A highlight of Selwyn Township's 2024 PolarFest family winter festival is the Polar Paddle race down Queen Street in Lakefield, which begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 3rd. (Photo: Selwyn Township)
PolarFest, Selwyn Township’s annual family winter festival, returns for three days beginning on Friday (February 2).
The 17th anniversary festival kicks off Friday with youth shinny hockey at the Ennismore Community Centre, stories and crafts at the Lakefield Library Centennial Room, a darts competition at the Canoe & Paddle in Lakefield, and authentic swiss cheese fondue and wine at Chemong Lodge in Bridgenorth.
In the evening, an official opening ceremony takes place lakeside at Chemong Lodge at 6:30 p.m. featuring a bonfire and free hot chocolate and coffee, with a fireworks show at 6:45 p.m.
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A guided nature hike on the Lakefield trail starting at the Marshland Centre in Lakefield begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, with hot apple cider available after the hike.
At 8 p.m., Selwyn firefighters will face off against Peterborough police officers in the Guns & Hoses charity hockey game at the Ennismore Community Centre. Admission is by non-perishable food donation or cash donation, with proceeds split equally between the Lakefield Food Bank and the Bridgenorth Food Bank.
The fun continues on Saturday with the Lakefield Ice Sculpture Competition all day beginning at 9 a.m. at the Cenotaph Park in Lakefield. This year’s theme is “Canadiana” and you can cast your ballot for the People’s Choice Award, which will be presented to the winning carver at 5 p.m. at The Loon in Lakefield.
A fireworks display will follow the official opening ceremony of Selwyn Township’s 2024 PolarFest family winter festival at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 2nd lakeside at Chemong Lodge in Bridgenorth. (Photo: Selwyn Township)
There will also be ice sculptures in Heritage Park in Bridgenorth beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the Chemung Lake District Lions Club and the Bridgenorth Beautification Committee giving out free hot chocolate. Both of the ice sculpture activities in Lakefield and Bridgenorth will include coloured blocks for the kids to build their own ice creations.
The Bridgenorth Library will be hosting a scavenger hunt to find the library penguins and the Sewlyn Library Makerspace in Lakefield will be hosting a drop-in featuring tours, machine demos, family activities, and more. The Ennismore Youth Group will be hosting a winter craft activity, with hot chocolate, and Ennismore Optimist Hall. Visit the Canoe & Paddle on Saturday afternoon for some storytelling.
Adventure Outfitters will be hosting a Nordic Day on Saturday afternoon at the Ontario Speed Skating Oval in Lakefield, and there will be free public skating at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre.
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A PolarFest highlight on Saturday is the Polar Paddle at 1 p.m. in Lakefield, where competitors will race their canoes down Queen Street vying for a trophy and prizes in different divisions.
Saturday’s social activities include a retro apres ski party in the afternoon outside Chemong Lodge, featuring tunes form the ’80s and ’90s, an ice bar and booze luge, and prizes for the best-dressed person wearing throwback ski gear. The Lakefield Legion will be hosting the Winter Olympics Party at 1 p.m. with prizes to be won, and the Ice Ball all evening long featuring live music, icy cocktails, and charcuterie and canapes by The Cheesy Fromage and Angle Iron Kitchen (advance tickets are required). Also in the evening, the Canoe & Paddle will be hosting karaoke and cocktails.
Food options on Saturday include a free drive-through pancake breakast at the Causeway Christian Assembly in Ennismore, a family breakfast at the Canoe & Paddle in Lakefield, maple taffy outside of Stuff’d in Lakefield, a spaghetti dinner at Bridgenorth United Church with music from The Tarnished Angels, and Beavertails at the Ennismore Community Centre (also available Sunday).
As part of Selwyn Township’s 2024 PolarFest family winter festival, ice sculptures will be on display at Cenotaph Park in Lakefield and Heritage Park in Bridgenorth, with an ice sculpture competition in Lakefield beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 3rd. (Photo: Selwyn Townsh
On Sunday, ice sculptures continue all day in Lakefield’s Cenotaph Park and Bridgenorth’s Heritage Park. The Antique and Classic Snowmobile Club of Canada will have a display of snowmobiles from days gone by at Rotary Park in Ennismore. The Canoe & Paddle in Lakefield will be hosting free turkey bowling and outdoor Jenga, and free public skating will be available at the Ennismore Community Centre.
You can try your hand at curling on Sunday afternoon on Chemong Lake at Ennismore’s Rotary Park, where the Ennismore Curling Club will have curling stones available, with prizes to be won.
The highlight of PolarFest on Sunday is the Rotary Club of Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield’s annual Polar Plunge, a fundraiser in support of Rotary and local charities, which begins at 2 p.m. on Chemong Lake at Rotary Park in Ennismore with this year’s theme being “Barbie.” Register as a jumper, raise money for your favourite charity, and take the plunge. Proceeds from the event will be split equally between local charities and Rotary.
