Peterborough Blogs
PTBOSpotlight: Noodles Squad
/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 Noodles Squad. It is owned by Jenjob “Jay” Bakker.
Located at 415 George St. N. in Downtown Peterborough, Noodles Squad brings the heart of Thai street food to Peterborough, offering authentic flavours inspired by traditional recipes.
Formerly known as Real Thai Cuisine, Noodles Squad is a second-generation restaurant.
“For years, many of you knew us as Real Thai Cuisine, where our parents poured their hearts into sharing the classic curries and dishes they loved,” explained Bakker. “After dedicating so many years to the kitchen, it was time for them to rest, and for us, their kids, to carry the torch.”
Noodles Squad is Bakker’s tribute to his parents as he takes over the rebanded business but in his own unique way.
“We wanted to honour their legacy while also putting our own spin on the family business,” he said. This is how Noodles Squad was born—a modern tribute to the lively, faspaced world of Thai street food. We refocused our menu on the exciting, quick-fire dishes you find on the bustling streets of Bangkok and Chiang Mai. We now specialize in things we know every Thai food lover craves: crispy pork, intensely spicy curries, and incredible noodles.”
The restaurant’s signature dishes feature “The Savory” crispy pork, Tom Yum noodle soup and Pad Thai. They also have an array of soups, salad, spring rolls curry, noodles and more to bring the Thai-cuisine spirit to Downtown Peterborough.
“We kept the heart and soul of what you loved about our food, while adding the punchy, vibrant flavours of the streets,” said Bakkar. “Whether you’re a long-time friend of the family or a new customer, we invite you to join our squad and taste the next chapter of our story.”
To learn more about Noodles Squad, find it online:
Website: www.noodlessquadptbo.ca
Instagram: @noodlessquadptbo
Facebook: Noodles Squad PTBO
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Onsite Wastewater Association, Women's Business Network, Moon and Bloom and Wardens Breakfast
/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…
Does your home or business rely on a septic system, or are you looking at buying one that does? Peterborough-based Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association is working with their national partners to hold a free webinar on Sept. 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. as part of Septic Awareness Week. This online session will provide practical insights, maintenance tips, and expert guidance to help people care for their systems, prevent failures, and protect nearby water sources. Learn more at oowa.org.
The Women’s Business Network of Peterborough is now accepting registrations for its next membership year.
They offer a full calendar of high-impact networking events, inspiring speakers, and opportunities to showcase your business. WBN is a place to build meaningful relationships and elevate your professional journey. They go beyond business, supporting local initiatives, spotlighting charitable causes, and fostering a culture of generosity that uplifts the entire Peterborough community. Find out more and sign up for your membership at wbnptbo.ca.
Moon and Bloom are holding a grand opening for their new location at 159 King St., Unit 110 in downtown Peterborough from 3 to 7 p.m on Sept. 18.
Moon and Bloom, formerly Heather’s Holistics, offers services that include hand and foot reflexology, reiki energy healing, menstrual cycle awareness, and the red tent community. It’s a business designed to empower people and community leaders like you with menstruation knowledge and tools to flow through life’s cycles with confidence. Learn more at moonandbloom.ca.
The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Warden’s Breakfast with County Warden Bonnie Clark on Sept. 30 from 8 to 10 a.m at Lang Pioneer Village Museum in the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building.
Come out for a conversation with Warden Clark on local business issues and get an update on what the County is planning for our communities. Plus, breakfast is being provided by a variety of local businesses. Get your tickets at pkchamber.ca.
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.
PTBOSpotlight: One Fine Food
/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 One Fine Food. It is owned by Glenn Stonehouse.
Located at 800 Erskine Ave. just beside Lansdowne Place, One Fine Food offers a food and shopping experience unlike anything else in the area. It features a market, butcher/seafood counter, delicatessen, housewares, a restaurant and bar, groceries and more.
“Our butcher department brings you local, responsibly farmed meats,” said Bryan Coles, One Fine Food general manager. “Including from beef from Penokean Hills and Enright Cattle, Pork from Linton pastured pork. Lamb from Beverly Creek. Our seafood department brings in fresh fish and seafood sourced from around the world.”
The business features a lunch, dinner and brunch menu, seven days a week. They serve antipasto, sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, pasta and more. Their brunch menu features favourites like eggs benedict, French toast, a breakfast bagel and other dishes.
“Our Café, bakery, and lunch bar offer a selection of daily fresh-baked breads, pastries, cookies, squares and treats,” said Coles. “Our baristas craft authentic lattes, cappuccinos and iced coffees. Our lunch bar offers a quick slice of Focaccia pizza, freshly made panini or a sandwich to go.”
While One Fine Food has a lot of high-quality imported goods, they have not forgotten to support local businesses.
