Lakefield Farmers’ Market's Annual Holiday Market Runs On Dec. 1

The Lakefield Farmers’ Market invites everyone to shop local and celebrate the season at its annual Holiday Market held at the parking lot beside The Village Inn in Lakefield on Dec. 1.

Locally made gits from Otonabee Apiary. Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Farmers’ Market.

The market will contain a variety of local products, including freshly backed goods, knitwear, VQA wines, local meats, honey, maple syrup, hot sauces, handmade dog treats, prepared meals nd more.

“Our Holiday Market has become a beloved tradition, and we’re thrilled to host it again this year,” said Stacey Sullivan, Market Manager. “It’s a great opportunity for customers to visit their favourite vendors, find unique holiday gifts and since it’s on a Sunday, it’s perfect for those who can’t attend our regular Thursday market.”

Participating vendors include: A1 Gluten Free Gals, Buns & Sweets, Grandma Needled It, Jen’s Home Baking, Jess’s Kitchen, La Mesita Restaurante, Leahy Stock Farm, Otonabee River Crat Co., Ontario Cheese Union, Pillitteri Estates Winery, Purple Tongue Hot Sauce, The Doggery, The Jam Cupboard, Wagner Maple Products, Washburn Island Soaps, and Yellow House Bees & Otonabee Apiary (Vendor list subject to change).

The Holiday Market runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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Fourth-Annual Darkness to Light Event Brings Community Members Impacted By Suicide Together In Sunrise Gathering

Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) is hosting its fourth-annual Darkness To Light for community members impacted by suicide and overdose on Dec. 21 at Rogers Cove.

Photo courtesy of Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

The outdoor sunrise gathering marks brighter days ahead after the solstice which is the day with the smallest amount of daylight.

Julie Brown — who led last year’s event — is returning to lead the group with a message of support and a moment of silence as the sun rises on the winter solstice morning.

The event will be held rain, snow, or shine and is free to attend thanks to the support of Seven Hills Developments. Those wishing to attend can show up the morning of the event but are encouraged to pre-register. Organizers ask guests to arrive by 7:30 a.m., as sunrise is expected at 7:45 a.m.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for those struggling with bereavement. After feedback about how impactful the last three ceremonies have been, we are glad to be able to offer once again some comfort for people impacted by suicide and overdose in our community.” said Vince Bierworth, GPHSF executive director. “All are welcome to join us at Rogers Cove on the morning of December 21st and we would encourage people to come for 7:30 am, have a coffee and join us in a moment of silence as the sun rises over the lake.” 

Donations can be made to the event and proceeds can be used to support the Suicide Bereavement work at Hospice Peterborough.

“Our community has been significantly impacted by suicide and overdose and we hope that this gathering will help create a space where those directly touched can come together for a quiet moment.” said Julie Brown.

“We are very grateful to GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation and Seven Hills Developments for enabling this event to take place again and offering the opportunity for people impacted by suicide and overdose deaths to come together in this meaningful, safe way.” Said Hajni Hős, Executive Director of Hospice Peterborough.

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Peterborough Man Wanted on Seven Warrants Arrested

A 37-year-old Peterborough man wanted on seven warrants is in custody after he was spotted by an officer on general patrol Monday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 3:20 p.m., officers with the Community FIRST Unit spotted the man. He was wanted on seven charges of theft under $5,000 and nine charges related to failing to comply with probation in the area of Lansdowne Street and The Parkway. 

The man was arrested on the strength of the warrants and is being held in custody.  The accused will appear in court on Tuesday

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

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City of Peterborough Provides Update On Brealey Drive Construction

Brealey Drive between Lansdowne Street West and Mapleridge Drive has reopened to through traffic as progress continues on the major infrastructure project.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The project includes replacing storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and water mains, as well as installing a multi-use trail, street lighting, sidewalks, cycling lanes, and rebuilding the road.

The complete project along Brealey Drive from Lansdowne Street to Sherbrooke Street is divided into two phases. Phase 1, which started in the spring of 2024, focuses on the section between Lansdowne Street and Mapleridge Drive. Phase 2, which encompasses the section from Mapleridge Drive to Sherbrooke Street, is scheduled for the 2025 construction season.

