City Of Peterborough Adjusts COVID-19 Protocols As Province Moves To next Phase In Reopening

On Thursday the City of Peterborough will adjust its COVID-19 protocols in recreation facilities following the Province of Ontario’s announcement moving Ontario to the next phase of reopening.

A full house at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, 2018. As of Thursday arenas may operate at 50 per cent capacity. File photo.

Capacity limits for entertainment and sporting venues will move to 50 per cent, and masking requirements remain in place in accordance with new Provincial regulations.

Arenas

In accordance with provincial regulations, the following measures for community use at all arena facilities are in effect as of Thursday:

• Proof of Vaccination using enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code and Active Screening are still required for entry.

• Masks/face coverings are required at all times, limited exemptions apply.

• Spectator capacities will be increased to 50% capacity for all spectating areas.

• No capacity limits in non-spectating areas (i.e., change rooms/on ice)

• Food and beverage consumption is permitted, masks to be worn at all times while not consuming.

• Safety plans are required for permitted users/groups using the facility.

Skating programs will remain registered and with capacities, for more information visit peterborough.ca/skate.

Healthy Planet Arena will continue to be used for vaccination clinics. Please visit the Peterborough Public Health website for clinic information.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre

In accordance with provincial regulations, the following measures for the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre are in effect as of Thursday:

• Organized public gatherings are limited to 50 people indoors, and 100 people outdoors.

• Active Screening and Proof of Vaccination requirements remain in effect, with government-issued photo ID and QR Code Proof of Vaccination required.

• Masks/face coverings are required unless participating in active sport or fitness activities.

• There are no guidelines related to physical distancing.

• Spectators observing sporting events within the Centre are limited to 50 percent of the seating capacity.

Recreation Programs and Downtown Youth Space

The provincial regulations allow recreation facilities to have indoor capacity limits for organized events limited to 50 people indoors and no capacity limits for organized public events outdoors. Social gatherings are limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.

Outdoor Recreation Facilities

The provincial regulations allow outdoor recreation facilities to have no capacity limits in place for organized public events. Social gatherings are limited to 100 people outdoors.

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Peterborough Selected to Host the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games

After facing two consecutive cancelled years due to COVID-19, Peterborough has kept its bid and will host the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games that will run from Aug. 9 - 11 announced on Thursday.

Pickleball will be one of the events in the Summer Games. Pickleball enthusiasts have lobbied the Peterborough government to build more courts to meet the increasing popularity of the game in town. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Roughly 1,400 people are expected to compete in events such as bid euchre, contract bridge, cribbage, cycling, lawn bowling, golf, pickleball, slo-pitch, swimming, tennis and more. The venues for the events will be throughout the City and County.

Several Peterborough notables say the games will provide an economic boost to the travel and tourism industry as they went through several challenges due to the pandemic.

Several supporters and fans are expected to travel to the event with the competitors as the city has organized a committee to help accommodate the boosted tourism.

“We are excited to support the 2022 Ontario 55+ Summer Games in Peterborough with a $235,000 investment. This event will bring people, their families, and fans from across Ontario to Peterborough; supporting local businesses and aiding in the economic recovery of our community,” said MPP Dave Smith.

“I am pleased that we can work with Games organizers to host this event in Peterborough in 2022,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “The Games is an important contributor to the well-being of the Peterborough community and the province and as Ontario deals with the impacts of COVID-19, it’s important that we invest in and support our local communities in the short and long term.”

"Never before has social interaction and fun been more important for our citizens,” Councillor Lesley Parnell. “The Ontario 55+ Summer Games will not only be fun but are essential for our mental and emotional health following Covid."

The provincial government, through the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries is providing $235,000 in funding to support the event. The City has committed $175,000. Additional funding will be raised through fundraising, sponsorship and fees.

A website for the event will be launched to share information as more details are available.

There will be a call for volunteers to assist with the Games – and for the community to come out to enjoy the Games and cheer on the participants. This information is also on the City of Peterborough website at www.peterborough.ca.

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Peterborough Prepares To Celebrate The 45th Annual Snofest

The City of Peterborough has released the schedule for the 45th annual Snofest, which is being held online this year.

Stock Image.

The Snofest contests and challenges will run from Feb. 19 to 21, with residents encouraged to participate in the activities all month long.

