Lakefield Trail Stewardship Committee Hosting Native Plant Spring Garden Work Day For May 11

The Lakefield Trail Stewardship Committee has announced a Native Plant Spring Garden Work Day set for May 11 at 9 a.m.

File Photo.

This community event aims to gather volunteers to help prepare the committee’s plant garden for the upcoming growing season.

Volunteers will meet at Service Ontario, located across from Foodland, at 9 a.m. The day will focus on revitalizing and maintaining the garden. Tasks include picking up recycling and litter, weeding and removing dead plant material to ensure the garden flourishes throughout the season.

“We're thrilled to invite members of our community to join us for a couple of hours of rewarding work in our native plant garden,” said Bruce, Lakefield Trail Stewardship Committee member. “It's a great opportunity to give back to our environment and make a tangible difference in our community.”

Participants are advised to dress according to weather conditions and to bring gardening or work gloves. Additionally, volunteers are encouraged to bring their favourite weeding tools, loppers, shovel, rake and kneeling pads if available. Extra tools will be provided on-site for those who need them.

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Peterborough County Releases 2024 Community Recognition Award Winners

Peterborough County has released its winners of the 2024 Community Recognition Awards, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The recipients will be honoured at a private County event next month with a date pending.

The following are a list of the winners:

Accessibility

  • Otonabee Region Conservation Authority

Acts of Heroism

  • North Kawartha – Conner Ferguson

  • Selwyn – Johnathon Cooney, Ian Millar, and Marina McNab

Agricultural Leadership

  • Asphodel-Norwood – Vanderview Farms – Will and Bernadette Vanderhorst

  • Douro-Dummer – Murray Carlow

  • Selwyn – 14th Line Flowers – Dianne Pearson

Business Leadership

  • Asphodel-Norwood – Sweetheart’s Bakery, The Knockout and Dead Man’s Brew - all owned by Sara and Andrew Scott

  • Cavan Monaghan – Millbrook Mercantile – Bernadette MacNeil

  • Douro-Dummer – Molly Conlin Design & Drafting

  • Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – ZK Excavating Ltd. – Zack Johnston

  • North Kawartha – The Grape and Wedge

  • Otonabee-South Monaghan – Wesnor Inc dba Trailers Plus – Zoran Albert

  • Selwyn – The Chocolate Rabbit

Community Volunteer of the Year

  • Asphodel-Norwood – Diane Anderson-Campbell

  • Douro-Dummer – Elsie Tedford

  • Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – Donellda Fraser

  • North Kawartha – Jim Empringham

  • Otonabee-South Monaghan – Brian Bickmore

  • Selwyn – Lynda Coons

Environmental/Sustainability

  • Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – CoviaCorp Canada Ltd.

Heritage Preservation

  • Selwyn – Lakefield Historical Society

Leadership in Arts and Culture

  • North Kawartha – Metal by Rachel – Rachel Charlebois

  • Selwyn – Ecco Art Gallery

  • Trent Lakes – Bruce Averill

Sporting Excellence

  • Otonabee-South Monaghan - Karl Allen

Youth

  • Asphodel-Norwood – Helen Genge

  • Otonabee-South Monaghan – Kaden Beasley

Special Award

  • County – Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre

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Peterborough Chamber to Host Warden's Breakfast For County Updates

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Warden’s Breakfast to hear updates from Warden Bonnie Clark at Lang Pioneer Village Museum on April 23 from 8 to 10 a.m.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The Warden will discuss recent endeavours and future aspirations for Peterborough County. Updates on the County's progress and exciting prospects are also being revealed at the breakfast.

Warden Clark will be preceded by guest speaker Meredith Staveley-Watson, Manager of Government Relations and Policy at the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus. She will discuss the ‘7 in 7+’ regional housing plan.

The ‘Countynental’ breakfast features food showcasing baked goods and savoury samples from establishments such as The Nutty Bean, Elmhirst's Resort, Stuff'd Lakefield, Three Roads Farms, The Cheesy Fromage, Jesse's Tap and Grill, Millbrook Mercantile, Cross Winds Farm and Fairlife.

Tickets can be found online.

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City and County Launch Two New Online Service Directories To Connect With Health and Community Services

Peterborough Ontario Health Team, Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough have launched two new online directories to help residents find and connect with health and community services through Ontario 2-1-1, announced on Wednesday.

pHOTO BY Samantha Bianco.

Ontario 2-1-1 is a confidential service that helps people find support in their community by searching through the directories on the website, using online chat, texting, emailing or calling. The two new directories provide simple, quick ways to find services based on topic, location and keyword. They can be found at:

Ontario 2-1-1 operates the directories and is available 24/7 phone or text at 2-1-1.

