Fleming’s Bid to Host Ontario’s First Bird Friendly College Campus Takes Flight

Inspired by the Conservation Biology program at Fleming College’s Frost Campus and motivated by an international effort to save native bird populations in North America, Fleming is working towards becoming Ontario’s first official bird-friendly college campus.

stock photo.

It is estimated that up to one million birds die in North America each year due to window collisions, making it one of the leading causes of bird population decline in Canada and around the world. Finding a way to address this issue is a big part of avian conservation.  

With the help of Conservation Biology students, the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences launched a pilot program aimed at bird conservation. That program evolved into the Fleming Bird Conservation Committee (FBCC).   

Composed of students, faculty and college representatives, the FBCC’s goal is to transform the Frost Campus into Ontario’s first Bird Friendly college campus. While many Canadian universities have embraced becoming bird-friendly campuses, Fleming says that few colleges have followed the same route. 

There is a specific certification process for a bird-friendly designation. Administered through FLAP Canada, it involves threat reduction, habitat generation and the implementation of policy that mitigates harm to birds.   

The FBCC is already hard at work, installing Feather Friendly window protection and protecting and enhancing the natural habitat around Frost Campus.  

In November the Frost Student Association was awarded a plaque from Feather Friendly, recognizing the efforts it and the FCBB have done to make the Frost Campus Auk’s Lodge Frost’s first bird-friendly building.  

Conservation Biology students have also embarked on a multi-year research project at the campus, with the help of Feather Friendly. Students are currently designing a research program which will monitor the effectiveness of bird-deterrent decals, comparing treated and untreated windows. The project will help accomplish the FBCC’s goal of making Frost Campus windows bird friendly, while providing an amazing research opportunity for students.  

The FBCC is also actively involved in conducting education outreach through the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences. It has already hosted two highly successful community public awareness events focusing on what can be done to mitigate bird window collisions.  

For more information, check out the Fleming College website.

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

Peterborough Public Health Extends January 26 Drug Poisoning Alert

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is extending the Jan. 26 drug poisoning alert after reporting an increase in drug poisonings announced Monday.

file photo.

From Jan. 25 to Jan. 29 PPH detected high numbers of drug poisonings that occurred in Peterborough City and County.

A total of 18 drug-related poisonings were responded to by 911 first responders. These products have an increased level of toxicity, and may be cut or mixed with another substance where even a small dose can be fatal.

Public health reminds the community to give naloxone if you suspect an individual is experiencing drug poisoning, and call 911 as you continue to monitor their breathing until medical help arrives.

PPH has released a list of signs of an opioid overdose:

• Skin is cold and clammy

• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

• Body is very limp

• Can’t wake the person up

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

• Pupils are very small

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the Drug Reporting Tool. Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.

Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or someone else who has overdosed will not be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

If you partake in drug use, PPH recommends that you:

• Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site (220 Simcoe St. from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

• If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time

• Have a plan. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677

• Carry a naloxone kit

• Avoid mixing drugs

• Test your drug by using a small amount first

• Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered

PPH continues to monitor drug-related data and urge members of the community to take precautions. For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, visit the public health website.

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

United Way Launches New Initiative to Support Local Women and Girls

The United Way Peterborough and District launched ‘Women United’ on Wednesday, an initiative that aims to drive social and economic change, break down barriers and improve the lives of women and girls in the community.

Former Peterborough-Kawartha Maryam Monsef (middle) founded ‘ONWARD’, a venture that connects, inspires and empowers female leaders in early July of this year. Photo by Felicia Massey.

They offer mentorship and allyship for women and girls in vulnerable circumstances through financial support and advocacy.

“Women and children in our community are hurting. We saw through the pandemic that single moms, black, Indigenous radicalized folks, those with disabilities, particularly women, were going to be hit hardest,” said Maryam Monsef, Women United founding chair. “Women felt more vulnerable and were more vulnerable and so were their children.”

Members and donor support help the United Way to fund programs through the Culinary Collective and Elizabeth Fry Society.

