Tickets Available For Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala

Tickets are open for the 2026 Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala set for Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Kawartha Downs.

For 23 years the Business Excellence Awards has annually recognized the commitment, innovation, leadership, and resilience of the local business community. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The event celebrates outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and organizations that help strengthen the Peterborough and Kawarthas business community.

“Every business, whether a small family-run operation or a large organization, represents people who show up every day with determination, creativity, and a commitment to making our community stronger,” said Susan Dunkley, Chamber Board Chair. “The Business Excellence Awards give us an important opportunity to recognize that hard work, celebrate the successes that often come after years of perseverance, and honour the people behind them. When our businesses succeed, our entire community benefits—and that is something worth celebrating together.

This year’s gala-style event features a full cocktail hour with appetizers provided by Fyrestoke and a cash bar. A fully catered menu is prepared and served by Chemong Lodge.

“We are so excited to bring this fresh, elevated approach to the long-standing event, and we truly can’t wait for our local business community to get behind it, grab their tickets, and show up to celebrate in a big way,” said Brenda Whitehead, Chamber president and CEO. “It’s going to be a luxurious, high-energy night showcasing the very best of our homegrown talent, grit, and generosity. A huge thank you to the sponsors and partners who help make this signature celebration possible. There are still opportunities available to be part of this night, so if you or your organization would like to get involved, reach out today. This truly is our moment to come together, cheer on our Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce neighbours, and celebrate the businesses that make Peterborough and the Kawarthas such a vibrant place to live, work, and grow.”

Tickets are available online or by calling 705-748-9771. Tickets purchased by Sept. 18 will be entered into a draw for local merchant gifts. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 8 in order to ensure adequate local supplies.

Event Details Include:

• What: 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala

• When: Thursday, October 22, 2026

• Where: Kawartha Downs

• Tickets: Premium table sponsorship (8 tickets +) $1,500

• Center table tickets: $125 each (tables of 8)

Wing table tickets $115 each (tables of 6)

• Cocktail Hour: Starts at 5:30 p.m.

• Awards Dinner: Starts at 6:30 p.m.

Food: Cocktail Appetizers by Fyrestoke

Fully Catered Dinner by Chemong Lodge

• Ticket Deadline: Oct. 8

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Six Future Business Leaders Graduate From Community Futures Peterborough's 2026 Summer Company Program

Six aspiring entrepreneurs have graduated from Community Futures Peterborough’s (CFP) 2026 Summer Company Program, turning their business ideas into thriving businesses.

Rutger Huntley, Peak Beach Volleyball owner, spins one on his finger while showcasing his brand after graduation. All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

“Small businesses play a vital role in keeping our local communities vibrant and growing, and seeing students step up to launch their own enterprises right here in Peterborough-Kawartha is inspiring,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “The Summer Company program equips these future leaders with practical skills, confidence, and real-world experience. I congratulate all six graduates on a successful season and look forward to seeing where their drive takes them next.”

After graduation, the students showcased their businesses before local leaders and community partners.

“Community Futures Peterborough gave me a sense of community and belonging throughout my summer. There is such a wide range of knowledge and expertise from the team; whenever I had any sort of curiosity, I always knew where to find answers,” said Rielle MacDougall, Lake Safe Swim Lessons owner. “Having a team to back you up through a solopreneurship journey made starting a business feel a lot more manageable.”

This year’s Summer Company graduate students are:

• Aiden Budd – Dock to Driveway Detailing (Peterborough)

• Zander Bromley – Clearview (Peterborough)

• Caleb Galbraith – Joy Collectibles 3D (Lakefield)

• Emma George-Peters – Kawartha Luxe Cottage Care (Peterborough)

• Rutger Huntley – Peak Beach Volleyball (Millbrook)

• Rielle MacDougall – Lake Safe Swim Lessons (Peterborough)

@ptbo_canada Six aspiring entrepreneurs have graduated from Community Futures Peterborough’s 2026 Summer Company Program, turning their business ideas into thriving businesses. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #entrepreneur ♬ Success Inspirational - StereojamMusic

The program gave students hands-on experience launching and operating their own businesses while building valuable entrepreneurial, financial, marketing, and leadership skills.

