Architectural image of the proposed KCC building as seen from Maryland Ave.

We welcome feedback and ideas. Send email to outreach@kawarthacommons.ca.   

NEW READERS who are asking “What is cohousing? What are KCC’s goals? What will the building and site be like?” “How can I find out more?”will find lots of general information on our website: https://kawarthacommons.ca/. For more detailed information on how to become an Explorer member, please register as soon as possible for the monthly information session February 11.

This and subsequent newsletters will have three main sections:

1. UPDATE ON THE SITE AND THE BUILDING

2. GETTING TO KNOW OUR PETERBOROUGH: What Peterborough area has to offer you. 

3. OTHER KCC NEWS (including “What has attracted me to cohousing”, part of a series by members)

UPDATE ON THE SITE AND THE BUILDING

As we reported in the last newsletter, we finally heard back from the City regarding our Technical Adequacy Review report with the 16 studies required, part of the rezoning process. We had initial concerns that the City might require significant changes to the building form and position, so requested a meeting with our architect, Sheena Sharp of Coolearth Architects, our urban planner Laura Stone, and builder Craig Mortlock. Sheena explained why the building design was optimal both for the significant slope across the site and to save as many mature trees as possible, and why the building’s compact form is important for energy efficiency. A significant concern from the City was that the main entrance should be clearly visible from the street. The Architectural image shown above seemed to satisfy this concern. Overall, the City indicated willingness to consider most of our reasoning, with a couple of issues remaining in terms of Urban Design that we hope can be sorted out fairly easily. There are also other concerns raised regarding Ecological and Engineering studies that we will be addressing.

GETTING TO KNOW OUR PETERBOROUGH: Kawartha Potters’ Guild

The KPG is celebrating in 2025 with lots of activities for members and fans. The first “Kawartha Pottery Throw Down” challenge is a Wonky Mug and more challenges will be done throughout the year. Come into the Guild between January 12 and February 9th to have a look at all the wonderful wonky creations they have made. 

The Guild offers small 6-week classes during the day and evenings in hand building and wheel throwing. They also have one-day workshops in 2025 just to play with clay. The  gallery is open for purchasing items Monday to Friday at 993 Talwood Drive, Peterborough. Two-hour workshops are available on Sundays for $65 per person and include all the materials and firings. For more information go to https://kawarthapottersguild.com/

Peterborough in the News! New York Times article includes Peterborough in “52 Places to visit in 2025”.

The Trent-Severn Waterway, passing right through Peterborough, is included in The NY Times’ recent article. We’re right up there with Amsterdam and New Orleans. Two of the highlights are here in town: the Canadian Canoe Museum, and one of the world’s highest hydraulic lift locks.

What attracts me to cohousing by Linda Herold 

Throughout my life I have lived in various types of communities.  When I was growing up, I spent my summers in overnight camp. As a young adult I lived in communal housing and on a kibbutz. As well, I spent many years in an intentional community. The common thread in all these experiences was a sense of joy and meaningfulness through developing close relationships and through the camaraderie that emerges from shared living. I noticed that I thrive in community because I enjoy being engaged in working together, sharing resources and getting to know the people I live close to. So it seems like a natural evolution as an older adult to join a cohousing community.  Living in a community where I know my neighbours and we can be mutually supportive is important to me. It’s also essential to me that cohousing offers the opportunity to live sustainably. Lastly, I like that I will have my own private space but there are people to connect with when I choose to.

The January Superweekend, January 17-19

It was a weekend and it was Super!! From dinner Friday night at Gerti’s to brunch at Erika’s on Sunday, not to mention everything in between including brunch at The Vine, the Peterborough Museum exhibit and happy hour, potluck and games at the Unitarian Fellowship on Saturday. Huge Shout Out to Community Life for all their hard work putting it together!!