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Shop the Boro: Find Canadian-made home and garden decor at downtown Peterborough’s The Avant-Garden Shop

By Megan Gallant -
While The Avant-Garden Shop in downtown Peterborough is known for its garden and birding supplies, owner Brenda Ibey also offers functional and decorative home décor. The shop is stocked with high-quality and eco-friendly products, including many Canadian-made products such as these beautiful mugs featuring hand-carved and painted birds from Peterborough-based potter Cathy Allen — the perfect gift for the bird-lovers in your life. (Photo courtesy of The Avant-Garden Shop)

Selling everything from hats and weeders to mailboxes, garden art, and fresh bird food, The Avant-Garden Shop has been serving Peterborough’s gardeners and backyard birders for more than 20 years.

Given the wide selection of quality-made treasures to be found in store and online, you might be surprised to know that many of the products are Canadian-made and support local small businesses.

The Avant-Garden Shop was co-founded by Brenda Ibey, a long-time gardener with an educational background in horticulture, in 2002. When the shop moved from its original location on George Street to its current home at 165 Sherbrooke Street, Ibey became the sole owner and expanded the products found in store.

Today, while customers can find a wide selection of functional and decorative outdoor pieces, The Avant-Garden Shop is also full of unique interior decor and home products, including tea towels and aprons, pottery sets, wall art, and tablecloths, as well as tote bags, socks, puzzles, and books.

Ibey is intentional about filling the store with only eco-friendly and built-to-last items, focusing on Canadian-made items as much as possible. A few of the product lines from outside of Canada are certified Fair Trade.

“It’s getting more and more difficult for small businesses to compete with big online stores, so we want to help make more of these businesses accessible,” Ibey says.

A long-time gardener, Brenda Ibey co-founded The Avant-Garden Shop on George Street in downtown Peterborough in 2002. She became the sole owner when the shop moved to its current location at 165 Sherbrooke Street a few years later, and has since expanded the business to offer backyard birding products as well as interior and exterior home décor. Ibey gives advice, shows off new products, and shares tips through her "Garden Gate" video series on The Avant-Garden Shop's YouTube channel. (Photo courtesy of The Avant-Garden Shop)
A long-time gardener, Brenda Ibey co-founded The Avant-Garden Shop on George Street in downtown Peterborough in 2002. She became the sole owner when the shop moved to its current location at 165 Sherbrooke Street a few years later, and has since expanded the business to offer backyard birding products as well as interior and exterior home décor. Ibey gives advice, shows off new products, and shares tips through her “Garden Gate” video series on The Avant-Garden Shop’s YouTube channel. (Photo courtesy of The Avant-Garden Shop)

While The Avant-Garden Shop also offers an online store with worldwide shipping, shopping in store is a special experience. In addition to being stocked with items that cannot be found elsewhere, the store gives shoppers the chance to chat with knowledgeable and friendly staff who have the answers to all your questions about the best food for birds, how to attract certain birds, and how to make your garden the envy of your neighbours.

Beginner birders can also get more expert insights by watching the Garden Gate videos on The Avant-Garden Shop’s YouTube channel. The educational series was launched 12 years ago and there are more than 300 episodes where Ibey spotlights new products and answers common questions.

For those looking for gifts for the garden lovers on their lists, there are all-new items in store that Ibey is confident will be flying off the shelves this holiday season. These include Ontario-made fused-glass ornaments that reasonably priced and, for a hyperlocal gift, new pottery from Peterborough artist Cathy Allen.

The Avant-Garden Shop is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and Saturdays from 9:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.avantgardenshop.com to shop online and follow The Avant-Garden Shop on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

 

Shop The Boro is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in downtown Peterborough, created in partnership with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).

The Boro - Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area

With a Boro gift card, supporting locally owned businesses in downtown Peterborough has never been easier. Buy a Boro gift card for your family, friends, or co-workers and let them choose their own adventure. Whether it’s a delicious meal and a night out, a one-of-a-kind find, or a day of relaxation, it’s truly the gift of possibility. You choose the value, they choose the gift.

With a Boro gift card, you are giving more than just a gift — you’re also supporting the people and places that make Peterborough/Nogojiwanong a truly special place to work, live, and play. Shop, dine, and explore the core with Boro gift cards, available online at theboro.ca/product/the-boro-gift-cards/.

Follow The Boro on Instagram and Facebook.

Freezing rain warning in effect for northern Kawarthas region starting Monday night

By kawarthaNOW -

Environment Canada has updated its special weather statement to a freezing rain warning for Monday night (November 25) into Tuesday morning for much of the northern Kawarthas region.

The freezing rain warning is in effect for northern Peterborough County, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands.

Freezing rain is likely, beginning Monday night as a low pressure system approaches the lower Great Lakes. The freezing rain may be heavy at times over a few areas overnight, with a transition to rain Tuesday morning or late Tuesday morning.

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Some ice accretion is possible on surfaces, possibly 1 to 4 millimetres of ice accretion depending on the area.

