Shop Downtown Peterborough For Black Friday

Bring your Holiday Shopping Passport downtown this Black Friday (November 29th) for great deals and a chance to win $3,000 in prizes.

Look for the Black Friday posters and balloons when you shop downtown at 100 participating downtown businesses, including fashion, furniture, restaurants, salons, music, toys, collectibles, sports and more. 

Left to right: Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the DBIA; Julie Morris, DBIA Marketing Committee member; Gail Martin, owner of John Roberts Clothiers; John Martin, owner of John Roberts Clothiers

Starting Black Friday, parking downtown is free for two hours thanks to the City of Peterborough Parking Division.

“Park for free when you shop in downtown Peterborough on Black Friday for some great deals and use your Holiday Shopping Passport for a chance to win some money,” says Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. “Downtown is your destination for local shopping.”

Visit downtownptbo.ca for more details and a full list of participating Black Friday and Holiday Shopping Passport locations.

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Popular In From the Cold Holiday Concert Has Been Supporting Peterborough Homeless Youth For Two Decades

John Hoffman, Creator and Director of the well-known In From the Cold concert, has announced that 2019 is the 20th year the concert will be running in Peterborough to raise money for the YES Shelter for Youth and Families.

This cherished concert started two decades ago with some talented Peterborough musicians looking to perform around the holidays. When deciding on where the proceeds should go, the group decided that youth experiencing homelessness in their community was the most pressing issue. Fast forward to today, and the In From the Cold concert has raised a whopping $130,000 in support of YES.

John Hoffman, Creator and Director of the In From the Cold Concert, with Meagan Hennekam, Executive Director for the YES Shelter

“These local musicians and performers put on an amazing show, and we feel very lucky to benefit from the show year after year,” says Meagan Hennekam, Executive Director of the YES Shelter for Youth and Families. “This year, it comes at a time when we are expanding our youth housing program, so the funds raised will be going directly to housing young people and working to resolve the issues that have caused their housing insecurity.”

In From the Cold is a different kind of Christmas concert, offering an enchanting mix of Celtic-style carols and seasonal songs performed by some of Peterborough’s top folk and roots musicians. Many Peterborough residents attend the concert year after year.

Tickets are general admission ($20 for adults, $15 for students and children) for the shows December 6th and 7th, and are on sale now at Market Hall (140 Charlotte Street).

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Mr Brock Barbershop, The Play Cafe & 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…

Mr Brock Barbershop opened recently at 221 Brock Street. Owned by Marsel Khakimi, you’ll find brothers Jack and Aiden Wilson ready to provide classic cuts, buzz cuts, a beard trim, or a hot towel shave. Both licensed barbers, Jack is also a licensed hair stylist. Walk-ins are welcome and they have a virtual reality room to play in if there is a wait. Book online at mrbrock.ca.

The Play Cafe is reopening at 1434 Chemong Road. Play Cafe offers a cozy, warm environment for children and their caregivers to create, explore, play, and connect with new friends, with developmentally appropriate toys, puzzles, books, and gross motor equipment. They host a variety of classes from Yoga for kids and adults, Mom + Baby Groups, and Family Paint Nights. Plus they offer birthday party and event packages! Stop in this Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. for some re-opening free play, cupcakes and prizes. playcafepeterborough.com

The Canoe and Paddle in Lakefield is starting a new Ball Hockey Tournament next weekend (December 6th). It’ll be held during the annual Christmas Street closure in Lakefield. There is no entry fee and they are looking for 12 teams. Details at the Canoe and Paddle (18 Bridge St.) in Lakefield.

Congratulations to Tina at Tiny Greens, who recently renovated in order to give the shop more room and add a lunch bar, so you can quickly order your lunch and have it freshly made right in front of you! 431George Street. Find Tiny Greens on Facebook here.

Whether you’ve got retail therapy plans for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday, or maybe you’re holding out for Boxing Day, I only have one suggestion—keep your town in business, by keeping your business in town. Everyone loves a bargain... just make sure that bargain comes from a local store that employs local people, pays local taxes, and not only gives on giving Tuesday, but every other day of the year by sponsoring local charities or sports teams. Hashtag #LovelocalPtbo on social media.

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Paper Plant Project Wins Fifth Annual Cubs' Lair Entrepreneurship Competition

The Innovation Cluster and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) have announced the winner of the 5th Cubs’ Lair Entrepreneurship Competition. Six finalists competed to win the grand prize valued at over $7,000 at the Gordon Best Theatre on Thursday evening (November 21st).

Vanessa Mathieu, Joao Borges, Alesha Colaco and Jo Ho took home the grand prize for their innovative business, Paper Plant Project. Started by the Enactus Fleming team at Fleming College, these students are leading the project which involves the production of paper planters from recycled paper waste as educative kits for schools to promote biodegradable practices.

