Winter Scavenger Hunt Encourages Youth To Get Outside
/Stay Strong Be Positive PTBO is starting their Winter Scavenger Hunt a day early, on Thursday, due to upcoming cold weather.
Photo courtesy of Mark Westlake.
Peterborough Blogs
“O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge” Tourism Campaign Launched In Peterborough & the Kawarthas
/As the province reopens Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism (PKT) is gearing up to welcome more visitors to the area.
Photo Courtesy Of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the official Destination Marketing Organization for the City and County of Peterborough is launching the “O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge” an invitation for residents and visitors to promise to respect the land, waterways and communities of the region.
Pronounced “Oh-da Pee-tah-na-mawn”, this initiative was created in collaboration with Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation and draws on the traditional teachings of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg.
“If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s the power of unity, of working together for a mutual cause,” says Tracie Bertrand, Director of Tourism, PKT. “Respect for the people, culture, and natural spaces we depend on, for future generations—for each other—has never been more important, and the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge is meant to unify everyone for whom Peterborough & the Kawarthas lives within their hearts.”
“O’de Piitaanemaan” is the Ojibway word for “respect,” and comes from the teaching “mnaadendamowin” — to give respect to all creation. It is hoped that this pledge will encourage everyone to do their part in preserving and appreciating the earth.
The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge is as follows:
I pledge to be light on the land and wise on the water.
I’ll explore my surroundings with an open heart, ask for help when I need it and be kind to strangers.
Before starting my day, I’ll gear up, make a game plan and get wind of the weather.
I’ll remember my miigwech’s, thank-you's and merci’s.
With every new season, I’ll seek fresh experiences and flavours, trails and friends.
I’ll place safety before sport when pedalling, paddling, parking or powerboating.
Be it bison, baked goods or a crafty brew, I’ll buy local where I can.
I’ll greet new cultures and traditional teachings with curiosity, kindness, and compassion.
After feeding my soul with authentic adventures, I’ll take fond memories with me and leave nothing but footprints behind.
To take the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge click here.
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Free Fishing For Ontario From July 3 to 11
/Summer is here and to celebrate, the Ontario government is allowing families to fish for free from July 3 to July 11.
Bud Fisher (pictured), co-founder of Catchin’ Deers, a hunting brand, has almost 30,000 followers on Instagram. File Photo
“Fishing is a time-honoured tradition and terrific way for families to spend time together,” says Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry in a media release. “I hope everyone in Ontario is able to head down to a lake or river and take part in free fishing week this year.”
For the rest of the year, anyone between 18 and 65 has to have an outdoors card and a fishing license though veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario are exempt.
Those taking part in this initiative are reminded to respect the public health regulations of step two of its reopening plan including outdoor gathering restrictions.
While you will not require any license to fish at these times, anglers still must follow conservation licence catch limits, obey size limits and sanctuaries and follow all other fishing regulations and rules.
Children 12 and younger can download and colour the licence-free fishing colouring page to be entered to win one of five fishing prize packs. To download click here.
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Rotary Greenway Trail Lightning Project Officially Launched
/As part of Bike Month in Peterborough, the Rotary Greenway Trail Lighting Project has launched thanks to several private-sector funds on Tuesday.
(From left to right) Tom Bennett of Stoneguide Realty, Scott Wood of Ashburnham Ale House, Dan Grady, C.E.O., Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha, Scott Murison, co-founder of Wild Rock Outfitters and Chris Woods of Barry Electric were project funders or contributors of the project. Several cheque presentations were held at the event by these donors. Photo by David Tuan Bui
Scott Wood, Ashburnham Ale House owner, spearheaded the project as a frequent user of the trail. The project will provide lighting on the trail from Hunter Street to Douro Street. His business is located right next to the trail which is visible to patio customers.
“I use the trail a lot,” said Wood. “I can’t believe how busy the trail is. “Many residents and visitors use this section of trail for evening walks, bike rides and commutes for groceries and other purposes. By providing lighting, people will be able to use the trail more comfortably after dark.”
Cyclists, walkers, roller skaters and dog-walking are some of the uses the citizens of Peterborough have to the multi-purpose trail. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The project started with a community engagement session in 2019, followed by City Council endorsement of the project in May of 2020.
The LED lighting is being installed by Barry Electric with expected completion at the end of July.
The event was hosted by Sue Sauve, City of Peterborough transportation demand management planner with Councillor Keith Riel present to accept donations from project funders.
“We are getting an increasing number of requests from people to have the trail lit, said Sauve. “When they’re lit, it makes it a lot more comfortable for people to use them after dark. The City has a standard now where if we’re building a brand new trail, we’re providing lightning on the trail.”
Scott Wood (left) and Sue Sauve (right) posing at a boulder which is the site for a commemorative plaque to be placed in honour of the trail’s lighting system. Photo by David Tuan Bui
Along with Wood, the project is funded by the Village Business Improvement Area, Shimano Canada, Stoneguide Realty, Wild Rock Outfitters and the trail founder, the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha. All of them were present to give cheques for the trail’s funding.