“Our store and restaurant regularly work with local businesses and farmers, bringing some of the best products from our area under one roof,” explained Coles.”
One Fine Food contains products from some of these local businesses:
Millars Eggs
Circle Organic
McLeans Berry Farm
Little Leaf Farm
Crosswinds Farm
Niagara food specialties
Enright Cattle - Beef And Tallow Products
Center And Main Chocolates
Heritage Cattle co. Le Beaus Bees
Carolinas Coffee
La Hacienda
Porch Dog Coffee
St. Annes Bakery
Bobcaygeon Brewing Company
Old Flame Brewery
Old Jar Candle
The County Fare
Lark & Lemon
To learn more about One Fine Food, find it online:
Website: www.onefinefood.com
Instagram: @onefinefood
Facebook: One Fine Food
Twitter/X: @onefinefood
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Local Restauranteur Announces New Chinese Buffet to Be Opened In Peterborough
/Susan Tung, local restaurateur and owner/founder of Hanoi House, is bringing back a favourite in a Chinese buffet to Peterborough, announced on her social media on Tuesday afternoon.
Photo courtesy of Susan Tung.
“When Covid happened, a bunch of restaurants had to adapt and a bunch had to close down because they couldn't adapt to the situation,” explained Tung. “Now that all that's over, it's time for me to bring this concept back.”
Tung is documenting her journey on her YouTube channel from the initial lease to the grand opening of the restaurant.
She has already discovered a location from a previously closed-down restaurant. Tung signed a five-year lease on her video and mentioned that she had already purchased some restaurant equipment from the previous owner.
Tung is no stranger to Chinese cuisine and operating restaurants of that style since it is her heritage. Her family had previously owned the Golden Wheel Restaurant in the Springville area for several years. It was sold after Tung’s parents had retired.
She opened her first restaurant, Hanoi House, on Hunter Street in early 2020. A second location opened at Lansdowne Street on Dec. 9 of the same year but consolidated all operations to the latter due to increasing overhead expenses incurred from running two restaurants compared to one in July 2022.
Tung kept the property on Hunter Street and opened NAKA Japanese in February of 2023. She sold the business to Emily Tan in early November of last year, allowing the former to focus on Hanoi House and her growing family.
Earlier this year, Tung launched her new catering company, Electric City Catering, in the spring.
A timeline, name and location for the new Chinese buffet have not been disclosed at this time.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
PTBOSpotlight Template: Seductive Sounds
/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 Seductive Sounds. It is owned by Stephen Fleming.
Seductive Sounds is an automotive electronics retailer providing sales and installation of automotive accessories from remote starters and backup cameras to radios, speakers and large custom stereo systems. They also offer vehicle security, tracking and immobilizers as part of their product offering.
“With vehicle theft on the rise, we’re happy to offer vehicle immobilizers from Autowatch and Compustar that not only prevent theft but can also save on premiums with some insurance companies,” said Fleming.
His love of cars started in 1994 when a family friend dropped by in a customized vehicle. He became hooked on this car culture even before he could drive and was able to add a small stereo system to the family car.
Over time, building car audio systems for friends and family grew into a passionate professional career. Over thirty years later, Fleming remains at the forefront of new products, innovations, installation integrations, techniques, and technologies.
“My passion has never been stronger and is shown in every install, large and small. I take pride in doing it right the first time and the smile on my customers face is the most rewarding part my his job.”
Seductive Sounds purchases all its products directly from manufacturers, which helps pass the savings on to the customer.
“It cuts out the costly middleman and ensuring we only sell quality merchandise,” said Fleming. “This provides our customers with the best warranty available. We install all products we sell, guaranteeing the installation for as long as it stays in the customer’s vehicle.”
While his products are purchased from other manufacturers, everything else is kept local for his business.
“We use local vendors for business needs – Tools, signs, stickers, apparel, business cards, advertising etc.,” explained Fleming. “We provide services to local dealerships and businesses at a reduced cost to them. We also offer a first responder discount. We have supported local non-profit organizations with monetary and product donations.”
To learn more about Seductive Sounds, find it online:
Website: www.seductivesounds.ca
Instagram: @_seductivesounds_
Facebook: Seductive Sounds
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Summer Soul, Skilled Technician, JA-NEO and TBX
/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…
Summer Soul is partnering with Liftlock Cruises to offer Wellness on the Water.
This is your chance to cruise Little Lake on the Island Princess and join in an evening of Pilates and yoga. The 90-minute cruise includes drinks, community, and luxury self-care. The inaugural event will launch on Sept. 14, which happens to be Summer Soul’s second anniversary. They are planning to expand their Wellness on the Water offering to include fall leaves tours and a floating studio at next year’s Musicfest. Find out more about this unique experience at summersoul.ca.
