Showplace Showcases Results From $66,000 Grant By Ontario Government For Post-Pandemic Impact

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith saw the work of a $66,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant for the Showplace Performance Centre to develop a new strategic plan for moving forward past the impacts created by the pandemic, on Thursday.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“This funding from the Provincial Government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, has played a crucial role in the strategic planning of Showplace Peterborough,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This Performance Centre is a cornerstone of our community, providing arts, culture, and live entertainment for individuals of all ages.”

The 18-month grant has allowed Showplace to bring in outside expertise to develop the plan and help with the costs of hosting focus meetings and helping with promotion and administrative costs.

Ken Doherty, past board chair, presented the plan to an audience, unveiling a new vision, mission and values to carry Showplace into its next era as Peterborough’s premier destination for arts, culture and live entertainment.

“The Ontario Trillium Foundation knows that Showplace helps local artists thrive. Our new strategic plan, with concrete actions and measurable results, will see Showplace grow to be an even more vibrant part of our community,” said Doherty. “As we look to the future, partners like Trillium will help us engage new audiences and hold our spot as Peterborough’s premier choice for live entertainment.”

The full plan can be viewed below:

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Volunteer Peterborough Receives $12,000 Grant From The Commonwell’s L.E.A.F. Program

To help bolster local volunteering efforts, Volunteer Peterborough has received a $12,000 grant from the Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s Learning Engagement & Accelerator Fund (L.E.A.F.), announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Volunteerism faces a number of barriers, including general awareness. This program will help to match interested volunteers to opportunities in our community,” says Lois Tuffin, Volunteer Peterborough founder. “By matching the right people and skills to roles we can help build confidence and independence for prospective volunteers while creating lasting benefits for organizations who rely on volunteer support.”

Administered by The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group, the L.E.A.F. program invested $400,000 in grants this year, scaling from previous years.

“We received more than $3.7 million in funding requests this year, highlighting its crucial role in supporting communities,” said Tim Shauf, The Commonwell president. “Our L.E.A.F grants are about caring beyond us and beyond now.”

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Ontario Government Invests $99,000 For Dementia Care In Peterborough and the Kawarthas

The Ontario Government has invested $99,900 to connect more people in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton to dementia care to provide support and services when needed.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding will support the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton services, such as the First Link® Care Navigation program that connects people living with dementia and their families with help navigating care, education and resources.

“As the rates of dementia burgeon across our four-county area, we would like to applaud this investment in care for persons living with dementia and their care partners through the Alzheimer Society’s First Link program,” said Jen Johnstone, Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton executive director. “We welcome the government’s commitment to supporting healthcare navigation and counselling support for people impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, which will aid us in our mission to ensure that no one in our local community has to navigate dementia alone.”

This funding is part of the Ontario government’s $6.9 million investment over two years to support those who have received a dementia diagnosis on their care journey.

“This initiative seeks to improve healthcare for those affected by dementia through programs like First Link,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “The provincial government aims to support individuals and families dealing with dementia complexities, enhance the Alzheimer Society’s capacity, and promote community awareness. These efforts are essential for improving quality of life and addressing the increasing need for comprehensive dementia care as the population ages.”

The funding goes towards hiring 36 full-time equivalent staff members, shortening wait times for existing patients and providing support for roughly 7,000 new clients across Ontario. Clients will have access to a coordinator to assist with care planning, care coordination, and referrals to community services.

“The provincial government is providing funding to the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton for the First Link program to further support individuals living with dementia and their families”, said Laurie Scott, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP. “With this funding, they will be able to hire additional staff members, reduce wait times, and provide timely support for new clients, ensuring the everyone receives the care, education, and resources they need to navigate the challenges of dementia.”

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Enbridge Gas Invests In Selwyn Fire Department to Support Firefighter Training

An investment from Enbridge Gas Inc. is helping the Selwyn Fire Department to support firefighter training, announced at Selwyn Fire Hall 1 in Bridgenorth on Thursday.

(from left to right) Ron Black, Selwyn Township Deputy Mayor; Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township Mayor; Gord Jopling, Selwyn Fire Department Fire Chief; Jeff Braithwaite, GTA East Supervisor Operations, Enbridge Gas; Mary Coulas, Ennismore Ward Councillor and Brian Henry, Smith Ward Councillor. Since the launch of Safe Community Project Assist in 2012, 369 grants have been provided to Ontario fire departments for additional firefighter training. Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

The investment helps the Fire Department purchase firefighting training materials through Safe Community Project Assist–a program with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC). It supplements existing training for Ontario volunteer and composite fire departments in the communities where Enbridge Gas operates.

