Douro-Dummer Fire Services and Enbridge Gas Partners Partner to Reduce Fire and Carbon Monoxide Deaths

Enbridge Gas Inc. and Douro-Dummer Fire Services (DDFS) have partnered to improve home safety and reduce fire—and carbon monoxide-related deaths to zero, announced at Douro-Dummer Fire Station 2 on Monday afternoon.

(From left to right) Chuck Pedersen, Douro-Dummer Fire Chief; Heather Watson, Douro-Dummer mayor; Derrick Huffman, Douro-Dummer Deputy Chief of Fire Services and Jeff Braithwaite, Enbridge Gas operations supervisor. Over the past 16 years, the program has provided more than 101,000 alarms to Ontario fire departments. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to a press release, Douro-Dummer Fire Services received 114 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero. The project is a public education campaign with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) that will provide more than 14,500 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario.

Enbridge Gas invested $450,000 in Safe Community Project Zero this year.

“The best way to reduce potential exposure to carbon monoxide is to properly maintain fuel-burning equipment,” said Jeff Braithwaite, Enbridge Gas operations supervisor. “These alarms are a critical second line of defense against carbon monoxide poisoning, known as ‘the silent killer.’ We’re proud to support our communities and raise awareness and help Ontarians implement these protection strategies.”

When properly installed and maintained, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms help provide early warning to safely escape from a house fire or carbon monoxide exposure. Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odourless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels.

“We are excited to receive this kind of support, so we can ensure that people in their homes are protected with these life-saving devices,” said Fire Chief Chuck Pedersen.

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Peterborough County to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Douro Park On Sept. 1

Peterborough County is celebrating Douro Park’s 50th anniversary which marks five decades of preserving natural beauty and providing a space for community engagement on Sept. 1 at 3 p.m. at 205 Douro Second Line, Douro-Dummer.

Google Maps Screenshot.

Since 1974, the Park has been a cherished destination for residents and visitors as stated in a press release. With 151 acres, Douro Park lines both banks of the beautiful Indian River. It contains baseball diamonds, soccer fields, pickleball courts, tennis courts, a playground and picnic areas and scenic landscapes.

The anniversary event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including:

• Welcome remarks from local officials and park advocates reflecting on the park's history and impact

“Douro Park has been a vital part of our community for 50 years, and we are excited to celebrate this milestone,” said Mayor Heather Watson. “This event is not just about looking back; it’s about looking forward and continuing to protect and enhance this beautiful space for future generations.” "The celebration will also highlight upcoming initiatives aimed at improving park facilities and promoting long-term ecological health." Community members are encouraged to participate and share their memories of Douro Park over the years.

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Douro-Dummer Township Appoints New Interim Chief Administrative Officer

Mike Rutter has become interim CAO for The Township of Douro-Dummer to support the Mayor, Council and staff during the ongoing recruitment of the Township’s next one, accounted on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Places for People.

Rutter served as the CAO for the County of Haliburton from 2015 until his retirement in 2023 and prior to that at the Township of Trent Hills, County of Peterborough and other municipalities. Rutter has over 30 years of experience as a CAO and in municipal administration to this position.

“We are fortunate to have found a professional of Mr. Rutter’s caliber to join our team as Interim CAO while we continue our search for a permanent Township CAO. Mr. Rutter’s experience will assist the Township as it moves forward with capital and operational projects,” said Heather Watson, Douro-Dummer mayor.

Rutter has assumed the role on Monday.

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Douro-Dummer CAO Resigns; Accepts New Position In Brighton

Douro-Dummer chief administrative officer Elena Arthurs has resigned from her position to become the CAO for the Municipality of Brighton, effective March 28.

LinkedIn.

Mayor Heather Watson says that Arthurs has been an instrumental figure in Douro-Dummer’s administrative landscape, serving with dedication and integrity. That her strategic vision and exceptional managerial skills have been pivotal in navigating the Township through various challenges and opportunities.

“Ms. Arthurs has been a valued leader in working with Township staff to achieve Council's goals,” said Watson. “We will miss her goal-driven approach but we wish her continued success in her new role.”

“I am grateful for the invaluable experiences and cherished relationships forged while serving as CAO,” said Arthurs.

The township has already begun preparations to recruit a successor. Clerk, Martina Chait-Hartwig will act as the interim during their search.

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'Only in Douro' Is Theme to Douro Canada Day Parade For July 1

All are welcome to the Douro Canada Day Parade scheduled for July 1 at 2:30 p.m., announced the Township of Douro-Dummer on Monday.

This year’s theme is ‘Only in Douro,’ as the parade is open for anyone to enter.

“We are excited to bring the community back together once again to celebrate as neighbours and friends,” said Julie Chatten, co-organizer. “We are excited to celebrate everything we love about being Canadian as well as celebrating our community.”

“We’re hoping for a large celebration that brings together people of all ages,‘ Alyssa Heffernan, co-organizer. With so many new families in the community, it’s a great chance for parents, kids and grandparents to come together.”

The route begins on Douro Fourth Line Road at County Road 4 and will end in Douro at County Road 8. Entries of walkers and floats are asked to assemble at 2 p.m. at County Road 4 and Douro Fourth Line Road.

Parade entries are welcome and can take any form but are requested to register.

For additional information or to register, please contact Julie Chatten at 705-559-5296.

