'Christmas By Candlelight' Returns For Lang Pioneer Village To Get In the Holiday Spirit

Lang Pioneer Village is celebrating a traditional pioneer Christmas with ‘Christmas by Candlelight’ for Dec. 2 and 3 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty Photography and Lang Pioneer Village.

The village is being lit with candles, lamps and lanterns. The nights feature horse-drawn wagon rides, campfire stories, old holiday treats, photo shoots and Christmas carols.

Including learning about a pioneer’s first Christmas in the wilderness at the Fife Cabin, stories are being told of the Michi Saagiig about how they survived and thrived in the winter months in the Aabnaabin Gallery.

Events and activities include holiday treat samples, reindeer games, meals, raffles and more.

Photo courtesy of Heather Doughty Photography and Lang Pioneer Village.

Sunday at 7 p.m. features a live nativity with animals and a choir presented by the Keene United Church.

The Museum encourages visitors to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Otonabee South Monaghan Food Cupboard at the Museum Shop.

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'Be a Santa to a Senior' Program Launches For Fifth Year

The Be a Santa to a Senior program by Home Instead is encouraging Peterborough give a gift to older adults in the community who may not have anyone to celebrate with for a fifth-straight year.

Photo courtesy of Home Instead.

“The holidays can be hard for many older adults, especially those who may not have a companion to share them with,” said Glen Robson, Peterborough Home Instead owner. “Through Be a Santa to a Senior, we can help these seniors experience the happiness and togetherness the season can bring.” 

Thye program encourages shoppers to find ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ trees or displays with ornaments featuring the name and desired gift of an older adult and buy the requested gift with the ornament attached. Ornaments will be available until Dec. 8. to be delivered in time for Christmas.  

The program’s goal is to collect 1,400 gifts.

Be a Santa to a Senior trees can be found at the following locations:   

• Salon Sorella and Day Spa: 42 Queen St., Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0 

• Wellwise by Shoppers Drug Mart: 745 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough, Ont. K9J 1Z2 

• Sherwin-Williams: 950 Lansdowne St .W. #5, Peterborough, Ont. K9J 1Z9 

• Gentry Apparel: 377 George St. N., Peterborough, Ont. K9H 3R2 

• Lakefield IDA: 32 Queen St., Lakefield, Ont. K0L 2H0 

“Gifts aside, the true value comes in the connection Be a Santa to a Senior makes between the community and our older neighbors,” said Robson.

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Brant Basics Winner of DBIA's Downtown Halloween Window Contest

Brant Basics was declared the winner of the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) best window for this year’s Downtown Halloween Window Contest, announced on Tuesday.

(From left to right) Katrina Favron, Kaitlin Burley and Kayla Peters celebrate their win in front of the Brant Basics shop window. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

Days after the DBIA’s Spooktacular Halloween in the BOOOro, the annual spooky event included a dark forest-themed window decorating challenge for shop owners.

Over 20 businesses participated in the window challenge to creatively transform their shop windows into captivating displays.

Locals voted for their top three Halloween window displays throughout the contest period from Oct. 13 – 31, casting over 1,000 votes online.

K C Costumes and Studio East were runner-ups with 230 votes and 125 votes respectively.

The top three winners will be receiving $300, $200 and $100 for their winning windows.

“Our team is so excited to win this year’s contest! All the businesses who participated did such a fabulous job and we can’t wait to see the downtown light up again for the holiday season,” said Katrina Favron of Brant Basics. “We all came up with different ideas and worked as a team to transform our window, it was a such a fun project to work on together and we will definitely be treating the staff to a nice dinner from one of our amazing local restaurants to celebrate.”  

Brant Basics winning Halloween window display. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

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Photos: Seasons On Ravenwood Deploying Pirate Ghost Ship For One More Halloween After Receiving Multiple Complaints

The Seasons on Ravenwood’s famed ghost pirate ship is making one more appearance this Halloween for trick-or-treaters to explore the front-yard exhibit before being permanently retired due to anonymous complaints.

Jenn and Braden Glasbergen entertaining a first-time Halloweener during the ghost pirate ship's last year. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The closure was announced by Jenn and Braden Glasbergen, who run Seasons on Ravenwood.

The couple put out four extravagant seasonal displays a year which include a dinosaur park, Easter, Halloween and Christmas display on their front lawn on 1723 Ravenwood Dr.