The United Way says a significant portion of investments goes towards their 20 partner agencies, 14 led by women.

“The pandemic showed us that all that hurt, all that pain and all that suffering, that women’s leadership is key to recovery,” said Monsef. “When women are doing well, the multiple organizations in our community including United Way and other agencies led strongly by women are better off.”

Every six days a woman in Canada is killed by her domestic partner according to statistics presented by the United Way. Emergency housing for these women and their children is often less accessible than housing for men, says Betsy Farrar, United Way manager of community impact.

She notes that the current Point In Time count of those experiencing homelessness proves that women are less likely than men to seek these services.

“The research shows that women avoid co-ed shelters due to past experiences of violence within those settings and locally, there’s just not enough options for women to access emergency shelters,” said Farrar.

Farrar says there are 32 beds designated to men, 32 co-ed beds, and seven women-exclusive beds in local emergency shelters.

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

Photos: High School Students Stage Protest For Climate Action

Students from Peterborough Alternative & Continuing Education (PACE) staged a walkout from school and protested to spread awareness about climate change as part of a movement named “Fridays for Future” at Confederation Park on Friday.

Photo by Luke Best.

The students were part of the Youth Leadership in Sustainability program held in partnership with Trent University.

Aisling MacQuarrie,16, is a Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School student who is taking Youth Leadership in Sustainability. A program that prepares grade 11 and 12 students for leadership roles in sustainability initiatives at the local and global levels. Photo by Luke Best.

“In 2019, the city announced a climate crisis and they also committed to reducing greenhouse gases by 40 per cent by 2031. We're here to remind them of that promise and make sure they're upholding and making actions to get there,” said Aisling MacQuarrie, grade 11 student. “We wanted to try to make more of a difference in our community.”

Fridays for Future is a youth-led global climate strike movement that started in August 2018 when then 15-year-old Greta Thunberg began a school strike for the climate.

For three weeks leading up to the election, she sat outside Swedish Parliament every school day, demanding action on the climate crisis.

Mayor Diane Therrien encouraged the students in their protest and movement before heading to the Peterborough Environmental and Climate Action Expo (EnviroX). Photo by Luke Best.

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

Two Advocacy Groups Hosted 'Treat In The Street' Event Friday

Friends Peterborough, along with Street Level Advocacy hosted ‘Treat in the Street’ outside the Friends office on Friday.

Scott Couper and David Fisher outside Friends Peterborough. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Initially, ‘Eat on The Street’ was meant to be an event during which chili was distributed to anyone passing by though, due to COVID protocols, volunteers passed out hot chocolate, baked goods and care packages and changed the name to ‘Treat In The Street’.

Care packages included things like warm clean socks, toques, mittens and hygiene products.

David Fisher, Friends Peterborough, organized the event in partnership with Scott Couper, Street Level Advocacy.

In October Friends Peterborough celebrated their tenth anniversary. They are a group based out of Selwyn Outreach Centre, though they emphasize that their mission is not to ‘convert’ anyone they help.

“We’re not here to convert people, we’re not outwardly Christian - we just try to treat people the way that Jesus would,” said Fisher. “If they thought Friends Peterborough was a Christian organization some might hesitate to come in.”

Friends Peterborough assists those in need with things like filling out applications for for financial aid, contacting social services and providing locations of food banks etc.

They also file income taxes for free year round.

“We’re the only organization in town that does that for free all year round. A lot of our people are on ODSP or Ontario Works so they get different benefits. If they don’t file their taxes on time their benefits get suspended until they file. A lot of people living on the street won’t know how to do taxes, or they just don’t have the means to do them.”

Street Level Advocacy is a new organization, operating out of the Friends Peterborough office.

Currently, Couper is the sole volunteer but hopes that in the new year he is able to recruit more people.

Couper has been a pastor in the Peterborough area for ten years, and just recently decided he would like to take those skills to the street and help those in need.

His main goal is directing people towards any resources available that may apply to them.

