In 2023, the City of Peterborough added another safe cycleway - the Bethune Street Bike Boulevard - to help advance active transportation for all ages and abilities. Green Communities Canada's recent Collective Impact Report for 2022-2023 found that participants in member communities' active travel programs walked or biked the equivalent of 115 trips from the coasts of BC to Newfoundland, resulting in 216.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions reductions for the calendar year. (Photo: Lili Paradi / GreenUP)
Peterborough is part of a broad local, national, and international movement to limit the impact of climate change and protect our environment for the future. In 2023, amidst challenging changing weather conditions, including days filled with hazardous fire smoke, local action contributed to national climate goals.
At the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference, held from November 30 to December 12 at Expo City, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, nearly 200 countries met to discuss a swift, just, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Lili Paradi, Communications Manager, GreenUP.
In the spirit of COP28, we wanted to highlight how non-profits, specifically those doing work in Peterborough, are tackling this transition in measurable ways. Much of the work that GreenUP does, with the support of our national partners, is an important step in helping the Peterborough region reach our climate targets and bolster adaptation efforts.
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Green Communities Canada (GCC) is one such national partner that certainly takes meaningful action on climate change, and champions a greener future on a national scale. Part of their national support is to provide resources and funding to local organizations like GreenUP to plan, execute, and reflect on climate action initiatives in cities like Peterborough.
GCC recently released its Collective Impact Report for 2022-2023, highlighting the 22 member organizations that are “enabling grassroots action to increase resilience, address vulnerabilities, and protect human and ecosystem health.”
As a member of Green Communities Canada, GreenUP is one small but impactful part of this collective, and contributes to quantifiable national climate action metrics in three distinct program areas.
Green Communities Canada’s first Collective Impact Report for 2022-2023 outlines how the association and its 22 member organizations are enabling grassroots action across the country to increase resilience, address vulnerabilities, and protect human and ecosystem health. (Graphic: Green Communities Canada)
The first example of GreenUP’s impact is the driven work of GreenUP’s Registered Energy Advisors. This Peterborough-based team is trained to support homeowners to make emissions reductions through pre-retrofit energy assessments and post-retrofit assessments.
GCC noted that, nationally, they had supported home energy retrofits that resulted in reductions of 2,175,000 kilograms (2,175 tonnes) of carbon dioxide per year between 2022 and 2023.
Between January and August of 2023 alone, GreenUP had performed 272 pre-retrofit energy assessment visits in the Peterborough region. By August, 80 of the homeowners out of 272 had completed home retrofits and were ready to access the financial incentives available to them by completing a post-retrofit assessment.
The total reductions resulting from the retrofits that those 80 GreenUP clients completed resulted in 212,900 kilograms (212.9 tonnes) of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions reductions.
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Many of GCC’s member organizations also work to improve active transportation efforts in cities.
Between 2022 and 2023, across Canada, participants in GCC members’ active travel programs walked or biked the equivalent of 115 trips from the coasts of BC to Newfoundland, resulting in 216.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions reductions for the calendar year.
In Peterborough, the Shifting Gears programs (delivered by GreenUP) in 2022 resulted in participants using active travel for the equivalent of eight of those cross-Canada trips, for a total of 45,266 kilometres. In 2023, 57,103 more kilometres were travelled using active transportation modes by Peterborough residents.
In Canada, household energy use and transportation are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Green Communities Canada’s programs target these emissions and offer supports that enable measurable carbon reductions. Registered Energy Advisors with Green Communities Canada member GreenUP performed 272 pre-retrofit energy assessment visits in the Peterborough region between January and August of 2023 alone. (Photo: Lili Paradi / GreenUP)
Finally, adapting green infrastructure was a highlight for urban city centres, including Peterborough.
In 2022 and 2023, GCC member organizations restored 15,825 square metres of urban land. Restoration projects included tree planting, depaving unused concrete areas, installing rain gardens, and restoring riparian zones. The total area is more than 40 basketball courts in size that can now sequester carbon, return filtered rain to the water table, and promote biodiversity.
This work includes 13 mini-orchards being grown and cared for in the City of Peterborough. The Peterborough Community Orchard Stewards continue to support these local Food Forests each season. In the fall of 2023, GreenUP continued building on this success through the planting of our first three mini-forests, made up of 371 trees, and this good work continues.
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The COP28 global climate conference concluded with statements supporting that global greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut 43 per cent by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
As GCC’s executive director Brianna Salmon describes in the Collective Impact report, “We know that communities are at the heart of climate justice solutions.”
Grassroots action led by Green Communities Canada and its member organizations, the local champions of this work, will be essential to reaching ambitious climate targets like those set at COP28.
