Peterborough Blogs
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Right to Heal, Mallard Heating and Air, Grady's Feet Essentials and Halloween in the Booro
/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…
A Right to Heal is teaming up with local business 100 Acre Brewing Company, hosting Friendsgiving on Oct. 20 from 2 to 6 pm.
This free admission event includes live music, local vendors, corn hole boards, prizes, a food truck and of course, local craft beer. Located on a beautiful rural lot, 100 Acres Brewing is a great place to enjoy some fall colours. Drop by 390 Ashburnham Dr. on Oct. 20 to raise some money for a great local cause and have a good family-friendly time.
With colder weather rolling in, it might be a good time to connect with a new local business: Mallard Heating and Air.
They do installation, maintenance, and repairs of furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, and fireplaces. Your climate comfort is a priority for Mallard Heating and Air, offering HVAC services that are designed to save you time and money with top-notch heating and air conditioning solutions. They service customers across Peterborough City, County, and Kawartha Lakes. Visit mallardhvac.ca for more information and to book an appointment.
In 1984 Ken Grady Sr. founded Grady’s Orthopedic Service from his home.
A year later, he opened the first Grady’s Shoes storefront in downtown Peterborough. Ken’s son Tony, along with his wife Kelli, bought the store in 1997. Together, they’ve created a legacy of 40 years as the go-to destination for quality comfort footwear. They opened their own storefront at 231 King St. back in 2018, initially as storage, office space, and a pickup location, officially relocating there in 2022. Congratulations Ken, Tony, and Kelli on your incredible legacy, both through your business and as leaders in our community.
It's time for Halloween in the Booro.
Head downtown Peterborough on Oct. 26 from 5 to 8 pm as the streets come alive with frightful fun and sweet surprises. This family-friendly event is organized by the DBIA and is designed to not only bring the community together but also to shine a spotlight on the local businesses that make downtown Peterborough a special and unique destination. There are nearly 30 local businesses joining in the fun, which includes trick or treating, a scavenger hunt for kids, and late-night shopping. Get more information at theboro.ca.
Peterborough's Feet Stays Comfy As Grady’s Feet Essentials Celebrates 40 Years In Business
/It was a huge milestone for Grady’s Feet Essentials as they celebrated their 40th anniversary in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their King Street store on Thursday morning.
Tony (left) and Kelli (second from left) cutting the ribbon as tony’s father Ken Grady Sr. (second from right) and employee Theresa (right) help in the ceremony. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
“When we think of all the things we survived to get here, all the ups and downs, the drops in the economy and the pandemic, it's just so exciting to have reached this milestone,” said Kelli Grady of Grady’s Feet Essentials.
The municipal, provincial, and federal governments acknowledged the business’s milestone. Mayor Jeff Leal and representatives from MP Michelle Ferreri and MPP Dave Smith were present to congratulate the Gradys and present them with certificates of recognition.
In 1984, Ken Grady Sr. founded Grady’s Orthopedic Service from his home, crafting custom orthotics for local customers. He opened the first Grady’s Shoes storefront in downtown Peterborough a year later.
In 1986, Ken’s son Tony Grady started helping after school each day. He purchased the store with his wife, Kelli, in 1997 and was rebranded as Grady’s Feet Essentials. They opened a kiosk at Lansdowne Place Mall in 2000. This led to further expansion into an entire storefront on the mall’s upper level in 2005 and a major renovation with the help of a retail designer in 2011.
Kelli (left), Luna (front) and Tony (right) together in thie business. Luna is one of the store’s highlights and always hard at work with the Grady’s. Both Kelli and Tony are active members of the Rotary Club of Peterborough, each having been recognized as Rotarian of the Year. The store sponsors several local organizations, including the Peterborough Dragon Boat Festival, Community Care, 4th Line Theatre and New Stages Theatre. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
In 2018, they purchased the former Angela Mark boutique building at 231 King Street in Peterborough which is their current location. Until the pandemic hit, they were restoring the building and using it for storage and office space. The pandemic forced them to think creatively, establishing a curbside pickup location and a satellite store at King Street. By February 2022, Grady’s Feet Essentials had officially relocated from Lansdowne Place to their newly renovated King Street location.
