City of Peterborough Marks 20th Anniversary of the 2004 Flood

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The 20th anniversary of the 2004 Flood, which devastated Peterborough, saw the City reflect and recognize the milestone at the Engage Engineering courtyard on Monday morning.

Sylvia Sutherland, Former Peterborough Mayor (left) with Jeff Leal, current Peterborough Mayor (right). Sutherland was the mayor during the flood while Leal was serving as the MPP. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Since the incident, the City of Peterborough has made significant investments in flood mitigation and climate adaptation and discussed its progress at the event according to a press release.

The City has launched an interactive story map online to commemorate the anniversary and provide residents with an engaging way to learn about the 2004 Flood and subsequent investments in flood mitigation infrastructure.  

“I will never forget seeing the widespread damage across the city on July 15, 2004,” said Leal. “As a newly elected MPP I was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of Peterborough residents who were facing incredible adversity.   

On July 14 and 15, 2004, Peterborough received up to 220 mm of rain in nine hours. It consisted of 10 billion litres of rain which is equal to 9,615 filled Lift Locks and the same as two-and-a-half days of flow on the Otonabee River.

The resulting flooding caused substantial damage to municipal infrastructure and ruined basements in homes in town.

“What happened in the following days was inspirational; neighbours helped one another, volunteer organizations converged to help with recovery efforts and all levels of government provided support. The overwhelming support from emergency responders across the province allowed our community to recover faster than expected,” saidd Leal. “The 2004 Flood was a turning point in the City’s investment in flood mitigation infrastructure and today we are much more resilient to the impacts of climate change.”

The 2004 Flood served as a critical turning point in how the City of Peterborough addressed the inherent risks of flooding, putting the City on the pathway of long-term climate adaptation according to a press release.

They released a Flood Reduction Master Plan and identified the Central Area Flood Reduction project as a top priority. The project was completed last year with support from both the provincial and federal governments. 

The City says it used advanced technology to map flood-risk areas and make informed decisions about infrastructure investments, including traditional stormwater infrastructure and natural infrastructure, such as trees, watercourses and wetlands.

The historical development of our City in flood-prone areas, combined with the increasing risk of high-intensity rainfall, means the City’s flood reduction journey is far from complete as stated in a press release.

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Campbellford Memorial Multicare Lodge Celebrates 25 Years of Supportive Housing Services

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The Campbellford Memorial Multicare Lodge marked a significant milestone last week as they celebrated 25 years of providing supportive housing services to its resident, announced on Monday.

Tracy Carmen, who worked the first shift of the program 25 years ago, had the honour of cutting the anniversary cake. Photo courtesy of Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

"It's incredible to look back and see how far we've come,” said Jessica Clarke, lodge manager. “Our mission has always been to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our residents, and seeing so many familiar faces celebrating with us is a testament to our success.”

The event had weather, live music, dancing and a celebratory BBQ.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking to the future, committed to continuing our support and expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of our residents,” said Clarke.

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Hospice Peterborough Celebrates 35 Years of Service

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Hospice Peterborough celebrates a milestone of 35 years of serving the community announced on Thursday.

Hospice Peterborough p[lanting its roots at its groundbreaking ceremony in 1988. Photo courtesy of Hospice Peterborough.

The organizations was officially founded on April 1, 1989.

“Reflecting on our history, we are profoundly grateful for the immense support we've received. This is the result of a community banding together to support each other – this is Your Community Hospice,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director.

