Regional Businesses Gather to Launch Peterborough Aerospace and Defence Cluster

There were 60 representatives from businesses, educational institutions and partner organizations gathered to officially launch the Peterborough Aerospace and Defence Cluster (PADC) on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The PADC is a regional network focused on supporting the growth of Peterborough’s aerospace and defence sectors and supply chains. 

The inaugural meeting brought participants together to explore opportunities to strengthen the local supply chain and position the region as a competitive location within Canada's aerospace and defence industries. 

During the meeting, participants formally established the PADC and identified key priorities, including workforce development. Attendees shared information about their organizations and explored opportunities for future collaboration. 

Launched through a collaboration between the City of Peterborough, The Loomex Group, ACF Associates, and Explorer Solutions, the PADC will connect manufacturers, suppliers, innovators, academic institutions, and government partners to support industry growth across the region. 

The PADC will help map and promote the regional supply chain, encourage collaboration among businesses, support workforce training and raise Peterborough’s profile as a destination for investment and innovation. 

The launch of the PADC is part of ongoing efforts to support local businesses, strengthen industry partnerships and create opportunities for long-term economic growth. 

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Community Futures Peterborough Celebrates Record-Breaking Year

During their annual general meeting, Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) celebrated a record-breaking year at the Venture North Building in downtown Peterborough on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.

The record-breaking year was for lending and business advisory services. In fiscal year 2025-2026, the organization received more than $4.36 million in loan applications and disbursed a record 56 loans totalling over $2.06 million to local businesses across the City and County. Through these investments, Community Futures Peterborough helped create or maintain 167 local jobs.

“Forty years of Community Futures Peterborough means 40 years of believing in entrepreneurs, funding businesses, and strengthening our regional economy,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “We’ve played a key role in helping thousands of local businesses start, grow, and thrive, and today, we are so proud to honour that legacy.”

The Business Advisory Centre delivered a record 541 in-depth business advisory consultations and supported more than 741 unique businesses through its in-person workshops.

“This record-breaking year is a prime example of what happens when we cut red tape and deliver smart, streamlined services for our local economy,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By integrating the Business Advisory Centre under one roof, we have created an efficient, highly successful model that maximizes every dollar and puts entrepreneurship front and centre. Our government is committed to fueling economic growth, and by supporting Community Futures Peterborough, we are making sure local businesses have the direct capital and advisory tools they need to create jobs, drive innovation, and keep the Peterborough region open for business.”

“The integration of the Small Business Enterprise Centre program has reshaped how we deliver services as an organization,” said Wayne Harding, outgoing board chair. “The strong results from this fiscal year reinforce why bringing advisory and lending services together under one roof is an effective and efficient model for supporting entrepreneurs and our business community.”

This year’s AGM marked the departure of board chair Wayne Harding, who has served on the board of directors for 10 years, the maximum term. Sir Sandford Fleming employee and former small business owner Jenny Olauson was elected today as the new chair of the board of directors.

“It’s an honour to build on more than 40 years of impact,” said Olauson. “Our board has identified a strategic vision to build on the foundation of the Business Advisory Centre by expanding service offerings, deepening support for established businesses, and helping more businesses scale and grow across our region.”

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Business Excellence Awards, Youth Unlimited Peterborough and Senior Helpers of 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…

Do you know a business that goes above and beyond?

Now is your chance to recognize the outstanding businesses that help make Peterborough and the Kawarthas really shine. Nominations are now open for the 2026 Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards! The nomination process is quick and easy. Finalists will receive valuable recognition through a multi-media promotional campaign, with award recipients announced live at the annual Business Excellence Awards celebration. Help us celebrate business excellence in our community by submitting your nomination today! More information can be found at pkchamber.ca

Youth Unlimited Peterborough recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Sports Court at The Bridge Youth Centre with a community celebration on June 20.

The event welcomed community members for an afternoon of games, music, food, and activities as the organization officially unveiled this exciting new space for local youth. The new sports court represents another step in Youth Unlimited Peterborough's ongoing commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces where young people can connect, grow, and thrive.