The Activity Guide is on the City’s website peterborough.ca/Snofest. Participants can snap a photo and then share it on their Facebook page, tagging @ptbosnofest and using the hashtag #PtboSnofest2022 for a chance to win great local prizes. Residents who do not use social media can email pictures to kjelliott@peterborough.ca.

Contest winners will be chosen on Feb. 22. Prize winners will be contacted via Facebook and prizes will be available for pick-up at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre the week of Feb. 22 to 27. For more information contact Kelly Elliott or call the Wellness Centre customer service desk at 705-742-0050 ext. 2201.

“The online Snofest activity guide is full of great ideas for residents to have fun safely,” said Mayor Diane Therrien. “Though we may not be gathering in-person, I encourage people to connect online by sharing your Snofest activities on social media. I hope everyone can find time to embrace the winter season and participate in the wide variety of Snofest activities over the Family Day long weekend.”

This years Snofest includes many different activities. Below they are highlighted.

Colouring contest for kids & youth    

Kids and youth can download one of the Snofest winter-themed colouring pages, print it, colour it, scan it and e-mail the completed work to kjelliott@peterborough.ca. People can also post their masterpiece on Facebook by tagging @PtboSnofest or use the hashtag #PtboSnofest2022.

Youth 12 years of age and older can pick up paper copies of the colouring sheets at DYS and submit their entries the centre, 201 McDonnel St. They can post their work on Facebook tagging @DowntownYouthSpace or on Instagram @downtownyouthspace.

The deadline for the colouring contest is Monday, February 21, 2022.

Biggest outdoor shinny/hockey "celly" contest

This is a great opportunity for residents to show off their favorite outdoor rink and their favourite "celly" (celebration following a goal). They can take a video and share it on Facebook tagging @PtboSnofest or using #PtboSnofest2022 to be eligible to win a prize.

A list of all 23 outdoor rinks being maintained this year by dedicated volunteers is online at peterborough.ca/skate.

Art Gallery  

The Art Gallery of Peterborough invites residents to visit their website agp.on.ca for instructions and details to build their own Snofest Pete. Residents can dress him in winter gear and bring him along on all Snofest outdoor adventures.

On Facebook, residents can tag @PtboSnofest, #PtboSnofest2022 and @AGPtbo, #AGPtbo on pictures being outdoors and active with Snofest Pete.

Winter trails

Residents are encouraged to stay active during Snofest and explore the City's winter trails. The City has 42 km of paved trails that are plowed and maintained for year-round enjoyment. Unpaved trails are kept in their natural state in the winter, so residents are reminded to be aware of conditions with winter safety in mind.

As always, pedestrians have the right-of-way. Keeping to the right leaves space for faster people to pass with a safe berth. Many trails are not lit, so it is recommended to bring lights when it’s dark out.

Best snow sculpture or snow fort contest   

This is a great opportunity to take advantage of all the snow and get creative. Residents are invited to make a snow sculpture that represents a "Canadian Winter". Post on Facebook tagging @PtboSnofest, #PtboSnofest2022 and/or email a picture to kjelliott@peterborough.ca  for a chance to win a prize. The winner will be selected on February 22, 2022.

Library

Residents are invited to join the Peterborough Public Library for great winter reading recommendations. Please check out their monthly list of great activities to escape the cold - story times, grab-and-go crafts, online reading challenges and more.

The Museum wants to take you down memory lane...      

The Peterborough Museum & Archives will be sharing photographs of Snofests past and invites residents to do the same. The Snofest Committee is excited to see photos and hear stories of residents skating on the canal with Snofest Pete, enjoying the Mayor's pancake breakfast and Carnival on the Hill, or competing in Snofest Idol.

The Museum’s Facebook page will feature these photos, and residents can share their own using the hashtag #PtboSnofest2022 and tagging @PtboSnofest and @PtboMuseumArchives for a chance to win a great prize.

The Peterborough Museum & Archives’ YouTube channel will feature the “Crafternoons” playlist for families to enjoy.

Pancake contest   

Though many residents will miss the traditional Lion's Club pancake breakfast of past years, everyone is encouraged to mix up their best pancakes and post a picture of your creations, tagging the Lion's Club on Facebook @PeterboroughLionsClub and using #PtboSnofest2022 for a chance to win a great prize.

