Peterborough Blogs
City of Peterborough Marks One-Year Anniversary of Green Bin Program
/The City of Peterborough’s Green Bin program for curbside collection of household organic waste marked its first anniversary Thursday.
(from left to right) Councillor Alex Bierk, Councillor Joy LaChica, Mayor Jeff Leal and Councillor Gary Baldwin. The bins are able to keep pests and other animals from being rummaging through. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Over 28,000 households participated in the waste diversion service.
In the past year, more than 6,000 tonnes of organics have been diverted from the City-County landfill, resulting in an overall waste diversion rate of 76 per cent.
“The Green Bin program is a critical way for our municipality to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and divert waste from the landfill, helping to extend its life,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I thank Peterborough residents who have overwhelmingly adopted this program over the past year: your dedication has made it a success. By effectively sorting organic waste, including removing food packaging and plastics, our residents can ensure that our composting facility is producing a high-quality end product.”
To mark the anniversary of the service, the City is celebrating its success and sharing information on the need to continue being diligent about what gets put into the Green Bin to protect the compost created through the process.
Organic material is processed into compost through a series of steps, from weigh-in and mixing to the climate-controlled GORE bunkers to final screening at the organic waste processing facility on Bensfort Road.
Future phases of the program are expected to consider expanding service to include multi-residential and commercial participants.
The site operator manages the compost produced at the facility. Between May 1 and Nov. 30, a portion of compost is available to residents for purchase at the City-County Landfill. The City’s Environmental Services division also coordinates compost donations to the City’s community gardens.
This project received $6.1 million in funding through the Government of Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund.
Green Bin sorting tips
Remove any packaging or wrappers from food before disposal. Coffee pods may commonly be labelled as compostable, but cannot be processed at our facility.
Only certified compostable/BPI bags are accepted – products that are labelled biodegradable may not be processed by our facility
Yard waste which includes leaves and brush should be sorted separately for weekly pickup, April through November.
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Ontario Government Invests Over $5.7 Million For Jobs and Economic Development Boost In Rural Ontario
/The Ontario Government has invested over $5.7 million in 85 projects, to help create jobs and boost economic development in rural communities across the province, announced at the Township of North Kawartha on Friday morning.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The funding through the recent intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program supports projects that diversify and grow local economies, build community capacity and address barriers to economic development and labour force challenges said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.
“Our government values rural communities throughout the province and this program provides municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits with essential funding for projects that contribute to local economic vitality,” she said. “The Rural Economic Development program is another example of how our government is ensuring small towns and communities across Ontario continue to share in the province’s growth and economic prosperity.”
As a result, North Kawartha is set to receive up to $25,000 for downtown revitalization efforts. This funding will support community consultations, the creation of a downtown Master Plan and marketing initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth within the community according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.
“The RED program plays a vital role for our rural communities, such as North Kawartha,” he said. “Investing in these areas aids in diversifying and expanding economies. By fostering inclusive economic growth, rural communities can continue to benefit from the province's overall prosperity.”
Marketing initiatives will highlight North Kawartha's unique charm and attractions, drawing attention to its natural beauty, cultural heritage and local businesses. /the township aims to attract new visitors, boost tourism, and stimulate economic development according to Steve Pinsonneault, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Rural Affairs.
“Our government recognizes the need to prepare rural Ontario for expansion through the Rural Economic Development Program,” he said. “We are committed to supporting projects that continue to benefit rural communities. The projects we are investing in will incorporate the right tools necessary to help build the best possible future for the entire province.”
“We are excited to move forward with these much-needed downtown revitalization efforts,” said Carolyn Amyotte, Township of North Kawartha Mayor. “The funding provided through the Rural Economic Development Program is crucial in helping us create a vibrant, welcoming, and economically viable downtown for Apsley. We appreciate the partnership and program support from the Ministry of Rural Affairs which makes these initiatives possible.”
Curve Lake First Nation will receive $53,789.33 from the Rehabilitation of vacant and/or underutilized building projects to renovate the Chemong Cottage. The project aims to create a space for learning and collaboration, attract diverse visitors and foster new partnerships.
The RED program provides cost-share funding for activities that create strong rural communities. This includes funding assistance to build local capacity and improve job prospects. The program aligns with the government’s priorities of removing barriers to investment, opening doors to rural economic development, and creating good jobs across the province according to Keith Knott, Curve Lake First Nation Chief.
“Curve Lake First Nation appreciates the support from the Rural Economic Development Program for the renovation of Chemong Cottage,” he said. This project not only enables us to create a sustainable space for economic growth but also provides an invaluable opportunity to share our cultural heritage and teachings. This construction aligns with our vision to foster greater understanding, generate meaningful employment, and celebrate the rich traditions of Curve Lake. We are excited to bring this vision to life and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community and our neighbours.”
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Hometown PTBO: KMFL President Bryan Junkin On Keeping the League Going For 44 Years and Championship Weekend
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This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Ptbo KMFL president Bryan Junkin about championship weekend this Saturday, the league's 44-year history and what made the 2024 season so special.
Peterborough Police Release Footage of Bank Scam Suspect; Seeking Public's Assistance In Locating Them
/The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance regarding a bank scam occuring in Peterborough recently.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Through investigation, officers with the fraud unit identified a suspect as being connected with two cases.
The suspect is described as:
Male; Brown Skin
Bald with a Full Dark Brown Beard
Wearing a Black Adidas zip-up jacket with white stripes on the shoulders and down the arm
Jeans
Light grey sneakers
Click the link for video footage of the suspect.
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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Registration Open For Third Annual GPHSF Charity Bonspiel
/Registration is now open for the third annual Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) Charity Bonspiel, held on Feb. 15 at the Peterborough Curling Club.
Photo courtesy of GPHSF.
