Several Downtown Roads To Undergo Road Surface Repairs; Work Completion Expected For Fall Next Year

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The City of Peterborough has planned to repair several downtown road surfaces with work expected to start next month, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The work is scheduled to be completed in the fall of next year. The projects have awarded to IPAC Paving Limited.

The scope of work generally includes the removal/disposal/supply/set of select frames, covers, and grates, resetting of valve boxes, select curb removal, curb re-installations, milling of existing asphalt, base asphalt repairs, application of emulsified asphalt tack coat, installation of hot mix asphalt and the application of pavement markings according to a City press release.

The City also adds that these upgrades may not address all drainage issues as this is not a full reconstruction and the project cannot correct existing grading or drainage deficiencies.

Milling and surface asphalt placement is proposed on the following streets:

Peterborough Utilities Group will be completing underground water main rehabilitation at the above-noted locations with the resurfacing of roads to follow next year.

Brock Street, Simcoe Street, King Street, and Murray Street — located between George Street and Water Street — will experience short-term road closures with posted detours during construction works to facilitate the work.

This is expected to impact milling and paving operations by one to two days. George Street, Water Street, Sheridan Street, Brock Street, McDonnel Street and Parkhill Road West will be reduced to a single traffic lane during operations, including eliminating parking along the roadways during structure adjustments, milling and paving.

Milling and paving of George Street and Water Street are proposed to proceed during night operations. Access for local traffic and businesses will be maintained during road closures; however, it is expected that local traffic may experience delays within the construction limits. More concise and/or revised information as it relates to Public impacts will be provided when issuing location-specific construction notices for this project.

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Annual Heritage Hunt Invites Peterborough To Test Architectural Knowledge

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The Peterborough Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (PACAC) has launched their annual Heritage Hunt contest inviting residents to test their knowledge of Peterborough’s architectural heritage for the chance to win great local prizes.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The contest involves identifying 34 architectural details on buildings in a defined area of the city. All details are visible from the sidewalk and both sides of the street are in play.  

This year’s hunt will take place downtown. Many of the highlighted properties are designated heritage sites and are recipients of the City’s Façade Improvement Grant. It’s a great chance to explore the downtown, which is currently being studied as a potential Heritage Conservation District.

“PKAR is proud to sponsor the 2022 Heritage Hunt in the City of Peterborough. Heritage features add character and beauty to our city, fostering a sense of identity and community; they serve as a reminder to each of us that our city’s history belongs to us all, newcomers and long-time residents alike.”

Prizes will be awarded in both individual and group categories for the correct identification of the most architectural elements on the clue sheet. Prizes were generously donated by the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and feature great offerings from local downtown businesses.

The Heritage Hunt contest closes Aug. 1.

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Downtown Is Blooming Thanks To Volunteers And Peterborough's New Green Team

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Peterborough’s new Green Team has kicked off another season of beautifying the downtown with planters full of colourful flowers.

Hillary Flood (DBIA) with Dawn Pond (DBIA) admiring flowers to be used in downtown planters. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

This year, the downtown is slated to be brimming with plants with over 100 planters and green spaces for the Green Team gardening crew to tend to.

“Having green space, having plants and flowers - that impacts how people perceive our town,” said Dawn Pond, DBIA Placemaking Project Manager. “These edible planters will help businesses, they’re also great for the environment as they offer food and shelter for pollinators.”

Restaurants and businesses that have planters in front were given the opportunity to chose between an ‘edible’ planter with herbs and greens, a flower planter, or a mix of both. Many restaurants chose the edible option and will be using these greens in their dishes.

On Tuesday, volunteers and members of the Green Team met at Peterborough Square to put together planters and learn about gardening.

The Green Team is run through One City Peterborough and offers employment to those who otherwise may have a difficult time applying to or having a job.

According to Jenny Kennedy-Bloom, Employment Facilitator at One City, employees of the Green Team are trained in horticulture, offered support and given the opportunity to gain valuable, employable skills.

