Art Gallery of Peterborough Temporarily Closed for Building Maintenance
/The Art Gallery of Peterborough will be closed from Wednesday, May 24 to Friday, May 26 to accommodate building maintenance.
photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.
Peterborough Blogs
Voice of Business: In the Spirit of Business
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Unfairness in regulation and taxation is an area of particular concern to chambers of commerce.
One sector where this unfairness is particularly concerning is within alcohol production and sales. Wineries and craft breweries have come a long way in Ontario and contribute to a thriving manufacturing and agriculture industry. But in many ways, cideries and distilleries have been left behind. It’s stifling growth within the sector for businesses across Ontario.
For this reason, the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce, Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce and several others to put forward a renewed policy resolution titled In the Spirit of Business. This policy resolution was approved by members of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and will be part of their advocacy platform for the next three years.
Here is our resolution:
Currently, the policy regime applied to the craft brewery and winery industries is not aligned with the one applied to the craft distillery industry, resulting in challenges for the growth and sustainability of the sector as an integral part of Ontario’s economy.
Craft distilling is an industry in rapid growth. Distillers are creating jobs and boosting economies in large and small centres. The segment supports 6,000 jobs in Ontario and annually contributes $1.5 billion to Ontario’s Gross Provincial Product, while craft distillers and the spirit industry generate over $2.5 billion in annual sales.
The spirits industry works closely with local farmers, connects to the tourism and hospitality industries and contributes to the economic growth of rural areas across Ontario.
However, significant challenges still need to be addressed, i.e., tax at craft distillery tasting rooms is 61.5 per cent which is 10 times what Ontario wineries pay. Additionally, craft distilleries do not receive recognition for using ingredients produced in Ontario.
For these reasons, the craft distillery industry should be considered in policymaking.
The province of Nova Scotia continues to be a leader in the spirits industry since the government opened the door to growth in 2014 by reducing the markup by 60-80 per cent with another 10 per cent mark down if distillers use provincially grown agriculture products. The government cut the license fee from $2,000 to $500, increased production threshold, and introduced a graduated markup based on annual production. These measures allowed craft distillers to thrive. In British Columbia, since the introduction of a graduated tax system, the industry has grown from 17 to 48 distilleries in the province.
Craft spirits are considerably more laborious to produce than large-scale industrial spirits and are also marketed at higher prices. Any short-term revenue reductions from lower LCBO markups and tasting room taxes will be surpassed by the increased revenue from higher employment and consumers supporting local premium spirits that will come from a thriving craft distillery industry.
In the past few years there has been some movement towards parity with other craft alcohol industries, such as:
Allowing craft distillers to distribute their products to bars and restaurants.
Allowing craft distillers to open “Pop-up” retail stores via Special Occasion Permits; and
The continuation of “The Small Cidery and Small Distillery Program” for a three-year commitment (expires in 2025).
Craft distillers believe these changes are a step in the right direction, but additional changes are required to reach parity with other craft alcohol industries in Ontario. For example, the update to “Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health” recognizes that the consumption of beverage alcohol is equivalent across different categories, therefore craft distillers believe it is possible to have all regulations regarding alcohol aligned to the same standards.
This call for change is not only coming from the chambers of commerce and boards of trade but also from Craft Spirits Ontario.
We are urging the Government of Ontario to:
Approve the continuation of “The Small Cidery and Small Distillery Program” until 2027 and that both industries be considered in tandem moving forward.
Remove the LCBO fees applied to sales from craft distilleries and craft cideries directly to licensees and by-the-glass sales.
Align the craft distiller's regulations with the craft beer and wine industry by applying a graduated rate to the current spirits basic tax, with a zero percent markup on the first 50,000 litres sold.
Lower the LCBO markup on spirits and ciders made primarily with Ontario ingredients by Ontario facilities to be equivalent to microbreweries, graduated by production method and volume.
Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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Innovation Cluster Announces Peruvian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Partnership Through STARTup Visa Program
/The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) and the Peruvian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) have announced a new partnership aimed at supporting Peruvian entrepreneurs and introducing the Startup Visa Program.
photo courtesy of innovation cluster peterborough.
The STARTup Visa Program is a 15-month initiative backed by the Canadian federal government. It is designed to help entrepreneurs from other countries establish and grow their businesses in Canada, creating jobs and fostering economic prosperity. With three program intakes each year, in February, June and October, the STARTup Visa Program offers a comprehensive, tailored experience that includes a 3-month virtual accelerator, milestone review, letter of support for immigration and a 12-month incubation program in Peterborough.
