Norwood Pride Prepares To Celebrate Its 3rd Annual LGBTQ Pride Event

In 2016, a small group of friends and residents of Norwood jokingly talked about having a “small-town Pride in the country”. By the summer of 2017, they had successfully organized a social event that welcomed more than 250 people in its inaugural year.

The volunteers of Norwood Pride are now getting ready for their upcoming 3rd Annual Pride Event on Sunday, July 14th. The community will come together and celebrate diversity, inclusivity and equality within the Township of Asphodel-Norwood, located 30 minutes east of Peterborough.

Photo courtesy Norwood Pride

“We never expected it to be so warmly received so quickly,” says volunteer Tony Tavares of how the event has caught on. “We started out just planning an informal gathering of friends for an afternoon social, and then we saw people join us from all across the township—and beyond—to celebrate with us. It was really amazing.”

With the support of the community behind them, the group of local volunteers hosted a second event in 2018 and saw continued success. The addition of a live band and BBQ sponsored by the local RBC Royal Bank branch drew even more attention in 2018.

“Part of why we’re doing this is to increase awareness for young people that might feel isolated and alone in a small community,” adds Tavares. “But one of the things that was really encouraging to us was people who had grown up gay or lesbian in the area and are now 60 or 70 years old who approached us, visibly emotional some of them, and said ‘I never thought we would see this happen here, we’re so glad you’re doing this.’”

Photo courtesy Norwood Pride

Now heading into its 3rd year, there will be a BBQ, cash bar, kids activities and music, and the group has added a drag performance by Peterborough performer, Dixie Q. For a second year, the group is partnering with the Peterborough Pride to co-host the 4th Annual Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament.

The Pride event is being held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 300 (27 King Street) in Norwood from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on July 14th, and is open to all ages.

In advance of the celebration, the Township of Asphodel-Norwood is raising a Pride flag in recognition of the upcoming event on Friday, July 5th, at 1 p.m. at the Norwood Town Hall (2357 County Road 45). A brief ceremony will include words from the Mayor and the Norwood Pride group.

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Lakefield Youth Unlimited (LYU) Purchases Tribal Voices Building In Lakefield

Lakefield Youth Unlimited (LYU) has purchased the Tribal Voices building, which is directly off the bridge in Lakefield. This was made possible due to an anonymous lender who provided a no interest, no payments loan for as long as they own the building. They move into their new facility in mid-September.

LYU has been part of the Lakefield community for 15 years, working together with local residents, businesses, churches, schools, and government for the youth of our community. Through various programs and events, their vision “is to see the lives of youth in Lakefield attain their full life potential as God designed it.”

LYU envisions many possibilities as to how their new building will be used. Some ideas that could happen in the space include shared meeting rooms, life skill programs for youth, Jr. and Sr. High programs, gathering spaces for families and after-school programming.

Most of the funds were provided for the purchase of their new home but they still need to raise $20,000 by August 14th to pay off the remainder of short-term loans, plus an additional $55,000 by October 1st to begin their renovations in the fall. For more information about their purchase or how to donate, contact Chris Jones at 705.761.2903 or via email here.

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Warming Room Overflow Emergency Shelter Service Announced By City Of Peterborough

With the closure of the Warming Room until they find a new home, The City of Peterborough has announced it is working with community partner agencies—including Brock Mission emergency shelter, Cameron House emergency shelter and Youth Emergency Shelter—to make sure there are beds available for people in need.

When there isn’t space in a shelter, Peterborough Social Services provides alternatives for short-term shelter while they connect people with more permanent housing programs and services. That’s the priority—making sure people have safe and reliable housing, so they don’t have to be in tents or living on the streets. Everyone who uses the Warming Room is being offered assistance.

The Warming Room has announced it is closing until it can find a new home

The City wants to continue to provide the Warming Room service. The Warming Room Community Ministries’ lease with Murray Street Baptist Church expired at the end of 2018 and was extended until the end of June 2019. It hasn’t been able to find a new space. The City’s continuing to work with Warming Room Community Ministries as it searches for a location.

“I have always been supportive of the Warming Room and assisting the community’s most vulnerable citizens,” Mayor Diane Therrien says. “We are working together to find better solutions, create permanent housing, and help the Warming Room move to a new location.”