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Also taking place all weekend long is the annual “Snowman” challenge, with a prize to be won for the best creation (even if it’s not made of snow). The fourth annual Lakefield Hot Chocolate Festival is also running during PolarFest weekend (and all month long), with proceeds from every cup purchased supporting important community organizations and families in need.
Participating Lakefield businesses will also be offering specials during the Lakefield Snowflake Sale on PolarFest weekend, and Lakefield’s Canoe & Paddle and Stuff’d will be hosting a variety of PolarFest activities and offering PolarFest-themed treats.
Advance registration and tickets are required for some PolarFest activities and events, including the Polar Paddle, the Polar Plunge, and the Ice Ball. For more information about PolarFest — including a full schedule and map of events — and to register for selected events, visit polarfest.ca.
The Rotary Club of Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield’s annual Polar Plunge, a fundraiser in support of Rotary and local charities, begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 4th on Chemong Lake at Rotary Park in Ennismore. (Photo: Selwyn Township)
New for 2024, Peterborough GreenUP's Urban Bike Adventures week-long summer day camp will empower youth ages 9 to 12 to navigate the city by bicycle. The camp runs for eight weeks during July and August based out of GreenUP's Aylmer Street location in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Jessica Todd / GreenUP)
This year, GreenUP is delighted to offer a new summer camp program called Urban Bike Adventures.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Lili Paradi, Communications Manager, GreenUP.
This week-long day camp, based out of GreenUP’s Aylmer Street location, will empower youth ages 9 to 12 to navigate the city by bicycle. GreenUP has previously piloted adventure-based camps and we are delighted to be offering a full season of camps where participants will learn bike handling skills using the Cycling Canada HopOn curriculum.
HopOn is a games-based curriculum that helps riders of all abilities build their bike handling skills. During Urban Bike Adventures, participants will learn the joy of cycling safely and develop their knowledge and skill in how to navigate our community.
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“We encourage kids at varying development levels to try our program, as our game-based activities can adapt to meet the needs of all participants,” says Alex Roger, sport and coach development specialist with Ontario Cycling. “HopOn is for every ride. From those who have recently started cycling without training wheels to those almost ready to join a local club, HopOn has something to offer.”
HopOn helps develop a variety of riding skills. According to Roger, these include “the ready/neutral position, braking, gearing, front wheel lift, tilts and dismounts, one-hand riding, partner riding, cornering, and bike-body-separation. And with a focus on safety, all participants will become confident in learning how to complete a bike and helmet safety check before riding.”
GreenUP is excited to be integrating the HopOn curriculum into our own program that includes bike maintenance and repair, route planning, and getting to know Peterborough. Past adventure camp destinations have included visits to the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market, Trent University, Art Gallery of Peterborough, and Jackson Park, to name just a few.
Ecology Park is just one of the many destinations Urban Bike Adventures campers will visit in summer 2024, guided by camp instructors. Campers will learn bike handling skills using the Cycling Canada HopOn curriculum. (Photo: Jessica Todd / GreenUP)
The Share the Road Cycling Coalition has rated Peterborough as a ‘silver’ bicycle-friendly community, making it a great place for youth to learn how to cycle as a mode of transportation. As well, in 2017, Peterborough-Kawartha-Haliburton was recognized by UNESCO as a regional centre of expertise in sustainability education.
An excellent example of Peterborough’s expertise is embodied by the Pathways to Stewardship & Kinship project. The On the Pathway book, found on www.pathwayproject.ca, gives a small glimpse into the 61,318 ‘landmark’ activities that can connect kids to nature, including ways that bicycles can help with this.
Examples of landmarks for youth aged 8 and 9 are to “Learn New Outdoor Activities” and to “Travel on a Familiar Route”. Landmarks for youth aged 10 and 11 include to “Explore Renewable Energy” and “Celebrate a Local Natural Area”. GreenUP’s Urban Bike Adventures Camp will include opportunities for youth to engage with landmarks that will help them become more connected and knowledgeable about the natural world.
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Landmark 14, notably, invites youth to try at least five different kinds of outdoor recreation that don’t require gasoline or electricity. Cycling is an activity that doesn’t involve gas, doesn’t involve electricity, and can be easily adapted to camp-style programming.
GreenUP’s Urban Bike Adventures Camp will directly support youth in achieving Pathway landmarks. The integration of the HopOn program allows for Urban Bike Adventures to guide young people into urban and natural community spaces in a safe, age-appropriate way.
“The HopOn program contributes becoming a life-long cyclists, by encouraging kids within the community to begin developing their skills at a young age,” Roger explains. “By achieving personal goals and working with their friends to complete team challenges, HopOn welcomes kids to participate and gain confidence in their cycling abilities. We encourage kids of HopOn to translate the skills learned during our program into their own community settings.”
