Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Dietrich Homes, Lakefield Literary Festival, The BORO and Peterborough Chamber

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…

Dietrich Homes has finished the first net zero-ready home in Peterborough and the Kawarthas at 303 Mullighan Gardens.

Dietrich Homes are dedicated to energy efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in homebuilding. A Net Zero Ready Home is built to exceed today’s building standards and is capable of generating as much energy as it consumes when paired with renewable energy sources. It involves superior insulation, high-performance windows, advanced HVAC systems and airtight construction.

The Lakefield Literary Festival is now a federally approved charity, offering tax receipts for donations of more than $100.

The Literary Festival is a volunteer-run organization that stated in 1995. It is a nationally renowned Festival that brings important Canadian authors to Lakefield every July and hosts a respected Young Writers Contest for secondary school students. It relies on generous donations from people and businesses for half of its annual revenue. Find out more and donate at lakefieldliteraryfestival.com.

Photo courtesy of the Lakefield Herald.

There’s still time to win big when you support local businesses.

Shop downtown with your Holiday Shopping Passport and you could win a $1,500 downtown shopping spree in Boro Gift Cards courtesy of the Downtown Business Improvement Area. Pick up your passport at participating downtown locations, get it stamped as you spend money, and drop it off at a participating location when it’s full. Parking is free downtown until the end of December. While you’re downtown, check out the lit-up tree at Quaker Foods City Square and skate on the outdoor rink.

Looking for a private office to rent?

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce have vacancies at the Business Centre at 175 George Street North in the beautiful and historic train station. It is fully accessible with shared kitchen space, boardroom, and reception. Offices are available for daily and yearly leased rentals. The Business Centre offers ample free parking and secure access when you want it. Contact the Chamber at pkchamber.ca for more information.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Alzheimer Society, GreenUP, PTBO Northern Originals and Community Futures

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…

The Alzheimer Society is launching a Dining for Dementia campaign through January.

Dine out at a participating local restaurant and a portion of every meal’s cost will be donated to the Alzheimer Society. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy some delicious food, support local businesses, and raise money for a good cause. Each participating restaurant will be offered free training and resources for their staff on enhancing customer service and accessibility for patrons living with dementia. Reach out to the Alzheimer Society for more details and a list of locations.

The holiday season is a critical fundraising time for local charities and non-profits.

Many of them depend heavily on donations through the holiday season to provide community programming for the rest of the year. They would normally be sending you reminders in the mail. Consider this your reminder to donate. Give online, over the phone, or drop by their offices.

After many years selling sustainable products, GreenUp is closing its downtown retail store.

The mission when it opened was to give people sustainable options. Since then, local retailers now stock a lot more sustainable and environmentally friendly products. The store will be open until December 21 with all remaining stock going on clearance from January 7 to 17. You can find everything from household and hygiene products to gifts and gardening items. All proceeds from store sales will continue to support GreenUP's charitable work in the community.

I’ve had a couple of questions about where you can get Peterborough-branded clothing. There are some new unique clothing and accessory options available from Ptbo Northern Originals. You can find them at Flavour Fashion at 383 George St. N. in downtown Peterborough or online at ptbonorthernoriginals.com. Peterborough branded items include hats, crewnecks, hoodies, long sleeves, t-shirts, tank tops, and kids items.

Looking for support for your small business?

Get the free Small Business Toolkit from Community Futures. It’s packed with information and designed for local entrepreneurs. It includes support for things like payroll, registering a business, and crafting a business plan. You can find the Small Business Toolkit and other helpful support at communityfuturespeterborough.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 joel@pkchamber.ca.

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

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Volunteer Peterborough, Peterborough Musicfest, Canopy Support Services and Peterborough Chamber

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…

Lois Tuffin received some well-deserved recognition for her work in creating Volunteer Peterborough.

She won the Charity Village’s Most Outstanding Individual Impact — Volunteer award for her tireless work leading a non-profit match-making service. The award celebrates the outstanding impact made by a volunteer at a nonprofit or charity. Since launching in July 2023, VolunteerPeterborough.ca has signed up 1,524 individuals who are seeking volunteer roles and 162 organizations who rely on volunteers. It welcomes posts from non-profits and the roles they have open so volunteers can find this information in one handy location.

Looking to dine out?

Get more than $1,000 in discounts with the 2025 Peterborough Musicfest Diner’s Book. This year’s edition includes 80 incredible restaurants, cafés, pubs, bakeries, candy shops, and more across Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Coupons are valid from January 1 to November 30. Proceeds go to support Peterborough Musicfest and their work putting on Canada’s longest running free concert series, bringing in premier artists to perform in Peterborough. The Diner’s Books are a great gift for foodies or the hard-to-buy-for person on your holiday list. Get them at Lansdowne Place or online at ptbomusicfest.ca.