“Now that we're in this beautiful building which to me is going to be our legacy,” explained Tony. “This building will stand many, many more years and we're quite proud of what we've done here.”
“We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the support of our loyal customers. We are always looking for ways to serve them better and to anticipate their needs,” said Kelli. “We have three or four generations of some families shopping with us, and we’re deeply grateful that they trust us with their footwear needs and recommend us to their family and friends.”
The store carries premium-brand footwear, including Birkenstock sandals and Blundstone boots. It also utilizes state-of-the-art technology, such as a 3D foot scanner, to ensure customers find their perfect fit.
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Voice of Business: Chamber Trackside Chat Features Local Mayors and Labour Minister David Piccini
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This past week, Kawartha Downs and your local Chamber hosted a trackside chat which featured mayors of Cavan Monaghan, Matthew Graham, and Otonabee-South Monaghan Mayor Joe Taylor. Also in attendance was the honorable Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, David Piccini. Our VP of Operations & Government Relations, Joel Wiebe led the chat with a Q & A period for our guests.
The conversation began with Minister Piccini addressing the current state of affairs in Ontario. He touched on the big challenges we are facing - labour shortages, foreign workers, and housing. According to Piccini, productivity is taking a hit due to an increasing regulatory burden, labour shortages, and a lack of investment in skills. To combat these issues, he highlighted a new policy initiative which would allow for grade 11 and 12 students to earn co-operative education credits in the skilled trades. Students would also receive a new seal on their diploma recognizing their completion of the program. This will allow students to fast track their learning and hands on experience before entering post-secondary through co-operative learning. This is just one of the ways the minister is addressing our labour shortage by attracting more youth into trades.
Another incentive is the provision of grants for individuals to purchase trade materials. This provincially funded grant provides individuals looking to enter the trades industry with that first set of tools to start their careers. Covering the costs of materials for tradesmen can remove the initial investment to enter trades for individuals.
Shifting to the topic of foreign workers and immigration, Minister Piccini acknowledged the immense contribution immigration has played in building our workforce, including his own grandfather who immigrated from Italy. However, he emphasized the importance of also growing our own domestic worker base specifically in the services industry. While immigration has mitigated our labour shortage problem, it is important to continue to concentrate efforts on enticing our own local workforce to join various industries experiencing labour shortages as well.
Piccini touted the economic success Ontario has experienced without raising taxes and reducing a regulatory environment, pointing out that Ontario is the only province that has not raised taxes, and this has contributed to over $60 billion in revenue. In addition, he proudly mentioned before the pandemic we produced “0% of PPE, now 90% of PPE manufacturing is produced in Ontario” further illustrating our progress in providing a prosperous and viable market for manufacturers here in Ontario.
Next up, Cavan Monaghan Mayor Matthew Graham, and Otonabee-South Monaghan, Mayor Joe Taylor set the stage. They both had a lot to say on municipal matters such as housing, employment lands, and economic development. The mayors had their own set of experiences within their townships but faced the same bureaucratic challenges in lengthy approvals for land development.
In positive news, both townships are experiencing progress with hundreds of housing units in development! For example, Mayor Graham spoke on Millbrook overseeing 600-1200 units in the process of being built. Although housing units are progressing, the cost of development remains a concern. One person for instance, spent $2 million just on buying land and another $2 million on hydro.
Meanwhile Mayor Taylor touched on the need to develop land on cross-border boundaries with the city of Peterborough. Taylor said that “some townships do not have the capital to service city-owned lands and needs cooperation from the city.” With more cooperation this could lead to increased development in areas identified for growth between municipal boundaries.
Both mayors also spoke on the significant delays for developing employment lands. Graham mentioned “one land assessment cost $300,000 and then took four years for approval.” To mitigate these lengthy delays Graham proposes a “streamlining of services where municipalities can go to one body to meet provincial regulations rather than go through multiple bodies.”
