Recipients For Community Futures Peterborough's CAP Funding Announced

Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Community Advancement Program (CAP), a non-repayable funding program that supports projects fostering economic stability, investment, and employment across the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. 

Photo courtesy of CFP.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, CPF marked the milestone by committing a record-breaking investment of $100,000 to 10 local organizations.

To honour four decades of supporting local businesses, CFP distributed $10,000 in non-repayable funds to each successful applicant through the 2025 Community Advancement Program, resulting in a total investment of $100,000.

This special anniversary initiative highlights CFP’s longstanding commitment to promoting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities throughout the region according to the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of AI and Digital Innovation and Minister.

“The projects supported through the Community Advancement Program are a testament to the innovation, ambition, and local leadership driving economic growth in Peterborough and the surrounding region,”he said. “Through FedDev Ontario, our government is proud to support the Community Futures Program and invest in the people and organizations creating real momentum. We are empowering local entrepreneurs, generating good jobs, and building a stronger, more resilient economy right here at home during these times of global economic uncertainty.” 

Photo courtesy of CFP.

Funded by the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), CAP supports strategic projects that align with CFP's vision for sustainable economic development and regional resilience. The program is designed to create community economic stability, growth, and job creation, develop and diversify competitive rural economies, and foster economically sustainable communities. 

The 2025 CAP recipients are:

• Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation

• Kawartha Manufacturers Association (KMA)

• Junior Achievement

• Hiawatha First Nation

• Peterborough County

• 4th Line Theatre

• Curve Lake First Nation

• Farms at Work

• New Canadians Centre

• ReFrame Film Festival

“These projects reflect the spirit and mission we had in mind for the Community Advancement Program - to empower local organizations that are creating tangible, positive impacts on the economic landscape of our communities,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “From arts and culture to agriculture, education, and equity, these initiatives are helping shape a vibrant future for both the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.” 

Photo courtesy of CFP.

The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation will use the funds to support a bursary initiative designed to help children who have been involved with Children’s Aid achieve their post-secondary education goals.

“We are so grateful for the funds Community Futures Peterborough is providing to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Foundation through the 2025 Community Advancement Program,” said Carrie Truman, executive director. “Together, we are having a positive impact on the lives of youth who are connected to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society and pursuing their post-secondary education goals. It is amazing the hurdles these youth have overcome, and so exciting that they are focused on their future by working towards achieving their education goals.” 

Farms at Work will be using funding from the Community Advancement Program to hire a project manager to launch and support their Community Farm. This initiative will provide hands-on, experiential education to aspiring entrepreneurs in agriculture through workshops and guided tours of established farms.

“Farms at Work is grateful to receive this Community Advancement Program funding to support planning of our long-envisioned Community Learning Farm. These funds, along with in-kind support from the Peterborough County Economic Development team and farm owner Jason McIntosh, bring the dream of a place to farm closer for aspiring farmers and will benefit the community for many years to come,” said Heather Thoma, Farms at Work operations manager. "We welcome community participation - whether as volunteers, food growers looking for land and educational support or benefactors.”

The New Canadians Centre will use the funding to advance the goals of the Workplace Inclusion Charter, which include fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, supporting employee attraction and retention, boosting productivity and innovation, and enhancing overall employee well-being.

“Immigration is a key component of the future of our labour force and working age population,” said Andy Cragg, NCC executive director. “The Workplace Inclusion Charter project will help participating local businesses attract and retain immigrant talent while fostering positive workplace experiences for newcomers.”

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Kawartha Craft Beer Festival Receives $20,000 Investment From Ontario Government to Bolster Tourism

The eighth-annual Kawartha Craft Beer Festival is receiving a $20,000 investment from the Ontario Government through the 2025 Experience Ontario program that will be held this Friday and Saturday at Del Crary Park.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Craft Beer.

This is part of a nearly $ 20 million investment in festivals and events across Ontario to help organizers expand their programming and draw visitors to stay longer in local accommodations, eat at restaurants, shop at local retailers, and support main street businesses according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“This $20,000 investment in the Kawartha Craft Beer Festival is fantastic news for Peterborough-Kawartha,” he said. “Our government understands that these events are more than just entertainment; they are vital economic drivers that bring visitors, support our local businesses and create jobs right here in our community. I'm proud to see this funding directly benefiting a festival that showcases local craft and brings our residents together.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Government of Ontario for their generous support of the Kawartha Craft Beer Festival,” said Richard Wood, Bobcaygeon Brewing Company president and co-founder. “This funding helps us celebrate local craft, boost tourism, and bring our community together in the heart of Peterborough.”

