A Young Peterborough Band Stole the Show at the DBIA’s Sidewalk Sale

By Scott Arnold

A local band formed by four young musicians at St. Anne’s Elementary School brought a soundtrack of classic hits to downtown Peterborough, and the internet took notice.

as Pressure Point performs on Charlotte Street during the DBIA’s Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale, with Murphy on keys, Lochlan on drums and vocals, Emerson on guitar and vocals and Jack on bass guitar (Photo by Scott Arnold)

When the DBIA’s Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale took over downtown Peterborough on Saturday, there was plenty happening along the streets.

But on Charlotte Street, Pressure Point was making some noise of its own.

The local band had asked the DBIA if they could provide the music for the day.

The answer was, of course, yes.

So Emerson, Lochlan, Jack and Murphy set up on Charlotte Street and got to work.

Emerson handles guitar and vocals, Lochlan is on drums and vocals, Jack plays bass guitar and Murphy plays keys.

And their setlist wasn’t exactly your typical sidewalk-sale soundtrack.

The young band played classic hits from bands including Weezer, Green Day and Nirvana, showing off their musical chops for people enjoying the event downtown.

One song in particular caught the attention of a whole lot of people online.

A video of Pressure Point performing “Territorial Pissings” from Nirvana’s Nevermind album was posted to Instagram, and within less than 24 hours it had been viewed more than 25,000 times, with hundreds of shares and plenty of comments from people cheering the youngsters on.

Among those comments came one from someone who knows a thing or two about being in a young band from Peterborough.

Adam Gontier, the internationally renowned Peterborough musician and lead singer of Three Days Grace, wrote:“Reminds me of another young band from Ptbo when they were just young lads”

That comment alone was pretty cool recognition for four kids who had simply decided they wanted to play some music downtown.

Other local comments were just as enthusiastic.

Local artist Lotsy wrote, “well this is wholesome and adorable,” while local fitness trainer Kate Ward celebrated the young band, writing, “yassss rise of the garage bands!! Bring real music back! Way to go boys!”

And Carly Reid pointed out just how young the members of Pressure Point actually are, writing, “YAAAAAAAS!! These boys are so great! And dedicated! And awesome! They're going places. I mean come on - they're all under 14. It's wild!!”

That might be one of the most impressive parts of the whole thing.

They’re young, they’re already playing together and they’re comfortable enough to set up in the middle of downtown Peterborough and play songs from some pretty legendary bands.

And apparently, people noticed.

It’s a pretty good reminder that sometimes the best part of a community event is the thing you didn’t necessarily expect to find there.

In this case, it was four young musicians playing some classic hits that got a lot of people talking.

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

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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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Peterborough Wants Your Input on the Future of Charlotte Street

By Scott Arnold

The City of Peterborough is asking residents to weigh in on the conceptual design for the reconstruction of Charlotte Street between Park Street North and Water Street.

A conceptual design for the reconstruction of Charlotte Street between Park Street North and Water Street is now open for public feedback, with the City asking residents to share their thoughts before the survey closes on September 14th (photo via City of PEterborough)

The major project will replace aging underground infrastructure, including the stormwater system, with the goal of reducing flooding and improving the area’s resilience to climate change.

But the project is also about what Charlotte Street will look and feel like above ground.

The City is using existing conceptual streetscape designs as the foundation for the next stage of planning, with a focus on creating a more attractive, accessible and pedestrian-friendly downtown corridor that can support businesses, everyday activities and community events.

Residents can now share their thoughts through an online survey, which asks how they use Charlotte Street East and what they would like to see along the corridor.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and is open until September 14th at 11:59pm.

Paper copies are also available at Service Peterborough in City Hall at 500 George St. N.

The project builds on previous work along Charlotte Street. The City completed the Charlotte Street West streetscape project between Park Street and Aylmer Street North in 2025, while a conceptual design for Charlotte Street East, between Aylmer Street North and Water Street, was completed in 2018.

The current project will bring those concepts together as the City moves toward detailed design for the full stretch from Park Street North to Water Street.

