Nine Free Workshops Aim to Give Peterborough Entrepreneurs Practical Tools This Fall

By Scott Arnold

Local entrepreneurs and small business owners will have nine opportunities this fall to build practical skills through Community Futures Peterborough’s Entrepreneurship 101 workshop series.

Community Futures Peterborough is launching its popular Entrepreneurship 101 workshop series this fall with an expanded lineup designed to respond directly to the needs of local entrepreneurs and small business owner (photo courtesy of community futures peterborough)

The series is returning for Fall 2026 with new and expanded content aimed at some of the areas local business owners are seeking the most help with, including testing business ideas, bookkeeping, branding, marketing and social media.

Supported by Scotiabank, the free Entrepreneurship 101 series is designed for people at different stages of running a business, from those still exploring an idea to established owners preparing for growth.

The nine one-hour workshops will be held in the Everest Boardroom at the Venture North Building, beginning September 24th and continuing through November.

The series opens with a new workshop focused on putting a business idea to the test. Market Ready: Test Your Idea and Understand Your Market, led by Allison Adam, takes place September 24th from 12pm to 1pm.

Adam will also lead Launch Pad: Business Planning and Launch Strategies on October 1st from 12pm to 1pm.

Other sessions will tackle the financial side of running a business, including Funding Fuel: Explore Funding Pathways with Braden Clark on October 8th from 1pm to 2pm and Money Map: Cash Flow Forecasting with Clark on October 15th from 1pm to 2pm.

Bookkeeping is also getting its own new session. Bookkeeping Bootcamp: Bookkeeping Basics for Your Small Biz, presented by Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory, is scheduled for October 29th from 12pm to 1pm.

Marketing and branding will take up three sessions in November. Rose Terry will lead the freshly expanded Marketing Lab: Strategic Marketing on November 5th and Brand Lab: Craft a Compelling Brand Story on November 12th, both from 12pm to 1pm.

Terry will also lead the new Digital Impact: Online Marketing, Holiday Edition on November 19th from 12pm to 1pm.

The series wraps up November 26th with Protect It: Intellectual Property for Small Biz, led by Marcelo Sarkis from 12pm to 1pm.

The expanded lineup comes as Community Futures Peterborough says its one-on-one business consultations have revealed growing demand for support in several of these areas.

For Peterborough MP Emma Harrison, providing entrepreneurs with practical resources is an important part of supporting the local economy. “By equipping entrepreneurs with practical tools and expert guidance, these workshops are helping create opportunities, foster new ideas, and ensure businesses have the support they need to thrive here in Peterborough and Peterborough County.”

Each workshop is designed to go beyond simply providing information. Participants will take part in guided activities and leave with worksheets, templates and defined next steps they can apply to their own businesses.

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith said the expanded program provides entrepreneurs with access to practical training and mentorship. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, and empowering our entrepreneurs with practical skills is essential for long-term regional growth”.

The series is supported by Scotiabank, which Community Futures Peterborough says has made its delivery and expansion possible.

“These valuable sessions are curated based on the demands of the local business community and we couldn’t be happier to help bring these learnings to our community of entrepreneurs at no cost” said Nolan Frazer, Team Lead at Scotiabank.

Registration is required, and space is limited. More information and registration are available through Community Futures Peterborough.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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City Council Approves Reduced Speed Limit and Road Improvements For Park Street North

Peterborough City Council approved reducing the speed limit and making improvements to Park Street North at its meeting on Monday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Sherbrooke Street and Wolseley Street are the affected areas, with improvements on Park Street North including changes to on-street parking, new pavement markings, and added bike lanes on a section.

For the section of Park Street North from Wolsely Street to Charlotte Street, the recommended changes include:

• Introducing bike lanes with a painted buffer

• Reducing posted speeds to 40 kilometres per hour

• Restricting on-street parking

• Improving pedestrian comfort through added separation from vehicles

For the section of Park Street North from Charlotte Street to Sherbrooke Street, the recommended direction includes:

• Maintaining on-street parking

• Pavement markings to visually designate space

• Reducing the posted speed to 30 kilometres per hour

The recommended improvements serve to enhance safety and mobility for all modes of travel along a key corridor in the city’s central area. Dedicated space for people on bikes along the corridor will gently narrow lane widths and buffer curbside pedestrian activities from moving vehicles. Vehicle flow and volumes will be maintained, while vehicle speeds will be reduced through design elements and posted speed limits.

