PTBOCanada & StudioPTBO Launch "We Are PTBO" Docu-Series

PTBOCanada.com in collaboration with our spinoff agency StudioPTBO have launched a brand new Docu-Series called "We Are PTBO". The series will be spotlighting ordinary citizens in the community who help make this city extraordinary.

Amino Yusuf spotlighted

The series is produced by Rob "Electric City" James from StudioPTBO and the debut video filmed at Peterborough Public Library highlights Amino Yusuf on what Peterborough and community mean to her.

Watch it below...

Know someone that you think should be spotlighted in the series? Email Rob here.

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Peterborough-Based Startup Pitched Launches to Revolutionize The Way Canadians Camp

Peterborough-based entrepreneur/world traveller Olaf Dunn has launched Pitched, Canada’s first campsite booking model.

The platform—"it's really the outdoor version of Airbnb," says John Gills from the Innovation Cluster—is designed to let campers escape the crowds and get the chance to explore new land by allowing any person in Ontario to host their own property and get paid for it. Pitched allows anyone to host their land as a campsite, from farms to forests, vineyards to waterfronts and more.

Pitched Founder Olaf Dunn

With over 50 campsites in Ontario alone, Pitched provides an opportunity for the campers to have a unique place to stay and the host an opportunity to share local knowledge of the site, creating memories travellers wouldn’t experience at an average campground.

The inspiration came to Dunn as he was searching for campsites one summer for a family getaway, and came to the realization it was difficult to find a campsite. “It is hard for the average person to find a campsite that is both secluded and quiet,” says Dunn. “We wanted to create an experience for campers who are adventurous, maybe take impulsive road trips, or just want to try somewhere new.”

A Pitched site near the Ottawa Valley

When searching for a location, campers will be able to view everything available to them when they are at the campsite. The minimum requirement is room for a tent, but hosts can choose to provide equipment like fire pits, tent supplies, and more.

In order to know the reliability of campers and hosts, the Pitched app allows reviews of each person’s experience. If an issue occurs, users are allowed to contact Pitched to be investigated. As a company based on being passionate for the outdoors, Pitched most important rule is a “leave no trace” policy when campers depart the site.

Pitched logo

Peterborough resident Alex Bushell was one of the first users to beta test and list his property (located near Ottawa) on Pitched. "My property would often go weeks without being used during the beautiful summer weather,” he says. “Pitched allows me to let people enjoy the property while also earning a few dollars to help me offset some of the costs of ownership."

Bushell's property instantly gained attraction, and he had eight bookings. “It’s also really nice to share my weekend getaway property with like-minded people and I've actually become friends with a few of them,” he says.

For more information, visit Pitched.ca.

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Trailblazing Peterborough Lakers Organization Sport A Rainbow On Their Helmets During Mann Cup

Laker helmet (picture via Sport a Rainbow Facebook page)

Peterborough-based Sport A Rainbow, a movement where athletes, coaches, support staff and competitors take a pledge to stand up against hurtful speech and actions in their sport, has a huge supporter in the Peterborough Lakers.

Indeed, the Lakers have taken the Sport A Rainbow Pledge and will be sporting the Inclusion For All Logo on their helmets during the 2018 Mann Cup in Peterborough.

"I approached the Captain of the Lakers Robert Hope and he was very open to supporting Sport A Rainbow and Inclusion in Sport," Sport A Rainbow founder Rose Powers tells PTBOCanada. "From there, I spoke with Paul Day (Lakers GM) and Bill Joiner (Lakers Chairman). Both men were very open to the Lakers leading the way on Inclusion in Sport."

Lakers captain Robert Hope (picture via Sport A Rainbow Facebook page)

Powers considers the Lakers organization trailblazers for wearing these on their helmet, and showing their commitment to speaking out against hateful and derogatory speech in all sports. Indeed, the Lakers are taking a major stand on being inclusive by supporting Sport A Rainbow.

Powers hopes Sport A Rainbow Pledge cards will catch on with many sports teams far and wide. They are ready to be distributed to individuals or teams, and their logo sticker is CSA approved for helmets.

picture via Sport A Rainbow Facebook page)

After taking the pledge, the Inclusion in Sport Sticker logo can be placed on a helmet, stick or uniform. A percentage of all sales from Sport A Rainbow merchandise goes towards helping youth register in a sport they may not have been able to otherwise.

Visit sportarainbow.ca to order your Sport A Rainbow Pledge cards and stickers or email here for more information.

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Fleming College Installs Permanent Rainbow Crosswalk To Celebrate Diversity And Inclusion

To celebrate its spirit of diversity and inclusion, Fleming College has installed a permanent rainbow crosswalk at its Sutherland Campus in Peterborough.

