City Hall Recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day For Aug. 31 With Flag Raising Ceremony

In honour of recognizing those who lost their lives to drug use, a purple flag was raised at City Hall in honour of International Overdose Awareness Day held every August 31 on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough with Moms Stop The Harm, Peterborough Police and Peterborough Paramedics were in attendance for the event.

Family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; healthcare workers and support services extending strength and compassion and first responders are also recognized on Aug. 31. The day also highlights the importance of eliminating the stigma and discrimination against anyone who uses drugs.

According to Peterborough Public Health, between Jan. 1 and July 31, Peterborough paramedics responded to 182 suspected opioid-related 911 calls and drugs were responsible for 232 emergency department visits. There have been 43 people suspected to have died from drug poisonings as stated in a press release.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

On Thursday, Moms Stop the Harm Peterborough is hosting a memorial event at Millennium Park from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It features stories from family members who have lost loved ones, as well as information about substance use, overdose prevention, and harm reduction training. 

Prior to the event, community partners will be hosting flag raisings and harm reduction and naloxone distribution pop-ups throughout the City of Peterborough.

These pop-ups can be found at the following locations:

• Flag Raising – Peterborough City Hall
  Aug. 24 @ 10:00 a.m.

• Peterborough Public Library
  Aug. 25, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  Aug. 29, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Peterborough Square
  Aug. 28, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street
  Aug. 30 @ 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Public Health Extends Drug Poisoning Alert From Last Tuesday

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has extended its drug poisoning alert that was issued last Tuesday following an increase in suspected drug poisonings, reported on Tuesday.

File Photo.

Over the long weekend, PPH detected 17 suspected drug poisonings in Peterborough and the County. The poisonings were responded to by 911 first responders, emergency department staff and service providers in the community. PPH presumes this to be the result of a pink substance from last week. 

These reports have prompted PPH to issue a public warning to help prevent further harm to the community according to a press release. PPH is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances and even a small amount can be fatal. 

Drug poisoning can look different for every person depending on the drugs involved. PPH urges everyone that a drug poisoning is a medical emergency and to always call 9-1-1.  

If drugs are being used:"

• Carry multiple naloxone kits and keep them visible. Free naloxone kits are available locally.  https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit

• NEVER use it alone. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services Site at 220 Simcoe St. in Peterborough. Open daily between 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

• Avoid mixing drugs. 

• Start low and go slow when using drugs, especially when buying from different or new suppliers.   

• NEVER share supplies. 

• Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone begins to show signs of an overdose. 

Know the Signs of an Overdose/Drug Poisoning. Photo courtesy of PPH.

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the Drug Reporting Tool. Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for newsletter here.

Peterborough Public Health Gives Reminded That Public Outdoor Places Are Smoke-Free

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is reminding the city that Tobacco Enforcement Officers (TEO) ensure compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and that public outdoor spaces are smoke, vape and cannabis-free, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

TEOs regularly patrol parks, playgrounds, beaches and festivals and violating the law could lead to a $305 fine.

“The SFOA isn’t a new law – it has protected people in outdoor public spaces since 2015 and indoors since 2006,” said Katrina Ryall, PPH TEO. “Most people understand the importance of this legislation and are happy to smoke or vape in designated areas.”

Over the first three weeks of the summer, TEOs visited every public sports field, playground, and beach and attended several special events in the City and County of Peterborough. Compliance has generally been good but Ryall says it can be better.

“Our efforts to educate the public are generally well-received but sometimes we need to remind people that lighting up or vaping around children and families is not permitted in Ontario,” she said. “As patrols continue throughout the summer, people found smoking or vaping in a restricted public area can expect to receive a fine.”

The following are places that were observed and met with warnings issued:

• Quarry Bay Beach - 1 tobacco warning

• Chandos Beach - 1 vape warning

• Ennismore Waterfront Park -1 vape warning

• Beavermead Park and Beach -13 tobacco warnings/1 vape warning

• Rogers Cove - 3 tobacco warnings

• Bowers Park - 1 tobacco warning

• Maple Leaf Park - 2 tobacco warnings

• Fairbairn & Poplar Park - 1 tobacco warning

• Quarry Bay Beach -1 tobacco warning

• Chandos Beach -1 tobacco warning

• Ennismore Waterfront Park - 2 tobacco warnings

• Sandy Beach - 2 tobacco warning

• Peterborough Musicfest - 4 tobacco warnings/1 vape warnings/1 cannabis warning

“Nicotine greatly impacts children and youth’s developing brains,” said Dr. Piggott, PPH Medical Officer of Health. “Nicotine affects learning, memory, and concentration which is why we need to make sure youth don’t have access to these products. Evidence also shows that youth who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes.”

