Eight Small Local Businesses Awarded $5,000 Grants Through Starter Company Plus Program

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) has awarded $5,000 in micro-grants to local small businesses in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County through the Government of Ontario’s Starter Company Plus program, announced Monday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development.

12 small business entrepreneurs successfully completed the five-week Starter Company Plus online business training course offered through PKED’s Business Advisory Centre, and were awarded grants to support the growth of their business based on the strength of their plan and pitch.

The following businesses were each awarded a micro-grant:

• Jacquelyn Craft, The Neighbourhood Vintage, City of Peterborough

• Lisa Mace, ECO Cabin, Township of North Kawartha

• Ineke Turner, Turner & Pooch Dog Training, City of Peterborough

• Nathan Truax, Truax Leather Co., City of Peterborough

• Lisa Burkitt, Burkitt’s Gardening & Home Services, Township of Havelock- Belmont-Methuen

• Kate Griffin, Mental Wealth Counselling, Township of Otonabee South-Monaghan

• Jena Trimble, Zen Home and Cottage Cleaning Services, Township of Havelock- Belmont-Methuen

• Vanessa Bruce, Vanessa Bruce Virtual Services, City of Peterborough

Since the program’s launch in 2017 it has assisted over 215 local entrepreneurs and more than 174 small businesses, creating over 200 jobs in the local economy according to PKED.

“This intake of the Starter Company Plus program saw many new businesses that were referred from past participants. Now in its fifth year, the program has directly contributed to the growth and development of small businesses in Peterborough & the Kawarthas and has allowed us to support the largest cohort to date,” said Madeleine Hurrell, manager of PKED’s Business Advisory Centre. “In Peterborough and the Kawarthas, we are lucky to have thriving and growing small businesses. We have seen our communities rally around entrepreneurs and small businesses.”

For more information on the Business Advisory Centre, visit www.investptbo.ca/bac

Peterborough Pete Selected 2023 CHL/NHL Kubota Top Prospects Game

Peterborough Petes’s Nick Lardis, has been selected to the 2023 CHL/NHL Kubota Top Prospects Game in Vancouver for Jan. 25 announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the PeterborougH Petes.

Lardis is joining 14 other Ontario Hockey League players selected to the event.

The second-year forward has scored 12 goals through 30 games this year. Lardis’s play has him recognized with a “B” rating in the NHL Central Scouting 22-23 Preliminary Players to Watch List on Oct. 25, which indicates he could be a potential second to third-round selection in the upcoming NHL Draft. The 2023 NHL Draft will take place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. from June 28-29.

The Oakville-born player was originally selected by the Petes sixth overall in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.

Lardis becomes the eighth Pete to be selected for the game in the last 10 years. The other seven include:

• Nick Robertson (2019)

• Hunter Jones (2019)

• Dylan Wells (2016)

• Matt Spencer (2015)

• Nick Ritchie (2014)

• Eric Cornel (2014)

• Slater Koekkoek (2012)

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Peterborough Public Health Issues Warning After Increase in Suspected Drug Poisonings

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings over the weekend, announced on Monday.

File Photo

PPH detected a higher-than-usual number of drug-related Emergency Department Visits on Sunday. Four drug-related poisonings were treated by the emergency department as reported by the PPH. They presume to be the result of a product that may contain benzodiazepines. A benzodiazepine-related overdose may last for hours and make it hard to wake up an individual. These reports have prompted PPH to issue a public warning to help prevent further harms to the community.

Peterborough Public Health is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal.

Give naloxone if you suspect an individual is experiencing drug poisoning. This may improve breathing but may not help the individual regain consciousness. Call 911 and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.

If you use drugs, PPH recommends that you:

• Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., days a week.

• If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.

• Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.

• Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.

• Avoid mixing drugs.

• Test your drug by using a small amount first.

• Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.

PPH has released a list of signs of an opioid overdose and what to do in case of one:

• Skin is cold and clammy

• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

• Body is very limp

• Can’t wake the person up

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

• Pupils are very small

• If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.

• Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’.

Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.

