Home Blog Page 9

Rebeccah Love’s debut feature film ‘Fortescue’ screens at Kinmount’s Highlands Cinemas this long weekend

Toronto-based filmmaker Rebeccah Love consults with cinematographer Eric Rowe on a scene from her debut feature-length "Fortescue", which was shot at her family cottage on Fortescue Lake just east of Kinmount in the Haliburton Highlands. Love will be attending all four screenings of the film at Highlands Cinemas in Kinmount over the Victoria Day long weekend. (Photo: Eli Meadow Ramraj)

In the Canadian indie film Fortescue, on the quiet shore of a lake in cottage country, a performance collective celebrates the acclaim their fearless writer/director has received for her contemporary revision of Rapunzel.

The production is a vulnerable effort from its playwright, Lea (Kelsey Falconer), that incorporates themes of loneliness and mental health that mirror her own experience. She’s proud of herself and her cast (Chelsea Preston, Tyson Coady) and anticipates performing an excerpt for locals including a vacationing representative from Stratford (Jacqueline Greer Graham).

Having toured with Fortescue last year and continuing with screenings at schools and rep theatres, Toronto-based filmmaker Rebeccah Love’s next stop for her debut feature-length film is Kinmount’s Highlands Cinema, a cherished “DIY multiplex” that is now world-renowned thanks to Matt Finlin’s hit documentary The Movie Man about owner Keith Stata, where the film is screening over the Victoria Day long weekend.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Love shot the film at her family cottage on Fortescue Lake, just east of Kinmount in the Haliburton Highlands.

This proposes an interesting, and possibly deliberate, self-referential angle for Fortescue: a film about independent artists putting on a performance in the woods for the community is being screened, courtesy of its independent artists, at a movie theatre that’s, essentially, in the woods.

This is, however, myself putting too much thought into the origin of the film. The choice of venue boils down to Love’s personal admiration for Kinmount’s hidden gem.

“The Highlands Cinemas carries a very special place in my heart,” says Love. “I grew up coming to this movie theatre as a kid. This is where I learned about cinema. There is something very special and magical about going into the middle of the woods to either make or consume art.”

VIDEO: “Fortescue” trailer

That creative parallel is evident in Fortescue, as the film’s cottage serves as a creative hub, allowing Lea and actors Gabby and Kevin to re-centre themselves. Tensions arise, at first, when the friendly dynamic between Lea and Gabby is altered by Kevin’s arrival. The trailer suggests a story about a potential love triangle, but it’s quickly established how Kevin’s sanctimonious comments can rattle Gabby’s nerves.

Fortescue is a drama that relies heavily on character work and, thankfully, the cast are up to the challenge.

“A lot of the dynamics at play in this story are not really based on any real-life relationships, but are loosely inspired by my experience as a millennial woman living with chronic illness,” explains Love, who lives with three chronic health conditions including bipolar I disorder.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

“My cast was made up of some pretty extraordinary actors who carried within them a wealth of experience both on the stage and on camera,” Love says. “I like to give actors a ton of freedom to make their own choices. Many of the creative decisions that made Fortescue so special came directly from the actors and their unique visions of the characters they portray. I felt very fortunate to be able to collaborate with them and learn from them.”

Does a process this intimate invite elements of improvisation?

“All of our actors engaged with some level of improvisation to bring their characters to life,” Love says. “The montage scenes are built entirely off of improvisations, but there were many other moments where our actors made specific choices about their character. These choices led to a specific kind of magic that I had not anticipated.”

Rebeccah Love's debut feature-length "Fortescue" follows two friends, playwright Lea (Kelsey Falconer) and her actress friend Gabby (Chelsea Preston, pictured) who retreat to a lakeside cottage to stage a reimagined version of Rapunzel. Their idyllic summer is disrupted by the arrival of Lea's boyfriend Kevin (Tyson Coady), leading to tensions and, when Lea runs out of her medication, her descent into psychosis. (Photo: Eric Rowe)
Rebeccah Love’s debut feature-length “Fortescue” follows two friends, playwright Lea (Kelsey Falconer) and her actress friend Gabby (Chelsea Preston, pictured) who retreat to a lakeside cottage to stage a reimagined version of Rapunzel. Their idyllic summer is disrupted by the arrival of Lea’s boyfriend Kevin (Tyson Coady), leading to tensions and, when Lea runs out of her medication, her descent into psychosis. (Photo: Eric Rowe)

Because of the cast’s confidence and Love’s trustworthy direction, Fortescue sticks its landing as a genuinely mature drama.

The stakes are raised when Lea’s medication runs sparse and the visionary gradually loses her grip, prompting those around her to act on their instincts regarding how to treat and support someone going through a personal mental health crisis.

The movie is immaculately measured as Lea’s condition worsens and the atmosphere grows more shallow in the cottage. The rising action almost resembles that of a bottled thriller or an “elevated horror,” except Love isn’t trying to disguise issues or feelings with allegories or metaphors. Instead, the filmmaker would rather look at Lea’s situation head-on.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

“It is very challenging to discuss mental health in any medium without turning to harmful archetypes or sappy storylines,” Love explains. “We were seeking to portray a believable if slightly stylized depiction of psychosis, in hopes of reminding our audiences that every day, people across the country struggle with emotional dysregulation, delusions, mania, psychosis, suicidal depression, (and) paranoias.”

“Those who are struggling in their illnesses are still lovable, but also those who partake in caregiving never have the truth of their reality depicted on screen. It is challenging to strike a perfect balance in a dramatic narrative, where you are touching your audience but not in any kind of public service announcement tone.”

“With each passing day we are getting closer to normalizing these conversations,” she adds. “Narrative features have an important role to play in shifting public conversations around the great traumas of being alive.”

The crew for Toronto-based filmmaker Rebeccah Love's debut feature-length "Fortescue" shoots a swimming scene with actors Kelsey Falconer and Chelsea Preston in Fortescue Lake in the Haliburton Highlands. (Photo: Eli Meadow Ramraj)
The crew for Toronto-based filmmaker Rebeccah Love’s debut feature-length “Fortescue” shoots a swimming scene with actors Kelsey Falconer and Chelsea Preston in Fortescue Lake in the Haliburton Highlands. (Photo: Eli Meadow Ramraj)

Fortescue is an excellent achievement as an independent film choosing to climb mountains. Love’s presentation of what happens to Lea as she descends into psychosis is effective and truly pulls at our heartstrings, and the audience is still able to relate to the worried attitudes of Lea’s support circle. As attempts are made to earn a connection to their desperate friend, they start to feel a different type of helplessness that will weigh on their will.

Finding compassion at camp, Fortescue is an essential work about what it means to be human.

The film screens at Highlands Cinemas at County Road 121 in Kinmount at 7:15 p.m. from Friday, May 16 to Monday, May 19, with writer/director Rebeccah Love in attendance for all four screenings.

Cash-only admission is $13 for adults and $11 for seniors and children, with a $9 admission price on Monday nights.

