Peterborough Blogs
PTBOSpotlight: First Five Club
/Welcome to PTBOSpotlight! Every Friday, this segment showcases a business or organization in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the people behind the organization and the work they do for our community.
This week, we are featuring First Five Club. It is owned and founded by Whitney Stoner.
Photo courtesy of Jordan Lyall Photography and First Five Club.
Located at 1-260 Milroy Dr., the First Five Club is a Montessori-inspired playplace and wellness studio designed for families with children up to the age of five.
Customers can drop in with an All-Day Play Pass, bundle visits with a discounted Multi-Pass or join one of our three membership tiers—Play Club, Explorer Club, and All Access Club—all packed with perks like unlimited play, guest passes, class access and exclusive discounts.
“Our space includes a main play area, a glowing sensory room and a cozy lactation and nap room. Every visit includes complimentary coffee, tea, snacks and WiFi—so parents can take a breath while their little ones explore,” explained Stoner. “We also run weekly classes in our studio like Music & Me, KangaDance and Nest & Stretch, plus free-for-member drop-in activities like Little Picassos and Sensory Lounge that run twice a week and are also open to the public.”
The Club is more than just a space to grow and learn for children.
“In addition to our regular play and classes, we host monthly special events and workshops for families looking for more education, support or just a little fun outside the day-to-day,” said Stoner. “We also host birthday parties, baby showers and have our studio available to local professionals to rent.”
Photo courtesy of Jordan Lyall Photography and First Five Club.
Founded in September 2023, the business emerged from the need for social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stoner became a mom in 2021, when restrictions were not yet fully lifted. She experienced firsthand the challenges of isolation and the struggle to find accessible resources for her family.
“I’m a mom to a spirited four-year-old, and like a lot of parents, I spent the early years of motherhood in the thick of the pandemic—pregnant, isolated, and desperate for connection,” explained Stoner. “First Five Club was born from that experience. I wanted to create a space where families felt seen, supported and surrounded by community. A space where kids could play freely and grownups could breathe for a minute.”
The First Five Club offers a Montessori-inspired play area featuring calm aesthetics, open-ended toys and child-led materials that spark independence and curiosity according to Stoner.
“That means kids don’t just ‘stay busy’—they actually engage. They choose their own adventures, move at their own pace, and build confidence in a setting that feels both free and structured,” she explained. “Parents often tell us their kids leave calmer and more content—minus the few tantrums from those who don't wanna leave at all.”
To learn more about First Five Club, find it online:
Website: www.firstfiveclub.com
Instagram: @firstfiveclub
Facebook: First Five Club
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Kawartha Credit Union and Libro Announce Plans to Merge
/The Boards of both Kawartha Credit Union and Libro Credit Union entered into discussions about a merger.
Photo courtesy of Kawartha Credit Union.
“The Boards of both credit unions believe this merger is in the best interests of Members/Owners, employees, communities and the credit union,” said Garrett Vanderwyst, Libro board chair. “By coming together, we can scale and be better prepared for the future, while at the same time maintain the benefits and advantages of a community-focused credit union.”
According to a press release, the credit unions are progressing well through the stages of the merger process. In August, a comprehensive application will be submitted to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) and if approved, Members/Owners from both credit unions will participate in a democratic voting process, likely in the fall of 2025.
If approved, the new credit union would have approximately $11 billion in total assets under management, serving over 180,000 Members/Owners, across 57 locations in Ontario, offering a full range of personal and business banking, wealth management and insurance solutions.
“Both credit unions have a long history of helping Members/Owners achieve their financial goals. By coming together the merged credit union will focus on providing the products, services and advice our Members/Owners need, while continuing to invest in our local communities,” says Kawartha Board Chair, Allison Chenier.
