Riverview Park and Zoo Reopened After Being Temporarily Closed From Fire

UPDATE: 11:02 a.m. 08/05/23

Riverview Park and Zoo announced that it has reopened after being temporarily closed by a fire according to a Monday morning tweet.

IN CAPTIVITY, RIVER OTTERS HAVE A LIFE EXPECTANCY OF ABOUT 25 YEARS. PHOTO COURTESY OF Riverview Park and Zoo.

No animals or staff were harmed from the fire according to a tweet just before 11 a.m. Monday.

The zoo stated in a Tweet that they were closed just before 9:30 a.m. Monday morning. “We are closed until further notice. please keep an eye on social media for updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

The closure affected the gated zoo area however the playground remained open, according to the zoo’s comment on their Facebook post.

Since 1933, Riverview Park and Zoo is Canada’s only free-admission accredited zoo with nearly a quarter of a million annual visitors. It features a disc golf course, a park, a miniature train, splash pads and live music alongside its animal exhibits.

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Honour An Animal Lover and Help the New Peterborough Animal Care Centre Through Memorial Donations

A generous memorial donation was made to the Peterborough Humane Society’s new Animal Care Centre by Gloria Porter-MacDonald in tribute of her late son Drew MacDonald.

Drew MacDonald and his dog. photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society.

She chose to donate to the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) in memory of her son who passed in January 2020. A dog adoption suite has been named in his honour and will also be displayed on PACC’s Donor Wall.

“Drew was an owner/operator in the transportation industry. He was a gentle giant; kind, a loyal friend, a team player and willing to help,” his mother shared. “Drew had a sense of humour, a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for those who risk life and limb for others.”

Gloria says Drew’s experience with dogs began with a Doberman Pinscher.

“Later he brought home two bonded Beagle puppies from the Peterborough Humane Society rather than leave one behind unadopted. Drew loved his dogs,” said Gloria. “When it was necessary for our family to re-home Drew's two Beagles, Buddy and Sam, we felt comfortable knowing there was a service available to assist in finding a new home for them. We wanted to support the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre in improving the needs of our local community for pets and animals in memory of Drew's love of dogs.”

The Peterborough Animal Care Centre is now open at 1999 Technology Dr. in Peterborough with a grand opening event scheduled for June. The centre features a state-of-the art Animal Adoption & Education Centre, Publicly Accessible & High-Volume Spay/Neuter Clinic and a Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre.

“We are honoured to recognize Drew and his love for animals through our new Centre. This donation to the Centre will not only impact the lives of the animals in our care but our entire community and beyond,” said Peterborough Humane Society executive director Shawn Morey. “Memorial gifts are an incredible way to leave a lasting impact, and we are truly thankful to be a part of Drew’s memory. His love for animals will live on for generations to come through this gift.”

Donations are still needed to reach the capital campaign goal. To learn how to contribute, visit the website.

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Peterborough Humane Society Packs Its Bags To Move Into the New Peterborough Animal Care Centre

It’s moving day for the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) as they have begun shifting their operations from their Lansdowne Street location into the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) on Tuesday.

Roughly 100 animals were moved to the new location but the space is not yet open to the public. The Peterborough Humane Society closed its Lansdowne Street operation as of Saturday. It served as a holding facility for the animals. The new PACC features an animal adoption and education centre, a spay-and-neuter clinic and a dog rehabilitation centre.

It has already been funded by almost $10 million in community donations but requires another $2.5 million to complete all projects and construction according to Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

“We're just doing some final finishes and final touching that need to be done to get us prepared for occupancy and allow the public to come on-site,” he said. “Staff can get into the space because a lot of them haven't been in this space yet, get to know the facility and experience it. We can test out all the bugs and make sure that it's ready to rock when we can open to the public.”

Individuals, organizations and groups have helped fund the animal care centre and Morey is grateful for the outreach and support of the new building.

“It just shows the pride that Peterborough has for their animals,” he said.

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Services that were available at the Peterborough Humane Society are still provided during the move such as licensing (new or renewals) and appointment-only viewings and adoptions are available.

A soft opening is projected for mid-February with a grand opening planned in the spring.

Tuesday also marks ‘Betty White Day’ as she was renowned for her passion for animals and her acting career. The day was created shortly after her passing prior to New Year’s Day of 2022 and was an initiative to encourage the world to contribute to animal welfare. Last year, roughly $20,000 was raised for the PACC in honour of the late beloved actress. A count has not yet been released since the PHS is still awaiting a final count.

Donations can be made throughout the week and can be done online.

