Community and Officers Honoured at Knights of Columbus 46th Annual Police Appreciation Night

Peterborough Police Service and the Knights of Columbus Ernest J. Wolff Council 798 gathered to honour and present awards to citizens who displayed courage and commitment to the community and officers who went above and beyond the call on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

Citizen Commendations:

• On Aug.17, 2020, at approximately 9:30 a.m. police received a call that a woman had been attacked while walking on the TransCanada Trail north of the Jackson Heights subdivision.

  The three women, who were strangers to each other, came together to stop the attack, help the victim and provide a description of the suspect that ultimately led to his arrest a short time later according to a police report.

  The victim and nominating officers said the women showed immense courage. 

• On Dec.19, 2022, Loss Prevention Officers at the Canadian Tire on Lansdowne Street West were notified of a shoplift in progress. Upon approaching the male suspect, the male became aggressive with staff.

  A man named Christopher, who was shopping at the Canadian Tire at the time, heard someone yell “knife.” He immediately ran over to assist the staff who were struggling with the male on the ground and disarmed the man. No one was injured during the incident.

  The nominating officer said Christopher’s assistance was invaluable to a safe resolution.

• In November of 2023, police were called to a critical incident that involved a member of our community being injured.

  Nicole jumped into action without considering the risk to herself to help the injured person. Her efforts stopped immediate harm and the person who had been harmed felt cared for compassionately and responsively.

  Ryan's actions ensured the immediate scene was safely maintained and the potential for further harm was diminished. While putting himself at risk to keep others safe, Ryan also called emergency services.

“We are fortunate to have people who demonstrates such qualities in our community, and grateful for their actions on this day,” according to a press release statement.

Carol Winter Humanitarian Award: Constable Dan Mundell

This award is given to a member of the Police Service who has contributed to the needs of the vulnerable in our community.

Ontario Women in Law Enforcement Service Awards:

• Sergeant (Ret’d) Nancy Loucks

• Constable (Ret’d) Stacey Rutherford

• Alison Jackson

• Loranne Thompson

Service Medals for Sworn Members for 20 Years of Service:

• Staff Sergeant Robert Fitzgerald

• Sergeant Jennifer Bell

• Sergeant Trevor Hickey

• Constable Keith Calderwood

• Constable Grant Eastwood

• Constable Sam McCullum

• Constable Jason Morris

• Constable Michael Stephens

Service Medals for Civilian Members for 20 Years of Service:

• Matt Thomas – Special Constable 

Knights of Columbus Meritorious Service Award:

On April 29 last year, officers were dispatched to the residence of an elderly female who had her home and property damaged by her adult daughter, who was suffering from an apparent mental health episode.

Police then attended the adult daughter’s residence. During the interaction, the female opened a window and leapt from her apartment on the third floor. The female grabbed the eavestrough overhang, at which point Constable Joshua Gibbs quickly reached out to her from an adjacent balcony and was able to pull her to safety and apprehend her. 

If not for the quick actions of Gibbs, the female in this incident would have fallen three stories, resulting in serious bodily harm or death. Recognizing the severity of the incident, the female victim later offered her thanks to the officer for saving her life while being treated by EMS. 

Investigative Services Division:

In recognition of the tremendous dedication and work of the members of this division in resolving a series of violent crimes (four homicides in six months) that had wide-reaching impacts on the victims and families involved, the civilian and sworn members of the service and the overall safety of residents in our community.  All of these cases are still before the courts and while we are proud to have brought the persons believed responsible to this stage of justice, we know that the work is continuing and not yet finished.  

The officers and supporting units, such as Digital Evidence Management, invested thousands of hours and used various forensic and investigative techniques to bring the people believed to be responsible before the courts within days and hours. 

These crimes struck at the core of our feelings of safety, and it was through the collective work and dedication to public safety in solving these most violent crimes that is worthy of recognition. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Recipient of Inaugural Water Ways Destination of the Year

Peterborough & the Kawarthas is declared the first-ever winner of its Water Ways Destination of the Year award by Water Ways TV, announced on Wednesday.

(from left to right) Joe Rees, Director of Tourism with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development; Hon. Neil Lumsden, Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport; Steven Bull, Host and Executive Producer of Water Ways TV; Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden, Dave Smith, MPP, Peterborough-Kawartha and Jeff Leal, Mayor of Peterborough. Photo courtesy of Ed Middleton

This annual prize from the noted North American boating TV series recognizes communities for bringing world-class boating experiences to locals and visitors from around the world according to Steven J. Bull, Water Ways TV executive producer and host.

