United Way Peterborough Accepting Applications For Its Community Services Recovery Fund

As part of a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada, the United Way Peterborough & District is accepting applications for its Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF) to aid charities and non-profits with the deadline of Feb. 21.

File photo.

CSRF aims to support the adaptation and modernization needs of non-profit and charitable Community Service Organizations facing immediate and long-term impacts of the pandemic as they continue to support communities according to a press release.

“The Government supports a more inclusive model of economic growth that creates opportunities for everyone in Canada as the long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues,” said Karina Gould, Minister of Families, children and social development. “The Community Services Recovery Fund will strengthen the ability of charities and non-profits to deliver services and resources where they have the most impact. Because of the National Funders’ strong connections with local organizations, they will ensure funding is distributed efficiently to organizations that provide services to communities in need across Canada.”

Funding supports one-time projects primarily focused on program and service innovation and redesign using information gained during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough will administer the Investing in Systems and Processes stream and Canadian Red Cross Ontario will administer the Investing in People stream.

“Agencies have been going above and beyond throughout the pandemic to continually support vulnerable community members who face complex social issues,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “The Program and Service Innovation and Redesign stream is a valuable opportunity for local Community Service Organizations to formally adapt their programs and services to fit within the pandemic recovery context. We are proud to have been invited by the Government of Canada to manage this vital community investment.”

To apply, applicants can fill out the application online in English or in French.

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Enbridge Gas Assisting Douro-Dummer Fire Services in Supporting Firefighter Training

Enbridge Gas Inc. is helping Douro-Dummer Fire Services (DDFS) purchase firefighting training materials through a Safe Community Project Assist $5,000 donation announced Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Enbridge Gas and Douro-Dummer fire services.

The announcement was made at Fire Station 4 in Warsaw with Fire Chief Chuck Pedersen, Deputy Fire Chief Derrick Huffman, Mayor Heather Watson and Ian Moase, GTA East Region operations manager of Enbridge Gas in attendance.

The Safe Community Project Assist program with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) supplements existing training for Ontario volunteer and composite fire departments in the communities where Enbridge Gas operates.

“At Enbridge Gas, safety is our priority. We’re proud to support Ontario firefighters who share our commitment to keeping our communities safe, healthy and vibrant,” said Moase.

This year’s $250,000 donation from Enbridge Gas will be shared by 50 Ontario fire departments including Douro-Dummer Fire Services. Funds will be used to purchase educational materials to assist in training firefighters in life-saving techniques.

Since the launch of Safe Community Project Assist in 2012, 294 grants have been provided to Ontario fire departments for additional firefighter training according to Enbridge Gas in a press release.

“These resources from Enbridge Gas are timely and much appreciated as we ramp up testing for firefighter certification to meet our new legislative requirements,” said Pedersen.

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Ontario Government Funding Peterborough Police Over $230,000 To Fight Auto Theft in Peterborough and Lakefield

The Ontario Government has provided $232,449 to the Peterborough Police Service to fight crime, including auto theft in Peterborough and Lakefield announced on Monday.

Photo by Samantha Bianco.

Police are using the funds to acquire Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology – a system using cameras that automatically scan licence plates. The system is installed on active-duty police cruisers and alerts officers to stolen or expired plates or plates registered to suspended drivers. The system can also notify officers of missing and wanted persons and vehicles associated with AMBER alerts.

“Investing in the latest technology strengthens the ability of the Peterborough Police to fight crime on our streets. Officers can quickly and more efficiently identify and act against individuals driving illegally, prevent auto theft, and keep our streets safe,” said MPP Dave Smith. “Automated Licence Plate Recognition Technology is yet another tool we’ve equipped our police service with to reduce crime in our community.”

In May, the Onvatio Government funded just under $3 million over three years to strengthen and expand the Peterborough Police Services’ Special Victims Unit. This funding enabled advanced training for officers, improve data collection and hired a major crimes investigator. A $185,505 grant was given to police to purchase and install CCTV technology to improve efforts to combat gun and gang violence in downtown Peterborough.

The Automated Licence Plate Recognition Technology Grant is a one-time grant to help police services strengthen roadside law enforcement efforts and improve public safety across the province.

