HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health Moves Forward With Merger

The Boards of Health for Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) are moving forward with a voluntary merger, effective on Jan. 1, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The merger's goal is to sustain and improve the delivery of public health programs and services across the City of Kawartha Lakes, the County of Haliburton, Northumberland County, Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Alderville First Nation, Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough as stated by PPH.

The merger will be supported through an investment of $10.1 million from the Province of Ontario, which was announced on Monday. The investment will support the merger directly, catch-up activities, and service improvements to strengthen public health in this region.

“This is an important milestone bringing both public health units together to form one new organization,” said David Marshall, Board Chair for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Our dedicated and now combined employees of more than 300 public health professionals will continue to work with our communities, partners and stakeholders to protect and promote health and prevent disease within our combined areas to keep our residents healthy.”

In August last year, the Ministry of Health announced plans to strengthen the public health sector by offering one-time funding, resources and support to local public health agencies that voluntarily merged by Jan. 1.

In response to the announcement, the both organizations say they engaged the consulting firm Sense and Nous to conduct a feasibility study on a potential merger. They voted to move forward with the merger process in February and a voluntary merger proposal and budget was submitted to the Ministry of Health on April 2. The new Board of Health will meet for the first time in the new year. The Ministry of Health has assured the public health unit that the government commits to 100 per cent provincial funding support for this merger with no fiscal impacts to municipalities and First Nations as a result of this merger, and in principle also commit to funding eligible merger expenses in subsequent years according to a press release.

Membership of the new Board of Health will include nine municipal representatives (two from the County of Northumberland, two from the City of Kawartha Lakes, one from the County of Haliburton, two from the County of Peterborough, and two from the City of Peterborough). In addition, the new Board of Health intends to have section 50 representation (one member from Curve Lake First Nation and one from Hiawatha First Nation). The new Board of Health will also include provincial appointees, as outlined in the Health Protection and Promotion Act, and these members are yet to be confirmed.

“Peterborough residents became more familiar with public health’s role and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the health unit in our community has served us for over 135 years with a wide-reaching scope beyond infectious diseases,” said Councillor Joy Lachica, PPH Board Chair. “With our friends at HKPR and the generous funding investment by the province, we will sustain and grow public health services for our residents.”

A new organizational structure and leadership team for the merged public health unit will be announced later. Both current public health units will remain operational, with no immediate impact on programs and services provided to the public says PPH. A new identity and brand will be launched in early 2025.Further communication will be released once the new health unit launches its official business name and new logo.

During this time, both the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health remain committed to engaging with the communities they serve, partners and teams to determine future opportunities to continue the important work of public health across the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Alderville First Nation, Peterborough County and the City of Peterborough.

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Peterborough Man Arrested for Pointing Replica Gun at Couple

A 26-year-old Peterborough County man is facing multiple firearm charges after an incident Tuesday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 8 p.m., officers arrived at the Ashburnham Drive and Lansdowne Street area and learned that a couple had a gun flashed at them by another pair known to them. 

While speaking to the victims, suspects matching the description given to police were spotted walking on the sidewalk. Officers approached the pair and attempted a gunpoint arrest. The male disobeyed the officer's commands and fled on foot.  Officers gave chase and caught up to the man in a nearby parking lot. He was taken into custody. Officers seized a replica handgun.

As a result of the investigation, a 26-year-old Peterborough County man was arrested and charged with:

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order

A Prohibition Oder currently binds the accused with the following conditions: to not possess any firearm. 

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 14.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Tree Lighting Ceremony For Second-Straight Year

Quaker Foods City Square is becoming a hub for the holidays and community as for a second straight year, they are hosting a tree-lighting ceremony and market event on Dec. 14 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) will partner to host this year's event.

“Quaker Foods City Square has become a winter downtown destination for locals and visitors alike where people can come together and enjoy getting active with a skate on the outdoor rink.,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “The return of the tree and the illuminated ‘PTBO’ sign creates a perfect backdrop for festive fun, and I look forward to celebrating the season with the community.”

“The tree lighting ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square is a great way to bring our community together to celebrate the season during one of the most exciting times of year in Downtown Peterborough,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. "We're excited to partner with the City of Peterborough to host this event with skating, music and festive treats, while showcasing all that downtown Peterborough has to offer.”

Tree lighting ceremony activities include:

• Official opening of the outdoor rink (weather dependent) with Learn to Skate programming from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Open Skate from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Live DJ playing upbeat and family-friendly music

• Giant board games from the Boardwalk Board Game Lounge

• Kids activities including colouring pages and photo opportunities with Peterborough Petes’ mascot Roger

• Merchandise and gift cards for sale from The Boro, as well as Petes’ merchandise from downtown retailer Rawscoe’s Sports Collectibles

• Downtown vendors with food and beverage items available for purchase including hot chocolate from The Vanilla Room, beverages from BOBO Tea, and cookies and treats from The Chill Desire and Em and Oms Cookies

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre presents promoting “The Sharing Tree” holiday fundraising campaign

• Free skate sharpening by Runner’s Life

The tree-lighting will take place at 6 p.m. when Mayor Leal will turn on the lights.