“It is truly an honour for the region to receive the first-ever Destination of the Year award from Water Ways TV,” said Joe Rees, Director of Tourism with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. ” As the official destination marketing organization for the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County, our team works diligently to position the waterway and recreational boating at the heart of our story. 2024 is an incredible year for Peterborough & the Kawarthas and this recognition couldn’t have arrived at a more celebratory moment for our sought-after destination.”

“We genuinely believe that some memories can’t be made on land,” he said. “Peterborough & the Kawarthas caught our eye in 2024 by welcoming the newest base for world’s largest fleet of luxury houseboats, Le Boat, while also opening the stunning new waterfront Canadian Canoe Museum which houses the world’s largest collection of paddled watercraft.”

Peterborough and the Kawarthas are known to have been shaped by its connection to water with the historic Trent-Severn Waterway winding through its communities.

“As 2024 Water Ways Destination of the Year, Peterborough & the Kawarthas will have an entire episode dedicated to it’s waters in the new series coming this September,” said Bull. “Ontario is a fitting launch for our slate of new regional shows (with Florida and the Pacific Northwest planned for 2025) and will celebrate destinations from Toronto to Temiskaming, and experiences from wakesurfing to walleye fishing, yachting to kayaking.”

“This recognition appropriately celebrates Peterborough & the Kawarthas’ thriving boating culture which has for decades motivated locals and visitors alike to take to its waters to explore the region’s natural beauty and wealth of recreational opportunities on offer,” said Hon. Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. I am proud that Waters Ways: Ontario will showcase the best boating destinations across our province and the small business owners and operators that continue to connect us to the water, benefitting local economies and reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a choice destination for endless adventure.”

“Boating Ontario is proud to support the new Water Ways: Ontario TV series,” said Rick Layzell, Boating Ontario Association CEO. “With an unprecedented content plan ready for execution, Water Ways: Ontario is set to shine a positive light on the exceptional recreational boating opportunities across our incredible province. Boating Ontario members have a ground floor opportunity to engage with this new series and benefit from the anticipated consumer engagement.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Women United and United Way Peterborough & District Unveil Inaugural Women of Impact Awards

Women United and United Way Peterborough & District have unveiled the distinguished list of honorees for the first annual Women of Impact Awards announced on Friday.

File Photo.

The Women of Impact Awards is a celebration of women who embody leadership, inspire others, and leave an indelible mark on our community according to a press release.

“We were so pleased with the response from the community for this first annual event,” said Anne Ondercin, United Way director of philanthropy. “In total 37 nominations were received, all for very deserving women. I want to thank the members of the Women United Committee who independently reviewed and rated every nomination."

“Here in Peterborough City and County, our goal is to elevate the Women United movement and shine a spotlight on the incredible local women who are driving positive change,” said Maryam Monsef, Inaugural Chair of Women United Peterborough, “With support from the United Way team and the Women United Committee, we are raising funds to support vital programs and initiatives that empower and uplift women and those who identify as women in our community.”

Women United and United Way Peterborough & District wants to recognize the following individuals:

• Cassandra Babcock

• Dr. Debbie Boyce

• Cheyenne Buck

• Patti Clancy

• Wendy Couper

• Susan Dunkley

• Hillary Flood

• Jennifer Garland

• Dr. Jennifer Ingram

• Carlotta James

• Kristal Jones

• Ann MacLeod

• Laura Montague

• Rosemary Powers

• Denise Sayles-Morton

• Peggy Shaughnessy

• Lisa Trefzger

• Lois Tuffin

• Carmela Valles

• Jill Wickins

The award ceremony and celebration will be held on May 30th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Farmhill Weddings in Keene.

Tickets are available now for purchase. The early bird price is $30 until May 8th when it will increase to $40.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Museum & Archives Recognized By the Canadian Museums Association With National Award

The Peterborough Museum & Archives has been recognized with the Canadian Museums Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Exhibitions category for “To Honour and Respect: Gifts from the Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860” (April to November 2023) announced on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The award was presented at a ceremony held on Wednesday.