On Wednesday, June 24, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. Senior Helpers of Peterborough invites the community to celebrate its official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

Join the team as they mark this exciting milestone and learn more about the personalized in-home care services they provide to seniors and their families throughout Peterborough. Guests will also have the opportunity to tour the organization's innovative Centre of Excellence, an immersive training space designed to support interactive education for caregivers, family caregivers, and industry professionals. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to RSVP to lheath@seniorhelpers.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.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Birch + Bloom, Agilec, Opus Tribute Group and Peterborough DBIA

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…

A new business has joined the downtown retail landscape.

Birch + Bloom Consignment Boutique, located at 188 Hunter St. Unit 7, celebrated its grand opening on June 4 alongside representatives from Community Futures Peterborough and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. Founded by Brittany Zarobiak, Birch + Bloom is a thoughtfully curated women's consignment boutique focused on sustainable fashion and elevated style. For more information, you can follow the Instagram: @birchandbloomboutique.

Agilec Employment Services – who helps support job seekers and employers alike – are having an open house at their Lakefield office.

Today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their Lakefield office – 25 Bridge Street, meet their team and join them for free coffee, doughnuts, and giveaways while you learn about the services they offer. For more information, you can call their office (705) 652-1935 or visit their website www.agilec.ca

Opus Tribute Group has announced the acquisition of Hendren Funeral Homes.

Opus Tribute Group is a community governed, not-for-profit organization that has been in existence for over 175 years and started out as Little Lake Cemetery Company in Peterborough. Hendren Funeral Homes serves families in the communities of Lakefield, Bobcaygeon and Norwood and is known for its personalized care, professional staff, and strong community roots. The transition is expected to be seamless for families and the communities served by Hendren. Existing services, locations, and commitments will continue uninterrupted. The acquisition aligns with Opus Tribute Group's “North Star” of existing to make our communities stronger, healthier, and more resilient in the face of grief and loss.

The Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales are back in downtown Peterborough!

From June to September, on the second Saturday of each month, George Street between Hunter and Simcoe become a fully walkable, pedestrian friendly market where visitors can enjoy patios, live entertainment, pop-up vendors, special promotions from local businesses, and more! The event expands across downtown including the Neighbourhood Market at the Bankers Commons Courtyard on Waterstreet with over 20 local artisans and makers, as well as additional artisan pop-ups at Avant Garden Shop on Sherbrooke Street. The program is designed to support local businesses, increase downtown foot traffic, and encourage residents and visitors to shop and explore locally throughout the summer. For more information, visit TheBoro.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.

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Community Futures Peterborough Launches Workshop Series for Summer 2026

In response to increased demand from local entrepreneurs and small business owners, Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) is launching its Entrepreneurship 101 workshops this summer in partnership with Scotiabank.

Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.

The summer 2026 series builds on the success of the spring workshops. Feedback from participants and growing interest in business advisory services highlighted the need for summer workshops in business planning, funding, and marketing.

“We are thrilled with the response to the spring workshops and extremely excited to partner on these additional offerings, through the Entrepreneurship 101 program, supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses in the Peterborough area,” says Nolan Frazer, Team Lead, Business Banking at Scotiabank. “We are proud to help provide this type of value and advice and make it accessible to the local community.”

According to CFP, Entrepreneurship 101 is designed to support individuals and businesses at various stages of their business journey, from those exploring an idea for the first time to existing business owners looking to strengthen their operations. The summer series places a stronger focus on practical areas such as funding, business planning, marketing, and branding, reflecting the challenges business owners are seeking in-depth advisory support in.

“Small businesses are the true engine of our local economy, and their momentum shouldn't stall over the summer months. By expanding these vital Entrepreneurship 101 workshops, Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank are ensuring that local innovators have uninterrupted access to the essential guidance, tools, and resources required to build resilient enterprises right here in our community,” says Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

The summer 2026 Free Entrepreneurship 101 workshops will be held at the Venture North Building in Peterborough from noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates:

• Funding Fuel: Exploring Funding and Financing, July 8, 2026

• Launch Pad: Business Planning, July 15, 2026

• Brand Lab: Marketing and Branding, July 22, 2026

“The overwhelming response to our recent programming has made it clear that local entrepreneurs are looking for more than standard advice,” says Manager, Business Advisory Centre and Corporate Communications, Rose Terry. “They are looking for a roadmap to start and grow their businesses. By adding these summer workshops, we are directly responding to that demand and ensuring each business has the tools and support they need. Whether it’s navigating the early stages of ideation or tackling the most common hurdles our advisors see daily, our goal is to provide accessible support that keeps our business community thriving.”

