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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PRHC Foundation Seeking Volunteer Campaign Ambassadors

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation seeks volunteer ambassadors for the Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC.

(From left to right) Lesley Heighway, President & CEO; Jane Lovett, Manager, Community Giving & Engagement: and Hanna Méthot, Community Giving & Engagement Coordinator. Representatives of the PRHC Foundation team are headed out into the community to recruit Campaign for PRHC Ambassadors, gather patient and donor stories and share how donor support is shaping the future of patient care at PRHC. Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Everyone is welcome as an ambassador, according to Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO.

“Our family, friends, and neighbours from across the region have told us that they think of PRHC as a cornerstone of the community, where the excellent care they received was part of some of the most meaningful moments of their lives,” she said. “We’re grateful that our supporters want to share their stories and inspire others.”

Volunteers help raise the funds needed to empower world-class care close to home, introduce lifesaving services, attract top healthcare professionals and inspire solutions to the hospital's critical challenges according to a press release.

“The ambassadors program will support that – connecting volunteers enthusiastic about our donorfunded regional hospital and the health and future of our area, who want to celebrate what PRHC means to them and what’s possible through the power of community,” said Heighway. “If you have a story about the great care you received, a message for staff, or want to say thanks and connect with our community through a fundraising event, please let us know. We want to help you share that passion.”

To volunteer as a campaign ambassador, email foundationeventsonline@prhc.on.ca or call 705-876-5000.

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Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society’s Board of Directors Tender Resignation

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society’s entire Board of Directors resigned on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society.

According to a press release, the resignations are effective Oct. 23rd. They follow the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services’ decision to install a supervisor.

The following is the full statement:

It is with profound sadness that all Members of the Board of Directors for the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society have tendered their resignation, effective October 23, 2024.

We were notified on October 22nd that the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services intended to install a Supervisor on October 23rd, as provided for in legislation (Child, Youth and Family Services Act). Board Members can no longer meet their fiduciary duty when this happens.

The Board worked diligently to avert this from happening; however, the difficulties we experienced are echoed across the sector and were not repairable within the structures and guidelines we must work within.

Although there will be difficult days ahead, we know that the staff and leadership team at Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society will continue to provide excellent care and service to the children, youth and families in our communities.

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Hometown PTBO: Heidi Westbye Competing At the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in Dubai and Raising Funds For Her Trip

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with 15-year-old Heidi Westbye about being selected to compete in the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in Dubai this December for Team Canada, how she got into beekeeping and how she is raising money to fund her trip.

To donate to Heidi and her team's cause, follow the link.

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Three Peterborough Petes Named to NHL Central Scouting Preliminary Players to Watch List

Peterborough Petes Carson Cameron, Caden Taylor and Aiden Young have made the NHL Central Scouting’s annual Preliminary Players to Watch List for the 2025 NHL Draft, announced on Wednesday.

Photos courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Cameron, a 2007-born defenceman, was selected by the Petes in the first round, 13th overall, of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection out of the Central Ontario Wolves organization. He has appeared in 68 OHL games with the Petes, scoring five goals and adding 22 assists for 27 points. Last season, the Bobcaygeon native helped Canada White win Gold at the 2023 World U17 Hockey Challenge in Charlottetown, PEI. Cameron received a ‘C’ rating in the Players to Watch list, indicating a potential fourth-fifth-round candidate in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Taylor, a 2007-born forward from Shanty Bay, Ont., was originally drafted by the Sudbury Wolves in the first round, ninth overall, in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection out of the Mississauga Senators U16s. He was acquired by the Petes from the Wolves on Jan. 9 in exchange for defenceman and former captain Donovan McCoy. In 67 OHL games between Wolves and Petes, Taylor has scored 15 goals and added 11 assists for 26 points. Taylor received a ‘C’ rating in the Players to Watch list, indicating a potential fourth-fifth-round candidate in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Young, a 2007-born forward from London, was selected by the Saginaw Spirit in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the London Jr. Knights U16s. He was acquired by the Petes along with three picks on Jan. 8, in exchange for Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck. Through 67 OHL games between the Spirit and Petes, Young has scored three goals and added 12 assists for 15 points. Young received a ‘W’ rating in the Players to Watch list, indicating a potential sixth-seventh-round candidate in the 2025 NHL Draft.

