News

Local Citizens Create Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund

Immediate Assistance Needed

COVID-19 has hit close to home and the community is rising to assist in this tremendous time of need. A group of concerned citizens has taken the lead to create a fund to help patients, families and health-care workers affected by COVID-19 in Bobcaygeon, Ontario and surrounding area; a community among the hardest hit by the virus in the province.

“The stories I have heard about what’s happening are horrible,” admits City of Kawartha Lakes Councillor Kathleen Seymour-Fagan whose Ward includes Bobcaygeon and area. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We have to do something and I know people want to help. We’re in this together.”

The urgency is real. Bobcaygeon is one of Ontario’s communities hardest hit by the pandemic. Seymour-Fagan and a few concerned local citizens have created the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide immediate assistance for eligible COVID-19 affected patients, families and health-care workers in the Bobcaygeon area with immediate support including: food supplies; transportation; technology; hiring and overtime costs; and mental wellness counselling.

The Fund will be administered by the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, advised by members of the Bobcaygeon community lead by Councillor Seymour-Fagan.

“I am honoured that the Foundation was tapped to help take action to address this challenge in our community,” stated Foundation President Mike Perry. “This is what community foundations do: rapid, professional response to helping each other here locally.” Perry added that he was very pleased that it took less than 24 hours from the time he got the call to when the fund was established, was in a position to issue tax receipts to donors and received its first donation. “There were calls, emails and procedural issues back and forth of course. But this is a health and economic crisis here at home so it’s all hands on deck,” Perry added.

The eligibility of each recipient to receive funds will be determined collaboratively by the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes and the Bobcaygeon advisors, using best efforts. The approach to determine the eligibility of the recipients of the fund will be accountable as well as generous and inclusive.

The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes will supply the funds to local businesses, charities and municipal bodies to deliver the funded goods and services to those identified in need. All activities undertaken will align with the objects of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes and charitable purposes as defined by the Canadian Revenue Agency. The Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes stands ready to help create additional funds to help the communities of Kawartha Lakes.

To make a donation to the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund, contact Foundation Coordinator Margaret Cunningham at: 705.731.9775 or by email: info@kawarthafoundation.ca

Bobcaygeon and area patients, families and health care workers in need should contact Councillor Seymour-Fagan by email at kseymourfagan@kawarthalakes.ca

This story continues to develop.

– 30 –

Contact: Margaret Cunningham, Foundation Coordinator margaret@jacksgroup.ca 705-879-2719

Kawartha Lakes - The City of Kawartha Lakes Economic Development, including the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (KLSBEC), remains available to support our business community. Although municipal facilities are closed, Economic Development and KLSBEC services are available by phone and electronically.

“The health and well-being of residents and staff remains our primary focus, but we recognize this pandemic has also created many challenges for businesses in Kawartha Lakes,” commented Andy Letham, Mayor, City of Kawartha Lakes. “I applaud the work our Economic Development team is doing during these unprecedented times and hope their resources help support our business community.”

Kawartha Lakes Economic Development and partnering agencies are committed to supporting you and your business during COVID-19. Economic Development is part of Team Kawartha Lakes, which includes KLSBEC, Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce, Lindsay Downtown BIA, Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce, Fenelon Falls and District Chamber of Commerce, Bobcaygeon and Area Chamber of Commerce, Impact 32, the Innovation Cluster, Kawartha Lakes CFDC, VCCS Employment and OMAFRA Regional Staff.

The Team is working collaboratively to ensure that local businesses receive up to date and accurate information. To stay informed and prepared, we encourage you to:

• Check out COVID-19 Business Resources for self-help and ways to connect
• Subscribe to the Economic Development Newsletter to stay informed
• Subscribe to the Business Events Calendar for upcoming webinars

“COVID-19 is not only a threat to our health, but to our local economy and businesses as well,” Rebecca Mustard, Manager, Economic Development, City of Kawartha Lakes. “In Kawartha Lakes we’re fortunate to have a unique, diverse and thriving business community. We know these are tough times for business and we’re here to help our business community. We hope our tools provide some support and relief.”

Due to the rapidly evolving situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and the priority that needs to be placed on public health, the Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce has made some difficult decisions regarding our upcoming Spring events. The health, safety and well-being of our members, staff and community are of the utmost importance to us.

All business development sessions, meetings and events have been cancelled until further notice. This includes our Cocktail Connection on March 24th, the HR and Health and Safety Seminar on April 6th and the Job Fair on April 18th. 

