The Avant-Garden Shop Celebrates Another Milestone, Running 22 Years Strong In Business

It’s been 22 years and The Avant-Garden Shop still running strong as they celebrated its anniversary with a customer appreciation event at its store on Thursday.

owner Brenda Ibey (far right) celebrates customer apprciation day on her 22nd anniversary as customers continually come in and out of the shop on the milestone date. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The store offered no tax on all items, refreshments and door prizes to celebrate the milestone. Soroptimist International Peterborough was there to help with gift-wrapping as a fundraising effort to support education for women and girls, locally and internationally.

The shop opened on George Street on Dec. 12, 2002 and operated for three and a half years before moving to its current location at 165 Sherbrooke St. due to increasing product demand.

Brenda Ibey, Avant-Garden Shop owner, attributes the community and her store’s uniqueness to remain in business for the past 22 years.

“We've really focused our product line on a lot of Canadian-made items, things that are a little different than what you get everywhere else,” she explained. “We have wonderful customers. I really attribute a lot of our success to our wonderful customers.”

Avant-Garden sells items such as outdoor wall art, hand-tuned wind chimes, East Coast and Ontario pewter, garden flags, locally made garden art, jewellery, coasters, candles, quality bird feeders, non-GMO bird seed, birding books, greeting cards, and more.

The store has won four Business Excellence awards, including 2022 Business Woman of the Year. Wild Bird Trading has also awarded it the title of Best Wild Bird Store.

“You have to be dedicated. You have to willing to be open almost every day and stick to a theme,” explained Ibey. “Talk to other business owners. They're often willing to help and I've spoke to a lot of business owners over the years trying to help them and young entrepreneurs.”

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Peterborough DBIA Brings Back 'Explore the Boro Scavenger Hunt' to Help Connect Trent Students to the Community

Starting this week, Trent University students will discover their campus and the Peterborough community through Explore the Boro, a scavenger hunt to help familiarize students with local shopping and leisure spots while also supporting downtown businesses, announced on Wednesday.

The annual event—originally launched in 2021 as the bingo event Discover Peterborough—highlights local shops, cafés, and restaurants, helping students feel more connected to their new home. Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

Explore the Boro, co-hosted by Trent and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), encourages students to discover and engage with Downtown Peterborough.

“The excitement in Peterborough reaches a new level each fall as Trent students return to the city, bringing with them a vibrant energy that enriches our cultural, social, and economic landscape,” said Alison Scholl, senior manager, Community & External Relations at Trent University. “Explore the Boro offers a fun and engaging way for our incoming and returning students to immerse themselves in all that Peterborough has to offer.”

From Sept. 1 to 15, Trent students can participate in the scavenger hunt by completing missions via the Goosechase app. These missions range from snapping selfies at key landmarks to answering trivia questions. They allow students to earn points and discover hidden gems around campus and the city. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants. The student with the highest score will win a $1,250 Boro gift card, redeemable at various downtown businesses.

“Trent students invigorate our downtown, and this event strengthens the bonds between students and local businesses,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We’re excited to continue this valuable partnership, providing students with opportunities to explore, engage, and contribute to the cultural and economic vibrancy that makes Peterborough & the Kawarthas such a unique and welcoming destination.”

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Downtown Patio Installation Beginning Monday

With the warmer weather in full swing, expanded patio areas and more pedestrian space are being installed in downtown Peterborough starting Monday, announced on Friday afternoon.

File Photo.

Installations are scheduled for Monday. The City will install decorative fencing and planter boxes next to businesses that have approved patio permits. Expanded patios are planned for George, Water, Simcoe and Charlotte streets. Businesses that do not have widened sidewalks in front of their establishments will be permitted to use the on-street parking area in front of their business for their patio operations.  

Decorative fencing and planter installations for patios are anticipated to continue throughout May and June to facilitate later rounds of patio permit applications. Currently, the City has received about 20 patio permit applications. 

