George Street Set to Become a Runway for Downtown Peterborough’s Final Sidewalk Sale

By Scott Arnold

The final Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale of the season is bringing local shopping, live music and a brand new fashion show to downtown Peterborough this Saturday, September 12th.

Fleming College is welcoming its first cohort of entrance scholarship recipients as students begin the Fall 2026 semester. (photo courtesy of Fleming college)

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to spend part of Saturday downtown, this is a pretty good one.

The Downtown Peterborough Business Improvement Area is wrapping up its season of Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales on September 12th, with businesses taking things outside and a full day of shopping, food, music and activities planned throughout the downtown.

But this time around, there’s something new to look forward to.

At 12:30pm, George Street will become a runway for the first-ever George Street Fashion Show, featuring local businesses and local models.

“It’s just a way, it’s a different way to showcase what businesses have to offer without you walking in and browsing, sort of just seeing it live on a model and piecing it together,” DBIA Executive Director Nour Mazloum said.

Participating businesses currently include Wild Rock, Knook & Cranny Vintage, Statement House, Cahills, Hi Ho Silver and T-Elle Boutique, with more expected to be added.

The idea is simple: instead of seeing what local shops have to offer one store at a time, shoppers will get to see it all come together on the street.

And it’s not just the clothing and accessories that are local.

“The models are local,” Mazloum said.

The fashion show is just one part of what will be happening downtown, with the Sidewalk Sale getting underway at 10am.

Businesses will have specials and sales, while food, patios, pop-ups, vendors and artisan markets will add to the atmosphere. There will also be face painting and a photo booth for families to enjoy.

Over on Charlotte Street, the local band Pressure Point will provide the soundtrack for the day.

The young group of friends, who came together while in school, reached out to the DBIA themselves after enjoying the previous sidewalk sales.

“They reached out saying, hey, we love your sidewalk sales. Can we play some music for three hours on Saturday?” Mazloum said.

The answer was an easy yes.

Charlotte Street will be closed between George Street and Aylmer Street to create more room for pedestrians, while George Street will also be closed from Hunter Street to Simcoe Street.

That means more room to walk, browse and take in everything happening around downtown without worrying about traffic through the event area.

Parking is also free, with street parking and downtown lots available. Just don’t try to park in the closed-off sections.

The Sidewalk Sale is part of a larger Second Saturday tradition that has been happening downtown for years. According to Mazloum, local businesses originally came together to create Second Saturday, with the DBIA now helping provide the resources needed to expand the event into the streets.

There will also be a Second Saturday market happening at the Bankers Commons and down on Sherbrooke Street there will be a pop-up with local artisans out front of Avant-Garden.

Come for the shopping. Stay for the food. Check out the local vendors, catch some music, let the kids get their faces painted and, at 12:30pm, see what downtown Peterborough looks like when George Street turns into a runway.

“Just come on down, you know, bring your family, bring your friends, and be ready to have lots of fun,” Mazloum said.

The final Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale of the season takes place this Saturday, September 12th, beginning at 10am. The George Street Fashion Show begins at 12:30pm.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Lakers Fans Invited to Rally Downtown for Away Game Watch Parties

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough Lakers fans will have a new place to cheer on the team as they battle the Six Nations Chiefs in the 2026 MSL Finals.

the dbia are the lakers are encouraging fans to bring their chairs, wear their blue and red and head downtown for the first of three possible away game watch parties at Quaker Foods City Square. (photo via facebook @theboropeterborough)

When the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers hit the road for the MSL Finals, fans won’t have to watch from home.

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), in partnership with the City of Peterborough, is bringing the playoff action downtown with outdoor watch parties at Quaker Foods City Square.

The big screen at the square, located on Charlotte Street between King Street and George Street, will show the Lakers’ away games as the team continues its championship series against Six Nations.

The first watch party is set for Sunday, August 23rd at 7pm, when the Lakers head to Six Nations for Game 3.

Two additional watch parties are planned if the series goes the distance:

• Thursday, August 27th at 8pm for Game 5, if necessary

• Tuesday, September 1st at 8pm for Game 7, if necessary

The Lakers are currently tied with the Chiefs at one game apiece in the series, making Sunday's game an important one.

