$1.9 million In Funding Going To Peterborough Police Service, Will Help Connect People At Risk Of Opioid-Related Overdoses To Community Services

MP Maryam Monsef has announced more than $1.9 million in funding over the next three years to the Peterborough Police Service. Through this funding, people who use drugs and have experienced an overdose will be connected to newly-created community-based outreach and support services.

As part of this pilot project, the Peterborough Police Service has created a collaborative community based mobile outreach team to increase the capacity and options available to first responders to refer people who have experienced an overdose. This new team will help divert people who use drugs away from the criminal justice system and into supportive to harm reduction, peer support, health and social services.

Photo of announcement over Zoom courtesy of Maryam Monsef’s team

In addition, this initiative will increase access to culturally appropriate services for Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ2+ populations, youth, women, and those living with HIV through partnerships with other organizations such as Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre and PARN.

Photo of announcement over Zoom courtesy of Maryam Monsef’s team

“Too many were living in crisis before COVID, and mental health challenges, problematic substance use, and the added pressures of self isolation have increased the deaths and tragedies in our community,” says MP Monsef.

She adds: “Problematic substance use is a public health issue. Caring professionals in our community have asked for additional resources to help them with their important work. This investment will create over seven positions to allow coordination among essential frontline workers, so those who need the help are redirected from criminal justice system to harm reduction, peer support, health and social services. There is much more to be done. Today is a positive step forward.”

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Hike For Hospice Going Virtual This Year With Hike Your Way Event

In a pandemic year, Hospice Peterborough is encouraging people to gather a team to support end of life care, life-threatening illness and bereavement in the community through a virtual version of their Hike for Hospice called “Hike Your Way”.

Hike Your Way will be a week long, self-led event taking place from September 13-19th. Participants are encouraged to walk, bike, or hike while supporting the work of Hospice Peterborough. Networking, stories, photos, and fun will be shared through the Hike for Hospice Peterborough Facebook page.

You can register yourself or with a team by clicking here. Those who register by September 1st will be entered into a draw for a $100 Montana’s gift certificate.

Last year, Hospice Peterborough supported more than 750 adults and 165 children and youth through end-of-life, grief, and bereavement. Thanks to the generosity of the community, and through such events as Hike for Hospice, all programs and services are offered free of charge to the people that need them.

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Local Family-Owned Company AON Helps to Support Women and Children in Crisis

A recent $5,000 donation from AON Inc.—a major employer of women in Peterborough—is helping YWCA Peterborough Haliburton address the urgent needs of women and children trapped with abusive men throughout the pandemic.

“AON Inc. is pleased to provide support to the YWCA 2020 Crisis Campaign to help women and children in our community escape violence which has been elevated due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Sarah Joore, AON Inc. Chairperson Charitable Donations. “We understand the increased stress non-profit organizations in our community are facing and hope that our contribution will support the YWCA’s current initiatives to assist those with the greatest needs in our community in the months ahead.”

Photo courtesy YWCA

As the reality of COVID-19 landed in Ontario, reports were released from other countries indicating that demand for violence against women services had as much as tripled following self-isolation. 

YWCA staff anticipate a dramatic increase in the need for shelter and support services as women gain more opportunities to seek help during Stage 3 of the reopening plan—particularly once children return to their regular school routines. 

While funding from Provincial and Federal Governments has helped women’s shelters address a number of unexpected costs associated with COVID-19, annual government funding covers less than 65% of the organization’s operating costs. 

Photo courtesy YWCA

“It is overwhelming to imagine how we’ll meet 3 times the need in the absence of matching financial resources, especially in a context that continues to be uncertain as we move through the rest of this year,” says YWCA Director of Services, Mandy Hamu. “The generosity of supporters like AON Inc. is profoundly appreciated as we continue providing services for those who rely on us.”

HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP FURTHER

Members of the community who wish to add their support for YWCA services like Crossroads Shelter, Transition and Court Support services for women, Nourish food programs and others, are encouraged to visit ywcapeterborough.org or contact the office at 705-743-3526. 

Anyone interested in learning more about corporate partnership opportunities is asked to contact Ria Nicholson directly at 705-743-3526 x128 or via email at rnicholson@ywcapeterborough.org.

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Riverview Park & Zoo To Offer Members Only Tours Starting August 15th

[Note: This post has been updated based on new media release from Peterborough Utilities Group.]

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The Riverview Park & Zoo has announced they are ready to welcome the City of Peterborough residents for guided tours of the zoo.

