Community Futures Peterborough Opens Applications For The 2026 Summer Company Program

Applications are now open for the 2026 Summer Company Program through Community Futures, offering students in the City and County of Peterborough the opportunity to start and operate their own business while gaining hands-on entrepreneurial experience over the summer months.

photo courtesy of community futures peterborough.

Funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade’s Small Business Enterprise Centre program, Summer Company provides eligible students with start-up funding, business training and one-on-one mentorship. The program supports young entrepreneurs in transforming business ideas into viable summer businesses. 

"Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and the Summer Company Program is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of innovators right here in Peterborough," said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. "By providing young entrepreneurs with the right tools, mentorship, and financial support, we are helping them turn their creative ideas into reality while building the vital skills they need for future success in Ontario’s economy."

Students between the ages of 15 and 29 who are returning to school in September 2026 are eligible to apply for Summer Company, which is delivered by Community Futures Peterborough through its Business Advisory Centre.

Those selected for the Summer Company Program receive up to $3,000 in grant funding, along with cohort training and one-on-one mentorship as they launch and run their business this summer. Past businesses have included services and products such as lawn care, window cleaning, farm help, dance and swimming lessons, clothing brands and more.

“Our community continues to show strong demand for entrepreneurship services, both lending and advisory,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “The Summer Company Program is designed to spark the idea of entrepreneurship amongst our youth and introduce them to the supportive and strong ecosystem we have to advise them in their small business journey.” 

In Peterborough, Summer Company students will participate in a blend of cohort and one-on-one training and learn skills such as developing a business plan, marketing strategies to launch and grow a viable business and how to develop an accurate budget and cash flow for their small business.

“The programming we have designed ensures our students gain transferable skills that they can use to pursue entrepreneurship or to contribute to future career success across all sectors,” said Rose Terry, Manager of the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough. “We can’t wait to see the business ideas we receive in this year’s applications that will become the next generation of leaders in our community.”

Summer Company is open to students with a wide range of interests and experience levels. Applicants do not need prior business experience or a fully developed business plan. Selection is based on motivation, willingness to learn and the potential of the business idea.

Applications can be submitted online.

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Tebey Golf Classic Donates $34,000 to Youth Mental Health In Peterborough

Through funds from the 2025 Tebey Golf Classic on June 26 at Wildfire Golf Course, the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) has donated $34,000 to youth mental health services in the Peterborough area.

Photo courtesy of gphsf.

As co-beneficiaries of the Tebey Golf Classic, Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families each received $17,000 to continue their work supporting youth in the community. 

Since the event’s inception in 2017, over $280,000 has been raised to support youth mental health in the Peterborough area.

Photo courtesy of gphsf.

GPHSF says it looks forward to another successful fundraiser next year, marking the 10th anniversary of the Tebey Golf Classic.

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City Council Approves Information Report On Peterborough Transit Rollout

City council has approved an information report on the rollout of the Youth Transit Pass Program for 2025 and 2026 during their meeting on Monday night.

File Photo.

The Youth Transit Pass Program aims to increase ridership, improve access and education, and support long-term transit use among young residents of Peterborough. According to Council, although youth aged 13–18 currently represent a small share of total ridership, they hold significant potential to help shift travel behaviour, increase transit use, and build a culture of sustainable mobility within the community.

Key program components include:

• complimentary transit access for youth aged 13-18 during evenings, weekends, and summer months;

• annual registration with structured pass distribution and orientation;

• education-focused program design to support independent, confident transit use; and

• phased pilot implementation through 2025 and 2026, followed by an annual program delivery and evaluation.

The program model aligns with current transit operations and supports future growth by targeting off-peak periods for initial implementation. This approach allows Peterborough Transit to build capacity, manage resources effectively, and evaluate program impacts without overextending the system. Over time, the program will expand and adapt alongside service enhancements, allowing for data-driven adjustments and continuous community engagement.

Draft Implementation Timeline:

• Fall 2025 - During this phase, stakeholder engagement (e.g., school boards, student transportation services, youth organizations, families, and Transit staff) will be prioritized to further develop program specifics and arrive at the final program model and delivery methods. Consultations will also take place with the transit pass provider to identify appropriate systems for registration and data tracking. Additionally, a comprehensive communications plan will be developed to support program awareness and rollout.

