Peterborough Public Library DeLafosse Branch Will Remain Closed Until Further Notice

The Peterborough Public Library announced that the DelaFosse Branch will remain closed until the structural assessment is complete.

FILE PHOTO COURTESY PETERBOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY

Earlier this week it was announced that the Main Library would be returning to pre-COVID hours and that the DelaFosse Branch would be reopening on August 24, 2021. However, a draft report outlining a significant structural concern with the library floors' load distribution and weight-bearing has changed those plans.  

Earlier this summer, the Peterborough Public Library Board discussed the Library's 2020 Service Review results, which looked at the DelaFosse Branch. At that time, a motion was approved for an updated building condition assessment of the DelaFosse be completed.

According to an early draft of this report, the floors in the DelaFosse Branch were constructed to support a weight distribution of 60 pounds per square foot, and the weight of the collection and shelving are currently exceeding that weight restriction.

"Library staff were excited to get back in the building and welcome our members," said Jennifer Jones, Library CEO. "We have been advised that it is a health and safety risk to reopen the facility at this time. The safety of both the community and our staff is paramount, we will be looking at ways to redistribute the weight immediately, but it will not be enough to safely reopen the DelaFosse at this time."

The Library Board will review the full report once it is completed. They will then discuss the next steps and determine when the DelaFosse branch can reopen safely.

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Warsaw Road Swing Bridge Opening Delayed

Parks Canada has announced that the Warsaw Road Swing Bridge reopening has been delayed.

THE WARSAW ROAD SWING BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA’S FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PROGRAM. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

During commissioning of the swing bridge this week, the fit of key mechanical components on the bridge did not meet specifications. The components have been removed and are being remachined to ensure the proper fit. These components need to be properly in place on the bridge before testing and commissioning can restart to ensure safety.

If future testing and commissioning goes to plan, Parks Canada still expects the bridge will be reopened in August. If additional adjustments or modifications are required as a result of the testing the bridge reopening will be delayed until they are completed.

Immediately following the reopening of the bridge, short intermittent delays are expected for operational testing. Traffic control measures will be in place.

The bridge has been closed for a full replacement of the steel swing bridge structure, repairs to concrete abutments, and replacement of mechanical and electrical operating systems. The project has also brought the bridge up to full highway loading.

The Warsaw Road Swing Bridge replacement project is part of the Government of Canada’s Federal Infrastructure Investment program.

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New Downtown Lofts Constructed From Old YMCA Building

The old YMCA on the corner of George Street and Murray Street has finally been converted into upscale loft apartments in a private showing on Thursday.

Hans Jain, Atria president (far right) with staff members at The Black Horse Pub with the new YLofts building. Photo by David Tuan Bui

The lofts known as Y Lofts are owned and built by the Toronto-based company Atria, a development corporation. Hans Jain, Atria president along with staff hosted tours to media and community members with a luncheon at The Black Horse Pub.

Terry Guiel, Downtown Business Improvement Area executive director praised Jain for respecting and honouring the history of the city with YLofts. The building named several room models after familiar Peterborough names such as Chemong, Algonquin and Kawartha.

"They've done their research and show us that they care about this community," he said. "They're not coming in and saying, 'we're a big Toronto firm and come jump on us', they're saying, 'we want to be a part of your community.’"

YLofts occupy the old YMCA location which was first built in 1896. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Councillor Henry Clarke showed his appreciation of the new lofts as it gives easy accessibility to several downtown amenities while revitalizing the area.

"The downtown is the economic engine of the city," he said. "To see this whole section come back to life, it's wonderful."

The Y Lofts range from $1,650 to $2,550 a month. The residence features a courtyard, gym, rooftop patio and communal barbeques as some of several available amenities included in the rent.

Atria has already begun accepting new tenants to be moved in on Sept. 1.

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Temporary Parking Lot Available During Simcoe Parking Garage Rehabilitation

The City of Peterborough has provided a temporary parking lot during the closure of the Simcoe Parking Garage for rehabilitation announced Tuesday.

The Simcoe Parking Garage under construction on Simcoe Street. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The lot is at the northwest corner of Simcoe Street and Aylmer Street North for downtown residents and visitors. It opened Tuesday and will remain in use during the closure of the Simcoe Garage. Driveway access to the lot is from Aylmer Street.

The temporary parking lot will provide approximately 30 new spaces, including two accessible spaces. That adds to the 1,490 public parking spaces in parking lots, garages as well as on-street spots in the downtown area.

Beyond the public, municipally-owned parking facilities, there are privately-owned, publicly available parking lots and garages in the downtown area, such as the Peterborough Square parking garage, that provide additional parking capacity.

A pay and display parking meter has been installed in the new temporary lot and customers can also pay for their parking in this lot using the HotSpot mobile parking app. The pay and display machine is located in close proximity to the accessible spaces.

The planned parking rates for this temporary lot will be consistent with other municipal downtown parking lots, with the $1.50 hourly rate applied between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., on weekdays, to a maximum of $10.50 per day. Patrons would receive free parking in the weekday evening hours, after 6 p.m., weekends and holidays.

During the rehabilitation project, customers who normally use the Simcoe Parking Garage are encouraged to use other parking spaces that are available in surface parking lots throughout the downtown area as well as the King Street Parkade. A map of public parking lots is available at peterborough.ca/parking.

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Warsaw Road Swing Bridge Reopening Delayed Until Aug. 7

The Warsaw Road swing bridge located on Parkhill Road East is expected to open for vehicle and pedestrian traffic according to a press release by Parks Canada for Aug. 7 announced on Wednesday.

The Warsaw Road Swing Bridge replacement project is part of the Government of Canada’s Federal Infrastructure Investment program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

All mechanical, hydraulic and electrical components are onsite however issues related to the installation of the components have delayed the bridge testing and commissioning work to next week.

