City Re-Opening Outdoor Recreation Facilities, Playgrounds Remained Closed

Following the Province’s announcement on the Stage 1 for the re-opening of activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Peterborough has announced it is re-opening outdoor recreation facilities including sport fields and park areas for limited, casual use.

With the lessening of restrictions, there are still some restrictions that apply. Provincial restrictions that limit the number of people in a gathering to not more than five people and encourage physical distancing of at least two metres remain in place.

As people begin to go back out into the community more during the gradual re-opening, they should continue to be cautious of high-touch surfaces, such as benches or picnic tables in parks, avoid touching their faces, and wash their hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds to help stop the spread of illness.

While sport fields and courts are re-opening for casual use, the City will not be providing permits for scheduled, organized use of the outdoor recreational facilities at this stage.

With COVID-19-related restrictions still in place, there can’t be more than five people gathering at the same time, unless the people are from the same household.

As normal, sport fields and courts may be temporarily closed for maintenance, such as normal spring preparations for outdoor sport fields.

The City, as per the Province’s direction, is lifting the COVID-19-related closure of the following outdoor recreational amenities:

• Multi-use fields and courts (e.g. baseball diamonds, soccer fields, frisbee golf, tennis courts, and basketball courts)

• Off-leash dog park

• Skateboard park

• Picnic areas, shelters, and benches

In addition to the outdoor recreation facilities, the City marina is scheduled to open on June 12th with changes to service under new guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PLAYGROUNDS STILL CLOSED

The Province’s order still requires the closure of playgrounds, play structures and equipment, and outdoor fitness equipment as well as splash pads and wading pools.

The beaches at Roger’s Cove and Beavermead Park are closed.

Both the provincial and local emergency declarations remain in place at this time.

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The Amazing Impact Five Counties Has Had On Scott's Life

Two-year-old Scott was born with a severe form of Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, and first started coming to Five Counties in Peterborough when he was a week old so he could learn to eat without choking. His syndrome is characterized by slow growth which makes him short for his age with four fingers on one hand.

His physiotherapist worked on Scott’s balance as he was learning to sit up and crawl. She also suggested adding a strap inside his walker to give him more stability and more confidence.

Just a month before his second birthday, Scott discovered the freedom of walking on his own, thanks to a mini-walker built just for him. Six months later, he took his first steps without it.

His progress has been amazing as most kids with the same condition cannot even sit up yet. “They are not expected to walk until age four to six, if they live that long,” says his mother Joanna. “Yet our determined little boy does front rolls at his gymnastics class every week. He may be small, but no one should underestimate him.”

Scott started coming to Five Counties when he was a week old. He has made tremendous progress since then. (photo courtesy Five Counties)

“He was cheered on in the hallways by staff as he zipped from room to room, with a big smile on his face,” she adds. “Only my grin was wider. He made me so proud. Next, we plan to have him compete in a children’s triathlon alongside our two daughters. After all, we want him to have the same opportunities our daughters will have. It’s great to see him as a typical two-year-old. Now we are getting to see what he’s capable of and he’s so happy!”

Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development at Five Counties, says “while our sites are closed, be assured that we are continuing to do all we can to address the immediate needs of our clients like Scott. We know that virtual care and telephone consultation is not a temporary solution for supporting families during this emergency closure. At Five Counties, services online and by phone will be our new normal and will continue to be the backbone of our service delivery model for several months as we gradually re-open our sites.”

Five Counties offers services and treatment to more than 4,000 children each year, including more than 1,400 in Peterborough County alone. However, the demand for services outstrips the government funding available and waiting lists remain.

For more information about Five Counties programs and services or to make a donation, call 1-888-779-9916 or 705-748-2337 or email here.

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Canadian Cancer Society Invites People To Relay At Home, A Re-Imagined Virtual Event

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Cancer Society recently made the decision to cancel their in-person Relay For Life Peterborough event scheduled for May 30th.

When Peterborough residents signed up to participate in Relay For Life in the community this year, they showed their support for friends, family, neighbours and colleagues who have been affected by cancer. That’s why organizers wanted to remind them that during COVID-19, they can still help prove that community is bigger than cancer—which doesn’t stop because of the global pandemic. 

