Job seekers who think a career in the aerospace sector means flying planes or working as flight attendants or baggage handlers or air traffic control crew will be surprised to learn the extent of employment opportunities that are actually available, some of which don’t even require aviation education or experience.

“We have a full pipeline of work and are looking to employ workers from a diverse set of industries to strengthen our workforce,” explains Kate Ahrens, who manages community and government relations for Flying Colours Corp. “Many of the skills we seek are transferable from other industries, such as the automotive trade, interior decorating, boat fitting, woodworking, and construction fields. For some roles, we are not looking for experience, just willingness to join a dynamic business.”

Flying Colours Corp. is one of the 22 businesses operating out of the Peterborough Airport and specializes in maintaining, refurbishing, and overhauling (MRO) business jets. The magic happens in spacious hangars large enough to house Airbus A220 or Boeing 737 aircraft types. It requires a diverse range of skills, including repairing, restoring and upgrading cabinetry and soft furnishings, cabin installation, and quality paint finishing. For those plying their trade at Flying Colours, no two days are the same.

“The aircraft we work on fly a varied set of passengers,” Ahrens says. “The aircraft are used by captains of industry to keep their businesses growing, music stars and sports celebrities to enable their demanding schedules, and government leaders needing to fulfill complex itineraries in the shortest time possible. Our work contributes to driving the global economy, keeping us entertained, and forging and maintaining international relationships.”

This international influence originates in the variety of jobs available to those seeking work in the aerospace sector. Recent graduates, skilled craftspeople, or those willing to learn new skills in a highly buoyant industry that spans the globe could all be qualified to join Flying Colours.

“We’re aware that too often those seeking work think that aviation employment is limited to pilots, flight attendants, baggage handling, or air traffic control — the complete opposite is true,” Ahrens explains. “If you can think of a career outside of aviation, there will certainly be an equivalent within the sector.”

Ahrens says Flying Colours recruits are well-paid and have the option to follow defined career progression paths. Some roles require specialist knowledge, but an aviation background is not an essential requirement, as the company looks for enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to learn when recruiting.

“The potential is limitless,” Ahrens says. “We understand that our workforce needs to be stimulated and rewarded, and we aim to promote from within as we develop career trajectories. We think it’s important to encourage career growth and are always willing to support a colleague who is keen to evolve.”

According to Ahrens, evidence of this commitment is demonstrated by the longevity of Flying Colours employees — many of whom have worked at the facility for more than 10 years, with some celebrating more than 30 years of employment.

Ahrens says Flying Colours’ central location in Peterborough was “integral” to the developments and accomplishments of the business. Today, the company’s facility boasts three dedicated paint shops, avionics workshops, four maintenance hangars, a design centre, and dedicated cabinetry and upholstery workshops.

“We’ve evolved in tandem with the airport and work closely together to make it a successful proposition,” Ahrens notes.

As the Peterborough Airport has continued to grow since the launch of the airport development program in 2010, more and more businesses have joined the local aerospace sector, doubling the number of jobs from 251 to more than 500.

“Peterborough is an ideal location for the aerospace sector due to several strategic advantages,” says Kyle Bruce, the Manager of Airport Administration at the Peterborough Airport. “Firstly, its proximity to major urban centres like Toronto and Ottawa makes it accessible, yet removed from the congestion and high operational costs associated with larger airports. This balance provides a more cost-effective and efficient environment for aerospace businesses.”

“For visitors to YPQ, it’s effortless to fly in, have a meeting, and fly back out in a day,” Ahrens says. “There aren’t the same limitations as at busy hub airports, which streamlines our business and makes us more efficient.”

“The presence of a vibrant business hub at the Peterborough Airport stimulates the local economy, encouraging the development of ancillary services,” says Bruce. “This economic growth translates into a broader range of employment opportunities and supports overall career progression across different industries.”

Ahrens points out that Flying Colours provides employment directly to hundreds of residents and, by extension, to suppliers, shops, hotels, real estate, and more.

“It all adds to the local economy,” she adds.