Peterborough-based Canopy Support Services is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The organization has grown since 1974 to support over 6,500 individuals annually across 13 programs. Canopy provides case management, skill-building, caregiver training, mental health counseling, and more. They provide a welcoming, safe, and accessible environment for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder to have access to individualized supports, resources, and specialized clinical services.

Looking for a holiday party with local businesses?

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce is hosting Christmas in the County, a holiday social in partnership with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association and Kawartha Lakes Construction. Join us on Thursday, Dec.12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kawartha Lakes Construction at 3359 Lakefield Road in Lakefield. There will be food, drinks, games, and networking. Register at pkchamber.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 joel@pkchamber.ca.

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

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Handmade Heaven, Holiday Parking, Kevin Duguay and JA-NEO

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…

Handmade Heaven is offering free Santa Claus photos every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. along with free face painting from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Christmas.

The shop is home to more than 150 local artisans and makers. It’s a great place to shop local this holiday season with 100 per cent of the profits going back to the vendors renting space at the location. They recently moved to Portage Place Plaza, between the LCBO and Fabricland. The new space is almost three times bigger, providing more space to find unique items from local makers and artisans.

Speaking of shopping local this holiday season, head to downtown Peterborough and get two hours free parking until Dec 31.

Any funds put in the parking meters during this time will go to Kawartha Food Share and their support of 14,000 people monthly and 17,000 children at local schools. A big thanks to Wolfe Personal Injury Lawyers for sponsoring the free parking. Check out some great local shops, get some hot chocolate, and grab something to eat in downtown Peterborough.

A shout out to Kevin Duguay, who is celebrating 20 years with his business KMD Planning.

He offers a range of professional community planning and development services to both the public and private sectors. KMD specializes in accessibility planning, which offers comprehensive design, planning, strategic, and creative solutions towards universal accessibility. Duguay is a former senior planner with the City of Peterborough, working there for 16 years before going out on his own. He’s currently a City Councillor and his company is focused on projects outside the city.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Junior Achievement have launched their When I Grow Up campaign to inspire and empower youth by providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to explore and pursue their future careers. The campaign focuses on promoting financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship among young people, helping them to envision and achieve their full potential. Additionally, donate to Junior Achievement and your contribution will be tripled up to $40,000 thanks to generous donations from Alf Curtis Home Improvements, Peterborough Truss and Floor, and Peterborough and District Construction Association.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Tidy Pawz, Summer Soul Yoga, NAKA Japanese and Eleven 14 Guidance and Care

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…

Rhonda Stillman has opened a new business.

Tidy Pawz Pet Parlour, a pet grooming business that began serving clients on Oct. 1. It’s located at 1434 Chemong Rd. in Unit 6 in Peterborough. Rhonda has been grooming pets for more than 25 years. Tidy Pawz comes highly recommended, providing a stress-free experience for pets and their owners. Rhonda's attention to detail ensures that every pet receives personalized care. Check out Tidy Pawz if you want to have your pet looking and feeling their best.

Summer Soul Yoga and Wellness is launching Athletic Reformer Pilates to their lineup starting in January.

Reformer Pilates is highly regarded for its ability to build core strength, flexibility, and muscle tone while minimizing joint stress. When using a reformer machine – which includes a sliding carriage, springs, and adjustable straps – participants can perform a wide range of exercises that target specific muscle groups with precision. The machine's resistance allows users to control and adjust their workouts according to their fitness level, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned athletes alike. Find out more and book your appointment at summersoul.ca.

NAKA Japanese Restaurant is under new ownership.

Founder Susan Tung has sold it to Emily Tan. Susan founded the restaurant at 213 Hunter St. W. in downtown Peterborough with vision of bringing Japanese comfort foods, like ramen, to Peterborough. She will shift her focus back to Hanoi House, her first restaurant, which she opened back in 2020. NAKA will continue its regular hours with the same thoughtfully curated menu that combines traditional Japanese flavors with a modern touch, creating a unique dining experience.

Eleven 14 Guidance and Care has a new office at 680 The Parkway in Peterborough.