Green infrastructure programs address key risks, reduce local vulnerabilities, and help cities adapt to climate change. Part of green infrastructure is enhancing and protecting greenspaces and providing safe routes for active travel. (Photo: Lili Paradi / GreenUP)
As a Green Communities Canada member, GreenUP is proud that Peterborough is part of a national movement.
As we move towards more ambitious, and very necessary, climate targets, GreenUP looks forward to continuing this work to ensure our community meets our climate goals.
On behalf of GreenUP, we wish our community a safe and happy New Year. We look forward to working alongside you to advance the local, national, and international climate movement in the critical years ahead.
Peterborough County OPP are looking for this missing 34-year-old man, whose vehicle and dog were found abandoned just off County Road 507 in the Municipality of Trent Lakes on December 24, 2023. (Police-supplied photo)
Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 34-year-old man.
UPDATE – On December 27, Peterborough County OPP officers, following up on a tip, located the missing man and found him to be in good health. The man was able to clarify his absence and officers were able to assist him in getting in touch with family members.
On Sunday (December 24), the Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a call from a person reporting an abandoned vehicle on a trail just off County Road 507 in the Municipality of Trent Lakes.
After going to the location, officers found a grey/silver pickup truck with a large German Shepherd dog wandering around it. A tag on the dog’s collar contained a phone number that was the same as the registered owner of the vehicle.
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Officers have unsuccessfully attempted to contact the owner and are asking for the public’s help in locating the 34-year-old man, who they have identified only as Ryan. Police believe he was making his way to the Bobcaygeon/Crystal Lake area.
Ryan is described as being six feet tall and 175 pounds with a medium build and mixed-length curly dark brown hair and brown eyes. Police believe Ryan may now be operating a blue Dodge Ram with Ontario licence plate BR65060.
Police are looking for any information that may assist them in locating Ryan to confirm his well-being. If you have any information about Ryan’s whereabouts, call the Peterborough OPP at 705-742-0401 or at the non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at online stopcrimehere.ca.
Zero Mostel (middle) performs as Tevye in the original production of "Fiddler on the Roof" which opened on Broadway in September 1964. Almost 60 years later, the Peterborough Theatre Guild will stage a production of the beloved musical at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough from February 16 to 25, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Photofest, Inc.)
The Peterborough Theatre Guild’s annual musical returns to Showplace Performance Centre this winter with a production of the beloved musical Fiddler on the Roof for eight performances from February 16 to 25.
With music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein, the classic musical — which turns 60 years old in 2024 — tells the story of a Jewish family living in the small village of Anatevka in pre-revolutionary Russia whose patriarch struggles to maintain cultural traditions against a rising tide of modern values and a backdrop of antisemitism.
Poor milkman Tevye and his sharp-tongued wife Golde have five daughters (Tzeitel, Hodel, Chava, Shprintze, and Bielke), the oldest three of whom are of marrying age. Tevye agrees to an arranged marriage, proposed by local matchmaker Yente, between his eldest daughter Tzeitel and an old widowed and rich butcher named Lazar Wolf. However, Tzeitel is in love with a poor tailor named Motel Kamzoil and convinces her father to approve that marriage instead. Then Tevye’s second oldest daughter Hodel decides to marry a revolutionary student named Perchik, and he reluctantly agrees to that marriage as well.
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However, when Tevye’s third oldest daughter Chava decides to marry a Christian man named Fyedka, the idea of his daughter marrying a non-Jew is too much for Tevye and he disowns her. The story concludes with Tevye’s family, along with all other Jewish families in the village, being forced to leave Anatevka by Russian soldiers. The play’s name comes from the character of the fiddler, appearing throughout the musical perched on a rooftop while playing the fiddle, who symbolizes the precarious balance of maintaining tradition in the face of change.
Fiddler on the Roof is based on a collection of short stories about Tevye the milkman by the late 19th-century Yiddish author and playwright Sholem Aleichem, who lived in the Russian Empire before immigrating to the U.S. in 1906 to escape the antisemitic riots that swept across Russia in the early 20th century.
The original production of Fiddler on the Roof, which opened on September 22, 1964 at the Imperial Theatre in New York City, featured Zero Mostel as Tevye, Maria Karnilova as Golde, Beatrice Arthur as Yente, Austin Pendleton as Motel, Bert Convy as Perchik, Gino Conforti as the fiddler, and Julia Migenes as Hodel. It was a commercial and critical success, winning nine Tony Awards including best musical, score, book, direction, and choreography. Mostel’s performance has been called one of the greatest in the history of American musical theatre.
