Lakefield Sisters Turn Road Trip Idea Into New Clothing Brand

By Scott Arnold

An idea from Lakefield sisters for making people pause, think and break out of their routines has grown into a new clothing brand with an unexpected connection to an internationally known singer-songwriter.

Two Franco-Ontarian, Lakefield sisters and young entrepreneurs, Allison and Sabrina Adam, officially launch ColourMe, a clothing brand built around colour, creativity, connection, and breaking everyday patterns (photo courtesy of Allison Adam)

Allison and Sabrina Adam have officially launched ColourMe, a clothing brand built around colour, creativity and the idea of doing something a little differently.

The idea started during a three-month road trip across Canada and the United States in 2024, when the sisters began exploring ideas around curiosity and human connection.

That eventually led them to the Stroop Effect, where the brain has to pause when information conflicts, such as seeing the word “blue” written in orange.

ColourMe puts that idea directly onto its clothing.

The designs feature mismatched colour combinations, with customers choosing the garment colour, the colour word and the text colour. The sisters also created their own handwritten fonts, and every design is available in English or French, reflecting their Franco-Ontarian roots and bilingual upbringing.

The sisters both grew up in Lakefield and are Trent University graduates. Allison holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and works as a business advisor with Community Futures Peterborough, while Sabrina holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education and teaches biology at Lakefield College School.

“It feels really exciting to finally launch something we’ve been building for so long,” says Allison. “And this is really just the starting point.”

Singer-songwriter hans williams representing the brand with a ColourMe shirt (photo courtesy of allison adams

The brand has also received early support from Vermont singer-songwriter Hans Williams, who has 1.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify and more than 60,000 followers across social media.

Williams said the concept appealed to him because of its ability to encourage people to step outside their routines and start conversations.

“I love the idea behind ColourMe shirts because they push people to get uncomfortable, start a conversation they may not have, and push back against the monotony of life,” says Williams. “I cannot wait to see where ColourMe goes and the impact they will have.”

There is another part of the concept that goes beyond the clothing itself.

Each order includes a ColourMe “Quest”, encouraging the recipient to break a routine, step outside their comfort zone or simply do something they might not normally do. Customers can submit proof of completing their Quest to unlock rewards.

“We kept coming back to the question of how ColourMe could actually get people to do something, rather than just wear or buy a shirt,” says Sabrina.

The sisters have also built a charitable component into the launch. One dollar from every order will be donated to SickKids Foundation, a cause that is personal to Allison after she was treated at SickKids as a child for Guillain-Barré syndrome.

ColourMe is currently accepting pre-orders through October 15th, with T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, crewnecks and hoodies available in customizable colour combinations.

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

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Peterborough Man Charged After Rideshare Passenger Shoved From Vehicle

By Scott Arnold

A 30-year-old Peterborough man has been charged after police say a rideshare passenger was shoved from a vehicle on Goodfellow Road and suffered minor injuries.

A 30-year-old Peterborough man is facing charges after an incident that involved a passenger being shoved out of a rideshare vehicle (photo courtesy of peterborough police service)

Police said the incident involved a rideshare booked through a community chat for September 2nd. The 59-year-old passenger had arranged the ride to attend an appointment in the GTA.

According to police, the passenger became concerned about missing the appointment after the driver began picking up other passengers along the way. When the passenger asked to be dropped off, police say the driver became verbally aggressive before pulling over on Goodfellow Road.

The driver then allegedly shoved the passenger out of the vehicle and drove away with the passenger’s backpack still in the trunk.

The vehicle stopped a short distance away, where another passenger put the backpack on the sidewalk before the vehicle left the area.

The passenger suffered minor injuries in the incident.

Following an investigation, officers arrested a 30-year-old Peterborough man on September 4th. He was charged with assault and mischief for destroying or damaging property.

He was also issued a Highway Traffic Act ticket for picking up a passenger for payment without the required licence, permit or authorization.

The accused was released with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on November 24th.

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Keeping Pets Protected: Reduced-Cost Rabies Clinics Return This Fall

By Scott Arnold

Local pet owners will have several chances this fall to get their dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated against rabies for a reduced cost.

A series of reduced-cost rabies vaccination clinics is being offered across the region this fall, giving residents several chances to have their dogs, cats and ferrets vaccinated at a reduced rate.

