Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Four Dates For This Year's Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is bringing back the Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales, held on four dates on George Street, to showcase shopping, entertainment, patios and community activities in downtown Peterborough.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The dates are June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12. George Street is closed to vehicle traffic between Hunter and Simcoe Streets, creating expanded pedestrian space for shopping, dining, live entertainment and outdoor activations during the event.

Visitors can explore sidewalk sales, artisan vendors, special promotions, patios, and family-friendly activities throughout the downtown core.

“Second Saturdays have become one of the signature features of a lively summer downtown,” says Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “These events create an incredible atmosphere on our streets while directly supporting our local businesses. They encourage people to explore the core and see firsthand why downtown Peterborough remains the heart of our community.”

According to the DBIA, the event series is designed to support economic activity in the downtown while encouraging residents and visitors to explore local businesses and amenities. Businesses throughout the core will expand their presence outdoors through sidewalk displays, promotions, interactive experiences and special-event offerings.

“Downtown Second Saturday is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with our downtown core, support local businesses, and bring the community together,” says Shelby Leonard-Watt, S.O.S. Save Our Soles owner. “By creating a recurring event throughout the summer, Second Saturday gives residents and visitors a reason to return downtown and discover something new each month.”

Businesses interested in participating through a sidewalk activation or pop-up experience are encouraged to contact the DBIA for more information.

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Mayor Jeff Leal and Other Organizations Endorse New Event Centre In Downtown Peterborough

Mayor Jeff Leal has endorsed the approval and construction of a multi-sport and Event Centre to be built in Downtown Peterborough, announced at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce on Monday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“A new Event Centre would revitalize the City’s downtown and transform the Waterfront, drive economic growth and investment, and cement Peterborough’s reputation as a regional hub and tourism destination for decades to come,” said Leal.

The Event Centre would take over the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC), which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. While Leal acknowledges that the PMC has served the City well during that span, it would be costly to maintain and cannot perform the same functions as a new Event Centre.

“It (PMC) is already unable to host modern events and that capability will continue to deteriorate as it ages,” he explained. City staff have found that it will take at least $22 million over the next 15 years just to keep its doors open.”

Leal says Peterborough needs to think about the next 70 years and dubbed the Event Centre project ‘Vision 2096.’

“This is a generational opportunity for our community. A new Event Centre will revitalize our downtown by driving foot traffic and encouraging investment,” he said. “It will transform our waterfront and stimulate economic growth and development, and it will make Peterborough a regional hub and tourism destination for the next 70 years.”

Leal assured that the building’s cost would not be a burden on the taxpayer but rather would be a plus.

“Other communities that have embarked upon this path have seen an assessment uplift,” The City of St. Catherine's with the Meridian Centre is a case in point.”

City Council has previously approved the building's preferred location at the existing City bus garage site on Townsend Street. If construction were to be done, Leal estimates 30 months for the project to be completed.

“When we built the PRHC, we started construction on that in July of 2005 and the official opening occurred in the spring of 2008,” said Leal.

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The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce echoed Leal’s sentiments and also endorse the construction of a new Event Centre.

“From the Chamber’s perspective, this is about more than a building. It’s about economic opportunity,” said Brenda Whitehead, Peterborough Chamber president and CEO. “Aging infrastructure limits our ability to attract major events and stay competitive. A modern events centre strengthens Peterborough’s role as a regional hub while driving the kind of downtown activity that supports businesses across the entire region, and promotes opportunities for growth and further community development.” 

“Investing in a Multi-Use Sport and Event Centre is an investment in the future of our downtown,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “Facilities like this bring consistent energy, attract visitors and create the conditions for local businesses to grow and thrive. The DBIA strongly supports moving this project forward as a catalyst for long-term economic development and vibrancy in Peterborough’s core.”

City Council will consider a report on options for next steps for the Event Centre project at their meeting on Monday night.

