Peterborough Blogs
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring the City's Green Bin Pilot and International Women's Day Celebrations
/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…
Downtown Restaurants: Go Green with Phase 2 of the City’s Green Bin Pilot
Peterborough restaurants have a fresh opportunity to lead the way in sustainability. The City of Peterborough is launching Phase 2 of its successful Green Bin program—a voluntary pilot targeting approximately 25 downtown restaurants to divert food scraps and organics from landfills. Restaurants generate 10–25 kg of organics daily, so this pilot will help the city refine collection logistics for high-volume commercial zones and prepare for broader rollout. Participation is completely voluntary, reduces your garbage load, and contributes to a cleaner, greener Peterborough. If you’re a downtown restaurant, apply now—the deadline is March 6 at peterborough.ca/greenbin.
International Women’s Day: Two Powerful Ways to Celebrate
March 8 is International Women’s Day, and Peterborough is marking the occasion with inspiring events.
The Tiffany Show returns for its 3rd annual free International Women’s Day Party, hosted by the dynamic Tiffany Arcari at The Venue downtown. This sold-out event promises high energy with powerful stories from local women, the transformative Self-Love Mirror experience, epic prizes, swag bags, and more. If you secured a ticket, remember to bring a menstrual product donation to support United Way’s Period Promise and help end period poverty. Check out thetiffanyshow.ca for all the details.
For those who didn’t get a ticket, there’s still a meaningful way to celebrate. On Saturday, March 7, join the community rally and gathering to honour women’s achievements and highlight this year’s theme: strengthening access to justice for women and girls. The day starts at 11:30 a.m. at City Hall with drumming, a declaration reading, and poetry, followed by a march downtown. The afternoon features live music, inspiring speakers, and community connection—all free. Registration is required at ptbolibrary.ca/libcal.com.
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 Community Futures Peterborough, Fastsigns and Kawartha Local Food Wholesale
/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…
Summer Company Program is Open
A sure sign that the seasons are changing is that applications are now open for the 2026 Summer Company Program through Community Futures Peterborough.
Students aged 15 to 29 in Peterborough and the county are encouraged to apply for up to $3,000 in grants, plus training and mentorship, to start their own summer business. Funded by the Province of Ontario, it builds hands-on experience for young entrepreneurs returning to school in the fall. Deadline is April 30, so head over to www.communityfuturespeterborough.ca/programs/summercompany to find out more…
New Ownership For Fastsigns
FASTSIGNS, a Peterborough Signage provider is being acquired by a group of franchise specialists, bringing in new investment and leadership to support growth and expand capacity for commercial clients across the region.
The centre has been purchased by a consortium led by industry expert Paul Watson and print-industry veteran Bill Goss, who will also serve as general manager. Operating in Peterborough since 2005, FASTSIGNS delivers bespoke signage and visual communications for local government, construction, retail, and large-scale brand rollouts. You can learn more about FASTSIGNS by going to www.fastsigns.com/Peterborough-ON
Kawartha Local Food Wholesale
Peterborough County is boosting its farm economy by promoting the Kawartha Local Food Wholesale program.
This initiative, funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, connects over 800 local farms across 180,000 acres with buyers like restaurants, retailers, food services, tourist spots and golf courses in Peterborough County, the City of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes. There is nothing like local Farm to Table meals and you can learn more about them by checking out www.grazeandgatherfood.ca or www.Kawarthachoice.com
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 Quickmill, City of Peterborough and K9 Health In Motion
/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…
Quickmill is Headed on a Trade Mission
Local company Quickmill has been selected to join one of the largest government-led trade missions Canada has ever sent to Mexico between Feb. 15 to 20. Quickmill, based right here in Peterborough for over 40 years, is a world leader in building large-scale CNC machining centers — which are powerful machines that cut and shape metal parts for industries like aerospace, oil and gas, mining and defense.
This comes as Quickmill uses a smart diversified growth plan to stay strong amid trade challenges. Only a select group of top export-ready firms were chosen. To learn more about this read their recent blog post on www.quickmill.com/blog
New Plough Map for the City of Peterborough
We have had a winter, and the City of Peterborough has launched a new interactive snowplow map to help residents and businesses track winter maintenance in real time.
Introduced in early February, the online tool uses GPS technology to show where plows are and how recently roads have been serviced, with updates every five minutes and colour-coded routes across the city.
It highlights priority areas like arterial roads, transit routes, and neighbourhood streets, giving a clearer picture of snow-clearing operations. To see the map in action visit www.Peterborough.ca/snow
Canine Rehabilitation is Coming to the County
A new canine rehabilitation and wellness centre is opening in Norwood. K9 in Motion Wellness Rehab officially opens its doors March first, offering services to support dogs recovering from injury, managing mobility issues, or simply aging comfortably. The facility will provide therapeutic massage, red light therapy, mobility aids, pet first-aid courses, and educational sessions for owners.