Their small team of staff and volunteers have been ramping up to offer exclusive, safe tours to the residents of Peterborough. Starting on Saturday, August 15th, they will be offering four tours per day, five days of the week, for groups of up to ten people, until September 7th.

Photo via Riverview Park & Zoo Facebook page

The tours will give preference to the residents of the City of Peterborough, annual donors and current animal adoptees.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. on Friday, August 14th. For more information or to book a tour, visit riverviewparkandzoo.ca.

Photo via Riverview Park & Zoo Facebook page

The zoo attractions remain closed at this time, including the splash pad, miniature train ride, buildings and facility rentals. The zoo will open these attractions when they are able to do so in a manner that ensures the safety of the public, staff and the animals in their care.

At this time, only essential staff are on-site, taking care of the 150 animals, their exhibits, the grounds and facilities. These limited resources mean that the zoo must continue to focus on what is most important, caring for the animals and protecting the staff who keep them safe.

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More Affordable Housing Within Reach As Construction Kicks Off On Largest Habitat Peterborough Build To Date

More decent, affordable housing is within reach in Peterborough as Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is excited to be kicking off its largest build project to date. 

“We are aware that many people in our community are in need of decent, affordable housing and we are advocates for the solution,” says Sarah Budd, CEO for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “That’s why, unlike our previous build projects, the Leahy’s Lane development is not just for families but open to singles, couples, seniors, and families.”

Located at 33 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough, the three-storey, 41-unit condo development will consist of a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom affordable condos. It will offer an elevator and a fully universal design which will accommodate current or future homeowners’ accessibility needs. Each condo will include appliances and in-suite heating and air conditioning control. In addition, the condos will be energy efficient—making it even more affordable for homeowners. 

Photo courtesy Habitat Peterborough

“Now more than ever, safe and affordable housing is a critical need,” adds Budd. “The local individuals and families we partner with are empowered to overcome the barriers that so often stand between them and better, healthier, more financially stable lives.”

“It was challenging for us to even see ourselves in a home we owned,” says Holly, who along with her husband Wayne applied to own a Habitat condo. “The barrier of renting and living expenses limits us from putting away money towards a down payment. Wayne and I have always dreamt of becoming homeowners, but roadblocks such as a down payment and the rise in the market, have prevented us from making this goal reality. Purchasing a new Habitat home will free us from renting the rest of our lives. It will offer stability and pride of ownership and accomplishment.”

Habitat Peterborough offers families and individuals a hand-up, not a hand-out, by providing a geared to income mortgage and requiring no down payment. They are still looking for more applicants for this innovative development. People interested in partnering with Habitat Peterborough to be a condo owner can sign up for a virtual info session by visiting the website or emailing here to learn more.

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Local Community Agencies To Distribute Thousands of Face Coverings To Clients Thanks to New Joint Initiative

A joint City-County-Peterborough Public Health initiative to provide reusable face coverings for people who may not be able to buy them is being supported by local community groups.

With face coverings now mandatory in various public settings, Kinsmen Club, Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture, and Kawartha Food Share are making donations to support the bulk purchase of face coverings. The United Way of Peterborough and District is accepting financial donations for the project through its COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund.

Peterborough Public HEalth Medical Officer of Health Dr. ROSANA Salvaterra took to the streets to hand out cloth masks to those who need them in downtown Peterborough. (Photos by Peterborough Public Health)

With the support of these groups, Peterborough Social Services will be providing about 5,000 face coverings to community agencies for distribution to clients. Anyone who wants to contribute new, unused face coverings, including homemade face coverings, can drop the items off at the Peterborough Public Health office at 185 King St.

”Working together has kept our numbers down,” says Warden J. Murray Jones. “I am so proud of our full community for following the new policies and procedures Peterborough Public Health has put in place.”

“We’re working with our community partners to make sure that anyone who needs a face covering can get one,” adds Mayor Diane Therrien. “Once again, community groups such as the Kinsmen Club and organizations such as Kawartha Food Share are stepping up to help our fellow residents through this pandemic.”

“I’m extremely proud and grateful to see community members help each other stay safe by not only wearing face coverings, but ensuring those who need one are getting one,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health. “Evidence shows that this kind of collective action helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 when we can’t keep two metres apart.”

Wearing a face covering is an added measure to the other public health measures that are in place, including:

• Physical distancing
• Staying home if sick
• Washing your hands
• Coughing and sneezing etiquette
• Not touching your face
• Cleaning commonly touched surfaces

To make a financial donation toward providing face coverings for people in the community, donate to the COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund online here or by calling 705-742-8839.

