Peterborough County Launches Second 'Share the Road Campaign' For Awareness of Slow-Moving Vehicles and Farm Equipment On Roads

Peterborough County has launched the second annual Share the Road campaign to spread awareness for slow-moving vehicles and farm equipment on its roads.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough County.

This campaign is promoted during harvest season which begins in October and can last into December. It is in partnership with the Peterborough Federation of Agriculture and the Ontario Provincial Police – Peterborough County Detachment,

There will be heightened awareness by the Peterborough County OPP in farming areas across Peterborough County during the campaign which will run until the end of October.

“As the leaves change colour and the weather gets colder, you will start to see more farm vehicles on our roads across Peterborough County. As farmers prepare for their harvest, please be mindful of oversized and slow-moving vehicles on our roads,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County warden. “Agriculture continues to be the lifeblood of Peterborough County and we want to ensure a safe and productive harvest for our farming community this year.”

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the OPP want motorists to be aware of the following:

1. Harvest season begins in October and lasts into December – Farm and slow-moving vehicles will be on the roadways.

2. Don’t expect the vehicle to pull over on the shoulder – as this could be dangerous for a large piece of equipment.

3. Make sure the path is clear and the driver of the slow-moving vehicle sees you before you pass.

4. Impatient drivers who attempt to pass in an unsafe manner risk causing serious accidents and/or hefty penalties – the fine for Careless Driving is $490 and 6 demerit points.

5. Do not drive in the blind spots of the slow-moving vehicle and keep far enough back for the driver to see you.

“The OPP would like to remind motorists that harvest season is in full swing once again. During this time of year, you may encounter slow-moving farm vehicles on the road more frequently,” said Angie Kerr, OPP acting staff sergeant. “Both motorists and farm equipment operators share the responsibility for road safety, and we urge everyone to exercise patience and caution during these encounters. Please be alert, give farm vehicles plenty of space, and pass only when it is truly safe to do so.”

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Peterborough Transit Beginning Service Enhancements Next Tuesday

Beginning next Tuesday, Peterborough Transit will implement route improvements, including extended service, increased service frequency and some bus stop changes, as announced by the City of Peterborough on Monday.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The changes have been planned to improve service for Peterborough Transit commuters.

Use the live Transit tracker at pt.mytransitride.com which has a trip planner, shows the locations of buses on routes and estimates the time of arrival at each stop.

An interactive map, complete route schedules and more information are available at peterborough.ca/TransitRoutes.

Route 2 Chemong

• Southbound and northbound: On weekdays, enhancing the frequency of service. Starting at 8:20 a.m. from Lansdowne Place and 9 a.m. from Trent, it will run every 20 minutes until 6 p.m.

• Southbound and northbound: Extending the existing service in the northbound direction from Lansdowne Place to Bata Library at Trent University. The southbound direction will begin at Bata Library, Trent University and run to Lansdowne Place.

• The route extension: Northbound from the regular route on Chemong Road, turn right onto Broadway Boulevard, turn right onto Rowberry Boulevard, turn right onto Milroy Drive, turn left onto Towerhill Road, turn right onto Hilliard Street, turn left onto Marina Boulevard, turn left onto Water Street, turn right onto Nassau Mills Road, and turn left onto West Bank Drive to Bata Library. Southbound will be the same route in the opposite direction.

• New stops at Broadway Boulevard at Grange Way, Rowberry Boulevard at Haylock Gardens, Rowberry Boulevard at Milroy Drive, and Milroy Drive at Ferguson Place.

Route 3 Park

• Southbound and northbound: Increased frequency on weekday morning trips between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. resume on September 3. 

Route 5 The Parkway

• Southbound and northbound: Increased frequency on weekdays will resume with Route 5 transitioning to a 30-minute schedule until 6 p.m. on September 3. 

• Northbound: Weekday and Saturday late-night service resumes from midnight until 2:05 a.m. on September 3. 

Route 6 Sherbrooke

• Starting September 3, weekday and Saturday late-night service resumes westbound from 12:10 a.m. until 2:10 a.m. and eastbound from 12:32 a.m. to 2:32 a.m. 

