Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre Launches First Summer Company Program

Community Futures Peterborough’s (CFP) Business Advisory Centre (BAC) has launched the 2025 Summer Company Program with applications open to offer students the tools, guidance and funding needed to transform their business ideas into reality.

Photo courtesy of CFP.

This program helps empower youth to explore entrepreneurship and develop skills to succeed in today’s fast-paced economy. Applicants must be between 15 and 29 years old and returning to school in the fall of 2025.

Six successful applicants through the program receive expert mentoring, valuable resources and financial support. This includes a grant of up to $3,000 to kickstart their small business. The program provides an unparalleled opportunity for participants to build critical entrepreneurial skills while running their businesses during the summer months according to Devon Girard, CFP’s executive director.

“This program is about empowering young people with the confidence, resources, and connections they need to turn their ideas into reality,” she said. “The support provided ensures participants are equipped with the tools to succeed and create a strong foundation for their future.”

The program offers a small, close-knit group of students the chance to receive personalized, one-on-one guidance and mentorship from an experienced advisor with extensive expertise in the entrepreneurial space.

“This is an exciting opportunity for young people to explore entrepreneurship at an early stage,” said Rose Terry, BAC manager. “By giving students the tools, funding, and mentorship they need to create their own jobs, we’re not just helping them succeed for one summer—we’re empowering them to have the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable career path.   Many participants catch the ‘entrepreneurship bug’ and go on to become business leaders and changemakers in their communities. It’s amazing to see how this program sparks creativity in young minds.”

Full program details and application forms are available online.

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Peterborough Petes to Wear Jersey Contest Winning Design For Wednesday's Game

The Petes are wearing specialty jerseys as a part of the Real Canadian Superstore Jersey Design Contest for their game against Brampton Steelheads at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

Julien Thiffault designed this year’s winning jersey and features maroon, black and grey with a white Petes logo. He will drop the puck before the game and receive a jersey signed by the Peterborough Petes players.

The game jerseys are available for purchase through an online auction. Fans can place bids by clicking here. All proceeds from the jersey auction support the President’s Choice Children’s Charity. To date, this contest has raised over $600,000 to help the charity on its mission to help feed one million kids annually.

The game can be seen for free on CHL TV as a part of the CHL Jersey Design Contest ‘freeviews.’ All 31 jersey contest games are available as “freeviews” on CHL TV.

Puck drop for the game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Photos: Memoirs of Media Personality "Sunshine Sean" Released In Book Signing

Memoirs of one of Peterborough’s longtime media personalities, Sean Eyre, have been documented in author Bob Cottrell’s new read, ‘Sunshine Sean — The Life, and Times of Sean Eyre’ during a book signing at Rubidge Retirement Residence on Monday afternoon.

Cottrell (left) puts his John Hancock as Eyre (middle) has some laughs with a fan during the book signing. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The book features 90 pages, with 46 chapters encapsulating the 85-year-old’s life. It features stories of his arrival in Peterborough from Timmins to be CHEX TV’s weatherman in 1960, named Peterborough’s official town crier, his induction to the Pathway of Fame induction in 2023 and more. Candace Drover of Silverstreak Creative Design created and rendered the book cover.

Several dignitaries were out to congratulate Erye and Bottrell, including J. Murray Jones, former Peterborough County Warden; Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden; Daryl Bennett, former Peterborough Mayor; Michelle Ferreri, Peterborough-Kawartha MP and Mayor Jeff Leal.

Peterborough County awarded the duo with certificates of recognition at the start of the event.

A tribute song entitled ‘Sunshine Sean’ was played at the event, sung by Peterborough’s Washboard Hank, who was also in attendance.

Eyre was coined ‘Sunshine Sean’ as a reference to his CHEX TV career as a broadcaster and on-air personality.

He left CHEX in 1976 to form Eyreline Productions with Franks. He also had stints with 910 CKLY in Lindsay in 1992; CKQM Country 105 in Peterborough hit the airwaves on several Trent Radio programs.

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City of Peterborough Gets Green In Flag-Raising Ceremony to Commemorate Irish Heritage Week In Bi-Centennial Anniversary

It is ‘Top o’ the Mornin’ and 200 years for Peterborough as the City kicked off Irish Heritage Week with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall on Monday morning.

Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden; Shelley Ryan, Canadian Irish Club president; Brendan Moher, Peterborough Canadian Irish Club and Jeff Leal, Peterborough Mayor prior to the flag raising of Ireland to kick off Irish Heritage Week. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Members of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club, residents and dignitaries were present to kick off Irish Heritage Week, as declared by Mayor Jeff Leal for Peterborough.

This year marks several milestones for Peterborough and Irish Heritage. 2025 marks the 200th year that politician Peter Robinson administered the passage and settlement of Irish Catholic families into Scott’s Plains, now known as Peterborough.