Snowman contest 

This is Peterborough’s opportunity to get creative and show off their snowman building skills. Prizes will be awarded for the funniest, largest and most original snowman. Residents can post their photos on Facebook and tag @PtboSnofest, use the hashtag #PtboSnofest2022 or email to kjelliott@peterborough.ca.

Best dressed pet contest

Who doesn't love seeing dogs in the community sporting their winter boots, coats and fun light up leashes? Peterborough pet lovers are invited to share pictures of their pets all dressed up and ready for winter. There will be a prize for best dressed pet posted on Facebook tagging @PtboSnofest and using #PtboSnofest2022.

Walk or bike to work or school challenge even in the winter

Active School Travel Peterborough encourages families to walk or roll as they travel, even in winter. Celebrate winter by bundling up the family and enjoying a walk while traveling to work, school or play. Residents can get exercise, explore nature and the community, or even connect with a neighbour for a friendly chat. Walkers can post their pictures with the tag #journeyoutside.

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Public Skating Opens This Weekend At Healthy Planet Arena

The City of Peterborough will be offering registered public skating at Healthy Planet Arena beginning Sunday.

Photo courtesy of City of Peterborough.

To ensure compliance with current provincial COVID-19 regulations, users must register in advance for all public skating programs.

Registration will be capped according to facility capacity limits of 60 preregistered skaters on the ice. All patrons are required to complete a self-assessment health screening and show their COVID-19 Vaccination QR code and government issued I.D. prior to entering the building.

Skaters must provide their own skates and CSA helmets are recommended.

The following sessions are available:

Public skating at Healthy Planet Arena:  

Sundays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the Leon’s Pad. 

• Open to all ages 

• Approved skating assistant items are permitted 

• No hockey sticks, nets or shoes are allowed on the ice 

• The cost for each session is $4.50 per person  

50+ Skate at Healthy Planet Arena:  

Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the Leon’s Pad. 

• Open to skaters over the age of 50 

• No hockey sticks, nets or shoes are allowed on the ice 

• The cost for each session is $3.50 per person 

Pay-as-you-play hockey at Healthy Planet Arena: 

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. and Fridays 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on the Freedom Mobile Pad 

• Open to adult skaters over the age of 18 

• Two hockey nets provided  

• Hockey equipment is required 

• Non-instructional session 

• The cost for each session is $7.50 per person 

Participants can register by phone at 705-742-0050, online at peterborough.ca/skate, or in person at the Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Drive, Peterborough.

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Carl Oake Rotary Swim To Make A Splash In February

The Rotary Club of Peterborough and Century 21 United Realty Inc. are teaming up again to present 36th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim on Feb 25. at the YMCA.

Firefighter sprays participants at the Carl Oake Rotary Splash Challenge. File Photo.

To date, the Carl Oake Rotary Swim has raised over 1 million dollars for Easter Seals and Rotary Projects.

In September 2021 the Carl Oake Rotary Splash Challenge raised over $45,000 for Easter Seals and The Rotary Club of Peterborough.

The swimathon is about fun and welcomes professional swimmers and those there for fun.

Teams or individuals can sign up to participate and start raising funds for The Rotary Club of Peterborough and Easter Seals by going to www.CarlOakeRotarySwim.com

Those interested in participating can join the event at the YMCA at 7 a.m on Feb. 25 or participate at home virtually.

Organizers are monitoring COVID-19 restrictions and hope that this event can go forward as planned.

Updates will be posted to the events Facebook page.

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City Outdoor Rinks And Canal Open For Skating

The Trent Severn Waterway canal and 23 neighbourhood rinks are open for outdoor skating in Peterborough as of Friday.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

As of Friday The Trent Severn Waterway canal, south of the Peterborough Lift Lock, is green-flagged, meaning conditions are safe for skating.

Ice conditions are monitored regularly and posted with a green flag when conditions are safe for skating, and a red flag when conditions are unsafe. Residents are reminded to always follow the flag indicator and all COVID-19 public health guidelines.

The canal status will be updated regularly on the City’s website www.peterborough.ca and social media channels @CityPtbo on Facebook and Twitter.

The neighbourhood rink program has run in City parks since 1965, thanks to volunteers who prepare, flood and maintain ice for skating. Rinks are open from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. as weather and ice conditions permit and subject to public health measures.

For the 2021-22 season the City will host 23 rinks at locations throughout the community, supported by a group of over 50 volunteers.

