Fourth-Annual Darkness to Light Event Brings Community Members Impacted By Suicide Together In Sunrise Gathering

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosting its fourth-annual Darkness To Light for community members impacted by suicide and overdose on Dec. 21 at Rogers Cove.

Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

The outdoor sunrise gathering marks brighter days ahead after the solstice which is the day with the smallest amount of daylight.

Julie Brown — who led last year’s event — is returning to lead the group with a message of support and a moment of silence as the sun rises on the winter solstice morning.

The event will be held rain, snow, or shine and is free to attend thanks to the support of Seven Hills Developments. Those wishing to attend can show up the morning of the event but are encouraged to pre-register. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 7:30 a.m., as sunrise is expected at 7:45 a.m.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling with bereavement. After feedback about how impactful the last three ceremonies have been, we are glad to be able to offer once again some comfort for people impacted by suicide and overdose in our community.” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “All are welcome to join us at Rogers Cove on the morning of December 21st and we would encourage people to come for 7:30 am, have a coffee and join us in a moment of silence as the sun rises over the lake.” 

Donations can be made to the event and proceeds can be used to support the Suicide Bereavement work at Hospice Peterborough.

“Our community has been significantly impacted by suicide and overdose and we hope that this gathering will help create a space where those directly touched can come together for a quiet moment.” said Julie Brown.

“We are very grateful to GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation and Seven Hills Developments for enabling this event to take place again and offering the opportunity for people impacted by suicide and overdose deaths to come together in this meaningful, safe way.” Said Hajni Hős, Executive Director of Hospice Peterborough.

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Peterborough Man Wanted on Seven Warrants Arrested

A 37-year-old Peterborough man wanted on seven warrants is in custody after he was spotted by an officer on general patrol Monday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:20 p.m., officers with the Community FIRST Unit spotted the man. He was wanted on seven charges of theft under $5,000 and nine charges related to failing to comply with probation in the area of Lansdowne Street and The Parkway. 

The man was arrested on the strength of the warrants and is being held in custody.  The accused will appear in court on Tuesday

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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City of Peterborough Provides Update On Brealey Drive Construction

Brealey Drive between Lansdowne Street West and Mapleridge Drive has reopened to through traffic as progress continues on the major infrastructure project.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The project includes replacing storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and water mains, as well as installing a multi-use trail, street lighting, sidewalks, cycling lanes, and rebuilding the road.

The complete project along Brealey Drive from Lansdowne Street to Sherbrooke Street is divided into two phases. Phase 1, which started in the spring of 2024, focuses on the section between Lansdowne Street and Mapleridge Drive. Phase 2, which encompasses the section from Mapleridge Drive to Sherbrooke Street, is scheduled for the 2025 construction season.

The reopening following Phase 1 construction includes temporary exceptions. The northbound on-road cycling lane and the east sidewalk will remain closed until the signalized intersection is activated this winter.

The major infrastructure project along Brealey Drive between Lansdowne and Sherbrooke Streets has a budget of $20.7 million.

The construction includes:

• Replacing storm sewers

• Replacing sanitary sewers

• Replacing watermains

• New street lighting

• New concrete curb and gutters

• New concrete sidewalk on the east side of Brealey Drive

• Building a new off-street, multi-use trail on the west side of Brealey Drive

• On-street cycling lanes

• Implementation of traffic signals at Cherryhill Road, Kawartha Heights Boulevard, and Hewitt Drive, with enhanced cycling and pedestrian crossing facilities as well as turning lanes to enhance all traffic movements and corridor efficiency at these intersections

• Restoration of boulevards

• Signage, landscaping, and pavement markings

• Rebuilding the roadway granular base and the asphalt roadway

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Peterborough Public Health Pauses Water Sample Courier Service For Winter Season

Peterborough Public Health (PPH), the Municipality of Trent Lakes and the Township of North Kawartha have paused their joint well water sample drop-off program for the winter.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The final date for county residents to drop off their samples at the North Kawartha or Trent Lakes Municipal Offices is Nov. 28. The drop-off service will resume in the first week of April 2025.