Lakelands Public Health is partnering with veterinary clinics and animal welfare organizations to offer reduced-cost rabies vaccination clinics at locations across the region.

The rabies vaccine will cost $40, and some participating clinics will also offer microchipping at a reduced rate ranging from $40 to $60.

Keeping pets vaccinated against rabies is an important part of protecting both animals and the people around them. In Ontario, dogs, cats and ferrets are required to be vaccinated against rabies starting at three months of age and kept up to date throughout their lives.

This fall’s clinics will be held at:

• September 19th: 10am to 11:30am at Wilberforce Community Center, hosted by Dr. Himan

• September 19th: 2pm to 3:30pm at Cardiff Community Center, hosted by Dr. Hima

• October 2nd: 9:30am to 5pm at Pine Ridge Veterinary Clinic

• October 3rd: 9am to 11am at Presqu’ile Animal Hospital

• October 3rd: 9am to 12pm at Omemee Veterinary Hospital

• October 3rd: 9am to 12pm at Fenelon Animal Clinic

• October 3rd: 10am to 2pm at Alderville First Nation Community Centre

• October 17th: 9am to 12pm at Lakefield Animal Welfare Society

Pet owners should bring proof of previous rabies vaccination if available. Dogs must be kept on a leash, while cats must be in carriers or otherwise securely restrained.

The clinics are specifically for rabies vaccinations and do not include a full veterinary examination, so regular veterinary appointments are still recommended for comprehensive pet care.

For more information about the clinics and rabies prevention, visit Lakelands Public Health’s rabies clinic information.

The Presqu’ile Animal Hospital, Alderville First Nation Community Centre and Lakefield Animal Welfare Society clinics also offer microchipping at a reduced rate.

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

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Trent Excalibur Men’s Lacrosse Team Set to Start Season Wednesday Night at Justin Chiu Stadium

By Scott Arnold

The Trent Excalibur men’s lacrosse team returns to the field Wednesday night when it hosts the Carleton Ravens at Justin Chiu Stadium. The game will officially kick off the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) season.

The Trent excalibur men’s lacrosse team will kick off their new season at home on wednesday night against brock (photo courtesy of trent university)

The game gets underway at 7pm on September 9th, with free admission for fans who want to watch the Excalibur take on the Ravens.

The matchup gives Trent supporters a chance to catch the Excalibur in action at home, with the game taking place at Justin Chiu Stadium.

as part of orientation week at trent univerisity, admission to wednesday’s lacrosse game at justin chiu stadium will be free admission (photo courtesy of trent university)

The Excalibur had a 9-2 record last season before suffering a 13-12 overtime loss to the Brock Badgers in the CUFLA quarterfinals.

For those unable to attend, the game will also be streamed live on YouTube.

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

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Countdown to the Peterborough Petes Home Opener: Adam Novotný Is Just Getting Started

By Scott Arnold

The 18-year-old Peterborough Petes forward has spent much of the summer travelling between Peterborough, Vancouver and Czechia, preparing for the NHL Draft, attending the NHL Combine and eventually hearing his name called in the first round.

Adam Novotný was back in Peterborough briefly after a busy summer that has seen him selected 24th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2026 NHL Draft. (photo by scott arnold)

It’s been a whirlwind few months for Adam Novotný.

The Vancouver Canucks selected Novotný 24th overall in June, adding another major milestone to what has already been an impressive start to his North American career.

Now, he’s back in Peterborough briefly before heading west once again, this time for Vancouver’s rookie showcase and training camp.

“It feels unbelievable,” Novotný said of returning to the Memorial Centre. “It felt like I never left for the summer.”

That familiarity could be important for a player looking to take another step forward after a strong first season in Peterborough.

Novotný finished last season second on the Petes in both goals and points, scoring 34 goals and adding 31 assists for 65 points in 58 games. Only Kieran Walton, who had 40 goals and 88 points, finished ahead of him in both categories.

But despite the offensive numbers, Novotný isn’t satisfied.

After spending time at Vancouver’s development camp this summer, one of Novotný’s priorities is becoming more composed when he gets his chances.

“Obviously finishing a little bit more, be a little bit more calm in finishing maybe.”