Supplemented by the HopOn curriculum and expert knowledge, the week-long summer day camp Urban Bike Adventures will increase bike handling and road safety skills among campers. Campers will learn the basics of cycling including braking, gearing, front wheel lift, tilts and dismounts, one-handed riding, cornering, and more. (Photo: Jessica Todd / GreenUP)
Alongside bike handling confidence from HopOn, GreenUP looks forward to helping young people engage in experiential learning about the importance of good urban infrastructure. Rides that feature Peterborough’s beautiful infrastructure, like the new Bicycle Priority Street on Bethune, will highlight what it means for a city to welcome people of all ages and abilities to use our streets.
Urban Bike Adventures, using both the Pathways and HopOn framework, will explore the city as our classroom, and support young people in having positive experiences that will help them foster a healthy active lifestyle.
Urban Bike Adventures will run over eight weeks in July and August. Registration opens at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7th at greenup.on.ca/earth-adventures.
Qualifying families can receive subsidies from the City of Peterborough’s Recreational Fee Subsidy Program. These subsides can be applied to GreenUP’s Earth Adventures Camp or Urban Bike Adventures Camp. For more information about the camps, visit greenup.on.ca/earth-adventures.
Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. (Photo: SIU)
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the death on Wednesday (January 31) of a 46-year-old Peterborough man who was wanted by police for possession of child pornography.
On Wednesday morning, Peterborough police had issued a public safety alert when a repeat child sexual offender fled from his home last Thursday (January 24) shortly after police conducted a search of his home.
Evidence recovered as a result of the search warrant led police to issue a warrant for the man’s arrest for possession of child pornography. Police publicly released the man’s name and photograph, stating he had a history of sexual assault and multiple convictions of sexual offences against children, and posed a risk to the public, specifically children. Police also provided a description of the man’s vehicle and plate number.
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According to the SIU, on Wednesday at around 4:30 p.m., officers went to a home in the area of County Road 35 and Regional Road 2 in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township to arrest the man. After officers found the man in medical distress in the basement, he was transported by paramedics to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The SIU, which has assigned two investigators and one forensic investigator to the case, is asking 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/en/appeals.php.
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault, or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians.
Toronto-based psychotherapist Shanique Victoria Edwards, lead researcher for Black Mental Health Canada and a member of Black Mental Health Canada's circle of leaders, will be the keynote speaker at the official launch event of Black History Month hosted by the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough at the Peterborough Public Library on February 1, 2024. (Photo via Black Mental Health Canada website)
While Black History Month provides space to reflect, it’s also a time to look ahead and “pave the way for a more equitable and compassionate Peterborough.”
These are the sentiments shared by Patricia Wilson and the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough (CRRC).
Wilson, CRRC’s coordinator and founder of Diverse Nature Collective, offered her insight about the importance of Black History Month, which begins February 1 and runs through to the end of the month.
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“Embracing Black History Month is not just about commemorating the past, it’s also about acknowledging and celebrating diversity within Black communities and deepens our communities’ understanding of the rich culture and traditions across the Black diaspora,” Wilson told kawarthaNOW.
“When we honour Black history, we create space to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of our collective community and work to pave the way for a more equitable and compassionate Peterborough — a Peterborough that genuinely cares for those affected by injustice, discrimination and racism, and strives to foster broader connections and cross-cultural understanding.”
The CRRC is a community-based organization committed to “encouraging and promoting sound race relations in Peterborough.”
The group formed in the early 1980s in response to racist attacks on international students at Trent University and Fleming College with the objective of raising awareness, educating, and documenting issues of racism in the Peterborough community, CRRC’s website notes. The organization was incorporated in 1988.
Local activist and multidisciplinary artist Said Jiddawy (Sahira Q) will share a speech and performance during the event at the official launch event of Black History Month hosted by the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough at the Peterborough Public Library on February 1, 2024. (Photo via Borderless website)
City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal will proclaim February as Black History Month during a launch event hosted by the CRRC at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N.) from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday (February 1).
“Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians in our city,” Leal said in a media release. “Please join our community as we mark the start of this important month.”
Registration is required to attend the launch event, which features keynote speaker Shanique Victoria Edwards, who is the lead researcher for Black Mental Health Canada and a member of Black Mental Health Canada’s circle of leaders. Edwards is a psychotherapist who specializes in racial trauma and BIPOC mental health.
Other speakers include Christine Maclin, a local activist and secretary/treasurer for Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, who will speak about her personal journey navigating through mental health, self-discovery, and healing, and Sahira Q, a local activist and artist who will share a speech and performance during the event.
Below are a few Black History Month activities and February programs hosted by the City of Peterborough.
