Did You Know

in technologically advanced medical equipmentincluding the MRI - that is not covered by government funding. Donors’ support for the WE ARE THE ROSS appeal plays an important part of these essential investments.”

The new MRI replaces the 12-year-old MRI that was also funded 100% by the community through the Imagine the Future campaign. Approximately 70,000 patient exams were scanned on that MRI from 2011 to 2023. More than 500 patient exams are scanned at the Ross every month.

KNFHT STEpS Up

Submitted by Marina Hodson

The Kawartha North Family Health Team (KNFHT) has put forward an expression of interest to Ontario Health to receive funding for service delivery at the Minden Emergency site. The proposal is for an Urgent Care Clinic. We are aware that ideally, the site would continue to operate as an Emergency Department and we still hold out hope that this will be the case in the future; unfortunately, this is not a service we are able to apply for or deliver. In light of this, we felt strongly that the option of an Urgent Care Clinic would provide the best opportunity to continue to have health care services locally for the residents of Minden Hills.

As a resident of Minden Hills, myself, I realize the limitations of our resources and how stretched Healthcare providers are, especially during the busy summer season and we hope that if this proposal is approved, we would be able to alleviate some of this burden.

The proposed care model is an Urgent Care Clinic. Urgent care services are for people who have unexpected but non-life-threatening health concerns that usually require same-day treatment. Additionally, we are proposing some Primary Care for patients who do not currently have a primary care provider.

We have reached out to a number of our partners, community stakeholders and officials and Marg Cox, Executive Director for Point in Time had this to say “We are pleased to see this proposal for an urgent care clinic going forward, and as an agency that has worked closely with Kawartha North Family Health Team we have every confidence in their ability to build a responsive service that is so very needed in our community” We do recognize that given the urgent need and tight timelines, we were not able to reach out to everyone nor to hold community consultations. To this end, I am including a brief Q & A which I hope may answer some of the questions which would likely have been raised. Further consultation on the implementation will be forthcoming should we receive approval.

This will not be a 24/7 solution at this time. We will be looking to consult with physicians and stakeholders to identify priority times, but will be limiting service to eight hours per day, 7 days per week for now. Should future opportunities present themselves, 24/7 coverage could be implemented. Who is KNFHT?

KNFHT is a community-based Family Health Team serving the residents of the Northern parts of the

City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County and Trent Lakes. We have been operating offices in Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon since 2007 providing access to Primary Health Care by Nurse Practitioners, Physicians and Nursing staff. Additionally, we have operated unfunded walk-in clinics (paid for by the generous donations from local residents) since 2012.

pARAMEDIC SERVICES A pRIoRITY

Recently, the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) released the Partial Refresh of the 2019 EOWC Paramedic Services Situation Overview Report.

The EOWC set paramedic services as a priority for 2023 in response to the growing pressure faced by paramedic services throughout the region. The report includes updated data for both the EOWC as a region as well as each of the 13 member municipalities, including Kawartha Lakes, following the initial EOWC paramedic services situational overview report from 2019.

Doug Elmslie, Mayor, Kawartha Lakes commented, “As an active member of the EOWC, we support the findings of the report and will continue to advocate to ensure the issues raised are addressed. Our Paramedic Service goes above and beyond to provide quality care to the residents of our communities. We need to support them with the funding, resources, infrastructure and technology they require.”

The EOWC looks forward to sharing the report, key findings and recommendations with its Ontario Government partners and key stakeholders to work together to improve paramedics services, community paramedicine and the overall community healthcare across rural eastern Ontario.

The report contains an updated environmental scan, new five-year predictive forecasts, and the following priority recommendations:

1. Hospital offload delays need to be fixed

2. Community paramedicine programs require a provincial commitment to permanent and predictable funding

3. The dispatch system needs to be modernized to ensure the deployment of resources appropriate to 911 response, and to support community paramedicine

4. Community college paramedic enrolment needs to increase”

“As part of the community healthcare sector, paramedic services carried communities throughout the pandemic. The EOWC likes to do our homework and this report shows exactly that. We look forward to advocating for these evidence-based recommendations and working with our provincial partners to make improvements,” stated EOWC Chair Peter Emon.

