Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring REIF Funding, New Coworking Launch, and Anchor Gear's Boat Show Triumph

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…

Welcome to the latest edition of Business Beat, your go-to roundup of exciting developments shaping the Peterborough and Kawarthas business landscape. Fresh ideas take root as the long-awaited warm weather arrives, especially those that drive positive environmental change.

Nurturing Green Innovation: Apply to the Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF) before April 2

A standout opportunity is blooming right now through the Rotary Environmental Innovators Fund (REIF), a collaborative initiative from the Rotary Clubs of Peterborough, Peterborough-Kawartha, and Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield. This fund empowers students, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community leaders by offering funding (grants up to several thousand dollars in past cycles), mentorship, and increased visibility for projects that deliver innovative, measurable solutions to environmental challenges.

Whether you're developing cleantech, sustainable practices, or local eco-initiatives that benefit our region and beyond, REIF is designed to help your vision grow. Applications are open now, but the time is short—the deadline is April 2, 2026. Winners will be celebrated at an upcoming reception. Learn more and apply today on the official site: https://peterboroughrotary.ca/page/environmental-innovation-project

As environmental ideas grow, we are also excited about the growth of a new infrastructure to support business growth.

A Fresh Hub for Collaboration: Focus Business Lounge Grand Opening on April 7

Excitement is building for the grand opening of the Focus Business Lounge, presented by Aim & Focus Business Solutions. This modern coworking space is set to become a dynamic hub for entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses seeking collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

Mark your calendars: the official grand opening is scheduled for April 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Located at B-785 The Kingsway, Peterborough (near Lansdowne Mall). Expect a welcoming environment complete with day office rentals, hourly options, creative stations, mailbox services, and more—perfect for networking and productivity in the heart of the city.

The Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce will be attending to join in the ribbon-cutting festivities, highlighting the event as a key boost to local business development.

Ready to explore this new beginning? You're invited to reach out directly via email at aimnfocus@gmail.com or visit their website for full details and updates: aimnfocus.com.

The entrepreneurial scene in our community continues to make waves—both figuratively and literally.

Riding the Wave: Anchor Gear Co. Shines at the 2026 Toronto International Boat Show

Closer to home in the Kawarthas, Anchor Gear Co.—the premier nautical lifestyle brand based at 46 Fire Route 82 in Buckhorn-turned triumphant at the 2026 Toronto International Boat Show (TIBS), North America's largest indoor boat show. The event attracted thousands of boating enthusiasts and featured over 500 exhibitors displaying boats, gear, accessories, and innovations.

Owner and operator Amanda Fydirchuk reported an electric atmosphere, with meaningful connections being forged among boaters and businesses from across Ontario. Anchor Gear Co.'s presence not only showcased premium, Canadian-made apparel designed for life on and off the water but also proudly put the Peterborough-Kawarthas region in the spotlight.

Celebrate this local success and gear up with their collection. Visit anchorgearco.com to browse boating-inspired apparel built for adventure.

Our business community is characterized by creativity, resilience, and forward momentum. Spring is truly a season of growth and we can’t wait to see what happens next.

Have a business milestone, upcoming event, or community initiative you'd like to share? We'd love to feature it in the next Business Beat. Drop us the details at businessbeatptbo@gmail.com.

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Mayor Jeff Leal Helps Deliver Meals to Seniors For Community Care Peterborough's Meals On Wheels Program During 'March For Meals'

To highlight Community Care Peterborough’s (CCP) work and the growing need for its services, they partnered with Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal to deliver hot food through the Meals on Wheels program on Monday morning.

Mayor Jeff Leal (left) going over the newly delivered meal to CCP client, Jane (Right). This meal was prepared by Maple Ridge Retirement Services and consisted of Shepherd’s Pie with mixed veggies, a roll, soup, salad and fruit tart. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Each March, Meals on Wheels providers across the province participate in a month-long initiative called ‘March for Meals.’

