Residents Urged to Check Exposures, Monitor for Symptoms 

PETERBOROUGH, ON (June 17, 2025) — Today, Peterborough Public Health (now legally merged with Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit) is releasing a list of potential public measles exposures, after another case of measles has been confirmed within the region. Measles has been identified in a vaccinated resident who was a contact of the first case shared last week. 

The Health Unit is continuing to identify public exposure locations and affected individuals. Measles is airborne and one of the most contagious viral diseases in the world. Current known exposure locations are as follows: 

*Please note that additional time has been included in this information to reflect the potential for airborne transmission

If you believe you have been exposed at any of the dates and locations above:  

1. Check your vaccination record. Confirm that household members have received two (2) doses of the measles vaccination (MMR or MMRV). If you have 2 doses of measles vaccine, you are not considered susceptible. 
2. If you do not have two doses or are unsure, notify Peterborough Public Health. Please call 705-743-1000. 
3. Consider vulnerability and need for post-exposure care. If you were exposed AND are immunocompromised, unvaccinated, or pregnant, contact PPH at 705-743-1000 to assess eligibility and need for post-exposure care. 
4. Monitor for symptoms. Stay home if you develop any symptoms. Contact PPH (705-743-1000) and notify them that you may have measles. Always phone any clinic, emergency department, or health care setting before attending if you have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms.

Symptoms 

Symptoms begin 7-21 days after infection and may include:  

• High fever (38.8°C or 101°F, or higher) 
• Cough 
• Runny nose 
• Drowsiness 
• Irritability 
• Red, watery eyes 
• Small white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat 
• Red, blotchy rash (3-7 days after symptoms start), spreading across the body 

Although most people who contract measles recover without treatment, it can be severe for those who are immunocompromised, including infants, pregnant people, and those with existing medical conditions. Possible complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. 

While the current risk to the public is low, PPH is reminding residents of the importance of ensuring that they are up to date with their vaccinations. Residents are encouraged to check their vaccination status and call their health care provider if they are not up to date. Those without a health care provider can book an appointment at PPH’s Routine Immunization Clinic by calling 705-743-1000, ext. 331. 

Children should receive one dose of MMR vaccine at one year of age. Then a second dose (of MMRV vaccine) between four and six years old – ideally before entry to school. Generally, adults born before 1970 are presumed to be immune to measles. Adults born in or after 1970 should have at least 1 dose of MMR vaccine. The following adults are eligible to receive a second dose for additional protection:

• Health care workers 
• Post secondary students 
• Travellers to areas where disease is of concern 
• Other adults, based on health care provider’s clinical judgement 

PPH is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates, as necessary. Learn more about measles and vaccination, including a video from Dr Thomas Piggott, at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/measles.  

-30-

Media Relations, Peterborough Public Health, media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 1-705-743-1000, ext. 352

Ashley Beaulac, Communication Services Manager, HKPR District Health Unit, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca, 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1212

The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit Board of Health will meet in-person. 

PORT HOPE and PETERBOROUGH, ON (June 16, 2025) – The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit (formerly the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health) would like to advise media and the community of an upcoming Board of Health meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 5 p.m. 

The Board of Health meeting will be held in person at the Peterborough office located at 185 King Street, Peterborough. Items on the agenda include: 

• Medical Officer of Health Updates 
• Report: Stewardship Committee – 2024 Draft Audited Financial Statements 
• Report: Measles Update 
• Report: Merger Update 
• Report: Association of Local Public Health Agencies Annual General Meeting Resolutions 

How to Attend
Members of the media and community can watch the livestream by accessing our YouTube Channel.

Agenda and Board Package
Please find the agenda and Board of Health package on the HKPR District Health Unit website and the Peterborough Public Health website.

Media Contacts:

Ashley Beaulac, Communication Services Manager, HKPR District Health Unit, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca, 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1212
Media Relations, Peterborough Public Health, media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 1-705-743-1000, ext. 352

Beaches are Tested and Monitored for Bacteria and Harmful Algae 

Beach water testing has resumed just in time for the warm weather! Testing includes public beaches in Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, and in the County and City of Peterborough. Starting today, these beaches will be regularly tested by Peterborough Public Health (PPH) to ensure that water quality conditions are safe for recreational use. 