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Ontario Government to Modernize Computer Studies and Tech-Ed Curriculum For Future Careers

The Ontario Government is updating high school courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to prepare students for jobs of the future announced at Magellan Aerospace in Mississauga on Monday.

(From left to right) Patrice Barnes, Ajax MPP; Hon. Victor Videli, Minister of economic development, job creation and trade; Hon. Stephen Leece, Minister of Education and Arti Javeri, Vice president, firSt partnerships at FIRST Robotics Canada at Magellan Aerospace in Mississauga. Screenshot.

The changes to the Computer Studies and the Technological Education curriculum also support the government’s plan to align curriculum changes with the province’s economic needs and place an emphasis on critical life and job skills, needed in the fast-growing skilled trades according to a press release.

“This change will provide students with hands-on experience with technology, expose them to real-life problem solving and enhance learning that focuses on giving young people the skills to think critically, dream boldly and chart new pathways forward for our economy,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “Our focus is to ensure our students have the most up-to-date curriculum that strengthens life and job skills leading to rewarding careers in technology and innovation, including in the skilled trades.”

The two new curriculum changes to better prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow are:

• A new Computer Studies curriculum, beginning with a new Grade 10 course to be implemented in September 2023.

• A new Technological Education curriculum, beginning with revised Grade 9 and Grade 10 courses to be offered in September 2024.

The Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World course will replace the current Grade 10 Introduction to Computer Studies course which was last updated in 2008. Since then, there has been an emergence of significant technological innovations such as the advancement of smartphones and wearable technologies, connected and automated vehicles and the rise of social media.

The revised Technological Education curriculum — which has not been updated since 2009 — will reflect the advancements in automation across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and construction. The sectors have increased the need for a highly skilled workforce. The Ontario Government assumes these revisions will help prepare students for high paying and rewarding careers in communications, the construction industry as electricians, plumbers and the manufacturing sector.

“Our government continues to foster innovation by growing Ontario’s world-class workforce,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of economic development, job creation and trade. “Every year, more than 65,000 students graduate from STEM related programs. By modernizing STEM and skilled trade-related courses, we’re ensuring our talent pool continues to grow and that Ontario businesses continue to innovate and thrive.”

These changes boost the Skilled Trades Strategy with a $4.8 million investment over two years to expand the Dual Credit program.

The revisions are also part of the next steps in Ontario’s Plan to Catch Up to further expose STEM to children as potential future careers. Other recent curriculum updates include:

• Ontario’s revised Science and Technology curriculum for Grades 1 to 8 implemented in September 2022.

• Ontario’s new de-streamed Grade 9 Science course implemented in September 2022.

• Ontario’s new de-streamed Grade 9 Mathematics course implemented in September 2021.

• Ontario’s new Mathematics curriculum for Grades 1 to 8 implemented in September 2020.

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Names Upcoming President, CEO

Dr. Lynn Mikula has been selected as President and CEO of Peterborough Regional Health Centre, taking on the new position starting March 31 announced in a virtual press conference on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

She holds an MD CM from McGill University and a surgical residency and fellowship at the University of Toronto. She also has an MSc in cancer genetics from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Management from McGill.

The hospital in a press release says she “brings with her a vast wealth of knowledge, experience and strong personal and professional connections with both the Health Centre and the Peterborough community she calls home.”

During her time at PRHC she has held the roles of Chief of Surgery, Chief of Staff, Chief Medical Executive and Executive Vice President. She lives in Peterborough with her husband and their three children.

“I am thrilled and honoured to have been selected,” says Dr. Mikula. “I am constantly inspired by the people of PRHC, who bring so much dedication, passion and skill to their work every day. The last few years have had their challenges, but working together, I’m confident that we will emerge as a regional hospital that is leading the way with partnership, innovation, and above all, a focus on excellent care. I’d like to thank the Board of Directors for their confidence in my leadership and my vision. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”

Throughout the recruitment process, the PRHC says they received a number of submissions and conducted interviews with multiple candidates. While the competition was substantial, they say Dr. Mikula ultimately demonstrated herself to be the frontrunner.