“This is a supportive employment program,” she said. “We know that there is a gap between people wanting to work and the jobs that are available sometimes being to big of a jump for people.”

Planters and gardens in the downtown area will be maintained throughout the season by the green Team.

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Downtown Comes Alive As Patio Season Brings Diners Outside For The Summer

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Patio season is ramping up with the installation of expanded patio areas and new pedestrian space for people visiting the downtown.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

The City has completed the installation of decorative fencing and planter boxes next to businesses on George, Water and Charlotte streets that have signed up for the expanded patios this year, using on-street parking in front of their businesses.

The patio season changes also means that Hunter Street between George and Aylmer streets has become a one-lane, one-way street westbound to add more patio and pedestrian space.

As part of the reconfiguration of the section of Hunter Street, Chambers Street is temporarily closed at its south end at Hunter Street and will be two-way for the duration of the closure.

This is the third summer that the City is putting in place temporary changes to downtown public space to allow for more patio and pedestrian area. This year’s design is similar to last year’s successful design, except for one change: Charlotte Street between George Street and Aylmer Street North is remaining a two-lane, two-way street this year.

In other areas of the downtown, expanded patios are put into on-street parking spaces next to businesses that choose to participate in the program.

Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic public health considerations, providing additional outdoor space for downtown businesses and visitors is another way to support businesses that are recovering from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, says the City.

For a second year, the City will coordinate the the Renaissance on Hunter public art project. This project allows successful, local artists to complete murals on Hunter Street. The Road Mural and Artists' Gardens projects are expected to be in place by early July, weather permitting.

The City of Peterborough consulted with Peterborough Public Health and Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area through the design and implementation of the temporary downtown public space changes.

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Patio Season Is Approaching As City Approves Temporary Changes To Downtown Spaces

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Patio season is approaching with plans underway to create more patio and pedestrian space in the downtown.

File Photo.

At its meeting on Monday, City Council approved temporary changes to the downtown public space to allow for additional patio and pedestrian space this patio season. The patio season set up is expected to be installed in late May or early June.

“Downtown patio and pedestrian spaces enhance the vibrancy of our downtown for visitors while supporting businesses. Our downtown community attracted people into the central area to visit the patios last year – and I’m looking forward to them building on that success this year,” Town Ward Councillor Kemi Akapo said.

The plan includes: 

  • Allowing businesses on George, Water and Charlotte streets to use on-street parking spaces for additional outdoor business/patio space with no permit fee for the use of the space

  • Maintaining the existing two vehicular travel lanes and cycling lanes on George and Water streets

  • Reducing Hunter Street to a one-lane, one-way street to expand pedestrian space and available patio areas

  • Maintaining Charlotte Street as a two-way, two-lane street, while allowing for patios in on-street parking spaces through the patio permit process

  • The use of decorative fencing and planters to delineate between the new pedestrian areas, expanded/on-street patios and vehicular traffic lanes

Reduced speed limits will be put in place on streets with patios. Parking spaces and loading zones may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses.

If provincial or local public health directives change in response to the pandemic, the City will be ready to adjust to support public health and downtown businesses in relation to the downtown built environment.

The Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and Peterborough Public Health provided guidance on the implementation of downtown built environment changes for this patio season. The DBIA is assisting its member businesses with the distribution of patio permit information packages.

Businesses inquiring about permits for patio space downtown are asked to contact: 

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T-Elle Boutique Legacy Lives On As New Owner Takes Over

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T-Elle Boutique, a women’s apparel shop downtown Peterborough, has been transferred to new management and will remain open after original owner Lien Vu announced her retirement.

Victoria SL in T-Elle Boutique. Photo by Luke Best.

Victoria SL took over the shop on April 1 and has been learning from Vu since. The shop has been rebranded as “T-Elle Boutique by VSL.”

“I’ve always been interested in owning a business and this just seemed like a very interesting opportunity,” said SL.

