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.  

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.

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.

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.

Third Annual Painted Paddle Public Art Exhibit Tour in Downtown Peterborough

The Downtown Vibrancy Project will be holding an outdoor public art exhibit to celebrate the community’s connection to the water through a series of painted paddle installations across downtown Peterborough from March 3 to 24.

The Gardens of Peterborough residents' Joanne B (right) holding her painted paddle titled ‘Call of the Loon’ alongside Joanne W (left) holding her painted paddle titled ‘Spring in the Air.’ Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

Locals and visitors will be able to tour the Painted Paddle art exhibit by visiting a number of storefront windows scattered throughout the downtown through this art crawl experience.

Local artists and graphic designer Susie Armstrong painted one of the 31 canoe paddles on display.

“I was inspired to paint a pollination scene for my paddle. Peterborough is a hub for urban pollination gardens, and I see them everywhere on my spring and summer walks,” said Armstrong. “I hope to evoke a bit of warm weather with my painting, which depicts swamp milkweed, a pollination plant specifically enjoyed by monarch butterflies.”

Many creative community members lent their artistic skills to the Painted Paddle project, including executive director of the DBIA Terry Guiel.

“This is the third year we have run this project and it continues to be a success, bringing beautiful art to our downtown, raising funds to support a meaningful project, and inspiring hopefully thoughts of spring paddling.” Guiel remarks. "I am one of the artists and my painted paddle reflects on two themes on each side of the paddle, one being Every Child Matters and the other Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.”

Other local artists taking part in this year’s project include Samantha Chuisolo, Residents from Empress & Princess Retirement Residence, Salvador Haines, Bri Gosselin, Brooklin Stormie, Tim Wales, Nuin-Tara Wilson, Sarah St.Pierre, Jason Wilkins, Jenni Johnston, Terry Guiel, Raine Knudsen, Nichelle Leeson, Kate Powell, Val Yeo, Justine-Marie, Trent University, Ash Hughes, Hearts 4 Joy, Jeff Macklin, Tayler Morencie, Students of Lakefield College School, Karin McLean., Students of Thomas A. Stewart School, J McKay, Jennifer Baici, Ginny Stammers and Maggie O'Rourke.

The paddles will be displayed in store windows throughout downtown Peterborough including Bluestreak, Tragically Dipped, Watson and Lou, Art School, Cork and Bean, The Food Shop, The Night Kitchen, Avant Garden, Boardwalk Boardgame Lounge, Mark Jokinen Books, Kit Coffee, Chesler's Shoes, GreenUP, Cheek, Gerti's, The Toy Shop, Plant Goals, Cahills, Wild Rock, Tiny Greens and Bike!

The Painted Paddle exhibit will be on display until March 24. Exhibition paddles will be available for auction from March 3 at 8 p.m. to March 24 at 8 p.m. with proceeds going to support the DBIA and One City Peterborough Employment Program Partnership to create two part-time jobs through The Green Team. For the virtual auction visit the link.

To participate in a self-guided tour of the Painted Paddle, community members can access a full map of paddle exhibit locations by visiting the Love For The Boro website online.

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.

‘Poutine Feast’ Coming to Downtown Peterborough Morrow Park This May

Canada’s largest touring poutine festival ‘Poutine Feast’ is making a stop at Morrow Park from May 4 to 7.

Photo courtesy of Poutine Feast, Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Poutine Feast, Facebook.

The festival is an assortment of Ontario's finest Poutine Vendors with a lineup of 20 communities on their tour, taking place across the province from the end of April to the end of September.

Peterborough’s Morrow Park is slated in as the festival’s second stop.

“Get ready to indulge in your favourite cheesy, gravy-covered dish at our upcoming events. We'll be bringing the best poutine vendors from across the province together in one place for an unforgettable culinary experience,” the event’s Facebook page reads.

More information on dates, locations, and participating vendors is set to be released soon.

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.