The following is a sample of the Hospice’s timeline with significant milestones:

  • 1988 - 1989: Hospice Peterborough becomes a registered charitable organization, starting with an annual revenue of $50,049 and a caseload of 37 active clients

  • 1991 - 1992: Euthanasia enters mainstream conversation, as Hospice Peterborough advocates for proper palliative care and pain management

  • 2014 - 2015: The ‘Every Moment Matters’ capital campaign is launched, aiming to raise $6.5 million. The campaign cabinet, led by Betty Morris, works tirelessly towards this goal

  • 2016 - 2017: Despite being in the middle of a capital campaign, Hospice still tracks 21,613 client interactions, 12 events, 684 group sessions, and 734 new referrals, the 305 active volunteers along with staff were kept very busy

  • 2018 - 2019: Hospice Peterborough moves to its new location at 325 London Street. On April 8, 2019, the organization admits its first end-of-life residents, marking a pivotal moment in its history

  • 2021 - 2022: Hospice Peterborough proudly became a fully accredited healthcare organization with the Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) following a vigorous 18-month process ultimately achieving an outstanding score of 98.67 per cent

  • 2022 - 2023: Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) became an option for clients receiving care in the Hospice Residence who have requested it, and for those who meet the required criteria, aligning with Hospice’s vision of client-centered care. Founder Dr. John Beamish, Hospice Peterborough’s Medical Director, announced his retirement after 36 years of service to HP

“We've come a long way since our humble beginnings, and today, we stand as a trusted healthcare facility providing 24/7 palliative care,” said Hős.

As part of the journey’s celebration, a small exhibit has been set up in the building where guests can explore memorabilia, view collected photos and gain insights into its history

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Art Gallery of Peterborough Releases Event Lineup To Celebrate Its 50th Anniversary

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To celebrate the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s (AGP) 50th anniversary, they have launched their event lineup to commemorate the gallery’s founding in 1974.

director Celeste Scopelites marvels at the piece, “Comfort, Eyes That Speak” by Don Kwan. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

“This is a chance for us to recognize and thank our community, our artists, our volunteers, our talented staff and our partners at the City of Peterborough who have been supporting the Art Gallery of Peterborough for 50 years,” said Debbie Keating of AGP Board of Directors. “The Art Gallery of Peterborough Board sees this year as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the future of the gallery.”

“A gallery is a pretty major establishment for the continuance of the culture from the perspective that it operates all throughout the year consistently,” said Celeste Scopelites, AGP director. “It becomes a hub for people to come and participate in various things for other kinds of events to be connected with it or an education stream for all ages. It becomes a place of engagement.”

On March 15, 1974, the AGP received its Letters Patent from the Province of Ontario, incorporating the AGP as a not-for-profit charitable organization.

In 1977, the AGP’s Board expanded on these aims and objectives.

“This gallery recognizes that, in a changing environment, its role is not static, but must be open to change; that it must reach out to its community; that it must be both a permanent institution and a ‘museum without walls’,” according to a press release statement.

The following are the announced events to celebrate AGP’s 50th anniversary:

Current Exhibitions: Seams and Strata

Nov. 23, 2013 – March 17

Reflecting on the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s 50th Anniversary in 2024, this juried exhibition invited artists to submit original works of art that resonate with themes of legacy, archives, nostalgia, ghosts, memory, survival and growth.

For Posterity: works from the Permanent Collection

Feb. 17 – March 24

Gathering works from the gallery’s early acquisitions, For Posterity reflects important gifts from key supporters and past exhibitions of the Art Gallery of Peterborough. The works from these early acquisitions chart the path of a nascent and savvy institution, driven primarily by women, dedicated to the creation of something strong and stable. It is a gift to future generations.

Galleria Extravaganza: The Best Sale of the Last (Half) Century

Opening Event: April 5, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Sale Continues: April 6 – 7, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

This weekend event is inspired by a fundraising sale hosted annually by the dedicated group of volunteers who supported the Art Gallery of Peterborough through its first decades. In celebration of the gallery’s 50th anniversary, this sale will offer a collection of artful items donated by members and volunteers, making it a great opportunity to find some treasures.

A selection of special items will be available through an Online Auction which begins March 22. Bidding closes April 7 at 9 p.m. during the opening event. Browse the selection in the AGP’s Main Gallery all weekend as the in-person sale continues: April 6 – 7, from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m.

Proceeds from this sale will be directed to the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s Acquisition Fund from which artwork is purchased for the Permanent Collection. The AGP presents changing exhibitions curated from the Permanent Collection in dialogue with current exhibits each year.

