Peterborough Blogs
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Swish, Rubidge Retirement Residence and Heads Up For Inclusion
/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…
Swish is a proudly Canadian company that brings local insight, national reach and decades of experience to every customer relationship.
They are your Canadian partner in clean and are celebrating 70 years of service to the community. Everyone is invited to two full days of prizes, clearance items, product and equipment demos. May 13th and 14th at their founding location - 2060 Fisher Dr. in Peterborough from 9 til 4 with a free lunch on both days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rubidge Retirement Residence is hosting an open house from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday May 15th and Saturday May 16th.
It’s a great chance to tour and learn more about their residence and services. Perfect for anyone who may be looking to open their next chapter in a place where comfort, community and care come together. For more information, you can call 705-748-4000, extension 252.
On Friday, Alternatives and Heads Up for Inclusion are joining together to host Washboard Hank, sponsored by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, at the Hub on Braidwood Avenue.
The community is invited to participate along with the Amigos Community Program, which brings together adults with and without disabilities for fun and friendship through planned recreational activities. To reserve a spot to see WashBoard Hank, you can email Laura_Lombardi@headsupforinclusion.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 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.
Topper's Pizza Bringing Fresh Slices To Peterborough After Celebrating Its Grand Opening
/Peterborough’s latest pizza chain restaurant, Topper's Pizza, has hit town as it plans to serve up delicious cheesy pies and hosted its grand opening on Monday morning.
Brothers and Franchise Partners Brijesh Patel (left) and Kishan Patel (right) putting one of their gourmet pizzas, ‘Meat Mountain’ on display. Topper’s Pizza was founded in Sudbury and has 45 locations in Ontario. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Located at 999 Lansdowne St. W. at the Byersville Creek Plaza, the Sudbury-based pizza chain held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with a representative of Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and a grand-opening pizza special to commemorate the occasion.
Brothers Brijesh and Kishan Patel are the franchise partners of the Peterborough location. Both were Fleming College alumni and look forward to being part of the community with their newly launched business.
“We have been waiting for this moment and this day for the last eight months,” explained Brijesh. “We are planning to grow in the Peterborough community as early as possible.”
“We are eager to serve the community here in Peterborough,” said Kishan. “Hopefully we can give the best taste (of pizza) and give what the Peterborough community wants. That’s our goal.”
@ptbo_canada Topper’s Pizza had its grand opening in Peterborough on May 11, 2026. The Sudbury-based pizza chain makes its first Peterborough location with brothers Brijesh and Kishan Patel as the location’s franshise partners. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #pizza ♬ Gets Like That - Max Dean & Luke Dean
In addition to pizza, the restaurant serves panuzzos, flatbread, chicken and a modified panzerotti called a Topperoti.
The franchise was started in 1982 by the Toppazzini family. Topper’s uses an old family recipe for its pizza crust/bread that was widely utilized in the early 1900s, according to Keith Toppazzini, founding family member.
“In 1982, we decided to take that family formula, turn it into a pizza shop and 44 years later, we’re at store number 45,” he said.
The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
JA-NEO Inducts Nine Business Leaders Into City of Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame
/Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) celebrated and honoured business leaders at its fourth Annual City of Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame at Mackey Celebrations in Lindsay on Thursday night.
Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.
The event recognized those who have shaped the region's economic and social fabric, according to JA-NEO.
The following are the 2026 Inductees:
Dan Burns (Posthumous) – Burns Bulk Food
Greg Nisbett (Posthumous) – Nisbett’s Men’s Shop
Jason Willock – Co-operators, Willock Insurance Group Ltd.
Ken Found (Posthumous) – Linborough Properties
Patricia & Phillip Nieukirk (Posthumous) – The Grand Hotel, The Grand Experience Restaurant
Ray DeNure – DeNure Tours
Sarah Quick & James Barrett – Globus Theatres
“The Hall of Fame is about more than business,” said Cody McIntyre, JA-NEO interim president and CEO. “It’s about recognizing the people who built something meaningful and, in doing so, helped build this community. Their stories are powerful reminders to our young people of what’s possible.”
Proceeds from the event went to Junior Achievement programs in the City of Kawartha Lakes which help equip youth with the skills, confidence and knowledge they need in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.