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Peterborough Humane Society Moves Operations to New Animal Care Centre; Betty White Fundraiser Day On Tuesday

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has begun moving its operations to the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) and has closed the Lansdowne Street location announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

The new location is at 1999 Technology Dr. as the Lansdowne Street location finally closed after 65 years on Saturday. 

Construction for the new centre is not fully complete with minor projects in progress internally, with landscaping and other outdoor developments that will continue into the spring according to a press release.

“This is an exciting time at PHS, but as it will take us a bit of time to settle in we appreciate the community’s patience and support as we make this transition. We are pleased and very proud to soon welcome everyone to our new home to experience this community space, built to revolutionize animal wellness.” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

A soft opening is projected for mid-February with a grand opening planned in the spring.

PHS is also celebrating “Betty White Day” on Tuesday to help raise funds for the PACC.

“Last year the ‘Betty White Challenge’, celebrated in honour of the late philanthropist’s 100th birthday, helped PHS raise over $20,000,” said Morey. “We hope the community will honour Betty again this year and will celebrate our big move with us by contributing to our capital campaign.”

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Peterborough Police Launch 'K9 Calendar' Fundraiser For Peterborough Animal Care Centre

You can hang up 12 months’ worth of dog pictures anywhere in support of the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) and the Peterborough Animal Care Centre as the Peterborough Police Service has launched their first-ever ‘K9 Calendar’ fundraiser announced on Thursday.

Jamie Hartneett, inspector of operations; Pixie, facility dog and Alice Czitrom, victim services coordinator unveiling the first-ever K9 calendar. Pixie has been with the Peterborough Police Service since January of 2020. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The calendar features photos of the police K9 Unit with police dogs such as PSD Isaac, PSD Gryphon, PSD Mag and their handlers Cons. Bob Cowie and Cons. Dillon Wentworth – along with facility dog Pixie and her handler Alice Czitrom.

The calendar costs $20 with all proceeds going to the PHS’s Peterborough Animal Care Centre. Calendars can be purchased online at their website. Calendar pickups are at the Peterborough Police Station, located at 500 Water St. between 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 

The K9 Calendar has the latest statistics on the work of both K9 Unit and Facility Dog Pixie in Victim Services and a section dedicated to past Police Service Dogs and handlers.

“This project has been in the works since January.  We feel it’s a neat way to connect with our community and share the great work our canine officers and their handlers do each shift.” says Tim Farquharson, Peterborough Police Service acting chief. “It’s also important for us to give back to our community.  As such the proceeds from the sale of the calendars will go to the Peterborough Humane Society’s Animal Care Centre.”

“We are excited to not only have the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre highlighted in the 2023 Calendar but for the funds to also be supporting Our Pet Project capital campaign to build the new Centre.” shared Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

The Peterborough Animal Care Centre’s construction is scheduled to finish before the end of the year with a soft opening in January. This Centre hosts three programs: a publicly accessible Spay and Neuter Clinic, an Education and Adoption Centre and a cutting-edge Dog Rehabilitation Centre. The Centre also features a community hub, an off-leash dog park, a private event space and a patio.

"A lot of our members are animal lovers,” said Jamie Hartnett, Peterborough Police inspector of operations. “Peterborough Police have always been engaged with the community aspect of it, community policing and this is just another example of why we love our community.”

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Kawartha Downs Donates $25,000 Towards Construction Completion of Peterborough Animal Care Centre

Caring about more than just horses, Kawartha Downs Raceway has donated $25,000 towards the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) to help complete construction of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) announced on Wednesday.

The Peterborough Animal Care Centre will be over 24,000 square feet and include a state-of-the art Animal Adoption & Education Centre, Publicly Accessible & High-Volume Spay/Neuter Clinic and a Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

In recognition of the donation, a dog adoption suite will be named in honour of Kawartha Downs and will also be recognized on the Donor Wall located in the lobby of the new PACC.

“Kawartha Downs provides entertainment for families and supports the community. We are also all animal lovers her,” shared Summer Nickerson-Hagen of Kawartha Downs. “Kawartha Downs would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre in caring for our community’s most vulnerable pets.”

“Support from local businesses like Kawartha Downs is extremely important to the success of this project,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “This new Centre will set a new standard in animal wellness and care, Peterborough will be part of a Canadian-first, which will support our local businesses and community.”

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Commemorative Animals in War Pins Raise Money for Animal Centres This Remembrance Day

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society honour Canada’s veterans and the animals that served alongside them with commemorative Animals in War pins this Remembrance Day.

Photo courtesy of The Ontario SPCA.

Proceeds from the pins sold will help the Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province. One dollar from each pin sold will be donated to Royal Canadian Legion branches in Ontario SPCA animal centre communities.

