Peterborough Fire Services Receive $255,260 In Training Funding From Ontario Government

Peterborough Fire Services has received $255,260 through the Ontario Government’s Skills Development Fund (SDF) to support a Fire Services Technical Rescue Certification Training Program, announced at Fire Station No. 2 on Friday afternoon.

Josh Marshall (left) and Lucas Roy (right) of the Peterborough Fire Services conducting a demo of their rope rappell exercise. Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect approximately 600,000 workers train or upskill for careers in the trades in their local communities, including over 92,000 manufacturing workers, over 66,000 construction workers, over 36,000 PSWs and healthcare workers and over 27,000 mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction workers. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This initiative aims to equip Peterborough Fire Service firefighters with the necessary skills to meet the technical rescue standards outlined in the Provincial Regulation Firefighter Certification.

“This latest round of SDF funding emphasizes the significance of ongoing professional development and demonstrates the government's dedication to investing in its workforce,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “As the challenges encountered by emergency responders change, it is essential that their skills and knowledge adapt as well. The Fire Services Technical Rescue Certification Training Program exemplifies the proactive measures being implemented to keep first responders leading in safety and innovation.”

The program includes classroom work and practical exercises such as rappelling and heights training. Several firefighters are currently undergoing training in the six-month program, according to Chris Snetsinger, Peterborough Fire Services Chief.

“Peterborough Fire Services must be ready to respond to complex and challenging situations. This investment in the Fire Services Technical Rescue Certification Training Program ensures our team is equipped with the technical skills and latest training needed to meet provincial certification standards and provide the highest level of service to our community,” he said. “This funding strengthens our ability to protect lives and property and supports the ongoing development of our dedicated firefighters.”

Through the SDF, the government is investing up to $1.4 billion through the SDF’s Training Stream and the Capital Stream, designed to recruit, train and upskill workers and build or upgrade training centres for the skilled trades.

“This funding ensures that our firefighters are equipped with the critical skills needed to meet modern rescue challenges and reinforces the importance of preparing our local firefighters to protect lives. It is a critical component in public safety,” said Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor. “I want to thank the Province of Ontario for recognizing the needs of our city and supporting our fire services with this vital initiative through the Skills Development Fund.”

“Community safety is a top priority for all of us, and investments like this in our local fire services are vital to ensuring the well-being of our residents. The $255,260 in funding through the Skills Development Fund will help strengthen Peterborough firefighters’ ability to respond to emergencies and protect lives,” said Community Services co-chairs Councillor Lesley Parnell and Councillor Alex Bierk in a joint statement.

The City is hosting an open house of Fire Station No. 2 this Saturday 10 a.m. to noon.

Visitors are welcome to tour the station, explore the facility’s unique features and meet the firefighters staffing Fire Station No. 2. Sparky the Fire Dog will welcome young residents and share a few safety tips.

Fire Station No. 2 is the City’s first facility designed and built to be a net zero and net carbon building. Constructed with a mass timber structure, a carbon sequestering material, it aims to reduce the City’s carbon footprint.

On-street parking is available where indicated. Visitors are asked to respect posted parking restrictions.

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Peterborough Police Service Opens Request For Proposal for Vehicle Towing Services

The Peterborough Police Service has opened a Request for Proposal for Vehicle Towing Services. 

File Photo.

The RFP is for 24-hour towing services and secure vehicle storage pound facilities for the PPS in the City of Peterborough, the Township of Cavan Monaghan, and the Village of Lakefield from 2025 through 2029.

Request for Proposals forms may be obtained by downloading them or contacting the Peterborough Police Service Traffic Unit by telephone at 705-876-1122, ext. 254, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Sealed Requests for Proposal must be received by noon on Dec. 6 by hand delivery in a sealed envelope labelled ‘Towing Application’ to:

Peterborough Police Service
500 Water Street
Peterborough Attention: Traffic Sergeant or Designate

Submissions will be publicly opened on Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m. in the Hugh Waddell Boardroom (A meeting link will be provided for virtual attendance upon request).