“Irish people have are responsible for the names of all these communites in this area, (aside from) First Nations; they are here to be respected as well,” said Brendan Moher of the Peterborough Canadian Irish Club. “A lot of these communities bear the names of Irish people and it is fitting that we honour that legacy and all the people that have come out of this area. ”

@ptbo_canada The City of Peterborough has raised the Irish flag to commemorate and mark Irish Heritage Week in Peterborough. 2025 marks the 200th year that politician Peter Robinson administered the passage and settlement of Irish Catholic families into Scott’s Plains, now known as Peterborough. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist #news #fyp #stpatricksday ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Sunday is the 25th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at City Hall and running through George Street until the Peterborough Memorial Centre. This year's parade grand marshall is actor M. John Kennedy playing the role of Peter Robinson.

“There are an awful lot of people in this area that lay claim to Irish heritage,” explained Moher. “Of course, on St. Patrick's Day, everybody lays claims to Irish heritage so we'll be expecting a big increase in the next week.”

This year is also the 175th anniversary of Peterborough's founding, including the Peterborough Police Force. Moher says Robinson would be proud to see what Peterborough has become after all these years.

“People from Ireland continue to come here because of those connections and settle still to this day because of the roots that were laid down,” he said. “It causes growth in the community, comically there will be growth this summer as well because of Irish people coming from Ireland to take part in these bicentennial celebrations.”

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YWCA Opens Applications For Bursary For Women Who Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence

YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Education Awards Committee has opened applications for its 2025 Hazel Education Bursary.

Photo courtesy of the YWCA.

It is intended to help women who have experienced gender-based violence reach their goals through education or training

The bursaries offer amounts between $1,500 and $2,500 to eligible applicants.

The following are the bursary requirements:

• Have experienced barriers related to the impact of violence and abuse

• Have a dream to strengthen their economic security

• Are a resident of Peterborough or Haliburton County

• Seek to further their formal or informal education or develop skills.

Applications are due on May 1.

The bursary is named Hazel, known as a consumer, advisor and volunteer of several community services. She passed away in 1996 after a long struggle with breast cancer.

Since 1998, the YWCA has honoured Hazel’s vision of helping women pursue their dreams and overcoming barriers related to their experiences of violence and abuse.

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Lansdowne Place Bringing March Break Family Fun With Free Activities

Lansdowne Place is making March Break fun with a slew of free activities for the family throughout the week, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Lansdowne Place.

The mall hosts a series of free events for kids of all ages that range from martial arts, meeting the Peterborough Petes, building workshops and more.

Schedule:

• Monday: Watch and Learn the Art of Judo with the Peterborough Hatashita Judo Club, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Tuesday: Enjoy Fitness and Move to the Music with Planet Fitness, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Wednesday: Meet the Players and Their Mascot and challenge someone to a ministicks game with the Peterborough Petes, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Thursday: Build Amazing Lego Creations with Creative Club, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Friday: Check Out The Eyrie Birds of Prey, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Home Depot will be on-site, hosting build-it workshops for kids aged five to 12 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. These hands-on workshops will take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Local Advantage, Lakefield ReStore, Smarketing PTBO and Swish

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…

Are you looking to get the local advantage for your business?

The County’s The Local Advantage series is heading to Havelock on March 24 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Havelock Town Hall at 1 Mathison St. W.

This monthly drop-in series gives you access to experts in economic development, tourism, and organizations like Community Futures and the Chamber of Commerce. You can get advice and guidance for your business needs, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and get the tools you need for your business to grow and thrive. Find out more at ptbocounty.ca.

The Lakefield ReStore is now open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., making it the only ReStore in the region open for Sunday shopping.

The store is transforming into a boutique-style shopping experience featuring antiques, vintage treasures, and unique finds. Every purchase and donation supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable homes in our community. Drop by 3001 Lakefield Rd. to shop, donate and make a difference.

Looking to improve your social media skills?

Smarketing PTBO is collaborating with Peterborough Business Hub to offer a new series of social media workshops. Each workshop includes a section on Canva for beginners, which will guide you through the essential tools of this powerful design platform including how to create eye-catching graphics that captivate your audience. The second part of the workshop focuses on putting the skills to work by creating a month’s worth of tailored social media content. Find out more at smarketingptbo.ca.

Swish is a great local success story.

It opened right here in Peterborough in 1956 by Walter Ambler. It’s a family-owned and operated business with 13 locations, 250 employees, and services more than 10,000 customers across Canada. Swish makes a diverse range of cleaning products for your home and business with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Drop by their Clean-it Centre at 2060 Fisher Dr. or shop online at swish.ca.

Given everything going on right now with our neighbours to the south, Wiebe is going to use the Business Beat for the next while to promote businesses making products locally here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

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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City of Peterborough Releases List of Activities For March Break

The City of Peterborough’s Recreation and Parks Services division is hosting various events encouraging residents to stay active and spend time with friends and family during March Break.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

Michelle Ferreri, Peterborough-Kawartha MP. is hosting free public swimming at the Sport and Wellness Centre on Friday, from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

“Peterborough—Kawartha is built on strong families and an incredible sense of community. That’s why I’m thrilled to invite everyone to the 3rd Annual March Break Family Fun Swim,” said Ferreri. “This free swim is a great way to kick off March Break while staying active and enjoying time together at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre. Events like this bring us closer as a community, and I’m so proud to host this fun-filled evening for families across our riding. There’s no registration, no cost—just bring your swimsuits, smiles, and energy. I look forward to seeing you and your family there.”

