Peterborough Blogs
Sarah Budd, CEO of the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, chaired the meeting. Mayor Jeff Leal, Warden Bonnie Clark and CAO Jasbir Raina attended. Several business owners and representatives from Trent University and Fleming College were also present.
Habitat for Humanity Holding Grand Opening of Lakefield Location July 24
/Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is having its grand opening of their new Lakefield ReStore at 3001 Lakefield Rd., Selwyn on July 24 at 10 a.m.
In 2023, Habitat PKR’s ReStores diverted 331,730 items from landfills in the Peterborough & Kawartha Region. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.
The new ReStore will further the Habitat’s mission of supporting local families and individuals through affordable homeownership according to a press release.
All are invited to attend, where there will be food, music and an opportunity to be among the first to explore and shop at the new location. The store will sell new and gently used building materials, furniture, appliances and home décor.
“We are thrilled to be opening the doors to the Lakefield ReStore in the township of Selwyn,” said Susan Zambonin, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “This new location will help us continue serving the Peterborough and Kawartha region through our three ReStore locations, bringing us closer to our vision of a world where everyone has a safe and affordable place to live.”
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Innovation Cluster, Dr. J's BBQ & Brews, The Local Show and Baxter Hunt
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and Kawarthas has three new board directors: Waun Broderick, Jan d’Ailly and Kelly Hagen.
The organization is celebrating 20 years of propelling growth and entrepreneurship in the region and is at a pivotal point as it reinvents its approach through a new strategic transformation. The three new board members bring skills the organization is looking for as it moves forward, reflecting its commitment to building a prominent and vibrant centre for the incubation and commercialization of innovation to support the needs of companies, partners, and the ecosystem.
Dr. J’s BBQ and Brews is heading to the lake.
After 10 years downtown in the historic Montreal House at the corner of Aylmer and King Streets, Dr. J’s is moving to Bridgenorth on the grounds of its sister restaurant, Chemong Lodge, at the corner of Hatton Avenue and Hunter Street. It’s a seamless transition for catering customers and now dining out on their amazing barbecue comes with a lakeside view eight minutes north of Peterborough. Downtown Peterborough will be missing the smell of barbecue.
The Local Show, hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce at Lansdowne Place, is back on Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Local Show is the perfect event for new residents, students, and those considering relocation or retirement to this picturesque region. As you explore the exhibition, you'll have the opportunity to discover unique offerings from local businesses. Booths are still available for businesses looking to meet new customers as we expect about 14,000 people to pass through the mall that day. Visit pkchamber.ca for more information.
Peterborough hosted US Consul General Baxter Hunt last week, providing an opportunity to showcase what our community offers for American visitors and business investment.
This visit discussed growing businesses, local investment, and strengthening the economic relationship between Peterborough and U.S companies, hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce at the new Canadian Canoe Museum location. The event included Mayor Jeff Leal, Warden Bonnie Clark and a diverse group of local businesses.
Peterborough Housing Corporation Appoints New CEO
/Peterborough Housing Corporation (PHC) has appointed Travis Doak as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Wednesday.
Photo courtesy of Peterborough Housing Corporation.
The PHC’s Board of Directors unanimously made the appointment on June 26. Doak takes over Hope Lee following her interim support as CEO since January 2022.
Doak’s first worked with PHC in 2019 when he was appointed and served on the Board of Directors. He officially joined PHC in-house on March 22, 2021 as Director of Operations.
Over the past three years, Doak was part of the executive team, leading the strategic planning, development and implementation of all activities and special projects related to PHC’s resident and building management services for the city and county’s housing portfolios according to a press release.
Before joining PHC, Travis held leadership positions at Sir Sandford Fleming College, including director of housing, food, and student Conduct. He has a significant educational background in human services and social work as he attended Northen College of Applied Arts and Technology and Athabasca University.
His duties as CEO provide comprehensive management and oversight to all facets of the organization, playing a pivotal role in shaping PHC future as stated in a press release.
“I am honoured to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer at PHC,” said Doak. “My focus will be on driving our mission forward and enhancing our impact within the community. Together, with the dedicated team at PHC, I am committed to fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration to better serve our residents and stakeholders.”
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Voice of Business: Peterborough Needs a New Tax Strategy
/City plans to hike property taxes on businesses in favour of lower taxes for residents hit a roadblock.
During last year’s 2025 budget talks, the city increased Peterborough commercial to industrial property tax to 1.65 times the residential rate, up from 1.5 times. This hike amounted to collecting approximately 22 per cent more property taxes from local businesses, but thankfully this move was rejected by the provincial government. Currently the Municipal Act limits commercial and industrial property taxes to a 0.6-1.1 ratio.
