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nightlifeNOW – October 24 to 30

Kingston-based folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Anthea Feaver, who just released her debut album "Summer's Morning" featuring eight original and two traditional songs, is performing at the Black Horse in downtown Peterborough on Sunday afternoon. (Photo: Kerry Jarvis)

Every Thursday, kawarthaNOW publishes live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that musicians provide directly or that venues post on their websites or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, October 24 to Wednesday, October 30.

If you’re a musician or venue owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.

With the exception of karaoke, we only list events with performing musicians. Venues may also host other events during the week (e.g., dancing, DJs, comedy shows).

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Arthur's Pub

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

Thursday, October 24

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

Friday, October 25

8-11pm - Courtney Bowles

Saturday, October 26

8-11pm - Ryan Forsythe

Monday, October 28

7:30-9:30pm - Local talent night ft Matt Bazinet

Bar 379 - The Old Twisted Wheel

379 Water St., Peterborough
705-742-0777

Thursday, October 24

8pm - Sky Wallace w/ Ash Mallow and Sarah Jayne Riley ($20 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1053786787649, $25 at door)

Friday, October 25

9pm-2am - Shrek Party w/ The Friendly Frogs Freak Show (9-11pm) and DJ Shrek (11pm-2am), prize for best Shrek or swamp-themed costume ($10 cover)

Saturday, October 26

8pm - Filthy Radicals, Dirty Bird, Bib Brother, Filthy Kitty ($25)

Black Horse Pub

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

Thursday, October 24

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

Friday, October 25

5-8pm - Graven; 9pm - The Woodhouse Crooks

Saturday, October 26

5-8pm - Cameron Von; 9pm - Gunslingers

Sunday, October 27

4-7pm - Anthea Feaver

VIDEO: "Summer's Morning" - Anthea Feaver

Monday, October 28

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

Tuesday, October 29

6-10pm - Open mic w/ Joslynn Burford

Wednesday, October 30

6-9pm - Wednesday Night Rock & Roots Dance ft Dave Tough & His Band

Coming Soon

Friday, November 1
5-8pm - Reverend Freddie Vendetta; 9pm - Misfits In Action

Saturday, November 2
5-8pm - Ball and Chain; 9pm - Jake Norris & The Side Street Band

Sunday, November 3
4-7pm - Blues in the Bottle

Boston Pizza Lindsay

435 Kent St. W., Lindsay
705-328-0008

Friday, October 25

8-11pm - Live music TBA

Wednesday, October 30

8-11pm - Karaoke

Cat & The Fiddle Cobourg

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

Friday, October 25

8pm - Karaoke

Claymore Pub & Table

95 King St. W., Cobourg
905-372-5231

Thursday, October 24

7-10pm - Karaoke

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Coach & Horses Pub

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

Saturday, October 26

10pm - Karaoke with DJ Ross

Crook & Coffer

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

Thursday, October 24

7-9:30pm - Casey Bax

Friday, October 25

7:30-10:30pm -Johann Burkhardt

Saturday, October 26

2:30-4:30pm -The Skelligs

Dominion Hotel

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

Saturday, October 26

6-9pm - Gord Kidd and Friends

Erben Eatery & Bar

379 George St. N., Peterborough
705-874-8379

Thursday, October 24

5-7pm - The Groove Lounge w/ Doug McLean

Friday, October 25

9pm - Karaoke

Monday, October 28

5-7pm - The Groove Lounge w/ Doug McLean

Tuesday, October 29

8pm - Karaoke w/ Ian Clement

Wednesday, October 30

8-11pm - Open mic

Ganaraska Brewing Company

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

Friday, October 25

7-9pm - Karaoke w/ Erin Billings

Sunday, October 27

2-5pm - Open mic w/ Melodi Ryan

Ganaraska Hotel

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

Friday, October 25

8pm - Halloween Costume Ball ft The House of Haunt w/ Stand Against Fear, Sarah Segal-Lazar, The McBans ($20 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/938462646037)

Saturday, October 26

2-6pm Marty and The Mojos

Gordon Best Theatre

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, November 16
8pm - Austin Carson Band w/ Tony Silvestri, Brandon Humphrey, and Irish Millie ($25 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1001031501167)

Saturday, November 23
8pm - Russell DeCarle ($30 in advance, $35 at door)

Saturday, December 7
8pm - The Weber Brothers ($30 at door)

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Graz Restobar

38 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
705-738-6343

Friday, October 25

8pm - Jam Night

Sunday, October 27

3pm - Brad Renaud

Jethro's Bar + Stage

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

Thursday, October 24

8-10pm - A Sea of Gold & Burgundy w/ Brandon Agnew; 10pm-12am - The Union

Friday, October 25

6-8pm - Chester Babcock; 8-10pm - Stan Simon; 10pm-1am - The Griddle Pickers

Saturday, October 26

6-8pm - Newberry Family Variety Hours; 8-10pm - Peter Graham Band; 10pm-1am - Tapes in Motion

Sunday, October 27

3-6pm - Blues jam w/ Al Black and guests

The John at Sadleir House

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

Coming Soon

Friday, November 1
8:30pm - Garbageface, Horseman Pass By, Normal Human Amount ($15 in advance at https://www.sadleirhouse.ca/concerts)

Kelly's Homelike Inn

205 3rd Street, Cobourg
905-372-3234

Friday, October 25

7-10pm - Live music TBA

Saturday, October 26

4-8pm - Monkey Mountain

The Locker at The Falls

9 Lindsay St., Fenelon Falls
705-887-6211

Saturday, October 26

7-10pm - Shannon Roszell (no cover)

Mainstreet Bar & Grill

1939 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn
(705) 657-9094

Friday, October 25

7:30pm - Karaoke hosted by DJ Ross

McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery

13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600

Thursday, October 24

7-11pm - Karaoke

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McThirsty's Pint

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

Friday, October 25

9pm-1am - Ryan Burton

Saturday, October 26

9pm-1am - Chris Collins

Sunday, October 27

8pm - Open mic

Tuesday, October 29

8pm - Joanna & Danny

Wednesday, October 30

9pm - Kevin Foster

Olympia Restaurant

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

Saturday, October 26

5-8:30pm - Live music TBA

Pig's Ear Tavern

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

Saturday, October 26

4pm - Wild Cards; 8pm - Father Turbo & The Garage Cult ($5)