The Peterborough Museum and Archives (300 Hunter St. E.) will host a children’s craft activity that recognizes Black History Month, as well as offer children’s books in the reading nook. The activities are self-guided and free of charge, available during the museum’s regular hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends). Admission is by donation.
Reem Ali, the City of Peterborough’s diversity, equity, and inclusion advisor, will be hosting an Instagram live conversation with the CRRC’s Patricia Wilson starting at 10 a.m. on Friday (February 2). All are invited to tune in at instagram.com/cityptbo (an Instagram account is not required).
Reem Ali, the City of Peterborough’s diversity, equity, and inclusion advisor, will be hosting an Instagram live conversation with Patricia Wilson of Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough on February 2, 2024. (Photo via Public Energy website)
The Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N.) is offering the following events during Black History Month:
February 5-17: “Celebrate Black Voices” book displays in both the children’s and adult areas
February 10: A screening of the children’s movies Hair Love and The Princess and the Frog
February 13: Film & Discussion: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
February 15: Tween Book Club: Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
February 24: A screening of the 2023 children’s movie Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey
February 27: Adult Book Club: Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour
Some of the unique hand-crafted ceramic and wooden bowls donated by local artisans of the Kawartha Potters Guild and Kawartha Woodturners Guild for a past Empty Bowls fundraiser. YWCA Peterborough Haliburton's annual fundraiser to alleviate food insecurity returns for its 20th year on February 23, 2024 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough with an in-person seated lunch for the first time since the pandemic began. (Photo: Kawartha Potters Guild / Facebook)
Tickets are now available for YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s 20th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, taking place on Friday, February 23rd at The Venue at 286 George Street North in downtown Peterborough.
As well as being the 20th anniversary of the beloved fundraiser, this year’s event returns to the popular pre-pandemic format of an in-person seated lunch.
“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this wonderful event, we are thrilled to be able to return to sharing food together with our community,” says YWCA executive director Kim Dolan in a media release.
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All proceeds from the event will support the YWCA’s Nourish food program that provides fresh food at affordable costs to families experiencing hunger in the city and county of Peterborough.
Last year’s event raised $33,104 for the Nourish program, which includes food box deliveries, educational workshops, food preparation skill-building, and community gardening.
The program distributes around 260 food boxes each month to individuals and families around the Peterborough area, and also runs a weekly market at Curve Lake First Nation to bring high-quality produce from local farms to the community at affordable prices.
Cornerstone Family Dentistry owner Dr. Anna Jo, YWCA Peterborough Haliburton executive director Kim Dolan, and Nourish manager Joëlle Favreau at the announcement of the 2020 YWCA Empty Bowls fundraiser. At the 20th anniversary event, taking place on February 23, 2024 at The Venue in downtown Peterborough, you can once again enjoy a sit-down meal from a local restaurant and choose a bowl made by local artisans. (Photo courtesy of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton)
According to YWCA Peterborough Haliburton, half of all women-led households in the region struggle to put healthy food on the table. As a result, mothers compromise the quality and quantity of food they eat themselves so they can provide their children with as much food as possible.
“Food insecurity is a critical health issue and a core barrier for women experiencing gender-based violence,” Dolan says. “The majority of our food box recipients are single mothers, and we’re so grateful to our partners, sponsors, and everyone who joins us for Empty Bowls to help women feed their families and live their lives with dignity.”
Tickets for the February 23rd event are $75 for an early bird VIP ticket or $60 for a general admission ticket.
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Each Empty Bowls ticket includes one lunch meal to enjoy at The Venue along with unique hand-crafted ceramic or wooden bowl donated by local artisans of the Kawartha Potters Guild and Kawartha Woodturners Guild.
Lunch options will be provided by a variety of local restaurants, some returning from past years and some participating for the very first time.
Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for early bird VIP ticket holders, who will have the best selection of lunch options and bowls, and at 12 p.m. for general admission ticket holders, with lunch continuing until 1:30 p.m.
Some of the unique hand-crafted ceramic and wooden bowls donated by local artisans of the Kawartha Potters Guild and Kawartha Woodturners Guild for the 2022 Empty Bowls fundraiser at The Venue in downtown Peterborough. YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s annual fundraiser to alleviate food insecurity returns for its 20th year on February 23, 2024 at The Venue with an in-person seated lunch for the first time since the pandemic began. (Photo: Kawartha Potters Guild / Facebook)
Empty Bowls is sponsored by Cornerstone Family Dentistry (presenting sponsor), The Venue (location sponsor), kawarthaNOW (media sponsor), and bowl partners the Kawartha Potters Guild and Kawartha Woodturners Guild.
Empty Bowls is a grassroots movement by artists and crafts people in cities around the world to care for and feed the hungry in their communities. Annual events support food-related charitable organizations, raising millions of dollars to help end hunger and address food insecurity.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be the media sponsor of the 2024 YWCA Empty Bowls fundraiser.