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Peterborough Area Roller Derby Kicks Off 2023 Season For June 17

Peterborough Area Roller Derby (PARD) gets back on track, kicking off “House PARDy,” their first game of the season at the Douro Community Centre on June 17 announced on Tuesday morning.

PARD is running for a second straight year after a two-year hiatus from the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of PARD.

This is PARD’s first Women's Flat Track Derby Association-sanctioned game ever as the former became an officially chartered competitive league earlier in the spring.

Doors open at 2:30 p.m as PARD takes on Toronto Roller Derby starting at 3 p.m. with an open full contact scrimmage at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. Kids under 12 are free. 

PARD is also opening applications for anyone interested in the open scrimmage, volunteering, becoming a non-skating official with the league or being a vendor.

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Douro's Longest-Running Irish Party Returns To St. Joseph's Parish Hall

Douro is going to be green all over as the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration is returning to the St. Joseph Parish Hall for music, food and children’s activities this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club.

Touted as the longest-running Irish party in Peterborough, the Irish Club’s celebration returns after a lengthy COVID-19 hiatus.

The event begins at 1 p.m., featuring musicians such as Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy, Fiddlestix, Roy Boyz and more.

Local band ‘The Patio Stones’ is performing from 7 - 11 p.m. for anyone who wants to get their dancing shoes on.

The day will also include activities for kids and Irish Soda bread for sale. A light dinner is available for purchase from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for Irish club members and $17 for non-members. Family passes (two adults and unlimited children) are $25 a member and $27 for non-members. Children under 12 are free admission. Tickets for only dancing (7 - 11 p.m.) are $10 for members or $12 for non-members.

For tickets contact Shelley Ryan (705) 875-5437 or purchase at the door.

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Nominations Open For Kraft Hockeyville To Win $250,000 In Arena Upgrades

The annual Kraft Hockeyville contest nominations are open to anyone to select their city and arena to win $250,000 and host an NHL pre-season game announced on Sunday.

File Photo.

Last year, Douro-Dummer reached the final four to get upgrades for the Douro Community Centre. While they did not succeed in winning, they did win $25,000 for arena upgrades. Last year, Sydney, N.S. won the top prize, beating our Douro-Dummer; Princeton, B.C. and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.

The cooling plant at the community centre located in Warsaw failed last year so the Douro Dukes Hockey Association — comprising 19 teams — operated out of one arena and four dressing rooms during that time.

The alternative dressing rooms often used for girls playing on mostly boys’ teams, we inadequate, practically considered closets according to Kerri Riel, Douro Minor Hockey Association (DMHA) secretary in a prior PTBOCanada interview.

The Kraft Hockeyville competition begins with the ‘Nominate and Rally’ phase, where community members take actions like sharing on social media and submitting photos’ on the Hockeyville site to earn points.

Nominated communities can earn ‘Rally Points’ in order to help qualify for the top four and ultimate winner. They account for 20 per cent of the community’s score.

• Submit a nomination story - 10 points

• Share on Twitter using the share button - Five points

• Add photos of your arena - Three points

• Add a note - One point

• React with emojis to nominated stories and photos - One point

Nominations can be done at Kraft Hockeyville’s official website with the deadline at Feb. 19 at midnight. The grand prize winner is being announced on Apr. 1.

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Enbridge Gas Assisting Douro-Dummer Fire Services in Supporting Firefighter Training

Enbridge Gas Inc. is helping Douro-Dummer Fire Services (DDFS) purchase firefighting training materials through a Safe Community Project Assist $5,000 donation announced Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Enbridge Gas and Douro-Dummer fire services.

The announcement was made at Fire Station 4 in Warsaw with Fire Chief Chuck Pedersen, Deputy Fire Chief Derrick Huffman, Mayor Heather Watson and Ian Moase, GTA East Region operations manager of Enbridge Gas in attendance.

The Safe Community Project Assist program with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) supplements existing training for Ontario volunteer and composite fire departments in the communities where Enbridge Gas operates.

“At Enbridge Gas, safety is our priority. We’re proud to support Ontario firefighters who share our commitment to keeping our communities safe, healthy and vibrant,” said Moase.

This year’s $250,000 donation from Enbridge Gas will be shared by 50 Ontario fire departments including Douro-Dummer Fire Services. Funds will be used to purchase educational materials to assist in training firefighters in life-saving techniques.

Since the launch of Safe Community Project Assist in 2012, 294 grants have been provided to Ontario fire departments for additional firefighter training according to Enbridge Gas in a press release.

“These resources from Enbridge Gas are timely and much appreciated as we ramp up testing for firefighter certification to meet our new legislative requirements,” said Pedersen.

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The Douro Doings Make A Grand Return After Two Years of COVID Cancellations

The 92nd annual Douro Doings went off without a hitch this Labour Day weekend, after two-years of no event due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The annual Quilt Raffle, hosted every Labour Day Monday, was welcomed back to the community with a packed audience.

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The men’s hardball tournament and mixed 3-pitch tournament began on Saturday and came to a culmination on Monday.

Noble clinched the Men’s A final championship, while ‘Battle of the Pints’ won the B finals.

Team Towns came up B champs in the three-pitch tournament, while Team Long Balls finished the weekend as A champs.

The Douro Doings began in 1929 as the ‘Social’ and sees about 3,000 attendees each year.

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