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Dion & Dan’s Lemonade Stand Returns Friday to Raise Money for SickKids

By Scott Arnold

Brothers Dion and Dan Gemmiti are bringing Dion & Dan’s Lemonade Stand back to Westdale United Church on Friday, September 4th, with all proceeds going to SickKids.

Brothers Dion and Dan Gemmiti are ready to serve up lemonade and homemade cookies while raising money for SickKids during Dion & Dan’s Lemonade Stand on Friday, September 4th at Westdale United Church. (photo via instagram @dangemmiti)

The brothers are once again inviting the community to stop by and help support SickKids Hospital.

The fundraiser will take place from 8am to 12 noon at Westdale United Church, where organizers will be collecting donations for the hospital.

Organizers say 100% of the proceeds will go to SickKids.

This year, Dion & Dan’s Lemonade Stand can also accept corporate donations and provide tax receipts. Businesses interested in supporting the fundraiser are encouraged to reach out to the organizers.

Visitors can also look forward to homemade lemonade and cookies while helping support the hospital.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dan Gemmiti (@dangemmiti)

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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List of City Services on Labour Day 2026

Many City of Peterborough services will offer modified hours and some facilities will be closed for the Labour Day holiday on Sept 7. 

File Photo.

The City offers a variety of online services at peterborough.ca that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Art Gallery of Peterborough

Art Gallery of Peterborough, 250 Crescent St., will be closed on September 7.  For information about gallery exhibitions and programs, visit agp.on.ca 

City Hall

City Hall offices at 500 George St. N., including Service Peterborough, Building Services, the Clerk’s Office and the Provincial Offences Office, will be closed on September 7.    

Online services are available at peterborough.ca. Fine payments can be made online at peterborough.ca/POA.   

Water Services Customer Service will be closed on September 7. For water services emergencies over the holiday, including watermain breaks, leaking hydrants, low water pressure, emergency water shut-offs, water quality concerns, or rental water heater issues, call 705-748-9300. For more information visit peterborough.ca/waterservices.   

Environmental Protection Division Laboratory

The Environmental Protection Division Laboratory, 425 Kennedy Rd., will be closed on Monday, September 7. The laboratory will resume accepting water samples on Tuesday, September 8 at 8 a.m. For information on services, hours of operation and water testing, visit peterborough.ca/watertesting. 

Parking Services

Parking in City-operated parking garages, surface lots and on-street parking spaces is free on weekends and statutory holidays. The Parking Services office located in the King Street Parkade, 202 King St., will be closed on September 7. Visit peterborough.ca/parking to find more information, including parking locations. 

Peterborough Museum and Archives 

Peterborough Museum and Archives, 300 Hunter St. E., will be open noon to 5 p.m. on September 7. Information about current exhibitions is available online at peterborough.ca/museum.   

Peterborough Public Library

Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. N., will be closed on September 7.  

Library card holders can access the Miskin Law Community Complex branch, 271 Lansdowne St. W., between 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 7 by scanning their library card at the door and entering their PIN to access the library. Card holders can then browse books, pick up holds and check out items using the self check-out machines.  

Audiobooks, eBooks, eLearning and eMagazines can still be accessed by visiting ptbolibrary.ca/digitalcollections.  

Information and digital resources are available online at ptbolibrary.ca.   

Peterborough Regional Airport

Peterborough Regional Airport, 590 Skyway Dr., will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on September 7. Visit peterborough.ca/airport for more information.    

Public Works

Public Works can be reached at 705-745-1386. This line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.   

Recreation Facilities

The following recreation facilities will be closed on September 7: 

• Health Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd. 

• Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsman Way 

• McDonnel Street Community Centre, 577 McDonnel St. 

