The Canal Has Opened For Skating For The Season

The Trent Severn Waterway canal is green-flagged (as of February 1st, 2021) by the City of Peterborough as conditions have been deemed safe for skating.

Ice conditions are monitored regularly and posted with a green flag when conditions are safe for skating, and a red flag when conditions are unsafe. Residents are reminded to always follow the flag indicator and all COVID-19 public health guidelines.

Photo courtesy City of Peterborough

During the provincewide Stay at Home Order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, everyone is required to stay home except for essential outings, which includes exercise. When people go out for exercise, they should stay within their own community.

The canal will be for skating only: Sports and games are prohibited on the canal as well as at the outdoor neighbourhood rinks in City parks as part of the provincial regulation. Physical distancing is mandatory and anyone using the canal must remain with members of their own household only.

Photo courtesy Kirtus Evoy

GUIDELINES FOR CANAL AND OUTDOOR RINK USE:

1. Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. Stay home if you are sick.

2. Maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres (6 feet) from those outside of your household.

3. Do not gather in groups more than 5.

4. Skating only – no sports or games.

5. Wearing a mask or face covering is recommended.

6. Downloading the Government of Canada’s COVID Alert app to your phone is encouraged.

7. All children/dependents must be accompanied by a competent adult/guardian.

8. Be safe and be respectful of others.

9. Clean up after yourself.

10. Wash or sanitize hands before and after visiting.

11. Use at your own risk.

Residents that have concerns about non-compliance can contact the Peterborough Police Service using their non-emergency phone line at 705-876-1122.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Here Are Safety Guidelines For Neighbourhood Rinks In Peterborough During Covid

Each year, volunteers organize to create outdoor rinks in their neighbourhoods. They maintain the rinks throughout the winter, contributing to their neighbourhoods.

To support this activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough Public Health worked together to develop guidelines for the safe use of outdoor neighbourhood rinks.

To ensure adequate space for physical distancing, a maximum capacity is posted for each outdoor neighbourhood rink based on the size of the rink, according to a City of Peterborough media release. Organized play on neighbourhood rinks is prohibited as part of the public health measures. No pick-up hockey games or shinny are allowed. Neighbourhood rinks are for casual recreational use only.

Photo via City of Peterborough

Other public health measures and general rules for neighbourhood park rinks include:

• Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. Stay home if you are sick.

• Maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres (6 feet) from those outside of your household.

• Wearing a mask or face covering is recommended.

• Each rink has a posted capacity limit. If the rink has reached this limit, return at another time.

• Downloading the Government of Canada’s COVID Alert app to your phone is encouraged.

• All children/dependents must be accompanied by a competent adult/guardian.

• Play safe and be respectful of others and the host neighbourhood.

• Clean up after yourself.

• Do not block driveways or street access.

• Use at your own risk.

Ongoing non-compliance with public health measures at neighbourhood park rinks may result in their closure.

The locations of neighbourhood park rinks will be updated on the City website peterborough.ca/parks as they open.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Marina Season Extended To October

When the Marina opened on June 12 this year after delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Peterborough planned for a shortened season at the Marina due to an expected decrease in boating traffic, staffing requirements, and costs. 

Boaters with mooring space at the Marina signed agreements that specified the Marina would be closing on Labour Day, Monday, September 7th, but the City had committed to review the operating situation as the season progressed to determine whether the closing date could be shifted to Thanksgiving weekend.

A review has now been conducted, and as such the closing date has indeed been shifted: Peterborough Marina operating season is extending its typical closing day on Thanksgiving, which is Monday, October 12th this year.

Photo via City of Peterborough website

Local and regional boaters are making use of this recreational facility in the centre of Peterborough, says Councillor Lesley Parnell, the chair of Council’s Arenas, Parks and Recreation Portfolio.

“We’ve been taking a phased, cautious approach to re-opening our community’s recreation facilities to the public,” she says. “We re-opened the Marina for a shortened season to begin with to gauge interest and to manage the new operating conditions. I’m thrilled that we’re now able to keep the Marina open until its typical closing day this year.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

The Peterborough Sport And Wellness Centre Is Slated To Reopen July 27th

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre is expected to reopen for members and community use starting July 27th, the City of Peterborough says in a media release.

They will be implementing a phased approach for the centre hours, activities and programs, including new protocols to help create a safe experience for visitors and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To support provincial guidelines and enhanced cleaning activities, the hours of operation are being adjusted at the facility:
-> Monday to Friday – 7 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
-> Saturday and Sunday – 7 a.m. to noon

Photo courtesy City of Peterborough

During this phased reopening, visitors will have access to the Aquatic and Fitness Centres—including changerooms—on a first-come, first-served basis, but that will not include fitness classes, personal training, child minding or registered programs such as swimming lessons and aqua fitness.

