Parkview Homes, which has purchased The Pig’s Ear Tavern in downtown Peterborough, will be auctioning off any remaining contents of the tavern after it closes on April 22, 2017.

Paul Dietrich, owner and president of Parkview Homes, plans to demolish the building at 144 Brock Street and replace it with a new five-storey apartment building, part of a $20 million redevelopment that also includes the Black Horse Pub property at 450 George Street North.

A March 30th media release from Parkview Homes states “This is a unique opportunity for past and present revelers of ‘The Piggy’ to own a piece of its storied history.”

The auction will be held in early May, following the closing of The Pig’s Ear closes on April 22nd,. It will be hosted online by Russland Auctioneers at ruslands.hibid.com to allow non-local bidding as well.

Parkview Homes will split all proceeds from the auction equally between YWCA Crossroads Shelter and YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

“We are extremely grateful to have the opportunity to not only give back those who need it most in our community, but also to bring new and innovative ideas to downtown Peterborough,” the media release concludes.

The Peterborough office of the Canadian Red Cross at 565 Water Street is closing effective Sunday, April 30th — a move prompted by the agency’s desire to respond to changing times.

“It’s not a cost-savings measure,” says Helena McKeag, Red Cross’s director of regional services for Eastern Ontario. “It’s because we’re delivering our services differently.

“The current services that we have in the Peterborough area — First Aid and CPR training, offered through our training partners as of March 31 — will continue to be there. Disaster Management with the emergency 24/7 line and the Disaster Management team will still be there with the same contact people. Those will be remaining, just offered in a different manner.”

McKeag explains the changing nature of how the Canadian Red Cross delivers services means a physical location in Peterborough is no longer necessary.

“We don’t need the physical presence of the building to offer those. You don’t need bricks and mortar to do the work. Our delivery model, the way we deliver our services, has changed over the years. Disaster Management is now mobile. It will still be there but they don’t need to work out of the Peterborough office to deliver services.”

McKeag adds all Red Cross services will remain accessible to the public with the current phone number of 705-745-8222 remaining active. As well, local services can be accessed at www.redcross.ca.

“While we will no longer will have a physical branch (in Peterborough), we will continue to provide services to the community based on need, as we do now in other locations where branches do not exist,” says McKeag.

The Canadian Red Cross closed its Renfrew County and District Branch office last year, as well as its branch in Quinte. This year, it’s also closing a branch in Keewatin near Kenora in northern Ontario effective June 30th, and there are reports of other offices in southern Ontario closing as well this year.

“The way the public has been interacting with us over the years has changed dramatically, along with the way we deliver some of our programs and services,” McKeag explains. “We’re looking at transforming the way we do our business, the way we deliver our services. If you have a mobile unit that’s going to be more responsive to disaster management and emergencies, why would you time them to a building? We’re just responding to the times and changing with the times.”

Along with First Aid/CPR training and Disaster Management services, other programs offered by the Peterborough branch have included: swimming instruction and lifeguard certification; manual wheelchair recycling; health equipment loans; “First Contact” for refugees facing challenges in adjusting to their new home; violence, bullying and abuse prevention programs; and “Winter Warmth”, which provides knitted items for those without access to winter wear.

What has been the home of the Canadian Red Cross, the building at 565 Water Street, was designated a heritage structure in 1982 by the City of Peterborough.

Built in 1889 at the northwest corner of Water and London streets, it is known as Harstone House — a tribute to Phoebe and Robert Harstone who acquired the property in 1907 and later left it to their son Colonel John A. Harstone, who lived there until his death in 1981 after which the Canadian Red Cross acquired the property.

Built in Queen Anne-style, the brick dwelling was originally designed by architect William Blackwell for John B. McWilliams, a businessman and politician. It was also the family home of his son Roland, who became mayor of Peterborough in 1906 and, in 1940, lieutenant governor of Manitoba.

With its rolling hills and historic buildings, Millbrook has become a favourite location for film and television shoots — including Anne, CBC Television’s revival of Lucy Maude Montgomery’s classic children’s novel, which premiered on March 19th.

On Wednesday, March 29th, the Millbrook Business Improvement Area (BIA) officially launched a film of its own: a two-minute short by videographer Patrick Stephen. The film captures the beauty of the village, not dressed for a film set, but just as it is.

VIDEO: Experience Millbrook – It’s Closer Than You Think!

Brigid Ayotte, Economic and Community Development Co-ordinator with the Township of Cavan Monaghan, says that the BIA decided to make the film after it was suggested by John Fizzle at Primerica.

