Why A Couple Chose To Move To Peterborough Over Any Other City & Town In Canada

At the end of 2016, my wife and I left our apartment in Red Deer, Alberta for the greener pastures of Peterborough, Ontario. But before I jump into my thesis of why we chose Peterborough, first I need to give some context.

WHERE WE CAME FROM

When I finished my graduate degree at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario at the end of 2011, I had zero job prospects, anywhere (what do you do with a degree in rainbow trout behaviour and physiology?). As such, I packed up my basement apartment to move into my parent's luxurious basement (having someone do your laundry counts as luxurious, right?) in Red Deer.

I left my then girlfriend/future wife behind where she was in her final year of dental school in London and we did long distance until the Rocky Mountains started calling her name. I would like to think she moved to Red Deer for me but she’s a hardcore downhill skier so the epic slopes of Lake Louise brought her to Alberta. I didn’t mind.

Siam Grobler pictured at The Silver Bean Café in Peterborough

The following three years, we worked hard and played hard. Most weekends in the summer, we were hiking and camping in Rockies, and in the winter we skied like possessed people. It was a great situation being 90 minutes away from the mountains.

With a population of 100,000, we had every amenity available to us, and could move across the city fairly quickly. Plus, Edmonton and Calgary were equally far away, meaning we had two international airports to choose from. Not to mention my immediate family was near-by (parents in Red Deer, my sister and her husband in Edmonton) and most importantly for us, the Rockies were accessible. Like I said before, it was a great situation and we were very happy.

Like most places in Alberta (especially at the end of 2013 when she moved), development in Red Deer was at an all time high due to the high crude oil prices. It felt like the city was bursting at the seams with people moving from across the country for work. Entire neighborhoods were being build at break-neck speed which resulted in cookie cutter homes, small property lots and tiny trees.

This development also lead to a lot of big box stores and chain restaurants popping up on every corner. Optimism regarding life was at an all time high with the perception that high crude prices were here to stay for the next 10 years (this was the conservative estimate).

Having people move to a city for just work means that there is nothing binding them to the community. A common perception was: “I’m here to work because there is no work where I would actually want to live.” While not everyone who moved to Alberta has this opinion, it was common enough that most people would be living two simultaneous lives: a work life where they put their noses to the grind stone, and a relaxing/enjoyable life, where they would go home.

At this junction, let me just say I love Red Deer and Alberta. Not only is the place easy on the eyes, provides opportunity in spades and is home to my beloved Oilers (my man crush on Connor McDavid is slowly fading due to the fact that I can’t stay up that late to watch him produce magic and that hurts my soul), Alberta is also a welcoming and progressive place.

We both loved our time there so much that when we decided it was time to think about expanding our family and try another city, Banff was a serious contender. Only Peterborough topped Banff.

Siam visiting High Falls near Peterborough

WHY PETERBOROUGH WON

Since my wife is a dentist, she can work almost anywhere in Canada. And so, once it was decided that we needed a change of location, we tackled the challenge of where to move in Canada with scientific rigor and patience, coming up with lots of pro and con lists for each potential place in this beautiful country. Here are the six main reasons we picked Peterborough...

1. Beautiful. Really beautiful: As far as the eye test is concerned, there aren’t many places as scenic as Peterborough. Having lived in multiple provinces (and countries for that matter) and driven across the country several times, I am convinced that Peterborough is a beautiful gem. The city has hills, a river that runs through it, a lake, big trees and old homes. When I tell new acquaintances that I meet in Peterborough that this was the main factor for us choosing this city, they are surprised. I guess if you have been here for awhile, you take the beauty for granted. And just outside the city, you have rolling farm land and cute towns.

2. Excellent for work-life balance: To go along side the beauty, Peterborough has a lot of green space that is easily accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. This is a big draw for young couples wanting to expand their family. These trails are good for our souls, good for our health. I don’t think people here understand how special Jackson Park and the Parkway Trail is. Lots of places around the globe are figuring out how to incorporate more green spaces into their communities but Peterborough already has it. This city-wide pedestrian trail makes Peterborough very unique.