To put it into perspective, as of 2023, Peterborough businesses paid 150 per cent of what residents pay on industrial and commercial properties. Many municipalities are charging in excess of the mandated ratio of 0.6 - 1.1. For example, cities outside of the GTA pay on average commercial and industrial tax ratio of 1.81 - 2.32. Cities within the GTA such as Toronto, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, and Markham, pay an average rate of 1.94 - 2.06 for commercial to industrial tax. It is evident cities all over Ontario, not just Peterborough, are operating outside the 0.6 - 1.1 tax ratio.
According to the Peterborough Examiner, the reason behind this tax increase for Peterborough derives from the 10.28 per cent increase in costs. Included in these costs is $2.1 million more to cover salaries for municipal workers, $2.1 million more to cover salaries for worker benefits and $1 million more to run Peterborough Police Services. Without this tax, this leaves the city with a $3.1 million shortfall. This means the city will need to look for other ways to generate revenue.
Our Chamber here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas actively participated in bringing this proposal to the provincial government. Joel Wiebe, Vice President of Operations & Government
Relations, met with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to advocate on behalf of businesses in Peterborough who are disappointed in this increase.
With the rejection from the ministry to increase the tax ratios, councilors need more time to work on creating a fair and equitable tax ratio for businesses in Peterborough. Increasing tax ratios is not a solution to reduce costs for the city. Businesses should not face the burden of reducing costs at times where widespread inflation is affecting everyone.
Mayor Jeff Leal reiterated a previous warning he made earlier, “People thought it was a hyperbole when I said we would hit the wall...there’s the wall. Right there.”. His statement highlighted the city’s dead-end in finding solutions to reduce costs. With the proposed tax hike rejected, Leal suggested gathering additional revenue from city partners. For instance, he hinted Trent University, as Trent is not required to pay property taxes to the city.
Furthermore, Leal proposed “it is time to have serious discussions with our partners, we can’t keep going like this” Leal said. With cost recoveries lagging, we need alternative solutions to help reduce future costs. This will require aid from local partners and generating revenue through other means, not businesses.
The city will have to make some tough decisions when it comes to next year’s budget. Costs to run the municipality are going up, but it cannot push off those increases by arbitrarily hiking taxes on businesses to minimize the impact on residential taxpayers.
Mayor Leal is committing to growing our local business base by increasing our commercial and industrial assessment base from 20 to 30 per cent and increasing our GDP growth rate from 15 – 30 per cent. This will benefit all taxpayers by growing our economic base, thereby generating more tax revenue for the city.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Innovation Cluster's LevelUP Program Invites Growth-Stage Tech Companies to Win $10,000
/Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas’ (ICPK) business accelerator program ‘LevelUP’ is gearing up to begin its second cohort for growth-stage tech companies a chance to win $10,000 on Aug. 14.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The 12-week program supports innovative tech-based businesses ready to commercialize and scale. According to Innovation Cluster, the program focuses on validating business ideas and funding preparation, guided by industry experts who equip participants with practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and essential business skills.
They continue to state that program highlights include learning about branding, revenue models, go-to-market plans, customer acquisition, and funding and exit strategies.
The course ended with a pitch competition in November where participants will have a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize.
Latchmi Raghunanan, co-founder of Maman Biomedical Inc., won the $10,000 pitch competition in LevelUP’s inaugural cohort, pitching her company’s trailblazing products disrupting the in vitro fertilization sector.
“Winning the LevelUP pitch competition allowed us to accelerate and move forward,” said Latchmi. “On top of the $10,000 we won, the program gave us the knowledge and tools to successfully raise $30,000 in funding and increase our visibility and credibility in a very short period of time.”
After completing the program, a press release states that participating businesses will have a detailed business plan, be ready to refine and test their MVP, have a robust go-to-market strategy, have an improved investor pitch, be ready to drive sales and customer acquisition and be well-networked among mentors, industry experts, and potential investors.
“Our first cohort saw incredibly driven and innovative entrepreneurs whose businesses continue to grow since graduating from the program,” said Zahra Shafiei, LevelUP program lead. We are excited to invite all eligible and passionate business leaders to apply for our 2nd cohort so they too can experience these high levels of progress.”
Sessions will be held every Wednesday for 12 weeks, beginning on Aug. 14. Participants can join virtually or in person at ICPK’s downtown Peterborough location.
Eligibility Requirements
Open to entrepreneurs in sectors such as Clean Tech, Healthcare Tech, AgTech, and Digital IT.
Must be an innovation-driven business with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a team committed to growth and collaboration.
Must be a company based in Ontario.
This is the last cohort being offered free of charge to participants with applications due by July 15.
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Executive Director Announces Departure From Kawartha World Issues Centre
/After joining in 2022, Sam Rockbrune, Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC) executive director has announced her departure, announced on Monday.
