United Way Peterborough & District Announces Upcoming Point-in-Time Count to Measure Homelessness

United Way Peterborough & District’s upcoming Point-in-Time Count, part of a nationally coordinated effort to measure homelessness across Canada, will take place between Nov. 18 and 21, the organization announced on Monday afternoon.

Jim Russell, United Way CEO (left); Elisha Rubacha, United Way’s community impact officer (middle) and Betsy Farrar, United Way manager of community impact (right), Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The Point-in-Time Count comprises of two parts: a 24-hour enumeration and an in-depth survey. The enumeration involves tallying the number of people that surveyors observe experiencing homelessness. Conducting an enumeration over 24 hours will provide Peterborough with a snapshot of the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness in our community says United Way. This enumeration is understood to be a minimum due to the different types of homelessness that cannot be observed, such as couch surfing, which is also referred to as hidden homelessness.

In addition to the enumeration, the in-depth survey will improve the understanding of who is experiencing homelessness in our community. The survey data will provide our community with information about the specific needs and circumstances of people experiencing homelessness in Peterborough at this time.

The survey will ask questions such as:

• Demographics like age, gender, race, sexual orientation, and Indigeneity

• Length and duration of homelessness

• Reason for homelessness

• Health factors

“The Point-in-Time Count is an opportunity to learn directly from those experiencing homelessness in our community,” said Elisha Rubacha, United Way’s Community Impact Officer. “As the PiT Count Coordinator, it is my hope that this research will support housing advocacy efforts, while also reducing stigma.”

This Point-in-Time Count marks the fourth one to have taken place in Peterborough, with previous ones taking place in 2021, 2018 and 2016. United Way expects the data to reflect a stark increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness and the complexity of their situations compared to the 2021 data, said Betsy MacDonald, United Way Director of Community Impact.

“As a community, we have been feeling the effects of rising costs over the last few years. It is anticipated that the 2024 PiT Count will provide us with data that indicates that more people are experiencing homelessness than previously,” she said. “This data is important for us to have as a community because it provides concrete justification for the need for increased resources to be put towards housing services and programs.”

United Way Peterborough & District wants the community to be aware of the Point-in-Time Count activities taking place next week:

• Between the evening of Nov. 18 and the evening of Nov. 19, outreach workers will be walking and biking throughout the City to enumerate and survey people experiencing homelessness

• Surveys will also take place inside of shelters on Nov. 18, as well as during the day on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21 at specific community locations

• These surveyors will be wearing identification badges that indicate they are part of the Point-in-Time Count project affiliated with United Way Peterborough & District

• Individuals being surveyed will be offered goods in exchange for their participation

• Surveyors will approach individuals and ask them a screening question to determine their eligibility for the survey.

The individuals are allowed to end their participation in the survey at any time without repercussions.

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Former Peterborough Petes Defenceman Inducted Into the Hockey Hall of Fame

Former Peterborough Petes defenceman Colin Campbell is soon being immortalized as a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2024 in Toronto on Monday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth ANdersen and the Peterborough Petes.

Campbell is being inducted in the builder category and is currently the NHL Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations.

He played three seasons (his entire junior hockey career) with the Peterborough Petes from 1970-72, He had 95 points in 169 games during that span. In his last season, he had 47 points and 189 penalty minutes while being crowned an OHL champion in 1972 with teammates such as Bob Gainey, Stan Jonathan and Doug Jarvis.

He was honoured by the Petes with a banner-raising ceremony in January 2020.

The Tillsonburg native was drafted 27th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1973 NHL Draft and fifth overall by the Vancouver Blazers in the 1973 WHA Draft. He played one year with Vancouver in the WHA before signing on with Pittsburgh. He also played for other NHL teams such as Colorado, Detroit, Edmonton, and Vancouver before he retired in 1985. Ten years later, he coached for four seasons.

After retiring in 1985, Campbell was an assistant coach with the Red Wings until 1990. He was also an associate coach with the Rangers for parts of three seasons before his promotion. He replaced Mike Keenan as coach after New York's championship year in 1994.

After being released by the Rangers during the 1997-98 season, Campbell retains his involvement with the NHL in hockey operations, officiating and central scouting before his current role.

The 2024 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Celebration is Nov. 11 in Toronto. He joins Shea Weber, Jeremy Roenick, Pavel Datsyuk, Natalie Darwitz, David Poile, and Krissy Wendall in this year’s class.

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The Chemong Portage 'Right of Way' Project Installation Nears Completion

A new public art installation, Right of Way, featuring work from Indigenous artists celebrating the traditional Chemong Portage route, is being installed and will be completed this month.