Throughout the winter months, residents may continue to drop off well water samples at: 

• Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St., Peterborough
  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday
  8:30 a.m. –12 noon Friday 

• Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Dr., Peterborough
  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday 

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St., Havelock
  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday 

PPH says it is essential to test well water several times yearly. Testing the water twice per year for a drilled well is recommended. For a dug well, the recommendation is four times per year.

“Even when the ground is frozen, contamination may be present. Sampling water from your well is the best way to ensure that the water is free of pathogens, which may cause illness if consumed.” said Chris Eaton, Public Health Inspector.  

Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli which indicates the water has been contaminated with fecal material, which can contain disease-causing microbes. These can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water but the young, elderly and immuno-compromised are at a higher risk.

After samples are submitted, residents will receive water quality results by mail or call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426.

For interpretation of the test results or to find out how to test for contaminants other than total coliforms or E. coli, please call Peterborough Public Health’s Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 240 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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City of Peterborough Details Social Services Mail Delivery During Canada Post Strike

Details have been released on how Social Services clients and vendors typically receive cheques, statements, or letters by mail from the City of Peterborough.

File Photo.

During the Canada Post strike, they can pick up the items at the Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff will notify those who receive cheques when their payments will be available for pick-up. 

People must show identification when picking up cheques, statements, or letters at Social Services.

For clients who can receive direct deposit, Social Services is encouraging them to arrange for direct deposit or reloadable payment cards as an alternative and to ensure they are signed up for the MyBenefits program to track payments and support communication.

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Peterborough Humane Society Recieves $100,000 Grant to Improve Accessibility Vet Care From PetSmart Charities

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has received a grant of $100,000 from PetSmart Charities to help support the expansion of basic animal wellness services offered by the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“This grant from PetSmart Charities will enable Peterborough Humane Society to begin providing even more support to people and pets in Peterborough and the entire Kawartha Region,” says PHS Executive Director Shawn Morey. “As an important part of our 3-year Strategic Plan, helping improve access to care is a real priority and focus for us. This is an important next step in that strategy.”

This is part of a $100 million commitment from PetSmart Charities over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. These grants support the expansion of low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to expand their services, serve their communities better and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences according to PHS.

“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities.  “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families. We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care. We’re inspired by the incredible work Peterborough Humane Society is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”

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Peterborough Police Seeking Four Male Suspects Involved In Break-and-Enter; Suspects Had Flashed a Gun Tasered a Dog

The Peterborough Police Service is searching for several suspects after a break and enter at a residence in Peterborough early Sunday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 1:45 a.m., officers arrived at a Edison Avenue and Park Street South residence. A woman and her teenage son called to report a break-and-enter in progress. Officers learned that the pair had been sleeping when four people entered the home. One is alleged to have flashed a gun and indicated they were looking for money. During the incident, a family dog was struck with a taser while the mother and son locked themselves in a bathroom. 

The teen could escape and run for help and when the suspects realized he was gone, they fled the area in a black sedan. No one was injured and the dog was okay. It is believed this was not a random event.

The suspects were described to police as:

• Four males, dressed all in black, with face coverings and gloves

• All possibly in their mid-20s

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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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Avant-Garden Shop, Just Like New, Peterborough Volkswagen and VVents Kawartha

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…

We’re celebrating some big milestones today!

Brenda Ibey at The Avant-Garden Shop is celebrating 22 years in business.

She opened the store in 2002 and has spent most of those years at her 165 Sherbrooke St. location in downtown Peterborough. The Avant-Garden Shop is the place to go for all your bird-feeding needs, beautiful gifts and many items made by Canadian artisans. Winner of four Chamber of Commerce awards, The Avant-Garden Shop has proven to be one of the best retail shops in the region. Drop by Thursday from 9:30 am to 7 p.m. to celebrate with refreshments, door prizes and special sales all day.

Marg Botosh is celebrating 32 years in business with Just Like New Boutique.