The routine surveillance program for all public beaches begins today (June 2nd) and will continue until the end of August. Please note that Rogers Cove is no longer an active beach in the City of Peterborough and is no longer being sampled for water quality by Peterborough Public Health. 

The following beach is sampled daily, Monday to Friday:

• Beavermead Park (2011 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough)

Most public beaches in the county are sampled at least once a week, including:

• Buckhorn Beach(12 John Street, Buckhorn)
• Crowe’s Line Beach(240 Crowe’s Line Road, Trent Lakes)
• Curve Lake Henry’s Gumming (150 Chemong Street S, Curve Lake)
• Curve Lake Lime Kiln Park (150 Whetung Street E, Curve Lake)
• Douro North Park (251 Douro Second Line, Douro-Dummer)
• Ennismore Waterfront Park (1053 Ennis Road, Ennismore)
• Hiawatha Park (1 Lakeshore Road, Hiawatha)
• Jones Beach(908 Jones Beach Road, Bridgenorth)
• Lakefield Park (100 Hague Boulevard, Lakefield)
• Sandy Beach(1221 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn)
• Selwyn BeachConservation Area (2251 Birch Island Road, Selwyn)
• Squirrel Creek Conservation Area (2445 Wallace Point Road, South Monaghan)
• Warsaw Caves Conservation Area (289 Caves Road, Warsaw)

The following public beaches are samples once a month from June to August:

• Chandos Beach (2800 County Road 620, Apsley)
• Quarry Bay Beach (1986 Northey’s Bay Road, Woodview)
• Belmont Lake (376 Miles of Memories Road, Belmont)
• Kasshabog Lake (431 Peninsula Road, Havelock)
• White’s Beach (26 Clearview Drive, Trent Lakes)

Though PPH will maintain its sampling schedule, the following factors may result in high levels of bacteria or other conditions that cause the beach to be unsafe for swimming between sampling periods:

• Heavy rainfall
• High winds or wave activity
• Large numbers of swimmers
• Harmful algae blooms
• Large numbers of waterfowl

Water samples are submitted to the Public Health Laboratory for bacteriological analysis. Samples are tested for E. coli bacteria, an indicator of fecal contamination in the water. It takes approximately 24 hours for PPH to receive and analyze the water quality results from the lab. If levels of bacteria exceed recommended thresholds for recreational water use, the beach will be posted as unsafe and to avoid becoming ill, people should not use the beach for swimming. If a significant risk to human health is identified, such as a toxic spill or the identification of a harmful algae bloom, a beach may be closed to the public. You can find the status of public beaches at any time by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/beach-testing-results or calling 705-743-1000 ext. 232 Monday to Friday.

Our region is fortunate to have so many beautiful recreational waterfront areas. Our 2023 climate change and health vulnerability assessment indicates that our region will continue to experience warming temperatures and an increase in the number of very hot days. Most of the local beaches are free to access and a great way to beat the heat, so we all need to do what we can to protect the water quality. There are several things that you can do to help ensure the water quality stays safe:

• Do not feed waterfowl
• Do not let children swim in soiled diapers
• Pick up your garbage
• Clean up after your pet

A list of all the beaches that will be tested for the 2025 summer months and more information about the surveillance program, is available at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/beach-testing/.

-30-

For further information, please contact:

Media Relations

media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

Health Unit Celebrates World No Tobacco Day 

For nearly forty years, May 31st has been celebrated as World No Tobacco Day. The day both commemorates the decades of work that public health agencies have engaged in to fight the tobacco epidemic and highlights the work that is yet to be done. 