The mayors closed off in talking about how meeting the needs of their township is their number one priority. Mayor Graham mentioned a thoughtful point about bureaucracy
acknowledging that while it can be frustrating, these are processes of our democratic system. “Some people hate bureaucracy but a lot of these bureaucratic processes and policies are democratic and to undermine them would be anti-democratic.” Despite these challenges, it was refreshing to hear both mayors remain optimistic about the future of their townships.
Finally, it was a very insightful discussion, offering a behind-the-scenes view of the work being done by our local mayors and the Minister of Labour for businesses in our community. Whether it’s Minister Piccini’s focus on tackling labour shortages or the ongoing work of our mayors to drive housing and employment land development, the topics discussed help address key challenges businesses are facing, such as labour shortages and rising regulatory burdens. The solutions offered by Piccini—encouraging youth to enter the trades and reducing the financial barriers to entry—will provide students with early exposure to the trades and fast-track their skills development. This means businesses can expect a more skilled and prepared workforce in the near future. Additionally, the mayors' focus on reducing bureaucratic delays and fostering cooperation between municipalities and the province would create more opportunities for business growth and investment in our community. It’s encouraging to see proactive steps being taken at both the provincial and municipal levels to build a better future for all.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Lakefield and District Lions Club, Prince of Wales, Peterborough County and Dietrich Homes
/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…
Lakefield and District Lions Club have kicked off a 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to support the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation, Kawartha Food Share and Community Care Peterborough.
The Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation supports investments in equipment and technology to bring lifesaving services to the region. Kawartha Food Share assists more than 12,000 men, women and children every month in our community. Community Care programs support more than 6,000 seniors and adults in our community with disabilities, helping to keep them healthy and safe in their own homes. Get your tickets at lakefieldlions5050.ca. The raffle runs until Nov. 15.
Leon’s Furniture in Peterborough has partnered with The Rotary Club of Peterborough to help Prince of Wales Public School breakfast program with new appliances.
The Rotary Club and friends have been providing nutritious breakfasts to students for nearly 30 years at the school, but the appliances were having issues. A call from Rotarian Catherine Hanrahan to Tom Reburn at Leon’s lead to a donation of a new suite of appliances to keep the breakfasts coming.
Peterborough County has unveiled its new economic development leadership team.
The team includes Rhonda Keenan, formerly of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development as the new General Manager of Economic Development. Sarah Budd is departing from the Chamber of Commerce to be the County’s Manager of Community Development. The two join Tracie Bertrand, General Manager of Tourism and Communications. The team’s efforts will focus on fostering collaboration across the region, ensuring that local businesses have the resources they need to thrive, and attracting new opportunities to the area.
Dietrich Homes have won the Award of Distinction for Production Build Home, two storeys up to 2,500 sq ft from the Ontario Home Builders Association.
Ontario’s top homebuilders were recognized at a ceremony at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls in late September. The Production Built Home Award celebrates architectural design, use of space, and unique craftsmanship. Congratulations to the team at Dietrich Homes!
Community Futures Peterborough Launching Small Business Week Event Beginning Oct. 23
/Community Futures Peterborough CFP has announced its inaugural Small Business Week event which will take place on Oct. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the El(p) event space.
(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) CHARLINA WESTBYE, CFP BOARD CHAIR; DEVON GIRARD, CFP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; BONNIE CLARK, PETERBOROUGH COUNTY WARDEN AND JEFF LEAL, PETERBOROUGH MAYOR. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.
This year’s celebration will include a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ event for entrepreneurs: The Modern Entrepreneur Experience. Attendees can choose to attend the entire day or select only the workshops that appeal to them most.
According to a press release, Small Business Week 2024 will bring together local entrepreneurs and small business owners for a dynamic, half-day program to reduce barriers for entrepreneurs. The program will focus on practical strategies, resources, and emerging trends.
