Dr. Mark D. Black

units over seven years across the region to address the wait lists. The plan would require partnering with the Federal and Provincial Governments, as well as the private and non-profit sector, and Indigenous partners. Using a mixed-model approach, the ‘7 in 7’ plan has the added benefit to bring on nearly 21,000 additional market rate units. This would total 28,000 housing units. The EOWC is moving ahead with the ‘7 in 7’ plan and is currently working with KWM Consulting Inc. to create a business case to move forward effectively and sustainably.

The EOWC is also calling on the Provincial and Federal Governments develop a strong financial framework to support municipalities in order to better prepare, plan and implement housing and related support services. In addition, the EOWC is advocating for upper orders of government to standardize language around housing and have clear streamlined definitions for both ‘affordable’ and ‘attainable’ housing.

Long-Term Care

Municipal governments are key partners in the delivery of long-term care, which was highlighted continuously throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The EOWC was an initial advocate for the four hours of care model that the Province is in the process of implementing and continues to provide evidencebased feedback to inform the government’s decisions around long-term care and related supports.

Throughout the year ahead, the EOWC is advocating for a long-term care human resources strategy to address staffing shortages across the region that works for rural homes and their labour market. As part of the human resources advocacy, the EOWC is continuing to call on the Provincial Government to eliminate staffing agencies that pose an unnecessary and unsustainable resource and cost burden on municipalities.

Additionally, the EOWC is advocating that the Provincial Government review and modernize the long-term care funding framework. The EOWC is ready to continue to provide sound input on behalf of member municipalities and work with government and stakeholders.

Paramedic Services

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, EOWC member municipalities have experienced increased pressures on their paramedic services. During the year ahead, the EOWC is advocating for permanent, sustainable and predictable funding to support paramedic services as well as community paramedicine efforts.

The EOWC is also calling on the Provincial Government to modernize the dispatch system to improve the prioritization of calls and overall level of service. Additionally, the Caucus is advocating for the Provincial Government and associated stakeholders to reduce offload delays at hospitals which would allow paramedics to spend more hours serving their communities.

Currently, the EOWC is working with ApexPro Consulting Inc. to update the EOWC’s 2019 Review of Eastern Ontario Paramedic Services Situation Overview report. This will provide a current regional level data overview of paramedic services. The EOWC looks forward to sharing the report, findings and recommendations with government and applicable stakeholders once finalized in summer of 2023.

Mentorship For Women Entrepreneurs

Launch Kawartha and Kawartha Lakes CFDC have started a new women-led mentorship initiative with local partners to support women entrepreneurs and business owners in our community.

Earlier this month, 70 women were hosted at Launch Kawartha, the area’s new centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The event featured mentorship, networking, collaboration and featured inspirational keynote presentations from from Marlene Morrison Nicholls, CIP, C.A.I.B., EIP, Rachael Nicholls, PhD, and Lisa Trefzger Clarke from EQU Consulting who spoke about diversity, equity and inclusion.

“This new initiative from the KLCFDC and Launch Kawartha will offer regular keynote events, mentorship groups and workshops and future funding opportunities to young women entrepreneurs,” according to Vince Killen, Executive Director at KLCFDC. “We plan on developing a robust network of successful women leaders who are breaking the glass ceiling, knocking down barriers and carving new paths for the next generation of women innovators, disruptors and changemakers to mentor and provide their support and lessons learned. The GiveBack Mentorship Initiative is the initiative step in the development of multiple programs to provide this expertise in our communities.”

As part of these events, a local resource or charity will receive funds from admission proceeds. For this event, $5 from each ticket went to Women’s Resources.

The KLCFDC is an innovation focused, entrepreneurial and economic development ecosystem organization that provides funding, business advisory, and support, incubation, and acceleration services to entrepreneurs. We are a key economic development and strategic partner to multiple NFP and NGO’s in the City of Kawartha Lakes and beyond. The KLCFDC and KLBCDC, along with multiple strategic partners, including the Innovation Cluster (Kawartha Lakes Cube), are headquartered at Launch Kawartha, in Lindsay, ON. For more information about this initiative, visit www.launchkawartha.ca.