“We started as a family business, and that family culture remains today and has contributed to our success. This is why we value our team so much. They have helped us develop our reputation for high-quality work, an innovative spirit, and a strong collaborative culture.”.

This has not gone unnoticed by the industry. In 2023, the company joined the Flexjet family, one of the world’s leading private aviation companies with more than 2,200 employees worldwide, 12 business divisions, and a fleet of over 250 aircraft that regularly need MRO services. Integrating with Flexjet brings many new opportunities, translating into more jobs in Peterborough while ensuring Flying Colour’s longevity and sustainability.

“We are part of an incredibly exciting sector — aerospace is buzzing right now,” Ahrens says. “Every day brings new opportunities, ideas, and thoughts, which is why we source the best workforce possible to support us and the global business aviation industry. It makes Flying Colours such a dynamic, interesting, and attractive workplace.”

For more information about Flying Colours Corp., visit www.flyingcolourscorp.com.

Explore more employment opportunities at the Peterborough Airport at peterborough.ca/en/doing-business/airport-services.aspx.

This supplied branded editorial is one of a series published in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.

Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute in Peterborough is one of 74 schools across Canada that will receive $1 million worth of musical instruments, equipment, and gear under two school funding programs from MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and the Juno Awards.

Since 1997, the MusiCounts Band Aid Program has been providing under-resourced schools with grants to keep school music programs alive. It funds traditional forms of music education like concert and jazz band, choir, Orff ensembles, guitar and ukulele groups, and more.

For the first time this year, the MusiCounts Slaight Family Innovation Fund is also supporting schools with grants from $5,000 to $20,000 for culturally relevant or technology-forward approaches to music education that exist outside of mainstream practice, as well as contemporary music making.

Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute is one of 32 schools across Canada, including nine in Ontario, receiving a total of $320,000 in funding from the MusiCounts Slaight Family Innovation Fund.

Culturally specific programs supported by the fund can include Indigenous drumming, steel pan percussion, African percussion, Métis fiddling, and more. Technology-forward programs can include music production, digital music creation, hip hop and beat making, and more. Contemporary music making can include rock bands and popular music ensembles.

“MusiCounts is thrilled to welcome students back to school and back to music with the investment of $1 million worth of much-needed instruments and gear,” says MusiCounts president Kristy Fletcher in a media release. “As students return to the music classroom, they’ll not only find guitars, drums, horns, and turntables, they’ll also find a safe space in their school where they can connect with their peers, build their confidence, and find their voice.”

MusiCount’s school music funding programs have provided $14.3 million to 1,439 schools in Canada. Applications are now open for MusiCount’s 2025 programs at https://musicounts.ca/smfp.

Environment Canada has issued a frost advisory for much of the northern Kawarthas region for Monday overnight (September 2).

The frost advisory is in effect for northern Peterborough County, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.

Ground temperatures are expected to drop to near zero degrees Celsius overnight Monday into early Tuesday morning.

Frost may damage some crops in frost-prone areas.

Cover up plants, especially those in frost-prone areas.

Take preventative measures to protect frost-sensitive plants and trees.

Northumberland County is inviting community members interested in the future of homeless shelter services on Division Street in Cobourg to apply for a position on a new liaison committee.

Interested residents are being encouraged to put their names forward now for a seat on the Community Liaison Committee (CLC). The CLC will be tasked with helping support the roll out of modernized shelter services at 310 Division St.

This fall, homeless shelter services will transition from 10 Chapel St. to 310 Division St. “with expanded services to help improve pathways out of homelessness for people in need,” the county noted in a media release.

“This committee will play a vital role in helping to integrate shelter services effectively within the neighbourhood and the broader community, delivering the best possible support to vulnerable community members, and ensuring strong neighbour relations,” said Rebecca Carman, Northumberland County’s associate director of housing and homelessness, in a statement.

“We encourage interested community members to apply to join the CLC to contribute their voice and support the shelter’s success, improving pathways out of homelessness for people in need. We greatly value the opinions and ideas of shelter neighbours and local community members, and look forward to working together to create opportunities and resolve challenges.”