"We're thrilled to partner with the PCCC to support Peruvian entrepreneurs in their journey to establish their businesses in Canada. This collaboration will help us provide invaluable resources and opportunities to Peruvian entrepreneurs,” said Camila Durate, senior innovation specialist & programs director at Innovation Cluster.
Participants in the program will benefit from startup acceleration services and individualized mentorship and coaching opportunities. The program focuses on three key areas: one-on-one mentorship, knowledge and skills training, and networking opportunities.
To further inform the PCCC members about the STARTup Visa Program, the Innovation Cluster and PCCC are hosting a joint webinar on May 25, from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar will provide insights into the program, explain the application process, and discuss the benefits of participating. Interested members are encouraged to join the webinar to learn more about this unique opportunity and get their questions answered by the experts.
"This partnership with the Innovation Cluster is a significant step towards strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem between Peru and Canada,” said Ana Maria Villaran, membership & sponsorship director at the Peruvian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “By working together, we can create a robust support network for our entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth and innovation of both countries."
For more information about the upcoming webinar, visit the link.
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Delectable Fine Foods Closes Its Doors After Seven Years of Business
/Cheese shop and artisan food store Delectable Fine Foods closed its doors after seven years of business at Heritage Plaza on Saturday.
Rumgay’s business had hosted French culture lessons for elementary school students in March. Photo by David Tuan bui.
Owner Christel Rumgay made the decision to close the shop as it celebrated its seventh anniversary since opening at the Heritage Plaza on Lansdowne Street.
Rumgay posted a note at her checkout counter explaining her situation, citing inflation, labour shortage and lack of business as several reasons for her closure.
Dear Friends,
Can you believe seven unforgettable years have gone by since I first opened the store in May of 2016?
With it being my anniversary, it makes it that much harder to share and difficult to announce. I have decided to hang up my hat and close the store.
Post COVID has presented another set of challenges. The reduction in business during this economic down-turn, the on-going supply chain issues, labour shortages and the never-ending price increases of everything has slowly taken its toll.
On Saturday, May 20th I will close the doors for one last time. The clearance sale is happening now.
I will miss you and our chats so much. It has been a real pleasure to have met and gotten to know you. I truly think of you as a friend and not just as a customer. Thank you for being there.
Over the years, I have been blessed and privileged to work with an amazing team of individuals and friends. In turn, we were all blessed to be part of so many of your celebrations and life events. I cannot thank you and my staff enough for your loyalty and support over the years.
Thank you so much for your kindness and the wonderful memories.
Until we connect again.
Hugs,
Christel
Rumgay has stated that she has no plans to open another business venture at this time but will enjoy spending time with her grandchildren.
Delectable Fine Foods sold cheese, artisan foods, fresh produce and frozen meals.
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Marv Edwards, Former Peterborough Petes Coach and NHL Goaltender Passes Away at 87
/Former Peterborough Petes assistant coach and NHL goaltender Marv Edwards has passed away at 87 years old.
Photo courtesy of the NHL.
Edwards had died in his sleep on Sunday at a long-term care facility announced by his son.
He was a Petes assistant coach (goaltender) for four seasons from 1994-1998 and 1999-2000.
Edwards was a goaltender for 22 teams spanning 11 leagues. He began his NHL career in the 1968-1969 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also had stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the California Golden Seals. He was in the league from the 60s to the early 70s, playing 61 games. He began his hockey career with the Ontario Hockey Association’s St. Catharines Teepees for four seasons beginning in 1951.
Edwards earned a gold medal at the 1959 IIHF World Championship in Prague for Team Canada. He’s won two consecutive Memorial Cups for the Barrie Flyers and St. Catharines Teepees in 1953 and 1954 respectively. He is also a part of the 1959 World Cup champion Belleville McFarlands who have been indicted into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame.
GreenUP’s Ecology Park Nursery Opening Event Sparks the Summer Season of Growing
/The GreenUP Ecology Park Native Plant & Tree Nursery hosted its Annual Spring Opening Event on May 20; marking the start of the gardening season for hundreds of local gardeners.
photo courtesy of greenup, facebook.
The Ecology Park Native Plant & Tree Nursery is open every year from the Victoria Day long weekend until the Friday before Thanksgiving.