The Entrepreneurship 101 series is open to anyone looking to start a business, grow an existing one, or sharpen their entrepreneurial skill set.

Registration and additional workshop information are available online at www.cfpeterborough.ca

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The Mount Community Centre Appoints New Executive Director

Effective immediately, the Mount Community Centre (TMCC) Board of Directors has appointed Rhonda Gilchrist as Executive Director.

Rhonda Gilchrist was previously the United Way senior director of operations and revenue generation before accepting the role with the Mount Community Centre. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“We are confident that Rhonda Gilchrist possesses the combination of experience and specialized skills in non-profit housing, government funding, knowledge of the community and vision that will help our organization reach new heights,” said Stephen Kylie, TMCC Board Chair . “Rhonda has built a reputation as an innovator and change-maker in the non-profit sector, with key community relationships and a proven track record of success in fundraising. She is a highly capable leader, and the Board has the utmost confidence that she will advance the mandate of this organization for the benefit of our community. TMCC Board members are looking forward to working alongside her in the years to come.”

According to TMCC, with help from firm Crawford Connect, nearly 100 potential candidates applied for the job, resulting in six candidates being considered for the position. Crawford Connect narrowed the search down to four candidates to be interviewed and of these four, two were interviewed for a second time before deciding that Gilchrist was the best fit. A recommendation to hire Rhonda was unanimously approved by the Board on April 27.

Gilchrist has over 13 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including 8 years in a senior management role, advancing organizational performance and leading fundraising and revenue-generation efforts. Rhonda was Senior Director of Operations and Revenue Generation for the United Way of Peterborough and District prior to joining TMCC. Gilchrist has also been actively involved in volunteer activities with Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes. According to a press release, she was responsible for all financial operations, annual and monthly financial statements, monitoring project milestones, and leading the successful roll-out and maintenance of the organizational database.

Rhonda graduated with Honours in Business Administration from Durham College and with a degree in Computer Programming from DeVry Institute of Technology, Toronto.

“Rhonda joins the organization at an exciting time,” said Kylie. “We have ambitious mission and fundraising goals and she will be responsible for advancing TMCC’s mandate and to operationalize the core functions and achieve the overall objectives of our organization to bring it to the next level.”

“It is an incredible honour that the board has selected me,” said Rhonda Gilchrist. “The opportunity at TMCC is a very rare opportunity and their mission to reduce poverty and develop community, aligns with my hopes for our community. With the recent purchase of the Village on Argyle property and the proposed new build on Monaghan Road, I look forward to the exciting responsibility of expanding services to help make lasting positive changes in the lives of our low income community members and the impact it will make in our community.”

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Margot Van Sluytman, LAWS Doggie Dash and Showplace Performance Centre

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…

A story of love, creativity, and adventure is coming with the launch of local author Margot Van Sluytman's newest book, The New Adventure of Ms. Maggie.

The book launch will take place on Saturday, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Needle Happy Tattoos and will feature a book signing and community gathering with the author. This event is also dedicated to helping support newcomers settling in Canada, and proceeds from book sales will benefit the New Canadians Centre. Those interested in purchasing a copy can contact Margot at margot.vansluytman@yahoo.com

Animal lovers and their four-legged friends are invited to take part in the 2026 LAWS Doggie Dash on Sunday at Isabel Morris Park in Selwyn.