The new shelter will provide a 24/7 hub, offering about 35 emergency shelter spaces alongside drop-in warming and cooling spaces, health, wellness and skill-building programming, along with a resource centre. The shelter services are being designed with the intent of reducing barriers for couples, 2SLGBTQ+ community members, people with pets, and people who have disabilities.

The county’s overall goals are to provide a roof for more people who are living unsheltered in the community and to modernize homeless shelter services through the new endeavour.

Back in December 2023, Northumberland announced it was buying the 47-bedroom complex at 310 Division St., which was the former location of Cobourg Retirement Residence. During a special meeting of county council, the community learned about the partnership with Transition House for the new facility.

The county heard from nearby business owners and residents who were concerned about the impact on the neighbourhood of having the shelter and its services moved to Division Street. Staff, county councillors, service providers, residents, and business owners spoke in support of, and against, the new facility.

“County council recognizes the need to rapidly expand new shelter, supportive, transitional, and affordable housing opportunities for vulnerable and low-income residents,” said Northumberland County councillor Mandy Martin, who was warden at the time.

“With homelessness a rising concern across Canada, we are seeing the increasing impacts in Northumberland, with more people living rough in their cars, in parks and forested areas, individually or in encampments. The county is looking at all possibilities, all real estate ventures, to increase options across the entire housing spectrum.”

Since then, the county and Transition House have conducted extensive community consultation to collect feedback from neighbours, community members, local businesses, community partners and people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity to inform plans for 310 Division St., the release noted.

“A key theme identified as part of this process, and presented as a recommendation to county council, was community interest in the creation of a CLC to facilitate communication between community members and shelter management.”

To move ahead, the county engaged OrgCode, considered leaders in homelessness system transformations, to advise on best and common practices to establish shelter CLCs, the release noted.

“OrgCode has assisted in devising a committee framework designed to align with community expectations and foster effective collaboration between shelter staff and residents.”

The 310 Division CLC is intended to be a committee of diverse perspectives, including 12 to 15 members representing shelter neighbours, community members, people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, local businesses, faith organizations, Cobourg Police Services, town, county and shelter staff, and community partners who work closely with the shelter and its clients.

Northumberland noted CLCs are generally put in place for a shelter’s first year of operations, focusing on addressing initial concerns, setting up effective communication channels, and integrating the shelter into the neighbourhood.

“As shelter operations stabilize and become routine, the need for a dedicated liaison committee often decreases. Ongoing communication is typically then maintained through established channels, regular community meetings, or other mechanisms that support continued engagement without the need for a formal committee.”

The 310 Division CLC will meet once a month for at least a one-year term, perhaps longer. During the meetings, committee members will share information, discuss ideas and collectively problem-solve concerns, the county noted.

“The committee will be an advisory body, providing guidance and feedback to help the county and Transition House make informed decisions for the shelter’s successful integration within the neighbourhood and community.”

Those interested in applying to join the 310 Division CLC can submit an expression of interest by Wednesday, September 18 to begin the application process. All applicants will be required to attend an in-person training session in Cobourg on September 25 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. to learn about homelessness in Northumberland, shelter services, and the structure and purpose of a CLC.

CLC members must be available to volunteer at least two-and-a-half hours per month to attend committee meetings and review materials.

To submit an expression of interest, visit Northumberland.ca/ShelterModernization.

Clean Up Peterborough (CUP) is pitching in for the sake of the planet with four community clean-up efforts in September.

The new volunteer-run group, made up of residents from both the city and county of Peterborough, care about nature and want to keep Peterborough’s parks, trails, and community clean, year-round. CUP is inviting community members to lend a hand during one of four upcoming events to tidy up the city.

“Our goal is to get as many people as possible to join us and see how much litter, cigarette butts, and recycling we can collect,” CUP founder Steve Paul told kawarthaNOW. “We want to show people it is possible that small changes can make a big difference, and that cleaning up litter should be a year-round project, not just something to be done in spring.”

CUP is seeking passionate people who are willing to participate or even organize a clean-up, the group notes on its Facebook page.

