Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Announces HighSpeed Rail Advancement Event With ALTO
/Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has announced the PK Conversations: HighSpeed Rail Advancement with ALTO event Feb. 19.
file photo.
Peterborough Blogs
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Armour Heights Pharmacy, Senior Showcase and Trent University
/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…
Faster Care Closer to Home: Armour Heights Pharmacy Joins Ontario's Access to Care Program
Armour Heights Pharmacy in East City has partnered with a new program called Access to Care, expanding the scope of pharmacist-led clinical services. Through the program, pharmacists can assess and prescribe for select acute conditions, including strep throat testing and treatment, shingles management, epipens, and symptom management for fever and malaise.
The pharmacy has also introduced a Travel Health Clinic, offering individualized risk assessments, travel vaccinations administered on-site, and prescription therapy for traveler’s diarrhea. Preventative services include prescribing and administering vaccines such as shingles, pneumonia, RSV, and HPV. Pharmacists can also prescribe medical devices and supplies, including diabetic sensors, test strips, inhaler spacer, and more. Appointments and online assessments forms are available via https://www.bookmypharmacy.com/7057400080.
Prescriptions are subject to clinical assessment, which through the Access to Care program involve fees for service. Armour Heights Pharmacy looks forward to supporting the community through this expanded range of services.
Booth Sales Open for 10th Annual Living Well Senior Showcase.
Booth sales are now officially open for Peterborough’s Living Well Senior Showcase, a full-day event dedicated to active aging resources, services, products, and workshops for seniors, their families, and community members.
Organized by the Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce (PKCC) in partnership with Age-Friendly Peterborough and lead sponsor Living Well Home Medical Equipment, it caters specifically to those planning retirement or already enjoying their golden years.
The event takes place on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.). It will feature more than 100 exhibitors showcasing everything from health and wellness solutions to financial planning, home care, recreation, technology for independent living, and future-planning services.
Last year, the event drew more than 1,000 visitors, highlighting Peterborough's vibrant senior community (over 27,000 residents aged 65+). With the region's aging population
growing rapidly, this showcase is a prime outreach opportunity for businesses and organizations serving aging adults.
Exhibitor booths are selling fast so book yours now at pkchamber.ca/seniors-showcase or email Liam at liam@pkchamber.ca for details.
Level Up Your Skills Fast with Careerspace’s Winter Micro-Credentials
Trent University's Careerspace is kicking off its winter lineup of micro-credentials: short, flexible online courses (6–30 hours) that build in-demand skills with a shareable digital badge for your LinkedIn or resume.
Designed for professionals, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and anyone ready to level up, these courses are taught by local industry experts and emphasize practical tools plus networking opportunities.
Upcoming highlights include:
Optimizing Fundraising Efforts – Starts Feb. 2, 2026
Digital Marketing for Business Leaders – Starts Feb. 3, 2026
AI for Business Leaders – Starts Feb. 5, 2026
Intercultural Communication for Public Leaders – Starts Feb. 7, 2026 (Wednesdays 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Traill College for in-person elements)
Project Management Basics – Starts Feb. 9, 2026
Grant Writing for Nonprofits – Starts March 2, 2026
Plus, mark your calendar for Feb. 25, 2026: The Impact Microgrant recipients will showcase how these micro-credentials fueled their community projects, turning ideas into action with inspiring real-world stories.
Ready to grow? Explore the full schedule and register at trentu.ca/careerspace/micro-credentials or follow @trentucareerspace on Instagram for updates.
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 brenda@pkchamber.ca.
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Peterborough Gets Less Sweet As Two Dessert Spots Announce Closure
/Dessert options in Peterborough are declining, as BeaverTails and The Vanilla Room have announced on their social media accounts that they are closing their businesses.
Adam (left) and Michelle Levesque (right) showcasing a strawberry cheesecake BeaverTail and strawberry lemonade. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The Vanilla Room had announced its closure on its social media platforms last Tuesday, citing rising costs and the current economic state.