For DBIA Executive Director Nour Mazloum, the idea was a natural fit.

“We’re doing the away games to get the community out there to cheer on the Lakers,” Mazloum said.

The DBIA has already seen the appeal of bringing major sporting events into the square, with successful watch parties for the Toronto Blue Jays and Peterborough Petes. The Lakers’ playoff run presented another opportunity to bring people together downtown.

“We saw a lot of comments on social media wanting, they’re like, you did it for the Petes. Why not for the Lakers?” Mazloum said.

The answer was simple: bring the Lakers to the square.

Bringing People Together

Mazloum said the idea of using a downtown public space for community events was influenced in part by what she had seen in Kingston, where outdoor movies and other programming have been used to bring people together.

“It is something that I’ve always seen in Kingston and other communities that brought people together,” she said.

That philosophy has also shaped the DBIA’s programming in Peterborough. The organization has hosted Tuesday movie nights and other events at the square, creating more family-friendly reasons for people to spend time downtown.

Now, with the Lakers making another playoff run, the big screen will shift from movies to lacrosse.

“And then, the Lakers are doing so well,” Mazloum said. “So let’s do a watch party.”

The atmosphere should be familiar to anyone who has attended a Lakers playoff game. Peterborough has a passionate lacrosse fan base, and the DBIA is hoping some of that energy will make its way to the square.

“Lakers Nation is one of the loudest and most passionate fanbases in lacrosse!” said Pete Dalliday, the Lakers’ Director of Community Engagement & Partnerships. “When the team hits the road, Quaker Foods City Square will be the next best place to be aside from the Memorial Centre.”

Dalliday said the players can feel the support around the city, including the Lakers flags displayed throughout Peterborough.

“This just adds to the vibe,” he said.

Free Admission, Bring a Chair

The watch parties are free, and fans are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in for the game.

Fans are also encouraged to wear their Lakers colours.

There will be plans for vendors and additional activities, although details may vary from one watch party to another. The DBIA says additional programming, activities and spectator information will be announced ahead of each game.

Food is also part of the plan, but fans don’t have to wait for a specific vendor to arrive.

Mazloum encouraged people to make an evening of it by heading downtown early, grabbing dinner at one of the area's restaurants or picking up takeout to bring to the square.

“We’re not checking where you bring your food from,” she said. “So it’s really whatever you want.”

That also fits with the DBIA’s broader goal of connecting the watch parties with the rest of downtown, particularly during the summer patio season.

Mazloum said this has been the busiest summer since she arrived in Peterborough two years ago, with busy patios and good weather helping bring people downtown for events and supporting local businesses.

The Lakers watch parties are another way to build on that momentum.

Make Some Noise for the Lakers

There is one important consideration for fans planning to attend: Quaker Foods City Square is also surrounded by homes and businesses.

Mazloum said fans are welcome to get loud and cheer, but asked everyone to be respectful of the people who live and work around the square.

The city's noise bylaw takes effect at 11pm, so fans are being asked to keep their enthusiasm within those limits while respecting the surrounding community throughout the evening.

The watch parties are also weather dependent. Because they are outdoor events, they may be cancelled in the event of rain. Weather updates and any cancellation information will be shared through The Boro’s social media channels.

For now, though, the message is simple.

Bring your chair. Wear your blue and red. Grab some food downtown and find a spot at Quaker Foods City Square.

Then make some noise for the Lakers.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough DBIA Holiday Shopping Passport Initiative Shows Thousands of Dollars Spent Locally

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has announced the prize winners of its 2025/2026 Holiday Shopping Passport draw and the Holiday Window Contest, celebrating a season of community connection, local spending and support for downtown Peterborough businesses.

Grand prize winner Katy Shufelt. photo courtesy of the peterborough dbia.

The Holiday Shopping Passport program encourages residents to keep their holiday spending local. Shoppers earn a stamp for every $10 spent at participating businesses and can enter completed passports for a chance to win one of three $500 early bird prizes or the $1,500 grand prize in Boro Gift Cards; “downtown dollars” accepted at over 100 locations throughout downtown Peterborough. 