Splash Pads

Splash pads in City parks are open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The splash pad at Riverview Park and Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

As of August 30, lifeguard supervision at Beavermead Beach has ended for the season and City wading pools are closed for the season. 

Miskin Law Community Complex  

Miskin Law Community Complex, 271 Lansdowne St. W., will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 7.  

Peterborough Memorial Centre

The Peterborough Memorial Centre, 151 Lansdowne St. W., and the Grant Thornton Box Office, will be closed on September 7.   
 
Tickets for Memorial Centre events are available for purchase online at memorialcentre.ca.  

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre

Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr., will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 7.  

The Recreation Facility Booking office will be closed on September 7.

Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock

Peterborough Visitor Centre at the Lift Lock, 353 Hunter St. E., will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 7. For more information, visit ptbotourism.ca/plan.  

Riverview Park and Zoo 

The Riverview Park and Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., including on September 7.   

Guest Services/Gift Shop: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.    

Splash Pad: Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours may change due to weather and maintenance.    

Miniature Train Ride: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may change due to weather and maintenance.  

For updates and more information, visit riverviewparkandzoo.ca.  

Social Services and Child Care Centres

The Social Services office at 178 Charlotte St. will be closed on September 7. For information on Social Services, please visit peterborough.ca/SocialServices.    

Emergency shelter services remain open over the holiday. To access emergency shelter services outside of regular business hours, or on holidays, call the after-hours service at 705-926-0096.    

City-operated child care centres will be closed on September 7.   

Transit

Peterborough Transit will operate on a Sunday/Holiday service schedule on September 7. The Customer Service desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit peterborough.ca/transit for details or call Transit Customer Service at 705-745-0525.    

Waste Collection and Facilities

There are no changes to the curbside waste collection schedule on September 7.   

The City/County Landfill at 1260 Bensfort Rd. will be closed on September 7.   

The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot at 400 Pido Rd. will be closed. The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Depot’s normal operating hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

For more information on collection schedules, visit peterborough.ca/wastewizard.

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125 Years of Local Lawn Bowling Set to Be Explored During Peterborough Historical Society’s Speaker Series

By Scott Arnold

The Peterborough Historical Society’s Speaker Series returns September 15th with a look at the 125-year history of lawn bowling in Peterborough.

the peterborough lawn bowling club moved to its mcdonnel street location in 1928, where it is still located today (photo courtesy of trent valley archives)

Elwood Jones will present “125 Years of Lawn Bowling in Peterborough” on Tuesday, September 15th from 7:30 to 9pm at the Peterborough Lions Community Centre at 347 Burnham Street.

Jones will discuss his new book, Bowling on the Green: 125 Years of Lawn Bowling in Peterborough, which he co-authored with longtime Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club member Steve Russell.

The book chronicles the club’s creation in 1901, its various locations over the decades, the stories behind its moves and the people who have helped maintain the sport. It also looks at how Peterborough’s sporting scene has changed over the past 125 years and the impact those changes have had on lawn bowling.

Admission is free, with donations welcome.

The Peterborough Historical Society’s monthly speaker series is held on the third Tuesday of September, October, November, January, February, March and May. Members, guests and the general public are welcome.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Dinosaur Detective Bringing Its Final 2026 Tour Stop Home to Peterborough

By Scott Arnold

After travelling across Canada with real fossils, hands-on discoveries and plenty of dinosaur mysteries, Tim Jeffries is bringing The Dinosaur Detective back to his hometown for the final stop of the 2026 tour.

Peterborough native Tim Jeffries, known as the “Rockstar of Dinosaur Expertise,” is bringing The Dinosaur Detective to his hometown for the final stop of the 2026 tour on September 19th. (Photo courtesy of National Touring Museum)

For anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like to investigate a world that disappeared 66 million years ago, there is one more opportunity to join the case.

The National Touring Museum will bring The Dinosaur Detective to Wesley Hall at St. James United Church on Saturday, September 19th, from 2pm to 4pm. It will be the final presentation of the 2026 tour and the only remaining opportunity to experience the show in person this year.

The presentation is led by Peterborough's own Tim Jeffries, a dinosaur expert affectionately dubbed the “Rockstar of Dinosaur Expertise” by CBC Radio.