Field investigations are already underway as part of that process and are expected to continue throughout 2026. Residents may see survey markings, utility locates, workers and equipment, as well as occasional minor disruptions.

The City says the current work is helping it better understand conditions both above and below ground before detailed design moves forward.

The survey is available through the City’s Charlotte Street Reconstruction project page, with feedback helping inform the detailed design.

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

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Camp Kerry's Where Light Grows Fundraiser Rescheduled for February

By Scott Arnold

Camp Kerry’s Where Light Grows fundraiser has a new date, with the full lineup of artists still set to perform in support of the organization’s grief programs for children and families.

The Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre at Trent University’s Traill College will host the first-ever Summer Soiree on August 20th (photo via instagram @newstagestheatre)

The fundraiser, originally scheduled for September 13th, has been moved to Thursday, February 4th, 2027, at 7pm at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in Peterborough.

Camp Kerry said the decision to reschedule was made because of a serious family health matter. The organization expressed its appreciation to the artists, sponsors, volunteers, ticket holders and community members for their understanding.

The good news for those who were looking forward to the event is that the lineup has not changed. The same artists originally announced for September will come together in February for an evening of music, storytelling and community in support of Camp Kerry and the children and families it serves.

Anyone who already purchased a ticket for the September 13th event does not need to purchase a new ticket. All tickets will be honoured for the February 4th performance.

Event Details

Where Light Grows: A Camp Kerry Fundraiser
Date: Thursday, February 4th, 2027
Time: 7pm
Location: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, Peterborough

Camp Kerry provides grief support and bereavement programming for children, youth, adults and families navigating the loss of a loved one.

The fundraiser will now bring the community together on February 4th for the same purpose and the same artists, just on a new date.

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

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The Neighbourhood Vintage and Watson & Lou Collaborate to Operate Under the Same Roof Starting Sept. 1

Two beloved downtown businesses are joining forces: The Neighbourhood Vintage is making its home inside Watson & Lou, bringing the two businesses together under one roof, starting Sept. 1.

Photo courtesy of Watson & Lou.

According to owners Jacquelyn Craft of The Neighbourhood Vintage and Katie Küntz of Watson & Lou, customers can expect an inspiring shopping experience where trendy vintage fashion meets contemporary local craftsmanship.

“We're incredibly excited to bring our businesses together,” they said. “This partnership allows us to offer something truly special—a destination where people can discover local makers alongside carefully curated vintage pieces. We can't wait to welcome both familiar faces and new visitors into the space.”

Shoppers can find items such as vintage denim, leather jackets, handcrafted ceramics, original artwork, stationery, jewelry, or unique gifts under one roof.

Both owners invite the community to celebrate the occasion during First Friday on Sept. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

The evening will officially kick off the collaboration to explore the newly expanded shop, meet the owners and browse the latest collections.

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Local Photographer Opens New Studio In Downtown Peterborough

Studio 5, a new photography studio, has opened its doors to the public with a grand opening in Downtown Peterborough on Water Street.

Le Franc was recently nominated for a Luminary Award, recognizing her early accomplishments and promising future in the local business landscape. Photo courtesy of Kayla Le Franc Photo.

Founded by Kayla Le Franc, a Peterborough-based portrait photographer, she held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion on Friday.

“Standing there as a mom, a wife, and a woman building something from the ground up… and having my son cut the ribbon with me — that was everything,” said Le Franc. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from the Peterborough community. The guidance from Community Futures through the Starter Company Plus program has been invaluable, and I deeply appreciate the continued support and encouragement from the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.”

“Watching Kayla open her own studio space just months after graduating from the Starter Company Plus program is nothing short of inspiring,” said Rose Terry, Community Futures Peterborough Business Advisory Centre manager. “It was originally part of her five-year plan, but she’s moved with such clarity, confidence, and success that she launched far ahead of schedule. I couldn’t be prouder of the determination and drive she’s shown. She’s building something truly special, and it’s only the beginning.”

