This edition of businessNOW is full of the kind of news I most love to share: local businesses growing, entrepreneurs raising the bar, opening new doors, celebrating milestones, and passing the torch to new owners.
At a time when tariffs, rising costs, and economic uncertainty continue to put pressure on businesses of every size, our locally owned businesses continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. They adapt, invest, take risks, create jobs, support community causes, and find new ways to serve their customers.
The stories in this edition are a reminder that local business is not simply about a transaction. These owners and operators are our neighbours. They are the people sponsoring the teams, donating to the fundraisers, hiring local people, bringing life to our downtowns, and helping make our communities distinctive places to live.
Choosing local matters, especially now. Every time we support a local business, we are investing in the strength, character, and future of our own community.
To be included in a future businessNOW column, please send your business announcements, milestones, and story ideas directly to me at business@kawarthanow.com.
Living Local Marketplace marks five years with a new East City location on the way
Five years ago, Alicia Doris opened Living Local Marketplace’s first storefront at Chemong Road and Milroy Drive in Peterborough. What began as a subscription-box business during the pandemic quickly grew into something much bigger: a welcoming destination for thoughtfully curated goods, gift boxes, and products from local artisans and small businesses.
That growth has been built on a clear and meaningful purpose. Living Local Marketplace does more than sell locally made products; it helps makers and independent businesses reach new customers, tell their stories, and keep more dollars circulating in our community.
Earlier this year, Doris and Horlings Garden Centre co-owner Sam Turner turned a successful holiday pop-up into a permanent partnership, relocating Living Local Marketplace to the Selwyn garden centre. The larger space has allowed the business to work with even more artisans and offer customers a true local-shopping destination.
Now, as Living Local Marketplace celebrates its fifth anniversary, Doris is preparing to write another chapter. This fall, the business will open a second location at 59A Hunter Street East, in the former Take Cover Books space. The opening date will be determined soon.
The East City shop will feature Living Local’s best-selling apparel, bath and body products, gourmet goods, handmade items, and ready-made gift baskets and boxes. It will give both familiar faces and new customers another place to discover the many makers and businesses represented by Living Local.
Two locations. One Living Local.
Meanwhile, plans are also underway for an expanded holiday marketplace of more than 3,000 square feet at Horlings Garden Centre, an exciting sign of just how far this local business has come in five years.
Congratulations to Alicia, Sam at Horlings, and the entire Living Local Marketplace team on five years of growth, creativity, and helping so many local businesses shine.
Read our spring story about Living Local Marketplace’s permanent move to Horlings Garden Centre.
The Vine in downtown Peterborough reopens September 15 after almost four months
And now for some news that local vegetarians and pescatarians will want to know about.
The Vine, Peterborough-Nogojiwanong’s first pescatarian brunch restaurant, will celebrate its grand reopening at their existing location at 165 Sherbrooke Street on Tuesday (September 15).
After four months of being closed while chef and co-owner Tyrone Flowers navigated a health challenge, The Vine is back and ready to go. The celebration will begin with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by an opportunity for visitors to meet the owners and team, enjoy complimentary samples, and purchase baked goods and beverages.
Tyrone says he, his business partner and wife Lauren Mortlock, and both familiar faces and new staff will be on hand for a relaunch day featuring samples of baked goods, beverages, and baked goods for sale. It will not be a full-service day, but it will be a welcome chance for customers to see the refreshed space, meet the team, and get a first look at the menu.
Full service begins on Wednesday (September 16), with reservations required for the first few weeks as the restaurant eases back into operation. Walk-ins will be limited to drinks or quick takeout. Saturday service is expected to return in October, as the team continues to honour catering and event commitments already booked for September.
Opened in May 2023 by Tyrone and Lauren, The Vine was created as an inviting, inclusive brunch destination where people with a range of dietary needs can find something they enjoy. The restaurant emphasizes local ingredients and produce, with a plant-forward pescatarian menu that quickly found a loyal following. If you have not yet experienced Tyrone’s baked goods (with special mention for the scones) this is your sign to drop in to The Vine!