Fleming believes that both diversity and inclusion are pillars of global citizenship, equity and success for students and staff. Fleming’s promise is an inclusive community where students can Learn, Belong, Become, and the introduction of the rainbow crosswalk opens the door for an evolving culture of respect.

The newly installed permanent rainbow crosswalk.

On Friday, September 7th, Fleming College President Maureen Adamson, Vice-President Academic Tom Weegar, Mayor Daryl Bennett and members of the Fleming community will officially unveil the first permanent rainbow crosswalk at Fleming during a ribbon cutting.

The ribbon cutting ceremony takes place at 3:30 p.m. after the Knights Colour Fun Run at Sutherland Campus, (599 Brealey Drive).

The rainbow crosswalk is painted on the College’s main crosswalk, at the intersection of Fleming College Way and Groombridge Way, leading towards the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre building. 

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Paul Brandt & High Valley Among Canadian Country Music Acts To Play Memorial Centre February 15th

Canadian country music superstar Paul Brandt and multi-CCMA Group or Duo of the Year winners High Valley are thrilled to announce the launch of The Journey Tour 2019, a cross-Canada tour that hits Peterborough on February 15th.  

The tour brings together an epic lineup that includes special guest Jess Moskaluke and features the Hunter Brothers. All four of these acts on tour will come together on stage at this year’s Canadian Country Music Awards for a special live performance.

Bringing together the best of Canadian Country Music, The Journey Tour 2019 makes a stop at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, February 15th.

The exclusive pre-sale for PMC Scoop subscribers happens Thursday, September 6th from noon until Friday, September 7th at 10 p.m.

Tickets go on sale in person at the Collins Barrow Box office inside the PMC, by phone 705-743-3561 and online on Saturday, September 8th at 10 a.m.

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Peterborough-Based Health Food Startup Chimp Treats Just Landed Deal With Loblaws

The cool Peterborough-based health food startup Chimp Treats will have its frozen fruit product “Nicecream” hit a wave of Loblaws locations across Ontario starting on September 5th.

Nicecream will hit shelves across select Loblaws stores including the GTA, Ottawa, London and Barrie, and the next wave of locations will be in Québec in Loblaws’ Provigo Le Marché stores. After that, Chimp Treats aims to continue adding new locations until they reach all Loblaws stores across Canada by May 2019.

The team behind Chimp Treats: (left to right) Whitney, Brooke and Jillian.

The announcement is the latest for a company that has had huge momentum since launching just one year ago on the market. They are one of the fastest growing natural food brands in Canada.

Founder and CEO, Brooke Hammer, 23, launched Nicecream in 2017 and has since expanded coast-to-coast with niche retailers such as Whole Foods Market and Healthy Planet.

While attending Trent University in Peterborough, Hammer developed an innovative manufacturing process that allowed her to create the fruit-only frozen dessert on a large-scale, commercial basis. Since entering the market, the entrepreneur has continued to reach new stores and locations along with growing her team.

“It is an incredible time for innovative, start-up companies in the Consumer Packaged Goods  space,” says Hammer. “Companies like Loblaws are open to bringing in more innovative products by small brands to meet consumer demand.”

“Getting picked up by a national retailer like Loblaws is the ultimate milestone for any company in the consumer and packaged goods industry,” adds Rosalea Terry, Marketing Manager and Senior Innovation Specialist for the Innovation Cluster, where Chimp Treats is housed. “They are on their way to becoming a mainstream brand.”

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United Way Of Peterborough's 6th Annual Paint The Town Red Raises More Than $16,000

On Wednesday, July 18th, hundreds of people dined out at 32 participating local restaurants for Paint The Town Red. They donated 25 percent of their daily sales to support the work of United Way Peterborough & District. 

On Thursday (August 30th), the United Way announced a record breaking tally from the event, saying it raised over $16,000! This is a six percent increase from last year, bringing the grand total to more than $75,000 raised since the event was launched in 2013.

Left to right: Paint the Town Red ambassadors Ashley Vititoe and Laura Crann, DBIA Executive Director Terry Guiel, and 2018 United Way Campaign Chair Megan Murphy

There were some new participating locations this year and the event even featured a special charity ride from Full Tilt Cycle where riders were encouraged to Ride Then Dine. In addition, the infamous Red Spoon introduced last year toured the vicinity throughout the day and folks were clamouring for a spoon spotting, or even better, a spoon selfie!

“Our restaurants and food are second to none in the province," says 2018 Campaign Chair Megan Murphy. "Once again, we thank the entrepreneurial spirit of our restauranteurs and their commitment to building local economy while at the same time giving back to community.”