Sheldon Harnick, Joseph Stein, and Jerry Bock (at the piano) working on the lyrics, book, and music for the original production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” which opened on Broadway in September 1964. Stein and Bock both passed away in 2010 and Harnick passed away in June 2023 at the age of 99. (Photo: Eileen Darby)
Fiddler on the Roof was the first musical theatre production in history to surpass 3,000 performances, and held the record for the longest-running Broadway musical for almost 10 years until Grease surpassed its run.
It spawned five Broadway revivals and a highly successful 1971 film adaptation written by Stein and produced and directed by Canadian Norman Jewison, which was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won three and is considered to be one of the greatest musical films of all time.
With its memorable songs including “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Do you Love Me,” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” Fiddler on the Roof has been performed in dozens of countries around the world, with more than 20 major productions and revivals. It has influenced musical theatre songwriters from multiple generations.
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The Peterborough Theatre Guild production of Fiddler on the Roof is directed by Jerry Allen and produced by Pat Hooper, with musical director Janina Krauss and choreographer Laura Lawson. It stars Donnell MacKenzie as Tevye, Lyndele Gauci as Golde, Hilary Evans as Tzeitel, Christine Helferty as Hodel, Laura Lawson as Chava, Bruno Merz as Motel, Eddy Sweeney as Perchik, Simon Banderob as Feydka, Alex Hodson as Sprintze, Poppy Alderson as Bielke, Nicole Grady as Yente, and Matt Kraft as Lazar Wolf.
With all performances taking place at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough, Fiddler on the Roof opens on Friday, February 16th at 7:30 p.m., with other evening performances on Saturday, February 17th and from Wednesday, February 21st through Saturday, February 24th. There will also be 2 p.m. matinee performances on Sunday, February 18th and Sunday, February 25th.
Tickets are $37 for adults, $33 for seniors, and $25 for students and are available online at peterboroughtheatreguild.com or by calling the box office at any time at 705-745-4211 (if the box office is not open when you call, leave a message and they will call you back).
The Peterborough Theatre Guild production of “Fiddler on the Roof” runs for eight performances from February 16 to 25, 2024 at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Artwork: Colton DeKnock)
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s 2023-24 season.
Cathy Borowec (right) receiving the Kenneth J. Meinert Leadership Award from Ken Meinert (left) at the 2019 annual general meeting of Habitat for Humanity Canada. She received the award for her two decades of work supporting the national not-for-profit organization that provides affordable homeownership, most recently as CEO of Habitat for Humanity Kingston Limestone Region. Borowec is returning to Habitat for Humanity Northumberland as CEO in 2024. (Photo: Christina McGory Photography)
Cathy Borowec has, in a sense, moved back home.
Borowec is returning to Habitat for Humanity Northumberland (HFHN) in January 2024, taking the reins as CEO from Meaghan Macdonald, who has left the organization after over 12 years in the role.
Borowec started her journey with the Habitat for Humanity affiliate in 2001 and will re-join the organization as HFHN enters its 26th year.
“The board of directors is excited for the return of Borowec, who brings over 20 years of Habitat leadership experience to the role,” reads a HFHN news release. “At HFHN she was the first staff person hired and under her direction, Habitat moved out to serve families in different areas of (Northumberland County) and opened the ReStore. In her eight years here, she led with innovation and established the first Habitat renovation program in the country.”
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After leaving HFHN in 2009, Borowec became director of affiliate relations at Habitat for Humanity Canada, where she was charged with building relationships with local Habitat organizations across the country and helping them increase their capacities.
“Her visits to the many areas within Canada where Habitat works has given her a unique perspective on housing needs,” reads the release.
In 2018, Borowec returned to a local Habitat affiliate as CEO with Habitat for Humanity Kingston Limestone Region. During the past five years, she has worked collaboratively with Northumberland, creating partnerships for sharing services and resources, the news release noted.
“Building on relationships in Kingston, she spearheaded a project that will, in time, create more than 60 housing units in a diverse neighbourhood with a mix of built-form and affordability.”
“With the heightened urgency to create and maintain affordable housing in this current crisis, the board of directors at HFHN believes that Borowec is uniquely suited to steer the affiliate in along its path and continue work on the exciting projects that are underway.”
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Borowec returns to lead HFHN as the affiliate is currently working on its largest single development project to date, in the village of Baltimore in Hamilton Township.
Located at 4751 Highway 45, the seven-unit townhouse development is a $2.5-million project. It’s also a new venture for HFHN in the sense the organization is hoping to build the largest Habitat net-zero development in Canada.
HFHN said in November that construction of the build is on schedule, with the framing of the first floor completed and the second level floor system nearly finished. The goal is to have exterior work completed by the end of this year, including completion of the roof and installation of solar panels shortly thereafter.
