Peterborough DBIA's Halloween in the Booro Returns on Oct. 25

Downtown Peterborough is getting spooky as the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) hosts its annual Halloween in the Booro event on Oct. 25, offering an evening of trick-or-treating and downtown fun, as announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

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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New Mural Hits Downtown Peterborough to Celebrate Art, Community and Connection This Fall

To celebrate art, community, and connection, downtown Peterborough is welcoming a new mural created by local Anishinaabe artist Josh Morley (Miskopwagan Asin) this fall.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA

Facilitated by First Friday Peterborough, the mural will be painted on Water Street between Key Design Inc. and Scotiabank.

“The hug is a universal symbol. It’s an action of support, connection and optimism - values that reflect the strength of the Peterborough community,” said Morley. “Through this mural, I hope to encourage us all to keep showing up for one another. Public art has the power to spark connection and belonging, and my wish is that this piece not only inspires those feelings but also adds to the vitality and beauty of our downtown.” 

“Serving on the mural jury was both exciting and weighted with responsibility. We wanted to create new opportunities for local artists, and it was inspiring to see so many beautiful proposals submitted. Choosing just one was not easy, and every artist should be so proud of themselves” says Ashley Hall, First Friday committee member, mural jury, and local artist. “I’m excited to see this mural bring vitality back to the space and reflect the values of connection, inclusivity, and love… all beautifully captured in a single hug.”

An unveiling event to take place during the October First Friday Art Crawl event on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m., at the mural location.

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Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Launches New Website

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has officially launched Phase 2 of its website TheBoro.ca, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The reworked website helps visitors and locals to plan and enhance their downtown experience according to a press release.

Support from Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RT08) through their Partnership Allocation Program helped DBIA create the website.

The website was originally developed during the pandemic as an online shopping portal. It has become a digital destination for visitors and residents, aligning with the DBIA’s mission to enhance downtown Peterborough’s economic vitality, community connection and cultural vibrancy according to Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director

“TheBoro.ca is more than just a website. It’s a crucial part of our long-term strategy for fostering economic growth and cultural vibrancy in the heart of Peterborough,” she said. “We really want people to feel excited about exploring our downtown, whether they’re visiting us for the first time or just looking for a great way to spend their weekend.”

The new platform serves as a central hub for downtown Peterborough to discover events, local businesses or trip ideas.

It also gives downtown business owners, artists, and local event organizers a central stage to share their offerings, helping them reach new audiences and network within the community and among visitors.

Some new features of  TheBoro.ca include:

• An Interactive business directory with mapping tools and highly curated categories

• A dynamic events calendar with DBIA-led events and community submissions with everything from live music and customer appreciation events to theatre shows, family festivals and exclusive pop-up events

• Trip-planning content such as self-guided tours and itineraries, local stories and business/artist spotlights and guides

• Integrated connections to the Boro Gift Card, exclusive Boro merchandise and newsletters

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Peterborough DBIA Relaunches Mac & Cheese Festival; 17 Restaurants Vying For Championship Title

The title of Mac + Cheese Champion is up for grabs as the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has relaunched its Mac and Cheese Festival for a fourth year running from April 1 to 26, announced on Tuesday.

Heather Wasson, Turnbull Cafe Owner showcases her entry: Hot Honey Mac Attack. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

This year’s festival will feature exclusive in-restaurant specials and a Grand Finale Event on April 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Quaker Foods City Square.

There are 17 downtown restaurants competing to win the championship trophy, each offering its own twist on the beloved comfort food, such as The Dirty Burger’s Mac & Cheeseburger Samosa.

The public can vote online to crown a winner for this year’s event.

“We figured, why settle for just one cheesy guilty pleasure when you can have two?” said Tyrone Flowers, The Vine owner and current champion. “This year we’ve combined two fan favourites - mac and cheese and jalapeño poppers - into one irresistible dish. It’s rich, creamy, packed with flavour and just the right amount of heat. Cheese lovers,  we made this one for you.”

Local celebrity judges will decide a winner for this year’s Peterborough’s Mac & Cheese Champion at the grand finale. The contenders for the grand finale event include: Dreams of Beans, La Mesita, The Vine, The Boardwalk Game Lounge, The Riverside Grill and Sam’s Place Deli. Vendors will also be selling drinks and sweets.