Siam pictured at The Silver Bean Café with Otonabee River as backdrop

3. Did I mention water?: With the Otonabee River running through the city and Little Lake being in the middle of the city and the multitudes of other lakes in the area, there is no shortage of water access. My wife grew up on Lake Scugog so being close to water was always important to her. No matter how often I told her, “Man, we could live in the Rockies!” her reply was always the same: “Yeah, but it’s not water…” We haven’t bought a canoe or kayaks yet, but have gone canoe-camping in Algonquin and Kawartha Highlands and I must admit, being on water is freakin' sweet.  

4. Lift Lock (Lock 21): I almost forgot the Lift Lock. Here’s how I describe the Lift Lock to anyone out West: "So there’s the LOOOONG canal (called the Trent-Severn canal) that was built in the 1900s to take ships from Lake Ontario into the interior of Ontario and the canal passes right through Peterborough. At one section (which is in the city), the canal is 20 meters above/below you depending on which direction you are going, and there is a Lift Lock to get you to the other side. This Lift Lock is TWO GIANT BATH TUBS THAT MOVE HYDRAULICALLY DUE TO GRAVITY WHEN THE TOP TUB IS FULL OF WATER, PUSHING THE BOTTOM TOP UP. It’s so cool. And the Trent-Severn Canal system is part of The National Parks System, which is also freakin' cool."

Sian's view doing work at the Silver Bean Café

5. Established: Since I did not grow up in the area, the above mentioned points I noticed when we drove into Peterborough to visit my wife’s Aunt and Uncle many years ago. What was also obvious at that time is that Peterborough is its own thing. It stands on its own. It is self-sufficient. Sure, you can get to Toronto if you have to but Peterborough is far enough away that it has its own identity and heart. This appealed to me as it is not influenced by the Big Smoke. It is its own community. It is Peterborough.

6. Big Town: Coming from a place that has a fairly large population (100,000 in Red Deer versus 80,000 in PTBO), we knew the benefits of choosing a town of similar size. Firstly, you are not in a large city which is great. Secondly, it is large enough that you have access to every amenity and there are lots of places to eat and drink. There is life and activity and action. Thirdly, since it isn’t so extremely large, it feels like a town where people know and care about each other.

7. Family: My wife’s family is nearby, which was important in our decision to move. This isn’t to say that her family is better than my family; it’s just that her parents are still on Lake Scugog with the rest of her family close by. My family in Red Deer rocks, too (just so that everyone knows).

SOME THINGS I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT PETERBOROUGH

In the few months that we have been in Peterborough, I have learned a few additional things that were not obvious at first glance:

-> The entrepreneurial scene is strong and booming: There are so many organizations that help nurture and develop small businesses in town that I still do not fully understand and comprehend the network. All I know is if you want to start your own business, Peterborough has amazing people that will go out of their way to help you be a success.

-> People want to help: This goes hand-in-hand with the previous point but I cannot stress it enough. Instead of local businesses being cut-throat towards competitors, everyone is supportive of each other. I know this as I have had many informational interviews with the cities’ business people and they recommended that I go speak with someone else—sometimes even their direct competitor. It has been a fantastic experience so far.

-> There are a lot of restaurants: There are so many fantastic places to eat. It is going to take us a long time to eat at all of them… Also, the downtown core is bumping!

—By Siam Grobler

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City Of Peterborough Wants Your Input On Proposed Tagline For City "Where Roads And Rivers Meet"

The City of Peterborough is developing a Community Brand with BrandHealth that defines what is unique about Peterborough. They want to hear from the public about a proposed tagline "Where roads and rivers meet."

Photo by Patrick Stephen

The City of Peterborough says that "during our community consultations, we heard that Peterborough is unique because it is a thriving city that is close to major urban centres, yet has nature at its doorstep. Peterborough is where the two worlds meet."

So what do you think about "Where Roads And Rivers Meet" as a tagline for the community? Give your input here.

We would love to hear your thoughts about the proposed tagline "Where roads and rivers meet." https://t.co/nATktXvuVr pic.twitter.com/0TATbyOWGJ

— City of Peterborough (@CityPtbo) July 25, 2017

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Peterborough Startup Chimp Treats Creates New Jobs Through Partnership With Community Living

Peterborough's Brooke Hammer, founder and CEO of Chimp Treats, has taken the drive and passion of her two startup businesses to hold a job fair through a partnership with Community Living—providing three employment opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The 22-year-old entrepreneur began her entrepreneurial journey after founding Take Flight, a business inspired when her brother with Down Syndrome faced community barriers trying to find meaningful work. Hammer started the organization to help those with developmental disabilities find independence, social interaction, purpose, and meaningful employment through day programs and services.

