This week’s regional business news features the sale of the historic St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Peterborough to a developer, the opening of Rolling Grape vineyard and winery in Bailieboro, the hiring of 15 new staff in May by Peterborough-based Cambium, the winners of the City of Kawartha Lakes’ Downtown Dreams contest, the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Evening of Excellence award winners, the Innovation Cluster hosting a hackathon to create solutions for barriers to accessibility, federal funding available for businesses and community organizations to increase accessibility, Camp Kawartha winning the Accessibility Champion Award, and the Eastern Ontario Regional Broadband Network seeking a board member.
New regional business events added this week include the Innovation Cluster hosting Yoga for Entrepreneurs in Peterborough on June 14th, the Haliburton Chamber and Workforce Development Board hosting a mental health workshop in Haliburton on June 18th, and the Peterborough Chamber hosting a seminar on marijuana and the workplace in Peterborough on June 27th.
Developer buys historic St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Peterborough
A developer has purchased the historic St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church at the corner of Murray and Water Streets in downtown Peterborough.
The 159-year-old church was listed for sale in January with Realty Executives Alison Ltd., Brokerage, with an asking price of $900,000.
Church officials announced last Monday (June 4) that the church has been sold to Clear Global Capital Ltd., with the deal closing on August 31, 2018.
The church’s decision to sell the historic building follows a 2014 structural review of the church that estimated it would cost $2 million to repair loose plaster, rotting support beams, writing, insulation, and the roof. Annual maintenance costs to maintain the property are $100,000.
In March 2009, the church was temporarily closed after cracks in the decorative plaster of the ceiling were discovered. That repair alone cost the congregation $38,000. However, the sanctuary in the original church building has remained closed since 2014 due to loose plaster falling from the ceiling.
The property houses two connected buildings with more than 23,400 square feet of floor space. It is also currently the temporary home of Brock Mission, whose former location Murray Street has been demolished with a new 18,000-square-foot facility being constructed on the same site with a scheduled completion date of later this year.
Church officials have not revealed the terms of the deal, other than that the developer is allowing existing tenants to continue to use the property for at least six months after the closing date, and that Brock Mission can continue to use the church until its new facility is ready.
The building does not have a heritage designation, and the developer’s plans for the property have not been revealed.
Rolling Grape vineyard and winery opens in Bailieboro
Rolling Grape Vineyard, a new vineyard and winery in Bailieboro, held its soft opening last Friday (June 8).
Owned by winemaker Jon Drew, the family-run vineyard and winery is located at 260 County Rd. 2., about 20 minutes south of Peterborough.
They produce small batch wines, including a Marquette, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Amplified Orange (a white wine fermented like a red).
Rolling Grape Vineyard offers a tasting room and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
For more information, visit rollinggrape.com
Peterborough-based Cambium hires 15 new staff in May
Peterborough-based consulting and engineering firm Cambium has announced that it hired 15 new full-time employess in May, bringing its total employee count to 100 at its locations in Peterborough, Barrie, Oshawa, and Kingston.
Founded in 2006 with nine employees, Cambium offes environmental, geotechnical, building sciences, and construction monitoring services. The addition of 15 staff in a single month is a milestone for the company.
“We planned to expand but the pace of growth was at a much faster and steadier rate than we had expected,” says President and CEO John Desbiens. “Building our capacity and competency to meet the market demand has required ongoing organizational development.”
Over the past five years, Cambium has grown by around 500 per cent with additional services, new offices, and projects.
Desbiens says he expects continued growth at Cambium over the next three years as the company continues to develop its existing locations and pursue a broader geographic reach.
City of Kawartha Lakes announces winners of Downtown Dreams contest
Last Wednesday (June 6), the City of Kawartha Lakes hosted the Downtown Dreams Business Showcase at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay and announced the four winners.
Downtown Dreams is a contest for new and existing businesses to open, expand, or move into the downtowns of Coboconk or Norland, Fenelon Falls, Lindsay or Omemee. The finalists of the contest are those businesses that most highly demonstrate passion, enthusiasm, compelling business objectives and knowledge in their field.
The winners are Agatha and Vinh Mac of Fenelon Falls Brewing Co. in Fenelon Falls, Jennifer Bacon of Yoga with Jenny in Coboconk, Eliana Evenaar and Phil Blais of Creation Café in Omemee, and Marie Rayner of Soulful Expressions in Lindsay.