The decision to retire the pirate ship came after the Glasbergens received numerous threats and warnings of legal action for the displays allegedly being a safety hazard.

“We've decided that given some of the comments that we received, it's time to move on from the pirate ship,” explained Braden.

While the couple has received overwhelming support for the good the displays have done, the Glasbergens refuse to deal with the negativity affiliated with the display.

“We know that there's not a lot of teeth to it but it's just aggravation that nobody wants to deal so we're decided that the time is appropriate for us to hang it up for the pirate ship,” said Braden.

According to Glasbergens, they received messages claiming their decorations cause traffic hazards since they are a distraction and could result in vehicular accidents.

“We've done all we could with it as safe as possible when people come to visit it but a lot of comments we've been receiving is people on the way to the pirate ship, there are concerns around the traffic on Ravenwood and people might be getting hit,” said Braden.

Signs and flags — including a 15-footer visible from Parkhill Road — have been posted to help notify traffic to slow down. Posters are also plastered throughout the display to ensure safety when visitors are touring through the exhibit.

One of the many safety and rules signs posted throughout the property. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Initially, they decided not to put the pirate ship on display after complaints back in June. Overwhelming support persuaded the family to put up the pirate ship again in a Facebook post in late August. It also gave the community one last chance to take photos, videos and create memories with the ship before it gets permanently sidelined.

“There's been such an outpouring of support for the ship and the community loves it. The people who do love it, love it a lot,” said Braden. “We've talked to our town councillor Matt Crowley, who's been fielding a lot of calls in support of the pirate ship and he's brought those positive reinforcements forward and the neighbours have a great time with it.”

The public is invited to visit the pirate ship until it gets taken down during the first week of November. The family continues collecting food or monetary donations to support St. Vincent de Paul, which they have been doing since running Seasons on Ravenwood four years ago while the ship is on display.

After the ship has run its course, it will change ownership as the Glasbergens have sold it to an out-of-town buyer.

Jenn and Braden say they have loved and appreciated the community’s support over the years and will not forget the positivity given to them over the last four years.

“It's overwhelming, the positive support that we get,” said Braden. The fact that we've reached that many people, that we've touched that many people just because we wanted to put up some seasonal displays and have a little bit of fun. It's been a great outpouring that way.”

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Heritage Park to Officially Open to the Public On Aug. 17

Heritage Park is having its official opening to members of the community for Aug. 17 at 1:30 p.m., announced by The City of Peterborough on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of TConnect Peterborough.

The park is located at 560 Settlers Ridge.

It will include a play structure with swings, a basketball half-court, seating areas and asphalt walkways for increased accessibility.

The project was supported through the City’s Parkland Development Assistance Program, Tollington Fund and Accessibility Fund according to a press release.

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City Services Availability for Monday Civic Holiday

For the Monday Civic Holiday, many City services and facilities will be operating under holiday hours or closed.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough,

City Hall

City Hall, including Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Tax Office will be closed on Monday. Online services are available at www.peterborough.ca.

Garbage, recycling and yard waste

There are no changes to curbside garbage and recycling collection.

Recycling Depot at 390 Pido Rd. is available 24 hours (self-serve).

The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed.

Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed. The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot’s normal operating schedule is Wednesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Holiday service schedule. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details.

Peterborough Marina

The Peterborough Marina at 92 George St. N. will be open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Peterborough Museum and Archives

Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E. will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum.

Sport and Wellness Centre

Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Dr. will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, August 7.

Splash pads and wading pools

Splash pads in City parks are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wading pools are supervised from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For locations and more information, please visit peterborough.ca/splash.

Arenas

The Kinsmen Civic Centre will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight for scheduled user groups.

Healthy Planet Arena, including the Recreation Facility Booking office, will be closed.

The Peterborough Memorial Centre and the Grant Thornton Box Office will be closed on Monday. For information and tickets, visit memorialcentre.ca.

Art Gallery of Peterborough

The Art Gallery of Peterborough at 250 Crescent St. will be closed on Monday. For information about gallery exhibitions and programs please visit agp.on.ca.

Peterborough Public Library

Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St. will be closed on Monday. Information and digital resources are online at www.ptbolibrary.ca.

Social Services

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on Monday.

