Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Holiday Night Market, Kawartha Home and Health Care, Living Local Marketplace and Community Futures Peterborough

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…

There’s a Holiday Night Market in the works.

As part of the First Friday series, this one will be on Dec. 5 in the Bankers Commons Courtyard off Water Street. It will be a cozy evening of hot beverages, food, live music, handmade art, and some of Peterborough’s most creative vendors. The event is presented by First Friday Peterborough, The Neighbourhood Vintage, the DBIA and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough.

Kawartha Home and Health Care Services have a new location at 347 Pido Rd. in Unit 17.

They provide compassionate and professional home healthcare tailored to meet the needs of local individuals and families. Locally owned and operated for a decade, they take pride in enhancing the quality of life for their clients with personalized care that ensures safety and comfort at home.

Living Local Marketplace is temporarily moving to a new holiday home at Horlings Garden Centre, located at 3056 Lakefield Rd.

This new space offers room for things like a full range of ready-to-gift baskets, a bright corporate gifting studio, and more space to sip, shop and celebrate. They will be back at their Chemong and Milroy location after Christmas.

Community Futures is launching Entrepreneurship 101: County Edition, a hands-on workshop series.

It will kick off Jan. 21 with Ideation and Business Planning with Allison Adam, followed by Marketing and Branding with Rose Terry on Feb. 4, and concluding with Funding and Cash Flow with Braden Clark on Feb. 18. The workshops are free, but space is limited. Sign up at communityfuturespeterborough.ca.

As Joel Wiebe’s last Business Beat, he leaves us these words:

“I have really enjoyed doing the Business Beat for the last two years, but it is time for me to move on. Stu Harrison left some big shoes to fill writing this column every week for the previous 22 years. I know Brenda Whitehead and the team at the Chamber are going to do a great job with the Business Beat moving forward. I’d like to thank the media partners that have given us free space to run this column every week to promote what’s happening in our local business community. I love working with local businesses who do so much to create the fabric of our community with delicious treats, creative services, and some really unique products. And thanks to all the readers and viewers and all your feedback over the last couple years. Farewell!”

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Photos: AON Inc.'s Long-Term Care Home Station Place's Celebrates Grand Opening In Havelock

AON Inc.’s Station Place long-term care home is officially operating, as they hosted their grand opening in Havelock on Friday afternoon.

Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and Jim Martin, Havelock Mayor were part of several dignitaries that came out to speak and celebrate the event.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed to mark the occasion. Tours of the facility were given to the public following the event.

@ptbo_canada AON Inc’s Station Place long-term care home in Havelock had its official grand opening. The home has a capacity of 128 beds in its 86,355 sq ft building. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #havelock ♬ Party - DJ EV

The building had its groundbreaking Aug. 9, 2023. The project was to be completed by September this year but it was completed within its budget and ahead of schedule in the summer.

It features dining, activity areas, lounges and access to outdoor spaces, accommodating 128 beds.

The long-term care home was part of the provincial government’s $6.4 billion commitment to build more than 30,000 new beds by 2028, along with 28,000 upgraded long-term care beds across the province.

The site is approximately 86,355 sq ft. and is located at 628 Old Norwood Rd. in Havelock. AON won the bid to build the long-term care home on Feb 17, 2022.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Man Who Sprinted Onto Field From Last Blue Jays World Series Win Draws Parallels to This Year's Run

Peterborough’s Mark Astrom ran onto the field to celebrate with the Toronto Blue Jays after Joe Carter hit a walk-off home run to win their last World Series in 1993.

Those memories remain vivid 32 years later, especially after Blue Jays outfielder George Springer hit a three-run home run in Game Seven to get Toronto to this year’s World Series from Monday night.

Astrom points to himself 32 years ago when he joined the Blue Jays celebrating Joe Carter’s home run in 1993. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Pitch by pitch, I was an absolute disaster leading up to that. I was pretty nervous, invested and pretty much in the game with the team,” explained Astrom. “I wanted to see them get there for the first time in 32 years. When that went out, everyone in our house got out of their seats and celebrated with them.”