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Peterborough’s Mac & Cheese Festival Returns This April With Downtown Grand Finale Event

The cheesy goodness is back as the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) hosts the Mac & Cheese Festival, running from April 1 to April 25.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

This month-long celebration invites residents and visitors to explore a lineup of limited-time mac & cheese features from 20 restaurants, culminating in the Grand Finale Event on April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Quaker Foods City Square. Attendees can sample dishes from select vendors and watch as a panel of local celebrity judges crowns the 2026 Mac & Cheese Champion.

According to the DBIA, some of the participating restaurants are taking the classic cheesy dish in bold and unexpected directions. Lola’s Cakes and Coffee is offering a Mac and Cheese Tiramisu, the first time a dessert is being served in the festival’s history.

“People are going to ask if there is really macaroni in the tiramisu and the answer is yes. It sounds crazy, but one bite and you’ll be hooked,” says Nino Ante, Lola’s Cakes and Coffee owner. “It’s the dessert adventure you didn’t know you needed. We decided to push the boundaries and make people smile with every bite.” 

Throughout April, locals and visitors are encouraged to try as many dishes as possible and vote online for their favourite to determine the People’s Choice Award winner.

Restaurants offering in-store features this year include:

• Agave by Imperial

• Ashburnham Ale House

• The Back 40 Smokehouse

• By the Bridge

• Cork and Bean

• Dreams of Beans

• La Mesita

• Lola’s Cakes and Coffee

• Love You, Mean It

• McThirsty’s Pint

• Pappas Billiards

• The Revy

• Bar Vita

• Riverside Grill

• Sam’s Place Deli

• St. Veronus

• The Boardwalk Game Lounge

• The Railyard Cafe

• The Vine (last year’s People’s Choice award winner)

• Turnbull Cafe (the Judge’s Choice winner for 2025)

“Our downtown is home to so many passionate entrepreneurs and talented chefs, and this event is a great way to experience that firsthand. Mac and Cheese fest is a great example of what downtown Peterborough is all about” says Nour Mazloum, Executive Director of the Peterborough DBIA. “Showcasing this talent is a large part of how we’re building a vibrant, welcoming downtown people want to return to all year long.”

The contenders for the grand finale event include:

• Agave by Imperial

• The Back 40 Smokehouse

• By the Bridge, La Mesita

• Lola’s Cakes and Coffee

• The Revy

• The Boardwalk Game Lounge

• The Vine

• Turnbull Cafe

@ptbo_canada The cheesy goodness is back as the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area hosts the Mac & Cheese Festival, running from April 1 to April 25. ##ptbocanada##journalism##fyp##news##macandcheese ♬ Macaroni & Cheese - David Chicken

Other vendors will be on site with treats and beverages.

The Mac and Cheese Festival Grand Finale event is also fully licensed this year for attendees 19+. With the mac & cheese, there will be live music, family-friendly activities, brews & seltzers and cozy lounge spaces.

Mac & cheese lovers can vote online for your favourite dish to help determine the People’s Choice Award winner. Voting will go live on April 1.

To vote in the People’s Choice Award, visit theboro.ca.

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Peterborough DBIA Accepting Applications For 2026 Community Event Support Grants

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is accepting applications for its 2026 Community Event Support Grant, announced on Tuesday.

Past grant recipients include the Neighbourhood Markets, Highly Likely Festival, Otonabeats Day Breaks and An Evening with Folk Fest's Emerging Artists. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The first deadline is March 8 for events taking place between April 1 and Sept. 30. The Sept. 8 deadline covers events from Oct. 1 to March 31, 2027.

According to the DBIA, the grant program provides financial and in-kind support to organizers hosting community-minded events in downtown Peterborough. Funding can offset costs such as advertising, permits, supply costs, administrative fees and rental fees. The number of grants awarded will depend on available funds and the volume of qualifying applications.

