Peterborough Blogs
PTBOSpotlight: Shop the Lake
/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 Shop the Lake. The local business is owned Niki and Jason Pulchinski.
Shop the Lake is a patio furniture and lifestyle store in Peterborough, located at 1525 Chemong Rd.
“Shop The Lake offers a great selection of outdoor furniture and shade solutions for homes, cottages and businesses,” said Denise Gater, Shop The Lake’s head buyer and design director. “We have many suppliers and price points with both in stock and special-order options. Our knowledgeable staff can help customers make the best selection for their particular space taking style and functionality into consideration. We offer a complimentary design service for those requiring extra help planning a new build project or refresh of a current space.”
Gater says the store is unique as Shop The Lake is the only dedicated outdoor furniture store in the area.
“Niki and Jason Pulchinski purchased the building to house their other businesses and decided before taking possession that they would open an outdoor furniture retail business as there had been one at the location for over 20 years,” she explained. They renovated and updated the showroom and added an outdoor space to display the beautiful products that are offered.”
Even though patios are seasonal, that does not slow down Shop the Lake as they get creative and festive during the holidays.
“When patio season winds down, Shop The Lake becomes a beautifully curated Christmas Boutique showcasing decorations, décor, gifts and treats,” said Gater. “The highlight is the arrival of hundreds of beautiful live Christmas trees delivered fresh from Nova Scotia.”
Whether you live in the city, at the cottage, in a condo or a family home, Shop the Lake offers furniture suited to your lifestyle.
“Our goal is to provide the best quality outdoor furniture, shade solutions and accessories at the best value with excellent product knowledge and personal service,” concluded Gater.
To learn more about Shop the Lake, find it online:
Website: www.shopthelake.ca
Instagram: @shopthelake
Facebook: Shop the Lake
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PTBOSpotlight: Avant-Garden Shop
/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 the Avant-Garden Shop. First opened in 2002 on George Street by Brenda Ibey and a business partner, the business relocated to Sherbrooke Street in 2006. Ibey assumed full ownership in 2007.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Located at 165 Sherbrooke St. in Peterborough, the shop specializes in gardening, birding and Canadian-made gifts.
“We sell gardening tools, outdoor wall décor as well as bird feeders, bird food and pole systems,” said Ibey. “Over the years, we have gathered a large collection of beautiful works from various local and Canadian artists. These items include quirky garden art, cards, wind chimes, soaps, coasters, pewter, concrete sculptures and a large selection of wall art.”
Ibey says she prides her shop on keeping a majority of items Canadian in her store.
“Products come from just about every province: Ontario, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta. In addition, some items come from the USA and others are fair trade,” she explained. “Canadian-made, fair trade and an eye to high quality are what make the Avant-Garden Shop a very popular gift shop in the region.”
Avant-Garden Shop has won several awards over the years including Wild Bird Store of the Year in 2021, Best Retail Business (non-chain) by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards in 201 and Ibey was named Business Woman of the Year by the Chamber in 2022 to name a few.
Ibey credits her dedication to her customers from herself and her staff to ensure they get the best shopping experience possible.
“Customers are number one. We go out of our way to help customers. The store is set up to make it easy and comfortable to shop and browse the many items available,” she explained. “We feel it’s important to share the story of the artists. They work hard and deserve recognition”
Ibey is always seeking out new products for the store to keep the product line fresh for customers. Building a relationship with every one helps in connecting them with what their needs and wants could be.
“We have become very well acquainted with our customers. We have celebrated relationships, births, weddings and also mourned with customers after losses,” she said. “We have become friends with many of their customers and have developed lasting friendships. The Avant-Garden Shop aims to please and the customers can see and feel that.”