This community fundraising walk supports the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society's efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. Participants can choose between 1.5 km and 2.5 km routes and are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 to support the cause. Registration opens at noon, with the walk beginning at 1:00 p.m. The event will also feature live music, games, food vendors, and local exhibitors, making it a fun day out for the whole family and their pets. For more information, please visit lakefieldanimalwelfare.org

Country music fans won't want to miss an evening with Country Music Hall of Fame member Kenny Hess, who will bring Songs That Wrote Country Music to Showplace Performance Centre on June 17.

Throughout his career, Hess has shared the stage with legendary artists including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson. Tickets and additional event information are available at showplace.org

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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Century 21 United Realty Expands With Grand Opening of a New Office In Apsley

Century 21 United Realty can service those in Apsley, as it hosted the grand opening of a new office on Saturday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Century 21 United Realty.

Located at 125A Burleigh St., the Apsley branch reflects growing momentum in the local real estate market and a commitment to serving buyers and sellers in the Highlands East area, according to Vanessa Oae Hogan, Century 21 owner.

“We’re excited to be back in Apsley and to continue serving the North Kawartha community. This is a remarkable region, known for its natural beauty, strong sense of community, and exceptional quality of life,” she said. “Many of our realtors have deep roots in the area and bring extensive local knowledge and connections that help clients make informed real estate decisions. Re-establishing our presence in Apsley reflects our commitment to North Kawartha and our belief in the long-term strength of this region.”

The public was invited to the grand opening to enjoy refreshments, meet the realtors and learn about their services.

“As a locally owned brokerage, we’re proud to continue expanding our presence in the communities we serve and look forward to helping residents, property owners, and newcomers navigate the local real estate market with confidence,” said Oake Hogan.

Office hours are 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

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Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario Inducts Class of 2026 Into Business Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has officially inducted eight names into the 11th Annual JA Business Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Venue on Thursday night.

File Photo.

The evening honoured outstanding Laureates whose professional achievements, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community have helped shape the Peterborough region and inspire future generations of leaders and changemakers, according to JA-NEO.

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

The evening also included a special tribute recognizing the extraordinary contributions of John McNutt and Sheryl Hopkins to both the Peterborough community and Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario.

McNutt had passed away in late April and served as JA-NEO’s CEO and president.

“This event has always been about more than business,” said Cody McIntyre, JA-NEO Interim President and CEO. “It is about showing young people what is possible when passion, integrity, and community come together. Every inductee honoured this evening represents a different path to success, and those stories matter deeply to the next generation. JA-NEO extends its sincere gratitude to the event investors, volunteers, supporters, and attendees whose continued commitment helps make youth programming possible across the region.”

Funds raised through the Business Hall of Fame directly support hands-on learning opportunities in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness for young people in Peterborough and the surrounding area.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Classy Chassis and Cycles, Passageway Law LLP, Kawartha Apparel and Business Summit

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…

Classy Chassis and Cycles, the family-run motorcycle dealership in Lakefield, has been keeping it classy for 20 years.

They just celebrated their 20th Anniversary in business! Congratulations! If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you can visit their showroom at 1399 8th Line Smith in Lakefield or visit their website www.usedhd.ca.

Passageway Law LLP has just welcomed a new associate, Gabrielle Slater-Blair, who was called to the Bar in 2025.

Prior to entering the legal profession, she built her career in the human services sector, working both internationally and domestically on human rights initiatives. Gabrielle works in Family law and is currently taking on new clients. To get in touch with Gabrielle and Passageway Law, you can call their office at (705) 741-5337 or check them out online at www.passagewaylaw.ca.

A dream collab has come to fruition - Kawartha Apparel is now available for sale at Great Outdoors Landing in Bridgenorth!

Kawartha Apparel, owned by Erin Shannon, is a local clothing company that specializes in Lake-inspired apparel and custom clothing, all designed and printed locally on Chemong Lake. It’s very exciting to see two Chemong Lake businesses teaming up to support one another. Kawartha Apparel will also be launching its new website on June 7th – until then, follow them on Instagram at Kawartha_apparel.

The Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Peterborough Economic Development are hosting a Business Summit on June 22 at Ashburnham Funeral Home.

A great day of learning, connecting and understanding how important it is to keep the most important part of the economy, the people who run it as a focus. Visit www.pkchamber.ca/events for more details and to register.

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.