Earlier today (May 12), Trent University announced it would create 25 new faculty positions, including 21 new teaching-intensive positions.
The positions will be distributed across a number of departments in the humanities, social sciences, sciences, education and nursing, as well as Trent’s Durham – GTA campus in Oshawa.
With a focus on teaching and research on teaching, the positions will include four tenure-track positions. The University is also extending limited-term positions from nine to 12 months.
The Trent University Board of Governors approved a balanced budget that include tje 25 new faculty positions, recognizing that enrollment has increased for the third year in a row,
“Now and in the future, (the university) plans to create new faculty positions as the budget allows,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “This year we are focusing on initiatives that will promote teaching and learning at Trent.”
In addition, the university will appoint an associate dean of teaching and learning, who will oversee the Centre for Teaching and Learning and Trent Online.
Trent University also announced that an alumnus donation of $1.25 million would be used to create the Distinguished Visiting Teaching Scholar Endowment. Through the funds, the Centre for Teaching and Learning will annually host a visiting teaching scholar.
This announcement is part of Trent University’s ‘$50 Million Campaign: Unleash the Potential’. It builds on two significant gifts to the Centre for Teaching and Learning last year: the Deborah Berrill Teaching Excellence by Design Studio ( a state-of-the-art studio in the transformed Bata Library) and the addition of four new Trent Teaching Fellowships.
“The teaching-intensive visiting scholar endowment will allow teaching fellows to research, develop pedagogy, and share new models and practices,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, dean of Education and director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning.
Two roots music duos are performing at the Market Hall on back-to-back days: Mairi Rankin and Ailie Robertson on May 26 and Max Gomez and Rick Fines on May 27
Fans of Celtic and Americana music are in for a double treat this month at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough with back-to-back concerts featuring two outstanding roots music duos.
On Friday, May 26th, Cape Breton fiddler Mairi Rankin and Scottish harp player Ailie Robertson perform together and then, on Saturday, May 27th, New Mexico singer-songwriter Max Gomez and Peterborough’s own bluesman extraordinaire Rick Fines get together for an evening of song and story called “South Meets North”.
Fiddler Mairi Rankin and Celtic harpist Ailie Robertson, fresh off a European tour with The Outside Track, are touring together as a duo and plan to record an album together this fall. (Photo: Rankin/Robertson / Facebook)
Cape Breton fiddler Mairi Rankin and Scottish harp player Ailie Robertson have just launched their first-ever Canadian tour this month, after returning from a tour of Europe as members of the Scottish-Irish-Canadian supergroup The Outside Track.
Mairi and Ailie will be performing at the Market Hall at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 26th, with Peterborough singer-songwriter Missy Knott opening.
VIDEO: “Brandy” by Mairi Rankin and Ailie Robertson
After their recent tour in the five-piece band The Outside Track, Mairi and Allie have joined forces for a new duo project. They are touring together in May and June and are hoping to record their first album as a duo in the fall.
Mairi, who is best known as a member of Canada’s Rankin Family, plays fiddle, sings, and also step dances. Now living in Vancouver, she was born in Nova Scotia and has been influenced by some of the best Cape Breton traditional musicians and instructors on the island.
As well as performing in The Outside Track, she is a member of the Cape Breton Celtic group Beolach and has performed with the Rankin Sisters, Unusual Suspects, Bruce Guthro, and more. She has recorded one solo album, two each with Beòlach and The Outside Track, and been featured on numerous compilations and recordings.
VIDEO: “Set You Free” – The Outside Track featuring Mairi Rankin and Ailie Robertson
Ailie Robertson has been living in Montreal for the last year, but she’s a native of Edinburgh and is considered one of Scotland’s leading young traditional musicians. A master of the clàrsach (the Celtic harp), she began playing when she was 11 years old and, through training in both clàrsach and piano, developed a love for both classical and traditional music.
Ailie fuses Irish, Scottish, and contemporary harping technique into her own unique style, which earned her a 2009 nomination as Up and Coming Artist of the Year in the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. Not only is she a harp virtuouso, composer, arranger, and improviser, but she’s a much-in-demand teacher who has published six books of harp music.
VIDEO: Swerving for Bunnies – Ailie Robertson
General admission tickets are $20 plus fees ($17 plus fees for students) and assigned cabaret-style table seating is $25 plus fees.
Tickets are available in person at the box office (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough), by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at tickets.markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
South Meets North: Max Gomez and Rick Fines
New Mexico songsmith Max Gomez joins Peterborough’s award-winning bluesman Rick Fines at the Market Hall on at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 26th for an evening of song and story.
At this concert, the two singer-songwriters will perform separately … but Rick says they’ll also be playing a few songs together too.
New Mexico singer-songwriter Max Gomez (Photo: Paul Moore)
Max Gomez hails from the hamlet of Taos, the most northern of the New Mexico pueblos, about an hour and half drive north of Santa Fe. The son of an artisanal furniture craftsman, Max grew up watching and learning the tools of the trade from his father, while also learning how to play guitar.
A blues enthusiast from an early age, Max immersed himself in the Delta and traditional folk blues of Lead Belly, Big Bill Broonzy, and Robert Johnson. Having honed his chops on the blues, he then turned his interest to traditional American folk music, and then became influenced by master songwriters like John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, Kris Kristofferson, Guy Clark, and John Hiatt.
VIDEO: “Ball and Chain” – Max Gomez
Max began performing his original tunes along with country and blues classics in bars around Taos when he was 15 years old. After high school, he moved to Los Angeles to study music and pursue his musical career.
At 24 years old, he released his debut album Rule This World in 2012. The 10 songs on the record cover themes of heartbreak, regret, young love, desperation, and redemption.
“The songs I write are not real straightforward,” Max says. “You have to decode them. I like when the listener has to create their own story, rather than be told what’s happening.”
VIDEO: “Run From You” – Max Gomez (directed by Kiefer Sutherland)
While local music fans may not have heard of Max before, there is a local connection. Canadian-born actor Kiefer Sutherland — who himself has embarked on a music career and played at Peterborough Musicfest last summer — directed the video for Max’s song “Run From You”.
“The thing that I seem to gravitate most to in music is the basic fundamental of the telling of the story,” Sutherland says. “When I heard this record, not only did I find it unbelievably beautiful and melodic, but there was such a rich tapestry of storytelling that I couldn’t help but gravitate to it.”
Rick Fines (left) with Al Black and Gary Peeples as Jackson Delta. (Photo: Jackson Delta)
Local music fans don’t really need an introduction to Peterborough’s own Rick Fines. A veteran of the blues and folk circuits, Rick is well known both for his captivating songs, his signature vocal growl, and his diverse guitar playing.
He’s also familiar to many for his 15-year membership in the legendary acoustic blues trio Jackson Delta and his collaborations with singer-songwriter Susie Vinnick. As part of Jackson Delta (along with Gary Peeples and Al Black), Fines received both Juno and Handy award nominations. With Susie, he earned a Maple Blues Songwriter of the Year Award.
As a solo artist, Rick has won two Maple Blues Awards for Solo Act of the Year, and eight other nominations.
VIDEO: “No Expections” – Rick Fines
Aside the songwriting chops that won him a 2003 International Songwriting Competition, he is a master of the guitar. He has played for legendary blues piano player Pinetop Perkins, songstress Colleen Peterson, folk icon Penny Lang, and many others.
Rick is also an enthusiastic teacher, and is often found sharing the transformative power of music with students across Canada, including work with the Blues In The Schools programs in Ottawa, Saskatoon, Toronto, and Yellowknife.
