Ontario Government Investing Over $10 Million For Faster Emergency Care and Increased Ambulance Availability For Peterborough County

The Ontario Government is investing $10,037,559 in Peterborough County to connect people to faster emergency care faster and increase ambulance availability, announced at Peterborough EMS on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“When people call 911, they need to know that paramedics will arrive quickly to meet their needs. A delay in a service call of just minutes can lead to drastically different results,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “The Peterborough County-City Paramedics work hard to deliver emergency medical care. This investment will help all of us receive better service when our loved ones pick up the phone at that critical time.”

According to a press release, the province is increasing land ambulance funding by six per cent, bringing the province’s total investment in the region to $10,037,559 this year. The release continues to state that this base funding increase helps municipalities address increased costs and continue delivering high-quality emergency care.

“With record high population growth and call volumes, our Peterborough County-City Paramedics are working hard to keep up,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “The Provincial funding announced today will help our paramedics service to continue providing the high quality of care that Peterborough County and City residents expect and deserve. Thank you to the province for this funding to help our paramedics do their job and keep our communities safe and healthy.”

To further reduce delays paramedics encounter when dropping patients off at a hospital, the Ontario government is investing $607,727 in Peterborough County through the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program to hire more nurses and other eligible health professionals dedicated to offloading ambulance patients in hospital emergency departments.

“Peterborough County/City Paramedics have worked closely with PRHC identifying and implementing strategies to assist with offload delays,” said Patricia Bromfield Peterborough County Paramedic Chief. “The continuance and increase of funding received this year is important for our ongoing staffing of this program and returning our ambulances back to the road to service the community.”

The program allows paramedics to return to the community faster and respond to their next 9-1-1 call sooner. It has significantly reduced ambulance offload times and increased ambulance availability for 9-1-1 patients across the province. As a result of this investment and the dedication of healthcare professionals, provincial ambulance offload time has been reduced by more than 50 per cent since its peak in October 2022 according to a press release.

Ontario is also continuing to implement the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) across the province to ensure urgent patients receive critical care sooner. The system helps prioritize and triage emergency medical calls and dispatch paramedics sooner. Over the last year, the province has rolled out MPDS to Mississauga, Kenora, Thunder Bay, Ottawa and Renfrew and is accelerating progress to implement the system at the 15 remaining dispatch sites across Ontario over a year ahead of schedule.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $9.5 Million For Peterborough's Critical Infrastructure

The Ontario government is investing $9,536,982 to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure in the City of Peterborough, announced at City Hall on Friday morning.

In 2025, Ontario will allocate $400 million in OCIF funding to help 423 small, rural and northern communities build roads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastructure. Communities may accumulate funding for up to five years to address larger infrastructure projects. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding will be delivered in 2025 through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and is part of the government’s $190 billion capital plan to build and expand more homes, highways, hospitals, transit and high-speed internet across the province according to a press release.

“This investment of over $9 million will improve infrastructure throughout the City of Peterborough, particularly in the downtown core,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “It is formula-based funding that is sent out to the municipalities each year and is something they can count onto plan for critical infrastructure projects.”

“With this support, we can address key projects that will improve our core infrastructure and create long-lasting benefits for our residents,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Strong infrastructure is the backbone of our city’s future, and this partnership with the province plays a pivotal role in ensuring a vibrant Peterborough for many years to come.”

The OCIF provides funding for local infrastructure projects in municipalities with populations under 100,000, rural and northern municipalities and Local Services Boards that own water or wastewater systems.

The funding allocations are based on a formula that accounts for each community's needs and economic conditions.

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Ontario Government Invests Nearly $250,000 For Youth Support Pathways In Skilled Trades.

The Ontario government is investing $241,280 through the Skills Development Training Stream in the Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario’s (JA-NEO) World of Choices Program, announced on Friday morning.

Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying and fulfilling careers close to home. Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is proud to invest in programs that support training and developing career pathways,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We are happy to support JA-NEO as an exceptional organization that are dedicated to running programs that develop our future workforce and provide young people with real-life exposure to a wide variety of skilled trades jobs.”

JA-NEO is focused on inspiring and preparing young people to succeed by providing them with opportunities to learn financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness skills.

The funding helps JA-NEO run programs throughout the 2024/25 school year that will reach over 2000 full-time students and youth according to a press release. The focus of these programs will be to educate and help students understand the importance of skilled trades. Participants will be linked with community and business leaders to familiarize themselves with potential career pathways and access a real-world glimpse into various careers.

Ontario supports JA-NEO’s innovative plans to reach youth from different communities and populations experiencing unique barriers that limit pathways into skilled trades careers. JA-NEO will work with schools across Northumberland and Peterborough to provide inclusive environments with equitable engagement and learning opportunities in skilled trades.

“At JA Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO), we are often the first point of contact with students surrounding skills in Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship and Workforce Readiness.” John McNutt, JA-NEO president and CEO. “With funding from the Skills Development Fund, JA-NEO is continuing to be at the forefront of exposing and providing experiential learning opportunities and essential skills to youth that are needed within the skilled trades sector. By working alongside our industry partners across all Northern and Eastern Ontario we are helping to close the skilled trades gap.”

