Peterborough Blogs
Voice of Business: Ontario Breaks Barriers to Boost Interprovincial Trade
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There’s some exciting news coming out of Ontario this month, especially for businesses.
After months of dealing with tariffs, uncertainty, and all the stress that comes with not knowing what the future holds for international trade, the Ontario government has stepped up. They’ve introduced a new legislative package called the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, in creating fewer barriers, more opportunities, and a much easier time moving products, services, and skilled workers between provinces.
Local businesses, along with businesses across the country, have been calling for this kind of action for some time. When uncertainty plagues international markets, it only makes sense to strengthen trade opportunities closer to home. These changes could open up new ways for businesses to grow across provincial borders and tap into markets they may not have previously considered.
Let’s break down the new legislation and why it matters for Ontario’s economic future: First, Ontario has signed new economic cooperation agreements with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to lead the way in breaking down interprovincial trade barriers. This proactive step will simplify and streamline regulations, ensuring that any good, service, or registered worker approved for sale, use, or work in one of the participating provinces (or by the federal government) will also be recognized as approved for sale, use, or work in Ontario. In practical terms, this means regulators here will now be required to recognize goods, services, and licensed workers from those other provinces. If you're running a business or working as a professional, it should now be much easier to expand your reach without getting buried in paperwork simply because you're crossing a provincial line. Second, Ontario is scrapping its 23 "Party Specific Exceptions" (PSEs) under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. These exceptions had dictated how businesses could operate, compete, and sell within Ontario, often creating extra hurdles for out-of-province companies. By removing these PSEs, Ontario is making it easier for businesses from other provinces to set up and operate here. This move not only benefits Ontario consumers and businesses, but it could also set a powerful example for other provinces to follow, encouraging a reduction of internal trade barriers and promoting free trade across Canada.
Third, Ontario is speeding up the certification process for workers. The Province will now have just 30 days to make a decision on whether a worker’s credentials are recognized. This is a game-changer for key sectors struggling with labour shortages, such as healthcare
and the skilled trades. By cutting down wait times, Ontario will make it much easier for qualified professionals to get to work sooner.
In addition to these changes, the Province is also opening up direct-to-consumer alcohol sales across provincial borders. This move allows local wineries and breweries to expand their customer base beyond Ontario, selling directly to consumers across the country. At the same time, Ontarians will benefit from greater access to products from producers in other provinces, expanding consumer choice and bringing a more connected national marketplace.
Finally, Ontario is taking steps to make it easier for health professionals to get to work. Audiologists, dentists, physiotherapists, pharmacists among others will now be able to start practicing sooner. Even American-licensed nurses and doctors will have a smoother, faster path to working in Ontario. These changes are critical for communities across the province that address the urgent for more healthcare professionals and services.
While the current global trade tensions continue to have an impact both here and across the country, these new measures by the Province present a significant step in the right direction. Although they will not solve every challenge businesses are facing, strengthening domestic trade creates new opportunities right here at home and brings a little more certainty at a time when it is needed most.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Volunteer Peterborough, River of Yarn, Business Summit and Quickmill
/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…
One of the best ways to get involved in your community and meet some great people is to volunteer.
If you would like to know more about what opportunities are available, head to Peterborough Square on May 7 for the Meet Your Match Volunteer Fair hosted by Volunteer Peterborough. It’s a perfect opportunity to discover meaningful ways to give back. Not-for-profit organizations are invited to set up booths in a tradeshow format in the lower level of Peterborough Square while the public are invited to browse and find a volunteer roles that are the perfect match. There will also be busloads of students looking for their volunteer hours.
Congratulations to Tracy Minnema, owner of River of Yarn, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
There are still a few days left to catch their anniversary sales for the month of April. River of Yarn provides luxury knitting and crochet yarns, tools, and accessories at affordable prices. They carry a variety of brands and sources of yarn, including alpaca, wool, cotton, flax, hemp and acrylics. You can find River of Yarn at 353 Kents Bay Rd. in Keene.
