Peterborough Fire Services and Peterborough Police Issue Fireworks Safety Message

Residents are asked to respect their neighbours and fellow residents when using fireworks in the City of Peterborough.

file photo.

City by-laws allow for the use of family or casual fireworks in the City on private property. Fireworks cannot be discharged on City property. Larger exhibition-style fireworks displays require a permit. 

While fireworks displays may be permitted, residents who use fireworks must follow the Noise By-law and be aware of safety precautions when using fireworks. Fireworks can also disturb pets. 

Peterborough Police receive a number of complaints, mostly noise complaints, about fireworks.  Peterborough Police reminds residents to be respectful of other residents’ lawful right to enjoy their property and to be safe.

Peterborough Fire Services reminds residents that using fireworks can be dangerous, causing injury or property damage. Fire Services provides the following safety tips when using fireworks: 

• Only adults who are aware of the hazards and have read the label should handle and discharge fireworks. 

• Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks. 

• Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass. 

• Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged. 

• Do not discharge fireworks in windy conditions. 

• Keep sparklers away from children, as they are extremely hot and pose a risk of burns and eye injuries. 

The City of Peterborough by-law regulating fireworks displays and the Noise By-law are available online at peterborough.ca/bylaws. 

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First Responders Roll Up Their Sleeves for Sirens For Life Blood Drive

The Sirens For Life campaign encourages Police, Fire and Medical services to donate blood during the summer months, which is often when blood is in high demand.

Sirens For Life invites Police Officers, Paramedics, Firefighters and any first responder to donate blood.

Inspector John Lyons has been with the Peterborough Police Department for 35 years, and has been donating blood since then.

“As a first responder I have seen up close and personal the need for blood products arise from the traumatic events that are often seen in policing, EMS or Fire services,” said Lyons.

Lyons says that his experience as a first responder has provided him with knowledge of what donating blood can accomplish and how important it is.

“One thing I can say for sure is donating blood doesn’t hurt you,” Lyons said. “I’ve never donated blood and felt that I’d lost anything.”

Typically, from the May 24 weekend to the August long weekend, first responders are called to more accidents requiring blood, according to Lyons. This can be because of the influx of people outside, on the road and at their cottages, though he notes the need for blood is year round.

“There’s a lot worse things than donating blood, you could be the one in a trauma center needing it, but here we are with the ability to donate it.”

For more information on how you can donate blood click here.

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Peterborough Firefighters Annual Toy Drive Donating $2,000

The Peterborough Professional Firefighters are donating $2,000 to purchase toys from The Toy Shop (176 Hunter Street West) in downtown Peterborough for the annual Salvation Army Toy Drive.

The Toy Shop owner Jean Grant uses the donation to leverage deals for more than $6,000 in toys from her suppliers, who help with the initiative. The firefighters will arrive on Saturday, December 14th at 9:30 a.m., with their firetruck and a crew of firefighters to pick up the toys and deliver them to the Salvation Army.

Photo courtesy DBIA

“Local 169 feels it’s important to participate in events and organizations like the Miracle Broadcast,” says Mike O’Brien, firefighter and executive board member. “It’s a great way to give back and to support those in need in the community, especially the young ones.”

“We greatly appreciate the firefighters desire to brighten Christmas for children and I certainly love that they also appreciate the importance of shopping local and supporting the downtown and our local toy shop,” adds Terry “Mr. Downtown” Guiel, Executive Director of the Downtown Business Improvement Area.

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Peterborough Firefighters Give Back To Community With Annual Toy Drive

The Peterborough Professional Firefighters will be donating toys for the Salvation Army Toy Drive again this holiday season. The annual tradition will see them donate $2,000 to purchase toys from The Toy Shop (176 Hunter Street West) in downtown Peterborough.

The firefighters give their cash donation to Toy Shop owner Jean Grant, who can get great deals from her suppliers to stretch that donation. On Saturday, December 10th at 8:30 am, the firefighters will park the fire truck in front of the Toy Shop and load up the toys. George, King of Downtown, will be on hand to assist the firefighters. The firefighters like to spend the toy hamper money locally to support the community and eventually see this money reinvested in Peterborough.

Left to right: Scott Lawder, Brad Luby, Mark Sullivan, Amanda Nichols, Chief Snetsinger, Ed Venuk, Jaclyn Finney, Joe Cadigan & Patrick Wayne

"We (Peterborough Firefighters) recognize a growing need for assistance in the community and have responded this year by doubling our usual donation amount," says Edward Venuk, Secretary Treasurer of the Peterborough Firefighters. "The Toy Shop on Hunter Street has been a great help for many years by helping us purchase quality gifts for kids at a good price in order to help stretch every dollar.”

As well as donating toys, the firefighters are also donating $2,000 for the Salvation Army hamper fund. The firefighters will also assist the Salvation Army by helping to unload trucks of food for the hamper drive (December 9th), move toys for the toy drive (December 12th) and eventually help to deliver these much needed hampers to the community (December 17th).

"It has always been our honor to assist the community of Peterborough whenever there is a need, and we will continue to do so,” adds Venuk.

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