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First-Ever Couture For Kids Fashion Show to Benefit Five Counties Kids On Oct. 3

Fashion meets philanthropy at the first-ever Couture for Kids event in support of Five Counties Kids set for Oct. 3 at Celebrations (35 Lindsay St. N.) in Lindsay.

Five Counties kids Payton (front) and sister Paisley (back) are excited about the first-ever Couture for Kids fashion show fundraiser taking place on Oct. 3 in Lindsay. In 2023/24, the Centre served more than 1,300 kids and youth in Kawartha Lakes.

Couture for Kids is a fashion show featuring clothing from local retailers like Brittany’s N Bros, Bonita Clothing & Co, Cathy Allan Ladieswear, John G’s, Homethreads Boutique, The Lingerie Loft, Lizzy’s by Cathy Allan and Nisbett’s Clothiers.

“We are excited to mix fashion and fun at our first-ever Couture for Kids event in Lindsay,” said says Lyn Giles, Five Counties director of fund development. “This fundraising event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and support the life-changing work that goes on every day at Five Counties.”

The doors open at 6 p.m. with the fashion show starting at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $25 each and include light snacks provided by Milk and Honey Eatery and Brouwer Bake Shop. Tickets can be purchased at participating retailers or by going online.

A raffle, consisting of flower arrangements by Hill’s Florist, skin care basket, hair care basket, gift cards for local businesses and much more are being featured. Pass the Purse will also be on the agenda, with any attendee who puts a donation in the purse being entered in a draw to win it.

All proceeds from Couture for Kids will support Five Counties kids in City of Kawartha Lakes, helping them access needed life-changing treatment services close to home according to a press release.

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Two Peterborough Archers Awarded Petro-Canada FACE Grant

Archer Amelia Gagné and her coach Jess Ashton have been selected to receive the Petro-Canada FACE (Fuelling Athlete and Coaching Excellence) grant announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Heather Watson.

The duo has been chosen from a group of 55 up-and-coming athletes and hopes to represent Canada at the Olympics.

Archery Canada nominated them and they are the only archery athlete-coach pairs to receive the grant. Each National sports organization across Canada can nominate athletes and coaches based on their pathway toward future Olympic events.

Gagné and Ashton are both from the Peterborough area and train there. The development of the sport of archery in the region has had challenges, starting with the closure of a nearby facility in 2019, leaving competitive archers with limited options to train. They train near Red Head Archery, a new facility in Douro Dummer that opened in 2021. The two have been able to continue to work together through perseverance. They worked together at the 2023 Canada Winter Games and competed in the Youth and Masters Pan American Championships in 2024 in El Salvador. In September, they will be heading to the World Archery Championships in Alberta.

“I am so grateful to have received this funding from Petro-Canada,” said Gagné. “The money will allow me to participate in more international tournaments and assist with equipment upgrades. This will greatly benefit my progression in archery and in achieving my goals as a high performance archer.”

As a woman who has grown up in this sport, as a previous competitive archer myself, I understand the time, dedication and countless hours of work that go behind high performance archery,” said Ashton. “Programs like the Petro-Canada FACE program are invaluable for athlete development as we work towards Amelia’s Olympic goals.”

Potential Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes are awarded a $10,000 FACE grant to help them along their journey. The grants are often used for training, equipment, coach education, and travel expenses for competitions. Since 1988, the fund has provided more than $14 million in support to Canadian athletes and coaches.

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Ontario Government Invests Over $3 Million to Improve Trent University's Infrastructure

The Ontario Government has invested $3,002,300 into Trent University’s infrastructure to help its students access to modern facilities, learning tools and equipment, announced at the school’s Student Centre on Thursday morning.

(From left to right) Kathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor; Tariq Al-idrissi, Vice-President of Finance & Administration and Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP in front of ongoing consutrction of an accessible pathway along the Otonabee River. The pathway stretches from Bata Library to Champlain College. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Trent is using the money to:

• Enhance the learning environment and campus experience for students, faculty and staff with infrastructure upgrades and improvements to critical academic and research facilities.

• Increase efficiency and reduce the University’s environmental impact by enhancing building exteriors, mechanical and electrical systems.

• Prioritize accessibility, AODA standards, health and safety through essential facilities as well as ramps and stairs, and updated signage.

“This support will ensure students at Trent University have access to modern instructional equipment to meet business and industry standards, increase student access to micro-credentials and enhance the overall student experience,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By investing in postsecondary infrastructure, we are not only supporting our local economy but ensuring students develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.”

“This significant contribution from the government helps Trent University enhance the environments of our renowned campuses, ensuring our award-winning architecture and its infrastructure are keeping pace with the latest upgrades and innovations,” said Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “At Trent, we are dedicated to student success and wellbeing, prioritizing a safe and modern environment for both learning and teaching. This investment not only strengthens the University but also reinforces Trent's role as a vital asset and key contributor to the local communities and Ontario’s economy.”

The most notable part of the investment is an accessible pathway that starts from Bata Library, travels north underneath Faryon Bridge and extends out to Champlain College. The construction has already been ongoing for two years with expected projected completion before Head of the Trent which takes place on Oct. 4 and 5.