“The idea of being able to package what is so great and beautiful about this community visually and succinctly attracted the BIA to this,” Brigid says.

The film showcases Millbrook’s beautiful countryside; we get a sense of space and freedom in the farms and hills. We watch the Pastry Peddler open with fresh baking as the main street awakens.

We see the beautiful trails, the 4th Line Theatre, the farmers’ market, the community garden, tempting food, and bustling streets. We see the Millbrook Fair at day and at night, glowing against the evening sky.

But still, there is so much about Millbrook that you don’t see in the film. Firm in my belief that the best way to experience a town is to speak with the people who know it best, I spoke with BIA members about Millbrook beyond the film.

The food

I ask Brigid about her favourite downtown attraction.

“The food,” she replies. “You have a whole range of food: eclectic at the Pastry Peddler, more traditional fare at Madison’s Place. If you want something quick you’ve got Bewdley Pizza or Subway.”

Having different options makes it easy for visitors downtown to spend the day.

Brigid also pointed out that many of these restaurants use local ingredients. “Millbrook and the Township of Cavan Monaghan have always had a very strong agricultural background.”

The Pastry Peddler serves local meat, maple syrup honey, and produce. They work with farms including Circle Organic, Puddleduck Farm, and French’s Beef.

Kate Deklerk, owner of the Quilter’s Bolt (30 King St E, Millbrook, 705-932-2120) recommends that foodies check out the Millbrook Farmers’ Market.

“This is an adorable little market with fruits, veggies, plants, gourmet lunch options, and live music,” Kate says. “It feels like a meeting place for locals and draws some pretty impressive crowds.”

The market is held on the 4th Sunday of each month from May through October.

The shopping

Millbrook’s downtown is home to a variety of shops: clothing, gifts, decor, hardware, groceries, and quilt supplies can all be sourced within a stone’s throw.

Because these are independent shops, they offer a shopping experience that you won’t find anywhere else. That’s why Brigid shops locally.

“If you go to Oasis Boutiques, you know that when you purchase something not everybody and their brother is going to have it,” Brigid explains. “It’s the same with Bear Essentials: there are a lot of unique gift ideas and products to use in your own home.”

Bonnie McQuarrie of Bethany Hills Interiors (12 King St E, Millbrook, 705-932-1600) carries a colourful selection of linens and artwork, many of which are sourced nearby.

“We buy local as much as we can, and Canadian made as much as we can,” Bonnie says.

The history

Millbrook’s historic charm is one of the main reasons it has become so popular for film sets, and the locals are very passionate about protecting its historic feel.

Millbrook has 45 historically designated buildings — the most per capita anywhere in Ontario.

Deanna Bell-Hall of the Pastry Peddler (17 King St E, Millbrook, 705-932-7333) says that visitors often comment about the sense of history.

“A lot of people comment that it’s such a cute little town and it’s so charming, and it really is. You go back in time almost.”

Millbrook residents care about their history. The community group Save the Dam Mill Pond, in partnership with the Millbrook and Cavan Historical Society, raised $90,000 in the summer of 2015 to save Needler’s Mill, a mill originally built by Adam Scott in 1830 and moved to its current location in 1909.

The trails

Whether you enjoy hiking or biking, Millbrook’s trails are a popular destination.

Kate of the Quilter’s Bolt says that when she hikes the trails, she often meets her friends and neighbours.

“I can honestly say, I don’t think we have ever hiked those trails and not been joined by friends we have unexpectedly come across.

“The nature, the beauty and the proximity all makes it so accessible, and such a wonderful thing to enjoy over and over again.”

The arts

The 4th Line Theatre calls Millbrook home, but the town is also a hotbed for visual artists, musicians, authors, and crafters.

Bonnie of Bethany Hills Interiors represents some of those artists in her shop, including George Raab and Debra Jackson. She also carries books by local illustrators Bill Slavin and Esperanca Melo.

While Millbrook’s most famous homegrown musician is superstar Serena Ryder, she isn’t the only musician from Millbrook. The Pastry Peddler hosts regular live music nights featuring local talent.

There are also classes for aspiring artists and quilters four to five nights each week at The Quilter’s Bolt, which offers the chance to learn more about quilting, bag making, and more.

The events

Millbrook’s events are another reason to visit, according to Kate of the Quilter’s Bolt.

“Attending the wide variety of community events is another thing that I think makes Millbrook spectacular.”