This is the second trail lighting donation the City has been gifted. In 2017, the City received an anonymous donation to light the Rotary Greenway Trail link from Water Street to the main trail, just east of the intersection of Water Street and Hilliard Street.
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Otonabee Conservation Campgrounds Open For Bookings
/Two of the Otonabee Conservation’s campgrounds, Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Beavermead Campground have opened for their first bookings since Friday.
Seasonal camper Mike Fischer (left) is welcomed back to Beavermead Campground by Joyce Hyland (right) Gatehouse Attendant on the opening day of the camping season this past Friday. Photo Courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.
Both campgrounds were nearly at capacity; Warsaw Caves CA saw 92 per cent of sites booked while Beavermead Campground saw 87 per cent of campsites booked for the opening weekend.
Beavermead Campground site bookings are between 83-88 percent booked for weekends until the end of July while Warsaw Caves CA has more availability with 73-92 per cent booked. There is availability for mid-week bookings for campsites at both locations according to the press release.
While camping is now open, some of Otonabee Conservation’s amenities and services are still not available due to provincial guidelines.
Campground washrooms are open and basic supplies such as firewood and ice are available for sale. Showers and laundry facilities are not yet available but Otonabee Conservation is working to bring cleaning procedures in line with Provincial health regulations and hope to have them available soon. Boat rentals and picnic shelters are currently not available.
“We have been working closely with Peterborough Public Health to ensure that our visitors are able to safely enjoy the benefits that nature has to offer,” shares Jessie James, Otonabee Conservation Manager of Conservation Lands, “Our practices and operations are aligned with the latest provincial recommendations; that means some amenities must remain closed at this time but we are hopeful that we will be able to expand our services soon so that our visitors can enjoy all we have to offer this year.”
Meghan Rankin, Warsaw Caves Conservation Area Gatehouse Attendant, checks in a camper on Otonabee Conservation’s opening day of the camping season. Photo Courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.
Some trails remain closed, such as the Caves Trail at Warsaw Caves CA, where physical distancing and proper sanitizing cannot be ensured.
All closed amenities are clearly signed. Hiking, walking and biking have always been available at Otonabee Conservation’s properties during the pandemic.
The gates are now fully open at all properties, allowing access to seasonal amenities such as parking facilities, beaches, boat launches, and more, with physical distancing measures in place.
Campers wishing to reserve a campsite at Beavermead Campground and Warsaw Caves CA can do so online.
For more information about Conservation Areas, changes to services and amenities during the pandemic and FAQs, please visit otonabeeconservation.com.
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Parks Canada Delayed Season Opening Due To Provincial Measures
/Parks Canada has delayed the launch of most visitor services including camping until at least June 2, 2021 in a press release announced Wednesday.
The Peterborough Lift Lock built in 1904 was the largest structure built in the world with unreinforced concrete. Photo By David Tuan Bui.
The decision was made to align with measures introduced by the Province of Ontario to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site is one of several places affected by the delay.
The following services and facilities on the Trent-Severn Waterway will remain closed to visitors until at least June 2, 2021:
Lockage and overnight mooring; and
All camping; oTENTiks, Ôasis, and the Rosedale cabin.
The Lift Lock was designed by civil and mechanical engineer Richard Birdsall Rogers. Photo By David Tuan Bui.
All Parks Canada reservations impacted by this delayed opening will be automatically cancelled and refunded in full. Visitors do not have to do anything to cancel their reservation.
Parks Canada is asking Canadians to observe travel restrictions, to respect the guidance of public health experts and all public health restrictions and to make every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep one another safe.
The Parks Canada website provides detailed information on what locations are open, what visitors can expect, how to prepare for a visit and what services may be available. Visitors should check pc.gc.ca before they travel.
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Otonabee Conservation’s Online Campsite Reservation System Launches On March 1st
/Again this year, campers will be able to book their campsites online for Otonabee Conservation’s two campgrounds, Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and Beavermead Campground.
The online reservation system will go live on Monday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m. Campers are encouraged to reserve their campsite through the Let’s Camp online reservation platform. Those wishing to book a site at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area can click here and for Beavermead Campground click here.
The Lookout Trail at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area boasts a beautiful view of the Indian River, along with kettles, the disappearing river, and a waterfall. (Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation)
The reservation system allows campers to view a map of the campground, select a site, book, pay and schedule their stay in an efficient, user-friendly and convenient way.
Campers are asked to utilize Otonabee Conservation’s online reservation system to book their sites ahead of their trip, to minimize face-to-face contact at the gatehouse upon arrival, and to ensure a campsite is available for them.
Beavermead Campground is located in the heart of the City of Peterborough (Photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation)
To keep campers and staff safe during the pandemic, Otonabee Conservation is working closely with Peterborough Public Health to take all necessary precautions including regular sanitizing, the use of face coverings, COVID-19 screening, and following all provincial restrictions. Some amenities will not be available during the pandemic including showers.