Tuesday, October 29

9pm - Open stage

Wednesday, October 30

9pm - Karaoinke

The Publican House

300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743

Thursday, October 24

7-9pm - Chris McLeod

Friday, October 25

7-9pm - Chris Collins

Puck' N Pint Sports Pub

871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078

Saturday, October 26

8pm - KC Carter

Rolling Grape Vineyard

260 County Rd 2, Bailieboro
705-991-5876

Saturday, October 26

6-10pm - Jazz Night ft Sean Stanley Quartet ($25 at https://rollinggrape.com/jazznight/)

Royal Crown Pub & Grill

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

Saturday, October 26

8-11pm - Ian Conboy (no cover)

Scenery Drive Restaurant

6193 County Road 45, Baltimore
905-349-2217

Saturday, October 26

5-7:30pm - Kat Lovett

Tap & Tonic Pub & Bistro

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

Thursday, October 24

7-10pm - Mike & Suzanne

The Thirsty Goose

63 Walton St., Port Hope

Friday, October 25

8pm-12am - Bruce Longman

Saturday, October 26

8pm-12am - Brian Bracken

The Venue

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

Coming Soon

Saturday, November 2
8pm - Rick Campanelli's Ultimate 90s Experience ft Wing Night (Toronto hip hop and R&B cover band) and Simone Denny and Choclair ($41.26 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/970237425257)

Peterborough mayor recommends councillors no longer sit on most citizen advisory committees or local boards

Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal chairing a city council meeting in 2023. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of City of Peterborough video)

Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal is recommending that city councillors no longer sit on most citizen advisory committees or local boards, so they can “focus on their core mandate as elected officials.”

The report from Mayor Leal, which will be presented to city councillors meeting as general committee on Monday (October 28), also recommends changes to the portfolio chairs for each of the city’s five departments, with a new and separate portfolio for homelessness being added to community services.

The mayor’s report comes five months after a city council meeting where councillors approved a staff report that recommended, among other things, that the mayor consult with councillors about their roles on advisory committees and on local boards, municipal corporations and third party organizations and corporations, and that he report back to council with his recommendations.

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“Following council’s approval and directions, the mayor consulted with each member of council,” the mayor’s report reads. “The recommendations in this report are informed by that consultation and are intended to bring greater clarity to council’s roles and responsibilities, to recognize the challenging schedule of meetings members may experience and to improve governance to foster an environment where members can focus on key initiatives involving council’s strategic plan.”

The report recommends that council rescind the appointments of councillors to the following nine advisory committees:

  • Arenas, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
  • Arts and Culture Advisory Committee
  • Citizen’s War Memorial Advisory Committee
  • Community Investment Grants Advisory Committee
  • Museum and Archives Advisory Committee
  • Peterborough Architectural Advisory Committee
  • Peterborough Environmental Advisory Committee
  • Planning Advisory Committee
  • Transit Liaison Committee

In addition, the Citizen Appointment Selection Committee — which includes five councillors — would be dissolved and replaced by a working group comprising the mayor, deputy mayors, and city staff.

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Council representation would remain in place for those advisory committees whose membership includes representation from Peterborough County council, such as the Age-Friendly Peterborough Advisory Committee.

Other committees that would retain council representation are the Airport Strategic Initiatives Committee, the Greater Peterborough Joint Services Committee, the Operations and Development Advisory Committee (a staff committee), the Waste Management Committee, and the Youth Commission.

As well as asserting that removing councillors from advisory committees would decrease their workload, the mayor’s report questions whether having councillors sit on advisory committees has any governance value.

“Advisory committees have been created by council to provide advice on particular issues or subjects to all of council,” the report states. “When a member of council is appointed to an advisory committee, they are asked to simultaneously fulfill two incompatible roles — they are both part of the body who advises council and a member of the council which is being advised.”

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The mayor’s report also recommends that councillors no longer sit on the boards of the following organizations (actual names noted in parentheses):

  • Art Gallery of Peterborough
  • The Canadian Canoe Museum
  • East City Ashburnham Village Business Improvement Area
  • Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce)
  • Market Hall Performance Centre (Market Hall Performing Arts Centre)
  • Multicultural Canada Day Committee
  • Peterborough Downtown Improvement Area (Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area)
  • Peterborough Green-Up Association (Peterborough GreenUP)
  • Peterborough Public Library Board
  • Showplace Peterborough Performance Centre (Showplace Performance Centre)

There would be no changes to councillor appointments to the Downtown Action Committee, Fairhaven Board of Management, Liaison Committee with Fleming College, Liaison Committee with Trent University, Otonabee Region Conservation Authority, Peterborough County-City Health Unit Board (Peterborough Public Health), Peterborough Housing Municipal Services Corporation, Peterborough Police Service Board.

For the board of Peterborough Housing Corporation, councillor Lesley Parnell would be appointed to replace Mayor Leal. Decisions about the inclusion of councillors on the boards of City of Peterborough Holdings Inc. and the Peterborough Utilities Commission (PUC) would be considered in 2025 in relation to the pending transfer of water utility operations.

According to the mayor’s report, councillors would be free to sit on the boards or organizations in a personal capacity, but not as a city councillor or otherwise representing the city.

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The mayor’s report also recommends the following amendments to portfolio chairs, including the creation of a new portfolio for homelessness:

  • Community Services (except Homelessness): Councillors Alex Bierk and Lesley Parnell
  • Community Services (Homelessness): Councillors Alex Bierk and Keith Riel
  • Finance and Corporate Support Services: Councillors Andrew Beamer and Dave Haacke
  • Infrastructure, Planning and Growth Management: Councillors Kevin Duguay and Joy Lachica
  • Legislative Services: Councillors Gary Baldwin and Matt Crowley
  • Municipal Operations: Councillors Keith Riel and Don Vassiliadis

“The approval of the recommendations in this report will improve governance by permitting members of council to, collectively, focus on their core mandate as elected officials,” the report states.

Councillors will discuss the mayor’s report and its recommendations at the general committee meeting on October 28 and vote on whether or not to endorse it. Items endorsed on October 28 will be considered by council for final approval at its regular meeting the following Monday (November 4).