Kawarthas region health unit stresses importance of immunization as number of measles cases in Ontario continues to climb

As the number of measles cases continues to climb in Ontario, the health unit serving the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Haliburton, and Peterborough counties is preparing for the arrival of the contagious respiratory infection, Dr. Natalie Bocking said.

Dr. Bocking, deputy medical officer of health for the Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit (HKNP), shared an update on Thursday (May 15) with board of health members during HKNP’s board of health meeting held in person in Hiawatha First Nation and streamed live on YouTube.

“Over the last two to three weeks, on a weekly basis we’re seeing anywhere from 150 to 200 new cases per week across the province,” Dr. Bocking said.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

The majority of those cases are associated with an outbreak that started in the fall of 2024 and is continuing to date.

Within that outbreak, there are 1,622 cases in Ontario and 94 per cent of those cases encompass those who have not been vaccinated at all or have unknown immunization status, Dr. Bocking noted.

“This is an outbreak that is impacting people who are not vaccinated and not protected against the measles virus,” she said. “Unfortunately, today there have been 119 hospitalizations admissions associated with this outbreak, so this is a pretty significant number for our region and the province overall.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Dr. Bocking said the majority of cases reported continue to be in southwestern Ontario.

“We have not had a case across the City of Kawartha Lakes, the counties of Northumberland, Haliburton, Peterborough or city of Peterborough,” she noted, adding “I think we should not be surprised if we do see a case.”

“We certainly have had individuals who have been exposed (through gatherings in other communities where a case has been identified). So as the health unit, we continue to plan and prepare for when a case may or will likely arrive.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Dr. Bocking said the HKNP Health Unit is continuing to spread the word about the importance of immunization through its websites and social media channels. It is also reaching out to organizations that are more likely to see measles, such as those working with groups of children.

“Our region hosts a large number of recreational summer camps,” Dr. Bocking shared as an example. She said HKNP employees are connecting with camp operators to ensure they’re aware of how to protect campers and staff, and what to expect should there be a case of measles.

She encouraged all members of the board of health “to continue to promote vaccination as the most important way to prevent measles infection.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Measles is a serious respiratory infection that is highly contagious. People with measles spread the virus by coughing or sneezing into the air. It can also be transmitted by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching an infected surface. Symptoms of measles include fever, a red blotchy rash, red watery eyes, and cough.

According to Public Health Ontario, measles can have serious complications, especially for babies and young children, including ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. While most people recover, the illness can weaken the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to other infections.

Public Health Ontario says getting vaccinated “is the best way to protect yourself against measles.” For children and most adults born after 1970, this means receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (e.g., MMR vaccine). People travelling outside of Canada should ensure they are adequately protected through vaccination prior to travelling.

nightlifeNOW – May 15 to 21

Award-winning actor, musician, playwright, music director, and sound designer Beau Dixon will perform on piano and vocals backed by Sam Weber on guitar, Ryan Browne on bass, and Curtis Cronkwright on drums during the Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association's Deluxe Live event at The Social in downtown Peterborough on Saturday afternoon, which also features spotlight musician Grainne Ryan backed by Al Black, Jeremy Spencley, Andy Pryde, and Sean Daniels. (Photo: David Hou)

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, May 15 to Wednesday, May 21.

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).

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

100 Acre Brewing Co.

390 Ashburnham Dr., Peterborough
705-243-2444

Thursday, May 15

5-8pm - Brad Renaud (no cover)

Coming Soon

Thursday, May 22
5-8pm - Michael Tremblay (no cover)

Arthur's Pub

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

Thursday, May 15

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

Friday, May 16

8-11pm - Brian Bracken

Saturday, May 17

8-11pm - Isaiah Smith & Liam Boucher

Monday, May 19

7:30-9:30pm - Local talent night ft Cassidy Van Heuvelen

Bar Vita

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

Friday, May 16

7:30-10:30pm - Carling Stephen & Rob Phillips

Beamish House Pub

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

Sunday, May 18

4-7pm - Dave Saliba

Black Horse Pub

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

Thursday, May 15

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

Friday, May 16

5-8pm - Jonah McLean; 9pm - The Ilk

Saturday, May 17

5-8pm - Emily Burgess; 9pm - Woodhouse Crooks

Sunday, May 18

4-7pm - Washboard Hank & The Wringers

Monday, May 19

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

Tuesday, May 20

6-10pm - Open mic w/ Johann Burkhardt

Wednesday, May 21

6-9pm - Dave Tough and The Scholars

Coming Soon

Friday, May 23
5-8pm - Lotus Wight; 9pm - Union Street Groove

Saturday, May 24
5-8pm - Start Run Radio; 9pm - Beau Dixon

Sunday, May 25
4-7pm - Ball and Chain (Michael Ball and Jody Benjamin)

Boshkung Social - Boshkung Brewing Co.

20 Water St., Minden
705-809-0512

Thursday, May 15

6pm - Erin Blackstock

Saturday, May 17

3pm - Van Hillert

Sunday, May 18

2pm - Sydney Mae

Burleigh Falls Inn

4791 Highway 28, Burleigh Falls
(705) 654-3441

Friday, May 16

6-8:30pm - Bob Butcher (no cover)

Sunday, May 18

6pm - East Coast Kitchen Party ft Michelle Prins & Mike Graham ($95 for lobster & brisket dinner)

Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg

38 Covert St., Cobourg
(905) 377-9029

Friday, May 16

9pm-1am - Karaoke w/ Cait Sheppard

Wednesday, May 21

7-10pm - Open jam w/ Will Parker

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Coach & Horses Pub

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

Thursday, May 15

6-9pm - Open jam w/ Jesse Robinson; 9pm-1am - Karaoke w/ DJ Ross

Saturday, May 17

2-5pm - KC Carter; 10pm-2am - Karaoke w/ DJ Ross

Crook & Coffer

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

Thursday, May 15

7-9:30pm - Open stage w/ Diamond Dave (original music only)

Friday, May 16

8:30pm - Karaoke w/ Stoeten

Saturday, May 17

7:30-10pm - James Higgins

Dominion Hotel

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

Saturday, May 17

6-9pm - Gord Kidd and Friends (no cover)

Sunday, May 18

3-6pm - Doug Hall (no cover)

Faculty Bar (formerly Bar 379)

379 Water St., Peterborough
705-742-0777

Coming Soon

Sunday, June 29
8:30-11:30pm - Single Mothers w/ Pkew Pkew Pkew, Heartless Romantics ($20 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1329183516679)

Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.

