Ontario Government Investing Nearly $2.2 Million In Community and Frontline Agencies

The Ontario Government is investing $2,197,672.29 in Peterborough and the Kawarthas for increasing support to community agencies so they can continue to deliver frontline services.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The agencies are receiving the following:

  • Canopy Support Services - $1,006,534.11

  • Community Living Trent Highlands - $876,095.21

  • Alternatives Community Program Services (Peterborough) Inc. - $ 64,853.21

  • John Howard Society of Peterborough - $ 10,260.44

  • Peterborough Child & Family Centres - $8,918.34

  • Peterborough County-City Health Unit - $2,329.27

  • Peterborough Youth Services - $19,981.84

  • Victim Services of Peterborough and Northumberland - $1,184.01

  • YWCA Peterborough-Haliburton - $9,835.56

  • Service Coordination for Children and Youth - $16,841.28

  • Access Community Services Incorporated - $171,473.55

  • Community Counselling and Resource Centre - $2,028.26

  • Dalhousie Youth Support Services - $7,337.21

“Our local agencies make our communities stronger, more resilient and inclusive. They work hard to provide people with access to the right resources and services they need to succeed and thrive,” said Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “By strengthening supports for our community agencies in the City and County of Peterborough, we are helping them deliver critical services to people in need.”

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Ontario Government Invests Nearly $450,000 For Training Towards Creating Jobs In Trade Sector

The Ontario Government has invested $435,210 to train 75 workers for in-demand careers in aviation and construction, announced at Flying Colours on Monday morning.

The investment brings Ontario's total in skills development training through SDF to nearly $1.1 billion. Since its launch in 2021, Ontario's Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying and fulfilling careers close to home. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Our government is proud to invest in programs that support training and upskilling,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This project will give people the necessary skills needed to land in-demand and well-paying jobs in their communities and contribute to our province.”

The training is provided through the Skills Development Training Stream, which is in partnership with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) in the Build & Soar program.

It matches students from the Construction and Aerospace & Aviation Specialist High Skills Majors programs at Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board and the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board with local employers in the construction, aerospace and aviation industry according to a press release.

The program also contains an eight-week placement with a local employer. It will also allow students to learn about flight training through flight simulators for students pursuing a career in the military or commercial pilot pathways.

“Ontario's trades are vital to the growth of the economy and our government's 'Plan to Build’ offering careers that lead to secure jobs and a good quality life,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Which is why having programs like the Build & Soar will set them on the path to success.”

The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to applicants such as employers, industry associations, labour unions, municipalities, hospitals and more.

“Introducing youth to local employment opportunities is crucial, as it not only equips them with real-life work experience but also strengthens the community's economic fabric,” said Rhonda Keenan, PKED president and CEO . “Local companies play a pivotal role in this process, offering invaluable mentorship and skill-building opportunities while simultaneously tapping into and nurturing the future workforce. By investing in young talent, these businesses contribute to a cycle of growth and innovation that benefits both the students and the broader community.”

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Provincial Government Invests Nearly $450,000 Into Peterborough-Kawartha Long-Term Care Homes

The Ontario Government has invested $444,135 to four local long-term care homes in Peterborough-Kawartha area as part of the Local Priorities Fund, announced at Fairhaven Long-Term Care Home on Friday morning.

The Local Priorities Fund is part of a broader investment of over $120 million in 2022-23 and complements the recently launched Equipment and Training Fund. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The following homes are receiving the investment:

  • Extendicare Lakefield: $5,950

  • Extendicare Peterborough: $37,321

  • Fairhaven Long Term Care: $261,059

  • St. Joseph’s at Fleming: $139,805

“The Ontario government’s investment will enhance the services we provide to our resident’s care needs,” said to Nancy Rooney, Fairhave executive director. “The Local Priority Fund allows our residents to have the care required without overburdening our hospitals.”

The funding will help long-term care homes be supplied with items such as IV equipment, bariatrics equipment bed support, bladder scanners, and ECGs. It also goes towards everyday items like slip-proof floor mats, wrap around bed rails, and grab bars according Rooney.

This funding covers costs for specialized staffing, equipment and services for new or increasingly complex medical or specialized equipment needs which cannot currently be accommodated in our home,” she said. “This Fund has made a significant impact to our organization. We greatly appreciate the provincial support in funding different initiative such as the Local Priorities Fund.”