Kindly note that the Awards of Excellence Gala scheduled for April 25th has been postponed and has been rescheduled for the Fall. The event will now take place on Saturday, October 17th at the Lakeview Arts Barn and will coincide with the start of Small Business Week 2020. Nominations will be closed and reopen again on August 24th. All nominations currently submitted are still valid.

Please note that the Canada-US Walleye Tournament & Festival scheduled for May 15th to 17th has been cancelled. This is a very difficult decision especially since we would be celebrating 40 years of the Tournament. All registered anglers, vendors and sponsors will receive a full refund. Details of the 2021 Tournament will be determined at a later date.

The Service Ontario and Chamber office is now closed until further notice. Health card, drivers license and sticker renewals can be done online at ServiceOntario.ca. If you have questions regarding Chamber business, please contact our manager Denise via email at manager.chamber@bobcaygeon.org. For updates on the local COVID-19 situation, you can consult the City of Kawartha Lakes website: https://www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/living-here/covid-19-information.aspx

It is unknown what kind of impact this pandemic will have on our community. What we do know is that we are strong and vibrant and can weather any storm. The Chamber is dedicated to working with our members and partners to create opportunities and programs that will benefit and support the local businesses and community as we work through any current and future challenges this situation may bring. As we receive details on the Federal and Provincial support programs for small business, we will be sure to share this information and proactively assist in any way that we can.

Sincerely,

The Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce

The continued spread of COVID-19 in Canada and around the world has understandably raised concerns for many. The health and safety of the people of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock is my top priority.  

To do our part, my Lindsay constituency office will temporarily suspend in-person meetings. However, my staff remain at work and ready to serve by telephone and/or email at (705) 324-2400//toll free (866) 688-9881 or by email at Jamie.Schmale@parl.gc.ca.

I encourage you to heed the expert advice by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada and the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit. Please take every precaution to prevent the spread of the virus. Wash your hands often and keep your distance from others. We need to work together to get through this.

It’s important to remember that our supply chains are strong. Grocery stores have the capacity to keep items in stock. As such, there is no need to hoard products. Obviously purchase what you need and maybe a few extra items but also leave some for your neighbours.

Earlier today, the Government of Canada announced a series of economic measures to help individuals, their families and business owners. For more information visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

Further, I encourage you to avoid all non-essential travel and if you are unwell, please stay home. If you are abroad, take the advice of officials and return home as soon as possible and self-quarantine for 14 days.

Information is changing very quickly. I will do my best to provide regular updates. In addition, the Government of Canada has established a website for updates regarding COVID-19 Canada.gc.ca/coronavirus or the Corona Telephone Hotline (833)-784-4397.

Sincerely,

 

Jamie Schmale, MP
Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock

SCHMALE CALLS ON EMPLOYERS TO APPLY FOR CANADA SUMMER JOBS

January 30, 2020

LINDSAY: Local MP Jamie Schmale is encouraging employers to apply for summer help through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. The CSJ application period is now open and applicants have until Thursday, February 24, 2020 to submit.

CSJ provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. CSJ program helps employers create quality summer job opportunities and provide valuable work experience for youth aged 15 to 30.

“I encourage local small businesses, and organizations to apply for funding. This program can benefit both employers and youth looking to gain experience,” said Schmale. “Last summer, $949,494 was received in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock and dispersed to over 115 different employers for a total of 289 jobs.”

For more information on the Canada Summer Jobs program, please visit 

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/canada-summer-jobs.html 

Canada Summer Jobs 2020 – Local Priorities for Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock

Service Canada assesses applications on a constituency-by-constituency basis. Applications that support local priorities will receive additional points during Service Canada’s assessment.

• Support for a local event: Cultural events (including arts and festivals)
• Support for a specific type of project: Projects supporting not for profit organizations
• Support for a specific type of project: Projects supporting small businesses
• Support for projects in a specific economic sector: Tourism

Other: Areas that do not have many summer jobs that experience seasonal summer populations. Please note the following key dates: 

• applications are due by February 24, 2020
• the earliest job start date is May 11, 2020
• the latest job start date is Monday, July 20, 2020
• the latest job end date is Friday, August 28, 2020
• the latest date to submit a payment claim is 30 days following the completion of the Canada Summer Jobs-funded work placement 

- 30-

For more information contact:

Jamie Schmale, MP

(705) 324-2400 or (866) 688-9881​

Kawartha Settlers’ Village continues growth as they plan to build NEW Visitor Centre in Spring 2020

Kawartha Settlers’ Village is looking forward to the warmer weather as they plan to break ground on a new Visitor Centre. The new building will serve as a welcome centre, where visitors can receive a full orientation of the Village upon arrival. It will also house offices for staff and room for special exhibits, freeing up the historic Boyd Shanty. The Boyd Shanty will be revamped and reserved as a historical resource centre. A place where special books, documents and photographs can be properly stored and displayed, which until now, hasn't been possible in an ‘open to public’ setting. 