A free public skate takes place at the Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W., from noon to 1:50 p.m. on the CHE Pad on Thursday thanks to World’s Finest Chocolate.

“World’s Finest Chocolate is proud to sponsor a free Community Skate at the Miskin Law Community Complex, where we're bringing the community together over the March Break with free hot chocolate, delicious chocolate samples, and fun on the ice,” said Jennifer King, Director, Canadian Business, World’s Finest Chocolate. “While our Campbellford Outlet may be closed, our fundraising business is stronger than ever, helping schools, teams, and community groups raise the important funds they need.”

Other March Break activities are as follows:

Public Skating at the Miskin Law Community Complex

Cost $5.25/person

• Monday, March 10, 11 a.m. – 12:50 p.m., CHE Pad

• Tuesday, March 11, noon – 1:50 p.m., CHE Pad

• Thursday, March 13, noon – 1:50 p.m. CHE Pad – Free Skate sponsored by World’s Finest Chocolate

• Friday, March 14, 11 a.m. – 12:50 p.m., CHE Pad

• Saturday, March 15, Family Skate, 9 a.m. – 9:50 a.m., Family Stick and Puck 10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.

• Sunday March 16, Public Skating, 3 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.

Swimming at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre

 Cost $5.25/person

• Monday, March 10 to Friday March 14, 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 12, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Friday, March 14, 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

• Saturday, March 8 and 15, and Sunday, March 9 and 16, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre hosts drop-in sports from Monday, March 10 to Friday, March 14. Cost is $5.25 per person.

• Pickleball, 6:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

• Basketball, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

There are still spaces left in the March Break Camp at the Sport and Wellness Centre. Geared toward children between the ages of four and 11, the camp provides a full day of activities including swimming, games and crafts. Registration for the event can be done online.

Registration for the City’s spring and summer swimming (spring session only), recreational and sport programs opens at 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, for Sport and Wellness Centre members and at 7 a.m. Wednesday, March 19 for members of the public.

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Peterborough Man Arrested From Lansdowne Place Bomb Threat On Feb. 19

A 21-year-old Peterborough man has been arrested for false information and public mischief after making a bomb threat at Lansdowne Place Mall on Feb. 19, reported Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The threat resulted in the mall being evacuated and shut down for the day while police investigated the validity of the threat. York Regional Police Service Bomb Squad members were called to investigate the matter. This included a bomb-sniffing police dog checking the property and clearing it as safe. 

Peterborough Police Service Major Crime Unit identified a suspect and took them into custody without incident on Thursday.

“This event caused a lot of disruption in our community, not to mention the impact on local businesses,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “These types of incidents strike at the core of safety in our public spaces, and we take them seriously. For our officers, in the Major Crime Unit, to quickly identify and secure an arrest in this case within weeks of this incident, is outstanding.”

The suspect was arrested and charged with:

• False Information

• Public Mischief

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on April 15.

“I am grateful to the members of the public for evacuating safely, and the patience of the community as a search was completed,” said Betts. “I also extend my thanks to our policing partners from York Regional Police, who supported us that day, with their explosive detection canine, as well as the management at Lansdowne Place for their cooperation throughout the investigation.” 

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Last-Second Heroics Gives the Peterborough Petes a 4-3 Win Over the Ottawa 67's

The Peterborough Petes came through in the clutch as they scored in the dying seconds of the game to defeat the Ottawa 67’s 4-3, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The Petes were without head coach Rob Wilson who was serving a five-game suspension after a bench altercation from Sunday’s game against the Erie Otters.

Peterborough opened the scoring exactly five minutes into the game as Brody Partridge banged in a rebound off a loose puck for a 1-0 score. That remained the only goal of the period.

The Petes doubled their lead as Ottawa mishandled the puck in their own zone. Partridge corraled the loose puck, circled the net, fired and it was tipped by Brennan Faulker for a 2-0 lead just 28 seconds into the period. Ottawa answered two minutes later as Chris Barlas off a one-time to cut the deficit in half.

Early in the third, Ottawa looked to tie things up as they were on the power play but Petes captain Johnathan Melee had other ideas. He intercepted a pass in the offensive zone and rifled it top shelf from the high slot for a 3-1 lead. Ottawa would not go down easily as Barlas scored a second time, followed up by a Filip Ekberg goal with under six minutes in regulation to tie the game at three.

With just over 10 seconds left in regulation, the Petes were looking for one last push. They won a faceoff in their own zone where Aiden Young got the puck and passed it to Genc Ula at the point. He took a fadeaway wrist shot that managed to find its way through traffic. It found its back of the net for a 4-3 lead in the dying seconds of the game and the Petes escaped with a win.

Both teams meet again on Saturday, this time in the nation’s capital at TD Place at 3 p.m.

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