The Vine is located at 165 Sherbrooke Street in Peterborough. For reservations, email thevineptbo@gmail.com or call 705-775-8463. Their upcoming fall events listings are up to date on their website at www.thevineptbo.com.
Euphoria Wellness Spa in downtown Peterborough celebrates 20 years of beauty, wellness, and entrepreneurship
Euphoria Wellness Spa in downtown Peterborough is marking 20 years in business with Euphoria Forever, a beauty and wellness celebration from 1 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7.
The milestone is also an opportunity to recognize owner and spa director Simone Dobson, whose entrepreneurial vision has helped make Euphoria a familiar name in Peterborough’s wellness and beauty community.
Over two decades, Simone has built a business known for evolving with its clients, from spa and salon services to medical esthetics, while creating a destination that has brought new life to the historic former Commercial Press building at 290 Water Street.
As part of the building’s transformation, Simone also established U4, a rooftop patio bar above Euphoria. Located atop the award-winning spa, U4 has become a distinctive downtown venue for private events and gatherings.
Simone’s business leadership and community contribution were recognized in 2021 when she was inducted into the Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario Business Hall of Fame.
The anniversary event will include product and service savings, complimentary mini services by appointment, prizes, giveaways, refreshments, live demonstrations, and more. Learn more and reserve a complimentary service at euphoriawellnessspa.com.
Workforce Development Board celebrates 30 years of strengthening the local workforce
Congratulations to Workforce Development Board (WDB) on 30 years of helping shape a stronger regional workforce.
Now based in Lindsay after more than two decades in downtown Peterborough, the not-for-profit organization serves Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton, helping employers, job seekers, educators, economic development organizations, and community partners with the information and practical tools they need to respond to local labour-market challenges.
As one of Ontario’s 24 workforce planning boards, WDB is a trusted source for local labour-market research, workforce planning, recruitment and retention resources, career-planning tools, and employment initiatives.
Its work matters because good local decisions — whether by a business looking for workers, a student considering a career, or a municipality planning for growth — depend on understanding the realities of the regional workforce.
Watch for our upcoming kawarthaNOW feature on WDB’s milestone anniversary, its evolution, and the people and partnerships behind three decades of impact. Visit their website at www.wdb.ca for resources included the Local Jobs Hub, labour market information, career ladders, and much more.
Malabar Kitchen brings the flavours of southern India to downtown Peterborough
A new restaurant on Hunter Street West is introducing Peterborough to the distinctive coastal flavours of Kerala and Malabar in southern India.
Malabar Kitchen soft-opened on August 21 at 221 Hunter Street West, with a menu of south Indian dishes including biryani, tandoori chicken, curries, vegetarian options, and regional specialities.
The restaurant is led by Joyal Antony, a Fleming College graduate who came to Peterborough from India in 2024 and began by cooking homemade biryani for the local community. Locals might recognize the location as the one formerly occupied by Black Honey, but the stunning renovations have truly transformed the space.
Joyal says the response to his biryani encouraged him to create a permanent location where people could enjoy the food of his homeland. To keep the flavours authentic, Malabar Kitchen uses spices associated with the region, including green cardamom, black pepper, curry leaves, and coconut milk.
The restaurant is currently open daily from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., with a larger menu planned in the coming months. Follow Malabar Kitchen on Instagram for updates, call them at 705-745-0000, and visit them at 221 Hunter St W, Peterborough.
Peterborough County and IntegrAlign Partners offer free, hands-on AI training for local businesses
Local business owners and their staff can learn practical ways to use artificial intelligence (AI) in their day-to-day operations through a series of free workshops being offered across Peterborough County in late September and early October.
Presented by The Local Advantage with Peterborough County and Peterborough-based consulting firm IntegrAlign Partners, the sessions will be led by IntegrAlign founder Sherry Hill.
Rather than focusing on technical jargon or prompt engineering, the workshops will explore how AI can help businesses improve efficiency, strengthen marketing, streamline staff training, prepare presentations, improve customer service, and remain visible and competitive online.
Each full-day workshop will offer five two-hour sessions tailored to construction and trades, small business operations, tourism and hospitality, health and wellness, and non-profit and community organizations. No prior AI experience is required, but participants are encouraged to bring a laptop and their questions.
