Local Rideshare and Food Delivery Service To Hold Job Fair On Saturday

Y Drive is looking to employ delivery and rideshare drivers at their hiring fair at the Peterborough Square offices on the third floor on Saturday.

Vietnamese restaurant Hanoi House (with vermicelli and spring rolls pictured in the foreground) located on Hunter Street and Lansdowne Street West was one of the first restaurants to have their food delivered by Y Drive. Photo courtesy of Y Drive.

The hiring fair will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 360 George St. where applicants can optionally bring their resumé.

The local company wants roughly 25 drivers for their rideshare program. In addition, they want to add another 20-30 delivery drivers for Y Drive Eats and have already hired 20 to start.

“Demand is so high, we need those people to keep growing,” said Joel Potter, Y Drive Eats owner.

Rideshare drivers must be at least 25, have a G license and have a newer vehicle. Delivery drivers do not have to meet those requirements.

Employees can work delivery or rideshare but not simultaneously on the same shift.

The delivery service starts on Tuesday with roughly eight restaurants to start. A new restaurant will be announced daily beginning in March for 30 days to be available for the delivery service.

Rob Davidson, Y Drive owner says his service will charge less to the restaurants.

"We actually got to know a lot of restaurant owners via Ydrive, said Davidson. "They are running into an issue where they are getting a lot of food out but not making any money. It allows our restaurant community to grow which is beneficial for us as customers and it also allows us to employ local drivers to do local work and make local money."

Vietnamese restaurant Hanoi House is one of the first businesses available for Y Drive delivery.

“I’m excited that there is a local option that charges a reasonable commission rate to restaurants,” said Susan Tung, Hanoi House owner. “People don’t realize how much money restaurants lose yearly to these large third-party apps. At least the money is now kept in the community so that is something we can all get behind.”

On Feb. 19, Y Drive started delivering for LCBO during their business hours.

Click here to submit an online application.

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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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