Peterborough Blogs
City of Peterborough to Host Drop-In Session for New Valleymore Park Splash Pad
/Residents are invited to share their input on plans for a new splash pad at Valleymore Park, located at 338 Spillsbury Dr., at a community drop-in session on May 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.
Everyone is welcome to stop in to talk to the project team and provide input regarding the splash pad features they prefer.
Community drop-in session:
Monday, May 29, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre - Multi-Purpose Room B
775 Brealey Dr., Peterborough
Information about the proposed splash pad and a community survey is available on the City’s community consultation website Connect Peterborough.
Paper copies of the survey are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N. The survey will be open until 11:55 p.m. on June 5.
The City has a strategic plan to enhance the City’s outdoor water play facilities through the development of new facilities and the replacement of aging facilities at various parks across the city. Splash pads are hard surface playgrounds that have water squirts, ground geysers and decorative water spray features. Splash pads are designed for children from toddler age to pre-teen. The City currently operates six splash pads throughout the City.
Community feedback will help inform the City about the needs of the neighbourhood as the design of the splashpad is considered. Future information about the project and a concept plan will be updated on the Connect Peterborough project page as the information becomes available.
Flood Watch Update Issued For Trent-Severn Waterway Tuesday
/A Flood Watch Update was issued for Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough and Trent Hills, and Otonabee Conservation’s other partners in flood emergency management on Tuesday April 11– notifying them that flooding is possible.
The waterways within Otonabee Conservation’s jurisdiction and the headwaters of the Trent-Severn Waterway (Reservoir Lakes/Haliburton Lakes region) will experience above normal air temperatures through Sunday April 16. The next rainfall event is forecasted for the 16th is through Tuesday April 18 with potential rainfall amounts in the range of 15 to 30 millimetres.
Parks Canada is currently managing water through the entire Trent-Severn Waterway. With the increased flows entering the Kawartha Lakes, water levels will continue to increase and result in breakup of ice cover and potential ice jams. Flooding of low-lying areas along the Kawartha Lakes and Rice Lake shoreline is expected.
Water levels and flows on the Otonabee River have levelled off and will remain steady. Potential increases to water levels and flows may result from further water management due to additional runoff from the forecasted rainfall event. Flooding of low-lying areas along the Otonabee River is expected.
Otonabee Conservation advises area municipalities to prepare for swelling of rivers, streams, creeks and wetlands with possibility of waters inundating adjacent properties and roads. Shoreline residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding. Residents and visitors are advised not to drive, cycle, or walk through flooded areas and to obey all road/traffic closures. Adults, parents and caregivers are advised to keep themselves, children and pets away from all waterways and conveyance structures (i.e., dams, culverts and bridges).
Water levels can be monitored on-line at:
Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet
Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website
This Flood Watch Update message will expire Tuesday, April 18 unless updated earlier.
Free Well Water Sampling Program Resumes April 11 in North Kawartha and Trent Lakes
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH), the Township of North Kawartha, and the Municipality of Trent Lakes are making well water testing easier for all permanent and seasonal residents by offering free well water sample drop off from spring to fall.
Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli. Total coliforms indicate the presence of general contamination, such as surface runoff, and E. coli indicates the water is contaminated with fecal material, which may contain disease-causing microorganisms. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water, but young, elderly and immuno-compromised individuals are at higher risk.
“With snow melt and spring runoff, this is a good time of year to test your water as there is a higher risk of contamination. In addition to submitting a water sample, residents should take the time to inspect their well,” says Public Health Inspector Chris Eaton. “Check that the well cap is secure, the vent screens are in good condition, and that the ground is sloped away from the well. If your well is the older style in a pit, check that the pit is not flooded with surface water. If it is, consider having the well upgraded by a licensed well contractor.”
Beginning April 11, water samples can be dropped off at the North Kawartha Municipal Office (280 Burleigh St, Apsley) Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and the Trent Lakes Municipal Office (760 County Road 36, Trent Lakes) Tuesday and Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Samples are then couriered to the Public Health Ontario Lab in Peterborough for testing. Empty sample bottles can be picked up any time during regular business hours. Samples must be collected within 24 hours of drop off at the municipal office to ensure they reach the lab and are processed in a timely manner. Residents are encouraged to carefully read the sampling and collection instructions included with each kit.
Water samples can also be dropped off at the following locations:
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St, Havelock, from Monday through Thursday
between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St, Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through
Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.