4 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 215-9898

Friday, May 16

6:30pm - Boots of Hazard / Open jam

Saturday, May 17

6-9pm - Live music TBA

Ganaraska Brewing Company

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

Friday, May 16

7pm - Karaoke Night

Saturday, May 17

7-9pm - Camilo Restrepo

Sunday, May 18

2-5pm - Open mic w/ Matt Marcuz

Wednesday, May 21

6:30pm - Live music TBA

Ganaraska Hotel

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

Saturday, May 17

2-6pm - Blueprint

Gordon Best Theatre

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

Saturday, May 17

8pm - Macabre Obscurum ft live music w/ Acid Rot, Titan Arum, drag w/ Banshii Waylon and Sahira Q, stunts by Bella M. Eurta ($15 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1259827089739)

Coming Soon

Friday, May 23
8pm - Mokomokai w/ Thunderor and Garbageface ($25 at door)

Saturday, May 24
6-11pm - Broken Harmony

Saturday, May 31
7:30pm - Le Volume (Jenny Whiteley, Joey Wright, Julian Brown) ($30 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1274816754229)

Saturday, June 7
8pm - Radiohead tribute band Idioteque performs "The Bends" ($20 early bird or $25 general admission in advance at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1301654807569)

The Granite

45 Bridge St. W., Bancroft
613-332-1500

Saturday, May 17

5-8pm - Paul Richard

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Graz Restobar

38 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
705-738-6343

Friday, May 16

7:30pm - Jesse Byers

Saturday, May 17

7:30pm - Kevin Foster

Jethro's Bar + Stage

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

Thursday, May 15

8-10pm - Jeanne Truax & Friends; 10pm-12am - The Union

Friday, May 16

8-10pm - Carpe Noctem; 10pm-12am - Dan Hick, Shannon Roszell, Lucy Ferrill

Saturday, May 17

10pm-12am - The Jet Airliners

Sunday, May 18

3-6pm - Blues jam

Wednesday, May 21

9pm - The Space Heaters

The John at Sadleir House

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

Coming Soon

Friday, May 30
7:30pm - Labyrinth Ontario ft Araz Salek, Canan Sezgin-Geylan, Yahya Geylan ($20, $10 students in advance at https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/52861/)

Saturday, May 31
7:30pm - Bal Folk Dance w/ Boing Boing Zoom Zoom ($30 patron of the arts, $25 general admission, $20 arts worker, $15 student in advance at https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/52468/)

Kawartha Country Wines

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

Sunday, May 18

1-4pm - Wylie Harold and Richard Simpkins (Sonny & Cloudy)

Kelly's Homelike Inn

205 3rd Street, Cobourg
905-372-3234

Friday, May 16

7-10pm - Jeff Biggar

Saturday, May 17

4-8pm - Monkey Mountain

Mainstreet Bar & Grill

1939 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn
(705) 657-9094

Friday, May 16

7:30pm - Karaoke w/ DJ Ross

McThirsty's Pint

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

Friday, May 16

9pm-1am - Jordan Thomas

Saturday, May 17

9pm-1am - Ryan Burton

Sunday, May 18

8pm - Karaoke and open mic

Tuesday, May 20

8pm - Joanna & Danny Bronson

Wednesday, May 21

8pm - Kevin Foster

Muddy's Pit BBQ

3247 County Rd. 2, Keene
(705) 295-1255

Sunday, May 18

3-6pm - The Fabulous Tonemasters

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Olympia Restaurant

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

Saturday, May 17

5-8:30pm - Live music TBA

Pattie House Smokin' Barbecue

6675 Highway 35, Coboconk
(705) 454-8100

Saturday, May 17

8-10pm - Madhaus ($10)

Pig's Ear Tavern

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

Friday, May 16

9pm - The Russlin' Bears (no cover)

Saturday, May 17

8pm - James Miranda & Michelle Möran w/ Mr. Not Much Fun, Harrison Ford F-150 ($5)

Sunday, May 18

9pm - Pat Walsh & Blue Velour

Tuesday, May 20

9pm - Open mic

Wednesday, May 21

9pm - Karaoinke

Riverside Grill & Gazebo at Holiday Inn

150 George St, Peterborough
705-740-6564

Coming Soon

Friday, May 23
6pm - Gunslingers

Rolling Grape Vineyard

260 County Rd 2, Bailieboro
705-991-5876

Thursday, May 15

5:30-8:30pm - Kevin Foster

Sunday, May 18

2-5pm - Cale Crowe

Royal Crown Pub & Grill

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

Saturday, May 17

8pm - At The Ready (no cover)

Scenery Drive Restaurant

6193 County Road 45, Baltimore
905-349-2217

Saturday, May 17

5-7:30pm - Mike Tremblay

The Social Pub

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

Saturday, May 17

1-4pm - PMBA Deluxe Live ft Beau Dixon w/ Curtis Cronkwright, Ryan Browne, and Sam Weber and Grainne Ryan w/ Al Black, Jeremy Spencley, Andy Pryde, and Sean Daniels ($10 donation suggested)

VIDEO: "Your Love Will Carry Me" - Beau Dixon

Sticks Sports Pub

500 George St. S., Peterborough
(705) 775-7845

Friday, May 16

6pm - High Waters Trio

Tap & Tonic Pub & Bistro - Campbellford

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

Thursday, May 15

7-10pm - Nighthawk

Tap & Tonic Pub & Bistro - Marmora

16 Forsyth St., Marmora
613-666-9767

Thursday, May 15

7pm - Nephton Ridge Runners

The Thirsty Goose

63 Walton St., Port Hope

Friday, May 16

8pm-12am - Cale Crowe

Saturday, May 17

8pm-12am - Ryan Scott

The Venue

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

Friday, May 16

9pm - Wing Night (Hip-Hop and R&B cover band) ($25 in advance at https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/wing-night-the-the-venue-tickets/14359333)

Saturday, May 17

7:30pm - Roney w/ Raw Dog ($40 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1250236243259)

Coming Soon

Friday, May 23
8pm - The Halluci Nation - Path Of The Baby Face Tour ($29.50 in advance at https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/the-halluci-nation-the-venue-tickets/14295373)

William Prince, Steven Page, and Sloan among performers at Peterborough Musicfest this summer

William Prince, Steven Page, and Sloan are three of the musical acts performing free-admission concerts during the 38th season of Peterborough Musicfest, which runs from June 28 to August 16, 2025. (kawarthaNOW collage)

As serene Del Crary Park continues to stir from its winter slumber, it’s hard to picture the treasured urban greenspace being the frenetic home in but six weeks to live music, singing, dancing, and thousands of smiling faces.

But that will indeed be the case starting Saturday, June 28 as Peterborough Musicfest embarks on its 38th summer season of free concerts, that night welcoming Juno award-winning musician Serena Ryder back to its stage to open the annual festival.

Before a large crowd buzzing with anticipation, most of the remaining season lineup was revealed Thursday morning (May 15) at The Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park — along with a new performance opportunity for local musicians.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

After opening remarks from Musicfest board chair Brian Ellis and Musicfest executive director Tracey Randall, emcee Vince Bierworth revealed the acts confirmed date-by-date, noting the headliners for four concert nights can’t yet be revealed due to ongoing negotiations or contractual obligations.