 

This story has been updated to correct an error in the name of a councillor.

WBN seeks donations for holiday gala and auction in support of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton

The Women's Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) is hosting its annual holiday gala and auction in support of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton on December 4, 2024 at the Holiday Inn Peterborough. WBN is asking for donations both for the silent auction on the night of the gala and for the online auction running from November 20 to December 5, and is also seeking sponsors for the gala itself. (Photo: WBN)

Nothing spreads the holiday spirit quite like giving back to your own community. That’s why, as holiday preparations get underway, the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) is seeking sponsors and donations for their annual holiday gala and auction in support of the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.

Running with a “winter wonderland” theme, the holiday gala is the largest event of the WBN season and takes place on Wednesday, December 4 at the Holiday Inn in downtown Peterborough. Accompanying the event will be an online auction running from November 20 to December 5 on NonProfit Bidding’s auction platform.

The WBN has set its fundraising goal at $15,000, with proceeds from this year’s gala going towards vital programming and services at YWCA Peterborough Haliburton with a focus on supporting women experiencing gender-based violence.

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“It’s an annual thing we do as a group of women supporting other women,” says WBN social director Rebecca O’Rourke. “We know that there’s a vulnerable part of our community of women that need extra support, so we do this every year to generate financial help.”

In 2023 alone, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Crossroads Shelter provided 6,863 nights of safety for 121 women and 63 children. Beyond the shelter, the YWCA walks alongside women on their journey of care, and donor support enables them to continue to provide immediate assistance and resources to countless local women and families facing crisis.

Local businesses and community members are encouraged to contribute to the WBN’s support of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton by making donations to the online auction for public bid. With a set starting bid, the item will be available for anyone to make an offer, with all sale proceeds going to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.

Suggested items for donation in the online auction range from electronics to memberships, gift baskets, gift certificates, and anything else valued at $25 or more. Donors will be acknowledged by their company name or logo appearing alongside the donated item, with extensive exposure through NonProfit Bidding’s online reach.

In addition to the online auction being held on NonProfit Bidding from November 20 to December 5, 2024, the Women's Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) will host a silent auction at the holiday gala at the Holiday Inn Peterborough on Wednesday, December 4. All proceeds from both auctions will support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. (Photo: WBN)
In addition to the online auction being held on NonProfit Bidding from November 20 to December 5, 2024, the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) will host a silent auction at the holiday gala at the Holiday Inn Peterborough on Wednesday, December 4. All proceeds from both auctions will support YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. (Photo: WBN)

O’Rourke suggests it’s an opportunity for individuals to spread the love across the community ahead of the holiday season by purchasing products from their favourite local businesses to donate to the cause.

“It would be a really good way to thank the business that you love and buy an extra product or service and donate it to the auction,” she says. “That gives that business exposure on our online auction and it’s a way of saying ‘I love this business, and you should try it, too.'”

To donate an item for the online auction, donors can visit the WBN auction at NonProfit Bidding and simply upload an image of the item with a description for WBN to review. Donors will hold on to the item until the winning bidder is announced and pickup or delivery can be arranged.

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Those who want to donate an item to be included in the silent auction for the night of the gala, rather than in the online auction, are encouraged to email O’Rourke at social@wbnptbo.ca.

“That might be an option if someone wants to donate something that’s more of a physical item that bidders might want to see before placing a bid,” says O’Rourke.

All auction items must be donated by Friday, November 15th.

As well as donations for the online and silent auctions with proceeds supporting YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, the Women's Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) is looking for sponsors for the organization's annual holiday gala at the Holiday Inn Peterborough on December 4, 2024. Sponsors can support specific areas of the gala, like the wine and three-course seasonal meal or the entertainment. (Photo: WBN)
As well as donations for the online and silent auctions with proceeds supporting YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough (WBN) is looking for sponsors for the organization’s annual holiday gala at the Holiday Inn Peterborough on December 4, 2024. Sponsors can support specific areas of the gala, like the wine and three-course seasonal meal or the entertainment. (Photo: WBN)

Others interested in supporting the festive occasion can become a sponsor, alongside leader sponsor Passageway Law and supporter sponsor Catherine Hanrahan of Century 21 United Reality.

With various package levels of sponsorships available and the opportunity to speak about their services, sponsors can support specific areas of the gala like the wine and three-course seasonal meal or the entertainment — which will see performances from Georgia Rose, a Peterborough singer-songwriter who recently came in first place in the Kawartha Lakes Songwriting Contest.

Between the fun to be had at the in-person gala, supporting local businesses, and raising funds for a good cause, there’s nothing but holiday joy that can come from supporting the WBN’s annual holiday event.

For more information about WBN, visit wbnptbo.ca.

Peterborough Foundation grants are ‘a gift that keeps on giving’

During an event at the Peterborough Theatre Guild on October 23, 2024, Peterborough Foundation board member Pat Hooper addressed representatives of some of the local charitable organizations that have recently received a grant from the foundation, which was established in 1953 and has since provided more than $2 million in grants to support community causes. (Photo: Mike Melnick)

They came. They mingled. They thanked.

Representatives of local community organizations and entities that have received funding from the Peterborough Foundation gathered Wednesday (October 23) at the Peterborough Theatre Guild on Rogers Street to express their gratitude.

Introduced by foundation board member Pat Hooper, each provided a brief description of what pilot project or capital purchase was funded by their grant from the foundation.

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In December 2023, 10 organizations — the ReFrame Film Festival, the Mapleridge Recreation Centre, the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough, Sadleir House, the Peterborough Theatre Guild, Performing Arts Lakefield, 4th Line Theatre, Five Counties Children’s Centre, Peterborough Musicfest, and Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region — shared $43,198.81 in grants provided by the foundation.

Six months later, another 11 organizations — the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Showplace Peterborough, Camp Kawartha, Ancient Forest Exploration and Research, the Art Gallery of Peterborough, Hospice Peterborough, Volunteer Peterborough/Age Friendly Peterborough, the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation, the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, Public Energy Performing Arts — and the Peterborough Kiwanis Music Festival — received a combined $113,850 in grants.

Among those expressing their gratitude was Jacob Rodenberg, executive director of Camp Kawartha, which received $14,400 for the sponsoring of youth without the means to attend the camp do just that.