VIDEO: Driving Home CD Release – Rick Fines
Rick has recorded 14 albums with Jackson Delta, Suzie Vinnick, with others or on his own, with his latest solo record Driving Home released in 2015.
He has performed almost everywhere, from the National Gallery and Governor General’s Garden Party to Montreal Jazz, Ottawa BluesFest, the Edmonton Folk Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Internationally, he has toured France, Italy, Scotland, Newfoundland, BC’s Gulf Islands, and even the Northern Arctic.
VIDEO: “Back Up From Zero” – Rick Fines performing with Jackson Delta
General admission tickets are $30 plus fees. Assigned cabaret-style table seating is $40 plus fees.
Tickets are available in person at the box office (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough), by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at tickets.markethall.org. Tickets are also available (cash only) at Moondance (425 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-742-9425).
A new iOS and Android app called Zatiq, locally developed by Sultan Moni, will make restaurant recommendations based on your mood. (Photo: Junaid Amjad)
This month, Eva Fisher uses artificial intelligence to find local food, explores the connection between food, theatre, and history with the Globus Theatre, enjoys lunch with a tea sommelier at Bumbleberry Bistro, learns more about Mexican spreads and sauces from La Mesita Catering, and celebrates the flower moon with South Pond Farms.
New locally developed app uses artificial intelligence to recommend food based on your mood
Sultan Moni has developed a new app that will recommend local restaurants to you based on your mood and preferences.
Sultan first got the inspiration for Zatiq from another app that you might have on your phone.
“I was lying down in bed one day listening to Spotify, and I was hungry but I didn’t know what I wanted to eat. So I thought — what if there was Spotify for food? That was the first lightbulb.”
Tech entrepreneur Sultan Moni created Zatiq to be the Spotify of food. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
You can choose from mood options, like moody, bored, or happy. Maybe you know you want curry, but you’re not sure where to go. Click the curry button.
The app also makes suggestions for specific situations, like date night or for when you are particularly hungry. Zatiq will recommend the top five restaurants based on what you choose.
Hungry? Bored? Want something sweet? Now there’s a locally developed app for that. (Photo: Junaid Amjad)
The app begins by making generic suggestions but, as you use it, it becomes more attuned to your culinary preferences. That means when you click that moody button, Zatiq will take you to a restaurant, cafe, or nightclub that is specifically selected to boost your mood. The app will use information from people who have similar culinary preferences to you to make a customized suggestion.
Zatiq will also include social features. You can connect with people who have similar dietary preferences. You can also post reviews of the restaurants that you visit, and browse reviews from other users.
Sultan grew up in Abu Dhabi. He moved to Canada in 2013 for grade 12 and then began studies at Trent University. He began in Business, but ultimately decided to pursue Computer Science because he realized that he would need computer skills to develop Zatiq.
Zatiq will debut in Peterborough towards the beginning of June. Sultan has plans to eventually expand it globally.
For more information about Zatiq and the launch date, visit the Zatiq website at zatiq.com or follow Zatiq on Facebook and Twitter.
Globus Theatre in Bobcaygeon celebrates agricultural history with Canada’s 150th events
Globus Theatre is celebrating local food with a Culinary Celebration until May 13. (Graphic: Globus Theatre)
What better place to enjoy local farm fresh food than a barn? Globus Theatre (2300 Pigeon Lake Rd., Bobcaygeon, 705-738-2037) is celebrating Canada’s 150th with a culinary and musical celebration this week.
Until Saturday (May 13), they are hosting their Culinary Celebration, which features local food, art by Lorraine Thayer, and live music.
Globus co-founder and artistic producer James Barrett says that the barn is a perfect place to pay homage to local producers.
“We are in a barn. It was an actual working cattle barn, so it’s an ideal space to celebrate working farms in the area.”
James Barrett and Sarah Quick, founders of Globus Theatre and Lakefield Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon, with their son Cue
The Culinary Celebration features an eight-course tasting menu. Sponsor Grant’s Butchershop, a Bobcaygeon butcher that uses all Ontario meat, will provide their housemade sausage. There will be smoked trout from Linwood Acres Farm in Campbellcroft, cheeses from Mariposa Dairy, ice cream from Kawartha Dairy and honey from Kawartha Lakes Honey.
Apart from the Culinary Celebration, many of these producers are regularly featured on Globus Theatre’s menu. Theatre-goers can opt for a three-course meal before they take in a play, with three options to choose from per course. The menu changes every two weeks with each new play, and is sometimes even themed to the play.
For example, for the Irish play Stones in his Pocket, they featured a Stilton and Guinness pâté. The menu has also included red wine braised lamb shank, roast beef with yorkshire pudding, and tempting dessert options such as their limoncello lemon sorbet. The bar features selections from local breweries.
This year the barn will celebrate its 50th anniversary as a dance hall. James says that the barn was built in the 1930s to replace one that had burned down on the property. It was a working cattle barn with property extending right to the lake until the 1960s. It was then that the owner at the time, Fabian O’Neill, got the inspiration to create a dance hall. He severed the lots near the lake and used the money to build the dance hall.
In June, the Lakeview Arts Barn is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and Canada’s 150th birthday, with an old-fashioned barn dance. (Graphic: Globus Theatre)
In June, to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday and the barn’s 50th anniversary, the Lakeview Arts Barn will hold a dance in the style of the old barn dances. There will be 150 tickets available and the only way to get a pair will be to tell a story about the barn. With 50 years of dances, proms, weddings, award ceremonies, and of course live theatre, James is hoping for a variety of responses.
“We’re trying to create an archive of the past fifty years of the building.”
Winners of the Barn Dance contest will be announced on Saturday, May 20th.
For more information about the Culinary Celebration, the Barn Dance (and how to win tickets), and Globus Theatre’s summer theatre season, visit lakeviewartsbarn.com.
Tea sommelier buys Dancing Blueberries, creating new Bumbleberry Bistro
Heather Morse bought Dancing Blueberries in November of 2016. She began to rebrand in late February to Bumbleberry Bistro (360 George St. N., Peterborough, 705-536-2697), creating a fresh take on the downtown cafe.
A graduate of Fleming College’s Culinary Management program, Heather worked for Dancing Blueberries following graduation. She enjoyed the creative opportunity offered by the cafe.
“I was able to exercise my creativity designing drink and dessert specials.”
Bumbleberry Bistro is located at 360 George Street North in downtown Peterborough, the former location of Dancing Blueberries (Photo: Bumbleberry Bistro)
Fans of Dancing Blueberries will be happy to learn that Heather is planning to keep many of their menu items.
“The plan for the restaurant right now is to make small changes to the menu to ensure that everything is of the best quality.”
Tea sommelier Heather Morse is bringing a wide selection of loose leaf teas to complement the desserts available at Bumbleberry Bistro. (Photo: MossWorks Photography)
That being said, Heather is planning to put her own spin on the downtown cafe.
“We are hoping to shift away from ‘homestyle’ to offer slightly more specialty items.”
As a tea sommelier trained in Vancouver by the Tea Association of Canada, the tea menu was one of the first things on Heather’s list.
“One of the changes I am most excited about is the introduction of a variety of specialty loose leaf teas.”
To those new to the cafe Heather recommends the “Brie’s a Crowd” sandwich, which features brie, sundried tomatoes and candied walnuts.
For more information on Bumbleberry Bistro, visit their Facebook page.