The Kawartha Craft Beer Festival is expected to attract a substantial number of attendees, offering a welcome boost to local accommodations, restaurants and retailers.

The Experience Ontario program's strategic funding aims to ensure that such events remain cornerstones of local economies and community engagement across the province according to a press release.

The Festival runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. The event features alcohol, food vendors, lawn games, a marketplace and live music. All are welcome to attend but guests must be 19+ to get alcohol. Event organizers urge the public not to drink and drive and to plan a ride home if attending.

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Rotary Club of Peterborough Funds Environmental Innovator Projects

The Rotary Club of Peterborough awarded five environmental innovators with funding through its Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) for proposed local projects at the McDonnel Activity Centre on Monday afternoon.

In its third year, REIF has already awarded more than $20 thousand dollars. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding is for projects designed by environmental entrepreneurs that advance local environmental innovators working in biodiversity, water and wastewater technologies, climate change, sustainable living, pollution, waste disposal and more.

The following were the funding recipients:

$3,000 Top Awards:

• Wildrock Outfitters / Kawartha Land Trust – Native Plant Horticulture for Invasive Species Control

• Woodleigh Farms – Catching Carbon

• Clean Energy Generation – Sanostrategy Wind Turbine Installation

$1,000 Runner-Up Awards:

• Taproots for Tomorrow – Carbon-Positive Air-Prune Beds

• Second Nature Studio – Plastic Waste to Purpose

This year’s REIF committee has received 16 applications for local projects.

The applications are judged based on how they might impact the local climate and environment, how innovative the project is compared to existing solutions, the project's practicality, expected benefits and how the funds would be used.

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Curve Lake First Nation Receives $20,000 From Ontario Government For Annual Pow Wow

The provincial government is investing $20,000 in the Curve Lake First Nation Pow Wow, which will be held Sept. 20-21, through the 2025 Experience Ontario program, announced on Monday.

Experience Ontario 2025 is supporting more than 350 festivals and events across the province. Photo by Evan Holt.

The money is part of a nearly $20-million investment in festivals and events across the province to help organizers expand programming and draw visitors to stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses according to Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP.

“The Curve Lake First Nation Pow Wow is a significant gathering that offers a space for cultural expression, connection, and healing,” he said. “This funding allows the teaching of history, honours traditions, and celebrates community in a way that truly shines a spotlight on Indigenous culture.”

“Our Pow Wow is a meaningful celebration of Anishinaabe culture, identity, and community,” said Keith Knott, Chief, Curve Lake First Nation. “We are grateful to Experience Ontario for recognizing the importance of supporting First Nation-led cultural events. This funding helps ensure that the people who carry these traditions are respected and compensated for their contributions.”

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Community Future Peterborough Unveils 20 Entrepreneurs For Its 2025 Starter Company Plus Program

Community Future Peterborough’s (CFP) Business Advisory Centre (BAC) has unveiled its 20 businesses selected for its 2025 Starter Company Plus Program, announced at the Venture North Building on Wednesday morning.

The 20 entrepreneurs were gathered at the announcement of the businesses selected for the program. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

CFP received over 70 applications for this year’s cohort.

“This is truly a life-changing program,” said Rosalea Terry, BAC manager. “The quality of applications this year was exceptional, and our selected entrepreneurs represent some of the most committed and determined founders we’ve seen. We are proud to support them on their entrepreneurial journey.”

The Starter Company Plus program helps businesses accelerate their growth with mentorship, training and funding. This provincial government-funded program offers entrepreneurs access to expert guidance, networking opportunities and up to $5,000 in grant funding after completion.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this talented group of entrepreneurs into the 2025 Starter Company Plus program,” said Devon Girard, CFP executive director. “Their creativity, drive, and commitment to growth embody the spirit of entrepreneurship we aim to support. We’re excited to be part of their journey and look forward to their impact on our city and county.”