Rather than simply sitting through a traditional lecture, audience members are invited to become part of the investigation. Jeffries brings genuine fossils and specimens from the age of dinosaurs for visitors to see, touch and examine while exploring some of the biggest questions surrounding these prehistoric animals.

How did dinosaurs become the dominant species on Earth? And what ultimately led to their extinction?

Jeffries combines science, storytelling, humour and hands-on discovery as he works through those questions with the audience.

“This is not just a lecture where you sit and listen,” Jeffries explains. “The audience becomes part of the investigation. They get to examine real fossils, ask questions, and help uncover clues from a world that disappeared 66 million years ago.”

The presentation is designed for children, families, dinosaur enthusiasts and curious adults, and the hands-on approach has been a major part of the National Touring Museum's work as it has travelled to libraries, museums, schools, community halls, festivals and special events across Canada.

The 2026 tour has taken Jeffries across the country, including a four-day stop at the Rockhound Gemboree in Bancroft, where he served as the event's lecturer.

Now, after thousands of people have taken part, the tour is coming to an end in the city Jeffries calls home.

“This tour has taken me across the country and allowed me to share the incredible story of dinosaurs with thousands of people,” said Jeffries. “To finish the tour here in Peterborough, my hometown makes this event especially meaningful. It is the final opportunity to see The Dinosaur Detective before this tour comes to an end.”

The final presentation takes place at Wesley Hall at St. James United Church, 221 Romaine St., Peterborough, on September 19th from 2pm to 4pm.

For those who have ever dreamed of becoming a paleontologist, or simply want to get a closer look at the prehistoric world, this will be the final case of the 2026 Dinosaur Detective tour.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Business Recycling Collection Delayed For Sept. 2

Recycling collection for businesses on Sept. 2 has been delayed until Thursday due to mechanical issues for Emterra Environmental, announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to the City of Peterborough’s Waste Division, businesses can bring in their collection from the curb and have it set back out by 5 a.m. on Thursday.

However, businesses can also leave it out for collection the following day.

Emterra and the City thanks businesses for their understanding on the matter.

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Peterborough Man Arrested For Assault After Leaving Another Male With Non-Life-Threatening Injuries

A 23-year-old Peterborough man has been arrested and charged with assault after an incident on Tuesday night.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Service.

At roughly 10 p.m., officers were called to the area of New Romaine Street and Grady Ave for an assault. Officers arrived on scene and located a male who had suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Police determined the parties involved in the altercation knew each other.

The man was arrested and charged with:

• Assault

The victim was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for further treatment.

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to attend court on Nov. 24.

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City of Peterborough Reminds Residents to Drive Safely In School Zones With Back to School Approaching

As students head back to school, the City of Peterborough reminds everyone to keep school zones safe by following posted traffic signs, obeying the speed limit, and parking responsibly.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Building on recent safety improvements in school neighbourhoods, the City will be actively installing road safety measures around schools to support reduced speed limits and create more pedestrian-friendly spaces. The goal is to improve safety, reduce traffic conflicts, and help children get to and from school with confidence according to Mayor Jeff Leal.

“Community safety is a priority within school zones, which are some of the busiest areas on our roads,” he said. “By slowing down, following the signs and using authorized places to stop or park, drivers can help create a positive experience for students, parents, crossing guards and everyone who travels  through these neighbourhoods.”

The City’s Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will focus on ensuring drivers are aware of and follow posted parking regulations, including ‘No Stopping’ and ‘No Parking’ during busy school arrival and dismissal times.  

Drivers are also reminded to watch for school crossing guards and always follow their directions. Crossing guards help pedestrians cross busy streets safely during school arrival and dismissal periods. Drivers must stop when directed by a crossing guard and remain stopped until the crossing guard has returned to the curb and it is safe to proceed. 

Stopping or parking in restricted areas can block sightlines, create congestion and make it more difficult for children and other pedestrians to cross the street safely. Drivers are encouraged to pay close attention to posted signs and use designated areas to drop off or pick up students.

