New Canadians Centre In Peterborough Announces Andy Cragg As New Executive Director

New Canadians Centre in Peterborough has announced the appointment of Andy Cragg as the new Executive Director of the organization. As a passionate advocate for immigration and settlement, Andy has been very involved with the NCC for several years.

He served as Chair of the Peterborough Immigration Partnership (PIP) from 2014 to 2017. The Peterborough Immigration Partnership was formed in 2009 to advance a targeted community strategy for immigrant integration with the NCC as the lead agency. The work of the PIP is organised around a five-year plan and the goal of meaningful economic, social and cultural integration of newcomers and a prosperous and inclusive community for all. It is supported by over 80 community partners. Andy was instrumental in the development of the second five-year PIP strategic plan; PIP was one of the first Local Immigration Partnerships in Canada to reach this milestone.

Andy Cragg (Photo courtesy New Canadians Centre)

During his tenure with the PIP, Andy was also the chair of the Resettlement Task Force, a working group of community agencies and stakeholders that met weekly to coordinate service delivery when Peterborough first started welcoming government-assisted refugees from Syria.

Andy has served on the NCC Finance Committee for the past three years, and is also a volunteer support group member for government-assisted refugees. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies from Trent University.

Andy comes to the NCC from the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health, a national network of organizations working together to achieve greater impact in improving women and children’s health around the world, where he served as Director of Knowledge Exchange.

He will take on his new role at the end of October 2019.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

The Norwood Fair Is Celebrating Its 151st Year

The Norwood Fair has always been a great family tradition at Thanksgiving, going strong since 1868!

This year marks its 151st year, and the theme is “Scarecrows and Fence Rows” for the fair, which runs October 12th, 13th and 14th. Organizers are looking forward to seeing lots of creation “on theme” entries—especially in their Homecraft and School Fair divisions.

So if you're looking for something to do with the kids and in-laws before you get your turkey on, get your herd on with family and friends!

For more information and to get the full schedule of events, click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

New Meerkat Exhibit To Open To Public At End Of October, In Meantime Meerkats Chillin' Out

The Meerkats, who are always a popular attraction with zoo-goers at the Riverview Park & Zoo, are currently off exhibit… but for good reason.

Meerkat Exhibit under renovation (Photo via Riverview Zoo Facebook page)

The zoo says in a Facebook post that they are busy growing and improving the indoor Meerkat Exhibit and will have it ready by the end of October, so in the meantime the Meerkats are keeping warm in a temporary room.

Meerkat Exhibit under renovation (Photo via Riverview Zoo Facebook page)

While that reno is happening, have a look at some Meerkat pictures from the zoo…

Photo via Riverview Zoo Facebook page

Photo via Riverview Zoo Facebook page

Photo via Riverview Zoo Facebook page

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Revelstoke Café, Tick Tock Clocks & More!

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Tick Tock Clocks is Mark Jakubiak’s new business. Located at 205 Sherbrooke Street across from the LCBO, Mark is a third-generation clock specialist offering sales and repairs to modern and antique grandfather, mantle, wall hung, alarm, electric, cuckoo, classic automobile and quartz clocks. Mark also repairs and sells barometers. All rebuilds and overhauls are guaranteed and Mark also repairs and sells modern and antique barometers. Check out the grand opening on Thursday, October 10th at 4 p.m., and remember, if it won’t tick, let Mark tock to it. ticktockclockrepair.ca

The Back Row Entertainment is a multimedia company located in downtown Peterborough. Brothers Matt and Tyler Rose offer voice recording, custom clothing, graphic design and branding, to both the public and musical artists, The Back Row is located at 376 Water Street.
For details, visit thebackrow.ca, or give them a call at 705.775.3535.

The husband and wife duo of Conner and Tasha Clarkin recently opened Peterborough’s newest plant based café. The Revelstoke Café is located at 641 George Street, in the former Amuse location. Conner and Tasha offer a plant-based menu with fresh made baked goods, and locally sourced brunch food, sourcing as many local ingredients as possible. And everything is made from scratch, right down to the plant based milk they serve with your coffee. You’ll find the Revelstoke Café on Facebook here.

Tasha and Connor Clarkin

Be sure to get your tickets for the annual Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, coming up October 16th at Showplace. Megan Murphy is back as the host to take you through all of the wonderful local businesses who are up for the evenings awards. Highlights will include the Business Citizen of the year, the 4 under 40 profiles, the always entertaining acceptance speeches, and a few special surprises this year. Tickets at excellencepeterborough.ca.

”Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

PTBOCanada Reaches 20,000 Fans On Twitter

PTBOCanada.com has reached a big milestone on our Twitter platform, reaching 20,000 fans.

Twitter is where it all started for us back in October 2009. After that, we launched this here website—which turns 10 years old in 2020!—and then our Facebook (25,500+ fans) and Instagram (13,400+ fans) platforms.

