PTBOSpotlight: Shannon McCracken Voice Studio

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 Shannon McCracken Voice Studio. It is owned by singer, actor, voice-over artist and teacher Shannon McCracken.

McCracken has performed across Canada and is equally at home in plays and musicals, film and TV and on the concert stage. Since opening her voice studio in 2014, she has brought her years of experience to those exploring their voices.

“I primarily teach voice lessons but also workshops and masterclasses, with a focus on singing, acting through song and audition technique,” explained McCracken. “As a teacher, I’ve been an adjudicator for the Kiwanis Music Festival, worked as the voice and music director for Thomas A Secondary School's musical theatre program and created and directed Theatre Art Training Academy’s summer intensive program and show.”

McCracken has launched her new kids' singing course, “Explore Your Voice!”

This dynamic singing course is designed to ignite a love for music and singing in kids aged 6-12. Through fun, interactive lessons, children will explore their vocal potential, gain new skills, access more sound and range and boost their confidence.

Whether you are a complete beginner or a budding vocalist, this program provides a supportive, encouraging environment to discover the joy of singing.

“Join the adventure and watch your child's voice soar,” said McCracken. “Explore Your Voice! is more than just lessons; it's a journey of musical discovery and self-expression. Let the singing begin!”

The Voice Studio recently opened its online store, “The Studio Shop,” which offers online coaching packages, courses, content and gift cards.

She also started the “Members Only Online Studio,” calling it her most exciting project. Here is where you can train, grow and discover your voice. From audio exercises to video classes, series, and monthly check-ins, you can now learn at your own pace. When you’re ready, be a part of a community of singers who are here to cheer you on.

“I believe that everyone can sing,” concluded McCracken. “Voice lessons are a great way to gain confidence, become more comfortable in both your body and voice and they provide you with a creative outlet to express yourself fully.”

To learn more about Shannon McCracken Voice Studio, find it online:

Website: www.shannonmccracken.com
Instagram: @shannonkmccracken
Facebook: Shannon McCracken

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Railyard Development On East City's Hunter Street Officially Complete

Ashburnham Realty’s Railyard Development in East City on Hunter Street has officially been completed.

Photo courtesy of Ashburnham Realty.

“Our team is very happy to see the results of their efforts, and we are very fortunate to have long standing relationships with the local trades used,” said Paul Bennett, Ashburnham Realty owner.

With the final building now complete, half of the building has already been leased. Decorated by Michelle Beattie and Leon’s Peterborough, there are four furnished suites currently available for living.

“The tenants within the Railyard buildings have really taken ownership and created a community atmosphere offering game nights, potlucks and holiday-themed gatherings,” said Bennett. “There are groups of residents that bike together while others enjoy a leisurely walk along the trail. What we admire most about these buildings is that everyone knows your name and is welcoming.”

Photo courtesy of Ashburnham Realty.

The Railyard has occupants such as BMO Wealth Management, Duane Grant Thornton offices and The Railyard Cafe.

Nearby amenities include Ashburnham Ale House Foodland Grocery Store, Hard Winter Bakery, Black’s Distillery, Law & Orders and more.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Burnham Street In Lakefield Reopened; Kawartha Home Hardware Gets Temporary Location

The Township of Selwyn has reopened Burnham Street in Lakefield to traffic, following the community’s recovery from the Home Hardware fire.

pHOTO COURTESY OF kAWARTHA hOME hARDWARE.

This reopening, along with Queen Street and Burnham Street, grants full access through the Village’s downtown core. Pedestrian detours remain in place along the section of Queen and Burnham Streets immediately adjacent to the fire-affected site, where fencing will stay up until all site restoration activities are complete.

The Township is now working to reinstall two streetlight poles and fixtures that were removed for firefighter safety.

Home Hardware is opening a pop-up store downtown at 25 Queen St., according to a Facebook post on Tuesday. The store will have a paint department, their popular hardware essentials and seasonal merchandise. An opening date has not yet been announced.

