Several Organizations Applaud City of Peterborough's Declaration of Gender-Based Violence Considered An Epidemic

The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, YWCA and Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network have supported the City of Peterborough’s decision to become the 74th municipality in Ontario to declare gender-based violence an epidemic.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The declaration was made during City Council meeting on Nov. 27. The decision had fulfilled the first recommendation from the Renfrew Inquest for the formal declaration.

“This declaration is crucial in continuing to provide awareness around the impacts of violence against women,” said Brittany McMillan, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre executive director. “Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre and our partner agencies work tirelessly to support survivors after they have experienced violence.  This motion helps support all survivors and also shifts the narrative to focus on the importance of preventing future violence.”

“This is a big step in the right direction for our community, in solidarity with dozens of other municipalities across Ontario,” says Kim Dolan, executive director, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. “On behalf of all our partner agencies, and the women, children, and gender-diverse people we serve through the YWCA, I want to thank Peterborough’s City Councillors for making this historic declaration. We look forward to working together with our fellow social service agencies as well as with the City to effect change and make a difference in the lives of all those individuals experiencing or at risk of gender-based violence.”

“PDAN members have been working toward this as a first step toward local implementation of recommendations from the Renfrew Inquest, Mass Casualty Commission and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls final reports,” said Sarah Bass, Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network manager. “These reports identify actionable items that, if implemented, will help to prevent further violence against women and girls in our community.  Our members look forward to continuing to implement further recommendations at a local level and build on these efforts.”

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Peterborough County Launches 'Warden for a Day' Campaign For Grade 9-12 Students

In celebration of last week (Local Government Week), Peterborough County is inviting youth in grades 9 – 12 to enter the ‘Warden for a Day,’ contest running until Nov. 3.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This initiative aims to inform students in the local community about the Warden's responsibilities, the services Peterborough County provides for its residents and the various career and elected office opportunities within local government according to a press release. The County says it aspires to raise awareness among young people about the significance of engaging in their local government.

The winner will be invited to participate in the Nov. 22 Peterborough County Council meeting and will join Warden Bonnie Clark at the County Courthouse for a lunch, a tour of County facilities and prizes

To enter, students must answer two questions in the format of a 60-second video:

1. What do you love about living in Peterborough County?

2. What is one thing that you would do as Warden?

The online submission form can be found online with the deadline on Nov. 3 at midnight.

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Lori Richey Named New Physician Recruiter For Peterborough County

Lori Richey has been named the physician recruiter for Peterborough County.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

Richey previously was the executive director for the Peterborough Family Health Team. She also served as the primary care physician recruiter with Peterborough and director of operations with Peterborough Family Health Team.

In addition to making significant contributions to the field of long-term care, she is also formally trained in the fields of tourism and human resources.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Lori’s expertise and background join the team at Peterborough County,” said Sheridan Graham, Peterborough County CAO. “We are excited and look forward to Lori’s direct collaboration with the Townships to understand their resident’s needs, to support our existing family physicians and to recruit much-needed family physicians to our region.”

Richey begins her role on Oct. 23.

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Lakefield Installs Pride Crosswalk at Queen Street at Reid Street Intersection

An all-inclusive Pride crosswalk has been installed on Queen Street at Reid Street in Lakefield to demonstrate and promote inclusivity, diversity and belonging within the Selwyn Township, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The crosswalk celebrates the 2SLGBTQ+ community within Selwyn Township and all of Peterborough County throughout the year according to a press release. It continues to state that it will serve as a reminder to support, respect and welcome everyone to Peterborough County not just during Pride Month but year-round.  

“The Township of Selwyn continues to be a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming place for everyone to visit and live,” said Sherry Senis, Selwyn mayor. “No matter who you are, you are safe, valued and welcomed in our community.” 

“I am pleased to see that the newly designated All-Inclusive Pride Crosswalk has been placed at a busy intersection in the heart of the Lakefield community for visitors, newcomers, residents, and especially our 2SLGBTQ+ friends and family to see this summer,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough Country warden. “We must continue with intentional acts of inclusivity such as this to demonstrate our commitment to welcoming all people to our communities.”  

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Jasbir Raina Unanimously Appointed City's New Chief Administrative Officer After Monday's Council Meeting

Peterborough City Council has unanimously approved the appointment of Jasbir Raina as the City of Peterborough’s new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) effective immediately announce at a Council meeting on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Raina began working for the City in June last year as the role of Commissioner of Infrastructure and Planning Services as part of the City’s senior leadership team after working in senior roles at the City of Brampton and the City of Mississauga over the last15 years. He is an engineer and has a Master of Business Administration degree, has extensive professional experience in the public sector in various positions over 30 years.

The CAO is the top administrative position that reports directly to City Council, overseeing the implementation of policies set by Council through the delivery of services by the City of Peterborough’s municipal workforce according to a press release.

“Mr. Raina’s commitment and dedication to the citizens of Peterborough has clearly been demonstrated in his previous role as Commissioner of Infrastructure and Planning Services,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “We look forward to his leadership and guidance in his new role as Chief Administrative Officer.”

Raina replaces Sandra Clancy, who retired as CAO following a 38-year career with the City of Peterborough.

“It is a great honour to lead the team of professional and dedicated staff who are fully committed to delivering services to the City’s residents,” said Raina “I am beyond excited to take on this value-creating role at the City. I would like to thank the Mayor and members of Council for entrusting me to be City’s next CAO. I look forward to working collaboratively with the Mayor, Council, our community, and all stakeholders to advance priorities of Council to build a Future Ready Peterborough.”