Watch a message from our PTBOCanada.com Co-Founder Neil Morton on the milestone and the impact the community has on it…

We’ve reached 20,000 followers on Twitter, a message of 🙏 from our https://t.co/s9wVoAE6QL Co-Founder @neilmorton. #socialmedia #community @TwitterCanada pic.twitter.com/H3SPyahVak

— PTBO_CANADA 🇨🇦 (@Ptbo_Canada) October 4, 2019

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

Expanded Head Of The Trent Regatta For Trent’s 49th Annual Homecoming

Trent University’s 49th Annual Homecoming and Head of the Trent Regatta take place October 4th to 6th. The event features alumni activities, campus tours, varsity sports and a two-day rowing head race—all free to spectators and fans. Free parking is available to all on Trent’s East Bank, via East Bank Drive.

“The annual Homecoming and Head of the Trent Regatta has been running for almost 50 years,” says Lee Hays ’91, director of Alumni Engagement & Services. “This exciting fall tradition has something for everyone to enjoy, during one of the most scenic times of the year. In addition to rowing and varsity games, all Colleges are open and look forward to welcoming their alumni back to campus.”

The annual weekend has grown to feature not only two days of rowing—it includes over 500 boats and more than 2,000 athletes from clubs and universities across Canada and the northern United States—but also a full slate of varsity and alumni games including lacrosse, rugby, soccer and volleyball.

Head of the Trent photo courtesy Trent University

Highlights of the 2019 Homecoming & Head of the Trent Regatta include…

• Campus Tours: Future students are invited to experience the spirit of the Trent campus and community. Tours run hourly from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday from the Athletics Centre.

• Alumni: Visit the Alumni welcome tents on the Bata Library podium to pick up your Alumni bracelet for special perks, take part in giveaways, purchase swag, or enjoy live music at the Alumni pub gathering in the Ceilie.

• College Rally & Reunions: Stop by your college between 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., purchase swag and meet the college principals. Reunions culminate in an all-colleges rally at 2 p.m. on the Bata Library podium for a special announcement.

• 1969 Men’s Rugby Team Reunion featuring an alumni exhibition game, coffee and refreshments, as well as recognition of the team during half time of the 5:45 p.m. game between Trent Excalibur Men’s Rugby game as they play the University of Toronto.

• Varsity Games: Stop by the Justin Chiu Stadium and the Athletics Centre, wear your Trent green, cheer on the Excalibur.

• Family Zone: Crafts, games and face painting for the kids at Justin Chiu Stadium.

• Rowing, rowing and more rowing: New this year the Head of the Trent Regatta runs Saturday and Sunday!

• Rower’s Beer Garden: Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., located in Lot G behind Lady Eaton College. Enjoy live music and food, collect this year's Head of the Trent mug and support rowing at Trent and in Peterborough. Alumni can bring their alumni cards to receive a green ID bracelet to access the fast track line.

Click here for a full schedule of events, and here for more details about the regatta. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

Aspiring Young Entrepreneurs With a Business Idea Can Apply For Pitch It Competition

FastStart invites students at Trent University and Fleming College to submit their innovative business ideas for the 5th Annual “Pitch It” competition, a competition for students that aspire to enter entrepreneurship to practice pitching. 

“Pitch It!” culminates on Tuesday, October 22nd from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch competition at the VentureNorth Building to a panel of industry judges. 

Photo of “Pitch It!” student courtesy Fast Start

This is a student’s chance to win cash, meet other like-minded individuals, and get help to bring their innovative ideas to the market. 

This event serves as an opportunity for young and aspiring entrepreneurs to push themselves into pitching a business idea and getting feedback from real professionals, and encourage putting those ideas into action.

Photo of “Pitch It!” student courtesy Fast Start

There will be a first place prize of $350, and a runner-up prize of $150.

Applications will close on October 11th at midnight. For more information about Pitch It! and to apply, click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat Featuring Heather Doughty, Peterborough Volkswagen 50th Anniversary, Love Local Biz Expo & More!

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Heather Doughty is a well-known local photographer, specializing in weddings, boudoir, maternity, family, and product and event photography. And increasingly, Heather is known for her incredible INSPIRE: The Women's Portrait Project, a photographic celebration of amazing women who inspire, uplift and empower. Heather recently opened a beautiful new photography studio at 129 ½ Hunter Street, in the Commerce Building. For details on the studio, Heather, her work, or the INSPIRE project, visit heatherdoughtyphotography.com or find her on social media.

Inspire Project

Heather Doughty

Peterborough Volkswagen is celebrating its 50th anniversary in business this month! The business was started by Peter and Rita Eatson in 1969. Their son Michael is now the dealer principle and Michael and Heather’s son’s Eric and Graeme both work at the dealership as well. The dealership, located at 500 Towerhill Road, just off Chemong Road in the North end, will mark the occasion with an Octoberfest event on Saturday (October 5th). Called Volksfest, there will be live music, BBQ, vintage cars and more!