Route 7 Lansdowne

• Starting September 3, weekday morning and afternoon school trips resume. 

• Westbound: An additional weekday morning trip will serve Holy Cross Secondary School leaving Walker Avenue at Bramble Road at 7:45 a.m., arriving at Holy Cross Secondary School at 8:16 a.m.  

• Eastbound: An additional weekday morning trip will serve Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School, leaving Willowcreek Plaza at 8:05 a.m., arriving at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School at 8:30 a.m. 

Route 9 Parkhill

• Westbound and eastbound: Increased frequency on weekday morning and afternoon trips will resume on September 3. 

Route 11/11A Water

• Southbound and northbound: Weekday service resumes on September 3.  

Route 12 Otonabee

• Route extension to include the Collison Avenue area.

• The route extension: from Bensfort Road the bus will turn left onto Maxwell Avenue, turn left onto Sherin Avenue, continue on Southpark Drive, turn left onto Collison Avenue, and turn left onto Bensfort Road, where it will resume the regular route.

• Weekday services run from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., leaving the terminal every 45 minutes.

• New stops: Maxwell Avenue at Barker Avenue, Maxwell Avenue at Sherin Avenue, Southpark Drive at Collison Avenue, and Collison Avenue at Bensfort Road.

Bus stop changes: Route 12 Otonabee

• Woodland Drive at Linden Avenue: New stop on Woodland Drive, south side at Linden Avenue.

• Barnardo Avenue at Bennet Street: Moved to crosswalk on Barnardo Avenue at Dumble Avenue.

• Milford Drive at Middlefield Road: Moved from east side of Milford Drive west to corner beside stop sign at Middlefield Drive.

• The Parkway at The Queensway: Northbound direction moved from the south side to the north side of The Queensway.

Construction detours continue:

• Armour Road Detour: Route 7A Lansdowne continues to detour via Rogers Street.

• Brealey Drive Detour: Route 9 Parkhill continues to detour via Kawartha Heights Blvd.

• Lansdowne Street Detour: Route 23 Red Community bus continues to detour via Romaine.

• Parkhill Road Detour: Route 9 Parkhill continues to detour via McDonnel. Route 11A continues to detour via Dublin to McDonnel.

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OPP and Peterborough Police Service to Increase Traffic Enforcement In School Zones In Peterborough County

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Peterborough Police Service (PPS) will increase traffic enforcement in Peterborough County school zones this fall.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“As the new school year begins, the Peterborough County OPP reminds drivers to stay alert,” said Chris Galeazza, OPP inspector/detachment commander. “With children returning to sidewalks, crossing guards at intersections, and school buses back on the roads, safety needs to be every driver's top priority. Please plan for potential delays and exercise patience and caution to ensure a safe journey for all.”

“Back-to-school is an exciting time. We want it to be a safe time as well whether students are walking, cycling or taking the bus,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “There are new traffic calming measures in place and the City of Peterborough has deemed school zones as Community Safety Zones, which come with slower speeds and increased fines. We ask motorists to slow down, be extra vigilant as well as patient as we see the return of students, crossing guards and school buses for the school year.”

This enforcement is in partnership with Peterborough County, The Township of Cavan Monaghan, The Township of Selwyn, and The Municipality of Trent Lakes.

“As Fall begins, school bells will ring, yellow buses will hit the roads and young students will be crossing streets to get to and from school,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “In Peterborough County, our roads are shared by cars, trucks, farm vehicles, school buses, cyclists, pedestrians, and more. Please drive with caution; stay alert, leave early, stop for buses, give room to cyclists, and yield at pedestrian crossings. Thank you to our local police services for your support with enforcement in school zones this Fall. Let’s all do our part to ensure a successful and safe school year for all students.”

The County reminds drivers to take extra precautions as school buses return to the roads. This includes slowing down in school zones, planning to leave early, giving at least one metre of clearance to cyclists and stopping for school buses.

The OPP and Peterborough Police Service would like to remind motorists of the following:

1. You must stop for stopped school buses with lights flashing.

2. Speeding in a school zone can result in fines and demerit points.

3. Crossing guards have the right to stop traffic at crosswalks – abide by their direction.

4. Motorists must wait until the crossing guard is no longer on the roadway before proceeding.

To keep schoolchildren safe, the OPP and the PPS will monitor and issue tickets as required for offences in school zones and/or community safety zones.