Paper Plant Project team from Enactus Fleming

“It was a lot of work that we put into this project,” says Joao Borges of the winning team. “It really speaks volumes to the fact that we are on the right track and starting to see value for the accomplishments that we’re doing on our product lines and all the impact that we could potentially create. We are looking forward to keep working hard and keep making wins like this one tonight.”

Joao Borges and Alesha Colaco from winning team

“With [the winning] package, we are definitely going to be investing into some marketing research with teachers as well as other marketing niches,” Borges adds.

“We will also be updating our website with Shopify as well as investing a lot into the manufacturing process to make sure we are being as efficient and consistent as possible. We also are going to take advantage of being connected with the community and get into the minds of the people around us because by the end of the day, we want to help Fleming College as a whole but also ultimately help our community.”

Left to right: Runners-up Flow Codes & Eco Care with winners Paper Plant Project

Runners-up included Shane Willis and Tanner Morrow with their business idea Eco Care, a property maintenance company focused on electric powered landscaping equipment, as well as Telsi Szanyi of Flow Codes, a subscription service for wellness resources with a focus on promoting well-being for employees in the workplace.

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Peterborough Paramedics Sign Partnership Agreement With Wounded Warriors Canada

Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP) has announced the signing of a new partnership agreement with Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC), the well-known national mental health charity that provides vital mental health programs to support Veterans, First Responders and their families.

Under the agreement, Peterborough County-City Paramedics will share resources and identify or refer their members in need of mental health support to the programs offered by Wounded Warriors Canada.

Photo from Peterborough Paramedics announcement courtesy Wounded Warriors Canada

“Our top priority is the psychological and physical health and safety of our staff,” says PCCP Chief Randy Mellow. “This new partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada will allow us to expand upon on the support network we already have in place to ensure that our paramedics and their families are fully supported at their time of greatest need.”

First Responders are highly trained and skilled professionals who, due to the nature of their work, often face challenging situations that test their physical or mental health and safety. Wounded Warriors Canada’s innovative approach to mental health combines clinical best practices and evidence-informed care to create an environment of compassion, hope and resiliency for participants.

Scott Maxwell from Wounded Warriors and PCCP Chief Randy Mellow signing partnership agreement (Photo courtesy Wounded Warriors Canada)

“This partnership recognizes that no single organization can do it all when it comes to mental health support,” says Scott Maxwell, Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada.

“When a First Responder is struggling, what matters is that the member and their family knows that we are in this together—working to ensure they receive the help they so rightly deserve,” Maxwell adds. “We look forward to working with Peterborough County-City Paramedics in the months and years ahead.”

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Newly Expanded Meerkat Exhibit Grand Opening November 23rd At Riverview Park & Zoo

Riverview Park & Zoo (RPZ) has been able to expand its indoor meerkat exhibit by two and a half times its original size with the generous contributions from the community, including the 10th Anniversary Fun Run and a significant donation from 100 Men Peterborough.

Installed in-floor heating, high tech ventilation, improved lighting and new enrichment décor will provide a great indoor environment for the meerkats that call the zoo home this winter.

“It is because of generous community members that we are able to move forward on exhibit expansions and RPZ conservation efforts,” says Jim Moloney, Manager and Curator.

Grateful to all the contributors who made it possible, RPZ is hosting a grand opening of the exhibit on November 23rd. The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. This will be your chance to get a closer look at the meerkat family who have been off exhibit temporarily, waiting patiently for their new home to be ready.

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Eclectic New Shop Millbrook Mercantile Opens In Downtown Millbrook

A unique new shop called Millbrook Mercantile recently opened in Millbrook’s beautiful downtown, the location of many film productions.

Store owner Bernadette MacNeil focuses on the sale of locally sourced, artisanal, small batch and hard to find items from the community and around the planet. It has a little bit of everything, from a full deli with 80+ cheeses and numerous cured meats, to locally sourced organic chicken, bison, pork and beef.

Photo via Stoney Lake Textiles Facebook page

Millbrook Mercantile also provides fresh bread from the Hard Winter Bread Co. of Lakefield, local honey from Millbrook and Indian River, maple syrup from Bethany, organic produce from Puddle Duck Farm in Ponty Pool, apple cider from Millbrook, and salts and jams from South Pond Farms in Bethany.

In addition, it offers homemade prepared foods, daily soups, sandwiches and salads, gourmet pizzas from the Vintage Pizza Pie Co. in Cobourg, delicious shortbread cookies from Port Perry, and chocolates from Lakefield.

“My wife Bernadette and I have lived in Millbrook for the past 10 years and she has always wanted to open a store in our village that showcases the amazing local products available in our community,” explains Lance Nachoff.

“She would describe it as a year round farmer's market, with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint by offering many things in one location,” he adds.

Bernadette & Lance

The store also showcases local art from painter Paul Nabuurs, stone sculpture and metal works from Zimart Rice Lake Gallery, as well as hand crafted charcuterie boards from Millbrook and Port Hope.