“This investment further demonstrates our government’s plan to ensure police services across Ontario have the resources and equipment they need to keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “I am confident that this tool will be a tremendous asset to police services and help them combat incidents of auto theft and enhance public safety.”

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PKAR Selects CMHA HKPR as Charity of Choice For Fundraising Efforts

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of REALTORS (PKAR) has chosen the Canadian Mental Health Association of Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) as their 2023 Realtors Care Charity of Choice, announced on Wednesday.

File Photo.

Each year REALTOR members of PKAR donate funds to Realtors Care which is presented to a local charity that supports housing in the community. In 2022, PKAR raised $25,919 to support the YES Shelter Peterborough as the charity of choice.

This means that in 2023 all PKAR fundraising efforts will support CMHA HKPR.

The CMHA HKPR is working hard to address homelessness and mental well-being through community-based mental health and addictions services and programs and the development of their Garden Homes Project. The goal of this program is to reduce homelessness in Peterborough City and County by providing affordable, small homes to those who are most vulnerable.

“Much of our community has been challenged with access to affordable housing. This generous donation from PKAR lends itself to creative ways to finding a solution to a highly complex problem,” says Mark Graham, chief executive officer at the CMHA HKPR. “With low vacancy rates and many people facing homelessness, this initiative is needed now more than ever.”

PKAR says they are ‘proud to support this incredible initiative which will act as a valuable ‘demonstration project’ for other tiny homes, hopefully paving the way for more affordable housing and improved health for all.’

“Unfortunately, homelessness is an ongoing struggle for some of the most vulnerable people in our community, and across the province”, says Kate Kidd, PKAR president. “Housing is a priority for our REALTOR members, and the CMHA HKPR initiative will serve to directly support this issue and give those in need a chance at a brighter future.”

For more information, visit the PKAR website.

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Eight Small Local Businesses Awarded $5,000 Grants Through Starter Company Plus Program

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) has awarded $5,000 in micro-grants to local small businesses in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County through the Government of Ontario’s Starter Company Plus program, announced Monday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development.

12 small business entrepreneurs successfully completed the five-week Starter Company Plus online business training course offered through PKED’s Business Advisory Centre, and were awarded grants to support the growth of their business based on the strength of their plan and pitch.

The following businesses were each awarded a micro-grant:

• Jacquelyn Craft, The Neighbourhood Vintage, City of Peterborough

• Lisa Mace, ECO Cabin, Township of North Kawartha

• Ineke Turner, Turner & Pooch Dog Training, City of Peterborough

• Nathan Truax, Truax Leather Co., City of Peterborough

• Lisa Burkitt, Burkitt’s Gardening & Home Services, Township of Havelock- Belmont-Methuen

• Kate Griffin, Mental Wealth Counselling, Township of Otonabee South-Monaghan

• Jena Trimble, Zen Home and Cottage Cleaning Services, Township of Havelock- Belmont-Methuen

• Vanessa Bruce, Vanessa Bruce Virtual Services, City of Peterborough

Since the program’s launch in 2017 it has assisted over 215 local entrepreneurs and more than 174 small businesses, creating over 200 jobs in the local economy according to PKED.

“This intake of the Starter Company Plus program saw many new businesses that were referred from past participants. Now in its fifth year, the program has directly contributed to the growth and development of small businesses in Peterborough & the Kawarthas and has allowed us to support the largest cohort to date,” said Madeleine Hurrell, manager of PKED’s Business Advisory Centre. “In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, we are lucky to have thriving and growing small businesses. We have seen our communities rally around entrepreneurs and small businesses.”

For more information on the Business Advisory Centre, visit www.investptbo.ca/bac

Peterborough Public Health to Hold Virtual Meeting Over Proposed Sewage Systems Fee Changes

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is holding a virtual public meeting on Dec. 29 regarding proposed fee increases for administration and enforcement services of Sewage Systems (Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code) announced Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Proposed Fee Changes for Sewage Systems services include:

• Permit for Class 4 Sewage System, design capacity less than or equal to 4500 litres per day

  • Current fee – $750.00

  • Proposed fee Jan. 1, 2023 – $1000.00

• Permit for Class 4 Sewage System, design capacity greater than 4500 litres per day and less than or equal to 10,000 litres per day

  • Current fee – $1,200.00

  • Proposed fee Jan. 1, 2023 – $1450.00

• Permit for Class 5 Sewage System (Holding Tank)

  • Current fee – $750.00

  • Proposed fee Jan. 1, 2023 – $1000.00). The proposed fee schedule changes are expected to come into effect Jan. 1, 2023 and include increases to permit fees for Class 4 and Class 5 Sewage Systems. The virtual meeting is a public hearing as part of the legislation.