“The Summer Company program allows students to do more than work a summer job. It gives them the opportunity to explore what it takes to be a leader, make decisions, solve problems, and build something of their own,” said Allison Adam, CFP entrepreneurship officer. “These students worked incredibly hard to create their own summer jobs, taking their ideas from concept to operation and learning firsthand what it takes to run a business. They rose to the challenge and excelled, which speaks volumes about both their dedication and the impact this program can have on young people.”

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Brant Basics, Begin With Baby and Innovation Cluster

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…

Congratulations to Brant Basics on their grand reopening at their new location on The Queensway!

The Chamber was pleased to join Brant Basics on Aug. 13 to celebrate the move from their downtown Peterborough location to 701 The Queensway. The celebration featured free product samples, vendor demonstrations, giveaways and prize draws, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Jeff Leal. Congratulations to the Brant Basics team on their new location and exciting next chapter!

A Peterborough nurse is helping fill a gap in prenatal education for local families.

Holly, founder of Begin With Baby, launched her business in 2025 after hearing from expecting parents looking for more opportunities to connect, ask questions and prepare for birth and life with a newborn. With a background in labour and delivery nursing and a current role in Public Health, Holly created in-person prenatal classes to provide practical information and support for growing families. For more information, can visit: beginwithbaby.com.

The Innovation Cluster is launching a new thought leadership event this fall, bringing together voices from across the region for some honest conversations about where our community is headed.

IC Talks: Unfiltered will be taking place on Oct. 1, at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and will bring together leaders from business, healthcare, technology, education, manufacturing and investment. The event is designed to challenge assumptions, spark new connections and explore ideas shaping the future of our region. For more information and to register, visit: innovationcluster.ca/ictalks

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 Care Peterborough's 'Gary Dalliday Memorial Golf Tournament' Raises Over $15,000 For Meals On Wheels Program

The sold-out fifth annual Gary Dalliday Memorial ‘Caring for Our Communities’ golf tournament saw 100 golfers help raise over $15,000 in support of Community Care Peterborough’s Meals on Wheels program at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Aug. 10.

(From left to right): Tim, Krista, Donna and Pete Dalliday. Photo courtesy of CCP.

All proceeds from this special event will support Community Care’s Meals on Wheels program, providing nourishment and connection for seniors and adults with disabilities in the City of Peterborough, West Selwyn Township, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Curve Lake First Nation.

The tournament was held on the eighth anniversary of Dalliday’s funeral. It brought together family, friends and community members to honour his legacy.

“Memorials give us a way to make the people we have lost present to us again,” said Chris LeBlanc, CCP director of donor and public relations. “Every time we gather for this tournament, we make sure the last page has not been written in Gary’s story.”

The former spots director at CHEX Radio and Television often volunteered his time to the Meals on Wheels program, which sees 50,000 meals delivered annually.

“Our dad loved Peterborough, he loved sports, and he loved the people he met through both,” said Pete Dalliday, Gary’s son. “What makes this tournament special for our family is seeing all of those things come together. People come out to have fun, reconnect and tell stories about Dad, but at the same time they are helping neighbours in our community. I think he would be incredibly proud of what this tournament has become.”

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Peterborough Dreams of Beans Becomes Co-Op

Community coffee shop and breakfast restaurant, Dreams of Beans, has expanded its ownership into a co-op model.

Photo courtesy of Dreams of Beans.

Dreams of Beans staff member Logan Benson and baker Melanie Johnson have joined Andrew MacGregor in ownership.

“An expanding ownership team makes room for a larger restaurant offering,” said MacGregor. “It helps smooth the path to bring back Dreams After Dark: a dinner and licensed drink service, including evening community events and live entertainment.”

Since 2023, MacGregor has instituted a living wage and no-tipping policy, moved the café from its former location to a larger spot, and introduced a breakfast menu.