A few areas east of Georgian Bay and across Algonquin may see about 5 centimetres of snow accumulation late overnight into Tuesday morning.

Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas.

Environment Canada issues freezing rain warnings when rain falling in sub-zero temperatures creates ice build-up and icy surfaces.

 

The original version of this story has been updated with the latest forecast information from Environment Canada

Kids of all abilities get a chance to try pickleball at Five Counties Children’s Centre

By Five Counties Children's Centre -
It's pickleball for all at Five Counties Children's Centre, as Peterborough pro pickleball player, coach, and consultant Jennie Davis (front right) has been assisting Five Counties recreation therapy staff like Caitlin Ivany (rear left) give children of all abilities a chance to try out the sport. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)

Don’t ever tell Jennie Davis that pickleball is only for seniors and the young at heart. The Peterborough pro pickleball player, coach, and consultant says young people are also getting into the swing of North America’s fastest-growing sport.

Every month, Five Counties Children’s Centre provides a story about the work of the charitable organization. This month’s story is by Caitlin Ivany, Recreation Therapist, Five Counties Children’s Centre.

“Pickleball has grown by over 200 per cent in the last three years, and the biggest growth in pickleball is actually in the under-24 age group,” says Jennie. “Pickleball is very accessible to kids and to seniors, and that’s of course why they play so much.”

Pickleball — or what Jennie terms “this silly-named sport” — is unique in that it combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.

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The size of a pickleball court (approximately one third the size of a tennis court) and the nature of the game make it perfect for kids of all ages and abilities, including those at Five Counties Children’s Centre.

We’re extremely grateful to Jennie for partnering with us on our “Pickleball For All” program.

On multiple occasions since spring 2023, Jennie has assisted Five Counties staff in offering this program to our Therapeutic Recreation kids/clients who have exceptionalities and disabilities but love the opportunity to try out the sport.

Balls were swapped out with balloons during the Pickleball for All program at Five Counties Children's Centre in November to give participants the chance to build confidence in using and hitting with a pickleball racquet. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)
Balls were swapped out with balloons during the Pickleball for All program at Five Counties Children’s Centre in November to give participants the chance to build confidence in using and hitting with a pickleball racquet. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre)

“Pickleball is a very special sport in that it is accessible for kids of all ages and abilities, and so I just find it super meaningful to be here,” says Jennie, who first took up pickleball while attending Trent University in 2016.

Since then, she has excelled at the sport, competing (and winning) at professional pickleball competitions across North America, while travelling the continent as a top-flight pickleball coach and consultant.

At Five Counties, Jennie’s skill and passion for pickleball — and her patience with kids — were on full display during our most recent Pickleball for All program held in November.

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Jennie initially substituted balloons for balls to give participants a chance to build confidence in hitting with a racquet. Kids were also able to improve their accuracy tossing a ball at ‘Ernie’ or taking aim at a bulls-eye.

These types of fun and engaging skill development drills and games used by Jennie were inclusive, accessible, and geared to each child’s ability and skill level.

That meant participants had a meaningful experience to try, learn, and enjoy the excitement of this growing sport.

Pro pickleball player Jennie Davis gets assistance from her homemade friend Ernie to help participants in the Pickleball for All program at Five Counties Children's Centre in November improve their accuracy with the ball. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)
Pro pickleball player Jennie Davis gets assistance from her homemade friend Ernie to help participants in the Pickleball for All program at Five Counties Children’s Centre in November improve their accuracy with the ball. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre)

“It’s always amazing to see young people out, off their devices, and gaining confidence, playing a sport that’s easy for everyone to play,” notes Jennie.

She is equally excited that para-pickleball is also growing in popularity as an inclusive adaption of the sport that makes it easier for players in wheelchairs or with other disabilities to play.

Five Counties is fortunate to work with many different community partners like Jennie who see the value in breaking down barriers to sports and recreation activities. And with pickleball, it’s perfectly served — not just with the ball, but on the smiles of kids all ages and abilities who can at last get in the game.

‘Youth experiencing unstable housing is growing in our community’: Rebound Child and Youth Services

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
The teams of Rebound Child and Youth Services and Cobourg Home Depot kicking off the Holiday 2024 Orange Door Project campaign, an initiative of the Home Depot Canada Foundation to help prevent youth homelessness across the country. Until December 22, 2024, Northumberland County residents donate to the campaign during checkout at the Cobourg Home Depot or online. According to Rebound, more and more youth in the community are experiencing unstable housing. (Photo: Rebound Child and Youth Services)

From being unsafe in the family home to having parents or caregivers who’ve forbidden their return, youth are not immune to becoming part of the country’s growing population of people without housing.

That’s why Cobourg’s Rebound Child and Youth Services (Rebound) offers programs and continues to develop new resources to prevent youth homelessness in Northumberland.

The not-for-profit agency that supports children, youth, and families has announced it’s a local beneficiary of the Home Depot Canada Foundation’s “Holiday Orange Door Project Campaign” combatting homelessness, which runs until December 22 at the Cobourg Home Depot and online.