“I love our downtown and look forward to the expanded patios each summer because they enhance the vibrancy and bring people together in the heart of the city,” said Town Ward Councillor Alex Bierk. 

The patio season changes include reconfiguring Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets into a one-lane, one-way street westbound to create more patio and pedestrian space. Within the Café District along Hunter Street West, the expanded sidewalk space for patios provides additional room for people to enjoy businesses and outdoor restaurant spaces due to the temporary lane reconfigurations.

As part of reconfiguring this section of Hunter Street West, Chambers Street is temporarily closed at its south end at Hunter Street and will be two-way for traffic from its north end at Brock Street the duration of the closure at Hunter Street.  

Reduced speed limits will be put in place on streets with patios to further ensure pedestrian and customer safety.  

Parking spaces including accessible spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas, may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses. 

The City is accepting Patio Permit applications for patios on city-owned lands until May 31. Patio permits are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations that want to place a patio including bistro-style tables and chairs, on City-owned lands.

Businesses operating patios on private lands may require a permit and temporary liquor licence extension. Interested parties are invited to visit the City’s Application, Licenses and Permits webpage for more information on the application process. Applications, permit fees and supporting documents can be submitted online through the City’s website. 

To ensure compliance with patio permit requirements and respond to non-permitted patios operating on city-owned lands, an Administrative Monetary Penalty System has been implemented that will create an enforcement process for businesses that are not in compliance with their permit or have not obtained a permit. 

The City’s Patio Program dates back to 1997, and it included bistro-style tables on the sidewalks adjacent to the building facades. The program was later expanded to include the creation of the Hunter Street Café District in 2005. This is the fifth summer that the City is implementing temporary changes to downtown public spaces to allow for more patios and expanded pedestrian areas.  

For general inquiries about outdoor patios on City-owned lands, please contact Nicole Huculiak, Urban Design Supervisor, by email at nhuculiak@peterbrough.ca or by phone at 705-742-7777 ext. 1654. 

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Applications Open For Central Area Patio Permits

Applications for the City of Peterborough’s 2024 Patio Season are underway for expanded patios in designated Central Area corridors.

File Photo.

The City’s annual expanded patio program has been in place for the last four years to allow more patio and pedestrian spaces downtown.

“The vibrant downtown patio scene has become a mainstay for Peterborough each summer,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “Supporting our local businesses contributes to the economic and social well-being of Peterborough. We’re looking forward to another great season of shopping, dining and entertainment in the heart of the City.”

The program includes: 

• Allowing businesses on George, Water and Charlotte streets to use on-street parking spaces for additional outdoor business/patio space.

• Maintaining the existing two vehicular travel lanes and cycling lanes on George and Water streets. 

• Reducing Hunter Street West between George Street and Aylmer Street to a one-lane, one-way street to expand pedestrian space and available patio areas.

• Maintaining Charlotte Street as a two-way, two-lane street, while allowing for patios in on-street parking spaces through the patio permit process.

• The use of decorative fencing and planters to delineate between the new pedestrian areas, expanded/on-street patios and vehicular traffic lanes.

• The program has been expanded to allow businesses in East City along Hunter Street East to operate a patio on a portion of the City sidewalks.

• A non-refundable $320 Application fee.

There will be reduced speed limits on streets with patios. Parking spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses. 

Patio licences are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations that want to place a patio on City-owned property according to a press release.

To apply for a patio licence, visit the City’s Application, Licences and Permits webpage online. Applicants can submit an application, permit fee and supporting documents through the City’s website.

Patio licence holders must put in place feasible measures to reduce physical barriers, respecting the accessibility needs of individuals. Business owners and patrons may contact the City with suggested modifications to the patio layouts that would improve accessibility. Where feasible, the City will work with licence holders to make requested improvements.

To have a patio licence ready for the Victoria Day long weekend, completed applications should be submitted by April 2. The last day to apply for a patio licence for the 2024 Patio Season is May 31.

The City urges businesses interested in receiving a patio permit should apply as early as possible to facilitate a timely response.