Photo courtesy Canadian Cancer Society

While participants may not be able to come together in-person to celebrate right now, there is so much people can do virtually to support people living with cancer. On Saturday, June 13th from 7 to 9 p.m., Canadian Cancer Society invites the community to join Relay At Home, their re-imagined virtual event that you can enjoy from the comfort of home.

With interactive activities and time to celebrate survivors and remember those we’ve lost, Relay At Home will show that no one in our communities has to face cancer alone. 

Photo courtesy Canadian Cancer Society

Funds raised through Relay At Home will go towards the Canadian Cancer Society’s vital services that support the one million Canadians currently living with cancer.  

With the help of Peterborough residents, you can make a difference in the lives of Canadians with cancer during COVID-19 and year-round. You may not be able to meet in-person, but we all still have a reason to Relay.  Community members can join in by registering at relayforlife.ca/peterborough. 

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How The Housing Partnership Between Trent & PRHC Is Welcome Relief For Nurses

Trent University was the first university in Ontario to have opened on-campus residence spaces to frontline workers, and it has had a great impact on many.

That includes Anna Harris, a registered nurse (RN) at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) who was assigned as one of the charge nurses on the designated COVID-19 inpatient unit in April. As a mother to three young children, it is her biggest fear to bring the virus home to her family.

Harris was looking into options that would allow her to isolate from her family, and when the partnership between PRHC and Trent University making residence rooms available for healthcare workers during the pandemic was announced, she says the news came as “a huge relief.” She was one of the first PRHC employees to move into Gzowski College.

Photo of Anna Harris at Gzowski College courtesy PRHC

“Making the decision to leave my house and move into Trent was not easy,” says Harris. “It’s an uncertain time. Everyone has their own decision to make, but with so many unknowns, I felt like moving into the university residence was the best decision for me and my family. The decision to self-isolate became the one thing I could control during this time.”

“I want to thank PRHC and Trent for making the transition to living away from home as easy as it could be,” adds Harris. “All the little things—the signage to guide us to the right parking lot, the visible security guards and amazing housekeeping staff, the welcome sign and even supplying laundry detergent for us—have made a big difference.”

Photo courtesy Trent University

Nicole Glover is an RN in the Emergency Department at PRHC, and an alumna from the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing. She has been taking advantage of the housing partnership to support herself and her family in a different way.

With two young kids at home, working night shifts can be difficult. Rather than staying at Trent full-time, Nicole has been using the residence as a place to rest when she’s working night shifts.

Photo of Nicole Glover courtesy PRHC

“The constant changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought at work, as well as to my personal life, have absolutely taken a physical, mental and emotional toll,” says Nicole. “Knowing that I can get a sound sleep at Trent when I’m working night shifts, and that there is a place for me to go if anything changes and I feel like my kids or family are at risk, is reassuring.”

As an alumna, this isn’t the first time that Nicole has found support as part of the Trent community. “I graduated from the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing in 2011 and had a great experience with the program,” she says. “The nursing faculty members were amazing and very approachable, and the program offered very applicable clinical experience. I was fortunate enough to get a job at PRHC right out of school with a temporary licence and was hired on full-time once I wrote my licensing exam.”

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Trent University Provides $675,000 In Emergency Funding For Students

As part of its ongoing response to support students, Trent University has provided $675,000 in emergency funding to more than 1,200 students— including domestic, international, undergraduate, and graduate students —who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.  

“At Trent, we have a commitment to providing the financial support that students need to be successful,” says Tracy Al-Idrissi, University registrar at Trent. “With all of the change and uncertainty happening, it was crucial that we help alleviate the immediate financial pressures facing students, allowing them to keep their academic focus.”

The funding came from budget earmarked for student support through Financial Aid, the School of Graduate Studies and Trent International. The total was also enhanced by the #TrentUCares campaign, which attracted donations from alumni, staff, faculty and friends for the Student Rapid Relief Fund.

“The entire Trent community stepped up to help offer financial support at a critical time, and the students that I’ve spoken to and received emails from have definitely felt that support,” adds Christopher Rooney, associate registrar of operations and client services. “Many students were able to purchase groceries and supplies, pay essential monthly bills, and acquire the tools and equipment necessary to finish up their term remotely because of the support they received.”