Anyone who needs emergency shelter is asked to visit Peterborough Social Services at 178 Charlotte St. or contact Social Services by phone at 705.748.8830 between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, or at 705.927.0096 overnight, on weekends and on holidays.

If you have a space that could work for Warming Room, email charvey@warmingroom.ca. (One Roof, also operated by Warming Room Community Ministries, a drop-in centre and meal program, continues to operate at St. John’s Anglican Church on Brock Street.)

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Ontario SPCA & Humane Society 38-foot Mobile Spay/Neuter Unit Visiting Peterborough In August

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has rolled out its new SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services trailer to give pet owners across the province access to critical resources like spay/neuter services, and the trailer will be making a stop in Peterborough August 16th and August 17th. 

The 38-foot trailer, which was made possible because of a grant provided by the Pet Valu family of stores through its Giving Back Project, features two surgical tables where 20-30 spay/neuter procedures can be performed per day. The new mobile unit is part of the Ontario SPCA’s ongoing efforts to control pet overpopulation and help build relationships with pet owners and their local veterinarian.

Photo courtesy Ontario SPCA

The trailer will be visiting communities across the province, including Peterborough—its location in the city will be announced later this summer, Ontario SPCA tells us, keep an eye out here—reaching underserved areas to provide spay/neuter surgeries, wellness exams, microchipping and vaccinations. 

“It’s important that we spay and neuter as many animals as possible to reduce the number of unwanted animals who end up homeless on the streets trying to survive,” says Daryl Vaillancourt, Chief, Humane Programs & Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “This new mobile unit will also serve as an important educational tool to help pets live longer, healthier lives by educating pet owners about the importance of routine veterinary care with a local veterinarian.” 

Photo courtesy Ontario SPCA

Financial donations are needed to help stock the unit with medical supplies and cover operating costs, to ensure this mobile unit can visit as many communities as possible.

Any donations received by midnight on June 27th will be matched, thanks to a generous pool of Ontario SPCA supporters.

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100 Women Peterborough Just Raised $10,000 In Under An Hour For Five Counties Children’s Centre

On Tuesday (June 18th), the 100 Women Peterborough group raised more than $10,000 in under one hour for Five Counties Children’s Centre.

Adam White, Chair of the Five Counties Board, and their 15-year-old client, Rebecca Jordan, presented on behalf of the organization to the women at their meeting held at the Innovation Cluster. Five Counties Children’s Centre was selected to receive the donations by a majority vote that evening. (Also presenting to the group were Peterborough Butterfly Run and the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra.)

Photo courtesy 100 Women Peterborough

“A huge thank you to 100 Women Peterborough for their thoughtfulness and generous gift, your donation will make a difference in the lives of the children that will be able to receive service sooner,” says Adam White. “Because they can get this service sooner, it’s going to make a huge difference in their development, lives and in the way they can chase their dreams.”

Five Counties Children’s Centre provides therapy services at no cost to families that assist children who are delayed in their development to develop the skills they need in everyday life such a walking, talking, and activities of daily living. A non-profit organization, Five Counties Children’s Centre is primarily funded by The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the City of Peterborough.

Catia Skinner and Rosalea Terry from 100 Women Peterborough

“Thank you on behalf of the other children,” says 15-year-old Rebecca Jordan, who moved to Peterborough to access the life changing services of Five Counties Children’s Centre. “I have benefitted from Five Counties Children’s Centre so the opportunity for more children to have the opportunity is something that I’m excited about because I know how it has impacted my life and how it will change someone else's.”

The contribution from 100 Women Peterborough will fund the Centre to work with 12 children who would have otherwise not been able to receive support this year. One hundred percent of the funds raised by 100 Women Peterborough are donated to four non-profit organizations determined by the membership throughout the year.

Women that are interested in joining the group are encouraged to reach out via the website here.

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B!KE: The Peterborough Community Cycling Hub Facing Financial Hardship, Hosting Fundraiser July 13th

B!KE: The Peterborough Community Cycling Hub (293 George Street North) needs your help to stay a float, which is why they are hosting their first ever B!KE-a-thon on July 13th to raise the funds they need to keep their doors open and their programs running.