“Lakefield’s heart is its people and its sense of community,” said Mayor Sherry Senis. “As we enter this special time of year, we hope everyone will come downtown, support local businesses, and take part in the many festive activities that showcase our Village’s spirit.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Enter the Digital Realm As "Another World" Virtual Reality Arena Opens In Downtown Peterborough

Whether fighting a war, hunting zombies or throwing a party, the public can enter virtual reality together, as Another World VR Arena opened its doors in Downtown Peterborough early last month.

Patel demonstrates one of his 15 games, “Kernel: Bunker” using one of his virtual reality headsets. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Owned by Manan Patel and located at 379 George St. N., the business offers 15 virtual reality experiences and can accommodate parties of up to 12 people. The new entrepreneur says his company is ideal for birthday parties, work parties, group outings or even suitable for those playing alone. Patel adds he has something that caters to all kinds of tastes.

“You can play as a team, against other teams, you can play escape rooms and we have entertainment options for all ages and groups of people,” he explained.

Game options include shooters, simulations, party games, adventure games and more.

@ptbo_canada Editor David tests himself in Virtual Reality as he tries to survive in a zombie apocalypse as on of Another World VR Arena’s games. The business had recently opened early last month and has offers 15 different VR experiences. ##ptbocanada##journalism##news##fyp##virtualreality ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Patel came to Peterborough from India as an international student six years ago. He already completed computer engineering in his homeland but did a graduate program at Fleming College. He studied virtual reality as part of his program and his interest in it developed over time.

“I started working using virtual reality and developed some of the games (in school),” he explained. “We also connected with local organizations and tried to create VR simulations for them.”

With all the knowledge he gained from school, he wanted to use that to open a business.

“For the last five years, roughly, I've been developing games for VR, so that's why I thought about doing something like this,” said Patel.

Customers can book their sessions online and can optionally select their game in advance.

The following are Another World VR Arena’s business hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Friday: 4 p.m. to midnight

• Weekends: Noon to midnight

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

DBIA Rewarding Those to Shop Local In Downtown Peterborough With Holiday Shopping Passports

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has returned its Holiday Shopping Passport program to reward those who shop local in Downtown Peterborough, announced on Wednesday.

Diners enjoying their meal at Gerti’s on Hunter Street in Downtown Peterborough. Photo courtesy of the DBIA.

This year, nearly 200 businesses are participating in the Holiday Shopping Passport program to collect stamps and win big prizes. Every $10 spent at a participating location earns a stamp, and a completed passport enters shoppers into early-bird draws on Dec. 3, 10 and 17 for a $500 Boro Gift Card, with a grand-prize draw of $1,500 on Jan. 7.

The Boro Gift Card can be used at over 150 locally owned businesses in the core, including a variety of shops, spas, cafes and restaurants.

New this year are Double Stamp Fridays, beginning Nov. 29 and continuing on Dec.5, 12, and 19. Participating businesses will reward customers with double the stamps on all eligible purchases.

“Our Holiday Shopping Passport program is about more than just prizes, it’s about celebrating the people and businesses that make downtown Peterborough special and unique," says Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “Each passport stamp represents a meaningful contribution to our community and to our local economy. This year, we’re thrilled to grow our program into East City, welcoming even more businesses and more shoppers to experience the magic of shopping local.”

“The Holiday Shopping Passport always brings such great energy downtown,” says Jacquelyn Craft, The Neighbourhood Vintage owner. “It’s a wonderful program that brings people into small businesses and creates excitement around shopping locally during the holiday season. We love being able to reward folks for choosing to spend their hard-earned money where it truly makes a difference – in supporting our community. It really is such a special time of year in our downtown core.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

PTBOSpotlight: Dante's Gourmet Burrito

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 Dante's Gourmet Burrito. It is owned by Eva’s Delight Inc.

Located at 195 Simcoe St. (across from the Peterborough Bus Terminal), Dante's Gourmet Burrito has served fresh Mexican cuisine including burritos, quesadillas, tacos, nachos and more.

