Peterborough Blogs
PTBOSpotlight: First Five Club
/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 First Five Club. It is owned and founded by Whitney Stoner.
Photo courtesy of Jordan Lyall Photography and First Five Club.
Located at 1-260 Milroy Dr., the First Five Club is a Montessori-inspired playplace and wellness studio designed for families with children up to the age of five.
Customers can drop in with an All-Day Play Pass, bundle visits with a discounted Multi-Pass or join one of our three membership tiers—Play Club, Explorer Club, and All Access Club—all packed with perks like unlimited play, guest passes, class access and exclusive discounts.
“Our space includes a main play area, a glowing sensory room and a cozy lactation and nap room. Every visit includes complimentary coffee, tea, snacks and WiFi—so parents can take a breath while their little ones explore,” explained Stoner. “We also run weekly classes in our studio like Music & Me, KangaDance and Nest & Stretch, plus free-for-member drop-in activities like Little Picassos and Sensory Lounge that run twice a week and are also open to the public.”
The Club is more than just a space to grow and learn for children.
“In addition to our regular play and classes, we host monthly special events and workshops for families looking for more education, support or just a little fun outside the day-to-day,” said Stoner. “We also host birthday parties, baby showers and have our studio available to local professionals to rent.”
Photo courtesy of Jordan Lyall Photography and First Five Club.
Founded in September 2023, the business emerged from the need for social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stoner became a mom in 2021, when restrictions were not yet fully lifted. She experienced firsthand the challenges of isolation and the struggle to find accessible resources for her family.
“I’m a mom to a spirited four-year-old, and like a lot of parents, I spent the early years of motherhood in the thick of the pandemic—pregnant, isolated, and desperate for connection,” explained Stoner. “First Five Club was born from that experience. I wanted to create a space where families felt seen, supported and surrounded by community. A space where kids could play freely and grownups could breathe for a minute.”
The First Five Club offers a Montessori-inspired play area featuring calm aesthetics, open-ended toys and child-led materials that spark independence and curiosity according to Stoner.
“That means kids don’t just ‘stay busy’—they actually engage. They choose their own adventures, move at their own pace, and build confidence in a setting that feels both free and structured,” she explained. “Parents often tell us their kids leave calmer and more content—minus the few tantrums from those who don't wanna leave at all.”
To learn more about First Five Club, find it online:
Website: www.firstfiveclub.com
Instagram: @firstfiveclub
Facebook: First Five Club
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Voice of Business: A New Era of Military Spending
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Canada is set to make a historic investment in its military, not seen since the Korean War.
Just last month, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will meet the two per cent target by the end of the current fiscal year, totalling over $9 billion. If achieved, this would mark a significant increase from the current level of roughly 1.3 per cent of GDP. This renewed commitment to defence spending reflects not only growing international pressures, such as Canada's NATO obligations, but also recognition of the domestic economic opportunities that could accompany such investment. As government procurement expands to include new technologies, equipment, and infrastructure, Canadian businesses across sectors, from advanced manufacturing to cybersecurity, are likely to see increased demand and opportunities for growth.
The key question is: who will benefit from this? Canada’s defence sector encompasses air and space systems, land, and marine operations. According to Statistics Canada, in 2022, it generated $14.3 billion in revenue from 586 firms. Approximately 408 of those firms were Canadian-owned, collectively accounting for half of the industry’s total sales.
Why is this important to our region? Because Ontario is home to strong manufacturing bases that support areas like combat vehicle production, munitions, and aircraft fabrication and maintenance. In 2022, 54 per cent of total supply chain expenditures across the defence industry were directed to domestic sources.
The Ontario government has also weighed in on investing in Ontario’s defence manufacturing sector, particularly by strengthening its shipbuilding capacity. This will help to support and align with Canada’s National Defence Strategy by providing accessible options for procuring ships domestically. A first-of-its-kind program in Ontario will offer shipbuilders access to non-repayable grants covering up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for projects that enhance the shipbuilding industry’s competitiveness. Ontario is positioning itself to support the shipbuilding sector and contribute to Canada’s defence-building strategy.
While this announcement of federal spending is still in its early stages, and the rollout of government procurement remains to be seen, we can expect a more strategic, Canadian-focused approach that emphasizes “Made in Canada” solutions.
Furthermore, with a significant announcement like this, we can expect the Government of Canada to commit to its goal of doubling defence spending. However, the true test will be whether the government follows through. Canada has consistently been underspending to meet the existing 2 per cent NATO defence requirement.