Katy Shufelt has been named the grand prize winner of the Holiday Shopping Passport draw. Three early bird winners were also drawn throughout the season: Wayne Jackson, Gail Edlinger and Kim McWilliams.

The grand prize draw took place on Wednesday at GRVTY Studio in East City, where Shufelt’s completed passport was selected. She has won a $1,500 downtown shopping spree in Boro Gift Cards.

“I absolutely love shopping downtown, there are so many great stores,” she said. “My kids laugh at me because every year I say I’m going to win, and after 20 years, I finally did.”

In the spirit of giving back, Shufelt has chosen to donate a portion of her prize to Wild Rock’s ComPassion Project, a community-driven initiative that supports local organizations working at the intersection of outdoor recreation, social justice and equity in Peterborough.

“The program continues to foster community spirit, increase foot traffic and local spending and strengthen relationships between local businesses and their customers during the busy holiday season,” said the Peterborough DBIA in a press release. “With participation from over 200 downtown businesses, the Holiday Shopping Passport program continues to be one of the DBIA’s most widely supported seasonal initiatives.”

Beyond shopping, the DBIA’s Holiday Window Contest transformed downtown into a festive, walkable winter experience. This year’s theme “Snowglobe Come to Life” inspired businesses to showcase their creativity through elaborate window displays.

First place winner Lavender Moon with their Holiday Window display. All photos courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

First place winner Kingan Home Hardware with their Holiday Window display. All photos courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

Second place winner Brants Basics with their Holiday Window display. All photos courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The contest was judged by members of Peterborough’s arts community, including a representative from the Art Gallery of Peterborough: Briar Sutherland, Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin) and Ashley Hall.

The 2025/2026 Holiday Window Contest Winners included a tie for first between Lavender Moon and Kingan Home Hardware, and second place going to Brants Basics.

Winners received Boro Gift Cards, continuing the cycle of local support.

“We know people are being more intentional about where and how they spend, especially during the holidays,” said Nour Mazloum, Executive Director of the Peterborough DBIA. “Choosing to shop local is a meaningful decision, and the Holiday Shopping Passport makes it even easier. Every local purchase has a ripple effect by supporting jobs, small business owners, and a downtown that continues to serve as a gathering place for our City.”

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DBIA Rewarding Those to Shop Local In Downtown Peterborough With Holiday Shopping Passports

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has returned its Holiday Shopping Passport program to reward those who shop local in Downtown Peterborough, announced on Wednesday.

Diners enjoying their meal at Gerti’s on Hunter Street in Downtown Peterborough. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

This year, nearly 200 businesses are participating in the Holiday Shopping Passport program to collect stamps and win big prizes. Every $10 spent at a participating location earns a stamp, and a completed passport enters shoppers into early-bird draws on Dec. 3, 10 and 17 for a $500 Boro Gift Card, with a grand-prize draw of $1,500 on Jan. 7.

The Boro Gift Card can be used at over 150 locally owned businesses in the core, including a variety of shops, spas, cafes and restaurants.

New this year are Double Stamp Fridays, beginning Nov. 29 and continuing on Dec.5, 12, and 19. Participating businesses will reward customers with double the stamps on all eligible purchases.

“Our Holiday Shopping Passport program is about more than just prizes, it’s about celebrating the people and businesses that make downtown Peterborough special and unique," says Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “Each passport stamp represents a meaningful contribution to our community and to our local economy. This year, we’re thrilled to grow our program into East City, welcoming even more businesses and more shoppers to experience the magic of shopping local.”

“The Holiday Shopping Passport always brings such great energy downtown,” says Jacquelyn Craft, The Neighbourhood Vintage owner. “It’s a wonderful program that brings people into small businesses and creates excitement around shopping locally during the holiday season. We love being able to reward folks for choosing to spend their hard-earned money where it truly makes a difference – in supporting our community. It really is such a special time of year in our downtown core.”