B!KE—an incorporated not-for-profit cycling education and support organization that’s been working with the Peterborough community since 2006 teaching bike maintenance, repair and riding skills—is facing financial hardship due to recently passed provincial legislation that caused it to lose significant core funding.

They need your support to ensure B!KE continues to run effectively for the community. By FUNdraising for B!KE, your team will help the cycling hub continue to deliver high quality, low-barrier cycling education programs, and a community bike workshop and hub.

Photo by Inclusive Advisory

REGISTER YOUR TEAM

For one full day, enthusiastic B!KE supporters will gather together to “spin the pedals “ for B!KE. Signing up as a team, cyclists will a ride stationary bike (one per team) for 12 hours straight to raise funds for B!KE. Team names, costumes and themed teams are strongly encouraged. Stationary bikes can be provided, but you may bring your own.

If you love to ride and believe in what B!KE does, they need you to gather your friends, family and work colleagues, and lead a team! Each team will be comprised of five members, and collectively it’s their job to keep a bicycle in motion for the entire event. Each team must commit to raising $500 (or more) in support of B!KE.

Photo by Inclusive Advisory

The fundraiser takes place Saturday, July 13th, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Set-up time starts at 7:30 am.) Join B!KE on the back patio of The Social, 295 George Street North. (If it rains, they’ll move inside.) A lunch, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided free of charge.

Organizations interested in sponsoring the event can contact David Koski by email, and general inquiries for the event and about the hub can be directed to B!KE executive director Tegan Moss via email or by calling 705.775.7227.

Go to communitybikeshop.org for more info on the organization, and register here for this fundraiser.

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Pilots Spot Drones In Close Proximity To Aircraft At Peterborough Airport

Twice last week at the Peterborough Airport, drones were spotted by pilots in close proximity to aircraft while they were flying around the airport, according to Peterborough Police.

“This is a concern for the safety of the aircraft and the safety of the pilots,” says Lisa Davidson, Peterborough Airport Manager. “If a drone is struck in flight, resulting in a mid-air collision, it could cause the pilot to lose control of the aircraft, or seriously damage the plane causing an emergency situation.”

“The safety at the airport is jeopardized every time a person operates a drone, disregarding the rules that allow both planes and drones to operate safely,” adds Davidson. “Drones are not allowed to be operated within 5.6 km of an airport.”

The drone was spotted at approximately 1000′ above the ground both times it was spotted and was operating dangerously close to aircraft flying in the circuit.

“In one instance the drone was noted to be black and orange in colour with flashing lights, which shows how close the drone was to the pilot in that case,” says Davidson. In both instances, Peterborough Police were called and responded to the airport to assist with trying to find the location of the drone operator.

“Flying drones in close proximity to an airport and other aircraft is extremely dangerous, irresponsible and illegal,” says Inspector John Lyons, Operations Division, Peterborough Police Service.

“We encourage anyone with information regarding persons engaged in this behaviour to contact police or Crime Stoppers,” adds Lyons.

Transport Canada states that drones are aircraft—which makes the person operating the drone a pilot. When flying the drone, you’re sharing the skies with other drones and aircraft. Before flying, the public needs to understand the rules. For more information on drone safety, click here.

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Reno Begins At Peterborough Memorial Centre, What You Need To Know

Construction is starting on the Peterborough Memorial Centre arena pad renovation project at 151 Lansdowne St. W. on Saturday, June 1st and is expected to be completed by late October.

Portions of the parking lot will be closed with restricted access and there will be heavy equipment operating in the area with associated noise that it may cause. The Lock Street entrance to the south parking lot will be closed for the duration of the project.

The contractor will be working 12-hour shifts of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the project, with the potential for some elevated noise during for the first two to four weeks of the project. The expectation is that Sunday work would not be required after the first four weeks.

SERVICES THAT WILL (AND WON’T) BE IMPACTED

-> Peterborough Memorial Centre arena pad activities have been relocated to other community arena facilities.

-> The Baker Tilly Box Office at the PMC will continue to be open for ticket sales Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

-> The Peterborough Farmers’ Market continues in the parking lot on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parking can be accessed from entrances on Roger Neilson Way.

-> Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame will maintain its standard operating hours with the Hall of Fame open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Access will be from the north side of the facility.

-> The Peterborough Petes OHL team intends to have its offices at the PMC open during regular business hours, but due to the construction project the Petes encourage patrons to contact the office before visiting the facility as temporary closures may occur.

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My Father Is My Monarch Butterfly: "Dougie's Story", As Told By His Daughter To PTBOCanada

Doug Johnson—aka "Dougie"—has been a staple in downtown Peterborough for many years. He is a kind and generous homeless man who has endeared himself to so many with his smile, kindness and gentle nature.

Up until recently, not many people knew his story—as they don’t with most homeless people, all who have their own unique backstory. They only knew fragments of what had been cobbled together from those that know him.

Photo of Doug via Dana’s Facebook post

But that all changed on May 1st, when his daughter, Dana—most people weren’t aware Dougie had kids—did a heartfelt and brave Facebook post (see below) after how his mental illness has, in many respects, robbed her of her father—an “incredibly unique human being,” she says.

”Schizophrenia and addiction took our true connection,” she writes in the Facebook post. “This is something I struggled understanding as a little girl, and even now as an adult. As much as I recognize this is the journey his spirit was meant to take, it has always been hard for me to admit to just anyone… It’s hard to love someone with an illness, it’s exhausting emotionally. When I’m near him I melt, I’m happy, I’m sad, I’m protective, I’m reactive, because there is so many emotions I’m making my way through it’s like my heart and head are in overdrive.”

Dana with her Dad Doug (photo for PTBOCanada courtesy Dana)

You can read her entire Facebook post embedded below which received hundreds of shares on Facebook (after all, everyone knows Dougie and have been touched by him in some way) and then her story for PTBOCanada which traces more of her journey with her Dad, and the tremendous impact her social media post has had on so many.

MY FATHER DOUG: IN DANA’S OWN WORDS FOR PTBOCANADA READERS…

My recent post about my dad Doug Johnson got a lot of feedback on Facebook, and since then I’ve been asked to elaborate on who I am by PTBOCanada, and why this was something I decided to bite my lip, hold my breath and post.

Trust me, it was not easy.

I am Dana Johnson, born in Peterborough on June 25th, 1986. I currently live in Calgary, Alberta where I drive a truck for the City of Calgary and where I’m also an artist with Maskcara.

From the time I was 11, I sang across Ontario and a few times in Nashville. Jobs were sparse for me and most day-jobs don’t love when you take weekends off for music endeavours.

I chose to move to Alberta to make a life for myself here. A lot of my mother’s side of the family had moved west, and moving to Alberta brought me closer to my brother in Victoria. My brother is an EOD in the Canadian Navy and travels the world, doing very top secret Navy stuff! (Which is the coolest thing ever.)

Doug in happier times with his children (Dana at right)

I met my husband when I moved to Calgary, and he has two beautiful children. We got married in October of 2017, in Fish Creek Park. It was a small ceremony, in the woods with our mothers, the children and two friends. My brother was in between Victoria and Ontario and made a quick weekend stopover. It was always my dream to have him walk me “down the aisle” as he is one of my heroes in life.

When my dad, Doug, was 28, he fell ill with a cold from what I understand—and that together with working hard, enjoying his evenings at parties and recently having his first born caused something to snap in him. Still, he would lend a hand to anyone who asked.

The loss of his grandfather was likely the final straw, and something happened in his mind. Nobody really knew what it was; it was just speculated that he had a mental breakdown. However after he was monitored for a while, the doctors deemed the mental breakdown as a meltdown which was a result of no rest. Some would call it burning the candle at both ends. Somehow schizophrenia had paired with it, which explained why he was acting euphoric.

Doug in his younger years (photo courtesy of Dana for PTBOCanada)

After that incident, he got better with the help of amazing doctors. They found a medication that worked for him. He was doing really well and that’s when my parents decided to have another baby. That baby was me.

However with schizophrenia, you have to take your medication. That didn’t always happen. My dad continued to work hard, play hard and things went down hill for a while.

