PRHC Foundation Receives $1 Million Pledge From McCloskey International

The PRHC Foundation has announced a pledged gift of $1 million from McCloskey International in support of outstanding patient care for children and babies at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

The announcement was made at the Greenbridge Celtic Folk Festival hosted by internationally‐renowned musicians Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, and held this weekend on the McCloskey family property in Keene near Peterborough.

Left to right: PRHC Foundation CEO Lesley Heighway, Donnell Leahy, Sylvia and Paschal McCloskey of McCloskey International, Natalie MacMaster and PRHC Foundation Governor Emeritus Terry Windrem join MacMaster and Leahy's children at the site of this weekend's Greenbridge Celtic Festival for a photo in celebration of the McCloskey's $1 million pledge to the PRHC Foundation.

Paschal McCloskey, McCloskey International founder and president, says the visionary gift represents both an investment in the Children & Babies Program at PRHC, and in the Foundation’s legacy program outreach:

“The thought of a baby or a child requiring hospital care is heartbreaking, especially when it means seeking specialized treatment outside our community,” says McCloskey. “Not only can the costs add up quickly, but the emotional toll of being separated from family support systems can be devastating. McCloskey International is committed to investing in innovative technologies that support care for PRHC’s most fragile patients and their families close to home, where and when they need it most.”

“With their support of critical lifesaving equipment, as well as investing in the Foundation’s ability to raise funds for the future through our legacy giving program, McCloskey International is truly transforming care, both today and tomorrow,” says PRHC Foundation CEO Lesley Heighway.

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Peterborough's Iconic GE Plant Is Closing Fall 2018

DEVELOPING STORY...

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GE, which has been a staple in Peterborough for 125 years, has just announced it will be closing its plant here in Fall 2018, resulting in the loss of about 350 jobs.

Mayor Daryl Bennett just released this statement to the public...

"My immediate concern is for the workers and the families in our community affected by this winding down of General Electric’s operations in Peterborough. It will be a difficult time for many residents who are connected with GE or who have historical ties to this company. This year marked the 125th anniversary of GE in Canada, starting here in Peterborough in 1892.

The winding down of GE in Peterborough is a business decision that’s directly related to the slow down in orders from the oil and gas industry. It’s a drastic reversal from 2014 when GE announced that it would be adding up to 250 new jobs in Peterborough to build motors for the TransCanada Energy East pipeline, which has been delayed through the application process. Instead, GE has had to reduce the size of its workforce in Peterborough over the last several years. I understand it currently employs about 358 workers, well down from the 6,000 people employed by GE in Peterborough in the 1960s.

We are looking forward to the continued presence of BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada, which purchased GE’s nuclear energy business last year.

In the coming days, I will be requesting a meeting with both our MP and our MPP to discuss how our governments can assist with securing our community’s long-term economic foundation. Over the years, we have asked for assistance and approvals for employment land growth, the VIA Rail proposal for a new High Frequency Rail service through Peterborough, and local transportation network improvements needed to support growth. We need to continue to diversify our economy and to build the infrastructure that supports job creation."

UPDATE: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development President & CEO Rhonda Keenan has released the following statement...

“As General Electric announces the winding down of their operations in Peterborough, this is a challenging day for the community we serve. Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development continues to work collaboratively with our region’s businesses and local stakeholders in order to diversify our economy, attract and retain talent and investment, and provide local businesses with the support and resources that they need to grow.

Our next steps are to work with our local partners and agencies in order to support GE Canada and their staff during this time of transition.

We look forward to the continued presence of BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada, and providing them with the support their business needs to thrive and grow in our community."

MP Maryam Monsef released this statement on her Facebook page...

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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328 Paddlecraft Just Filled Both Tubs At Trent Severn National Historic Site In Epic Display

Last year, 138 paddlecraft were jammed into one of the ginormous "tubs" at the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site in Peterborough on Lock n' Paddle day, breaking the previous record of 101. 