To learn more about Avant-Garden Shop, find it online:
Website: www.avantgardenshop.com
Instagram: @avantgardenshop
Facebook: Avant-Garden Shop
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Voice of Business: A United Canadian Economy
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Welcome back to this week’s Voice of Business. These past few months have been intense for businesses, with grand uncertainty and rising costs. We do not know what to expect; any day could bring a new tariff, complicating supply chains and squeezing margins. Despite this, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to address long-standing interprovincial trade barriers that hinder growth and add unnecessary administrative burdens.
This week’s VOB will unpack what to expect from this legislation and, more importantly, how it could impact local businesses. Bill C-5 aims to create one Canadian economy out of 13 by removing federal barriers to internal trade. The first key measure in Bill C-5 establishes equivalency for provincial standards on goods and services. This means that goods or services produced, used, or distributed according to a province or territory’s standards would automatically meet the equivalent federal requirements. In the past, businesses had to navigate overlapping or conflicting federal and provincial regulations, which led to extra costs for businesses.
The second major measure would federally recognize occupational certifications and titles authorized by provinces and territories. This is significant for sectors facing skilled labour shortages. For example, an Alberta-certified electrician could work in Ontario without going through a separate federal certification process. This change helps businesses fill vacancies faster and allows workers to move more freely where opportunities are available, whether it’s trades, health care, or professional services. For local businesses, this means easier recruitment and a wider pool of qualified candidates.
With the federal government mirroring the authorization of products, services, and credentials, businesses would be able to access broader markets across Canada. Instead of facing a patchwork of different rules in each province, a business in Peterborough could now more easily sell to customers in British Columbia, Quebec, or Nova Scotia, without needing to re-certify or re-test products. This opens the door to increased sales, market expansion, and opportunities to diversify revenue streams.
As noted, many provinces are already working on memoranda of understanding with the federal government to align their standards and streamline trade. They should also review their own compliance processes to identify areas where they might now benefit from these equivalencies, for example, labelling, packaging, or equipment certifications.
Deviating from these past regulations means that businesses will face fewer hurdles to navigate, freeing up time and money that would otherwise go to regulatory compliance.
This can be especially helpful for small and medium-sized businesses, which often lack the resources to manage complex approval processes.
While businesses stand to benefit from reduced trade barriers, Bill C-5 also addresses nation-building projects major infrastructure, energy, and economic initiatives with national significance. Under the new legislation, such projects would undergo a single, harmonized approval process, with a target timeline of two years to secure final approval. This creates predictability for businesses and investors, helping them plan and execute major projects more effectively.
Importantly, the legislation also implements meaningful consultation with Indigenous peoples during the process of determining which projects are in the national interest and setting conditions for approval. This ensures that while processes are streamlined, Indigenous rights and interests remain a core part of project development—a key consideration for any business involved in infrastructure or natural resources.
While these measures will strengthen Canada’s internal economy, it’s important to note that they won’t alleviate all the trade challenges with our largest trading partner, the United States. In 2023, about $532 billion worth of goods and services moved between provinces and territories, while annual two-way trade with the U.S. exceeded $1 trillion. This means that while the domestic market offers significant growth potential, businesses must continue to navigate cross-border issues such as tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory differences.
Finally, this legislation is expected to have positive effects from east to west and north to south. Eliminating barriers at both the federal and provincial levels is estimated to add up to $200 billion to the Canadian economy, unlocking opportunities for businesses in every region, from manufacturers and service providers in urban centers to small businesses and resource industries in remote areas. This is a significant step toward building a more dynamic, competitive, and integrated national economy.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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PTBOSpotlight: Griffin’s Greenhouses
/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 Griffin’s Greenhouses. Started in 1976 by Ann and Jack Griffin, the business began as a seasonal greenhouse at their home.
Located at 3026 Lakefield Rd. in Selwyn, the business has spanned three generations working at the greenhouse, serving Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
“We are a retail garden centre specializing in annuals, perennials and container gardening. We grow 75 per cent of the product we sell, sourcing the rest from Ontario growers,” said Vikki Whitney, Griffin’s Greenhouse owner. “We offer great advice from many, many years of accumulated experience. Everyone on staff is a gardener themselves so they have great personal experiences to share and do freely with all who visit. Our award-winning display garden is free to wander and offers inspiration and a place to sit, relax and enjoy the natural beauty.”
