The Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has called off their search for 70-year-old Marjorie Lucas after finding a woman’s body matching her description on the shores of Lake Ontario in the Grafton area.

Lucas of Quinte West went missing on Saturday, March 25th, along with her Springer Spaniel dog. She was last seen driving a 2010 brown Chevrolet Malibu with Ontario licence plate MARJ68.

On Tuesday, March 28th, Lucas’s empty car was located in the parking lot of a business on Harbour Street in Brighton.

On Sunday, April 2nd, police located Lucas’s dog deceased on a shoreline at Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton.

On Thursday, April 6th, the Northumberland detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a deceased person washed up on the shores of Lake Ontario in the Grafton area.

Officers located a deceased female matching the description of Lucas.

On Saturday, April 8th, a post mortem examination was conducted at the Office of the Chief Coroner and Forensic Pathology Service and confirmed the identity of the deceased woman as Marjorie Lucas.
Police say foul play is not suspected.

April showers bring May flowers, but when combined with spring snowmelt they also increase the risk of flooding. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry along with local conservation authorities have issued flood warnings, watches, and watershed condition statements for the Kawarthas region.

A flood warning means flooding is imminent or already occurring, a flood watch means there is potential for flooding, and a watershed conditions statement includes a flood outlook (early notice of conditions that may lead to flooding) or water safety information.

Here are the flood conditions as of Tuesday, April 25, 2017 across the Kawarthas region:

Flood Warning for York and Madawaska River Watersheds, Flood Watch for Gull River Watershed

Last update: April 18, 2017

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Bancroft District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for the York River and Madawaska River Watersheds, and a Flood Watch is in effect for the Gull River Watershed.

A Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook remains in effect for the rest of Bancroft District.

Total rainfall over Bancroft District through Friday is expected to be in the range of 15-30mm. Seasonal spring temperatures are expected.

While recent temperatures and precipitation have been causing the snow to disappear in parts of Bancroft District, a substantial snow pack with average to above-average water content remains across the northern half of the District, encompassing many headwater areas. With the forecast warmer temperatures and precipitation, continued and accelerated snowmelt is expected.

The York River and Madawaska River watersheds are already saturated and the additional rain and snowmelt will cause water levels and flows in the York and Madawaska Rivers to either rise or remain elevated. Flooding is expected in low-lying areas adjacent to the York and Madawaska Rivers.

As storage on the reservoir lakes in the Gull River watershed is nearing capacity, Parks Canada is continuing to move water through the system. Nuisance flooding is expected in this system, particularly in low-lying flood prone areas on the Gull River through the Village of Minden.

With the recent rain and snow melt, reservoirs across the remainder of the district are elevated. Smaller streams and creeks will respond quickly to the additional runoff. Larger water bodies, including the reservoir lakes, will take longer to react. Additional water accumulation in areas adjacent to watercourses, road ditches and areas with poor drainage may occur.

Residents of the Bancroft District should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams. Residents who have a historic susceptibility to flooding should take appropriate precautions to protect their property, such as ensuring sump pumps are functioning and securing items that may float away as water levels rise.

MNRF advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities. Many are seasonally inundated with water, prone to washouts, and may be impassable due to current water levels. The public should avoid crossing any submerged roads as there may be a risk to traveler safety. Barricades have been placed in locations where known washouts or dangerous driving conditions have been observed.

Flood Warning cancelled for Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River

The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) has cancelled the Flood Warning (first issued on April 7th) for the Otonabee Region Watershed (Kawartha Lakes in the north including Buckhorn and Stoney Lake to Rice Lake in the south). A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is now in effect.

Inflows to the Kawartha Lakes from areas to the north have continued to decline over the past week. As a result, the water levels on the Kawartha Lakes and flows on the Otonabee River have subsided to the point that previously experienced flooding no longer exists.

What’s more, the disappearance of all traces of snow in the areas north of Kawartha Lakes combined with fair weather forecasts means that the spring freshet along the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River is now past. Therefore, the flood warning for the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River is now cancelled.

A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is now in effect for all of the watercourses and waterbodies in the geographical jurisdiction of ORCA. Despite the cancellation of the flood warning for the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River, area residents and visitors to the area should nonetheless observe caution around all waterbodies and watercourses because area lakes, rivers, streams and creeks continue to pose a serious danger due to extremely cold water temperatures. Dams, culverts and other water control and water conveyance structures are to be avoided at all times.

Flood Watch cancelled for the Lower Trent Watershed

LLower Trent Conservation advises municipalities and the public that the Flood Watch issued on April 7th for the Trent River from Hastings to Trenton is cancelled. A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is now in effect.

Water levels and flows along the Trent River from Hastings to Trenton will continue a steady drop this week as the spring runoff moves through the lower section of the river system.

The Trent-Severn Waterway will be continuing dam operations over the next several weeks in order to reduce water levels and flows to summer navigation ranges.

The long-range forecast currently indicates that a Colorado low system will move through the region this weekend bringing the potential of 30 to 45 mm of rain. This amount of precipitation could sustain the period of springtime water conditions.