This is what it looked like at Lock 21 during last summer's Lock 'N Paddle...

June 26th, 2016

This year, Lock 'N Paddle upped their game even more, filling both tubs on a beautiful Saturday (June 24th) with more than 150 canoes and kayaks each (to mark Canada's 150 birthday) and lifting them 65 feet.

It was one heck of a jigsaw puzzle for organizers and Lockmaster Ed, seen in this video below...

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But they did it. Look at this picture we took from mission control...

Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

Here is the view from the front Trent-Severn Waterway tweeted out...

Here is the view from above photographed from a drone by Justen Soule for Parks Canada...

And once the lock chambers were at an equal elevation, the Lock Master halted the lockage and participants and visitors raised their paddles and sang both O Canada and Happy Birthday in celebration of 150 years of Confederation.

Have a listen of the Happy Birthday...

Here is the moment the chambers aligned...

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Here's a closeup of the East chamber tub filled...

PHoto by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

And here's a closeup of the West chamber tub filled...

Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

360 panorama by Evan Holt, PtboCanada

UPDATE: Here is video our Evan Holt filmed from inside a canoe...

Well done Lock 21, well done Peterborough!

Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada

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Newly Named Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies At Trent University

Trent University has announced the naming of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies.
 
Coinciding with National Aboriginal Day on Wednesday (June 21st), the announcement of the newly-named School was among a substantial series of recommendations, furthering Trent’s leadership in indigenous reconciliation and education.

Photo courtesy Trent University

The recommendations include an innovative lecture-talk series that will bring prominent Indigenous leaders to the University to speak on Indigenous issues, and a new academic requirement for all undergraduate students to successfully complete at least 0.5 credits from an approved list of courses with Indigenous content. With this recommendation, Trent becomes only the third university in Canada to institute mandatory Indigenous course content.
 
“The naming of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and the implementation of the associated recommendations are a milestone in the evolution of Indigenous Studies at Trent," says Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University.

Wenjack Theatre

Trent's largest lecture hall/theatre is named after Chanie Wenjack, and the newly-named school is another huge step in honouring Chanie Wenjack, a young Anishinaabe boy who died in his attempt to escape a residential school in 1966.

Photo courtesy Trent University

The Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies brings together Trent’s undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. programs under one School and unites various events, initiatives and spaces dedicated to Indigenous perspectives, knowledge and culture at the University.

Photo courtesy Trent University

“This is the latest effort in Trent’s well-known 48-year record of Indigenous reconciliation,” says David Newhouse, director of the School, and chair of Indigenous Studies at Trent. “We will continue to honour the life of Chanie Wenjack and recognize the impact that residential schools had on Indigenous peoples through the work that we plan to undertake at Trent."

"Our goal at the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies is to constantly advance the knowledge of and about Indigenous peoples with a view to the overall improvement of quality of life and to contribute to the creation of places of respect, dignity and power for Indigenous peoples,” adds Newhouse.

Trent’s leadership in Indigenous Studies dates back to 1969 when the University became the first in Canada, and only the second in North America, to establish an academic department dedicated to the study of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous knowledges.

A full timeline of the University’s history of leadership in Indigenous education can be viewed at the new website for the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies.

The land on which Trent University is located is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Mississauga adjacent to Haudenosaunee Territory and in the territory covered by Treaty 20 and the Williams Treaties.

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UPDATED POST: Someone Stole Jackson And Chubby From The Riverview Park & Zoo

UPDATED POST: Someone Stole Jackson And Chubby From The Riverview Park & Zoo

UPDATE -> Their two beloved box turtles have been returned safe

Read More

Iconic Milltown Mini Golf Is Permanently Closing At The End Of This Season After 33 Years In Business

It was the place where so many memories were made—an iconic local attraction that made our "57 Signs You're From Peterborough" list a couple years back.