“The reality is simply the state of the world right now. Rising costs, an uncertain economy, and the fact that many people just don’t have the extra room to spend on treats the way they once did. And we completely understand that,” said Kayla Da Luz, The Vanilla Room owner.
Located at 386 Water St., The Vanilla Room opened in early fall of 2024. The bakery and café served sandwiches and wraps, croffles, snacks and a variety of drinks.
An exact date for their closure has not been announced but the business said they will update the community as soon as they can.
Following suit with The Vanilla Room is BeaverTails who announced its closure on social media on Jan. 24.
“This was not an easy decision as we have some amazing customers we consider friends but we are lacking the consistency required for survival,” said Adam and Michelle Levesque of BeaverTails.
The couple opened their food truck in mid-September of 2023 just outside of Peterborough in Selwyn.
BeaverTails announced it will close no later than Feb. 15 or when it has sold out of product. Adam and Michelle are rebranding themselves as the food truck, Chemong Chuck Wagon. It will remain in the same location as their BeaverTails business at 1665 Chemong Rd. beside Home Hardware.
BeaverTails are deep-fried dough that can be topped with spreads, sauces, chocolate bar bits, fruit/fruit sauces and more.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week: Hitting a High Note With the High-Speed Trains, Chocolate Creations and Community Swims
/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…
Peterborough Rides the Alto: High-Speed Train to Bring New Opportunities
Peterborough is set to become a stop on Alto, the high-speed train connecting millions of people along the Toronto–Québec City corridor. With speeds reaching 300 km/h over approximately 1,000 km of dedicated and mainly electrified tracks, Alto promises to transform travel and create new opportunities for business and growth.
To give the community an inside look at the project, the Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and The County of Peterborough are hosting Alto’s CEO, Martin Imbleau, on Feb. 19. For more information and to register, visit pkchamber.ca/events.
Alto is also hosting an open house on Feb. 26 at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.
Chocolate lovers unite! The Annual Chocolate Creations Festival is back.
From Jan. 30 to Feb. 17, the Lakefield Village Lions are hosting the sixth Annual Chocolate Creations Festival, showcasing 18 local businesses with unique chocolate creations.
Every treat enjoyed supports local organizations and families, making it a sweet adventure for the community. For a full list of participating businesses, voting information and event details, visit facebook.com/LakefieldVillageLionsClub.
Carl Oake Rotary Swim Fundraiser
The Rotary Club of Peterborough has kicked off its 40th Annual Carl Oake Rotary Swim, aiming to raise $1.5 million for Easter Seals, the YMCA’s Strong Kids Program and Rotary community initiatives.
This year’s swim will take place at 7 a.m. on Feb. 27 at the YMCA, with a fun 1980s theme. Anyone can participate or donate by visiting CarlOakeRotarySwim.com.
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 brenda@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 Opens Applications For The 2026 Summer Company Program
/Applications are now open for the 2026 Summer Company Program through Community Futures, offering students in the City and County of Peterborough the opportunity to start and operate their own business while gaining hands-on entrepreneurial experience over the summer months.
photo courtesy of community futures peterborough.
Funded by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade’s Small Business Enterprise Centre program, Summer Company provides eligible students with start-up funding, business training and one-on-one mentorship. The program supports young entrepreneurs in transforming business ideas into viable summer businesses.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and the Summer Company Program is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of innovators right here in Peterborough," said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. "By providing young entrepreneurs with the right tools, mentorship, and financial support, we are helping them turn their creative ideas into reality while building the vital skills they need for future success in Ontario’s economy."
Students between the ages of 15 and 29 who are returning to school in September 2026 are eligible to apply for Summer Company, which is delivered by Community Futures Peterborough through its Business Advisory Centre.
Those selected for the Summer Company Program receive up to $3,000 in grant funding, along with cohort training and one-on-one mentorship as they launch and run their business this summer. Past businesses have included services and products such as lawn care, window cleaning, farm help, dance and swimming lessons, clothing brands and more.