The pin is intended to be worn alongside the poppy and represents the sacrifice made by animals who have served and continue to serve, alongside Canada’s veterans.

The Animals in War campaign was first launched in 2017. Commemorative pins have included a horse, dog, pigeon, cat and a limited edition pin in honour of the women who have served in Canada’s military.

Mules carried artillery, horses transported troops and hauled field guns, pigeons delivered crucial messages, cats served as companions and kept ships free of vermin and dogs served as messengers, medical assistants, bomb detectors and search and rescue workers.

Pins can be ordered at ontariospca.ca/remember.

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Peterborough Animal Care Centre Retail Area Named Jade’s Pet Boutique’ In New Partnership With Can-Pet

As construction nears its final stages for the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC), its retail area will be named Can-Pet has become a new partner ‘Jade’s Pet Boutique’ in an new partnership announced Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

The boutique is named after Jade, Nick Nicoloff’s late dog, who is the principle and vice president of Can-Pet Inc. Jade served as the ‘President and CEO’ and Can-Pet ambassador who came into work every day for 17 years.

“When I saw the stories on the news of the shelters across the country facing record surrender numbers and capacity levels and need for resources, I knew we needed to step in and help however we could,” said Nicoloff.

Jade also served as a therapy dog at long-term care homes with her mom Cindy. Nicoloff and the Can-Pet team look to honour her and all the amazing animals in our lives at this boutique.

Construction at PACC is expected to be completed in late fall with the Humane Society moving in by year’s end.

The Peterborough Humane Society is currently fundraising for the capital campaign, with multiple naming opportunities available. Those interested in becoming part of Our Pet Project can visit www.ourpetproject.ca.

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Grand Opening of Pet Spa For Local Couple In Downtown Peterborough

Local couple and co-owners Janeine Sali and Ryan Brown had their grand opening of Peterborough’s newest animal paradise, Roman & Co. Pet Spa on Tuesday.

Co-owner Janeine Sali, grooming cockapoo Ellie, the business’s first-ever client in their grand opening on Tuesday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The pet spa offers grooming (nail trimming, de-shedding, etc.), cleaning and bathing for dogs only. Cat services are available in the future at an undisclosed date according to the couple.

Roman and Co. highlighted the importance of supporting local as they collaborated with several small businesses.

They sell products from Pip & Penny Co., a small business that makes pet bandanas. Pip also sells bowties and scrunchies for dogs and quilts and catnip pouches for cats online.

The spa sells gourmet dog cookies from Douro-based business HappyNess Cookies.

Sali had the business idea during the height of the pandemic but put plans into motion roughly two months ago.

The new entrepreneur said she could have made a career in several different paths with her love of animals but decided a pet spa was the best option.

“I really love the satisfying feeling of making a dog look good but making them feel comfortable," said Sali. “You really get to know them as an individual when they keep coming back. They become like one of your own.”

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The business took over the previous Mr. Brock Barber Shop located on 221 Brock St. The building has been a barbershop since the 1820s according to Sali. The spa is honouring the building’s history since its transformation such as keeping several relics and trademark items on display.

“I really want to keep a lot of the history alive,” said Sali. “We wanted to keep a lot of the things the same, keep all the antique stuff that was left here and a tribute month for all the people who were in here in past. It's an honour to be in this building.”

Sali had named the business after her German Shepard, Roman. The spa is open five days a week by appointment only and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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Local Dog Trainer Holds Grand Opening Of First Brick-And-Mortar Store

It has been nine years in the making for dog trainer Ineke Turner as she opened her first brick-and-mortar business, Turner & Pooch Dog Training, in a grand opening on Tuesday afternoon.

(From left to right) Tiffany Acari, Peterborough Chamber media and member relations; Ineke Turner, Turner & Pooch owner and Nigel Broersma, Chamber member relations coordinator performing the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Turner’s first business.

The business provides dog training classes either in groups of up to four or private lessons alongside a trainer.

This is the first business that Turner has opened since her nine years as a dog trainer.

"I am scared out of my mind but I’m really excited to be here and help people with their dogs,” she said.

Turner was training dogs at Del Crary and Millenium Park for the past nine years. The rapport and relationships she developed working at the parks gave her the confidence to open her first store according to Turner.

“I've always wanted to have an indoor space just to be able to provide more service to people,” she explained.

While most businesses have suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic, it provided the opposite effect for Turner. She noticed that several households were taking in more dogs as pets to aid in mental health during the height of the pandemic.

“With a lot of covid puppies, I was able to have that opportunity a lot quicker,” said Turner.

Turner & Pooch Dog Training is located at 142 Simcoe St. in downtown Peterborough.

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