Photo courtesy of Griffin’s Greenhouses.
While Ann primarily worked on the business, her children, Vikki and Kyle, with other family members, helped out as needed. In the early days, her husband, Jack, also assisted on weekends.
“Our mom, Ann, started the business as a way to stay at home with the kids and offer a little extra income to the family,” explained Whitney. “Her parents, immigrants from the Netherlands, owned ‘Parkhill Nurseries’ a garden centre in Peterborough so Ann also grew up in ‘the biz.’”
Photo courtesy of Griffin’s Greenhouses.
As demand grew, Jack retired from sporting goods sales and began working in their greenhouse business with a few hired hands. This expanded the season to include Fall plant offerings and Winter décor.
As the business grew, more family members came in to help.
“In 2001, after eight years of teaching secondary school in Belleville, I returned back to the area with my husband and very young children and began managing the expanding business,” said Whitney. “I added in seasonal workshops, informative seminars and increased the staff over the years. Kyle left his job as a local photo journalist and became the greenhouse manager, overseeing all of the aspects of growing the plants.”
Robin, Kyle’s wife, joined in 2020 to manage the Barn Store and showcase her merchandising skills, while Darryl, Vikki’s husband, became our Office Manager after he retired from his education career. Four more grandchildren, Ben, Olivia, Jake and Mitchell, help out during the school break.
This year, Griffin’s Greenhouses is celebrating its 49th year in business. Whitney says that the business’s customer service and community involvement helped contribute to their success.
“Our personal connection to our community is very important to us and is valued by our customer base. We share our knowledge freely, deliver product to individual homes (when needed) and usually, tour their garden when there,” said Whitney. “We donate to important causes in our community, employ local staff, offer informative workshops and seminars and speak at events locally and throughout the province.”
Photo courtesy of Griffin’s Greenhouses.
To learn more about Griffin’s Greenhouses, find them online:
Website: griffinsgreenhouses.com
Instagram: @griffinsgreenhouses
Facebook: Griffin’s Greenhouses
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.
PTBOSpotlight: Restwell Upholstery
/Welcome to PTBOSpolight! 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 Restwell Upholstery. A community staple for 80 years, founded in 1945 by the Petlz brothers, Bill, Bob and Ron.
Mentored by their father, Harold, each brother brought their strengths - bookkeeping, sales, sewing and upholstery. They began at their original location on Simcoe Street but as demand increased, the shop moved to what was then a quiet dirt road in Downer's Corners. Eventually, they expanded to a two-story facility and a team of 15 by the early 1990s.
The business was purchased by Kerri and Randy Rogers in 2008 and has been run by them for 17 years. Located at 494 The Parkway, Restwell is a custom upholstery business with many services under one roof including residential furniture, antiques, commercial seating, recreational items, window treatments, fabric, vinyl, leather, foam and DIY supplies.
“We have continued the core principles of the Peltz family of expert service, quality and selection since we took over in 2008,” explained Kerri. “We still use many of the original upholstery and fabric supply companies that they utilized and have added even more with 25 companies from around the world at our fingertips.”
In 2013, moved from the corner of Lansdowne Street and Ashburnham Road to a larger space on The Parkway. The move allowed for more space, additional staff, and extra space to keep up with demand and expand services.
“We are proud of our team that works very hard every day using their hands on skills to bring you the best result, comfort and style,” said Kerri. “We believe our business is special because we are small enough to give personal service and large enough to have multiple skilled staff to accommodate larger, challenging items and problem solving and communicating effectively.”
They work with durable, high-quality materials, offer expert advice and treat each project with the same care we’d give their furniture. Whether you’re working on a family heirloom or a custom commercial space, you can expect exceptional results.