PPH reported a high number of malfunctioning and failing onsite sewage systems (septic systems) and is reminding residents that a sewage or septic system needs regular maintenance for optimal performance.

“Having your septic tank pumped every three to five years is one of the simplest ways to maintain your sewage system and prevent premature failure,” says Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health.

Signs of a failing septic system include:

• sewage odour indoors or outdoors.

• breakout of sewage on the ground.

• ponding of water on the leaching bed.

• lush vegetation growth in areas along pipes but dry/dead grass in between.

• sewage backup into dwelling.

In addition to regularly pumping a septic tank, PPH recommends that homeowners follow the advice below to maintain a healthy, functioning septic system:

• Distribute activities that use large amounts of water throughout the week. Avoid doing all of your laundry on one day and alternate days for laundry and running the dishwasher.

• Avoid flushing grease down the drain; grease can clog the leaching bed and cause a system to prematurely fail.

• Avoid automatic toilet bowl cleaners and drain ‘decloggers’, which continuously add harsh chemicals to sewage system, and may disrupt the microbiological balance of the system.

• Use cleaners and disinfectants that are ‘septic friendly.’ For example, a mild bleach solution is an effective disinfectant and when used modestly and appropriately, is unlikely to harm a sewage system. Limit the use of Quaternary Ammonium disinfectants, as these are very hard on septic systems.

• Do not flush disinfectant wipes or other sanitary products because they can lead to blockages within the system, and cause the system to fail.

• If you are completing home renovations or construction projects, use caution. Do not wash solvents or paint down household drains as these products are exceptionally damaging to an onsite sewage system.

If you suspect your septic system is failing:

• Contact a licensed onsite sewage system professional to examine the system.

• Pump the septic tank as often as necessary to prevent sewage from ponding to the ground surface.

• Contact the PPH office to speak with a Public Health Inspector in the Safe Sewage Program.

Members of the public interested in attending the meeting are asked to register in advance by calling (705) 743-1000 ext. 228.

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Peterborough Museum and Archives to Fund Signage Project Through Tourism Relief Fund Grant

The Peterborough Museum and Archives (PMA) received $100,000 from Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) through FedDev Ontario to attract visitors and support future growth through its Signage Project.

File photo.

This is part of the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). RTO8 received a total of $3 million from FedDev Ontario to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth.

The investment will help the PMA adapt and recover to attract new visitors and drive economic growth in Peterborough City and County.

“The generous support of FedDev Ontario allows the PMA to move forward on refreshing its public image and expanding its capacity to better serve visitors, from near and far,” says Susan Neale, Peterborough Museum and Archives director.

The Signage Project is intended to augment the identification of the PMA within the community, and improve the visitor experience. The scope of the project will include a re-brand of the PMA’s visual identifier, campus way-finding on the PMA’s grounds and sign revitalization.

To learn more about this project visit the City’s website.

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Kawartha Land Trust to Receive $1.7 Million from Environment and Climate Change Canada

Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) is set to receive $1.7 million over five years from Environment and Climate Change Canada's (ECCC) Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF), furthering its land protection efforts in the Kawarthas announced Monday.

Shoreline of Kawartha Land Trust’s new Otonabee River Property, secured with support from the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (Photo by Veronica Price-Jones/KLT)

As a direct result of the funding, KLT acquired 200 more acres of wetlands and forests in the Kawarthas through the securement of two new properties. They now protect over 5,070 acres of land in the Kawarthas, including 1,739 acres of wetlands.

The newly protected 200 plus additional acres of wetlands and forests includes 154 acres in Kawartha Lakes and 58 acres in Otonabee-South Monaghan township. Both properties include Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW) and the Kawartha Lakes property is noted as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).