The events in September include the following efforts: Driscoll Terrace and Rotary Park Ravine on Saturday, September 7; Beavermead Park, Rogers Cove, and Little Lake on Sunday, September 8;
Peterborough Regional Health Centre grounds (collection of cigarette butts only) on Saturday, September 21; and Ashburnham Memorial Park (Armour Hill) on Saturday, September 28.

In early June, CUP was one of 14 groups across Canada awarded a grant from the 2024 Unsmoke Canada Cleanups program. The grant, in its fifth year, is a partnership between The Great Outdoors Fund and Unsmoke Canada to support litter clean-up projects anywhere in Canada.

“We set a goal to complete five clean-ups by the end of September,” Paul noted.

During the first community clean up on July 14, 18 volunteers collected six bags of litter and recyclables, and picked up a total of 5,185 cigarette butts in a two-and-a-half-hour period across two city parks, trails, and nearby parking lots.

Residents can pitch in during the upcoming events or also join CUP on a longer basis.

“We will be looking for donated supplies, and for businesses and organizations who would like to get involved as well,” said Paul.

Created to bring people together and get involved in reducing litter in Peterborough, CUP launched with the motto, “let’s make the world a better place.”

“Our focus is on developing strong partnerships and collaboration between volunteers, businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities, so that we can all make a difference together.”

To learn more about getting involved, community members can visit CUP on Facebook and Instagram by searching for “Clean Up Peterborough.”

Personally, Paul shared why CUP is important to him.

“My journey started with cleaning up litter on a local trail,” he said. “Through the last five months I have learned so much. Even though I have always been a responsible recycler, I now have a personal focus on thinking about what and where I purchase products, because it matters.”

Paul referred to the term “wishcycling” — where people place items that can’t be recycled into recycle bins in the hope they will be recycled.

“People don’t realize it could contaminate clean recycling and cause it to be diverted to the landfill instead,” he explained. “Everyone, from individuals to families and businesses, should take the time to learn more about recycling, and review what plastics they buy. Small positive changes will add up to make a real difference.”

CUP’s goal is to continue with the community clean-up events until the snow flies, and then switch to outreach and education over the winter. Paul plans to attend the volunteer fair on September 11 at Trent University, during which he’ll be looking to connect with students who are interested in developing initiatives on campus and within the community.

“We are looking to attract people with a similar vision who want to give back. Whether you are passionate and want to learn or have very specific experience, come join us. Help us grow and shape the future within our community. There are many groups we can partner with, and lots of education opportunities.”

Paul’s hope is for CUP to become ambassadors in the community and influence positive change with a grassroots, hands-on approach.

“As we learn and grow in new areas, we will share what we learn with others,” Paul said, before sharing his vision for CUP’s future.

“I would love to develop and host annual community events. I would eventually like to incorporate as a non-profit once we find the lane we can help with the most, and define our true vision, mission, and values.”

It’s big, it’s ambitious and, more to the point, it’s badly needed.

Brock Mission’s plan to build a 50-suite 10-storey building specifically designed “for men and women transitioning from homelessness to wellness” was unveiled Friday (August 30) at the Murray Street shelter.

While hard details of the project — such as the location, total cost, and completion date — haven’t been finalized at this point, the intent is crystal clear: the empowerment of those transitioning from homelessness by providing them with a supportive residential environment fully dedicated to the promotion of mental health, the facilitating of substance withdrawal, and the enhancing of social and employment skills.

The project has been approved by Brock Mission’s board of directors with the hope that it will be included on the agenda at September’s meeting of city council. A request to that effect has been submitted.

The board is asking city council to endorse the proposed project in principle, that it approve $250,000 in one-time funding for costs associated with the subsequent site approval process and securing of the required permits, and that any development and application fees be waived.

“We have designed the building (and) we know how it will be constructed,” said Brock Mission board member and project lead Alan Wilson. “We know what the layouts will be, we know what the materials (used) will be, we know what the rules will be.”

“We have had discussions with City Hall since September of last year. In January of this year, we made another presentation. I’ve been in contact with every (city) councillor and the mayor, and received amazing comments of support. Just this week, we got an email from the commissioner of social services (Sheldon Laidman) voicing his support for the project.”