“Our community continues to show strong demand for entrepreneurship services, both lending and advisory,” said Devon Girard, Executive Director of Community Futures Peterborough. “The Summer Company Program is designed to spark the idea of entrepreneurship amongst our youth and introduce them to the supportive and strong ecosystem we have to advise them in their small business journey.”
In Peterborough, Summer Company students will participate in a blend of cohort and one-on-one training and learn skills such as developing a business plan, marketing strategies to launch and grow a viable business and how to develop an accurate budget and cash flow for their small business.
“The programming we have designed ensures our students gain transferable skills that they can use to pursue entrepreneurship or to contribute to future career success across all sectors,” said Rose Terry, Manager of the Business Advisory Centre at Community Futures Peterborough. “We can’t wait to see the business ideas we receive in this year’s applications that will become the next generation of leaders in our community.”
Summer Company is open to students with a wide range of interests and experience levels. Applicants do not need prior business experience or a fully developed business plan. Selection is based on motivation, willingness to learn and the potential of the business idea.
Applications can be submitted online.
The Cheesy Fromage Owner Tanya Bailey Recognized With Rural Entrepreneur 2026 Award
/The Cheesy Fromage owner Tanya Bailey was presented with the inaugural Rural Entrepreneur 2026 by Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs as part of the Rural Inspiration at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) event.
Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith poses with the cheesy fromage owner tanya bailey as she accepts the rural ENTREPRENEUR award. photo courtesy of the Office of M.P.P. Dave Smith.
“Tanya Bailey and the Cheesy Fromage embodies the spirit of rural Ontario,” said Hon. Lisa Thompson. “Rural small businesses like Cheesy Fromage are what keeps rural Ontario moving. It is rural small businesses in our rural communities that make Ontario the economic engine of Canada. That is why it is so important to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that is found each and every day in rural Ontario.”
The Rural Entrepreneur 2026 goes to a business that has displayed great efforts in delivering sustainable, local and healthy homemade meal options to assist residents with meal planning and nutrition.
“Tanya’s leadership was instrumental in revitalizing the Peterborough Agricultural Society, steering the 180-year-old organization back from the brink of permanent closure in early 2025, to being a strong voice in the local recovery efforts after the October 2025 fire in downtown Lakefield,” said Greg Bartlett, Vice Chair of the Peterborough Agricultural Society. “Tanya has proven that her dedication to the county’s agricultural community extends far beyond the walls of her Queen Street business.”
The Cheesy Fromage is Lakefield’s Original General Store. They promote local, sustainable, healthy meal options that support Lakefield and the surrounding rural communities.
“The success of our rural economy depends on local leaders like Tanya who bridge the gap between our farmers and our dinner tables,” said Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith. “By revitalizing the Peterborough Agricultural Society and championing sustainable food through The Cheesy Fromage, Tanya has created a blueprint for rural innovation.”
“I am very blessed to have a small business in a rural community which allows me to connect farming, and the production of Ontario cheeses with an amazing community like Lakefield in the heart of the Kawarthas,” said Bailey. “I hope that in some small way I can continue to raise awareness of the hard work of Ontario cheese makers and how they stand shoulder to shoulder with the best cheese producers in the world.”
Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario Announces Class of 2026 Inductees Into The Business Hall of Fame
/The Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has unveiled this year’s local business leaders being inducted into the JA Business Hall of Fame class of 2026, announced at the Venture North Building Wednesday morning.
The 2026 JA Business Hall of Fame inductees. Photo by Felicia Massey.
This year’s nominees will be formally inducted at the 11th annual JA Business Hall of Fame event on May 28 at The Venue.
“The Hall of Fame has never just been about recognition; it has always been about possibility,” said John McNutt, President and CEO of JA-NEO. “Our Laureates show young people that big futures can begin in small places, and that entrepreneurship is more than business success, it is a form of community building.”