The exhibition “To Honour and Respect” featured 13 quilled wiigwassii makakoon (birch bark baskets) lent by His Majesty The King from the Royal Collection in the United Kingdom. The makakoon were created by highly skilled women of what is now Hiawatha First Nation. The stunning makakoon were gifts to the Prince of Wales on Sept. 7, 1860, when he visited Hiawatha as part of a cross-Canada royal tour.

The many visitors admired the beautiful quillwork and explored the cultural knowledge, love, respect, and diplomacy that went into the makakoon, reflecting on Michi Saagiig and settler histories in the region. Indigenous-led programming included gallery tours, workshops on quillwork provided by Hiawatha First Nation artist Sandra Moore, and sessions on Michi Saagiig language provided by Curve Lake First Nation member Jonathan Taylor.

“Congratulations to the entire team at the Peterborough Museum & Archives, to the To Honour and Respect Planning Circle, the guest curators Dr. Lori Beavis and Dr. Laura Peers, and to the Royal Collection Trust for this well-deserved recognition. The exhibition truly symbolizes the massive contributions of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices, perspectives, and institutions,” said Gayle McIntyre, past Chair of the Peterborough Museum & Archives Advisory Committee.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough County Releases 2024 Community Recognition Award Winners

Peterborough County has released its winners of the 2024 Community Recognition Awards, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The recipients will be honoured at a private County event next month with a date pending.

The following are a list of the winners:

Accessibility

• Otonabee Region Conservation Authority

Acts of Heroism

• North Kawartha – Conner Ferguson

• Selwyn – Johnathon Cooney, Ian Millar, and Marina McNab

Agricultural Leadership

• Asphodel-Norwood – Vanderview Farms – Will and Bernadette Vanderhorst

• Douro-Dummer – Murray Carlow

• Selwyn – 14th Line Flowers – Dianne Pearson

Business Leadership

• Asphodel-Norwood – Sweetheart’s Bakery, The Knockout and Dead Man’s Brew - all owned by Sara and Andrew Scott

• Cavan Monaghan – Millbrook Mercantile – Bernadette MacNeil

• Douro-Dummer – Molly Conlin Design & Drafting

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – ZK Excavating Ltd. – Zack Johnston

• North Kawartha – The Grape and Wedge

• Otonabee-South Monaghan – Wesnor Inc dba Trailers Plus – Zoran Albert

• Selwyn – The Chocolate Rabbit

Community Volunteer of the Year

• Asphodel-Norwood – Diane Anderson-Campbell

• Douro-Dummer – Elsie Tedford

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – Donellda Fraser

• North Kawartha – Jim Empringham

• Otonabee-South Monaghan – Brian Bickmore

• Selwyn – Lynda Coons

Environmental/Sustainability

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – CoviaCorp Canada Ltd.

Heritage Preservation

• Selwyn – Lakefield Historical Society

Leadership in Arts and Culture

• North Kawartha – Metal by Rachel – Rachel Charlebois

• Selwyn – Ecco Art Gallery

• Trent Lakes – Bruce Averill

Sporting Excellence

• Otonabee-South Monaghan - Karl Allen

Youth

• Asphodel-Norwood – Helen Genge

• Otonabee-South Monaghan – Kaden Beasley

Special Award

• County – Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

CMHA HKPR Open Nominations for Community Mental Health Awards

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) have opened nominations for the Annual Mental Health Awards and Tam Grant Bursary.

File Photo.

Nominees are those deserving of recognition for their efforts in improving mental health in our community including volunteers, community leaders, individuals with lived experience of mental illness and their family members.

Applications for the annual Tam Grant Bursary are also open to students entering post-secondary education with a diagnosed mental illness. The deadline for award and bursary submissions is 4:30 p.m. on June 21.

CMHA HKPR is calling for submissions for the following awards:

The Achievement Through Adversity Award honours a client of CMHA HKPR services, or a survivor of mental illness, who has shown continued courage and tenacity in reaching their goals. In education, employment, volunteering, or through the tasks of daily living, this individual is a role model for others on the journey to a healthy life.

The Maurice Lovnes Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have volunteered with CMHA HKPR, and who have exemplified the following traits during the year: Vision, Dedication, Caring, Support and Commitment.

Caregiver Champion Award honours a family member or caregiver who has shown continued support to a person living with mental health concerns.