While the University is known for its architecture, it had its accessibility issues. Having the balance between modernization and preserving heritage was key in making these upgrades.

“We have that level of modernization that students are looking for, we have safe and accessible campuses but we also need to be preserving the heritage,” said Bruce. “We needed to preserve the riverside and we need to make it really conducive to community and anybody who wants to come along here and enjoy that.”

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GPHSF Announces New Senior Care Microgrant

The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) has announced its new Senior Care Microgrant program to support senior care projects and healthy aging initiatives in the Peterborough area.

These grants have been made possible due to funding provided by the June Towle Trust. She passed away in 2023. Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

Two grants are available with the application deadline on Sept. 30. Find out more about the grants and criteria below. 

The new Senior Care Microgrant program is meant to be a low-barrier applicant process according to GPHSF. The grants can be used as seed money to address a new need or as financial support to an existing program in Peterborough, County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation. 

Two grants are available, with up to $5000 in funding available with each grant.

Applications are open to community and not-for-profit organizations, including medical organizations, that run programming and services or propose to run programming and services within the boundaries of Peterborough City and/or Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

Proposed projects must be general in scope (including and impactful on as many people as possible). Project completion must occur within one year of approval unless GPHSF grants an extension. Grant funding can be applied to existing projects or used as seed money for new projects.

A maximum of $5,000 is available for each gran, and a maximum of $10,000 is available across all grants (two total).

The project timeline and budget must be provided.

Senior Care Microgrant projects may include.

• Research

• Equipment

• Nutrition

• Physical Activity

• Mental Health

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Have a lasting impact on our community.

• Support emerging needs in our community.

• Improve the quality of life for seniors in the community.

Applications can be submitted online.

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Fleming College Awarded Research Infrastructure Grant of Over $227,000 From Federal Government

Fleming College has been awarded a College Fund research infrastructure grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation of $227,753, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

This investment combined with other secured grants, will cover the costs for Fleming to purchase a state-of-the-art laser machining technology according to a press release.

At roughly half a million dollars, the technology will be used to design and produce complex printed circuit boards (PCBs). The boards are essential components in nearly all electronic products, including household appliances, automotive systems, healthcare devices and more.

“This CFI College Fund grant is a game-changer for Fleming College,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming president. “CAMIIT’s new laser machining technology will fill a significant gap in our region’s innovation ecosystem, empowering our researchers and students to engage in cutting-edge research and development projects. It’s a transformative step for our institution and the broader community.”

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Ontario Government Investing Nearly $2.2 Million In Community and Frontline Agencies

The Ontario Government is investing $2,197,672.29 in Peterborough and the Kawarthas for increasing support to community agencies so they can continue to deliver frontline services.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The agencies are receiving the following:

• Canopy Support Services - $1,006,534.11

• Community Living Trent Highlands - $876,095.21

• Alternatives Community Program Services (Peterborough) Inc. - $ 64,853.21

• John Howard Society of Peterborough - $ 10,260.44

• Peterborough Child & Family Centres - $8,918.34

• Peterborough County-City Health Unit - $2,329.27

• Peterborough Youth Services - $19,981.84

• Victim Services of Peterborough and Northumberland - $1,184.01

• YWCA Peterborough-Haliburton - $9,835.56

• Service Coordination for Children and Youth - $16,841.28

• Access Community Services Incorporated - $171,473.55

• Community Counselling and Resource Centre - $2,028.26

• Dalhousie Youth Support Services - $7,337.21

“Our local agencies make our communities stronger, more resilient and inclusive. They work hard to provide people with access to the right resources and services they need to succeed and thrive,” said Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “By strengthening supports for our community agencies in the City and County of Peterborough, we are helping them deliver critical services to people in need.”

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Federal Government Announces $8.5 Million Funding of Two Projects For Conservation Efforts and Ecosystem Protection In Peterborough.

The Federal Government has invested over $8.5 million in funding for two projects that will help advance conservation efforts and protect ecosystems in Peterborough, announced at Jackson Park on Thursday afternoon.

File Photo.

The announcement was made by Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, and Adam van Koeverden, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

“Protecting nature is one of the best and easiest ways that we can fight climate change,” said Valdez. “These vital ecosystems, like those here in Peterborough, absorb carbon and increase our communities’ resilience to the effects of climate change.”

The Government of Canada has launched the largest conservation campaign in the country’s history in order to meet its emissions reduction targets and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 according to Valdez.

“Our government has launched the largest ever conservation campaign in Canada’s history, with a goal of protecting 30 per cent of lands and waters in Canada,” she said. “That starts with protecting spaces like these. The long-term benefits are enormous, getting us closer to our climate goals and protecting forever the critical habitat of so many species.”

The projects being funded under the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund are:

• $7 million for the Kawartha Land Trust to support its work to advance conservation efforts under way by securing an additional 566 hectares of intact temperate forest and freshwater coastal habitat to support 28 species at risk

• $1.586 million for the Association of Conservation Authorities of Ontario to protect vital ecosystems from destruction and fund activities that protect at-risk species, including Snapping Turtle, False Hop Sedge and Chimney Swift

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