@ptbo_canada The Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has unveiled the local business leaders in the class of 2026 for the JA Business Hall of Fame! #ptbocanada #JANEO ♬ Sunrise - Official Sound Studio
The 2026 JA Business Hall of Fame inductees include:
• Brenda Ibey, Avant Garden Shop
• Chuck White, Rapid Lift Inc.
• Dave Bucholtz & Jim Bailey, Cambium Inc.
• Jason & Niki Pulchinski, At the Lake Distributing Inc.
• Martha Sullivan, Sullivan Law PTBO
• Peter Blodgett, Darling Insurance
• Vance Robbins, Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre
“I think [the new inductees] will bring inspiration, and a lot of different paths to business ownership and business success,” said Nicole Truman, Chancellor for Peterborough’s JA Business Hall of Fame. “They show that there is not just one way to go about being a business owner, and giving back to your community as well.”
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PTBOSpotlight: Peterborough Used Tires
/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 Peterborough Used Tires.
Established in 2003, Peterborough Used Tires had exclusively sold and serviced quality used tires. In 2005, at the customers' request, the business began carrying and selling new tires.
“We do everything tires. We sell used and new tires and rims of all brands and sizes for automotive needs. We also repair, balance and install tires and new this year we provide seasonal storage,” said Chris of Peterborough Used Tires. “We carry the Kawartha's largest inventory of quality used tires with a Lifetime Warranty included as long as you own your car. We also partner with the leading distributors in Ontario to provide all brands and models of new tires which can be ordered for same or next day delivery.
In 2012, Peterborough relocated to a 10,000 sq/ft. facility at 810 Rye St.
“We returned to what we do best: providing the best and biggest variety of tires to customers and repairing tires, we no longer do general auto repairs and have put all of our focus on tires,” said Chris. “We also added custom wheels and accessories to our lineup. Fast forward to now, we’ve come a long way in the 20 years we’ve served Peterborough and the surrounding area, and we only have our customers to thank.”
In 2025, Peterborough Used Tires was acquired with several enhancements made.
“We created a new brand logo and gave the entire store a facelift. We have upgraded all of our technology, inventory databases, scheduling and pricing tools,” said Chris. “We also expanded our services to include seasonal storage of tires as well as a Lifetime Road Hazard Warranty included with every purchase.”
“It has been a very busy and productive year,” concluded Chris. “We can’t thank our loyal customers enough for continuing to support our growth.
To learn more about Peterborough Used Tires, find it online:
Website: www.peterboroughusedtires.ca
Instagram: @ptbo.usedtires
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Avant-Garden Shop Raises Over $2,000 For New Canadians Centre From Chocolate Bar Campaign; Anonymous Matching Donor Doubles Amount
/After selling Peace By Chocolate products, Avant-Garden Shop has raised $2,133 for the New Canadians Centre (NCC), announced on Tuesday.
In addition to the original donation, the NCC had announced that an anonymous donor had matched the total, doubling the amount to $4,166.
(from left to right) Jeeniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam, NCC executive director; Brenda Ibey, Avant-Garden Shop owner and Asuka Ballantyne Ono, NCC fund development officer holding up several Peace by Chocolate products that had been sold in-store since May. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The garden and bird store started selling the chocolate in May with 711 products purchased. Each bar costs eight dollars, with three going to the NCC. Avant-Garden Shop owner Brenda Ibey could not be more pleased with the way the fundraiser went.
“It was fantastic,” she explained. “Our customers just loved these chocolate bars and as soon as I told them that three dollars for every bar was going to the New Canadians Centre, they would buy, one, two, three or more so they really supportive.”
The NCC said they were grateful for Brenda and her customers’ support throughout the campaign.
“Brenda’s generosity through Avant Garden and the Peace by Chocolate initiative is making a real difference for newcomer families in our community,” said Jeeniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam, NCC executive director. “Because of your support, NCC can continue delivering programs that create belonging, opportunity, and connection in Peterborough.”
Ibey heard of the chocolate company last Christmas and purchased a few bars for herself. She discovered that she could purchase them wholesale and Peace by Chocolate was based out of Antigonish, N.S.