Starter Company Plus

Applications for the spring cohort of the Starter Company PLUS program are now open until April 12, 2023.

Starter Company PLUS can help entrepreneurs make their business dreams come true. Knowing where to start can be overwhelming, and finding start-up money can be challenging. That’s where the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre (SBC) can help.

Through the Provincially funded Starter Company PLUS program, Kawartha Lakes SBC offers business training, mentorship and a grant up to $5,000 to help eligible entrepreneurs successfully launch their business.

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Our Local ROYAL CANADIAN Legion News

For hall rentals or more information about ongoing activities, please call the individual Legion Branch. We welcome submissions to editor@thepromoter.ca.

Deadline for the next issue is Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Branch 77 Lakefield (705) 652-7988

• Tuesdays – Darts – 7:30pm

• Thursdays – Shuffleboard – 1pm

• Thursdays – Darts – 7pm

• Fridays – Snooker – 1pm

• Fridays – Shuffleboard – 7pm

• Saturdays – Weekly Meat Draws – 4pm

• Call 705-652-7988 for current events

Branch 238 Fenelon Falls (705) 887-3041

• Hall rental available –Contact Branch

Branch 239 Bobcaygeon (705) 738-2710

• March 25 – Dinner & Dancing – 5pm to 12midnight – J&J will perform - Legion members $30 – Non-members $35 –Call for tickets 705-738-2710

• Wednesday - Drop in darts - 7p.m. $5 per person

Branch 441 Kinmount (705) 488-3462

• Fridays - Bingo - $500 Progressive jackpot; $300 must go each week

Branch 497 Omemee (705) 799-5095

• March 25 – Legion Dance – 7pm – Live entertainment with Stockdale Central – Classic country, new country, timeless classics – Tickets $15 each includes light meal, door prizes, 50/50 raffle – Call Legion for tickets - 705-799-5095

• April 29 – Acreman Dart Tournament

Branch 519 Coboconk (705) 454-8127

• March 31 – Lunch & Music – 11:30 to 4pm – Ham & scalloped potatoes or liver and onions $13 from 11:30 to 1pm –Followed by Country Music Jam 1 to 4pm

– Open Mic and local talent – Food bank donations would be appreciated

• Tuesdays – Euchre – 1pm

• Thursday - Drop in shuffleboard6:30 pm. Cost is $5pp per week

• Tuesday Night Doubles Dart League

– Competitive league – 8pm - $5pp per night – Limited to 40 players, please call the Branch to register

• Saturdays - Meat Draw - Weekly at 5pm

– Mixed Teams – Register by April 22 – 16-team limit - $20 per person • Tuesdays – Darts – 7:30pm

• Thursdays – Mixed Darts – 7:30pm

• Fridays – Drop-in Coffee Time – 8am to 10:30am

• Tuesdays – Open Darts – 7pm

• 1st Wednesday – Big Buck Bid Euchre –10am - $15 pp

• Saturdays – Music & Meat Roll – Music at 2pm – Meat roll at 3pm

• For more information contact Legion 705-454-8127

Branch 184 Woodville & District (705) 439-2397

• Tuesdays - Country Line Dancing Lessons – 7 to 9pm - $10 per person 4th Thursday – Luncheon – 11:30am

Branch 67 Lindsay (705) 324-2613

• Mondays – Progressive Euchre – 7pm$5 per person

• For information about upcoming events to 1pm - Serving soup, sandwich and dessert with tea or coffee. $10pp. Take out orders, please call 705.439.2397. and regular activities, call the Legion Branch at 705-324-2613 or follow us on Facebook

More than 100 aspiring local entrepreneurs have participated in this program since it began in 2013. Since 2019, more than 45 aspiring locals have participated in Starter Company Plus and successfully opened new businesses.