Take authentic Mexican flavour home with La Mesita Catering
Chef Martin Carbajal Mendoza of La Mesita Catering brings authentic Mexican food to the Peterborough and Lakefield farmers’ markets. (Photo: La Mesita Catering)
Martin Carbajal Mendoza of La Mesita Catering moved from Mexico in 2006 and brought with him a culinary tradition that he wants to share.
“I want people to know what real Mexican food tastes like.”
La Mesita Catering offers salsas and spreads, burritos and Mexican food at the Peterborough and Lakefield Farmers’ Markets. Their salsas are also available at Chasing the Cheese and The Bridgenorth Deli.
Here’s how Martin recommends serving his sauces:
Pico de gallo
This standard mild salsa is very versatile. Martin suggests trying it on steak, eggs, hotdogs, and tacos — “It’s pretty much like a Mexican ketchup. It goes on everything.”
Tomatillo and avocado salsa
This salsa is a blend of tomatillos (which are tart and fruity and taste somewhat like a green tomato) and avocados. Martin recommends trying it on nachos, quesadillas, sausages or steak. He also recommends layering corn bread dough with a layer of this salsa and some chicken, then another layer of dough.
“It’s delicious. It tastes so close to a tamale.”
Chipotle hummus
Hummus isn’t traditionally a Mexican dish, but when Martin first tried a hummus he liked it but felt that there was something missing.
“Because I’m a crazy Mexican, I had to put chipotles in it.” He says that it’s been popular with his customers.
Black bean and corn salad
Black beans, tomatoes, onions, cumin, corn, avocado and lime juice come together in this salad which is a great side dish on its own.
Martin also suggests blending it with lettuce to make an instant green salad, no dressing required.
Pickled onions with habanero peppers
Martin says that these are particularly versatile.
He suggests that you try it “to top off salsas, to top off burgers, on hotdogs, and almost any kind of meat.”
Chipotle maple cream cheese
Spicy and sweet, Martin jokes that “this is the perfect marriage between Canada and Mexico.” The cream cheese can be made into a delicious frosting for cakes and cupcakes.
Chef Martin suggests using his tomatillo and avocado salsa on deep-fried tortillas (tostadas) with eggs over easy for a delicious breakfast. (Photo: La Mesita Catering)
In addition to sauces, Martin also creates weekly specials which he sells at local farmers’ markets. These have recently included tamales, ceviche, and Mayan pulled pork.
Martin encourages people to try his sauces, even if they’re not spice fans.
“Many people are afraid of Mexican food because of the spices. We have many customers that at the beginning I had to beg to try the salsas, and now they love them, and they’re loyal, and they have learned to eat a bit more spicy. People will be surprised by how much they can actually handle.”
South Pond Farms launches Full Moon Supper series with Flower Moon
South Pond Farms Full Moon Supper series allows guests to dine under the full moon. This month’s Flower Moon Supper featured Crosswind Farm’s Kenzie, a bloomy rind crottin style cheese. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
South Pond Farms (1020 Gray Rd., Pontypool, 705-277-1649) has launched a new “Full Moon Supper” series that invites guests to dine under the full moon.
The first of the series, the Flower Moon Supper, was held on May 10th. Guests were invited to wander the farm, enjoying canapes in the herb garden, a cheese course by the goat shed, and a springy asparagus and quail egg soup by the fire.
There was also wild leek and maple smoked pork and spatzle cooked on the fire by Chef Kevin McKenna, and a rhubarb cake with cardamom chantilly cream served in the barn. The dishes were adorned with edible flowers.
Guests of the Flower Moon Supper were treated to maple wild leek pork with sumac jus, spatzle, spring onions and fresh fiddleheads. (Photo: Eva Fisher / kawarthaNOW)
Future Full Moon Supper events will include the Strawberry Moon in June, the Buck Moon in July, and the Green Corn Moon in August.
Two Peterborough men are facing numerous charges, including robbery and assault, after police responded to various incidents in the Barnardo Park area in Peterborough on Thursday night (May 11).
At around 8 p.m. on Thursday night, police received several complaints about two men in the area of Barnardo Park at Shelbourne and McLennan Streets.
Two teenagers were walking along the trail in the park when they were approached by two unknown men who asked them for money. During the incident, one of the teenagers had water thrown on his face while the other victim was struck in the face and had his backpack stolen. The victims were able to leave the area.
Shortly after this incident, a woman in her late 40s was walking her dog through Barnardo Park when she witnessed the same two males littering. When she attempted to confront the men, she was assaulted and the males threatened her dog.
Following these incidents, police received another call about two men who attempting to enter a vehicle parked in the driveway of a Shelbourne Street home.
Officers were dispatched to the area and found the two men in the driveway of a Hilliard Street residence.
As a result of the investigation, the two men were arrested on scene. During a search officers located stolen property on the co-accused, as well as illicit drugs and a large amount of cash.
Peter Michael Pople, 20, of Aylmer Street North, is charged with robbery with violence, robbery with theft, assault with a weapon, assault, possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000, uttering threats to damage or injure animal, theft under $5,000, four counts of failing to comply with a probation, and failing to comply with a recognizance.
Corey Laine Beeke, 20, of Stewart Street, is charged with robbery with violence, robbery with theft, two counts of assault, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, uttering threats to damage or injure animal, theft under $5,000, obstructing a peace officer (he provided officers with false name), and three counts of failing to comply with a probation order.
The co-accused were held in custody and are scheduled to appear in court later today (May 12).
Make your summer in the Kawarthas even better by enjoying a farm-to-table meal at Elmhirst's Resort (pictured), enhancing your garden with sustainable and pesticide-free plants from The Greenhouse on the River, or building your custom dream home with help from Apsley Home Hardware Building Centre. (Photo: Justen Soule)
Are you ready for summer in the Kawarthas? Spend summer nights dancing on the boardwalk, peaceful mornings tending to and admiring garden blooms, retiring to your custom built dream home on the lake (for the same price as a house in the city). These three businesses provide inspiration to live the summer of your dreams.
All three of the businesses profiled below — Elmhirst’s Resort, The Greenhouse on the River, and Apsley Home Hardware Building Centre — are proud members of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.
The chamber represents members in Curve Lake First Nation and the municipalities of Douro-Dummer, North Kawartha, Selwyn, and Trent Lakes. Visit kawarthachamber.ca for more information.
You don’t have to be staying at Elmhirst’s Resort to enjoy farm-to-table meals and live music on the boardwalk
Greg Elmhirst (right) tries out the fish fry shore lunch available with new guided fishing experiences. (Photo: Justen Soule)
The Al Black Trio playing to the crowd on the boardwalk for Tuned Up Tuesdays, a free weekly concert series. (Photo: Justen Soule)
Collecting fresh greens from Elmhirst's own garden. Elmhirst's Resort is known for fresh farm to table cuisine. (Photo: Justen Soule)
A couple enjoys Elmhirst's Resort's dining room overlooking Rice Lake. The menu emphasizes local and farm to table. (Photo: Justen Soule)
Elmhirst’s Resort, a fourth generation family-owned and operated resort on the north shore of Rice Lake (1045 Settlers Line, Keene, 705-295-4591 or 1-800-461-1940), offers plenty of options for a quick, stress busting getaway close to home. With 30 cottages, 85 bedrooms, a full-service spa, a working farm, and a boardwalk music venue, Elmhirst’s Resort is a great Kawarthas destination easily accessible from the GTA.
Brunches, farm to table cuisine, and a legendary wine cellar
From farm to table cuisine to a wine cellar stocked with exclusively Canadian vintages, Elmhirst’s Resort is a culinary destination known for local food. General Manager Greg Elmhirst explains that “it tends to be better and fresher food, it has a lower carbon footprint, and it sustains people and businesses in our own community.”