50th Anniversary Celebration

August 20

McDonnel Street Community Centre

The Art Gallery of Peterborough is celebrating 50 years of accomplishments and is hosting a gathering at the McDonnel Street Community Centre. Gallery Director Celeste Scopelites invites the public to join AGP as they indulge in reminiscence and look towards thier future.

Special guests will include founders and key members of our community who have made significant contributions the gallery and its ongoing successes.

It’s All About ART Fundraising Auction

Oct. 26, 7:00 p.m.

The Venue

The Art Gallery of Peterborough's annual fundraising auction, It’s All About ART, is an initiative of the Board of Directors. Each year, they raise funds to support the gallery’s outstanding exhibitions and education programs. In honour of the decade of the gallery’s origin, they will be celebrating with a 70s theme.

Upcoming Exhibitions: Exhibitions during the Art Gallery of Peterborough’s 50th anniversary are rooted in intergenerational dialogue, reflecting the AGP’s 50 years of commitment to contemporary artists and emerging practices. This Spring, the AGP will present work by two Peterborough-based artists. Antoine Mountain’s Ets’ehchi’I: Traditional Dene Burial Practices opens with a special event on March 23rd from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Stan Olthius’ Interconnected includes large-scale kinetic sculpture with dance performance and sound to explore relationality, duality and exchange.

Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour – 40th Anniversary

Sept. 28 – 29

The Kawartha Autumn Studio Tour is a two-day event that offers the public a unique opportunity to connect with local artists and makers from Peterborough and the Kawarthas and to learn about their artistic practice with a behind-the-scenes look into the artist’s studio.

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Seeking Community Input For New Strategic Plan

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) is seeking input from community members as it works towards creating a new strategic plan, announced on Monday.

The hospital was established in 1953. They provide acute care services including a Special Care Unit, Endoscopy Surgical Suite, Diagnostic Imaging Department, Laboratory, numerous Out-Patient Clinics, 24/7 Emergency Department and numerous community programs including Mental Health, GAIN, and Supportive Housing. File photo.

CMH has launched a strategic planning survey to gather diverse perspectives, inviting community members to share their thoughts on the hospital's future direction according to a press release.

This initiative plans to chart a bold course for CMH over the next five to 10 years, aligning with the dynamic shifts in healthcare including technological advancements and evolving care delivery methods.

“With redevelopment plans underway and the transformative impact of new technologies already being seen, this marks an opportune moment to lay the groundwork for CMH's path to 2030 and beyond,” said Jeff Hohenkerk, CEO.

While redevelopment remains a focal point for CMH, underscored by the generous land donation from local farmer Jim Curle, the strategic plan goes beyond the physical infrastructure as stated by Hohenkerk.

“This is not just about a new building,” he said. “It's about envisioning the future of healthcare that our community desires.”

The strategic planning process will also delve into an in-depth demographic analysis to discern evolving healthcare needs, ensuring that CMH is well-positioned to meet the region's demands over the coming decades.

The survey is available online and public members are also encouraged to email info@cmh.ca to share their thoughts on the hospital's future. 

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Art Gallery of Peterborough Starts Preparations For 50th Anniversary

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The Art Gallery of Peterborough (AGP) is marking its 50th anniversary next year as preparations are underway for celebrations and recruiting a paid intern to aid with several special projects.

The Art Gallery of Peterborough was established in 1974 and opened the doors to its current facility in 1979 on the shore of Little Lake, the Otonabee River. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The gallery received funding from Canadian Heritage through the Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage Program for the celebrations. This internship program is geared towards unemployed or underemployed college or university graduates and supports emerging professionals in making the transition from post-secondary education to the workplace and allows them to hone their skills in a professional setting.

“As the gallery prepares to celebrate fifty years of compelling and groundbreaking exhibitions in 2024,” explained Celeste Scopelites, AGP director. “We’ll work with the Curatorial and Special Programs Intern on several exciting projects that engage our audience in a dialogue between the gallery’s past, present, and future.  Our goal is to reconnect with our founding members and share the stories of those who contributed so much to ensure we remain a vital and relevant cornerstone of the arts in our community for years to come.”