Fencing and planters for expanded patio spaces associated with applications received after April 2 will be installed based on staffing availability. The City will aim to install the patios within two weeks of an executed permit agreement. Installation dates are subject to change at the discretion of the City.

An enforcement process using the City’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System will be applied for businesses that do not comply with their patio permit requirements or have not obtained a permit.

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Peterborough DBIA Holiday Shopping Passport Grand Prize Winner Announced

Amanda Kennedy has been named the winner of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) grand prize draw for the Holiday Shopping Passport in $1,500 Boro gift cards, announced on Wednesday.

Amanda Kennedy (left) stands with Deanna Guttman (right), owner of Needles in the Hay at 385 Water St. celebrating the grand prize win. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The winning passport was drawn at the Peterborough DBIA office with Gerry Kretschmar, Niche Ptbo owner and operator on Wednesday. The winning passport was completed at Needles in the Hay at 385 Water St.

“I love shopping downtown because it turns a simple trip into a whole experience. You can grab a drink or some food, visit a variety of shops, and you receive a way better customer service experience because local businesses are so passionate and knowledgeable about what they offer,” said Kennedy Amanda. “I plan on trying out some of the classes offered by Needles in the Hay with my winnings and also purchase a new set of skis.”

The Boro gift cards were redeemable at participating downtown businesses including a variety of shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants, cafes and services.

During the Holiday Passport season, shoppers receive a stamp for every $10 spent participating downtown business. After 20 stamps, passport holders can complete the contact form and drop it off at participating businesses to be entered into the draw.

Three early bird winners were named prior to the grand prize draw.

“Supporting local business is vital for our community well-being,” said Sacha Lai-Svirk, DBIA board chair. “When dollars are spent locally, they are often re-spent and continue to circulate up to three times more money back into our local economy as a result.”

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Final Early Bird Holiday Shopping Passport Winner Announced

Jody Cunningham is the lucky winner of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) third Holiday Shopping Passport early bird draw of $500, announced on Monday.

Amanda Bedford, DBIA Marketing & Communications Coordinator (left) with Jody Cunningham (right) at Gertis, celebrating the final early bird prize win. Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA.

Her winning passport was drawn on Dec. 20 at the Peterborough DBIA office with Tim Wales, owner and operator of Birdhouse Tattoo, a new business at 372 Water St. Cuningham’s winning passport was completed at Gerti’s at 225 Hunter St. W.

“Local, independently owned businesses are the heart and soul of any town. The downtown community is like one big friendship. Everyone treats everyone like family and supports one another,” said Cunningham. “My mother worked for a local downtown business for 20+ years, my elder siblings and myself also worked for businesses downtown Peterborough so it became like a second home to me. I will always support local businesses here in Peterborough and all the cities I visit.”

During the Holiday Passport season, shoppers receive a stamp for every $10 spent participating downtown business. After 20 stamps, passport holders can complete the contact form and drop it off at participating businesses to be entered into the draw.

They are available at over 140 participating shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants, and cafes downtown for free. Each completed Holiday Shopping Passport are entered into a ballot to win $1,500 in Boro gift cards.

The final grand prize draw for a $1,500 downtown shopping spree will occur on Wednesday.

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Peterborough DBIA Brings Back Holiday Shopping Passport For Downtown Shopping Rewards

The Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) shopping rewards are back, launching the Holiday Shopping Passport with a grand prize of a $1,500 Boro gift card, effective immediately.

Last year’s program saw shoppers stamp more than $2.3 million worth of Holiday Shopping Passports. Every $100 that you spend locally, up to $48 stays in our community, compared to just $14 when you shop at big box stores according to the DBIA. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

The Passports are available at over 140 participating shops, boutiques, salons, restaurants and cafes in downtown Peterborough. A passport stamp is earned for every $10 spent at participating locations. Free stamps are available at the Peterborough Public Library, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitors Centre and the DBIA office.