Part of the campaign involves inviting local mayors and other prominent community members to deliver meals to seniors and people with disabilities while raising awareness of the program.

“The meals are a big help and I really enjoy the variety,” said Jane, a Meals on Wheels client.

(From left to right) Meals on Wheels Volunteers Jim and Bob; Mayor Jeff Leal; Danielle Belair, CCP CEO and Brenda Twaddell, CCP coordinator of Meals on Wheels and grocery services. Community Care Peterborough also offers a Meals on Wheels subsidy program for clients in need of financial assistance. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Mobility challenges, health conditions, and transportation barriers can make shopping and preparing meals challenging for many seniors and adults with disabilities.

Last year, Community Care Peterborough delivered over 50,000 meals to clients. Over three million meals are delivered annually by Meals on Wheels agencies across Ontario, serving more than 60,000 individuals. The demand for Meals on Wheels continues to grow, according to Danielle Belair, CCP CEO.

“The services we provide to clients in the City and County of Peterborough are critical and the demand is continuing to increase,” she said. “Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”

@ptbo_canada To highlight Community Care Peterborough’s work and the growing need for its services, they partnered with Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal to deliver hot food through the Meals on Wheels program. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #mealsonwheels ♬ Cooking Time - Lux-Inspira

March for Meals encourages members of the public to volunteer to deliver meals in their communities.

“Our volunteers are the heart of this program,” said Brenda Twaddell, CCP coordinator of Meals on Wheels and grocery services. “The program is so much more than a meal – it’s a social visit and a safety check by a dedicated volunteer. It really is neighbours helping neighbours. The need for this program is growing and we would love to welcome more volunteers to help make these important deliveries.”

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City of Peterborough Asking For Community Input As 10‑Year Housing and Homelessness Plan Sees Revisions

Residents are invited to help shape the future of housing and homelessness services by sharing their input and experiences as the City of Peterborough updates its 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan. 

file photo.

The Housing and Homelessness Plan is a long-term strategy that guides how housing and homelessness services are delivered locally.  

First established in 2014 as a provincial requirement, it was built through extensive community input, including people with lived experience, housing providers and local service organizations. A five-year review in 2019 reaffirmed the need for sustained, coordinated action to reduce homelessness. 

An updated Housing and Homelessness Plan is being developed to guide actions from 2027 to 2036.  

The updated Plan will focus on improving housing affordability, expanding supportive and transitional housing options, strengthening homelessness prevention and enhancing collaboration across all levels of government, Indigenous partners and community organizations. It will also align with future provincial and federal funding opportunities.  

“Housing and homelessness affect people across our entire community, and meaningful solutions depend on hearing from those with a range of experiences and perspectives. Whether you have lived experience, work in the sector, or are concerned about housing in Peterborough, your input is important,” said Community Services (Homelessness) co-Chairs Alex Bierk and Keith Riel. “We encourage residents to share their feedback and help shape a plan that reflects the needs, challenges and priorities of our community.” 

Feedback collected through this process will directly inform the draft Plan before it is presented to City and County Council.

Visit the website to provide input and learn more about the Housing and Homelessness Plan. The survey closes on April 10. 

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Trent University Welcomed Future Students to Explore Scholarships, Academic Programs and Student Life at Open House Event

Trent University welcomed prospective students to its Open House event on Friday, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about renewable entrance scholarships, paid co-op programs, research opportunities and student life.

Visitors had the opportunity to connect directly with faculty, staff and current students to explore academic programs, hands‑on learning, supports and life on campus.

“Students and their supporters want to know that university will open doors; academically, financially and professionally,” says Marilyn Burns, Vice President of Communications and Enrolment. “Trent’s investments in renewable scholarships, bursaries and hands-on learning reflect our commitment to supporting students from day one through to graduation and beyond.”

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Peterborough Petes Clinch First-Round Home Ice After Weekend Win; Game One Starts Thursday Night at PMC

The Peterborough Petes clinch home ice for the first round of the playoffs after defeating the Kingston Frontenacs on Friday and put the cherry on top with a Sunday night win over the Oshawa Generals.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 38-24-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Mackenzie Dunford and the Kingston Frontenacs.