Still, Bierworth had plenty to share. Including six concerts announced earlier this year — Ryder’s season opener on June 28, punk rockers Gob on July 19, U2 tribute band Acrobat on August 2, Celtic rockers Mudmen (with Irish Millie) on August 6, The Celtic Tenors on August 9, and classic rock mainstay Kim Mitchell closing out the festival on August 16 — there’s a total of 16 shows scheduled.

Here’s the Peterborough Musicfest summer lineup, with four concerts in July still to be announced.

  • Serena Ryder (rock) – Saturday, June 28
  • Neon Nostalgic (retro rock tribute) – Tuesday, July 1
  • William Prince (folk/country) – Wednesday, July 2
  • To be announced – Saturday, July 5
  • To be announced – Wednesday, July 9
  • Steven Page (pop/rock) – Saturday, July 12
  • Sloan (indie rock) – Wednesday, July 16
  • Gob (punk rock) – Saturday, July 19
  • Abbamania and Night Fever (ABBA/Bee Gees tribute) – Wednesday, July 23
  • To be announced – Saturday, July 26
  • To be announced – Wednesday, July 30
  • Acrobat (U2 tribute) – Saturday, August 2
  • Mudmen (Celtic rock with guest Irish Millie) – Wednesday, August 6
  • The Celtic Tenors (Celtic) – Saturday, August 9
  • Choir! Choir! Choir! (Queen music singalong) – Wednesday, August 13
  • Kim Mitchell (classic rock) – Saturday, August 16
Peterborough Musicfest executive director Tracey Randall speaks during the 38th season lineup reveal at The Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park on May 15, 2025. (Photo: Paul Rellnger / kawarthaNOW)
Peterborough Musicfest executive director Tracey Randall speaks during the 38th season lineup reveal at The Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park on May 15, 2025. (Photo: Paul Rellnger / kawarthaNOW)

Country music, which has always been a popular park draw, is missing from the list but, according to Randall, two of the headliners to yet be announced will fill that void.

After the reveal, Randall provided insight as to why certain acts can’t yet be announced.

“I’ve got a couple of bands that are playing at other festivals, selling tickets right now, so we’re not allowed to announce (them) until June,” she explained. “We’ll do that as soon as we can in a couple of weeks.”

Speaking to sponsorships for the season, which are key to the offering of free-admission concerts, Randall says she’s at about 83 per cent of the goal, adding “I need about another $80,000.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Another factor is confirmation of grants from upper levels of government that have been applied for.

“Last year, Miskin Law came in the week before we opened with $25,000, so we were able to go and get Metric (last year). We’re hoping we get a little more funding. Prices have gone up, our costs have gone up, so we have to find the money somewhere. We’ll do it. Every year we make it work.”

As for the music genre mix of the lineup, Randall is “really happy.”

“I love William Prince,” she said of the Juno award-winning roots singer-songwriter. “Thanks to FedDev (the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario) who has given us the funding (for that show).”

“Sloan got stuck on the runway in Halifax the last time, so they didn’t come until the Sunday,” said Randall, referring to the Juno award-winning rock quartet’s rescheduled July 16, 2013 appearance at Musicfest. “Only 5,000 people showed up — we expected 10,000.”

“I’m really excited too about Serena Ryder. She has been a favourite of mine since I was a kid. And Choir! Choir! Choir! did so well last year, so we’re really happy to get them back.”

VIDEO: “Money City Maniacs” – Sloan

Besides announcing of the summer lineup, the reveal also brought news that’s sure to be music to the ears of local musicians.

On eight or so concert evenings yet to be determined, a second stage — sponsored by Cogeco and located near the food vendors — will be home to pre-main show acoustic performances by local musicians.

The Future Sounds Stage, says Randall, will not only “partly extend the night” for concert attendees, but also address some criticisms that Musicfest doesn’t do enough to promote the local music community.

“Every year, we try to have three or four (local acts) and we do,” says Randall, pointing to Irish Millie’s opening for Mudmen this season and Millbrook native Ryder’s opening night turn.

“We want the future Serena Ryders on our stage. Jimmy Bowskill grew up on our stage. We’re still working on it, but there will be a separate lineup (reveal) for the Future Sounds Stage. We may even think about having a competition where someone would win a spot on our (main stage), which is a pretty big deal.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Equally pumped for the season is Ellis, who’s embarking on the first year of a two-year term as board chair.

“A lot of people don’t realize just how much goes on behind the scenes to make all this come together,” says Ellis, adding he too is excited about the Future Sounds Stage series.

“It’s something, as a board and as staff, we’ve thought about for a number of years. The second stage idea came up, we’ve got one of our partners on board … it’ll be a great opportunity for local artists.”

As for main stage lineup, Ellis lists Sloan, Gob, and Kim Mitchell as personal must-attends.

“I’ve actually never seen Serena Ryder, so I’m looking forward to that. And Mudmen have been on the wish list of a lot of people, so it’s going to be a great show.”

Peterborough Musicfest board chair Brian Ellis (right) speaks during the 38th season lineup reveal at The Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park on May 15, 2025 as emcee Vince Bierworth looks on. (Photo: Paul Rellnger / kawarthaNOW)
Peterborough Musicfest board chair Brian Ellis (right) speaks during the 38th season lineup reveal at The Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park on May 15, 2025 as emcee Vince Bierworth looks on. (Photo: Paul Rellnger / kawarthaNOW)

Also of note, Musicfest has entered two community partnerships that will be reflected on stage.

William Prince is headlining as part of what’s billed as “Woven Stories: A Night of Indigenous Culture, Music and Celebration,” and the concerts of August 2 to 9, featuring Acrobat, Mudmen, and The Celtic Tenors, will pay homage to the bicentennial of the Peter Robinson emigration to the Kawarthas — a celebration being marked via a number of local events this year.

For more information on the 38th Peterborough Musicfest season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca.. Watch kawarthaNOW for updates about the four concerts still to be announced and the lineup for the Future Sounds Stage.

Ontario Health Team of Northumberland launches website aimed at helping patients to navigate healthcare system

Andrea Groff, executive lead of the Ontario Health Team of Northumberland, says the team's new website is intended to address the frustrations of patients and caregivers in finding information when they're trying to navigate the healthcare system in Northumberland County. (Photo courtesy of Ontario Health Team of Northumberland)

Helping patients in Northumberland County navigate the healthcare system with more ease is the goal of a new initiative of the Ontario Health Team of Northumberland (OHT-N).

The OHT-N has launched a new website featuring an integrated system navigation platform designed to better support patients, caregivers, residents, and health care providers across the community.

“We’ve very excited about the launch of the OHT-N’s new and improved website and, especially, its new service navigation section,” Andrea Groff, executive lead for OHT-N, told kawarthaNOW.

“We have heard over and over again how frustrating it is for patients and caregivers to find information when they’re trying to navigate the healthcare system. We did not want to contribute to the noise — we wanted to help cut through it.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

To that end, Groff said the team worked with the Experience Partner Council (EPC) — individuals with lived experience navigating care and supports in this community — and partners to develop a more user-friendly, online hub designed to help patients, providers, and caregivers find the health care services they need close to home.