“I think what we can say about Dr. Mikula is that her energy, drive and vision for this organization were unmatched during the search process, and that her reputation and track record as a leader are second to none,” says Robert Gibson, chair of PRHC’s board of directors. “She has an in-depth understanding of the current challenges in healthcare and a clear vision for acute healthcare in Peterborough, and she sees a path forward to a vibrant and exciting future for PRHC. We are so pleased to have identified a candidate who embodies all of the qualities we and our stakeholders have been seeking, and to have found those qualities in an individual who has a strong, established history with PRHC and our community.”

Dr. Mikula is taking the role of the current CEO Dr. Laughlin, who is planning his retirement after working at the hospital for 17 years.

Peterborough Police Investigating Weekend Catalytic Converter Thefts

Peterborough Police are investigating 15 catalytic converter thefts worth $15,000 that were reported over the weekend.

File photo.

The catalytic converters were stolen from vehicles at several businesses in the Rye Street area, Kingsway and Erskine Avenue area. In two instances, a white SUV with two people in it was spotted entering the parking lots of the businesses. 

The thefts likely happened sometime in the early morning hours on Sunday according to the Police.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Peterborough Police Crime Line at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca

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First DBIA Holiday Shopping Passport Early Bird Winner Announced

Heather Adey has become the first winner for the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) Holiday Shopping Passport early bird draw announced on Monday.

Heather Adey (left) and Jean Grant, The Toy Shop owner (right). Adey’s passport came from The Toy Shop while purchasing games and ice bubbles for her young daughters. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

Adey’s winning passport came from The Toy Shop, where she purchased board games and ice bubbles for her two daughters. Her entry was drawn on Wednesday at The Neighbourhood Vintage. Adey won a $500 Boro gift card prize that was presented by Jean Grant, The Toy Shop owner.

“I just love coming to the Toy Shop” said Adey. “It’s our go-to place when shopping for the little ones in my life. Jean always has the best suggestions for what to put under our tree. I can’t wait to use my gift card and explore all the new restaurants and shops downtown. We love supporting small businesses, they are just so unique and offer a personal touch that really makes the shopping experience something truly special.”

Passport winners get a Musicfest Diner’s Book atop their winnings as a new feature in this yea’rs draw. The book contains coupons valued at $600 in savings, with 100 per cent of proceeds going towards musician fees for the summer festival.

“Peterborough Musicfest is excited to partner with the Downtown Business Improvement Area by complementing its Holiday Shopping Passport giveaway package with our Musicfest Diner's Book,” says Musicfest board chair, Paul Rellinger. “It’s a perfect fit as many of the restaurants and eateries featured in this year’s Diner's Book are located in downtown Peterborough. Musicfest remains grateful for the support it has received from the downtown restaurant community and, now, from this partnership with the DBIA."

Holiday Passports can be picked up at any one of 150 participating businesses in downtown Peterborough. Each $10 spent earns a stamp and every filled card — of $200 spent — earns a ballot for a grand prize of a $1,500 Boro Gift Card drawn on Jan. 11. Multiple ballots are accepted and be dropped off at any ballot box in a participating business.

Two Early Bird draws remain on Wednesday and Dec. 21.

Free stamps are available at the Peterborough Public Library, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitors Centre.

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Peterborough Petes Defeat Sarnia Sting, 4-1; Snap Five-Game Losing Streak

After suffering a 5-2 loss to the London Knights on Saturday, the Peterborough Petes rebounded and snapped their five-game losing streak on a back-to-back against the Sarnia Sting, 4-1, at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena on Sunday.

Peterborough natives Nolan Burke and Porter Martone was in the Sting lineup during the game. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes coughed up the first goal only 2:55 into the game as Zach Filak picked up a rebound and beat goaltender Michael Simpson on a wrap-around to give Sarnia a 1-0 lead. The lead did not last long as 2:39 later, Jax Dubois picked up a rebound and beat Sting goalie Nicholas Surzycia to tie at 1-1. Sam McCue got his first career OHL point with the primary assist.

Jonathan Melee committed a slashing penalty, making the Petes shorthanded but that benefitted Peterborough as Tucker Robertson took advantage of a giveaway at the Petes blueline and nab his 13th goal of the season shorthanded for a 2-1 lead. It was the team’s first lead in five games. Four minutes later, Nick Lardis would bury a Jax Dubois rebound for a 3-1 lead into the third.

