A Highly Invasive Plant Called The Water Soldier Is Invading The Trent-Severn Waterway

Water Soldier

Communities along the beautiful and historic Trent-Severn Waterway may not know there is an invasive threat that has crept into the waterbody. The OFAH through its Invading Species Awareness Program wants to raise awareness about a portion of the Trent-Severn near the Hamlet of Trent River, which is home to the only known wild population of the invasive species known as water soldier in all of North America. 

Water soldier is used as an ornamental plant in water gardens—the likely source of its introduction to the Trent Severn Waterway. Water soldier forms dense mats of floating vegetation, crowding out native species and decreasing plant biodiversity. It has the potential to alter surrounding water chemistry, which may harm phytoplankton and other aquatic organisms. It can also hinder boating and angling and its sharp, serrated leaf edges can cut swimmers.

It is the OFAH's goal to stop the spread of this plant to other locations. Throughout this summer, OFAH and MNRF staff are on the water monitoring and mapping the water soldier colonies, thanks to a $35,000-grant from the Invasive Species Centre, and supported by a Water Soldier Management Plan. OFAH is putting out a call to volunteers to join them August 7th for Water Soldier Watch Day and help them track and monitor this highly invasive plant. More deets in the poster below...

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PTBOCanada Pics & Coverage: Peterborough's Repair Cafe At The Silver Bean Cafe

If you had something that needed repair or were in need of a little TLC, the Repair Cafe PTBO was the place to be last evening (July 28th). Held at the Silver Bean Cafe, the place was abuzz throughout the evening. Hammering and the hum of sewing machines could be heard throughout as many skilled folks took on the challenge of those that brought something in search of a little mending or advice on how to tackle the challenge.

The Repair Cafe was started here in Peterborough after word had travelled from friends about similar cafes that had taken place in Toronto. From there, a small committee was formed and as word got out they were able to create a volunteer team of organizers and "fixers". The event last night was the fourth Repair Cafe PTBO, and with each event more and more people are hearing about them. Organizers hope to continue to host them at various locations throughout the city—they've been held at The Spill and Silver Bean so far—to make it accessible to everyone in the community. They are currently seeking out locations for the Fall.

A lengthy list as people check in their item along with the "fixer" for the job!

If you would like to become involved with the Repair Cafe PTBO, you can contact them through Facebook or by following them on Twitter.

[Photos and story by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Is This Becoming The Summer Of No Summer In Peterborough Mike Judson?

CHEX TV Weather Analyst Mike Judson (photo by Caley Bedore)

The weather has been the talk of the town this summer—there have been no real "dog days of summer". Sure we've had some heat—to which the Weather Network reminds us not to complain—but it's also been pretty darn cool, eh? Pools aren't being used as much, but sweaters and hoodies are. So is this the Summer Of No Summer? We get the goods in these quotes and facts from CHEX TV Weather Analyst Mike Judson...

ON THE COOL TEMPS... "Once again, we are caught in the pattern of a highly amplified jet stream, dragging down pockets of cold air into the east," Judson explains. "The jet stream is the main conductor of weather patterns and it has not been kind to us this summer. Upper level troughs in our atmosphere have been more persistent and numerous so far this summer, allowing potent cold fronts—like the one this past Sunday—to drive pockets of arctic air into the region."

(photo by Caley Bedore)

FUN PETERBOROUGH STATS FOR THE SUMMER SO FAR...

Days with daytime temps ABOVE seasonal average: 15
Days with daytime temps at seasonal average: 3
Days with daytime temps BELOW seasonal average: 21

Average Summer temperature this summer: 24.3 C. The seasonal normal summer temperature is just over 26 C. "So yes, it has been cooler," Judson says.

(photo by Caley Bedore)

ON TEMPERATURE RECORD HIGHS (OR LACK THEREOF) THIS SUMMER...
"Out of the 15 days spent over the seasonal average, we did not manage to break any temperature records," says Judson. "In fact, I can't find a date so far this year where a daytime temperature record high was broken."