Though she has never owned a retail store, SL has plenty of experience in hard work.

With a PhD in linguistics, SL operated an English language academy in Taiwan then moved to Canada and has been a professor at Trent University since 2014. She is also a licensed Zumba instructor.

“I like to do all kinds of things, this is an experience,” said SL. “If you have the ability to do it, just do it.”

She hopes that her taking over T-Elle might inspire others to do the thing that they’ve been thinking about doing.

@ptbo_canada T-Elle’s Boutique has everything you need for your fancy dress needs! #LocalShop #ShopLocal #PTBOCanada #DowntownPTBO ♬ kiss me back girl - veggibeats

The decision to take over came quickly, she says. When visiting the shop during its closing sale with a friend, Vu asked if she wanted to take over randomly.

“I believe in divine timing, everything has its own time,” said SL. “I’ve always been fascinated by fashion, and I thought this could be something to build off of. It’s just an amazing opportunity for me. I’m not feeling pressure, just excitement.”

Now, a few weeks into owning the business, Vu is showing SL the ropes to the business before she leaves for good.

“I feel free,” said Vu.

Vu notes that she is glad SL is taking over, and that Peterborough will still have a place to buy outfits for their special occasions.

SL says she plans to continue the shop as Vu had it, though maybe in the future she will begin to bring in more of her own style.

The shop will be open Tuesday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Appointments can also be made by calling (705) 742-7778.

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Downtown Street Patios Expected To Return To Hunter Street This Summer

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Earlier this week City Councilors endorsed recommendations for patio and pedestrian space on Hunter Street, similar to last year.

Photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

The plan allows businesses to use on-street parking spaces for additional outdoor patio space with no permit fee for the use of the space.

This decision will reduces Hunter Street to a one-lane, one-way street and does permit the use of decorative fencing and planters to note a clear difference between the new pedestrian areas and the vehicular traffic lanes.

It is recommended that Charlotte Street remain a two-lane, two-way street. George and Water Street will remain two-lanes.

Both The DBIA and Peterborough Public Health provided guidance on this decision.

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Peterborough Formal Wear Store T-Elle Boutique Closing Its Doors After 37 Years

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Local business owner Lien Vu is closing her shop T-Elle Boutique on March 31 after 37 years in business and hundreds of special-occasion outfits sold.

Lien Vu (pictured) relocated her store to 131 Charlotte St. from her previously location at 351. George St. N. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Vu graduated from Fleming College with a degree in business in the 1980s and found herself wondering where she would start her career.

“When I graduated I must have applied to 100 jobs, nothing,” said Vu. “I took the $5,000 I had and started this.”

She put $2,500 to get the store ready with a fresh coat of paint, small renovations and another $2,500 to buy merchandise.

She says she wanted T-Elle to be customers’ go-to shop when they needed a fancy outfit to wear.

“I’m not normal,” said Vu with a laugh. “When customers come in, I want them to stand out. I want them to go to their party and heads to turn.”

Vu says the formal wear started to sell very quickly and she was soon able to bring in more merchandise including casual wear.

“Things started moving and I realized ‘hey, this is what I like to do’ and I started bringing more stuff in,” Vu said gesturing to the colourful dresses and outfits around her. “After a while, we were able to bring in more casual stuff but my casual is not casual.”

Vu looking at photos from her shops past. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Vu’s shop is slowly emptying as shoppers buy up the last of her stock.

She says the changing business environment is in part to blame.

“It’s all online but my dresses - you need to try them on to know,” she said.

Reflecting on the pieces she has sold in the past, Vu says she is grateful to have been a part of so many peoples special days.

“You need a lot of dedication and a lot of patience to do this job,” she said. “Working weddings and graduations, that’s not something you try on one dress for. You have to be so good to everyone and so patient. I’m glad I’ve built a good reputation here.”

Vu plans to move closer to her children and grandchildren and enjoy retirement surrounded by family.

Merchandise is on sale now and T-Elle’s will close on March 31.