Both companies state that the merger will provide the following benefits for customers:
Better digital banking experiences – backed by the strength of a growing credit union with more to invest
More in-person access through 57 locations across Ontario
Access to deeper financial expertise and personalized advice for every stage of life and business
A wider range of products and services across personal banking, business banking, wealth, and insurance
Greater lending capacity and tailored support for business Members/Owners
Enhanced agricultural banking support through dedicated specialists serving local farming communities
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Lufthansa InTouch Shutting Its Doors In May of Next Year; Several Hundred Jobs Affected From Closure
/Lufthansa InTouch is shutting down its Peterborough call centre in May of next year, affecting several hundred employees, announced on Wednesday.
Lufthansa InTouch opened its Peterborough facility in 2003. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Located at 1900 Fisher Dr, Lufthansa’s closure comes from “a decline in customer service volume as part of ongoing business transformation efforts.”
The company’s services include general reservations, miles and more, group sales, and ticketing, according to their website.
Lufthansa Group in Germany operates the call centre. They also own and operate Lufthansa Airlines and several other European airlines. It is one of six locations — and the only one in North America — alongside Berlin, Brno, Cape Town, Manila and Turkey.
Lufthansa says it will work with the affected employees to help them transition to the next step in their professional careers, according to Christina Semmel, manager of corporate communications (North America) at Lufthansa InTouch.
“LIT greatly appreciates the commitment and professionalism of the team in Peterborough, whose service has contributed significantly to customer satisfaction among Lufthansa Group airlines and is committed to supporting the affected employees during this transition phase, including through fair severance payments, an employee assistance program and professional support in finding new jobs,” she said.
The closure comes a month after Siemens had announced its consolidation operations in Concord on June 25, relocating approximately 160 manufacturing positions over the next two years.
Voice of Business: A New Era of Military Spending
/
Canada is set to make a historic investment in its military, not seen since the Korean War.
Just last month, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will meet the two per cent target by the end of the current fiscal year, totalling over $9 billion. If achieved, this would mark a significant increase from the current level of roughly 1.3 per cent of GDP. This renewed commitment to defence spending reflects not only growing international pressures, such as Canada's NATO obligations, but also recognition of the domestic economic opportunities that could accompany such investment. As government procurement expands to include new technologies, equipment, and infrastructure, Canadian businesses across sectors, from advanced manufacturing to cybersecurity, are likely to see increased demand and opportunities for growth.
The key question is: who will benefit from this? Canada’s defence sector encompasses air and space systems, land, and marine operations. According to Statistics Canada, in 2022, it generated $14.3 billion in revenue from 586 firms. Approximately 408 of those firms were Canadian-owned, collectively accounting for half of the industry’s total sales.
Why is this important to our region? Because Ontario is home to strong manufacturing bases that support areas like combat vehicle production, munitions, and aircraft fabrication and maintenance. In 2022, 54 per cent of total supply chain expenditures across the defence industry were directed to domestic sources.
The Ontario government has also weighed in on investing in Ontario’s defence manufacturing sector, particularly by strengthening its shipbuilding capacity. This will help to support and align with Canada’s National Defence Strategy by providing accessible options for procuring ships domestically. A first-of-its-kind program in Ontario will offer shipbuilders access to non-repayable grants covering up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for projects that enhance the shipbuilding industry’s competitiveness. Ontario is positioning itself to support the shipbuilding sector and contribute to Canada’s defence-building strategy.
While this announcement of federal spending is still in its early stages, and the rollout of government procurement remains to be seen, we can expect a more strategic, Canadian-focused approach that emphasizes “Made in Canada” solutions.
Furthermore, with a significant announcement like this, we can expect the Government of Canada to commit to its goal of doubling defence spending. However, the true test will be whether the government follows through. Canada has consistently been underspending to meet the existing 2 per cent NATO defence requirement.
Within the province, building on previous investments in the shipbuilding sector, Ontario is positioning its industries to help support Canada’s defence spending commitments. This focus includes bolstering Ontario’s own domestically sourced critical minerals, which are essential to the defence industry. In addition, Ontario is investing $50 million into an Ontario-based venture capital fund focused on technologies that support national defence and related fields such as AI and cybersecurity.