The Petes are back in action on Thursday when they host the Kingston Frontenacs at 7:05 p.m. Before the game, the organization will honour alumnus and two-time Stanley Cup Champion Jamie Langenbrunner with a banner-raising ceremony. Langenbrunner will be in attendance to take part in the ceremony, which will feature speeches from dignitaries, a video tribute and banner-raising.

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Voice of Business: The Importance of Safeguarding Our Intellectual Property

This week on the Voice of Business, we are diving into an important yet often overlooked topic: Intellectual Property (IP).

IP refers to creations of the mind, like inventions or artistic works, which are increasingly important in today's growing ‘ideas economy.’ This economy is centred around intangible assets like software, technology, and digital innovations. Recently, Jim Balsillie, former co-CEO of BlackBerry, discussed on CBC the urgency of safeguarding Canada’s intellectual property in our evolving economy.

We encounter intellectual property every day, from the apps we use—like Facebook, Netflix, or Microsoft Office. We also observe our reliance on IP with Tesla’s autonomous driving systems or user interfaces with our phones. For business owners, it’s essential to protect their IP, as it shields their innovations from competitors and creates potential revenue streams through licensing agreements. However, many businesses, particularly those in the tech sector, underestimate the importance of protecting their intangible assets.

Balsillie’s podcast appearance emphasizes the consequences of not prioritizing IP protection, which are evident in Canada’s lagging productivity. He warns that foreign companies are buying Canadian-owned IP, which could push Canada to rank last among OECD countries in terms of productivity. According to Balsillie, the issue isn’t who invents these technologies, but rather who owns the rights to them. As more Canadian IP is sold to foreign companies, the potential for foreign entities to shape the future of Canadian industries grows. This could lead to significant changes, including headquarters relocating outside of Canada and essential jobs being outsourced abroad.

The elephant in the room, Balsillie notes, lies in the lack of a legislative framework that incentivizes businesses to retain their IP domestically. On top of that, there’s a gap in educating corporations about the value of IP and how to manage it effectively. He highlights how other countries, such as China, are far ahead in patent filings for technologies like artificial intelligence. China has filed 400,000 AI-related patents, while Canada on an industry wide scale has filed roughly 40,000. This further illustrates how other countries are actively protecting their innovations, giving them a competitive edge in the global market.

Balsillie also draws attention to the sharp growth of the intangible economy, which now makes up for 92% of the value in the Standard & Poor's 500 index—up from just 17%. This rapid growth will only continue, making it even more important for Canada to protect its intellectual property. He argues that Canada must foster a more attractive business environment to encourage companies to hold their IP rather than sell it to foreign competitors. While he doesn’t go into detail, Balsillie suggests we should learn from international models of legislation regarding IP retainment.

Another concerning trend is the growing number of Canadian pension funds being invested abroad. Balsillie points out that if our own investors are placing their money outside of Canada, it should be a wake-up call that our market is not offering the support needed for businesses togrow and thrive. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted strategy that includes educating businesses about IP and creating a market that rewards innovation and encourages companies to keep their IP in Canada.

Finally, whether you are a large tech company or a small local business it is important business owners are aware of the advantages of their IP rights. Not only does keeping IP retain jobs in Canada- it also boosts our economy. Balsillie stresses the need for a comprehensive strategy to educate businesses about the benefits of protecting their intellectual property and fostering an attractive market environment. By doing so, Canada can ensure its productivity stays competitive and hold onto its valuable innovations!

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Curve Lake Man Faces Impaired Driving Charge For Coming Onto Oncoming Traffic

A 45-year-old Curve Lake man is facing an impaired charge after an incident Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 4:30 p.m., officers received a call about a vehicle being driven erratically, including into oncoming traffic and almost going off the road. Officers conducted a traffic stop on Park Street near Rink Street. Upon speaking with the driver, officers noticed signs of impairment.  

The man was arrested and charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – Drugs

The accused was issued an automatic 90-day license suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment.

The accused was released on an appearance notice and will appear in court on Dec. 3.

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Kawartha Food Share 'Porch Pirates For Good' Food Drive Pillaging Peterborough This Saturday

Kawartha Food Share (KFS) is pillaging Peterborough for another year as part of its ‘Porch Pirates For Good’ food drive to restock its empty shelves occurring this Saturday.