Locally, Peterborough has long been a provincial leader in tobacco-wise policies working to curb commercial tobacco use. The first local by-law was enacted in 1972, prohibiting smoking in workplaces; this preceded provincial smoke-free laws by nearly 35 years. In 2012, Peterborough once again was a leader in creating a by-law protecting park and playground users from harmful secondhand smoke. Since then, most of Ontario has become protected by the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), 2017, which prohibits smoking or vaping in many areas that children, youth, families, and athletes gather across the province – indoors and out.   

Despite these laws being long-standing, some residents and visitors need a reminder that parks, playgrounds, beaches, and sports fields are smoke, vape, and cannabis-free. 

“Peterborough and the Kawarthas are home to some of the best outdoor spaces in the province,” said Julie Bromley, Manager of Environmental Health at Peterborough Public Health. “From Musicfest concerts all summer, to baseball and soccer tournaments, to local farmers’ markets and street festivals, to beaches and playgrounds – we need people to know that the air is shared, and they can’t smoke or vape there.” Failure to comply with these laws could cost $305. 

“When it comes to secondhand smoke, there are no safe levels of exposure,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health for PPH. “Likewise, nicotine from vapes impacts the developing teenage brain, affecting everything from mood, to memory, to concentration. When youth see people smoking or vaping, it normalizes it, undoing the decades of work that we are celebrating on World No Tobacco Day,” he added. “The SFOA is designed to protect everyone from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and from vapour products”. 

This winter, Tobacco Enforcement Officers (TEOs) from Peterborough Public Health worked in partnership with recreation staff in the City and County at local arenas to enforce the SFOA. Over a six-week blitz, the following infractions were addressed by TEOs: 

• Charges: 6 
  • Healthy Planet Arena (1) 
  • Memorial Centre (3) 
  • North Kawartha Community Centre (1) 
  • Otonabee Memorial Community Centre (Keene) (1) 
• Educational conversations: 42 
• Formal warnings: 22 

TEOs are also responsible for ensuring that Specialty Vape Shops and convenience stores don’t sell tobacco or vape products to minors. Since November 1, 2024, the following infractions have been addressed: 

• Convenience stores: 6 charges; 4 warnings
• Specialty Vape Stores: 1 charge 

With the change of season, TEOs and park staff will double down on their efforts to focus on parks, sports fields, patios, beaches, and other outdoor spots to ensure compliance with the SFOA and local bylaws. Residents can report smoking or vaping violations by calling 705-743-1000 or online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/report-secondhand-smoke-vapour. 

-30- 

For further information, please contact: 

Media Relations 

media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca  

The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit Board of Health will meet in-person.

PORT HOPE and PETERBOROUGH, ON (May 12, 2025) – The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit (formerly the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health) would like to advise media and the community of an upcoming Board of Health meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 1 p.m.

The Board of Health meeting will be held in person at the Hiawatha L.I.F.E Services and Administration Office locations at 431 Hiawatha Line, Hiwatha First Nation. Items on the agenda include:

• Medical Officer of Health Updates
• Report: Policy Approvals
• Report: Formation of Governance Working Group
• Report: Indigenous Health Advisory Circle

How to Attend
Members of the media and community can watch the livestream by accessing our YouTube Channel.

Agenda and Board Package
Please find the agenda and Board of Health package on the HKPR District Health Unit website and the Peterborough Public Health website.

During this time, both the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health remain committed to engaging with the communities they serve, partners and teams to determine future opportunities to continue the legacy of public healthcare across the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the Greater Peterborough Area.

Media Contacts:

Ashley Beaulac, Communication Services Manager, HKPR District Health Unit, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca, 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1212
Media Relations, Peterborough Public Health, media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca 1-705-743-1000, ext. 352

Spring Melt Brings Higher Risk for Contamination of Well Water 

The well water sampling drop off program will resume for the 2025 season on Tuesday, April 22nd in the Township of North Kawartha and the Municipality of Trent Lakes. The program offers free water sample collection kit pick-up and sample drop-off through these municipal offices. 