Operating since 2016, this new location is designed to give dogs individualized care in a calm, supportive environment while helping pet owners stay informed. Visit their website k9inmotionwellness.ca to learn more about their services and stay tuned for their grand opening.
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 Uride, HERmanas Boutique and MicroAge PW
/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…
Uride Launches $20,000 Student Support Fund
Ride-sharing service Uride has introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting students facing financial challenges. The company has committed $20,000 to its Student Support Fund, which will award $5,000 to one deserving student each week throughout February. These funds can be applied toward tuition fees or other school-related expenses.
The program is open to students residing in communities where Uride operates. By providing this direct financial assistance, Uride hopes to help ease some of the economic pressures that many students experience during the academic year. For full details on eligibility and how to apply, interested students should download the Uride app.
HERmanas Boutique and Bikinis by Bridget Nominated for National Awards
Apsley-based HERmanas Boutique and its swimwear brand, Bikinis by Bridget, have earned dual nominations in the 2025 Canadian SME National Business Awards. The boutique, owned and operated by sisters Bridget and Victoria, has been shortlisted for Small Business of the Year.
The business is celebrated for its original, sustainably produced swimwear made with innovative Truelife® ECO fabrics, as well as its carefully curated selection of global fashion pieces. In addition to the business recognition, founder Bridget has received an individual nomination for Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
With summer fast approaching, now is the perfect time to explore their latest swimwear collections and seasonal styles. Visit their website at shophermanas.ca to browse the full range.
MicroAge PW Expands to Become MicroAge PWK Through Kingston Acquisition
MicroAge PW, serving Peterborough and Whitby, has reached a significant milestone by acquiring MicroAge Kingston and rebranding as MicroAge PWK. This strategic expansion brings together three locations with a shared commitment to supporting local businesses.
The Kingston team brings decades of experience helping regional organizations with their IT needs. The newly combined group has emphasized that it will maintain the strong local focus that has defined each location while benefiting from greater resources, broader expertise, and fresh momentum. By uniting strengths across Peterborough, Whitby, and Kingston, MicroAge PWK aims to provide even higher levels of IT leadership, service quality, and innovation to clients throughout the area.
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 Armour Heights Pharmacy, Senior Showcase and Trent University
/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…
Faster Care Closer to Home: Armour Heights Pharmacy Joins Ontario's Access to Care Program
Armour Heights Pharmacy in East City has partnered with a new program called Access to Care, expanding the scope of pharmacist-led clinical services. Through the program, pharmacists can assess and prescribe for select acute conditions, including strep throat testing and treatment, shingles management, epipens, and symptom management for fever and malaise.
The pharmacy has also introduced a Travel Health Clinic, offering individualized risk assessments, travel vaccinations administered on-site, and prescription therapy for traveler’s diarrhea. Preventative services include prescribing and administering vaccines such as shingles, pneumonia, RSV, and HPV. Pharmacists can also prescribe medical devices and supplies, including diabetic sensors, test strips, inhaler spacer, and more. Appointments and online assessments forms are available via https://www.bookmypharmacy.com/7057400080.
Prescriptions are subject to clinical assessment, which through the Access to Care program involve fees for service. Armour Heights Pharmacy looks forward to supporting the community through this expanded range of services.
Booth Sales Open for 10th Annual Living Well Senior Showcase.
Booth sales are now officially open for Peterborough’s Living Well Senior Showcase, a full-day event dedicated to active aging resources, services, products, and workshops for seniors, their families, and community members.
Organized by the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce (PKCC) in partnership with Age-Friendly Peterborough and lead sponsor Living Well Home Medical Equipment, it caters specifically to those planning retirement or already enjoying their golden years.
The event takes place on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.). It will feature more than 100 exhibitors showcasing everything from health and wellness solutions to financial planning, home care, recreation, technology for independent living, and future-planning services.
Last year, the event drew more than 1,000 visitors, highlighting Peterborough's vibrant senior community (over 27,000 residents aged 65+). With the region's aging population
growing rapidly, this showcase is a prime outreach opportunity for businesses and organizations serving aging adults.
Exhibitor booths are selling fast so book yours now at pkchamber.ca/seniors-showcase or email Liam at liam@pkchamber.ca for details.
Level Up Your Skills Fast with Careerspace’s Winter Micro-Credentials
Trent University's Careerspace is kicking off its winter lineup of micro-credentials: short, flexible online courses (6–30 hours) that build in-demand skills with a shareable digital badge for your LinkedIn or resume.
Designed for professionals, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and anyone ready to level up, these courses are taught by local industry experts and emphasize practical tools plus networking opportunities.
Upcoming highlights include:
Optimizing Fundraising Efforts – Starts Feb. 2, 2026
Digital Marketing for Business Leaders – Starts Feb. 3, 2026
AI for Business Leaders – Starts Feb. 5, 2026
Intercultural Communication for Public Leaders – Starts Feb. 7, 2026 (Wednesdays 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Traill College for in-person elements)
Project Management Basics – Starts Feb. 9, 2026
Grant Writing for Nonprofits – Starts March 2, 2026
