Trent University Launches Traditional Handcrafted Birchbark Canoe On the Otonabee River

Trent University has launched its traditional handcrafted birchbark canoe which was done on campus on the Otonobee River and showcased to the public on Monday.

Alex Labelle's canoe sit on the banks of the Otonabee River at Trent University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The month-long project marks the culmination of a project that has increased the visibility of and engagement in Indigenous culture among the campus community. Named Enheh, the canoe was officially launched by Métis canoe builder Alex Labelle. This name is an affirmative response that complements the expression of gratitude in Miigwech and honours the connections made during the building and the profound appreciation for the gifts and lessons provided by the people involved, nature, and the Creator according to Trent University.

“The birchbark canoe is more than a vessel – it is a vital piece of technology that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations,” said Dr. Dawn Memee Lavell-Harvard, director of First Peoples House of Learning at Trent. “It enables trade, travel, hunting, and the gathering of food and medicine. By bringing together people from across the University and the community, this project has demonstrated what reconciliation looks like in action: doing hands-on work, thinking about knowledge holders in a different way, and showing that these knowledges are just as important now as they ever were.”

Labelle constructed the canoe from scratch in the atrium of Trent’s Bata Library. Students, faculty, and visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with the project by trimming roots, splitting cedar and forming ribs, gaining insight into the artistry and skill behind traditional canoe-building.

“Part of reconciliation is creating space for Indigenous knowledge in places, like libraries, which have long marginalized it,” said Emily Tufts, Trent librarian. “Over the past month, Alex has shared his knowledge in a way that is physical, embodied, and deeply meaningful. This project brought the work of reconciliation out of the theoretical and into the practical and material, giving students and staff a chance to connect with Indigenous traditional knowledge firsthand.”

Following the naming, Labelle launched Enheh from the west bank of the Otonabee River and paddled the canoe to the east bank of campus. It was carried to the Gathering Space in Trent’s First Peoples House of Learning for a celebratory feast to be displayed permanently.

“It’s great to know that FPHL and Trent students will put this canoe to use. Often people will put them up as museum pieces, but we're trying to bring canoes like this out of museums and back to into life,” said Labelle. “My time at Trent has been great—great people and lots of interest in the project. I hope this has shown people that you can go into the bush and find all the materials you need to build a canoe.”

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Peterborough Police Deem Downtown Business Fire Suspicious; No Injuries Reported

Officers with the Peterborough Police Service are investigating after a fire at an outbuilding of a business in Peterborough that occurred Wednesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 8:20 a.m., officers arrived at Aylmer Street and King Street about a fire in a shed. The fire had already been extinguished by Peterborough Fire Services by the time Police had arrived.

The cause of the fire is believed to be suspicious at this time. No one was injured.

The Ontario Fire Marshal attended the scene Thursday for investigation. 

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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Lakefield Animal Welfare Society Appoints New Director of Operations

The Lakefield Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) Board of Directors has appointed Lyndsay Lisson-De Ell as its new Director of Operations.

Photo courtesy of LAWS.

Lisson-De Ell has a background in Community Support and Outreach within the non-profit sector and has successfully filled several roles at LAWS, including Adoption and Shelter Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator.

“Over the past two years, Lyndsay has been a vital part of the LAWS team and has built meaningful connections with our animals, volunteers and community,” according to a statement made by the Board of Directors. “Along with her extensive non-profit experience, this makes her uniquely qualified to lead the organization. Her dedication to the shelter and the relationships she has formed along the way have only deepened her commitment to the organization’s mission, and we look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make at LAWS as she leads us forward.”

“I’m excited to collaborate with the incredible LAWS team and our wonderful community to create a meaningful, positive impact for the animals we care for and the amazing individuals who support them,” said Lisson-De Ell.

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Harmony for Healing Announces Second Benefit Concert ‘Wish You Were Here' For Suicide and Mental Health Awareness

Harmony for Healing has announced the return of its annual event, ‘Wish You Were Here,’ a benefit concert dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, announced at The El(P) on Wednesday morning.

(From left to right) Wade Hamblin; ReMax Hallmark Eastern Realty; Ellen Watkins CMHA HKPR CEO; Phillip Jolicoeur, Harmony for Healing Founder and Tracy Graham, CMHA HKPR Director of Programs and Services. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The concert is part of Harmony for Healing’s goal of raising $50,000 over five years to provide critical mental health resources. It will be held on Feb. 20 at Market Hall Performing Centre and is meant to transport people back to the sounds of the 1970s.

The goal is to raise at least $10,000 to support the life-saving Assertive Outreach Suicide Prevention program.