The Blue Jays have had momentous home runs throughout their franchise, including Carter’s walk-off World Series home run in 1993 and José Bautista’s bat-flip home run in the 2015 American League Division Series. Astrom says Springer’s home run brings back familiar feelings.

“The sequence of his at-bat and even his reaction along the first-base line of jumping up and down was actually similar to Joe Carter's so that was a neat parallel.”

When Carter hit the home run, Astrom was around the tenth row behind the dugout. He jumped over the dugout, raced to home plate and started celebrating with the team.

“It was a matter of celebration, positivity and being a huge fan obviously,” explained Astom. “I remember (Roberto) Alomar's hand was on my back, my back on (Rickey) Henderson's back and we were just making space for him (Carter) to come down to home plate and just celebrated. It was an incredible moment in Toronto sports history.”

Since Monday, Peterborough has seemingly developed ‘Blue Jays Fever’ where businesses, organizations and communities are rallying behind the Blue Jays for another World Series win. Several places are decorated in Blue Jays decorations, team apparel is being worn in workplaces and restaurants feature menu specials revolving around the Blue Jays’ success this season.

Astrom says that moments like these in sports unite the community and create a positive epidemic.

“The beauty of live sports is for something as huge as the Blue Jays being back in the World Series in 32 years, it's going to bring together because they're going to be focused on what's on television or wherever they're watching it; but everyone's watching it live at the same and it's a beautiful thing.”

The Blue Jays start the World Series final against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game One at the Rogers Centre on Friday at 8 p.m.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Man Wanted On Warrants Arrested and Charge With Drug Trafficking

A 43-year-old Peterborough man wanted on warrants is now facing additional charges including drug trafficking, reported on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 12:40 p.m., officers on bike patrol in the Bethune Street and Brock Street area spotted the man and took him into custody on the strength of the warrants. During a search after arrest, officers located a quantity of drugs in a backpack. 

They seized:

  • 37.7 grams of Cocaine

  • 7.6 grams of Fentanyl

  • 10 Hydromorphone pills

  • Scales

The man was also charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Other Drugs (Fentanyl)

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Other Drugs (Cocaine)

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking- Other Drugs (Hydromorphone)

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Friday.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Toronto Blue Jays Watch Parties To Be Held at Quaker Foods City Square Starting Saturday

The City of Peterborough is cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays with a World Series watch party at the Quaker Foods City Square starting on Saturday and for the duration of the postseason.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Events on Saturday will take place rain or shine with a live stream of the game beginning at 8 p.m., following Halloween in the Booro festivities already planned throughout downtown Peterborough. The World Series Watch Party is being organized by the Peterborough DBIA, with the City of Peterborough providing financial support for the screen, sound and servicing to the Park. 

“Downtown Peterborough is at its best when people come together to celebrate and connect,” said Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA executive director. “We're thrilled to partner with the City of Peterborough to host these community watch parties for the Toronto Blue Jays as they advance to the World Series. This is a wonderful example of how downtown can serve as a place where people come together to share in special moments of excitement, pride and celebration.”

The public square on Charlotte Street will feature a mega screen live-streaming the game as the Toronto Blue Jays compete against the Los Angeles Dodgers for the World Series Championship. Snacks, vendors, and a ‘The Boro’ merchandise booth will be available. Free parking is available after 6 p.m. along the street and in the adjacent King Street Parkade.

“We’re looking forward to joining communities across Canada in cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays in a proudly Peterborough way – surrounded by community in downtown’s Quaker Foods City Square,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “I encourage community members and visitors to don their blue and white and mark this historic sports moment as we watch the Jays compete to become World Series Champions.”

Fans are asked to bring their own chairs, blankets and dress for the weather. All attendees are encouraged to wear their blue and white and/or or Blue Jays apparel while cheering for the team.