In the last four years, the campaign brought in over 165,000 pounds of food and over $15,000 in monetary donations. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Households are asked to leave a bag of non-perishable food items on their front porch for the Porch Pirates to collect starting at 9 a.m.

The number of clients using food banks has reached an all-time high throughout the nation, according to KFS. They continue to state that the rising cost of food and supply chain shortages have affected their clients, donors and purchasing power.

The following is a list of items requested for donation from KFS:

  • Peanut Butter

  • Canned tuna

  • Canned vegetables and canned fruit

  • Individually wrapped school snacks

  • Pasta and pasta sauce

  • Alpha-getti, Kraft Dinner and Chef Boyardee

  • Breakfast cereal

  • Gluten free items – like pasta, cookies, oats etc.

  • Canned soup/stew

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Diapers

  • Monetary Donations (can be made online or during item collection)

For every $1 donated, $3 worth of food can be purchased, according to KFS. Volunteers can collect cheques or cash during their pickups on October 26th.

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Seven Community Garden Boxes Rebuilt For Prince Of Wales Public School Through Partnership With BWXT

To help students continue their hands-on learning experience of gardening and sustainability, seven new community garden boxes have been installed by BWXT volunteers for Prince of Wales Public School through a community initiative project on Wednesday morning.

BWXT purchased the materials and assembled the boxes, They were brought over by hand to be installed by BWXT volunteers.

“We've been looking to revitalize our gardens through the parent council school community and that was a perfect start,” said Brad Conlin, Price of Wales vice-principal. “The original boxes were constructed by GE Peterborough so it was a great connection to bring that back together as our new opportunity.”

GE Peterborough made the original boxes and have been in place since 2014. They typically hold flowers and plants and plan to add vegetables soon. According to Conlin, the gardens allow the students to learn about gardening, sustainability, and teamwork as they are responsible for their maintenance.

“We have a garden club within the school so they work to learn about new plant species and learn how to have sustainable gardening,” explained Conlin. “We do have classes come out, often in the spring, to learn about how to start planting right from seed and gives them the opportunity to do that right on site and see the progress that's made here.”

The gardens also help revitalize the school so students can be educated in a pleasant atmosphere and take pride in their institution, said Conlin.

“What we like about it too is that it's showcasing the beauty of our awesome school and having pride in it in making it so nice out here,” he explained. “They like to have that experience to be out here doing that.”

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Local Journalist Releases Book 'Peterborough People to Remember' to Highlighting Peterborough Figures Not to Be Forgotten

Local Journalist Ed Arnold has written about 12 people he believes their history and influence should not be forgotten in his book, ‘Peterborough People to Remember,’ showcased in front of Sullivan’s Pharmacy on Wednesday afternoon.

Arnold Displays an Excerpt From an article published in the Peterborough Examiner where he was a former managing editor. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

His 303-page book explores the 12 figures and Peterborough's growth from the 1800s until the early 1970s. The stories range from two capitalists who shaped Canada’s economy to five soldiers to Peterborough’s first-born and raised NHL hockey player and more.

“It's about 12 people from Peterborough who I thought should be remembered and I don't think all of them have been appropriately,” explained Arnold. “All the research I've done over the years, I kept coming across these names and jotting them things about them. I had a lot of research already before I started and I found their stories fascinating. I didn't know anything about most of them.”

'Peterborough People to Remember' took Arnold a year and a half to write. He has written roughly 25 books to date. His last book, ‘The First Ones,’ was released last October.

The following are the people featured in his book:

  • Katherine Wallis, The Artist

  • George Cox, The Capitalist

  • Joseph Flavelle, The Capitalist

  • Frank ‘Moose’ Heffeman, The Hockey Player

  • Frank O'Connor, The Candy Man

  • George Bennett, First Officer Casualty

  • Anthony Schiarizza, Youngest to Die

  • Marlon Overend, Only Woman

  • Heber Rogers, Family

  • Reginald Yellend, Youngest Major

  • Tony Schiarizza, The Specialist

  • Bobby Allan, Legendary

The book is available at Sullivan’s Pharmacy in East City, Peterborough Petes Souvenir Store at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and Happenstance Books & Yarns in Lakefield.

While Arnold tells the story of 12, he says his book could have highlighted many viable candidates.

“There are literally thousands of people in Peterborough that deserve recognition and deserve to be remembered,” he said. “I'm just recognizing 12 in the hopes that others will be remembered.”

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