Canadian Tire Cobourg associate dealer Peter Puglia (left) stands with Northumberland County building superintendent Jim Davis in support of Northumberland County's Food 4 All Warehouse. (Photo: Northumberland County)
The shelves at Northumberland County’s Food 4 All Warehouse can be further stocked following a donation from a Cobourg business.
Canadian Tire Cobourg recently made a $6,000 contribution to the Food 4 All Warehouse, located in Cobourg, that supplies food to various destinations throughout Northumberland County.
“Food 4 All does important work in Northumberland County,” said Peter Puglia, associate dealer at Canadian Tire Cobourg, in a media release. “We are pleased to support their efforts, especially in these difficult times.”
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This latest donation builds upon previous donations from Canadian Tire Cobourg over the past several years that target helping alleviate hunger in the community, Northumberland County noted.
“We are immensely grateful to Mr. Puglia and the Canadian Tire Cobourg team for their continued dedication to giving back to the community and supporting those in need,” said Rob O’Neil, Northumberland County facilities and food security services manager.
“Each year, over 4,200 residents access food support in our community. Generous donations like this help ensure the shelves are stocked with food and essential items at our local food banks and food security programs. Together, we are able to work toward fostering a community where no one faces hunger alone.”
Statistics on food bank use in Northumberland County in 2022 from the Feed Change 2023 report. (Graphic: Northumberland County)
The county’s Food 4 All Warehouse, located on William Street, supplies local food banks, not-for-profit community agencies, and school nutrition programs with food and essential items. Each year, more than 1.3 million pounds of food and other needed items are distributed to more than 120 local organizations and programs throughout the community to support food security in Northumberland.
Specifically in 2022, 4,246 people were served by food banks in Northumberland County. Of those accessing food support, 79 per cent were adults and 21 per cent were children, according to the Feed Change 2023 report.
Also in 2022, 355 volunteers provided 52,046 hours of service to Food 4 All and to 12 local food banks.
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Food 4 All hosts community events throughout the year that aim to raise as much food and money as possible in a short time.
Residents who want to learn more about the Food 4 All warehouse, including how to provide support by donating food, money, or their time, can visit the county’s website at www.northumberland.ca/food4all. Residents can also call 2-1-1 for a list of food banks in their area.
In 2022, these were the top 10 items in most demand at local food banks:
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has announced the second annual Ptbo Hot Chocolate Fest will take place during the month of February, featuring 19 over-the-top hot chocolate creations from downtown Peterborough's most creative chocolatiers, pastry shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants. Pictured are Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre manager and DBIA board member Madeline Hurrell, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development tourism marketing and communications officer Cara Walsh, and Black Honey owner and executive chef Jenn Miles, with Black Honey's hot cocoa served up in an edible chocolate cup. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW)
To mark Three Kings Day in 2018, Municipio de Uruapan in Mexico secured its place in the record books, producing what remains the largest-ever cup of hot chocolate — an overly decadent 4,816.6 litres with more than 600 kilograms of semisweet chocolate in the mix.
Impressive for sure, in a ‘go big or go home’ kind of way, but just how big was the stir stick? While that’s not clear, there’s no mystery around the premise for Peterborough’s Hot Chocolate Fest.
Organized by Peterborough’s Downtown Business Improvement Association (DBIA), the nod to all things hot chocolate returns for a second year. Throughout February, downtown cafés, restaurants, pastry shops, bakeries and chocolatiers are serving up 19 unique hot chocolate creations, all while vying for the title of Top Hot Chocolatier as voted upon by those who sample their work.
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“We are up to our old chocolatey tricks,” enthused DBIA Vibrancy Manager Hillary Flood during the event launch Tuesday morning (January 29). “If there’s one thing that’s true about Peterborough folks, it’s that we love our sweets. Chocolate is a common ingredient we can rally behind.”
“It (the festival) is a springboard for our culinary creators to push the envelope of what’s considered hot chocolate. It also presents an opportunity for us (the DBIA) to surprise and delight the local community with what’s available during the month of February.”
A Hot Chocolate Trail Map, featuring a list of all the participating businesses, can be viewed at www.ptbohotchocolatefest.com.
At the same site, visitors can vote for their favourite hot chocolate concoction, the categories being Top Hot Chocolate, Most Unique, Best Classic and Tastiest H’adult Chocolate — hot chocolate with a cocktail twist for the aged 19 plus crowd.
Turnbull Café’s “Raspberry Brownie Fudge” featuring rich dark chocolate infused with raspberries, topped with real whipped cream layered with chunks of espresso fudge brownie and fresh raspberries, drizzled with pure chocolate sauce and cocoa snow. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area)
In addition, site visitors can download an app to join the Hot Chocolate Fest Rewards Program. Participants who collect three stamps will be entered in a weekly draw for a $25 Boro gift card as well as earn access to discounts at participating businesses. The more stamps collected, the more ballots earned.