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East City Village Business Improvement Area and Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Announce One-Year Pilot Merger

The East City Village Business Improvement Area (VBIA) has merged with Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) under a one-year pilot agreement, announced on Tuesday.

The DBIA now represents businesses on both sides of the Otonabee River, marking the first time in its 44-year history that the original boundary has been expanded for a one-year pilot. File Photo.

According to a press release the merger aims to unite two distinct districts under a shared vision for local business support, advocacy and community development.

This allows East City businesses to participate in DBIA-run programs and promotions.

“We’re thrilled to welcome East City’s vibrant business community into the DBIA. East City has always been a beloved and essential part of Peterborough with a strong sense of place,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We’re excited to bring together two really vibrant and connected communities to elevate our collective impact and work together to strengthen our local economy. This merger will create even more opportunities for businesses to thrive. I think this is a really exciting next step in Peterborough’s story.”

The Peterborough DBIA was established in 1981 to support and revitalize the downtown core. East City was not included in the original map due to its distinct geography and character according to VBIA. In the following years, East City merchants created their own volunteer-led BIA to advocate for area improvements, while maintaining a separate identity and operation.

“This merger represents an opportunity for East City to access new tools and larger resources, while still celebrating the charm and community that makes our side of the river so special,” said Cassia Piper, VBIA chair. “The Village BIA has been shaped by neighbours who care deeply about their community. Merging with the DBIA builds on that legacy. It opens new doors and offers more chances to be a part of the big-picture vision for downtown.”

The merger means East City businesses will now be included in initiatives such as the Boro Gift Card program and the annual Holiday Shopping Passport.

During the pilot period, the DBIA will work closely with East City business owners to ensure local priorities are recognized, supported and celebrated.

“This isn’t about dissolving identities, it’s about strengthening them,” said Mazloum. “We believe this partnership will amplify what makes East City unique while connecting these unique communities through shared opportunity.”

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City of Peterborough Hosting Downtown Community Cigarette Butt Clean Up On Sunday Morning

The City of Peterborough and Peterborough DBIA is inviting the public to make things a little clearer in the Downtown Community Cigarette Butt Clean Up starting from Quaker Foods City Square on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Gloves, pick-up pails and litter pickers are provided but the City is asking to bring your own upcycled container.

Cleaners can search for cigarette butts anywhere in the downtown area.

An entry draw and several prizes available for most butts collected are being held. Registration at the event will be required to be eligible.

At the end of the event, the City is launching a contest that will last for 42 days until September to see how many cigarette butts can be collected until that last day of Summer.

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Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area to Host Sidewalk Sale Aug. 31

The (DBIA) has announced an end-of-summer sidewalk sale event that will take place on Aug. 31.

Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

This event is held downtown with shops hosting their own sidewalk sales with George Street between Simcoe and Hunter Street being closed off for the day.

“The end of summer sidewalk sale event is a really wonderful and exciting opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate our downtown and all the unique businesses within the core,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “This event not only supports our local businesses by driving foot traffic into the area and encouraging people to explore and shop but also strengthens the sense of community by helping foster a lively downtown environment that everyone can enjoy.”

The DBIA is encouraging downtown businesses to participate. Contact the DBIA Marketing and Communications Manager by emailing amanda@ptbodbia.ca to be involved.

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Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Appoints New Executive Director

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has appointed Nour Mazloum as its new executive director, effective June 10, announced on Monday.

Mazloum has experience in marketing, communications and community engagement. Photo courtesy of DBIA.

Nour's appointment came after the former director Terry Guiel, stepped down last October.

During her tenure in Kingston, Mazloum spearheaded the launch of a Naloxone for Business program in collaboration with the Downtown Kingston BIA and established the Kingston Young Professionals Network, a platform for fostering collaboration and networking among emerging leaders in the community.

“I am excited to join the Peterborough DBIA as the new Executive Director,” said Nour Mazloum. “I am looking forward to working closely with the Board of Directors, downtown businesses and staff to advance the strategic priorities. Together, we will build on the momentum to ensure downtown Peterborough is a vibrant, inclusive and thriving urban space.”