There are still a few tickets left for the Business Summit, hosted by Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and Acorn30 on April 30 at Ashburnham Funeral Home and Reception Centre.
This is a half-day conference filled with inspiring speakers and informative workshops. You’ll hear directly from business leaders on what they’ve learned and what worked on topics like growing your business, building partnerships, and handling uncertain times. This year’s keynote is from Matt Holmes of Holmes Reisely.
This week we’re highlighting more made in Peterborough products with Quickmill.
I recently had the privilege of touring their facility at 760 Rye St. Quickmill has been in the computer-controlled machining business, known as CNC, since 1984. They ship turn-key machines around the world for industries that include heavy equipment, aerospace, and oil and gas. They continue to grow and innovate, finding custom solutions for their clients with world-class machines built right here in Peterborough.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
The Back40 Smoke House Restaurant Set to Open Its Doors In Downtown Peterborough On May 1
/The flavour of slow-cooked meats is coming to Downtown Peterborough, as restaurant The Back40 Smoke House opens its doors to the public on May 1.
Mitch Lowes, owner of Flame Spitters Hot Sauce and co-owner of The Back40 Smoke House has his hot sauce available in over 160 locations. His brand has also won seven first-place awards. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
It is co-owned by Jamie and Darby Mousseau, Chris Duplantis and Mitch Lowes. It is located at 287 George St. N. at the former Taso’s Restaurant & Pizzeria and the short-lived The Locker Room location.
The restaurant will feature traditional smokehouse cuisine including pulled pork, brisket, ribs and more. The restaurant is an extension of the Mousseaus as they own the restaurant ‘The Back40 Smoke Box’ in Fenelon Falls and Whitby and have a catering business of the same affiliation.
“At first it was going to be a Cajun Creole restaurant, that's what my plan was,” explained Lowes. “He owns three restaurants so he suggested bringing it here and it just made sense.”
Both the Mousseaus and Lowes have their own lines of hot sauces, The Back40 Hot Sauce and the locally owned Flame Spitters Hot Sauce, respectively, which are also being incorporated into the menu. Their respective products will also be available for purchase at the establishment.
They met at a hot sauce expo and frequently attended the same events over time. Their partnership helped spark the dream of the local entrepreneur to open a restaurant.
“Eventually, I was going to take Flame Spitter to the next level, take the money I've been saving for it and this opportunity arrived for me,” said Lowes.
To accommodate the bar rush, the smokehouse will have a take-out window with a condensed menu, as it is conveniently located near several nightclubs and bars. It will be open until 3 a.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It will feature sandwiches, poutine and chicken wings.
The restaurant plans to feature live music, special event nights, daily food specials, and 12 local draft beers on tap, with two of them on rotation.
“We hope to turn this into a place for the community will actually love, sit down and enjoy,” said Lowes.
Community Future Peterborough Unveils 20 Entrepreneurs For Its 2025 Starter Company Plus Program
/Community Future Peterborough’s (CFP) Business Advisory Centre (BAC) has unveiled its 20 businesses selected for its 2025 Starter Company Plus Program, announced at the Venture North Building on Wednesday morning.
The 20 entrepreneurs were gathered at the announcement of the businesses selected for the program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
CFP received over 70 applications for this year’s cohort.
“This is truly a life-changing program,” said Rosalea Terry, BAC manager. “The quality of applications this year was exceptional, and our selected entrepreneurs represent some of the most committed and determined founders we’ve seen. We are proud to support them on their entrepreneurial journey.”
The Starter Company Plus program helps businesses accelerate their growth with mentorship, training and funding. This provincial government-funded program offers entrepreneurs access to expert guidance, networking opportunities and up to $5,000 in grant funding after completion.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this talented group of entrepreneurs into the 2025 Starter Company Plus program,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “Their creativity, drive, and commitment to growth embody the spirit of entrepreneurship we aim to support. We’re excited to be part of their journey and look forward to their impact on our city and county.”