“I wanted my brother to be able to experience the joy, satisfaction and pride that comes with meaningful work and belonging to a community,” says Hammer.

Brooke Hammer Founded Taking Flight

Now working at the rapidly-growing Chimp Treats, an innovative health food company selling the popular “Nicecream” frozen dessert made entirely from fruit, Hammer is supporting a healthy lifestyle in her second startup.

Starting out the business solo, Hammer has now added two full-time employees to her business. Still needing to hire more, Hammer saw an opportunity to take her passion from her previous business and hold a job fair through the Community Living partnership.

Hammer and her Chimp Treats team are growing

“During my first meeting, I could barely contain my enthusiasm learning about this locally owned company Chimp Treats,” says Jen Edwards at Community Living Peterborough. “Normally companies aren’t knocking on Community Living’s door asking for people to come work for them with the offer of meaningful work that is competitively paid. After touring the factory and visiting their office at the Innovation Cluster, it is very apparent this company is offering a rewarding job.”

The job fair will be held at the Innovation Cluster, where Chimp Treats is based, on July 20th, offering a full-time inclusive employment opportunity to work with the Chimp Treats team. The three chosen hires will be trained personally by the CEO Hammer herself at their manufacturing location, and get to be part of the startup team promoting healthy lifestyles.

“I’m pleased to see communities becoming more aware of employment gaps, underemployment, and the need for inclusive opportunities for individuals with special needs,” says Hammer. “No person is the exact same, but the opportunities available to us should be.”

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Peterborough's Epic Street Festival Pulse Takes Place This Saturday

The 3rd Annual community event Peterborough Pulse takes place on Saturday, July 15th. It's an awesome day where the streets are closed to motorized vehicles (between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.) and filled with cyclists, roller-skaters, families pushing strollers, art, music, free activities and great conservations.

Bring your pets, your family and your friends as Peterborough Pulse invites the whole city to walk, bike, dance, play and socialize in spaces typically used by cars.

Peterborough Pulse wants to inspire Peterborough to become the healthiest and happiest city it can be. By opening the streets to people, Pulse promotes healthy communities, active transportation, local business, and neighborhood pride.

This year’s route will run along George Street from McDonnel Street to Sherbrooke and follow along the Trans Canada Trail through Millennium and Del Crary parks and run the length of Crescent Street.

The route will also include the bustling commercial district on Charlotte Street between George and Louis streets, making it the longest Pulse route yet!

"I am looking forward to watching how Pulse, with its car-free streets filled with people walking and biking, transforms the streets of Peterborough again this year," says Susan Sauvé, Transportation Demand Management Planner for the City of Peterborough.

"Pulse is taking the lead as an example of the direction large events should be taking in downtowns,” adds Terry Guiel, DBIA's Executive Director. “It is all-encompassing and all-inclusive to every sector. It successfully brings local community groups and local businesses together while being welcoming and engaging to everyone who attends.”

For more info and a route map, visit their website.

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Newcomers To Peterborough Community Try Curling For The First Time

The Peterborough Curling Club generously donated its ice on Saturday (March 11th) for a Curling Day so newcomers could try their hand at this Canadian winter sport. About 40 newcomers participated in the event, which was a collaboration between the New Canadians Centre and Peterborough Curling Club.

About 10 volunteers from Peterborough Curling Club provided curling instructions and equipment for the new curling learners.

Photo via New Canadians Centre Facebook page

“The objective is to welcome newcomers to the community and introduce them to a very popular Canadian winter sport,” says Ken Featherstone of Peterborough Curling Club. “Newcomers can meet and socialize with other newcomers while learning a part of Canadian sports culture.”

Photo via New Canadians Centre Facebook page

Photo via New Canadians Centre Facebook page

“Some newcomers, especially if they do not speak English, can feel isolated,” says Anne Elliott, Community Coordinator at the New Canadians Centre. “The New Canadians Centre offers different opportunities and services to connect newcomers to the community and feel welcomed and at home. The curling day is ideal because it is Canadian, active and fun.”