With a mobile-friendly layout, searchable plain-language content, and built-in accessibility features, “we are committed to providing one front door to help everyone in Northumberland — regardless of age, ability, or digital literacy — to (access the local health system more easily),” Groff said, quoting EPC chair Suzanne Lawson.

“This is just the beginning of what this tool can provide, and we welcome feedback to enhance it further and keep its content as up to date as possible. Our biggest hope is that this platform, and its ‘find services near you’ service, will help people feel more informed, connected, and supported throughout their health journey,” Groff added.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

The website was developed with a focus on the patient and caregiver experience, offering tailored resources and accessible information aligned with OHT-N’s core priority areas.

Priority areas include access to primary and speciality care (including coordinating care pathways for those without access to a primary care provider), services for seniors and older adults with complex conditions (helping people maintain independence, sustain their health, and age well at home), and mental health and addiction support (with a focus on prevention, early intervention, continuous care, and crisis response).

The website also focuses on highlighting OHT-N’s collaborative efforts in spearheading new initiatives to address identified community needs. This includes the expansion of the rural outreach clinic in Colborne, a partnership with the Township of Cramahe, according to a media release.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

“The goal of (Ontario Health Teams) is to create a connected, sustainable healthcare system in which people can more easily access the care and support they need,” said Susan Walsh, president and CEO of Northumberland Hills Hospital and co-chair of OHT-N, in a statement.

“We’ve heard from patients and caregivers that navigating services can be challenging. This new website was developed in direct response to these concerns, offering a trusted, one-stop resource for local health services and supports.”

Lawson said she has heard first-hand how frustrating it is for patients and caregivers to hunt through dozens of sites just to find the right clinic, service, or community program.

“By bringing attention to our local health organizations, highlighting primary and acute-care services, and featuring where to access caregiver resources on one intuitive navigation platform, this redesigned website turns that maze into a single front door — saving time, reducing stress, and letting people focus on their health instead of the search,” Lawson said.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Partners encourage community members to visit the website at www.ohtnorthumberland.ca and provide feedback to help enhance the platform and usability. The website will be regularly updated to reflect changes in local health care services and public health information, the release noted.

For help with the service navigation section of the website, or for questions on accessing health and wellness resources in the community, call the OHT-N’s community navigation representative at 289-265-0505.

OHT-N is a county-wide team of patients, caregivers, physicians, and health and community care providers working together to enhance coordination and experience of local health and community services. In recent years, OHT-N partners successfully launched three priority health care projects in Northumberland County: a volunteer peer support initiative, a community paramedicine program, and the region’s first rural outreach clinic.

Some Peterborough residents upset about removal of city-owned trees from their properties

One of the city-owned mature trees in Peterborough's East City that have been removed. According to the City of Peterborough, the city's urban forestry technologists have identified trees that are hazards due to overall tree health and the level of risk they pose, and have provided a list to city-contracted arborist crews of trees requiring pruning or removal. Some of the trees being removed did not suffer damage due to the ice storm at the end of March. Residents will not receive any advance notice or explanation before trees are removed. (Photos: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)

Some Peterborough residents are upset that city-owned trees on the easement portion of their property, such as a boulevard beside a sidewalk, have been removed with no prior notice or explanation from the city.

That includes several residents in an East City neighbourhood who, earlier this week, were surprised and alarmed when arborist crews appeared and began taking down several mature trees that appeared to be healthy.

According to an email from Bob Pitchford, operations manager of public works for the City of Peterborough, trees are being removed that the city’s urban forestry technologists have identified as hazards. The city has 20 to 25 contracted arborist crews that are working to remove the identified trees based on a list provided to them by city staff.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

While the work is being done as part of the city’s response to the damage caused by the ice storm at the end of March, trees may be removed for reasons other than ice storm damage.

“Trees are not being removed based on how much damage they suffered as a result of the ice storm,” Pitchford says. “They are being actioned based on the overall tree health and level of risk they pose. We have identified several trees requiring removal due to high likelihood of failure despite suffering no storm damage. This has only been the initial risk assessment process and a more thorough and in-depth tree risk assessment is still yet to come.”

Pitchford says the city does not remove healthy trees “under any circumstance” — only trees that are badly damaged or “found to be in a high likelihood of failure.”

“If the tree was in good health and suffered minimal damage then a pruning order was issued to simply prune out storm damage and improve the overall health of the tree,” Pitchford says.

The City of Peterborough has also identified trees in city-owned parks that require pruning or removal. A large number of ash trees have been removed from a median in the parking lot at Beavermead Park in Peterborough. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
The City of Peterborough has also identified trees in city-owned parks that require pruning or removal. A large number of ash trees have been removed from a median in the parking lot at Beavermead Park in Peterborough. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)

A foreman of one of the city-contracted crews told kawarthaNOW that crews have the discretion to remove a tree that has a pruning order if they determine the tree is a hazard. According to Pitchford, the reverse is also true.

“The contractors in the field have the skills and ability to prune a tree that is slated for removal should they feel the tree can be saved, and vice versa — they can remove a tree that is slated to be pruned if they feel the damage is too extensive.”

Prior to the work beginning, the city did not issue a media release, and Pitchford says no advance notice will be provided to residents who will lose trees. He notes the city is not following the normal process where an orange dot is sprayed on the trunk of a tree that will be removed.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

“Given the mass volume of trees we are dealing with post-ice storm, we have not taken the time to paint each tree slated for removal,” says Pitchford, adding that — aside from marking trees to be removed — the city does not normally provide any formal notice to residents when a tree is slated for removal, with the exception of ash trees which are part of a special program.

“We are simply actioning trees as fast as possible to reduce the likelihood of failure and to best manage our level of risk.”

For residents who have had a city-owned tree removed, Pitchford says the city normally replaces every tree within two to three years from removal. According to the city’s website, stump grinding takes place the year after removal and replanting the following spring or fall.

“Having said that, these are not normal operations and the city cannot provide timelines on the lengthy process ahead of us, with over 3,500 service requests and possibly over a thousand of those being removals,” he says. “This process will take time but we continue to make every effort to complete the process as quickly as possible.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Pitchford says the city’s urban forestry technologists have also inspected trees in city-owned parks, marking trees slated for removal with a diagonal slash and those requiring pruning with a line and arrow.

In a median of the parking lot at Beavermead Park, at least 12 mature trees have been removed, all of which were ash trees ranging from poor to moderate to good condition.

“The city of Peterborough has a duty of care to provide within our urban forestry canopy and we take every measure to ensure we maintain the tree canopy in a manner to mitigate risk and liability,” Pitchford says.

Peterborough GreenUP teaming up with Trans Canada Trail to plant new trees in Ecology Park

GreenUP Ecology Park in Peterborough is home to a small section of the iconic 28,000-kilometre Trans Canada Trail. In 2025, GreenUP will be working with friends at the Trans Canada Trail to restore the tree canopy at the park by planting 12 large specimen trees and two large specimen shrubs, as well as installing educational signage describing what makes these trees so special. (Photo: Vern Bastable / GreenUP)

There is a great wave of national pride running through Canada right now. The maple leaf seems to be everywhere.

