Peterborough Residents Can Now Register Ahead Of October Municipal Election

Residents, owners, and tenants of property in the City of Peterborough who are a minimum of 18 years of age can now confirm that they are registered to vote in the Oct. 24 municipal and school board elections online and in person at City Hall.

Photo by Luke Best.

Registering in advance helps ensure a seamless voting experience and is necessary for those who plan to vote online.

Residents can visit peterboroughvotes.ca to check that they are on the voters list. If they are not registered, residents can upload a form of identification that confirms their name and qualifying City of Peterborough address online. City staff will review submissions and email voter notification cards to verified voters.

Residents who prefer to register in person are welcome to stop into the City Clerk's office at City Hall. There is free, 30-minute parking on George Street between McDonnel Street and Murray Street. City Hall business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff will verify their identification and eligibility to vote, register them on the voters list, and print out their card, all in one trip.

Students living in Peterborough while attending school can vote in the Peterborough municipal election as well as in their home municipality.

People who are experiencing homelessness, or do not have a permanent home or a fixed address can vote based on the location they have slept in the most during the 5 weeks leading up to the election.

Both online and in-person voting will be available for the 2022 municipal election. Online voting starts Oct. 1 and ends Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. In-person voting will be available at advance voting locations on Saturday, Oct. 8, Saturday, Oct. 15, and Saturday, October 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on election day on Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. An advance voting location that provides enhanced accessibility features will be available at City Hall, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from Oct. 17 to Oct. 21.

Voter Notification Cards will be sent to registered voters by mail in late September or early October. The notification card will specify the assigned voting location for the registered voter. Voters who choose to vote in person must vote in their designated ward. All voting locations are barrier-free for people with disabilities. Online voting is a convenient option that will allow registered voters to vote from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access.

Details on voting options are posted on the municipal election website at peterboroughvotes.ca. Inquiries can be made by calling 705-742-7777 and selecting option 7 for the election hotline.

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Local Woman Tackling Halliburton Forest 100 Miler For One Roof Community Centre

Krystal LeBreton, a Peterborough woman, will be be attempting to run 100 miles (160km) in less than 32 hours through the Haliburton Forest, in support of One Roof Community Centre, on September 10.

Photo courtesy of Krystal LeBreton.

The Haliburton Forest 100 Miler is an annual event that invites trail runners to complete four laps of 42 km - which ultimately results in having run more than 100 miles.

The race begins at 6 a.m. on September 10 and runs until 3 p.m. the following day. LeBreton says there will be no time for breaks and she will have to run through the night to complete it on time.

“I’ve ran for most of my life,” said LeBreton. “As a kid I ran a lot of marathons but I’ve gotten more into trail running lately, its more camaraderie than competition and I like that.”

Though the 100 Miler isn’t traditionally a fundraising event, LeBreton thought that receiving pledges per kilometer would be encouraging and that One Roof would be the perfect recipient.

LeBreton was first introduced to the work that One Roof Community Centre did because her neighbor is the coordinator.

When she and some friends hosted a fundraiser for relief efforts in Ukraine in April, One Roof allowed them to use their kitchen to prepare.

“One Roof opened their kitchen for us, they even had one of their staff members come and help us. It’s amazing how much this organization cares and how much support they provide.”

As a dietitian LeBreton says it’s clear to her to see the cost of living is rising and people are struggling to make ends meet.

“I’ve really noticed a difference the last couple of years,” she said. “It’s not abut what’s nutritious, it’s about what they can afford and what’s accessible to them. One Roof offers great meals in a supportive place that’s non judgmental.”

LeBreton has started a Facebook group where friends and family are supporting her run.

Some donors are pledging per km ran while some are pledging per lap, LeBreton has left it up to the donor to decide the amount.

Those interested in donating are invited to join the Facebook group or message Krystal LeBreton on Facebook.

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Dave Ellis: A Review Of August Wildlife Photography

Dave Ellis is an Omemee-area wildlife photographer. PTBOCanada often features his work in our daily ‘Good Morning PTBO’ posts. What follows are some of the photographs he captured in August.

Young Belted Kingfisher.

While it’s hard to believe the summer is slowly coming to an end, as the natural world around us transitions into fall we are excited to see what Ellis captures in September.

Growing loon family.

Young mute swans.

Great white egret with a catfish dinner.

Ellis often captures wildlife in action, on the hunt for their next meal or taking a break and lounging in the summer heat.

Pied-Billed Grebe.

Young Buck with velvet covered antlers.

Ellis’s photography captures wildlife around Peterborough and The Kawarthas beautifully.