“The Mac & Cheese Festival is a fantastic way to showcase the culinary talent and the creativity of our downtown restaurants, while also bringing the community together over a dish we all love,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We’re excited to bring this event back with an outdoor festival component that not only supports our local business community but also kicks off the Spring season in a really exciting way - with a day full of food, music and fun for all ages.”

Four local bands, including Jeanne Truax, Warren Frank, Brooklyn Doran, and VANCAMP, will perform live throughout the afternoon. A beer garden will be set up on the rink pad at Quaker Square, with local breweries, including 100 Acre Brewing Co., Sandbagger Hard Seltzer and Maple Light.

“I’m really looking forward to playing the mac & cheese festival at Quaker Square with the band,” said Calvin Bakelaar, VANCAMP frontman. “There’s nothing like an outdoor event with live music and an unreasonable amount of mac & cheese to really kick off spring.” 

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Peterborough DBIA to Create Memorable Evening With Inaugural 'Love Yourself, Love The Boro' Event For Feb. 13

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is making Downtown a night to remember with its inaugural ‘Love Yourself, Love the Boro’ event from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 13.

Other participating businesses include: The Vanilla Room, Couture Candy, The Speak Easy Cafe, Sugar Me Right, Watson & Lou, Needles in the Hay, Agave by Imperial, Iceman Video Games, By the Books, T-Elle Boutique, Brothers Pizza, Rawscoes Sports & Collectibles, Cozy Home, Lavender Moon, Naka Japanese and the Holiday Inn. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

The event has exclusive deals, giveaways and surprises as attendees explore the downtown core. A self-guided tour of downtown businesses runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and ends with pop-ups, live entertainment and giveaways at The Venue from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The DBIA has released a Google Map that showcases the participating locations and highlights the exclusive offers and events.

The celebration at The Venue has popups from local artists and vintage vendors such as Em’s Broideries, Of Whimsy & Wonder, Hello Irene, Sarah Crane and Eclectic City.

”Our Love Yourself, Love the Boro event is a really wonderful opportunity for our community to show some love for our downtown businesses while also treating themselves to a special night out,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “This event was designed as a way to guide people through all the amazing spots in our downtown area during what is typically a slower season for our businesses. Whether you’re going out with friends, a partner, or just want some self care, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and there are also some exciting giveaways and surprises to discover along the way.”

Needles in the Hay is hosting a drop-in felting workshop where community members can stop by to create a felted heart in their Hayloft space.

"At Needles in the Hay, we've always believed in the power of connection and creativity - as they go hand in hand" said Deanna Guttman, Needles in the Hay owner. “The Hayloft is our new studio space above the shop where fibre artists of all persuasions can come together to learn, celebrate and share their craft. We're thrilled to offer our drop-in needle felted hearts workshop for this event as it's the perfect opportunity for people to explore all downtown has to offer. We couldn't be more excited to welcome community members into our space to create something fun together.”

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Peterborough DBIA Announce Information For Event Support Grant and Application Deadlines

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has released details for its 2025 Community Event Support Grant and application deadlines.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

This funding opportunity was developed to help financially support organizers who choose to host their community-minded events in the downtown core, which in turn helps create a lively, vibrant and active urban centre.

The DBIA states that this initiative aims to help foster an inclusive and thriving downtown community by encouraging diverse events that drive economic prosperity and increased foot traffic to the downtown core and also nurture the health of Peterborough’s social fabric by fostering an increase in community engagement.

The Peterborough DBIA will provide financial and in-kind support to selected events that align with their core strategic priorities. The number and extent of grants awarded will be determined by the availability of designated funds and the number of applications that fit the criteria. 

The DBIA event priorities are as follows:

• Reaching priority and diverse audiences

• Engaging the DBIA member businesses including restaurants, shops and services

• Bringing economic prosperity to the region, specifically within the BIA district 

• Encouraging tourism, downtown exploration and increased foot traffic to BIA member businesses 

• Building community connection to and within the downtown area

• Celebrating the unique cultures and identities of downtown Peterborough

The goal of the DBIA event states that its support grant is to empower event organizers to create and host events that encourage repeat visitation and year-round animation in the core by helping to offset costs such as advertising, administrative fees, supply costs, permit and rental fees, for example.