• Winter 2025 - The focus will shift to developing the operational aspects of the program. This includes creating registration processes and forms, as well as orientation materials and scheduling procedures. Communications materials will also be prepared, and the evaluation plan will be finalized to ensure effective monitoring and assessment.

• Spring 2026 - Final testing of processes and systems will take place to ensure everything is functioning as intended. Internal staff will receive training to support the successful delivery of the program. Promotional materials will be distributed, and registration and orientation will begin for youth aged 13 to 14 (Intermediate Students).

• Summer/fall 2026 – Phased expansion of registration and orientation to youth aged 15 to 18 (Secondary Students) will be completed to fully roll out the program to youth aged 13-18 in Year One. Tracking and evaluation of the pilot year begins to assess program delivery and impact. 

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Fleming College Hosting Skills Ontario Summer Camp This Week

Until Friday, Fleming College will host 18 elementary school students from across the Peterborough region for the Skills Ontario Summer Camp.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Hosted in the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre, the week-long camp gives students entering Grades 7-9 a hands-on opportunity to explore careers in the industrial, construction, motive power and technology sectors according to Fleming.

Included is the Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck, a mobile learning unit equipped with interactive displays that introduce students to a wide range of skilled trades and technology careers. 

Campers will participate in activities related to carpentry, electrical, plumbing, computing technology, and welding, working with tools and materials in Fleming’s college-level lab spaces.

Midweek, students will visit Fleming’s Frost Campus in Lindsay for an introduction to arboriculture and heavy equipment operation, including time in the heavy equipment simulators.

The camp has team-building challenges and ends with a celebration where families are invited to see what campers have created and learned.

By the end of the week, Fleming says campers will have built wooden camp chairs and copper coat hooks, taken part in collaborative challenges and explored new skills in a supportive, engaging environment. 

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Emergency Shelter Repair Project Complete For YES Shelter

The YES Shelter for Youth and Families has completed its major repairs to its Brock Street emergency shelter, revealed to the public on Tuesday morning.

Members of YES Shelter and their donors celebrating the repair completion that totalled $266,394 in repairs. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The project was funded by community support, including significant funding from the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough.

The building features reinforced structural elements, institutional-grade plumbing and fixtures, exterior aesthetic renewal and the installation of new generator.

This critical work ensures the long-term safety, function and dignity of the shelter, which serves youth and families experiencing homelessness across Peterborough City and County, according to Aimeé Le Lagadec, YES executive director.

“This project was a major undertaking,” she said. “Back in 2021, we asked the community to help us raise $200,000 to cover the cost of necessary repairs to our Emergency Shelter building. Thanks to the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough and many generous donors, we have raised just over $265,000 allowing us to cover the most necessary work and some new repair needs as they came up. As a community, we safeguarded this essential space for the future offering shelter and support with dignity.”

“This wasn’t just about fixing a building,” said Jennifer DeBues, Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough executive director. “It was about protecting the only emergency shelter for youth and families in Peterborough and ensuring it remains a safe, supportive place for those who need it most.”

@ptbo_canada The YES Shelter for Youth and Families has completed its major repairs to its Brock Street emergency shelter. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp ♬ Akon's Beautiful Day - Akon

The following were the project costs equalling $266,394:

• Fire safety upgrades - $26,807

• Shelter washroom renovation - $71,041

• Increase video monitoring of shelter exterior - $15,300

• Piping rerouting work in the front of shelter - $16,500

• Carriage House Roof Replacement - $17,415

• Shelter basement floor repair - $2,402

• Shelter generator install - $55,000

• Side fencing replaement - $8,253

• PurePave installation and landscape repair - $22,240

• Structural work and winterization of upper porch - $23,960

• Exterior prep and painting - $7,476

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Six Local Youth Startups Announced For Community Futures Peterborough's Inaugural Summer Company Program

Community Futures Peterborough’s (CFP) Business Advisory Centre (BAC) named six local youth startups for its inaugural Summer Company Program, announced on Wednesday.

In Ontario, young people under the age of 30 now make up nearly 12 percent of all self-employed individuals according to CFP. Photo courtesy of CFP.

This summer’s participants are Lauren Connolly, Teaghan Hartnett, Haydon Meade, Neha Mervin, Bisma Razaque and Spencer Toth.

