The City’s Public Art Program Announces Selected Poets for the Renaissance on Hunter Poetry Gardens

The City of Peterborough Public Art Program has announced the selection of poets commissioned as part of the Renaissance on Hunter Poetry Gardens Project.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

From mid-July to mid-October the Renaissance on Hunter Poetry Gardens will feature works by local poets; Laurie Graham, Jen Cole, Bruce Whiteman, Jon Hedderwick, Justin Million, PJ Thomas, Chantel Daniels, Bon Scott, Esther Vincent and Laura Murray.

The poems are installed in the temporary planters adjacent to the Renaissance on Hunter Road Murals on Hunter Street between George and Aylmer streets, and will change monthly over the course of the summer.

In June the gardens featured poetry by the 2023 Poet Laureate, Ziysah von Bieberstein and Peterborough’s first Poet Laureate, Sarah Lewis.

As part of the project, GreenUp was commissioned to design and install the gardens that form the backdrop for the poems. The gardens feature an array of perennial native plantings that are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun. Plantings include purple coneflower, yarrow, hairy beardtongue, anise hyssop, brown-eyed Susan and nodding wild onion, as well as a selection of prairie grasses. Many are now in full bloom.  

This announcement coincides with the completion of the 2023 road murals, created through the Road Mural Mentorship Program.  

The road mural artist teams by site are:

Site 1: Odoonabii II by mentor Aaron Robitaille, with mentees Kelly King, Em Farquhar Barrie, and Holly Edwards.

Site 2: Glacial Formation II by mentor Josh Morley, with mentees Sarah St. Pierre and Bethany Davis.

Site 3: Flight of the Pollinators II by mentor Brooklin Holbrough, with mentees Justine- Marie Williams and Deanna Henry.

Site 4: Nothing Out of Reach II by mentor Nuin-Tara Morin, with mentees Aryan Bhagat and Cassandra Shaw.

Twenty-three local artists were commissioned as part of the Renaissance on Hunter public art projects this year. For more information about the projects and the artists visit the City’s Public Art website.

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Kawartha Land Trust Launches Inaugural Passport to Nature; A Guide to a Year-Long Series of Events in Nature

Just in time for the peak of summer, Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) is officially launching its inaugural Passport to Nature (P2N) program — a year-long series of free, guided adventures in nature.

photo courtesy of kawartha land trust.

Throughout July and August, residents and visitors to the Kawarthas can attend a wide range of free KLT Passport to Nature events, including a tallgrass seedling planting, new-to-nature trail walk, roll or stroll, outdoor puppet show and a tour of the Alderville Black Oak Savanna.

As part of the planning for KLT’s inaugural Passport to Nature, KLT brought together a group of passionate and talented volunteers to form the People and Nature Working Group to help plan the project and bring it to life.

“Kawartha Land Trust’s Passport to Nature is a great way for people to get outside, explore, and connect with the nature all around us,” says John Kintare, KLT’s Executive Director. “We’ve heard from public health experts that being outside, even for an hour, provides physical and mental health benefits.”

Some KLT fall events include tree planting, forest bathing, an opportunity to gaze upon the wonders of the night sky and more.

“I got involved in this project because it’s a simple idea that I couldn’t resist — create a way for people to explore and enjoy nature — with their own passport to nature,” said Susan Scott, a KLT volunteer and Co-Chair of the People and Nature Working Group. “Some of the events we’ve included in KLT’s Passport to Nature are popular activities that Kawartha Land Trust has held in the past. But now, we hope to attract a wider audience to these popular outings, and help people learn more about KLT, its protected lands, and the vital work the organization does in preserving land for all of us.”

Kawartha Land Trust’s Passport to Nature print booklets will be available widely throughout the Kawarthas this summer at information and tourism centres and other locations. A PDF of the booklet can also be viewed and downloaded from our website. KLT is grateful for Cambium Inc.’s sponsorship of our 2023-2024 Passport to Nature.

“I encourage everyone to experience their own nature adventures this year,” concludes Scott. “We look forward to seeing you outside.”

To find out more about KLT’s Passport to Nature and upcoming events, visit the website.