Outdoor rinks are located at:

• Brinton Carpet – 160 Braidwood Ave.

• Cameron St.- 569 Barnes Cr.

• Centennial – 14 Cartier Crt.

• Dixon – 120 Benson Ave.

• Earlwood - 52 Earlwood Dr.

• Farmcrest – Ashburnham Drive across from Ecology Park

• Golfview Heights - 921 Whitefield Dr.

• Grove – 714 Barbara Cres.

• Hastings – 690 Hastings Ave.

• Inverlea – 18 Dennistoun Ave.

• King Edward – 455 George St. S

• Kiwanis – 234 Middlefield Rd.

• Manor Heights - 700 Victory Cr.

• Mapleridge - 1929 Mapleridge Dr.

• Nicholls Place - 725 Armour Rd.

• Northland - 1255 Bathurst St.

• Roper - 1610 Firwood Cr.

• Sandalwood – 1306 Sandlewood Dr.

• Stenson - 1750 Stenson Blvd.

• Turner Park - 673 Chamberlain St.

• University Heights - 1385 Hetherington Dr.

• Wedgewood - 1535 Fairmount Blvd.

• Weller - 1140 Weller St.

Guidelines for canal and outdoor rink use:

• Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. Stay home if you are sick.

• Maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres (6 feet) from those outside of your household.

• Skaters are reminded to respect the posted capacity limits of neighbourhood rinks to allow for physical distancing. If it's crowded, please come back another time. In addition to the rink capacity, Provincial restrictions require outdoor social gatherings to be a maximum of 10 people, so if skaters are getting together with friends, the group must be 10 people or less.

• Outdoor rinks are for casual, recreational use - no organized play or events are permitted.

• Wearing a mask or face covering is strongly recommended by Public Health.

• Do not congregate at seating areas, stairs, entrances and exits.

• All children/dependents must be accompanied by a competent adult/guardian.

• Be safe and be respectful of others.

• Clean up after yourself.

• Wash or sanitize hands before and after visiting.

• Use at your own risk.

The City of Peterborough continues to work with Peterborough Public Health, and Peterborough Police to monitor compliance with the Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 restrictions. Residents that have concerns about non-compliance can contact the Peterborough Police Service using their non-emergency phone line at 705-876-1122.

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Winter Scavenger Hunt Encourages Youth To Get Outside

Stay Strong Be Positive PTBO is starting their Winter Scavenger Hunt a day early, on Thursday, due to upcoming cold weather.

Photo courtesy of Mark Westlake.

Stay Strong Be Positive PTBO was created in April 2021, during a COVID lockdown, by Mark Westlake.

“When the lockdown started, 6 of my buddies started our own 21 days lockdown challenge, to encourage each other to stay active,” said Westlake. ”We fired the group back up with the new lockdown. We want to encourage individuals and families to get outside and be active.”

The Winter Scavenger Hunt is for youth aged 10 - 16, and encourages them to get outdoors.

“Staying active and regular exercise improves mental health by reducing depression and anxiety. We did a scavenger hunt last year and the group members really enjoyed it.”

Westlake and his friends that make up the ‘21 Days Lockdown Challenge’ purchased Yeti products valued at $725 to be awarded to a participant at the end of the scavenger hunt.

He says they want to “Motivate the members to participate and get outside and visit some of our awesome local nature trails.”

To be entered into the draw participants, or their parents, must first join the Facebook group. When they post photos of all the items in the scavenger hunt they will be entered to win the prize.

Entries will be accepted until Sunday at 8 p.m.

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Norwood Lights Up The Town For Christmas

The Township of Asphodel Norwood has organized their annual Light Up The Township map and will be hosting their Holiday Night market on Saturday night.

Photo courtesy of the Township of Asphodel Norwood.

The township has compiled a list of houses decorated in the area and mapped them out in an interactive, online map.

Anyone who’s home or business is featured on the map is automatically entered in a random draw.

The first place draw will receive a $250 gift card from The Christmas Corner (2351 County Rd 45). The second prize is a fresh cookie Platter from Florna Sweets, and the third prize is a fresh turkey from Hiltz Butcher Shop.

There is also an opportunity for fans to vote for the best display. The house with the most votes will win a fresh turkey donated by Ralphs Butcher Shop.

Houses can be viewed online, and votes submitted here.