The goal of this project is to protect CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalents) conversion through the protection of natural habitat in the Kawarthas by inspiring landowner participation in protecting carbon on their lands through a mix of land protection options and the outright purchase/protection of land with high carbon storage value vital habitat for plant and animal species, including a number of at risk species.

“We are so lucky in the Kawarthas to live where people have been caring for the land for generations, leaving a lasting natural legacy for today,” says John Kintare, executive director of Kawartha Land Trust. “The funding from ECCC’s Nature Smart Climate Solution Fund will allow Kawartha Land Trust to reach out to key landowners across our landscape to help them understand the part their land plays in our local ecosystem. We will work with all who are willing to secure important carbon stores and enhance land management so that our local lands can have a global impact.”

ECCC announced the details of the investment over five years to support KLT’s ‘Sequestering Kawarthas’ Carbon Through Partners in Conservation’ project through the ECCC’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund.

The NSCSF is a $631 million, ten-year fund to support projects that restore and enhance wetlands, peatlands and grasslands that store and capture carbon through nature-based solutions.

“Canada matters in the global fight to conserve and protect biodiversity. We are home to twenty four percent of the world’s wetlands, twenty five percent of temperate rainforest areas and twenty eight percent of remaining boreal forests,” says The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, minister of environment and climate change. “These ecosystems are globally significant as they absorb carbon, mitigate against the impacts of climate change, and protect biodiversity.”

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4th Line Theatre to Fund Local Playwrights Through Ontario Arts Council Grants

4th Line Theatre is recommending playwrights to receive between $1,000 and $3,000 in funding for future works through the Ontario Arts Council’s (OAC) Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators program announced Monday.

Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre, Facebook.

4th Line Theatre is administering the grants with the goal of supporting as many worthy playwriting projects as possible. The outdoor theatre company is also looking for projects that align with its artistic mandate: to preserve Canadian cultural heritage through the development and presentation of regionally-based, environmentally-staged historical dramas, with special consideration for culturally diverse artists/collectives and artists living with disabilities.

Ontario-based professional theatre artists and artists’ collectives are eligible to apply from now until Jan. 13 at 1 p.m.

Funding decisions are based on the artistic interest of the project, the quality of the artistic examples given and the impact of the program on the artist’s development.

A positive funding decision will then be forwarded to the OAC for final recommendation and grant amounts will be determined by the number of approved applicants and the funds available.

“I understand the financial challenges faced by playwrights and the OAC’s Recommender Grants for Theatre Creators is vital to supporting their writing projects,” says Kim Blackwell, 4th Line Theatre managing artistic director.

Application forms can be found on the OAC website and applicants will have to create a NOVA account and follow the instructions for submission. The applications will be reviewed by Blackwell.

If those interested have any questions about the process, contact 4th Line Theatre’s administration at submissions@4thlinetheatre.on.ca or by phone at 705-932-4506.

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Selwyn Township Receives $100,000 Grant to Enhance Local Tourism

Selwyn Township receives a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 from the Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) towards the enhancement of there downtown, announced Monday.

File photo.

This funding will go towards the enhancement of the public realm within the downtown area of the Village of Lakefield, and include the replacement of neglected, aged and cracked interlocking brickwork with stamped concrete and the installation of metal art banners on streetlights along Queen Street.

“Investments in public spaces within our community help create a memorable experience for visitors and residents alike. With tourism being an integral part of our local economy, this project will ensure Lakefield remains a top destination in Kawarthas Northumberland.,” says Andy Mitchell, Mayor of Selwyn Township.

The $100,000 contribution for Selwyn Township is through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), as part of the RTO8.

RTO8 supports the regional tourism industry, supporting them in attracting visitors, generating economic activity and creating local jobs. They received $3 million from FedDev Ontario to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth.

FedDev Ontario is contributing approximately $120 million across southern Ontario through the Tourism Relief Fund.

“With this funding, southern Ontario’s Regional Tourism Organizations and Indigenous Tourism Ontario are providing hundreds of local businesses and organizations with the support they need to create jobs, attract more visitors and grow local economies, now and into the future,” says The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

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