“As a not-for-profit charity, we can’t just do operations and expect the money we get from people paying is going to cover everything that we have to do,” he explained. “Our mission is to reach as many kids as possible. This helps us get to those kids who couldn’t afford to go to camp, and also do things that we’d never normally be able to do.”

kawarthaNOW writer Paul Rellinger speaks to New Canadians Centre executive director Andy Cragg during an event at the Peterborough Theatre Guild on October 23, 2024, where representatives of some of the local charitable organizations that have recently received grants from the Peterborough Foundation gathered to share stories of how they have used the grants. (Photo: Mike Melnick)
kawarthaNOW writer Paul Rellinger speaks to New Canadians Centre executive director Andy Cragg during an event at the Peterborough Theatre Guild on October 23, 2024, where representatives of some of the local charitable organizations that have recently received grants from the Peterborough Foundation gathered to share stories of how they have used the grants. (Photo: Mike Melnick)

“Isn’t it a wonderful thing?” asked Rodenberg, referring to the Peterborough Foundation grant. “A gift that keeps on giving. What a vibrant community Peterborough is — so many great initiatives underway. But they couldn’t happen without the support of things like the Peterborough Foundation. That is the enabler and we need that.”

The New Canadians Centre, which received $5,000 back in June 2023, was represented by executive director Andy Cragg. He explained the money was put toward the organization’s lengthy exploration of an opportunity to purchase its own property. He couldn’t share any more details at this point.

“The Peterborough Foundation has a unique perspective on how to make an impact in very specific ways,” he said, adding “We heard stories here about concrete items and projects that wouldn’t be funded otherwise.”

“With more complex government funders and foundations with more rules, funding for smaller but essential items or projects isn’t always possible. The reality of non-profits and charities is trying to fit what we actually need, and know we need, with the available opportunities for funding.”

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Meanwhile, Sadleir House general manager Matt Jarvis explained that the not-for-profit charitable community centre (also known as the P. R. Community and Student Association) used its grant of $3,825.28 to “upgrade technology which allows us to have more user input into booking the rooms.”

“It takes an administrative task away from valuable staff time and allows us to serve more people faster,” he said. “It’s not a million dollars, but you have to take funding as bricks and build the wall with the bricks. This was a very important piece and we’re very grateful for it.”

Echoing similar gratitude were 4th Line Theatre general manager Lindy Finlan and ReFrame Film Festival creative director Eryn Lidster. The former received $7,500 for the purchase of audio-enhancing equipment for its outdoor Winslow Farm stage, while the latter used its $5,198 grant for the purchase of two computers that will enable the screenings of films “in the best way possible” at both Showplace and Market Hall.

“Somebody has taken their personal wealth and donated it to a fund like this,” said Finlan, adding “Look at how many organizations have benefited over the years.”

“It’s absolutely wonderful and give me hope that people who want to make a difference can make a difference for a long time,” she said.

Lidster, meanwhile, said they are “constantly astounded by the variety of amazing work that’s happening in this community.”

“It’s a little bit of money that goes a long way for so many different organizations,” they noted.

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The history of the Peterborough Foundation, which can be traced back close to 125 years, is quite a story in itself.

In 1900, engineer Louis D.W. Magie, who worked for General Electric in the United States, moved to Peterborough to take a position with the company’s Canadian subsidiary, where he remained until his retirement in 1938.

After the death of his wife, Magie married Jessie Fairweather, the daughter of William Fairweather (founder of The Fairweather Company, a leading name on the Canadian retail landscape). With no immediate family members, Magie started to make arrangements for the provision of their estate in 1950, with the assistance of Dr. G.S. Cameron and accountant James H. Turner.

In 1953, the Peterborough Foundation was incorporated on the strength of Magie’s donation of $5,000 — a large sum at the time. Upon Magie’s death in 1956 (his wife Jessie had died two years earlier), the couple’s estate was passed on to the foundation, for which he had named its first directors, Dr. Cameron and Turner among them.

To this day, the foundation is required to present its accounts before the Surrogate Court of the County of Peterborough, ensuring its financial statements are a matter of public record.

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Since its inception, the foundation, which is today overseen by a volunteer board chaired by Nancy Martin, has distributed more than $2 million from a capital base of just under $1 million.

According to Hooper, the board meets but twice a year but its work is “so gratifying.”

“What could be better than a board where you sit down and you give away money? There are so many great organizations and they’re all so appreciative. They’re not huge amounts of funding, but it does make a difference in terms of what their organizations do.”

Applications for the next round of funding are open now until Friday, November 1st. To apply, visit peterboroughfoundation.org/apply.

Hooper says the board will next meet on December 19 to review the applications, and will then follow up with the submitting organizations before deciding which organizations will be granted money and how much.

Northumberland residents walk for a cause and raise more than $55,000 for Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre

The 17th annual Walk a Mile event in Cobourg on October 5, 2024 raised more than $55,000 for Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre. (Photo: Cornerstone / Facebook)

Northumberland County residents and their pets recently put their feet and paws to the pavement in Cobourg to take a stand against family violence.

Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre has announced that its 17th annual “Walk a Mile” fundraiser in downtown Cobourg on October 5 generated more than $55,000 for the Northumberland not-for-profit organization.

“We are beyond thrilled to have seen our community come together once again at Walk a Mile to support women and children impacted by gender-based violence and we are grateful for this year’s results,” said Cornerstone’s executive director Nancy Johnston.

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Walk a Mile, a yearly family-friendly event, brings residents together to raise awareness and money in a quest to achieve a future free of gender-based violence.

“We hope that our community feels hope, inspiration, and motivation as we continue our work together to support families in our community and create a place free from gender-based violence,” Cornerstone said.

Many walk participants wear high-heeled red shoes to symbolize walking a mile in the shoes of women affected by gender-based violence.

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The money raised from Walk a Mile is channelled into supporting the programming and services Cornerstone provides to women, children, and youth in Northumberland County. Cornerstone provides shelter, counselling, housing, prevention programming, and more to its clients.

Established in 1983, Cornerstone is an accredited violence against women agency striving to end gender-based violence by providing accessible, compassionate programs and services modelled by best practices and aimed at inspiring hope, creating safety, and fostering resilience.

“Cornerstone has helped so many great people in our area,” Preston Parkinson, a Brighton resident, recently told kawarthaNOW.