“A few of my favourite parts of my job are seeing the total transformations - from the before to the after - on some pieces are quite dramatic,” explained Kerri. “Also, keeping family heirloom pieces living their next life is quite fulfilling. I also love seeing the new material samples when they come in and finding the perfect fabric for a customer's piece.”
To learn more about Restwell Upholstery, find them online:
Website: www.restwellupholstery.ca
Instagram: @restwellupholstery
Facebook: Restwell Upholstering Co. Inc.
Threads: @restwellupholstery
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Voice of Business: The Future Is Built Here: Why Local Manufacturing Matters and Why Youth Should Be Paying Attention
/In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, manufacturing is more than just an industry—it’s a cornerstone of our economy, a driver of innovation, and a powerful engine for community growth. And yet, many still think of manufacturing as it was decades ago: repetitive, low-tech, and physically demanding.
That image couldn’t be further from the truth.
Today’s manufacturing is modern, high-tech, clean, and creative—and it needs a new generation of workers to thrive.
A Vital Part of Our Local Economy
Manufacturing has deep roots in our region. From historic companies like General Electric, which helped power Canada’s early electrification, to modern innovators in cleantech, aerospace, and food production, manufacturers have always been builders—not just of products, but of communities.
Local manufacturers:
Provide hundreds of stable, well-paying jobs
Drive investment in infrastructure and innovation
Contribute to sustainable development and clean technology
When we support manufacturing, we support a resilient, self-reliant local economy.
A New Generation of Careers
Today’s manufacturing is driven by automation, digital tools, sustainability, and innovation. Career paths in this sector are more diverse and exciting than ever before.
Robotics & automation
Engineering & CAD design
CNC machining & precision fabrication
Sustainable product development
Supply chain & logistics
Quality assurance and safety
These roles aren’t just in-demand—they’re also high-paying, future-proof, and often come with opportunities for on-the-job learning or apprenticeships.
It’s time to bust the myths and show young people that manufacturing is more than a job—it’s a pathway to building something lasting.
Building the Future—Together
Organizations like the Kawartha Manufacturers Association (KMA) a local association, offers personalized support and attention to each member. We understand the local manufacturing landscape and provide targeted networking opportunities that foster meaningful connections.
Advocate for local manufacturers
Create networking and learning opportunities
Promote careers in the skilled trades and manufacturing to youth
Support each other
Final Word
Manufacturing isn’t just about making things—it’s about shaping communities, launching careers, and building a better future. In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, we have the tools, the talent, and the history.
Now we need the next generation to step up and help shape what comes next.
Guest Column from Sherry Hill, Secretary of Kawartha Manufacturers Association and CFO at Peterboro Matboards Inc.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Voice of Business: Government In Action
/On this week’s Voice of Business, we’re taking a closer look at how the Government of Ontario has responded to the growing economic pressure caused by U.S.-imposed tariffs and international uncertainty.
While these measures won’t solve all challenges overnight, and many businesses are still struggling, Ontario’s action represent significant steps in addressing the stress and pressures facing various industries.
It often takes a crisis for us to evolve, and this trade war forced that evolution to happen sooner than expected.
Just last month, Ontario led the way in removing several interprovincial trade barriers, a long-standing issue that has held back economic efficiency and domestic trade. By doing so, the province opened new pathways for goods, services, and talent to flow more freely across the country, a move that reduces our overreliance on the U.S. market and strengthens internal Canadian trade.
Ontario has also taken further action on multiple fronts to support local businesses and future-proof our economy.
One key step is a $750 million investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education across post-secondary institutions. This funding will support up to 20,500 new student seats per year, helping Ontario build a future-ready workforce in critical industries like advanced manufacturing, clean tech, and data science. As global demand rises for tech and engineering talent, this investment will help keep Ontario competitive.