The reopening following Phase 1 construction includes temporary exceptions. The northbound on-road cycling lane and the east sidewalk will remain closed until the signalized intersection is activated this winter.

The major infrastructure project along Brealey Drive between Lansdowne and Sherbrooke Streets has a budget of $20.7 million.

The construction includes:

• Replacing storm sewers

• Replacing sanitary sewers

• Replacing watermains

• New street lighting

• New concrete curb and gutters

• New concrete sidewalk on the east side of Brealey Drive

• Building a new off-street, multi-use trail on the west side of Brealey Drive

• On-street cycling lanes

• Implementation of traffic signals at Cherryhill Road, Kawartha Heights Boulevard, and Hewitt Drive, with enhanced cycling and pedestrian crossing facilities as well as turning lanes to enhance all traffic movements and corridor efficiency at these intersections

• Restoration of boulevards

• Signage, landscaping, and pavement markings

• Rebuilding the roadway granular base and the asphalt roadway

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Peterborough Public Health Pauses Water Sample Courier Service For Winter Season

Peterborough Public Health (PPH), the Municipality of Trent Lakes and the Township of North Kawartha have paused their joint well water sample drop-off program for the winter.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The final date for county residents to drop off their samples at the North Kawartha or Trent Lakes Municipal Offices is Nov. 28. The drop-off service will resume in the first week of April 2025.

Throughout the winter months, residents may continue to drop off well water samples at: 

• Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St., Peterborough
  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday
  8:30 a.m. –12 noon Friday 

• Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Dr., Peterborough
  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday 

• Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St., Havelock
  8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday 

PPH says it is essential to test well water several times yearly. Testing the water twice per year for a drilled well is recommended. For a dug well, the recommendation is four times per year.

“Even when the ground is frozen, contamination may be present. Sampling water from your well is the best way to ensure that the water is free of pathogens, which may cause illness if consumed.” said Chris Eaton, Public Health Inspector.  

Well water samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli which indicates the water has been contaminated with fecal material, which can contain disease-causing microbes. These can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water but the young, elderly and immuno-compromised are at a higher risk.

After samples are submitted, residents will receive water quality results by mail or call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426.

For interpretation of the test results or to find out how to test for contaminants other than total coliforms or E. coli, please call Peterborough Public Health’s Safe Water Program at 705-743-1000, ext. 240 or visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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City of Peterborough Details Social Services Mail Delivery During Canada Post Strike

Details have been released on how Social Services clients and vendors typically receive cheques, statements, or letters by mail from the City of Peterborough.

File Photo.

During the Canada Post strike, they can pick up the items at the Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff will notify those who receive cheques when their payments will be available for pick-up. 

People must show identification when picking up cheques, statements, or letters at Social Services.

For clients who can receive direct deposit, Social Services is encouraging them to arrange for direct deposit or reloadable payment cards as an alternative and to ensure they are signed up for the MyBenefits program to track payments and support communication.

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Peterborough Humane Society Recieves $100,000 Grant to Improve Accessibility Vet Care From PetSmart Charities

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has received a grant of $100,000 from PetSmart Charities to help support the expansion of basic animal wellness services offered by the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“This grant from PetSmart Charities will enable Peterborough Humane Society to begin providing even more support to people and pets in Peterborough and the entire Kawartha Region,” says PHS Executive Director Shawn Morey. “As an important part of our 3-year Strategic Plan, helping improve access to care is a real priority and focus for us. This is an important next step in that strategy.”

This is part of a $100 million commitment from PetSmart Charities over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. These grants support the expansion of low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to expand their services, serve their communities better and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences according to PHS.

“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities.  “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families. We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care. We’re inspired by the incredible work Peterborough Humane Society is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”

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Peterborough Police Seeking Four Male Suspects Involved In Break-and-Enter; Suspects Had Flashed a Gun Tasered a Dog

The Peterborough Police Service is searching for several suspects after a break and enter at a residence in Peterborough early Sunday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 1:45 a.m., officers arrived at a Edison Avenue and Park Street South residence. A woman and her teenage son called to report a break-and-enter in progress. Officers learned that the pair had been sleeping when four people entered the home. One is alleged to have flashed a gun and indicated they were looking for money. During the incident, a family dog was struck with a taser while the mother and son locked themselves in a bathroom. 