SOME OF THE MEASURES & PROTOCOLS PUT IN PLACE INCLUDE:

• Self-screening before entering the facility
• Patrons required to use hand sanitizer before using the facility
• Directional floor markers for patrons to follow to support physical distancing
• Enhanced cleaning of the facility, including exercise equipment, both during the hours the facility is  open to users and during the time it is closed
• Physical barriers (plexiglass), signage, and personal protective equipment
• Restricting the maximum number of people in the facility at one time 

The Wellness Centre continues to monitor direction from health officials and modify service plans accordingly.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Riverview Park and Zoo Playground To Re-Open, Zoo To Remain Closed At This Time

The Riverview Park & Zoo has announced in a Facebook post that their playground will be open to the public again starting Wednesday, July 22nd, with the following notifications and guidelines for visitors:

-> Due to limited resources and the safety of visitors and staff, all washrooms will remain closed.
-> Garbage is carry-in/carry-out. Visitors should plan accordingly to help keep the park clean.

Photo via Riverview Park & Zoo Facebook page

The zoo itself remains closed at this time: This includes the zoo area, all facilities between the gates, amenities and attractions (the zoo, splash pad, gift shop, washrooms, train ride, programs, picnic shelters and facility rentals).

Only essential staff are on-site taking care of the 150 animals, 30 exhibits, grounds and facilities, the zoo says in the post. These limited resources mean that they must continue to focus on what is most important—caring for the animals that live here, and keeping them and the staff who care for them safe.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Wading Pools In Peterborough Open June 27th

With more hot weather on the way, it is welcome news for many that wading pools in City of Peterborough parks will open for the season on Saturday, June 27th with lifeguard supervision from noon to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.

The City has four supervised wading pools in the community:

• Knights of Columbus Park, at Park Street and Lake Street

• Turner Park, at High Street and Chamberlain Street

• Chelsea Gardens Park, at Southlawn Drive and Severn Road

• John Taylor Memorial Park, at McKellar Street and St. Catherine Street

Photo courtesy City of Peterborough

The wading pools are small, shallow pools for young children up to about eight years of age. Parents need to accompany their children to the wading pools. Children cannot be left unattended.

“Lifeguards will be on site," says Councillor Lesley Parnell, Chair of Arenas, Parks and Recreation. "Families seeking summer fun are asked to use their discretion and respect social distancing.“  

Lifeguards also start at Beavermead and Rogers Cove beaches on June 27th with supervision from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The lifeguards are focused on water safety, and they are not responsible for ensuring physical distancing, the City of Peterborough says in a media release.

Playgrounds in all City parks remain closed in compliance with the current Province of Ontario Emergency Order directive.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

When A Marathon Was Cancelled, Two Peterborough Men Created Their Own And Raised Vital Funds For One Roof

When the Ottawa marathon they were slated to run in was cancelled due to Covid-19, Peterborough friends Peter Laurie and Javier Bravo (Peter teaches at Fleming College, and Javier is Student Recruitment Coordinator there) turned all their training into something positive for the community.

They ran their own marathon on Father’s Day from Peterborough to Omemee and back, and turned it into a fundraiser for One Roof Community Centre, raising more than $2,300 so far. Supported by family and friends, they were able to run the marathon on one of the hottest days. (It was the 2nd marathon for Peter, and first for Javier.)

Javier & Peter (photo by Cathy Bolan)

"We were already well into training for the Ottawa marathon by the time it was cancelled, and there was no question about whether we would keep running,” Laurie tells PTBOCanada.

“We decided that if we were going to train through a pandemic and then run a marathon, it should also be about giving back. When we contacted One Roof, they were thrilled that we were taking them on as the focus of our fundraising. In little more than a week of publicity via Facebook and Instagram, we had raised over $2,300.”

Photo by Cathy Bolan

"The day of the run itself was forecast to be brutally hot, and it truly was, with a high somewhere north of 30 C,” Laurie tells PTBOCanada. “Even though we started early Sunday morning, things got hot very quickly. The last half of the marathon, which involved running back from Omemee on the Trans Canada Trail, felt like a war of attrition as we worked hard to stay hydrated.”

Photo by Cathy Bolan

Given the extreme heat, the friends say without the help they received from family and friends, it's unlikely they would have been able to complete it.

