Ontario Government Invests $99,000 For Dementia Care In Peterborough and the Kawarthas

The Ontario Government has invested $99,900 to connect more people in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton to dementia care to provide support and services when needed.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This funding will support the Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton services, such as the First Link® Care Navigation program that connects people living with dementia and their families with help navigating care, education and resources.

“As the rates of dementia burgeon across our four-county area, we would like to applaud this investment in care for persons living with dementia and their care partners through the Alzheimer Society’s First Link program,” said Jen Johnstone, Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton executive director. “We welcome the government’s commitment to supporting healthcare navigation and counselling support for people impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, which will aid us in our mission to ensure that no one in our local community has to navigate dementia alone.”

This funding is part of the Ontario government’s $6.9 million investment over two years to support those who have received a dementia diagnosis on their care journey.

“This initiative seeks to improve healthcare for those affected by dementia through programs like First Link,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “The provincial government aims to support individuals and families dealing with dementia complexities, enhance the Alzheimer Society’s capacity, and promote community awareness. These efforts are essential for improving quality of life and addressing the increasing need for comprehensive dementia care as the population ages.”

The funding goes towards hiring 36 full-time equivalent staff members, shortening wait times for existing patients and providing support for roughly 7,000 new clients across Ontario. Clients will have access to a coordinator to assist with care planning, care coordination, and referrals to community services.

“The provincial government is providing funding to the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton for the First Link program to further support individuals living with dementia and their families”, said Laurie Scott, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP. “With this funding, they will be able to hire additional staff members, reduce wait times, and provide timely support for new clients, ensuring the everyone receives the care, education, and resources they need to navigate the challenges of dementia.”

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Television Road Reopened Ahead of Schedule After Undergoing Railway Crossing Repairs

Emergency repairs have been completed ahead of schedule and Television Road has reopened to through traffic as of about 9 a.m. on Thursday.

FIle Photo.

Closure was expected to be completed by Thursday evening.

The closure began on Monday by the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway. It was done to make an emergency repair to the railway crossing south of Maniece Avenue.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Suspect Involved at a Local Barbershop Break-and-Enter

The Peterborough Police Service are seeking a suspect who broke into a River Road South barbershop on Nov. 17.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 1:20 a.m., a male riding a black and silver bicycle attended a barber shop on River Road South and appeared to scope out the building.

He used a tool to pry open the window on the south side door and reached in to unlock the door. Police say he left the area and returned several minutes later, entering through the unlocked door.  

Police believe he took over $3,200 in money, items from the business and memorabilia.

The suspect is described as:

• White male

• Between 45 and 65 years old

• Slim build, grey beard and moustache, shoulder-length unkempt hair

• Wearing a black winter coat, black toque, black gloves, dark skinny jeans, grey and white sneakers

• Carrying a dark backpack

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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United Way Announces 60 Per Cent Fundraising Goal Reached; Launches ‘PJs for United Way’ For Dec. 13

United Way Peterborough & District has revealed that they have reached 60 per cent of its $1.5 million campaign goal and introduced its ‘PJs for United Way’ event set for this Friday.

Photo courtesy of the United Way.

“We are inviting the entire community to participate in Peterborough’s biggest pajama day ever,” said Shirley Turner, United Way campaign chair. “Not only will this event raise funds for the United Way, but it will raise awareness of the United Way. Whether you’re rocking fuzzy slippers, fun onesies, or classic flannel, your $5 will help create real change in our community. Because giving back should feel this good!”

Also known as Peterborough Pajama Day, the event asks participants to donate $5. United Way encourages local businesses and workplaces to share photos on social media in their PJs.

“Our theme for this year’s campaign is Building Community. The funds raised by our donors allow us to support the Peterborough community through essential services like housing support, food programs, and mental health supports,” said Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “But to participate in the United Way campaign as a donor also means you are Building Community yourself. You are Building Community when you decide to join your neighbours and partake in the United Way movement. We are pleased to announce PJs for United Way because it is another way to Build Community this campaign.”

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Kawartha Food Share Receives Nearly $44,000 From Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign

Kawartha Food Share (KFS) has many reasons to be happy as they received $43,992.81 from the Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign in a cheque presentation at the former’s facility on Wednesday afternoon.

Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager (middle) with several members of Tim Hortons with the funds raised from the Holiday Smile Cookie fundraiser that began in mid-November. The campaign raised $10.7 million in total which was donated to over 600 charities and organizations across the country. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign ran from Nov. 18 to 24 at all Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Curve Lake and Havelock.

Over 43,000 cookies were sold, raising $87,985.62, split evenly between Tim’s Foundations Camps and KFS. Last year, the campaign raised $67,290.96.

“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who generously participated in our Holiday Smile Cookie campaign,” said Axel Schwan, Tim Hortons president. “From guests who bought our Holiday Smile Cookies, to our restaurant owners, their team members and the volunteers who enthusiastically gave their time to bake and hand-decorate literally millions of cookies, this year’s campaign was a true display of the impact that kindness can make across the country and right here in our local communities.”

The money will help KFS purchase goods to distribute among its 37-member agency food banks, food cupboards and other food action programs in the City and County of Peterborough.

“This donation couldn’t come at a better time as we’re in the thick of the busy holiday season,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “We will use these funds to purchase much-needed food items for our 37 member agencies and ensure that they are all well stocked for the holidays and beyond.”

On Friday, KFS is hosting its 24th annual ‘Loonies On the Street’ fundraiser outside of Peterborough Square from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Volunteers will take loose change donations throughout George Street with Peterborough Lions Club collecting on the Hunter Street Bridge. Food donations are also accepted during the event.

Due to the postal strike, donation letters could not reach community members. Those who cannot donate at the event can go to KFS’s warehouse at 665 Neal Dr. and donate online.

This year’s goal is to raise $100,000.

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Voice of Business: Navigating the Holiday Tax Break

This past month has been challenging for businesses and organizations across Canada.

With postal strikes affecting businesses across Ontario, we’re diving into some news that could shake up our holidays for businesses and shoppers across Canada. Starting this Saturday, December 14th, 2024, the government is rolling out a GST/HST tax exemption on various products until February 15th, 2025.

The GST/HST offers zero rate taxes on multiple products. The following products are:

• Food

• Beverages

• Restaurants, catering, and other food or drink establishments

• Children’s Clothing and Footwear

• Children’s diapers

• Children’s car seats

• Children’s Toys

• Jigsaw Puzzles

• Video Game consoles

• Physical Books

• Printed Newspapers

• Christmas and Similar decorative trees

Now, this may seem like a win for consumers. No tax means lower prices and we could see increased spending, but we don’t know the whole impact on businesses and how this pressure to comply with new tax rules takes its toll at a time when shipping is delayed from ongoing postal strikes. While customers might enjoy the savings of an estimated total of $1.7 billion, businesses are stressed and scrambling to get ready. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), many small businesses call this tax break a headache. A survey from 3,500 small businesses found that 75 per cent of small firms expect it’ll cost them about $1,000 just to reprogram their systems to handle the exemption. And 65% said there’s not enough time to get everything in place before the deadline.

With the perceived benefit for consumers, businesses will still have to go through the tedious task of updating their systems. This tedious task could update their computing systems to apply zero-tax to the products listed above.

Some industries, such as hospitality, will have to go through more tedious tasks than others. This involves distinguishing between selecting the alcohol eligible for GST/HST relief because there are specific alcoholic beverages eligible for tax relief and some that are not. According to the CRA, beer and malt beverages (canned or bottled beer, pitches of beer) qualify. Wine, cider and sake (including fortified) that are 22.9 per cent alcohol by volume or less. And/or Spirit cooler and premixed alcoholic beverages that are 7 per cent ABV or less also qualify.

The items that would not qualify are alcoholic spirits and liqueurs, including cocktails with spirits that would not qualify. For example, a sangria, including wine and rum, would not qualify. Beverages sold from a vending machine also are not eligible. Examples like these create an additional burden for businesses. Another burden is that businesses will additionally have to revert to their original systems after the tax relief period.

There are also some confusing rules around returns. For instance, a customer buys something now during the tax break, then returns it and repurchases it later. That could mean extra fees for businesses handling those transactions through credit cards. And let’s not forget some of the confusion around qualifying items—like age limits for children’s products. Businesses will need to sort through these nuances, which could lead to even more confusion. This is not ideal for already stretched small businesses preparing for the busy holidays.

