Peterborough Blogs
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Avant-Garden Shop, The Eyrie and Sweet Fern Floral Studio
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
The Avant-Garden Shop is hosting a special event on Nov. 7 at their shop on Sherbrooke Street.
Owners Matthew and Kristin Morgan of the Eyrie Birds of Prey Centre will be there at 11 am for a one-hour demonstration where people can come to meet their team of feathered friends and learn more about some of nature’s most incredible animals! For more information you can call the shop at (705) 743-0068
Sweet Fern Floral Studio is moving from their location on Water Street to a new home at 208 Charlotte St.
They plan to open their Charlotte Street location for business on November 3rd and in the meantime you can still find them at 387 Water St. For more information you can call the studio at (705) 868-7705 or connect on social media.
The Business Excellence Awards took place last week, hosted in the gorgeous Kawartha Downs Events Space with a Cocktail Hour in the Loft.
Attendees enjoyed delicious appetizers from Fyrestoke Catering followed by an unforgettable dinner courtesy of Chemong Lodge. We could not have had such an incredible event without the support of our partners and sponsors and we want to give a huge thank you to Corus Entertainment for their support in helping make the 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala an event to remember. For the full list of our partners and the recipients of this year’s awards, you can go to: pkchamber.ca
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber Unveil Its 2026 Business Excellence Award Winners
/The Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its 2026 Business Excellence Awards at its Gala at Kawartha Downs on Thursday night.
Roughly 300 members of the local business community attended to celebrate and recognize the achievements.
“Tonight, we celebrated more than business success. We celebrated the people behind it — the dreamers, the risk-takers, and the hardworking individuals who, through businesses large and small, lift each other up, strengthen our community, and remind us that when we succeed together, we all rise,” said Susan Dunkley, Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce board chair.”
The following are this year’s recipients:
Farm Family of the Year: Staples Maple Syrup
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Peterborough Axe Club
Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year: Canada CPR
Retail: Kawartha Country Wines
Professional Services: Baker Tilly
Not-For-Profit: Kawartha Land Trust
Marketing and Promotions: Peterborough Humane Society
Local Focus: The Cheesy Fromage
Tourism: Wanderlight Alpaca Experience
Skilled Trades: Blackwood Developments
Health and Wellness: Trent Health in Motion
Micro Business: Blackrock Developments
Indigenous Led Business: Cambium Indigenous Professional Services
Hospitality: Chemong Lodge
Customer First: Kingdon Timber Mart
Employer of the Year: Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory
4 Under 40 (In Memory of Kathy Windrem): Elsa Batten, Jordan Mercier, Kyle Christie, & Susan Tung
Business Citizen of the Year: David Feeley
President’s Award: Alan Black
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Whelans Flooring, Selwyn Township and The Venue
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Congratulations to Whelans Flooring as they recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary!
Over the years, they have grown to become the premier retail flooring store in Peterborough, Lindsay and the Kawarthas. In the last few years Whelan's has also picked up several awards, most recently the 2019 Service Sector Excellence award at the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce awards. For more information, you can visit: whelansflooring.com
Selwyn Township recently launched their Meet Selwyn video series showcasing the businesses, attractions, and experiences that make Selwyn a great place to visit and encourage people to eat, stay, and explore local.
You can check out that video series by going to: youtube.com/SelwynTownship
Congratulations to The Venue who recently celebrated five years of family ownership under Keven and April Sendel.
The Venue is Peterborough’s Premier Event space in the heart of downtown, hosting events from weddings to concerts to conferences and more! The celebration on Oct. 14 highlighted their continued commitment to hosting memorable events. For more information you can visit: venueptbo.ca
This Thursday is the 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala! We look forward to celebrating with you and highlighting this year’s recipients at Kawartha Downs – congratulations to all the nominees and thank you to all the businesses who work hard to make Peterborough and the Kawarthas such a great place to live, work, play, and do business.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
The City of Peterborough Seeking Mobile Food Vendors
/The City of Peterborough is offering new opportunities for qualified mobile food service operators to serve food and beverages at Peterborough recreation facilities, parks and community events.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
A new pilot program is being launched that aims to give visitors more food options while creating new opportunities for local food businesses. The City aims to establish a roster of qualified vendors who could provide food and beverage services at City-run events including sporting events, tournaments, camps, community events and other City programming.
Locations include:
Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W.
McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St.
Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
Bowers Park Canteen, 765 Brealey Dr.
Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.
Operators must provide a fully self-contained mobile food service operation that can be brought to a site for an event and removed afterward. On-site storage and permanent food service infrastructure will not be available.
Qualified mobile food service operators are invited to review the Request for Supplier Qualification (RFSQ-150-26) for details about the requirements and application process.
Interested applicants can visit peterborough.ca/bids for more information on the bid or the application process.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Workforce Development Board, Heads Up for Inclusion and The Cheesy Fromage
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Congratulations to the Workforce Development Board as they celebrate their 30th Anniversary.
Over the past 30 years the WDB has led and championed numerous initiatives that have supported employers and helped individuals make informed career decisions. For more information, you can visit: wdb.ca
Heads Up for Inclusion is hosting an Amigos Spook-Tacular Line Dancing Event with at the Alternatives Community Building on Oct. 16 from 5:30-7:30 PM in partnership with Alternatives Community Program Services.