Everyone is advised to exercise extreme caution around all waterways. Strong currents pose a safety hazard to anyone. Areas around water control structures should be avoided at all times. This Water Safety Statement will remain in effect for the next several weeks.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for Ganaraska Region Watershed

Last update: April 7, 2017

The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for the Ganaraska Region Watershed (the area from Wilmot Creek in Clarington to east of Cobourg from the south shore of Rice Lake down to Lake Ontario).

The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises that a low pressure system is moving into Southern Ontario this evening ahead of a second storm later this week. Rain is expected to start overnight with total rainfall amounts of 20 to 30mm by noon tomorrow, when the system is expected to taper off and move out of the region. A second storm event is expected to begin on Wednesday night with possibly 30mm or more rainfall.

Most of the runoff associated with last Friday’s storm event has passed through the watersheds, however soil conditions remain wet and storage areas such as wetlands and ponds have reduced capacity to absorb more runoff.

The forecasted rainfall combined with wet watershed conditions will result in higher than normal water levels and flows in all our local streams. With the next storm arriving shortly after, a second round of runoff is expected to follow on Thursday and into Friday. No flooding is anticipated at this time.

Additionally, slippery stream banks, and fast flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around bodies of water, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges. Children should be warned to stay away from all watercourses.

This Watershed Conditions Statement will be in effect through Friday, April 7th, 2017. Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and provide updates as necessary. Should you have any questions or wish to report flooding, please contact the following GRCA staff at 905-885-8173.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for Kawartha Watershed

Last update: April 13, 2017

Kawartha Conservation is advising local residents that the large Kawartha Lakes, specifically Cameron, Balsam, Sturgeon lakes and Pigeon Lake continue experiencing elevated water levels as a large amount of water moves through the Trent River system.

Water levels in the Kawartha Lakes have been elevated over the last several days in response to high water flows in rivers, including the Burnt and Gull rivers, which flow into the Kawartha Lakes from the north. Substantial runoff from recent precipitation as well as the melting of remnant snow cover in the headwaters of these northern tributaries, had been contributing to the higher flows.

Partner agencies report that the snow cover at the upper reaches of the Burnt and Gull rivers has now melted. As a result, flows in northern tributaries are decreasing. No significant precipitation is forecast for the next 5 days. Under these circumstances it is expected that water levels in Kawartha Lakes within Kawartha Conservation watershed will start declining in next few days.

While lake water levels are elevated, no flooding is anticipated at this time within the Kawartha Conservation jurisdiction at this time. However, shorelines and banks are saturated, and may be slippery and undercut. Kawartha Conservation is asking all residents, especially children, to use caution around the lakes and other water courses.

Trent-Severn Waterway officials are assessing the situation on an ongoing basis and are adjusting flows through water control structures accordingly. Dams in Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon are open to accommodate increased flows of the Burnt River and the other northern tributaries.

The story will be updated as flood conditions change.

Peterborough’s annual open street event, Peterborough Pulse, took top honours at the 2017 Business Improvement Area (BIA) National Conference.

The event won the award for Large Special Events & Promotions at the conference, which was hosted by the Ontario BIA Association in Toronto on Monday, April 3rd.

“Pulse has become one of our most exciting events and it’s wonderful to be recognized by our peers from BIAs across the country and show what Peterborough has to offer,” says Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).

Peterborough Pulse returns in 2017 on Saturday, July 15th, when George Street will be transformed for one day into a car-free corridor.

The street will be filled with families pushing strollers, cyclists, and roller-skaters, and there will be Karate and Zumba demonstration, art displays, live music, and more.

In addition to the Peterborough DBIA, the event is supported by the City of Peterborough, GreenUP, Peterborough Bicyle Advisory Committee, B!KE, Peterborough Public Health, Peterborough Square, and various sponsors.

For more information on Peterborough Pulse, visit www.ptbopulse.com.

Despite several passionate pleas that two downtown Peterborough buildings be granted heritage designation to head off their possible demolition, Peterborough City Council has denied that designation, instead directing City staff to work closely with the buildings’ new owner on their redevelopment and that council have the final say on what those those plans are.

The two properties — 144 Brock Street (The Pig’s Ear Tavern) and 450 George Street North (The Black Horse Pub) — have been conditionally purchased by Parkview Homes whose owner and president Paul Dietrich has secured demolition permits for both structures as part of his plan to develop a combined 50 apartment units. The permits were sought with the signed permission of the current owners of both properties: John Punter and Lylie Ryder (144 Brock Street) and Ray Kapoor (450 George Street North).

However, after those permits were issued, the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) voted, on March 2, to recommend heritage designation be granted to both properties, which would prevent their outright demolition and severely restrict what modifications can be made to them. City staff subsequently recommended to council that PACAC’s heritage designation request be “deferred” and that “viable alternatives” to the buildings’ demolition be explored in co-operation with Parkview.

Having voted to receive staff’s report and attached recommendation as information, council (meeting as Committee of the Whole on March 27) directed staff to work with Parkview Homes on a design for both buildings that fits with that of the abutting heritage-designated Morrow Building at the northeast corner of George and Brock streets. That set the stage for a final vote on Monday night (April 3).

