Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith Has Grand Opening of New Constituency Office

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith’s new Action Centre constituency office had its grand opening at the Asta Spirit Plaza on Wednesday.

Staff and friends applud the grand opening of MPP Smith’s new constituency office that is roughly 2,300 sq. ft. , an upgrade of approximately 1,400 sq. ft.Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The office is in Unit E of the plaza, located at 864 Chemong Rd. It replaces the prior location on 1123 Water St. Smith moved the office since the property was to be demolished to construct new housing units.

The new space has been operable since December but renovations had recently finished prior to the grand opening.

The location created greater accessibility for not just Peterborough but for the Kawarthas as well according to Smith.

“Almost 50 per cent of the population of this riding lives to the north and east of The City of Peterborough,” he explained. “I need to make sure that wherever we went was going to be a spot that was easily accessible for someone coming down from Kinmount or coming from Havelock or North Kawartha.”

He also emphasized that the new 2,300-square-foot location created a barrier-free space, something he was adamant about ensuring when he chose the new location. Full wheelchair accessibility, an automatic door opener, widened doorways and room upgrades were improvements made to the Chemong Road building.

“This is all wheelchair accessible, it's barrier-free and that was one of the main things for me, If someone wanted to come see their MPP, they have an opportunity to come here regardless of what disability they may or may not have.”

The expanded space added a new feature for the public as the Action Centre has in-person private constituent rooms for anyone wishing to speak to Smith or his staff.

“If somebody comes in and wants to talk to one of the constituent assistants or myself about something that's a little sensitive, we have an area we can go to now that's a little more private,” explained Smith. “They don't have to be sharing that information with others if they're coming in.”

The grand opening also had a ribbon-cutting ceremony that signified the end of renovations and that the office was running at 100 per cent.

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City of Peterborough Accepting Applications For Citizen Appointments to City Council Advisory Committees

The City of Peterborough is taking applications for its advisory committees to provide input and feedback on the provision of municipal services for the Peterborough community with the deadline on Jan. 13 at 4:30 p.m.

“Citizen participation is essential for a healthy democracy. We are better when we work together,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.  “Citizens who participate on advisory committees provide valuable input into City initiatives. If you have a keen interest in one of the current vacancies, I encourage you to apply.”

Citizen appointments are volunteer opportunities with all applicants required to be Peterborough residents as interviews may be required.

Applications are reviewed by City Council’s Citizen Appointment Selection Committee. The Committee will make recommendations to Council for its consideration.

The following are vacancies on the following committees:

• Accessibility Advisory Committee – three vacancies (Four-year term)

• Age-Friendly Peterborough Advisory Committee – One vacancy (Two-year term)

• Airport Strategic Initiatives Committee – Two vacancies (Two-year term)

• Arts and Culture Advisory Committee – Five vacancies (Four-year term)

• Arenas, Parks and Recreation Committee – One vacancy (Four-year term)

• Citizens’ War Memorial Advisory Committee – One vacancy (Four-year term)

• Committee of Adjustment – Five vacancies (Four-year term)

• Community Investment Grants Advisory Committee – Eight vacancies (Three-year term)

• Museum and Archives Advisory Committee – One vacancy (Four-year term)

• Peterborough Public Library – Six vacancies (Four-year term)

• Planning Advisory Committee – Four vacancies (Four-year term)

• Police Services Board - One vacancy (Four-year term)

• Property Standards Committee – Five vacancies (Four-year term)

• Tree and Woodlands Appeals Committee – Three vacancies (Four-year term)

Applications are available online and hard copies are available at the Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 500 George St. N., Peterborough. Completed applications may be submitted online, dropped off or mailed to City Hall no later than Jan. 13 at 4:30 p.m.

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Sherry Senis Sworn In as Peterborough County Deputy Warden

Sherry Senis, mayor of Selwyn was sworn in as the Peterborough County Deputy Warden on Wendesday.

Senis takes over the role of Deputy Warden after J. MUrray Jones. The latter served for 11 years as warden. Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

Senis assumed the role after being selected by Warden Clark on Dec. 2.

The new Deputy Warden has served in municipal government since 2006, first as a member of Selwyn township council representing Smith Ward. She became Deputy Mayor in 2014 and was acclaimed Mayor of Selwyn during the October municipal elections. Mayor Senis’ selection represents the first time that Peterborough County Council has had both leadership positions held by women.