The province is also addressing a long-standing challenge around innovation ownership. A $3.39 million investment will help Ontario’s colleges and universities build stronger intellectual property (IP) capacity. This means research breakthroughs developed here are more likely to stay in the province, creating homegrown companies and jobs. It also protects Ontario from the common practice of IP being owned by foreign corporations through research partnerships, ensuring that the economic value of innovation benefits Ontarians first.
To alleviate immediate financial pressure, Ontario has announced $11 billion in tariff relief and cost-saving measures. This includes $9 billion in suspended interest and penalties on various provincial taxes, including the Employer Health Tax and levies on insurance, gas, alcohol, and tobacco. In addition, $2 billion in WSIB rebates are being returned to businesses to help offset operating costs. Together, these moves will allow more businesses to retain staff, invest in operations, and weather economic uncertainty.
The province is also expanding the Skills Development Fund by $1 billion over three years, ringing the fund’s total to $2.5 billion. This investment will help retrain and upskill Ontario workers, especially those affected by layoffs tied to tariff pressures. Whether transitioning into trades, healthcare, or other growing sectors, workers will be supported in securing good-paying jobs with long-term potential.
These investments, from education and innovation to cost relief and workforce development, represent a strategic shift. Ontario is building a future-proofing our economy if a trade war does reappear in the future. While challenges remain, these efforts lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity, job growth, and economic resilience.
For businesses, these measures open new opportunities to access skilled talent, manage costs, and stay competitive. For workers, they offer greater stability and upward mobility during uncertain times. At a broader level, Ontario’s investment in intellectual property is a strategic step toward addressing Canada’s productivity crisis, helping to ensure that innovations developed here stay here, fueling domestic growth and job creation. While no policy can solve every challenge overnight, these initiatives target critical areas in need of support. They provide relief for vulnerable industries like auto and steel, while also empowering post-secondary institutions to play a central role in developing a resilient, future-ready workforce to meet the demands of tomorrow’s economy and keep high-quality jobs in Ontario.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Voice of Business: Ontario Breaks Barriers to Boost Interprovincial Trade
/There’s some exciting news coming out of Ontario this month, especially for businesses.
After months of dealing with tariffs, uncertainty, and all the stress that comes with not knowing what the future holds for international trade, the Ontario government has stepped up. They’ve introduced a new legislative package called the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, in creating fewer barriers, more opportunities, and a much easier time moving products, services, and skilled workers between provinces.
Local businesses, along with businesses across the country, have been calling for this kind of action for some time. When uncertainty plagues international markets, it only makes sense to strengthen trade opportunities closer to home. These changes could open up new ways for businesses to grow across provincial borders and tap into markets they may not have previously considered.
Let’s break down the new legislation and why it matters for Ontario’s economic future: First, Ontario has signed new economic cooperation agreements with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to lead the way in breaking down interprovincial trade barriers. This proactive step will simplify and streamline regulations, ensuring that any good, service, or registered worker approved for sale, use, or work in one of the participating provinces (or by the federal government) will also be recognized as approved for sale, use, or work in Ontario. In practical terms, this means regulators here will now be required to recognize goods, services, and licensed workers from those other provinces. If you're running a business or working as a professional, it should now be much easier to expand your reach without getting buried in paperwork simply because you're crossing a provincial line. Second, Ontario is scrapping its 23 "Party Specific Exceptions" (PSEs) under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. These exceptions had dictated how businesses could operate, compete, and sell within Ontario, often creating extra hurdles for out-of-province companies. By removing these PSEs, Ontario is making it easier for businesses from other provinces to set up and operate here. This move not only benefits Ontario consumers and businesses, but it could also set a powerful example for other provinces to follow, encouraging a reduction of internal trade barriers and promoting free trade across Canada.
