Peterborough Is Getting Even Sweeter With New Candy Shop Tastely Box

Tastely Box, a curated candy shop that got its start in Apsley and took off on TikTok, has opened a location in Peterborough.

Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Not even a year after opening their brick and mortar shop in Apsley, Polly and James Laneville have found such success that they opened a second location on Chamberlain Street in Peterborough.

“We’re really excited, this is going to be our main store now,” said Polly. “I tripled our stock from what we have in Apsley, and even that’s not enough - we’ll need more for sure.”

The store curates themed boxes of candy from all around the world. Themed boxes include Japanese, Mexican, British, U.S.A and Canadian. They also offer themes like ‘Peanut Butter Lover’, ‘Pucker Up Sour’ and ‘Chocoholic’.

Though they haven’t launched it yet, due to shipping issues, they will also sell rolled ice cream and slab ice cream.

“We have really, really big plans for Peterborough. A five year plan already in the works, but I don’t want to give it away.”

Tastely Box is open Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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Cottage Toys Celebrates Official Grand Opening Ahead Of Victoria Day Long Weekend

The new Cottage Toys in Lakefield celebrated their official grand opening on Thursday.

Surrounded by friends, family, members of Community Futures Peterborough, and The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, owner Donna Rourke cut the ribbon with her husband Andrew.

“There’s one saying that I absolutely love and keep on my fridge, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams’.” said Rourke. “ This store has been a dream of mine for a long time. This is a vision I set 15 years ago when I purchased this property.”

Now, 15 years after purchasing, Rourke finally has a brick and mortar store in the heart of Lakefield.

Rourke says she is excited for her store to draw people to Lakefield, and hopes that will benefit the rest of the community.

Cottage Toys is open in Lakefield every day 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Peterborough Petes Announce First Round Pick Jack Van Volsen

Peterborough Petes have signed 2022 first round, 6th overall OHL Priority Selection pick Jack Van Volsen to a standard player agreement, General Manager Michael Oke announced at a press conference hosted at Rawscoe’s Sport Collectibles on Thursday.

Van Volsen suited up for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens of the GTHL during the 2021-22 season, where he recorded 46 goals and 64 assists for 110 points in 57 games.

The 6’1”, 169 lbs centre also picked up two points (one goal and one assist) in one game for the Pickering Panthers in the OJHL this season.

"It’s an honour to be drafted and to sign with this organization,” said Van Volsen. “I look forward to the upcoming season and doing everything I can to help this team win.”

“We’re excited to welcome Jack to the Petes,” commented Oke. “He’s a highly-skilled player, who has a lot of offensive upside and our fans are going to enjoy watching him this season.”

The Whitby, Ontario native also amassed five goals and eight assists for 13 points in eight games in the 2022 OHL Cup Showcase, leading his team to clinch a silver medal.

Van Volsen will wear #14 for the Petes, joining notable alumni including Joe Carroll, Liam Kirk, Austin Watson, John Druce, and Bob Gainey.

Gainey, a Hockey Hall of Famer, was on hand at the press conference to join Oke in presenting Van Volsen with his #14 Petes jersey.

“This team has a great history, a long history,” said Gainey. “There’s been many young people come through the program that have had terrific experiences here and gone on to great things in different aspects of their life. I hope it can be that same for Jack.”

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Peterborough Fire Services Urges Residents To Prioritize Safety When Using Fireworks

Peterborough Fire Services has asked residents to respect their neighbours and fellow residents when using fireworks in the City of Peterborough. 

File Photo

City by-laws allow for the use of family or casual fireworks in the City on private property. Fireworks cannot be discharged on City property. Larger exhibition-style fireworks displays require a permit. 

While fireworks displays are permitted, residents who use fireworks must follow the Noise By-law and be aware of safety precautions when using fireworks. Fireworks can also startle pets. 

Peterborough Police receive a number of complaints about fireworks, mostly regarding noise. Between May 1 and Sept. 15 of last year, there were 80 such complaints made to the Service. Peterborough Police reminds residents to be respectful of other residents' lawful right to enjoy their property and to be safe.

Peterborough Fire Services reminds residents that using fireworks can be dangerous, causing injury or property damage. Fire Services provides the following safety tips when using fireworks: 

  • Only adults who are aware of the hazards and have read the label should handle and discharge fireworks.

  • Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.

  • Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.

  • Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.

  • Do not discharge fireworks in windy conditions.

  • Keep sparklers away from children, as they are extremely hot and can cause burns and eye injuries.

The City of Peterborough by-law regulating fireworks displays and the Noise By-law are available online at peterborough.ca/bylaws

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PTBO Eats: Capra Toro As a Family-Run Restaurant, Making Authentic Italian Cuisine and Being Community Oriented

PTBO Eats: Capra Toro As a Family-Run Restaurant, Making Authentic Italian Cuisine and Being Community Oriented

Presented by Y-Drive Eats

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Trent University to Host 2022 CUFLA Baggataway Cup Championship Weekend For Lacrosse

The 2022 Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) Baggataway Cup Championship weekend will be hosted in Trent University’s Justin Chiu Stadium, according to a release made by the university on Wednesday.

“We’re honoured to have been selected as the host for the 2022 Baggataway Cup this fall,” said Deborah Bright-Brundle, director of Trent Athletics and Recreation. “Trent University has a history of hosting national and international lacrosse championships, and we are proud to host such a monumental part of the CUFLA season. The Excalibur men’s lacrosse team competes annually at an elite level, and each season represents the green and white with great pride.”

The Baggataway Cup championship weekend is scheduled for November 4 – 6 and has historical significance for the Peterborough community. The City of Peterborough is celebrating 150 years of lacrosse history and the Baggataway Cup will be a great addition to the celebration.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to compete at Justin Chiu Stadium, in front of the hometown fans,” said Mark Farthing, head coach of the Excalibur men’s lacrosse team. “The city is well known for lacrosse, not only at Trent but also in the Peterborough region as well. It will be a great opportunity to have the whole community come watch and support us during the championship weekend.”