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Local Sports Retail Store Doubles As Community Hub In Unique Business Service

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What looks like a sports apparel store, owner Mark Million of The Capital PTBO created a community hub for the sports community in downtown Peterborough that opened on Monday.

Mark Million also works as a realtor for Bowes & Cocks Limited Brokerage. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store is located at 370 George St. N. and sells sports apparel such as hats, shirts and collectibles but offers a venue for other sports outlets. The space offers free rental space for events such as sports banquets, press conferences or fantasy draft parties.

Customers can use the space as a library for sports books available on-site, play table hockey or watch the game at no charge in a safe and welcoming environment.

"We're not here to make money off you. We're here to let you enjoy the moment,” said Million. “The downtown has for some generations of people, it has a stigma attached that isn't always true. It's not a scary space, it's a safe space run by entrepreneurs."

@ptbo_canada Need a place to hang out and do all things sports? The Capital PTBO invites you to relax, hang out and maybe shop while you are there! #PTBOCanada ♬ Smokin Out The Window - Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak & Silk Sonic

Million worked in retail with his brother for roughly four years before making a career change to a realtor for Bowes & Cocks Limited Brokerage. The brothers went back to retail after a friend’s suggestion to open a business since a major store closed its doors last February which left a void in the sports apparel market.

“Retail was my first love and I’ve done it for many, many years,” reflected Million. “National Sports announced that they were closing so that really started to move the ball forward. If we were to take a shot, go for it.”

The logo is made of wood and was crafted by Million’s son, Cole. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store’s name carries local roots as the logo was designed by Mary Bucholtz of Bechwood Design. The Market Hall clock tower represents Million’s family lineage and heritage that was in Peterborough’s history.

"My grandfather's grandfather (on my mom's side) had the first business under the clock way back in the 1840s-50s," said Million. “He had a fish market, it was the first one underneath the clock tower so to bring that was fun.”

The store currently carries Electric City Football Club apparel and is in the process of getting rights to sell Peterborough Petes merchandise.

“It's a no-brainer for us to be involved in local sports and there's such a rich history here between lacrosse, hockey and Electric City soccer team that was around 120 years ago,” said Million.

Despite the space looking like a retail store at first glance, coming inside the store will show the true experience The Capital PTBO has to offer.

“Come and check out our space, don't buy anything,” said Million. “I don't need the sale as much I need you to understand what this space could mean for your sports organization or for your club or whatever the case may be. We want it to be a space to be inclusive for anyone that's comfortable to do that sort of thing.”

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The Boro Announces Wild Rock Outfitters As Holiday Window Contest Winner

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The Boro announced on Wednesday that Wild Rock Outfitters placed first in their annual Holiday Window Contest.

Wild Rock Outfitters staff members Bridget Moore (left) and Rachel Dean (right) celebrating their winning window. Photo courtesy of The Boro.

“This holiday season has been all about community, getting outdoors, and supporting each other. Our staff brought their fabulous ideas and talents together to create a beautiful expression of just that, and we're so happy they'll be rewarded for their efforts. We are so grateful to have a team filled with so much enthusiasm, skill, and love,” said Tori Silvera, Wild Rock General Manager. “Thanks Peterborough, and have a wonderful holiday, whatever you're celebrating."

This year’s winners are:

1st place — Wild Rock Outfitters, 169 Charlotte Street

2nd Place — Statement House, 378 Water Street

3rd Place — Green Street, Shop, 237 George Street

The top three winners will be receiving $1,000, $500, and $200 for their winning windows. Locals voted online for their top three holiday window displays throughout the contest period from November 19 to December 6.

“It feels very festive downtown right now thanks to the creativity of our brilliant shop owners. This year’s theme was Holiday Cheer and our businesses curated wonderfully cheery holiday window displays this season,” said Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. “It’s incredible to see the community rally behind our small businesses. Over 2,400 votes were cast throughout the contest, and we are just blown away by the local enthusiasm for this program.”

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