City of Peterborough Hands Out 2023 Civic Awards

The 2023 Civic Awards were presented by City Council at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Tuesday.

civc awards photo

The awards recognize contributions to the community that enriched the lives of residents and outstanding individual and group achievements in the city in 2023, according to a City of Peterborough media release.

“It’s an honour to recognize the outstanding achievements and efforts of these exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the life of our community,” mayor Jeff Leal said. “Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to making our city a better place is truly inspiring.”

Award Recipients:

Community Betterment

• Peterborough Police Auxiliary Unit

• Myles Conner

• Irish Millie

• Jennifer and Braden Glasbergen

• Marie Gulliver

• Dave Rumball

• Peterborough Lions Club

Cultural Betterment

• Sebastian Johnston-Lindsay

• Tina Avlonitis

Environmental Stewardship/Sustainability

• Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group

Athletic Award of Merit

• Holy Cross Secondary School Girls Hockey Team

• Chelsea Burton

• Kenner Senior Boys Basketball Team

• MacKenna Hancock

Holnbeck Award

• John McNutt

Junior Athlete of the Year

• Alexis Jenkins

Youth Volunteer of the Year

• Titus Ngouepo

Volunteer of the Year

• Greg McLeod

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Ron Cambridge

“On behalf of the entire city, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all of this year's recipients,” Leal said.

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Major Peterborough Infrastructure Project Now Complete

Parkhill Road West had been closed to through traffic between Reid and George streets for several months while major upgrades were completed.

Photo by CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.

Parkhill Road West, between Reid and George streets, has been reopened to through traffic following a months-long closure for infrastructure improvements including the replacement of storm sewers, sanitary sewers and a watermain, as well as substantial grading and road reconstruction.

“I’m extremely pleased to see the successful completion of this substantial improvement to one of our major transportation routes through the city, which included significant underground infrastructure to support current residents and future growth,” Mayor Jeff Leal said. “I want to thank the community for their patience during this process.”

“We’re seeing progress on much needed infrastructure work throughout the community, including Armour Road, Lansdowne Street, the downtown repaving work, Brealey Drive and this project on Parkhill Road,” Leal added.

The $7.25 million project, which started construction in June 2023, included excavation, grading, removal and installation of storm sewers, sanitary swears, watermain, storm, sanitary and water services, low impact development features, stormwater management, new curb and gutters and sidewalks.

It also included structural adjustments, asphalt milling, base and surface asphalt installation, tree plantings, signage installations and pavement markings.

“Investments in infrastructure such as the major infrastructure work on Parkhill Road is critical for the life of our community, upgrading and protecting core services including the transportation network, storm water management, sanitary sewers and drinking water pipes,” stated councillors Kevin Duguay and Joy Lachica, co-chairs of the city’s Infrastrucutre, Planning and Growth Management Portfolio. “It’s the foundation for a thriving and growing community.”

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First Case Of COVID-19 Variant of Concern Reported In Peterborough Region

Peterborough Public Health has confirmed in a media release that a local resident has tested positive for COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC) B.1.1.7, also known as the variant first detected in the United Kingdom.

“With this confirmation of a variant of concern, following public health measures has never been more important as VOCs have a higher rate of transmissibility than the dominant COVID-19 strain,” says Dr. Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Now it’s a race against time to try and immunize our most vulnerable populations while containing the spread of further cases. This is where we need everyone’s help.”

The case is a male in his 20s who works from home and is self-isolating. Contact tracing is underway, and it appears his exposure was from a roommate who was identified as a high-risk contact of another VOC case from another region. This roommate has since left the Peterborough area. There is one other high-risk contact connected to this household who tested negative, and this individual will be retested again on Day 10 post-exposure.

Even though the Peterborough region is designed Yellow according to the provincial COVID-19 framework, Dr. Salvaterra urged local residents to avoid all non-essential travel, don’t invite visitors into your home, stay two metres distant from others, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and get tested if you have even one symptom.

“The good news is that the vaccines in use are effective against the known variant strains,” adds Dr. Salvaterra. “But we are still a long way away from having all our vulnerable populations protected. We are working very hard to ramp up our local immunization roll out as supplies allow, so we are counting on the community’s support so we can avoid the exponential spread of the virus as seen in other areas of the world.”