Through the Online Directory of Health Services, residents can find services for matters such as:

  • Non-urgent medical care

  • Chronic illness

  • Mental health and addictions

  • End of life care

  • Memory loss and dementia

Under Community Services, residents can find and connect with services related to areas such as:

  • Government

  • Employment

  • Older adults

  • Housing

  • Community programs and groups

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Douro-Dummer CAO Resigns; Accepts New Position In Brighton

Douro-Dummer chief administrative officer Elena Arthurs has resigned from her position to become the CAO for the Municipality of Brighton, effective March 28.

LinkedIn.

Mayor Heather Watson says that Arthurs has been an instrumental figure in Douro-Dummer’s administrative landscape, serving with dedication and integrity. That her strategic vision and exceptional managerial skills have been pivotal in navigating the Township through various challenges and opportunities.

“Ms. Arthurs has been a valued leader in working with Township staff to achieve Council's goals,” said Watson. “We will miss her goal-driven approach but we wish her continued success in her new role.”

“I am grateful for the invaluable experiences and cherished relationships forged while serving as CAO,” said Arthurs.

The township has already begun preparations to recruit a successor. Clerk, Martina Chait-Hartwig will act as the interim during their search.

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Deadline For Peterborough County 2024 Community Recognition Awards Nominations Extended to March 8

Nominations for the Peterborough 2024 Community Recognition Awards have been extended from March 1 to the 8, announced by Peterborough County on Monday Morning.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The awards are for any resident or group in the County of Peterborough who has raised the profile or made an extraordinary contribution to the community.

“Peterborough County is an exceptional place, with extraordinary people and an outstanding business community,” said Bonnie Clark, County Warden. “Every two years we showcase models of true excellence among us through our Peterborough County awards ceremony. I encourage you to nominate a deserving friend, neighbour or business for the Community Recognition Awards.”

The County notes that any nominee cannot receive a County of Peterborough Recognition Award for a similar category within the last fifteen years.

Unless otherwise indicated, there shall be one award for each Township in each category noted below.

  • Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business who has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award.)

  • Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in his/her professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations.)

  • Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors that will be used to assess the nomination will include such items as innovations, agricultural promotion and the recognition brought to the County through its operation. It may include involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered

  • Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award.)

  • Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.

  • Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:

    • Developed innovative green technologies or

    • Started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or

    • Donated conservation lands or easements or

    • Undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or

    • Educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or

    • Achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award.)

  • Heritage Preservation: An individual or group who has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community, public or private organization which has reached a significant milestone such as the 100th anniversary of the organization is also eligible for this award. (Please note: Birthdays and anniversaries are recognized on an on-going basis as requested.) (One County-wide award.)

  • Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.

  • Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award.)

  • Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.

Nomination forms are available throughout the County at the County of Peterborough office located at 470 Water St., Peterborough, from any Local Municipal Office, Township Fire Chiefs, local Police Service Boards, schools, libraries throughout the County, area Chambers of Commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be completed online.

Completed and signed nomination forms with supporting documents provided to the County Clerk up to and including March 8 are requested.

The Peterborough County Awards and Bursaries Committee will review the Nominations and make recommendations to County Council and will select and announce the recipients in April.

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Peterborough County Council Approves 2024 Budget

Peterborough County Council has approved the 2024 Budget entails a rise in the levy by 6.29 per cent during Wednesday’s meeting.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The budget changes include:

  • a dedicated infrastructure levy set at 2.5 per cent

  • an increase of 2.57 per cent for the Operating Budget

  • and an increase of 1.22 per cent for the Shared Services Budget

This increase in the levy translates to a tax rate increase of 5.69 per cent or approximately $21.81 for every $100,000 in residential assessment.

“Peterborough County staff were tasked with presenting a budget that is both responsible and comprehensive, and they successfully fulfilled that mandate,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “This budget will enable the County to tackle both operational and capital infrastructure needs, all while managing the challenges of inflation and the cost of living that persistently affect our ratepayers as well as the County's operations, finances, and those of our service provider partners.”

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New Chief Announced For Peterborough County-City Paramedics

Patricia Bromfield has been appointed as the new Chief of Paramedics for Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP), taking over Randy Mellow, whose tenure finishes at the end of the year, the county announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

Bromfield assumed the Deputy Chief of Operations role at Peterborough County in the fall of 2022. Before her tenure with the County, she served as the Deputy Chief of Operations at the City of Kawartha Lakes and had a substantial paramedic career with the City of Toronto.

Mellow will provide mentorship and guidance throughout 2024 to Bromfield as she takes on her new role and responsibilities.

"I would like to congratulate Patricia Bromfield and welcome her to the role of Paramedic Chief,” said Mellow. “Patricia possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge having progressed through various frontline and leadership roles throughout her career. Her experience and passion for supportive leadership and innovation will be an asset to our team and community.”