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Parkinson has participated in the walk six times, which includes taking part in this year’s instalment.

“I got involved to help raise awareness and funds to help support Cornerstone and the great people they help every day,” Parkinson said.

Cornerstone provided service to almost 2,000 women, children and youth in 2023.

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“We look forward to this event every year, it is a great way to see the community come together to support families,” said Johnston.

She thanked the event’s lead sponsor, Balder Corporation, and other sponsors including Canadian Tire Cobourg, Post Consumer Brands, Spoolon Manufacturing, Cobourg Police Service, Shoppers Cobourg, Wharram Tree Service, Part Time CFO Services, Stadtke Plumbing and Heating, Port Hope Colour Concepts, Cameco, Cobourg Nissan, and Ganaraska Financial.

“Many thanks to the Lions Club of Cobourg for providing breakfast, and to Starbucks Cobourg for providing coffee and baked goods,” Johnston added. “This event wouldn’t run without our group of dedicated volunteers, many thanks to Cobourg Fire, Cobourg Police Service, Cobourg Legion Pipes and Drums, and our great volunteer team.”

Peterborough GreenUP seeking farms to participate in second year of Net Zero Farms pilot project

Beatrice Chan, the new program coordinator of the Net Zero Farms program, with one of her lambs from her farm in Selwyn Township where she farms sheep, cut flowers, meat chickens, and runs a flock of layers as well. She is looking forward to working with other local farmers in her new role as coordinator. (Photo: Bea Chan)

After a successful inaugural year, GreenUp is launching year two of the Net Zero Farms pilot project connected to the Green Economy Peterborough (GEP) business program. The pilot, which began in the fall of 2023, is designed to support and guide farmers in Peterborough and surrounding area to identify and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on farms.

“Farmers are some of the best problem-solvers I know, and they control one of the most interesting pieces in the climate change puzzle,” says Beatrice (Bea) Chan, the new program coordinator for Net Zero Farms at GreenUP.

Chan, who will help guide farmers through the program, runs her own farm in Selwyn Township raising sheep, pastured chickens, laying hens, and growing cut flowers. She also has experience working on a variety of farms in the Peterborough and Kawartha region.

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“I’m looking forward to working with our local farmers in this capacity,” she says.

GEP is seeking a cohort of farmers who will work together through the Net Zero Farms project, allowing them to network and problem solve with one another to build a support system as they go forward to become environmental leaders in the farming community.

Through their involvement, farms will identify and collect data on GHG emissions and carbon sinks on their farm and identify opportunities for emissions reductions. This pilot will contribute to our community by supporting farms in working toward Canada’s target of net zero emissions by 2025.

Below are some highlights from the farms that participated in last year’s Net Zero Farms cohort.

Josh Blank, veggie farmer at Carrot Top Organics, was an active member of the first cohort of farmers through the Net Zero Farms pilot project, and one of members who received an Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report through their participation. (Photo: Carrot Top Organics)
Josh Blank, veggie farmer at Carrot Top Organics, was an active member of the first cohort of farmers through the Net Zero Farms pilot project, and one of members who received an Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report through their participation. (Photo: Carrot Top Organics)

Josh Blank of Carrot Top Organics, a mixed veggie farmer in Asphodel Norwoodm was an active member of the first cohort. He found the program to be helpful for data-driven management on his farm, as well as for promotion within a competitive market.

“Having Carrot Top Organics promoted as part of the Net Zero Farms program reinforced loyalty among my existing customers and gave me a leg up with new ones by showcasing the important work we’re doing on the farm, and reminding customers how their food is grown,” Blank said.

He emphasized that collecting and using data in decision making can be a challenge for farms. Being a part of the program has helped him make better data-informed decisions.

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The Northcote Campus Farm of Lakefield College School is also a founding member of the first cohort. The Northcote Farm has a market garden designed to be a teaching space for students to learn about farming and food systems.

Students have been involved in the entire farming process, from planting and weeding, to harvesting and seed saving. In their dining hall, they eat the food they have helped to grow.

Lakefield College School faculty plan to integrate the results from their Net Zero Farms Inventory Report into their teaching curriculum, giving students a first-hand understanding of how growing methods can impact GHG emissions.

Janice, Kohl, and Jade, who run and manage the Northcote Campus farm at Lakefield College School, after giving a tour of the farm to GreenUP Net Zero Farms program coordinator Bea Chan. Northcote is an active veggie farm used as a teaching farm to engage students at Lakefield College School in understanding food production and food systems. The farm was a member of the first cohort of farms in the Net Zero Farms Pilot project, and one of members who received an Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report through their participation. (Photo: Bea Chan)
Janice, Kohl, and Jade, who run and manage the Northcote Campus farm at Lakefield College School, after giving a tour of the farm to GreenUP Net Zero Farms program coordinator Bea Chan. Northcote is an active veggie farm used as a teaching farm to engage students at Lakefield College School in understanding food production and food systems. The farm was a member of the first cohort of farms in the Net Zero Farms Pilot project, and one of members who received an Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report through their participation. (Photo: Bea Chan)

If you or a farmer you know is interested in being a part of this year’s cohort of the Net Zero Farms Program, please visit greenup.on.ca/gep-net-zero-farms/ or contact Bea at beatrice.chan@greenup.on.ca.

The Net Zero Farms pilot project is an initiative of Green Economy Peterborough (GEP).

Being a part of the pilot project offers farms and agribusinesses a 75 per cent subsidized membership to GEP.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation seeks volunteer ambassadors for its largest-ever fundraising campaign

Representatives of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation attended The Local Show organized by Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce at Lansdowne Place on September 14, 2024 to chat with shoppers about their experiences at the hospital, the impact of the hospital in the region, and what the $60 million Campaign for PRHC will mean for patient care. The PRHC Foundation is now seeking community members to become volunteer ambassadors for the campaign. Pictured are PRHC Foundation President & CEO Lesley Heighway, Community Giving & Engagement Manager Jane Lovett, and Community Giving & Engagement Coordinator Hanna Méthot. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)

Are you a passionate supporter of world-class healthcare at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC)? Do you have a story to share about how you, a family member, or a friend received great care at the hospital? Can you inspire others in the community to also show their support for the hospital?