Just Like New specializes in gently used women's clothing and highly curated consignment clothing and accessories. It’s the type of place where you’ll find some truly unique outfits and accessories at affordable prices. Drop by 377 Queen St. in downtown Peterborough to check out their anniversary deals. Ten per cent of sales between now and Black Friday will support Right To Heal.

This year marks 55 years for Peterborough Volkswagen.

1969 was a big year, from the Apollo 11 moon landing to Woodstock to Peter and Rita Eatson opening Peterborough Volkswagen at the corner of Reid and McDonnel Streets in Downtown Peterborough. They created a business that now spans three generations and has served thousands of happy local customers with great customer service for their car shopping and service needs. They’ve been busy with some renovations as their business keeps growing. Drop by 500 Towerhill Rd. and see what’s happening at Peterborough Volkswagen.

And we have a brand-new business. Karri Dalton-Hull has launched a new virtual events agency.

Vvents Kawartha produces local virtual events to give small businesses new ways to connect online with other entrepreneurs, consumers and the community. They are a membership-based model and with support for Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough. Their upcoming events include Kawartha Virtual Expo, a seven-day virtual tradeshow, and Kawartha Virtual Business Network, a networking group to meet and connect with other entrepreneurs. Find out more at vvents.ca.

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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Winter Season Not Slowing Down Griffin's Greenhouses; Business to Continue Community Outreach

Winter may slow down other green places but Lakefield’s Griffin’s Greenhouses continues to help the community during the colder seasons.

Photo courtesy of Griffin’s Greenhouses.

The Greenhouse offers regular seasonal workshops. These can include building wreaths, mini-sleighs and floral arrangements for the holidays.

“One of our goals is to educate the knowledge and options that you can still garden in the winter,” said Vikki of Griffin’s Greenhouses.

She notes that November is the second-busiest month of the year. The Greenhouse uses several outlets to help inform the community about their options regarding growing their green thumbs.

“We’re providing lots of knowledge. We put out videos on Youtube done by a local videographer,” she explained. “Knowledge is our number one takeaway to share what we know. We always keep the door open and follow back to people who always have questions. We’re really confident and generous with our time in answering questions.”

The business has been operating for roughly 48 years. Vikki and her brother Kyle purchased the business from their parents several years ago. After going to college and university and working in other career paths, the siblings eventually returned to the family business they grew up helping their parents run.

The business has received help from the family, spanning several generations. Vikki says she’s proud to call Griffin’s a ‘true family business.’

“People have seen our children watch our children grow, and our staff have seen them too,” she explained. “Some of our staff have been with us for over 20 years. There’s that comfort and familiarity that people value in our business.”

A week before Christmas, Griffin’s Greenhouse will run its ‘Dutch Auction’ to clear all inventory before its new season in March. It’s an opportunity for the business to start fresh with brand-new products for its customers.

“We’re not into recycling for next season,” said Vikki. “We want fresh and new.”

As a reflection of their Dutch heritage, the auction is a way flowers are sold in the Netherlands, a fun way of clearing out all merchandise and starting again with a clean slate.

“We feel we are vibrant and active in our community,“ explained Nikki. “Giving and sharing back with the community with our time is something that we’re proud of.”

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Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team Celebrates 25 Years

Sent by Michelle Thorton

Survivors Abreast Peterborough, celebrates its 25-year anniversary this month. The Dragon Boat Team, made up of breast cancer survivors from the Peterborough area, was founded by Meredith Cosburn, who was encouraged by a friend (a member of the Toronto-based Dragons Abreast team) to do what she had done to help with her own breast cancer recovery – join a dragon boat team.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival.

Breast cancer survivor dragon boat paddling began at the University of British Columbia in 1996. Dr. Don McKenzie a professor in the department of sports medicine and an exercise physiologist, challenged the prevailing medical thinking that woman treated for breast cancer should avoid rigorous upper body exercise for fear of developing lymphoedema, a debilitating and chronic side-effect of treatment. Dr. McKenzie developed a program to determine the impact of exercise on breast cancer survivors, choosing dragon boat paddling as the epitome of strenuous, repetitive upper body exercise. He trained twenty-four breast cancer volunteers in a gym for three months, introduced them to dragon boats and taught them paddling techniques. At the end of the three-month season on the water none of the volunteers had lymphoedema. Not only that, survivors found they were fitter, healthier and happier. They loved the camaraderie and support of their fellow paddlers. They realized dragon boat paddling could become a means of raising breast cancer awareness and show that survivors could lead normal lives. They called themselves “Abreast in a Boat”.

