Roman & Co Pet Spa Enjoying Early Success One Year After Opening Its Doors

One year after opening to the public, pet grooming business Roman & Co. Pet Spa has never felt more welcome into the community and seen early success.

Janeine Sali, Roman & Co. Pet Spa co-owner giving bichon shih tzu Muffin a shave. Sali named the businses after her German shepard, Roman. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

After one year in business, co-owner Janeine Sali and her partner Ryan Brown have consistently seen bookings back up for weeks and sometimes months for pet grooming.

“It's been quite the journey. They say the first year is always the hardest year of business but I found for us that it's just been lovely,” explained Sali. “The amount of outpour from the community and other groomers has been just wonderful in helping us.”

Sali and Brown quickly gained a positive reputation being named a platinum winner in the 2023 Community Votes Peterborough. They were named the top pet grooming company in the city.

“It was really surreal,” explained Sali. “It's been really wonderful. We've met a lot of nice people, new clients so all-in-all, it's been good.”

The couple opened their business in early July last year, occupying the former Mr. Brock Barber Shop located at 221 Brock St. The pet spa offers grooming (nail trimming, de-shedding, etc.), cleaning and bathing for dogs. This is Sali and Brown’s first business that they’ve owned together. While the experience has not always been easy for the couple, the positives have always outweighed the negatives.

“Problems can always be about the building or scheduling conflicts but you just kind of get used to it,” explained Sali. “There are always challenges and struggles for any small business but it's been a really wonderful journey.”

Sali had named the business after her German Shepard, Roman. The spa is open five days a week by appointment only and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

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Home Instead Owners Donate 100 Portable HEPA Filters to Homes In Need

Glen and Nadine Robson, Home Instead Peterborough owners have gifted 100 SharkNinja portable HEPA to homes in need due to fires around the country that have impacted air quality announced on Wednesday.

Peterborough Housing Corporation, Community Care Peterborough and Thrive Housing and Support (formally Kawartha Participation Projects) are delivering the air purifiers throughout July.

“It was an amazing experience today to give the air purifiers to our clients. I delivered a unit to Edward, who is a 90-year-old client living with congestive heart failure among other health issues,” Raj Shah, Community Care Peterborough client services coordinator.

Jenn Ropertz, director of client services for thrive housing and support, accepted the air purifiers.

“With the increase in poor air quality with fires around the country, air quality often has a big impact on the breathing of our elderly clients with respiratory issues,” she explained. “Because of the generous and compassionate donation, our high-risk clients can breathe a little easier.”

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Peterborough Humane Society Receives $50,000 Donation From Miskin Law Towards Animal Care Centre

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is one step closer to its capital campaign goal as local law firm, Miskin Law, has donated $50,000 towards the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) announced on Wednesday.

(Front row) Miskin Law Lawyers Daniel Miskin, Chris Goddard, Murray Miskin with dogs and ED (back row) Shawn Morey. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

“We are so grateful for our incredible local businesses, like Miskin Law, that go above and beyond to support our organization’s evolving mission to provide more programs and services for animals and people in our community,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

As a result of the donation, a dedication ceremony of the PACC’s Boardroom recognized Miskin Law, being identified on an outside bench and on the Donor Wall located in the Centre’s lobby.

“We are so happy to be here, with our beloved pets, to celebrate the new facilities. Today, and only today, this room belongs to our dogs,” said Murray Miskin, Miskin Law founder. “We know that the Boardroom will be a great community resource and will help Peterborough Humane Society staff day to day in getting their vital work done.”

“The PACC’s Adoption and Education Centre, including spaces like the Boardroom will allow us to expand our services,” said Morey. “We are able to not only offer more opportunities to our staff but also provide a community space for individuals, local businesses and service groups looking to rent out a space for meetings and functions.”

The Peterborough Humane Society launched its latest stage of the capital campaign known as ‘The Home Stretch’ to raise the final $3 million needed to meet the $13 million goal for the Our Pet Project.

Completing the final fundraising campaign will allow PHS to focus on expanding services and improving animal wellness according to a press release. Information on the new Centre and the fundraising campaign can be found on www.ourpetproject.ca

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25-Year-Old Man Faces a Dozen Charges After Multiple Incidents At Two Businesses

A 23-year-old Peterborough man is facing a dozen charges from several incidents at two local businesses over the past two weeks.

At roughly 5 p.m. on Wednesday, officers attended a Parkway and Lansdowne Street area business, following up on several reports of thefts and robbery where reports of pepper spray and a knife were brandished on two occasions. 

Shortly after the officers left, the Loss Prevention Officer for the business reported that the suspect returned to another business and left with items without paying. 

Officers returned and located a suspect in a back parking lot in the Lansdowne Street and High Street area. The suspect started to run as officers approached but was quickly apprehended and taken the suspect into custody. A search of the area between where the suspect was arrested and the business turned up two stolen items. 