Their new office enables them to offer Red Cross first aid of all levels, including emergency, standard, BLS, EFR and EMR from a new and convenient location. Their experienced instructors are Canadian Red Cross certified and committed to teaching everyone first aid skills. They offer instructions for various needs, including firefighters, businesses, social groups, and people just wanting to develop lifesaving skills. They can travel to convenient locations and are set up to teach large groups.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring The Avant-Garden Shop, Just Like New, Peterborough Volkswagen and VVents Kawartha

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…

We’re celebrating some big milestones today!

Brenda Ibey at The Avant-Garden Shop is celebrating 22 years in business.

She opened the store in 2002 and has spent most of those years at her 165 Sherbrooke St. location in downtown Peterborough. The Avant-Garden Shop is the place to go for all your bird-feeding needs, beautiful gifts and many items made by Canadian artisans. Winner of four Chamber of Commerce awards, The Avant-Garden Shop has proven to be one of the best retail shops in the region. Drop by Thursday from 9:30 am to 7 p.m. to celebrate with refreshments, door prizes and special sales all day.

Marg Botosh is celebrating 32 years in business with Just Like New Boutique.

Just Like New specializes in gently used women's clothing and highly curated consignment clothing and accessories. It’s the type of place where you’ll find some truly unique outfits and accessories at affordable prices. Drop by 377 Queen St. in downtown Peterborough to check out their anniversary deals. Ten per cent of sales between now and Black Friday will support Right To Heal.

This year marks 55 years for Peterborough Volkswagen.

1969 was a big year, from the Apollo 11 moon landing to Woodstock to Peter and Rita Eatson opening Peterborough Volkswagen at the corner of Reid and McDonnel Streets in Downtown Peterborough. They created a business that now spans three generations and has served thousands of happy local customers with great customer service for their car shopping and service needs. They’ve been busy with some renovations as their business keeps growing. Drop by 500 Towerhill Rd. and see what’s happening at Peterborough Volkswagen.

And we have a brand-new business. Karri Dalton-Hull has launched a new virtual events agency.

Vvents Kawartha produces local virtual events to give small businesses new ways to connect online with other entrepreneurs, consumers and the community. They are a membership-based model and with support for Big Brothers Big Sisters Peterborough. Their upcoming events include Kawartha Virtual Expo, a seven-day virtual tradeshow, and Kawartha Virtual Business Network, a networking group to meet and connect with other entrepreneurs. Find out more at vvents.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 joel@pkchamber.ca.

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

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Remembrance Day, Kawartha County Wines, ServiceOntario and Meals on Wheels

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…

Today is Remembrance Day, when we recognize the sacrifices of those who served our country with honour in our armed forces.

Let’s also take a moment to recognize the hard work of our local legions and the volunteers who run them. They have organized more than a dozen Remembrance Day ceremonies across the area over the last week. They work throughout the year to help build stronger communities by hosting events and providing community space, supporting veterans and their families, and recognizing the legacy of those who served. Support your local Legion as they continue their work year-round.

Spice up your dance moves on Nov. 22 as Kawartha Country Wines and FriendLillySHOP.com team up to host a salsa night in support of Community Care.

Drop by Kawartha Country Wines at 2452 County Rd 36 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and take part in a 45-minute salsa lesson, enjoy a glass of cider or wine with a dessert wine sample and door prizes. Contact Kawartha Country Wines to get your tickets.

Community Care Peterborough is celebrating 60 years of the Meals on Wheels program.

What began in 1964 with just seven meals provided by Civic Hospital and delivered by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Peterborough has grown into a vital service that now provides over 50,000 meals annually to seniors and adults with physical challenges across the city and county of Peterborough. They will be marking the anniversary with a number of events and initiatives, including the Meals to Go program and a special 60 Stories for 60 Years series. Visit commcareptbo.org for more information.

We want to extend a big thank you to Deb Lowcock, who recently retired from ServiceOntario in Lakefield after 34 years!

Deb is the longtime supervisor for the Lakefield office, serving the community with a great attitude and customer service. She will be missed by the team at ServiceOntario, the Chamber and Lakefield community.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to joel@pkchamber.ca.

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

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Flavour, Business Excellence Awards, Ontario Chamber and Mayor's Breakfast

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…

Flavour Fashion is celebrating 25 years in business at 383 George St. N. in downtown Peterborough.

Mike and Shelby Watt have built their store into a local retail icon, serving the streetwear, sneakers, and skate scene since 1999. They not only carry top brands in the market, but also their own Ptbo Northern Originals lineup of locally banded clothing and accessories. Drop by their George Street location or visit flavourfashion.ca to see their online store and order from the comfort of your home.