It’s free for all to attend thanks to an Ontario Trillium funding Grant. For more information and to register please call (705) 876-0383.
The Cheesy Fromage has partnered with The Lakefield Animal Welfare Society to bring back their Wag-O-Ween fundraiser on Oct.17 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Bring your pet to trick or treat at Lakefield businesses on Queen Street, Bridge Street, Burnham Street, Reid Street, and Lakefield Road. Look for the Wag-O-Ween posters in the window! You can also sign up at the Cheesy Fromage for the Kid & Pet Duo costume contest happening from 12- 1 p.m. For more information you can go to: lakefieldanimalwelfare.org.
Tickets are now sold out for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala! We look forward to the announcement of finalists and recipients of the awards on October 22!
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring CT Tree Services, DKI-CRCS and Business Excellence Awards Gala
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
CT Tree Services has been celebrating 30 years in business this year, marking three decades of providing professional arborist and tree care services to the region.
Led by Craig Tracey, the business has grown from a forestry background into a full-service operation focused on tree health, safety and environmental stewardship. CT Tree Services also supports local community initiatives, including tree planting and reforestation efforts, and continues to work with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources on emerging tree disease and treatment strategies. The company is based in the region and can be reached at 705-656-1611 or cttrees.ca.
DKI-CRCS is continuing to expand its presence in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, where the property restoration company has been building local connections over the past three years.
With roots dating back to 1979, DKI-CRCS provides emergency response, cleanup, restoration and reconstruction services for residential and commercial property damage. The company is inviting local businesses, industry partners, emergency services and community members to learn more about its Peterborough operation during a Fall Open House and Happy Hour on Thursday, October 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 735 The Kingsway. To RSVP, contact rachael.stapleton@crcs.dki.ca.
Don’t forget: Thursday, Oct. 8 is the deadline to get your tickets for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala! Go to pkchamber.ca and secure your spot at the social event of the year celebrating business excellence in our community!
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Living Local Marketplace Nominated For Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters' Ontario Made Awards
/Artisanal shop Living Local Marketplace is receiving province-wide recognition after being nominated for the sixth-annual Ontario Made Awards through the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME).
Alicia Doris, Living Local Marketplace owner during the one-year anniversary ribbon-cutting ceremony of her business in 2022 since COVID-19 disallowed her to do a grand opening event. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Living Local Marketplace was nominated for the ‘Retailer Spotlight Award’ alongside Dundas-based retailer ‘ellënoire’ and Amherstburg-based year-round market, ‘The Farm House Market.’
The award recognizes retailers that strengthen Ontario’s manufacturing industry by sourcing Ontario-made products and building strong relationships with local manufacturers, according to CME.
The finalists were selected following a public voting period that ran from Aug. 10 to Sept. 30, with over 81,000 votes cast across three award categories.
“The Ontario Made Awards shine a spotlight on the businesses behind the products Ontarians use every day, and the people helping to build a stronger manufacturing sector across our province. That recognition matters, and so does creating opportunities for businesses to connect and grow together. Through Ontario Made, we are helping manufacturers build valuable B2B relationships, discover new suppliers and strengthen supply chains here in Ontario. We look forward to celebrating this year’s finalists and the important contributions they are making to our economy,” said Dennis Darby, President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)
Living Local Marketplace is owned by Alicia Doris, who began the business after becoming unemployed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020.
Originally a passion project that spring, Living Local Marketplace began as a seasonal subscription box that shared the work of artisans and small businesses in The Kawarthas. It pivoted to an online gift box shop that fall because demand increased.
Her shop sells locally created artisanal goods, including housewares, personal care and hygiene products and newly added gourmet goods. Customers can create customizable gift boxes that can be picked up or delivered from local artisans. She opened a brick-and-mortar store in response to growing demand and customer requests.
Winners are revealed on Dec. 1.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Ennismore Pharmacy, SGS Canada and Cindy Reid Realtor
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
A new telemedicine clinic has opened at Ennismore Pharmacy at 470 Robinson Rd., offering OHIP-covered virtual consultations with licensed healthcare professionals for assessments, treatment, prescriptions, referrals and follow-up care.
The clinic officially opened Sept. 18 with a ribbon-cutting attended by local officials and community members. The service is available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with appointments available through Good Doctors or by calling 705-304-1036.
SGS Canada recently celebrated 85 years of history in Lakefield.
The Sept. 24 celebration looked back at the facility’s history, beginning in 1941, with reflections from former Lakefield leaders and current SGS representatives. The Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce also recognized SGS Canada’s 35 years of involvement and participation in the Chamber with a Certificate of Recognition. The celebration concluded with a time capsule ceremony looking ahead to Lakefield’s 100th anniversary in 2041.
Community Care in partnership with Applewood Retirement Residence and Cindy Reid Realtor are hosting a free community event in Lakefield on Sept. 30.
Ageing Well: A Blueprint for Success takes place from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Lakefield Legion and will bring together local experts to help residents navigate the practical aspects of ageing well. Coffee, tea and snacks will be provided. The event is free, but an RSVP is required by info@cindyreid.ca or calling 705-930-3030.If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.
City of Peterborough Open Sponsorship Opportunities For Morrow Park Ball Diamond
/The City of Peterborough has made sponsorship opportunities available for businesses and corporations for its upgraded ball diamond at Morrow Park.
Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.