World Series Watch Parties are planned at the Quaker Foods City Square for Game 3 on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28. Additional watch parties are scheduled for games five to seven, depending on the results of the first four games.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Petes Nab Point In Overtime Road Loss to North Bay Battalion

The Peterborough Petes mustered a point in their 5-4 overtime road loss to the North Bay Battalion at the Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens on Thursday night.

The Petes are fourth in the East Division with a 5-5-1-1 record. Photo courtesy of KTom Martineau and the North Bay Battalion.

North Bay jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 8:13 of the game, putting the Petes in an early deficit. Brody Partridge got Peterborough on the board 30 seconds later, squeezing the puck through Battalion goaltender Jack Lisson’s five-hole for a 2-1 game. Peterborough struck again just under six minutes later as Adam Levac scored on a one-timer tip-in shot from point-blank range for a tie game. Just under two-and-a-half minutes later, Peterborough was on the power play. Matthew Soto had his first shot stopped but pounced on his own rebound and buried it for a 3-2 lead to close out the first period.

North Bay opened the scoring six minutes into the second period as Kent Greer ripped a wrist shot from the slot to tie the game at three. Peterborough regained the lead after a mad scramble from in front of the North Bay net gave the Petes the puck. Brennan Faulker shot it from a wide angle and it found the back of the net for a 4-3 Peterborough lead. Just over ten minutes later, North Bay tied it up from a Bronson Ride point shot that found the back of the net, tying the game.

With no scores in the third period, the game went to overtime. Parker Vaughan was looking for his second goal for North Bay as he drove the net and seemingly scored. It was originally waived off due to goaltender interference. The officials reviewed the play and awarded the goal and North Bay walked off with a 5-4 overtime win over the Petes.

There is little rest for the Petes as they continue their road trip to Sault Ste. Marie to face the Soo Greyhounds. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:07 p.m. at GFL Memorial Gardens.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Bringing Top Youth Hockey to Town As Host of 2016 OMHA Championships

Peterborough has been named the host of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA)’s 2026 U16 and U18 AAA Championships on March 13 to 15 at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U16 PETERBOROUGH PETES.

These high-level competitions are significant events leading up to the TELUS Cup, which takes place from April 20 to 26 and is also hosted by Peterborough.

Roughly 300 athletes from 16 teams and hundreds of supporters are expected to be drawn to the community.

“Hockey is woven into the fabric of our community, and events like the OMHA Championships remind us why Peterborough has earned its place among Canada’s great hockey cities,” said Peterborough City Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk, Community Services co-chairs. “These Championships celebrate hockey at its highest level of competition, but also it’s a celebration of our local rinks, our volunteers, and the generations of players who have grown up dreaming of moments like this. We’re thrilled to welcome athletes, families, and fans to Peterborough to share this moment.”

According to the City, Peterborough Tourism has been working closely with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association to bring the U16 and U18 AAA championships to the Miskin Law Community Complex. The City says this is the latest sports tourism win for the community, alongside the 2025 Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship, the 2025 Women’s Major Series Lacrosse Championships and the TELUS Cup.

“This weekend will be an unforgettable experience that brings teams and players from across the province in thrilling competition,” said Ian Taylor, OMHA Executive Director. “Good luck to all teams this season and see you soon on the Road to #RedHats in Peterborough.”


This tournament is an important milestone for competitive athletes as Peterborough prepares to host the TELUS Cup. The OMHA U18 AAA champion advances to the Ontario Hockey Federation Tournament, and the winner there earns a spot at the TELUS Cup. U16 AAA champions move on to the OHL Cup.

The TELUS Cup will take place April 20-26, 2026, at the Peterborough Memorial Centre and will see six elite men’s U18 teams from across Canada, including the host Peterborough Minor Petes, making their national championship debut, to compete for the national title.

As the countdown to a spring filled with hockey highlights, the community will be rallying behind the hometown Peterborough Petes and other hockey players while preparing to welcome visitors from across Canada to explore the city.