Among the number of people who spoke on the matter before council were three key players in the ultimate fate of the buildings: lawyer Jeff Ayotte representing Parkview Homes, PACAC chair Stewart Hamilton, and an emotional John Punter who, with his wife Lylie Ryder, conditionally sold the Pig’s Ear property to Parkview in January.

“We are vehemently opposed to a heritage designation being forced upon us,” said Punter, joined at the podium by his wife.

“As small business owners, we worked through the good times and the bad, secure in the knowledge that, some day, the tavern would play a major part in our retirement plans. In January, we accepted an offer (to purchase). Our ‘some day’ had arrived. Perhaps you can appreciate how shocked we are to learn that a heritage designation can be forced upon us, leaving our retirement plans in shreds.”

“We heard the term ‘hostile designation’ for the first time last Monday night (March 27). Until then, we mistakenly believed that the choice to designate was a property owner’s right. This well-hidden term is something people need to know about. Pay attention (property) owners. If they can do it to us, they can do it to you.”

Saying “This is a genie we can’t put back in the bottle,” Punter added it has been announced The Pig’s Ear is closing April 22nd. Monthly pub events have found new homes and longtime pub staff have made plans to move on.

Kapoor, meanwhile, while present, did not address council regarding the sale of his property. However, in a letter emailed to kawarthaNOW.com late last week, he commended Parkview Homes for a “new vision” at the centre of its desire to invest in, and revitalize, downtown Peterborough. He also urged residents to ask councillors to allow Parkview that opportunity.

For his part, Ayotte made Parkview’s plans for both properties clearer, lamenting what he termed “a degree of polarity” that has arisen with regard to Parkview’s development plans for, both properties.

“It seems to have been put before you by some as an all-or-nothing proposition,” Ayotte said. “Either you, as a council, take steps to preserve the architectural heritage of those two buildings or you allow for development.

“It doesn’t have to be that kind of choice. The architectural heritage of those two buildings does have to be respected and we are prepared to commit to work with (City) staff to ensure that the ultimate design does incorporate features that respect that architectural heritage. We don’t see it as an all-or-nothing thing.

“In a perfect world, it would be wonderful if a developer came along and said ‘I really would like to turn that into a boutique hotel with a pub and I’ve got an endless amount of dollars to do that’ but no one is coming before you saying that. The danger is if you do make this choice (impose heritage designation) you end up with heritage designated buildings which are empty and derelict. This is an opportunity; an opportunity to continue on the work of this council, and previous councils, have done to ensure the success of the downtown core.”

Ayotte added Parkview is “prepared to give the final say to (City) staff, and ultimately, council. We’re prepared to go back to staff for final approval (of the design) and here to council. This is not a difficult choice for you to make.”

In response to Councillor Gary Baldwin’s noting published media reports that Parkview is planning to demolish the two buildings as its secured permits allow, Ayotte didn’t clearly confirm or deny that intention. However, asked if the buildings’ facades will be preserved as part of any new design, Ayotte said that’s “financially unfeasible,” adding current building code requirements must be incorporated as part of any new design.

“Is it going to be the same bricks and mortar? No. Is it (the final design) going to be approved by you (council) and staff? Yes.”

The voices calling for heritage designation of both properties dominated the delegations list. Among the more noteworthy was that of PACAC chair Stewart Hamilton. PACAC, he noted, has advised city council on heritage designation matters for more than 40 years.

“Stating that this is an attempt at a hostile designation by the committee is completely out of line,” said Hamilton. “The fact is PACAC is empowered under the Heritage Act to advise council on matters of heritage … that is exactly what we did.

“We have a large wait list. Right now we have about eight other properties on a wait list. That’s about three years’ worth of work. Could these (heritage designation requests) have come sooner? Possibly, but there’s a wait list (for designation) already.”

Meanwhile, educating council on the historical significance of both structures was longtime local historian Elwood Jones. And Trent Valley Archives board member Guy Thompson noted his organization hosts popular tours of the downtown core which have historical buildings as their centerpiece.

“When historical buildings are torn down, a hole is left in our history,” Thompson said. “The downtown streets and buildings are foundations for stories that tell the beginnings of our city.”

Councillor Henry Clarke seconded Councillor Don Vassiliadis’ motion directing City staff to work with Parkview Homes to explore viable alternatives for heritage preservation and report back to council. Along with them, councillors Andrew Beamer, Lesley Parnell, Dan McWilliams, Keith Riel and Mayor Daryl Bennett voted in favour of the motion, with councillors Baldwin and Dianne Therrien voting against it.

Councillors Dave Haacke and Dean Pappas abstained from voting, have declared conflicts — Parkview is a client of Coun. Haacke’s real estate business and Coun. Pappas owns property near the two buildings.

Parkview Homes owner and president Paul Dietrich was present to hear the result of the vote, but declined comment afterwards.

However, in an earlier kawarthaNOW.com exclusive, he affirmed that a heritage designation placed on either building “would prevent any development moving forward.” He also acknowledged his full awareness of the historical significance of both structures, assuring that will be recognized, in some way, in the buildings’ redevelopment.