The Big Red Spoon was a hit again this year

The dollars raised from Paint The Town Red will be going right back into this community to support UW's partner agencies, innovation projects and neighbourhood grants in their work building a strong and healthy Peterborough & District for everyone.

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PTBO Regional Farmers Market Announces Winter Location In Peterborough Square

The Peterborough Regional Farmers Market, which launched at the outdoor Citi Centre, has found a winter home within Peterborough Square. The community can follow their favourite local farmers and market vendors inside for the winter months, from November to April, as the space is transformed into a vibrant and abundant farmers’ market.

“The owners of the mall are totally committed to welcoming the Farmers’ Market to their building," says Cheryl McQueen, Peterborough Square Manager. "They see it as a return to the roots of the Farmers’ Market in Peterborough.” (The original Farmers’ Market in Peterborough was held onsite in the Market Hall.) 

Photo courtesy DBIA

“The location is perfect for a market,” says Julie Fleming from Circle Organic Community Farm. “It’s central, accessible and familiar to everyone. I have taken my kids to movies at Galaxy Cinema and you use the same parking lot. Take the blue Galaxy Cinema doors upstairs from the parking garage, exit at the first level doors, and you’re right at the new Farmers’ Market."

“Parking is free on the weekends and because the parking lot is heated you can leave your winter coat in your car after you park to make your market experience even easier,” adds Fleming. 

The Peterborough Regional Farmers Market will continue at its summer home at Citi Centre until the end of October and then move to Peterborough Square for its winter location.

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Fleming College Is Recognized Among The Best In North America For Sustainability Efforts

Fleming College in Peterborough has been recognized as a top performer in the 2018 Sustainable Campus Index, among other North American college institutions in recognition of its sustainable achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

AASHE has recognized Fleming as fourth overall in the college category in its 2018 Sustainable Campus Index. The index highlights top-performing sustainable colleges and universities overall and in 17 sustainability impact areas, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).

“Fleming College’s feature in this report demonstrates our commitment to ensure sustainability is interwoven into every aspect of the College, from operations and community engagement to curriculum delivery,” says Trish O’Connor, Director of Sustainability.

With more than 800 participants in 30 countries, AASHE’s STARS program is the most widely recognized framework in the world for publically reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability performance. Participants report achievements in five overall areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

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Here Are Updates On Peterborough Earth Dams

Parks Canada has been rehabilitating the earth dams along the Trent-Severn Waterway in Peterborough. Earth dams are vital for flood mitigation and therefore the safety of visitors, residents and property. These investments will further reduce the risk of flood damage along the canal corridor.

After beginning work in the fall of 2015, it has reached the active heavy construction phase this past spring. Below are updates for specific areas.

Work continues along the Earth Dam south of Parkhilll road in Peterborough

THE EARTH DAM AT THOMPSONS BAY IN NORTH PETERBOROUGH

This was the first to reach the construction phase and is now nearing the final stages of work. At this location, all vegetation has been removed, the dam strengthened, and the new earthen material compacted into place. The water facing side of the dam has also been repaired and armoured with rock. The final stages of work will see additional top soil added to the berm followed by a re-greening of the surface using a specially developed seed mix of tall grasses. The work is slated to completed by mid- to late-September.

THE HURDONS EARTH DAM & CURTIS CREEK EARTH DAMS

At these locations along the western shoreline north of Parkhill Road and the eastern and western shorelines south of Parkhill Road, the contractor continues to remove vegetation—particularly tree roots—which posed a threat to the long term reliability of the earth dams. Work along the dry surfaces will continue late into the fall with the in water work occurring after the close of the Trent-Severn Waterway’s navigation season. 

PETERBOROUGH EARTH DAMS

Large sections of Trent-Severn Waterway shoreline within the City of Peterborough are engineered structures designed to keep water inside the canal and out of adjoining neighbourhoods. In 2015, Parks Canada announced a project to rehabilitate more than 2 km of these earth dams.

The major repairs to the Earth dams throughout Peterborough began in November 2015 and are estimated to continue until Summer 2019. In order to rehabilitate and strengthen these dams, washouts will be repaired, dam height will be increased where necessary and vegetation will be removed. 

HOW THE PUBLIC CAN ENJOY THE EARTH DAMS WHEN COMPLETE

Following the completion of repairs, the dams will be green-scaped with beneficial plants like milkweed, wildflowers and tall grasses. Recognizing the part the earth dams play as public green spaces, Parks Canada will be formalizing the walking trails at these sites at the end of the project so that they can be better enjoyed by members of the community.

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