The Avant-Garden Shop Celebrates 20 Years in Peterborough

The Avant-Garden Shop celebrates 20 years of business; opening its doors in Downtown Peterborough on Dec. 12, 2002.

Proud shop owner Brenda Ibey. Photo courtesy of The Avant-Garden Shop.

The shop opened on George Street on that date and remained there for three and a half years. As demand grew for bird seed and bird feeders, the owners decided on a location with easier parking, thus prompting their move to the current location at 165 Sherbrooke St.

Over the years, the shop’s sale items extended. From Canadian-made 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.

Owner Brenda Ibey has had many successes through her shop; winning four Business Excellence awards including her most recent title of 2022 Business Woman of the Year. The store has also been awarded Best Wild Bird store by Wild Bird Trading who services similar businesses across the country in 2021.

“Truly an honour to be recognized as one of the best birding shops in Canada,” says Avant-Garden in a press release. “Brenda and her team are very appreciative of her wonderful customers over the last 20 years who have supported the business and have helped it to grow to become one of the best gift and birding shops in the area.”

As 2023 approaches, the shop says they plan to continue seeking out unique, Canadian-made items while building on their past successes.

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.

Peterborough DBIA Launches Holiday Shopping Passports; Hosting Holiday Window Contest

The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has launched its holiday season programs including Holiday Shopping Passports and Window Contest announced at the Venture North Building on Monday.

(from left to right) Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director; Jocelyn Gilmour, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourish visitor experience officer and Hilary Flood, DBIA communications and marketing manager kicking off the DBIA’s holiday. Every $100 locally spent is up to $48 stays in our community, compared to just $14 at big box stores according to the DBIA. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The passport returns is a rewards incentive program to shop and enjoy downtown Peterborough with 152 participating stores.

Last year’s program saw shoppers stamp more than $2.6 million worth of Holiday Shopping Passports. Each $10 spent earns a stamp and every filled card — of $200 spent — earns a ballot for a grand prize of a $1,500 Boro Gift Card drawn on Jan. 11. Early Bird Draws draw on Dec. 7, 14 and 21 where a $500 Boro Gift Card is being given out to one person on its respective day.

Free stamps are available at the Peterborough Public Library, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitors Centre and the DBIA office.  

“This year, we decided to launch both our Passport program and Holiday Window contest in tandem to really increase a sense of excitement and holiday ambiance in the downtown core,” said Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director. “Our small businesses put a lot of care and love into the holiday season to capture the magic and charm of in-person shopping.”   

Photo courtesy of DBIA.

Shoppers can vote online for their favourite storefronts from Nov. 14 to Dec. 6. for the DBIA’s Holiday Window Contest with the theme as Winter Woodland. They can be seen online or in-person at downtown locations for the holiday displays.

The prizing for the winning stores are as follows:

• First place: $1,000

• Second place: $500

• Third place: $300

Photo courtesy of DBIA.

The DBIA has partnered with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism to increase tourist shopping for the downtown core as out-of-town shoppers play a major role in the economic health of downtown according to the DBIA.

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism designed ‘The Peterborough HAULiday Gifting Getaway’ hotel package that offers visitors an opportunity to receive a $100 Boro Gift Card and a swag bag with local gifts. Tourists receive this when they book an overnight stay at any one of the participating hotels in the City of Peterborough between Nov. 14 and Dec. 23.

“We are excited to be working alongside our partners at the DBIA to support local hotels during a need period in the late fall shoulder season and to encourage increased spending in the downtown during the holiday shopping season,” says Joe Rees, director of tourism, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.

The City of Peterborough is providing free two-hour parking downtown beginning Black Friday (Nov. 26) until the end of December courtesy of Wolfe Lawyers.

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.

Peterborough DBIA Receives Over $96,000 In Tourism Support from The Government of Canada

Peterborough’s Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) received $96,100 from the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund to attract visitors and support future growth in the community.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area.

The money came from Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) through FedDev Ontario, a system through the Government of Canada that delivers programs and services to support the growth of local economies.