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Trent University Awarded Two Prestigious Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs

Two internationally renowned researchers, Dr. Don Lafreniere and Dr. Ryan Sullivan, are joining Trent University to tackle pressing environmental and societal challenges facing Canada, backed by a $16 million federal investment through the highly competitive Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs program.

Dr. Ryan Sullivan, chair in Environmental and Sustainable Chemistry 9left) and Dr. Don Lafreniere, chair in Community Geography (right) will return home to Canada to establish transformative research programs at Trent. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Lafreniere, chair in Community Geography and Sullivan, chair in Environmental and Sustainable Chemistry, are returning to Canada from universities in the U.S. to establish transformative research programs in the Trent School of the Environment and Department of Chemistry focused on community resilience and sustainable chemistry, respectively.

“Securing two Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the University’s research excellence and leadership,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Don and Ryan are exceptional researchers whose work reflects what Trent does so well: bringing disciplines and people together to tackle complex challenges and turn knowledge into meaningful impact. Their leadership will build on Trent’s longstanding strengths in environmental and community-based research, create new opportunities for students and faculty, and deepen the contributions Trent makes in Canada and around the world.”

The Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada program, formerly known as the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program, is part of a $1.7B federal government investment to attract top international researchers to Canada. The two incoming Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs to Trent are part of the first intake of 64 chairs coming to Canada.

Lafreniere and Sullivan each receive eight million dollars over eight years from the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs program as an investment in Canadian research talent development. According to Trent, the researchers will use the funding to build research teams of highly skilled students, post-doctoral fellows and research staff to support community collaborations that help translate their discoveries into industry, policy and public impact.

Lafreniere is a professor of geography and geographic information science (GIS) whose research uses geospatial technologies and historical data to better understand how built, natural, and social environments shape communities over time. Formerly a professor at Michigan Technological University, he is recognized for leading interdisciplinary, community-based research that addresses local challenges such as urban sustainability and health, watershed management, land use and climate change.

Lafreniere will develop a national program that employs and trains disadvantaged youth in geospatial technologies and research to work with communities to strengthen sustainability, resilience, and civic participation. As a researcher in the Trent School of the Environment, Dr. Lafreniere’s work will advance teaching and experiential learning in a variety of programs in the School, such as Geography and Environmental Science and Studies, as well as graduate programs in the Frost Centre for Canadian and Indigenous Studies.

“Trent understands that meaningful community-based research starts with listening and building relationships, and that takes time, collaboration and commitment,” said Lafreniere. “There is incredible expertise at Trent across geography, sustainability, environmental science, Indigenous Studies and beyond, and a shared desire to improve the places and environments where people live. I’m looking forward to bringing those strengths together to build a program driven by the needs of communities across Canada.”

Sullivan is an environmental chemist and engineer whose interdisciplinary research spans environmental chemistry and engineering to understand and remove pollutants affecting climate, water, ecosystems, and human health. Formerly a professor of Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University for 15 years, he has developed innovative technologies to treat persistent contaminants such as PFAS, including patented approaches being advanced through commercialization efforts and with Sudoc, a startup he co-founded.

According to Trent, Sullivan will bring new opportunities for cutting-edge research at Trent through investments in advanced instrumentation, talent development and innovation, and new green tech development, further strengthening the University’s capacity for sophisticated chemical analysis of contaminants that affect the environment and evaluation of new remediation methods to remove them. Dr. Sullivan will contribute expertise in environmental chemical transformations and atmospheric chemistry, and expand opportunities for undergraduate and graduate research across programs including Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Master of Instrumental Chemical Analysis, Master of Science in Materials Science, Environmental and Life Sciences M.Sc. and Environmental & Life Sciences Ph.D.

“I’ve been aware of Trent’s leadership in environmental studies since I was an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, and I’ve always been drawn to Trent's interdisciplinary approach and placing the environment at its core,” said Sullivan. “The opportunity to build my research program at a university where collaborative research across disciplines is so deeply embedded in the research and education culture is particularly compelling. Trent’s unique resources for environmental research such as the Water Quality Centre and Canadian Environmental Modeling Centre will amplify the impact of my research.”

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