Mandatory site visits will be arranged between Dec. 10 and Dec. 13. Awards are expected to be made by Dec. 23.

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Peterborough Police Service Introduce Military Veterans Wellness Program For Increased Veteran Support

The Peterborough Police Service has introduced the Military Veterans Wellness Program (MVWP) in Peterborough, Lakefield and the Township of Cavan-Monaghan, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

The program will help the Service enhance its ability to support and connect with military veterans in our community and within our service according to the Peterborough Police. They continue to say that it equips frontline officers with heightened awareness, training and the tools necessary to recognize and understand military veterans’ unique needs.

The MVWP helps veterans access critical social services offered through organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC), and Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS).

After a police referral, these national agencies will contact the veteran within 72 hours. They may provide a case worker, advocate, or peer support to assist veterans in accessing the benefits and resources available.

A 14-year tenured Peterborough Police officer and member of the Canadian Armed Forces will serve as a program ambassador to our frontline officers. Officers and civilians will also complete online training courses to learn about life in the Canadian Armed Forces, the traits and struggles veterans may face as they transition from a life in the military, and interaction and de-escalation techniques. Peterborough Police anticipate this training will be completed in the coming month.

“As Remembrance Day approaches it is fitting that we take a moment to learn more about the supports available to our veterans and how we can help,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “We know there are approximately 3,000 – 5,000 unhoused veterans across Canada, including some in our city.  It is important that we as a service understand the unique circumstances and challenges of veterans who have served and if possible, offer a path to services.”

In addition to launching the program, the Service has created a pin (image below) that will be issued to Peterborough Police Service members who are military veterans, civilian and sworn, serving in the organization. The pin will not only help foster a sense of connection with our community members but also show support to the members of the Service. 

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City of Peterborough Celebrates Grand Opening of Fire Station #2

The City of Peterborough celebrated the grand opening of the new net-zero Fire Station #2 with an open house to welcome the public to the facility located at 100 Marina Blvd. at the former Northcrest Arena location on Thursday afternoon.

Council members past and present with Fire Chief Chris Snetsinger unravelling the hose in lieu of a ribbon-cutting ceremony to kick off the Fire Station’s grand opening. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The building uses passive solar design and renewable energy sources. It is considered the City’s first facility designed and built to be certified as a net-zero carbon and net-zero energy building.

A combination of high-efficiency and intelligent technologies, including automated control systems, ground-source heat pumps, rooftop solar panels and heat-recovery systems, are installed. The building is constructed with a mass timber structure, a carbon-sequestering material and a high-performance exterior envelope. An abundance of natural light, provided through bird-friendly, high-performance windows and doors, reduces electrical light and heat loss.

“Today is a big step forward for Peterborough as we move toward achieving the goals of our Climate Change Action Plan,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This new fire hall will help the City reduce greenhouse gas emissions while delivering a vital service to Peterborough residents.”

Fire Station #2 has incorporated training facilities into the building including training areas for pumper operations and technical rescue disciplines such as rope, confined space and trench.

“The training capabilities within this station will help Peterborough firefighters maintain and enhance their training, ensuring we are ready to respond to all emergencies,” said Fire Chief Chris Snetsinger. “The location of the fire hall enables us to respond to those calls quickly and strategically.”

The building's net-zero design is expected to save the City an estimated $24,270 per year in operational costs.

The City says it will pursue net-zero carbon and net-zero energy certification through the Canada Green Building Council.

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Missing Havelock Teen Logan Tozer Found Safe After Being Missing For Over Two Weeks

After being missing since Oct. 13, the long search is over as Havelock teen Logan Tozer has been found Wednesday morning according to the Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

Facebook Photo.

OPP officers found the 18-year-old in an abandoned building in Havelock at roughly 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday morning, according to a media release.

The teen was known to have high-functioning autism. The building where he was found was a regular ‘hideout’ spot and had previously been searched regularly.

Tozer was immediately transported to a nearby hospital as a precaution.