Benson joined Dreams of Beans originally as a placement student three years ago.

“Starting off at Dreams of Beans as a co-op student, I never imagined I would one day become a co-owner,” she said. “It’s something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’m excited to continue growing DoB, bringing new ideas to life, and helping make it a place where everyone feels welcome.”

Johnson joined Dreams of Beans in 2025 as a baker.

“Dreams of Beans is a business I believe in--the how and why we do things set us apart,” she said. “I want to make sure our customers continue to have an amazing experience, especially with my baked treats! I've been through a lot to get here, and I am focused, confident, and excited to watch all of us grow together.”

“To our customers, new and familiar, there should be little apparent change to the experience of visiting our restaurant, as we intend to carry on with our great vibe and good food, still paying a living wage, still no tipping,” said MacGregor.

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Community Care Peterborough Renames Chemung Office As Ennismore Office

To create a clearer, more consistent connection between the office and the community it serves, Community Care Peterborough (CCP) has renamed the Chemung Office the Community Care Peterborough – Ennismore Office.

CCP operates eight local offices throughout the City and County of Peterborough: Apsley, Buckhorn, Ennismore, Havelock, Lakefield, Millbrook, Norwood and the City of Peterborough. Photo courtesy of CCP.

The name change is part of Community Care Peterborough’s ongoing work to bring greater consistency to how its eight local offices are identified across the City and County of Peterborough.

“Our local offices have deep roots in the communities they serve, and that local connection is something we value,” said Danielle Belair, CCP CEO. “At the same time, we want it to be clear that each office is part of one Community Care Peterborough organization. The Ennismore Office name helps us do both.”

Located at 549 Ennis Rd., CCP says moving to the Ennismore name better reflects its physical location and aligns it with its other offices, which are identified by the communities in which they are based.

CCP reminds the public that the change is in name only. Services of helping older adults and adults with disabilities remain independent in their homes and connected to their communitiesremain the same.

Residents will begin seeing the Ennismore Office name appear on Community Care Peterborough’s website, signage, printed materials and other communications as materials are updated.

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B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop Announces New Executive Director

A new face is leading the charge for B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop as they named David Warda as its executive director.

Warda with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation protesting outside MPP Dave Smith’s office regarding education cuts back in February of 2020. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough & District Labour Council.

Warda most recently served as President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) District 14, where he coordinated communications and administrative processes, facilitated collaborative decision-making and built relationships with community organizations, public institutions and partner groups.

He also served as President of the Peterborough & District Labour Council, where he represented the organization publicly, managed media and stakeholder communications and developed partnerships with municipal leaders, social service agencies and provincial organizations to address community needs.

As a Provincial Executive Officer with OSSTF/FEESO, Warda provided governance and operational leadership for a province-wide nonprofit organization and participated in strategic decision-making involving policy, risk management, financial oversight, and organizational sustainability.

Warda also taught at both Kenner Collegiate and Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.

Warda has a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Arts from Trent University. His professional training includes media communications, equity and inclusion, and alternative dispute mediation.

“B!KE is an organization with a remarkable history and an important role in the Peterborough community. I am excited to join the organization and work with the staff, volunteers, Board, members, and community partners to build on B!KE’s success and expand its impact,” said Warda.

Since 2006, B!KE has provided education in bicycle maintenance, repair and riding skills. Its Open Shop program provides more than 3,500 people each year with access to tools and training to maintain and repair bicycles.

Warda’s duties include working with B!KE’s Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, members, funders and community partners; strategic leadership and program development; financial management and fundraising; human resources and administration; and community outreach and communications.

“David's extensive experience in community education, leadership, collaboration, advocacy, and organizational governance makes him an excellent fit for B!KE. We are confident that his leadership will help B!KE continue to grow while remaining firmly grounded in our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, community, and cycling,” said Les Kariunas, B!KE Board of Directors Chair.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Sugar Me Right Beauty Studio, Peterborough County, Bennett’s Furniture & Mattress and Living Local Marketplace

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…

Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio is celebrating 15 years in the Peterborough community!