More spending means more production, but what does this mean for our manufacturing sector? There is little detail, but Canada has generally outlined their plan. For example, $1 billion (accrual basis) has been allocated to expand and enhance military capabilities with a focus on Canadian suppliers. An additional $2.1 billion (reported on both a cash and accrual basis) will be used to strengthen the federal government’s relationship with the defence industry and support the development of a Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS). These measures aim to address immediate barriers, such as delays and gaps in the industry’s ability to equip the Canadian Armed Forces. Recognizing that Canada cannot meet all military needs alone, this strategy also includes plans to deepen our industrial partnerships and expand our military capabilities.
While the news of Canada’s effort is fairly new, we can only wait and see what will come of this. Canada’s effort to bolster defence will not only protect our national security but also indirectly sustain the continued prosperity and safety of the communities our businesses call home. This move will bring renewed opportunity to manufacturers and technology builders eager to contribute to our national defence.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Community Futures Peterborough and Launch Limited-Edition SOAR Series For Established Businesses Looking to Expand
/Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) and the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) have launched SOAR, a brand new, cohort program designed for established businesses that are ready to expand or scale their operations.
Photo courtesy of CFP.
“This is a direct response to the gaps we’ve consistently seen in our local businesses while operating the Business Advisory Centre for the past year,” said Rose Terry, BAC manager. “Existing businesses often hit a ceiling without access to tailored, expert support and guidance. We have been offering this in our one-on-one consultations, but the SOAR Series bridges that gap, offering high-impact, cohorted, practical training to help businesses in our region thrive and lead.”
With limited spots available each month, business owners can now apply to be accepted into individual cohorts. Successful applicants will gain access to expert-led workshops tailored to the challenges and opportunities that growing businesses face. The SOAR Series will equip participants with real-world next steps and strategic direction to stay competitive and expand in an evolving market.
The free series begins this September and runs for four months. It will provide successful applicants with access to in-depth, specialized programming delivered by external consultants and CF Peterborough staff according to CFP.
Each month in the Fall this year, SOAR will focus on a critical area of business development identified by the needs of businesses in our community.
“Community Futures continues to demonstrate that the best ways for businesses to succeed is to build relationships and leverage the experience and knowledge of others. Today’s announcement about the SOAR program is another example of building on that collaborative philosophy as a way to improve the business acumen of many of the entrepreneurs and job creators in our region,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.
Businesses may apply for as many months as they feel they require support in:
September – Marketing Mastery and Pitching for Growth
These four sessions will feature interactive workshops led by marketing, branding, and communication experts, including Rosalea Terry, Erika Eileen, and Kyle MacDonald, each bringing unique perspectives and toolkits to help entrepreneurs craft and communicate their story with impact.
October – Business Development and Sales
These sessions will be led by Jason Fiorotto, a highly successful marketing and sales leader with over 25 years of experience working with companies ranging from private equity-backed startups to Fortune 50 global brands. This cohort will focus on building the systems and strategies that drive consistent revenue growth. Business owners will learn how to identify and qualify leads, strengthen their sales conversations, and close deals with confidence. These sessions will also explore how to build a sustainable business development pipeline that supports long-term growth and scalability.
November – Cross-Border Expansion and E-Commerce
For companies looking to expand into new provinces or sell across international borders, these sessions will help to master the logistics, digital tools, and market entry strategies required for expansive growth. Business owners will also learn how to optimize their e-commerce presence, from choosing the right platforms to navigating shipping, compliance, and customer experience across borders.
December – Selling, Acquiring, and Succession Planning
These sessions will focus on covering the key aspects of transitioning a business, whether through sale, purchase, or succession. Led by business succession planning experts Michael Riseley and Nicole Truman, they will encompass all aspects of a business transition, including valuation, sale, acquisition, and succession. Businesses will learn how to transition in a tax-efficient manner and hear about various transition strategies applicable to a range of diverse businesses.