According to HFHN, the project is on track to house seven families by the summer of 2024. For more information about the Baltimore development, visit buildinghopewithfamilies.ca.
For the fourth straight day, Environment Canada has issued a fog advisory for much of the greater Kawarthas region.
The fog advisory is in effect for Tuesday night (December 26) into Wednesday morning for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.
Areas of dense fog will become more widespread Tuesday evening, resulting in near-zero visibility.
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Visibility is expected to improve for most areas through Wednesday morning. However, fog patches in some locations may persist into Wednesday afternoon.
Travel is expected to be hazardous due to reduced visibility.
In areas of dense fog, visibility may be significantly and suddenly reduced to near zero. If visibility is reduced while driving, slow down, watch for tail lights ahead and be prepared to stop.
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the death of a 40-year-old man in a Lakefield apartment after Peterborough police responded to a report about a person in distress early Tuesday morning (December 26).
At around 1:30 a.m., a woman contacted the Peterborough Police Service to report her son was in distress and was at an apartment on Queen Street in Lakefield.
Upon arriving at the Queen Street location, an officer saw the man holding a baseball bat outside of the apartment. The man struck the officer with the bat and re-entered the apartment. After additional officers arrived at the scene, unsuccessful attempts were made to communicate with the man in the apartment.
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Officers decided to break down the apartment door, and found the man in the kitchen in medical distress. Although first aid was provided to the man by officers and emergency medical service personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The SIU is a civilian law enforcement agency, independent of the police, that conducts criminal investigations into circumstances involving police and civilians that have resulted in serious injury, death, or allegations of sexual assault. The SIU has assigned three investigators and one forensic investigator to the case.
The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at siu.on.ca.
The Class of 2023: Peterborough-area entrepreneurs who graduated from either the "Spark" Mentorships and Grants Program or the Starter Company Plus program and launched or grew their businesses in 2023. Both small business programs are offered through Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. (Photo: kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
After years of pandemic uncertainty, entrepreneurs once again began thinking about launching or growing their businesses in 2023, and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) was behind them all the way.
Over the past year, 35 Peterborough-area entrepreneurs who graduated from either the “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program or the Starter Company Plus program — two of the small business programs offered through PKED — have launched or grown their businesses.
From food and beverage and health and wellness to art and tourism and beyond, participating entrepreneurs were able to launch an idea for a new business or take an established business to the next level.
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“For many entrepreneurs, 2023 was the year to reinvent themselves,” says Madeleine Hurrell, Manager of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. “Some entrepreneurs had a professional career, saw a gap in an industry, and used their skillset to create their own business.”
In reinventing themselves, entrepreneurs are developing products and services available to communities within the region while also creating jobs and growing the local economy.
According to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), there are more than 1.2 million businesses in Canada. Of these, 437,891 are small businesses in Ontario. As for workforce and creating jobs, nine in 10 Canadians in the private sector work in a small to medium-sized business.
“Small business is big business in Canada,” says Hurrell. “Especially in a region like ours.”
Graduates of the “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program (2022 and 2023)
The eight Peterborough-area businesses that launched innovative tourism experiences after participating in the “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program in 2022 and 2023. (Photo: kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
That includes entrepreneurs with innovative tourism ideas who participated in the “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program, an initiative offered collaboratively by the Tourism Innovation Lab and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism (a division of PKED).
In 2023, the program saw five individuals pitch their tourism ideas to a panel of judges comprised of local partner representatives and tourism innovators from outside the region. Three finalists were awarded a $3,000 seed grant with mentorship from an established tourism operator or industry expert to help turn their spark of an idea into a flame.
“What sets these entrepreneurs apart is their winning ideas are just that — an idea,” says Jaimie Eastabrook, Tourism Development Officer with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism. “The ‘Spark’ program stands out among other tourism initiatives because it is not only open to established tourism operators but anyone with a spark of creativity and innovation in tourism.”
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In addition to this year’s winning entrepreneurs, the six entrepreneurs from the program’s inaugural year in 2022 launched their new tourism ideas in 2023.
Eastabrook says all the program’s recipients in 2022 and 2023 have “unleashed an array of tourism ideas” from hands-on culinary experiences and an outdoor escape adventure to a unique special events venue, a glamping accommodation, and camping equipment rentals.
“The ‘Spark’ program’s criteria is strategically focused on winter and shoulder season development to extend the tourism season,” Eastabrook points out. “Fostering the creation of unique experiences that captivate visitors, encourages them to spend more money, stay longer and return to this beautiful region in a variety of seasons, ultimately contributes to a thriving local economy year-round.”