The PRHC Foundation has put a call out to members of the community who would like to become volunteer ambassadors for the foundation’s largest-ever fundraising campaign.

Whether you have an inspiring story, want to organize a fundraiser in the community or at your business, or have another idea for supporting the hospital, the PRHC Foundation wants to work with you to make it a reality.

“Our family, friends, and neighbours from across the region have told us that they think of PRHC as a cornerstone of the community, where the excellent care they received was part of some of the most meaningful moments of their lives,” says PRHC Foundation President & CEO Lesley Heighway in a media release. “We’re grateful that our supporters want to share their stories and inspire others.”

Since 1979, the PRHC Foundation has worked alongside the community to support the donor-funded regional hospital that now serves a population of up to 600,000 people. In response to system-wide challenges, a growing and aging population, increased patient volumes, and rising rates of chronic disease and mental illness, the foundation quietly launched a $60 million campaign in 2020 to support technology advancements and increased capacity so PRHC can continue to deliver world-class healthcare close to home.

With $45.5 million already raised through donor generosity, the PRHC Foundation is inviting people of all ages — including former and current patients and their family members, donors, and anyone else who wants to “reimagine health care” at PRHC — to engage in this next phase of the campaign.

Lisa Couture, owner of Couture Candy Ptbo, supported the Campaign for PRHC by hosting a 16-week "Supporting Cancer Care is Sweet" campaign. The candy shop donated proceeds from select in-store and online purchases, accepted monetary donations, and held events in support of the foundation, surpassing their initial goal and raising more than $16,000. Community members interested in launching their own community campaign are encouraged to reach out to the PRHC Foundation to become a campaign ambassador. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
Lisa Couture, owner of Couture Candy Ptbo, supported the Campaign for PRHC by hosting a 16-week “Supporting Cancer Care is Sweet” campaign. The candy shop donated proceeds from select in-store and online purchases, accepted monetary donations, and held events in support of the foundation, surpassing their initial goal and raising more than $16,000. Community members interested in launching their own community campaign are encouraged to reach out to the PRHC Foundation to become a campaign ambassador. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)

You don’t have to live or work in Peterborough to participate as a volunteer ambassador with the PRHC Foundation. With patients coming from Peterborough and Peterborough County, Lindsay and all areas within the City of Kawartha Lakes, Campbellford, Havelock, Cobourg and Port Hope, Port Perry, east Oshawa and parts of the Durham region, north to the Haliburton Highlands and all points in between, anyone who has a connection to PRHC is welcome to participate.

This could be as simple as sharing your story with the PRHC Foundation for its newsletters, website, or social media channels.

“If you have a story about the great care you received, a message for staff, or want to say thanks and connect with our community through a fundraising event, please let us know,” Heighway says. “We want to help share that passion.”

Other ideas for ambassadors could include speaking at community or donor events, hosting a fundraiser, creating an initiative that benefits both your business and care at PRHC such as a sponsorship or point of sale donations, or networking with others on behalf of the Foundation.

There are lots of examples of how community members have taken the initiative to support PRHC, including local businesses like Couture Candy Ptbo. Owner Lisa Couture supported the Campaign for PRHC by hosting a four-month “Supporting Cancer Care is Sweet” initiative that raised $16,700 for the PRHC Foundation.

Then there’s Peterborough gastropub One Eighty, which organized the annual Heather Roessl & Friends Memorial Golf Tournament in September and raised $30,500 in support of world-class cancer care at PRHC.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation ambassador Jennie Ireland with PRHC Foundation President & CEO Lesley Heighway at the launch of the $60 million Campaign for PRHC on June 25, 2024. After receiving the world-class treatment she needed for breast cancer close to home at PRHC, Ireland became an ambassador as well as a donor for the PRHC Foundation, and now shares her story at fundraising events and donor celebrations so others can understand the impact of donor support on patient care. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)
Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation ambassador Jennie Ireland with PRHC Foundation President & CEO Lesley Heighway at the launch of the $60 million Campaign for PRHC on June 25, 2024. After receiving the world-class treatment she needed for breast cancer close to home at PRHC, Ireland became an ambassador as well as a donor for the PRHC Foundation, and now shares her story at fundraising events and donor celebrations so others can understand the impact of donor support on patient care. (Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation)

The PRHC Foundation is open to creative suggestions that will support the campaign and will collaborate with volunteer ambassadors to help make them happen. Roles as an ambassador can be customized to a person’s availability, location, passion, and interest.

One of the PRHC Foundation’s current ambassadors is Jennie Ireland, who was diagnosed with breast cancer as a single mom with aging parents. She is grateful she received the world-class treatment she needed close to home at PRHC, allowing her to look after her son and parents and ultimately leaving her cancer free. In addition to being a donor, she now shares her story at fundraising events and donor celebrations so others can understand the impact of donor support on patient care.

Another current ambassador is Nick Beamish, who experienced a cardiac crisis and after assessment at PRHC had to travel three hours to another hospital where he stayed for weeks at Christmastime because PRHC didn’t have the facilities he needed. That made him realize how important donations are to bringing essential new services and leading-edge equipment to PRHC so doctors, nurses, and staff can provide world-class cardiac care close to home.

VIDEO: reImagine. Health. Care. – The Campaign for PRHC

With the help of passionate volunteer campaign ambassadors, the PRHC Foundation will meet its $60 million fundraising goal so the hospital can invest in additional state-of-the-art technology, introduce new lifesaving services, continue to attract top healthcare professionals, and inspire solutions to the critical challenges the hospital faces — ensuring that PRHC continues to deliver world-class care in the region into the future.

“The ambassadors program will support that — connecting volunteers enthusiastic about our donor-funded regional hospital and the health and future of our area, who want to celebrate what PRHC means to them and what’s possible through the power of community,” Heighway says.

For more information on the campaign for PRHC or to volunteer as a campaign ambassador, email foundationeventsonline@prhc.on.ca or call 705-876-5000.

 

This branded editorial was created in partnership with the PRHC Foundation. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.

Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society board resigns after Ontario government installs supervisor

The head office of the Kawartha Haliburton Children's Aid Society is located at 1100 Chemong Road in Peterborough. (Photo: Google Maps)

The entire board of directors of the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society (KHCAS) has resigned after learning the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services would be installing a supervisor for up to a year to oversee and manage the child welfare agency in place of the board and executive director.

