StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Food Shop, Peterborough Monument Works, ES Landscaping and Y Drive

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

The Planet Bakery on Water Street recently announced that they will not be reopening. A tip of the hat to Ted Pearson and Mim Andrews, who started The Planet 25 years ago.

Meanwhile, congratulations to Anthony and Samantha Lennan, who own The Food Shop next door and will be taking over the Planet space. Opening Apr. 1, the couple will focus on local products from growers and producers including several of the menu items from The Planet.

There are a lot of upgrades required and equipment to buy so Anthony and Samantha have launched a kick-starter campaign for anyone who wants to support their dream of all things local. Details visit ptbofoodshop.com or on Facebook.

Peterborough Monument Works has announced a big move. As of Mar. 1, they will be located at 730 The Kingsway, Unit 15 in Peterborough.

They continue to create cremation, single grave, flat markers, cemetery lettering, cleaning and restoration, laser etching, as well as additions to your existing memorial including lettering, vases, cleaning and repairs. Visit peterboroughmonumentworks.ca for details.

Congratulations to Michelle and Mo Von Roeder, who recently underwent a new branding exercise for their company ES Landscaping. The couple worked with StudioPTBO on the new look. ES Landscaping specializes in sprinklers lighting, water features and ponds and a full suite of landscaping services. Check it out at eslandscaping.ca.

Y Drive, the popular local ride-share company will be launching a new food delivery service at the end of the month. Owners Rob Davidson and Joel Potter are planning a soft launch with about eight restaurants, and then will launch a “30 restaurants in 30 days campaign” to build the service during the month of April. The new meal delivery app will also include alcohol delivery. Watch for details at ydriveptbo.com

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Peterborough County Council Approves 2022 Budget

Peterborough County Council approved the 2022 Budget, they announced on Wednesday.

File Photo.

The approved budget will see a levy increase of 2.6% and includes a dedicated infrastructure amount of 2.5%. The levy increase equates to approximately $9.11 per each $100,000 of residential assessment.

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) data has not changed as re-assessments were not completed due to COVID, therefore the average residential home (not on water) in the County has an assessed value for tax purposes of $262,000

“Peterborough County staff were asked to bring forward a responsible and all encompassing budget and they did just that. This budget is affordable and gives us the ability to address our operational and capital infrastructure improvement needs”, said J. Murray Jones, Peterborough County Warden. “The challenges of Covid-19 are still causing operational and financial challenges to the County as well as to our service provider partners. Council has demonstrated that we will continue to tackle our Infrastructure needs and deficit. Our roads and bridges are pivotal to us all.”

Click here to view the full Draft 2022 Budget.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Savin Groceries, Fierce Dog Logistics, Jigsaw Organizing Solutions and Wendy Vey Professional Cleaning

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Savin Groceries App was recently launched. A client of the Innovation Cluster, Savin’s sophisticated technology accesses coupons, flyers, and cashback offers so you can quickly find the best price on groceries every week.

Founder and CEO Jenn Andersen says the app personalizes the user experience by recommending deals based on their App activity and effortlessly searches for weekly deals specific to your local region. Visit savin.app for details.

Fierce Dog Logistics started out of a need owner Jamie Bradstreet saw in our community.

It is a full-service, non-asset-based logistics provider based here in Peterborough with access to some of the most respected logistics providers in Ontario and Canada.

It does not matter if you have a small shipment or a full truckload, Fierce Dog has the solution at a reasonable cost. You can call Jamie Bradstreet at 647-456-6728 or email fdoglogistics@gmail.com.

Adeilah Dahlke recently relocated her business to Peterborough. Jigsaw Organizing Solutions can help you with moving, decluttering, reorganizing your pantry, reclaiming your garage or basement, curating your closet so that it only has items that you'll actually wear and more.

Adeilah is a member of the Professional Organizers of Canada and is passionate about sustainability, using what clients already have to keep them organized, recycling, selling, donating and generally sending as little as possible to landfill. jigsaworgsolutions.com or on Instagram or Facebook.

Wendy Vey relocated her cleaning business to Peterborough. Her team specializes in homes for sale, homebuyers and rental properties changing hands.

Wendy works with Real Estate agents to make transitions easier and to help you get the best price possible for your home or rental property. For a free quote call Wendy Vey at Professional Cleaning at 905-441-7378 or search for Wendy Vey on Facebook.

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Local Restaurants Planning First Super Bowl Weekend Under COVID-19 Restrictions

Since the Ontario Government lifted restrictions for in-house dining on Jan. 17 at half capacity, local restaurant owners are excited to be open for Super Bowl Sunday weekend.