Since January, TEOs have inspected 136 tobacco and vapour product retailers, resulting in 7 charges and 17 warnings for youth gaining access to said products according to the PPH.

They continue to add that there are no safe levels of exposure to second-hand smoke and children and youth are influenced by the behaviour of adults around them.

“Thanks to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act all citizens are able to enjoy the fresh air in our parks, beaches and at sports fields,” said Councilor Lesley Parnell. “It is very much appreciated by so many people when everyone respects our beautiful shared green spaces.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Rogers Cove and Beavermead Beaches To Remain Closed After Peterborough Public Health Confirms Presence of Blue-Green Algae

Rogers Cove and Beavermead beaches are remaining closed after Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in the waters as reported on Monday afternoon.

File photo.

The closure is to protect the health and safety of the public and pets according to PPH.

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) sampled the beach at Rogers Cove after the first reports of suspected blue-green algae at both Rogers Cove and Beavermead beaches on July 14. Last Friday, the MECP confirmed its presence at Rogers Cove.

“We’ve received confirmation that the algae observed at local beaches on July 14 is a harmful blue-green algae bloom,” said Julie Ingram, PPH manager of environmental health. “Elevated levels of toxins associated with blue-green algae have been detected and the beaches will remain temporarily closed.”

The MECP confirmed this sample had a total microcystin toxin amount of 169 µg/L, exceeding Health Canada’s recreational water limit of 10 µg/L on Monday. Additional samples are being collected from both beaches Monday with results anticipated by the end of this week as stated by the PPH.

The algae pose no immediate risk to Peterborough or Lakefield’s municipal drinking water supplies according to the PPH. Exposure to toxins such as drinking, swimming and bathing can cause illness and discomfort. Common symptoms include itchy, irritated eyes and skin, rash, headache, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Pets and farm animals that consume contaminated water may experience sickness or death. The risk to humans is primarily from drinking water that has been contaminated with toxins from a dense harmful algae bloom. Long-term consumption containing high levels of cyanobacterial toxins may cause neurological or liver problems.  

Residents downstream of Little Lake are encouraged by the PPH to monitor water for blue-green algae. Dense blooms can make the water look like a bluish-green pea soup or a shiny paint slick. Fresh blooms often smell like fresh-cut grass while older blooms can have a strong septic- or garbage-like odour. To report suspected blue-green algae bloom, contact the MECP Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.  

If algae blooms are visible:  

• Do not use the water for drinking, food preparation, bathing, showering or swimming use. 

• Do not allow children, pets, or livestock to swim in or drink the water. 

• If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the algae. 

• Do not boil the water. Boiling will not remove the toxins and may release more of the toxin into the water. 

• Residents should avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking.

• Fishing is generally considered safe and there is a low risk to human health from eating fish caught during a peak blue-green algal bloom condition. 

• Be aware that home treatment systems for water may not remove toxins and may become clogged. 

• Do not treat the water with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach. This action may break open algal cells and release toxins into the water.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Public Health Warns of Potential Blue-Green Algae at Beavermead and Rogers Cove Public Beaches

Peterborough Public Health is advising residents that two beaches in the City of Peterborough, Beavermead Park Beach (2011 Ashburnham Dr.) and Rogers Cove Beach, (131 Maria St.) will be closed until further notice due to the observation of possible harmful blue-green algae blooms.

file photo.

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria, called cyanobacteria, that are known for rapidly reproducing and collecting to form large, highly visible blooms throughout the water column, on the surface of water as a scum, or on the lake bottom as a mat. Some species of cyanobacteria can also release poisons, called cyanobacterial toxins, when the cells that make up the bloom rupture or die.

While the blooms have not yet been confirmed as harmful, Peterborough Public Health has temporarily closed the beaches for swimming as a precaution while awaiting further testing.

“On Friday, our staff observed the suspect harmful algal blooms while preparing to collect routine beach water samples,” said Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health for Peterborough Public Health. “We immediately notified the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Centre and have received confirmation that the MECP will sample the blooms today. In addition, we have notified the City of Peterborough who are supporting the beach closures,” said Ingram.

Many forms of blue-green algae are harmless, but some types produce toxins which can be hazardous for both people and animals. Exposure to toxins through activities like drinking, swimming and bathing can cause various symptoms, though some individuals may have no reaction.