“Through the years, the program has helped many entrepreneurs in the region to start and grow their businesses,” says Sandy Greenberg, Economic Development Officer for Small Business Programs. “We continue to adjust to the needs of the entrepreneurial community with each cohort.”

Successful applicants will participate in business training and receive coaching towards the development of a business plan. The program will also help de-mystify the marketing and sales process, explain financial forecasting, teach how to set attainable goals and more. The goal of the program is to lead entrepreneurs on their path to success and to equip them to deal with the challenges of creating a sustainable business.

For more information on this program and to submit an application, visit the Kawartha Lakes SBC Starter Company Plus webpage at www.kawarthalakes. ca.

Lights Out For The Planet

It’s Earth Hour on Saturday, March 25 at 8:30pm local time when all around the world, people pay attention to our planet. From switching off lights, to powering down their computers, to cleaning up beaches, citizens of the world unite in a commitment toward nature.

Earth Hour was started in 2007 by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Since then, it has grown to engage millions of supporters in more than 185 countries and territories, inspiring individuals and organizations worldwide to take action for the environment, and driving major legislative changes by harnessing the power of the crowd.

In 2021, while still facing COVID-19 restrictions in many countries, people in a record-breaking 192 countries and territories united digitally to speak up for nature louder than ever. The first-ever Earth Hour Virtual Spotlight highlighted the connection between nature loss, climate change and the rise of pandemics, and was shared over 24,000 times on social media.

You can do your part. Visit www.earthhour.org to find out more.

Made In Kawartha Lakes Looking For Vendors

Artists and fine craft makers are invited to apply to the 5th annual Made in Kawartha Lakes (MIKL) Show and Sale which will take place May 27 and 28 in Bobcaygeon.

MIKL will be hosted by the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council (KLAC) and Kawartha Art Gallery and returns to Kawartha Settler’s Village after a successful move there in 2022.

“The setting at the village is perfect for a juried show and sale, as it offers indoor and outdoor spaces that can accommodate a variety of art, while creating a pleasant backdrop for visitors of the show to explore at their leisure,” says Lesley Drummond, KLAC Board member and MIKL Artist Coordinator. “With food vendors and music, it’s an enjoyable setting for local artists to connect with existing and new consumers of their work.”

Artists and craftspeople who create original work are invited to apply for one of the 75 vendor locations. Food vendors are also welcome.

Applications must include three quality high resolution digital images of examples of your work (with title, size, medium and price clearly labeled with each piece) that can be used for promotion on social media, along with a short artist bio AND your completed application form with payment via email to kawarthalakesartscouncil@gmail.com.

Submissions will be reviewed by a jury of KLAC Board members. Applications are due at midnight April 14, 2023. For more information and to access an application, visit www.kawarthalakesartscouncil.com/ events.

Specialty Clinic Closing

Ross Memorial Hospital’s Cold, COVID-19 and Flu Care Clinic will be closing on March 24, 2023. Previously known as the COVID-19 Assessment Centre, the appointment-only Cold, COVID-19 and Flu Care Clinic (CCFCC) opened on December 6, 2022, featuring expanded clinical assessment eligibility to individuals experiencing a wide range of symptoms, along with COVID-19 testing and antiviral treatment.

RMH’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre first opened in March 2020 as a drive-thru model providing COVID-19 testing in the hospital’s ambulance bay. That same month, the COVID-19 Assessment Centre moved to the Lindsay Exhibition Fairgrounds. In October 2020, it relocated to its current location in the former Admitting department inside the hospital.

The COVID-19 Assessment Centre also spent a month at the Victoria Park Armoury in early 2022.

Over the course of three years, the Assessment Centre/CCFCC was able to conduct more than 70,000 PCR tests and over 10,000 clinical assessments.

The CCFCC is being closed due to a steady decline in patient volume.