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Streetscape Imagery to Be Captured in the City of Peterborough Starting July 17

The City of Peterborough has contracted iLOOKABOUT to capture streetscape imagery- a panoramic visual representation of a street consisting of aspects such as the road, buildings, street furniture, trees and open spaces using a camera-mounted vehicle from July 17 to July 28.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

The imagery will be captured for all City-owned right of ways where vehicle access is permitted such as on roads, trails, parking lots and facilities.

The project is scheduled from Monday, July 17 to Friday, July 28 with weather permitting.

The City will provide vehicle escorts when the capture is taking place on City owned trails and facilities.

The imagery will be used by City staff to view urban forest vegetation, identify changes over time, view and analyze property related elements, and locate features. The imagery will not be released to the public because elements are not blurred to protect privacy.

For more information or additional inquiries, contact Kristine Muma, Geomatics/Mapping Division by email.

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Government of Ontario Partnering with Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre to Protect at Risk Species in Peterborough

The Ontario government is providing nearly $500,000 in funding through the Species at Risk Stewardship program to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre as they undertake on-the-ground work to protect turtles at risk in the community.

photo by felicia massey.

Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha was joined by David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, as well as donors and other community members on Wednesday at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for the groundbreaking of their new hospital for Ontario’s native turtle species.

“This forever home has been a dream that is finally coming to reality. I cannot express how much great work the centre does, from rehabilitating injured turtles to the recovery and fertilization of turtle eggs from those turtles who sadly do not make it,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough–Kawartha. “We are extremely fortunate to have such a world leader in conservation right here in our own backyard.”

Led by the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, the Hospital and Hatchling Program, and supported by the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, this project helps reduce some of the effects of road mortality on turtle populations. Seven out of eight of Ontario's turtles are at-risk. The funding will help mitigate threats to at-risk turtles through rehabilitation, education, field studies, research and data-sharing.

“Everyday, dedicated local and community organizations across Ontario demonstrate their commitment to protecting and recovering plants, insects, animals and their habitats,” said Minister Piccini. “Our government is proud to partner with grassroots organizations across the province to make a real impact. The 2023-24 projects continue Ontario’s track record of strong environmental stewardship and preserving the rich biodiversity of our province for future generations.”

As part of the Species at Risk Stewardship Program, Ontario has provided $914,703 to support the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre since 2018 in their work to rehabilitate, conduct field studies and research and mitigate threats for at-risk turtles. The new funding builds on this longstanding support and investment with the conservation centre.

“The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre gratefully acknowledges the tremendous support that the MECP's Species at Risk Stewardship Program has given, to enable us to continue our vital conservation work,” said Mandy St. Germaine, Chair of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre. “As we enter our new growth phase, we shall be able to increase our national impact in turtle conservation even more, and very much look forward to our continued partnership with MECP.”

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Peterborough Police Issue Reminder During Ongoing Heat Warning to Not Leave Pets or Children in The Vehicle

Peterborough Police Service are reminding the community to check on the most vulnerable to heat and to not leave pets or children unattended in vehicles during the ongoing heat warning.

photo by david tuan bui.

A heat warning is in effect for Peterborough with Environment Canada calling for temperatures into 30’s with the humidex in the upper 30’s to 40’s through Wednesday and Thursday.

How you can help:

• Call 9-1-1 if the child or animal is in distress

• Take down the car’s make, model and license plate number and provide that information to the Peterborough Police Service when you call.

• If there is a business nearby, ask a manager or store security to make an announcement to locate the car’s owner.

• Wait by the vehicle until help arrives.

If it is an emergency call 9-1-1.  If it is a non-emergency, you can call Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122, or in the case of an animal situation you can also call the Ontario Animal Protection Unit, 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).

For more information, visit the link.

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GoFundMe Created to Assist Peterborough Man and His Family After a Motorcycle Accident Leaves Him in Hospital

A GoFundMe has been created to assist local man Chris Lee after a serious motorcycle accident in Peterborough that left him in a hospital at St. Michael’s in Toronto.

photo courtesy of the gofundme.

He was airlifted to St. Michael’s Hospital from the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Thursday and his condition is unknown.