“I am honoured to be following in the footsteps of our decorated Chief of Paramedics, Randy Mellow, as he embarks on his retirement at the close of 2024,” said Bromfield. “I am forever grateful to have the opportunity to learn from an industry leader who has played a key role in advancing the Paramedic profession. I look forward to collaborating with Peterborough County's robust leadership team and our partners in the coming years.”

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Peterborough County Accepting Nominations For 2024 Community Recognition Awards

Nominations are open for the Peterborough 2024 Community Recognition Awards for any resident or group in the County of Peterborough who has raised the profile or made an extraordinary contribution to the community, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The County notes that any nominee cannot receive a County of Peterborough Recognition Award for a similar category within the last fifteen years.

Unless otherwise indicated, there shall be one award for each Township in each category noted below.

  • Accessibility Recognition: A group, individual or business who has contributed to accessibility improvements within the County of Peterborough. (One County-wide award.)

  • Acts of Heroism: An individual who has displayed bravery in the face of personal risk, injury or death at an incident that took place either in the County of Peterborough or was to the benefit of a Peterborough County resident and which action did not occur while the individual was acting in his/her professional capacity while on duty. (Unlimited nominations.)

  • Agricultural Leadership: Any individual or farm enterprise is eligible to be nominated in this category. Factors that will be used to assess the nomination will include such items as innovations, agricultural promotion and the recognition brought to the County through its operation. It may include involvement in agricultural organizations. Leadership in the agricultural community will also be considered

  • Business Leadership: Any new and successful initiatives of both new and established businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the County, including tourism promotion. (One County-wide award.)

  • Community Volunteer of the Year: Any group or individual who has demonstrated community involvement or volunteerism within the County.

  • Environmental/Sustainability Recognition: Nominees will have demonstrated innovation and/or leadership in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability by having:

    • Developed innovative green technologies or

    • Started businesses to support and encourage sustainable living, or

    • Donated conservation lands or easements or

    • Undertaken ecosystem restoration or research or

    • Educated others about the importance of protecting the environment or

    • Achieved the overall vision for sustainability through one of the identified theme areas set out in the Sustainable Peterborough Plan: Agriculture and Local Food; Climate Change; Cultural Assets; Economic Development and Employment; Healthy Communities; Land Use Planning; Natural Assets; Energy; Transportation; Waste; and Water. (One County-wide award.)

  • Heritage Preservation: An individual or group who has promoted heritage and preserves the history of Peterborough County. This could include, but is not limited to, Fair boards, Women’s Institutes, historical societies, etc. A community, public or private organization which has reached a significant milestone such as the 100th anniversary of the organization is also eligible for this award. (Please note: Birthdays and anniversaries are recognized on an on-going basis as requested.) (One County-wide award.)

  • Leadership in Arts and Culture: A group or individual who has demonstrated excellence in the arts, bringing recognition to the County.

  • Sporting Excellence: Any team or individual who has won a provincial, national or international sporting event. (One County-wide award.)

  • Youth: A person aged 25 years or younger who has contributed to the betterment of the community and/or school environment.

Nomination forms are available throughout the County at the County of Peterborough office located at 470 Water St., Peterborough, from any Local Municipal Office, Township Fire Chiefs, local Police Service Boards, schools, libraries throughout the County, area Chambers of Commerce and Community Care organizations. They can also be completed online.

Completed and signed nomination forms with supporting documents provided to the County Clerk up to and including March 1 are requested.

The Peterborough County Awards and Bursaries Committee will review the Nominations and make recommendations to County Council and will select and announce the recipients in April.

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Peterborough County Declares Intimate Partner Violence An Epidemic

Peterborough County Council has formally approved a resolution to declare Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) an epidemic, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough County is now one of over 30 Municipalities in Ontario to declare IPV an epidemic.

The Council resolution reads:

Therefore Be It Resolved That the Council of the County of Peterborough declare intimate partner violence an epidemic; and That the recommendations from the Renfrew County Coroner’s Inquest be referred to staff for consideration and, where appropriate, integrated within the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan; and That a copy of this motion be sent to The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Sylvia Jones, M.P.P, Minister of Health, Dave Smith, MPP, Peterborough-Kawartha, David Piccini, MPP, Northumberland-Peterborough South and Laurie Scott, MPP, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock.

“Peterborough County recognizes the urgent need for action on Intimate Partner Violence in our area and across Ontario. With this declaration, we acknowledge the immediate threat this crisis poses to the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents and commit to supporting measures to address this issue,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “Through solidarity, effective policies focused on survivors, and collective action at all levels of government and society, we can create a safer community for all.”

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