Peter and Rita (archive picture)

Another anniversary to mention – Bruce Maly Plumbing and Drain Service celebrates its 20th year in business! Visit brucemalyplumbing.com to check them out.

Grounds Masters Building & Property Services is Bryan Phillips’ new business. Bryan offers landscaping, home reno’s, decks, lawn care, tree removal and trimming, stone work, snow plowing, snow removal, sanding, salting, and walkways. Phone number is 705.772.3651.

And don’t miss the 19th annual Love Local Business Expo this Thursday from 11 - 6 at the Evinrude Centre. Eighty vendors, free admission, free parking, lots of door prizes including a notebook computer from MicroAge Peterborough. New this year is the Workforce Hub featuring the Workforce Development Board along with 8 local employment organizations, with local labour market information, skilled trade pathways, literacy and workplace services, local job and labour opportunities, and more. Be sure to check out the new Entrepreneur Showcase featuring start-ups from the Innovation Cluster, Community Futures and the Economic Development Corporation.

”Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

Local Game Developer Canuck Play’s “Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football 2019” Launches On PS4 & Xbox One

Peterborough-based video game development startup Canuck Play has officially released its third title Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football 2019. The game celebrates Canadian football, and is available on PS4 and Xbox One.

“The response for Maximum Football 2018 was phenomenal, and this title brings even more elements of Canadian Football to life, including having Doug Flutie as a character in the game,” says the President of the company David Winter. “Many players have expressed their enthusiasm to try it out and our team has been very excited for this moment to come.”

Photo courtesy Innovaton Cluster

This is another important step for the Peterborough-based company as both Xbox One and PS4 have significant market shares in North America, with PS4 holding a 57 percent market share and Xbox One at 27 percent in January 2019.

Maximum Football 2019 features multiple game options between Canadian, College, and US Pro football. Gamers will also have the ability to play full seasons, hone skills in practice mode, customize team and players, full post-play replay with free camera control, multiple player body styles and game weather that impacts game play.

As a client of the Innovation Cluster, David A. Winter has worked in its downtown incubator in Peterborough to make Canuck Play a reality, officially launching their first game installment Canadian Football 2017, followed by Maximum Football 2018.

"It is an incredible milestone for Canuck Play to have achieved their third certification for Xbox One and second for Playstation 4 with the release of Maximum Football 2019," says John Gillis, President and CEO of the Innovation Cluster. "David has worked tirelessly to bring this third installment to life, that has disrupted the sports genre of the gaming industry."

The public can purchase Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football 2019 directly from the Xbox One and PS4 platforms. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.

Fleming College Honours Rights Of Indigenous Peoples With Newly Passed Policy

Fleming College recently passed a policy, approved by the College’s Board of Governors, that honours the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Titled Honouring the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, this is the first policy of its kind for the College and was officially launched on Wednesday, September 25th, as Fleming staff and students were joined by members of the Indigenous community to celebrate at Fleming’s Sutherland Campus.

Natural Semaa wrapped in Tobacco Ties by Ashley Safar, Indigenous Student Services, Kylie Fox-Peltier, Manager, Indigenous Student Services and Elizabeth Osawamick. (Photo courtesy Fleming College)

The event included a ceremonial hanging of tobacco ties with Fleming College President Maureen Adamson, members of Fleming’s Board of Governors, Elder Shirley Williams and Elizabeth Osawamick.

“Fleming must continue to carve a path to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and experience into our curriculum and do our part to educate all our staff and students,” says Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “We must play our integral role as a community college toward Truth and Reconciliation by ensuring all staff and students are part of the process.”

The new policy is intended to meet the requirements of the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), as well as the CiCAN Indigenous Education Protocol. Fleming College believes in and promotes the rights of all First Nations (status and non-status), Inuit and Métis peoples. The College recognizes the unique histories and experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the ongoing impacts of colonization.

Hanging of Tobacco Ties signifies a renewed commitment and contract between Fleming College and the Indigenous Community (photo courtesy Fleming College)

“I am excited to see and hear that this is happening for Fleming College,” says Elder Shirley Williams, Fleming Indigenous Education Council. “Committing to an Indigenous rights policy ensures that the Anishinabeg‎ get their education as part of reconciliation. I am thankful for Fleming making this commitment with an eagle feather present, as this will symbolize the commitment of truth.”

The policy affirms the College’s commitment to equity and inclusion, and providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous Peoples and their ways of knowing. The policy will support the College community in the process of Truth and Reconciliation via education, training and acknowledgement, with the formation of an Honouring the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Committee (HRIPC).

It will also ensure that the College makes every reasonable effort to ensure Indigenous peoples, languages and ways of knowing are represented in all College operations and spaces.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here. Watch our PTBOCanada Love video here.