The 2025 Starter Company Plus Cohort includes:
City of Peterborough Participants:
Groovy Little Smoothie Co. — Kara Ainsworth
Stoney Island Studio Live Event Painting and Creative Services — Julie Anastasia McMillan
The Willow Studio — Angela Demeester
Architecture of Wellness — Jackie Orsetto
Wild Woman Ayurveda — Maggie O'Rourke
Doody Call — Millie Kingston
Home and Well Inc. (Home & Well) — Kelly Clark
Common Thread Films — Kait Howell
Miller Exterior Painting — Dennal Leya Miller
Burkitt Solutions Co — Brianna Burkitt
Heeling Souls K9 Training — Alexis Mills
Joint Venture Inc. o/a Lost Cannabis Company — Brent Morrison
Layin' Divots — Krista Charette
County of Peterborough Participants:
Transitions (Tentative Name) — Kelly Gower and Roselyn Rodriquez
The Forest Hill Lodge — Jacqueline Lyons
Belmont Farmstead — Amanda O'Rourke
Urban Roots 47 Salon and Spa — Karen Kearney
Lark and Lemon — Kristen Offen
Joint Venture Inc. o/a Lost Cannabis Company — Brent Morrison
National Touring Museum — Timothy Jeffries
Millbrook Fit — David Lundrigan
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The Antique Store Closing Its Doors After 49 Years; Store Holding Online Auction To Sell Remaining Items
/After 49 years of business, Michael Seeley is closing the doors of The Antique Store at the end of the month and an online auction has been posted to sell out his stock.
Seeley holds a clock that has been sold through the online auction. All items in the store are up for bids but cannot be made in person. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Seeley has announced the closure, as he is retiring, with the store’s lease set to expire at the end of April. He spent the last year downsizing inventory through in-person sales and is selling the remaining items through an online auction, catalogued by Curated.
The Antique Shop opened in 1977 and settled into his current location at 277 George St. N. in the 1980s. During that time, the business survived a fire, the Peterborough flood and a pandemic.
Seeley plans to travel and spend time with his grandchildren following retirement.
“I’m going to lie down. I’ve heard about this thing called a weekend,” joked Seeley. “I really want to thank the people who have supported me and given me the opportunity to do what I’ve done. A lot of people don’t get to do what they love.”
He’s holding regular preview hours at the shop, Monday through Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m. Shoppers can preview the items in the store and then place bids online. The auction closes Thursday. Winning bidders can pick up their items on Friday and Saturday.
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Mac + Cheese Festival, New Canadians Centre, POI and Canadiana Cabinets
/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…
The Mac and Cheese Festival is back in downtown Peterborough and it’s bigger, bolder and cheesier than before.
This month-long celebration of comfort food is underway now, with downtown restaurants putting their own creative spin on mac and cheese dishes for the public to try, rate, and enjoy. There are classics and some creative takes on the dish like mac and cheeseburger samosa and a mac and cheese poutine. The festivities wrap up with a Grand Finale Bash on Saturday at the Quaker Foods City Square. There will be a mac and cheese showdown with live judging for the Judge's Choice Award, a beer garden, live music, vendors and family-friendly fun. Visit theboro.ca for more details.
The New Canadian Centre has purchased its building from St. James United Church.
This historic building at 221 Romaine Street was built in 1917. The New Canadians Centre moved in back in 2012 and will continue sharing the space with St. James United Church and the St. James Players theatre group. The New Canadian Centre has been instrumental in welcoming thousands of newcomers and hosting numerous cultural celebrations, shared meals, and community events.
POI is celebrating it’s new Peterborough office at 418 George St. N. in downtown Peterborough.
POI has been led by three generations of the Scholl family for six decades, creating inspiring workspaces. Their goal is to create spaces that help businesses achieve their goals and create a place where people want to go. They offer everything from pencils and paper clips to desks and filing cabinets. They have solutions for home offices as well.