Peterborough’s leading trade associations are taking a bold step to keep skilled talent in the community and strengthen career pathways across the local economy with the newly launched Skilled Technician Leadership Training Program.
This is a collaboration between the Kawartha Manufacturers Association, Peterborough & The Kawarthas Home Builders Association, and the Peterborough and District Construction Association. The program will prepare emerging leaders in technology-based trades to advance into management roles, enabling them to take on progressive job opportunities in areas like manufacturing, construction, and home building. The eight-week course starts in late September. Get in touch with any of the partnering organizations for more information.
Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario is getting $600,000 in provincial funding to invest in the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to deliver the Empowerment of Youth in Skilled Trades project.
The initiative will promote careers in the skilled trades to 2,650 students through hands-on training, mentorship and paid placements for 40 students in high-demand sectors such as construction, manufacturing, motive power, and aviation. Youth interested in getting involved in the great programming at Junior Achievement can find out more at ja-neo.org.
Kick off September with some networking with your business peers at the Chamber’s TBX event at Riverview Park and Zoo on Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 6 pm.
This is your chance to meet, mingle, and make business happen in the unique setting of the zoo’s Rotary Club of Peterborough Education Centre. It’s also a great opportunity to meet the Chamber’s new President and CEO, Brenda Whitehead. Find out more at pkchamber.ca.
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.
PTBOCanada Editorial: Air Canada Strike Gave Passengers More Than What They Bargained For
/With the Air Canada strike occurring since late last week, passengers — including myself — were hit with flight cancellations that left them stranded at their respective locations, leading to extra costs.
Air Canada’s lobby at Vancouver International Airport. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Why Was I In Vancouver?
I went on a personal trip with friends to Vancouver to compete in a prestigious Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game tournament for the weekend and had booked my Air Canada flight months in advance.
We were informed of a possible strike when we departed for our trip but were hopeful that we would be able to return home safely and in a timely manner.
A field of what a Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game field could look like. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Timeline of the Air Canada Strike
As of 12:58 a.m. on Saturday, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) representing 10,000 flight attendants had declared a strike. All Air Canada flights were cancelled as a result — at least 124 — affecting over 500,000 customers as of Monday, said the airline.
This included all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operations but flights by Air Canada Express — operated by third-party airlines Jazz and PAL — were not.
“We regret the impact a disruption will have on our customers, our stakeholders and the communities we serve,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive of Air Canada. “However, the disappointing conduct of CUPE’s negotiators and the union’s stated intention to launch a strike puts us in a position where our only responsible course of action is to provide certainty by implementing an orderly suspension of Air Canada’s and Air Canada Rouge’s operations through a lockout. As we have seen elsewhere in our industry with other labour disruptions, unplanned or uncontrolled shutdowns, such as we are now at risk of through a strike, can create chaos for travellers that is far, far worse.”
Air Canada strongly advised affected customers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed ticket on another airline.
Patty Hajdu, the Federal Minister of Jobs and Families, instructed the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to use binding arbitration, as the board deemed CUPE’s strike unlawful and workers must return to work by Sunday at 2 p.m. EST.
“The Liberals have talked out of both sides of their mouths. They said the best place for this is at the bargaining table. They refused to correct this historic injustice through legislation,” said Wesley Lesosky, President of the Air Canada Component of CUPE. “Now, when we’re at the bargaining table with an obstinate employer, the Liberals are violating our Charter rights to take job action and give Air Canada exactly what they want — hours and hours of unpaid labour from underpaid flight attendants, while the company pulls in sky-high profits and extraordinary executive compensation.”
Despite the order, CUPE refused to go back to work and continued striking. The union was fighting for Air Canada to stop unpaid work, as flight attendants were only compensated for their time from the moment the flight doors closed until they opened. CUPE workers also sought fair cost-of-living wage increases.
“We will be challenging this blatantly unconstitutional order that violates the Charter rights of 10,000 flight attendants, 70 per cent of whom are women, and 100 per cent of whom are forced to do hours of unpaid work by their employer every time they come to work,” according to a public statement released by CUPE.
Air Canada offered a deal that would have made their flight attendants the highest compensated in the country according to Rousseau.
“Our latest offer included a 38 per cent increase in total compensation over four years that would have made our flight attendants the best compensated in Canada, along with provisions for ground pay and other work-life balance, career and pension improvements,” he said. “At the same time, we asked for no concessions from the union. Given this, while we remain available for discussions with CUPE, we have requested government-directed arbitration as we now view it as the only certain avenue to bring closure to bargaining and mitigate the impact on travellers, business and the Canadian economy.”