Within the province, building on previous investments in the shipbuilding sector, Ontario is positioning its industries to help support Canada’s defence spending commitments. This focus includes bolstering Ontario’s own domestically sourced critical minerals, which are essential to the defence industry. In addition, Ontario is investing $50 million into an Ontario-based venture capital fund focused on technologies that support national defence and related fields such as AI and cybersecurity.
More spending means more production, but what does this mean for our manufacturing sector? There is little detail, but Canada has generally outlined their plan. For example, $1 billion (accrual basis) has been allocated to expand and enhance military capabilities with a focus on Canadian suppliers. An additional $2.1 billion (reported on both a cash and accrual basis) will be used to strengthen the federal government’s relationship with the defence industry and support the development of a Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS). These measures aim to address immediate barriers, such as delays and gaps in the industry’s ability to equip the Canadian Armed Forces. Recognizing that Canada cannot meet all military needs alone, this strategy also includes plans to deepen our industrial partnerships and expand our military capabilities.
While the news of Canada’s effort is fairly new, we can only wait and see what will come of this. Canada’s effort to bolster defence will not only protect our national security but also indirectly sustain the continued prosperity and safety of the communities our businesses call home. This move will bring renewed opportunity to manufacturers and technology builders eager to contribute to our national defence.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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PTBOSpotlight: The Chill Desire
/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 Chill Desire. The local business is owned by brothers Sarthak Juneja and Nitish.
Located on 366 George St. N., The Chill Desire started as an ice cream parlour but has since branched out, adding savoury food to their menu including burgers, wraps, fries, spring rolls and more.
“We serve everything from ice creams and waffles to specialty drinks, peri peri loaded fries, and our famous aalu patty burger, along with a variety of popular Indian snacks like momos (dumplings) and samosas, all made fresh in an open kitchen,” said Juneja. “Whether you're craving a sweet scoop or a savoury bite, we have something for everyone.”
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Prior to opening The Chill Desire, the brothers arrived in Peterborough as international students in 2019. The idea stemmed from Nitish visiting his home country of India, where his friends introduced him to waffles with ice cream during an outing. They eventually introduced authentic South Asian flavours that they could not find locally and often travelled to Toronto for the taste they loved.
As customer demand grew, they expanded to include chicken burgers, fries, wraps, momos, samosas and their unique aalu patty burger. Their involvement in local events and support from the community fueled further growth.
“The Chill Desire is more than just an ice cream shop — it’s a place to relax and enjoy good times with friends and family,” explained Juneja. “Our space is welcoming for students looking to study or do homework and it's lively enough for the bar crowd to indulge in sweet and savoury treats until 3 a.m., 365 days a year.”
The store is celebrating its second anniversary this month in Downtown Peterborough. Since then, the menu has broadened, extended their operating hours and is giving away a free scoop of ice cream with every order until July 15 to celebrate their milestone.
To continue the festivities, on July 16, the Chill Desire is giving away 100 free scoops of ice cream (no purchase necessary, one scoop per customer).
“We are proud of our community support and the variety we offer that keeps people coming back. Our goal is to create a fun, inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy a moment of happiness with quality food and treats.”
To learn more about The Chill Desire, find it online:
Website: www.thechilldesire.ca
Instagram: @thechilldesire
Facebook: The Chill Desire
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Voice of Business: Fostering Inclusion: A Business Roadmap to Economic Reconciliation
/This week in Voice of Business, we’re highlighting the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s new two-part report on Advancing Economic Reconciliation Through Equity, Economic Inclusion, and Growth.
Part 1, “Establishing Equity in Education & Employment for Indigenous Peoples” focuses on how the business community can help create real opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. Part 2, “Finance & Capital” looks at how the financial sector can help guide reconciliation through inclusive programming design and Indigenous perspectives. Indigenous populations are growing at twice the rate of non-Indigenous Canadians, and studies show they are nine times more likely to start a business. This presents an opportunity to support a community that has long faced systemic barriers.
The reports offer practical guidance for businesses, educational institutions, and financial organizations on how to advance economic reconciliation. They emphasize the importance of creating opportunities for Indigenous Peoples through inclusive education, employment, and access to capital. Both reports share resources for employers and institutions that can help to foster inclusive employment through various Indigenous organizations such as the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendships Centres. Attending Indigenous community events can also help to build and develop relationships with potential Indigenous job seekers, here are some notable organizations with events: CCIB Conference & Events, First Nations Major Projects Coalition, Indigenomics, Ontario First Nations Economic Development Conference, and Indigenous Prosperity Forum. Leveraging these organizations can help your business or institution support your Indigenous employees.