Pets should not be allowed to enter water with suspect or confirmed harmful algae blooms as they may consume large amounts of contaminated water, resulting in sickness or death. The risk to humans is primarily from drinking water that has been contaminated with toxins from a dense harmful algae bloom. Long-term consumption of water containing high levels of cyanobacterial toxins may cause neurological or liver problems.

Currently, there is no known risk to the City of Peterborough’s municipal drinking water supply.

If algae blooms are visible:

• Do not use the water for drinking, food preparation, bathing, showering, or swimming use.

• Do not allow children, pets, or livestock to swim in the water or drink the water.

• If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the algae.

• Do not boil the water. Boiling will not remove the toxins and may release more of the toxin into the water.

• Residents should avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking.

• Home treatment systems for water may not remove toxins and may become clogged, thereby failing to remove
  the risk.

• Do not treat the water with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach. This action may break open algal cells and
  release toxins into the water.

To report a suspect blue-green algae bloom, residents are advised to contact MECP Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.

For more information on blue-green algae, and precautions to be taken before swimming in or consuming water where there has been an algae bloom, visit Peterborough Public Health’s Blue-Green Algae website.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Warning

Peterborough Public Health has issued a warning Tuesday following an increase in suspected drug-poisonings in the area.  

file photo.

Over the long weekend, Peterborough Public Health detected over 15 suspected drug-poisonings that occurred in Peterborough City/County. Poisonings were responded to by 911 first responders, emergency department staff and service providers in the community. These reports have prompted Peterborough Public Health to issue a public warning in the hope of preventing further harms to the community. 

At this time, a specific substance has not been identified as the cause of the poisonings. However, there are reports of a light green substance and pink substance being of concern. All community members are asked to be careful when using drugs. Peterborough Public Health is reminding everyone that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of a drug can be fatal.  

Additional information can be found using the link.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Public Health Reports High Risk Level Air Quality Due to Ongoing Forest Fires

On Monday, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has advised residents to take precaution as outdoor air quality remains at the high risk level due to ongoing forest fires.

photo courtesy of peterborough public health, facebook.

Smoke from forest fires throughout the province and from Quebec is present in the air in the region. Forest fire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. PPH is advising everyone to take action to reduce their exposure to smoke.

People with lung disease (such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by forest fire smoke.

Those who are at higher risk of health complications due to air pollution are advised to:

• Avoid going outdoors altogether, especially for prolonged periods

• Avoid strenuous activities outdoors, which carry a significant risk of making underlying medical conditions worse

• Improve indoor air quality by cleaning or changing furnace air filters, using a portable air filter system, or creating your own Corsi Rosenthal box

• Wear a respiratory mask (N95, KN95) at all times when outdoors

Other community members are advised to:

• Reduce time spent outdoors

• Improve indoor air quality by cleaning or changing furnace air filters, using a portable air filter system, or creating your own Corsi Rosenthal box

• Consider wearing a respiratory mask (N95, KN95) when outdoors, particularly for prolonged periods

Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values for the Peterborough region.

Learn more about indoor air quality and filter systems, visit the website.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Public Health Celebrates Success of Commercial Tobacco Control on World No Tobacco Day

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is celebrating the achievements made in commercial tobacco control with a reminder of smoke free spaces on World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) May 31.

stock photo.

PPH is reminding athletes and spectators that sports fields are 100 per cent vape, cannabis and smoke-free. The same is true for beaches, playgrounds and splash pads – places where children and families often gather.

In the first three months of 2023 youth vaping, and youth access to vaping and tobacco products was the biggest issue PPH Tobacco Enforcement Officers responded to. Approximately 45 youth access inspections were conducted from January to March of 2023, resulting in 3 charges for sales of vape or tobacco products to youth. An additional 7 charges and 9 warnings have been issued related to youth smoking or vaping at prohibited locations.

“Given that there are no safe levels of exposure to secondhand smoke, and children and youth are influenced by the behaviour of adults around them, we are encouraging people to think twice about where they smoke or vape,” said Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health. “The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) is designed to protect everyone from these products, and failure to comply with the law can result in a $305 fine.”

When the SFOA first came into force in 2006, cigarettes were the only products captured in the Act. Since then, we have seen the legalization of cannabis, and proliferation of vapour products. For those reasons, the SFOA has been updated to include these products that are smoked, lit or vaped.

“Nicotine greatly impacts children and youth’s developing brains. Nicotine affects learning, memory and concentration and some e-liquids used in vapour products contain as much nicotine as in one pack of cigarettes. Evidence also shows that youth who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes,” said medical officer of health Dr. Piggott. “Peterborough City and County is home to magnificent parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields – visited by thousands of people every year. Ensuring these places are smoke and vape-free is a priority for PPH.”