Following the successful disbursement of emergency funding to students in immediate need, the University is now focusing on student financial needs for the summer term, which runs May through August.

Financial Aid has already started releasing funds through OSAP and bursary applications for the summer term are available in order to support students to continue their studies through this challenging time.

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts continue, as increasing requests for support are anticipated due to the loss of summer employment opportunities students normally count on to carry them through the fall and winter term.

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Fleming College Opens Residence To Frontline Healthcare Professionals Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Fleming College has opened its residence buildings to offer temporary housing options for frontline healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Fleming College is proud to support our community in our collaborative COVID-19 efforts,” says Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “We must do our part for those fighting on the frontlines to keep us and our loved ones safe and healthy.”

Photo courtesy Fleming College

Fleming College has opened its residence buildings at Sutherland Campus for healthcare professionals, and is preparing its Frost Campus residence in Lindsay for Ross Memorial Hospital employees. The College has signed partnerships with Peterborough Regional Health Centre, OMNI Health Care Long Term Care, Peterborough County Paramedics, St. Joseph’s at Fleming and Ross Memorial Hospital.

On top of opening the residence to frontline workers, Fleming’s ongoing efforts to support the community during the pandemic have included:

-> use of the 3D printer at the Makerspace to create face shield parts for facemasks

-> establishing a Student Help Line to offer additional support for students, along with the creation of a COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund for students

-> the launch of a music video, #TogetherAtHome, featuring Blue Rodeo’s Greg Keelor and local artists in support of the emergency fund. 

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YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Announces End Of Walk A Mile In Her Shoes After 11 Year Run

After an 11 year run, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton has reached the decision to end Walk a Mile in Her Shoes in Peterborough.  

"We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all past participants, sponsors and volunteers whose shared compassion has resulted in more than $950,000 in critical funding for ​women who experience violence," says YWCA's Ria Nicholson.

Since 2009, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes has helped raise community awareness about the prevalence of violence against women and the ongoing need for YWCA Crossroads Shelter and support services in Peterborough.

File photo

YWCA remains committed to securing funds that will ensure the continuation of essential crisis and support services for women who experience violence, both during and after the COVID-19 crisis. 

"Unfortunately, the effects of physical distancing are complex and will be long-lasting—particularly for women we serve," says Kim Dolan, Executive Director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton. "While physical distancing is essential in reducing exposure to COVID-19, isolation and uncertainty are creating additional barriers and risks for women who are now trapped and have fewer opportunities to get help. We anticipate dramatic increases in the need for shelter, safety planning and crisis support over the coming months." ​

To learn more about YWCA Peterborough Haliburton services for women and children, click here, call 705-743-3526 or email info@ywcapeterborough.org. 

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Watch & Join In To The Entertainment Filled Community Event covAID On Saturday, May 16th

On Saturday, May 16th at 7 p.m., PTBOStrong invites you to tune into covAID, an entertainment filled evening to enjoy with the family at home with a mix of local musicians performing along with messages from community leaders and local celebrities.

100% of funds raised during covAID will flow through the COVID-19 Community Response Fund—established by the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough and United Way Peterborough & District—to charities providing mental health supports in our community.

“I have so many friends and business owners in the community who are suffering from mental health issues that are compounded by this crisis,” says Tim Burke of PTBOStrong, who is co-organizer of covAID with David Koski. “I thought that covAID would be a great opportunity to bring Peterborough and the Kawarthas together for a special night while raising vital funds for the COVID-19 Community Response Fund.”

On May 16th starting at 7 p.m., connect to PTBOStrong on Facebook or watch on Cogeco’s YourTV to enjoy great entertainment from local community leaders, musicians, artists and celebrities while donating online here.

"The pandemic has shown how strong our community is at coming together,” adds David Feeley, Senior Manager at YourTV Peterborough/Lindsay. "Being involved in this project and broadcasting covAid is something YourTV couldn't be more proud of.”
 
Donations received during covAID will go to local charities to help them respond to increased demand for counselling and other mental health supports and to deliver those services in innovative ways during the pandemic.