A key focus is ensuring that programs and services reflect the realities facing Indigenous workers, entrepreneurs, and business owners. This includes rethinking job requirements, fostering inclusive workplaces, and reshaping financial programs to improve access to capital. These lived realities are evident— for example, as of 2015, 15 per cent of Indigenous individuals were unbanked, compared to just 2% of the general population. Educational gaps also remain. The proportion of First Nations (10.4 per cent), Inuit (7.6 per cent), and Métis (18.8 per cent) individuals with a university degree is significantly lower than that of non-Indigenous Canadians, with approximately 37% holding a university degree. Rethinking job requirements that prioritize degrees and reshaping financial programs to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and job seekers is crucial to bridging these gaps. These efforts will help unlock the potential of a growing population eager to contribute to Ontario’s economy through both employment and entrepreneurship. Part 1, “Establishing Equity in Education & Employment for Indigenous Peoples”, highlights the importance of:
Adapting job requirements to use a skills-based assessment approach as potential employees from diverse backgrounds who have all the necessary skills but may not have the typical education requirements.
Creating inclusive workplaces to tackle discrimination by fostering learning and education on the legacy of residential schools and the legacy of colonialism within Canada. · Offering remote work to overcome geographic challenges as more than 60 per cent of First Nations reserves are located in remote or very remote areas in Ontario.
Incorporating Indigenous perspectives into business practices such as including Indigenous leadership in roles that require recognizing and changing policies, procedures or governance that may impact Indigenous employees. In fact, research from the McKinsey Institute demonstrated that diverse companies are 27 per cent more likely to outperform other companies. Further highlighting how incorporating diverse perspectives can propel your businesses competitiveness as well.
In addition to creating inclusive workplaces and modernizing job requirements, Part II “Finance and Capital”, highlights three main themes to advance economic reconciliation through the financial sector:
1. Building Trust and Relationships Creating meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities is key to restoring trust in financial institutions. This can include:
Training staff to build cultural awareness and understanding of Canada’s colonial history.
Hiring Indigenous employees to bring lived experience into the workplace.
Supporting long-term prosperity through Indigenous Trusts, equity investments, and community-led decision-making.
By taking these steps, businesses and financial institutions can ensure their programs and services meet the needs of Indigenous clients.
2. Tailoring Financial Programs Financial programs for Indigenous Peoples should be designed in consultation with Indigenous Peoples and communities to ensure access to the capital needed to start or grow businesses. This includes reshaping lending and risk criteria to reflect the realities of
Indigenous entrepreneurs, who may not have the same credit history or cash flow patterns as others.
3. Building Partnerships Partnering with Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) is essential. IFIs were created to provide capital for Indigenous entrepreneurs often overlooked by mainstream lenders. Financial institutions can work with IFIs and use Indigenous loan guarantee models to help make financing more accessible, especially in rural and remote communities. These Indigenous loan guarantee models are critical to leverage as they are financed through the federal or the provincial government which can eliminate the risk for lending institutions.
Together, “Establishing Equity in Education & Employment for Indigenous Peoples” and “Finance & Capital” offer a roadmap for businesses, educational institutions, and financial organizations to take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. These reports highlight both sides of the opportunity: helping businesses and educational institutions create inclusive environments, while also supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners. This is about providing a leg up where it’s needed, unlocking the talent, innovation, and leadership Indigenous Peoples bring to the table.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
PTBOSpotlight: Bin City Liquidation PTBO
/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 Bin City Liquidation PTBO. The local business is owned by Chloé Boisvenue and Samuel Quesnel.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Located on 2704 Lakefield Rd. Bin City Liquidation PTBO is a bin store offering a wide range of items at heavily discounted prices.
“Bin City Liquidation is a small, family-run business offering a fun, affordable, and ever-changing shopping experience,” said Boisvenue. “We specialize in deeply discounted brand-name products, with new inventory stocked weekly. Our store is centered around bins, where prices drop daily.”
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The store hosted its grand opening on Friday morning, where a huge line gathered to mark the occasion. Peterborough became the third city to have the family-run business open its doors.
“We discovered the bin store concept in the U.S. and immediately saw the potential to bring something unique and exciting to our community,” explained Boisvenue. “We opened our first location in North Bay in 2023, followed by a second in Cornwall and now we’re proud to be opening our third location here in Peterborough.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The store has daily bin deals, including deals of the week. They also offer the following:
Books, phone cases and screen protectors for $2 each
Clothing starting at $10, following the daily price drop
Big ticket items, including furniture and appliances at 30 to 80 per cent off retail
“As a small family business, we take pride in every detail. We’re hands-on, dedicated, and so excited to grow with the Peterborough community. Whether it’s your first visit or your 50th, we can’t wait to welcome you,” said Boisvenue. “We’ve fully committed to making this store a success — our family relocated to the area to open this location and we’re putting everything we have into building something special for the Peterborough community.”