Since the summer of 1981, they have served their popular Sunday brunch, which has become a local institution. Greg notes that “it has evolved a lot over time.”
The brunch menu reads like a local foodie’s fantasy. They offer a comprehensive buffet, with fresh salads, farm raised beef, a carving station that rotates weekly, and a variety of hot foods and specials. There’s homemade soup, made to order omelettes and crepes, a fish and seafood table, freshly baked bread, homemade desserts and fresh donuts.
Greg says that the donuts have created a stir on social media.
“The donuts tend to be one of the food items that end up on Instagram the most often from guests that visit our brunch.”
Elmhirst’s also offers a Monday lunch, originally envisioned for seniors, known as Lakeside Lunches.
“We wanted to provide affordable lunches and pleasant restaurant experiences for seniors,” says Greg, but he quickly found that it had a broader audience than he had anticipated. “It was a hit right away, and people who weren’t seniors began to call and say I know it’s a seniors’ lunch, but can I come too?”
The lunches are offered every Monday from the first weekend after Easter and continuing until Thanksgiving Monday. They start at 12 p.m.
Tuesday evening music on the boardwalk overlooking Rice Lake
Elmhirst’s Resort is also a great place to catch live music. Every Tuesday night musicians perform on their scenic boardwalk for Tuned Up Tuesdays. The free musical evenings begin on June 6th this year and last throughout the summer.
Elmhirst’s has become known as a place to see a high calibre of musicians. The first act ever to perform was Peterborough’s own Mayhemingways, who recently performed at Massey Hall as part of their cross-Canada tour with Joel and Bill Plaskett.
Greg notes that Tuesday nights have become popular with the local community.
“The boardwalk is a place where resort guests and community members can mingle.”
You can order food and beverages to enjoy while watching the entertainment.
Relaxing and exciting weekend retreats
For those looking to get away for a little longer, Elmhirst’s Resort offers kiteboarding weekends, yoga retreats, and weekends planned specifically for women’s getaways.
Recently they offered a Wine Women and Canvas weekend. Guests were treated to wine sampling with a local wine consultant and a painting lesson with artist Paul Teleki and the Land Canadian Adventures.
For more weekend adventures, you can visit Elmhirst’s packages page on their website.
The Greenhouse on the River grows plants the green way
The Greenhouse on the River offers a vibrant selection of annuals, perennials and planters. (Photo: The Greenhouse on the River)
The greenhouse offers a variety of beautiful and unusual succulents alone and in pleasing planters. (Photo: The Greenhouse on the River)
Hanging baskets are a specialty with options in a variety of colours for sun and shade. (Photo: The Greenhouse on the River)
Elyn and Peter Green have owned and operated The Greenhouse on the River since 1989. (Photo: The Greenhouse on the River
Tucked in steps away from the Otonabee River, The Greenhouse on the River sells a variety of annuals, perennials, succulents, tropicals, shrubs and trees nurtured on site. Owners Peter Green and Elyn Saar-Green have created a greenhouse space that fosters healthy and beautiful plants, baskets and containers with an emphasis on sustainability.
The variety of plants offered at The Greenhouse on the River is inspiring. Bright Gerber Daisies thrive atop a backdrop of lush tropicals. Hardy perennials brave the spring weather while inside the greenhouse unusual succulents like lithops, which look like living stones, thrive.
A Lakehead graduate with a BscH in Forestry, Peter’s background in biological science helps him to optimally manage the greenhouse. Elyn says that Peter keeps a close eye on the health of the plants, leading to a variety of different fertilizer applications throughout the season.
A planter for every space
The Greenhouse on the River has a vibrant and well thought out selection of planters. Peter says that the diverse selection of planters allows him to find something to suit almost every porch or patio.
“If you have a unique situation, we’re going to have an answer for you in terms of appearance, colour, and your sun or shade requirements. The variety allows people to find something that appeals to them.”
Eco friendly practices and safe pest management
Peter and Elyn have adopted many eco-friendly practices to keep their greenhouse running efficiently and sustainably. They collect rainwater for irrigation, which Peter says is also a better quality of water for the plants. They have energy curtains, a retractable layer of insulation that keeps the heat in the greenhouse, allowing them to use less energy to heat. They use cardboard trays instead of plastic, and they take back and reuse pots and containers from previous years.
They also use beneficial insects to control pests instead of insecticides. Peter says that the benefits of integrated pest management (IPM) outweigh its higher cost.
“It costs us a lot more than running around spraying insecticides, but it’s better for us, it’s better for the environment, it’s better for me who applies it, and it’s better for our staff and our customers.”
The Greenhouse on the River is proudly neonicotinoid free.
The art of the plant
The Greenhouse on the River also supports the local arts community. They were an exhibit location for the SPARK Photo Festival, and they currently display sculpture by Chaka Chikodzi.
The Greenhouse on the River is a grower garden centre created out of a passion for plant quality, refreshing choice, and innovative design. Elyn says that when it comes right down to it, Peter and she have created their business based on one basic principle.
“Our love of plants drives who we are and what we do. Always.”
They are open this year until December 6th. Business hours change throughout the season, so check here for hours.
Anyone can design their own home with Apsley Home Hardware Building Centre
Beaver Homes and Cottages offers design options like The Cariboo, with plenty of outdoor deck space for those who would rather be on the patio. (Image: Beaver Homes and Cottages)
Beaver Homes and Cottages floor plans are fully customizable. Anything can be altered to suit the client's preferences, including materials used. (Image: Beaver Homes and Cottages)
Now is a great time to build. With plenty of beautiful and affordable lots on the market, you can build your dream home on budget. (Photo: Apsley Home Hardware Building Centre)
Building Consultant Adam Dragisic will support your build from beginning to end, ensuring it stays on budget and according to plan. (Photo: Apsley Home Hardware Building Centre)
Have you ever dreamed of designing your own home or cottage?
Apsley Home Hardware Building Centre (18 Tucker St., Apsley, 705-656-4295 or 1-877-455-0707) offers everything you need to create the home that you’ve been imagining, even if you’ve never even built a shed before. With their Beaver Homes and Cottages Program, you can build the home of your dreams.
Beaver Homes and Cottages offers limitless design options
The Beaver Homes and Cottages program allows you to choose from hundreds of home and cottage designs. Communications Manager Amber Dunford explains.
“You can essentially pick a model based on what you want to do, whether you want to build a home or cottage or maybe a garage with an apartment over top. Your local store will put together an entire package of materials for you.”
The store won’t just sell you the materials, they will be there to make sure the build proceeds as planned. Amber says that they are involved in the process from start to finish.
“You’re in control of your build, but you have a consultant working with you the whole time making sure that everything goes smoothly, making sure that you stay on budget, and making sure that everything is done exactly how you want it.”
Building your home from scratch
When designing your home or cottage you don’t have to stick with what’s available on the Beaver Homes and Cottages website. Amber says that all designs are fully customizable.
“Literally any change that you can dream of can be made.”
That includes building a home from scratch.
“Let’s say you have a vision of a home and you haven’t been able to find anything like it, but you know what you want. Our design consultant will sit down with you and draw up a sketch. If you like what you see, you can go forward to the blueprint stage.”
All materials are also fully customizable. That means you can upgrade to premium insulation, add a steel roof or even install solar panels. It’s your home to design as you see fit.
A space that is all yours
Amber says that designing your own home allows you to create a space that’s entirely yours.
“I think nowadays a lot of people want to have their own personality in their home.”