Beginning Tuesday, April 22nd, water samples can be dropped off at: 

• North Kawartha Municipal Office – 280 Burleigh Street,?Apsley, ON
  Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 
• Trent Lakes Municipal Office – 760 County Road 36, Trent Lakes, ON
  Tuesday and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  

Samples are then couriered to the Public Health Ontario Lab in Peterborough for testing. Empty sample bottles can be picked up from these offices at any time during regular business hours. Samples must be dropped off at the municipal offices within 24 hours of collection 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. Filled sample bottles should be delivered to the front desk at the municipal office. Staff will then place it in a fridge until it is collected by the courier. 

Well water testing is recommended at least twice a year, in the Spring and Fall. Water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water, but young people, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk. 

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

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa Street, Havelock
  Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   
• Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street, Peterborough
  Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Friday., 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon  
• Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Drive 
  Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Residents will receive water quality results by mail or can call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426. If you have questions about your test results, please call the PPH Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 232, for more information. 

To learn more about well water safety, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/well-water-safety 

-30- 

For further information, please contact: 

Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca  

Keely-Anne Johnson
Secretary/Receptionist
Township of North Kawartha
705-656-5175
K.Johnson@northkawartha.ca 

Rachel Stark 
Economic Development and Communications Officer
Municipality of Trent Lakes 
705-738-3800, ext. 223
rstark@trentlakes.ca  

The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit Board of Health will meet in-person.

PORT HOPE and PETERBOROUGH, ON (April 14, 2025) – The Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit (formerly the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health) would like to advise media and the community of an upcoming Board of Health meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 5 p.m.

The Board of Health meeting will be held in person at the Lindsay Office located at 108 Angeline Street South, Lindsay. Items on the agenda include:

• Presentation: Peterborough Youth Substance Use Prevention Initiative
• Medical Officer of Health Updates
• Report: Stewardship Committee
• Report: Association of Local Public Health Agencies Membership Approval
• Report: Merger Progress Update

How to Attend
Members of the media and community can watch the livestream by accessing our YouTube Channel.

Agenda and Board Package
Please find the agenda and Board of Health package on the HKPR District Health Unit website and the Peterborough Public Health website.

During this time, both the HKPR District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health remain committed to engaging with the communities they serve, partners and teams to determine future opportunities to continue the legacy of public healthcare across the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the Greater Peterborough Area.

Take Precautions to Avoid Foodborne and Waterborne Illness

Following the weekend’s ice storm, power outages and debris clean up may persist for several days, posing a risk to residents. The following information outlines guidelines for minimizing the health risks associated with foodborne and waterborne illnesses. For those with limited access to the internet, please call Peterborough Public Health to hear this information and ask questions at 705-743-1000.

Food Safety and Storage:

Keep refrigerators and freezers closed. A household fridge that is left closed will typically keep food at a safe temperature (4°C or 40°F) for 4 hours, after which the temperature will begin to rise. Hazardous foods such as milk, deli meats, and other dairy or meat products should be discarded once it’s spent more than 2 hours at a temperature warmer than 4°C or 40°F.

A freezer (chest or fridge-freezer combo) will keep food frozen for one to two days if it remains closed. Throw out any food that is thawed or has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If food has only been partially thawed, or thawed for less than 2 hours, it can be safely refrozen. The quality of the food item may be affected, but the food will still be safe to consume if it has only been partially thawed.

Consider transferring hazardous food items from the refrigerator to a cooler with ice, replace the ice frequently to keep food cold (ideally at 4°C or 40°F).

Well and Septic System Safety:

For those on wells and septic systems, power outages can affect treatment units for drinking/tap water and pumps for well water and septic systems.

Drinking Water: Use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth and any other activities that involve the direct consumption of water. When the power is restored, verify that any filters and treatment devices have resumed normal operation and flush your plumbing system to remove any untreated water by running the water for several minutes through all plumbing fixtures. Collect a water sample as soon as possible once the power has been restored.

Pump Failure: If you do not have water due to a pump failure, find an alternate source of water to use until you can sample your water once the power comes back on. Use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth and any other activities that involve the direct consumption of water.