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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Cambium, Century 21 Realty and Be Your Brand
/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…
Cambium Consulting and Engineering is celebrating twenty years in business!
They were founded in 2006 and are a multi-service consulting and engineering firm that helps shape stronger communities with their wide range of technical and professional expertise.
A long-standing friendship between two family-founded real estate companies has come full circle.
Century 21 United Realty has expanded into Cobourg with the addition of Century 21 All-Pro Realty, a brokerage that has served the Northumberland community for over 30 years.
Both brokerages were family-founded, and their founders, Carl Oake and Garry Liboiron, shared a decades-long friendship within the industry. Today, the brokerage is led by Vanessa Oake Hogan, continuing that legacy and bringing the two offices together in a way that feels like a natural next chapter. Congratulations to Vanessa and her team, who will continue the longstanding legacy of real-estate brilliance.
After four and a half years in business, Phillip Jolicoeur who many know as The Marketing Guy has announced his exciting rebrand to Be Your Brand.
It’s a new name but the same business. A full-service marketing concierge designed to support businesses and not-for-profit organizations. The new brand reflects Phil’s vision of helping clients build stronger identities, clearer messaging and a bigger impact.
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.
Century 21 United Realty Acquires Century 21 All-Pro Realty In Cobourg
/Century 21 United Realty has acquired brokerage Century 21 All-Pro Realty in Cobourg, announced on Friday.
Photo courtesy of Century 21 United Realty Inc.
According to Century 21 United Realty, this merger represents more than a business decision—it’s a heartfelt joining of two brokerages that share the same core values, family roots and long-standing commitment to the people and communities they serve according to Vanessa Oake Hogan, Century 21 United Realty owner.
“This partnership feels like a natural extension of what both our families have built,” she said. “We share the same beliefs about integrity, service, and community. My father, Carl, always believed in people first—and that spirit lives on in this next chapter. I only wish he were here to see it.”
Carl Oake founded Century 21 United Realty in 1978. Garry and Liz Liboiron established Century 21 All-Pro Realty three decades ago, serving the Northumberland community since 1993. Over the years, Oake and Garry were known to be cordial with each other, having friendly competitions and team-building mystery tours and lively company events.
The merger provides agents and clients with greater access, collaboration and reacch to provide real estate services across Peterborough, the Kawarthas and Northumberland. Agents from both offices have expanded market insights, shared resources, and a stronger network for client support.
“We are honoured to carry forward All-Pro’s history while looking ahead to an exciting future—one that blends legacy, heart, and innovation,” said Oake Hogan. “This is a celebration of shared purpose and connection.”
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 YMCA, Lakefield College School and Summer Company Program
/PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…
The 2026 YMCA Peterborough Pickleball Tournament is gearing up to be a great way to spend May 9.
Cheering on and watching local realtors Wade Hamblin and Shaun Pearce gather their teams to face off in the quest to win the Golden Pickle, all for the benefit of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, will be amusing. Every child deserves a chance to reach their full potential: to live healthier, happier lives today and grow into productive adults in the future, and these team captains, with their teams of local businesspeople, are raising the bar to ensure the Strong Kids are supported. Let’s see if Team Pearce can hold on to the pickle for another year.
To find out more, or make your donation to support your favourites, visit www.ymcaofceo.ca/events.
A big shout out to the students from Lakefield College School who are giving their time at The Selwyn Public Library as part of the Tech Help Program.
They are there, by appointment only, on Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m., offering assistance with different tech topics - from email management to accessing books on apps. A great way to increase anyone’s tech abilities.
For more information, reach out to Amy Rosborough at arosborough@mypubliclibrary.ca.
The Summer Company Program offers grants of up to $3,000 to start a business in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.
The program provides students (ages 15 to 29) with grant dollars, business skills development, training, advice, and mentoring. Youth in this community can be their own boss this summer, while building valuable skills for their future. Students eager to take initiative and interested in learning how to run a business can apply today to the Summer Company Program and if successful, will be guided every step of the way from developing a business plan and budget to marketing strategies to launch their business.
Take a look under programs at www.communityfutures.Peterborough.ca to learn more.