It’s also an economical option, especially in cottage country.
“There’s so much vacant land available, people are building because they have the freedom to build. In a rural area such as ours, for the price of a home in the city you can buy a piece of land and build your own brand new custom home.”
You can visit the Beaver Homes and Cottages website to see the many houses available. Amber says that once you start looking, it can be addictive.
“I’ve now designed so many of my own houses at home just for fun.”
Apsley Home Hardware Building Centre is a family-owned and operated business and is proud to be among one of over a thousand independent Home locations across Canada.
“Home Hardware is not a franchise as a lot of people believe,” says Amber. “Our independent ownership allows us to have some freedom and create a special niche to better serve the needs of our customers.”
In addition to the Beaver Homes and Cottages Program, Apsley Home Hardware Building Centre features hardware, home expressions, housewares, a seasonal garden centre, and an outdoor power equipment shop with rentals. They are are Certified STIHL, Husqvarna, and Honda dealers, and they offer a wide selection of lumber including premium western red cedar, pine, spruce, and Micro Pro Sienna pressure-treated lumber.
You can visit Apsley Home Hardware Building Centre on their website at apsleyhhbc.ca or on Facebook. You can also visit their Beaver Homes and Cottages Facebook page to get inspired to build your dream home.
You can also contact Beaver Homes and Cottages Building Consultant Adam Dragisic directly at 289-925-2226 or by email at adam@apsleyhhbc.ca.
Peterborough singer-songwriter Mary-Kate Edwards is one of the many local acts performing at the Peterborough LIVE Music Festival running until May 14th in downtown Peterborough. Mary-Kate, who recently released her debut record Blueberry Pie, will be performing on Saturday, May 13 at The Venue and at the Food Forest Cafe and on Sunday, May 14 at The Garnet for a special Mother's Day show. (Photo: Justin Patterson)
Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs in Peterborough and The Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, May 11 to Wednesday, May 17.
If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.
6-8pm - Media Night / Weigh ins ft appearance by two-time heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman; 10pm - Project Friday "A Weekend in Las Vegas" ft DJ Warren Peace
Saturday, May 13
11pm - Homecoming - The Return of Cody Crowley After Party
Arlington Pub
32990 Highway 62, Maynooth
(613) 338-2080
Saturday, May 13
9pm - The Weber Brothers ($10)
Coming Soon
Friday, May 19 8pm - Open mic
Saturday, May 20 9pm - Supernatural Buffalo ($10)
Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub
4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450
Sunday, May 14
5pm - Jazz standards ft Bob Bidaman
Tuesdays
7:30pm - Trivia Tuesdays
Coming Soon
Friday, June 2 9pm - Kelly Burrows
Friday, June 16 9pm - Dean James
Black Horse Pub
452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633
Thursday, May 11
8pm - Peterborough LIVE Jazz & Blues Open Stage w/ Rob Phillips ft Marsala Lukianchuk & Whitney Paget
Friday, May 12
5pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Dean James and The Hillbillies
Saturday, May 13
5pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Briannah Cotton
Sunday, May 14
3pm - Christine Artrill Band
Monday, May 15
7pm - Crash and Burn w/ Rick & Gailie
Tuesday, May 16
7pm - Open mic w/ Randy Hill
Wednesday, May 17
7:30pm - Live music (TBA)
Canoe & Paddle
18 Bridge St., Lakefield
(705) 651-1111
Thursdays
7:30-10:30pm - Live music
Saturdas
8-11pm - Live music
The Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg
38 Covert St., Cobourg
(905) 377-9029
Friday, May 12
8pm - Bruce Longman
Catalina's
131 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-5972
Thursday, May 11
8pm - Movie Night ft "Mommie Dearest"
Saturday, May 13
8-11pm - Peterborough LIVE An Evening w/ Jayde Taylor (8 acts, see www.peterboroughlive.ca for details)
Monday, May 15
8pm - Ian Foster ($10 or PWYC)
Wednesday, May 17
8pm - Nudie
Coming Soon
Saturday, June 3 7:30pm - Deborah Kimmett presents "The Year of the Suddenly" ($25)
Chemong Lodge
764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435
Thursdays
5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)
Fridays
5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)
Coming Soon
Friday, May 19 7-11pm - Waters Edge
Saturday, May 20 7-11pm - Donny Wood Band
The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse
26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001
Thursday, May 11
9pm - Les Slimmon and Gary C w/ Ray on The Radio
Friday, May 12
9pm - Susan Latimer and Mike Tabares
Saturday, May 13
9pm - Shawn Dore
Mondays
Trivia Monday
Tuesdays
OpinioNation w/ Bill Davenport
Wednesdays
8pm - Whiskey Wednesday w/ Ken Tizzard
CJ's Tap & Grill
1 Strathy Rd., Cobourg
(905) 372-9784
Saturday, May 13
7-10pm - Benefit for K9 Crusaders ft Dan O'Farrell (Gentlemen Husbands)
Coach & Horses Pub
16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006
Thursdays
10pm - Open Jam w/ Gerald Vanhalteren
Wednesdays
7-11pm - Live music
The Cow & Sow Eatery
38 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-5111
Coming Soon
Friday, May 19 9pm - Karaoke
Saturday, May 20 10pm - Daniel Greer Band
Saturday, June 10 8:30pm - Comedy Night ft Michael Moses and Eric Johnston ($20)
Dobro Restaurant & Bar
287-289 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 775-9645
Friday, May 12
5-9pm - Peterborough LIVE Blues and Rock Showcase (4 acts, see www.peterboroughlive.ca for details); 10pm - High Waters Band (no cover)
Saturday, May 13
1-5pm - Peterborough LIVE Acoustic Crew w/ Nathan Jackson (7 acts, see www.peterboroughlive.ca for details); 10pm - High Waters Band (no cover)
Wednesdays
Open stage
Dominion Hotel
113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954
Coming Soon
Saturday, May 20 8pm - Summer 2017 Kickoff Party w/ Movin' On ($5)
Friday, June 8 7:30pm - Farmer the Band (by donation)
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717
Saturday, May 13
1pm - Peterborough LIVE Rock Show w/ Break the Trend (4 acts, see www.peterboroughlive.ca for details)
Coming Soon
Saturday, May 20 2-5pm - Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association Deluxe Blues Jam
Dreams of Beans
138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 742-2406
Sunday, May 14
2-9pm - Peterborough LIVE Coffee House Hosted by Zach & Steve (6 acts, see www.peterboroughlive.ca for details)
Frank's Pasta and Grill
426 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-2727
Thursdays
5-8pm - Live music
Fridays
9pm-12am - Karaoke Night Girls Night Out; 12am - DJ Chrome
Thursday, May 18 10pm - Captain Cowboy and The Money Maker
Friday, May 19 10pm - DUNES, The Lonely Parade, Prime Junk ($8 or PWYC)
Saturday, May 20 10pm - Hurtin' For Certain, Kimberly MacGregor, Elliot Thomas
Sunday, May 21 10pm - Bonnie Doon, Television Rd., Shadow High ($8 or PWYC)
Thursday, June 8 9pm - David Essig
George & Orange Taproom & Kitchen
67 Orange St., Cobourg
(289) 252-0227
Thursdays
8-11pm - Open mic
Golden Wheel Resaturant
6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838
Thursday, May 11
8-10pm - Open mic hosted by Freda Burke & Brian Tisdale
Friday, May 12
8:30pm - Dance Sensations for Zoomers Plus ($12)
Wednesdays
7-9pm - Line Dancing Lessons w/ Marlene ($7 per person, all levels welcome)
Coming Soon
Friday, May 26 9pm - Jesse Slack
Gordon Best Theatre
216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884
Saturday, May 13
7:30pm - James Palmer / Broad Forks Redwood EP Release Concert ($10 in advance at Long & McQuade or Dreams of Beans, $15 at door)
Sunday, May 14
5-8pm - Peterborough LIVE Evening Patio Party (at The Only Cafe downstairs) w/ Semolina Pilchard (4 acts, see www.peterboroughlive.ca for details)
Coming Soon
Friday, May 19 8pm - The Citiots Improv ($12 adults, $10 students)
Hot Belly Mama's
378 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-3544
Thursday, May 11
8pm - The Quickshifters ft Jimmy Bowskill and Mike Boguski (PWYC)
Saturday, May 13
2-4pm - Peterborough LIVE An Afternoon of Jazz ft The Five Fours & The Fabulous Rave
Coming Soon
Thursday, May 18 8pm - The Quickshifters (PWYC)
Junction Nightclub
253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550
Thursday, May 11
10pm - Peterborough LIVE Weekend Warmup (downstairs pool room) w/ live DJs
Friday, May 12
10pm - Nothing But the 90s w/ DJ Bill Porter (no cover)
Saturday, May 13
10pm - Road to Ever After ft DJ Waves
Kawartha Coffee Co.