What began as the city’s first dedicated sugaring spa has grown into an award-winning business and beauty education centre, serving more than 5,000 clients and training beauty professionals along the way. The community is invited to join the anniversary celebration on Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Sugar Me Right! Beauty Studio, located at 203 Sherbrooke St. The afternoon will include an anniversary recognition ceremony, cake cutting, networking and photo opportunities.

Looking for a seasonal job opportunity? Peterborough County is hosting a Winter Maintenance Operator Job Fair on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Best Western Hotel in Peterborough.

The job fair is an opportunity to learn more about seasonal winter operations positions, meet with County staff and explore careers helping keep County roads safe throughout the winter. Whether you’re an experienced equipment operator or looking for a new career path, job seekers are encouraged to attend.

Congratulations to Bennett’s Furniture & Mattress on celebrating 100 years in business!

Since 1926, Bennett’s has been a proud part of the Peterborough community, evolving through generations while remaining a family-owned local business. The Chamber was pleased to join the celebration, which included the unveiling of Bennett’s new branding and building sign. Congratulations to the Bennett family on this incredible milestone and exciting new chapter!

Congratulations to Living Local Marketplace on being nominated for the Retail Spotlight Award at the sixth annual Ontario Made Awards!

The local marketplace celebrated its grand opening earlier this year at its new home inside Horlings Garden Centre on Lakefield Road in Lakefield. The awards recognize Ontario manufacturers and retailers that champion locally made products and support local supply chains. Voting is open until September 30, so be sure to show your support and vote for Living Local Marketplace! Go to: ontariomade.awardsplatform.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.

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The Neighbourhood Vintage and Watson & Lou Collaborate to Operate Under the Same Roof Starting Sept. 1

Two beloved downtown businesses are joining forces: The Neighbourhood Vintage is making its home inside Watson & Lou, bringing the two businesses together under one roof, starting Sept. 1.

Photo courtesy of Watson & Lou.

According to owners Jacquelyn Craft of The Neighbourhood Vintage and Katie Küntz of Watson & Lou, customers can expect an inspiring shopping experience where trendy vintage fashion meets contemporary local craftsmanship.

“We're incredibly excited to bring our businesses together,” they said. “This partnership allows us to offer something truly special—a destination where people can discover local makers alongside carefully curated vintage pieces. We can't wait to welcome both familiar faces and new visitors into the space.”

Shoppers can find items such as vintage denim, leather jackets, handcrafted ceramics, original artwork, stationery, jewelry, or unique gifts under one roof.

Both owners invite the community to celebrate the occasion during First Friday on Sept. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

The evening will officially kick off the collaboration to explore the newly expanded shop, meet the owners and browse the latest collections.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, A River of Yarn and Applewood Retirement Residence

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 Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough is accepting applications for its 2026 Event Sponsorship Grant Program.

Local registered charities can apply for grants of $300 to $2,000 to support public arts and cultural events that bring the community together. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until Sept. 4, and organizations planning multiple events are encouraged to submit a single application covering them all. For more information and to apply, you can go to: cfgp.ca/event-sponsorship-program

Tracy Minnema, founder & owner of A River of Yarn, has partnered with Elmhirst Resort as an ideal spot for the Riversong Fibre Retreat 2026.

Gather your friends, book a cottage and give yourself the exclusive experience of creative immersion, a restorative escape, and the chance to laugh, learn, and make beautiful things alongside people who understand why fibre arts matter. Registrations are now open; go to ariverofyarn.ca for more information.

Applewood Retirement Residence is hosting a Morning Mingle business networking breakfast on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 9 to 10 a.m.

Connect with local professionals who support seniors in the Peterborough community while enjoying a complimentary buffet breakfast and opportunities to build new partnerships and referral connections. RSVP to reserve your spot and help grow this valuable local network. Please RSVP by calling 705-749-1500

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.