“As a former nurse, I am proud to be part of finding solutions based on data and would like thank staff that were involved. This report sheds light on what needs to be done to better support our rural communities and find efficiencies in the healthcare system. I look forward to continuing to advocate for improved healthcare systems and resource allocation,” said EOWC Vice-Chair, Bonnie Clark.

The EOWC recognizes contributions from the Paramedic Services Chiefs, Chief Administrative Officers, and municipal staff from across the region. The EOWC would like to thank ApexPro Consulting Inc. for their services in developing both the initial report in 2019 and this 2023 refreshed report.

loCAl pARAMEDIC RECEIVES MEDAl FoR BRAVERY

A local paramedic is one of 10 inaugural recipients of the Ontario Medal of Paramedic Bravery awarded by the province. The medal is given to paramedics who have demonstrated great courage risking their lives to save the lives of others.

Kawartha Lakes is excited to share that one of our very own, paramedic Beatrice Frasca, was one of the recipients of the Ontario Medal of Paramedic Bravery. Here is her story:

On October 20, 2021, while off-duty, Frasca was hiking with two friends, another off-duty paramedic and an off duty ICU nurse, at Bruce Peninsula National Park. Their small group had planned to take in the sights of the park and the Grotto rock formation before heading to a campsite for the night.

Once arriving to the area of the Grotto, they observed a group of four young men who appeared to be preparing to jump off the rock face into the waters below. Frasca and her friends knew that this area of the Georgian Bay shoreline was particularly dangerous with cold and strong water currents and tried alerting the men by shouting to get their attention.

She stated that despite their attempts, the first man jumped into the water below, followed closely by the second. Frasca reported that at that moment, she knew something was wrong when she heard the jovial sounds that were coming from the group of men, turn to panic. Frasca and her friends moved to an area where they were able to see the men in the water, all while the third man jumped from the rock into the water below.

Frasca noticed that two of the young men were trying to hold the third man’s lifeless body out of the water. Frasca and her friends started shouting to move the man to the shore, but were unable to communicate due to the distance and a language barrier. Frasca and the off-duty ICU nurse made the decision to climb down the rock face to assist the men, while the third member of their party – the other off-duty paramedic –moved to higher ground to get reception for a 911 call.

Frasca and her friend cautiously descended into the Grotto and dragged the man to shore. On assessment, they found the man to be without vital signs and began CPR. They performed CPR, as well as consoled the two young men for almost an hour before emergency services and the Coast Guard arrived. On arrival to the scene, paramedics from Bruce County used ropes to lower equipment to the scene below. The women were able to relay their findings to the Paramedics and coordinate communications to a Base Hospital Physician.

Unfortunately, despite all efforts, the man did not survive and the two responders then diverted their efforts to the other men that were suffering from cold exposure, as well as the emotional distress caused by the events that had just occurred. Rescue efforts, including the Coast Guard were coordinated to retrieve the two men for further assessment at local hospital, following which Frasca and her friend climbed back up the Grotto with the assistance of emergency responders on scene.

“We are incredibly proud and honoured to have Beatrice as a part of our team and applaud her for her quick action and heroic efforts,” said Chief Sara Johnston, Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service.

Tl WANTS INpUT

The Municipality of Trent Lakes and its Council are accepting proposals for the usage of the building on Deer Bay School Road, previously known as Deer Bay Hall.

Built in 1898 and upgraded to cement block in 1930, the building is located just outside of Buckhorn on Deer Bay School Road, at the end of the street. The building operated as a school (Deer Bay School) until 1968 when it was sold to the Municipality.

Since then, it has been used as a community centre, community care hub, and a women’s shelter, among other things to support the community. It has been vacant the past several years due to the need for renovations.

Recent interest led to a Council decision at the March 21, 2023 meeting to accept proposals from residents looking to utilize the building.

Applicants are required to provide a comprehensive usage proposal accompanied by a formal delegation to Council. Only those applications that complete a usage proposal and elect a delegate to present the proposal will be considered.

Presentations to Council will take place on November 8, 2023 at 9am during a Special Meeting of Council.