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A Peterborough Man Uses Unique Homeboni For His Backyard Rink

When it comes to backyard rinks, everyone has their own DIY way of building and keeping that ice nice and smooth during Canadian winters.

Peterborough’s Sion Hughes has been making homemade backyard rinks for eight years now for his family to enjoy. “I just buy the liner each year, and I do my best to repurpose the liner to minimize waste,” he tells PTBOCanada. “My backyard is sloped, so I build it up with a platform made of steel and pallets to reduce the amount of water needed and ease the pressure on the boards.”

Sion Hughes working his Homeboni in his Peterborough backyard rink

Family fun on Hughes rink of dreams

To keep that ice bump-free, there are all kinds of homemade Zamboni-type designs and contraptions rink builders MacGyver. In Sion’s case, he rigs up what he calls a “Homeboni”—which almost resembles a giant Swiffer on ice or something.

Photo of Sion’s Homeboni

Sion says the Homeboni is a hose attachment, welded to copper pipe, which has a series of small holes. It is then strapped to a squeegee which he wraps with a towel.

”Full disclosure, this is not my invention,” Sion tells PTBOCanada. “A family friend actually found it in a garbage in Toronto a couple years ago and saved it for me. It works wonders.”

Photo of Sion’s Homeboni

Photo of Sion’s Homeboni

Watch the video below of how Sion works his Homeboni magic on the Hughes ice (and speaking of magic, maybe the Leafs will work some this year—”I was 4 years old when they last won the Cup,” Sion, a Leafs fan, tells us)…

#Peterborough @Ptbo_Canada @DarrenDreger @backyrdicerinks @TheBackyardRink All kinds of “Homeboni” designs out there. Soooo satisfying! pic.twitter.com/SdadxnjHAt

— sion hughes (@swannysion) December 15, 2020

Do you have a backyard rink and unique Homeboni of your own in Peterborough and the Kawarthas? Email us pics to tips@ptbocanada.com or tag us on Twitter @ptbo_canada.

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UPDATED: The First Positive Case Of COVID-19 In The Peterborough Area Confirmed

This is a developing story… Check back for updates.

[UPDATE (March 16): The confirmed case of COVID-19 has been associated with Trent University's Peterborough campus. Read the message sent to all students, faculty and staff by Trent President & Vice-Chancellor Leo Groarke here.]

—————-

On Sunday (March 15th), Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health, confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19  in the Peterborough area. 

Peterborough Public Health reports that on March 12th, a male in his 30s presented himself at Peterborough Regional Health Centre's emergency department with a travel history to Spain and Portugal. As per established infection prevention and control protocols, the patient was cared for at the hospital using all appropriate precautions, including being isolated as he was tested for COVID-19. The man was discharged home the same day and, per protocols, went into self-isolation where he remains with follow-up from Peterborough Public Health. The patient experienced fever, dry cough, and headache.

Peterborough Public Health is actively engaging in contact tracing and case management, including following up with the individual and his close contacts.

“Having a confirmed case in our area is not unexpected given the transmission of this virus around the world,” says Dr. Salvaterra. “As a community and as a health system, we have been preparing for COVID-19. Hopefully this news about the first local case helps reinforce the importance of public health measures in place such as school closures and event cancellations, as well as personal precautions like social distancing and regular handwashing.”

HOW PRHC RESPONDED

"The team at PRHC responded quickly and professionally with the appropriate precautions and protocols to ensure the safety of those in the Emergency Department and the hospital," adds Dr. Lynn Mikula, Chief of Staff and Chief Medical Officer of PRHC.

"Beginning Monday, March 16th, patients and visitors will see additional active screening measures, limited hospital entry points and restrictions for visitors and volunteers, and we continue to ask people to delay coming to the hospital for any non-urgent appointments, procedures or visits. Thank you in advance to the people of our community and region for their cooperation and diligence, including practicing excellent hand cleaning and social distancing, as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our patients, visitors, healthcare professionals, staff and volunteers safe."

IMPORTANT: If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19 and have recently travelled, contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 401 or covid19@peterboroughpublichealth.ca Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., or Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For medical advice after these hours, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).