The Petes got into trouble committing six minor penalties in the third period but their special teams stood tall, killing off all five powerplays (one came from coincidental minor penalties). Sahil Panwar, fresh out of the penalty box, found Chase Stillman for a goal and a 4-1 lead that ended up being the final.

The Petes next game is Front Line and Healthcare Workers Nighthosting the defending OHL-champion Hamilton Bulldogs at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Brant Basics, Samantha Ann & Co Home, Russs and Poco Burro

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

Jeff and David Cox and Susan Sharp, co-owners of Brant Basics are revealing their newly renovated showroom this week.

The new furniture showroom will showcase a range of furniture solutions for today’s leaders, teams and hybrid workspaces, and the partners promise a fundamentally different approach to workspaces that will entice employees back to the office, increase productivity, reconnect with their company and benefit from team collaboration. Brant Basics celebrates its 58th year in business this year, employing 20 people at their downtown Peterborough location, 296 George St.

Samantha Belsey started out making wooden signs from old pallets in her father’s workshop.

Belsey has just opened her own storefront in a renovating a building on her parents’ property. Called Samantha Ann & Co Home, Belsey is focused on home, wedding and print products, with about 25 per cent of the products hand-made by Samantha herself. Samantha is also a wedding coordinator specializing in day of logistics. Located at 2440 North, on the 5th Line of Asphodel, you’ll find seasonal furnishings, home decorations, carefully crafted signs, stationery and calligraphy artwork. The store is open Friday and Saturday until Christmas, and you can also find Samantha Anne & Co Home on Etsy.

Russs is a new restaurant in the Brookdale Plaza.

Owners Amandeep Kaur and her brother Jatinder Singh Chahal specialize in juices, shakes and smoothies, offering more than 100 varieties, as well as salads, sandwiches and desserts. Located in the former Magicuts space, near the Highland Road entrance to Brookdale Plaza, which is at 875 Chemong Rd., Russs is open seven days a week, offering dine-in, takeout and catering services.

The husband-and-wife team of Minal Burdrani and Sunny Dalia recently opened Poco Burro Mexican Grill in downtown Peterborough.

Located at 343 George St., the couple serve burritos, quesadillas and tacos with nine proteins and vegetarian/vegan options, everything from pulled pork, caramelized onion shrimp, Baja fish, chipotle tofu, their signature spicy chicken, as well as chips, soups and dessert. Open seven days a week.

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Hoops and Smiles At Special Olympics Basketball Championship Qualifier

Giant smiles dawned on the faces of roughly 75 Special Olympic athletes on the court as they participated in the Special Olympics Ontario Basketball School Championships Qualifier at St. Peter’s Secondary School on Friday.

Mitchell McColl takes his shot from the base line with a little help. McColl is a former Easter Seals Ambassador. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Holy Cross, Crestwood, TASSS, Fenelon Falls Secondary School, St. Thomas Aquinas and host St. Peter’s were the six participating schools taking part in the qualifier.

The opening ceremony consisted of volunteers, teachers and police escorting the athletes down the hallway and into the gymnasium in a grand entrance.

“Every one of those kids in that gym is a champion,” said Ernie Ellement, tournament co-organizer. “It's not about winning or losing. I hate that word, ‘losing.’ We have winners and non-winners. The bottom is, every single one of those kids, they're a winner because they're here, they're playing, they're having fun and that's what it's all about.”

At the end of the day, Special Olympics Ontario gathers the results of the qualifiers and determines what teams advance to the school provincial championships that will be held next spring.

The event is fresh off a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeing friends and being active is what Special Olympics athlete and St. Peter’s student Hannah Goode has been looking forward to as a seven-year veteran of the program.

“I know who I am because I love people a lot,” she explained. “I am one of the leaders, I am one of the examples, I'm a team captain and I'm a good teammate. I help my friends from the program if they need but also I like to help others that have disabilities.”

“Watch the student be a champion on the floor when they score a basket and watch how much they light up,” said Ellement. “You visually see the happiness within them and that's what it's all about.

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