Raina’s professional experience includes serving in the following positions:

• Commissioner, Public Works and Engineering, City of Brampton

• Director, Facilities Services/Operations and Maintenance, City of Brampton

• Manager, Capital Planning and Asset Management, City of Mississauga

• Manager, Facilities Operations and Property Management, City of Mississauga

Raina has a Master of Engineering from the Naval Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University. He also has a Project Management designation through the Project Management Institute and a law certificate from Harvard University.

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Photos: City Hall and Peterborough & District Labour Council Gather For Half-Mast Flag Raising Of National Day of Mourning

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Roughly over 80 people gathered at City Hall for a flag-raising on the National Day of Mourning. Municipal politicians such as Mayor Jeff Leal and Councillor Joy Lachica spoke at the event. Peterborough & District Labour Council members and several others were in attendance for the event.

The day honours those who have lost their lives in the workplace. A flag has been flown at half mast in memoriam of those who passed on.

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Service Workers Strike on George Street In Peterborough

After the Public Service Agency of Canada union failed to reach an agreement with the federal government prior to the deadline, roughly 100 workers went on a nationwide strike in Peterborough at Water Street on Wednesday morning.

Roughly 100 workers circled George Street outside Service Canada Centre. All photos by Samantha Bianco.

Over 155,000 public service workers have gone on strike nationwide that includes more than 35,000 Canada Revenue Agency employees.

Treasury board workers are demanding a 13.5 per cent wage increase over three years, tax agency workers want a 22.5 per cent increase while wanting work-from-home guarantees. The federal government’s offer of 9.5 per cent was turned down during Tuesday’s negotiations.

“We're here to support our fellow workers across Canada,” said Susan MacMillan of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. “We're 150,000 strong to send a message. We're sending a message to support our unions and trying to negotiate a fair contract for our employees.”

MacMillan says a variety of affected workers have united in support of the strike such as the Union of Taxation, the Department of National Defense and Service Canada. Employees as far as Bancroft and Trenton have come to Peterborough to join the George Street protest.

“We’re being strongly represented in Peterborough,” she added.

The strike concluded at roughly 3 p.m. but will go for as long as it takes until their demands are met according to MacMillan.

The workers are circling George Street between Dalhousie and Sherbrooke Street as they strike. Several vehicles slowed down and honked in support of the workers.

“I am hoping that the support is coming from across Canada,” said MacMillian. “Right now, that's the support that we need.”

The bottom line for the workers is that they get what they feel is deserved during their negotiations with the federal government.

“We just want a fair contract,” said MacMillian.

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Steven Girardi to be Sworn In As Citizens Appointee for Peterborough Police Services Board on April 3

Steven Girardi has been appointed as a Citizens Appointee and is being sworn in as the Peterborough Police Services Board newest member for April 3, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Steven Giradi.

He was a former superintendent of student achievement for Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and also had roles such as teaching and as a principal during his 30-year tenure. Steven has been an active volunteer and is currently instructing part-time in the business department at Trent University.

Girardi replaces form city councillor Bob Hall who served since mid-2015.

“The Peterborough Police Services Board looks forward to working with Steven and we are confident his skills and experience will be an asset to the Board, Service and community we serve,” said Mary ten Doeschate, police board chair.

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City of Peterborough Holding Drop-In Session For Rejuvenation of Earlwood Park

The City of Peterborough is asking residents for ideas on rejuvenating Earlwood Park at a public drop-in session on Thursday at the Kimsmen Civic Centre from 6:30 to 7:30.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

City staff are answering questions and seeking input to help meet the park’s needs. The park is located at 52 Earlwood Dr. with construction projected to start in fall 2023 or spring 2024. 

“This is a great opportunity to tell us what you would like to see in Earlwood Park,” said Sean Nailer, the City’s parks and recreation project manager. “Residents are asked to talk with members of their household and take part in the consultation to help identify priorities for the rejuvenation of Earlwood Park.” 

An online survey is open until 11:59 p.m. on March 16 for wanted to provide input. Paper copies are available in the lobby at City Hall at 500 George St. N. 

After the community consultation has closed, the City will post an update, summarizing the findings. Future information about the project and a concept plan will be updated on the Connect Peterborough project page as they come available. 

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City Council Approves Changes To Garbage Pickup; Clear Bags and Bi-Weekly Trash Pickup

City Council has endorsed adopting the clear bags and bi-weekly trash pickup as part of an the Waste Management Master Plan Update during a meeting on Monday night.

File Photo.

The summary of changes in waste management services are the following:

• Requiring the use of clear garbage bags for waste collection

• Moving to every-other-week residential garbage collection starting Oct. 31 at the same time as the introduction of weekly Green Bin (household organic waste) collection service that will reduce the bulk of current garbage material

• Preparing for the provincially-directed switch to producer-responsible recycling program delivery, instead of it being a municipal service, starting Jan. 1

• Bringing a report to Council in the future to amend the Waste Collection Enforcement By-law to include new definitions of the waste stream, collection requirements, and penalties for non-compliance as an option if public education efforts are not effective in changing disposal behaviours

The changes would result in garbage collection would shift to every other week while Green Bin and Blue Bin collection would be provided weekly.

A ‘clear bag’ program refers to the use of a garbage bag that is transparent or see-through. According to the City, use of clear bags for garbage encourages waste diversion in several ways:

• Clear bag Programs improves worker safety and allows Transfer Station attendants the ability to conduct a quick assessment of the contents within the clear bag(s) to ensure that no recyclable or hazardous items are in the bag.

• Clear bags can serve as a reminder if people forget to separate out these materials from their garbage, as the clear bag allows residents to see what is being thrown out.

• Clear bags prompt people to reflect on their waste disposal habits and encourage them to consider waste diversion options.

• Clear bags can assist in with the enforcing of municipal material disposal bans by allowing waste collectors to monitor for compliance and reject any bags containing banned items.

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