And so, with the help of a newspaper article calling on other breast cancer survivors, Survivors Abreast held it’s very first meeting on Nov. 18, 1999.

By January 2000, the “Peterborough and District Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat Team” was 27 members strong and they were excited to learn how to paddle.

The Team soon adopted the name Survivors Abreast Peterborough.

The team still needed a boat and Dr. John Rowsom, then chief of surgery at PRHC, was instrumental in helping them overcome this hurdle. He and three other doctors, Dr. R. Chenoweth, Dr. J. Scott and the late Dr. R. Jaroszonek, each donated $1,000 for a down payment towards a dragon boat.

A story about the team published in the Peterborough Examiner sparked enough interest for Liberty Mutual to provide the rest of the money needed to pay for a dragon boat built by Glenn Fallis of Voyageur Canoe.

The Holiday Inn then donated wharf space and the Chamber of Commerce offered free parking. Lawyer Bill Lockington volunteered free legal counsel to incorporate the team which eventually gained charitable status.

April 30, 2000 was the first time the team actually got in the boat. The community was on board right away and a special dedication was held with a traditional eye-dotting ceremony. Getting the team on the water was truly a community effort. Survivors Abreast Peterborough Dragon Boat Team celebrates 25 years as a team! The following year the team announced that dragon boat races would take place on Little Lake as part of the third annual Great Kawartha Canoe-A-Thon. The event was called Liberty Mutual’s Day on the Water and was in support of various charities. Survivors Abreast donated $25,000 to the PRHC Breast Assessment Centre.

In 2002 Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival took on a life of its own and hosted its very first official Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival. $84,509.18 was donated to the PRHC Foundation in support of the Breast Assessment Centre. The event has since grown to be one of our communities’ most anticipated events to kick off the summer.

By 2007 the festival had raised over $1 million and the team was awarded a Civic award for community betterment. The new breast assessment centre at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre was completed in 2008 and was named the “Survivors Abreast Breast Assessment Centre”. The team also received a Peterborough This Week Philanthropy Award that year.

In 2005, Survivors Abreast travelled to Vancouver in celebration of the Abreast in a Boat team’s 10 year anniversary and to commemorate Dr Don Mackenzie who founded the breast cancer paddling movement. This festival proved to be the very first international dragon boat festival for breast cancer paddlers. A second one was held in Australia 2 years later. These led to the formation of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission (IBCPC), a commission of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). A formal bidding process was introduced for the 2010 international festival, and Peterborough was chosen over 2 teams from England, 1 from Italy and 1 from New Zealand. 66 teams came from all over Canada, the US, Australia, England, Italy and South Africa. Survivors Abreast was awarded three Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards that year. One for tourism, Health and Wellness and Marketing, and one for Promotions. The International Festival has been held every 4 years since 2010. Survivors Abreast travelled to Sarasota, Florida in 2014, Florence, Italy in 2018, Waikato, New Zealand in 2023 and will be attending the IBCPC festival in France in 2026 to represent the Peterborough region.

In keeping with the team’s mission to improve fitness and develop the paddling skills required for dragon boating while raising awareness and fundraising for breast cancer care in our community, Survivors Abreast Peterborough takes pride in hosting the annual Peterborough’s Dragon boat Festival.

To date, the Festival has raised more than $4.5 million for breast and other cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment through the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation.

Next year’s event will take place on June 14, 2025. Survivors Abreast has grown over the years and the Festival has evolved. The team has represented Peterborough and the surrounding area at regattas and other events near and far…rain or shine. They continue to raise awareness and give back to the community because it’s always been about Hope, Passion, Dedication, Community, Fun and Making a Difference, One Race at a Time.

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