Studio 5 is also open to other professionals for rent such as photographers, videographers, content creators and more. Le Franc says the venue has bright, flexible spaceand comes equipped with natural light, a ring light, clean backdrop walls and other tools ideal for visual storytelling.

“Kayla’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when creative entrepreneurs are given the support and space to grow,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “By opening Studio 5 in the heart of downtown, she’s not only building a business — she’s contributing to the heartbeat of our creative community. The DBIA is proud to support visionaries like Kayla.”

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Patio Permit Applications Open For the 2025 Season

Applications are now open for the City of Peterborough’s annual patio program for the 2025 season.

In February 2025, City Council approved maintaining the current insurance requirements for Downtown Patio Program participants at $2 million Commercial General Liability, except for patios licenced to serve alcohol, which would be required to have $5 million Commercial General Liability. File Photo.

The patio program creates the opportunity for more patio and pedestrian space in the City’s Central Area.  

The program includes:

• Allowing businesses on George, Water and Charlotte streets to use on-street parking spaces for additional outdoor business/patio space.

• Maintaining the existing two-vehicle travel lanes and cycling lanes on George and Water Streets.

• Reducing Hunter Street West 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.

• The program has been expanded to allow businesses in East City along Hunter Street East to operate a patio on a portion of the city sidewalks.

• A non-refundable $400 Application fee.

Patio licences are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations that want to place a patio on City-owned property.

To apply for a patio licence, visit the City’s Application, Licences and Permits webpage online. Applicants can submit an application, permit fee and supporting documents through the City’s website.

There will be reduced speed limits on streets with patios. Parking spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses. 

Patio licence holders must put in place feasible measures to reduce physical barriers, respecting the accessibility needs of individuals. Business owners and patrons may contact the City with suggested modifications to the patio layouts that would improve accessibility. Where feasible, the City will work with licence holders to make requested improvements.

To have a patio licence ready for the Victoria Day long weekend, completed applications should be submitted by April 1. The last day to apply for a patio licence for the 2024 Patio Season is May 30.

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Downtown Patio Installation Beginning Monday

With the warmer weather in full swing, expanded patio areas and more pedestrian space are being installed in downtown Peterborough starting Monday, announced on Friday afternoon.

File Photo.

Installations are scheduled for Monday. The City will install decorative fencing and planter boxes next to businesses that have approved patio permits. Expanded patios are planned for George, Water, Simcoe and Charlotte streets. Businesses that do not have widened sidewalks in front of their establishments will be permitted to use the on-street parking area in front of their business for their patio operations.  

Decorative fencing and planter installations for patios are anticipated to continue throughout May and June to facilitate later rounds of patio permit applications. Currently, the City has received about 20 patio permit applications. 

“I love our downtown and look forward to the expanded patios each summer because they enhance the vibrancy and bring people together in the heart of the city,” said Town Ward Councillor Alex Bierk. 

The patio season changes include reconfiguring Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets into a one-lane, one-way street westbound to create more patio and pedestrian space. Within the Café District along Hunter Street West, the expanded sidewalk space for patios provides additional room for people to enjoy businesses and outdoor restaurant spaces due to the temporary lane reconfigurations.

As part of reconfiguring this section of Hunter Street West, Chambers Street is temporarily closed at its south end at Hunter Street and will be two-way for traffic from its north end at Brock Street the duration of the closure at Hunter Street.  

Reduced speed limits will be put in place on streets with patios to further ensure pedestrian and customer safety.  

Parking spaces including accessible spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas, may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses. 

The City is accepting Patio Permit applications for patios on city-owned lands until May 31. Patio permits are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations that want to place a patio including bistro-style tables and chairs, on City-owned lands.

Businesses operating patios on private lands may require a permit and temporary liquor licence extension. Interested parties are invited to visit the City’s Application, Licenses and Permits webpage for more information on the application process. Applications, permit fees and supporting documents can be submitted online through the City’s website. 