If the testing and commissioning go well, the bridge’s reopening will go as scheduled. If additional adjustments or modifications are required as a result of the testing, the bridge opening will be delayed until they are completed. 

Immediately following the reopening of the bridge, short intermittent delays are expected for operational testing. Traffic control measures will be in place during that time.

The bridge has been closed for a full replacement of the steel swing bridge structure, repairs to concrete abutments and replacement of mechanical and electrical operating systems. As well, the project has brought the bridge up to full highway loading.

Notable businesses near the bridge are Alf Curtis Home Improvements and Paterson Auto Sales & Service.

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Donwood Park Renovations are Complete

Construction at Clintonia Park in Donwood is complete thanks to a $76,900 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation received in 2019.

Clintonia Park under renovation on July 9, 2021. Photo Courtesy of Ang Davis.

Plans have been underway to renovate the park since 2019 when original playground equipment was aging and no longer met current safety standards.

With the support of council community volunteers and Township staff replaced the equipment and addressed the landscaping and drainage issues in the park.

“Having grown up in the community, I am happy that we were able to bring the neighbourhood together to make this space a fun space for everyone for generations to come,” said Angela Bullock, a volunteer working on the committee.

The park serves approximately 500 residents in the Donwood community.

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VIP Guest Aids in "Ground-Digging" Ceremony for New Animal Care Centre

“Thor” the dog along with a small group gathered together at the future site of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre for a tour and to celebrate the facility’s construction progress on Monday.

Thor with officials from the humane society, the city and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Photo Courtesy Of Peterborough Humane Society.

Construction began in early May at 1999 Technology Dr. but COVID restrictions prevented a traditional groundbreaking ceremony.

$7.6 million of $10 million has been raised for the new animal facility.

The building has created roughly 50 construction jobs with 20 full-time jobs upon its completion according to the press release. Construction completion is expected by December 2022.

“Thor is a perfect example of how the new Centre will impact the lives of animals in need,” says Shawn Morey, Peterborough Humane Society executive director. “He’s unneutered and waiting to get a spot for his surgery before he can be adopted. With backlogs at veterinary and spay/neuter clinics throughout the region, animals like Thor wait weeks or even months to get in for surgery.”

The ground-digging ceremony for the new Animal Care Centre that started construction in May. Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

The Centre will include the Peterborough Humane Society’s Adoption and education centre, a publicly accessible spay and neuter clinic and a provincial dog rehabilitation centre.

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Real Estate Developer Has Groundbreaking Ceremony For New Mixed-Use Building

The Excelsior Centre had its groundbreaking ceremony at the start of its construction located on the corner of Parkhill Road and Chandler Crescent on Friday afternoon.

Councillor members, city officials and Thakkar commemorate the groundbreaking ceremony with gold shovels. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 13,000 square foot structure by Excelsior Group will have retail stores on the lower half, 15 apartments on the second floor fitted with an elevator and a drive-thru pad for a Tim Hortons. Over $10 million has been invested into the Center and is expected to complete construction in early 2022.

The company has hired local contractors and services for the building’s construction such as Drain Bros. Excavating Limited in Norwood.

Aside from a convenience store, it is unknown what stores will occupy the building. Century 21 United Realty Inc. was in attendance and jointly marketed the project with Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis Group.

“To see the investment happening in our great in our community it’s wonderful and it’s symbolic of today while the province is opening things up and investors are putting a lot of money into Peterborough,” said Dion Gemmiti, Century 21 real estate agent.

“I know this subdivision has been in development for a long time and I’m sure the residents are all excited about it as well. said Vanessa Oake Hogan, Century 21 owner. “I think it’s an opportunity for new businesses in the area.”

“I’m excited to see a small commercial development come to the subdivision,” said Alex McInroy, a nearby resident. “It would great to drop into the store for a donut with my daughter Phoebe.”

The Century 21 representatives at the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The ceremony was held by Satish Thakkar, founder and president of the Toronto-based real estate developing firm. In attendance was his crew, MPP Dave Smith, Councillor Lesley Parnell, Councillor Dan Vassiliadis and Stu Harrison among many others.

“Whatever we can support who are in need and particularly during this time, that community, we want to invest in,” said Thakkar. “We should be a part of it, we should help that community in whatever way we can.”

Thakkar shatters a coconut, claiming that the outer shell represents ego and needs to be broken to let it go. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The groundbreaking event was the opportunity for Thakkar to donate $1,000 each to Brock Mission and Cameron House emergency shelter for women. The money for the former will finish the construction of the new building but unsure for the latter’s use according to Bill McNabb, Brock Mission executive director.

“It’s a win-win scenario,” he said. “When you’re not soliciting the money and somebody comes forward, it just feels very supportive and encouraging.”

Thakkar donating two $1,000 cheques for Brock Mission and Cameron House. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Despite being based in Toronto, that was not Thakkar’s only charitable contribution to Peterborough. In March, Thakkar helped deliver over 200 meals to One Roof Diner on his son’s 20th birthday.

Notable city members unanimously agreed that the building would be a significant contribution to Peterborough’s economic growth and development since the area has little to no commercial space in that community.

“When you have people congregating in one area, you need to have commercial spaces as well,” said Smith. “It fits a lot of what the needs are for the community.”

“It’s a plus and there’s a commercial component to this which there is none now,” said Parnell. “There are some services that there will be a complete benefit for this neighbourhood.”

The site of the where the Excelsior Centre will be built on the corner of Parkhill Road and Chandler Crescent. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Construction was delayed by two years since the city upgraded the roads around that area including the newly built roundabout on the intersection of Parkhill Road and Brealey Drive.

“It was an incredible concession on his part,” said Parnell. “We’ve very happy to see shovels in the ground today.”

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