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“We know that youth experiencing unstable housing is growing in our community,” Rebound’s executive director Sam Rockbrune told kawarthaNOW.

“Funds raised through this campaign will help us provide supports, such as mental health services and our family wellness hub, to take preventative steps for youth homelessness. Rebound is already working on prevention for youth homelessness with our current programs and rolling out exciting new programs in the new year.”

Rebound services offer a private and confidential process that can assist children, youth, and their families with options and resources for programming. The organization believes that the most effective services are those that are provided in a responsive and respectful manner and in a partnership with families. The agency serves more than 1,800 young people each year.

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In 2018, Rebound partnered with Northumberland County Community & Social Services to deliver the trusteeship program for youth aged 16 to 17 receiving Ontario Works (OW).

“At the time, I was the trusteeship caseworker, and the case load was 13 individuals,” recalled Krystyne Gillespie, Rebound’s outreach and fund development manager, adding the case load has since quadrupled.

“We see approximately 50 to 60 individuals per year, with around 40 to 45 of those (youth) continuing to need support through the program,” she said. “The trusteeship is not just about receiving financial support through OW. Our goal is for the youth to stay in school, graduate and go on to post-secondary education or into the workforce.”

Rebound provides clients with emotional health supports, access to food and clothing items, and strives to serve as a bridge to other resources, as necessary.

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The agency saw, on average, two unsheltered youth per year in the first few years of the program.

“So far in 2024, we currently have seven youth who are experiencing homelessness,” Gillespie noted.

She said Rebound is aware of a large number of youths who are living with grandparents or other family members to provide space between them and their parents, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Youth homelessness is often unseen, as youth are resilient and will find places to stay or couch-surf,” she said. “I would encourage parents to ask questions if their child is having a friend sleep over more often or throughout the week.”

“Ultimately, Rebound hopes to prevent youth homelessness by helping families creating stronger bonds, building their skills around communication and conflict management, for example. Families that learn together, grow together, (and) hopefully stay together.”

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As for the Holiday Orange Door Project Campaign, customers can donate during checkout at the Cobourg Home Depot or by visiting orangedoorproject.ca and selecting Cobourg as the location for their donation.

All local donations will help Rebound provide counselling and therapy, youth justice diversion, youth homelessness prevention programs, along with family and parenting support services.

Since 2022, the Cobourg Home Depot has raised over $25,000 for Rebound through the Orange Door Project fundraising campaign, an initiative of the Home Depot Canada Foundation.

The foundation is a Canadian registered charity supporting 127 organizations across the country that are committed to preventing and ending youth homelessness. To create new paths for youth experiencing homelessness or at risk of doing so, the foundation will invest $125 million by 2030.

Shop The Boro: Get project ready by shopping Black Friday online sales at Peterborough’s Needles in the Hay

By Megan Gallant -
A passionate knitter herself, Deanna Guttman has owned Needles in the Hay at 385 Water Street in downtown Peterborough since 2016. The shop sells only top-quality, all-natural yarns in a myriad of colours and offers a place for fibre enthusiasts to connect in the educational space above the shop called The Hayloft. From November 29 to December 2, 2024, Needles in the Hay is running their annual Black Friday Sale, providing savings on top-selling brands and clearance items, and giving out two times the points on all purchases to Needle Point members. (Photo courtesy of Needles in the Hay)

Nothing shows your love more than a hand-knit gift for the holidays, and the annual Black Friday sale at Needles in the Hay at 385 Water Street in downtown Peterborough means you can stock up on all the yarn, needles, patterns, and inspiration you’ll need for each unique project.

Aptly named, Needles in the Hay is truly a needle in a haystack — a unique shop where you will find high-quality natural fibre yarns and where you can connect with other fibre enthusiasts in the community.

Founded in 2010, Needles in the Hay is one of the longest-running shops in Peterborough’s downtown. Owner Deanna Guttman, a passionate knitter herself, has been at the helm of the business since 2016.

Alongside accessories and inspirations for knitting and other fibre arts, Needles in the Hay also stocks a curated selection of natural fibre yarns in a myriad of colours. From merino and alpaca wools to cashmere, cotton, linen, and more, all yarns come from responsible brands and in a variety of price points.

Needles in the Hay not only offers all the supplies you need to start your next project, but also helps you turn what is often a solitary activity into a community one.

Located above the Water Street shop, The Hayloft is an educational space designed to support fibre lovers, whether you’re a beginner trying something new or are already skilled and looking to brush up on a technique or overcome a challenge. Needles in the Hay offers regularly scheduled classes in The Hayloft for a variety of skill levels and artistic pursuits, as well as free weekly drop-ins from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays.