Rockburne holds a BA Honours from Carleton University in Law with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Photo courtesy of KWIC.
“Sam will be missed by the Board, staff, volunteers, and our many community partners,” shares Ryan Sisson, KWIC board chair. “Her dedication to empowering youth leaders and building sustainable and equitable communities has been a key thread in her time with the organization.”
During her time with KWIC, Rockburne has extensively supported KWIC's umbrella programs including TRACKS Youth Program, according to Sisson.
“During Sam’s tenure, KWIC has become a stronger, and more resilient organization, that is ready to face future challenges,”he said. “As KWIC celebrates our 35th anniversary, we are seeking the next community leader to position us as a key hub for global to local connections and supporting youth leaders.”
KWIC has already begun its search for the next Executive Director.
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Carin' Crystals, Watson & Lou, Community Futures and Ghost Taco
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Carin' Crystals is now open in Bobcaygeon.
The shop is located at 232 Main St. on the east side of the Shell station. Owner Karen Francis officially launched her new business on June 8. She carries rocks, minerals, fossils and crystals, including spheres, towers, tumbles and raw. She has one-of-a-kind gifts and home décor ranging from more affordable items to high-end. Drop by and you’re sure to find something unique.
After seven years, Erin Watson, co-founder of Watson and Lou, is passing the torch to new owner Katie Küntz.
Watson started the shop with Anna Eidt back in 2017 with their mutual love for contemporary art and design. Their objective has been to host a creative shop that helps local artists and makers reach a wider audience, invites people to try new skills, and helps people find unique items to brighten someone's day while also investing in the local creative community.
Looking for entrepreneurial expertise and support to start or grow your business?
Community Futures is taking on the local Business Advisory Centre services, offering access to funding and advisory services all in one location. This includes delivering Small Business Enterprise Centre programs and offering the popular Starter Company Plus. These services had previously been offered by Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development. Community Futures is a not-for-profit organization that offers flexible financial support for small businesses. You can find them at Venture North at 270 George St. N.
There’s a tasty new option in Peterborough’s west end.
Ghost Taco has opened at 110 Chandler Cres. Dine in, take out, or get it delivered. Ghost Taco started as a pop-up after the pandemic forced their events business to close. Right from the start they’ve been inundated with orders. They took two years to perfect their menu and are now building an empire of chef-inspired tacos with quality ingredients. They currently have locations in Newmarket, Maple, and Peterborough with another location coming soon in Whitby.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Kitchens Depo/Original Flame, 100 Acre Brewing, Dreams of Beans and Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
Kitchens Depot and the Original Flame are partnering together on an expanded and shared 5,000 square foot showroom.
This one-of-a-kind showroom will feature fully functioning custom kitchens, bathrooms, and fireplaces to offer a whole luxury home experience. The showroom is at 810 Rye St. and will open this month. The Original Flame offers full-service fireplace and wood stove installation and finishing. Kitchens Depot brings 25 years of experience in the kitchen and bathroom industry.
100 Acre Brewing has a new beer called Perennial, a haskap fruit ale.
It’s a seasonal fruit ale inspired by experimentation and seasonal ingredients. It features Peterborough’s renowned Red Fife Wheat and haskap berries from local farms, resulting in a stunning ruby-coloured beer brimming with natural fruit notes and light acidity. Perennial is a must-try this summer season. 100 Acre Brewing is a family operated farmhouse brewery located on a 100-acre homestead property at 390 Ashburnham Dr.
Dreams of Beans, a fixture on Hunter Street for nearly three decades, is on the move.
The new location will still be in downtown Peterborough, but will re-open in the former Whistle Stop Café location at the corner of Charlotte and George streets. Owner Andrew MacGregor is looking to grow the business and expand hot meal offerings. Dreams of beans offers quality coffee and food with a commitment to fair trade coffee beans and paying a living wage.
Ashley Woollacott, owner of Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness, will be returning to both Little Lake and Stoney Lake for stand up paddleboard yoga for the first time since the pandemic.
Wollacott has been teaching stand up paddleboard for eight years now and originally began providing classes on Little Lake. She will also continue offering lessons on Chemong Lake. Summer Soul offers a variety of services and has a studio at 394 George Street North in Peterborough. Find out more or book your class at summersoul.ca.
Peterborough Bigs Executive Director Announces Departure Effective July 12
/After years of service to Big Brothers, Big Sisters Peterborough (Peterborough Bigs), Brent Shepard, executive director is leaving the organization effective July 12, announced on Friday morning.
BRENT SHEPARD (LEFT), LINDA CARDONA (MIDDLE) AND JON OLDHAM (RIGHT) WITH A CAPTURED PHOTO OF THE MURAL THAT STODD ON THE SIDE OF THE BUILD FOR 33 YEARS. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.
