still quite resilient and strong. I never walk into a forest and look for something that isn’t there. I go to the forest to rest, to find peace and solace. Those things are still there.”
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In the meantime, crews continue their work to reopen more areas in the conservation areas in the days and weeks ahead. Visitors are asked to respect trail closures and posted signage for their own safety.
Kawartha Conservation said staff remains available by phone or email to assist with planning, permitting, stewardship, and other inquiries, and encourages community members to reach out for support or information related to conservation programs and services.
kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.
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