49 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
(705) 738-1500
Friday, May 12
6:30pm - Kelly Burrows ($5 or PWYC)
The Lounge by Lignum
442 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 775-9463
Thursday, May 11
7:30-9:30pm - Peterborough LIVE Formal Piano Recital w/ DJ Verger
Friday, May 12
5-9pm - Peterborough LIVE Peterborough Performs (7 acts, see www.peterboroughlive.ca for details); 9:30-11:30pm - Peterborough LIVE Evening of Jazz w/ Whitney Paget
Saturday, May 13
7-9pm - Mike Graham
Wednesdays
8-11pm - Michael Bell
Marley's Bar & Grill
17 Fire Route 82 Catalina Bay, Buckhorn
(705) 868-2545
Coming Soon
Opens for the season on the Victoria Day weekend.
Friday, May 19 6-9pm - Washboard Hank
Saturday, May 20 6-9pm - Washboard Hank
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Thursdays
10pm - Jan Schoute
Fridays
10pm - Brian Haddlesey
Saturdays
10pm - Brian Haddlesey
Sunday, May 14
5-7pm - Peterborough LIVE Alternative Celtic Session w/ Hunt the Hare
Mondays
10pm - Trivia Night
Tuesdays
9pm - Topper Tuesdays w/ DJ Jake Topper
Wednesdays
9pm - Cody Watkins
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177
Thursday, May 11
7pm - Madman's Window
Coming Soon
Thursday, May 18 7pm - Nudie
Muddy's Pit BBQ
3247 County Rd. 2, Keene
(705) 295-1255
Coming Soon
Sunday, May 21 3pm - Wylie Harold
Oasis Bar & Grill
31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634
Thursdays
6:30pm - Live music
Sundays
5:30pm - PHLO
Wednesdays
6:30pm - Live music
Pappas Billiards
407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-9010
Thursday, May 11
7-10pm - Open Mic hosted by Casey Bax
Saturday, May 13
1:30-3pm - Peterborough LIVE The L.O.F.T. Open Mic w/ Joslynn Burford
Pattie House Smokin' Barbecue
6675 Highway 35, Coboconk
(705) 454-8100
Coming Soon
Saturday, May 20 8pm - Howard Ross & The Full Count Blues Band
Sunday, May 21 9pm - The Rootmen ($10)
The Perch
9 Lindsay St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-7888
Friday, May 12
5-8pm - Marc Ekins
Red Dog Tavern
189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400
Friday, May 12
5pm-1am - Peterborough LIVE Singer/Songwriter Showcase w/ Hillary Dumoulin (19 acts, see www.peterboroughlive.ca for details)
Saturday, May 13
6:30pm-2am - Peterborough LIVE Deb Draper’s Hard Rock & Metal Showcase (5 acts, see www.peterboroughlive.ca for details)
Sunday, May 14
2-5pm - Peterborough LIVE Stars of Tomorrow Showcase w/ Missy Knott (10 acts, see www.peterboroughlive.ca for details)
9pm - Peterborough LIVE David Eadie and friends ft DJ Thibault
Shots
379 George Street K9H 3R2, Peterborough
(705) 749-9315
Wednesdays
10pm - Wednesday House Party
Southside Pizzeria
25 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
(705) 748-6120
Fridays
9am-12pm - Open mic ($2);
The Spill
414 George St., Peterborough
(705) 748-6167
Thursday, May 11
7-10pm - Jennifer LoveGrove poetry collection launch hosted by Stuart Ross w/ guest readers Tara Azzopardi and Lesley Belleau and live music by Erik Culp & Bennett Bedoukian
3-6pm - Peterborough LIVE The Live Room ft UNI Peterborough, Bring Back Summer, & special guests; 9pm - Wrekmeister Harmonies, ELMS, Horseman, Pass By, Paulabulus ($10 advance / $15 door)
Monday, May 15
7:30pm - Trippin' With Leigh w/ Revive the Rose & The Rob Graham Band ($10 at door, $20 VIP tickets)
Tuesday, May 16
7-10pm - Chiaroscuro Reading Series w/ host Sandra Kasturi and ft Heather Spears, Nathan Adler, Ian Rogers, Ursula Pflug
Wednesday, May 17
8pm - Know w/ How Far to Mexico and Mary-Kate Edwards ($5 at door or PWYC)
Coming Soon
Thursday, May 18 9:30pm - Disterror (mx), GOD, Deathsticks, Crazy Bomber ($10 or PWYC)
Friday, May 19 9:30pm - Darkware Events presents Attrition w/ Olias ($8 or PWYC)
Saturday, May 20 Sparkelsaurus, Television Rd.
Sticks Sports Pub
500 George St. S., Peterborough
(705) 775-7845
Coming Soon
Saturday, May 20 2-5pm - Cameron von Criegern
Sweet Bottoms Cafe
19 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-7506
Coming Soon
Saturday, May 20 7-10pm - Open Mic
The Venue
286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008
Saturday, May 13
12pm-12am - Peterborough LIVE Reunion & Dance Party ft Peter Jackson (30 acts, see www.peterboroughlive.ca for details)
White House Hotel
173 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 741-2444
Coming Soon
Friday, May 19 5-9pm - Northern Soul
Saturday, May 20 4-8pm - Northern Soul
Wild Blue Yonder Pub at Elmhirst's Resort
1045 Settlers Line, Keene
(705) 295-4591
Coming Soon
Tuesday, June 6 7:30pm - Tuned Up Tuesdays ft Mayhemingways (no cover)
Local singer-songwriter Missy Knott performs at the May 11th announcement of the line-up for Live and Local Lunches, a series of free concerts in the courtyard of Peterborough Square in downtown Peterborough. Knott will be opening the summer-long series on Friday, May 26th. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)
Earlier today (May 11), the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) announced the line-up for its series of free lunch-time concerts this summer featuring local musicians.
Back for its second year, Live and Local Lunches features rock, folk, blues, country and jazz on Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. in the courtyard of Peterborough Square at the corner of Charlotte and Water streets in downtown Peterborough.
“This is a great way for people to see some of the immense talent we have in this community while enjoying some delicious take-out from our many local restaurants,” says Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director.