One of downtown Peterborough's longest-running shops, Needles in the Hay is not only a place where you can find high-quality yarns made with all-natural fibres, but it also the home of The Hayloft, an educational space where both beginner and experienced knitters can engage in classes and workshops, connect with one another, and work on their projects during free weekly social gatherings. (Photo courtesy of Needles in the Hay)
One of downtown Peterborough’s longest-running shops, Needles in the Hay is not only a place where you can find high-quality yarns made with all-natural fibres, but it also the home of The Hayloft, an educational space where both beginner and experienced knitters can engage in classes and workshops, connect with one another, and work on their projects during free weekly social gatherings. (Photo courtesy of Needles in the Hay)

Whether you’re buying for yourself or the knitter on your holiday shopping list, you’ll find great deals during Needles in the Hay’s largest sale of the year.

From Friday, November 29 to Monday, December 2, the online-only sale will offer big savings, including 15 per cent off The Fibre Co. and Brooklyn Tweed, two of the shop’s most popular brands. Purchases must total more than $100 before tax, and the sale does not include discounted dye lots. Clearance yarns will also have major savings up to 50 per cent off.

What’s more, from Monday, November 25 to Monday, December 2, customers who collect loyalty points as a Needle Point member will receive twice the points when making purchases. That means shoppers can get savings when shopping now and at a later date too. A deal like that is truly a needle in a haystack.

To browse the collection at Needles in the Hay or to sign up as a Needle Point member, visit needlesinthehay.ca. Shop in store at 385 Water Street in downtown Peterborough from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

 

Shop The Boro is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in downtown Peterborough, created in partnership with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).

The Boro - Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area

With a Boro gift card, supporting locally owned businesses in downtown Peterborough has never been easier. Buy a Boro gift card for your family, friends, or co-workers and let them choose their own adventure. Whether it’s a delicious meal and a night out, a one-of-a-kind find, or a day of relaxation, it’s truly the gift of possibility. You choose the value, they choose the gift.

With a Boro gift card, you are giving more than just a gift — you’re also supporting the people and places that make Peterborough/Nogojiwanong a truly special place to work, live, and play. Shop, dine, and explore the core with Boro gift cards, available online at theboro.ca/product/the-boro-gift-cards/.

Follow The Boro on Instagram and Facebook.

Community members encouraged to add stories and messages of support for PRHC on The Sharing Tree

By kawarthaNOW -
The Sharing Tree, an initiative to connect the community with Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) during the holiday season in support of the PRHC Foundation's $60-million Campaign for PRHC to reimagine healthcare at the regional hospital, was launched on November 23, 2024 at Couture Candy PTBO in downtown Peterborough. Pictured from left to right are PRHC Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway and reImagineers Lisa and Matt Couture, Susan Dunkley, Noah Crowley, Nick Beamish and his son Luke, Jess Crowley and her son Theo, Darryl Porter, and (in front) PRHC Foundation manager of community giving and engagement Jane Lovett with her son Sam. (Photo courtesy of PRHC foundation)

A group of volunteer ambassadors for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation’s $60-million Campaign for PRHC to reimagine healthcare at the regional hospital have launched a holiday initiative called the Sharing Tree.

The Sharing Tree invites community members to rally around the hospital by sharing their connections with PRHC — whether it’s a story of exceptional care, a cherished memory, or a message for PRHC’s doctors, nurses, staff, and patients — by writing their words on a cardboard ornament, which will be placed on the tree.

Known as the reImagineers, the group of volunteer ambassadors includes Lisa Couture, a donor to the PRHC Foundation and the owner of Couture Candy Ptbo in downtown Peterborough, where the Sharing Tree launched on Saturday morning (November 23).

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“We hope that by sharing our own stories, we can inspire others to reflect on their connections with the hospital,” Couture said. “Each message on the Sharing Tree serves as a reminder of the care, compassion, and support that bring us all together.”

Couture celebrated the launch of the Sharing Tree by announcing a fundraiser at her store in support of the PRHC Foundation. Until Christmas Eve, $1 from each $19.99 mixed candy bag purchased will be donated towards the Campaign for PRHC.

Fundraisers like Couture’s are another way the community can support the hospital, which serves a regional population of up to 600,000 people. PRHC relies on community donations to fund the equipment and technology needed to save and change patient lives.

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PRHC Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway thanked Couture and the other reImagineers for their dedication and efforts to connect the community and the hospital through the Sharing Tree.

“The tree will spread warmth and encouragement through the community, then bring cheer to the hospital over the holiday season while supporting the Campaign for PRHC,” Heighway said.

The Sharing Tree will travel to locations around the region throughout the holiday season, before coming “home” to PRHC in time for Christmas, where the community’s shared stories and inspiring messages will be on display for doctors, nurses, staff, and patients to read.

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For those unable to visit or contribute to the Sharing Tree in person, there’s also an online version at prhcfoundation.ca/sharingtree where stories and messages can be shared digitally, and where the in-person locations of the Sharing Tree are listed.

Nick Beamish, another reImagineer who is also a grateful patient and a donor to the PRHC Foundation, is encouraging people to contribute their stories and messages for the Sharing Tree, whether in person or digitally.

“Help us decorate the tree with hope, warmth, and gratitude,” Beamish said.