Ladies Night, Zucchini Fest, and Christmas in the Village are Kate’s top picks.

This April 1st and 2nd, you can go to ‘Maple in the Township’, a tour of local maple producers.

The community

The thing that I heard about over and over again from BIA Members was Millbrook’s incredible sense of community.

Bonnie of Bethany Hills Interiors says that you can see the care that residents bring to their community as soon as you drive into town.

“There’s a pride in the village: a sense of belonging, a sense of caring. I think that’s illustrated so well with our decorating committee. So many people tell me when they come to Millbrook and they see those decorations, it shows that people care here. We really try to make it a nice place to come to.”

Michelle Horner, a customer service representative at Millbrook Farm and Pet Supplies (13 Tupper St, Millbrook, 705-932-2888) says that the small-town atmosphere is what makes Millbrook such a great place to be.

“Everybody’s friendly and courteous and most people know most other people. You have that family connection.”

Didi Calhoun, owner of Calhoun’s Foodland (6 Century Blvd, Millbrook, 705-932-2179) agrees.

“There are small towns everywhere, but it’s that sense of community when you’re here. That’s what keeps us here, and I think that’s what’s the draw. It’s a small piece of Utopia.”

Didi adds that it’s a great place to raise a family.

Kate of the Quilter’s Bolt also appreciates the family-friendly atmosphere.

“My family and I moved to Millbrook seven years ago. And I have to say I cannot imagine raising my girls anywhere else. The sense of community in this village is amazing.”

Just 15 minutes from Peterborough, Millbrook is a great place to visit. And, if you stay long enough, you just might want to move there.

After almost two years of planning, the walls for the new Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building are about to go up — and the entire community is invited to attend an “old-fashioned barn raising” on Sunday, April 2nd at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene.

Since February, carpentry students and faculty at Fleming College — under the guidance of Mortlock Construction Inc. of Peterborough — have been hard at work constructing the frame for the new building, according to a design by Lett Architect.

The completed walls are now ready to raised, and Peterborough County is hosting a celebratory barn-raising event on Sunday at Lang Pioneer Village (104 Lang Rd., Keene).

The gates will open at 11 a.m., with welcoming remarks at 12 p.m. The family-friendly event, which wraps up at 2 p.m., also features live music and local food created by Chef Michael Sterpin, Chef Brad Watt, and Chef Kevin McKenna (working alongside Fleming College culinary students).

Admission is free (although donations to the project will be accepted), but you must register in advance. When you register, your name will be included in a draw for one of five spots in a VIP Sneak Peek tour of the building before its grand opening.

The event takes place outside and is rain of shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather.

Although the County of Peterborough has encouraged CBC’s Rick Mercer to attend the event by producing a YouTube video, there’s no word yet on whether he will be there.

Peterborough County first announced plans for the new Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building, along with a “Raise the Barn” fundraising campaign, in June 2015.

In addition to funds raised through the campaign, the federal government provided $970,000 to the project in November 2016. Earlier in March, TD Bank, East Central District Soil & Crop Improvement, and the Hamilton Township Mutual Insurance Company each donated $30,000 towards the project.

The new building, which will be built in a historically authentic barn style, will include an agricultural “wall of fame”, displays of agricultural implements and equipment, a restoration workshop, and more.

The idea for the new building came on the heels of the 2006 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Keene. The event, hosted by the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, was attended by an estimated 100,000 people and brought around $25 million in economic benefits to the region.

Following the success of the plowing match, a legacy fund was endowed to the County of Peterborough to continue local education on the impact and importance of the area’s agriculture heritage.

The county expects that the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building will increase tourism to the area, appeal to local farm families, and help educate city and urban dwellers on the important of agriculture to the local economy.

To find out more about the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building, how to sponsor or donate to the project, and to register for the barn-raising event, visit www.raisethebarnlpv.com. You can also follow @RaiseTheBarnLPV and like the Facebook page.

VIDEO: Inviting Rick Mercer to help Raise the Barn

Peterborough city council won’t stand in the way of downtown development even in the face of major structural changes to, or possible outright demolition of, two historic structures.

Meeting on Monday night (March 27) at City Hall as Committee of the Whole, council sided with a motion by Councillor Dan McWilliams to receive as information only a City staff report calling for a deferral of heritage designations being placed on the buildings at 144 Brock Street and 450 George Street North — home to The Pig’s Ear Tavern and The Black Horse Pub respectively.

The former has been purchased by Parkview Homes while the latter is subject of a conditional offer to purchase, also involving Parkview Homes.