“We offer a wide variety of freshly made protein options along with multiple tortilla choices, including high-protein and gluten-free options,” said Surendra Patle of Dante's Gourmet Burrito. “All our sauces are made in-house with no preservatives and we take pride in delivering healthy, flavorful meals to our customers.”

The business first opened in 2009 as one of Peterborough’s first burrito establishments.

“Over the years, it has grown to become one of the most popular and award-winning restaurants in the area, known for its quality, freshness and commitment to great taste.”

A Downtown Peterborough staple, Dante's Gourmet Burrito has been supporting the local economy and community.

“Dante’s works closely with local farmers and small businesses, sourcing fresh ingredients from local suppliers to prepare our food,” explained Patle. “We also show appreciation to our community by offering special discounts to public servants, frontline workers, senior citizens and students.”

Whether you are craving barbacoa, carnitas, pollo asado, chorizo, tofu or any other of their selections, Dante's Gourmet Burrito can customize your meal the way you want with everything made in-house.

“Our mission is to continue serving delicious, wholesome Mexican food while supporting the community that has supported us for so many years. At Dante’s, everything we make is crafted with care, freshness, and a passion for great food.”

To learn more about Dante's Gourmet Burrito, find it online:

Instagram: @dantes_gourmet_burrito
Facebook: Dante's Gourmet Burrito

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Nominations Open For JA-Neo 2026 Business Hall of Fame

Nominations for JA Northern and Eastern Ontario’s (JA-NEO) 2026 Business Hall of Fame (BHF) are open for both Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes, announced on Tuesday.

The 2025 inductees of Ja-Neo’s Business Hall of Fame. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

JA-NEO invites the public to submit their nominations to help recognize Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lake’s exceptional business leaders who have strengthened the economy and community through their accomplishments of vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence in business. 

“JA-NEO is looking to honour individuals who, through their careers, have made a positive and everlasting impact on the community and the local business landscape,” said John McNutt, JA-NEO President and C.E.O. “By recognizing and celebrating those who make an impact today, we are helping to inspire youth who will be our community’s leaders of tomorrow.” 

Nominations close on Nov. 28 at 3:00 p.m. Nomination forms are available online. Successful nominees will be announced at a formal announcement in January and will be officially inducted into the JA-NEO Business Hall of Fame on May 7 for Kawartha Lakers and on May 26 for Peterborough.

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 Embroidery's Custom Jacket Showcased By Toronto Blue Jays's Pitcher's Girlfriend

Local embroidery brand Petals & Thread has gotten some World Series attention, as one of its custom jackets was highlighted during Game One of the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.

Shannon Bryant, Petals & Thread founder with the finished design of the custom jacket. Screenshot.

Taylor Frick, the girlfriend of Blue Jays starting pitcher Trey Yesavage was spotted wearing the custom jacket during Game One of the World Series. It was featured in Sports Illustrated in an article published on Friday.

Petals & Thread founder Shannon Bryant says moments like this make her work extra meaningful.

“Seeing one of our jackets at the World Series was surreal,” said Bryant. “Our brand was built from a love of storytelling through embroidery and to see that story reach this level is something I’ll never forget.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Petals & Thread (@petals.and.thread)

Bryant posted an Instagram reel unveiling the finished jacket, tagging Frick.

The latter commented the following on the reel:

“The best of the best!!! You deserve all the recognition 🤍🤍 couldn’t be happier!”

After receiving the jacket, Bryant posted a photo of herself with it on her Instagram story.

Frick posting an Instagram story of her with the custom jacket and thanking Petals & Thread. Screenshot.

The World Series is tied at one piece in the best-of-seven series. Game three is in Los Angeles starting at 8 p.m. at Dodger Stadium.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, 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 Holiday Night Market, Kawartha Home and Health Care, Living Local Marketplace and Community Futures Peterborough

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…

There’s a Holiday Night Market in the works.