The 4-2 Friday win set up a first-round matchup against the North Bay Battalion, as Adam Levac scored an empty net goal late in the third period, putting the dagger in Kingston.

While Peterborough was only playing for Pride against the Generals, the Petes called up three players ahead of the game: Luka Gelinas, Luis Sturgeon and Brandt Rooyakkers.

Peterborough routed the Generals 7-3 after a five-goal flurry in the first period. Rooyakkers scored on his first shot to mark his first career OHL goal in his Petes debut.

The first round playoff schedule against North Bay is as follows:

  • Game 1 - Thursday, March 26 @ Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) - 7:05 p.m.

  • Game 2 - Friday, March 27 @ PMC - 7:05 p.m.

  • Game 3 - Sunday, March 29 @ Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens (BLMG) - 2:05 p.m.

  • Game 4 - Tuesday, March 31 @ BLMG - 7:05 p.m.

  • Game 5 - Thursday, April 2 @ PMC - 7:05 p.m.* - (*if necessary)

  • Game 6 - Saturday, April 4 @ BLMG - 7:05 p.m.*

  • Game 7 - Monday, April 6 @ PMC - 7:05 p.m.*

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes or the first round of the playoffs after defeating the Kingston Frontenacs on Friday and put the cherry on top with a Sunday night win over the Oshawa Generals. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

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Peterborough Man Arrested After Allegedly Hitting Partner With Phone and Choked Her While Driving

A 30-year-old Peterborough man is facing several assault charges after reportedly hitting his partner with a phone and choking her while driving during an incident on Sunday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 9 p.m., officers were called to a residence in the Highland Road and Chemong Road. They received a report from a woman who said her partner hit her with a phone and choked her while driving. While speaking with the victim, officers learned of two other incidents in which the victim was struck and prevented from leaving a room.

The man was arrested and charged with:

  • Assault - Spousal X2

  • Assault with a Weapon - Spousal

  • Assault Cause Bodily Harm - Choke, suffocate or strangle

  • Forcible Confinement

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

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Fleming College Students' Exhibition Open At Peterborough Museum & Archives

Students from Fleming College’s Museum Management and Curatorship (MMC) post-graduate program have a new temporary exhibition, ‘We Wear Many Hats,’ open at the Peterborough Museum and Archives.  

Photcourtesy of the City of Peterborough.

It explores the social and cultural significance of headwear, examining how hats subtly communicate identity, belonging, and social roles, while highlighting the evolving place of headwear in Peterborough’s history. Through objects, stories, and design, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how something as familiar as a hat can carry personal and collective meaning.

"We Wear Many Hats” is the culminating project of the MMC program, bringing together two semesters of research, planning and hands-on exhibit development.

This temporary exhibit is for all ages and is on display until June 14.

An official opening featuring speeches and refreshments takes place on April 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“It’s been such a great hands-on experience learning how to build an exhibit,” says Erin Ralph, a student enrolled in the program. “Every step of the project has been a valuable experience that I can’t wait to use in my future career.” 

Admission to the exhibit is by donation.  

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Community Members Invited To Help Shape Peterborough’s Municipal Cultural Plan

Residents, artists and community groups are invited to share their experiences and vision for the future of culture in Peterborough as the City begins developing a new Municipal Cultural Plan (MCP).

file photo.

The MCP will guide Peterborough’s cultural development over the next decade. It will identify what is working well, highlight gaps and barriers, guide future investments and partnerships and establish clear actions that will enhance the City’s cultural experience.  