From a DBIA perspective, the name of the game is to bring more people downtown. According to Flood, the Hot Chocolate Fest checks all the boxes in that regard.
“We’re entering the shoulder season for tourism and folks tend to stay indoors,” she said.
“This is strategically taking place in February, typically a dreary month. We have our charming skating rink (at Quaker Foods City Square) that folks can go to and pick up a fantastical hot chocolate on the way. It’s all about driving visitation to the heart of our urban centre. When we have a thriving downtown, it’s a healthier economic situation for all of us.”
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“Events such as this enable small businesses to reach community members they may have never interfaced with before,” Flood added. “It brings children and families, different audiences, into the downtown to explore new stores and restaurants that they haven’t been to.”
Quick to jump into the Hot Chocolate Fest fray was Jennifer Miles, the new owner of Blackhoney on Hunter Street West. At the launch, she served white hot chocolate infused with tangerine oil as well as dark hot chocolate laced with peppermint.
“We’re also doing a whipped cream infused with honey, with honey, nutmeg and cinnamon on top,” Miles explained. “As well, you have a choice of white milk or dark chocolate honeycomb. We’re also going to offer edible beeswax honeycomb. It’s organic and it’s local. A lot of people may not have had the opportunity to try edible beeswax but we’ll have to be able to try out. We also are going to be doing what we’re calling a hot chocolate bomb.”
Dreams of Beans’s “Hazelnut Infused Triple Chocolate” featuring hot cocoa made with hazelnut chocolate sauce and white chocolate milk, topped with whipped cream and milk chocolate shavings. A shot of Irish cream with whisky and espresso are optional. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area)
Along with being a downtown business owner since just before Christmas, Miles is a downtown resident. As such, she’s fully committed to throwing her support behind anything that brings more people to the core.
DBIA board member Madeleine Hurrell, who is manager of the Business Advisory Centre at Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, couldn’t agree more.
“This (the Hot Chocolate Fest) integrates a lot of great pieces,” Hurrell said. “We know how vital it is to support our small businesses, our restaurants, as well as culinary experiences. We also know that these colder months can be a little bit more challenging for our small businesses.”
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“This is not just a one time festival or event,” Hurrell said. “It’s a month-long celebration that allows visitors, as well as community members, to explore different cafes and restaurants they haven’t been to.”
As for Flood, getting buy-in for the festival from downtown businesses wasn’t a challenge.
“I think we’ve built a lot of trust in success based on previous programs,” she said. “When we do approach a business about a new zany idea — that we want to hyper-focus on a dish or an ingredient — there’s buy-in because they know that that going the extra mile and thinking outside of the hot chocolate box can pay back tenfold. When it comes to new projects, our community is experimental and we have the proven capacity to deliver.”
Agave by Imperial’s “Mexican Hot Chocolate” made with masa corn, whipped cream, and crushed chilies and topped with homemade buñuelos. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area)
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As for those who perhaps made a New Year’s resolution to lay off sweets, Flood makes no apologies.
“It’s the little small actions that can make being a Canadian through the cold winter months worthwhile,” she said. “It’s important to treat yourself along the way. For those who are worried about their waistband or want to make healthier choices, it’s all about moderation. Maybe you have a small hot chocolate instead of an extra large.”
For more information about the Ptbo Hot Chocolate Fest and to vote online for your favourites, visit www.ptbohotchocolatefest.com.
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2024 Hot Chocolate Trail Map
Hot Chocolate Creations
“Blackhoneycomb” by Blackhoney Coffeehouse
Indulge in this decadent black honey-infused hot cocoa served up in an edible chocolate cup. Choose between a white chocolate cup infused with tangerine or dark chocolate. The Blackhoneycomb is topped with velvety whipped cream and infused with even more black honey. Garnished with a chocolate honeycomb of your choice: white, milk. or dark chocolate and dusted with edible gold.
“Chocolate Forest H’adult Cocktail” by The Dirty Burger
A multi-sensory cocktail experience featuring cinnamon-spiced Belgian-style hot chocolate made with 1.5 oz of espresso vodka for a nutty and earthy kick. Ignite your taste buds with foresty notes of herbaceous lavender and vanilla, topped in a mountain of maple whipped cream and garnished with crushed honey comb and edible flowers.
The Dirty Burger’s “Chocolate Forest H’adult Cocktail” featuring cinnamon-spiced Belgian-style hot chocolate made with 1.5 oz of espresso vodka and herbaceous lavender and vanilla, topped in maple whipped cream and garnished with crushed honey comb and edible flowers. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area)
“Chocolate-Maple Champurrado” by La Hacienda
A spiced, warm, and creamy chocolate-based beverage that holds a special place in Mexican culinary traditions. Made with Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla along with the corn flour for a thick and slightly gritty texture, it is sweetened with local Red Mill maple syrup. This indulgent drink is infused with ancho pepper, which is the final touch for a warm, bold flavour. Served with traditional buñuelos — a thin, rosette-shaped, crispy fried pastry coated in cinnamon sugar.
“Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate” by Kit Croissanterie & Café
A sweet hot cocoa with a zesty burst of citrus, made with orange zest syrup and dark chocolate sauce topped with whipped cream and a healthy sprinkle of cinnamon, and garnished with candied orange.
“Hazelnut Infused Triple Chocolate” by Dreams of Beans
Indulge in this dreamy hot cocoa made with hazelnut chocolate sauce and white chocolate milk, topped with whipped cream and milk chocolate shavings. Kick it up a notch with a shot Irish cream with whisky and optional espresso.
“Raspberry Brownie Fudge” by Turnbull Café
A delicious blend of rich dark chocolate infused with raspberries, topped with real whipped cream and layered with chunks of espresso fudge brownie and fresh raspberries, delicately drizzled in a blanket of pure chocolate sauce under a halo of cocoa snow. Comes in both hot chocolate and mocha options. Ask for a spoon.
“Peanut Butter & Caramel Screwball” by Black Horse Pub
If you’re looking for a hug in a mug that is cozy, sweet, decadent, and smooth, this hot chocolate screwball is something to celebrate. This is a creamy and rich hot chocolate with sundae vibes and a bit of a kick from Screwball peanut butter whisky, and is topped with whipped cream, marshmallows, and peanut butter cups.
“Smores Hot Chocolate” by Cork & Bean
Rich and velvety hot chocolate, topped with lightly toasted marshmallows, crumbled Graham cracker and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
“Peppermint Hot Cocoa” by Cork & Bean
A creamy and delicious hot chocolate with a candy cane twist, featuring classic hot cocoa, peppermint syrup, steamed milk of your choice and topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and crushed peppermint candy.
“Mexican Hot Chocolate” by Agave by Imperial
Mexican hot chocolate made with masa corn and whipped cream, with crushed chilies for a little extra kick, and topped with homemade buñuelos.
“Gimme S’more” by Speak Easy
An ultimate campfire-inspired drink featuring a steaming mug of ultra-whipped hot chocolate crowned with fire-toasted marshmallows, and completed with a chocolate fudge-coated graham cracker cookie.
Speak Easy’s “Gimme S’more” featuring a steaming mug of ultra-whipped hot chocolate crowned with fire-toasted marshmallows, and completed with a chocolate fudge-coated graham cracker cookie. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area)
“Earl Grey Hot Chocolate” by Milk + Tea
Cozy up with this rich tapioca hot chocolate drink blended with Earl Grey for a subtle hint of tea and lavender. Topped with a thick sweet and salty cream, you can enjoy it hot or cold.
“Soon-to-be-Famous Chocolate Chip Hot Choc” by Boardwalk Lounge
Dive into this glorious toasted marshmallow-rimmed mug filled with rich hot chocolate, cookie syrup, and topped with whipped cream and crumbs from Connor’s soon-to-be-famous chocolate chip cookies. Yum yum!
“Death by Chocolate” by La Mesita
Sip on this deliciously rich Mexican-style hot chocolate that’s spiced to perfection with cinnamon sugar and topped with a chocolate skull. Served with a churro donut for dunking.
“Cocoa Brûlée” by Bobo Tea
Crack into this decadent drink made with loads of cocoa chocolate, fresh milk, brown sugar pearls, and crowned with a hand-torched crème brûlée top.
“Mint-Kissed PB&J Hot Chocolate” by Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews
If hot chocolate and peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches had a baby, this drink would be their love child. Indulge in the richness of your favourite childhood snack that combines a rich hot chocolate base with a kiss of mint. Served with peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and a peanut cocoa dusting.
“Teddy Bears Winter Picnic” by The Vine
This delightful white chocolate drink is made to order with steamed milk and topped with whipped cream, a healthy dusting of shaved dark chocolate, and teddy grahams.
“Choc Mocha + Hot Chocolate Donut Chocolate on Chocolate” by Tragically Dipped Donut
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with a decadent chocolate donut filled with a velvety, chocolate ganache and finished off with cocoa dust along with a mug of hot chocolate served up mocha style with homemade marshmallow, chocolate ganache, espresso, and milk.
To be announced: Hot chocolate creations by The El (P) and by Canoe Co. Cafe at Euphoria Wellness Spa.
Precast structural loadbearing walls being installed in January 2024 at 681 Monaghan Road, the site of a City of Peterborough affordable housing project that will see a six-storey building with 53 units intended to provide housing for vulnerable populations in Peterborough. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
Construction on the City of Peterborough’s affordable housing project at 681 Monaghan Road is well underway since the official groundbreaking event in October.