Graduates of Starter Company Plus (2023 spring intake)
The 12 Peterborough-area businesses that participated in the spring 2023 intake of the Starter Company Plus program offered by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Ontario government. (Photo: kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
Also contributing to a thriving local economy were the 23 Peterborough-area businesses that participated in this year’s spring and fall intakes of Starter Company Plus, a business training program offered by the Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Ontario government.
Owners of emerging and established small businesses received in-class training and assistance in crafting a business plan along with one-on-one consultation, with 15 of the participating entrepreneurs awarded a $5,000 microgrant based on the strength of their business plan.
Both the Starter Company Plus program participants and “Spark” program grant recipients received a conditional pre-approved microloan from Community Futures Peterborough. Starter Company Plus participants also received access to a six-month trial membership with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
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“It was highly subscribed and a very competitive process,” says Hurrell, noting that it was encouraging to see applications from those who had been recommended from program alumni. “That power of word of mouth from another business owner, sharing what they received from the program and how it can help someone they know, is tremendous. It’s nice to see local entrepreneurs supporting each other.”
Starter Company Plus microgrant recipients wasted no time in putting the funding and their newly acquired business knowledge to use. For example, just a few months after participating in the spring intake, Take Cover Books owners Andrew and Sean Fitzpatrick transformed their successful online bookstore into a brick-and-mortar business in Peterborough’s East City.
“They had identified an independent bookstore as being a gap here in our community,” says Hurrell, adding that it serves as a space for the whole community. “They are giving back by creating a space for local and travelling authors and the community to come and connect.”
Graduates of Starter Company Plus (2023 fall intake)
The 11 Peterborough-area businesses that participated in the fall 2023 intake of the Starter Company Plus program offered by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Ontario government. (Photo: kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
Participants in the fall intake of Starter Company Plus — the tenth intake of the program — achieved similar success in business growth. For example, in the weeks since graduating and receiving a $5,000 microgrant, Meg Kynock’s healthy dog treat business muttmixx has become a finalist for the Canadian Choice Award, which recognizes small businesses across the country, and also received the Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Business of the Year Award.
“We have certainly seen exceptional growth throughout the year,” says Hurrell. “One of the major advantages of the program is connecting entrepreneurs with valuable business training, which helps them really look ahead to future opportunities for investment.”
The fall intake of Starter Company Plus was especially significant as it marked the return to in-person programming after eight intakes were held virtually during the pandemic. The change proved worthwhile for the participants who were able to create more long-term connection with one another.
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“The relationships that were formed over just a short period were really fantastic,” says Hurrell. “This program is something the group does together. They all learned at the same time, so they have their own alumni network within the business community, and that’s something that’s unique to these programs.”
To celebrate the entrepreneurs who participated in the “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program and Starter Company Plus, PKED will be hosting a showcase event on February 8, 2024. The entrepreneurs will be there to introduce themselves to the community, explain their businesses, and show off their accomplishments and successes.
The Starter Company Plus program, offered by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Ontario government, provides business training to new and established businesses in Peterborough City and County. The 2023 fall intake of the program was the first to return to in-person training since the start of the pandemic. (Photo: PKED)
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“We like the business owners to invite their supporters, because it really takes a village,” says Hurrell. “It’s a night to also celebrate their friends, families, clients, and suppliers — the entire community that supports local small business.”
Location and more details on the showcase event will be announced soon, in addition to details on when applications will open for the 2024 “Spark” Mentorships and Grants program.
For more information about how Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre helps small businesses, and for updates on the showcase and available programs, visit investptbo.ca/business-advisory-centre and follow on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Peterborough actor Naomi Duvall waits as the production crew including Pawel Dwulit, Christian Moes, Drew Antzis, and Rob Viscardis prepares for a scene during the Paradigm Pictures filming of a proof-of-concept mini-series called "Grist" at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene in September 2023. Dwulit is involved in the Peterborough Kawartha Film Office, a not-for-profit organization currently curating a list of shooting locations as part of a three-phase plan to establish the region as a film production destination. (Photo: Zach Ward)
“2024 is going be great year for filmmaking and for the future of filmmaking in Peterborough.”
So declares cinematographer Pawel Dwulit, who has teamed up with local production professionals to launch a project that aims to introduce Peterborough and the Kawarthas as a filming destination.
For both visiting production companies and for those looking to produce locally, the Peterborough Kawartha Film Office will make it easier for all types of productions to come to the region by providing assistance with locations, permits, crews, equipment rental, and other support services.
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“We should be marketing both regions, Kawarthas and Peterborough, under one lens because of the amazing variety of locations we have and creative people we have,” says Dwulit, pun fully intended. “We are trying to help build the pipeline that needs to exist so that the region can be marketed better.”