Kelly Isfan, President and CEO, Ross Memorial

Hospital, said, “RMH’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre and Cold, COVID-19 and Flu Care Clinic played a significant role in our community’s response to the global COVID-19 pandemic by helping limit exposure to the virus and providing access to timely care during a period of great uncertainty and concern for many. That is something we are truly proud of. The hospital thanks all of our staff and physicians whose dedication and commitment helped navigate the clinic’s success.”

Intro To Digital Photography

The Kawartha Lakes Parks and Recreation Division will be offering an Introduction to Digital Photography Course this spring at the Fenelon Falls Community Centre.

This fun and informative hands-on course will teach participants how to properly use their digital cameras and provide tips and tricks on how to improve photographs. This four session course will cover topics such as camera operations, internal settings, how to obtain proper exposure, shot composition and much more!

This course will be led by Rob Stimpson, an accomplished photographer who has achieved international publication, award-winning photographs and who has a love for wilderness. An avid teacher, Rob also instructs photography part-time at Fleming College and writes for northern tourism organizations.

Pre-registration is required; limited space is available. Interested participants can learn more and register through the link at www.kawarthalakes.ca. Please note, participants will be required to provide their own camera.

BOBCAYGEON BRIDGE COMING ALONG (NO FINISH DATE ANNOUNCED)

Parks Canada advises that work on the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge continues and a major milestone has been reached with the successful balancing of the bridge, allowing it to be lowered onto its pintle (centre support).

After additional tests and checks, the bridge will be able to swing manually in the next few weeks and allow the remaining steps of the project to proceed. The remaining tasks include the forming and pouring of concrete on the bridge abutments, installation of the remaining mechanical components, hydraulic and electrical components, and paving.

Parks Canada continues to work with the contractor, stressing the importance of completing the project. Until the bridge reopens, the enhanced pedestrian access over the upper gates of Lock 32 and its access paths will remain in place. Parks Canada appreciates the community’s patience while it undertakes these investments into the infrastructure in Bobcaygeon.

Parks Canada is leading this important infrastructure work to ensure safe, high-quality experiences for visitors by improving heritage, visitor, waterway, and highway assets located within national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas, including along the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site.

For questions or concerns, or to receive email updates regarding this project, please contact us at trentsevern@pc.gc.ca and include “Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge” in the subject heading.

Beanbag Baseball

Beanbag Baseball is coming to the Buckhorn Community Centre. This indoor game does not involve running, sliding or getting hit by a ball. You will be on a team and throw bean bags into the designated hole on a board.

This game was brought back from Florida with volunteer George Hendry. George will show you how to play.

We have set up a free “Try it Out” day for Tuesday, April 25 from 2pm to 3:30pm. Following this day, there will be a seven-week Tuesday series – May 2 to June 13. The cost for the seven weeks is $21.

If you are interested in the “try out time” or the Tuesday night series, please call the BCC and register or email George at gandshendry@gmail.com.

Easter In The Park

The Kawartha Lakes Parks and Recreation Division, in partnership with Affinity Group Pinnacle Realty – Lindsay and the Kawartha Lakes Public Library, is excited to announce the return of Easter in the Park to Victoria Park in Lindsay on Saturday April 8.

This free family event will feature an Easter egg hunt, face painting, games and activities, a visit with the Easter Bunny and much more. All registered participants will receive a fun and festive take-home goodie courtesy of event partners and Crayola.

In lieu of a registration fee, participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation in support of Kawartha Lakes Food Source.

Pre-registration is required for all children attending this event and limited space is available. Participants must pre-register in advance through the Kawartha Lakes Online Program Registration website through the link at www.kawarthalakes.ca.

Easter Eggstravaganza In Fenelon

Easter Eggstravaganza is happening Saturday, April 8 from 10am to 1pm in downtown Fenelon Falls.

Come explore downtown businesses to find the Easter themed items, enjoy a storywalk and take home a goody bag. It’s the perfect way to enjoy time with family and friends.

More information will be available soon at www. explorefenelonfalls.com.