The 2025 Starter Company Plus Cohort includes:

City of Peterborough Participants:

• Groovy Little Smoothie Co. — Kara Ainsworth

• Stoney Island Studio Live Event Painting and Creative Services — Julie Anastasia McMillan

• The Willow Studio — Angela Demeester

• Architecture of Wellness — Jackie Orsetto

• Wild Woman Ayurveda — Maggie O'Rourke

• Doody Call — Millie Kingston

• Home and Well Inc. (Home & Well) — Kelly Clark

• Common Thread Films — Kait Howell

• Miller Exterior Painting — Dennal Leya Miller

• Burkitt Solutions Co — Brianna Burkitt

• Heeling Souls K9 Training — Alexis Mills

• Joint Venture Inc. o/a Lost Cannabis Company — Brent Morrison

• Layin' Divots — Krista Charette

County of Peterborough Participants:

• Transitions (Tentative Name) — Kelly Gower and Roselyn Rodriquez

• The Forest Hill Lodge — Jacqueline Lyons

• Belmont Farmstead — Amanda O'Rourke

• Urban Roots 47 Salon and Spa — Karen Kearney

• Lark and Lemon — Kristen Offen

• Joint Venture Inc. o/a Lost Cannabis Company — Brent Morrison

• National Touring Museum — Timothy Jeffries

• Millbrook Fit — David Lundrigan

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OLG Issues Fourth-Quarter Gaming Revenue Payment to Peterborough of $587,121

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has made their fourth-quarter payment totalling $587,121 to the City of Peterborough for hosting Shorelines Casino Peterborough announced on Wednesday morning.

Since 1994, host communities have received more than $2.2 billion in non-tax gaming revenue. File Photo.

The quarter was from Jan. 1 to March 31.

During OLG’s fiscal year (April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025), Peterborough has received $2,717,827. Since the gaming site opened in October 2018, Peterborough has amassed $15,095,211 according to a press release.

These payments to host communities are based on a formula consistently applied across all gaming sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site as stated in a press release. 

“Shorelines Casino Peterborough strengthens our community through sharing gaming revenue that supports local priorities and programs,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “In addition to job creation and community support, the Municipality Contribution Agreement with OLG delivers substantial benefits to the people of Peterborough.”

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City Receives Grant to Provide Assistance For Swimming Leadership Programs to Low-Income Residents

The City of Peterborough has received a grant from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to assist low-income families and individuals in covering the registration and equipment needed for the Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, and National Lifeguard programs.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Participants must meet the eligibility requirements under the City’s recreation subsidy guidelines.

Those interested in applying for the grant can contact Summer Ley at sley@peterborough.ca

Sessions run from May 4 to Au.t 31. Session information is as follows:

Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid with CPR-B:

• Sunday, May 4, Saturday May 10, Sunday, May 11, Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bronze Cross & Standard First Aid with CPR-C:

• Each Sunday from June 1 to June 29, 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

National Lifeguard Pool:

• Each Sunday from June 15 to July 13, 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid with CPR-B:

• Each Sunday from July 6 to August 3, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C:

• Each Sunday from July 6 to August 3, from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

National Lifeguard Pool:

• Each Sunday from August 3 to August 31, from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a registered charity dedicated to removing financial barriers for low-income families and individuals, ensuring everyone has equal access to sport and recreation.

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City of Peterborough to Receive Over $10 Million Over Three Years Through the Housing Accelerator Fund

The City of Peterborough will receive $10,690,354 in funding over three years through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF).

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

It is a federal program run by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to support building more housing in Peterborough.

“Housing is a critical need in our community. This funding will help Peterborough build the foundation for greater housing development in our community. I would like to thank the federal government and the CMHC for recognizing the urgency here in Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.

A City Council report in March will outline details about the initiatives and next steps.

The City’s HAF Action Plan aims to unlock housing development by providing direct incentives for constructing additional dwelling units, missing middle housing such as triplexes and fourplexes, and affordable housing and making systemic changes to municipal policies and procedures according to the City.

The following is the list of initiatives that make up the City’s Action Plan:

• Reduce or eliminate residential parking requirements;

• End exclusionary zoning and incentivize missing middle housing;

• Increase process efficiency by implementing a public-facing e-permitting portal;

• Implement a Community Planning Permit System;

• Make City-owned land available and foster partnerships to develop housing;

• Formalize processes and resources to support housing innovation and alternative construction methods; and,

• Modernizing the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan.

The HAF grant will cover the cost of implementing these initiatives. Most of these initiatives are scheduled to be completed or implemented this year.

The City has already received 25 per cent of the funding. The remaining installments will be paid out as the City hits key milestones in its goal to issue residential construction permits for 1,410 housing units within the next three years.

This funding follows a successful application by the City during the second round of funding announced by the CMHC.

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Ontario Government Providing $6.2 Million In Funding For Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub In Peterborough

The Ontario Government is providing support for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues in Peterborough by building a $6.2 million new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub, announced at Showplace Performance on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

This new hub is part of the province’s plan to support safer communities by investing $529 million to create 27 HART Hubs across the province while also banning drug injection sites from operating within 200 metres of schools and licensed child-care centres.