Be sure to mention your symptoms and your travel history, including the countries you visited. If you are ill and must visit a health care professional, call ahead and tell them that you have a respiratory illness. If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.

Visit peterboroughpublichealth.ca to learn more about COVID-19 and how you can prepare. Future positive cases of COVID-19 will be reported on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca as well.  

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Peterborough Getting A Facelift Around City

As Peterborough turns 115 this year (since it was incorporated as a city), many aspects of the city are getting a facelift. Here are some examples:

Y Lofts is renovating the old YMCA building to create condo-style rental suites and it is set to open in 2021…

The Scotts Mills Dam at Lock 19 is starting to show its age, so a new dam that retains its historic look is being constructed in its place…

The United Canadian Malt building (which was built in 1931) at the corner of Lansdowne and Park is being torn down to make way for high-end apartments…

Sears (which opened here in 1954) is being demolished to create new retail spaces…

King’s Crossing Tap & Grill at the corner of George and Dalhousie street has been demolished to make way for a new three story building housing a medical clinic…

—Photos by Evan Holt

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Millennium Park To Take On Jurassic Park Feel For Raptors Fans On Game Nights

Mayor Diane Therrien is hosting the live broadcast of the Toronto Raptors NBA Finals games with a large, outdoor screen in Millennium Park, starting Friday, June 7th, with Game 4 (tipoff is at at 9 p.m).

The live broadcast viewings in Millennium Park (located at 130 King St.) under the stars are free to attend. Bring your blanket for the ground or chair, and join as the community—like other Jurassic Park-type outdoor public viewings across Canada—cheer on the Raptors together as they seek their first NBA championship title.

Mayor Therrien at Jurassic, er, Millennium Park

“We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate Canadian sports,” says Mayor Therrien. “I hope to see everyone there. Go Raptors!”

Toronto Raptors Live broadcast viewings in Millennium Park (130 King St.) are as follows…

• Game 4 – Friday, June 7, 9 p.m.
• Game 5 – Monday, June 10, 9 p.m.
• Game 6 – Thursday, June 13, 9 p.m. (if necessary)
• Game 7 – Sunday, June 16, 8 p.m. (if necessary)

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Peterborough Ranked One Of Most Active Cities In Canada

Expedia has ranked Peterborough one of the 21 most active cities in Canada. 

Some of the factors Expedia looked at in compiling their list include: average number of marathons and hiking trails; access to bike paths, trails, and races; per capita gyms; and abundance of outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, etc.

Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

"To paraphrase Salt-N-Pepa, you’ve got to push it when you’re in Peterborough, Ontario," Expedia says of Peterborough.

"This means pushing your endurance along Trent Canal when you’re riding your bike next to dozens of pros. Pushing your body up just a little higher off the safe ground at Rock and Rope Climbing Centre. And pushing your paddle skills on Little Lake to one day earn a glittering spot at the Canadian Canoe Museum in town."

Click here to view Expedia's entire ranking.

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Help Peterborough's Mark Steel Get A New Prosthetic Leg

On October 4th 2017, Peterborough's Mark Steel was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma, the same type of bone cancer that Terry Fox (his hero) had.

Due to the size, aggression and location of the tumour, Mark, 21, had his right leg amputated and now requires a prosthetic leg. Even though he's getting some help from the government to pay for it, there's still a long way to go to cover that cost.

Mark Steel

So Mark has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for a new leg. His older sister, Jamie, tweeted about it here...

My little brother needs a new leg. Can you help? If you can’t donate, Mark asks that you do what you can to honour #TerryFox, who lived with the same cancer. https://t.co/pB15RZYtIb

— Jamie Steel (@jamiecsteel) February 8, 2018

Mark used to love running in Terry Fox runs as a kid, and now hopes to run across Peterborough some day—and perhaps further—with a new leg and do his part to raise awareness for cancer research.

Watch his heartfelt plea below in a video he posted to YouTube, and please give what you can here... 

Hey! I've been put in a slightly compromising position where I need money to pay for a prosthetic leg. I really only care about getting a functional leg, nothing super special where it's mind controlled or something, but I'm still in need of financial aid. So I decided to make a GoFundMe for it.

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