The DBIA is a not-for-profit organization that represents downtown businesses, with focus on promoting and advocating for the downtown and it’s businesses. According to a press release, this investment will help the DBIA adapt and recover to attract new visitors and drive economic growth in downtown Peterborough.

“Guided by our strategic plan, we are always working to create and maintain a vibrant and attractive downtown area for locals and visitors,” said Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director. “With the help of the Tourism Relief Fund, we are able to implement several new projects that will enhance the visitor experience when visiting Downtown Peterborough.”

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.

Peterborough’s Downtown Business Improvement Area Launches ‘Halloween in the Booooro’ Event

Celebrate Halloween with the Downtown Business Improvement Area’s (DBIA) ‘Halloween in the Booooro’ event in downtown Peterborough on Oct. 29, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Downtown Business Improvement Area.

The DBIA will have a lineup of free, interactive, spooky family-friendly activities and programming such as a scavenger hunt and trick-or-treating from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. An adult zombie escape game will take place after 8 p.m.

At the scavenger hunt, players can try their luck at saving the Simcoe Street Skeleton by completing the self-guided Halloween hunt, starting at Black Honey. The Halloween hunt will have 13 stops along the way and a small prize at the end for those who complete the scavenger experience. The Save the Simcoe Street Skeleton Halloween hunt will not require any registration or equipment to participate.

The zombie escape game at Peterborough Square will have multiple playtime options from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. to sign up and try to escape the zombie apocalypse. Participants must be 18 or older.

“It’s great to see our incredible business community come together to bring some Halloween fun and animation into our downtown,” said Terry Guiel, DBIA executive director. “Halloween is a beloved holiday and I think the community will really enjoy taking advantage of the free programming on offer as we celebrate our first ever Halloween in the Boooro event.”

Businesses will decorate their window displays with Halloween decorations leading up to the event and locals are encouraged to vote for their favourite downtown window display to determine which business embodied Halloween and the theme of fairy tales and folklore the most. Window displays will start on Oct. 21 and voting will be open online until Nov. 1.

Businesses that will be handing out candy and will remain open for late night shopping include Boardwalk Boardgame Café, Chumleighs, KC Costumes, Couture Candy, Iceman Games, The Toy Shop, Naked Chocolate, Dreams of Beans, Cheek PTBO, Tragically Dipped, Watson and Lou, Plant Goals, Statement House, Boba Tea, Wild Rock, Ritual Apothecary and Rawscoe’s Sport Collectables.

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.

Expanded Downtown Patio Spaces Removed Starting Oct. 18

The City of Peterborough is removing the expanded downtown patio spaces starting Oct. 18 to prepare sidewalks and roads for winter snow-clearing operations announced on Monday.

The expanded patio spaces were installed in June throughout downtown. Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Any businesses with temporary patios on sidewalks and in on-street parking next to their businesses are having their patio furniture removed by end of Oct. 17. The removal of the fencing and large planters starts the following day.

Hunter Street between George and Aylmer Street returns to a two-lane, two-way street. During the summer, that section was temporarily one lane, westbound one-way street for more patio and pedestrian space.

This was the third consecutive summer for the downtown patios. The additional space supports people who may want to be outside during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City provided the space for downtown businesses and visitors is another way to support businesses that are recovering from the disruptions caused by the pandemic as stated in their press release.

Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area partnered with the City to maintain the plants in the large planters with the patio spaces.

Peterborough Public Health was consulted by the City for input on the temporary downtown public space changes.

The City coordinated the installation of road murals and artist gardens as part of the Renaissance on Hunter public art project for extra vibrancy.

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.

Hometown PTBO: Tony Bustos of Nielsen's Watches & Jewellery Retiring His Business After 25 Years

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with Tony Bustos of Nielsen’s Watches & Jewellery about retiring after being 25 years in business, his story of immigrating from Mexico to Canada and setting up shop in town.

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