Here’s the schedule of this year’s concerts:
May 26 – Missy Knott
June 2 – Earl Wilfong
June 9 – Rick Fines
June 16 – Christine Atrill
June 23 – Whitney Paget
June 30 – Catfish Willie & Washboard Hank with a special Canada 150 Show
July 7 – Dixie Cats
July 14 – Hot Club 3
July 21 – Dean James
July 28 – Nick Ferrio
August 4 – Steve Driscoll
August 11 – The Smoking Jackets
August 18 – TBA (rain date)
Augyst 25 – TBA (rain date)
Live and Local Lunches is a partnership with the DBIA, Peterborough Square, Gerri’s Arts and Crafts, Bench Tech, and Shorelines Casinos,
“We are very happy with the relationship we have built with the DBIA and are excited to support Live and Local Lunches for 2017,” says Bryan Buchanan, General Manager at Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs. “In association with DBIA and other local organizations, it helps bring positive change to the communities that we proudly serve.”
Little Lake rising above the retaining walls and flooding the parking lot at Ashburnham Lock 20 at Beavermead Park in Peterborough. Over 100mm of rain has already fallen in Peterborough since the beginning of May. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
I arrived home from work last Friday to the unwelcome surprise that my sump pump was engaging every 1-3 minutes. As the rain kept falling last week and the ground became more saturated, I started clocking the length between pumps to try and gauge whether the water was flowing faster into my basement.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Karen Halley, GreenUP Communications & Marketing Specialist.
I have received a small amount of water in my unfinished basement each spring and I am prepared for some dampness, but this kind of water flow was something that I was not ready for.
Earlier in the week I was worried when it was engaging every 20-30 minutes, so to be pumping that often was quite unsettling.
So, Friday night I experienced a very restless sleep; the sump ran all night. I worried that the water would rise and flood out my camping gear along with bins of photo albums, winter clothes, and some unused furniture that I store in the basement.
I formulated a plan between bouts of intermittent sleep. At 7 a.m. on Saturday morning, I was out in the yard in my rubber boots and rain jacket, hard at work checking the eaves troughs and installing my rain barrel.
Rain barrels are great for collecting water from the eaves of the house to use on the garden later. They are also great for slowing water down during rain showers. During high volume rain events like we have been experiencing you can attach a hose and open the spigot slightly, to direct the flow of water further away from your home. This also prevents the barrel from overflowing, which could also cause flooding around your foundation.
My next task was to move as many of my storage bins in the basement up onto shelves and the remainder of them up the stairs to the main floor. This cleared the concrete floor from inhibiting water flow to the sump. I turned on the fans and a dehumidifier and connected them to timers to utilize off-peak energy times.
While the water kept flowing all weekend, and the sump kept pumping, I did get some piece of mind knowing that I did everything I could to prevent damage to my belongings in the short term, but what about the long term?
As a result of all May rain, the waters of Little Lake have claimed the beach area at Rogers Cove in Peterborough’s East City. With climate change, we can expect more extreme weather events resulting in more flooding and more drought conditions in the community. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
As the climate changes, are we likely to experience more extreme weather events like flooding?
“It is important we all feel ready for rain, and ready for a lack of rain, as we proactively adapt to changing weather patterns associated with Climate Change,” explains GreenUP Water Programs Manager Heather Ray.
“The Peterborough Climate Change Action Plan, along with the Ontario Climate Change Action Plan, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (along with many more international, regional, and local institutions) recognize that the weather is changing due to climate change, and we can expect more extreme weather events resulting in more flooding and drought conditions for our community.”
I feel fortunate that only a few of my belongings fell victim to the current flooding, but many people living closer to Jackson Creek and the Otonabee River are dealing with fully flooded basements, rising water levels, boil water advisories, and the stress of more rain in the forecast.
How can we all prepare for the long term changes in climate that we will likely see, and protect our homes from flood damage before it happens? Rain Community Solutions offers some practical ideas to help prevent water damage in your basement with pro-active solutions that manage rainwater on your property by slowing it down, soaking it up, and keeping it clean.
Installing rain barrels, sloping the ground away from your foundation, cleaning eaves troughs regularly, and directing downspouts to at least 2.4 metres away from your home and onto permeable surfaces are all helpful ways to slow down water around your home.
To soak up more water before it flows to your basement, consider installing a rain garden in your yard. Rain gardens are uniquely designed to use soil and carefully selected plant species to capture and absorb rainwater while filtering pollutants that are often picked up in urban areas from roofs, driveways, and roads.
Keeping water clean helps to keep your home healthy, and our waterways, too. For example, disposing of old paint cans, and toxic cleaners at the household waste depot will ensure that they aren’t left in the basement where flooding could cause spillage and seepage into your home.
During flooding events, it is also important to conserve water. Over 100mm of rain has fallen in Peterborough since May 1st, which is more that we usually receive in the entire month of May!
While it might seem unnecessary to save water during such an influx of it, right now it is crucial to use less water in your home to protect the infrastructure that we use to treat our wastewater. Last week, an influx of rain and storm water to the system caused the wastewater treatment facility to be at capacity and was therefore forced to release water into the Otonabee River before it received secondary treatment.
Conserving water in the home will help reduce the strain on the wastewater treatment plant. You have likely heard all these water-saving tips before, but saving the laundry for another time, having very short showers, flushing less, and turning off the tap while you brush, shave, and wash dishes will certainly help.
Many of us will continue to manage the water in our yards and homes over the next few weeks. To try and minimize the stress associated with the ongoing flooding, I will be reminding myself that the sound of the sump pump going off means it is working! In the longer term, I will be considering some water-wise landscaping options to mitigate larger-scale flooding that is likely to happen again.
For more information about Rain Community Solutions, installing rain gardens and rain barrels, or any of GreenUP’s diverse water programs including Ready for Rain Peterborough and Water Wise, please contact Heather Ray, GreenUP Water Programs Manager at heather.ray@greenup.on.ca or 705-745-3238 ext. 204.
On Friday, May 12, the 2017 camping and recreational season at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground in Warsaw and Beavermead Campground in Peterborough
B.O.S.S. Human Resources/Hiring Seminar – Thursday, May 25th
Looking for tips and strategies to help you hire the right people for your business?
Register today for the Chamber’s upcoming B.O.S.S. workshop that will provide best practices and tips for preparing a job description, posting, screening applicants, interviewing, checking references, on-boarding new staff, grant programs and more.
The next B.O.S.S seminar takes place on May 25 at the Lakefield Legion
Awards of Excellence Gala Committee
Time to begin planning this year’s Awards of Excellence Gala. Interested in helping out? The Committee expects to meet once or twice before summer and two or three times in the fall.
Contact the Chamber office at info@kawarthachamber.ca or 705-652-6963 if you can contribute some time.
Is Rural Education Important to You?
On Friday, May 5thm the Ministry of Education held a public consultation on Ontario’s Rural Education Strategy. Being a Friday evening, many interested people couldn’t attend.
There are two opportunities to share your thoughts — closing date for both is Friday, June 9th. Complete an online short survey or if you have more time, read the Discussion Paper and submit your answers to the questions throughout the Paper (or other ideas) via email.
5 Minutes for Business: Exiting Europe and Terminating NAFTA – Have our Trading Partners Lost it?
In this edition of 5 Minutes for Business, Hendrik Brakel, Canadian Chamber Senior Director, Economic, Financial and Tax Policy, addresses the French elections on Sunday, May 7th. The people of France voted in the second round of the Presidential election, which bears a striking resemblance to the US elections with threats to stop immigration, withdraw from the EU, and impose tariffs to protect French business.