“We are looking forward to finding the best solution for this building,” says Dylan Cosh, Director of Recreation and Facilities with the Municipality of Trent Lakes. “It is in a favourable location near Buckhorn and has great opportunity.”

The proposal process will ensure the Municipality considers all possibilities to make a decision that will have the greatest benefit to the Trent Lakes’ community. The merit of the submitted proposal will be based on its ability to answer questions including:

• What is the cultural/social value?

• How will it benefit the Municipality?

• What community support is there for the proposed usage?

• What amenities are necessary for the proposed usage (e.g. A/C, high voltage circuitry, appliances, office space, AV equipment, etc.)

• Who will manage operations?

• What are the financial implications?

• Is it expected to generate income? How? For whom?

Applicants must submit their comprehensive usage proposal no later than October 20, 2023 at 11:55pm in order to be considered. Proposals will be accepted on the Municipal website at www.trentlakes. ca/en/play/deer-bay-hall-usage-proposal.aspx.

DRINKING HABITS IN lINDSAY

Lindsay Little Theatre is presenting six performances in June of Tom Smith’s popular farce, Drinking Habits. Two nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have been secretly making wine to keep the convent’s doors open, but Paul and Sally, reporters and former fiancees, are hot on their trail. They go undercover as a nun and priest, but their presence, combined with the addition of a new nun, spurs paranoia throughout the convent that spies have been sent from Rome to shut them down. Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled as everyone tries to preserve the convent and reconnect with lost loves.

The performances take place June 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 7:30pm and June 4 and 11 at 2pm. Tickets are available through a link at www.lindsaylittletheatre.com.

TEXTIlE RECYClING

Curbside textile recycling will return for Kawartha Lakes residents in June. The purpose of curbside textile recycling is to help divert clothing, footwear and linens from ending up in our landfills.

The following items will be accepted for pick-up:

• Clothing: active wear, bathing suits, bathrobes, belts/ties, coats, dresses, hats, jeans, pants, parkas, purses, scarves, shirts, skirts, socks, sweaters, t-shirts, undergarments and uniforms.

• Footwear: athletic shoes, boots, cleats, dress shoes, high heels, running shoes, slip-ons, slippers, loafers and sneakers.

• Linens: bedding, blankets, comforters, curtains, cushions, mats, oven mitts, pillows, rags, sewing fabric, sheets, sleeping bags, stuffed toys, towels and wash cloths.

Please Note that ripped and stained items will be accepted for recycling. What happens to the textiles collected?

Textiles donated through this program are collected by Talize/Recycling Rewards and brought to a sorting facility. Textiles go to Talize thrift stores where they may be sold or redistributed. Non-reusable textiles are sent to companies that recycle them into upholstery, stuffing or rags. Items that cannot be reused or recycled go to the landfill.

Talize/Recycling Rewards has a 98% diversion rate of all materials they accept.

Residents can also drop off any textile items listed above to our five landfill locations at any time throughout the year, as long as they are brought in clear bags and not mixed in with other recycling items. Curbside textile pick-up schedule and how to register: Residents will have the opportunity to arrange for textile curbside pick-up through Recycling Rewards on their designated date outlined below:

• If your regular waste collection day is a Thursday –you can book your textile pickup for Monday June 19

• If your regular waste collection day is a Monday –you can book your textile pickup for Tuesday June 20

• If your regular waste collection day is a Tuesday –you can book your textile pickup for Wednesday June 21

• If your regular waste collection day is a Wednesday – you can book your textile pickup for Thursday June 22

To register your textiles for curbside pick-up, please contact Recycling Rewards, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 4:30pm, by calling 1-866-9273873 and pressing #5 for Kawartha Lakes.

Pick-up can also be scheduled by emailing info@ recyclingrewards.com. Be sure to include “curbside pick-up” in the subject line of your email and don’t forget to include your address (including town name) and contact information.

The deadline to book your collection is Friday, June 16.

On your designated collection day, please place your textiles in clear bags at the curb no later than 7am.

Should you have any questions regarding textile items, please reach out to recycling@kawarthalakes. ca.

CRUISIN’ AT THE BCC

If classic cars and trucks turn your crank, head out to the Buckhorn Community Centre on Tuesdays from 5pm to 7:30pm as enthusiasts bring their vehicles out to show them off!