This is the first Super Bowl that Ontario will have in-house dining under COVID-19 restrictions. Last year, restaurants were only available for take-out and delivery. In 2019, they operated at full capacity, one month before the province went into lockdown. In spite of the restrictions, restaurants have made more food orders — especially chicken wings and beer — in preparation for the event.

Maple Moose Pub opened last year and will host its first Super Bowl weekend in Peterborough. Angie Poucher, general manager says despite the restrictions, the exciting atmosphere for restaurants will be present.

"It's definitely going to be more exciting. A big difference between watching the Super Bowl at home with your friends and being in a bar is the dynamic," said Poucher. "You almost get that energy like you're at the game. Like you're in the stadium because it's loud. Every TV will be on the Super Bowl and it will be cranked."

Other restaurants that have been in Peterborough for several years are thankful to be open for dine-in regardless of the restrictions.

"It's an amazing feeling (to be open) with what we've been through,” said Franz Roessl, One-Eighty owner. "It's good to see people back and definitely here to celebrate the Super Bowl. It’s nice to see people come through the doors again."

"It's nice to get back to normality, I think that's a huge thing on everyone's radar," said Addison Brown, Dr. J's BBQ & Brews owner. "To be able to have people in here, separated with their friends, having drinks, watching great football and enjoying barbeque, nothing goes better than football, barbeque and beers."

However, the restrictions have created challenges and obstacles for some owners. Staffing, omitted features and short-notice planning were examples some owners had to face.

"With the limited tables, I only need so many servers and the bad side of this is a lot of servers haven't been brought back just because there's not a ton of work for them right now," said Roessl. “Once these restrictions open up a bit, it'll help us out.”

One Eighty is not doing their annual outdoor pig roast as a result of the half-capacity seating.

In their first year, Maple Moose Pub has had a difficult time building its brand due to the quickly-changing restrictions according to Poucher. The pub currently occupies the space that was formerly the nightclub Aria.

"It’s a big space,” she said. “It's hard to build a clientele when people can come and then they can't come. We are starting to build up a nice clientele but it will take a while. The first year is always hard, period, let alone in the middle of COVID but we're definitely getting there."

There are positives stemming from the restrictions. With only half-capacity allowed for restaurants, Roessl says there is a lot less to manage and plan for the upcoming weekend.

“With the limited tables, I only need so many servers and the bad side of this is a lot of servers haven't been brought back right now just because there's not a ton of work for them right now," Once these restrictions open up a bit, it'll help us out."

Dr. J’s has not had any problems despite the restrictions and Brown is grateful to have his business open.

“They've closed us down five times and we've opened up five times so we've got it down pat,” said Brown. "To have the regulars back and all the other customers, it's special to us and we're just going to keep moving forward.”

One Eighty will hold an NFL squares pool, cooler raffles, merchandise giveaways and beer specials. Dr. J’s will feature four different Super Bowl platters. Maple Moose Pub will have special Super Bowl platters, swag giveaways, prizes, pre-order takeout specials and a television raffle.

This year’s Super Bowl features the Cincinnati Bengals led by second-year quarterback and former number one overall pick Joe Burrow. They will face the Los Angeles Rams with former number one overall pick and former Detroit Lion Matthew Stafford. This is the first Super Bowl appearance for both players.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring August Blue Studio, RE/MAX All-Stars Realty, Early Property Preservation, Lia Ramsay and Peterborough Kawartha Chamber

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Deborah Kyle recently opened August Blue Beauty Studio in a new location at 378 Aylmer St. in Peterborough.

August Blue does lashes, makeup and spray tans, as well as an online store. Deborah promises a safe place to celebrate and enhance your natural beauty. Augustbluestudio.com or on Facebook and Instagram.

Heather and David Ahrens are proud to have been recognized as the exclusive McGillivray Trusted Agents in the Kawartha Lakes and Trent Lakes markets. 

HGTV’s Scott McGillivray’s “Trusted Agent Program” is based on a combination of client satisfaction, depth of experience, marketing and results. Heather and David are part of RE/MAX All-Stars Realty brokerage and they specialize in waterfront homes, lakeside communities, rural and small-town living as well as commercial real estate properties. kawarthaproperty.ca

Sharon Hopkinson’s new business is called Early Property Preservation. Sharon does house cleanouts and garbage removal.

Pick-up service is available and Sharon can arrange to have your stuff sold or donated. Call 705-854-0037.