Local businesses, grassroots groups and organizations in Downtown Peterborough are eligible for grants. The DBIA says priority is given to events that reach diverse audiences, engage DBIA member businesses, drive foot traffic and tourism, bring economic activity to the BIA district and celebrate the unique cultures and identities of the downtown community.

All applications must include a detailed budget outline to be considered.

Applications are accepted twice a year. Following each deadline, the DBIA board will review submissions at its next scheduled meeting and notify applicants of funding decisions. Successful applicants can expect to receive funds within two weeks of their event date. Organizers requiring in-kind support should coordinate with the DBIA at least two weeks before their event.

“Our Community Event Support Grant is about more than funding — it's about helping event organizers bring their ideas to life in ways that bring real energy to our downtown core," says Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “Every event we support strengthens people's connection to downtown Peterborough, inspires new experiences and builds the kind of community that keeps people coming back.”

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Taste of Syria Comes to Downtown Peterborough With Aleppo Castle Restaurant Grand Opening

Peterborough can get a taste of Syrian cuisine as the restaurant Aleppo Castle had its grand opening downtown on Wednesday morning.

Aleppo Castle owner Amhed El Nime puts the finishing touches on aji (egg and parsley fritter) before presentation. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 349 George St. N., the restaurant serves familiar classic Middle Eastern favourites inspired by Aleppo, Syria, such as shawarma, falafel and hummus. Aleppo Castle also serves traditional Syrian cuisine, including batatas faroojh, aji, fatoush and more.

Amhed El Nime, Aleppo Castle owner, arrived in Canada three years ago. He had help adjusting to a new country through the New Canadians Centre and his business was aided through Community Futures Peterborough.

Mayor Jeff Leal (left) samples Amhed El Nime (right) and Aleppo Castle's beef kebab as one of several dishes served for the attendees. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

El Nime said he is grateful to Canada and Peterborough for welcoming him to the country, where he can build a new life and start a business in a short time.

“Slowly, slowly, slowly, I’ve been working hard,” he said. “I’m so happy for the people who helped me. Thank you to god, thank you for everybody and thank you to Canada.”

Mayor Jeff Leal, Community Futures Peterborough and the Peterborough DBIA attended the grand opening and sampled the Syrian cuisine. It was capped off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

@ptbo_canada Peterborough can get a taste of Syrian cuisine as the restaurant Aleppo Castle had its grand opening in Downtown Peterborough. ##ptbocanada##journalism##news##fyp##syria🇸🇾 ♬ Síria Syria سوريا - DJ Reverb & Ads

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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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Quaker Foods City Square to Hold Third-Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony This Friday Evening

Quaker Foods City Square is getting a little brighter as the community is invited to the third-annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Quaker Foods City Square on Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy ofthe Peterborough DBIA.

Put on by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and the City of Peterborough, the event features family-friendly activities, festive entertainment and local vendors.

Attendees can browse goods from local makers, enjoy hot chocolate and BeaverTails pastries, and celebrate with live DJ entertainment throughout the evening.

“The tree lighting has become a cherished gathering point for our community to kick off the holiday season,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “There is something very special about gathering together downtown on a December evening to enjoy local treats and warm drinks, discover unique gifts from our businesses, take in the music and watch the tree light up downtown with your neighbours.”

Mayor Jeff Leal will light the tree at 5:30 p.m. The event will also feature the return of the illuminated ‘Peterborough’ sign.

“The tree lighting ceremony is a wonderful reminder of the warmth, connection and generosity that define our City,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I invite everyone to join us at Quaker Foods City Square as we come together to share in the holiday spirit, celebrate one another and welcome a season filled with light and hope.”

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City Council Unanimously Against By-Law 25-126 to Assume Power From Peterborough DBIA Board of Management

City Council has voted unanimously against passing By-law 25-126 to assume a power from the Board of Management for the Central Area Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) during their meeting on Monday evening.

Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director during the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Meet the Candidates event for the federal election earlier this year. File photo.

The by-law, if passed, stated as follows:

1. On Feb. 21, 2017, Council approved the recommendations in closed session Report OCS17-003 and passed By-law 17-013 authorizing execution of a settlement agreement between the Board of Management for the Central Area Downtown Business Improvement Area, The Corporation of the City of Peterborough (City) and another party to an appeal to the then Ontario Municipal Board against Official Plan Amendment Number 173 and Zoning By-law 16-053 (Settlement Agreement).

2. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the City makes 20 annual payments to the DBIA of $150,000 each for a total of $3,000,000.

3. DBIA is a local board of the City.

4. Pursuant to section 216 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, a municipality may change a local board including assuming a power or duty of the local board.

As a result of City Council’s vote, The Corporation of the City of Peterborough by the Council has enacted the following:

1. The City hereby assumes the power of DBIA to receive from the City annual payments of $150,000 each pursuant to the Settlement Agreement.

2. Any by-laws or resolutions of DBIA pertaining to the exercise of the assumed power are deemed to be repealed or amended to the extent necessary to permit the City to receive the said annual payments of $150,000 and to spend the proceeds thereof subject only to the City’s performance of DBIA’s obligations respecting such payments pursuant section 3 of the Settlement Agreement.

3. This By-law is in effect when it is passed.

The DBIA issued a strong warning to City Council not to pass the by-law on Friday afternoon.

“Downtown businesses have been navigating higher operating costs, increased taxes, tariffs, and the lingering impacts of COVID-19,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “This is precisely the time when they need more support, not less. We have been transparent, responsible, and accountable with every dollar we manage. That’s why this by-law is so concerning; it breaks trust. If the City can change direction without discussion on something this important, what will they do next? Trust requires year-over-year consistency. Right now, that’s what’s at risk.”

The DBIA released a statement regarding the decision on Tuesday afternoon:

Dear DBIA Members,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and our entire team, I want to extend my deepest thanks for your incredible support over the past week. Because of your engagement, your voices and your commitment to the future of our downtown, City Council voted unanimously against By-law 25-126.

This outcome was only possible because our members showed up.

You delegated, you wrote letters, you asked questions and you made it clear that the vibrancy of downtown and the independence of the DBIA matter deeply to this community.

Your efforts reaffirmed what makes downtown Peterborough so special; a strong, united business community that cares, collaborates and stands together when it counts.

Thank you for your advocacy, your time, your belief and most importantly your trust in the work we do every day. We will continue to champion the needs of our members, strengthen our partnerships with the City, and build a downtown that reflects the energy, creativity and resilience of the people who drive it.

This was a meaningful win for all of us; and we achieved it together!

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Peterborough DBIA Issues Strong Warning to the City Regarding Risks of By-Law 25-126

The Downtown Peterborough Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has issued a strong warning regarding By-law 25-126, which is scheduled to go before City Council for approval during their meeting on Monday evening.

Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director during the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Meet the Candidates event for the federal election earlier this year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the DBIA, if passed, the by-law would shift authority over funds that have long supported downtown stability, revitalization, safety and economic activity – potentially weakening the DBIA’s ability to deliver services at a time when downtown businesses are already facing unprecedented pressures.

The DBIA says they were not consulted on the development of the by-law. Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director, said she raised questions about how this change would affect the organization’s ability to carry out its mandate during an already challenging economic period.

“Downtown businesses have been navigating higher operating costs, increased taxes, tariffs, and the lingering impacts of COVID-19,” said Mazloum. “This is precisely the time when they need more support, not less. We have been transparent, responsible, and accountable with every dollar we manage. That’s why this by-law is so concerning; it breaks trust. If the City can change direction without discussion on something this important, what will they do next? Trust requires year-over-year consistency. Right now, that’s what’s at risk.”