“I've ran hundreds of events and there's always community support on some level but for Harmony for Healing last year and then again this year, the amount of people that jump on (not just the support, the cause and the initiative) have their own stories to share is really what thrives an event like this,” said Phillip Jolicouer, Harmony for Healing founder. “Businesses and supports can align themselves with mental health because we're all dealing with it so it means a lot to me more than just the financial aspect.”

Last year's sold-out concert, ‘Spirit In the Sky’ raised $13,500 on Feb. 22 at Market Hall Performing Centre.

Joilcouer says this year, he wanted to amplify his mission through a four-pillar approach.

His four pillars of impact approach are as follows:

1. Awareness: Shedding light on mental health challenges and suicide prevention through personal stories and signs to watch for.

2. Prevention: Empowering our community with tools to foster mental resilience, strengthen support networks, and promote access to mental health resources.

3. Intervention: Sharing guidance on what to do when someone is in immediate crisis, including local support options and crisis hotlines.

4. Post-Vention: Supporting survivors and those impacted by suicide through grief counselling, support groups, and outreach.

Jolicouer’s mother had unexpectedly taken her own life on Nov. 30 and the series of shows is a tribute to her memory.

“My mom loved people. She loved local music and music in general,” explained Jolicouer. “You could see her front row in any of the local venues around town so my connection to her with this was to make a local event to hire local musicians, put on a phenomenal rock concert that I could picture my mom where I could picture her up front dancing and enjoying herself and bringing a message that you're not alone. I want to spread that as loud as possible and through music.”

Registration for the event can be found online.

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Kawartha Downs Announces New Harness Racing Manager

Jim Huck is out as Kawartha Downs’s harness racing manager as the racetrack has given Lindsay Bax the new role, announced on Wednesday.

File Photo.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Jim for his dedicated service and leadership in Harness Racing at Kawartha Downs,” according to a press release statement.

Bax has spent several decades in the harness racing industry and hails from a well-known racing family.

“We’re excited to welcome Lindsay to the team and look forward to her vision for the future of harness racing here,” said Richard Weldon, Kawartha Downs president. “Her experience and dedication make her a fantastic fit for this role, and we’re confident she’ll continue to build on the strong foundation Jim has established.”

“I’m thrilled to join Kawartha and work alongside such a passionate team. This track holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to connecting with our racing community and enhancing the experience for both fans and participants,” said Bax. In 2025, Kawartha Downs Harness Racing will return to Saturday nights with an exciting year of programming in the works.

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Peterborough Women Charged With Break and Enter And Stealing Items From a Downtown Business

A 37-year-old Peterborough woman is facing charges in connection with a break-and-enter at a Peterborough business on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3 a.m., officers were alerted to an alarm at the business on Simcoe Street near Water Street.  Officers noticed the front door was open, conducted a building search but found no one inside the building. 

After an investigation and video surveillance, officers obtained a description of the suspect. Shortly after, they located a woman matching that description outside a nearby building. She was taken into custody without incident. Several items taken from the business were found during a search after her arrest and returned to the owner.

The woman was arrested and charged with:

• Break, Enter a place - commit indictable offence (theft)

• Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 - in Canada

• Failure to comply with probation X2

The accused is currently bound by two probation orders with the following condition: to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.

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

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Clarington Trustee Re-elected for Third Term As PVNC Catholic Board Chairperson

Clarington trustee Kevin MacKenzie has been re-elected as chairperson of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board for the 2024-2025 term during their annual meeting at the Catholic Education Centre on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

MacKenzie has been a trustee since 2018. He previously served as vice-chairperson from 2021 to 2022 before being appointed chairperson for the 2022-2023 term.

Peterborough County trustee Jenny Leahy was also re-elected vice-chairperson for a third consecutive year. Leahy joined the Board in May 2022 as an appointee and was later elected in the October 2022 municipal election.

For Peterborough trustee Loretta Durst, the meeting marked three years since her November 2021 appointment to the Board. Durst was re-elected during the October 2022 municipal election.

Tuesday’s annual meeting marked the two-year milestone for trustees Joshua Glover (Clarington), Mary Ann Martin (Kawartha Lakes), and Kathleen Tanguay (Northumberland), all of whom were elected in 2022. 

This annual meeting also marked the second for trustee John Connolly (Peterborough), appointed to the Board in September 2023.

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City's Waste Management Calendar Available For Pickup

The City of Peterborough’s annual 2025 Waste Management Calendar is available for pickup at City Hall, 500 George St. N., at the customer service desk in the City Hall lobby.

File Photo.

The calendar can also be viewed online or downloaded.