Right of Way is the latest project funded through the City of Peterborough’s Public Art Program. File Photo.

It is a commemorative project featuring works by Indigenous artists Tia Cavanagh, David Beaucage Johnson, Yvonne Garbutt, William Kingfisher, Josh Morley and Nuin Tara Wilson.

The City of Peterborough commissioned the artists to create original artwork for vinyl wraps to be installed on traffic signal cabinets and electrical supply boxes at intersections close to what is thought to be the traditional route of the Chemong Portage. Each artwork represents a traveller on the route. Together, the project tells the portage story and makes history visible says Shelley M. Knott, the City's Advisor, Indigenous Relations.

“Right of Way serves as a powerful bridge between past and present, visually highlighting deep connections to land and space while honouring Indigenous people along the historic Chemong Portage,” she said. “It invites both residents and visitors to connect with and respect the enduring legacy of this route.”

The route begins at Dalhousie and George Streets and continues north through downtown, crossing intersections along George and Water Streets until it reaches Brock Street. From there, it veers west, weaving to Parkhill and Chemong roads. It then follows Chemong Road to Broadway Boulevard.

“Public art transforms everyday spaces into places of meaning and connection. Right of Way beautifies our city and honours the stories and culture of the Indigenous peoples who travelled the Chemong Portage. It’s a celebration of history, told in vivid, modern form, that invites everyone to reflect and engage,” said Councillor Alex Bierk and Councillor Lesley Parnell.

Installation began in September and is expected to be completed in mid-November.

Finishing touches include mounting an information panel and portage map at each intersection. The panel also features links to an audio recording of ‘The Story of the Chemong Portage’ by Gidigaa Miigizi (Doug Williams), read by Anne Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation. The recording is in Anishinaabemowin and English. 

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The Parkway Lane Restrictions In Effect For Repairs Until Wednesday

A lane restriction northbound on The Parkway from The Queensway to Lansdowne St. W. is in effect due to an emergency water main repair.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Utilities Group estimates the work to be completed by Wednesday.

“We understand that this work may cause traffic delays in the area and will make every effort to complete this work as efficiently and quickly as possible,” in a statement made from Peterborough Utilities Group.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Remembrance Day, Kawartha County Wines, ServiceOntario and Meals on Wheels

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Today is Remembrance Day, when we recognize the sacrifices of those who served our country with honour in our armed forces.

Let’s also take a moment to recognize the hard work of our local legions and the volunteers who run them. They have organized more than a dozen Remembrance Day ceremonies across the area over the last week. They work throughout the year to help build stronger communities by hosting events and providing community space, supporting veterans and their families, and recognizing the legacy of those who served. Support your local Legion as they continue their work year-round.

Spice up your dance moves on Nov. 22 as Kawartha Country Wines and FriendLillySHOP.com team up to host a salsa night in support of Community Care.

Drop by Kawartha Country Wines at 2452 County Rd 36 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and take part in a 45-minute salsa lesson, enjoy a glass of cider or wine with a dessert wine sample and door prizes. Contact Kawartha Country Wines to get your tickets.

Community Care Peterborough is celebrating 60 years of the Meals on Wheels program.

What began in 1964 with just seven meals provided by Civic Hospital and delivered by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Peterborough has grown into a vital service that now provides over 50,000 meals annually to seniors and adults with physical challenges across the city and county of Peterborough. They will be marking the anniversary with a number of events and initiatives, including the Meals to Go program and a special 60 Stories for 60 Years series. Visit commcareptbo.org for more information.

We want to extend a big thank you to Deb Lowcock, who recently retired from ServiceOntario in Lakefield after 34 years!

Deb is the longtime supervisor for the Lakefield office, serving the community with a great attitude and customer service. She will be missed by the team at ServiceOntario, the Chamber and Lakefield community.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School Unveils New Accessible Playground

It’s been a long time coming for everyone at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Douro but they finally have a new accessible playground to play, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

Construction began in the late summer for the playground. It was made possible after years of fundraising, securing grants and community support to secure its costs for $154,000, according to Sarah Bass, St. Joesph’s School Council parent and member.

“In 2021, after our existing structures started having age-related safety concerns, the children at the school implored the staff at the school and their parents to look at options for replacement,” she said. “Our parents, local businesses and people who call Douro home, raised funds through a community yard sale, sponsorships, Fresh from Farm, quilt raffles and Christmas craft sales.”

There was $8,000 raised from a community yard sale as well as sponsorships from local businesses. The project also received a federal grant for enabling accessibility totaling $70,000 and $10,000 from the AgriSpirit Fund.