“At Enbridge, safety is at the centre of everything we do and a value we live by,” says Jeff Braithwaite, GTA East Supervisor Operations, Enbridge Gas. “We are committed to providing emergency response training support to Ontario firefighters so they can continually learn, improve, and protect the vibrant and healthy communities they call home.”

This year’s $125,000 investment from Enbridge Gas will be shared by 25 Ontario fire departments, including Selwyn Fire Department. The funds will be used to purchase educational materials to assist in training firefighters in life-saving techniques.

“Fire departments train every single day and that’s why it’s important for them to have access to the right materials to keep their members and the public safe. Safe Community Project Assist helps departments afford some of these training tools and improves the ongoing learning that occurs across Ontario,” says John McBeth, Acting Ontario Fire Marshal and Acting Chair of the FMPFSC.

“We are very grateful to Enbridge Gas and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council for supporting Selwyn Fire Department with these training materials. Proper training has always been very important to our responders, and these men and women strive to advance their knowledge and training to be the best they can be for our community,” said Fire Chief Gord Jopling. “As province-wide mandatory certification rapidly approaches, the need for training materials for our volunteer firefighters is more important than ever.”

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Peterborough Fire Services Receive $255,260 In Training Funding From Ontario Government

Peterborough Fire Services has received $255,260 through the Ontario Government’s Skills Development Fund (SDF) to support a Fire Services Technical Rescue Certification Training Program, announced at Fire Station No. 2 on Friday afternoon.

Josh Marshall (left) and Lucas Roy (right) of the Peterborough Fire Services conducting a demo of their rope rappell exercise. Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect approximately 600,000 workers train or upskill for careers in the trades in their local communities, including over 92,000 manufacturing workers, over 66,000 construction workers, over 36,000 PSWs and healthcare workers and over 27,000 mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction workers. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This initiative aims to equip Peterborough Fire Service firefighters with the necessary skills to meet the technical rescue standards outlined in the Provincial Regulation Firefighter Certification.

“This latest round of SDF funding emphasizes the significance of ongoing professional development and demonstrates the government's dedication to investing in its workforce,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “As the challenges encountered by emergency responders change, it is essential that their skills and knowledge adapt as well. The Fire Services Technical Rescue Certification Training Program exemplifies the proactive measures being implemented to keep first responders leading in safety and innovation.”

The program includes classroom work and practical exercises such as rappelling and heights training. Several firefighters are currently undergoing training in the six-month program, according to Chris Snetsinger, Peterborough Fire Services Chief.

“Peterborough Fire Services must be ready to respond to complex and challenging situations. This investment in the Fire Services Technical Rescue Certification Training Program ensures our team is equipped with the technical skills and latest training needed to meet provincial certification standards and provide the highest level of service to our community,” he said. “This funding strengthens our ability to protect lives and property and supports the ongoing development of our dedicated firefighters.”

Through the SDF, the government is investing up to $1.4 billion through the SDF’s Training Stream and the Capital Stream, designed to recruit, train and upskill workers and build or upgrade training centres for the skilled trades.

“This funding ensures that our firefighters are equipped with the critical skills needed to meet modern rescue challenges and reinforces the importance of preparing our local firefighters to protect lives. It is a critical component in public safety,” said Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor. “I want to thank the Province of Ontario for recognizing the needs of our city and supporting our fire services with this vital initiative through the Skills Development Fund.”

“Community safety is a top priority for all of us, and investments like this in our local fire services are vital to ensuring the well-being of our residents. The $255,260 in funding through the Skills Development Fund will help strengthen Peterborough firefighters’ ability to respond to emergencies and protect lives,” said Community Services co-chairs Councillor Lesley Parnell and Councillor Alex Bierk in a joint statement.

The City is hosting an open house of Fire Station No. 2 this Saturday 10 a.m. to noon.

Visitors are welcome to tour the station, explore the facility’s unique features and meet the firefighters staffing Fire Station No. 2. Sparky the Fire Dog will welcome young residents and share a few safety tips.

Fire Station No. 2 is the City’s first facility designed and built to be a net zero and net carbon building. Constructed with a mass timber structure, a carbon sequestering material, it aims to reduce the City’s carbon footprint.

On-street parking is available where indicated. Visitors are asked to respect posted parking restrictions.