Dwulit is the owner of Paradigm Pictures, a production company specializing in TV commercials, documentaries, and narrative films. Established in 2013 though branded as Paradigm in 2019, the company is a collective of filmmakers and creatives across different roles in production including agencies, brands, and artists.
“I just love creating ecosystems for other ideas to be born,” says Dwulit. “That’s happening with the film office, and the more we get it out there, the more positive reactions we get.”
Director of photography and co-director Pawel Dwulit waits for actors to reset a scene as co-director Drew Antis looks on during the production of a proof-of-concept mini-series called “Grist” at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene in October 2023. Dwulit is the owner of Peterborough-based production company Paradigm Pictures, which specializes in commercials, music videos, documentaries, and narrative film. (Photo: Adam Martignetti)
The concept of the film office came out of “necessity” explains Dwulit, who just wrapped up filming a proof of concept for a three-part mini-series called Grist, which was written, produced, filmed, and edited in Peterborough County.
While filming at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene, Dwulit, who is director of photography and co-director, thought about how a central film hub would provide a lot of benefit and opportunity for the “talented” crew he had been working alongside.
“There’s a huge pendulum shift now away from the giant studios — from the big Marvel movies — to good storytelling that impacts you and makes you think about people, life, and humanity — we have all that here,” says Dwulit. “At the core is good storytelling and there’s huge potential for that in this region.”
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Dwulit adds that while there are already big features being filmed in Peterborough — including an episode from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds at The Mount Community Centre — the region’s full potential is not being realized.
“That kind of production brings a lot of money locally to all kinds of businesses, but there’s no one marketing plan designed around making it easier for all types of productions to come to the region,” he says.
Local industry professionals have already shown support for the project, including award-winning editor and producer Rob Viscardis, filmmakers Michael Hayes, Drew Antzis, and Brendan Fell, actress Tamara Bick, actor and improv comedian Adam Martignetti, and musician SJ Riley, among others who were involved in the hyperlocal production of Grist.
Anson Mount as Christopher Pike in episode four of season two of the Star Trek prequel “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” in which the castle interior scenes were filmed at The Mount Community Centre in Peterborough. Pawel Dwulit of Paradigm Pictures, who believes the region’s full potential as a film production destination is not being realized, is part of a group of local filmmakers, producers, and more who have established the Peterborough Kawartha Film Office. (Photo: Paramount+)
The development of the not-for-profit film office is currently in the first of a three-phase plan to span the next three to four years. Currently in the first stage, the team is curating a list of locations that are willing to be rented out for film production. All locations are welcome to get involved, from bowling alleys to restaurants and event venues to cottages. Other talent and service providers, like visual effects and makeup artists, will also be in the database.
“We’re going to have a whole slew of vendors that have been pre-vetted and pre-approved by the film office,” explains Dwulit. “If someone wants some sort of service, they want to go to one place and find somebody that’s trusted to give them that level of service.”
The cinematographer explains the database would not only encourage the growth of the local film community, but the business itself would generate a new revenue stream.
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“It’s the same idea as being listed in a directory,” he says, noting that there’s potential for the spaces to be rented even outside of film for things like content creation. “It promotes your business as well, and the rates can always be negotiated, or they it can be offered in exchange for product placements.”
Once a thorough list of participating locations has been gathered, the next phase will involve the collection of data for each service. All relevant data including rental rates and permits will be recorded, and 360-degree photos of the location will be taken. This will make it easier to scout suitable locations.
“For example, you want to be able to say ‘I need a 20-by-20-foot room with big windows facing east, unobstructed for light.’ How many of those exist? I don’t know, but hopefully once we have the database all put together, you can search for something like that. We want to make it as detailed as possible.”
“Grist” director of photography and co-director Pawel Dwulit adjusts a Arri Orbiter light on a 85-foot crane before it is raised up, as first assistant camera Jonathan Miller looks on, during the production of the proof-of-concept mini-series at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene in August 2023. Dwulit, a cinematographer and owner of Peterborough-based production company Paradigm Pictures, believes that with recent shifts in film towards narrative storytelling, there is great potential for Peterborough and the Kawarthas to be marketed for film production. (Photo: Adam Martignetti)
In the effort to provide learning opportunities, which is another goal of the hub, Fleming marketing and business students will begin building the website database in the spring. By September 2024, the aim is for the film office to have secured the necessary grants and economic development support to have completed phase two with the fully formed database.
Also by September, Dwulit is hopeful that Paradigm Pictures will be in the process of filming their first holiday film. The production company has partnered with Peterborough-based screenwriter Carley Smale, who has already written more than a dozen holiday feature films and wants to create one that is hyperlocal.