The event also kicks off the outdoor skating season in the Square. Depending on weather conditions, the refrigerated skating rink is anticipated to be open through the winter months.

City staff are currently preparing the site and monitoring conditions to ensure safe ice.

Parking is available on-street or at the King Street Parkade, which is adjacent to the square.

Free two-hour holiday parking is available at all downtown municipal parking spaces, including on-street parking, municipal parking lots, the King Street Parking Garage and the Simcoe Parking Garage until Dec.31.

Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers sponsored the parking initiative with all voluntary parking fees going towards Kawartha Food Share.

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Peterborough County Announces the Acclamation of Bonnie Clark as County Warden

Peterborough County Council has announced the acclamation of Bonnie Clark, Deputy Mayor of Otonabee-South Monaghan, as the County Warden for the last half of this term of County Council.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Clark will serve as Warden of Peterborough County until the next Warden’s Election in December of next year. She is the 126th Warden of Peterborough County.

“It is the honour of my lifetime to serve as Warden of Peterborough County” said Clark. “We are blessed to live in such a great County with stunning natural landscapes, thriving communities of business, agriculture, and tourism, and dedicated community groups that make Peterborough County an amazing place to live. I’d like to thank my County Council colleagues for their trust in my leadership for another two-year term. I promise to continue working hard with a spirit of collaboration for the benefit of all residents of Peterborough County.”

“Warden Clark has proven to be an effective leader at County Council over the past two years” said Sheridan Graham, Peterborough County CAO . “She has hit the ground running with leadership roles in regional groups such as the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, advocacy at all levels of government, and constant community involvement in every corner of Peterborough County. Her experience and dedication are an invaluable asset to our organization and our communities. County staff look forward to continuing our public service under Warden Clark’s leadership.”

As County Warden, Bonnie Clark will lead the County Council and serve as the principal representative of the County in all matters.

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Parking Restrictions Will Be In Effect For Santa Claus Parade this Saturday

With the Peterborough Kinsmen Santa Claus parade on Saturday, the City of Peterborough is enforcing parking restrictions in the parade area downtown.

File Photo.

The area includes George Street North starting at 1:30 p.m. ahead of the parade that begins at 4:45 p.m.

No parking signs will be put up on George Street along the parade route and on some side streets south of Parkhill Road on Saturday morning. Enforcement begins at 1:30 p.m. Vehicles parked in restricted parking areas that have not been removed by then will be ticketed and relocated to the Morrow Park parking lot on the west side of Roger Neilson Way, south of Lansdowne Street.

The City encourages anyone watching the parade to park in a municipal lot or parking garages near the downtown core.

Municipal parking spaces can be found at:

• Simcoe parking garage at 190 Simcoe St.

• King Street Parkade at 202 King St.

• Chambers Lot at 184 Hunter St.

• Reid Lot at 350 Reid St.

• Gas Lot at 70 Simcoe St.

• Del Crary Lot at 100 George St. N.

• Downie Lot at 336 Downie St.

The City currently provides free two-hour parking for all downtown municipal parking as part of a holiday parking program. Any parking fees voluntarily paid during December are donated to Kawartha Food Share.

The City reminds residents to follow all on-street parking regulations that may be in place on other downtown roads, including calendar parking where applicable. Ensure fire hydrants and driveways are not blocked.

Road Closures

George Street will be closed from Parkhill Road to Brock Street at 3:30 p.m. to allow for parade staging.

The parade begins at McDonnel Street and passes in front of City Hall at 4:45 p.m. Peterborough Police Service will supervise a rolling road closure as the parade travels south on George Street toward Lansdowne Street.

The following street closures will also be in effect beginning at 3:30 p.m.:

• Antrim, Edinburgh, Dublin, London, McDonnel and Murray Streets will be closed from Aylmer Street to Water Street

• Princess Street will be closed from George Street to Park Street

• Aylmer Street will be closed from Lansdowne Street to Romaine Street

Event volunteers can allow residents and emergency vehicles access to side streets.

The parade ends at Princess Street, where participants will disperse. All road closures are expected to end by 7:30 p.m.

Peterborough Transit:

Peterborough Transit will begin detouring around George Street at 3:30 p.m. The following routes are affected:

• #2 Chemong

• #4 Weller

• #6 Sherbrooke

• #9 Parkhill

• #22 Blue Community Bus

• #23 Red Community Bus

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Peterborough Petes Release Teddy Bear Toss Details For Thursday's Game

With the Teddy Bear Toss Game lined up for Thursday at the Peterborough Memorial Centre against the Sarnia Sting, the Peterborough Petes have released its details, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Fans are asked to bring donations to the game, including stuffed animals, toques, gloves and socks. Once the Petes score their first goal, donations can be thrown onto the ice.

Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre will collect and count them and donate them to Move 99.7 and Pure Country 105's Christmas Toy Drive, which is in support of the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Appeal.

Participating fans are asked to put their donations into a clear plastic bag to prevent them from being damaged on the ice.

Rexall will sell stuffed bears in the concourse of the PMC before the game for $10.

Net proceeds from each bear sold will support the Rexall Care Network, a charitable organization supporting unpaid caregivers across Canada. Rexall will provide a $5 Rexall gift card to anyone who purchases a bear at the game. Fans who can not attend the game but wish to donate can drop off their donations at the Petes Store before the game.

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Innovation Cluster Announces Headquarters Relocation

The Innovation Cluster - Peterborough and the Kawarthas doing a quick move as they are relocating from the third floor to the first floor of the VentureNorth building, announced on Tuesday.

File Photo.

The organization’s headquarters will move to Suite 102 on the first floor of 270 George Street North in Peterborough. The move is expected to be completed by Dec. 12.

The relocation is in response to the evolving needs of the Innovation Cluster’s clients, their desire for virtual engagement and changing market dynamics. The new office will provide a more accessible and welcoming environment, enhancing the organization’s ability to serve clients, the market and partners said Innovation Cluster.

“The new location will allow us to increase our capacity for hosting events, workshops, and networking opportunities as well as strengthen our partnerships with local and regional businesses and educational institutions, ultimately contributing to Peterborough's economic growth,” said Nicole Stephenson, Innovation Cluster Board of Directors Chair.

According to a press release, the move will minimally disrupt services and programming and have no impact on employees.

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Peterborough Police Make Three Arrests From a String of Thefts On Retail Stores

The Peterborough Police Service made three arrests and charged the suspects in connection with a series of retail thefts, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Last Wednesday at roughly 2:45 p.m., officers with Community FIRST were called to the Home Depot on Lansdowne Street about two women and a man concealing items in their clothing and leaving the store.

Officers spotted a vehicle matching the description of the suspects' and they attempted to speed out of the parking lot. Emergency lights were activated and the vehicle stopped. One of the female suspects then attempted to flee the scene. All three were taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation:

A 27-year-old Etobicoke woman was arrested and charged with:

• Theft Under $5000

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

A 36-year-old GTA woman was arrested and charged with:

• Theft Under $5000

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

A 34-year-old Etobicoke man was arrested and charged with:

• Theft Under $5000

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

All three parties were held in custody and appeared in court last Wednesday, at which time they were remanded into custody and are set to appear in court on Tuesday

During a search after the suspects and vehicle were arrested, officers located approximately $11,500 of products from several stores. Police believe the group has no ties to Peterborough and is part of an organized crime theft ring that has been committing thefts across the province and, on that day, had already been active in several other nearby communities. Officers also seized a dress, several material bags that went under the dress and a scrambler device to disarm loss prevention alarms.

This was the third set of retail theft arrests believed to be related to organized crime. On Nov. 12, 2024, officers arrested two men from Brampton concerning an incident in progress and an online theft report filed by the store on Nov. 2.

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New Animal Showcased at Riverview Park and Zoo's 'Wild Winter' This Saturday

The Riverview Park and Zoo is celebrating the holiday season with its ‘Wild Winter' event which starts at 11 a.m. this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park & Zoo

Meet the Keeper sessions will be held throughout the day to introduce a new animal into the zoo. They also plan to make an announcement at the otter exhibit.

Riverview is accepting donations of children’s toys for the Children’s Foundation and non-perishable food items for Kawartha Food Share.

The gift shop will offer hot chocolate (by donation). It also offers holiday shopping and animal adoptions.

The schedule is as follows:

• 11 a.m. – Meet the Keeper – Caribou

• 1:30 p.m. – Otter Enrichment & Announcement

• 2:30 p.m. – Alpaca walk

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Fleming College Introduces New Continuing Education Language Courses

Fleming College is expanding its in-person Continuing Education language course offerings at its Frost Campus in Lindsay and Sutherland Campus in Peterborough.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Starting in January, both campuses will offer Conversational French (Level 1 and Level 2, with Level 3 launching in spring), Conversational Spanish (Beginner and Intermediate), American Sign Language (Level 1—Part A, with Part B arriving in spring) and Conversational Italian (Level 1 and Level 2).

All classes are taught by faculty who are native speakers of the language.

The French, Spanish, and Italian courses are focused mainly on building conversational skills.

Students who complete both parts of the American Sign Language course will have reached Level 1 proficiency of ASL, as recognized by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

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