At GreenUP Ecology Park, not only will there be great maple trees available for purchase at the native plant and tree nursery opening on Saturday (May 17), but this five-acre urban oasis also features something else that ties Canada together: the Trans Canada Trail.

The Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail system in the world, touching three oceans and joining 15,000 rural, urban, and Indigenous communities together. It connects each one of the provinces and territories, including a section on Baffin Island, Nunavut.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Ecology Park is home to a small section of this iconic 28,000-kilometre (and growing) trail system — and its tree canopy, which has suffered in recent years.

First, Emerald ash borer killed all local ash trees, which was once the most dominant species within the park. In 2022, the historic derecho levelled many beautiful stately trees, roots and all. Then just this past March, the ice storm damaged or destroyed even more of the thinning canopy.

While this level of climate-related decline is disheartening, GreenUP is determined to replant and improve the resiliency of Ecology Park.

Adding a beautiful red to the fall canopy at GreenUP Ecology Park, red oak is one of the native tree species that will be available for purchase at Ecology Park Native Plant and Tree Nursery when it opens for the season on May 17, 2025. Native trees will be planted as part of the 2025 Trans Canada Trail restoration project in the park. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)
Adding a beautiful red to the fall canopy at GreenUP Ecology Park, red oak is one of the native tree species that will be available for purchase at Ecology Park Native Plant and Tree Nursery when it opens for the season on May 17, 2025. Native trees will be planted as part of the 2025 Trans Canada Trail restoration project in the park. (Photo: Hayley Goodchild / GreenUP)

“With recent storms and the ongoing biodiversity crisis, it’s clear that we need to act to protect the future of our beautiful region,” says GreenUP executive director Tegan Moss.

This year, GreenUP will be working with friends at the Trans Canada Trail to enhance the urban forest throughout Ecology Park. The initiative will see 12 large specimen trees and two large specimen shrubs planted along the trail, and the installation of educational signage describing what makes these trees so special.

Beginning this spring, species planted will include familiar trees such as black walnut, black cherry, and American mountain ash, as well as rare and showy Carolinian species such as the rare cucumber magnolia, eastern redbud, and pawpaw.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

In the cooler fall months, planting will continue with a large variety of smaller bareroot stock throughout the naturalized areas of the park. Species will include the famous Canadian sugar maple, bur oak, trembling aspen, hackberry, and black chokeberry.

“We are grateful to the Trans Canada Trail for working with GreenUP to restore and identify rare and significant native trees in Ecology Park,” Moss says.

Volunteers are invited to help plant the many large stature trees along the Trans Canada Trail on June 10 and 11, or to help with the bareroot plantings on October 14 and 15. Applications are available at greenup.on.ca/volunteer/.

Trent University teacher candidates help arrange shrubs at GreenUP Ecology Park in preparation for the 2025 season. Students will also be helping with upcoming tree plantings along the Trans Canada Trail in the park to help restore the damaged tree canopy. Volunteers are invited to help plant the many large stature trees along the Trans Canada Trail on June 10 and 11, or to help with the bareroot plantings on October 14 and 15. (Photo: Vern Bastable / GreenUP)
Trent University teacher candidates help arrange shrubs at GreenUP Ecology Park in preparation for the 2025 season. Students will also be helping with upcoming tree plantings along the Trans Canada Trail in the park to help restore the damaged tree canopy. Volunteers are invited to help plant the many large stature trees along the Trans Canada Trail on June 10 and 11, or to help with the bareroot plantings on October 14 and 15. (Photo: Vern Bastable / GreenUP)

The community can also participate in upcoming stewardship events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities through GreenUP’s Ecology Park 2025 Stewardship Series. From invasive species removal to pollinator garden design, tree tours to seed collecting, there is something for everyone. Updates will be posted at greenup.on.ca/events/ as details unfold.

For those wishing to enhance biodiversity at home, GreenUP Little Forest Kits are now available for purchase at greenup.on.ca/little-forests-kits/. Each kit comes with everything needed to start a 16 square-metre little dense forest ecosystem, including 56 trees and shrubs.

Each young tree tucked into the soil can be an inspiration and a source of pride. Renewing the canopy along the Trans Canada Trail links local environmental stewardship to a coast-to-coast ribbon of green. Whether in your own back yard or as a volunteer at Ecology Park, GreenUP believes that caring for the land is a Canadian tradition that everyone can learn to participate in.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

GreenUP’s Ecology Park Native Plant and Tree Nursery carries a large stock of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses, sedges, and ferns, along with a healthy dose of friendly advice.

The nursery opens for the 2025 season on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will subsequently be open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until October.

The Ecology Park Trans Canada Trail Tree Planting project was funded in part by a grant from Trans Canada Trail, along with generous donations from the community. Donations to GreenUP Ecology Park can be made at https://greenup.on.ca/donate-now/.

Canada Day celebrations in Peterborough will feature a ‘community procession’ instead of a parade

Instead of a traditional parade for the City of Peterborough's 2025 Canada Day celebrations, residents will be encouraged to "roll, stroll, and celebrate" by participating in a community procession from City Hall to Millennium Park for a full afternoon of family-friendly festivities. (Photo: City of Peterborough)

With the theme of “Roll, Stroll, and Celebrate!”, the City of Peterborough has announced this year’s Canada Day celebrations — and they won’t include the traditional Canada Day parade.

Instead, there will be a “community procession” departing from City Hall at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1 and proceeding to Millennium Park for a full afternoon of family-friendly festivities.

“We’re reimagining Canada Day as a day of shared reflection, connection, and celebration through community, culture, and creativity,” reads a media release from the city.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

“The community procession is an inclusive and informal walk open to individuals, families, and local organizations who wish to walk, bike, or roll from City Hall to the park together,” the release states. “Please note that this is not a traditional parade and no motorized vehicles or large floats are permitted.”

Also unlike previous years, there will be no family activities at Confederation Square, which traditionally took place for a couple of hours before the parade began at noon. Instead, there will be a full afternoon of music, performances, food, cultural activities, and family programming at Millennium Park from noon until 6 p.m.

However, there will still be a decorated bike contest during the morning community procession “for participants of all ages,” with prizes awarded for the most creative and playful designs.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

According to the city, the afternoon activities at Millennium Park will include live performances by local artists and entertainers, kids’ activities and family zones, food and beverage vendors hosted by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), and interactive cultural displays and information booths.

“Canada Day 2025 emphasizes accessibility, inclusion, and sustainability, featuring local talent, community organizations, and diverse cultural programming that reflects the spirit of Peterborough,” the release states.

The city is encouraging performers, arts and crafts vendors, and food and beverage vendors who want to participate in the afternoon’s activities at Millennium Park to apply by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 30 at peterborough.ca/canadaday.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

After the festivities at Millennium Park, Peterborough Musicfest will be presenting a city-sponsored free admission concert at 8 p.m. at Del Crary Park.