As a result of the investigation, a 23-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

Tuesday incident:

• Theft under $5000

• Fail to Comply with Probation X2

Wednesday incident:

• Theft under $5000

• Fail to Comply with Probation X2

July 10 incident:

• Robbery with Theft

• Fail to Comply with Probation X2

June 29 incident:

• Robbery with Theft

• Fail to Comply with Probation X2

The accused is currently bound by two probation orders with the following conditions to keep the peace and be of good behaviour and not attend the businesses involved in these incidents.  

They are being held in custody and scheduled to appear in court for Wednesday.

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Peterborough First Responders Performing Emergency Training Exercise at Beavermead

An emergency training exercise for first responders will be held at Beavermead Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, announced by the City of Peterborough.

The training exercise includes Peterborough Paramedics, Peterborough Fire Services, Peterborough Police Service, and City of Peterborough lifeguards who supervise City beaches and wading pools.

Pedestrians are asked to give them space to safely complete their training. 

The training exercise will take place on land rather than the water. The beaches at Beavermead Park and Rogers Cove are currently closed by Peterborough Public Health due to suspected harmful algae bloom in the water.

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Voice of Business: Labour Market Shows Signs of Improvement

Canada’s labour crunch is showing signs that it’s beginning to ease up.

Labour data from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Labour Force Survey June 2023 shows a slight increase in unemployment, gains in job growth in Ontario, and the slowing of wage growth.

Marwa Abdou, Senior Research Director at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, states:

“Canada’s labour market is turning a corner with June’s data. Coming in at the highest level in over a year, Canada’s unemployment rate edged up to 5.4%. We’re also seeing average hourly wages coming off the boil, with their slowest growth in over a year.

However, the headline jobs number was strong, exceeding market expectations with a gain of 60K jobs (vs. 20K consensus), driven by full-time employment.

Overall, the market is showing signs of strength and resilience, although wage growth is moderating while still remaining high.”

Last summer, unemployment hung at a near-record low of 4.9 per cent. The jump to 5.4 per cent represents a 0.2 per cent increase from May and the highest level in over a year.

Meanwhile, the number of people working is increasing with a gain of 60,000 jobs. This job growth comes with an increase in full-time employment. The Labour Force Survey notes that much of the job gains are among men with employment of women largely staying the same through June.

The biggest changes in jobs by sector are:

• Wholesale and retail trade (+33K)

• Manufacturing (+27K)

• Health care and social assistance (+21K)

• Transportation and warehousing (+10K)

• Construction (-14K)

• Education (-14K)

• Agriculture (-6K)

While the jobs gains are welcome news, especially in the wholesale and retail trade sector, the decline in construction, education, and agriculture will be a struggle in those sectors.

Only Ontario (+56K), Nova Scotia (+3.6K), and Newfoundland and Labrador (+2.3K) saw increased employment. Prince Edward Island saw a decline of 2,400 jobs while the remaining provinces stayed relatively the same.

According to our local Workforce Development Board Eye on the Labour Market – June 2023 report, the top positions being posted by local employers in June were:

1. University professors and lecturers

2. Retail salespersons

3. Other customer & information services representatives

4. Home support workers, housekeepers & related occupations

5. Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations

6. Retail and wholesale trade managers

7. Social and community service workers

8. Cooks

9. Administrative assistants

10. Construction Trades helpers and labourers

Unfortunately, labour growth is one of the factors cited by the Bank of Canada in its recent decision to further hike its Overnight Lending Rate by 0.25 basis points to five per cent. Sitting at 3.4 per cent in May, Inflation is down from its peak, but not as low as the bank would like.

While last month’s labour data is largely positive for most businesses, the current economy and labour market are impacting different sectors and business models disproportionately. Rising interest rates and inflation are putting added pressure on businesses, but hopefully increased access to labour will help ease that burden.

Content provided by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

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Trent University Receives $3.5 Million Gift to Double Number of Community-Based Research Projects

Trent University received a $3.5-million gift from an anonymous donor that will double the number of community-based research projects, announced on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The research programs create a lasting impact that allows more students to gain valuable hands-on experience and create meaningful change in the Peterborough region according to a press release.

The anonymous donor gave $1.2 million earlier this year following the launch of the Campaign for Momentous Change but increased it $3.5 million after recognizing the needs and benefits of the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC).

The money provides ongoing funding for training students and employers, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities, providing funds for primary research, and covering travel and other expenses for students to complete research projects in the Peterborough area as stated in the press release.

“Trent University is a catalyst for community well-being and success through its thought leadership, research, collaborative endeavours, and community-building initiatives including community-based research,” said Julie Davis, Trent vice-president of external relations and development. “We thank the supporter for this transformational gift that strengthens our ability for many years for academia and communities to come together to address complex and urgent societal challenges.”