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Peterborough Airport Welcomes New Manager

The Peterborough Airport has named Dustin Gervais as the new airport manager.

Photocourtesy of the LOomex Group.

Gervais had worked in operations on-site at the airport and worked with The Loomex Group for several years. He assumed the role on Tuesday.

“We are thrilled that he is taking on this challenge,” according to a press release statement. “Dustin brings a wealth of knowledge from his time working with various airports with The Loomex Group and we are excited to welcome him into the Airport Manager role.”

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Peterborough Transit Making Service Adjustments Starting June 23

Peterborough Transit is adjusting some of its routes starting this Sunday.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Changes include increased frequency on Route 2 Chemong and a seasonal shift to weekday hourly service on routes that typically experience lower volumes over the summer.

Route improvements including new stops, expanded service, enhancements to rider safety and improved timing on connections between routes, will be made to Route 4 Weller, Route 8 Monaghan and Community Bus Routes 22 and 23.

Route 2 Chemong

On weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., both southbound and northbound service will increase frequency, with trips departing every 20 minutes.

Route 3 Park

Weekday service will transition to an hourly schedule for southbound and northbound routes.

Route 4 Weller

• Eastbound route will travel west off Medical Drive onto Alexander Court, servicing new stops on Alexander Court at Extendicare, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) at south entrance, PRHC at main entrance and PRHC at the Emergency Department.

• Westbound route will bypass the PRHC circle, travel along Hospital Drive past the Medical Centre to Weller Street and loop into the hospital on the eastbound return route. 

Route 5 The Parkway

Weekday service will transition to an hourly schedule for southbound and northbound routes.

Route 8 Monaghan

• While the frequency of both southbound and northbound trips remains the same, service has been increased by five minutes on all trips.

• Southbound and northbound routes will now serve the Lily Lake Road subdivision, travelling on Lily Lake Road, turning south on York Drive, and proceeding to a new stop near the York Drive roundabout. As of June 23, the Casino stop on Route 8 is no longer in service.

• Northbound route will turn west off Medical Drive onto Alexander Court, servicing new stops on Alexander Court at Extendicare, continuing to PRHC at south entrance, PRHC at main entrance, and PRHC at the Emergency Department entrance.

Route 9 Parkhill

Weekday service will transition to an hourly schedule for both westbound and eastbound routes.

Community Bus Route 22 Blue and Route 23 Red

As part of a pilot project to enhance safety of our riders, both routes will no longer enter the circle at the main PRHC entrance due to the high volume of traffic in that area.

Community Bus Route 22 Blue and Route 23 Red will enter the PRHC travelling from Medical Drive, west onto Alexander Court, serving news stops on Alexander Court at Extendicare, the PRHC south entrance, main entrance at the walkway and the PRHC Emergency Department.

Construction detours

Peterborough Transit continues to adjust routes for construction detours this season. The following routes have detours in place while construction projects are underway:

• Route 7A Lansdowne eastbound will detour from Rogers Street to Dufferin Street to Armour Road

• Route 9 Parkhill will detour from Parkhill Road via McDonnel Street, and from Brealey Drive via Kawartha Heights Boulevard and Lansdowne Street West

• Westbound Route 23 Red Community Bus will detour via Romaine Street west to Park Street south to resume the regular route. Two temporary stops will be placed on the north side of Romaine Street: Romaine Street at Aylmer Street and Romaine Street at Park Street.

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List of Road Closures During Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival This Saturday

For the public’s safety, Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival committee has secured approval from the City of Peterborough to close Crescent Street from George Street to Winch Street on race day this Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

EACH YEAR, THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL MEETS AT LITTLE LAKE OFF CRESCENT STREET. PHOTO COURTESY OF PETERBOROUGH DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

The closures are in place at the following locations:

• Rink St. from the east side of George St at the Crary Park Marina entrance.

• Perry St. from the east side of George St. to the west side of Crescent St.

• Lake St. from the east side of George St. to the west side of Crescent St.