The event will feature Keynote Speaker, Erika Arff, an accomplished Confidence and Business Coach named one of Cosmopolitan Magazine's Top 10 Pleasure and Confidence Coaches in 2021. Her popular podcast ranked in Canada’s top 20 in the Self-Help category in 2022 and her self-help journal reached the top 3 new launches for entrepreneurs in 2023. Her journey includes living with a chronic disease for 23 years and she’s traveled extensively, having taken over 100 flights in her lifetime. Her work has empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs, helping them build confidence as a foundation for business growth.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with over 500 clients from around the world,” said Arff. “Confidence is often overlooked until it’s the last thing getting in the way of your growth and unlocking your full potential. Then, it’s all you can think about!”
The Modern Entrepreneur Experience includes:
10:30 a.m. - Navigating City Hall
Moderated by Community Futures Executive Director Devon Girard, this panel will provide insights into navigating local permits, bylaws, and government processes, offering practical tips for working with local officials. Panelists for the event include senior officials from Peterborough City Hall.
11:30 a.m. - Lunch Break & Networking (Catered)An opportunity to hear from local business organizations such as the Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Association, and the Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas
12:30 p.m. - Artificial Intelligence: Your Business Sidekick
Delivered by Business Advisory Centre Manager Rose Terry, this workshop will show how AI can enhance business operations, marketing, and customer service.
1:15 p.m. – Supercharge Your Business Creativity
Led by Business Advisory Centre Advisor Lindsey Irwin, this session will focus on fostering creativity in business and personal life, empowering attendees to unlock innovative solutions to common challenges.
2 p.m. – The Art of Confidence in Business Keynote with Erika Arff
Led by business confidence coach for ambitious entrepreneurs and professionals, Erika Arff, this session will help entrepreneurs build resilience and confidence in decision-making and leadership.
“We are thrilled to present Small Business Week 2024, especially as it marks a new chapter for Community Futures Peterborough and the Business Advisory Centre. This event will be taste of what’s the come from the Community Futures Peterborough team, for growth and collaboration in our local entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director.
For more information, and to register: Eventbrite
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Lakefield Youth Unlimited, Community Futures Peterborough, Kids Against Hunger and Peterborough and The Kawarthas Home Builders Association
/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…
Lakefield Youth Unlimited is celebrating 21 years of supporting youth, children, and families in the community.
To mark the occasion, they’re holding their biggest fundraising dinner yet on Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lakefield Royal Canadian Legion. At the dinner, you will hear inspiring stories about youth and their families in Lakefield. The dinner is 100 per cent free. Donations will get a charitable tax receipt.
A big congratulations to some local businesses on completing the 2024 ScaleUp program.
This initiative is a collaboration between Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank to equip local business leaders with the strategic insights and tools necessary to accelerate growth. It’s designed to address the evolving needs of regional entrepreneurs with the strategic tools required to make key decisions about how their business can scale up, including expanding their workforce, establishing additional locations, or diversifying their customer base. Graduates of the program are:
Tracy Cosburn, Kyoto Coffee
Alicia Doris, Living Local Marketplace
Jacob Rodenburg, Camp Kawartha
Debra Ragbar, Kawartha Spice Company
Clint Clarke, Barking Pixel Design Co.
Sean Flanagan, Flanagan and Sun
Kids Against Hunger Canada is holding its Bowties and Boas event on Oct.19 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 270 Braidwood Ave.
This is a party fundraiser in support of the One Million Meals Peterborough program. The party unites fashion and compassion, giving attendees an opportunity to indulge in a sophisticated affair, highlighted by their Crock Pot Mania culinary experience. Get your tickets at kahcanada.org, get out your formal attire, and get your boa or bowtie when you get there.
Power up your knowledge and join Peterborough and The Kawarthas Home Builders Association at the Holiday Inn on October 10 from 8 a.m. to noon to learn how you can create an energy-efficient household.
Learn about finding the correct energy targets, determining the path to reach them, coordinating their implementation, and much more. Breakfast is also included. Register at pkhba.com.
Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Resigns
/Following two years at the helm of the Chamber, Sarah Budd has tendered her resignation effective Oct. 18
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