On the fundraiser page, created by Lee’s co-worker Taylor MacMillan, she says the money raised will be put towards any costs associated with his recovery, and to support the everyday expenses that may be affected due to missing work.

Lee, who works in the construction industry, has three children; Payton, Kaden and Oaklyn.

“Chris is an amazing person and he never hesitates to help others in need so hopefully everyone can help return this favour to him and his family,” she says on the page.

As of this story being published, the GoFundMe has raised just over $15,000 of the $20,000 goal. To donate, click the link.

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Trent Valley Archives Hosting True Crime Tour ‘Peterborough Perpetrators’

Back by popular demand, Trent Valley Archives (TVA) will offer its true crime walk in downtown Peterborough entitled ‘Peterborough Perpetrators’ on July 14 and 21 and on August 11 and 18.

photo courtesy of tva.

Madison More, researcher and knowledgeable tour guide, will lead the tour which will touch on the astonishing discovery of human remains linked to a lumberjack of the town’s early days.

Other stories covered include a daring escape from the Peterborough jail with its ensuing province wide police chase and the shooting of Murray Green owner of the Grand Hotel.

The cost of the tour is $20 per person, with tours running rain or shine. Those who are interested can sign up by calling TVA at 705-745-4404. Tickets are also available through the website.

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Pet Lovers Give Blood at the Peterborough Humane Society Blood Drive Event

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has partnered with the Canadian Blood Services Peterborough to host a Pet Lovers Give Blood event on July 13 and 20 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

stock image.

Members of the PHS team will be donating at the Peterborough Donor Centre (55 George St. N) as they call upon the community to do the same.

The QR Code and will direct those to the Pet Lovers Peterborough Team that can also be used to book appointments.

Pet Lovers Peterborough has partnered with Canadian Blood Services to help make a difference for patients in Canada. To join the team and help save lives, visit the website.

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Peterborough Musicfest Adds Shawn Desman and Honeymoon Suite to the Summer Concert Lineup

Peterborough Musicfest has announced that Shawn Desman and Honeymoon Suite will be joining the lineup of free concerts at Del Crary Park this summer.

Shawn Desman, the chart-topping, multi-platinum selling, award winning artist will be coming to Peterborough Musicfest Saturday, July 15 Del Crary Park. His hit single ‘Maniac’ marked his return to the charts last October.

The Canadian Classic Rock band Honeymoon Suite began performing together in 1982, releasing chart topping hits New Girl Now, Stay In The Light and Feel It Again. Their most recent album Hands Up came out in 2017.

Musicfest will host Honeymoon Suite on Wednesday, August 2. Both shows are set to begin at 8 p.m.

For more information and full lineup details, visit the website.

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One Roof Peterborough Announces Extended Hours During Heat Warning

One Roof Community Centre will be open for extended hours until 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday due to a heat warning issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

file photo.

Environment and Climate Change Canada that is forecasting temperatures up to 33 degrees for the Peterborough area.

One Roof Community Centre, which provides services on behalf of the City and County of Peterborough, is located at 99 Brock Street. Lunch will be served between 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

For full description of meals and other services that One Roof provides, visit the website. For information about how to protect yourself from extreme heat, visit the Government of Canada website. 

Water Filling Stations

Outdoor water bottle filling stations are available at City facilities in the following locations:

• Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.

• Eastgate Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.

• Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N.

Members of the public are also able to refill a water bottle inside the following City facilities during hours of operation:

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.

• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

• Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.

• Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way.

Homelessness Services

Emergency shelters are open and available to people experiencing homelessness who require emergency overnight shelter:

1. YES Shelter for Youth (705-748-3851), 196 Brock St.

2. Brock Mission Men’s Shelter (705-748-4766), 217 Murray St.

3. Cameron House Women’s Shelter (705-748-4766), 738 Chemong Rd.

4. Overflow Shelter at 210 Wolfe St. (705-748-4766 – ask for Overflow Shelter)

Emergency After Hours Services related to emergency shelter are available through the Social Services by calling 705-926-0096. The Peterborough Social Services website has full details on the website.

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