For those looking to contribute, both Friends Peterborough and Street Level Advocacy are accepting physical donations for their care packages during the winter months.

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

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) To Ramp Down Non-Urgent Care in Response to Provincial Critical Care Surge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Saturday, April 10, 2021
MEDIA RELEASE from PRHC…

Hospital moving to double its normal ICU capacity following Ontario Health directive

Peterborough, ON – As critical care patient volumes surge across the province, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) will join hospitals across Ontario in ramping down non-urgent care beginning Monday, April 12, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., following direction received from Ontario Health (OH).

The hospital will continue to provide all life-saving services and care, and our Emergency Department will continue to operate as usual. Patients who are currently admitted to the hospital for inpatient care will not be affected.

We are in the process of contacting patients/families whose non-urgent surgery, procedure or test will be postponed as a result of the ramp-down. If you have an appointment booked and you are not contacted, please assume it will proceed as scheduled.

Up until now, PRHC has been working hard to maintain non-urgent surgeries, procedures and tests at or above 100 per cent of our normal patient volumes to help address backlogs from the previous non-urgent care ramp-down last spring.

We have also accepted more than 30 patient transfers from outside the region over the last three (3) months to support the system-wide response to the pandemic.

As a partner within the provincial healthcare system, PRHC is prepared to provide our support in any way possible to ensure that patients across Ontario are able to access the care they need. We are in the process of increasing our critical care (ICU) beds to a total of 48 in anticipation of additional patient transfers and higher patient volumes, and will redirect hospital resources as needed to support the necessary level of care for these patients.

“Last March, when we first ramped down non-urgent care, the anticipated wave of critically-ill patients did not materialize at PRHC, in large part due to the effort our community made to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, Chief Medical Executive and Chief of Staff at PRHC. “Today the situation is very different. The third wave has already surpassed anything we’ve faced previously, and we have not yet reached its peak. We have every expectation that every staff member, physician, and physical space at PRHC will be needed to meet the demands of this wave of the pandemic. I urge the people of our community to follow the provincial stay-at-home order and all Public Health guidelines while the team at PRHC makes significant moves to support patients across Ontario while continuing to meet the needs of our community by providing life-saving care.”

While PRHC’s goal is to keep the disruption to non-urgent care as short and as limited as possible, our priority at this time is to create immediate, maximum capacity for critical care.

PRHC’s current family presence/essential caregiver policy is not changing at this time as a result of the Ontario Health directive. A limited number of designated, registered caregivers will continue to be permitted for specific patient groups. Learn more about PRHC’s current visitor policy here.

All enhanced pandemic measures remain in effect at PRHC. Patients who require hospital-level care should continue to come to PRHC or call 911.

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 Public Health Moves Back Into Yellow Zone, Here Are Guidelines

As of Tuesday (February 16th), Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has moved back into the Yellow – PROTECT level of the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework.

“It’s vital that residents understand a return to Yellow does not mean the end of public health measures, and that we all need to keep up our efforts with frequent hand washing, maintaining physical distance, wearing a mask, staying home when sick, and avoiding non-essential travel,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.

Dr. Salvaterra adds that the good news is that regional indicators continue to improve, so that it may be possible for PPH to return to the Green-PREVENT level. “The provincial approach has been to move down the framework more slowly, usually waiting for enough time to elapse to show that the indicators are indeed stable before restrictions are eased. We’ll need to stay at Green a little longer before we can earn the right to move down,” she adds.

KEY INDICATORS USED BY ONTARIO CABINET TO DETERMINE LEVEL

The key indicators that are used by the Ontario Cabinet to determine which level public health units fit into according to the provincial framework include epidemiology of the virus (e.g., case incidence rate, % testing positivity), confirmed presence of COVID-19 variants of concern (VOCs), health system capacity, public health system capacity, and local context and conditions.