She also stated that the DBIA has a long-standing, collaborative working relationship with City staff and remains committed to maintaining that partnership but emphasized that major financial or governance changes require proper consultation.

“By-laws have consequences and this one has them,” she said.

“You can’t pass a by-law without considering the consequences. This one has them,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA Chair. “A by-law like this sends a message about the City’s commitment (or lack of commitment) to stability, predictability, and partnership. After the progress we’ve made together, introducing doubt right now is strategically harmful. It risks undoing years of work to rebuild confidence with the City.”

Lai-Svirk emphasized that the DBIA is not opposed to tough conversations but decisions of this magnitude must be informed, transparent, and collaborative.

“I’ve run a small business downtown for 20 years. I know exactly what uncertainty does to a business,” she said. “The last thing our businesses need is confusion about the City’s support.”

Lai-Svirk also addressed an online comment that the by-law ‘does not change anything.’

“If this by-law doesn’t change anything, then passing it is unnecessary,” she explained. “And if it does change something, the City needs to explain exactly what — and why.”

Lai-Svirk added that the DBIA warns that shifting administration of the funds to the City creates the possibility of future reductions or redirection, undermining the stability provided through existing commitments through 2037.

“We have stability until 2037. There is no reason to revisit this now. This by-law should be set aside until then,” she said.

The DBIA has highlighted the following strategic implications if the by-law is passed:

Passing By-law 25-126 without review or consultation risks:

• Undermining downtown stability during a volatile economic period

• Creating uncertainty for 400+ businesses who rely on DBIA support

• Damaging trust between the City and downtown stakeholders

• Sending a negative signal to investors, developers, and new businesses

• Interrupting momentum at a time when the downtown has finally turned a corner

• Jeopardizing future collaborative initiatives, including:

• permanent lighting strategy

• downtown boundary expansion

• high-speed rail (Alto) integration

• Event Centre activation

• new streetscape, placemaking, and safety programs

“These are the conversations we should be having,” said Lai-Svirk. “Not a by-law that destabilizes the very partnership that makes these projects possible.”

The DBIA is formally requesting that Council:

1. Vote against the by-law

2. Conduct a full legal and strategic review

3. Engage directly with the DBIA, AON Inc. and downtown stakeholders

4. Reassess the by-law in the context of downtown’s economic recovery

“We are prepared to defend the future of downtown businesses,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk. “If Council chooses to move forward without consultation – AON Inc. and the DBIA, are prepared to take every appropriate step to protect downtown businesses and the commitments made to this community,” said Lai-Svirk. “But our hope is to resolve this collaboratively. We want decisions that strengthen our momentum, not undermine it.”

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Peterborough DBIA's Halloween In the Booro Returns This Saturday

Downtown Peterborough is getting spooky as the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) hosts its annual Halloween in the Booro event, offering an evening of trick-or-treating and downtown fun on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The family-friendly free event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. as over 45 local businesses in the Downtown and East City will hand out treats, have characters will roam George Street and a Family Friendly Zone. The zone includes a Halloween-themed photobooth and costume contests for kids, adults and pets.

“Halloween in the Booro is one of our favourite events. It brings local families and merchants together for a safe, welcoming night of family-friendly fun that highlights everything we love about our downtown,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “It makes our city feel like home and creates the kinds of memories that keep people returning to the downtown as a destination for their family to enjoy unique activities.” 

By drawing hundreds of families to the core, the event creates opportunities for residents to discover local businesses, increases evening foot traffic, and supports the small business community that is central to Peterborough’s economy according to Dylan Reinhart, Boardwalk Game Lounge co-owner.

“We’ve loved seeing how Halloween in the Booro has continued to grow each year, bringing more families downtown and shining a light on local businesses,” he said. “It’s become a tradition for many, and events like this are a great reminder of how vibrant and welcoming our downtown really is.”

Families can plan their route using the official trick-or-treat map which lists all participating businesses, accessible entrances, and family-friendly stops.

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