Photo via New Canadians Centre Facebook page

To learn more about the New Canadians Centre, visit their website.

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Peterborough County Cattlemen Give Back Bigtime To The Community

Peterborough County Cattlemen presented a $3,760 cheque to the Peterborough County Agricultural Raise the Barn: Heritage Building at Lang Century Village and $1,320 to the Millbrook Cavan Firefighters Association.

The funds were raised at the Cattlemen's 35th Annual Beef BBQ that was held at the Robson Family farm in Cavan Monaghan Township this past summer. The event was made possible through the volunteer work of Peterborough County Cattlemen and their families, 4-H youth and Millbrook Cavan firefighters.

Cheque presentation of $1320 to the Millbrook Cavan Firefighters Association. Left to right: Firefighter Keith Shultz; Mike Telford, Cattlemen's BBQ Fundraising Chair; Adam Goyne, President of the Millbrook Cavan Firefighters Association; Larry Jinkerson, Peterborough County Cattlemen President; Steve Branscombe, Millbrook Cavan Firefighters Association Treasurer; Firefighter Matt Woodward, Firefighter Doug Wilson.

Under the leadership of BBQ Fundraising Chair Mike Telford, the Cattlemen have raised over $25,000 for worthy causes over the last five years. This year, approximately 100 community businesses contributed to the auction.

Each year, part of the proceeds of the fundraiser go the fire-fighter associations in the township in which the BBQ is held. “As a firefighter, I know that local fire departments do not always have the important extras they need to do their job and to support the community,” says Mike Telford. Cavan Monaghan Fire Services Association President Adam Goyne adds: “We were surprised and grateful to receive this money from the Cattlemen.”

Cheque presentation of $3760 for the Peterborough County Agricultural Raising the Barn: Heritage Building. Left to right: Peterborough County Warden, J. Murray Jones; Mike Telford, Cattlemen's BBQ Fundraising Chair; and Larry Jinkerson, Peterborough County Cattlemen President

Peterborough Cattlemen President Larry Jinkerson and BBQ Fundraising Chair Mike Telford presented a cheque for $3,760 to Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones on November 10th at Lang Century Village. The Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building, which will open in 2017, will celebrate the history of agriculture in this region.

The building itself will be built to honour the traditions established 200 years ago. “Peterborough Cattlemen are pleased to support the Raise the Barn initiative which will showcase the agricultural history of Peterborough County," says Larry Jinkerson. "Cattle have been a major part of the local agricultural scene since this area was first settled.”

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The Peterborough Petes Organization Is Hosting First Ever Town Hall Event

On Thursday, September 15th at 7:05 p.m.—more on the 7:05 start time below—the Peterborough Petes Board of Directors will host season ticket holders in the first ever Petes Town Hall event at Market Hall.

The purpose of the event is to hold an open forum for questions about the Petes organization—particularly as it pertains to team governance, operations, and community relations.

PTBOCanada file photo

Season Ticket Holders will receive an exclusive invite to the Town Hall event inside their 2016/17 season ticket booklets. The booklets can be picked up from the PMC Collins Barrow Box Office starting at noon on Thursday, August 25th.
 
The free Town Hall event will be catered by downtown Peterborough-based blackhoney.

PTBOCanada historical file photo

“The Town Hall event is a way for the Petes and the Board of Directors to refresh our relationships with key local stakeholders,” says Petes President Dave Pogue. “We will be opening up the floor for higher-level questions about the operations of the team that we get asked consistently by many fans.”
 
Space is limited at this exclusive event, but if there is capacity remaining after the season ticket RSVP window closes, members of the general public will definitely be invited to attend as well, the Petes tell PTBOCanada.

PTBOCanada file photo

Now, as to the 7:05 p.m. start time: The format of the Town Hall will be similar to a Thursday night hockey game (which start at 7:05). First, second, and third period segments will be used to focus on team history, governance, community relations, hockey operations and business operations, with specific presentations and question periods scheduled for each topic.

This is a great idea by the Petes organization—a storied franchise—to host the Town Hall and we hope to see the Market Hall packed.

 
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