Former Easter Seals Ambassador Lia Ramsey is now a Trans ace Canadian Author who has just published her fifth novel. Called Time, and available for kindle on Amazon, Lia is donating 50 per cent of all February sales to Easter Seals. Just look for Lia Ramsay on Amazon or Twitter.

The new Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce revealed their new brand last week.

The new logo is meant to project diversity and inclusion – geographic, gender, cultural, ethnic, sexual orientation and more with “Business Beyond Limits” expressing hope for a post-pandemic revival of our important local business community in Peterborough City and County.

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Apsley Sweet Shop Tastely Box To Open Second Location In Peterborough

Tastely Box, a candy shop that offers curated boxes of sweets from around the world currently located in Apsley, will be opening a second location in Peterborough in April.

File Photo.

James and Polly Laneville opened Tastely Box in April 2021 and quickly found success on TikTok.

Their shop offers themed boxes of candy from all over the world. Currently, some of their business comes from online as they have built an impressive following on social media. They also have a brick and mortar location in Apsley.

After almost a year of operating, the Laneville’s are bringing their business to Peterborough, while keeping the Apsley location open.

The new store will be open near Modern Makers Market, on Monaghan Street.

Polly says they aim to open in April and will be offering Italian-rolled ice cream and other fun new products.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Capital PTBO, Wagg's, Levantine Grill and Compass

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Congratulations to brothers Mark and Justin Million on the official opening of their new store on George Street. Called The Capital PTBO, you’ll find sports-related hats, tees, hoodies, collectibles and more!

They carry the Electric City Football Club line of clothing and they are building a library of sports-related books along with a spot to enjoy them. Open Tuesday through Sunday, stop at 370 George St. N. or online at thecapitalptbo.ca or on Facebook and Instagram.

Wagg’s Ltd., a fifth-generation Orillia-based company, recently announced that they have acquired Grainger Uniform Rental.

Wagg’s provides floor mats, mops, aprons, towels, napkins, shop towels, industrial coveralls, lab coats and gowns. The purchase does not include Grainger’s dry-cleaning division. For details visit waggs.ca

The Levantine Grill just opened last week at 356 Charlotte St. at the Corner of Park Street.

They serve a variety of Mediterranean food including sandwiches, bowls, pizza, shawarma, halal, falafel, tabouleh, soups, salads and catering platters. Owners Hashem Yakan and Imad Mahfouz describe Levantine as a gathering of family, friends and guests to experience the rewarding taste of a home eatery. Stop at Charlotte and Park or find the Levantine Grill on Facebook.

Compass Early Learning and Care has announced the Newcomer Home Child Care Expansion in Central Ontario program.

Funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada, this project hopes to address systemic barriers while licensing 30 new Home Child Care Providers across Central Ontario.

It brings together multiple local agencies, municipal governments, the New Canadian Centre, the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre and more to ease entry into this career pathway for low-income and newcomer women entering the field of childcare. For details visit compasselc.com/wagegrant.

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Local Sports Retail Store Doubles As Community Hub In Unique Business Service

What looks like a sports apparel store, owner Mark Million of The Capital PTBO created a community hub for the sports community in downtown Peterborough that opened on Monday.

Mark Million also works as a realtor for Bowes & Cocks Limited Brokerage. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store is located at 370 George St. N. and sells sports apparel such as hats, shirts and collectibles but offers a venue for other sports outlets. The space offers free rental space for events such as sports banquets, press conferences or fantasy draft parties.

Customers can use the space as a library for sports books available on-site, play table hockey or watch the game at no charge in a safe and welcoming environment.

"We're not here to make money off you. We're here to let you enjoy the moment,” said Million. “The downtown has for some generations of people, it has a stigma attached that isn't always true. It's not a scary space, it's a safe space run by entrepreneurs."

@ptbo_canada Need a place to hang out and do all things sports? The Capital PTBO invites you to relax, hang out and maybe shop while you are there! #PTBOCanada ♬ Smokin Out The Window - Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak & Silk Sonic

Million worked in retail with his brother for roughly four years before making a career change to a realtor for Bowes & Cocks Limited Brokerage. The brothers went back to retail after a friend’s suggestion to open a business since a major store closed its doors last February which left a void in the sports apparel market.

“Retail was my first love and I’ve done it for many, many years,” reflected Million. “National Sports announced that they were closing so that really started to move the ball forward. If we were to take a shot, go for it.”