Child care centres

City-operated childcare centres will be closed for the Civic Holiday.

Emergency shelter services

Emergency shelter services remain open: to access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours or on holidays, please call After Hours service at 705-926-0096.

Provincial Offences Act office

The provincial Offences Act office at 99 Simcoe St. will be closed on Monday. Fine payments can be made online at www.peterborough.ca/POA.

Public Works

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The City offers a variety of online services at peterborough.ca that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

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Canada Day Parade Marches Through Downtown Peterborough On Nation's 156th Anniversary

For a second-straight year, the Peterborough Canada Day Parade marched through George Street with 23 floats going through downtown on Saturday afternoon.

All photos by Samantha Bianco.

The parade began at Confederation Square Park and City Hall and ended at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. The parade’s theme was ‘Happy Birthday Canada’ which saw floats from organizations such s the Peterborough Petes, Lions Club. MP Michelle Ferrari, Liberal Party of Canada and more.

There were pre-parade activities at Confederation Square that had a bike decorating contest, activities and giveaways including Canada Day temporary tattoos and flags.

The Peterborough Pop Ensemble performed the national anthem prior to the parade’s beginning.

@ptbo_canada ♬ Limelight

Three judges were present to vote on four different categories of the 23 entered floats to fit the ‘Happy Birthday Canada’ theme. The winners are as follows:

• Best musical entry: Hastings Pipe Band

• Best theme float: Murray Fallaise

• Best overall entry: Revolutions Dance Studio

• Best salute to Canada: Peterborough Petes

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Quaker Canada Day Breakfast Nourishes At Quaker Foods City Square

Quaker Canada hosted a complimentary breakfast at Quaker Foods City Square to help kick off Canada Day in Peterborough on Saturday.

All photos by Samantha Bianco.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Free Quaker product samples were distributed to Canada Day attendees such as a smoothie, a fruit parfait and bran muffins. Quaker Borough apparel was also available for purchase at the Square.

“Thank you to Quaker Foods for hosting a community breakfast on Canada Day,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Quaker is one of the City’s key longstanding employers and we’re thrilled that they are celebrating their anniversary by bringing our community together.”

The breakfast ran alongside the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market.

This was the first Canada Day Quaker Square has operated at full capacity. The park was still under construction but was temporarily open last year for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the UN Peacekeepers Monument. It cost roughly $100,000 to build.

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Parks Canada Invites the Community to Celebrate Canada Day With the Trent-Severn Waterway

This Canada Day, Parks Canada is welcoming visitors to celebrate the natural heritage of Canada on the Trent-Severn Waterway by offering free lockage for recreational boaters on July 1.

photo courtesy of parks canada.

As cornerstones of Canada’s tourism industry, Parks Canada is committed to providing visitors with high-quality and meaningful visitor experiences and supporting tourism in communities across the country.

They say that by encouraging Canadians to visit national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas and providing them with the information and means to enjoy them, Parks Canada enables more Canadians to learn about our shared heritage and experience the outdoors.

To make the most of their Parks Canada experience, visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance. Visit the Parks Canada website for more details.

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Peterborough Fire Services and Peterborough Police Issue Fireworks Safety Message

Residents are asked to respect their neighbours and fellow residents when using fireworks in the City of Peterborough.

file photo.

City by-laws allow for the use of family or casual fireworks in the City on private property. Fireworks cannot be discharged on City property. Larger exhibition-style fireworks displays require a permit. 

While fireworks displays may be permitted, residents who use fireworks must follow the Noise By-law and be aware of safety precautions when using fireworks. Fireworks can also disturb pets. 

Peterborough Police receive a number of complaints, mostly noise complaints, about fireworks.  Peterborough Police reminds residents to be respectful of other residents’ lawful right to enjoy their property and to be safe.

Peterborough Fire Services reminds residents that using fireworks can be dangerous, causing injury or property damage. Fire Services provides the following safety tips when using fireworks: 

• Only adults who are aware of the hazards and have read the label should handle and discharge fireworks. 

• Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks. 

• Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass. 

• Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged. 

• Do not discharge fireworks in windy conditions. 

• Keep sparklers away from children, as they are extremely hot and pose a risk of burns and eye injuries. 

The City of Peterborough by-law regulating fireworks displays and the Noise By-law are available online at peterborough.ca/bylaws. 

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