Early Bird prizes of $500 Boro gift card are available with the draw dates on Dec. 6, 13 and 20. The final grand prize draw is on Jan. 10 with a $1,500 Boro gift card shopping spree grand prize.

New this year, the DBIA is hosting a Holiday Boro Card Bonanza where 12 shoppers will be gifted a $25 Boro gift card just for shopping downtown. The DBIA will randomly draw 12 downtown shop locations to host weekly Boro card giveaways this week.

“DBIA is hyper-focused on incentivizing downtown shopping this holiday season. We understand that supporting local requires intention and effort, and this year we are finding new and delightful ways to attract and retain holiday shoppers,” said Hillary Flood, DBIA vibrancy manager. “Holiday shopping in The Boro offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience filled with historic charm and hospitality that you just can’t replicate on Amazon. Now more than ever we need to shop with intent, because when you shop locally your money directly supports our community rather than a big corporation.”

Shop owners are challenged to design a store window in honour of the Aurora Borealis for a chance to win Top Window of the season during this year’s annual Holiday Window Contest.

Downtown patrons can vote online for their favourite storefronts from Nov. 20 to Dec. 31.

The City of Peterborough is providing free two-hour parking downtown beginning on Nov. 24 to encourage downtown holiday shopping until the end of December (courtesy of Wolfe Lawyers).

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First-Ever Peterborough Caesar Fest Launches July 13

A contest of cocktail and culinary prowess begins in Peterborough this week with the launch of the first annual Peterborough Caesar Fest starting July 13.

Terry Guiel (left) and Julia Caes-her (right) showing off their Caesar creations. photo courtesy of the peterborough dbia.

Eleven restaurants, pubs and cafes are featuring their own unique and savoury homage to the classic Canadian cocktail, and will all be vying for glory in this spicy competition.

From July 13 to the 31, a variety of Caesar cocktails and Caesar-inspired dishes will be featured on local menus throughout the downtown just in time for summer patio season. During Caesar Fest, participating restaurants will seek to please the masses and gain votes to claim the title of Caesar Fest victor. Festival goers will vote online for their favourite ‘Caesar’ and at the end of July, only one will reign supreme. 

With a variety of versions available, foodies and cocktail lovers alike will be able to explore a world of innovative caesar-inspired menu exclusives. The Caesar Map will help participants scout out their favourite spots for sips and snacks over the course of the Caesar Fest program.

The winning restaurant will receive a hand-crafted Caesar Fest trophy and the adoration of their patrons and competitors.

“Caesar Fest is a really fun and new way to bring the continuous, multi-site food fest model into the summer patio season”, says Shivaan Burke, programs and engagement coordinator for the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. “Involving numerous businesses from across the downtown delivers benefits to multiple neighbourhoods at the same time, all while giving patrons the chance to explore some unexpected creations based on a Canadian classic. Downtown revellers can spice things up by making this a cocktail crawl and feel good about getting home safely thanks to our partnership with Y-Drive. We hope that Caesar Fest will give folks the opportunity to discover some new downtown favourites and enjoy the summer on some great patios.”

The Peterborough DBIA has also contracted local performance artist Julia Caes-Her to animate the program. They will be downtown Peterborough promoting Caesar Fest, toasting the competition and partaking of the spoils. 

For more information on how to participate in the first annual Peterborough Caesar Fest visit the website.

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The Peterborough Marina Opens for the Season May 19

Peterborough Marina opens on Friday, May 19 ahead of the Victoria Day weekend to coincide with the opening of the boating season on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

Peterborough Marina is situated on Little Lake along the Otonabee River, between Lock 19 and Lock 20 on the Trent-Severn Waterway. It offers daily, weekly and seasonal mooring with 100 boat slips. 

Information on the Marina operations, including hours of operation, details on services and rates, as well as an online request form to book a mooring, is available online or by calling the Marina at 705-742-0050.  