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.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring ARTISANity Show and Sale, DJC Modern Apparel and Hops for Heroes
/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…
This community is a amazing with the number of creative artisans and producers of handicrafts that surrounds it. Take the lucky opportunity to check out 20 local producers at the ARTISANity Show and Sale which will feature some of the best artisan craft of Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Exquisite locally handmade gifts and décor, crafted by members of the Artisans Centre Peterborough, will be available on the Lower Level of Peterborough Square Friday April 24th 12 to 6 pm and Saturday, April 25th 9 am to 3 pm. Free admission and free underground parking on Saturday. Visit www.artisanscentre.ca for all the details.
DJC Modern Apparel, located at 1525 Chemong Rd is pleased to announce their new size 18+ Collection. Sizes 18-24 and up to a XXXL are now available. They do carry styles by Joseph Ribkoff and Carrelli Jeans but the main brand to watch out for will be Kaffe Curve. A trunk show featuring Kaffe Curve on May 5, 2026, from 4:30 to 7:00 PM will bring the new line front and centre. Representatives will be on hand to discuss styling their clothes and will also bring an expanded collection of clothing to try on. DJC Modern Apparel is very clear in stating that “You weren’t made to fade into the background — and your wardrobe shouldn’t either” … stop by the store, visit the trunk sale or click local at www.djclothing.ca
It’s time to raise a glass for those who carry the weight—Hops for Heroes is being hosted at 100 Acre Brewing, on May 29th in support of Wounded Warriors Canada. $30 gets you a take home beer glass and your first beverage. Drop in from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and enjoy live music courtesy of Midlife Crisis on the 100 Acre stage. Woodfire pizza is available for purchase. Wounded Warriors Canada is a national mental health service provider serving Trauma Exposed Professionals and their families. Local businesses Hardpoint Consulting Services, Monaghan Lumber Specialties, Landon Electric Ltd and 100 Acre Brewing Company are proud to support the cause and hope everyone gets their ticket before they are gone at www.hopsforheroes.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 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.
Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring MCI Constructors Inc., Focus Business Lounge and Craftworks at the Barn
/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…
Mortlock Construction Inc., a Peterborough based construction company founded in 1947, has announced a corporate name change to MCI Constructors Inc. Founded as a familyowned business, the company has built a longstanding reputation for quality workmanship, integrity, and reliable project delivery. The change is strictly a corporate name amendment. There has been no change to ownership, staffing, management, services, or operations, and no changes are planned. The company remains the same legal entity, with full continuity across contracts, bonding, and insurance. This exciting change coincides with their move of the physical office from Brown Line to 1985 Lansdowne St. W. A refreshed and modern space represents the next chapter in their growth as a business. For more information you can reach them by calling (705) 745-0579.
Speaking of refreshed… how about completely new?? Aim & Focus Business Solutions will be offering their Graphic Design, Web Design, Automation other business solution services from the Brand New Focus Business Lounge Location at 785 The Kingsway (Opposite Lansdowne Mall). Opening on April 7th the Coworking Spaces, Private Offices, Board Room, Creative Stations, Hotspot Desks for quick in and outs will be available to the Peterborough and area business community. Their Grand opening celebration is at 11 on the 7th and the community is invited to stop by. Visit their website at www.Aimnfocus.com for more details.
A quick shout out to Craftworks at the Barn on Lindsay Road, just 1 km east of Fowlers Corners. in Selwyn Township. Coffee in the County, sponsored by Peterborough County, is a social time for Chamber members and the business community and was hosted there March 31st. Everyone enjoyed the hospitality, the varied products, the Junkin family and their team. One visit was a reminder that it is the most unique shopping destination in the Kawartha Region! Their Canadian Made Mennonite Furniture, Home Decor, Antiques, local Artisans, baked goods and other gourmet food helps us all to continue to keep our dollars and support local… Take a quick trip or check them out at www.thebarn.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 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 Releases New Lending Guide to Help Entrepreneurs Explore Funding Options
/Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has released a “Roadmap to Smart Funding” guide to help entrepreneurs and small businesses make more informed financial decisions.
photo courtesy of community futures peterborough.