• Lock St. from the north side of Romaine St. to the south side of Crescent St.

• Romaine Street from the east side of Lock St. to the west side of Crescent St.

• Crescent St. from the south side of Perry St. to the west side of Winch St.

Emergency No Parking signs will be installed in the following locations:

• Lock Street (both sides) from Romaine Street to Ware Street

• Winch Street (both sides) from Crescent Street to Ware Street

• Haggart Street (both sides) from Crescent Street to Ware Street

• Crescent Street (both sides) from Winch Street to Haggard Street

• Ware Street (both sides) from Haggart Street to Lock Street

The following is the event schedule (times are subject to change):

• 8 a.m. - Shuttle bus to parking areas begins running (see website for details)

• 8 a.m. - Awakening the Dragon/Opening Ceremonies

• 8:30 a.m. - First Race Heats begin

• 9 a.m. - Vendors Village Market opens with over 40 vendors brought to us from Modern Makers  Market including food vendors

• 9 a.m. - Family Fun Zone opens offering activities and crafts from 15 providers to keep everyone entertained.

• 11 a.m. - The Thirsty Dragon Beer Garden opens

• 11:15 a.m. to noon - Mackenzie Cup Race series followed by the Survivor Flower Ceremony

• 1 p.m. - Second Race Heats begin

• 3:10 p.m. - Divisional Finals begin

• 3:45 p.m. - Last shuttle bus leaves Del Crary Park

• 4 p.m. - Raffle draw at the tent near the bleachers

• 4:30 p.m. - Last shuttle bus leaves Del Crary Park

• 5:10 p.m. - Final Race fooled by Awards Presentations Fundraisers - At the bleachers

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Two Peterborough Streets Labeled Top Five Worst Roads In Eastern Ontario

Peterborough has cracked the top five list twice in CAA’s Eastern Ontario’s Worst Roads of 2024 with Lansdowne Street and Water Street making the cut.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Eastern Ontario includes Peterborough County, Prince Edward County, Stormont, Dundas County and more according to CAA.

The following is a list of Eastern Ontario’s top five worst roads:

1. County Road 49 (Prince Edward)

2. Glen Road (Belleville)

3. Water Street (Peterborough)

4. Queen Street (Kingston)

5. Lansdowne Street (Peterborough)

Peterborough avoided having one of the worst roads in the province.

They were not listed among the province’s top 10 worst roads which are as follows:

1. Aberdeen Avenue (Hamilton)

2. Eglinton Avenue West (Toronto)

3. Barton Street East (Hamilton)

4. County Road 49 (Prince Edward)

5. Hurontario Street (Mississauga)

6. Bloor Street West (Toronto)

7. Cedar Street North (Uxbridge)

8. Finch Avenue West (Toronto)

9. Lake Shore Boulevard East (Toronto)

10. Laclie Street (Orillia)

In December, the provincial government invested $10,154,936 into Peterborough-Kawartha to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure for 2024.

Jeff Leal, Peterborough mayor addressed that the roads in Downtown Peterborough should be repaired as a priority during that announcement.

“As I've said many times, they're an embarrassment,” he explained in a previous interview. “An embarrassment to me and an embarrassment to every citizen in the City of Peterborough. You can't have your downtown streets in that kind of condition.”

The following is the funding going to each municipality:

• North Kawartha: $100,000

• Trent Lakes: $119,868

• Douro-Dummer: $161,441

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen: $180,124

• Selwyn: $304,404

• Peterborough County: $996,071

• Peterborough: $8,293,028

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Peterborough County Beginning Phase Two Of James A. Gifford Causeway Construction This Week

Peterborough County is already commencing the final phase of construction on the James A. Gifford Causeway in Selwyn Township for this week.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Phase 2 encompasses vital repairs to the bridge portion.

“The County is pleased to inform residents and visitors that despite the ongoing construction, the bridge and the road will remain open throughout the project duration. While we expect delays, we anticipate delays may be reduced in comparison to previous phases as we remain committed to minimizing disruptions as much as possible,” according to a statement in a press release from the County.

Completion is expected by November.