Septic Systems: If you are on a septic system, limit the amount of wastewater that you are generating. If your sewage cannot be pumped to the leaching bed, your tank may fill up and backup into the house or discharge to the ground. In the event you have a sewage backup into your home or you observe breakout of sewage onto your property, call a sewage hauler and immediately pump your septic tank.

Pools and Hot Tubs:

If you have a pool or hot tub, there could be increased challenges with pool/hot tub operation and safety if recirculation systems are not working. Contact a recreational water professional for more information about after-care once the power comes back on. During the power outage, avoid swimming in the pool to prevent waterborne illnesses due to insufficient pool water treatment. If the water is cloudy, do not swim as this can increase risk for accidental drowning.

General Safety During a Power Outage:

• Do not cook indoors on equipment that expels carbon monoxide (camp stoves, charcoal grills, etc.)
• Do not use gas stoves unless there is proper ventilation (they often require electric fans to ventilate)
• Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order with batteries
• Do not use portable generators indoors. These need to be outdoors and away from windows. Do not connect a portable generator to your home electrical panel unless this has been previously set up by a qualified electrician
• Use caution while driving as many streetlights and stop lights may be out
• Do not stand under trees or other hazards, as they may be compromised by ice

Stay Warm:
The City of Peterborough is operating warming centres. The following sites will be open until 8 p.m. on March 31st:

• Healthy Planet Arena, banquet hall, 911 Monaghan Rd.
• Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W.
• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.

Flood Cleanup
If your home experiences flooding, standing water and water-damaged materials can present long-term health risks, with the growth of mould, viruses, and bacteria. Homes and furnishings are less likely to grow mould if they are dried within 48 hours. Learn more at peterboroughpublichealth.ca/flooding. To clean up, ensure you:

• Determine if the flood involves relatively clean water or sewage-contaminated water
  • Contact PPH if you suspect sewage contamination
• Keep any extension cords out of the water
• Shut off power to the flooded area at the breaker box
• Wear rubber boots (to avoid electrical shocks), disposable gloves, N95 mask, and goggles
• Do not use combustion equipment designed for outdoor use inside
• Dispose of contaminated household items that cannot be dried

For those without access to the internet, please call Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 to hear this information. Additional information can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

-30-

For further information, please contact:
Media Relations
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca

The Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough Public Health, the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County are joining forces to highlight pedestrian safety and encouraging everyone to #walksafe.

Whether you are traveling on a city street or using a rural roadway, the safety of all road users should be front and center. Over the coming weeks, essential safety tips will be released through our organizations.

From families on their morning trip to school, to someone walking to the bus stop to get to work, or even the short trip one may make from the parking garage to a shop, each of us make many walk or roll trips each day. In 2024, there were 44 pedestrian-involved collisions in the Peterborough Police Service policing areas (City of Peterborough, Village of Lakefield, Township of Cavan-Monaghan) with 39 of them (or 89%) resulting in injury. In local OPP-patrolled areas, there was one pedestrian involved collision that resulted in one death and one person injured.

The goal of releasing these safety tips, is to reduce the risk to those walking, running, or rolling on city and rural roads, as well as minimize their exposure to hazards.

There are tried and true Pedestrian Safety Tips that help everyone to #walksafe:

1. Be Visible
   • Wear Bright or Reflective Clothing: Choose clothing in bright colors (such as neon or white) or wear reflective gear, especially if walking during low-light conditions (dawn, dusk, or night) or inclement weather conditions.
   • Carry a Flashlight or Headlamp: If walking in the dark, use a flashlight or headlamp to help you see and be seen by drivers.
   • Use Reflective Accessories: Consider adding reflective tape or vests to your clothing or gear, making you more visible from a distance.

2. Walk Facing Traffic
   • Face Oncoming Vehicles: On streets without sidewalks, always walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic so you can see approaching vehicles and take action if necessary.
   • Stay Alert: Minimize distractions by only having one headphone in and low volume. If you need to text, stop, text and then continue walking when you are done. 