Precast structural loadbearing walls and precast floor slabs are being installed, which will be followed by prefabricated wall panels. According to a media release from the city, this is the first city construction project to use prefabricated construction techniques.
When completed, the six-storey building that will include 53 units, including 37 one-bedroom units, 11 two-bedroom units, and five three-bedroom units, along with amenity space and utilities on the ground floor.
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“It’s exciting to see the progress of construction at 681 Monaghan Road,” said city councillor Keith Riel, chair of the city’s housing portfolio. “This important housing project is being funded as part of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Rapid Housing Program, so it was essential that the team assessed construction techniques for both cost efficiency and the ability to facilitate a shorter construction period.”
Expected to be completed in summer 2024, the 681 Monaghan Road project will provide housing for vulnerable populations in Peterborough, including Black Canadians, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and homeless people or those at risk of homelessness.
The building has been designed by Unity Design Studio, formerly Lett Architects, with Mortlock Construction the lead contractor.
“As the building takes form, we would like to express our gratitude for the dedication of the entire project team,” said Unity Design Studio senior project lead Roy Turner. “Their commitment ensures that upon completion, this building will offer affordable housing to many and positively impact our community.”
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The 681 Monaghan Road project received $18.9 million in federal funding through the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative, $40,000 in SEED funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), $854,810 through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, and over $4 million from the City of Peterborough.
“As proud members of this community, we are so fortunate to be able to help address this crisis with this much needed project,” said Mortlock Construction president Craig Mortlock. “To date, we’ve spent many months working together with the City of Peterborough and the design team to design, coordinate, implement and construct this building.”
“We are now at a very exciting stage of the project. We, and any other passerby, get to witness the fruits of the team’s planning and coordination, as the precast concrete structural panels are being delivered and placed on site. It is so rewarding to see this building taking shape so quickly, growing daily, eventually allowing so many people to call this building home.”
Peterborough poet PJ Thomas has collaborated with musician Rick Fines, videographer Mari Ya, and digital creator Laurel Paluck to create a series of videos called "12 Weeks of Bliss" featuring her poetry set to music and stunning visuals. One video will be released online every week beginning on Valentine's Day. (Photo: Esther Vincent)
Four local artists have combined their talents for an art project meant to get you through the last few weeks of winter.
’12 Weeks of Bliss’ consists of a dozen videos of original poetry set to music. With poetry by PJ Thomas, music by Rick Fines, videography by Mari Ya, and post-production by Laurel Paluck, the collaborative videos will be released online every Wednesday at 12 p.m. between February 14 and May 1.
“Peterborough/Nogojiwanong is known for its high caliber of artists within the area,” says Thomas in a press release. “These four seasoned creators have brought a level of excellence to the area and beyond, for years. Bringing them together was a gift of inspiration.”
The emerging poet has received critical acclaim for her books of poetry, Waves and Undertow, which are the first two instalments of her Water Trilogy. The ’12 Weeks of Bliss’ videos will include works to be published in Drifting, the forthcoming third book in the series.
“All the poems all meant to portray beauty and peace and really counteract a bit of what’s going on in the world,” Thomas tells kawarthaNOW. “It takes a peaceful break from all the information we are bombarded with to look at visual beauty, hear oral beauty, and hear music. I like to think of them like a cup of tea which can uplift you and relax you at the same time.”
When Thomas had the idea to put the poems into video, she was very intentional about the local artists she wanted to collaborate with.
VIDEO: “Fundamental Nature” with music by Rick Fines and lyrics by PJ Thomas (2021)
Her friendship with Peterborough blues musician Rick Fines dates back more than three decades. Having previously collaborated on lyrics for his most recent Juno Award-nominated album, Solar Powered Too, the duo reunites for the 12 Weeks of Bliss project with Fines crafting original music to complement the poetry.
Thomas has also previously worked with multi-disciplinary artist Mari Ya, the project’s videographer who is known for her outdoor footage.
“I couldn’t believe how few people know about her work,” says Thomas. “She’s a world-class artist and I always thought if I ever get a chance to put my poetry to video, I would love to work with her.”
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Post-production work on the videos was done by digital creator Laurel Paluck, artistic director and curator of Ludmila Atelier Gallery, who has become well-known for her presence at Peterborough’s First Friday Art Crawl.
“They’re all favourite artists,” says Thomas. “The technical work is gorgeous, the poetry and art is gorgeous — it’s all very gorgeous. I just hope it helps people feel a bit of bliss leading into the first weeks of spring.”
Peterborough poet PJ Thomas with her first book of poetry in 2022. Part of the Water Trilogy, “Waves” was followed by “Undertow” and the 12 Weeks of Bliss video series will include works to be published in “Drifting”, the forthcoming third book in the series. (Photo: Adelle Purdham)
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