Ecology Park Nursery is known as one of the best local sources for native plants, with over 200 types of edible and native varieties of plants, shrubs, and trees. This year, GreenUP and Ecology Park featured a self-serve bulk compost and mulch station, as well as being host to the first naturalized playscape in Peterborough for the young and young-at-heart to play on while surrounded by plants for sale.
“The Ecology Park Native Plant & Tree Nursery offers climate-resilient plants that are grown slowly and intentionally for the growing season in Peterborough,” said Vern Bastable, director of Ecology Park and GreenUP’s Landscaping Programs.
The Ecology Park Native Plant & Tree Nursery is located at 1899 Ashburnham Drive, with parking available at the Beavermead parking lot via Marsdale Drive. The Ecology Park Nursery will be open Thursdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. 4 p.m. until closing on Thanksgiving weekend. Interested patrons can visit the website and explore native plants that the nursery may carry online before arriving at the park, where the summer staff will assist in finding the desired plants.
“Investing in native species can reap benefits for decades, creating a legacy of a vibrant, healthy community,” continues Bastable. “Native species have developed complex evolutionary relationships with other native species. They belong here, are a familiar part of the landscape, and they support our health and the health of the ecosystem at large.”
The Ecology Park Nursery is operated by GreenUP, this region’s leading environmental non-profit charity. All proceeds from sales support GreenUP’s environmental programs in communities across the Peterborough region.
Habitat for Humanity Holds Ground-Breaking Ceremony of Phase Two For a 12-Unit Condo On Leahy's Lane
/A ground-breaking ceremony kicked off the development of Habitat for Humanity & Kawartha Region’s 12-unit condo development as Phase Two at Leahy’s Lane on Tuesday morning.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The condo is located next to their Phase One development on the same road that will have 11 two-bedroom units and a single one-bedroom unit.
“With the success of Phase 1, we are excited to be able to provide more affordable homeownership opportunities for local families and individuals in the community,” said Susan Zambonin, Habitat CEO. “Thanks to the continued investment from the Government of Canada and CMHC, more lives will be transformed through a community effort to help families build strength, stability and self-reliance.”
The unit provides local families and individuals with affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity’s model of affordable homeownership according to a press release.
This innovative development is supported by the Government of Canada through the National Housing Strategy’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund. The Government of Canada has invested $600,000 into these homes. The funding helps Habitatget closer to creating 1,117 new affordable homes across Canada.
Applications for Phase Two are open until all 12 homeowners are selected. For more information on applying for Habitat PKR homeownership, visit their website.
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Peterborough Area Roller Derby Kicks Off 2023 Season For June 17
/Peterborough Area Roller Derby (PARD) gets back on track, kicking off “House PARDy,” their first game of the season at the Douro Community Centre on June 17 announced on Tuesday morning.
PARD is running for a second straight year after a two-year hiatus from the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of PARD.
This is PARD’s first Women's Flat Track Derby Association-sanctioned game ever as the former became an officially chartered competitive league earlier in the spring.
Doors open at 2:30 p.m as PARD takes on Toronto Roller Derby starting at 3 p.m. with an open full contact scrimmage at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. Kids under 12 are free.
PARD is also opening applications for anyone interested in the open scrimmage, volunteering, becoming a non-skating official with the league or being a vendor.
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Students Display Their Art Skills In the 10th Annual Paint a Peterborough County Snow Plow
/Teachers and students of Peterborough County got to put their creative side on display as they got to participate in the 10th Annual Paint a Peterborough County Snow Plow.
Photo courtesy of the County of Peterborough.
Snowplow blades were delivered the schools in early May where they were painted with their custom designs. Chemong Public School, St. Martin Catholic School, Millbrook Public School, Norwood District Public School, Rhema Christian School and Buckhorn Public School participated in the painting event.
“This is our 10-year anniversary engaging with our local schools to paint our plows,” said Bill Linnen, General Manager Public Works Division “They have fun and get to share their creativity with us and we enjoy displaying them along Hwy 28 and sharing them with the greater community.”
They are being displayed at the Douro Public Works Depot at the corner of Hwy 28 and County Road 4 upon completion. They will remain there until they are needed next winter for plowing operations.
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Photos: Peterborough Petes Take to Quaker Park Food Square To Celebrate OHL Championship With the Fans
/The Peterborough Petes held their Championship Celebration Event at the Quaker Food Park Square to commemorate their OHL Championship title on Monday afternoon.