For updates on tournament schedules, ticket sales, and volunteer opportunities, visit HelloPeterborough.ca or follow Peterborough Tourism on Facebook and Instagram.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Police Seeking Missing 10-Year Old Girl Last Seen at Jackson Park

UPDATED: 11:19 a.m. 24/10/25

Eliza has been found as of Thursday evening.

The Peterborough Police is asking the public’s help in locating missing 10-year-old Eliza, who was last seen near Jackson Park, reported on Thursday evening.

Eliza is described as:

  • Female

  • White

  • Blonde curly hair

  • Wearing glasses and a blue two-tone sweater

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Lakefield's Queen Street to Reopen Friday Morning Following Structure Fire Damage

The Township of Selwyn expects to reopen Queen Street in Lakefield on Friday at 8 a.m., announced on Thursday evening.

Photo courtesy of Selwyn Township.

Following the progress in demolishing the fire-affected structures, the contractor has confirmed that work can safely continue without needing Queen Street to remain closed.

The demolition site remains fenced off while work is completed and the lots are backfilled to create a level, safe site. The sidewalk in front of the affected area will remain closed.

To facilitate safe pedestrian movement, the on-street parking spaces directly in front of the site will be converted into a temporary pedestrian walkway, providing a continuous route to the intersection and nearby businesses on this side of the street. 

Burnham Street, including the sidewalk, between Queen Street and Charlotte Street, will remain closed as demolition activities continue in the area. However, there will be access from the Charlotte/Burnham Street intersection to the parking area adjacent to Divine Craft.

Two streetlights on Queen Street immediately adjacent to the affected buildings were removed during firefighting operations to protect the lighting heads. These will be reinstalled once the demolition is complete.

“Reopening Queen Street represents a positive milestone for our community,” said Mayor Sherry Senis. “Although the streetscape will look very different for some time, we are encouraged by the resilience and spirit that Lakefield continues to demonstrate. We urge residents and visitors to support our local businesses and enjoy the warmth and hospitality that make Lakefield so special.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Peterborough Hockey Association to Continue Annual Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament In 2027

A cherished tradition will continue after all, as the Peterborough Hockey Association (PHA) will host the Annual Liftlock U11 Hockey Tournament for 2027, announced on Wednesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The decision came after close collaboration with the City of Peterborough.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the current and past volunteers and board members of the Liftlock Atom Tournament for their many years of dedication, which have sustained this cherished event,” according to a statement made in a press release.

The original tournament organizers announced that the 66th edition would be the last back in late July due to a lack of volunteers and the shifting landscape of minor hockey.

The past organizers stated that “finding and retaining enough individuals to manage the extensive logistics, from scheduling to arena operations, has become increasingly difficult.”

They also mentioned that “changes within the broader minor hockey landscape may have also contributed to the challenges faced by the Peterborough Liftlock Atom Tournament.”

Eighty-seven alumni participated in the tournament and went on to play in the National Hockey League.

They include:

  • Wayne Gretzky - The Great One and was one of hockey’s greatest goal scorers

  • Eric Lindros - NHL MVP

  • Bob Gainey - Multiple Stanley Cup winner and successful coach

  • Corey Perry - Hometown Stanley Cup champion with the Anaheim Ducks

  • Steve Larmer - An ‘iron man’ forward who played 884 consecutive games for the Chicago Blackhawks

  • John Vanbiesbrouck - Stanley Cup goaltender and finalist

  • Tie Domi - Renowned Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer

  • Mickey Redmond - Montréal Canadiens forward and Detroit Red Wings colour commentator

  • Cory Stillman - A two-time Stanley Cup champion

  • Mike Fisher - An 18-season NHL veteran

“Their connection to this tournament highlights its role in developing young talent, and the legacy we build upon,” PHA stated.

The 2026 edition is being held from Jan. 9-11.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.