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The Canadian Canoe Museum Is Reopening July 25th

The Canadian Canoe Museum has announced it is reopening its galleries to the public starting this Saturday, July 25th. Work has been underway to implement new safety protocols while ensuring the museum’s engaging, welcoming, and inspiring atmosphere remains.

Notice anything new? We have added plexiglass (thanks @signaramaptbo) to our admission desk & store for an extra layer of protection when we reopen on Saturday! Please note we won't be accepting cash.

More info: https://t.co/JYfj9c29i5 #PTBO #theKawarthas #TourismCounts pic.twitter.com/TetvmoKXAJ

— Canadian Canoe Museum (@CndnCanoeMuseum) July 20, 2020

“When visitors walk through our doors, they will still be greeted by our stunning array of canoes and kayaks, the rushing waterfall, and sounds of nature—just as they have always been, although they will notice the new protocols we have put in place to help keep our community safe,” says Carolyn Hyslop, Executive Director.

NEW PROTOCOLS AT THE MUSEUM INCLUDE:

• Requiring all visitors, volunteers, and staff to wear a face mask or covering in the museum’s galleries and store.

• Requiring hand sanitization upon entrance to the museum and promoting sanitization throughout your visit with newly installed hand sanitization stations.

• Limiting visitor capacity and staggering entrances to the galleries to promote physical distancing.

• Implementing a defined route through the museum’s galleries with reminders to keep your distance from other visitors.

• Encouraging contactless forms of payment at the admissions desk and store. Cash will not be accepted.

• An enhanced and increased cleaning schedule.

• Changes have also been made to the museum's hours of operation. The museum will be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until further notice.

Recognizing that not everyone will be able to or feel comfortable returning to public places at this time, the museum is continuing to provide engaging virtual CCM From Home content online here.

At this time, all additional events, programs, and workshops remain cancelled for the remainder of summer 2020.

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PRHC Eases Temporary Family Presence/Visiting Restrictions During COVID-19 Pandemic

With the Peterborough region now in Stage 3 of the provincial reopening, PRHC has announced they will be easing their family presence/visitor restrictions effective Monday (July 20th) as follows:

1. General medical, surgical and mental health inpatient units at PRHC will offer limited family presence/visiting hours on alternating days, from the hours of 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This includes ALC/long-term patients, patients receiving rehabilitation and complex continuing care, and behavioural patients with cognitive/neurological impairment.

• A & C inpatient units will permit a maximum of one (1) designated essential caregiver/family member per patient per day, on odd-numbered days only (e.g. July 21, 23, 25)

• B & D inpatient units will permit a maximum of one (1) designated essential caregiver/family member per patient per day, on even-numbered days only (e.g. July 20, 22, 24)

• Essential caregivers/family members are not permitted to switch out during the same day

Graphic courtesy PRHC

2. The following areas of the hospital will continue to have in place unit-specific criteria for essential caregivers/family presence, as described below:

• Labour & Delivery, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric and Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Unit (CAPU) patients (under the age of 18) will be permitted two (2) designated essential caregivers/family members simultaneously per day. Caregivers/family members are not permitted to switch out during the same day.

• Palliative Care and end-of life patients will be permitted two (2) essential caregivers/family members maximum simultaneously per day. Caregivers/family members are permitted to switch out once during the same day. Additional caregivers/family members may be permitted for end-of-life patients at the discretion of the care team.

• ICU/Critical Care patients will be permitted one (1) essential caregiver/family member maximum per day. Caregivers/family members are permitted to switch out once during the same day. Additional caregivers/family members may be permitted at the discretion of the care team.

• Emergency Department (ED) and Crisis Response Unit (CRU) patients will be permitted one (1) essential caregiver/family member maximum in the following cases:

  • Patients experiencing threatened early pregnancy loss.

  • Patients requiring resuscitation

  • Patients with serious illness who require caregiver presence for assessment/diagnosis/support

  • Patients with dementia, delirium, altered mental status of any cause, frailty, disability or limited capacity

  All other ED/CRU patients will be permitted one (1) essential caregiver/family member maximum at the discretion of the care team.

• Surgical and procedural patients who require sedation will continue to be permitted one (1) designated essential caregiver/family member for drop-off and pick-up only. This individual will be permitted to return for same-day patients to ensure discharge instructions are communicated and to provide an opportunity to ask questions. Support people will not be permitted to wait inside the hospital or to visit the patient after the surgery/procedure. Wayfinders will be available to take patients to and from the main doors as required.

• Dialysis and Cancer Care outpatients who require medical assistance may require one (1) caregiver to attend for specific appointments, as determined by the care team. Wayfinders will be available to take patients to and from the main hospital entrance as required.