You can enjoy a BBQ from 5pm to 6:30pm, too, to support the BCC.

Of course, it’s weather permitting.

And mark Saturday, September 16 on your calendar for the Classic Car & Truck Show from 9am to 3pm. Admission is a cash donation and funds raised go to the “Power Up the BCC” campaign. They’ll also be accepting non-perishable food items for the local food bank.

You can find out more about events this summer at the BCC at www.buckhorncommunitycentre.com.

Take Care With Fire

The City of Kawartha Lakes and the Municipality of Trent Lakes have raised their burn hazard index to extreme.

With increased temperatures and lack of precipitation, Kawartha Lakes Fire Chief Terry Jones is recommending that residents do not burn.

“Though we have not issued a total burn ban yet, we are asking the public to take extreme precautions to prevent brush and grass fires while the burn hazard index is set to extreme,” said Jones.

Conditions will continue to be monitored and the public will be notified should there be any further changes to the burn hazard index.

A small fire can spread out of control rapidly in dry conditions. Leaves and grass can readily ignite from as little as a discarded cigarette or spark.

BIKEFEST RETURNS To BoBCAYGEoN

Bobcaygeon Bikefest is back for its 11th year on Saturday, June 3 from 10am to 5pm at Tommy Anderson Park.

Not only will you get to see great bikes and accessories, but you can get some food, shop from vendors and hear great music from Durty Little Secrets and Midnight Council. The Humane Society will also be having a 50/50 draw.

This event will raise funds for Womens Resources and the Humane Society of Kawartha and the surrounding regions.

Dance The Night Away

The Buckhorn Community Centre is the place to be on July 15 for a summer dance featuring The Gunslingers. The Gunslingers play Country, Classic Rock and more!

Tickets are limited to 125 guests. Pizza is included in the $25 price. You can purchase your tickets by dropping into the BCC or calling 705-657-8833.

This is an age of majority event and will run from 8pm to midnight.

SWING BRIDGE UpDATE

There’s no word on when the swing bridge in Bobcaygeon will reopen, but Parks Canada recently sent out this update.

Following the successful lowering of the Bobcaygeon Swing Bridge onto its pintle (center support) and balance rails this past April, the bridge was manually swung to test its fit and function. Completion of this major milestone has allowed all the remaining work on the bridge abutments and connecting roadway to proceed.

Installation of the hydraulic and electrical systems for the lock have now been completed. The electrical and hydraulic lines, the hydraulic cylinders’ mounting brackets and the bridge support ramps have been installed. The heights of these ramps are now being fine-tuned. The bridge has also been balanced to ensure smooth operation and even weight distribution.

The remaining tasks include the forming and pouring of concrete on the bridge abutments, installation and final testing of the remaining mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical components, and paving. Parks Canada continues to work with the contractor, stressing the importance of completing the project.

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.

oMEMEE SWANS SUppoRT CoMMUNITY HEAlTH

The Omemee Swans know that there are many ways to support your community. That’s why funds raised through their events support charities, organizations and causes that benefit those living in and around Omemee — and those that help everyone in the Kawartha Lakes.

During their ’Season of Giving Back’ the Swans have been making donations to support children and education projects, food security efforts, women’s safety, and community gardens.

On May 31, Jill Cockerell, Kathy Woodbeck and Joyce VandenBroek of the Omemee Swans visited Ross Memorial Hospital to present a $1,000 gift to help fund the community’s new, leading edge MRI that arrived at the Hospital on Monday. This advanced technology replaces the 12-year-old MRI that was also funded 100% by donors.

“The Omemee Swans came together only two short years ago, and already they’re having a visible impact on their community and beyond,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “It is only with the generosity of kind people like the members of the Omemee Swans that we can equip our Hospital with the best medical equipment and life-saving technology. We’re incredibly grateful.”

Magnetic Resonance Imaging helps physicians confidently diagnose disease and injury in the brain, spine, joints, breasts and organs. It’s a vital tool for detecting herniated or bulging disks, arthritic changes, and cancer. More than 500 patient exams are scanned at the Ross every month.

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