Each business receives a prize package that includes: a free one-year membership to the local Chamber of Commerce; business and marketing consulting; business logo and business cards design; printing of business cards, letterhead, and envelopes; print and radio advertising; three months of telephone and internet services; photography services; and more.
Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce 2018 Evening of Excellence awards winners
The Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce held its 2018 Evening of Excellence awards ceremony on Friday, June 1st at the Lakeview Arts Barn in Bobcaygeon.
Adam Hayward of Nesbitt’s Meat Market was named Business Leader of the Year and community volunteer Robyn McNabb was named Citizen of the Year.
Chris Karkabasis was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award. The former owner of the Cottage and then the Olympia Restaurant in Lindsay, Karkabasis is also a former councilor for the Town of Lindsay, a past president of the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce president, an a founder of the Lindsay Business Improvement Association.
The other winners announced on June 1st are:
- DiBello Towing, New Business Of The Year
- Kawartha Care Wellness Centre, Customer Service Excellence
- Adelaide Clinic, Design Excellence
- Mariposa Dairy, Innovation Excellence
- Days Inn & Suites Lindsay, Tourism Excellence
- Happy Days Houseboats, Marketing Excellence
- Victoria County Career Services, Youth Mentorship Excellence
- Kawartha Lakes Art Gallery, Arts Excellence
- Horizon’s Family Dentistry, Employer of The Year
- A Place Called Home, Not-For-Profit Excellence;
Innovation Cluster hosts hackathon to create solutions for barriers to accessibility
On Friday, June 1st and Saturday, June 2nd, the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas hosted an Inclusive Design Challenge hackathon to bring awareness to everyday barriers for those with accessibility challenges, including vision and hearing loss.
The hackathon was part of the Ontario government’s BIG IDeA program that promotes advancing accessibility innovation in Ontario to create a culture of accessibility and inclusion.
The public, free event began at 4 p.m. on Friday at VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough, where participants had 24 hours to complete their solutions for a public showcase on Saturday afternoon.
Improving wheelchair accessibility was a focus of participants, including brainstorming the creation of an automatic braking system that would trigger when the user lost control. Members of the public who came to view the solutions during the showcase also provided ideas, such as an automated emergency communications device like OnStar for wheelchairs.
The research from the event will be documented on the BIG IDeA website at bigidea.one and be available to the public to promote the continuation of these innovations.
Federal funding available for businesses and community organizations to increase accessibility
The federal government is now accepting proposals for the small projects component of the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).
The EAF provides funding for eligible capital projects that increase accessibility for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces, creating more opportunities for people living with disabilities to participate in community activities, programs and services, or access employment opportunities.
There are two funding streams under EAF.
For businesses and other employers, the workplace accessibility stream funds projects that improve accessibility and safety for people with disabilities through the construction, renovation, or retrofit of workplaces, and by providing accessible information and communications technologies so that people with disabilities can access employment opportunities.
For community organizations, the community accessibility stream funds projects that improve accessibility and safety for people with disabilities through the construction, renovation or retrofit of community facilities and venues, and by providing accessible information and communications technologies so that community programs and services can be accessed by people with disabilities.
Not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations (with up to 99 full-time equivalent employees), small municipalities (with population under 125,000), Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities) and territorial governments are eligible to apply for project funding of up to $100,000 under both the workplace and the community accessibility funding streams.
Eligible applicants can submit proposals until July 26, 2018. Examples of projects include the construction or renovation of accessible ramps and pathways, the installation of automatic door openers, retrofitting of washrooms and office spaces, and the provision of accessible information and communication technologies.
For more information on EAF, visit www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/enabling-accessibility-fund-small-projects.html.
Camp Kawartha wins Accessibility Champion Award with honourable mentions for Workforce Development Board and Peterborough Axe Club
The Council for Persons with Disabilities has awarded Camp Kawartha with the National Accessibility Champion Award.
The announcement was made on Friday, June 1st at VentureNorth in downtown Peterborough during the closing ceremony of National Accessibility Week.
The award recognizes Camp Kawartha for being innovative and inclusive for their business and operational philosophy, specifically by supporting full inclusivity for children and adults of all abilities.