Campers are encouraged to visit otonabeeconservation.com to plan their outdoor adventure in the Kawartha’s and learn more about the Conservation Areas within the Otonabee Region Watershed that provide a diverse range of outdoor activities for all ages.
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The Canal Has Opened For Skating For The Season
/The Trent Severn Waterway canal is green-flagged (as of February 1st, 2021) by the City of Peterborough as conditions have been deemed safe for skating.
Ice conditions are monitored regularly and posted with a green flag when conditions are safe for skating, and a red flag when conditions are unsafe. Residents are reminded to always follow the flag indicator and all COVID-19 public health guidelines.
Photo courtesy City of Peterborough
During the provincewide Stay at Home Order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, everyone is required to stay home except for essential outings, which includes exercise. When people go out for exercise, they should stay within their own community.
The canal will be for skating only: Sports and games are prohibited on the canal as well as at the outdoor neighbourhood rinks in City parks as part of the provincial regulation. Physical distancing is mandatory and anyone using the canal must remain with members of their own household only.
Photo courtesy Kirtus Evoy
GUIDELINES FOR CANAL AND OUTDOOR RINK USE:
Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. Stay home if you are sick.
Maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres (6 feet) from those outside of your household.
Do not gather in groups more than 5.
Skating only – no sports or games.
Wearing a mask or face covering is recommended.
Downloading the Government of Canada’s COVID Alert app to your phone is encouraged.
All children/dependents must be accompanied by a competent adult/guardian.
Be safe and be respectful of others.
Clean up after yourself.
Wash or sanitize hands before and after visiting.
Use at your own risk.
Residents that have concerns about non-compliance can contact the Peterborough Police Service using their non-emergency phone line at 705-876-1122.
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Canadian Canoe Museum Confirms Viability Of Johnson Park On Shores Of Little Lake For New Museum Build
/The Canadian Canoe Museum has announced that Johnson Park, the City-owned property situated on Little Lake—north of Beavermead Park and south of the Parks Canada-Trent Severn Waterway head offices—has been deemed viable for the building of its new canoe museum.
Photo of 2077 Ashburnham Drive site by Evan Holt
This confirmation clears the way for moving to the next phase of feasibility activities and determining next steps with the City of Peterborough.
“We are thrilled that recently concluded due diligence explorations, environmental assessments, testing and feasibility studies have substantiated the Johnson Park location as a viable site for the building of the new world-class canoe museum,” says Carolyn Hyslop, executive director, The Canadian Canoe Museum.
Land image graphic courtesy Canadian Canoe Museum
“The museum will now enter the next phase of feasibility and validation activities,” adds Hyslop. “This process will help us fine tune budget and overall costs, design and the project schedule with a view to being shovel-ready by the end of 2021.”
Leading with environmental stewardship in mind, the new museum will be built on a flat portion of the property, away from the floodplain, on the open land along Ashburnham Drive. This will preserve the existing trail, shoreline and natural waterfront.
To assist CCM with the realization of a new creative vision suitable to a fresh waterfront site, the new museum will be designed by local, award-winning Lett Architects Inc. With experience in completing cultural projects for nationally recognized institutions, Lett will bring a strong collaborative and engaging approach to the project.
Photo of 2077 Ashburnham Drive site by Evan Holt
“In a year that has brought every manner of exceptional challenges to us all, we are delighted to close out 2020 with positive and hopeful news,” adds Hsylop. “Having found a viable site for this extraordinary project that will see the new museum situated on the shores of Peterborough’s Little Lake—what a terrific kick off to 2021!”
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A Peterborough Man Uses Unique Homeboni For His Backyard Rink
/When it comes to backyard rinks, everyone has their own DIY way of building and keeping that ice nice and smooth during Canadian winters.
Peterborough’s Sion Hughes has been making homemade backyard rinks for eight years now for his family to enjoy. “I just buy the liner each year, and I do my best to repurpose the liner to minimize waste,” he tells PTBOCanada. “My backyard is sloped, so I build it up with a platform made of steel and pallets to reduce the amount of water needed and ease the pressure on the boards.”
Sion Hughes working his Homeboni in his Peterborough backyard rink
Family fun on Hughes rink of dreams
To keep that ice bump-free, there are all kinds of homemade Zamboni-type designs and contraptions rink builders MacGyver. In Sion’s case, he rigs up what he calls a “Homeboni”—which almost resembles a giant Swiffer on ice or something.
Photo of Sion’s Homeboni
Sion says the Homeboni is a hose attachment, welded to copper pipe, which has a series of small holes. It is then strapped to a squeegee which he wraps with a towel.
”Full disclosure, this is not my invention,” Sion tells PTBOCanada. “A family friend actually found it in a garbage in Toronto a couple years ago and saved it for me. It works wonders.”
Photo of Sion’s Homeboni
Photo of Sion’s Homeboni