“Board members can no longer meet their fiduciary duty when this happens,” the board announced in a media release on Wednesday (October 23). The announcement came two weeks to the day after the Ontario government launched a review of the province’s 37 non-Indigenous children’s aid societies.

At a technical briefing on October 9, ministry officials said the review would look at issues such as the quality of protection the children’s aid societies provide, as well as their finances.

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The prior week, Premier Doug Ford had suggested the societies are being financially mismanaged, claiming there were “nightmare stories about the abuse of taxpayers’ money.”

“I’ve heard stories of some of these agencies, they’re working in Taj Mahals, they’re paying rent — $100,000 for rent, that the managers are giving themselves a bonus,” Ford said in response to a question about reporting in the Toronto Star about the lack of placement options for children with complex needs.

“All those managers giving yourself a bonus, not worrying about the kids, I’m coming for you. We’re doing a complete audit, and if we see funds not being spent properly on the kids, guess what? You’re looking for another job.”

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario, representing workers at children’s aid societies, said in a joint statement that the review “is another smokescreen to distract from the government’s abject failure to support children and families while opening the door for more privatization in the sector.”

As with other societies across the province, KHCAS — which has its head office in Peterborough and branches in Lindsay and Haliburton — has been running a deficit.

In July, the society announced plans to reduce its $22 million budget by $7.6 million over three years, including by laying off 24 full-time equivalent positions by March 2025. Affecting 20 unionized staff and five non-union and management staff, the lay-offs would amount to a 20 per cent reduction in the society’s workforce. The organization also announced plans to close its Haliburton branch.

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Along with budget deficits, a shortage of available beds in group homes and foster homes has meant children’s aid societies across the province, including KHCAS, have had to resort to placing some children and youth — particularly those with special needs or challenging behaviours — in unlicensed settings such as hotels, motels, trailers, and even their own offices. On September 5, Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé today announced an investigation into the practice.

“We are aware of numerous incidents across the province of children being placed in these unlicensed settings, many of which have raised some serious concerns about their safety, privacy and comfort,” Dubé said.

In response to the ombudsman’s announcement, the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies said child welfare agencies across the province are facing significant challenges in securing out-of-home care and live-in treatment options for children and youth, with a critical shortage in placement options due in part to the cost-of-living and housing crisis in Ontario.

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In its media release, the KHCAS board said its members have resigned “with profound sadness” following the province’s decision to install a supervisor.

“The board worked diligently to avert this from happening,” the release states. “However, the difficulties we experienced are echoed across the sector and were not repairable within the structures and guidelines we must work within.”

“Although there will be difficult days ahead, we know that the staff and leadership team at Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society will continue to provide excellent care and service to the children, youth, and families in our communities.”

Following the board’s announcement, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa issued a statement confirming he has appointed Rosaleen Cutler as supervisor for the KHCA “to oversee and operate the society and help ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth receiving services.”

“Although the government does not direct children’s aid societies on placement decisions, we require them to ensure placements are safe, appropriate and meet the child’s needs,” the statement reads. “That’s not an option: it’s the law.”

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Parsa said the ministry has provided $4.6 million over and above the KHCAS’ funding allocation since 2020-21, “while working with the society to address the findings of various ministry-led reviews.”

“These reviews have identified a number of significant risks related to the overall operations and financial management of the society,” Parsa said. “In addition, the ministry does not have confidence in the society’s ability to make the necessary strategic decisions to address its growing deficit and operational issues, which may negatively impact the safety and quality of protection services that vulnerable children and youth depend on.”

According to Parsa, Culter will assume responsibility for overseeing the operations and managing the society in place of the KHCAS board and executive director for as long as a year.

“During her term, Ms. Cutler will address the society’s growing financial and operational issues and reinstate good governance and fiscal sustainability, while ensuring the continuity of services to children, youth, and families,” Parsa said.

Cutler was previously executive director of the Children’s Aid Society of Northumberland, before it merged with the Hastings Children’s Aid Society in 2012 to become the Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society. Later, she also worked as project manager and child welfare lead with the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies and was interim CEO of the York Region Children’s Aid Society before retiring in 2021.

Peterborough’s Dr. John Beamish receives 2024 Award of Excellence from the Ontario College of Family Physicians

A retired family doctor and former medical director of Hospice Peterborough, Dr. John Beamish was awarded the 2024 Award of Excellence from the Ontario College of Family Physicians on October 10, 2024, recognizing outstanding accomplishments in a specific area pertaining to family medicine. Dr. Beamish received the award for his collaboration with a small group of colleagues to establish Peterborough Street Medicine, which will deliver primary care services to people who are homeless and under housed. (Photo courtesy of Dr. John Beamish)

Though Dr. John Beamish ran a family practice for more than 40 years, is known as a trailblazer in the palliative care field, was involved in the founding and success of community health initiatives, supports vulnerable communities in retirement, and has been given awards for such work, he continues to remain as humble as ever.

On October 10, Dr. Beamish was a recipient of the 2024 Award of Excellence from the Ontario College of Family Physicians. The provincial accolade “recognizes an exceptional accomplishment or innovation achieved within the past 24 months in a specific area or for a specific project pertaining to the specialty of family medicine.”

“It was very humbling to be nominated by my peers, but I look upon this as not so much a personal award, but a group award,” Dr. Beamish says. “This is an award for creativity for a group of family physicians trying to deliver healthcare to a marginalized group and it’s a tough problem, but this is a creative effort to try and solve that.”

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As a family physician, Dr. Beamish provided palliative care to residents in the city and county of Peterborough for more than 40 years before retiring in 2019. One of the founding members of Hospice Peterborough in 1988, he served in many positions before becoming the medical director for the hospice care centre which opened in 2019.

Throughout his career, Dr. Beamish has also supported the founding of the 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led clinic, and has taught family medical residents at Queen’s University Peterborough-Kawartha through the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Such work earned him Hospice Palliative Care Ontario’s Dr. S. Lawrence Librach Award for Palliative Medicine in the Community in 2021, as well as the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha’s Paul Harris Fellow award for community service.