“I am honoured and pleased that Warden Clark has asked me to take on the role of Deputy Warden, I am passionate about my Township as well as Peterborough County,” said Senis. “There is much we can do and I am looking forward to dealing with any opportunities and challenges as they arise and working together, we can achieve this. I look forward to working alongside Warden Clark, my fellow Councillors, the greater community and staff.”

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MPP Dave Smith Relocating Constituency Office to Chemong Road Plaza

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith is on the move as his is relocating his Action Centre to 864 Chemong Rd. announced on Wednesday.

DAVE SMITH was re-elected as MPP on June 2, EARNing BACK-TO-BACK TERMS FOR THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY FOR THE PETERBOROUGH-KAWARTHA RIDING since GARY STEWART FROM 1995-2003. PHOTO BY David Tuan Bui.

The new location is in the Asta Spirit Plaza across from Brookdale Plaza. The signage has already been installed as of Wednesday. The current location at 1123 Water St. will be demolished to construct new housing units such as townhouses and two-bedroom apartments by Cherney Properties.

Over the last few months, the new location has undergone interior renovations to make it fully accessible for seniors and anyone with disabilities. The renovations include a wheelchair ramp, an automatic door opener, bathroom upgrades, widen doorways and the creation of open, barrier-free space for those with visual impairments according to a press release.

“After four years at our Water Street location, we’ve come to the decision that it’s time for us to move. We desperately need more housing in Peterborough,” said Smith. “We aren’t going far though. I’ve always said that it is important that people from across the riding, not just the city, can easily access the Action Centre. This location maintains the ample parking and access by the townships surrounding the City of Peterborough that our existing office has.”

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Quaker Foods City Square Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Cancelled Due To Impending Protest; Activities To Proceed

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Quaker Foods City Square this Saturday has been put on hold due to an impending protest however, family activities will proceed as normal announced on Wednesday.

THE PARK WAS OPEN TEMPORARILY ON CANADA DAY FOR A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY OF A NEW UN PEACEKEEPERS MONUMENT. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The protest arranged by Michelle McQuaid is known as the ‘Concrete Priorities Protest’ to protest the City’s celebration and spending on the park , especially the heated concrete while Peterborough is undergoing a homelessness crisis.

The $6.4-million project was supported by a non-repayable contribution of $750,000 from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) as part of the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, to support the construction of the rink, as well as landscaping and water features.

The City also used $677,909 from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation from its share of gaming revenues provided as a host community for a casino, and $50,000 from the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area to support the project. PepsiCo Foods, through its Quaker brand, is providing approximately $240,000 over 15 years for the naming rights to the public square.

Former Mayor Diane Therrien declared a state of emergency on homelessness in Peterborough after calling a special city council meeting on Oct. 13. This occurred a few weeks prior to the municipal election when Therrien said she would not run for another mayoral term.

McQuaid stated the following on the social media event on the City’s alleged inaction on the homelessness issue:

“I know tents are not ideal, but they would be alot more comfortable on HEATED PAVEMENT! We have community members sleeping outside, in cars, tents... Whatever shelter they can make... ...and The City of Peterborough decides to celebrate? I'd like to know exactly what they are celebrating and acknowledge what they are choosing to ignore.”

The protest is still scheduled to occur despite the City withdrawing certain activities and the ribbon-cutting ceremony according to the Facebook event.

The City has stated that speeches will be rescheduled to thank the partners and sponsors that contributed to the park’s construction but has yet to release a date.

The family activities are still scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p..m. There is outdoor skating, face painting and a DJ to play music during the event. Hot chocolate, sweet treats, stilt walkers and performance artists were scheduled for the event but have been withdrawn due to the protest.

The square is located at the former Louis Street Parking Lot off the corner of Aylmer Street and Charlotte Street. It is a year-round space for community events and activities. The space includes a refrigerated outdoor skating rink during winter and a water play feature for the summer.

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City of Peterborough's Chief Administrative Officer Announces Retirement

The City of Peterborough’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sandra Clancy is retiring after a 38-year tenure, effective on April 28, announced Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Clancy became the City’s most senior manager in May 2018 when City Council appointed her as the CAO. She has held various roles with the municipality since joining the organization in 1985 including Chief Accountant, Finance Manager, Treasurer, and Corporate Services Director.