After 33 years of business, Milltown Mini Golf owners Lynda and Barry Cross have announced they are closing permanently at the end of the 2017 season.

"Our landlord sold the property where we are located to a local developer who will be building stores on our site," Lynda and Barry say in a media release.

They add of their family fun park: "Working at Milltown is not like going to work, it's been fun for us everyday. We have loved the many years of enjoyment that local residents and tourists alike have brought us. We have had the pleasure of helping chairitable organizations raise thousands of dollars with fund raising mini golf events. Most of all, we will miss the laughter, joking, and fun that we see daily at Milltown."

Relationships and marriages were formed there, according to the owners:

"Over the years, we have also had the enjoyment of seeing couples on their first dates at Milltown and then a few years later they will come back with their children. We will miss all of this."

Share your memories of Milltown on our Facebook page.

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Peterborough Police Auction Goes Online

In order to better serve the community, the Peterborough Police Service’s auction is now being offered online.
 
“A live auction is weather dependent, necessitates that people attend in person and requires a sufficient number of items to attract many potential buyers in order to have competitive bidding prices,” says Inspector Lynne Buehler, Support Services Division.

Image courtesy Peterborough Police

“In an online auction, bidders can be anywhere and can place their bid at any time," Inspector Lynne Buehler adds. "An online auction is less labour intensive for our property and evidence staff, will make it easier for people to purchase items and will generate more revenue for the Peterborough Police Services Board auction fund.”
 
The online auction is being run by Police Auctions Canada. On this site, bidders will find items from 19 different Police Services across Canada and four Universities. The items are not organized by Service but by item.

This year, the Peterborough Police Service has submitted items to Police Auctions Canada, including 93 bicycles, various pieces of jewellery, electronics and high-end designer clothing. All of the revenue from the items submitted by the Service goes back to the Peterborough Police Services Board Auction Fund.
 
For more information on the online auction, to see what items are available or to place a bid, visit Police Auctions Canada.
 

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Centennial Fountain Opening For Season Delayed Until June 1st

Due to the high and fast waters in Little Lake, the City of Peterborough has been unable to complete the repairs necessary for the seasonal start of the Centennial Fountain.
 
The fountain is typically serviced in time to have it running by Victoria Day weekend. The City says that conditions throughout the month of May have made it unsafe to complete the work, therefore causing a delay.  


Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Centennial Fountain will be up and running for June 1st.

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[UPDATED] Missing Person: William Barrie Campbell

UPDATE: May 18th -> William has been located safe and sound, police say. They thank the public for their assistance.

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ORIGINAL POST

The Peterborough Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in locating missing person, 21-year-old William Barrie Campbell of Peterborough.

Campbell was last seen at approximately 3 a.m. on April 29th in Peterborough, leaving his place of employment in the area of George Street North. Police say he may be in the Ottawa area.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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Watch For Floating Docks, Lounge Chairs, Debris On Area Lakes (Aids To Navigation May Also Be Off Track)

Conservation authorities are warning boats and other vessels on Trent Severn waterways and lakes to be extra careful as due to the continued high water levels and flows, aids to navigation may be off station.

Dock floating in Bay on Stoney Lake (picture via Stoney Lake Facebook page)

In addition, while water levels are starting to recede, there is a lot of debris including docks, lounge chairs, tires and other cottage stuff floating on area lakes that boaters should be watch for. Cottagers are advised to check on their docks and other waterfront structures, and secure everything as best they can.

Dock Floating on Katchewanooka Lake

Dock that has floated to shore on Stoney Lake

This Stoney Lake cottager was pictured on Saturday (May 13th) paddling his dock and chairs back to their cottage after it became dislodged in the rising waters...

Picture via Stoney Lake Facebook page

Bar fridge not included

The water is expected to go down about an inch a day, and cottagers will hopefully be able to sit on their docks at happy hour by the long weekend. If not, it might be sad hour instead.

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