Northumberland County seeking members for accessibility advisory committee to help build a barrier-free future

By Natalie Hamilton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter -
Northumberland County is encouraging community members who have a disability or have lived experience with disabilities to join the Northumberland Accessibility Advisory Committee and help identify barriers to accessbility and create practical inclusive solutions. Pictured is assistive listening technology installed at customer service desks in county facilities that not only makes it easier for visitors to hear staff behind plexiglass safety barriers by dimming background noise and sharpening the sound of speech, but also has integrated hearing loop technology that enables a wireless transfer of speech directly to a visitor's hearing aids. (Photo: Northumberland County)

People who have a disability or lived experience with disabilities and would like to improve accessibility in Northumberland County are being encouraged to share their skills and ideas.

Northumberland County is currently recruiting residents to join the Northumberland Accessibility Advisory Committee (NAAC).

While the county has a legal requirement under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act that people with disabilities make up most of the committee’s membership, the county and NAAC have additional reasons for extending that particular call, according to Andrea Nicholson, Northumberland County’s accessibility coordinator and NAAC staff liaison.

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“Lived experience provides unique insights that cannot be replicated simply by watching or studying something,” Nicholson told kawarthaNOW.

“Individuals with disabilities or related experiences bring authentic perspectives to the discussion that help identify barriers and create practical, inclusive solutions. Their voices ensure that programs and initiatives address real needs, fostering improved equity and accessibility for all community members.”

With International Day of Persons with Disabilities approaching on December 3, the NACC is encouraging Northumberland community members to join them in “Advocating for Accessibility, Together” by adding their voices to help “build a barrier-free future,” according to a media release.

As a member of NACC, residents can expect to share their thoughts, ideas, and feedback to help improve the accessibility of county initiatives and programs.

December 3 is recognized annually as International Day of Persons with Disabilities by the UN and marked in communities around the world.

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This year, Northumberland County is acknowledging the day under the theme of “advocating for accessibility together.”

The theme was chosen as it underscores the importance of collective action in ensuring accessibility for all, the county said. It calls for collaboration between individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to break down barriers and create inclusive environments.

“Northumberland County is committed to accessibility,” Nicholson said. “We’re looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference and championing accessibility within our community. Joining the NAAC is a unique opportunity to advocate for a more inclusive environment for everyone.”

The committee collaborates closely with county council and staff, with the goal of ensuring that county services, programs, and facilities are accessible to everyone.

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“Disabilities are only noticed because our society is not fully accessible,” noted Bobby-Jo Preston, NAAC chair, in the release.

“Together we work to help put the pieces together to finish the puzzle. Our committee values the lived experience of its members to inform decisions that help improve accessibility for all community members. By working together, we can create a community where everyone can fully participate.”

Residents who are interested in applying for a position on the committee are asked to submit an online application by Friday, December 6 by visiting northumberland.ca/NAAC.

The application form is also available in an alternate format upon request. For more information, email accessibility@northumberland.ca or call 905-372-3329 ext. 2327.

Where to get a fresh locally grown Christmas tree in the Kawarthas region

By kawarthaNOW -
Located at 400 Grassy Road in Omemee, Potash Creek Farms is one of 11 tree farms located in or near the greater Kawarthas region where people can get fresh, locally grown Christmas trees for 2024. Owner Dan Vanderzwet says a relatively wet summer means he has more trees available this year than in past years. (Photo courtesy of Potash Creek Farms)

It’s going to be a green Christmas this year when it comes to freshly harvested Christmas trees in the Kawarthas region, with local tree farmers reporting healthier and fuller trees.

While a dry summer in 2023 led to a limited supply of healthy trees that winter, resulting in some local tree farms running by appointment only, that does not seem to be an issue this year.

According to Dan Vanderzwet of Potash Creek Farms, customers looking to cut their own can get some “great looking pine trees” when visiting the Omemee farm this season.

“There were definitely some drought issues last year that are not bogging us this year because there was lots of rain,” he says. “Our farm has been growing for many years and we have more trees available this year than any past years.”

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Powell’s Trees, located just south of the Kawarthas region in Bowmanville, has had similar success, with owner George Powell noting the wetter season has led to “full” trees.

“Some years when it’s a dry summer the trees will be about yellow, but this year they’re very green, so we’re lucky we had proper rain,” he says, adding that the weather means a great start for future Christmas trees as well. “We planted 5,000 seedlings and every one of them is doing well and growing. We’re blessed.”

For those looking for a lush and green locally grown Christmas tree, there are 11 tree farms in and just outside the Kawarthas offering both cut-your-own and pre-cut options.