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Trent Student Hosting Second Annual Sleep Out To Raise Awareness And Funds For Homelessness In Peterborough

Simal Iftikhar, a Trent University student, is hosting the second annual Sleep Out in support of the Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) and the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) on Sept. 10.

Simal is currently pursuing her master’s in education at Trent University. Photo courtesy of Simal Iftikhar.

Last year Iftikhar slept outside during the winter to highlight the struggles of homeless people sleeping outside in the cold.

Due to COVID restrictions she invited others that wanted to participate to do so on their own but this year she is inviting anyone that wants to participate to join her at the Lion’s Club in East City.

In contrast to last year, this years event will be hosted in the summer to demonstrate the unique challenges that come with being unhoused in the summer heat.

Part of the reason Iftikhar is hosting this event can be attributed to her time working in the mental health sector.

“We’re experiencing a crisis within a crisis,” she said. “We know the pandemic has increased mental health inequities. and those that experience that the most are already marginalized.”

She also notes the impact that COVID-19 has had on shelters.

“I’ve talked with shelter workers and they have to turn people away when they never have before, we can’t let that happen. These people are just like us, they’re people who lost their jobs, who just can’t make ends meet.”

While working in mental health Iftikhar says she spoke with many young people experiencing homelessness that were also victims of human trafficking.

She hopes that through this event she can raise awareness of the challenges homeless youth face, while fundraising for YES and KSAC.

During last years event she raised over $5,000 and she hopes to do that again.

Iftikhar says in speaking with employees at the YES Shelter, she learned that a large portion of their funding comes from the municipality and the rest comes from individual donors.

She will split the funds 50/50 and leave it up to each organization to decide what they will do with the donation.

Donations can be made online. Those interested in joining Iftikhar on September 10 are asked to register for free on Eventbrite and bring their own sleeping bag and cardboard sign.

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Fleming College Ready For First In Person Orientation Since The COVID-19 Pandemic Began

New Fleming College students are set to experience a spirited, fun-filled first day of class as the Fleming Knights Orientation (KO) returns this September.

Students play bubble soccer at 2015 orientation.File Photo.

It is the first in-person Orientation Fleming has hosted since the COVID-19 pandemic began.  

Fleming KO includes games, activities and information sessions designed to help new students get a great start on their post-secondary journey. Events are taking place at the Sutherland, Frost and Haliburton Campuses.  

Orientation for Sutherland Campus students takes place Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Fleming Knights are holding two exhibition games, with the women’s team taking the field at 6 p.m. followed by the men’s team at 8 p.m.  

Orientation at the Frost Campus in Lindsay takes place on Wednesday. Games, activities and a barbecue will be held outside near the Discovery Trail and the Auks Lodge from 4 - 6 p.m. along with a Student Services Fair. 

A Student Services Fair takes place at the Haliburton Campus Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

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Peterborough Theatre Guild Announces Line Up For 2022/23 Season

Peterborough Theatre has released their full 2022/2023 season of shows and are now selling tickets.

File Photo.

After two years of COVID restrictions, cancelled shows and a quiet stage, Peterborough Theatre guild has announced a full season of live theatre and music.

Constellations by Nick Payne (a staged reading) – September 16, 17, 18(M)

Our Place by Terry Gabbard (one act) – October 14, 15, 16(M) / 20, 21, 22, 23(M)

Rumors by Neil Simon - November 4, 5, 6(M) / 10, 11, 12, 13(M) / 17, 18, 19

The Little Prince, book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, adapted by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar – December 2, 3(M), 4(M) / 6, 7, 8, 9, 10(M)

The Crucible by Arthur Miller – January 20, 21, 22(M) / 26, 27, 28, 29(M) / February 2, 3, 4

Gibson and Sons by Kristen Da Silva – February 24, 25, 26(M) / March 2, 3, 4, 5(M) / 9, 10, 11

Something Rotten! by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick (Musical) – April 28, 29, 30(M) / May 4, 5, 6, 7(M) / 11, 12, 13

The Long Weekend by Norm Foster – July 5, 6, 7, 8, 9(M) / 12, 13, 14, 15(M), 15(E)

*M = Matinee Performance * E = Evening Performance

Ticket prices:
Full Length: Adult $25.00, Seniors $22.00, Students $15.00
Musical:
Adult $32.00
Seniors $28.00
Students $20.00
One-Act:
All Tickets $15.00
Family:
All Tickets $10.00

Tickets for all shows are available now for season subscription holders. Individual show tickets available approximately six weeks before opening night.

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Changes To Peterborough Transit Will Be Effective On Sunday To Serve Increased Fall Ridership

Peterborough Transit is making seasonal adjustments to some routes starting Sunday to serve increased ridership for the fall.