“I am extremely thankful to have had to opportunity to work for the community where I was born and raised. It has been a privilege to work with many colleagues, community members, and Councils for almost 40 years,” said Clancy. Thank you to Mayor Jeff Leal and City Council for your support and leadership. And thank you especially to all my coworkers throughout all the service areas at the City of Peterborough who have demonstrated such resilience and dedication to their jobs. I know our community will continue to be well served going forward.”

Clancy informed City Council of her retirement on Monday.

“I have had a long, very rewarding career working for the City of Peterborough,” she said. “I’m looking forward to retiring and this next stage in my life where I will have more time to spend with family and other personal activities.”

Mayor Jeff Leal released a statement regarding Clancy’s retirement:

“On behalf of City Council, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Sandra for her leadership and service throughout her 38-year career with the City of Peterborough. Sandra played key roles at the municipality through significant periods, including the 2004 flood recovery and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank Sandra for her commitment to Peterborough and its residents. We wish her well in her retirement but we know this isn’t goodbye on a personal level as we are looking forward to hearing about her retirement and grandchildren. City Council will lead the recruitment process to fill this critical leadership role as we move forward to ensure effective service delivery on behalf of City of Peterborough residents.”

City Council is planning the next steps for recruiting the next CAO.

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City Council Sworn In During Inaugural Meeting

The inaugural Council meeting for the swearing-in of the 2022 - 2026 City Council was held at the Austin Doran Hall in the Mount Community Centre on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The ceremony’s venue was changed from Council Chambers at City Hall to allow for additional seating. To comply with room capacity limits, reserved seating was available for residents and family and friends of the newly elected Council members. 

The meeting was live-streamed on the City’s website and the recording of the session is also available online. 

This was the only agenda item forr the meeting. Council next meeting, sitting as Finance Committee and General Committee on Monday.

City Council To Be Sworn During Inaugural Meeting On Nov. 28

The inaugural Council meeting for the 2022-26 City Council swearing-in is held at the Austin Doran Hall in the Mount Community Centre on Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m.

File Photo

Limited seating is available by advance registration due to the venue's capacity to attend the meeting in person. Registration begins at noon on Wednesday on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registrants can call the City Clerk’s Office 705-742-7777 ext. 1820 or they can register in person at City Hall.

The room accommodates reserved seating for family and friends of the newly-elected Council members and local dignitaries.

The swearing-in is the only item on the agenda. Council is holding its first meetings sitting as Finance Committee and General Committee on Dec. 5. Council meeting schedules and agendas are posted at on the City’s website.

The meeting will be live-streamed for anyone to view online.

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MPP Dave Smith Announces Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act To Be Introduced

MPP Dave Smith and other dignitaries have announced the introduction of the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act in a teleconference held on Thursday afternoon.

(from left to right) MPP Dave Smith; Chief Emily Whetung; Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism and Chief Mel Hardy, Anishinabek Nation Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief and former Chief of Curve Lake First Nation. Photo courtesy of MPP Dave Smith.

Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Chief Mel Hardy, Anishinabek Nation Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief and Chief Emily Whetung, former Chief of Curve Lake First Nation were also in attendance to make the announcement.

The bill, if passed, creates an award for Cadet Corps and Squadrons at the Annual Ceremonial Reviews. Ontario’s 288 active Canadian Cadet Corps and Squadrons can select a member who has displayed exceptional volunteerism and citizenship over the past year to be eligible for the Murray Whetung Community Service Award.

“Murray Whetung was a pillar in our community. He volunteered to fight in the Second World War and dedicated his life to family and service. I was honoured to receive his endorsement for this legislation before his passing,” said MPP Dave Smith. “This bill does more than recognize the life of one man, it seeks to teach others of the injustices First Nations veterans faced for risking their lives in service to Canada.”

In the First and Second World Wars, roughly 7,000 First Nations residents voluntarily served. For those who served continuously, their rights were stripped for time away from the reserve. Indigenous veterans able to retain their status were often ineligible for benefits available to non-Indigenous veterans following the wars.

“My Shomis (grandfather) was humbled when MPP Smith approached him about the idea of an award named after him,” said Whetung. “My Shomis did what he thought needed to be done and didn’t expect special recognition. He was a shining example of choosing happiness in the face of adversity and an inspiration to so many of us.”