The Avant-Garden owner is sponsoring a Syrian refugee, which coincidentally mirrors the backstory of Peace by Chocolate’s founder and CEO, Tareq Hadhad. The latter had his chocolate factory in his homeland bombed in 2012 which forced him and his family to flee to Lebanon before settling in Canada.
“I have a connection with a young Syrian fellow who we helped to sponsor to get to Canada and now we're working to get his family here as well and so they should be coming soon.”
Ibey thanked all of her customers who had supported the initiative throughout the months and continues to sell Peace by Chocolate products in her store. She may think of a new organization to support for the next wave of chocolate bars but says she was happy to be involved with the NCC.
“It's been a really amazing story, really amazing to get involved with to help these folks because they're in dire straits where they're living and we don't know how lucky we have it here in Canada,” she explained. “I just wanted to help in any way I could, and the New Canadians Centre is a great organization, and I thought this would be fantastic to do.”
City Council Unanimously Against By-Law 25-126 to Assume Power From Peterborough DBIA Board of Management
/City Council has voted unanimously against passing By-law 25-126 to assume a power from the Board of Management for the Central Area Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) during their meeting on Monday evening.
Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director during the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce Meet the Candidates event for the federal election earlier this year. File photo.
The by-law, if passed, stated as follows:
On Feb. 21, 2017, Council approved the recommendations in closed session Report OCS17-003 and passed By-law 17-013 authorizing execution of a settlement agreement between the Board of Management for the Central Area Downtown Business Improvement Area, The Corporation of the City of Peterborough (City) and another party to an appeal to the then Ontario Municipal Board against Official Plan Amendment Number 173 and Zoning By-law 16-053 (Settlement Agreement).
Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the City makes 20 annual payments to the DBIA of $150,000 each for a total of $3,000,000.
DBIA is a local board of the City.
Pursuant to section 216 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, a municipality may change a local board including assuming a power or duty of the local board.
As a result of City Council’s vote, The Corporation of the City of Peterborough by the Council has enacted the following:
The City hereby assumes the power of DBIA to receive from the City annual payments of $150,000 each pursuant to the Settlement Agreement.
Any by-laws or resolutions of DBIA pertaining to the exercise of the assumed power are deemed to be repealed or amended to the extent necessary to permit the City to receive the said annual payments of $150,000 and to spend the proceeds thereof subject only to the City’s performance of DBIA’s obligations respecting such payments pursuant section 3 of the Settlement Agreement.
This By-law is in effect when it is passed.
The DBIA issued a strong warning to City Council not to pass the by-law on Friday afternoon.
“Downtown businesses have been navigating higher operating costs, increased taxes, tariffs, and the lingering impacts of COVID-19,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “This is precisely the time when they need more support, not less. We have been transparent, responsible, and accountable with every dollar we manage. That’s why this by-law is so concerning; it breaks trust. If the City can change direction without discussion on something this important, what will they do next? Trust requires year-over-year consistency. Right now, that’s what’s at risk.”
The DBIA released a statement regarding the decision on Tuesday afternoon:
Dear DBIA Members,
On behalf of the Board of Directors and our entire team, I want to extend my deepest thanks for your incredible support over the past week. Because of your engagement, your voices and your commitment to the future of our downtown, City Council voted unanimously against By-law 25-126.
This outcome was only possible because our members showed up.
You delegated, you wrote letters, you asked questions and you made it clear that the vibrancy of downtown and the independence of the DBIA matter deeply to this community.
Your efforts reaffirmed what makes downtown Peterborough so special; a strong, united business community that cares, collaborates and stands together when it counts.
Thank you for your advocacy, your time, your belief and most importantly your trust in the work we do every day. We will continue to champion the needs of our members, strengthen our partnerships with the City, and build a downtown that reflects the energy, creativity and resilience of the people who drive it.
This was a meaningful win for all of us; and we achieved it together!