Photo by Luke Best.

Changes include increased frequency during peak commute hours, the return of extended evening hours on some routes, and trip time adjustments to improve connections for riders who make transfers between routes, as well as shifts to on-demand services on Saturday evenings.

Updated routes are posted online at www.peterborough.ca/TransitRoutes or by phone at 705-745-0525.

 Saturday Evening Changes

Peterborough Transit’s on-demand service called PTBOnDemand will be expanded to operate across the entire transit system area on Saturday evenings between 8 p.m. and 11:45 p.m., using ride-share technology to provide a direct ride without the need to transfer. To increase efficiency, the on-demand service will replace traditional route service on Route 2 Chemong, Route 3 Park, Route 4 Weller, Route 7 Lansdowne, Route 8 Monaghan and Route 9 Parkhill, which will end at 8 p.m. On-demand buses will serve Trent University along the Bata (west) side of the campus.

In addition to the on-demand service, regular service will continue to operate Saturday evenings on Route 5 The Parkway and Route 6 Sherbrooke with trips operating every 30/60 minutes between Trent Bata, Peterborough Terminal, and Fleming College.

How to use PtboOnDemand

Riders can download the PTBOnDemand app and create an account or call Peterborough Transit at 705-745-5801 to book a same day trip.

When the rider requests a trip, system will look for the next trip available based on the rider’s trip pick-up and drop-off locations and number of people travelling together.

Riders who book their trip using the PTBOnDemand app are able to track the real-time location of the vehicle including information on when they will be picked up and dropped off.

Standard fares and payment options apply.

Please visit the Peterborough Transit website www.peterborough.ca/OnDemand for additional details about PTBOnDemand.

Route 2 Chemong

• Weekday 20-minute service will start one hour earlier at 11:15 a.m.

Route 3 Park

• Weekday 30-minute morning rush service returns.

• Weekday midday and afternoon rush time improves to 30-minute frequency.

• Trips will be adjusted to operate 5 minutes earlier than currently scheduled to improve reliability with connections at the terminal.

Route 5 The Parkway

• Weekday 30-minute midday service returns.

• Late evening service returns.

Route 6 Sherbrooke

• Most eastbound trips during the daytime will depart from Fleming College 5 minutes earlier through to Peterborough Terminal to improve reliability with connections at the terminal.

• Late evening service returns.

Route 7 Lansdowne

• Weekday 30-minute service returns for the morning and afternoon rush periods between Willowcreek Plaza and Trent Gzowski (Route 7A).

• Weekday westbound trips from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. will operate 5 minutes earlier from Fleming to Trent Gzowski to improve reliability.

• A new morning and afternoon Route 7B Willowcreek Plaza trips have been added to resolve overcrowding.

Route 9 Parkhill

• Weekday 30-minute service returns for the morning and afternoon rush periods.

• New short-turn extra trips between Parkhill at Hedonics and Trent Gzowski (Route 9A) have been added weekday mornings and afternoons to resolve overcrowding.

• The first morning weekday westbound trip will operate 5 minutes earlier from Trent Gzowski to Fleming to improve the transfer with Route 8 trip.

Route 10 Technology Drive

• On-demand Pink Community Bus zone will be expanded to include the Technology Drive and Neal Drive areas.

• More travel options are available with new midday, later weekday afternoon rush and new weekends options

• Weekdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Early afternoon rush hour trips are cancelled and will be served by the on-demand service. There are no changes to weekday morning rush service.

Route 11 Water

• Weekday service returns:

• Route 11 – Peterborough Terminal will operate every 15-minutes during peak periods and every 20-minutes during midday and evenings.

• Route 11A – Traill College will operate every 20-minutes during peak periods and midday, and every 30-minutes in the evenings.

There will be no changes to the Community Bus schedules.

Customers with questions on the route schedules can contact Peterborough Transit directly by phone at 705-745-0525 or by email at transitoperations@peterborough.ca.

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Labour Day Brings A Few Changes To City Services

Many City facilities will be closed or offering modified service on Labour Day Monday.

Photo by Luke Best.

City Hall

City Hall offices, including Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Tax Office, will be closed. Online services are available at www.peterborough.ca.

Arenas Division

Healthy Planet Arena will be open from noon until 10 p.m. on Monday.

The Peterborough Memorial Centre and Kinsmen Arena will be closed.

The Arenas Division office will be closed.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed on Monday.

To stay up-to-date with what's happening at the Art Gallery of Peterborough, please visit www.agp.on.ca, or visit their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Garbage, recycling and green waste

There will be no change to curbside collection of garbage, recycling and green waste.

The Household Hazardous Waste Depot and the Peterborough County and City Waste Management Facility (landfill) will be closed on Monday.