That’s part of a bigger goal for Novotný, who wants to continue developing every aspect of his game.

“I just wanted to work on everything basically to just get better as an overall player.”

His summer experience in Vancouver also gave him a taste of what it takes to reach the next level. Being around NHL coaches, Novotný said, reinforced the importance of professionalism and provided lessons he can bring back to Peterborough.

Now, there’s another opportunity waiting for him in Vancouver.

For the rookie showcase, Novotný said he’s looking forward to getting back on the ice and competing for an opportunity.

“I’m just trying to get prepared for that now,” he said. “It’s super exciting to get there and do my best and fight for a spot.

A first-round selection was one highlight of Novotný’s summer. Now he gets another chance to show Vancouver what he can do.

The Petes will open their season at home against the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday, September 17th, at 7pm at the Memorial Centre.

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

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Euphoria Wellness Spa, Peterborough Museum & Archives, Kids Against Hunger and Peterborough Musicfest

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…

Euphoria Wellness Spa is celebrating 20 years in business and inviting the community to join the anniversary party on Oct. 7th from 1 to 8 p.m.

Guests can enjoy exclusive discounts, live demonstrations, goodie bags, complimentary services, door prizes, a live DJ and more. Congratulations to Euphoria Wellness Spa on 20 years in the community! To reserve your complimentary service, call 705-741-4772.

Tickets are now on sale for the Peterborough Museum & Archives Roy Studio Film Gala, happening Oct. 8 at Market Hall.

The fundraiser will feature newly restored films shot by local filmmaker Frederick Lewis Roy from the 1920s through the 1940s, offering a rare look at Peterborough’s past — and highlighting the incredible work that saved the films after they were damaged in the 2004 flood. The Museum is also showcasing the collection and the film preservation process in a special exhibition from Sep. 19 through Nov. 1, with tickets for the gala available through the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.

Kids Against Hunger Canada — the local organization — is putting a mysterious spin on fundraising with Murder at Carrington Hall, a murder-mystery dining experience happening Nov. 7.

Kids Against Hunger packages nutritious meals for people facing hunger here in Canada and around the world, and has packed more than 5.2 million meals that have been shipped to over 19 countries, with at least a third of its meals staying right here in Canada. Guests at the fundraiser will enjoy a multi-course dinner while following clues and working together to solve the mystery, with proceeds supporting that ongoing work to fight hunger. For more information, you can go to: https://www.kahcanada.org/murdermystery/

Even though the summer concerts are over, Peterborough Musicfest is already looking ahead to its 40th season in 2027 and they’re inviting the community to help keep the free music coming!

The $30 Diner’s Book features deals at 85 local restaurants, so you can enjoy some great food while giving back to Musicfest. The 50/50 is also going year-round, with monthly draws giving supporters a chance to win while helping to support a beloved Peterborough tradition. For more information, you can visit: https://www.ptbomusicfest.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 brenda@pkchamber.ca.

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New Book Celebrating Peterborough Lawn Bowling to Launch at Trent Valley Archives Open House

By Scott Arnold

A new book documenting 125 years of lawn bowling in Peterborough will be launched during an open house at Trent Valley Archives on Saturday, September 19th.

trent Valley Archives is hosting a public Open House and launch for its newest book, “Bowling on the Green – 125 Years of Lawn Bowling in Peterborough” by archivist Dr. Elwood Jones and member Steve Russell

Trent Valley Archives, located at 567 Carnegie Avenue, is inviting the community to drop in from 11am to 1pm for the open house and launch of Bowling on the Green – 125 Years of Lawn Bowling in Peterborough, written by archivist Dr. Elwood Jones and Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club member Steve Russell.

The book looks back at the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club’s history, which dates to its beginnings at the Stevenson Greens in 1901. Over the years, the club faced challenges involving locations, expertise, lighting and lawn maintenance while moving between several sites in the city.

One of the more unusual moves came in 2011, when the club relocated from downtown to Nicholls Oval. The clubhouse was transported across the Otonabee River at the Inverlea Bridge, allowing the historic building to make the move to its new home.

At Nicholls Oval, the club shared space with the Peterborough Rugby Club for awhile before relocating in 2015 to the McDonnel Street Activity Centre, where lawn bowling continues today.