“We are really excited for our 3rd Bonspiel in partnership with Imprinted Apparel Store. This event continues to grow each year. The response remains incredibly positive. We have a great time putting it on and being part of this event” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “Funds raised from this event will continue our mission to broaden health equity and access to healthcare for the residents in Peterborough City and County as well as Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations. Funds will support our partnership with the Peterborough Family Health Team, along with many other community organizations we work with.”
Registration is $300, with a $60 tax receipt. The day includes two games along with breakfast and lunch. There are $2,000 in prizes to be won provided by Imprinted Apparel Store and $500 in prizes provided by Goldline. Other activities such as trivia challenges, raffle draws, cornhole boards and many other opportunities to win prizes will be at the event.
Participants can register online. Only 24 teams are available. GPHSF notes that participants should have some experience with the game and their equipment. They will not be able to provide on-ice training for beginners.
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Bachman Turner Overdrive Returns to the Stage and Hits the Peterborough Memorial Centre On April 29
/The Peterborough Memorial Centre is ‘Takin’ Care of Business’ as they are hosting Bachman Turner-Overdrive (BTO) as part of the Back In Overdrive Tour 2025 on April 29, announced on Friday morning.
Photo courtesy of Missing Piece Group.
Multi-platinum fellow Canadian rock bands April Wine and Headpins will open for the shows.
The band will perform hits from The Guess Who, the classic rock group Bachman co-founded with Burton Cummings.
“Years ago, BTO rocked Canada coast to coast, sharing the stage with acts like ZZ Top,” said Bachman. “Now, we're excited to return, bringing along Canadian rock legends April Wine and Headpins. Get ready for a night of 70's classic rock that continues to dominate the airwaves. I'll be playing all the Guess Who and BTO hits with my band, BTO, and with April Wine and Headpins joining us, it's going to be an unforgettable evening. Crank up the hits! Canadian rock is back and BTO is back."
Bachman has earned over 120 gold and platinum album/singles awards worldwide. His songwriting has garnered him the coveted #1 spot on radio playlists in over 20 countries and throughout his career, he has sold over 40 million records. A broad range of artists has recorded Randy’s songs and have been placed in dozens of TV shows, films and commercials.
Tickets go on sale next Friday.
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Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Announce Business Excellence Awards Recipients
/The Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce handed out its 2024 Business Excellence Awards at a ceremony held at Showplace Performance Centre on Tuesday night.
Phillip Jolicoeur (middle) with his family, announced as the Business Citizens of the Year. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commernce.
The awards are designed to publicly recognize and honour local businesses with a passion for excellence.
Almost 50 businesses and individuals were profiled in 22 categories, with recipients announced live on stage.
The following are the nominees and award recipients:
4-Under-40 Profiles, in memory of Kathy Windrem
Dr. Taylor Bonner
Joe Curry
Hillary Flood
Dylan Radcliffe
Businesswomen of the Year
Entrepreneur
Rosalea Terry of nectar co. (Recipient)
Organization
Heidi Popov of Kawartha Gymnastics (Recipient)
Business Citizen of the Year
Phillip Jolicoeur of PJ The Marketing Guy, Phillip Jolicoeur Entertainment, Photo Booth Fun (Recipient)
Business Student Leadership Prizes (winners listed)
Ali Jammal (Trent University)
Joylyn Johnson D Souza (Trent University)
Swarna Latha Mareedu (Fleming College)
Commercial Development or Renovation
Ashburnham Realty (The Railyard Development)
The Canadian Canoe Museum (Recipient)
Holmes Riseley LLP (823 Park St. S.)
Customer First
The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge
Couture Candy (Recipient)
McLeod's EcoWater
Employer of the Year
Engage Engineering
Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory (Recipient
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Green Street Inc.
nectar co.
Wanderlight Alpaca Experience (Recipient)
Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year (winners listed)
• Scott, Paula, Jason & Shelby Cornish (Whiskey Lane Livestock)
Green Initiatives
Camp Kawartha (Recipient)
Cheeks Ahoy
Dietrich Homes
Health & Wellness
Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy
Flow Spa (Recipient)
Trent Health in Motion
Hospitality
Levantine Grill
Millbrook Mercantile (Recipient)
Local Focus
Lang Pioneer Village Museum (Recipient)
Market Hall Performing Arts Centre
OmniWorx Design
Marketing & Promotion
Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine
Harmony for Healing
nectar co. - The Viral Keepsake Campaign (Recipient)
Micro Business
The Chocolate Rabbit (Recipient)
Millbrook Mercantile
Peterborough Disability Tax Services
Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year
Sama Noor Yousafzai (Goodies on Mews)
Not-for-Profit
Five Counties Children's Centre
Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region – (Recipient)
Kawartha Gymnastics
Professional Services
Acceptance Nurse Psychotherapy (Recipient)
Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory
Holmes Riseley LLP
Retail
Dan Joyce's Retailing Limited
Paris Marine (Recipient)
Shop The Lake Inc.
Skilled Trades
R & M Smith Contracting (Recipient)
Tom's Heating and Cooling
Tourism
Beachwood Resort
Kawartha Country Wines
Lang Pioneer Village Museum (Recipient)
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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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City Opens Applications For Low Income Property Tax Assistance
/Applications are available for the City of Peterborough Low Income Senior and Low Income Property Tax Assistance Program.
File Photo.
Qualifying applicants will receive a $400 tax credit on their tax accounts which will be applied to the February 2025 interim tax bill. Applicants who previously received more than a $400 credit will receive their pre-existing credit amount.
Applicants can apply under one of the following qualifications:
Low Income Senior aged 65 years or older.
Low Income Senior aged 55-64 years of age.
Low Income Disabled Person receiving benefits under the ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program).