One of the founding members of Hospice Peterborough in 1988, Dr. John Beamish served in many roles at the organization before becoming its medical director in 2018, where he is pictured here speaking at the annual general meeting. Since retiring from Hospice Peterborough in 2023, Dr. Beamish has continued to be involved in family medicine. (Photo: Hospice Peterborough)
One of the founding members of Hospice Peterborough in 1988, Dr. John Beamish served in many roles at the organization before becoming its medical director in 2018, where he is pictured here speaking at the annual general meeting. Since retiring from Hospice Peterborough in 2023, Dr. Beamish has continued to be involved in family medicine. (Photo: Hospice Peterborough)

But it is the work he has done since retiring from Hospice Peterborough in 2023 that has garnered the most recent recognition. In collaboration with a small group of other physicians, he is helping to establish Peterborough Street Medicine.

Under an alternate payment plan, the initiative aims to deliver primary care services to those in the community who are homeless and underhoused.

“A theme through my whole practice life has been community involvement, and I really believe that primary healthcare is delivered in the community, not in the hospital, and we need to be creative about finding ways to do that,” he says. “This is a group that is not served by traditional model of phoning and making appointments, so we need to come up with a better way to do it.”

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Dr. Beamish explains that such a form of care that support those who are marginalized will have a ripple effect across other communities.

“Providing clinics in settings where (unhoused people) are is one way to improve their health and improve the health of the whole community because, if we look after the most marginalized, that leaves room in emergency and within ambulances for the rest of the community to get the care they need,” he explains. “If we can improve the healthcare of one group, we’re going to improve healthcare right through the community.”

Under the proposed model, physicians would be paid hourly rather than by a fee-for-service model, allowing them to work on a part-time basis to supplement other full-time work.

“Young physicians don’t want to be small business owners — they want to come and do medicine,” Dr. Beamish says. “They want to do other aspects of care, and this will be a very attractive model that physicians may come and choose to spend part of their time doing.”

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Dr. Beamish suggests the program will add to other recent community successes in reducing barrier access to healthcare, like the Peterborough Newcomer Health Clinic founded in 2023 by family physician Dr. Madura Sundareswaran and the new Peterborough Community Health Centre that will begin seeing clients this fall.

“Peterborough is very innovative when it comes to delivery of primary care,” notes Dr. Beamish. “The more variety of care options we can bring to the community, the more we’re going to be able to attract new primary care physicians which, again, benefits everybody.”

Currently, Dr. Beamish is sitting on the board of the Peterborough Family Health Team as the representative for Peterborough Street Medicine.

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“We’re just very, very happy that instead of fully retiring, he has dedicated some of his time to caring for those in shelters with home insecurity, and he’s really dedicating his time to the most vulnerable in our community,” says Duff Sprague, CEO of the Peterborough Family Health Team. “He’s a valued member of our board of directors.”

Despite his retirement, Dr. Beamish shows no sign in slowing down from giving back to the community he both grew up and spent his career working in.

“It’s home,” he says. “I have a great love for the community, and it’s been a real joy to work in.”

Northumberland County and partners aim to open 132 new licensed child care spaces by end of year

Northumberland County and partners are working to provide more families with access to licensed child care in Port Hope, Cobourg, and Warkworth before 2024 comes to a close.

While it has taken time to deliver on its plans, the county recently stated Northumberland and its community partners “are making steady progress on facility renovations” to open the new licensed child care spaces by the end of this year.

The child care spots are part of a broader expansion effort funded by Northumberland County in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario. The county expects they will help meet the high demand for child care Northumberland is currently facing, particularly in priority areas that were identified through the county’s early learning and child care service plan.

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“All partners are striving to complete work and get identified locations open as quickly as possible to address the urgent demand for child care in our community,” said Lesley Patterson, early years services manager. “While some plans have faced delays, our goal remains to open the majority of these 181 spaces before the end of this year.”

The county said locations set for completion by the end of 2024 include:

  • Ruth Clarke Activity Centre, located at 81 Mill St. S. in Port Hope: 70 new child care spaces, operated by Ganaraska Child Care
  • 161 Old Hastings Rd. in Warkworth: 47 new child care spaces, operated by YMCA Northumberland
  • Northumberland Centre for Individual Studies, located at 780 D’Arcy St. in Cobourg: 15 new child care spaces, operated by YMCA Northumberland

Meanwhile, a fourth location at the Port Hope Community Hub, located at 5325 County Rd. 10, was also identified as part of the child care expansion plans for 2024 and was to be operated by YMCA Northumberland.

“However, this project has been delayed due to unexpected building code updates and licensing-related challenges, largely owing to the age and configuration of the building,” the county said. “A revised project budget is currently under development. Once all costing information has been received, partners will reassess plans and timelines, and provide an update to the community.”

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In 2023, the waitlist for licensed child care in Northumberland County grew by 60 per cent, with 3,000 children waiting for spaces. In response, the county said it aims to add 404 new infant-to-age-six spaces by 2026, prioritizing underserved neighbourhoods and high-need areas identified through population demographics and socioeconomic factors.

These expansion plans align with provincial targets for the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system, to make high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive child care accessible to more families.

In Budget 2021, the federal government set out to establish the CWELCC system, which involves working with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide, community-based system of quality child care.

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“This will be a transformative project on a scale with the work of previous generations of Canadians, who built a public school system and public health care,” the federal government noted in a backgrounder about the initiative.

“The clear benefits of early learning and child care should not be a luxury for only the Canadian families that can afford it. Lack of access is not a choice, nor are unaffordable fees. The current system is leaving too many children and families behind, particularly low-income and racialized families.”

Investing in early learning and child care provides jobs for workers (the majority of whom are women), enables parents (particularly mothers) to reach their full economic potential, and “it creates a generation of engaged and well prepared young learners,” the document noted.

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In Northumberland, opening the new spaces is a top priority for everyone involved, Patterson said.

“We are working together to meet all licensing requirements, regulatory standards, and quality benchmarks so that families can count on having reliable, inclusive child care close to home.”

The county noted these efforts build on the progress made in 2023 with the addition of 10 infant child care spaces at the Brighton Children’s Centre, located at 24 Elizabeth St., in partnership with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board.

“Expansion plans, continuing into 2026, show the strong commitment of all levels of government and local child care providers to support families and create important early childhood development opportunities in the community.”

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