Naresh James Award recognizes an individual who has championed critical issues, pioneered initiatives, and has achieved lasting impacts in support of those who live with mental health issues, as well as assisting their families and friends. This individual has demonstrated commitment to support individuals who live with mental health challenges through their leadership, advocacy, and perseverance. 

Champion of Mental Health – CMHA HKPR acknowledges individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the community by supporting mental health. These contributions should support Knowledge, Hope and Belonging: the three pillars that form the foundation of our organization to enable Mental Health for All.

Tam Grant Bursary - Access to educational programs is one way for individuals living with schizophrenia or other serious and persistent mental illnesses to realize their own potential. The Tam Grant Memorial Bursary seeks to encourage and support these individuals as they pursue higher education.

Tam Grant Bursary Details:
Bursaries are awarded each year at our Annual Meeting for registration for the upcoming school year. The maximum amount awarded annually is $1,000.  Applicants must be residents of the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) region.

This year’s Tam Grant Memorial Bursary application can be found online.

All award nominations and bursary applications must be received by 4:30 p.m., June 21. Successful nominees and applicants will be presented with their award or bursary at the CMHA HKPR Annual Meeting which will be held on Sept. 25 at the Lindsay Golf and Country Club in Lindsay. Nomination forms for the awards can be found at http://cmhahkpr.ca/awards/.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Opening Nominations For 2024 Business Excellence Awards

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has opened nominations for the 2024 Business Excellence Awards.

HAJNI HŐS, HOSPICE PETERBOROUGH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACCEPTING THE AWARD FOR EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR from the last event. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PETERBORUGH CHAMBER.

“In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, excellence is out there,” said Sarah Budd, Chamber President and CEO. “In restaurants, tourist attractions, retail shops, offices, and not-for-profits; on construction sites, family farms, and making service calls. We encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the businesses and organizations that make our community great.”

Express and self-nomination forms are available online.

Early Bird deadline end on May 8 at 4:30 p.m. Early Bird nominations are entered into a draw to win a $100 gift card for the Chamber member business of your choice.

Final Deadline is May 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Three Finalists in each category will be announced in August, with the award recipients announced live on the big stage – Oct. 29th at Showplace Performance Centre.

The Business Excellence Awards were established to promote the advancement of responsible business leadership within the community. Awards will be handed out in over 20 categories including the prestigious Business Citizen of the Year Award.

Businesses and individuals within the City and County of Peterborough are eligible, and do not need to be members of the Chamber of Commerce.

There are categories for every business size & sector:

• 4-Under-40 Profiles in memory of Kathy Windrem

• Business Citizen of the Year

• Business Student Leadership Prizes 2

• Businesswoman of the Year – Entrepreneur

• Businesswoman of the Year – Organization

• Commercial Development or Renovation

• Customer First

• Employer of the Year

• Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Farm Family of the Year

• Green Initiatives

• Health & Wellness

• Hospitality

• Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year

• Local Focus

• Marketing & Promotion

• Micro Business

• Not-for-profit

• Professional Services

• Retail

• Skilled Trades

• Tourism

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Nominations Open For United Way Peterborough & District 2024 Scholfield Award of Community Distinction

The United Way Peterborough & District invites nominations for the 2024 Scholfield Award of Community Distinction.

Photo courtesy of United Way.

The nominees are celebrated and recognized for outstanding volunteer contributions to the City and County of Peterborough.

The award was established to recognize an individual or organization that, through excellent leadership or outstanding contributions, has demonstrated the ability to mobilize positive change within our community.

In 2004, Paul and Ina Scholfield were the first recipients of this award. The Scholfields have been long-time philanthropists and community builders.

Other recipients of this award include Marion Burton, Faith Dickinson, Stephen Kylie, Marie Bongard, Sharon Courts, Paul Lafond, People First, John Martyn, Bill Strode, Roy Brady, Survivors Abreast, John McNutt, Special Olympics Peterborough, Carol’s Place, Jim & Katie Stewart and Kathi Curtin Williams.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission to build community, we can never thank them enough,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO.

The Scholfield Award is open to any resident or organization within the boundaries of the City and County of Peterborough. Nominees are evaluated based on their achievement, commitment, and leadership in addressing community needs or issues, the impact of their efforts, their innovative, unique or exemplary approach, and their success in mobilizing members of our community.

Community nominations will be accepted until 4 p.m. on June 15.