The book explores not only the club’s history, but also how it reflects the changing lives of Peterborough’s professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs and employees, as well as the support it received from different parts of the community over the years.

During the open house, visitors will also have an opportunity to explore the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club collection at Trent Valley Archives, along with more than 1,200 other collections held by the Archives.

Copies of Bowling on the Green – 125 Years of Lawn Bowling in Peterborough are $45 and will be available for purchase at Trent Valley Archives and the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club.

The open house is free to attend and offers a chance to learn more about both the history of lawn bowling in Peterborough and the archival resources available to the community.

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

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Jude’s Joy Gives Ennismore Families a New Place to Play, Connect and Belong

By Scott Arnold

A long-awaited new playground at Ennismore Waterfront Park is now officially open, creating Selwyn Township’s first barrier-free playground and a new accessible space for children and families of all abilities.

Jude’s Joy Inclusive Playground is now officially open at Ennismore Waterfront Park, providing a new barrier-free space where children of all abilities can play and families can connect. (photo provided by Township of selwyn)

The official opening of Jude’s Joy Inclusive Playground brought together families, community members, volunteers, donors and project partners on Friday as the community celebrated the completion of a project years in the making.

Made possible through a partnership between the Ennismore Optimist Club, Jude’s Joy and Selwyn Township, the playground received $145,300 through a Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation. More than $200,000 was also raised through community fundraising, donations and in-kind contributions.

The result is a playground designed so children and youth of all abilities can participate together.

The space features poured-in-place rubber surfacing and adaptive play elements, including an accessible merry-go-round and ground-level sensory elements. Its layout was also designed to encourage interaction between children, families and different generations.

Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith was among those at Friday’s opening and said the project demonstrates what can happen when a community comes together.

“This project is a true testament to what can be achieved when a community opens its heart and comes together for our kids,” said Smith. “Jude’s Joy is more than just a playground—it’s a living tribute to love, inclusion, and the simple, priceless joy of play. Our government, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is immensely proud to support this barrier-free space, ensuring Jude’s legacy continues to touch and bring families together across Ennismore and Selwyn Township for years to come.”

Accessibility improvements extend beyond the playground itself.

The surrounding area now includes an accessible parking lot, enhanced washroom accessibility, accessible pathways and an access mat leading to the water. Accessible benches, picnic tables and other amenities were also added to support visitors of different ages and abilities.

For Selwyn Township Mayor Sherry Senis, the opening was an opportunity to see the community’s work come to life.

“On behalf of Selwyn Township Council, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make Jude’s Joy a reality,” said Senis. “It was wonderful to celebrate the opening of this special playground with the community and see the joy it is already bringing to children and families. This playground is so much more than a place to play. It is a place where everyone is welcome, where children of all abilities can participate together, and where families and community members can create lasting memories. We are incredibly proud of what our community has accomplished together.”

Julie Grant, community leader for the Jude’s Joy Inclusive Playground project, said seeing families use the space for the first time made the opening especially meaningful.

“Jude’s Joy is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision,” said Grant. “Seeing the playground officially open and watching families experience the space for the first time was an incredibly meaningful moment. The support we received from residents, businesses, organizations, volunteers and donors has been overwhelming. We are so proud to see this vision become a reality and to know that Jude’s Joy will bring joy, inclusion and connection to families for years to come.”

The project was supported by residents, local businesses and organizations throughout its development, with contributions coming through monetary donations, in-kind support and employee donation-matching programs.

Community fundraising efforts included pasta dinners and pancake breakfasts, while the Ennismore Optimist Club worked alongside Jude’s Joy and the Township to help bring the project forward.

With the playground now open, families and visitors can experience the new space as part of Ennismore Waterfront Park.

And Jude’s Joy is not the final improvement planned for the park. Additional amenities, improvements and enhancements are planned as the waterfront space continues to evolve.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation provided the $145,300 grant supporting the playground. The provincial agency invested nearly $107 million in 746 community projects across Ontario during 2025-26, supporting initiatives focused on areas including active lifestyles, child and youth development, community connection, economic well-being and environmental sustainability.

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

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Fleming College Healthcare Graduate Brings Taste of Southern India to Hunter Street With Malabar Kitchen

Fleming College graduate Joyal Antony is bringing his heritage in southern Indian cuisine to 221 Hunter St. W., soft-launching his restaurant Malabar Kitchen on Hunter Street last Friday.