“This investment, tailored to the needs of our community will provide long-term care residents right here in Peterborough-Kawartha with specialized supports and services they need,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

The Local Priorities Fund was launched in 2022. Since then, roughly $20 million was invested in 2022-23 to help long-term care homes purchase specialized equipment and train staff to provide more specialized care according to a press release. It continues to state that the funding allows homes to welcome residents who have complex needs but no longer require acute care in hospital.

Any current residents who have new or increasingly complex medical or specialized equipment needs which could not be previously accommodated in their long-term care home can be treated on-site rather than unnecessary hospital admissions.

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Ontario Government Invests Up to $6 Million In Grants For Seniors

The Ontario Government is investing up to $6 million through the Seniors Community Grant Program to support 282 community projects that help seniors and older adults stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“The Seniors Community Grants Program is a great example of how our government is working for local communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are pleased to provide funding for so many programs that bring older people together to avoid being socially isolated, learn new skills, get fit, enjoy group activities and stay connected to their neighbours and friends.”

Up to $25,000 per project is invested in local programs, services and events to provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement according to a press release. It continues to state that Program is a unique Ontario government grant designed to reduce social isolation, fight ageism and create positive connections.

“Seniors need to connect with the community and stay fit, healthy, and active,’’ said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By investing in seniors programs, we will be helping more adults get the programs and services they need to live healthy, independent lives.”

Seniors Community Grants projects receiving funding in Peterborough this year include The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton. They will receive up to $23,209 to provide rural seniors living with dementia and their caregivers a series of ‘night out’ events to support socialization, reduce stigma and build a more dementia-friendly community.

Age-friendly Peterborough will receive up to $25,000 to transform the way seniors age in place by providing customized health, fitness, social, educational and recreational workshops at several City apartments primarily occupied by older adults according to Jayne Culbert, Age-friendly Coordinator.

“The proportion of older adults 65 and better increased 16 per cent in the Peterborough region from 2016 to 2021 and that number will continue to grow,”she said. “Twenty-five per cent of the residents who live in the greater Peterborough area are seniors and, in some townships, it is over 30 per cent. This is significant as the national and provincial average is 19 per cent. Receiving funding from the Ontario Government helps organizations to support our local older population through innovative projects.”

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City of Peterborough Rewarded $1.88 Million From Provincial Government For Exceeded Its 2023 Housing Target

After Peterborough exceeded its 2023 housing target and broke ground on 506 new housing units last year, the provincial government rewarded the City with $1,880,000 through the Building Faster Fund, announced at City Hall on Monday morning.

(From left to right) Councillor Leslie Parnell; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP; Matthew Rae, Perth-Wellington MPP and Mayor Jeff Leal. In 2022, Ontario saw the second-highest number of housing starts since 1988, with just over 96,000 new homes. Ontario also broke ground on nearly 15,000 new purpose-built rentals, the highest number ever on record. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

The announcement was made by Matthew Rae, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing who was in attendance of the press conference.

“I want to congratulate Peterborough and all municipalities that have worked hard to get shovels in the ground faster,” he said. “Our challenge to these municipalities now is to redouble their efforts to build more homes than ever before so we can improve affordability and keep the dream of homeownership alive in Ontario. Our government will be there to support you every step of the way.”

Last August, the Ontario government announced the Building Faster Fund, a new three-year, $1.2 billion program to provide significant funding based on performance against provincial housing targets to address the housing supply crisis.

Municipalities that have reached at least 80 percent of their housing target receive funding, and municipalities that exceed it receive increased funding.

“We have a target that we have to achieve by 2031 of 4,700 units as part of the overall provincial pledge that the Premier announced last August,” explained Mayor Jeff Leal.”

He continued to explain that this is a step toward making housing in Peterborough more available and affordable to rent or purchase.

“We want to move that vacancy rate from one per cent to a three per cent level which would be much more healthy and that would moderate rent in the City of Peterborough and provide opportunities for young people to buy that first home,” said Leal.

Any unspent funding can contribute to housing-enabling infrastructure to all municipalities, including those that have already received funding due to reaching their targets, through an application process.

In addition, ten per cent — or $120 million — of the Building Faster Fund is being set aside for small, rural, and northern municipalities to help build housing-enabling infrastructure and prioritize projects that speed up the increase in housing supply according to a press release.