• Ambulatory/outpatient clinic patients will be permitted one (1) essential caregiver/family member maximum per day at the discretion of the care team.

• Diagnostic Imaging (DI) patients who are having an obstetrical ultrasound, sedated procedure, interventional radiology procedure, or who are under the age of 18 will be permitted one (1) essential caregiver/family member maximum. Patients requiring special assistance may be permitted one (1) essential caregiver/family member at the discretion of the care team. For all other diagnostic imaging tests and procedures, essential caregivers/family members will not be permitted at this time due to limited space in waiting areas.

• Patients who are suspected or positive for COVID-19 will be permitted one (1) designated essential caregiver/family member per patient, at the discretion of the care team, including end-of-life patients. The caregiver/family member must not be a household or close contact/caregiver of the patient who is suspected/positive for COVID-19. An individual who meets the criteria outlined above will be screened for the safety of patients and staff, and must safely use personal protective equipment (PPE) as directed by the care team.

WHAT IS AN ESSENTIAL CAREGIVER?

In the hospital setting, an essential caregiver or care partner is a person who provides support to an individual with limited capacity, an urgent medical condition, age-related issues, disability or chronic health concerns. Caregivers may be family, friends or neighbours, and there is no age requirement to provide care. Young caregivers, adult children, spouses and peers can all provide support. These individuals are considered essential when their presence is deemed beneficial to the assessment, diagnosis, and physical and/or mental health care of the patient.

VISITORS WILL CONTINUE TO BE SCREENED

Visitors coming to the hospital will continue to be screened at both public entrances. Visitors will be asked to wear a mask at all times when in the hospital, including in the patient/bed area, to check in at the nursing station on the patient unit before proceeding to the patient room, and to clean their hands well and frequently while at the hospital.

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Fleming College Collaborates With Local Studio To Create Opportunities For New Canadians

A unique collaboration by Fleming College, Madderhouse Textile Studios, the New Canadians Centre (NCC) and the Newcomer Sewing Crew has provided opportunities for newcomer women to create hand-stitched cloth face masks while earning a living wage.

The face masks will be distributed to Fleming students, faculty and staff as they return to campus for summer bootcamps beginning July 13th. 

Photo courtesy Fleming College

The Newcomer Sewing Crew is an up-and-coming collective of talented artists and sewists who are invested in providing opportunities for newcomer women to learn entrepreneurial skills and receive fair compensation for their work.

Through this project and others, the Crew’s mission is to strengthen their personal and community connections, and contribute to the social and economic health and wellbeing of our community.

Photo courtesy Fleming College

The face masks are Fleming College branded, designed by Fleming’s Marketing team, printed at Madderhouse Textile Studios and constructed by hand by the Newcomer Sewing Crew. The Crew created 300 masks available in three different colours, in either elastic or tie style.

“As a social enterprise, our mission is to strengthen our personal and community connections through our products and our stories, and to champion the importance of locally-sourced products as a catalyst for boosting community health and well-being,” says Leslie Menagh, Owner-Operator at Madderhouse Textile Studios.

Photo courtesy Fleming College

Since January 2019, Madderhouse Textile Studios and the NCC have been partnering on projects that build on the NCC’s existing sewing programs.

The goal of this program is to expand program participants’ knowledge and skills in the textile industry and provide them with the space and opportunity to express themselves through their artistic and technical abilities.

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Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing At Kinsmen Centre To Continue Until Further Notice

Peterborough Paramedics, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and Peterborough Public Health have announced that the drive-through COVID-19 testing clinic at the Kinsmen Civic Centre will continue to operate weekly from Monday to Friday until further notice.

Photo courtesy PRHC

Here are the changes in hours and other key info you need to know:

• Until Friday, July 24th, the drive-through clinic at the Kinsmen Civic Centre for residents without symptoms will continue to operate from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

• Starting Monday, July 27th, the hours will change to 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The clinic will continue to be open Monday to Friday.

• Testing is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that children under one year old will not be swabbed at this clinic and should be referred to their family healthcare provider for testing. This clinic is regularly evaluated and may adjust operations based on demand.

  Those wishing to be tested on the weekend (with or without symptoms) can call the COVID-19 Assessment Centre at PRHC at 705-876-5086 to book an appointment. The PRHC Assessment Centre runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, seven days a week, by appointment only.

• Bring your Ontario Health Card with you. You can access your testing results using your Ontario Health Card number on the provincial online portal here.

For more information about COVID-19, click here.

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