While the government hopes this holiday tax break will boost consumer spending, not everyone is convinced. Only 4 per cent of small business owners surveyed by the CFIB think it’ll lead to stronger sales. For many, the costs and logistical challenges seem to outweigh the potential benefits. As Saturday looms closer, this GST/HST relief is inevitable. Still, we can only hope this holiday relief will increase sales for our local businesses and make the tedious work worth doing.

If you’re a business owner feeling overwhelmed, there are resources to help you navigate this. You can call the CRA’s GST/HST inquiries line (1-800-959-8287 for English, 1-800-959-8296 for French) or check out the CRA’s webpage here.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Peterborough Lakers Release Gift Certificates For Sale In Time For Holiday Season

The gift of lacrosse can be given this holiday season as the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have released $100 gift certificates on sale for $90, announced on Tuesday evening.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Lakers.

The gift certificates can be used on either season tickets or single-game tickets during the 2025 season.

Tickets are available at the Grant Thornton Memorial Centre Box Office on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by phone at (705) 743-3561.

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DNA Testing Aids Peterborough Police Identify Human Remains Found In Otonabee River From 1988 Cold Case

After the result of advanced DNA testing technology, the Peterborough Police Service identified human remains in the Otonabee River to be Gerald Durocher from 1988, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

According to the Police, Durocher was born in November 1949, and, at the time of his death, would have been 38 years old.

On July 10, 1988, recreational divers located a human skull in the Otonabee River, near Lock and McKeller Street, approximately 130 feet from the shore. When it was found, a postmortem examination was conducted, which revealed it belonged to a male and that he was the victim of homicide.  Extensive air and underwater searches were conducted; however, the remainder of the body has never been recovered.

In October 2021, the Peterborough Police Service submitted evidence to Othram in The Woodlands, Texas and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, in hopes that advanced DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy could help generate new leads and assist with identifying the ‘Otonabee River Man’.

Othram scientists used Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing to build a comprehensive DNA profile, which was then used by Othram’s genealogy team in conjunction with forensic genetic genealogy to identify potential relatives. The Peterborough Police Service then used this information to locate and interview these individuals. This process, as well as subsequent confirmatory DNA testing by the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, led to the positive identification of the victim.  

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

This case has never been forgotten and over the last three decades, various methods have been used to attempt to identify the remains said Peterborough Police.

The Peterborough Police Service is pursuing all avenues to further this investigation. Durocher is believed to have had connections throughout Ontario, (including Ottawa) and the Quesnel area in central British Columbia.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about Durocher or his death to come forward, noting that sometimes even the small details can play a large part in solving a case. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Lacey White at 705-876-1122 ext. 266, the Peterborough Police Service Crime Line at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.stopcrimehere.ca

Peterborough-Northumberland Crime Stoppers has generously offered a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest in this case.

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Registration For City of Peterborough's Winter Programming Has Opened

Registration has opened for the City of Peterborough’s 2025 Recreation and Park Services winter programming.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members can begin registering for winter recreation and aquatics programming held at the Wellness Centre. Public registration for all other programs opens Wednesday at 7 a.m.

Registration can be completed online, in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre or by calling 705-742-0050 ext. 2201.

Activities include Learn to Skate programs, line dancing, children’s dance and fitness classes, Jiu Jitsu, Taekwondo and Judo. Registered pickleball, birthday party packages and personal training programs are also available.

This year, beginning Sunday, the City is expanding Shinny Hockey to include a new pay-as-you-play women’s program.

Family Stick and Puck is a new drop-in program that allows caregivers to help children ages three to 13 practice and develop skating, stick handling, and passing skills. It begins on Feb. 8.

Stop N’ Play is available for Sport and Wellness Centre users, providing caregivers with time to use the fitness centre, pool or sports facilities.

Older adults looking for a place to socialize, try a workshop and learn new games can check out the schedule of events at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Most programs begin during the second week of January and run from four to 12 weeks.

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Tebey Golf Classic Raises and Donates $34,400 For Youth Mental Health In Peterborough

The 2024 Tebey Golf Classic, held May 30 at Wildfire Golf Course, donated $34,400 to youth mental health services in the Peterborough area in December.

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation held the event. Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families each received $17,200 to continue their work supporting youth in our community.

“This donation would not be possible without the golfers, sponsors and donors who support the event each year. To you, we are grateful. We are also grateful to Tebey, his family, and his team for being a face and a voice for youth mental health. Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm. Since the event’s inception in 2017, over $250,000 has been raised to support youth mental health in the Peterborough area,” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director.

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