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Peterborough Police Receive $167,000 From Provincial Government to Fight Against Hate Crimes

A portion of money confiscated by the police from crimes is being reinvested in the Peterborough Police Service with $167,000 from the Ontario government to differentiate a hate bias incident and a hate crime, announced at the Peterborough Police Station on Friday afternoon.

MPP Dave Smith (left) and Chief Stuart Betts (right) making the joint announcement at the Peterborough Police Station. Ontario is investing more than $1.7 million to help stop hate-motivated crimes across the province. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made by Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP so the police can develop a deeper understanding of hate crimes and hate bias to create informed and efficient responses and strategies.

“There is no better way to use the proceeds from crimes then using that money on prevention,” said Smith. “We are seeing a rise in hate-related incidents and it is unacceptable in our community. Everyone deserves the safety and assurances that they will not be targeted because of their beliefs, race, or sexual orientation.”

This project will include a Campaign designed to educate the Community about the distinction between hate bias and hate crime, streamline reporting protocols and the role of law enforcement and the collective accountability inherent in countering these issues. A comprehensive hate incident database will also be established.

Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $16 million in crime prevention initiatives across the province through the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant program.

“Not only will a comprehensive hate incident database be developed but there will be ongoing training for all members of the Service and a public education campaign to inform members of our community about when and how to report to police as well as the difference between a hate bias incident and a hate crime,” said Chief Stuart Betts. “It’s important for us to know when these types of incidents happen and that all residents continue to feel safe in reporting them. Community safety is always our top priority, and we want to do everything we can to ensure a safe inclusive community for all.”

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Ontario Government Invests Over $10 Million to Peterborough and County For Infrastructure; Mayor Jeff Leal to Prioritize Fixing Downtown Roads, Calling Them 'Embarrassing'

The Ontario Government has invested $10,154,936 into Peterborough-Kawartha to help renew and rehabilitate critical infrastructure for 2024.

Mayor Jeff Leal wants to prioritize upgrading several deteriorated downtown roads, calling them ‘an embarrassment.’

In 2023, the Ontario government provided $400 million in funding through OCIF to 425 communities. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is being delivered through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund to help support economic growth and job creation, according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This investment of over $10 million will improve infrastructure throughout the municipalities in the region,” he said. “It is formula-based funding that is sent out to the municipalities each year and is something they can count on to plan for critical infrastructure projects.”

The following is what each municipality is receiving from the $10 million:

  • North Kawartha: $100,000

  • Trent Lakes: $119,868

  • Douro-Dummer: $161,441

  • Havelock-Belmont-Methuen: $180,124

  • Selwyn: $304,404

  • Peterborough County: $996,071

  • Peterborough: $8,293,028

Leal was adamant about upgrading downtown roads such as Aylmer Street, George Street and Water Street.

“Some of these projects had been on the books for well over two decades,” he said.

The dilapidated roads are not representative of what Downtown Peterborough is supposed to be, according to Leal.

“When people come to the City of Peterborough, they drive to Downtown. What impression do we want them to have for the City of Peterborough?” he said. “The impression we want them to have is an innovative, growing and a progressive community and not talk about washboard streets in your downtown corner.”

Leal continued to label the roads as an embarrassment which should be addressed with the funds from the 2024 budget.

“As I've said many times, they're an embarrassment,” he explained. “An embarrassment to me and an embarrassment to every citizen in the City of Peterborough. You can't have your downtown streets in that kind of condition.”

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Multiple Police Services Receive $492,000 In Ontario Government Grant To Combat and Prevent Auto Thefts

The Ontario Government has invested $492,609.94 over three years to help the Ontario Provincial Police - Central Highway Safety Division, Rama First Nations Police Services and the Peterborough Police Service to combat and prevent auto thefts, announced at the Fisher Drive carpool lot on Wednesday.

(from left to right) Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP; OPP Inspector Chris Galeazza and OPP Staff Sargeant John Buligan at the Fisher Drive Carpool Lot. Car thefts in Ontario have increased by 31 per cent in the first six months of 2023, when compared to the same period last year according to the Ontario Government. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“This collaborative partnership between police services will help will give officers the tools needed to fight auto theft between Peterborough and Rama First Nations,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Car thefts within this community are happening at alarming rates and this is unacceptable. We must stay one step ahead of these thefts and this investment will assist law enforcement in getting these criminals off the street and keeping vehicles safe and secure.”