We’re profiling local business that make stuff right here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. This week it’s Canadiana Cabinets.
Founded in 1995 by Bill Barker, they have been producing a versatile lineup of standard and custom cabinets ever since. Their high-quality cabinets are the result of merging traditional and hi-tech construction methods. Their cabinets are custom built-to-order and constructed on an efficient production line with the latest in industry technologies. Drop by and see their beautiful showroom at 2712 Brown Line and see what this local, family-owned business can do for you.
If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Voice of Business: Investing in Ontario’s Future: Why Sustainable Investment Matters
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Welcome back to this week's Voice of Business. Today, we’ll be discussing the future of post-secondary education and what is needed to ensure its sustainability, particularly as Canada faces increasing demand for skilled workers and the need to enhance productivity.
As you know, Canada’s productivity has been lagging for years—this is not a new issue. There is a direct correlation between productivity, the quality of our post-secondary education system, and workforce development. This week, we’ll examine the impact of post-secondary investment and the advocacy efforts that have been undertaken on this issue.
Last month, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce(OCC), and the Council of Ontario Colleges and Universities, released a letter urging the provincial government to invest in post-secondary education. The provincial government has frozen funding for the sector, leading institutions to rely heavily on international students for revenue. Without critical funding, many post-secondary institutions have been forced to cut programs vital to Ontario’s economy. This has dangerous trickle-down effects on workforce development, especially as we strive for self-sufficiency amid a hostile trade environment. If we want to position ourselves for success, we need targeted investments that contribute to and build our economy. The letter highlights the key link between strategic investment in AI and technology and the need to spur innovation in post-secondary institutions home to Ontario’s research and development. Investing in post-secondary education not only drives innovation but also strengthens our workforce and economy. If the government is investing in key growth sectors, we must ensure we have the talent to support these investments.
How did this problem arise and worsen? A combination of underfunding and a tuition freeze contributed to the crisis. In 2019, Premier Doug Ford mandated a 10 per cent tuition cut for colleges and universities. With domestic tuition frozen at this reduced rate, post-secondary institutions had to find alternative revenue sources to offset the financial shortfall. By 2024, the federal government further strained the sector by capping international student permits by 35 per cent to address housing market pressures, particularly in areas with low rental vacancy rates. As a result, post-secondary institutions began reporting significant revenue shortfalls. Adding to the crisis, another 10 per cent funding cut was introduced this year. Consequently, 24 of Ontario’s colleges are projecting a billion-dollar deficit by the 2026-27 school year, forcing many institutions to implement program suspensions and layoffs. Locally, Fleming College has suspended eight more programs, in addition to the 29 programs cut last year. Another notable college is Seneca Polytechnic which was forced to close its Markham campus due to declining international student enrolment.
Universities may need to downsize to remain financially viable. Although the Ontario government has allocated $1.3 billion to post-secondary education, the Ontario Council of Colleges and Universities reports that this does not account for the $2.5 billion in ongoing base funding recommended by an expert panel commissioned to assess the sector’s financial health. In short, current funding levels are not sustainable.
The OCC and the Council of Ontario Universities and Colleges are advocating for a new approach to post-secondary funding, including:
Increasing base operating revenues
Fully funding enrolment expansion
Enhancing research funding
Strengthening partnerships between government, industry, and academia
Your local Chamber of Commerce, along with other Chambers across the province, has signed onto this advocacy effort. As a Chamber, we recognize the critical role that education plays in equipping our business community with top talent. Universities and colleges are essential to providing graduates with the skills needed to drive our province’s and country’s prosperity. Given the federal government’s continued cap on international student permits, the current funding model is unsustainable, and urgent action is required to ensure the long-term viability of post-secondary education in Ontario.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
New Canadians Centre Assumes Ownership of St. James United Church Building
/The New Canadians Centre (NCC) has officially assumed ownership of St. James United Church located at 221 Romaine St., announced on Monday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