Workshops will be held September 16 in Keene, September 21 in Bridgenorth, September 30 in Cavan Monaghan, and October 6 in Norwood. For session times, details, and registration, read our Know Your Locals story.
Pizza Villa in Bridgenorth celebrates 30 years of pizza, family, and community
Huge congratulations to Pizza Villa in Bridgenorth, which is celebrating 30 years in business this September.
After moving from Greece to Peterborough in 1982, Kosta Bouzinelos worked at his brother Peter’s pizza restaurant, The Pizza Factory in Peterborough, before purchasing the Pizza Villa in Bridgenorth.
Now run by Kosta’s daughter Eva Bouzinelos and Farid Hashemi, the popular family restaurant has been a familiar gathering place for locals, cottagers, and visitors, serving up pizza and much more while building the kind of loyal following that only comes from consistently showing up for a community.
To mark the anniversary, Pizza Villa is inviting young customers to take part in a kids’ colouring contest throughout September. One winner will receive a free small pizza with their choice of toppings. Colouring pages and contest details are available at the restaurant.
Congratulations to the Pizza Villa team on this impressive local-business milestone, and here’s to many more years. Call them at 705-292-5050 and visit in person for their delicious offerings at 846 Ward Street in Bridgenorth. To see the menu, visit www.pizzavillapastahouse.com.
Grady’s Feet Essentials in downtown Peterborough enters a new chapter under new owners
After nearly 30 years at the helm of Grady’s Feet Essentials, Kelli and Tony Grady have retired and transferred ownership of their downtown Peterborough footwear store to Theresa Thibadeau and Mark Walsh.
The transition was celebrated with a ribbon cutting on September 1 at the store at 231 King Street. Thibadeau, who previously worked for Grady’s and has returned to manage ordering, inventory, scheduling, accounting, social media, and store operations, is realizing a longtime dream of owning her own business.
Walsh brings more than 20 years of automotive-industry experience and plans to expand the store’s safety-footwear selection, while training to provide Birkenstock repair and Blundstone care services.
The Gradys’ family business dates back to 1984, when Tony’s father Ken began fitting customers with custom orthotics. Tony and Kelli took over in 1997 and built Grady’s into a trusted destination for comfortable, quality footwear and knowledgeable personal service.
Their retirement also marks a remarkable chapter of community involvement, including support for local arts organizations, Community Care Peterborough’s foot clinic, and the Rotary Accessible Playground Project. Grady’s Feet Essentials will continue operating at 231 King Street and online under Thibadeau and Walsh’s ownership.
Read our full story on the ownership transition.
Power Pot Mediterranean Cuisine celebrates grand opening in Port Hope
Power Pot Mediterranean Cuisine in Port Hope will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on Friday (September 18).
Located at 50 Cavan Street, the recently opened restaurant serves grilled beef and chicken kabobs, lamb shank, Zereshk polo, and more.
At the grand opening, community members are invited to meet the team, explore the menu, and welcome the new business to Port Hope.
Visit them online at powerpot.ca
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough needs a few more foursomes!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough is inviting the community to tee off for a great local cause at its inaugural charity golf tournament on Saturday, September 26 at Lift Lock Golf Club in Peterborough.
“Big Swings for Big Futures” will bring together community leaders, local businesses, and golf enthusiasts for a fun and meaningful event dedicated to empowering underserved youth in our community.
The event features a BBQ lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start with 18 holes of golf (foursome scramble format), a putting contest with prizes, and more.
Proceeds will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough’s local mentoring programs for children and youth, with every dollar raised staying in the community.
Registration is $600 for a foursome, $300 for a pair, or $150 for a single golfer. Pairs and singles will be placed in foursome. If you don’t golf, you can still support Big Brothers Big Sisters by enjoying the BBQ lunch for $30.
To register, visit www.zeffy.com/ticketing/big-swings-for-big-futures-golf-tournament.
People on the Move
In this edition we’re celebrating moves and recognition.