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Peterborough Transit Making Seasonal Adjustments To Several Routes

Peterborough Transit is making seasonal changes to some of its routes for the spring and summer.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Route 4 Weller

Route 4 Weller Eastbound will no longer travel into the hospital loop to improve route timing starting April 28. The stop on Weller Street at Sherwood Crescent has moved to Weller Street at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Walkway.

Route 5 The Parkway

• Late-night Northbound service is suspended on weekdays and weekends from April 21 until the beginning of September 2024.

• Northbound Route 5 finishes at 11:35 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 7:35 p.m. on Sunday and Holidays.

Route 6 Sherbrooke

• Late-night service has been suspended on weekdays and weekends from April 21 until the beginning of September 2024.

• The last trip on both eastbound and westbound routes departs at 11:10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 7:10 p.m. on Sundays and Holidays.

Route 7 Lansdowne

• Route 7 Lansdowne will transition to its spring/summer route using the 7A routing via Ashburnham, the Lift Lock, and Hunter Street from April 28 through Oct. 26. All stops on Rogers Street between Maria Street and Hunter Street will continue to be served by Route 4 trips.

• Route 7 Lansdowne rush hour 7B trip at 7:50 a.m. from Willowcreek Boulevard to Fleming College has been suspended from service starting on Sunday.

• Route 7 Lansdowne rush hour 7B trips between Willowcreek Boulevard and Fleming College have been suspended from service on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays starting on Sunday.

Route 11 Water

Route 11 and 11A Water which serves Trent University, was suspended on April 21 until the beginning of September 2024.

Community Bus route changes

Effective Sunday, Route 22 Blue and Route 23 Red Community Bus will no longer travel on George Street past Simcoe Street.

• Route 22 Blue Community Bus will turn from George Street onto Simcoe Street and proceed to the bus terminal. From the bus terminal, the route will continue on Simcoe Street to Aylmer Street, turn left onto Aylmer Street to Charlotte Street, and turn right onto Charlotte Street to the regular route.

• Route 23 Red Community Bus will turn from George Street onto Simcoe Street and proceed to the bus terminal. From the bus terminal, the route will continue on Simcoe Street to Aylmer Street, turn left onto Aylmer Street to Lansdowne Street, to the regular route.

Detours

Peterborough Transit will make adjustments to routes for construction detours as they arise. The following routes have detours in place while construction projects are underway:

• Route 7A Lansdowne eastbound will detour from Rogers Street to Dufferin Street to Armour Road

• Route 9 Parkhill will detour from Parkhill Road via McDonnel Street and from Brealey Drive via Kawartha Heights Boulevard and Lansdowne Street West

• Westbound Route 23 Red Community Bus will detour via Romaine Street west to Park Street south to resume the regular route. Two temporary stops will be placed on the north side of Romaine Street: Romaine Street at Aylmer Street and Romaine Street at Park Street.

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Peterborough Transit To Provide Grade 8 Transit Quest Program During March Break

Peterborough Transit has partnered with Active School Travel Peterborough to provide the Grade 8 Transit Quest program from March 8 to March 17.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The program encourages students to use public transit by providing a free transit pass during March Break.

The Quest’s purpose is to increase students’ familiarity of the Peterborough Transit system as they begin to travel independently. Peterborough Transit alos wants a goal of making transit a mode of transportation that is both normal and accessible for local youth. Children aged 12 and under ride transit free year-round.

As incentive, students will receive a destination passport along with their transit passes which features free or discounted travel destinations.

“This is a great program to encourage kids to get familiar with Peterborough Transit routes,” said Ashley Burnie, GreenUp program coordinator. “Transit is an ideal transportation option for students to get to part-time jobs, shopping or seeing friends across town.”

Active School Travel Peterborough will be distributing the Grade 8 Transit Quest destination passports and free transit passes to Grade 8 classes in the City of Peterborough this week.

Ten destinations are featured in the Transit Quest destination passport including the Sport and Wellness Centre, the Public Library, the Museum and Archives and the Art Gallery of Peterborough, among other local businesses. Participants are encouraged to post to social media with #PTBOTransitQuest to share their journey and return their passports to their teacher to be entered into a class raffle.

New to the program are on-bus orientations for classes upon request.

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