The OPP Central Region Crime Unit is continuing the investigation with assistance from Peterborough County OPP, OPP Emergency Response Team, OPP Canine Unit members and OPP Aviation Services.

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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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Bridgenorth Man Missing After Being Dropped Off at Transit Station

The Peterborough Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 71-year-old Bridgenorth man Paul Scott, announced missing on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

He was last seen on Tuesday when he was dropped off at the Transit station in Peterborough. He intended to make his way to Oakville and may still be in that area of the GTA. Family and police are concerned for his well-being as he suffers from confusion.

He is described as:

• Male

• White

• Brown hair with a grey moustache

• 5’9

• Very thin

• Last seen wearing a dark hoody, jeans, backpack and slippers

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Aid In Locating Missing 61-Year-Old Peterborough Man

The Peterborough Police Service is looking for the public’s assistance in locating 61-year-old Peterborough man Ricky Clarke, who was declared missing on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

Clarke was last seen around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning walking southbound on Fairbairn Street. Family and police are concerned for his safety as he has been diagnosed with dementia.

He is described as:

• Male

• White

• 6’7

• Bald

• Last seen wearing black jeans and a blue bomber-style jacket with beige sleeves and a black toque

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Ontario Government Investing Over $10 Million For Faster Emergency Care and Increased Ambulance Availability For Peterborough County

The Ontario Government is investing $10,037,559 in Peterborough County to connect people to faster emergency care faster and increase ambulance availability, announced at Peterborough EMS on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“When people call 911, they need to know that paramedics will arrive quickly to meet their needs. A delay in a service call of just minutes can lead to drastically different results,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “The Peterborough County-City Paramedics work hard to deliver emergency medical care. This investment will help all of us receive better service when our loved ones pick up the phone at that critical time.”

According to a press release, the province is increasing land ambulance funding by six per cent, bringing the province’s total investment in the region to $10,037,559 this year. The release continues to state that this base funding increase helps municipalities address increased costs and continue delivering high-quality emergency care.

“With record high population growth and call volumes, our Peterborough County-City Paramedics are working hard to keep up,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “The Provincial funding announced today will help our paramedics service to continue providing the high quality of care that Peterborough County and City residents expect and deserve. Thank you to the province for this funding to help our paramedics do their job and keep our communities safe and healthy.”

To further reduce delays paramedics encounter when dropping patients off at a hospital, the Ontario government is investing $607,727 in Peterborough County through the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program to hire more nurses and other eligible health professionals dedicated to offloading ambulance patients in hospital emergency departments.

“Peterborough County/City Paramedics have worked closely with PRHC identifying and implementing strategies to assist with offload delays,” said Patricia Bromfield Peterborough County Paramedic Chief. “The continuance and increase of funding received this year is important for our ongoing staffing of this program and returning our ambulances back to the road to service the community.”

The program allows paramedics to return to the community faster and respond to their next 9-1-1 call sooner. It has significantly reduced ambulance offload times and increased ambulance availability for 9-1-1 patients across the province. As a result of this investment and the dedication of healthcare professionals, provincial ambulance offload time has been reduced by more than 50 per cent since its peak in October 2022 according to a press release.

Ontario is also continuing to implement the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) across the province to ensure urgent patients receive critical care sooner. The system helps prioritize and triage emergency medical calls and dispatch paramedics sooner. Over the last year, the province has rolled out MPDS to Mississauga, Kenora, Thunder Bay, Ottawa and Renfrew and is accelerating progress to implement the system at the 15 remaining dispatch sites across Ontario over a year ahead of schedule.

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One Woman Dead From House Fire Been Ruled Accidental From Last Tuesday Afternoon

The Ontario Fire Marshal has ruled that the fire was accidental and claimed the life of a 43-year-old Peterborough woman at a residence last Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:40 p.m., an officer on general patrol was flagged down and was informed of the fire at Rubidge Street and Townsend Street.  

The woman was found inside the apartment by Peterborough Fire Services and despite life-saving efforts from Fire and EMS, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

What started the fire has not been determined.

The police investigation is considered completed after the Fire Marshal’s ruling.

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