As the new Executive Director, Nour Mazloum will oversee strategic initiatives, community engagement efforts, and placemaking projects further to elevate the vibrancy and appeal of downtown Peterborough according to a press release.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nour as our new Executive Director,” says Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA Chair. “Her proven leadership, innovative approach, and passion for community engagement make her the perfect candidate to lead the DBIA in its strategic revitalization initiatives. We are confident that Nour's appointment will mark a new chapter of growth and prosperity for downtown Peterborough.”

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Peterborough DBIA Brings Back Holiday Shopping Passport For Downtown Shopping Rewards

The Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) shopping rewards are back, launching the Holiday Shopping Passport with a grand prize of a $1,500 Boro gift card, effective immediately.

Last year’s program saw shoppers stamp more than $2.3 million worth of Holiday Shopping Passports. Every $100 that you spend locally, up to $48 stays in our community, compared to just $14 when you shop at big box stores according to the DBIA. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Passports are available at over 140 participating shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants and cafes in downtown Peterborough. A passport stamp is earned for every $10 spent at participating locations. Free stamps are available at the Peterborough Public Library, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitors Centre and the DBIA office.

Early Bird prizes of $500 Boro gift card are available with the draw dates on Dec. 6, 13 and 20. The final grand prize draw is on Jan. 10 with a $1,500 Boro gift card shopping spree grand prize.

New this year, the DBIA is hosting a Holiday Boro Card Bonanza where 12 shoppers will be gifted a $25 Boro gift card just for shopping downtown. The DBIA will randomly draw 12 downtown shop locations to host weekly Boro card giveaways this week.

“DBIA is hyper-focused on incentivizing downtown shopping this holiday season. We understand that supporting local requires intention and effort, and this year we are finding new and delightful ways to attract and retain holiday shoppers,” said Hillary Flood, DBIA vibrancy manager. “Holiday shopping in The Boro offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience filled with historic charm and hospitality that you just can’t replicate on Amazon. Now more than ever we need to shop with intent, because when you shop locally your money directly supports our community rather than a big corporation.”

Shop owners are challenged to design a store window in honour of the Aurora Borealis for a chance to win Top Window of the season during this year’s annual Holiday Window Contest.

Downtown patrons can vote online for their favourite storefronts from Nov. 20 to Dec. 31.

The City of Peterborough is providing free two-hour parking downtown beginning on Nov. 24 to encourage downtown holiday shopping until the end of December (courtesy of Wolfe Lawyers).

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Pescatarian Restaurant The Vine Takes Home the First-Ever Peterborough DBIA Caesar Fest Title

Less than a year into the restaurant’s opening, pescatarian restaurant The Vine has already claimed the title of Peterborough Downtown Business Area Improvement (DBIA) inaugural Caeser Fest crown announced on Thursday.

Tyrone Flowers, Co-owner of The Vine (left); Naomi Duvall, local performance artist and Chelsea Day-Ross, front of house manager at The Vine (right) receiving the award for the inaugural Caeser Fest. The Vine opened on May 30. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The DBIA launched the competition on July 13 and ran until Monday.

There were 11 restaurants, cafés and pubs competing for the title and featured a specialty Caesar creation on their menus for restaurant-goers to enjoy and vote for their favourite. Over 800 votes were cast and The Vine won the top prize with their Papa Tom’s Classic Virgin Caesar.

The The El P’s Kimchi Caesar took second place with The Dirty Burger taking third with their Dirty Muddy Caesar.

“Who knew that the new kids on the block would be taking home the trophy for the very first Caesar Fest,” says Tyrone Flowers, The Vine co-owner. “We’re so humbled and we want to say thank you to everyone who came out to try our Papa Tom’s Caesar.”

The Caesar Fest was heavily promoted by local performance artist, Naomi Duvall. She was hired by the DBIA to play ‘Julia Caes-her’ to act as a town crier for the festival. She generated interest on the streets and in participating restaurants engaging the unsuspecting public on the festival's iconic drink.  

"Congratulations to The Vine on championing Caesar Fest,” said Duvall. “I appreciate how the community has been so engaged with my character and this program. I had a lot of fun developing the persona.”

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