The funding is part of the provincial government’s new Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant program designed to support new and enhanced crime-fighting measures. It focuses on prevention, detection, analysis and enforcement. In total, 21 police projects across the province are receiving funding for an investment of $18 million over three years in the fight against auto theft, according to a press release.

From 2014 to 2021, there was a 72 per cent increase in auto thefts across the province and a 14 per cent increase in the last year alone, according to the Ontario government. They also claim that car thefts in Ontario have increased by 31 per cent in the first six months of 2023 compared to last year in the same timeframe.

“This investment will make a difference in combatting auto theft, and we are happy to support our law enforcement colleagues in addressing this issue,” said Chief Stuart Betts of the Peterborough Police Service. “What people don’t realize is that auto theft in itself is serious and can lead to other serious crimes in our community. We see this grant as a way to continue to ensure public safety in Peterborough and surrounding areas.”

The funding will aid the police in special training and increase public awareness.

“This will allow the policing community to work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to disrupt and suppress auto thefts,” said OPP Inspector Chris Galeazza. “The Peterborough County OPP Detachment has a close-working relationship with the Peterborough Police Service. We will work diligently to enhance our partnerships with our non-enforcement agencies and disrupt the threat posed by individuals and organized crime networks, leading to safe communities and a secure Ontario.”

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Ontario Government Invests Nearly $60,000 For Rural Economic Growth

The Ontario government, through through the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Rural Economic Development Program is providing $59,768 to Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) and the City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL) for rural economic growth.

The project is partly funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding aids the ‘Growing the Local Food Wholesale Market’ in the Kawartha region. The multi-phase, multi-year initiative aims to scale up local food production and regional wholesale marketing to create a more robust availability of locally produced foods through local wholesale channels, according to a press release.

“Investments in rural communities help diversify and grow local economies, making growth more inclusive in our region,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Good things grow in Ontario when we nurture local entrepreneurs and give them the tools they need to collaborate and innovate.”

The project is a collaboration between PKED and CKL to expand local food production and consumption capacity by connecting, training and coaching food producers and buyers. This project builds upon previous agricultural economic development initiatives by PKED and CKL. It seeks to take the next step in expanding the local wholesale food marketplace, including tailored aggregation and distribution systems. 

The RED program provides cost-share funding for activities that create strong rural communities. This includes funding assistance to build local capacity and improve job prospects. The program aligns with the government’s priorities of removing barriers to investment, opening doors to rural economic development and creating good jobs across the province. 

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Ontario Government Introducing Legislation For Employers to Disclose Salary Range and AI Use In Hiring

The Ontario Government intends to introduce legislation that, if passed, would require employers to include expected salary ranges in job postings and disclose if artificial intelligence (AI) is used in its hiring process, announced at the YMCA on Monday morning.

SCreenshot.

Disclosing this information allows employees to make informed decisions in their career search, according to the Ontario Government. Ontario would be the first jurisdiction in Canada to require businesses to disclose if AI is used during their hiring process.

“At a time when many companies are posting record profits, it is only fair they communicate transparently about how they pay workers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “And as the use of artificial intelligence in Ontario skyrockets, our government will continue to take action to ensure workers aren’t excluded from the job market because of technological biases and that their privacy rights are protected.”

AI tools and algorithms are being adopted by Ontario businesses at a rapid rate and generate high volumes of personal data about job applicants and employees, according to a press release. In response to the growing concerns about the ethical, legal and privacy implications of AI, the provincial government is proposing to require employers to inform potential employees if it is being used in the hiring process.

The Ontario Government continues to vow to help end workplace misconduct and hold abusers to account. They will also be conducting consultations and detailed analysis on ending the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) in the settlement of cases of workplace sexual harassment, misconduct or violence, as stated by Piccini.

“The consultations will identify legislative options to restrict the use of NDAs while protecting the rights of victims and survivors,” he said. “It’s past time we end a practice that allows businesses to shelter the behaviour of some of the worst members of our communities.”

These changes are part of a larger package that, if passed, would expand on the ground-breaking actions introduced in the Working for Workers Acts, 2021, 2022 and 2023. They will be unveiled in the coming days to protect workers, help them earn bigger paycheques and help newcomers contribute to building Ontario according to a press release.

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