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Peterborough Folk Festival Celebrates Two Grants Totalling $35,400 From Ontario Government

The Peterborough Folk Festival (PFF) is celebrating two Capital grants from 2023 and 2024 totalling $35,400 from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), announced at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre on Friday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“The support from the province of Ontario via the Ontario Trillium Foundation has enabled the Peterborough Folk Festival to acquire essential items needed for the festival's operation, ensuring they can keep delivering this vital event for our community,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

Funds from the most recent grant, $19,500, awarded this past summer, allowed the purchase of new portable stage platforms and signage.

Last year, PFF received a $15,900 Capital grant from OTF to purchase more equipment, such as electrical cords and cable mats, needed to run the stage performances and to purchase more canopy tents and folding tables.

“This helps us make our festival more sustainable for us,” said Rob Davis PFF Chair. “All of this helps set us up to be more successful in the future.”

The free-admission music and arts festival has been active in the City of Peterborough since 1989. They are a registered charity organization led by a volunteer board of directors.

“Buying this equipment means a lot less borrowing and renting,” said Davis. “It ensures that we always have high-quality equipment.”

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough Launch Holiday Gift Wrapping Fundraiser At Lansdowne Place

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough has launched its annual Holiday Gift Wrapping Station at Lansdowne Place from Dec. 9 to 24.

Photo courtey of Peterborough Bigs.

The fundraiser is for youth mentoring programs run by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough.

The station is above the stairs at Lansdowne Place and is staffed entirely by volunteers. They offer gift wrapping with a recommended donation based on the gift size.  

Throughout the campaign, the station will host appearances by local government representatives including Mayor Jeff Leal, MPP Dave Smith and MP Michelle Ferrari.

“This holiday season, we’re proud to help the community add a special touch to their gifts by making a meaningful difference for youth in our community,” says Zoe King, Peterborough Bigs executive director. “Every donation supports brighter futures and stronger mentorship opportunities.”

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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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City Receives Nearly $3 Million From OLG As Gaming Revenue Share

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has provided $2,973,019 to the City of Peterborough in the 2024 Fiscal Year as its share of gaming revenue from Shorelines Casino Peterborough as a host community, in a cheque presentation at the Canadian Canoe Museum on Tuesday afternoon.

Since the gaming site opened in October 2018, the City of Peterborough has received $13,844,047. Municipal government members and OLG representatives with the check of over $2.9 million from hosting Shorelines Casino. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“The Canadian Canoe Museum is an integral part of our City and an integral part of our culture and heritage,” Mayor Leal said. “Being a casino host community allows us to reinvest OLG revenue in areas where it will support residents and help our city grow.”

According to a press release, in 2023/24, the City used the funding from Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) for investments such as planting trees, improving trails and the cycling network, building a splash pad, and contributing to the Canadian Canoe Museum’s capital campaign.

“OLG is proud to be a vital part of the City of Peterborough,” said Kathleen Devine, OLG’s Senior Municipal Relations Manager. “Each and every year, 100% of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario to support provincial priorities. From critical infrastructure to important local programs, to community festivals, OLG’s profits are hard at work in Peterborough and all across our province to build stronger communities. When you play at an Ontario casino, like Shorelines Casino Peterborough, you play for Ontario.”

The City of Peterborough is contributing $4 million toward the Canoe Museum’s capital campaign to support the construction of the new museum that opened on Ashburnham Drive, next to Little Lake, in May. The City used $500,000 from its OLG revenue in 2023/24 to fund part of its contribution to the Canadian Canoe Museum as stated by a press release.

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Ontario Government Invests $59,200 to Improve Buckhorn Community Centre's Accessibility and Support

The Ontario Government is funding $59,200 to improve accessibility and support for everyone at the Buckhorn Community Centre, announced on Friday afternoon.

Since the Program’s inception in 2020, Ontario has provided over $5 million to support 107 projects promoting inclusivity and accessibility across the province. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Those with disabilities and limited mobility are often faced with obstacles or unwelcoming environments when they try to use outdoor spaces,” said Dave Smith Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This grant will allow individuals to have access to the Buckhorn Community Centre's Festival Park that will enable them to enjoy activities with their friends and families for years to come.”

The funding is part of the Inclusive Community Grant that provides funding of up to $60,000 for projects of all ages and abilities to live healthy, active and independent lives.

“The Buckhorn Community Centre has received funding to improve outdoor accessibility and inclusivity,” said Molly Kriksic, Buckhorn Community Centre Volunteer Board of Directors. “Visitors can look forward to new walkways, seating, gardens, and raised beds, enhancing the BCC's ability to offer community-focused programs and events.”

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