My mom decided she needed to take care of herself and their children. Her father was worried for her safety, and had offered his support to leave after my dad was found in my mom’s parents house, trying to light a fire in the corner of the kitchen. My mom’s family loved my dad, he was respectful, kind and caring. He was exactly who he is today, without his mental illness.

Dana with her Dad Doug (photo for PTBOCanada courtesy Dana)

Since then, I have watched my father go from having a beautiful family, and then through another divorce, to living on the streets. 

It’s never been easy, but every time I had the chance to spend time with him, I wholeheartedly opened up and loved on him—from Christmas dinners, weddings, funerals and running into him on the streets.

My father is my Monarch Butterfly. Why? Because growing up, spending time at his home, he always had them, dehydrated in coasters or sitting in his china cabinet. So anytime I see a butterfly, he is on my mind.

Photo via Dana’s Facebook post

On my 21st birthday, I was at the beach in Cobourg near Peterborough where I lived at the time, and a flock of Monarchs swarmed me and then flew off. In my heart, I knew that was my dad wishing me a happy birthday.

That same day I went to Peterborough for a birthday dinner, and as I was jumping out of my boyfriend’s Jeep running into different restaurants to see if they had any birthday specials, I saw him.

It was the first time I ever saw my dad on the street. As I walked towards him, with open arms, I said, “Hi dad”. We hugged and awkwardly made our way through a conversation to which I explained it was my birthday. 

Looking down at his plastic container, with the contents of change and cigarettes, he raised his hand and offered me a Pixy Stix and said, “Here, have this. Happy birthday.” I declined, which was difficult. Instead I hugged him again and waved goodbye. As I got into my boyfriend’s Jeep, I was overcome by emotion and broke down into tears. I still to this day regret not inviting him to eat with me.

Since the authenticity post I made on Facebook, I’ve had so many people reach out. The one thing they all have in common is how much he is loved by his friends and the community in Peterborough. 

People have opened up to me and shared their personal journey as a daughter or son, mother or father expressing the feelings associated with learning how to deal emotionally with mental illness.

Photo via Dana’s Facebook post

What I’ve learned from being vulnerable is we are not alone, we are all different, and we all desire to be accepted and accept ourselves fully in this journey we call life.

No one is perfect. We will fail, but how will we get up and dust ourselves off to make amends?

Taking care of our needs and mental stability is so important. I’ve learnt that it’s okay to not feel ashamed to ask for help, not to hide, or stuff all the feelings way down deep. Because when it blows up, it could be life changing.

At 32, I can honestly say, growing up, I was afraid to “catch” this mental illness, not ever truly knowing why my dad did.

Today I recognize how important it is to step back, take a deep breath and lay down my cards. Because we aren’t playing life, life plays for us, it’s how we overcome our obstacles. 

I am honoured to hear all the love Peterborough has for my father, the way I have that same love for him—not in spite of his illness but because he brought me into the world and he is a part of who I am.

This situation is very unique, as some people are faced with this illness at a very young age. My father had the good fortune to have a healthy adolescence. He was a social director for his high school, where he would scout bands to play at dances.

After high school was over, he had many jobs: He worked at a slaughterhouse; as a contractor building fences in new subdivisions; and at the GM truck plant. He worked for his dad his whole life helping at his farm, and he got married and started a family before he was diagnosed.

I appreciate the love and support everyone has been so kind to give to me. This is something I have worked through my entire life, and I don’t feel the need to hide it anymore. It will help more people if I’m honest and transparent then keeping it tucked away.

If you have questions or concerns about a loved one, or about yourself, please send me a DM on Facebook. I’m here for you, as you have been here for me.

—guest post by Dana Johnson

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29th Annual Gilmour Street Garage Sale Is This Weekend

It's the 29th Annual Gilmour Street Garage Sale this year—one of the can't miss community events in the city.

As per tradition, the Gilmour Street Garage Sale falls on the Saturday after the long weekend. This year, it's Saturday, May 25th starting at 9 a.m.—although people have been known to show up as early as 7 a.m. in the hunt for a good bargain! The event runs until about 1 p.m.

The biggest street sale in all of Peterborough, it extends out to many other streets in the neighbourhood, and there are also many sales for charitable organizations in town.

For more info, click here.

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