ON WHETHER THE WEATHER WILL WARM UP IN AUGUST...
"There is much speculation regarding the coming months and the coming winter. Experts are waiting to see if we will see the development of El Nino in the Pacific, but things are still a little early for the long-range winter forecasts to come rolling out. Projections for August are looking pretty meh, at this point."

THE SILVER LINING... 
"I happen to really enjoy the cooler temps and we are all saving on energy prices," says Judson. "Nights are so quiet without the perpetual hum of air conditioners. Also, the guys who are shirtless who probably shouldn't be shirtless, are wearing shirts!"

Hard to argue with any of that. So long as we don't have to fire up our furnaces.

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There Is Nothing Like Evening Summer Walks In Peterborough

Take a look at these photos from Stephanie Moeser from her recent evening walks around Peterborough. Beauty oasis here, these are amost like paintings...

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Man Being Treated In Toronto Hospital For Life Threatening Injuries After Shooting In Peterborough

**UPDATE (July 29th)

POLICE MEDIA RELEASE
Robbery with Violence Arrest:
At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday evening (July 28, 2014), police arrested Ryan Greer, 20, of Raymond Street. Greer is charged with robbery with violence; accessory – attempt to commit murder; and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. He was held in custody and is scheduled to appear in court later this morning (July 29). The victim is currently in stable condition at St. Michael’s Health Centre in Toronto. Police continue to look for other suspects possibly involved in this incident and the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Peterborough Lakefield Community Police Service at 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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July 28th release

**Special Police Media Release**
 
On Monday July 28, 2014 at 5:45 pm Peterborough Lakefield Community Police received a call to Time Square Apartments, 211 Hunter Street East in regards to a disturbance, possibly involving firearms.  Several officers arrived within minutes and located the victim in a second floor hallway suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.  The victim, a 40 year old male was transported to Peterborough Regional Health Center with undetermined injuries.  He was subsequently transported to St Michael’s Health Center in Toronto by air ambulance.  The victim is being treated for life threatening injuries.  It has been determined that 3 – 4 suspects attended an apartment unit in the building and became involved in an interaction with residents of the unit.  The victim was subsequently shot by one of the suspects in a second floor hallway during the interaction.  The building was contained by the first responding officers and the Emergency Response Team was called to the scene as it was unknown if the suspects had fled the apartment complex.  Police are now actively seeking 3 – 4 male suspects involved in this shooting who may have fled the scene in an older model dark coloured vehicle.  Members of the Criminal Investigation Unit, Major Crime are investigating this incident and are asking anyone with information regarding the suspects or vehicle to call police or CrimeStoppers.

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Take A Ride On The Pipeline Express Roller Coaster At Wild Water & Wheels

Well, a virtual ride that is...

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Here Is A Giant Gnome Sitting In The Back Seat Of A Car In Peterborough

Cuz if you're going to get a human size gnome, you might be as well prop it in the back seat of your car and make the dude look all chill. No word on whether he ordered an Iced Capp at Tim Hortons.

via @KatduffKd on Twitter

[via]

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The Stunning Photography Of Millbrook Teenager Patrick Stephen

I have the privilege of mentoring 17-year-old Millbrook, Ont. teenager Patrick Stephen—aka "P Stephen"—this summer as part of Peterborough Economic Development's Summer Company Program, a youth entreneurship program for local area businesses. Patrick's business is called Stephen Digital, and focuses on commercial architecture photography and videography in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Click here to view his website, and you can also follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Check out some samples below of his stunning photography. —Neil Morton

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Look: Paul Nabuurs At The Art Battle National Championship In Toronto

Paul Nabuurs represented Peterborough in the Art Battle National Championship at Maple Leaf Gardens last night (July 26th) in Toronto. He competed against contestants from across the country. Although he didn't win his round, he told us that he felt like he already won by making it this far.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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By The Bridge Catering Company Opening Downtown

By The Bridge is Peterborough's newest catering company, and will be opening a retail location between Scholars' Books and Thea's Books on Water Street in downtown Peterborough. They will also offer selections for lunch and ready-to-go meals.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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