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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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 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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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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