The plans for the new Visitor Centre will produce a building that is complementary to the existing buildings, with modern amenities for staff and visitors. Local contractors and professionals will be utilized for all of the services on the building. Construction is to commence as soon as weather permits. Normal operations and events will proceed during the construction period. 

A project committee has been designated and plans for fundraising endeavours are currently in the works. Thanks in large part to a bequest from the Elizabeth Weir estate, the funds to start this project have been established. An additional sum of $50,000 will be raised through fundraising endeavours and sponsorship.  We ask you to ‘stay tuned’ for opportunities to support this amazing addition to Kawartha Settlers’ Village. 

Should you wish to support the new Visitor Centre, please visit https://www.settlersvillage.org/join-and-support to make an online donation. 

As an important Community hub, Kawartha Settlers’ Village is proud to continue its growth, and offer events, programming and exhibits to the City of Kawartha Lakes.

-30-

For Media Inquiries: Kawartha Settlers’ VIllage

info@settlersvillage.org  | 705-738-6163

HSKL kicks off National Cupcake Day to help local animals!

It’s the sweetest day of the year!

Lindsay, ON (January 24, 2020) - National Cupcake Day™ is exactly one month away, which means it’s time to get out your mixing bowls, pre-heat your oven and get ready to sprinkle the love for animals in need! With National Cupcake Day coming up on February 24, the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes is asking the public to do something sweet for vulnerable animals in their community by hosting a cupcake party.

Last year HSKL raised just over $8,000 for animals in need. The concept is simple. Choose a date, bake cupcakes and collect donations at your workplace, home, school, club – anywhere you think people would enjoy eating cupcakes or hold a virtual party by registering online at nationalcupcakeday.ca

The public is also invited to participate in Cupcake Day by baking and donating to HSKL’s in-shelter parties on February 23 and 24 or by dropping by to enjoy cupcakes, coffee and pet snuggles.“Cupcake Day is our biggest fundraiser of the year and everyone is encouraged to join us,” says Henny Venus, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes. “Getting involved by hosting a party, baking for us or making a monetary donation, you will be changing the lives of the animals that come into our care.”

Presented by the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, National Cupcake Day is a coordinated Canadian event to support local shelters, SPCAs, and humane societies. Proceeds from HSKL’s campaign, go directly to the animals in their care. The proceeds to not leave the City of Kawartha Lakes.

For more information on HSKL and Cupcake Day, please call 705-878-4618 or email pr.hskl@cogeco.net

###

Katie Virag-Cavanagh, Community Relations Coordinator
Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes
pr.hskl@cogeco.net

SCHMALE ANNOUNCED AS SHADOW MINISTER FOR CROWN-INDIGENOUS RELATIONS 

NOVEMBER 29, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – The Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, the Honourable Andrew Scheer, today announced the Conservative Shadow Cabinet.

As part of that unveiling, local MP Jamie Schmale was named the Shadow Minister for Crown-Indigenous Relations, reflecting the commitment to holding the government accountable to improving the relationship between the government and Indigenous communities.

“It is an honor to have been named the Shadow Minster for Crown-Indigenous Relations,” said Schmale. “The goal is to reflect the growing strength of the Conservative team and our commitment to work for Canadians from coast to coast.”

“I believe that it is time to work together create a positive future for Indigenous youth, including increasing economic and education opportunities. We must support those who are affected by their relationship with the Crown, and work to bring forward policies that make real and measurable improvements in the lives of Indigenous Peoples of Canada,” said Schmale.

During the 42^nd Parliament, Schmale served as Shadow Minister for Northern Ontario and Deputy Shadow Minister for Natural Resources.

-30-

SCHMALE OFFICIALLY SWORN IN TO 43rd PARLIAMENT

NOVEMBER 28, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – Jamie Schmale was officially sworn in as Member for Parliament for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock today on Parliament Hill in the newly restored West Block.

Schmale was accompanied by family and friends who togethe rwitnessed the beginning of his second term in Parliament.

Before any duly elected representative may take his or her seat and vote in the House of Commons, the individual must take an oath or make a solemn affirmation of allegiance and sign the Test Roll, a book with pages headed by the text of the oath.