The third phase of the project will involve the creation of a virtual production stage (a wrap-around screen with ceiling panels that can display any environment) right here in the Kawarthas. The stage would be commercially rentable and allow for crews to be “in multiple places in a short amount of time” explains Dwulit.
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“This would round out the service offerings in terms of production,” Dwulit explains. “You won’t have to drive to Toronto to rent. You can rent from us here locally.”
He adds that, like the film office database, the virtual production stage will create more capacity for learning opportunities “at various levels” right here in the community.
“We could have a smaller production, a local production from Peterborough, or a marketing agency come in and use this stage, and not only educate their team but have a much higher level of production quality,” he says. “We want to bring in people from the community at heavily reduced rates so they can learn. We want to make it accessible — the gates aren’t up, and the chains aren’t on them.”
“Grist” director of photography and co-director Pawel Dwulit sets the frame during the production of the proof-of-concept mini-series at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene in October 2023. Dwulit is part of a group of local filmmakers, producers, and more who have teamed up to develop the not-for-profit Peterborough Kawarthas Film Office to encourage local film production by assisting with locations, permits, equipment rental, finding crew, and other support services. (Photo: Brendan Fell)
While the virtual production stage may still be years out, Dwulit assures that the educational opportunities, creative education advancements, and economic growth are all happening much sooner.
“The aim is to help the region and those interested in film be the best that they can be at this time where we are, and this whole pipeline is going to make that happen,” he says. “It’s the obvious thing to be doing right now in order to establish more economic interest in the region.”
Visit ptboklfilmoffice.com for more information on the Peterborough Kawartha Film Office and follow them on Instagram and to stay up to date on film projects.
Peterborough actors Naomi Duvall as Sophie and Lindsay Unterlander as the general store owner in a scene from “Grist” at Lang Pioneer Village in Keene in July 2023. As part of the Peterborough Kawarthas Film Office project, Peterborough-based production company Paradigm Pictures recently finished filming a proof of concept for the three-part mini-series. (Photo courtesy of Paradigm Pictures)
Sharron Wharram-Spry and Brian Spry of Spry Family Christmas Tree Farm in Cobourg present a cheque for $29,677 to Megan Fluxgold of the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation, representing the proceeds from the ninth annual Family Christmas at Spry Christmas Tree Farm fundraiser held on December 2, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation)
The act of cutting down a fresh Christmas tree recently yielded a gift of more than $29,000 for the Cobourg hospital.
The Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) Foundation announced that the ninth annual family Christmas fundraiser at Spry Family Christmas Tree Farm in Cobourg was a success.
The event held in early December generated $29,677 for the foundation’s “Light up a Life” campaign. More than 144 trees were sold and 100 per cent of the proceeds were donated to the cause, the NHH Foundation noted.
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“This magical holiday tradition isn’t just about finding the perfect tree; it’s also a heartwarming demonstration of the community coming together to make a difference,” said Megan Fluxgold, NHH Foundation’s community engagement and events specialist, in a media release.
“Every dollar spent on these magnificent trees contributes directly to the well-being of our hospital. It was a triple win — the perfect tree, the joy of giving, and the knowledge that our annual Light up a Life campaign is truly supported by our community.”
The event was hosted by Sharron Wharram-Spry and Brian Spry at their Christmas tree farm on Danforth Road West, with proceeds raised through tree sales and by sponsors.
Over the past nine years, the Family Christmas at Spry Christmas Tree Farm fundraiser hosted by Sharron Wharram-Spry and Brian Spry has raised over $172,000 for the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation between monetary contributions of sponsors and tree sales. This year’s proceeds will support the purchase of an automatic tablet packager for the hospital’s pharmacy. (Photo courtesy of Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation)
Returning sponsors included Baker Tilly, Wharram Tree Service Ltd., Cameco, Tim Hortons (Toronto Road and Highway 28 locations in Port Hope), Canada Candy Company, and Craft Food House, with Ley Hall Wealth Management, Cobourg Nissan, and Just in Time Sanitation joining as new sponsors.
A visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, a complimentary chili lunch, hot chocolate, and coffee and treats around a bonfire were part of the day.
“NHH Foundation extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event possible — from the generous hosts, Sharron and Brian, to the many dedicated volunteers, returning and new attendees, and event sponsors,” states the media release.
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“With the success of this year’s event, this annual tradition has now raised a spectacular sum of over $172,670 over its nine years in support of Light Up a Life.”
Proceeds from the 30th annual Light Up a Life campaign will support the purchase of an automatic tablet packager for the hospital’s pharmacy. The NHH Foundation said the device will “help streamline medication packaging and increase efficiency across all departments at NHH.”