One friend, Bill Templeman, served as their nutrition and hydration support, riding his bike alongside Javier and Peter for the entire route and setting up mobile drink stations every few kilometres. In addition, Laurie’s son drove to Omemee to meet them at the halfway point, where he dumped cold water over their heads to help cool them off. Other family members and friends were also out on their bikes to cheer the men on at different stages of the route.

It was truly a team effort—and a community effort with the vital funds raised for One Roof—turning this into a marathon of creative ingenuity these men will never forget.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Man Hits His First Hole In One & It Happened Playing With His Dad On Father's Day At Kawartha

Steve Stanlick is in his 46th year playing at Kawartha Golf & Country Club in Peterborough, and finally got his first hole in one.

But it gets better: Steve was part of a foursome that included his Dad, Roy, and the shot he made happened on Father’s Day.

Left to right: The foursome of Dan Chimenti, Tony Benn, Roy and Steve

“It was a 199 yard 5 wood on number 12,” Stanlick tells PTBOCanada. “It was a nice high draw that landed just shy of the top of the hill on the green and slowly rolled toward the hole.”

Steve with the magical ball

“We did lose sight of it but Dan Chimenti said he thought it might have gone in,” Stanlick tells PTBOCanada. “As we approached the green and did not see a ball, we knew it must be in the hole.”

Stanlick says it was a great feeling to make that shot with his Dad on this special day. “I’m very happy he was there to witness it, especially on Father’s Day.”

Here’s video of Stanlick celebrating after the big shot…

Congrats to Steve Stanlick who recorded his first ever hole in one playing with his Father on Father’s Day @kawartha_golf !! #12 #Ace #Cool pic.twitter.com/Ft5xYuflHv

— Mark Ahrens (@mahrensgolf) June 21, 2020

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Things You Notice While Social Distancing

Social distancing isn’t completely awful. Here’s a few silver lining aspects to it…

Entertainment

It’s nice to have the time to listen to an album in its entirety or binge-watch a show.

Laundry

We’ve never been so caught up on laundry 🤣

Watch the news in small chunks

We live in a great age where we have so much news just a tap away, but watching it for extended periods of time sure can be a downer.

Cooking & Baking

We’re actually pretty thankful to have the time now to plan out meals, and try new recipes. It’s straight out of our PTBOCanada Boredom Buster List, but we find cooking and baking rather therapeutic… plus if you break out the slow cooker you can make bigger batches of food to freeze for another time.

Dogs are being spoiled

We notice out the window how many lucky dogs are getting double or triple the walks they had in the past.

Far more video chats

What better way to connect with family than fire up FaceTime, Zoom or Skype?

Eating out

Peterborough and the Kawarthas has some amazing restaurants. I already miss dining out at them.

—by Evan Holt, PTBOCanada.com

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Don't Miss The 2nd Annual Campfires & Cocktails Event At Canadian Canoe Museum

The 2nd Annual “Campfires & Cocktails” event takes place Saturday, April 18th at the Canadian Canoe Museum this year, and the theme is Channel Your Flannel.

There will be live music by the Dixie Hicks (Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr and Kate Brioux), along with a special appearance by Robert Atyeo and Wayne O’Connor. Peterborough’s own Jason Wilkins will be illustrating a paddle live at the event, which will then be available to win in a live auction that takes place. The signature cocktail will be provided by Blacks Distillery and uniquely crafted for the event.

Mike Judson (MC for the event) and Neil Morton (Honorary Chair) portaging a canoe on wires at Canadian Canoe Museum

Funds raised throughout the event will support the award-winning educational and public programs offered at the Museum.

Honorary Chair for this year’s event is our own Neil Morton, and the MC is Mike Judson, an avid outdoorsman and Co-Host of Mike and Miles in the Morning on Pure Country 105. 

Dixie Hicks performing at last year’s event

At the event, you can sample campfire-inspired cuisine prepared and served by local culinary experts while listening to the local musicians, as you stroll through the galleries of The Canadian Canoe Museum with a signature cocktail in hand.

Neil Morton and Mike Judson trying to paddle at Canadian Canoe Museum

You are encouraged to channel your flannel and dress in your favourite flannel and plaid.

Tickets are $75 per person. This is a 19+ event. Get your tickets here.

Photo from last year’s event courtesy Canadian Canoe Museum

Watch this promo video below produced by StudioPTBO.com…

Get your tix for “Campfires & Cocktails” at 🛶@CndnCanoeMuseum! https://t.co/SwYEV7wAZo @Mike_Judson will pick up the slack. 😂 pic.twitter.com/pKQbIrXXEj

— Neil Morton (@neilmorton) February 25, 2020

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.