"Our goal is to provide support for event organizers who work to create memorable experiences in our downtown that not only bring economic benefits by increasing foot traffic to the businesses, but also strengthen our overall sense of community and connection,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We look forward to collaborating with and supporting the visionaries and event planners who also work to create spaces where people feel connected. Together, we can showcase how special and important downtown Peterborough is for the social fabric and health of our community, and also for visitors who will want to choose this region as their destination of choice for enjoying a diverse set of unique and seasonal experiences.” 

Applicants who successfully meet the DBIA funding priorities can expect to receive support funds within two weeks of their scheduled event date. If the event requires in-kind support, organizers are asked to coordinate these requests with the DBIA at least two weeks before the event date. 

The event support grants will have two deadlines throughout the calendar year for application submissions:

• March 1: For events hosted from April 1 to Sept. 30

• Sept. 1: For events hosted from Oct. 1 to March 31, 2026

After a submission, the DBIA board will review all applications for the March 1 or Sept. 1 deadlines and decide on funding allocations in the board meeting that directly follows the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for funding. All applications must provide the DBIA with a detailed budget outline for their event to be considered.

The event application form can be found at ptbodbia.ca or online.

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Peterborough DBIA's Holiday Shopping Passport/Window Contest Winners Announced

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has announced Michelle Cardwell and T-Elle Boutique by VSL the winners of its 2024/2025 Holiday Shopping Passport draw and the Holiday Window Contest respectively.

(From left to right)Amanda Clarkson, Manager of Tribal Voices; Michelle Cardwell and Amanda Bedford, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Peterborough DBIA celebrate the win inside Tribal Voices downtown Peterborough. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

Cardwell’s lucky passport was drawn on Jan. 8 at Venture Northto win a $1,500 downtown shopping spree.

She shopped at the following places to fill her passport: Stuff from Mom’s Basement, Tribal Voices, The Black Horse Pub, Riley’s, Soupcon Bistro and Peterborough Photo Services.

“Downtown Peterborough is a treasure trove of unique experiences, with a variety of shops and restaurants you won't find anywhere else in the city. I love taking my time in each store, and discovering one-of-a-kind items that make every visit special,” said Cardwell. “The free holiday parking during the holiday season is also a wonderful perk, giving me and my husband more time to explore. We love seeking out and trying new restaurants as well as checking out live music and local talent at venues like McThirsty's Pub, The Black Horse, One Eighty, and the rooftop patio at Riley's in the summer. Downtown is truly a place where we can all connect, explore, and support our amazing local businesses.”

“Our holiday programming reflects our strategic commitment to fostering a vibrant, dynamic downtown while also providing a rewarding experience for those who support local businesses,” says Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “These initiatives are about strengthening both the economic and social fabric of our community by encouraging people to spend their dollars locally and celebrating our entrepreneurs. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who shopped and supported downtown businesses during the holiday season, and we look forward to continuing to build a strong and resilient community that supports and uplifts each other all year long.”

Bob King, Devon Girard and an anonymous person were winners of the three early bird draws. The anonymous winner donated their prize to the yearly toy drive organized by The Toy Shop, Peterborough Fire Services and the Salvation Army of Peterborough.

T-Elle Boutique by VSL was crowned the DBIA's Holiday Window Contest winner where each participant decorated with the ‘Frozen Fantasy’ theme.

This year’s contest winners were determined by a community vote.

The top three winners are:

1. T-Elle Boutique by VSL

2. Under Pressure Wellness Clinic

3. Statement House

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'Halloween in the Booro' Hits Downtown Peterborough Streets On Oct. 26

The streets of downtown Peterborough will come alive again with frightful fun and sweet surprises on Oct. 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the ‘Halloween in the Booro’ celebration.

Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

Almost 30 local businesses will participate in this family-friendly free event, which will offer downtown trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt for kids and late-night shopping. 