The concert be followed by a fireworks display over Little Lake at 9:30 p.m.

The city will also be hosting a free outdoor movie night at dusk on Monday, June 30 at Quaker Foods City Square, with the movie to be announced.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

The city’s “reimagining” of Canada Day celebrations comes a year after city staff recommended the cancellation of the 2024 Canada Day parade due to continued declining participation, proposing using the parade’s $20,000 budget for other activities instead, such as family-friendly events at Millennium Park and Del Crary Park and an evening fireworks event following the Peterborough Musicfest concert.

City council rejected the staff recommendation, approving the parade to continue for another year until staff could report back to council on the results of the 2024 parade.

Although city staff conducted a survey asking residents for feedback on 2025 Canada Day celebrations, stating that “feedback collected through this survey will help inform recommendations for city council for the 2025 Canada Day celebration,” kawarthaNOW is unaware of any staff recommendations that were brought forward in 2025 for city council’s consideration.

Peterborough’s Calvary Church volunteers turn thousands of used milk bags into sleeping mats for the unhoused community

Volunteers of Calvary Pentecostal Church in Peterborough meet for two hours every week to transform plastic milk bags into sleeping mats for the local unhoused population, using two looms built by church group organizer Tim Young. Now, through Clean Up Peterborough, businesses and organizations can sponsor the build of a loom to provide more opportunity for volunteer groups to create sleeping mats. (Photo: Street Level Advocacy / Facebook)

It takes dedication to turn thousands of used milk bags into sleeping mats but, for two hours every week, volunteer community members gather at Calvary Pentecostal Church in Peterborough to do exactly that in support of the unhoused community.

To date the group has made 52 sleeping mats and, with a new sponsorship program available through volunteer group Clean Up Peterborough, there is opportunity for more community groups to be a part of the initiative and produce more mats.

“(The mats are) fairly thin and they provide some comfort with cushioning and insulation to keep people from the damp, and they’re fairly light,” says church group organizer Tim Young. “It’s a considerable amount of work to get the mat completed but the group enjoys getting together and having a good time, and the end result is somebody getting a cushioned mat to sleep on.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Tim first learned to turn four-litre plastic milk bags into sleeping mats on mission trips to Haiti. When he was no longer able to go overseas, he decided to use the newfound skillset at home.

“We thought this would be a good way to get together and do something for the community and show that some people care,” says Tim. “That’s what we’ve been doing ever since.”

Since beginning the initiative in 2023, Tim has built two looms to streamline the process of weaving the bags into 33-by-78-inch mats. The looms have 34 nails on either end to secure the bags and keep them tight within the mat. The bags are cut in half and linked together so that each mat is seven links long, before volunteers cross weave bags through every two rows until they reach the end.

Meeting on a weekly basis at Calvary Pentecostal Church in Peterborough, volunteer community members have used a streamlined process to turn thousands of milk bags into sleeping mats for the unhoused community in the city since 2023. Now, through a new partnership with volunteer group Clean Up Peterborough, organizations and businesses can sponsor the build of additional looms to be used to produce even more sleeping mats. (Photo: Steve Paul / LinkedIn)
Meeting on a weekly basis at Calvary Pentecostal Church in Peterborough, volunteer community members have used a streamlined process to turn thousands of milk bags into sleeping mats for the unhoused community in the city since 2023. Now, through a new partnership with volunteer group Clean Up Peterborough, organizations and businesses can sponsor the build of additional looms to be used to produce even more sleeping mats. (Photo: Steve Paul / LinkedIn)

“We have gotten to the point now where we can quickly get them together,” Tim adds, noting the beginning and ending are the toughest parts. “Other than that, it’s fairly simple. Once you get started, it’s just a matter of in and out, over and under, until you’re done.”

Each week, the group of approximately six to eight volunteers (both members of the church and non-members) splits into different “stations” where half of the volunteers do the cutting and looping of the bags into seven-link chains, before passing them on to the weavers.

The efficient process is necessary considering it takes roughly 500 milk bags to create just one sleeping mat. Fortunately, says Tim, the group is always happy to lend their time, and it’s become a social event.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

“Everybody seems to enjoy getting together,” Tim says. “They’re talking about family and talking about what’s going on in their lives and what’s going on in the world. It’s just a good time to get together and have some good conversation while we’re still showing the love of Christ to people in our community.”

When the mats are complete — with the group averaging one per week now — they are distributed through Street Level Advocacy, an organization that works with vulnerable populations in the city. The organization delivers the mats where necessary and, according to Tim, the response from users is always encouraging.

“They told us that people were very happy,” he says. “Several people on the streets say they really enjoy them, so we’re glad to be able to supply them.”

To transform plastic milk bags into sleeping mats, the volunteers link seven milk bags together, held taught by nails on either side of the loom, and then cross weave rows of bags over two links at a time. The two looms were built by church group organizer Tim Young, who learned how to turn milk bags into sleeping mats on mission trips to Haiti. (Photo: Street Level Advocacy / Facebook)
To transform plastic milk bags into sleeping mats, the volunteers link seven milk bags together, held taught by nails on either side of the loom, and then cross weave rows of bags over two links at a time. The two looms were built by church group organizer Tim Young, who learned how to turn milk bags into sleeping mats on mission trips to Haiti. (Photo: Street Level Advocacy / Facebook)

Now, volunteer group Clean Up Peterborough is working towards its mission to clean up the planet by partnering with Calvary Church for the “Weave Hope” initiative. The group has been collecting milk bags for months, including from local cafes like KitCoffee and Dreams of Beans every other Friday.

With no shortage of milk bags to repurpose, Clean Up Peterborough founder Steve Paul, upon seeing the volunteer group at Calvary Church in action, saw a need for more of the looms to transform the milk bags into sleeping mats.

“They have it all sorted out and it’s really streamlined and amazing to see,” Steve says. “I saw they’re all having fun, they’re all joking, laughing, and building these wonderful mats at the same time. Seeing this camaraderie, the community, and access to free bags, I thought to myself if we could replicate the loom, people would be likely to want to be involved.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Community groups, teams, or organizations wanting to support the initiative can sponsor the build of a loom to then be used to weave more mats, with $200 covering the cost of materials as well as an honorarium for the volunteer who builds the loom.

With varying sponsorship levels available, including for schools and businesses who want to build the looms themselves, the support would also allow community groups to use the new looms for regular or one-off volunteer events.

“People can bring the loom in and go ahead and make something for two hours, or it can be something like Calvary (Church) where they’ve got a bit of space to host and hold the loom materials,” says Steve. “There’s lots of opportunities if people want to get involved.”