A big congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Business Excellence Awards hosted by the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

With more than two dozen recipients, we don’t have room to recognize everyone here, but highlights include Rosalea Terry and Heidi Popov as the Businesswomen of the year in the entrepreneur and organization categories. Phillip Jolicoeur is the 2024 Business Citizen of the year. This year’s 4-Under-40 are Dr. Taylor Bonner, Joe Curry, Hillary Flood, and Dylan Radcliffe. Check out the full list of well-deserving recipients and finalists from this year’s awards ceremony at pkexcellence.ca.

If you own or run a business, we want your input.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has launched its ninth annual Business Confidence Survey. Your insights and perspective will be used to guide political and business leaders across the province. The key is having enough local responses to be able to generate accurate local data for people like myself to use to advocate for the needs of local businesses. Please take five minutes to fill out the survey at occ.ca.

Do you want to learn about what Peterborough is doing to build a stronger business community?

The Chamber is hosting its annual Mayor’s Breakfast on Nov. 21 at Peterborough Golf and Country Club starting at 7:30 a.m. There will be a moderated discussion with Mayor Jeff Leal followed by a question and answer secession focused on local business issues. Get your tickets at pkchamber.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 joel@pkchamber.ca.

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

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring JA-NEO, Kawartha Montessori, Peterborough Symphony Orchestra and Peterborough Chamber

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…

Nominations are open for Junior Achievement’s Business Hall of Fame.

It’s an opportunity to recognize businesses from across Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes who have helped shape our local economy and inspired others through their achievements. Recipients are people who embody a legacy of excellence, displaying unwavering commitment, leadership, and innovation throughout their careers. Visit ja-neo.org to nominate a deserving business in our community. The deadline for nominations is Nov. 29.

Kawartha Montessori School is hosting an open house at their beautiful location at 2247 Burnham Line in Otonabee South Monaghan on Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon.

This is a good opportunity to check out the school if you’re considering Montessori for your child or just curious about their unique learning environment. You will have an opportunity to explore their classrooms and facilities, meet their dedicated teachers, learn about Montessori curriculum and find out how they nurture independent, confident and lifelong learners.

Get an early start on your gift buying and support Peterborough Symphony Orchestra at the same time by bidding on their auction items.

The online auction launched earlier in October and will continue to 4 p.m. on Nov. 2. Starting at 6:30 p.m. that evening, bidding will continue in person at the PSO concert at Showplace and conclude at the post-concert reception in the Cogeco Studio. One of Canada’s foremost piano virtuosos, David Jalbert will be joining the orchestra that evening. Visit thepso.org for more information.

Want to be part of the conversation on the direction of tourism in Peterborough County?

The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Peterborough County to hold a series of Tourism Talks at various locations. These roundtable discussions are meant to engage local businesses that are involved in, rely on, and otherwise impacted by tourism in the County. We want to get a better understanding of the needs of local businesses and what we can do to create a stronger, thriving local tourism sector for many years to come.

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

Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Maple Light, Cancer Takedown, Peterborough County and Sarah Budd

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…

A Peterborough company has launched Canada’s first hard maple seltzer.

Maple Light founders were inspired to create the refreshing cocktail while boiling down sap in their sugar shack. Seeing an opportunity, they official launched Maple Light this summer. It’s a drink that is lightly and naturally sweetened with a hint of real maple syrup balanced with subtle citrus notes. The drink is now available at select bars, restaurants, and golf courses and is expected to launch in grocery and convenience stores this fall. You can order it at drinkmaplelight.ca

It's time for the third annual Cancer Takedown fundraiser on Nov. 7 from 7 to 10 p.m at Market Hall.

It’s a night of song, story, and solidarity featuring the comedic genius of Linda Kash and Megan Murphy and music from Melissa Payne, Kate Suhr, The Weber Brothers, and more. All proceeds go to cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Tickets are available at tickets.markethall.org.

Thanksgiving may be behind us but our farming community is still very much at work harvesting their crops that feed our communities.

Peterborough County and the local OPP want to remind the rest of us to slow down and be aware that there are large, slow-moving vehicles on roads. The vehicles may not be fast enough to keep up with traffic, but our farmers are on a tight timeline to get the harvest in. Don’t expect them to pull over on the shoulder. Make sure you have a clear path and that the operator knows you’re behind them before passing. It’s the safe and respectful thing to do and the OPP are reinforcing that with careless driving fines for impatient drivers.

We at the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce bid farewell to Sarah Budd, our President and CEO for the last two years.

Sarah brought extensive experience from the non-profit world, having served for 15 years as the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region. She leaves the Chamber a stronger voice for businesses across the region. She will take that passion and energy for the business community to her new role as the manager of Community Development in the County’s new economic development department.

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