Third, Ontario is speeding up the certification process for workers. The Province will now have just 30 days to make a decision on whether a worker’s credentials are recognized. This is a game-changer for key sectors struggling with labour shortages, such as healthcare
and the skilled trades. By cutting down wait times, Ontario will make it much easier for qualified professionals to get to work sooner.
In addition to these changes, the Province is also opening up direct-to-consumer alcohol sales across provincial borders. This move allows local wineries and breweries to expand their customer base beyond Ontario, selling directly to consumers across the country. At the same time, Ontarians will benefit from greater access to products from producers in other provinces, expanding consumer choice and bringing a more connected national marketplace.
Finally, Ontario is taking steps to make it easier for health professionals to get to work. Audiologists, dentists, physiotherapists, pharmacists among others will now be able to start practicing sooner. Even American-licensed nurses and doctors will have a smoother, faster path to working in Ontario. These changes are critical for communities across the province that address the urgent for more healthcare professionals and services.
While the current global trade tensions continue to have an impact both here and across the country, these new measures by the Province present a significant step in the right direction. Although they will not solve every challenge businesses are facing, strengthening domestic trade creates new opportunities right here at home and brings a little more certainty at a time when it is needed most.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Voice of Business: Investing in Ontario’s Future: Why Sustainable Investment Matters
/Welcome back to this week's Voice of Business. Today, we’ll be discussing the future of post-secondary education and what is needed to ensure its sustainability, particularly as Canada faces increasing demand for skilled workers and the need to enhance productivity.
As you know, Canada’s productivity has been lagging for years—this is not a new issue. There is a direct correlation between productivity, the quality of our post-secondary education system, and workforce development. This week, we’ll examine the impact of post-secondary investment and the advocacy efforts that have been undertaken on this issue.
Last month, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce(OCC), and the Council of Ontario Colleges and Universities, released a letter urging the provincial government to invest in post-secondary education. The provincial government has frozen funding for the sector, leading institutions to rely heavily on international students for revenue. Without critical funding, many post-secondary institutions have been forced to cut programs vital to Ontario’s economy. This has dangerous trickle-down effects on workforce development, especially as we strive for self-sufficiency amid a hostile trade environment. If we want to position ourselves for success, we need targeted investments that contribute to and build our economy. The letter highlights the key link between strategic investment in AI and technology and the need to spur innovation in post-secondary institutions home to Ontario’s research and development. Investing in post-secondary education not only drives innovation but also strengthens our workforce and economy. If the government is investing in key growth sectors, we must ensure we have the talent to support these investments.
How did this problem arise and worsen? A combination of underfunding and a tuition freeze contributed to the crisis. In 2019, Premier Doug Ford mandated a 10 per cent tuition cut for colleges and universities. With domestic tuition frozen at this reduced rate, post-secondary institutions had to find alternative revenue sources to offset the financial shortfall. By 2024, the federal government further strained the sector by capping international student permits by 35 per cent to address housing market pressures, particularly in areas with low rental vacancy rates. As a result, post-secondary institutions began reporting significant revenue shortfalls. Adding to the crisis, another 10 per cent funding cut was introduced this year. Consequently, 24 of Ontario’s colleges are projecting a billion-dollar deficit by the 2026-27 school year, forcing many institutions to implement program suspensions and layoffs. Locally, Fleming College has suspended eight more programs, in addition to the 29 programs cut last year. Another notable college is Seneca Polytechnic which was forced to close its Markham campus due to declining international student enrolment.
Universities may need to downsize to remain financially viable. Although the Ontario government has allocated $1.3 billion to post-secondary education, the Ontario Council of Colleges and Universities reports that this does not account for the $2.5 billion in ongoing base funding recommended by an expert panel commissioned to assess the sector’s financial health. In short, current funding levels are not sustainable.
The OCC and the Council of Ontario Universities and Colleges are advocating for a new approach to post-secondary funding, including:
Increasing base operating revenues
Fully funding enrolment expansion
Enhancing research funding
Strengthening partnerships between government, industry, and academia