Powell's Trees owner George Powell feels "blessed" to have a full stock of healthy and green Christmas trees for sale at his Bowmanville farm. Local tree farmers are reporting a healthier crop of trees in 2024 due to a relatively wet summer, compared to last year heat waves and droughts meant many farms had fewer trees available. (Photo courtesy of Powell's Trees)
Powell’s Trees owner George Powell feels “blessed” to have a full stock of healthy and green Christmas trees for sale at his Bowmanville farm. Local tree farmers are reporting a healthier crop of trees in 2024 due to a relatively wet summer, compared to last year heat waves and droughts meant many farms had fewer trees available. (Photo courtesy of Powell’s Trees)

In the Kawarthas, you can visit Oscar’s Tree Farm in Campbellcroft, Oake Family Tree Farm in Cavan-Monaghan Township, Barrett’s Christmas Tree Farm in Cobourg, Little Lake Christmas Tree Farm in Colborne, The Carroll’s Christmas Tree Farm (formerly J&D Christmas Trees) in Colborne, Dawson Tree Farm in Millbrook, Potash Creek Farms in Omemee, and A Wee Tree Farm in Fenelon Falls.

Just outside the Kawarthas, farms open to harvest your own trees include Powell’s Trees in Bowmanville, Prestonvale Tree Farms in Courtice, and Hope’s Christmas Tree Farm in Enniskillen.

As for Murray Tree Farm in Apsley, it went on the market earlier this year and has recently sold, marking the closure of the family tree farm.

For tree farm addresses, hours, available tree species, prices, and websites, check out the following map.

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View a larger version of this map.

 

Why buy a grown-in-Ontario Christmas tree?

Established in 2006, Potash Creek Farms in Omemee has more trees available this year than any past years. Open weekends from November 30 to December 22, 2024, the farm offers cut-your-own Spruce and Scotch Pine and pre-cut Balsam Fir. (Photo courtesy of Potash Creek Farms)
Established in 2006, Potash Creek Farms in Omemee has more trees available this year than any past years. Open weekends from November 30 to December 22, 2024, the farm offers cut-your-own Spruce and Scotch Pine and pre-cut Balsam Fir. (Photo courtesy of Potash Creek Farms)

Besides helping the local economy (more than 600 Christmas tree farms in Ontario generate around $12 million), farm-grown natural Christmas tree have other benefits.

Christmas trees are one of the most environmentally friendly crops. It takes up to 10 years to grow each tree and, during this time, the trees remove carbon dioxide and airborne pollutants from the atmosphere (up to 13 tons per acre!) and provide protective havens for a wide variety of birds and mammals. It’s also a sustainable crop — for every tree that’s harvested, at least three seedlings are planted in its place.

Buying a tree from a nearby local farm is also more environmentally friendly than buying one shipped in from another part of the country, such as Quebec or the East Coast.

Natural Christmas trees are also 100 per cent recyclable and biodegradable. Most municipalities — including those in the Kawarthas region — collect discarded natural Christmas trees and chip them for use as mulching materials.

Discarded natural trees can also be used as bird feeders, wood products can be made from their stems, or they can be used as wildlife cover in fish ponds and woodlots.

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Common types of Christmas trees

A tree farmer prunes Balsam Fir trees, one of the most popular Christmas trees in Canada. (Photo: Blake Wile)
A tree farmer prunes Balsam Fir trees, one of the most popular Christmas trees in Canada. (Photo: Blake Wile)

If you do decide to harvest your own tree this year (or buy a pre-cut one), here’s a quick primer on the most common tree species available:

Balsam Fir – The Balsam Fir holds its dark-green needles well and is a good choice if the decorated tree will be left standing for a longer period of time. Balsam fir branches work well for lighter Christmas ornaments, and the tree has a strong fragrance.

Scots Pine (Scotch Pine) – The Scots Pine is a thick and hardy tree. It resists drying and holds its needles well over the holidays. However, the needles are tough and very pointy.

Fraser Fir – A Christmas tree that’s become very popular in recent years, the Fraser Fir is known for holding its attractive dark blue-green needles and its pleasant scent. Fraser Firs are generally more expensive than other trees as the species has a much longer growing cycle.

Norway Spruce – The traditional Christmas tree in Britain, the Norway spruce is attractive but has a tendency to drop its needles, particularly towards the end of the holidays — especially if the tree is not cut fresh and kept properly watered.

White Spruce – The dense foliage and symmetrical proportions of the White Spruce make it a very beautiful Christmas tree. The tree has a strong scent and its strong slender twigs hold ornaments well. However, the White Spruce is very thirsty and must be watered regularly to prevent it from losing its needles.