3. Stay on the Shoulder
   • Use the Shoulder: Walk on the shoulder of the road, as far away from moving vehicles as possible.
   • Give Passing Vehicles Space: When cars or trucks pass by, stay as far off the roadway as possible to give them plenty of space.

4. Choose Safe Walking Routes
   • Select the Safest Routes: Choose roads with the least amount of traffic or where traffic moves slower. If high-speed roads are your only option, please choose to be extra cautious. Consider roads that have wider shoulders or clearer visibility for drivers. Be alert at curves or areas with limited sight lines.

5. Cross Safely
   • Use Marked Crossings When Available: If no designated crossings are present, choose the safest location to cross with good visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. 
   • Look Both Ways Before Crossing: Always check for oncoming traffic in both directions, even if the road seems clear. Don’t assume vehicles will stop for you.
   • Don’t Rush the Hand: Give yourself plenty of time to cross at intersections and designated crosswalks. 

6. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions
   • Adapt to Weather Changes: In poor weather (rain, fog, snow), visibility is reduced. Wear more reflective gear, and if conditions are severe, consider postponing walking if you can.
   • Stay Alert: Be aware of how conditions may impact vehicles. Poor weather may impact vehicles’ ability to stop or steer. Walk with extra caution, particularly when there is no sidewalk or crossing the street. 

7. Carry Identification
   • Carry ID and Emergency Info: Always carry identification and a phone with emergency contacts, especially if walking in more remote areas where help may not be readily available.

8. Limit/Avoid Walking at Night
   • Utilize Well-Lit Roads: When possible, stick to roads and sidewalks that are well-lit during night or times or low light. 
   • Limit Nighttime Walking: If possible, avoid walking after dark, especially on rural roads as visibility is low, and drivers may not expect pedestrians. If walking is unavoidable, ensure you have sufficient lighting and reflective gear.

9. Be Cautious Around Large Vehicles
   • Watch Out for Large Vehicles: Rural roads and areas near construction zones are often utilized by large trucks, farm equipment, and other heavy vehicles. Be extra cautious, as these vehicles require more space and have longer stopping distances.
   • Give Farm Vehicles Extra Space: Always give farm equipment plenty of room, especially when it’s traveling at slow speeds or taking up the whole road.

Motorists also have an active role to play in pedestrian safety. Motorists are reminded to:

Be Alert for Pedestrians

• In the dark or inclement weather, pedestrians may be less visible. Be alert and aware of other road users.
• Remember to check for pedestrians crossing at intersections. Do a double check when making turns, as a pedestrian may arrive while you’ve been looking for a gap in traffic.
• If a crossing guard is present, follow their instructions. Be patient and remember that stop means stop. It’s important that cars remain stopped at crosswalks until everyone is back on the sidewalk.

Be Aware of the Posted Speed Limit

• Slow down and give space to pedestrians on roadways
• Speed limits in many City and County school areas are reduced, be mindful of students walking or rolling to and from school
• Community Safety Zones are established to provide awareness of higher concentrations of vulnerable road users, speeding fines can be doubled in these areas.

Be Mindful of Weather Conditions

• Adapt to Weather Changes: In poor weather (rain, fog, snow), visibility is reduced, and road conditions may be impacted. Leave yourself extra space and extra time to travel. 

We are asking residents to watch for these messages and to share them widely. Let’s all #walksafe.

Contact Information:

Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
sdueck@peterborough.ca
705-876-1122 x217
peterboroughpolice.com

Sarah Deeth
Communications Specialist, City of Peterborough
SDeeth@peterborough.ca
705-742-7777 ext. 1638
Peterborough.ca

Tracie Bertrand
General Manager, Tourism and Communications
Peterborough County
tbertrand@ptbocounty.ca
705-743-0380 ext. 2502
ptbocounty.ca

Media Relations
Peterborough Public Health
Media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
705-743-1000 ext. 352

Information Pages:

City of Peterborough: peterborough.ca/transportation

Peterborough County: Active Transportation Master Plan – County of Peterborough

Quotes:

“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and Peterborough County is committed to working alongside our partners to ensure everyone can walk safely, whether it’s on a village street or a rural road. It is crucial that we all take these safety tips to heart. Together, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create safer communities for everyone. Let’s all join together and #walksafe.” – Bonnie Clark, Warden for Peterborough County 

“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, and the #walksafe campaign is a crucial reminder for both walkers and drivers to stay vigilant. By taking a few simple steps, we can all make a real difference in road safety. Let’s work together to ensure everyone can walk safely in our community.” – Mayor Jeff Leal.