Nomination forms can be found online and submitted electronically to smountenay@uwpeterborough.ca or delivered to the United Way administrative office at 277 Stewart St.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Fleming College Honours First Athletic Season of Student-Athletes As Phoenix With Awards Banquet

Fleming College had a night of celebration and recognition of their Phoenix athletes during the annual varsity athletic award banquet on Friday night.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

During the College’s 51st athletic banquet, it was the first as the Fleming teams and student-athletes were recognized, marking the end of the first season for the newly branded Phoenix that was introduced.

More than 125 Fleming students participated in seven varsity sports, including soccer, volleyball, loggersports, curling, men’s basketball, cross country running and women’s rugby sevens.

In addition to the presentation of awards for athletic success, 30 student-athletes were also recognized for their academic successes after achieving an honours-level grade point average (GPA) while competing.

The following awards were presented:

Erin O’Rourke Memorial All-Around Athlete: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed at a high level while demonstrating leadership, commitment and dedication.

• Montana Rank – Women’s Volleyball

• Scott Morris – Men’s Volleyball

Jack Barley Memorial Athlete of the Year: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed exceptional achievements within their sport while maintaining academic eligibility.

• Sarah D’Hondt – Loggersports

• Ben Perreault – Men’s Volleyball

Rachel Spearing Award: Presented to a women’s rugby player who demonstrated heart, spirit, sportsmanship and dedication on the field.

• Chloe Bender – Women’s Rugby Sevens

Kris Starr and Adam Evans Award: Presented to a loggersports athlete who shows heart, spirit, dedication, and love of the sport.

• Blake Fellman – Loggersports: Kris Starr Award

• Rory Lauckner – Loggersports: Adam Evans Award

All-Academic Award: Presented to the athlete with the highest academic average who achieved a balance in their sport and in academics.

• Suzanne Mooser – Loggersports

Fred Batley Coach of the Year Award: Presented to a coach driven by the passion they have for their sport, who goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere and ensure their student-athletes have the best possible experience.
· Jordan Ross – Men’s Volleyball

OCAA Academic and Athletic Excellence Award: Presented to OCAA athletes who achieve an honours GPA at their college as well as receiving an OCAA honours award.

• Hollie Phillips – Women’s Rugby

Team Awards: The following athletes were recognized by their individual teams as either the most valuable player (MVP) or rookie of the year.

• Hollie Phillips – MVP, Women’s Rugby

• Sydney Hudson – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Rugby

• Brook Parcels – MVP, Mixed Curling

• Miranda Jensen – Rookie of the Year, Mixed Curling

• Alexander Clark – MVP, Cross-Country

• Jessica Lehman – Rookie of the Year, Cross-Country

• Gabriel Nadeau – MVP, Men’s Soccer

• Tobias Hartley – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Soccer

• Emma Twohey – MVP, Women’s Soccer

• Jordyn Brown – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Soccer

• Kaden Bulmer – MVP, Men’s Loggersports

• Thomas Switzer – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Loggersports

• Sarah D’Hondt – MVP, Women’s Loggersports

• Darian Carpenter – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Loggersports

• Jesean Wilson – MVP, Men’s Basketball

• Paul Molay – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Basketball

• Sam Deschenes – MVP, Men’s Volleyball

• Justin Van Luit – Rookie of the Year, Men’s Volleyball

• Kristen Hacker and Taylor Penny – MVP, Women’s Volleyball

• Kendra Keyes – Rookie of the Year, Women’s Volleyball

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

2023 Civic Awards Nominations Remain Open Until April 5

Nominations for the City of Peterborough 2023 Civic Awards will be open until April 5 at 4:30 p.m., announced on Thursday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.

The annual Civic Awards recognize and honour local volunteers and achievers in sports, arts, and culture who had outstanding achievements in 2023. 

Nominations are being accepted for the following categories: 

• Community Betterment 

• Cultural Betterment 

• Environmental Stewardship 

• Holnbeck Award 

• Adult Athlete of the Year 

• Athletic Award of Merit 

• Junior Athlete of the Year 

• Senior Athlete of the Year 

• Mayor's Youth Award 

• Volunteer of the Year 

• Youth Volunteer of the Year 

• Lifetime Achievement Award 

Nomination packages are available using the interactive form online and paper copies are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.