Laurie Heigh joins Team vanRahan at Century 21 United Realty
Laurie Heigh has begun a new career in real estate, joining Team vanRahan at Century 21 United Realty in Peterborough.
While she is new to the industry, Laurie brings more than 30 years of customer-service experience and over 20 years as an entrepreneur — experience she says has taught her the value of listening, communicating clearly, following through, and building relationships based on trust.
Laurie joins a growing five-person team led by Ben vanVeen and Catherine Hanrahan. The team also includes director of operations Sara Lytle, who oversees administration, marketing, and office management, and Bruce Shaw, who joined Team vanRahan last year as a buyer agent.
For Laurie, the opportunity means bringing her own energy and commitment to clients while working alongside a team with established local knowledge, professional connections, and real estate experience.
For more information on Team vanRahan, visit teamvanrahan.com.
Bethany Dainton recognized in Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026
Bethany Dainton, manager of philanthropy with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation, has been named to the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026.
The annual recognition celebrates 40 emerging leaders in healthcare philanthropy from across North America. Bethany has held fundraising and strategic leadership roles with both the PRHC Foundation and Bowmanville Hospital Foundation, helping connect donors with initiatives that make a meaningful difference in patient care.
In announcing the recognition, Bethany thanked her colleagues, mentors, family, friends, and the donors whose generosity continues to transform health care in their communities.
It is a well-deserved honour for a local professional whose work is helping strengthen healthcare across our region.
Noel Bennett named incoming interim president and CEO of Peterborough Regional Health Centre
Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has appointed Noel Bennett as its incoming interim president and CEO, effective September 25.
Noel currently serves as PRHC’s executive vice-president of clinical services and chief nursing executive. He joined the hospital as a registered nurse in 2008 and has since held increasingly senior leadership roles, including manager and director of emergency and critical care, before joining the senior leadership team in 2021.
Under Noel’s leadership, PRHC launched one of Canada’s first nursing strategies in 2025 and introduced its first Nursing Symposium and Nursing Innovation Awards.
Noel succeeds Dr. Lynn Mikula, who is leaving PRHC this fall to become president and CEO of Sinai Health in Toronto.
Jasmine Bennett named to Furniture Today’s 40 Under 40
Jasmine Bennett, fourth-generation owner of Bennett’s Furniture and Mattress, has been named to Furniture Today’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026.
The annual list recognizes emerging leaders whose ideas, leadership, and work are helping shape the future of the furniture industry.
It is a fitting honour for Jasmine, who is carrying forward a family business that this year is celebrating 100 years serving customers in Campbellford, Peterborough, Kingston, and beyond.
Upcoming Events – September 14 to October 2
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – City Express by Marriott Port Hope Grand Opening
Host: City Express by Marriott Port Hope and the Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce
Time: 2 to 3 p.m.
Location: 2211 County Road 28, Port Hope
Cost: Free
Celebrate the opening of Canada’s first City Express by Marriott hotel, with a ribbon cutting, refreshments, hotel tours, and an opportunity to meet the local team and Marriott representatives.
Details and registration: business.porthopechamber.com/events/details/grand-opening-city-express-by-marriott-port-hope-1005
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – AI Foundations for Safe, Productive Use Webinar
Host: Workforce Development Board, Simcoe Muskoka Skillforce, and Muskoka-Kawartha Employment Services
Time: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
This webinar introduces practical, low-risk AI uses for everyday work, including meeting summaries, email drafting, and document briefings.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1994074527591
Thursday, September 17, 2026 – “Thinking of Starting your own Business?” County Tour – Trent Lakes
Host: Community Futures Peterborough with Peterborough County
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Municipality of Trent Lakes Municipal Office, 760 County Road 36, Bobcaygeon
Cost: Free
Learn the key steps to consider when starting a business, followed by informal networking and an opportunity to speak with Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough County Economic Development representatives.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/cc/4863570
Thursday, September 17, 2026 – Business Plan Forecasting with Scotiabank
Host: Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre and Launch Kawartha
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Launch Kawartha, 165 Kent Street West, Suite 302, Lindsay
Cost: Free
Scotiabank experts will explain the financial forecasting process, including estimating revenues and expenses, understanding cash flow, and building practical projections for a business plan.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1995465548171
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Tuesday, November 17, 2026 – ONWARD: Women & Money – Economic Security in Uncertain Times
Host: ONWARD and Maryam Monsef with Kawartha Financial Services, Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, kawarthaNOW, BDC, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, and Baker Tilly
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte Street, Peterborough
Cost: $45.14
This four-hour event explores financial challenges affecting women, including the pay gap, the motherhood penalty, access to care, and access to capital for business startups and expansion. Note: This event has been rescheduled from the original date of September 22.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1993932257056
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 – “Thinking of Starting your own Business?” County Tour – Otonabee-South Monaghan
Host: Community Futures Peterborough with Peterborough County
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Otonabee-South Monaghan Fire Department, 21 Third Street, Keene
Cost: Free
A practical introduction to starting a business, followed by networking and access to local business-support resources.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/cc/4863570
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 – PK Conversations: Provincial Update with MPP Dave Smith
Host: Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Location: Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, 175 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
A Chamber discussion with Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith on provincial issues affecting the local business community.
Details and registration: web.peterboroughchamber.ca/events
Thursday, September 24, 2026 – “Thinking of Starting your own Business?” County Tour – Asphodel-Norwood
Host: Community Futures Peterborough with Peterborough County
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre, 88 Alma Street, Norwood
Cost: Free
This stop on the County Tour offers aspiring entrepreneurs practical startup guidance, networking, and local business-support information.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/cc/4863570
Thursday, September 24, 2026 – Entrepreneurship 101: “Market Ready: Test Your Idea and Understand Your Market”
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Venture North, 270 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Allison Adam will lead a workshop on testing a business idea and understanding the market before launch or expansion.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998753106346
Monday, September 29, 2026 – “Thinking of Starting your own Business?” County Tour – Selwyn
Host: Community Futures Peterborough with Peterborough County
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Lakefield-Smith Community Centre and Arena, 20 Concession Street, Lakefield
Cost: Free
Community Futures Peterborough and Peterborough County Economic Development will be available to discuss startup considerations, business supports, and local opportunities.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/cc/4863570
Monday, September 29, 2026 – Branding Your Small Business
Host: Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre
Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Creative designer Shevon Sigouin joins the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre for a virtual workshop on why branding matters, practical steps business owners can take themselves, and when to bring in a professional designer.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1999044398609
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – Free AI Training for Business – Millbrook
Host: Peterborough County Economic Development and Integralign Partners
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Cavan Monaghan Community Centre, 986 County Road 10, Millbrook
Cost: Free
This hands-on training day offers sector-specific AI sessions for construction and trades, small business operations, tourism and hospitality, health and wellness, and non-profit and community organizations.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998263723589
Thursday, October 1, 2026 – “Thinking of Starting your own Business?” County Tour – Douro-Dummer
Host: Community Futures Peterborough with Peterborough County
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Township of Douro-Dummer Municipal Office, 894 South Street, Warsaw
Cost: Free
A startup-focused workshop and open-house-style networking opportunity for entrepreneurs in Douro-Dummer.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/cc/4863570
Thursday, October 1, 2026 – Entrepreneurship 101: “Launch Pad: Business Planning and Launch Strategies”
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Venture North, 270 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Allison Adam will guide entrepreneurs through business planning and practical strategies for launching a new venture.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998752835536
Thursday, October 1, 2026 – Entrepreneurship 101: “Funding Fuel: Explore Funding Pathways”
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: Venture North, 270 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Braden Clark will lead this workshop that explores financing options and what lenders and investors look for when assessing a small-business opportunity.
Details and registration: eventbrite.ca/e/1998754373135
Thursday, October 1, 2026 – IC Talks: Unfiltered
Host: Innovation Cluster
Time: Doors open and networking begin at 4:30 p.m.; talks begin at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte Street, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Local innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, healthcare leaders, educators, and business owners will share short talks on ideas and collaborations shaping the future of Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
Details and registration: innovationcluster.ca/ictalks
To submit your business news and events for businessNOW, email jeannine at business@kawarthanow.com.