Joyal Antony, Malabar co-owner (left) with server Jeni (right) showcasing chicken biryani, beef dry fry, galub jamun and strawberry daiquiri mocktail. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The restaurant’s one-page menu includes tandoor chicken, various vegetarian dishes, biryani, and more. Antony plans to release a six-page menu for the grand opening within the next few months. Malabar is also working on obtaining its liquor licence.

“Malabar Kitchen is an absolute labour of love created to bring authentic, home-style South Indian flavours directly to Peterborough,” explained Antony. “Our menu is crafted to delight everyone. Whether you are looking for rich, comforting meat curries or vibrant, wholesome vegetarian feasts.”

Originally a physiotherapist in India, Antony came to Peterborough and Fleming College in 2024, graduating to become a personal service worker. While he currently works in the healthcare industry and is working to obtain his physiotherapist license, he wanted to bring his homeland tastes to Peterborough.

“Missing the comforting taste of my homeland, I started cooking homemade Biryani right out of my kitchen,” explained Antony. “The overwhelming love from the local community showed me that Peterborough was hungry for authentic regional food.”

To keep his food as authentic as possible, he imports spices from his homeland region and incorporates them into his menu.

“To us, spices are an emotional bridge back to our home country. In Malabar, food is how we express love, and we import the very essence of coastal South India,” said Antony. “This includes fragrant green cardamom, pungent black pepper, fresh curry leaves and rich coconut milk to recreate that authentic taste in Peterborough.” 

@ptbo_canada Fleming College graduate Joyal Antony is bringing his heritage in southern Indian cuisine to 221 Hunter St. W., soft-launching his restaurant Malabar Kitchen on Hunter Street last Friday. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #malabar ♬ You Ain't Eating Like This - The Lava Lab™

He notes that working a full-time career while trying to open a restaurant would not be easy.

“Turning that realization into Malabar Kitchen meant relentless, punishing hustle,” he said. “I spent my mornings inside raw concrete walls doing manual construction, tiling, and setting up equipment and then sprinted to work my 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. healthcare shift every single night. It was built on pure sweat, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in this vision.”

Despite years of hard work, struggles, and the urge to quit, Antony says your dreams will come true if you never give up.

“If you are working back-to-back shifts, feeling exhausted, or wondering if your sacrifices matter—don't give up. Your late-night grinds today are building your tomorrow. Malabar Kitchen isn't a corporate chain; it was built by hand and cooked with passion. It belongs to Peterborough, and we can’t wait to welcome you all home.”

Malabar Kitchen is open seven days a week from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.

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A New Look for a Familiar Stop: Public Art Installation Complete at Peterborough Transit Terminal

By Scott Arnold

A new piece of public art has transformed the Peterborough Transit Terminal, with the installation now complete and buses back in their regular bays.

The new public art installation at the Peterborough Transit Terminal is now complete. (photo by Scott arnold)

A new piece of public art is now part of the Peterborough Transit Terminal, bringing the City’s latest investment in public art and placemaking to a prominent downtown space.

The installation, which began in July, was incorporated into the exterior of the Simcoe Street terminal as part of the broader rehabilitation of the facility.

Artwork has been incorporated into the exterior of the Simcoe Street transit terminal.(photo by scott arnold)

The work was completed in sections along the terminal, requiring temporary closures of up to two bus bays at a time as crews moved through the site. Those temporary changes are now over, with all bays reopened and buses returned to their regular pickup and drop-off locations.

The project was supported by a $100,000 budget and funded through a combination of municipal investment and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program as part of the terminal rehabilitation project.

The completed installation adds a new visual element to the downtown transit terminal. (photo by Scott arnold)

Beyond adding a visual element to the terminal, the public art project was intended to enhance the space through creative expression and community storytelling, bringing art into a place used by thousands of transit riders.

The City says the selected artist and final design will be formally recognized during a celebration later this month, providing the community with an opportunity to learn more about the artwork and the vision behind it.

For now, the completed installation marks another step in the ongoing renewal of a familiar downtown landmark, with the artwork now in place for transit riders and pedestrians to experience as they pass through the terminal.

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

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