There are general public health measures applicable to all businesses and organizations open to the public, including:

• Complete COVID-19 Safety Plans that are posted and available for staff and members of the public

• Active screening of all employees before beginning a work shift

• Passive screening (posting signage) for all customers and members of the public

• Ensuring compliance by staff and the public for mandatory masks and face coverings

• Ensuring that an establishment is set up to facilitate physical distancing

• Frequent cleaning and disinfection of equipment provided to the public and high-touch points in the establishment

For a full outline of the new guidelines, please click here.

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

Donation Of $46,631 Made To Kawartha Food Share From 2020 Free Parking Periods

A total of $46,631.06 was raised for Kawartha Food Share in 2020 through the generosity of people who opted to put money into the parking machines during the 2 Hours Free Parking periods last year sponsored by HotSpot Parking.

“This donation is helping people throughout our community to put food on their tables,” says Mayor Diane Therrien. “The pandemic has forced many families to access food banks for the first time ever. We appreciate the remarkable generosity of our community for making donations despite the challenges of 2020.”

Photo of Ashlee Aiken courtesy City of Peterborough

“We are so thankful for the continued support of the City of Peterborough and the local shoppers for donating to Kawartha Food Share,” says Ashlee Aitken, general manager of Kawartha Food Share. “We know the past year has been tough for many, so seeing that community members still wanted to support our cause by feeding the meters is absolutely incredible.”

Kawartha Food Share currently assists more than 8,900 people every month through its 36 member agencies. It supports four meal programs, four city food banks, six housing projects, seven county food banks, and over 20 food cupboards across the City and County of Peterborough. Last year, the Kawartha Food Share warehouse distributed over $5 million dollars worth of food and emergency care needs.

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

2021 Virtual PInk In The Rink Event Raises $23,850

The Canadian Cancer Society, along with the Peterborough Petes, have announced that Pink in the Rink 2021 has raised $23,850 and counting.

This year's event brings the total amount raised in 12 years to $812,099. Their partnership with Your TV allowed for them to share a unique opening ceremony, impactful intermission shows and a final wrap up as well as a chance to relive the Pink in the Rink 2020 game.

Although this year presented numerous challenges, including the game being postponed due to the pandemic, the community continued to support the event through online donations, merchandise sales and the online auction.

While the goal that was set of $40,000 was not reached, the committee is proud they continue to be the most successful OHL/Canadian Cancer Society partnership in Ontario and that they were able to continue to raise vital funds for women's cancer research.

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

Hospice Peterborough Implements New Health And Safety Measures

Hospice Peterborough has announced it is boosting its health and safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic by participating in a Ministry of Health pilot program.

The Employer Antigen Screening program provides antigen testing for all staff who enter the building from February 1st to March 26th. It involves a regulated healthcare professional taking a nasopharyngeal swab and delivering results on site within 15 minutes. Any staff with a preliminary positive will not be allowed to return to the building until they have a confirmed negative test. This test may provide false negatives 30 percent of the time.

“Although it’s not perfect, this test provides another layer of protection as it may identify an individual infected with COVID-19 who might’ve gone undetected through regular screening protocols,” says Hospice Peterborough Executive Director, Hajni Hős.

Photo via Hospice Peterborough Facebook page

Other heightened safety precautions at Hospice include: requiring all new residents from a hospital to have had a negative COVID-19 swab within 24 hours prior to admission and isolating these new residents for at least 72 hours. Residents admitted from the community will be isolated and tested in admission and remain in isolation. All residents will be tested again for COVID-19 on their fourth day after admission.

To limit the number of people coming into the building, all community programs and services are taking place via Zoom web-conferencing or phone.

Residents are permitted two essential visitors within a 24-hour period and all visitors will be screened including temperature and required to wear a medical-grade mask. Currently, each resident may have a total of six essential visitors who can rotate through, two at a time, every 24 hours. This could change at any time.

“We sincerely apologize that due to COVID-19 restrictions and our emphasis on keeping residents and staff safe, our usual open-door policy for visitors is restricted,” Hős says. “For those residents in the last days or hours of their life, Hospice Peterborough will carefully and compassionately consider allowing more essential visitors as well as visiting beyond regular visiting hours.”

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