As part of the First Friday series, this one will be on Dec. 5 in the Bankers Commons Courtyard off Water Street. It will be a cozy evening of hot beverages, food, live music, handmade art, and some of Peterborough’s most creative vendors. The event is presented by First Friday Peterborough, The Neighbourhood Vintage, the DBIA and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough.

Kawartha Home and Health Care Services have a new location at 347 Pido Rd. in Unit 17.

They provide compassionate and professional home healthcare tailored to meet the needs of local individuals and families. Locally owned and operated for a decade, they take pride in enhancing the quality of life for their clients with personalized care that ensures safety and comfort at home.

Living Local Marketplace is temporarily moving to a new holiday home at Horlings Garden Centre, located at 3056 Lakefield Rd.

This new space offers room for things like a full range of ready-to-gift baskets, a bright corporate gifting studio, and more space to sip, shop and celebrate. They will be back at their Chemong and Milroy location after Christmas.

Community Futures is launching Entrepreneurship 101: County Edition, a hands-on workshop series.

It will kick off Jan. 21 with Ideation and Business Planning with Allison Adam, followed by Marketing and Branding with Rose Terry on Feb. 4, and concluding with Funding and Cash Flow with Braden Clark on Feb. 18. The workshops are free, but space is limited. Sign up at communityfuturespeterborough.ca.

As Joel Wiebe’s last Business Beat, he leaves us these words:

“I have really enjoyed doing the Business Beat for the last two years, but it is time for me to move on. Stu Harrison left some big shoes to fill writing this column every week for the previous 22 years. I know Brenda Whitehead and the team at the Chamber are going to do a great job with the Business Beat moving forward. I’d like to thank the media partners that have given us free space to run this column every week to promote what’s happening in our local business community. I love working with local businesses who do so much to create the fabric of our community with delicious treats, creative services, and some really unique products. And thanks to all the readers and viewers and all your feedback over the last couple years. Farewell!”

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, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Community Futures Peterborough Launches New Guide to Help Entrepreneurs Hire Their First Employee

In celebration of Small Business Week 2025, Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has released a new free resource to support local entrepreneurs and small business owners in hiring their first employee.

Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.

“Small businesses are the economic engine of Peterborough-Kawartha, and the decision to hire a first employee is a critical milestone that fuels our community's growth,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Every single new job created here is an investment in a stronger, more prosperous future for our entire region. I commend Community Futures Peterborough and the Business Advisory Centre for creating this practical resource to give our local entrepreneurs the confidence and tools they need to take that important next step.” 

The ‘Hiring Your First Employee’ guide is designed to help small business owners navigate the complex process of becoming an employer for the first time. It was developed in collaboration with the Business Advisory Centre. The guide provides practical, step-by-step insights on topics ranging from understanding employment laws and setting up payroll to writing job descriptions, conducting interviews and onboarding new team members effectively according to Devon Girard, CFP executive director.

“Hiring your first employee is a major milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming,” she said. “This guide simplifies the process by breaking down what business owners need to know, what steps to take, and where to find trusted local resources to make confident, informed decisions.”

Girard says the guide covers key areas such as:

• Understanding Ontario employment standards, human rights, and health and safety laws

• Registering with the CRA and WSIB

• Deciding when and how to hire

• Differentiating between employees and independent contractors

• Best practices for recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding

• Maintaining compliance through workplace policies and documentation

“The comprehensive guide was created to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to onboard their first employee responsibly and sustainably,” said Rose Terry, Business Advisory Centre and Corporate Communications manager. “By helping small business owners with a free resource to support their first hire, we are growing jobs in our community one-by-one and creating a more resilient local economy.”

The Hiring Your First Employee guide is availableon the Community Futures Peterborough website. In addition to this resource, entrepreneurs can also book a free advisory session with CFP to receive personalized support through the hiring process.

A workshop has also been added to CFP’s popular series, E101, supporting employee hiring. The Staff Smart: Hiring Your First Employee workshop will be held in person in December. Those interested in the workshop can register for free or the Community Futures Peterborough website.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.