The teen could escape and run for help and when the suspects realized he was gone, they fled the area in a black sedan. No one was injured and the dog was okay. It is believed this was not a random event.

The suspects were described to police as:

• Four males, dressed all in black, with face coverings and gloves

• All possibly in their mid-20s

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

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Avant-Garden Shop, Just Like New, Peterborough Volkswagen and VVents Kawartha

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

We’re celebrating some big milestones today!

Brenda Ibey at The Avant-Garden Shop is celebrating 22 years in business.

She opened the store in 2002 and has spent most of those years at her 165 Sherbrooke St. location in downtown Peterborough. The Avant-Garden Shop is the place to go for all your bird-feeding needs, beautiful gifts and many items made by Canadian artisans. Winner of four Chamber of Commerce awards, The Avant-Garden Shop has proven to be one of the best retail shops in the region. Drop by Thursday from 9:30 am to 7 p.m. to celebrate with refreshments, door prizes and special sales all day.

Marg Botosh is celebrating 32 years in business with Just Like New Boutique.

Just Like New specializes in gently used women's clothing and highly curated consignment clothing and accessories. It’s the type of place where you’ll find some truly unique outfits and accessories at affordable prices. Drop by 377 Queen St. in downtown Peterborough to check out their anniversary deals. Ten per cent of sales between now and Black Friday will support Right To Heal.

This year marks 55 years for Peterborough Volkswagen.

1969 was a big year, from the Apollo 11 moon landing to Woodstock to Peter and Rita Eatson opening Peterborough Volkswagen at the corner of Reid and McDonnel Streets in Downtown Peterborough. They created a business that now spans three generations and has served thousands of happy local customers with great customer service for their car shopping and service needs. They’ve been busy with some renovations as their business keeps growing. Drop by 500 Towerhill Rd. and see what’s happening at Peterborough Volkswagen.

And we have a brand-new business. Karri Dalton-Hull has launched a new virtual events agency.

Vvents Kawartha produces local virtual events to give small businesses new ways to connect online with other entrepreneurs, consumers and the community. They are a membership-based model and with support for Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough. Their upcoming events include Kawartha Virtual Expo, a seven-day virtual tradeshow, and Kawartha Virtual Business Network, a networking group to meet and connect with other entrepreneurs. Find out more at vvents.ca.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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Winter Season Not Slowing Down Griffin's Greenhouses; Business to Continue Community Outreach

Winter may slow down other green places but Lakefield’s Griffin’s Greenhouses continues to help the community during the colder seasons.

Photo courtesy of Griffin’s Greenhouses.

The Greenhouse offers regular seasonal workshops. These can include building wreaths, mini-sleighs and floral arrangements for the holidays.

“One of our goals is to educate the knowledge and options that you can still garden in the winter,” said Vikki of Griffin’s Greenhouses.

She notes that November is the second-busiest month of the year. The Greenhouse uses several outlets to help inform the community about their options regarding growing their green thumbs.

“We’re providing lots of knowledge. We put out videos on Youtube done by a local videographer,” she explained. “Knowledge is our number one takeaway to share what we know. We always keep the door open and follow back to people who always have questions. We’re really confident and generous with our time in answering questions.”

The business has been operating for roughly 48 years. Vikki and her brother Kyle purchased the business from their parents several years ago. After going to college and university and working in other career paths, the siblings eventually returned to the family business they grew up helping their parents run.

The business has received help from the family, spanning several generations. Vikki says she’s proud to call Griffin’s a ‘true family business.’

“People have seen our children watch our children grow, and our staff have seen them too,” she explained. “Some of our staff have been with us for over 20 years. There’s that comfort and familiarity that people value in our business.”

A week before Christmas, Griffin’s Greenhouse will run its ‘Dutch Auction’ to clear all inventory before its new season in March. It’s an opportunity for the business to start fresh with brand-new products for its customers.

“We’re not into recycling for next season,” said Vikki. “We want fresh and new.”

As a reflection of their Dutch heritage, the auction is a way flowers are sold in the Netherlands, a fun way of clearing out all merchandise and starting again with a clean slate.

“We feel we are vibrant and active in our community,“ explained Nikki. “Giving and sharing back with the community with our time is something that we’re proud of.”

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