“Whether it’s groundbreaking research with the Five Counties Children’s Centre or the Brain Injury Association of Peterborough Region, Trent students are using community-based research opportunities to gain valuable experiential learning in areas close to their hearts and creating momentous change in our communities,” said Kevin Whitmore, Trent director of Careerspace.

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Local Author and Illustrator Publish Children's Fantasy Book 'Polly & The Pumpkin Patch Pixie'

Inclusion and individuality, inspired by real-life events come to life from local author Niki Allday and illustrator Kaylah Wilson as they published a children’s fantasy book ‘Polly & The Pumpkin Patch Pixie.’

17-year-old Kaylah Wilson (left) and Niki Allday (right) with her two children. The book took roughly 18 months to create with illustrations beginning since February. Photos courtesy of Niki Allday.

The book is a fairytale with the protagonist Polly and her pixie friend in a magical pumpkin adventure. It is based on Allday’s experiences visiting Cody & Kelsie's Veggy Patch in Millbrook with her children, drawing a simile between people and pumpkins.

“I hope people understand the underlying message of inclusion and individuality,” explained Allday. “We all come in different colours, shapes and sizes, just like the pumpkins.”

The book is inspired from visits to Cody & Kelsie's Veggy Patch in Millbrook as it is a ‘magical’ pumpkin patch described by Allday. Photo courtesy of Niki ALlday.

The book is already available online at Amazon and is planned to be sold locally at Watson & Lou and Bellies & Babies. Cody & Kelsie's Veggy Patch is also selling copies during the fall season.

Polly & The Pumpkin Patch Pixie took one-and-a-half years from start to finish to complete. Allday had the help of 17-year-old student Wilson who illustrated the book, beginning work early this year.

“Kaylah had started her illustrations in February, working through her exams and keeping a very tight deadline so we could move forward with publishing for our fall launch,” said Allday. “Kaylah was so easy to work with and seeing my story come to life, was a beautiful experience.”

Allday is also a photographer atop her authoring career. Photo courtesy of Niki ALlday.

Allday said she stuck to strict deadlines to get it ready for the fall season, appropriately enough to match the setting of her book.

The pair have a book signing scheduled at Chapters on Lansdowne Street for Sept. 30.

“I am so proud of us both and truly grateful to Chapters for hosting us and for the local shops offering to sell copies,” exclaimed Allday.

One of Allday’s most rewarding moments of writing and publishing a book is being able to share it with her two children.

“It’s a very special feeling laying in bed reading your children a story you wrote, that was inspired by a memory spent with them,” she said.

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Ontario Government Offering Free Access to Provincial Parks For Healthy Parks Healthy People Day On Friday

For Healthy Parks Healthy People Day on Friday, the Ontario Government is allowing free access to use provincial parks announced on Tuesday.

File photo.

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, David Piccini made the announcement on behalf of the provincial government.

“Ontario Parks is once again offering free day-use access to provincial parks to celebrate Healthy Parks Healthy People Day, said Piccini. “This annual celebration is part of a global movement to promote the incredible health benefits of getting outside in nature. Studies show spending time in nature can improve our mental, physical, and social well-being, including lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem and reduced anxiety.”

Ontario Parks is offering the following ways to engage with nature including the following upcoming events:

• The 30x30 Challenge to encourage people to spend 30 minutes in nature for 30 days during the month of August

• Take a Hike Day on Aug. 9, a brand-new event this year offering guided hikes at provincial parks around the province.

“As the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, I encourage all Ontarians to take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, immerse themselves in the splendour of nature and experience first-hand the restorative power of our provincial parks,” said Piccini.

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The 21st Annual Hike for Hospice Fundraiser Is Open For Registration

It’s time to get your feet moving as registration for Hospice Peterborough’s 21st annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser is now open and scheduled for Sept. 10 – 17, announced on Tuesday.

Last year, the event raised a record-breaking $100,000 with over 150 participants and sponsorships. File photo.

The fundraiser helps fund the Hospice to keep end-of-life and bereavement support free in Peterborough and the County while offering a space to remember and honour loved ones who have died.

Participants are welcome to walk, run, cycle or move in any way to raise funds for those seeking hospice palliative care or grief support. The hike also provides opportunities to connect virtually through activities that encourage participants to pause and remember those who have passed, reflected in the event’s motto: ‘Who are you hiking for?’

“It’s a beautiful event and different every year,” said Mary Blair, Hospice co-chair.

“What’s really impactful is how the event becomes an opportunity to remember loved ones who have died. It can be very moving,” said Heather Easton, co-chair.

Since moving to a virtual platform, Hike for Hospice has seen participants from between the east coast and west coast, participating in creative ways such as kayaking with their families or rowing a kilometre for every $10 raised.

“It’s a highlight of the year,” said Hajni Hős, Hospice executive director. “We are so incredibly grateful to those who participate each year to ensure hospice care remains accessible to everyone. We truly could not do what we do without you.”

More information on the event, registration and fundraising can all be accessed at easypledge.ca/hospice-peterborough.

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