The initiative is aided by the Government of Ontario, which supports the entrepreneurial aspirations of youth aged 15 to 29. Each year, the program provides eligible young people with up to $3,000 in grant funding to start and operate a business over the summer months. Participants also receive comprehensive business training, expert advice and personalized mentorship to help turn their ideas into real-world enterprises.

“I love seeing kids grow in their swimming skills and confidence,” said Connolly, Connolly Swim Academy founder. “I am really excited to make my business the best it can be for my clients.”

Businesses range from a swimming instructor, Bollywood dance classes, window washing, landscaping service and farm support.

“Young entrepreneurs are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also bringing fresh ideas to our region,” says Rose Terry, BAC manager. “The Summer Company Program is giving these six young entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain practical experience in launching and operating a business, while also equipping them with confidence, mentorship, and the skills they need to succeed beyond the program. We’re proud to lead a program that changes lives.”

Allison Adam, CFP Entrepreneurship Officer has been leading the program since May.

“You can really see their confidence build as they take charge of their ideas. It’s not about having everything figured out,” she said. “It’s about making progress, staying curious, and being willing to try.”

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Kinsmen Minor Football League Registration Open For the 2025 Fall Season

The Kinsmen Minor Football League (KMFL) has opened registration for the 2025 Fall Season.

Photo courtesy of KMFL.

The League will consist of a Junior Division (kids born from 2015-2017) and a Senior Division (kids born from 2012-2014).

Weekly practices start on Aug. 25, Saturday games begin Sept. 13 and the season concludes on Championship Day on Nov. 1. 

Cost is $395 with Early Bird pricing of $345 in effect until July 1.

All equipment, excluding mouthguards and cleats, is provided.

“We are very excited to open our 2025 Season,” said Angela Madill, KMFL vice-president. “Last year we had the largest season in the 45-year history of the League. We are hoping to continue that success and have added a few surprises to further enhance our player and family experience this season.”

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Tebey Golf Classic Returns To Support Youth Mental Health On June 26

To support youth mental health, the Tebey Golf Classic, hosted by Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF), will be held at Wildfire Golf & Country Club on June 26th.

Photo courtesy of GPHSF.

All proceeds of the event support Youth Mental Health programming through Peterborough Youth Services and YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

The day includes a meet-and-greet with Tebey, access to a private, in-person VIP acoustic performance with Tebey and special guests (TBA), activities, and contests throughout the course. Lunch and supper, prizes and professional photos of your foursome will also be at the event.

New this year is a public donation campaign launch with a minimum goal of $40,000 to be split equally between YES Shelter for Youth and Families and Peterborough Youth Services. 

Donations can be made online. All donations over $20 will receive a charitable tax receipt.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough Launch Holiday Gift Wrapping Fundraiser At Lansdowne Place

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough has launched its annual Holiday Gift Wrapping Station at Lansdowne Place from Dec. 9 to 24.

Photo courtey of Peterborough Bigs.

The fundraiser is for youth mentoring programs run by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough.

The station is above the stairs at Lansdowne Place and is staffed entirely by volunteers. They offer gift wrapping with a recommended donation based on the gift size.  

Throughout the campaign, the station will host appearances by local government representatives including Mayor Jeff Leal, MPP Dave Smith and MP Michelle Ferrari.

“This holiday season, we’re proud to help the community add a special touch to their gifts by making a meaningful difference for youth in our community,” says Zoe King, Peterborough Bigs executive director. “Every donation supports brighter futures and stronger mentorship opportunities.”

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Kinsmen Minor Football League Registration Open For the Fall Season

The Kinsmen Minor Football League (KMFL) has opened registration for the 2024 Fall Season.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The League will consist of a Junior Division (kids born from 2014-2016) and a Senior Division (kids born from 2011-2013).

Weekly practices start on Aug. 26, Saturday games begin Sept.14 and the season concludes on Championship Day on Nov. 2. 

Cost is $395 with Early Bird pricing of $345 in effect until July 1.

All equipment, excluding mouthguards and cleats, is provided.

“We are very excited to open our 2024 Season,” said Bryan Junkin, KMFL president. “Due to the generosity of this community through sponsorships and fundraising, we are able to keep our player costs at last year's level and add a large amount of new player and training equipment.”

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