Using a custom-made loom, it takes approximately 500 milk bags for volunteers of Peterborough's Calvary Pentecostal Church to make one sleeping mat which is distributed to local unhoused individuals by the Street Level Advocacy organization. The sleeping mats are 33" x 78", thin, cushioned, and water resistant, and can be rolled up for easy transport. (Photo: Steve Paul / LinkedIn)
Using a custom-made loom, it takes approximately 500 milk bags for volunteers of Peterborough’s Calvary Pentecostal Church to make one sleeping mat which is distributed to local unhoused individuals by the Street Level Advocacy organization. The sleeping mats are 33″ x 78″, thin, cushioned, and water resistant, and can be rolled up for easy transport. (Photo: Steve Paul / LinkedIn)

Given that Clean Up Peterborough’s slogan is “Let’s make a difference together,” Steve suggests it’s community connections like these that fuel the volunteer group.

“The whole part that I really love about this is that we’re all working together to make our community better,” he says.

“Can you imagine if we made 10 more of these looms and we could have groups across the city and even country that were involved in it?”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

As for Tim, he’s happy to grow the initiative for the greater good in a way that brings neighbours together.

“It’s being able to give back to the community and show some love and care for the less fortunate in Peterborough,” he says. “In my faith, we’re told by Christ himself to love one another and to look after the less fortunate. I think this is a minor way of doing that, and at the same time, get people in the community involved.”

For more information or to sponsor a loom, email Steve at Clean Up Peterborough at cleanuppeterborough@gmail.com.

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region announces winners of second annual ‘The Big Flip’ contest

Janice Brown (middle), pictured with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) donor impact manager Natalie Raponi and Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre co-owner and store leader Fred Sweeting, was one of the two winners in Habitat PKR's second annual "The Big Flip" furniture flipping contest. Brown won the "Big & Bold" category for transforming a dresser. (Photo courtesy of Habitat PKR)

From transforming dated antiques into sleek new pieces, over 20 community members took a shot at flipping furniture for the sake of supporting more affordable housing in the Peterborough area.

Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR), in partnership with Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre (Chemong HHBC), has announced the 2025 winners of its second annual furniture-flipping contest called “The Big Flip.”

Held in celebration of Earth Day, the contest continues to inspire sustainability and creativity, said Habitat PKR in a media release.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

This year’s contest saw 22 entries and 1,427 community votes, all in support of reducing waste and showcasing the value of upcycling. Participants were encouraged to find used furniture, transform it, and submit photos of their item before, during, and after the transformation.

“It was so fun to see 22 creative and totally unique entries this year, and especially exciting to spot pieces that started out on the floor of our very own Habitat ReStores,” Holly O’Connor, marketing and communications manager for Habitat PKR, told kawarthaNOW.

Habitat PKR operates three ReStores located in Peterborough, Lindsay, and Lakefield. The non-profit stores sell new and gently used building materials, furniture, and home décor. Shopping, donating, and volunteering at ReStores supports affordable homeownership and sustainability by diverting items from landfills.

Janice Brown, winner of the "Big & Bold" category in the second annual "The Big Flip" furniture flipping contest presented by Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) in partnership with Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre, transformed a hutch for her husband's miniature wargaming collection. (Photos courtesy Janice Brown)
Janice Brown, winner of the “Big & Bold” category in the second annual “The Big Flip” furniture flipping contest presented by Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) in partnership with Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre, transformed a hutch for her husband’s miniature wargaming collection. (Photos courtesy Janice Brown)

“What I love most about The Big Flip is the ongoing impact it has,” O’Connor said.

“Just like shopping at the ReStore, it’s a sustainable choice. It gives old furniture a new life, keeps perfectly good items out of the landfill, and when flipped pieces are bought from the ReStores, they directly support our mission of building more affordable homes. That’s such a powerful combination of creativity, community, and purpose.”

This year’s instalment featured two new categories, “Big & Bold” and “Small but Mighty,” to encourage an even broader range of entries, she added.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Big & Bold winner Janice Brown transformed a hutch for her husband’s miniature wargaming collection, creating an organized and beautiful display for game pieces of various sizes. As an artist, painting was a natural part of her process.

“I was so excited to enter The Big Flip and flip the dresser,” Brown said. “Painting was always going to be a part of the transformation. It’s something we both love.”

Small but Mighty winner Jordanne Posch chose to flip a second-hand dresser with damaged veneer. She sanded, painted, and embossed the drawers using stencil work and DRYDex spackling.

Jordanne Posch (middle, with her baby), pictured with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) donor impact manager Natalie Raponi and Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre co-owner and store leader Fred Sweeting, won the "Small but Mighty" category in Habitat PKR's second annual "The Big Flip" furniture flipping contest. (Photo courtesy of Habitat PKR)
Jordanne Posch (middle, with her baby), pictured with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) donor impact manager Natalie Raponi and Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre co-owner and store leader Fred Sweeting, won the “Small but Mighty” category in Habitat PKR’s second annual “The Big Flip” furniture flipping contest. (Photo courtesy of Habitat PKR)

“It needed some love,” Posch said. “I finished it with cabinet paint and polyurethane to protect the piece and make it last.”

Each winner received gift cards to use at Chemong HHBC and a Habitat ReStore, with Brown winning $500 to use at Chemong HHBC and $100 at a Habitat ReStore and Posch $250 for Chemong HHBC and $50 for a Habitat ReStore, as well as a membership to the Peterborough Tool Library.

“The Big Flip is more than just a fun contest,” said Habitat PKR CEO Susan Zambonin in a statement. “It’s a celebration of Earth Day, a testament to the power of community partnerships — like our incredible collaboration with Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre — and a reminder that creativity can drive real environmental impact.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Chemong HHBC marketing coordinator Alaura Jopling agreed.

“It’s amazing to see the creativity and care our community puts into these flips,” Jopling said. “Whether it’s choosing the right paint, picking out hardware, or just asking for a bit of DIY advice, we love being part of that journey. This contest is such a fun and meaningful way to keep great pieces out of landfills and give them new life.”

In 2024, Habitat PKR;s three ReStores diverted 340,028 items from landfills as a result of donations of new and gently used building materials, furniture, appliances, and home décor items. Every item purchased or donated at the Habitat ReStore helps fund affordable housing projects across the Peterborough and Kawartha Region.

Jordanne Posch, winner of the "Small but Mighty" category in the second annual "The Big Flip" furniture flipping contest presented by Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) in partnership with Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre, refinished a dresser with embossing on the drawers and cabinet paint and polyurethane. (Photos courtesy of Jordanne Posch)
Jordanne Posch, winner of the “Small but Mighty” category in the second annual “The Big Flip” furniture flipping contest presented by Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) in partnership with Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre, refinished a dresser with embossing on the drawers and cabinet paint and polyurethane. (Photos courtesy of Jordanne Posch)

Become a #kawarthaNOW fan

29,968FollowersLike
24,998FollowersFollow
17,728FollowersFollow
4,323FollowersFollow
3,485FollowersFollow
2,905FollowersFollow

Sign up for kawarthNOW's Enews

Sign up for our VIP Enews

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.




Submit your event for FREE!

Use our event submission form to post your event on our website — for free. To submit editorial content or ideas, please contact us.