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Caring for your tree

Formerly J&D Christmas Trees, The Carroll's Christmas Tree Farm is one of two tree farms in Colborne in Northumberland County. Located at 13809 Telephone Road, the farm offers cut-your-own White Spruce, Balsam Fir, and Fraser Fir. The farm also has premium, oversized trees. (Photo courtesy of The Carroll's Christmas Tree Farm)
Formerly J&D Christmas Trees, The Carroll’s Christmas Tree Farm is one of two tree farms in Colborne in Northumberland County. Located at 13809 Telephone Road, the farm offers cut-your-own White Spruce, Balsam Fir, and Fraser Fir. The farm also has premium, oversized trees. (Photo courtesy of The Carroll’s Christmas Tree Farm)

After you get your tree, follow these tips to keep it fresh and safe:

  1. If you aren’t setting up the tree immediately, store it outdoors. Keep it in a protected area, away from the wind and sun, to help the tree retain its moisture (an unheated garage is ideal, particularly to keep the tree free of snow). If you plan to store it outside for several days, make a straight cut across the butt end of the tree about one inch from the end, place the butt end in a container of water, and store the tree upright.
  2. When you bring the tree into the house for decorating, make another fresh cut across the trunk, about an inch from the original cut.
  3. Trees can drink up to four litres of water per day, so be sure to use a large stand that can hold that much water. Check the water level daily and supply fresh water as needed. Don’t allow the water level to drop below the bottom of the tree, as a seal will form on the bottom and the tree will stop absorbing water (you’ll have to make a new cut).
  4. Use only fresh water. Don’t add sugar, molasses, bleach, honey, floral preservatives, or other substances to the tree’s water. Experts agree these additives do nothing to maintain the freshness of the tree.
  5. Place your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, television sets, and other sources of heat. Turn off the tree lights when you leave and before you retire at night. Under no circumstances should you use lighted candles on a Christmas tree.
  6. A well-maintained tree should normally remain fresh at least three to four weeks before drying to an unacceptable level. Test the dryness of the tree by running your fingers across the needles. If they break easily or fall off in your hand, the tree is dry and should be discarded.

Citizen group gives up its fight to save Peterborough’s Bonnerworth Park from redevelopment

By Bruce Head -
While Friends of Bonnerworth Park were moving forward with an application for a stop-work injunction to stop the City of Peterborough's $4.4-million redevelopment project, the city closed the park to the public and crews began demolishing the greenspace in preparation for construction of 14 pickleball courts, an expanded skate park, and a bike pump track. (Photo: Beth Smith / Save Bonnerworth Park Facebook group)

After a 10-month campaign to stop the City of Peterborough’s $4.4-million redevelopment of Bonnerworth Park, a citizen group has given up the fight to save the park — but says it won’t be going away.

In a media release issued on Friday (November 22), Friends of Bonnerworth Park spokesperson John Gerelus explained why the group has decided to withdraw its application for a stop-work injunction against the city.

“We realized that the court would very likely not stop the project,” he said. “The potential for the city to throw all sorts of legal roadblocks in our way to further slow the legal process and force the community to spend tens of thousands of dollars on additional legal costs also became apparent.”

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Friends of Bonnerworth Park recently suffered two major setbacks in its efforts to stop the city from proceeding with the redevelopment project.

The group learned that the lawyer heading the firm that was handling the application for an injunction was diagnosed with terminal cancer and is in the process of closing his firm, withdrawing from the case.

They also learned that a hearing for the notice of an application for a stop-work injunction, which their legal firm had filed with the Superior Court of Justice, would not be going ahead on November 25 as they were originally told.

“The court in fact was holding back consideration of all such civil cases until the spring,” Gerelus said.

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By that time, the City of Peterborough would have made substantial progress on the redevelopment progress. Construction work at the park already began on November 5, with the city closing the park to the public two days later the duration of project that, as approved by city council, will see 14 pickleball courts, an expanded skate park, and bike pump track installed.

The city has also stated its intention to fight any stop-work injunction application in court.

With its decision to apply for an abandonment of the application for an injunction, Friends of Bonnerworth Park has paused donations to its GoFundMe appeal, which has raised more than $43,000 to cover legal costs.

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In the release, Gerelus did not specify what would happen to any unspent donations. However, he did say that Friends of Bonnerworth Park is not “going away.”

“We sought to hold the city accountable for its responsibilities to all users and neighbours of Bonnerworth Park. We will continue to hold the city accountable for any noise, traffic, lighting, and public safety impacts of its plan on our community.”

Gerelus added that the group will be holding a public meeting soon “to thank our friends and supporters, discuss the details of our fight to save Bonnerworth, and outline plans for Friends of Bonnerworth in the future.”

Whimsical worlds collide in Peterborough Theatre Guild’s holiday production of ‘Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical’

By Megan Gallant -
The Queen of Hearts confronts Alice and Dorothy during a dress rehearsal for the Peterborough Theatre Guild's holiday production of Brian D. Taylor's "Dorothy in Wonderland - The Musical", which runs for nine public performances from November 29 to December 8, 2024. The musical combines the whimsical worlds and characters of "The Wizard of Oz" and "Alice in Wonderland" to create a brand new family-friendly adventure. (Photo: Peterborough Theatre Guild)

Defeating the Wicked Witch of the West is one thing, but will a little brain, heart, and courage help Dorothy and her friends against The Queen of Hearts? Find out where both the Yellow Brick Road and the Rabbit Hole lead when whimsical worlds collide in this year’s holiday production from the Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical by Brian D. Taylor combines the fantastical worlds and eccentric characters of two of the world’s most recognized stories for a fun and creative production that runs for nine public performances from Friday, November 29 until Sunday, December 8 at the Peterborough Theatre Guild, with additional non-public performances for school groups.