The Waste Management Calendar highlights curbside collection dates, information for Green Bin, garbage and yard waste and information about the City-County Landfill and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot.

Residents can also download the City of Peterborough waste collection app from their app store. The app allows users to search their home addresses to find specific information on:

• Waste collection days

• View, download or print the Waste Collection calendar

• See any pickup changes due to holidays

• Sign up for automatic notices of changes

• Get notified of weather delays

• Sign up for weekly reminders and service alerts

• Add a schedule to their personal calendar

The City would also like to remind residents that the final week for curbside yard waste collection service will be Nov. 26 to 29.

Residents are reminded that in late fall, when temperatures drop below freezing, yard waste can freeze, sticking to the sides of bins and causing issues with collection.

To ensure full pickup of yard waste, residents should consider disposing of it in bags to avoid partially frozen material being left in a bin after collection.

The curbside yard waste collection program resumes in April.

Yard waste is accepted year-round at the Peterborough landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. in Otonabee-South Monaghan. Fees will apply.

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Graffiti Vandalizes Several Peterborough Businesses Along Lansdowne Street

Several businesses on Lansdowne Street between Lock Street and River Road South were discovered vandalized with graffiti on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of Dean Del Mastro.

Photo courtesy of Dean Del Mastro.

Photo courtesy of Dean Del Mastro.

Photo courtesy of Dean Porter.

Photo courtesy of Dean Porter.

Photo courtesy of Amanda McNabb.

Photo courtesy of Amanda McNabb.

Photo courtesy of Amanda McNabb.

Del Mastro RV Centre, Mattress Outlet and More and Bruiser Automotive Tire were confirmed businesses on Lansdowne Street with the same graffiti tag.

Del Mastro RV Centre had its side exterior wall and front sign vandalized.

“This is no way to start your day. Peterborough is not the city I grew up in or worked to make stronger, it's a mess (Hello City Council),” said Dean Del Mastro, Del Mastro RV Centre owner in a Facebook post. “What exactly would anyone get out of defacing someone else's property? People need to take pride in themselves and respect their community or they need to be taught to do so.”

Jay Quinn of Bruiser Automotive and Tire also confirmed that his business fell victim to graffiti artists in the same Facebook thread from McNabb’s original post. Earlier this month, the business was subject to vandalism, with its glass front door being smashed (but not broken apart).

According to Dean Porter, owner of Mattress Outlet and More, this kind of graffiti was not the first time it had occurred at the store. He believes the incident occurred on Monday night.

“They got my business again—the fourth time in the last two weeks,” said Porter in a Facebook post. “I'm getting tired of cleaning it and then the next day, they do it again. This time, they got at least six different businesses along Landsdowne Street. I have seen the same type of spray painting on different businesses all over Peterborough.”

Porter mentioned that Currie Tire and Peterborough Bearings & Drives were also graffitied but this has yet to be confirmed.

Access Storage on High Street was hit with a different pattern of vandalism; however, it is unknown if the vandalism is related to the ones on Lansdowne Street.

Amanda McNabb, Access Storage site manager, disclosed camera footage of the incident on a Facebook post on Tuesday morning. The video shows that three suspects were involved. One smashed a spray can that went everywhere after the graffiti was tagged.

“I went and got graffiti remover because I couldn’t have that on my building for long,” she said in a Facebook comment. Just wanna know who it is.”

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Lakefield Farmers’ Market's Annual Holiday Market Runs On Dec. 1

The Lakefield Farmers’ Market invites everyone to shop local and celebrate the season at its annual Holiday Market held at the parking lot beside The Village Inn in Lakefield on Dec. 1.

Locally made gits from Otonabee Apiary. Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Farmers’ Market.

The market will contain a variety of local products, including freshly backed goods, knitwear, VQA wines, local meats, honey, maple syrup, hot sauces, handmade dog treats, prepared meals nd more.

“Our Holiday Market has become a beloved tradition, and we’re thrilled to host it again this year,” said Stacey Sullivan, Market Manager. “It’s a great opportunity for customers to visit their favourite vendors, find unique holiday gifts and since it’s on a Sunday, it’s perfect for those who can’t attend our regular Thursday market.”

Participating vendors include: A1 Gluten Free Gals, Buns & Sweets, Grandma Needled It, Jen’s Home Baking, Jess’s Kitchen, La Mesita Restaurante, Leahy Stock Farm, Otonabee River Crat Co., Ontario Cheese Union, Pillitteri Estates Winery, Purple Tongue Hot Sauce, The Doggery, The Jam Cupboard, Wagner Maple Products, Washburn Island Soaps, and Yellow House Bees & Otonabee Apiary (Vendor list subject to change).

The Holiday Market runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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