“The only thing we need to do now is get on the (council meeting) agenda. We don’t want to be an agenda item that’s going to be cut during the budget process. We want to be an agenda item that talks about what we’re offering to do that nobody else is doing, except Brock Mission.”

What Brock Mission does, said Wilson, goes well beyond the provision of emergency shelter for men and — at affiliated Cameron House on Chemong Road — for women.

There are also professionally staffed support services and, at Brock Mission, a primary care clinic led by Major (Retired) Lee-Anne Quinn CD, NP that provides medical attention to anyone who is experiencing homelessness, not just shelter clients.

“We have 23 suites (at Brock Mission),” said Wilson, adding the new building “will add 50 to that.”

“This will be a permanent building running the way Brock (Mission) has for 37 years plus, helping people who are addicted, have mental health issues, and who are homeless. We want those folks off the streets.”

Brock Mission executive director Bill McNabb, who has been in that role for just more than 30 years, lives daily the work being done to help those who not only need it but want it — work that will continue on a grander scale at the new building.

“We’ve had the opportunity to see people stabilize and moving away from here (Brock Mission),” he said, noting over the past three months alone, 11 people have moved on from recovery to private housing.

“We call it semi-independent living. There are rules and bounds around them (clients). They are not tenants. They are part of a project where they create, with staff support, a personal care plan that they work toward. It’s about getting them the services they need and maintaining them.”

Asked if he’s concerned over the project receiving council’s endorsement in light of that same body’s recent rejection of a temporary use by-law request from Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) for the erection of 24 sleeping cabins, Wilson said he’s not, noting Brock Mission has history and “professionalism” on its side.

“This is permanent, this is run by professionals, this is curative,” he said.

“There’s just no comparison. This is being built on the basis of two existing facilities (Brock Mission and Cameron House) that operate successfully and have people moving on into successful lives. Every member of the staff is professionally qualified. People need the right kind of professional care. You can’t do otherwise and be sure of a successful outcome. That’s the model that needs to be built on.”

“The temporary cabins on Wolfe Street will be beyond use — we believe and City Hall believes — in three years. The contract with Trinity Centre (at 360 Reid Street) is for three years. We would like this (the new Brock Mission facility) in three years, not 10.”

McNabb makes it clear the new building’s accommodations are “transitional” in nature.

“Somebody might only need six months before you recognize their life is stable (and) they could live independently and can move out into the regular (housing) market. Others might take longer. You have to be flexible per individual. It can be six months; it might be five years.”

Looking forward, Wilson says his hope is the proposed project will “go through the City Hall portion in six months.”

“I would like us to apply to the federal government (for funding) as we’re nearing the end of that process. Then I would like us to spend 18 months building. That’s just me, but I did this for a living at Quaker Oats. I know how to push things through. Bill’s much more realistic than me. He thinks it will take longer.”

Wilson adds a public fundraising campaign will be organized at some point.

As for the building site, Brock Mission will own the property, wherever that is determined to be. But wherever that is, both Wilson and McNab say urgency is required.

“People are dying on the streets,” says Wilson, adding “Temporary solutions are not the answer.”

McNabb adds “What we want to ensure is this is part of a bigger plan.”

“We’re not going to fix the homelessness situation ourselves. We’ve never felt that way. With this new facility, we’re working with the city to ensure we’re lining up with other things that are going on.”

Also present for the announcement were Major (Retired) Quinn, who spoke specifically to the work of the Brock Mission primary clinic, as well as Peterborough and Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce vice-president Joel Wiebe, whose organization has formally endorsed the building project.

“When the team from Brock (Mission) came and proposed this to us, we were very excited, our first thought being ‘How can we help?'” said Wiebe.

“Every time I meet with a person who works with these communities, it all comes back to you need people to have safe, supportive housing. No matter what services you’re providing, if they don’t have a place where they feel like they can be themselves and have their own their own place, you don’t have a lot of success.”

“We (the Chamber) are looking for things that will lift up our most marginalized, our most vulnerable people, and put them in better places in life. This is one of those projects that jumps up and really hits the mark.”