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Unofficial Results of the 2022 Municipal Election for Peterborough County

The unofficial election results from the 2022 Municipal Election for Peterborough and the Kawarthas from Monday night.

Jeff Leal won the mayoral candidacy with over 50 per cent of the votes. Photo by Felicia Massey.

The City of Peterborough had 65,703 eligible voters and 26,377 votes were cast.

“Let me tell you how excited I am to accept my new role as mayor of Peterborough,” said Leal. “I realize that the road ahead is bound to have some challenges, but I am very optimistic about Peterborough’s future. I have a detailed plan moving forward, and the voters have approved this plan this evening.”

City of Peterborough

Mayor

• Jeff Leal (12,911, 49.33 per cent)

• Henry Clarke (8,280, 31.63 per cent)

• Stephen Wright (3,924, 14.99 per cent)

• Brian Lumsden (728, 2.78 per cent)

• Victor Kreuz (331, 1.26 per cent)

Ward 1 - Otonabee

• Lesley Parnell (3,132, 40.82 per cent)

• Kevin Duguay (1,943, 25.33 per cent)

• Eleanor Underwood (1,169, 15.24 per cent)

• Chanté White (1,032, 13.45 per cent)

• Nathan Russell-Meharry (396, 5.16 per cent)

Ward 2 - Monaghan

• Matt Crowley (2,871, 28.00 per cent)

• Don Vassiliadis (2,469, 24.08 per cent)

• Jeff Westlake (1,968, 19.19 per cent)

• Charmaine Magumbe (1,620, 15.80 per cent)

• Tom Wigglesworth (806, 7.86 per cent)

• Lyle Saunders (520, 5.07 per cent)

Ward 3 - Town

• Alex Bierk (2,600, 30.79 per cent)

• Joy Lachica (2,308, 27.33 per cent)

• Dean Pappas (2,143, 25.38 per cent)

• Vickie Karikas (966, 11.44 per cent)

• Brian Christoph (428, 5.07 per cent)

Ward 4 - Ashburnham

• Gary Baldwin (3,326, 40.07 per cent)

• Keith Riel (2,964, 35.71 per cent)

• Andrew Macgregor (2,011, 24.23 per cent)

Ward 5 - Northcrest

• Andrew Beamer (4,003, 38.28 per cent)

• Dave Haacke (2,334, 22.32 per cent)

• Carlotta James (1,874, 17.92 per cent)

• Shauna Kingston (1,105, 10.57 per cent)

• Aldo Andreoli (722, 6.90 per cent)

• Karen Grant (420, 4.02 per cent)

‍

County of Peterborough‍

‍Township of Asphodel-Norwood

‍Office of the Mayor

• Patrick Wilford (813, 51.4 per cent)

• Rodger Bonneau (699, 44.2 per cent)

• Gregory Bloom (71, 4.5 per cent)

Councillor

• Paula Warr (1,262, 31.4 per cent)

• Barry Walsh (1,244, 31.0 per cent)

• Stephanie Hodge-Greaves (957, 23.8 per cent)

• Michael Bult (554, 13.8%)

Township of Cavan Monaghan‍

Mayor

• Matthew Graham (2,120, 60.2 per cent)

• Daryl Bennett (1,399, 39.8 per cent)

Deputy Mayor

• Ryan Huntley (2,001, 57.4 per cent)

• Dean Del Mastro (1,484, 42.6 per cent)

Ward 1 Councillor

• Nelson Edgerton (470, 60.5 per cent)

• Bob Walsh (307, 39.5 per cent)

Ward 2 Councillor

• Gerry Byrne (464, 38.2 per cent)

• Janet Heeringa (397, 32.6 per cent)

• Bill Shaw (193, 15.9 per cent)

• Valerie Kent (149, 12.3 per cent)

• Craig Shields (13, 1.1 per cent)

Ward 3 Councillor

• Lance Nachoff (469, 32.8 per cent)

• David Lundrigan (354, 24.8 per cent)

• Louise Bedford (334, 23.4 per cent)

• Kathie Lycett (272, 19.0 per cent)

Township of Douro-Dummer

‍Mayor

• Heather Watson (1,501, 57.2 per cent)

• Jim Coyle (1,124, 42.8 per cent)

Deputy Mayor

• Harold Nelson (1,499, 59.7 per cent)

• Marc Trudeau (1,010, 40.3 per cent)