According to a press release, the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) organizes the event, which is designed to bring the community together and spotlight the local businesses that make downtown Peterborough a special and unique destination.

Participating shops across Charlotte, George, Hunter, Sherbrooke, and Water Streets will be decked out in Halloween spirit, handing out sweet treats and offering exclusive experiences. The trick-or-treating tour will culminate with a spooky and sweet surprise for those who complete the scavenger hunt.

“Our Halloween in the Booro event is not only great for families but also plays a vital role in supporting our local business community,” says Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “It encourages residents to get out and explore our downtown, discover something new, and further strengthens the connection with our downtown businesses.”

“This event is always a highlight for us. It’s amazing to see families out enjoying and exploring our downtown. The energy it brings is contagious,” said Lisa Couture, Couture Candy Peterborough owner. “We’re so excited to welcome everyone back this year and to be part of such a fun and engaging community event. It’s a great way to connect with our customers and celebrate the spirit of downtown Peterborough.” 

Families can view a trick-or-treating map to plan their adventure for the event. On the night of the event, they’ll be greeted by haunted characters stationed throughout downtown, adding to the eerie atmosphere. With many businesses participating, there will be plenty of treats and surprises in store.

Participating Businesses:

• Charlotte Street: T-Elle Boutique by VSL, Rawscoe's Sport Collectibles, Cozy Home, Bobo Tea, The Toy Shop, Gather Home Goods, Lavender Moon

• George Street: Iceman Video Games, Couture Candy PTBO, Chumleighs, Boardwalk Board Game Lounge, Kollect This Inc., Green Street, Summer Soul Yoga & Wellness, Lift Lock Escape, John Roberts Clothiers

• Hunter Street: NAKA Japanese, Plant Goals, The Dirty Burger

• Sherbrooke Street: Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio, Avant Garden Shop, The Vine

• Water Street: The Neighbourhood Vintage, Needles in the Hay, Statement House, Birdhouse Tattoo, Watson & Lou, Vanilla Room

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Peterborough DBIA Brings Back 'Explore the Boro Scavenger Hunt' to Help Connect Trent Students to the Community

Starting this week, Trent University students will discover their campus and the Peterborough community through Explore the Boro, a scavenger hunt to help familiarize students with local shopping and leisure spots while also supporting downtown businesses, announced on Wednesday.

The annual event—originally launched in 2021 as the bingo event Discover Peterborough—highlights local shops, cafés, and restaurants, helping students feel more connected to their new home. Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

Explore the Boro, co-hosted by Trent and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), encourages students to discover and engage with Downtown Peterborough.

“The excitement in Peterborough reaches a new level each fall as Trent students return to the city, bringing with them a vibrant energy that enriches our cultural, social, and economic landscape,” said Alison Scholl, senior manager, Community & External Relations at Trent University. “Explore the Boro offers a fun and engaging way for our incoming and returning students to immerse themselves in all that Peterborough has to offer.”

From Sept. 1 to 15, Trent students can participate in the scavenger hunt by completing missions via the Goosechase app. These missions range from snapping selfies at key landmarks to answering trivia questions. They allow students to earn points and discover hidden gems around campus and the city. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants. The student with the highest score will win a $1,250 Boro gift card, redeemable at various downtown businesses.

“Trent students invigorate our downtown, and this event strengthens the bonds between students and local businesses,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We’re excited to continue this valuable partnership, providing students with opportunities to explore, engage, and contribute to the cultural and economic vibrancy that makes Peterborough & the Kawarthas such a unique and welcoming destination.”

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Peterborough DBIA Relocating Headquarters to Venture North Building On May 1

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is relocating its headquarters to the Venture North building for May 1, announced on Monday morning.

pHOTO courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Board believed since the Venture North building was a central and visible position within the local business ecosystem as stated in a press release.

“As our community’s needs and the DBIA’s ambitions have grown, it became clear that a new space was necessary to support our future initiatives,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA board chair. “The Venture North building offers a modern, sustainable, and accessible location that aligns with our goals and vision for the future of our downtown business area.”

The new headquarters will feature dedicated board rooms, a lobby area for public engagement and enhanced facilities designed to better serve the DBIA staff, members and community.

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