“The excitement was palpable when construction began in August, and the joy is still on full display at recess and beyond. Thank you to everyone who supported this project,” said Bass.

The playground can be enjoyed year round.

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New Students With 95 Per Cent Average Can Earn Trent University Full Tuition Scholarship

Trent University has introduced full-tuition scholarships for new domestic students entering with an average of 95 percent or higher for their first year, announced on Thursday.

File Photo.

“Rewarding academic excellence of our students is a top priority at Trent,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “When students work hard and demonstrate a strong commitment to their studies, we must recognize and nurture that dedication, especially in a way that has meaningful material benefit to their life on campus and their life outside of academics. By increasing renewable entrance scholarships, we hope to inspire our students toward even greater achievements here at Trent and beyond.”

Trent also offers increased and renewable scholarships of up to $30,000 over four years to recognize top scholars' academic and community achievements.

The scholarship is renewable up to $4,000 yearly at Trent, with a maximum potential of over $18,000. Trent also increased guaranteed and automatic entrance scholarships for students entering with 80 per cent or above with renewable scholarships that can total between $6,000 to $12,000 over four years.

The University has also boosted its prestigious scholarships: 15 annual awards with potential funding up to $30,000 over four years. One application can permit students to be considered for all major awards including the Champlain Scholarship, Board of Governors Scholarship, Special Admissions Scholarships, Canada Wide Science Fair Scholarship and the Michael Treadwell Scholarship.

Trent University has also increased scholarship support for international students, introducing renewable entrance scholarships for top international scholars. International students also have access to International Prestigious Scholarships, nine awards recognizing students for academic excellence, community service, leadership, and many other qualities and some valued up to $136,000 over four years.

“We are thrilled to be able to support our international students who travel far from home and benefit greatly from a range of supports and services,” said Glennice Burns, associate vice president of Trent International. “Enhancing our international entrance scholarships will help ease the transition to university life in Canada and support students as they excel in their studies here.”

For both domestic and international students at Trent, no application is required for Trent's entrance scholarships. Scholars with an average of 80 per cent or higher automatically receive an entrance scholarship and are automatically considered for renewable scholarships as they complete their studies.

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Peterborough Man Charged With Two Theft Cases In the Span of 90 Minutes

A 23-year-old Peterborough man is facing theft charges after two incidents on Thursday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 5:30 p.m., officers with the Community FIRST Unit arrived at a business in the Lansdowne Street and Park Street area.  They searched the area and located a male matching the description given to police a short distance away.  Officers were able to recover the items that were taken and return them to the business. During the arrest, it was determined the suspect was also wanted in connection with a theft at another business about an hour and a half earlier.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Theft Under $5,000 X2

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Friday.

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Peterborough Petes Score Late Goal To Earn First Victory Over Saginaw Spirit

The painful drought is finally over for the Peterborough Petes as defenseman Carson Cameron scored late in the third period to give his team their first win of the season over the Saginaw Spirit at the Dow Event Center on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of nATALIE sHAVER AND THE ohl.

Saginaw struck first as a former Peterborough Pete in James Guo as he one-timed it at a wide-open net after receiving a pass from a circling Kristian Epperson to make it 1-0. Just over eight minutes later, the Petes got on the board as they had an odd-man rush. Francis Parish opted to take the shot and wristed it past Kaleb Papineau for a 1-1 tie.

With no scoring in the second and int he first 17 minutes of the third, Brody Partridge quickly won the faceoof for the Petes back to defenseman Carson Cameron. The latter quickly snapped it and scored to give Peterborough their first lead of the game with 2:25 left in regulation.

Peterborough held on for the victory, their first of the season after 16 games and defeat Saginaw, 2-1.

The Petes continue their thre-game road trip as they play the Flint Firebirds at the Dort Financial Center on Friday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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Markham Man Arrested And Charged Over Bank Scams Circulating Throughout Peterborough

A 32-year-old Markham man has been arrested and charged with a bank scam circulating in Peterborough.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 6:50 p.m. on Wednesday, officers were called to a business in the Park Street and Lansdowne Street area after employees recognized a suspect from a video released last Friday, was inside the business. Officers confirmed that the male matched the description of the suspect given in two incidents and took him into custody.  

As a result of the investigation, this suspect has been charged with six incidents in the Peterborough area. To date, the confirmed dollar value lost is about $40,000.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Fraud Over $5,000.00 X3

• Possession of Credit Card Obtained by Crime X6

• Fail to Comply with Probation X6

The accused is currently bound by a probation order with the following conditions: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Friday.

The Peterborough Police Service would like to thank the public for their assistance. The investigation is ongoing. 

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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