Read 5 Minutes for Business to learn more about the real consequences looming overhead when we fail to see the benefits of free trade.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce releases 5 Minutes for Business, a publication written by Hendrik Brakel, the Senior Director of Economic, Financial and Tax Policy. In these publication, Hendrik briefly describes current issues that affect the Canadian economy and provides insight on what it will mean for Canadians today and the future.
Make Your Voice Heard! OCC Spring Survey
Complete the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) annual spring survey. This is an easy way to make your voice heard. Your survey responses directly impact the work of the OCC and directly impact what government understands about Ontario’s businesses and economy.
Help the OCC advocate for you, it will only take five minutes! Take the OCC’s Spring Survey at www.occ.ca/surveys
Otonabee Region Flood Update
Flood Warning Remains in Effect
Otonabee Conservation advises that the Flood Warning first issued on May 3, 2017 remains in effect. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring. If at any time you experience a flood emergency, please dial 911 immediately.
There are no changes today (May 9th) to flows in or out of Buckhorn, Chemong, Pigeon, Lower Buckhorn, Lovesick, Stony, Clear and Katchewanooka Lakes. As a result, water levels on the lakes will continue to rise during the next 24 hours at about the same rate as observed during the past 24 hours.
As a result of continued rising waters on Kawartha Lakes, and in particular, Lake Katchewanooka, flows on the Otonabee River continue to increase. Given no changes today (May 9) on the flows in or out of Buckhorn, Stoney or Katchewanooka Lakes, it is anticipated that water levels on the Otonabee River will continue rising at the same rate as yesterday. Read more.
Stay Safe
Due to higher than normal levels/flows and cold water temperatures, all of the above-noted lakes, rivers, streams and creeks continue to pose a serious danger. Area residents are, therefore, advised to observe caution around all area waterbodies and watercourses.
Throughout the geographical jurisdiction of the ORCA, significant pooling and ponding has occurred in low lying areas where there is poor drainage. Also, wetlands have swelled to the point of covering roads in some areas. Area residents are advised to obey all road closure signs, and never drive through flooded areas.
In addition, dams, culverts and other water control and water conveyance structures are to be avoided at all times.
To report a flood in your area, call the Flood Watch Hotline at 705-745-5791 ext. 228 or e-mail orcafloodduty@otonabee.com. If you experience a flood emergency, call 911 immediately. Visit www.otonabee.com for flood updates.
Welcome new member: Accurate Appraisals
Accurate Appraisals 766 Fifes Bay, Selwyn, 705-742-2331 (24 Hour Service, 705-741-7756)
For your customers’ appraisal needs, choose Accurate Appraisals.
Antique Vehicles
Special Interest Vehicles
Custom Vehicles
Trucks
Motorcycles
Recreation Vehicles
Water Craft and Marine Surveys
Construction and Commercial Equipment
Choose the appraisal company that has served the region including Peterborough, Lindsay, Oshawa, Cobourg, Belleville for over 32 years. Accurate Appraisals has successfully facilitated over 45,000 claims, creating fair and just solutions between insurance companies, underwriters and insured. Read more.
ReLeaf Selwyn 150
In celebration of Canada’s 150th Anniversary, Selwyn Township residents can apply to receive one of the 150 Maple Trees available.
Applications for the Township of Selwyn’s ReLeaf Program are due by Friday, May 12th.
In celebration of Canada’s 150th Anniversary, Selwyn Township residents can apply to receive one of the 150 Maple Trees available.
Only Township of Selwyn residents or community groups may apply and all maple trees must be properly planted within five metres of the public boulevard on private property or on public lands (Township permission required).
Otonabee Conservation Campgrounds Open for the Season
Paddling on the creek at Beavermead Campground. (Photo: Otonabee Conservation)
Another sure sign of spring happens on Friday, May 12th when Otonabee Conservation swings open the gates for the 2017 camping and recreational season at the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Campground and Beavermead Campground.
The two campgrounds offer a family-friendly camping experience in very different settings. The Warsaw Caves campground is nestled in the Indian River valley and Beavermead Campground is situated in the heart of the city of Peterborough.
Campers and visitors may also enjoy other recreational activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and spelunking (Warsaw Caves) while visiting the campgrounds and surrounding area.
A Yard Sale is being held at Selwyn Outreach Centre to support Lakefield Youth Unlimited on Saturday, May 20th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Donate your treasures and make a difference! Drop off items on Friday, May 19th from 2 to 8 p.m. Also needed: bake sale items, volunteers for drop off day, and volunteers for sale day.
On Friday, May 19th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 20th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., please come out to the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) Annual Garage Sale. You never know what special treasures you may find!
The annual May long weekend garage sale continues to be one of the very largest fundraising events for LAWS. Please come out to LAWS (2887 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield) to support all of the animals that receive love and medical care at our shelter!
All money raised at this event goes directly to animal care and treatment.
Newly Relocated Visitor Centre to Open May 15th
The relocated Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre in the VentureNorth building at the corner of George and King streets in downtown Peterborough will open on May 15. (Photo: Google)
The newly relocated Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre will be open to the public on Monday, May 15th at 9 a.m., marking the beginning of the 2017 summer season.
The new location at VentureNorth at 270 George Street North in downtown Peterborough, will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including Canada Day and the Civic Holiday (Peter Robinson Day), from May 15th to October 7th.
Originally scheduled to reopen on May 8th, the relocation has been delayed slightly due to a change in the construction schedule. The existing Wolfe Street location will close its doors at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10th. Read more.
BEL Rotary 2017 Season Opener Golf Tournament – May 11th
Twilight River Run Lakefield 5K – May 13th
Cruise Night at Craftworks at the Barn – May 18th
Spring Craft Show at the Buckhorn Community Centre – May 20th & 21st
Spring Art Show at Whetung Ojibwa Centre – May 21st
Golf Fore Care – May 27th
For more information about the businesses and events listed above, please visit the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website at kawarthachamber.ca.
All photos supplied by Kawartha Chamber of Commerce except where noted.
Video surveillance stills show a woman at the intersection of Parkhill Road and George Street in Peterborough at the location and time of a pay phone where a bomb threat was made
Update – May 12, 2017: Shortly after 7 p.m. on Wednesday (May 10), the suspect in this case turned herself in at the Peterborough County OPP detachment. Officers have arrested and charged Laura Ruth Scott, 30, of Peterborough, with criminal mischief. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough, Ontario on June 8, 2017.
Peterborough County OPP are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a women who may have information about a bomb threat at the Chemong Region Medical Centre in Bridgenorth.
Shortly after 9 a.m. on Monday (May 8), Peterborough County OPP received a report of a bomb threat at the centre, located on Ward Street in Bridgenorth in the Township of Selwyn.
Officers evacuated the building and surrounding area and closed part of Ward Street. An extensive search by police of the building and surrounding area revealed no bomb or suspicious package or any danger to the public.
Investigators with the Peterborough County OPP Crime Unit discovered the threat originated at a pay phone at the intersection of Parkhill Road and George Street in the City of Peterborough.
The woman of interest was driving a early model black Hyundai Santa Fe
Still photographs captured by nearby video surveillance portray an early model black Hyundai Santa Fe and a female with blonde hair and dark roots.
Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the vehicle or the female depicted in the photographs. This female may have key information in relation to the ongoing investigation.
If you have any information in regards to this crime, please contact Detective Constable Trevor McLaughlin at the Peterborough County OPP at 705-742-0401 the Provincial Communication Centre at 888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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