This is the second time that the University will host the championship. The Trent Excalibur men’s lacrosse team has qualified and competed in it annually since 2015.

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Bryan Adams So Happy It Hurts Tour To Make A Stop In Peterborough

Bryan Adams will go on tour to promote his 15th album ‘So Happy It Hurts’ and grace the stage at The Peterborough Memorial Centre on October 18.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Memorial Centre.

Bryan Adams has countless accolades and awards including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations and a Grammy Award. Bryan Adams is a Canadian singer / songwriter who continues to tour the world playing his music which has become a mainstay on rock radio.

Tickets will be on sale at livenation.com on May 27 at 10 a.m.

They will range from $75 - $115 plus taxes.

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Century 21 Real Estate Building Fully Renovated After Flooding Damage From Last Year

After the office was hit by a flood, the Century 21 Realty Inc. offices are back at 100 per cent with a full renovation and open house on Thursday.

Vanessa Oake Hogan (pictured) purchased the building three weeks prior to the flooding. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The flooding occurred on March 31 last year above the offices where a tenant had reported water coming down the staircase. Structural damage including ceiling tiles falling down with water everywhere.

Vanessa Oake Hogan and her husband had purchased the building three weeks prior to the flood and took the disaster as an opportunity to renovate the premises rather than rebuild it.

"We had a designer, Mi Casa Designs Norma Hagelin helped us out a lot,” said Hogan. “Her and I took on the project together and as well as Mackenzie Design (Inc.) helped us with the structural changes that were happening.”

Renovations occurred during the Canada Day weekend last year. Prior to that, administration and managers were able to work in the office as agents came in and out despite the damage.

"Our front desk wasn't damaged or affected by the flood, said Hogan. "We were able to keep our admin stuff working and keeping the brokerage going but once we finished the planning stages of the reno once the actual renovations started, we had to move the entire team back into one corner so we were in tight corners for about four months."

The staff had moved in during Thanksgiving once the renovations were completed. The company employs 10 staff and 111 agents.

"I still walk through the office every day and I'm so grateful that we're not in the reno mode," said Hogan.

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11 Year Old Peterborough Boy Going To Italy With Team Canada For World Juniors Karate

Phoenix Walker, 11, from Peterborough, has been selected to represent Canada at the WAKO World Juniors in Karate, being held in Italy in September.

Walker was selected to compete in the Ontario Winter Games last year, though they were cancelled due to COVID. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Grant.

Walker started karate four and a half years ago, at summer camp. Now, in grade five, he is training five days a week.

“It’s a lot of hard work,” said Walker. “I like doing kicks and special moves.”

He will be competing in three categories; Forms, Weapons and Point Sparring, his favourite being sparring.

“I like the sparring, I like doing all my kicks and hand techniques.”

Walkers mom, Cynthia Grant, says she is so proud that he’s been able to stick to his training, even throughout COVID, and while having many other hobbies.

In addition to karate, Walker trains in Muay Tai, is in the Eco and LEGO club at school and enjoys many other sports.

Walker says he’s never been on a big trip and he’s excited to travel to Italy.

“I’m feeling very pumped about it,” said Walker. “I’m very excited to go - it’s a beautiful place.”

A GoFundMe has been set up in hopes to offset the cost of the flight, accommodations, food, entry fees, medicals and equipment. One of Walkers parents must accompany him because he is a minor, which is increasing the cost of an already expensive trip.

“He’s done tournaments, he’s done training and he loves it,” said Grant. “As he’s getting older it’s getting a bit more serious, the expectations are getting higher. Now, it’s a matter of how much do you want to kick it up.”

Walker says he will be happy to compete, no matter the outcome.

“I feel pumped, I feel confident that I’m going to win. Or if I lose I’ll feel happy for the other kid that gets to win.”

To help Phoenix get to Italy, donate here.

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Electric City Football Club Women's Team Fall to North Toronto Nitros, 3-1

It was the first home loss for the Electric City Football Club (ECFC) women’s team after the North Toronto Nitros got a 3-1 win on Wednesday night.

ECFC captain Holly O’Neill (middle) shakes off two North Toronto Nitro players to get a pass off to a teammate. O’Neill is tied in the league with five other players for fifth in the league in goals scored. Photo by Luke Best.

The loss puts ECFC at a 3-2 record and tied for seventh in the league of 20 teams.

The Nitros struck first as Olivia Smith scored off a penalty kick in the 13th minute to gain the lead.

Toronto extended their score early in the second half as Morgan Fenton crashed the net and scored off a pass to net the second goal in the 48th minute.

Electric City quickly responded seven minutes later as Kayla McQueen scored off a fast break to put Peterborough on the scoreboard. The goal was McQueen’s team-leading fifth goal of the season and fourth-leading in the league.

"Something like that uplifts your whole team and it gives you another push to go forward and that's really what we needed at that moment.,” said Hailey Walsh, ECFC midfielder.

Toronto was able to seal their victory with a third goal as Smith scored in the 72nd minute (her second of the match).

Peterborough had scoring chances with a late push but came up short in the final minutes of the game.

ECFC head coach Randy Ribeiro said Toronto was the better team that night but had faith that ECFC can stand up to any opponent.

"I have full trust in the players that we have. I think they're all fantastic. said Riberio. "They were brought in here because they fit in with what it is what we're trying to do here so I know what this team is capable of. It's one step in a long journey."

The women’s team plays Guelph Union next on the road on Sunday at 4 p.m. The men’s team plays the Prostars FC at home this Saturday at 3 p.m.

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