As the strike continued into Monday, CUPE said they were willing to work out a deal but had to be at the table. There was ‘no limit’ to how far CUPE would take negotiations, said Mark Hancock, CUPE national president.
“If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it. If it means our union being fined, then so be it. We’re looking for a solution here,” he said.
A mediated tentative agreement was reached on Monday morning. The first flights are scheduled for Tuesday evening, but full, regular service may require seven to 10 days as aircraft and crew are out of position. Air Canada had some flights cancelled until the schedule is stabilized.
“The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologize for the impact on them of this labour disruption. Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible,” said Rousseau. “Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. Full restoration may require a week or more, so we ask for our customers’ patience and understanding over the coming days. I assure them that everyone at Air Canada is doing everything possible to enable them to travel soon.”
Outside Vancouver International Airport at the Air Canada Departures gate. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
What Did This Mean For Passengers?
Despite the return to flight service, stranded passengers had to pay for food, lodging, transportation and other expenditures during the strike. According to Mercer, Vancouver is the second-ranked City in Canada with the highest cost of living next to Toronto in 2024.
Splitting Airbnbs with friends still costs me hundreds of dollars over three to four days. Waiting at the airport was a budget option for some stranded travellers. Still, Air Canada was not doing much to help, according to a Peterborough residents who went on the same trip.
“It felt as if the Air Canada attendants who were not on strike did not want to help or offer solutions,” said an anonymous resident. “They handed out pamphlets and did not want to talk to anyone who was at the airport. (They) did not offer any voucher for hotel stays or meals outside of the $15 auto-generated meal voucher email.”
“Air Canada has proven itself utterly incapable of basic responsibility — no commitment, no care and no planning,” said Ian Shields. “They’ve completely dropped the ball, screwed over their customers and left me to fend for myself in a foreign place miles away from home without a shred of concern for my well-being.”
When flights had been cancelled on Sunday, Air Canada said they attempted to get customers rebooked on other flights. Under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), the airline is obligated to do so.
“We’re searching for rebooking options on more than 120 carriers for up to three days after your cancelled flight. This may take some time. If you don’t want to wait and you prefer to search options yourself or cancel your booking to receive a refund, please use the button below,” said Air Canada in an email.
However, none of my travelmates or out-of-town friends who attended the event were successful in rebooking their flights.
Air Canada had offered refund options for those affected that included non-refundable fares.
“When it came to rebooking flights, there were ‘none available’ but when given flight options that were available, the answer was ‘we aren’t partnered with them so we cannot book that flight.’” said the former Peterborough resident. “It left myself having to make a choice of spending upwards of $2,000 on a new flight, trying to book a hotel and staying for an extended period of time until they could rebook me or taking a long alternative route to stay cost-effective to be able to get home in a reasonable amount of time.”
I initially bit the bullet on Monday evening to book a non-refundable flight back to Detroit with a different airline on Thursday night to arrive on Friday morning. I had a chartered ride home from there. The flight had cost $600, which was considered a cheaper flight at the time.
Prices for other airlines from Monday to Wednesday had skyrocketed. I had friends travelling back to cities such as Ottawa or Montréal, which would cost upwards of $1,000. Thankfully, more flights had opened up and I was able to book a return flight with Air Canada at no additional cost for Thursday. I also called the booking agent for my flight and despite the ticket being initially non-refundable, I was able to get all my money back with a sigh of relief.
Air Canada is offering reimbursement assistance for those affected by the labour action according to their website.
Passengers must fill out a form with flight details and a reason to be eligible.
The form can only be filled if it was booked directly with the airline, completed part of their flight with Air Canada and/or needs reimbursement for an alternative mode of transportation.
Passengers are asked not to fill out the form if they have booked through Aeroplan, a travel agent, an online travel agency or another airline.
According to their website, reimbursement can be up to $12,500 under the convention if the individual can prove losses or damage.
What’s Next For the Flight Attendants?
The 10,000 flight attendants will vote next week on the tentative agreement to raise wages and establish a pay structure for time worked when aircraft are on the ground.
All members will receive a three per cent raise next year, with a 2.5 per cent raise in 2027 and a 2.75 per cent raise in 2028.
The deal must be ratified by the flight attendants, with the vote taking place from Aug. 27 to Sept. 6.
Air Canada Boeing plane minutes away from landing in Toronto. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Glad to Be Home
With a slow return of full flights to Air Canada, I can say I finally reached home safely at the publication of this editorial. Lessons were learned but regardless of the outcome, I am happy to be in one piece back in Peterborough and come home to my wife and daughter.
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Minute Maid to Eliminate 38 Jobs By End of Year Says Union
/Employment issues continue in Peterborough as Coca-Cola has informed the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 175 that 38 jobs will be axed at the Minute Maid production facility by the year’s end.
Google Maples Screenshot.