“For people already living with mental health challenges, COVID-19 has made it even harder to cope. For others, isolation, financial worries and uncertainty about the future are triggering anxiety and straining relationships," says John Good of Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. "The COVID-19 Community Response Fund is a partnership between the Community Foundation, United Way Peterborough & District and local donors—helping charities provide mental health supports in new ways amid challenging circumstances."

covAid organizers encourage people to use the hashtags #CovaidPtbo and #PtboStrong on their social media platforms in the build-up to the event, and that night, and share what community and mental health means to you during this pandemic.

You can also get your official covAID merchandise here. 100% of funds raised from merchandise sales will go to COVID-19 Community Response Fund.

Everyone who can is also encouraged to make a donation to coVaid now or that night in support of mental health.

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Trent U Student Breaks Guinness World Record for Indoor Cycling & Does It For Great Cause

Peterborough’s Travis Samuel balances the rigorous training and travel demands of being a professional cyclist with his studies at Trent University.

Faced with racing plans dramatically changed for the upcoming season as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 25-year-old Business and Economics student and his teammates dedicated themselves to a new effort—a 24-hour continuous indoor cycling event, with the goal of fundraising for community hospitals and a possible shot at a Guinness World Record.

Travis Samuel (photo courtesy Trent University)

“I was all for launching a 24-hour ride for raising money for our frontline health care workers with my team Toronto Hustle,” says Travis. “As I started to do more and more research on what it was going to take to break the record, I started realizing that I could do it if I had everything go perfectly.”

Through online cycling software, he was able to ride virtually with his teammates and cyclists from around the world. Throughout the record attempt, members of the cycling community rode alongside on their home trainers encouraging him along the way.

(Photo courtesy Trent University)

After an incredible 24 hours on the bike, a mentally and physically exhausted Travis climbed off his bike, completing an incredible 1,008 km and breaking the previous Guinness World Record. He maintained an average speed over 42 km/h for the entire event, and we’re exhausted just writing that.

The community-driven event was also an amazing success in exceeding its initial fundraising goal of $10,000. After the campaign was completed, more than $210,000 was raised in support of the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation in Toronto to provide the necessary equipment to support frontline healthcare workers directly involved in COVID-19 patient care.

“I'm pretty speechless in what has happened over the past two weeks with the #CrushCOVID campaign,” adds Travis. “I just hope that our fundraiser will help ease the stress a bit off our healthcare workers.”

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Help Frontline Healthcare Workers & Local Businesses When You Purchase Downtown Gift Cards

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has launched a great new initiative to support both downtown businesses and frontline workers during this crisis.

The DBIA is donating $25 to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation in support of the hospital’s COVID-19 response effort for every $50 in gift cards purchased at supportdowntownptbo.ca. 

Photo courtesy DBIA

Thanks to a generous community donation of up to $50,000, the PRHC Foundation is able to match community donations for a limited time, meaning your purchase of $50 in gift cards for your local downtown businesses can leverage $50 in support of the PRHC Foundation. 

Donations to the PRHC Foundation’s COVID-19 response fund will help fund vital investments such as additional ventilators, laryngoscopes for emergency intubation, additional ICU beds, wellness supports for staff who must stay at the hospital while treating patients, and more protective equipment and scrubs to help keep them safe.

Photo by Mary Zita Payne

Local businesses continue to face many challenges and your support with the purchase of gift cards is helping them through a very difficult time. 

 “The support of our community has been phenomenal,” says Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the DBIA. “Your support with these gift cards has absolutely helped to save some of our local businesses. Let’s keep this up and support our hospital and the amazing work they’re doing to keep us safe.”

 HOW IT WORKS

• Go to supportdowntownptbo.ca

• Find your favourite shops, restaurants, pubs, and services

• Select the gift cards you would like to purchase and add them to your cart

• Select the $25 PRHC Foundation Special Promotion and add one for every $50 in gift cards you purchase 

• Check out

• Receive your gift cards (or instructions from the business via email on next steps to activate it) in the mail to use at a later date

The DBIA will continue to donate $25 to the PRHC Foundation for every $50 in gift cards purchased until $5,000 in gift cards have been purchased.

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