“For the first time in Ontario’s history, we are taking a look at the entire continuum for homelessness, addictions, and recovery,” said Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “The Hart Hub is a fantastic approach; it means that we are crossing different sectors to ensure that we are providing the service where they need it, when they need it, and at the appropriate level. People can enter at any stage into the Hub, wherever they are, and then progress through. It is the first time that any province has looked at the entire continuum for homelessness, addiction, and rehab.”

Peterborough’s HART Hubs, similar to existing hub models in Ontario that have successfully provided people with care, will reflect regional priorities by connecting people with complex needs to comprehensive treatment and preventative services.

Planning efforts to create the HART Hub in Peterborough are underway and the proposed services to be offered could include:

• Primary and psychiatric care

• Mental health and addictions services including case management, Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM), withdrawal management, bed-based addiction treatment, and aftercare

• Peer recovery coaches

• Mental health and addictions supportive housing (transitional and permanent) and dual diagnosis supportive housing with 24/7 community wrap-around services

• Occupational therapy

• Vocational services

“The HART Hub investments are the right concept for the right time. Our community, like others, is struggling with high rates of homelessness, chronic mental illness, substance use and addictions and poverty. For people living this crisis, housing is the solution,” said Donna Rogers, Fourcast executive director. “The Peterborough HART Hub investment will offer housing alongside many of the other essential supports that can help people re-establish their lives through housing stability, addiction and mental health recovery and good health. Our community is ready to maximize this opportunity and build on the strong foundations of housing from homelessness that has been established amongst our community partners.”

The 18 new HART hub locations, including in Peterborough, were chosen due to a provincewide call for proposals last summer. All HART Hubs will have the goal of being operational by April 1. Earlier this year, the province announced that nine drug injection sites in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Kitchener, Guelph and Thunder Bay that are required to close due to being located within 200 metres of a school or licensed child-care centres have been approved for transition to a HART Hub. This brings the total number of HART Hubs across the province to 27, eight more than initially planned.

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Peterborough DBIA Announce Information For Event Support Grant and Application Deadlines

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has released details for its 2025 Community Event Support Grant and application deadlines.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

This funding opportunity was developed to help financially support organizers who choose to host their community-minded events in the downtown core, which in turn helps create a lively, vibrant and active urban centre.

The DBIA states that this initiative aims to help foster an inclusive and thriving downtown community by encouraging diverse events that drive economic prosperity and increased foot traffic to the downtown core and also nurture the health of Peterborough’s social fabric by fostering an increase in community engagement.

The Peterborough DBIA will provide financial and in-kind support to selected events that align with their core strategic priorities. The number and extent of grants awarded will be determined by the availability of designated funds and the number of applications that fit the criteria. 

The DBIA event priorities are as follows:

• Reaching priority and diverse audiences

• Engaging the DBIA member businesses including restaurants, shops and services

• Bringing economic prosperity to the region, specifically within the BIA district 

• Encouraging tourism, downtown exploration and increased foot traffic to BIA member businesses 

• Building community connection to and within the downtown area

• Celebrating the unique cultures and identities of downtown Peterborough

The goal of the DBIA event states that its support grant is to empower event organizers to create and host events that encourage repeat visitation and year-round animation in the core by helping to offset costs such as advertising, administrative fees, supply costs, permit and rental fees, for example.

"Our goal is to provide support for event organizers who work to create memorable experiences in our downtown that not only bring economic benefits by increasing foot traffic to the businesses, but also strengthen our overall sense of community and connection,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We look forward to collaborating with and supporting the visionaries and event planners who also work to create spaces where people feel connected. Together, we can showcase how special and important downtown Peterborough is for the social fabric and health of our community, and also for visitors who will want to choose this region as their destination of choice for enjoying a diverse set of unique and seasonal experiences.” 

Applicants who successfully meet the DBIA funding priorities can expect to receive support funds within two weeks of their scheduled event date. If the event requires in-kind support, organizers are asked to coordinate these requests with the DBIA at least two weeks before the event date. 

The event support grants will have two deadlines throughout the calendar year for application submissions:

• March 1: For events hosted from April 1 to Sept. 30

• Sept. 1: For events hosted from Oct. 1 to March 31, 2026

After a submission, the DBIA board will review all applications for the March 1 or Sept. 1 deadlines and decide on funding allocations in the board meeting that directly follows the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for funding. All applications must provide the DBIA with a detailed budget outline for their event to be considered.

The event application form can be found at ptbodbia.ca or online.

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