There are both local and international hand crafted jewelry and fashions, home decor and design, health and wellness, and body and beauty products. Gift baskets and catering are also available.

The store has stayed true to its historical roots with the original shelving from the 1880s, and a classic Parisian boutique exterior look.

Take a drive out to Millbrook soon and check out the shop at 28 King St E.

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The McLean Family Selected As 2019 Farm Family Of The Year

The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce have announced the McLean family, of 2191 16th Line, Lakefield as the 2019 Farm Family of the Year.

In January 1991, Sam and Jane McLean purchased the farm and moved in with their two small children, Ben and Erin. In 2010, with Ben and Erin’s increasing involvement, the McLeans purchased a second berry farm, Buckhorn Berry Farm, one concession north of the McLeans’ home farm. 

The McLean Family

They now work both farms, harvesting strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, snap peas, beans, asparagus, tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, pumpkins, peppers, currants, rhubarb, squash and zucchini; they also produce maple syrup, jam, pickles, and preserves.

Aerial view of farm

At McLean Berry Farm, the main store offers produce from the farm as well as other local farms. Each spring, the McLeans welcome families from all over to their sugarbush and sugar shack for their annual Maplefest. 

The sugar shack

At Buckhorn Berry Farm, the family offers two on-farm stores, pick your own strawberries and raspberries, and other fruits and vegetables. 

The family also hosts the annual Pumpkinfest, attracting 13,000 visitors in 2019. Each farm also sells to local grocery stores and attends various farmers’ markets throughout the region.

The family uses a number of growing techniques including trickle irrigation, day neutral strawberries, fall raspberries and high tunnels in order to extend and improve their growing season and provide fresh fruits and vegetables each season.

The McLean family is actively involved in volunteering in the farming community, including service on the Haliburton Kawartha Maple Syrup Producers Association, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Farmers’ Market Ontario, and the Lakefield Farmers’ Market.

In 2017, McLean Berry Farm was awarded the Tourism/Hospitality Award and Erin McLean received the Young Professional of the Year Award from the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. 

The award will be presented at the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture Annual Banquet on Friday, November 22nd, at the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village Museum.

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Electric City Works Opens In Old GoodLife Fitness Location In Downtown Peterborough

Chalk Therapy owners Tara and Adam Genge announced the Grand Opening of their newest business venture, Electric City Works, on Friday, November 15th.

The new space is located in downtown Peterborough at 200 Charlotte Street in the old Goodlife Fitness building and offers a fully licensed 5,000-square-foot marketspace to browse one of a kind products. Electric City Works will be the new home to Chalk Therapy, along with a selection of other local makers and artists, creating a one of a kind marketspace.

Photo courtesy Electric City Works

Electric City Works will act as a potential incubator for small businesses to build their brands by providing makers and artists space to display, create, and sell their products while utilizing workshop space to teach others their techniques.

Chalk Therapy will continue to provide the same great products and service you’ve come to expect, including refinishing, redesigning and upcycling old, vintage, and antique furniture.

Photo courtesy Electric City Works

This unique space will provide an opportunity for the public to watch artists and makers at work, and attend workshops to learn the techniques directly from the artists. It is also available to rent for special events and functions.

Photo courtesy Electric City Works

Electric City Works welcomes customers to check out the new location during regular store hours Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For the month of December, Electric City Works will be open 7 days a week, open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat Featuring Cardinal Plumbing & Electrical, Rawscoe’s Sport Collectables & 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…

Cardinal Plumbing and Electrical recently launched in Peterborough. Owners Matt Woudwyk and Dave Latiak-Kulesza offer a full suite of electrical and plumbing services from pipes to fixtures to renovations. Installations, upgrades, repairs or replacements, Matt and Dave bring a strong and diverse background to their new company. Covering Peterborough and the Kawarthas, visit cardinalhome.ca for more info.

Goodies on George has new owners. Abdul and Zahra Niazi offer over 50 spices, tea, Latin American, Nigerian, African, Persian, Middle Eastern and Indian groceries, cookware, and more. While Goodies has been around since 2009, Abdul and Zahra just took over last month. They are food lovers and pride themselves in helping you travel anywhere in the world through food. You’ll find Goodies on George at 429 George Street North.

Just up the street, you’ll find the Fab Factory, Caleb Carlyle Sutton’s new hair studio. Offering everything hair from colour to cuts to styles to waxing. Caleb says inner fabulousness is up to you, they do the rest! Located at 458 George Street, Caleb covers everything from cuts to perms, up dos to braids and curls, full colour to foils. Check out fabfactory.ca for more.

Ross Elson’s new business is called Rawscoe’s Sport Collectables. Recently opened at 182 ½ Charlotte street, Ross has been a collector since he was a kid. Rawscoe’s offers autographed memorabilia, jerseys, collectible sports cards, and the experience and knowledge to help you find what you are looking for.

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