First introduced in 1994, the Light Up a Life campaign has raised more than $3.7 million over the years. It has helped pay for various pieces of equipment such as surgical scopes, anaesthetic machines, hospital beds, and NHH’s MRI machine.
As Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day are all statutory holidays in Ontario, all government offices and services and liquor and beer stores are closed, except for a selected few liquor and beer stores that will be open on Boxing Day. Most retail businesses — included malls, big box stores, and grocery stores — are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day but are open on Boxing Day. Many pharmacies remain open on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
For your convenience, we provide this list of holiday hours for 288 selected businesses, services, and organizations across the Kawarthas. This information comes from their websites and social media accounts. Please always call them first to confirm their hours (we’ve included phone numbers), especially where you see “call” or “call to confirm” (which means the business did not indicate specific holiday hours) or if you are travelling any distance.
If your business or organization is listed and the hours are incorrect, please let us know by using our content feedback form. We do not have the hours for restaurants in this list as there are far too many to include.
Bewdley Community Recycling Centre 7650 County Rd. 9, Hamilton 905-342-2514
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Brighton Community Recycling Centre 1112 County Rd. 26, Brighton 613-475-1946
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Canada Post Mail Delivery / Offices (Note: post offices operated by the private sector will be open according to the hours of service of the host business
Not applicable
No collection / delivery
No collection / delivery
Not applicable
No collection / delivery
City of Kawartha Lakes City Hall, Municipal Service Centres, and Administration Offices 26 Francis St., Lindsay 705-324-9411
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities, arenas, and pools Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411
Check with facility
CLOSED
Check with facility
Check with facility
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Public Libraries Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411 x1291
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Regular hours
CLOSED
City of Kawartha Lakes Waste and Recycling Collection 26 Francis St., Lindsay 1-888-822-2225
Not applicable
Moves to Tue Dec 26
Moves to Wed Dec 27 (Dec 27 to 28, 28 to 29)
Not applicable
Moves to Tue Jan 2 (Jan 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5)
City of Peterborough Day Cares Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
City of Peterborough Garbage Pickup Peterborough 705-745-1386
Not applicable
Not applicable
Moves to Sat Dec 30 (Zone 1)
Not applicable
Not applicable
City of Peterborough Green Bin Pickup Peterborough
Not applicable
Not applicable
Moves to Sat Dec 30 (Zone 1 & 2)
Not applicable
Not applicable
City of Peterborough Recycling Pickup Peterborough 705-876-1600
Not applicable
Not applicable
Moves to Sat Dec 30 (Zone 1 & 2)
Not applicable
Not applicable
City of Peterborough Social Services (for emergency shelter services call 705-926-0096) Closed, Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Cobourg Public Library 200 Ontario St., Cobourg 905-372-9271
Lindsay Human Services 322 Kent St. W., Lindsay 705-324-9870
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Lindsay Library 90 Kent St. W., Lindsay 705-324-9411 x1291
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
10:00am-5:00pm
CLOSED
Lindsay Ops Landfill 51 Wilson Rd., Lindsay 1-888-822-2225
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Lindsay Transit / LIMO Specialized Transit 180 Kent St. W., Lindsay 705-324-9411
9:00am-4:00pm
NO SERVICE
7:00am-7:00pm
9:00am-4:00pm
NO SERVICE
Municipality of Port Hope Municipal Offices 56 Queen St., Port Hope 905-885-4544
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
North Kawartha Municipal Office 280 Burleigh St., Apsley 705- 656-4445
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
North Kawartha Township Recycling Collection 340 McFadden Rd., Apsley 705-656-3619
Not applicable
No collection
Not applicable
Not applicable
No collection
North Kawartha Township Waste Collection 340 McFadden Rd., Apsley 705-656-3619
Not applicable
Moves to Tue Dec 26 (Dec 28 collection moves to Fri Dec 29)
Not applicable
Not applicable
Moves to Tue Jan 2 (Jan 4 collection moves to Fri Jan 5)
Northumberland County Administration Offices 555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg 905-372-3329
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Northumberland County Waste and Recycling Collection 555 Courthouse Rd., Cobourg 1-866-293-8379
Not applicable
Moves to Wed Dec 27
Moves to Thu Dec 28 (Dec 27 to Dec 29, Dec 28 to Dec 30)
Not applicable
Moves to Tue Jan 2 (Jan 2 to Jan 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5)
Northumberland Material Recovery Facility (no material drop-off by public, but blue boxes, green bins, backyard composters are available for purchase) 280 Edwardson Rd., Grafton 1-866-293-8379
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism Visitor Centre 1400 Crawford Dr., Peterborough 705-742-2201
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