The MCP will focus on three strategic areas: 

  • Public Art and Placemaking: how art, stories and creative expression shape public spaces and neighbourhoods

  • Events: how grassroots gatherings, cultural celebrations and festivals contribute to community life 

  • Cultural Tourism: how Peterborough’s culture is shared with visitors and supported year-round and integrated into the Peterborough Tourism Strategy

“Arts and culture are at the heart of what makes Peterborough a vibrant and connected community. Art shapes our public spaces, brings people together and reflects the stories and creativity of those who call this city home,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Whether you attend events, make art, volunteer or simply enjoy what our community has to offer, your perspective matters. I encourage everyone to take part in shaping the Municipal Cultural Plan.” 

Community members are encouraged to visit the website to share their ideas and participate in shaping the MCP.  

A Peterborough Culture Map allows users to “drop a pin” on locations where they have experienced culture, or where they feel culture should happen.  

Residents can also download a Community Conversation Toolkit to host a discussion within their organizations, networks or artistic groups.  

There is also a short community questionnaire focusing on culture in the City. The questionnaire takes about five to 10 minutes to complete.  

Further community consultation, including public information and drop-in sessions, will take place later in the spring. Visit the website for updates.  

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Peterborough Petes's Regular Season Home Finale Is An Overtime Win Over the Barrie Colts

The Petes’s regular-season home game finale sent the sold-out crowd home happy as they defeated the Barrie Colts, 5-4, in overtime at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night.

The Petes are third in the East Division with a 38-24-1-3 record. Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the Peterborough Petes.

The visitors struck first as Teague Vader just exited the penalty box from a holding call. He immediately got a pass and scored on the breakaway for the period’s only goal.

Peterborough tied the game while on the power play as Braydon McCallum as at the doorstep but was stopped at point-blank range. He got his own rebound and buried it for a 1-1 tie less than two minutes into the period. Barrie responded 68 seconds later to regain their lead but Peterborough hung in with a goal of their own. Aidan Young tried to corral a pass from Brennan Faulker but could not get a handle on it. However, the puck tipped off Young’s stick and into the net for a 2-2 tie game. Peterborough was a man short and Barrie capitalized with a Carter Lowe goal to regain the lead. This was the fourth goal scored within the first 5:30 of the period.

Late in the frame, Peterborough not only scored once but twice. Young scored his second goal with a tip-in on the power play as James Petrovski had his point shot unimpeded and it was a 4-3 Petes lead, their first of the game.

@ptbo_canada The @Peterborough Petes regular-season home game finale sent the sold-out crowd home happy as they defeated the Barrie Colts, 5-4, in overtime. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #sports ♬ Winning - ROKKA

Only one goal occurred in the third period and it was thanks to Eamon Edgar who scored with 3:41 left in regulation and overtime was needed to settle the game.

Keiron Walton took a shot from a high-danger area but was stopped. There was a mad scramble for the puck and Petrovski won that battle with three defenders and the goaltender surrounding him. He fed the puck back to Walton, who capitalized on an out-of-position goalie and scored the walk-off game-winner for a 5-4 Petes overtime win.

The Petes travel to Kingston for one final time this regular season to take on the Frontenacs at the Slush Puppie Place on Friday night.

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Peterborough Police Seeking Information On Racial Slur Graffiti Across Airport Road Fence

The Peterborough Police Service are investigating after an offensive racial slur was spray-painted multiple times across a 300-meter section of fence in the City of Peterborough.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

The incident occurred overnight between Thursday and 8:20 a.m. on Friday. The graffiti was painted on a fence along Airport Road, south of Sir Sanford Fleming Drive. The offensive racial slur was written nine times along a 300-meter stretch of fence.

According to Police, this incident has been identified as a hate/bias crime, as graffiti is mischief under the Criminal Code of Canada and the word makes it hate-motivated. 

“It is beyond disappointing to learn about this incident.  In fact, it is angering,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief. “We are currently in the midst of an anti-hate campaign in this City and to see something like this only highlights the need for additional education and enforcement. We believe that hate, in any form, has no place in our community and will continue to investigate. We are asking anyone who may have seen something suspicious in that area or has camera footage to come forward.”

Anyone with information, including security camera or dash cam footage, is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online.

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