The Marina typically opens on the Friday before the Victoria Day weekend and closes for the season on Thanksgiving Day each year. Hours of operation will align with the lockage hours of the Trent Severn Waterway as follows: 

May 19 to June 18 

• Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

• Friday to Sunday and Victoria Day: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

June 19 to September 4 

• Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

• Friday to Sunday and Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

September 5 to October 9 

• Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

• Saturday to Sunday and Thanksgiving: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

For information on the Trent-Severn Waterway, including lockage hours along the 386-kilometre route between Port Severn on Georgian Bay and Trenton on the Bay of Quinte visit the website.

The Lighthouse Lounge & Grill restaurant is temporarily closed while construction is completed on the stairwell and decking. An opening date will be updated on the Marina webpage in the coming weeks.  

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Plans Underway For More Temporary Patio and Pedestrian Space in Downtown Peterborough As Patio Season Approaches

Patio season is approaching with plans underway to create more patio and pedestrian space in Downtown Peterborough, and applications for temporary patios for this season are now available.

file photo.

Earlier this year, Peterborough City Council approved making the expanded patio program a regular, annual program for the downtown. For the last three years, a temporary expanded patio program allowed downtown business to apply to expand their patio space on sidewalks or use on-street parking adjacent to their business as part of a COVID-19 response efforts.

Town Ward Councillors Alex Bierk and Joy Lachica see many benefits to expanded patios.

“Downtown Peterborough is beautiful and having expanded patios adds to the vibrancy of the area,” said Councillor Lachica. “There’s nothing like a summer day strolling downtown with shops, restaurants and cafes brimming with people enjoying themselves and supporting local. Patios help make our downtown a destination.”

“I believe in the culture of downtown. It plays a crucial role in bringing the City to life during the summertime,” said Councillor Bierk. “With the City’s patio program expanding there is a lot to celebrate. Not only does this help local shops, restaurants, and cafe’s by increasing capacity and attracting more people downtown — it also generates employment opportunities. Along with the patio program, we also have 30 plus new businesses that have opened in the downtown core this past year. There’s a lot to be excited about.”

The plan includes: 

• Allowing businesses on George, Water and Charlotte Streets to use on-street parking spaces next to their businesses for additional outdoor business/patio space

• Maintaining the existing two vehicular travel lanes and cycling lanes on George and Water streets

• Reducing Hunter Street West between George and Aylmer streets to a one-lane, one-way street to expand pedestrian space and available patio areas

• Maintaining Charlotte Street as a two-way, two-lane street, while allowing for patios in on-street parking spaces next to participating businesses through the patio permit process

• The use of decorative fencing and planters to delineate between the new pedestrian areas, expanded/on-street patios and vehicular traffic lanes

• The program has been expanded to allow businesses in East City along Hunter Street East to operate a patio on a portion of the city sidewalks

• A $300 Patio Licence fee for applicants

Reduced speed limits will be put in place on streets with patios. Parking spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses.

Considerations for accessibility, including parking and barrier free travel will be required, and the City will work with licence holders to find feasible solutions to ensure everyone can enjoy downtown public space. 

Patio Licences are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations who are proposing to place a patio on City-owned property. Interested parties are invited to visit the City’s Application, Licenses and Permits webpage for more information on the application process. Applicants are now able to submit an application, permit fee and supporting documents through the City’s website. 

The City is requesting that applicants who wish to have their Patio Licence ready for the Victoria Day long weekend submit a complete application by April 6. The second round of patio installations is planned to take place the week of June 12 for applicants that submit an application by May 8. The last day to apply for the 2023 patio season is June 1. The proposed installation dates are subject to change at the discretion of the City.

To ensure compliance with the patio permits and limit the City’s risk related to non-permitted patios operating on City-owned lands, an Administrative Monetary Penalty System has been implemented that will create an enforcement process for businesses that are not in compliance with their permit or have not obtained a permit.

For general inquiries relating to outdoor patios on City-owned lands please contact Nicole Huculiak, Urban Design Supervisor by email at nhuculiak@peterborough.ca or by phone at 705-742-7777 ext. 1654.

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