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital To Celebrate 70th Anniversary With Parking Lot BBQ Lunch

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital is celebrating its 70th-anniversary celebration with food, games, activities for children, special guests and more at their main parking lot on Aug. 26.

The hospital was established in 1953. They provide acute care services including a Special Care Unit, Endoscopy Surgical Suite, Diagnostic Imaging Department, Laboratory, numerous Out-Patient Clinics, 24/7 Emergency Department and numerous community programs including Mental Health, GAIN, and Supportive Housing. File photo.

The anniversary festivities run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the main parking lot at the hospital. All are invited to join the celebration.

Highlights of the event include:

  • BBQ lunch, cake, cotton candy and more.

  • Exciting games and activities for children.

  • Speeches reflecting on the hospital's history and the contributions of staff, volunteers and community members.

  • Sneak peek at some of future redevelopment plans.

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Millbrook's Centennial Place Gets 50s Throwback To Celebrate 20th Anniversary

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Classic cars, polka dot dresses and Elvis Presley were alive and well in a 50s-themed party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of AON Inc’s long-term care home Centennial Place in Millbrook with an open house on Wednesday afternoon.

Residents and staff got in the 50s spirit by dressing in era-appropriate clothing to celebrate the milestone. Classic car displays, 50s diner-style food (sliders, sparkling wine and floats) and an Elvis Presley impersonator were all part of the 50s throwback planned out by the staff.

“A lot of population here grew up in the 50s so we thought it would be really nice to bring that back for them,” said Courtney Jilesen, Centennial Place administrator. “It lets them experience some old times again.”

Centennial Place has been recognized municipally and internationally for its retirement residence care.

Matthew Graham, Millbrook Mayor was in attendance and personally congratulated Centennial Place and their staff on their milestone.

“On behalf of the residents in the Township of Cavan-Monaghan, it is my pleasure to congratulate all the residents and staff of Centennial Place in celebrating their 20th anniversary in our Township,” he said. “Centennial Place is such an important part of our community and the village of Millbrook and I especially want to thank all of your staff over these past 20 years for all of their hard work and care for the residents of our community.”

The home was awarded a Three-Year Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities Accreditation Award in November as well as a Registered Nurses Association of Ontario Best Practices Spotlight Organization Award last month.

“We have great staff and a great supportive community,” said Jilesen. “Without them, I don't know if we would have been able to get through the last three years.”

Centennial Place is located at 2 Centennial Ln. in Millbrook.

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Peterborough Child & Family Centres Celebrates 40th Anniversary With Grand Opening Of New PlayScape

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The grand opening of a new PlayScape helps mark the Peterborough Child & Family Centres’ 40th Anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at their Antrim Street facility on Wednesday afternoon.

Phoebe M., 3, has been a regular visitor to the centre for the past year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Parents and children were invited to use the new PlayScape and tour the facilities during the grand opening.

“It was a passion project for so many people who work here so I think it's pure excitement right now,” said Nicola Lyle, Centre C.E.O.

The PlayScape features a repurposed downhill slide, a circular track for walking and biking, a play kitchen, a canopy and other playground equipment. It replaced a tall climber that had occupied the outdoor space for several years.

“As our population has changed, the children that come here are younger than they used to be 20 years ago,” explained Lyle. “We really identified that the outdoor space no longer worked for us in the way that we wanted it to. We had dreamt for some time for having a much more small child-friendly naturalized space that really made the most of this beautiful outdoors and the nature that we are in.”

The services provided are free as the organization is funded by several levels of government. They offer parent-child interaction programs, parenting education, breastfeeding and a well-baby clinic.

The facility services children from when they are born until the age of six but welcomes kids who are in their kindergarten years that want to use the space.

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Photos: Retirement Residence Princess Gardens Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary In Style

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Princess Gardens celebrated its 25th anniversary with a party, champagne and dessert while residents and guests danced away on Wednesday afternoon.

Staff were recognized for their efforts in helping the retirement resident reach the milestone.

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