As well, staff’s recommendation called for the exploration of “viable alternatives” to demolition in consultation with Parkview Homes.

Councillors Dave Haacke and Dean Pappas declared a conflict and did not vote on the matter — Coun. Haacke noting Parkview Homes is a client of his real estate business and Coun. Pappas saying his downtown business is located in close proximity to both properties.

Coun. McWilliams’ motion also recommends that City staff work with Parkview Homes owner/president Paul Dietrich, who has demolition permits in hand for both structures, to come up with a design for both that fits in with the design of the neighbouring Morrow Building at the northeast corner of George and Brock streets.

“This development is ready to go,” noted Coun. McWilliams.

“At the 11th hour, we’re now trying to impede the progress of a developer in our community. That doesn’t make any sense. I think it (heritage designation) stops and prohibits the moving of economic development in our community and I’m suggesting that’s not something we should be doing. Give it back to staff and let staff deal with the people who are going to be doing the construction.

“The developer is not an unknown commodity. Paul Dietrich is a gentleman who knows his stuff. He’s not going to put a glass tower up there. It’s important that staff work with the developer and come up with something that’s in keeping with the neighbourhood.”

On March 2nd, the Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) voted to recommend to city council that both buildings be granted heritage designation, which would prevent their demolition and restrict what modifications can be made to them. That followed Parkview Homes’ securing of City-granted demolition permits for both structures — a situation Dietrich defined as “challenging” in an earlier kawarthaNOW.com article.

Peterborough CAO Allan Seabrooke clarified during the discussion that Dietrich sought and secured those permits with the required consent of the buildings’ owners.

In rebuttal to Coun. McWilliams’ motion, Community Services Director Ken Doherty urged council to approve the recommendation to defer PACAC’s heritage designation request for both buildings and give staff time to work with Parkview Homes on their design.

His report noted the buildings “have strong associations with the community, are integral parts of the 19th century streetscape and display a high order of architectural design.”

“The intent behind the Heritage Act is to balance heritage preservation with economic development,” noted Doherty. “Our recommendations aren’t ignoring PACAC’s recommendations. Our recommendation says defer a decision on heritage designation and give us an opportunity to meet and discuss, at more length, what options are available.

“There are many examples where we have worked with developers to try and balance heritage preservation with economic development. That’s all we’re asking for here.”

For his part, Councillor Henry Clarke, while agreeing with Coun. McWilliams’ call for fewer roadblocks to downtown development, also saw merit in staff’s desire to work with Parkview Homes on the buildings’ design.

“I think Mr. Doherty is right. Pass the recommendation as is and ask to very quickly work with the developer,” said Coun. Clarke.

“I think we’re all well aware that getting more people living in the downtown, working in the downtown, is extremely important to the economy. I want to see it move ahead expeditiously, but I am concerned that some of the heritage (of the buildings) does need to be preserved.”

Meanwhile, Councillor Gary Baldwin left no question as to where he stands on the matter.

“I’d like to see the properties designated as heritage properties,” he said, speaking against the staff recommendation and Coun. McWilliams’ motion while siding with PACAC’s request.

“Certainly we want to improve buildings in the community but there’s an architecture there to maintain. We preserved Cox Terrace on Rubidge Street. There are a number of other buildings in the city that if we just allow developers to come in with absolutely no deterrent at all; they can in fact demolish buildings.

“I don’t think we should downplay the role of our advisory committees. If you’re not going to take their input, I really don’t see why we have advisory committees.”

But Councillor Lesley Parnell countered that, saying “People living downtown makes for a more diverse, livable, safe, vibrant downtown. We want more people living downtown.

“We also want them living in buildings that we know are not just up to accessibility standards but fire standards with new insulation, safe plumbing, safe electricity, everything. What he (Dietrich) is proposing is brand new, safe buildings, more than up to code, but bringing in some of the heritage to the new buildings.”

In the earlier kawarthaNOW.com article, Dietrich expressed a desire to not only work with City staff to come up with a suitable design for both structures but also to preserve some of their history in some form, whether that be preserving part of the buildings’ facades in some form or incorporating photos of the structures as the centerpiece of a interior display.

“The Pig’s Ear and The Black Horse have history in Peterborough and we, as developers/builders, would recognize the same in any redevelopment by incorporating some of the hard structure (building) and some of the soft structure (memories) in a new development that would enhance downtown Peterborough,” he wrote in an email.

Coun. McWilliams’ motion will now head to city council April 3 for ratification.