The logo is made of wood and was crafted by Million’s son, Cole. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store’s name carries local roots as the logo was designed by Mary Bucholtz of Bechwood Design. The Market Hall clock tower represents Million’s family lineage and heritage that was in Peterborough’s history.

"My grandfather's grandfather (on my mom's side) had the first business under the clock way back in the 1840s-50s," said Million. “He had a fish market, it was the first one underneath the clock tower so to bring that was fun.”

The store currently carries Electric City Football Club apparel and is in the process of getting rights to sell Peterborough Petes merchandise.

“It's a no-brainer for us to be involved in local sports and there's such a rich history here between lacrosse, hockey and Electric City soccer team that was around 120 years ago,” said Million.

Despite the space looking like a retail store at first glance, coming inside the store will show the true experience The Capital PTBO has to offer.

“Come and check out our space, don't buy anything,” said Million. “I don't need the sale as much I need you to understand what this space could mean for your sports organization or for your club or whatever the case may be. We want it to be a space to be inclusive for anyone that's comfortable to do that sort of thing.”

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Local Business Owner Garners Support From Community After Break In

Treasures and Memories, a custom engraving business in Brookdale Plaza, was broken into on Saturday though encouragement from the community is helping the business to recover.

Photo courtesy of Treasures and Memories.

“When we received the call from Peterborough Police in the early morning hours, I was panicked.,” said Barb Smith, owner. “When we arrived and saw the amount of destruction and damages, I was completely overwhelmed and a feeling of bleak, desperate defeat came over me.”

Smith opened the shop in late 2019 right before the pandemic hit. Like other business owners she has been struggling to navigate the changing restrictions, though with perseverance she has been able to grow her business.

When the thief broke in they smashed the main window, and merchandise in the store causing about $2,500 in damage that will not be covered by insurance.

“As the day wore on, sitting in the freezing cold, waiting for the window to be replaced, I was ready to give up, call it quits,” said Smith. “Then I started receiving calls from concerned customers. They lifted me up and encouraged me to persevere.”

Smith started a GoFundMe in hopes to recover from this loss.

“It is the wonderful customers we have and the support of our beautiful community that is making it easier to persevere, regroup and carry on,” she said. “The community we live and work in, is overall, very supportive and this is what will allow us to pick ourselves up, dust everything off and be the successful business I know we can be.”

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Junior Achievement, The Eyrie, Grady's and Floor Coverings International

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running StoosNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Congratulations to this year’s inductees into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame. The formal ceremony will take place May 26 at the Loomex Group Hangar at the Peterborough Airport.

The 2022 inductees are; Eric and Marlaine Bennett from Bennett’s Furniture, Ken Blow and John and Glenda Lavery from KADEX Aero Supply, local restauranteur Ray Kapoor, Mary LaRocque from Marlin Travel, Lawyer Bill Lockington, Property Appraiser Peter McLean, Grocers Dave and Kimberley Morello, Peter Norris, formerly Holiday Ford, Vanessa Oake Hogan from Century 21, Michael Santos from Mercedes-Benz Peterborough and Ian Scates from Central Smith. 

For details on the May 26th event visit ja-neo.org

Congratulations to Tony and Kelli Grady who will be moving their entire store from Lansdowne Place Mall to their new location at 231 King Street (corner of King and Aylmer, formerly Angela Mark’s).

As of Feb. 1, they will be open seven days a week and will have all their popular footwear brands under one roof including Blundstone, Birkenstock, Finn Comfort, New Balance and more. The last day at Lansdowne Place will be Jan. 30 and all of their full-time staff will be moving with them. For all the details visit their website at gradys.ca.

The husband and wife team of Matthew and Kristin Morgan have an interesting new business called The Eyrie.

It is a Birds of Prey service-based company offering demonstrations, pest control and eventually a rehabilitation centre. Once we can all gather again Matthew and Kristin can do live, free-flight demonstrations with their team of trained birds at schools, local libraries, company and family events, campgrounds, fairs, festivals and more.

Matthew and Kristin are both highly trained and while they work towards their eventual goal of having a facility open to the public and a rehabilitation center, they would love to connect with you to talk about possible educational outreach programs. For details visit theeyrie.ca or find them on social media.

Floor Coverings International offers a mobile in-home, service that brings their selection of name-brand carpets, hardwoods, tile, stone, vinyl, cork and more right into your home.

The Mobile Flooring Showroom allows you to see how different flooring options will look and perform in your home. The process includes moving any furniture, removal of old flooring, new subfloor, installation and trim and clean up. Visit ptbo.floorcoveringsinternational.com

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