Councillor, Ward 1 (Douro Ward)

• Ray Johnston (530, 41.8 per cent)

• Marie Howran (383, 30.2 per cent)

• Mark Porter (356, 28.1 per cent)

Councillor, Ward 2 (Dummer Ward)

• Adam Vervoort (703, 55.6 per cent)

• Shelagh Landsmann (561, 44.4 per cent)

Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen

‍Mayor

• Jim Martin (1,640)

• Rolf Joss (494)

Deputy Mayor

• Hart Webb (Acclaimed)

Councillor at Large

• Kathy Clement (743)

• Pascal Hill (454)

• Ralph Horton (360)

• Shelley Miles (512)

Township Ward

• Jerry Doherty (858)

• Gregory Clements (830)

Village Ward

• Beverly Flagler (140)

• Paul Wood (128)

• Jonathan Prosser (76)

Township of North Kawartha

‍Mayor

• Carolyn Amyotte (acclaimed)

Deputy Mayor

• Jim Whelan (acclaimed)

Councillor Ward 1

• Jim O'Shea (642, 66.5 per cent)

• John Lovatsis (324, 33.5 per cent)

Councillor Ward 2

• Colin McLellan (467, 45.8 per cent)

• Mike Del Mastro (429, 42.1 per cent)

• Joe McCauley (123, 12.1 per cent)

Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan

‍Mayor

• Joe Taylor (acclaimed)

Deputy Mayor

• Bonnie Clark (acclaimed)

Councillor-at-Large

• Mark Allen (acclaimed)

Councillor Otonabee Ward

• Nick Powers (acclaimed)

Councillor South Monaghan Ward

• Terry Holmes (222, 37.5 per cent)

• Ken Howie (193, 32.6 per cent)

• Dennis Hannah (177, 29.9 per cent)

Township of Selwyn

‍Mayor

• Sherry Senis (acclaimed)

Deputy Mayor

• Ron Black (acclaimed)

Councillor - Ennismore - Ward 10

• Mary Coulas (1,121)

• Gail Moorhouse (348)

Councillor - Smith - Ward 20

• Brian Henry (1,059)

• Samuel Alexander (423)

Councillor - Lakefield - Ward 30

• John Boyko (897)

• Anita Locke (202)

Across Selwyn Township, there were 16,903 eligible voters and 4,149 votes were casted.

Municipality of Trent Lakes

‍Mayor

• Terry Lambshead (1,940)

• Bev Matthews (1,123)

Deputy Mayor

• Carol A. Armstrong (1,772)

• Gerry Forestell (740)

• Ed Dewhurst (488)

Councillor-at-large

• Peter Franzen (1,766)

• Anne Dixon (1,113)

Harvey Ward

• John Braybrook (848)

• Peter Raymond (565)

• Adri Eastman (556)

Galway-Cavendish Ward

• Joe Cadian (374)

• Ira Peters (321)

• Ed Leerdam (284)

• Josh Fawcett (106)

‍

City of Kawartha Lakes

‍Mayor

• Doug Elmslie (7,982)

• Pat Dunn (5,295)

• Kathleen Seymour-Fagan (3,949)

• Faye McGee (2,800)

• Jim Riches (1,371)

• Bill Denby (1,232)

Councillor Ward 1

• Emmett Yeo (1,004)

• Don Logan (597)

• Jim Harris (453)

• Raymonde Blais Couture (216)

Councillor Ward 2

• Pat Warren (1,823)

• Jamie Brown (579)

• John Snider (424)

Councillor Ward 3

• Mike Perry (2,207)

• Doug Dickerson (1,364)

Councillor Ward 4

• Dan Joyce (548)

• David Skrabek (538)

• Ian Nicolson (466)

• Jamie Campbell (297)

• Trevor Johnston (187)

• Tyler Richards (182)

• Angel Godsoe (49)

Councillor Ward 5

• Eric Smeaton (2,182)

• Duncan Gallacher (699)

• Janet Di Bello (569)

• Wesley Letsholo (190)

• Gloria Graham-Weir (125)

Councillor Ward 6

• Ron Ashmore (1,632)

• Gerard Jilesen (1,134)

Councillor Ward 7

• Charles McDonald (2,035)

• Danielle Willette (696)

• Diane Holder (447)

Councillor Ward 8

• Tracy Richardson (1,700)

• Greg Ward (340)

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