The recent developments include an accessible cabin cluster comprising a large accessible deck for group activities, accessible sleeping quarters with power entry doors and accessible washrooms and showers, and a unique accessible climbing wall with special rigging allowing those in wheelchairs or with prosthetics to engage in climbing safely with their peers. They also added an accessible pathway to ensure every camper or student who wants to participate in waterfront activities can do so despite a steep incline down to the waterfront camp.
VIDEO: Axe Throwing for Persons With Disabilities
Honourable mentions were also awarded to Workforce Development Board, for the development of a guide called “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers” that aims to help persons with disabilities achieve their full employment potential and provide a resource for business owners interested in making their operation more inclusive, and the Peterborough Axe Club, for making the sport of axe throwing accessible to persons with disabilities by training staff in various techniques to enable people with a disability to successfully throw axes and participate with their family and friends in this fast-growing and popular sport.
Eastern Ontario Regional Broadband Network (EORN) seeking a board member
The Eastern Ontario Regional Broadband Network (EORN) is seeking applications from residents in Eastern Ontario who would like to serve on the public to serve on its Board of Directors.
There is one immediate short-term vacancy with an option to renew for a two-year term in January 2019. This is a volunteer position requiring attendance at monthly board meetings and various other events and activities.
Qualified candidates with public or private sector expertise in finance, law, and/or technology are asked to visit the EORN website at www.eorn.ca for a job description.
If you are interested in applying to this position, forward your resume and cover letter to:
David Fell, CEO
County of Peterborough
County Court House
470 Water Street
Peterborough, ON K9H 3M3
or by email to dfell@eorn.ca. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 6th.
Peterborough Chamber Breakfast Meeting with Michael Konopaski on June 12
The next Chamber AM, a breakfast meeting hosted by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, takes place from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 12th at Carousel Restaurant & Tavern (116 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough) with a presentation from Michael Konopaski, who will speak on the topic “The Truth About Finding Happiness for Entrepreneurs”.
Michael is the Managing Director of Inclusive Advisory and the Chief Financial Officer of Aligned Capital Partners. Inclusive Advisory is a local, third generation, multi–discipline partnership of accountants, lawyers and wealth management professionals. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and has a PhD from one of the top business schools in the world.
His research interests include the connection between happiness and entrepreneurship. Over the years, Michael has studied hundreds of entrepreneurs to find out how they built their business while simultaneously achieving happiness. His presentation will focus on helping you increase your well being while keeping ahead of your competition.
Networking begins at 7 a.m. with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. (where you can make your best 30-second elevator speech to the room) followed by the guest speaker at 8 a.m.
The event is free to attend (pay for what you order). To register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism hosts Business After Hours: Woodview Hop on June 13
Viamede Resort on Stoney Lake. (Photo: Viamede Resort)
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its next Business After Hours event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13th in Woodview.
The “Woodview Hop” begins at 5 p.m. at Viamede Resort on Stoney Lake (595 Mount Julian – Viamede Rd.) and then travels to Woodview on the Lake (6242 Highway 28) at 5:45 p.m. for networking and refreshments from 6 to 7 p.m., including beef tenderloin on a bun, fruit and cheese, cupcakes, and wine and beer.
Business owners from the Woodview area will also be in attendance to speak about their businesses.
Artspace hosts its Annual General Meeting on June 13
Artspace, Peterborough’s non-profit artist-run centre that assists artists with the presentation of new work, is hosting its annual general meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13th in the main gallery at Artspace (378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough).
Artspace will review the previous year’s operations and the organization’s audited financial statements, and will seek nominations for new members for the board of directors.
All members of the community are invited to attend, but only members in good standing with the centre are eligible to participate in voting.
The meeting will be held in a physically accessible space, and a cash bar and light refreshments will be provided.
Innovation Cluster hosts Yoga for Entrepreneurs in Peterborough on June 14
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is hosting “Yoga for Entrepreneurs” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 14th on the ground floor of VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
Led by Celeste Terry, the yoga session is part of the Innovation Cluster’s Hands-On Series for the month of June called “Maintaining Mindfulness as an Entrepreneur”. The series is intended to help entrepreneurs avoid burnout by focussing on self-care.
The event is free, but advance registration is requested at www.eventbrite.com/e/hands-on-maintaining-mindfulness-as-an-entrepreneur-yoga-for-entrepreneurs-tickets-45977537051.
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre Annual General Meeting in Cobourg on June 19
Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre is holding its annual general meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19th in the Rotary Room at the Cobourg Public Library (200 Ontario St., Cobourg).
David Quesada, Community Outreach Officer with Horizons of Friendship, will be giving a special presentation on that organization’s partnership with Cornerstone, and will outline the itinerary for the upcoming gender-based violence knowledge exchange in Guatemala in which Cornerstone will be participating.
Cornerstone provides immediate shelter, counselling, and prevention services throughout Northumberland County.
To RSVP, email ghuth@cornerstonenorthumberland.ca.
Haliburton Chamber and Workforce Development Board host mental health workshop in Haliburton on June 18
The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce and the Workforce Development Board are hosting a free workshop on mental health from 7:30 to 10 a.m. on Monday, June 18th at Bonnie View Inn (2713 Kashagawigamog Lake Rd., Haliburton).
The “Mental Distress: Recognition and Response Workshop” will be presented by Jack Veitch, Health Promoter and Educator with the Canadian Mental Health Association Halburtion, Kawartha, Pine Ridge.
Workshop participants will learn about the difference between mental health and mental illness, as well as the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Participants will aloso learn about a variety of mental illness, including common symptoms and presentation. As well, simple verbal de-escalation techniques and communication strategies will be reviewed.
A light breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m., followed by introductions by the Workforce Development Board at 8 a.m., with the workshop beginning at 8:15 a.m.
The workshop is free, but advance registration is requested at www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-distress-recognition-and-response-workshop-haliburton-tickets-46153463251.
Peterborough Chamber hosts Leaders Lunch Series on trade and potential of student ambassadors on June 20
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its latest Leaders Lunch Series, “Harnessing Trade Opportunities and the Potential of Student Ambassadors”, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20th at Fleming College’s Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre (599 Brealey Dr., Peterborough).
Dignitaries from Brazil, China, and India will discuss trade opportunities and harnessing the potential of student ambassadors.
Keynote speakers are Sarah Kutulakos (Executive Director of Canada China Business Council), Mr. Anil Shah (National Convenor of Canada India Foundation), Mr. Ademar Seabra da Cruz Junior (Deputy Consul of Brazil to Toronto), and Ms. Paola Saad (Vice-President of the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce).
Other speakers will include Douglas Kennedy from the Centre of Global Enterprise (Toronto) and more.
The lunch costs $20. Register at www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting on June 20
Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator will be the guest speaker at the Kawarthas Northumberland annual tourism partner meeting. (Photo: Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre)
RTO8’s Kawarthas Northumberland is inviting tourism operators from within the Kawarthas Northumberland region (City of Kawartha Lakes, City and County of Peterborough, and Northumberland County) to its annual partners meeting (annual general meeting) from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20th at Iron Horse Ranch (804 Ontario 7A RR1, Bethany).
The meeting will provide tourism operators with the opportunity to meet Kawarthas Northumberland board members and staff, along with representatives and advisors from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and to network with other tourism operators.
The guest speaker at the session will be Todd Lucier, co-founder of Northern Edge Algonquin Retreat Centre, a retreat designer and IGNITE facilitator. Lucier will speak on how tourism operators can leverage their own resources to build new and exciting visitor experiences, with an appreciation for the importance of community collaboration.
The event is free, but advance registration is required by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 15th. Register at Eventbrite.
Peterborough Chamber hosts seminar on marijuana and the workplace in Peterborough on June 27
The next seminar in the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s Lunch Box Learning series is on the topic “Marijuana and the Workplace” from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27th in the Chamber boardroom (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
Chris Russell, a human resources lawyer with LLF Lawyers, and Matthew Savino of Savino Human Resource Partners, will present the seminar followed by a question-and-answer session.
The seminar is free to attend with a Chamber membership or a Women’s Business Network of Peterborough membership. Bring your own lunch.
Register at www.peterboroughchamber.ca
Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area Annual General Meeting on June 27
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) is hosting its annual general meeting on Wednesday, June 27th in the Nexicom Studio at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
Networking starts at 5:30 p.m. with business at 6 p.m. The meeting will include updates on what’s happening in downtown Peterborough, as well as a general election of the board.
Everyone is welcome to attend, although only DBIA members can vote.
For more information on joining the board, contact Joel Wiebe at the DBIA at 705-748-4774 or joelwiebe@peterboroughbia.com.