Adapted from the beloved works of L. Frank Baum and Lewis Carroll, Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical begins after Dorothy Gale has reached the end of the Yellow Brick Road. Before she’s able to accept the Wizard’s offer of a balloon ride home to Kansas, however, a whirlwind appears over Emerald City, sweeping Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion off to Wonderland.

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From there, Dorothy’s friends try to help her find the way home and, along the way, run into the whimsical characters of Wonderland, including Alice, The White Rabbit, The Mad Hatter, The March Hare, and their dangerous new foe The Queen of Hearts. Dorothy and Alice team up to beat the Queen at croquet, but will that be enough to get both girls back home where they belong?

An American playwright, Taylor first penned the original full-length version of his Oz and Wonderland mash-up in 2013. The next year, he wrote a musical version with lyrics by Scott DeTurk and with musical composition and additional lyrics by the late award-winning Bill Francoeur.

Long-time collaborators, DeTurk and Francoeur produced several works together over the decades, including the acclaimed musicals The Ghost & Mrs. Muir and Western Star, whose book was done by Dale Wasserman (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest).

Brian D. Taylor's "Dorothy in Wonderland - The Musical" combines the whimsical worlds and characters of "The Wizard of Oz" and "Alice in Wonderland" to create a brand new family-friendly adventure. The Peterborough Theatre Guild holiday production runs for nine public performances from November 29 to December 8, 2024. (Photo: Peterborough Theatre Guild / Facebook)
Brian D. Taylor’s “Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical” combines the whimsical worlds and characters of “The Wizard of Oz” and “Alice in Wonderland” to create a brand new family-friendly adventure. The Peterborough Theatre Guild holiday production runs for nine public performances from November 29 to December 8, 2024. (Photo: Peterborough Theatre Guild / Facebook)

Throughout his own career, Taylor has made a habit of writing fractured fairy tales, as evident in his more recent works The Thirty-Three Little Pigs (2020), The Snow White Musicapalooza (2017), and Rise of Robin Hood (2017).

Dorothy in Wonderland, however, is a fractured mash-up of two classic stories, both of which share similar attributes. In a 2013 blog post, Taylor writes that much of the fun of writing the play came from comparing Alice and Dorothy as protagonists.

“Both are young girls lost in strange worlds, both meet very odd characters, both are sent on a journey to overtake an evil female villain, (and) both girls just want to go home,” he wrote.

While that is all still true in Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical, the show presents an all-new side of Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, who use the newfound qualities they learned they had at the end of The Wizard of Oz to get Dorothy back to Kansas from Wonderland.

“In what other retelling do you get to see a Scarecrow with brains, a Lion with courage, and a Tin Man with heart?” Taylor wrote in another post in the blog series which, leading up to the play’s release, introduced its characters.

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Those characters also include Glinda, the Good Witch of the South. Taylor notes that, in all the adaptations of The Wizard of Oz, she is depicted as “saccharine sweet, almost disgustingly so” and he was “tempted to try another direction.”

The other direction was to focus on Glinda’s major flaw: that she did not immediately help Dorothy get back to Kansas by telling her the power of the ruby slippers, after Glinda had magically transferred them to Dorothy’s feet from the house-crushed Wicked Witch of The East. Instead, she made Dorothy go on a journey through Oz because, as she explains to Scarecrow at the end of the 1939 film, “she wouldn’t have believed me.”

“If you’re going to show up and be the hero, you need to do more than that,” Taylor wrote, noting that in his mash-up, Glinda flies to Wonderland to actively search for and help Dorothy. “Sure, she regrets that she didn’t help Dorothy from the outset, but she’s trying to find her to correct that.”

VIDEO: Cast members introduce “Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical”

The Peterborough Theatre Guild production of Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical is directed by Sarah Rogers and co-produced by Marion Griffin, a combination that audiences saw for last year’s holiday staging of The Enchanted Bookshop. Cynthia Wardrope is another producer, with Hayley Griffin-Montgomery acting as stage manager for the production assisted by Cory Gavin.

The family-friendly production will be performed at the Guild Hall at 364 Rogers Street in Peterborough’s East City, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on November 29 and December 3 to 6 and weekend matinee performances at 2 p.m. on November 30 and December 1 and December 7 and 8.

Tickets are priced at $15 for everyone and can be purchased by calling 705-745-4211 or online at www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com.

The Peterborough Theatre Guild's holiday production of Brian D. Taylor's "Dorothy in Wonderland - The Musical" runs for nine public performances from November 29 to December 8, 2024, with additional performances for school groups. (Graphic courtesy of Peterborough Theatre Guild)
The Peterborough Theatre Guild’s holiday production of Brian D. Taylor’s “Dorothy in Wonderland – The Musical” runs for nine public performances from November 29 to December 8, 2024, with additional performances for school groups. (Graphic courtesy of Peterborough Theatre Guild)

 

kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s 2024-25 season.

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