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Open six days a week, Bin City Liquidation PTBO is closed every Thursday to restock their building on Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday morning.
The following are the store’s operating hours:
Monday, Tuesday & Friday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday & Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday: Closed
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We’re more than just a store — we’re building an experience,” said Boisvenue.” Bin City is a place to explore, save, and have fun doing it.”
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
To learn more about Bin City Liquidation PTBO, find it online:
Website: www.bincityliquidation.ca
Instagram: @bincityliquidation.ptbo
Facebook: Bin City Liquidation - Peterborough
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Voice of Business: Peterborough Is Set For a Record-Breaking Summer
/With summer officially setting in, it’s time to explore the tourism trends and business factors shaping the season ahead.
Could this be Peterborough’s busiest tourism year yet? With more Ontarians opting for staycations and fewer Canadians heading south, local tourism is expected to grow. A key boost comes from the Ontario government’s recent removal of tolls on Highway 407 from Pickering to Highway 35/115, making our region more accessible than ever.
Tourism spending is already on the rise. Between January and July 2024, spending reached $639 million, a 10 per cent increase year over year. If you haven’t already, check out our Lakefield Stay and Play section to discover great local spots for you and your family. This year’s calendar is packed with exciting events, including Musicfest, Nine Ships (a 200th anniversary celebration of Irish immigration to the region), farmers' markets, parades, and more.
Peterborough’s tourism scene hosts an abundance of diverse and vibrant options. From wineries, resorts, hotels, and inns to Indigenous cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, animal attractions, and local cuisine. Add in water sports, gaming, history, and the arts, and music festivals! One major highlight: the Trent-Severn Waterway was named the only Canadian destination on the New York Times’ list of 52 Places to Go in 2025—a proud moment for the entire region.
To support this growing industry, local and provincial partners are stepping up. This past January, the Ontario government announced $20 million over two years to enhance rural connectivity, revitalize downtowns, grow rural businesses, and support the local workforce. These investments will strengthen programming delivered by Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) and the County of Peterborough Tourism Office.
RTO8 plays a key role in building a competitive and sustainable tourism economy. One standout program is the Acceler8 Business Mentorship Program, offering one-on-one coaching to local tourism businesses. This support is open to accommodation providers, retailers, attractions, and food & beverage operators across the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County. Another strategy by Peterborough County is to promote pre-planned travel packages, making it easier for both visitors and locals to explore the region. These itineraries reduce planning time and encourage more spontaneous trips. Additionally, the County is working to address wayfinding signage across the region. This initiative will help travelers navigate more easily, making local tourism businesses more visible and accessible while enhancing the overall visitor experience. To attract more visitors, RTO8 is running targeted marketing campaigns aimed at audiences in the GTA, Kingston, Ottawa, and Hamilton. These campaigns promote year-round tourism experiences, highlighting all four seasons. Recognizing the power of social media, they’re engaging every demographic—from Instagram-savvy young travelers to Facebook- for families and older adults. Data and technology are also transforming tourism. RTO8 is also using geo-fencing and visitor analytics to uncover new opportunities and tailor strategies to visitor interests. Research into visitor personas shows that the primary tourist type is the “Connected Explorer”, tech-savvy travelers who love sharing their journeys online. Secondary personas include Nature Lovers, Family Memory Builders, and “Tweeniors” (active adults aged 50+). Most visitors fall between the ages of 35–64, with an average age of 46 which provides important insights to tailor existing tourism packages to specific age groups. Nationally, Canada is also encouraging domestic tourism through free or discounted access to iconic attractions, including national parks, museums, and railroads. No pass is needed, just visit a participating location to enjoy the benefits.
Your local Chamber of Commerce is also doing its part by hosting Tourism Talks—forums where tourism-related businesses can share feedback, voice challenges, and influence local strategies. These sessions help ensure that plans developed by the County and RTO8 reflect the needs of the sector.
Finally, it’s exciting to see the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, and RTO8 working together with such a strategic and targeted approach. With more Canadians choosing to explore their own backyard, Peterborough’s accessibility by car, boat, bike, or paddle makes it an ideal destination. With all the momentum, 2025 could be a record-breaking year for local tourism and our community.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
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
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: 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.”