“I am thankful and deeply honoured to have been re-elected as Member of Parliament for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock,” said Schmale. “Now that the official ceremony is over, my staff and I look forward to continuing our hard work on behalf of the good people of our riding. I am committed to doing my best to serve all constituents and to be their voice in Ottawa.”

The 43rd Parliament of Canada begins on December 5, 2019.

​​​​​​-30-

For more information contact:

Office of Jamie Schmale, MP
Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock
(705) 324-2400 or (866) 688-9881

Globus Theatre’s New Season & Big Announcement

Bobcaygeon, November 8th, 2019 - Globus Theatre made two big moves yesterday at a live Press Conference. A new season for summer 2020 was announced and a new initiative, Globus Theatre’s School of Dramatic Art (SODA) was launched at the new box office and studio location on 90 Bolton Street in Bobcaygeon.

“Globus Theatre is expanding in so many ways this year! Increasing presence in town with the new box office is an opportunity for us to connect with other local businesses, participate in community events, improve accessibility for our patrons, and engage with tourists like our summer boaters!” - Monique Renaud, General Manager of Globus Theatre

A 2020 summer season of six professional shows is sure to please audiences with an abundance of comedy, mystery, and music!  The season will begin on June 23rd with Boy Falls From the Sky: Jake Epstein Live by Jake Epstein. NOW Magazine gave the show 5 N’s at the Toronto Fringe Festivals and said, “Exuding confidence and vulnerability, Degrassi and Broadway star delivers cabaret of the highest calibre.” On June 30th, Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind Band return to Bobcaygeon, and this time with their concert, Rock n’ Roll is Here to Stay! On July 15th, Bonnie Green’s (Associate Producer at Stratford Festival) new heart-warming comedy, Meet My Sister, takes the stage with a story about sibling rivalry and living life to its fullest! Globus Theatre brings a new murder mystery into the mix on July 29th, Murder on Main Street, which will include canapes, a delicious buffet, and clue pop ups all over Bobcaygeon! Audiences may remember the charming Three Men in a Boat that came to Globus in 2017. This year, the boys return with the hit Fringe sequel, Three Men on a Bike by Jerome K. Jerome and adapted by Mark Brownell, delivering a “hilarious ride” (NOW magazine). Globus Theatre’s final show of the 2020 summer season is Norm Foster’s The Ladies Foursome, the girl-power comedy with balls (and the female version of The Foursome).

“I am excited to introduce our 2020 season to our patrons.  It brings up two sell-out shows from Toronto (Boy Falls From The Sky: Jake Epstein Live and Three Men On A Bike) as well as an intrinsically local and theatrically thrilling new show, Murder on Main Street by Sarah Quick, which will include clue scenes performed throughout Bobcaygeon!” - James Barrett, Artistic Producer of Globus Theatre

Along with an impressive Summer Season announcement, Globus Theatre is beyond thrilled to launch Globus Theatre’s School of Dramatic Art (SODA). This new initiative will offer weekly drama classes to children and youth in Kawartha Lakes as well as a summer performance camp right in Bobcaygeon! As part of the performance camp, youth participants will create and perform mystery scenes in locations all around Bobcaygeon, which will be free and open to the general public and sponsored by Bobcaygeon’s very own, Bigley’s Shoes and Clothing! Globus Theatre’s new location at 90 Bolton Street in Bobcaygeon will be the home of SODA and will remain a box office as well as a studio for classes and rehearsals.

“The School of Dramatic Art is a super exciting development for Globus Theatre. Introducing younger audiences to the theatre has always been part of our mandate and now we want to utilize our resources as an established professional theatre to introduce both children and adults to different styles of creative learning. Our Globus team has expanded over the years and we now have many Arts professionals living in Bobcaygeon so it seemed like the perfect time to harness their knowledge of stagecraft and start offering these classes. Our new box office space in downtown Bobcaygeon will make the perfect studio for classes!

We firmly believe that for the creative process to be at its best there should be no barriers to participation and so, with our charitable status, we are setting up a subsidy program called "First Act". We will seek private and corporate donations and access funding to maintain this program that will allow children from low-income families to attend the classes. We are delighted to announce that this initiative has received an incredible boost with a $5,000 investment from Kawartha Coffee Company.  Councillor Kathleen Seymour-Fagan, the owner of Kawartha Coffee Company, is a long-time supporter of Globus Theatre and the Arts in our community and we thank her very much for the contribution.” –Sarah Quick, Artistic Director of Globus Theatre

Tickets for Summer 2020 will be on sale Monday, November 11th.

SODA Registration begins Monday, November 18th.

 www.globustheatre.com

1-800-304-7897  |  705-738-2037