To ensure compliance with patio permit requirements and respond to non-permitted patios operating on city-owned lands, an Administrative Monetary Penalty System has been implemented that will create an enforcement process for businesses that are not in compliance with their permit or have not obtained a permit. 

The City’s Patio Program dates back to 1997, and it included bistro-style tables on the sidewalks adjacent to the building facades. The program was later expanded to include the creation of the Hunter Street Café District in 2005. This is the fifth summer that the City is implementing temporary changes to downtown public spaces to allow for more patios and expanded pedestrian areas.  

For general inquiries about outdoor patios on City-owned lands, please contact Nicole Huculiak, Urban Design Supervisor, by email at nhuculiak@peterbrough.ca or by phone at 705-742-7777 ext. 1654. 

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Applications Open For Central Area Patio Permits

Applications for the City of Peterborough’s 2024 Patio Season are underway for expanded patios in designated Central Area corridors.

File Photo.

The City’s annual expanded patio program has been in place for the last four years to allow more patio and pedestrian spaces downtown.

“The vibrant downtown patio scene has become a mainstay for Peterborough each summer,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Supporting our local businesses contributes to the economic and social well-being of Peterborough. We’re looking forward to another great season of shopping, dining and entertainment in the heart of the City.”

The program includes: 

• Allowing businesses on George, Water and Charlotte streets to use on-street parking spaces for additional outdoor business/patio space.

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

• Reducing Hunter Street West between George Street and Aylmer 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.

• The program has been expanded to allow businesses in East City along Hunter Street East to operate a patio on a portion of the City sidewalks.

• A non-refundable $320 Application fee.

There will be reduced speed limits on streets with patios. Parking spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses. 

Patio licences are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations that want to place a patio on City-owned property according to a press release.

To apply for a patio licence, visit the City’s Application, Licences and Permits webpage online. Applicants can submit an application, permit fee and supporting documents through the City’s website.

Patio licence holders must put in place feasible measures to reduce physical barriers, respecting the accessibility needs of individuals. Business owners and patrons may contact the City with suggested modifications to the patio layouts that would improve accessibility. Where feasible, the City will work with licence holders to make requested improvements.

To have a patio licence ready for the Victoria Day long weekend, completed applications should be submitted by April 2. The last day to apply for a patio licence for the 2024 Patio Season is May 31.

The City urges businesses interested in receiving a patio permit should apply as early as possible to facilitate a timely response.

Fencing and planters for expanded patio spaces associated with applications received after April 2 will be installed based on staffing availability. The City will aim to install the patios within two weeks of an executed permit agreement. Installation dates are subject to change at the discretion of the City.

An enforcement process using the City’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System will be applied for businesses that do not comply with their patio permit requirements or have not obtained a permit.

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PedalBoro Returns to the Peterborough Downtown Streets For the Season

The 15-seater PedalBoro bike is returning to Downtown Peterborough streets to tour the craft beer scene for another season, announced on Wednesday.

Roughly 60 per cent of PedalBoro goers were from out of town according to PEdalBoro. Photo courtesy of PedalBoro.

The cycling begins this weekend as PedalBoro will have cycling tours running from June until October.  The booking calendar is open as the party bike is available from Friday through Sunday for pub crawl tours, private parties as well as one-of-a-kind team building experiences according to a press release.

“As we embark on our third year in operations, we are opening this season with a real sense of purpose,” said Peter Rellinger, PedalBoro captain. “Our mission has always been to showcase the incredible people and places that make downtown Peterborough so unique. PedalBoro tours build connection and community pride back into our downtown core, add in a little dash of adventure and we are able to create this special sauce that can only really be experienced by bike.”

Last year, the unique bike aided in downtown spending with an average of 89 per cent of tour guests supporting core area restaurants, cafés and pubs before and after tours as stated in a press release.

“As our community continues to show its resiliency through economic hardship PedalBoro has an important role to play,” said Hillary Flood, ‘Party Pixie.’ “We are here to roll up our sleeves and do our part- and to do it with a bit of flair and a whole lot of razzmatazz.”

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