The SOAR Series is open to businesses located in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County, including Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation. The sessions will rotate across locations to ensure inclusive access for both urban and rural entrepreneurs.
“This is more than a business program, it’s an economic development catalyst,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “The SOAR Series will empower our existing businesses to grow stronger roots locally while receiving expert, customized advice to help them meet their expansion goals. We are so excited to bring this program to our community and help our businesses soar.”
With a partnership with Scotiabank, the SOAR program is available free of charge to all successful applicants.
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Willow Yoga Studio Launches Adaptive Yoga Program for Children with Special Needs
/Willow Yoga Studio has launched a first-of-its-kind adaptive yoga pilot program designed specifically for children with special needs.
Demeester in front of her business at 1600 Lansdowne St. W. The Willow Studio was a 2025 recipient of the Starter Company Plus Program through Community Futures Peterborough. Photo courtesy of Willow Yoga Studio.
The program is in partnership with Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC).
Angela Demeester, Willow Yoga Studio owner, is a mother to a child with a disability. According to a press release, she recognized a significant gap in programming available to children with diverse needs. Demeester approached FCCC with the program.
“We're excited to announce our partnership with Five Counties Children’s Centre to offer Adaptive Yoga classes for children with special needs this summer at Willow,” said Demeeester. “This offering reflects the very heart of our studio—yoga that is accessible, inclusive, and rooted in connection.”
The adaptive yoga program offers studio space for children to connect socially, build friendships, improve physical fitness, and experience calmness. The first session occurred last Wednesday witha second one on Aug. 6. It is open to FCCC clients receiving therapeutic recreation services.
“We are so thrilled to work with Angela on this adaptive yoga program that benefits children of all abilities,” said Caitlin Gilmer, FCCC recreation therapist. “Our role as therapists is to help children experience and enjoy recreational activities, and this adaptive yoga program is one way to break down those barriers.”
“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to be part of a community, to move their bodies, and to feel included,” said Demeeester. “As both a yoga teacher and a parent of a child with a disability, I understand how meaningful it is to have programs that see and support the whole child.”
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Y-Drive, Home Hardware, MIskin Law and Gauvreau Accounting
/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…
Y Drive has launched a new instant courier service.
This rideshare service is now available to help with getting documents signed and returned, deposits made and orders fulfilled. Y Drive has hundreds of vetted drivers and some of the top technology in Canada to offer a courier service built for speed, security, and convenience. Use the Y Drive app to manage, schedule, and track your courier jobs in real time. Download the app or visit ydriveapp.com to find out more and get started.
A big congratulations to Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre on celebrating 20 years in business.
To mark this milestone, they’re holding a celebration on Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come on out and get some celebratory cake and hear a bit about their story. The day will feature a bouncy obstacle course, vendor booths, a barbecue lunch, giveaways and fun for the whole family. Located at 1699 Chemong Rd. in Selwyn, Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre is a large modern store specializing in kitchen and bath design as well as Beaver Home and Cottage design.
Miskin Law are making it easier to get the information you need at the scene of an accident by releasing their Crash Companion app.
Pre-load your licence, insurance, and vehicle information and you’re ready for an emergency, at which point you can add photos, witness statements, and even provide QR code links for witnesses to file their own accounts. Being prepared with the Crash Companion app will help you be ready for the unexpected.
Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory are launching their 4th Annual Gear Up for Good campaign, which is an initiative dedicated to providing essential resources to underserved local children.
They are looking to fully stock 200 backpacks to help support Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Kawartha Haliburton Children's Foundation. Union Barber is providing free haircuts so the kids can go back to school looking their best and Domino's Pizza are offering a free pizza to each participating family. Your business can help by providing snacks, water bottles, backpacks, and supplies by August 11. Contact Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory or drop off donations at 150 King Street.
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.
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One City Executive Director Out After 13-Year Tenure
/Christian Harvey, One City PTBO executive director has stepped down from his role after 13 years of service, as reported on their official Facebook page on Monday.
Photo courtesy of One City PTBO.