“We live in a beautiful region; one of my favourite ways to enjoy it is by walking or biking to work and being active outdoors with my family on weekends. Active transportation is one of the best ways to be out experiencing all our community has to offer, especially with the warmer weather. Safe pedestrian and driving habits can prevent accidents or serious injuries and allow us all to be out enjoying our community. Even something as simple as crossing the street correctly or wearing bright clothing can help drivers see pedestrians and prevent an accident.” – Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health

“One pedestrian-involved collision is one too many. The Peterborough Police Service is committed to ensuring our roads are as safe as possible for all residents. Whether we move about as pedestrians or as motorists in our communities, we have a shared responsibility to safety. These tips will not only give everyone the tools to be safe and avoid distractions but create an awareness that while on the road in any capacity we need to remain vigilant. Please #walksafe.” – Chief Stuart Betts, Chief of Police, Peterborough Police Service.

“While pedestrian-vehicle collisions are less frequent in Peterborough County than in the city, the risk is still very real. Pedestrians must stay aware of their surroundings, use designated crossings where available, and avoid distractions like cell phones and headphones. Vigilance can make the difference in preventing a tragedy. The Peterborough County OPP remains committed to educating our community on pedestrian safety to help prevent collisions before they happen.” – Inspector Chris Galeazza, Peterborough County OPP

Residents Reminded No Smoking or Vaping on Rec Centre Property 

Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), it is illegal to smoke or vape on the property or within 20 metres of all community recreation facilities, such as arenas, in Ontario. While this law has been unchanged since 2018, community members often benefit from periodic reminders. In January, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) shared a letter with all municipal recreation managers to be sent to all facilities’ user groups regarding SFOA legislation and resources. 

Additionally, over the past four weeks, Tobacco Enforcement Officers (TEOs) from PPH have visited 14 community recreation facilities within the region. In that time, TEOs have engaged in 40 educational conversations and given 22 warnings. As part of a progressive enforcement campaign, the TEOs will be escalating to issuing tickets immediately. So far, one ticket has been issued for smoking at a local arena this year. Under the SFOA, the fine for a first offence of smoking or vaping on arena property is $305. TEOs have observed that while overall compliance remains high, there has been an increase in the number of people vaping instead of smoking cigarettes compared to previous years. It’s important for the public to understand that both smoking and vaping are prohibited. 

Smoke- and vape-free spaces offer many benefits to individuals and the community. The vast majority (about 90%) of Ontarians do not smoke, yet secondhand smoke or vapour can put everyone at risk. Secondhand vapour contains several heavy metals and ultrafine particles that are dangerous to inhale, and there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke or vapour. Smoke- and vape-free spaces also support social norms to prevent smoking and vaping; youth, are particularly susceptible to thinking of smoking as “normal”, acceptable behaviour when they are exposed to it often and in various settings. Among those who do smoke, nearly half report wanting to quit; smoke-free spaces have been shown to help people with their quit attempts.

Ontario Health Units take a progressive enforcement approach to the SFOA starting with warnings and then progressing to charges if the behaviour is not corrected. In 2024, one charge and 24 warnings were issued for violations under the SFOA at beaches, parks, and the hospital property. Residents can report smoking or vaping violations by calling 705-743-1000 or online at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/report-secondhand-smoke-vapour.

Further details on the SFOA and benefits of smoke-free spaces can be found at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/sfoa.  

-30- 

For further information, please contact: 

Media Relations 

media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca