There’s something especially encouraging about seeing people invest in the places we call home. This edition of businessNOW opens with three women doing just that: Ang McDonald welcoming customers to Sweet Fern’s beautiful new downtown space, Alicia Doris opening Living Local Marketplace in East City, and Sheri Wilfong buying a downtown building for Hair by Fusion’s second location.
I’m inspired by their confidence in their businesses and our community, and by the support greeting them. Friends, neighbours, fellow business owners, and loyal customers are showing up to celebrate and shop. That support matters. It helps turn an entrepreneur’s investment into a thriving part of the neighbourhood.
Across the region, there’s plenty more happening, from new openings and expansions to awards recognizing the talent behind our buildings and businesses. We also share news of a coming closure in Cobourg — a reminder to keep showing up for the independent shops that mean so much to our downtowns.
Sweet Fern Floral Studio celebrates a full-circle homecoming on Charlotte Street
There was plenty to celebrate at Sweet Fern Floral Studio on Friday, November 6, as owner Angela “Ang” McDonald welcomed friends, family, the DBIA team, mayor-elect Michael Eamon, and city councillor Joy Lachica for a ribbon cutting in her lovely, refreshed space at 208 Charlotte Street.
As we shared in our August businessNOW column, this move is a particularly meaningful homecoming. Ang was six when her parents purchased a flower shop at this very address, operating it for 22 years. She grew up there, learning the floral business and seeing how flowers connect people through celebrations, losses, and everyday gestures of kindness.
Years later, making planters with her mother during the pandemic inspired the business that became Sweet Fern. Ang opened her Water Street storefront in 2024, and has now returned to where her own story with flowers began.
The Charlotte Street location offers three times the space, with more room for floral designs, home décor, and gifts. I’ve made no secret of being a Sweet Fern fan, and seeing Ang bring her own business into the shop she knew as a child makes this milestone especially lovely. Congratulations to Ang and the entire team.
Sweet Fern Floral Studio is located at 208 Charlotte Street in downtown Peterborough. For more information, call 705-868-7705 or visit sweetfernfloralstudio.com.
Living Local Marketplace welcomes shoppers to its new East City location
Living Local Marketplace is back in Peterborough, with its second location now open at 59 Hunter Street East in East City. Owner Alicia Doris and her team have been warmly welcomed by neighbours, familiar customers, and a welcome new addition to their business: passing pedestrians.
“We are honoured to be a part of this community and to be back in Peterborough,” the business shared in announcing its arrival.
As an East City resident, I’m delighted to see another independent shop joining the neighbourhood. Living Local showcases gifts, gourmet goods, apparel, bath and body products, and homewares from artisans and small businesses close to home and across Canada. It’s a lovely addition to a Hunter Street shopping stroll, particularly with holiday gift-giving ahead.
The new shop complements Living Local’s location at Horlings Garden Centre on Lakefield Road. Both stores are open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — and are fully dressed and stocked for the holidays!
Living Local Marketplace is located at 59 Hunter Street East in Peterborough and in Horlings Garden Centre at 3056 Lakefield Road in Lakefield. For more information, call 705-768-0621 or visit livinglocalmarketplace.ca.
Hair by Fusion plans second Peterborough location in former Fontaine’s building
A new chapter is coming for the former Fontaine’s bicycle shop location at 384 Queen Street in downtown Peterborough.
Hair by Fusion owner Sheri Wilfong has purchased the building for a second salon location, picking up the keys late last week.
“I have so much to say, but for now — I bought a building! Fusion X 2 is coming,” Wilfong shared in announcing the news.
It’s an exciting step for the local business, which currently operates on Sherbrooke Street. Congratulations to Sheri — we’ll share more about her plans and the opening as details become available.
Hair by Fusion is currently located at 1625 Sherbrooke Street West, Unit 5 in Peterborough. For more information, call 705-743-6600 or visit www.hairbyfusion.com.
Brittany N Bros to close downtown Cobourg store in January
Some difficult news from downtown Cobourg: Brittany N Bros owner Tammy Thompson has announced the clothing and footwear store will close on January 27.
In a message to customers, Thompson said her landlord has decided not to renew the store’s lease. The business will continue serving customers as usual until its closing date.
“This is not the way I had hoped my journey would end,” Thompson wrote, reflecting on the friendships, memories, and community support that have made owning the business a special chapter in her life.
She thanked customers for shopping locally and supporting the store, and her staff for their dedication and hard work. Her message is a reminder of how much an independent shop can mean to the people on both sides of the counter.
The closure affects only the Cobourg store. Brittany N Bros locations in Lindsay and Port Perry will continue operating as usual.
Brittany N Bros in Cobourg is located at 52 King Street West. For more information, call 905-372-3709 or visit brittany-and-bros.myshopify.com.
Complete K9 Care near Keene celebrates expanded facility and new dog daycare
Congratulations to Brent and Sarah Alvey, who marked the grand opening of Complete K9 Care’s newly expanded facility with a ribbon cutting on November 4 at their 35-acre property near Keene.
The expansion adds a dog daycare focused on structured exercise and mental enrichment, with obstacle courses, jumps, and activities led by professional handlers to help dogs build confidence. It complements the business’s existing training programs, overnight boarding, and classes.
Founder Brent has been training dogs for 13 years, beginning with his own dog’s behavioural challenges and volunteering with rescue shelters. Today, he and Sarah are growing their team and introducing new puppy classes alongside the daycare.
As we explored in our recent story, Community Futures Peterborough provided financing and business support to help the Alveys transform an outdated barn into the new facility. It’s an encouraging example of local business support helping an established rural enterprise take its next step.
Complete K9 Care is located at 4115 Elmhirst Road in the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan. For more information, call 705-760-4279 or visit completek9care.ca.
Housing Design Awards celebrate 70 years of building across the Kawarthas region
Seven decades of building, renovating, and creating homes gave the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association plenty to celebrate at its annual Housing Design Awards gala on October 29.
Held at Peterborough’s Healthy Planet Arena Banquet Hall, the association’s 70th anniversary celebration drew nearly 90 entries across more than 30 categories. For this special edition, members could enter projects completed at any point during the past 70 years, offering a broader look at the industry’s contribution to our communities.
The prestige award recipients were:
- Custom Builder of the Year: Timberline Custom Homes, for Building with Nature, with honourable mentions for Providence Homes and Kawartha Lakes Construction’s Juniper Island Store.
- Renovator of the Year: Blackwood Developments, with honourable mentions for ACM Designs and Birchview Design.
- Manufactured Builder of the Year: Discovery Dream Homes.
- Production Builder of the Year: Peterborough Homes.
- Sub-Trade of the Year: Kerr’s Home Products.
- Community of the Year: Tribute Communities’ Lindsay Heights.
- Project of the Year: Derigay Developments’ Gull River affordable housing project in Minden.
- Supplier of the Year: Monaghan Lumber.
Lifetime Contribution Awards recognized Hans Keppler, Don Dyck, and Garnet Northey. The association also celebrated 70-year memberships for Doughty Aggregates, Doughty Masonry Centre, and Kingdon Timber Mart, alongside 35-year milestones for 1867 Confederation Log Homes, the City of Peterborough, Drain Brothers Excavating, and RBC Royal Bank.
Awards across new home construction, renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces reflected the breadth of expertise in our region. It’s particularly encouraging to see affordable housing recognized alongside custom homes and renovations — a reminder of the many ways this industry helps shape where and how we live.
Congratulations to all the recipients and to the association on its 70th anniversary.
For more information about Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association, call 705-930-1620 or visit www.pkhba.com.
Lindsay Downtown launches gift card accepted at more than 80 businesses
Just in time for holiday shopping, the Lindsay Downtown BIA has introduced a gift card that lets recipients choose from more than 80 downtown shops, restaurants, and service businesses.
Available in physical and digital formats, the Lindsay Downtown Gift Card can be purchased in amounts starting at $10. It builds on the BIA’s previous paper gift certificate program, making it easier for customers and organizations to buy and give a little downtown discovery.
For businesses planning staff gifts, it’s also an opportunity to keep that spending close to home. BIA executive director Melissa McFarland says the cards can serve as employee rewards, welcome gifts for new residents, or presents for occasions throughout the year.
Burns Bulk Food is among the participating businesses. Owner Reese Burns welcomed the flexibility the card offers, as it gives recipients the freedom to visit familiar favourites or discover somewhere new.
I like a gift that offers choice while supporting independent businesses and is easy to use. Whether it becomes lunch, a shopping afternoon, or something special from a local shop, this one gives people another reason to explore downtown Lindsay.
Cards can be purchased online or at the BIA office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Purchases outside those hours can be arranged by contacting the office.
The Lindsay Downtown BIA is located at 7 York Street South in Lindsay. For more information, call 705-324-7710 or visit lindsaydowntown.ca. For details about the gift cards and participating businesses, visit www.lindsaydowntowngiftcard.com.
Beertown celebrates its first week in Peterborough and thanks the team behind the build
Beertown Public House has wrapped up its first week in Peterborough, thanking the customers, staff, brewery partners, suppliers, and tradespeople who helped bring its 13th location to life at 780 Erskine Avenue, next to One Fine Food and Lansdowne Place Mall.
The craft-beer focused restaurant chain was conceived in 2009 by Jody Palubiski of the Kitchener-based Charcoal Group of Restaurants, which has a hospitality history dating back to 1957, with the first location opening in Cambridge in 2012.
The Peterborough location is in a former hot tub manufacturing facility that became vacant after Bullfrog Spas Peterborough & Kawarthas relocated in late 2025. Rather than developing an entirely new building, Charcoal Group repurposed the existing building to incorporate elements of its original industrial structure into the restaurant’s design, describing it as a transformation rather than a renovation.
“We’re so proud to be part of this community and even more excited for everything still to come,” the restaurant shared in a message reflecting on everything from early construction to its first pour and first guests.
It was good to see the business recognize the many hands behind the finished space. Among those credited were Drain Bros for excavation, site services, and paving; Procurb for curbing, sidewalks, and the patio; J. Mazza Group for landscaping; and Peterborough’s Zeebon Signs for opening billboard signage.
The acknowledgements also extended to the crews responsible for masonry, steelwork, framing, flooring, millwork, mechanical systems, lighting, furnishings, and draught lines — a reminder of how much work happens before a restaurant welcomes its first customer.
Congratulations to the Beertown team and everyone involved in getting the doors open.
Beertown Public House is located at 780 Erskine Avenue in Peterborough. For more information, call 705-400-2337 or visit beertown.ca. You can also follow the Peterborough location on Facebook at facebook.com/beertown.peterborough.
The George of Warkworth brings a new tea room and event venue to the village
A new reason to linger in Warkworth is arriving this month. The George of Warkworth will celebrate its grand opening on November 21 and 22 at 21 George Street, introducing a heritage tea room and event venue in a building dating to 1899.
Behind the venture is Nicole Wells, who has announced plans to begin with holiday tea service and introduce micro weddings in the spring. The Victorian-inspired setting promises a place to slow down, enjoy a cup of tea, and gather for special occasions.
The community has already had a taste of what’s coming. In July, Nicole hosted a tea tasting at Warkworth Public Library, inviting participants to sample blends and help choose the teas she would serve.
I’m always pleased to see a new business give people another reason to explore our smaller downtowns. A tea room sounds like a lovely addition to an afternoon enjoying Warkworth’s independent shops. Congratulations to Nicole as she prepares to welcome her first guests.
The George of Warkworth is located at 21 George Street in Warkworth. For more information, call 647-991-8349 or visit www.georgeofwarkworth.com.
The Canadian Canoe Museum project team wins Lean in Design Award
More recognition for The Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough — and this time, the spotlight includes the local businesses that helped create its waterfront home.
The museum and its project team have won the Lean Construction Institute’s 2026 Lean in Design Award, which recognizes outstanding design achieved through collaboration. The winning team includes Peterborough’s Unity Design Studio (formerly Lett Architects) alongside local project partners Lancer Electric, Engage Engineering, and Basterfield & Associates.
As we reported when construction began in 2021, the museum used integrated project delivery, bringing designers, engineers, builders, trades, and the museum together from the outset under a shared contract, with shared responsibilities and financial risk.
Lean methodology support that approach by improving coordination, reducing wasted time and effort, and keeping decisions focused on what matters most to the project. The institute praised the museum team’s shared decision-making, respect for everyone’s input, and attention to preserving important design priorities.
Other partners recognized were Chandos Construction, LEA Consulting, Kelson Mechanical, D.G. Biddle and Associates, and conservation consultant JHO Consulting.
It’s another reason to be proud of this remarkable building, and a welcome opportunity to recognize the expertise and teamwork behind it. Congratulations to the museum and the entire project team.
The Canadian Canoe Museum is located at 2077 Ashburnham Drive in Peterborough. For more information, call 705-748-9153 or visit canoemuseum.ca.
Matthew Savino returns to independent consulting with Sentinel Human Resources Consulting
Peterborough’s Matthew Savino is returning to independent HR consulting with the November 1 launch of Sentinel Human Resources Consulting, following the sale of his previous consulting business and HR software platform a couple of years ago.
With nearly two decades of experience working with employers, Savino will advise small and medium-sized businesses, municipalities, professional practices, and not-for-profit organizations across the region and Ontario. Services include compensation and pay equity reviews, organizational assessments, HR policies, employee relations, and performance management.
“I’m very much looking forward to working with clients and getting back to the advisory work I truly enjoy,” Matthew says.
The launch also comes with a community contribution. Throughout November, Sentinel will donate 50 per cent of sales from its online workplace compliance training modules to Food Banks Canada and Kawartha Food Share ahead of the holiday season. Available to employers of all sizes, the modules cover AODA accessibility requirements, workplace harassment and violence prevention, and WHMIS.
Congratulations to Matthew on this new chapter, and on making support for food security part of the launch.
For more information about Sentinel Human Resources Consulting, call 705-745-5843 or visit sentinelhrc.ca.
Upcoming Events – November 10 to 26, 2026
The following business events are occurring in our region from November 10 to November 26.
Tuesday, November 10 – November Chamber AM with GreenUP
Host: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce and GreenUP
Time: 8 to 9 a.m.
Location: GreenUP, 378 Aylmer Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free for members
The Chamber’s morning networking gathering brings local business owners and professionals together to connect and learn more about GreenUP’s environmental work.
Details and registration: https://web.peterboroughchamber.ca/events/November-Chamber-AM-with-GreenUP-2184/details
Thursday, November 12 – Entrepreneurship 101: Brand Lab
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Venture North, 270 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
A practical workshop on brand voice, visual identity and storytelling to help entrepreneurs build a recognizable business brand.
Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/entrepreneurship-101-brand-lab-tickets-1998760739176
Thursday, November 12 – Fall Social Networking & Karaoke
Host: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: The Venue Peterborough, 286 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free for members
An evening of networking and karaoke offers local business owners and professionals an opportunity to make connections and unwind. Rebecca O’Rourke of Kawartha Hypnosis will present a hypnosis demonstration.
Details and registration: https://web.peterboroughchamber.ca/events/Fall-Social-Networking-Karaoke-2198/details
Tuesday, November 17 – Women & Money: Economic Security in Uncertain Times
Host: ONWARD and Kawartha Financial Services
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte Street, Peterborough
Cost: $39.95 plus fees
Hosted by Maryam Monsef, this gathering examines women’s economic security, caregiving, access to capital and financial independence.
Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1993932257056
Wednesday, November 18 – Arts Council Haliburton Highlands Annual General Meeting
Host: Arts Council Haliburton Highlands
Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
The Arts Council will review its activities and elect directors, with members of the region’s arts and creative-business community invited to attend.
Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/arts-councilhaliburton-highlands-agm-2026-tickets-2004065249108
Thursday, November 19 – Entrepreneurship 101: Digital Impact – Online Marketing, Holiday Edition
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Venture North, 270 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Rose Terry will explore social media, email and seasonal promotions to help small businesses reach holiday shoppers.
Details and registration: https://communityfuturespeterborough.ca/community-futures-peterborough-expands-entrepreneurship-101-workshop-series-with-new-content-for-fall-2026/
Tuesday, November 24 – SOAR: Selling, Acquisition & Succession Planning
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Time: 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Peterborough Golf & Country Club, Peterborough
Cost: Free (breakfast included)
A breakfast discussion for business owners considering selling or transitioning their businesses and entrepreneurs interested in acquiring an existing business. Jillian and Ian Scates of Central Smith Creamery will share their succession experience, followed by a panel featuring local tax and legal experts Matt Holmes, Michael Riseley and Nicole Truman, along with BDC representatives. Topics include business valuation, succession strategies and acquisitions. Space is limited, with priority given to business owners and prospective buyers.
Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/soar-selling-acquisition-succession-planning-tickets-2003916365794
Wednesday, November 25 – The Innovation Cluster presents Find Your Next Customer in Your Data
Host: Innovation Cluster – Peterborough and the Kawarthas
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Glenn Schmeizle of Data-based Marketer will show businesses how to use existing customer information to identify prospects and improve sales.
Details and registration: https://luma.com/fjvdj5q1
Wednesday, November 25 – Green Economy Peterborough Connects: Fall Network Gathering
Host: Green Economy Peterborough (a GreenUP program)
Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Cabinetree, 600 Neal Drive, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Business owners, professionals and community leaders are invited to an after-work networking gathering at Cabinetree, a custom cabinetry manufacturer with more than 35 years of experience. The evening includes a guided facility tour, refreshments and opportunities to connect with businesses advancing sustainability.
Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/green-economy-peterborough-connects-fall-network-gathering-tickets-2003606770787
Thursday, November 26 – Entrepreneurship 101: Protect It – Intellectual Property for Small Biz
Host: Community Futures Peterborough and Scotiabank
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Venture North, 270 George Street North, Peterborough
Cost: Free
Marcelo Sarkis will introduce entrepreneurs to intellectual property and ways to protect business ideas, brands and creative assets.
Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/entrepreneurship-101-protect-it-intellectual-property-for-small-biz-tickets-1998768215538