The Pido Road Recycling Depot remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

The Peterborough Museum and Archives and gift shop are open from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday.

Peterborough Public Library

The Peterborough Public Library will be closed on Monday.

Information and digital resources are online at www.ptbolibrary.ca.

Peterborough Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on Monday. Please visit the website www.peterborough.ca/transit or call 705-745-0525 for detailed schedules.

Sport and Wellness Centre

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre will be open Monday from 6 a.m to 2 p.m.

To contact the Recreation Division or Wellness Centre, please phone 705-742-0050 or email rec@peterborough.ca

Marina

The Peterborough Marina office will be open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday.

To contact the Marina, please phone 705-745-8787 or email marina@peterborough.ca.

City splash pads

City splash pads will be operational on Monday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Provincial Offences office

The Provincial Offences office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Monday. Fine payments can be made online at www.peterborough.ca/POA.

Social Services office

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed. Emergency shelter services remain open: call 705-926-0096 after hours, during weekends and on holidays.

Child care centres

City-operated child care centres will be closed on Monday.

Public Works

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Nine-Year-Old Farmer Hard At Work Building Birdhouses To Earn Enough Money To Buy A Cow Of His Own

Cameron Ormiston, 9, has been busy this summer building and selling birdhouses with hopes to soon be able to buy his own cow.

Cameron lives with his family on their beef farm in Omemee and raise charlets, shorthorns, sheep and ducks.

The nine-year-old grew up going to cattle shows with his parents and has recently started showing cows himself at local fairs.

He began saving up money from birthdays and Christmas and doing chores for his parents and grandparents last year with plans to buy a cow of his own.

This year he planted some corn an planned to sell it, but with the drought that didn’t pan out so it was back to the drawing board.

“Birdhouses seemed like a good idea,” said Jennie, his mom. “We had some spare lumber laying around so we got to work.”

Making the bird houses is a team effort at the farm.

“I do the sanding and the painting,” said Cameron. “Mom helps me staple the pieces together and I drill the hole for the bird.”

Jennie says working hard and using tools like this is nothing new for Cameron.

“Cameron has always worked hard,” she said. “He learned to drive the excavator when he was seven, he’s used to being around tools and equipment. Dad is big on safety and he’s grown up doing it.”

So far Cameron estimates that he has sold about 40 birdhouses, and he has close to 20 pre-made.

Birdhouses sell for $15 each and can be purchased at the stand located on their family farm at 297 Lilac Rd., Omemee.

At the stand there is a notebook for customers to leave comments.

“He’s gotten a crazy amount of support, people have left notes that are from as far as Oshawa and Toronto,” said Jennie. “He’s had people offer to send him money if they’re not close, just a lot of support.”

Cameron plans to save around $2,000 for a calf that he can halter break and Jennie says he’s close to halfway there.

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Canadian Canoe Museum Will Hang Up It's Paddles After Labour Day In Preparation Of The Big Move To A New Location

Labour Day weekend will be the publics last chance to visit the Canadian Canoe Museum at its Monaghan Road location, before they lock the doors on Tuesday in preparation for the Museum's upcoming move to their new waterfront museum.

File Photo.

"It will be bittersweet to see visitors walk through our red doors one final time," said executive director Carolyn Hyslop. "This building holds more than 25 years' worth of memories and has served us well, allowing us to grow and evolve into the dynamic museum we are today. That said, closing our current location marks a significant milestone in our project timeline and brings us one step closer to the water's edge. We are all looking forward to moving into a purpose-built facility on the water, which will allow us to expand our offerings in ways that are not possible here at 910 Monaghan Road."

The CCM will reopen next summer at its new facility, designed by local Lett Architects Inc, on the shores of Little Lake, located at 2077 Ashburnham Drive.

The five-acre site of the new museum will provide stunning west-facing views of Little Lake, a connection to the Trans Canada Trail and is surrounded by public parks. It will become a vibrant community space for outdoor activities and the Museum's canoeing and outdoor programs and events.

The two-storey, 65,000 square foot building will feature an integrated Collection Hall that allows for 100 percent of the collection to be on display, a brand-new suite of exhibits, a lakefront events and education space, an artisan and canoe building studio for hands-on learning, a library and research room, and a café with a fireplace and outdoor terrace.

Supporting this move to the water's edge is a $40 million capital campaign, and financial support from governmental partners, including the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the City of Peterborough, and the County of Peterborough, alongside lead donor, The Weston Family Foundation. To learn more about the new museum or make a donation in support of the campaign, visit canoemuseum.ca/new-museum.

The CCM will be open for one final visit until Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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