For more information and resources, visit the website.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Free Well Water Sampling Program Resumes April 11 in North Kawartha and Trent Lakes

Peterborough Public Health (PPH), the Township of North Kawartha, and the Municipality of Trent Lakes are making well water testing easier for all permanent and seasonal residents by offering free well water sample drop off from spring to fall.

stock photo.

Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli. Total coliforms indicate the presence of general contamination, such as surface runoff, and E. coli indicates the water is contaminated with fecal material, which may contain disease-causing microorganisms. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water, but young, elderly and immuno-compromised individuals are at higher risk.

“With snow melt and spring runoff, this is a good time of year to test your water as there is a higher risk of contamination. In addition to submitting a water sample, residents should take the time to inspect their well,” says Public Health Inspector Chris Eaton. “Check that the well cap is secure, the vent screens are in good condition, and that the ground is sloped away from the well. If your well is the older style in a pit, check that the pit is not flooded with surface water. If it is, consider having the well upgraded by a licensed well contractor.”

Beginning April 11, water samples can be dropped off at the North Kawartha Municipal Office (280 Burleigh St, Apsley) Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and the Trent Lakes Municipal Office (760 County Road 36, Trent Lakes) Tuesday and Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Samples are then couriered to the Public Health Ontario Lab in Peterborough for testing. Empty sample bottles can be picked up any time during regular business hours. Samples must be collected within 24 hours of drop off at the municipal office to ensure they reach the lab and are processed in a timely manner. Residents are encouraged to carefully read the sampling and collection instructions included with each kit.

Water samples can also be dropped off at the following locations:

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St, Havelock, from Monday through Thursday
  between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St, Peterborough, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through
  Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Public Health Launches Smoke-Free Ontario Act Enforcement Campaign

Peterborough Public Health (PPH), in collaboration with public health units across Central East Ontario, are stepping up tobacco enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA).

stock photo.

The SFOA prohibits the sale of tobacco and vape products to anyone under the age of 19, restricts most flavours and high nicotine vape products to specialty stores and prohibits the use of these products at schools, arenas and other public places.

Peterborough Public Health’s enforcement efforts will focus on compliance of the sale of tobacco and vape products as well as protecting smoke-free spaces, with the intention of reducing access and exposure to second-hand smoke for youth in our community.

“The SFOA is designed to protect youth from accessing highly addictive tobacco and vape products, while at the same time, creating healthy spaces, free from second-hand smoke and vapour,” said Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health at PPH. “Despite the law, Tobacco Enforcement Officers (TEOs) are dealing with a surge in complaints and observing increased non-compliance for youth accessing flavoured, high nicotine vapes, and people smoking and vaping at local arenas.”

The most recent data from the Canadian Student Tobacco and Drug Survey (2018-2019) noted that e-cigarette prevalence rates have doubled among students in 2018-19 compared to use observed in 2016-17. This trend is observed locally as well.

“In 2022, we issued 26 SFOA warnings to students in local schools,” said TEO Katrina Ryal. “Of those warnings, 25 were for vaping in or on school property. During the same time frame, 10 charges were laid; 9 for vaping and only one for smoking – it’s clear that youth vaping is a problem locally.”

Nicotine impacts the development of the teenage brain, affecting learning, memory, and concentration. Some e-liquids or ‘juice’ used in vapour products contain as much nicotine as one pack of cigarettes. According to PPH, evidence shows that youth who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes. Likewise, the research asserts that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke and vapour, making compliance with the SFOA ‘even more important’ when it comes to protecting the youth.

“The principle of this campaign is simple. We want there to be compliance with the SFOA to protect youth from accessing these products, and ensure that everyone visiting an arena can do so without being exposed to harmful second-hand smoke and vapour,” says Ingram.

In addition to reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and vapour, the SFOA is designed to reduce the normalization of smoking and vaping to youth. PPH says that research has linked the likelihood of youth experimenting with tobacco and vapour products to children seeing their role models use said products.

In a recent ‘blitz’ of local arenas, 19 warnings were issued for adults smoking on the property and 2 warnings were issued for vaping on the property.

PPH is advising all tobacco and vapour product retailers and people at local arenas, that TEOs will be conducting compliance inspections to ensure the requirements under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act are being followed. Smoking or vaping on or within 20 metres of a school or arena property can result in a $305 charge.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.