The township is also gearing up for a Holiday Night market, happening on Saturday from 5 - 8 p.m.

County Road 45 will be closed from Hwy. 7 to Alma Street, and transformed into a winter wonderland.

Visitors can enjoy music, Christmas characters and shop with local vendors.

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Peterborough Gets First-Ever Month-Long Mac and Cheese Festival

A childhood favourite meal is turning into a celebration as Peterborough is getting their first Mac and Cheese Festival announced on Tuesday.

Judges from the Pasta Shop, the Food Shop and the Toy Shop with participants in Tuesdays competition from the Peterborough Petes, Kawartha Food Share and Trent University. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Starting on Oct. 1, the self-guided festival will invite participants to dine in or order take-out from 18 local restaurants.

During the festival, restaurants will be competing for local votes to become the ‘Mac + Cheese Champion.’ Participants can vote online for their favourite mac and cheese dishes until Oct. 30.

The winning restaurant will receive bragging rights for the year, a cheesy hand-crafted trophy and a donation to Kawartha Food Share in the victor’s name.

“Yes, it’s a competition and of course some folks are in it for the glory- but for the most part, our 18 restaurant partners are just happy to help bring a little comfort back into the community,” said Hillary Flood Communications Manager, Peterborough DBIA. “I don’t think it gets any more comforting than mac and cheese.”

Leo Grourke, Trent University President, Sarah Khaki and Michael Khan, vice-president academic at Trent with their mac and cheese at the Silver Bean Cafe. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

The official launch party at the Silver Bean Café had three local organizations participate in a cook-off to give a sample of what people can expect in October.

The Peterborough Petes, Trent University and Kawartha Food Share each brought a crock-pot of the famed comfort food and were judged by local shop owners.

Kawartha Food Share placed first with their student-inspired mac and cheese with ingredients one might find in a student’s pantry.

In addition to serving mac and cheese, each restaurant location will host a month-long food drive in support of Kawartha Food Share. Festival goers are encouraged to bring their non-perishables downtown this October when visiting any mac and cheese restaurant location.

“We are so excited to partner with the DBIA and partake in the 2021 Mac and Cheese Festival. It’s been a very tough year for our food banks. We’re so thrilled to see so many local restaurants collecting food donations to help us restock the shelves at our 37 member agencies before the busy holiday season,” said Ashlee Aitken, Kawartha Food Share General Manager.

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Instructions Issued Regarding Vaccine Mandate for Sports Staff

Peterborough Public Health released a letter of instruction regarding vaccine requirements for sports staff on Friday.

Similar instructions for restaurant mandates were released Thursday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Public Health will require all volunteers, coaches and officials 18 years of age and over who are participating or associated with the indoor organized sport to confirm proof of vaccination (or proof of being entitled to a medical exemption) and identification each time the individuals arrives at the facility.

“The requirements for proof of vaccination for high-risk indoor settings will ensure residents remain safe,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “The provincial requirements related to organized sports have exempt volunteers, coaches, and officials, putting vulnerable individuals at risk. Given that these individuals will have close and prolonged contact with unvaccinated youth players, I am requiring proof of vaccination for these individuals, in addition to the individuals prescribed by provincial legislation.”

Proof of vaccination requirements will come into effect on Sept. 22. Patrons will be required to show identification and proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering the following indoor establishments:

• Indoor areas of meeting and event spaces

• Indoor and outdoor areas of food and drink establishments with dance facilities, including nightclubs and other similar establishments

• Indoor areas of restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments without dance facilities

• Indoor areas of facilities used for sport and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks, and personal fitness training

• Indoor areas of casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments

• Indoor areas of concert venues, theatres and cinemas

• Indoor areas of bathhouses, sex clubs and strip clubs

• Indoor areas of horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues

• Indoor areas where film and TV production take place with studio audiences

Businesses and organizations who fall into these categories are required under O. Reg. 364/20 to obtain proof of vaccination and proof of identification from each patron before entering the premise. Other public health measures like masking and distancing will remain in place.

Patrons of these establishments may have a paper or electronic proof of vaccination in the form of a receipt, card, or certificate. Proof of vaccination can be obtained through the Ontario provincial portal or by calling the provincial call centre at 1-833-943-3900.

Additional information on the provincial proof of vaccination requirements and Peterborough Public Health letter of instruction can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/proofofvaccine

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