Avian influenza is a highly pathogenic virus that can infect domesticated and wild birds, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pheasants, quail, and guineafowl. Cases of avian influenza among humans are rare and are almost always acquired through direct contact with infected birds or through exposure to heavily contaminated environments. (Photo: World Health Organization)
With a dog in Oshawa dying after contracting avian influenza, Peterborough Public Health is urging residents to use caution around wild birds and poultry.
Avian influenza (commonly called bird flu) is a highly pathogenic virus that can infect domesticated and wild birds, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pheasants, quail, and guineafowl.
On Tuesday (April 4), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada announced a pet dog in Oshawa tested positive for avian influenza after chewing on a wild goose. The dog later died after developing clinical signs of avian influenza.
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Although the virus has caused large outbreaks of avian influenza in birds globally over the past view years, the number of documented cases of avian influenza in non-avian species such as cats and dogs is low. The infection of the Oshawa dog is the only documented case of its kind in Canada.
According to Peterborough Public Health, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is monitoring two suspected cases of avian influenza involving a bald eagle and an otter. In spring 2022, avian influenza was confirmed in two local poultry flocks.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says cases of avian influenza among humans are rare and are almost always acquired through direct contact with infected birds, or through exposure to heavily contaminated environments. To date, there has been no evidence of sustained person-to-person spread. No domestically acquired human cases of avian influenza have been reported in Canada and current scientific evidence suggests the risk of a human contracting avian influenza from an infected domestic pet.
Echoing advice from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Peterborough Public Health is reminding residents to avoid touching or handling birds and water fowl that are dead or appear to be unwell. Pet owners should not let their pets play with or consume dead wild birds and should not feed pets raw meat from game birds or poultry.
Avian influenza is not a threat to food safety. Ontario poultry and eggs remain safe to consume, provided standard food handling and cooking practices are followed.
Good Friday is a statutory holiday across Canada, so all government offices and services, malls and big box stores, and beer and liquor stores are closed. Most grocery stores are also closed, while most drug stores remain open. On Easter Sunday, most drug stores and a few grocery stores are open, while almost everything else remains closed. On Easter Monday, many government offices and services and liquor stores remain closed, but beer stores, grocery stores, and malls and big box stores resume normal hours.
For your convenience, we provide this list of holiday hours for 285 selected businesses, services, and organizations across the Kawarthas. This information comes from their websites and social media accounts, which may or may not be up to date, so please always call them first to confirm their hours (we’ve included phone numbers), especially where you see “call” or “call to confirm” or if you are travelling any distance. If your business or organization is listed and the hours are incorrect, please let us know by using our content feedback form. We do not have the hours for restaurants in this list as there are far too many to include.
Bewdley Community Recycling Centre 7650 County Rd. 9, Hamilton 905-342-2514
CLOSED
CLOSED
8:30am-5:00pm
Brighton Community Recycling Centre 1112 County Rd. 26, Brighton 613-475-1946
CLOSED
CLOSED
8:30am-5:00pm
Canada Post Mail Delivery / Offices (Note: post offices operated by the private sector will be open according to the hours of service of the host business
No collection or delivery
No collection or delivery
No collection or delivery
City of Kawartha Lakes City Hall, Municipal Service Centres, and Administration Offices 26 Francis St., Lindsay 705-324-9411
CLOSED
CLOSED
Open
City of Kawartha Lakes Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities, arenas, and pools Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411
CLOSED
Open
Open
City of Kawartha Lakes Public Libraries Various locations, City of Kawartha Lakes 705-324-9411 x1291
CLOSED
CLOSED
Regular hours
City of Kawartha Lakes Waste and Recycling Collection 26 Francis St., Lindsay 1-888-822-2225
Not applicable
Not applicable
No change
City of Peterborough Day Cares Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
City of Peterborough Garbage Pickup Peterborough 705-745-1386
Moves to Mon Apr 10
Not applicable
Collection from Fri
City of Peterborough Green Waste Pickup Peterborough 705-876-1600
Moves to Mon Apr 10
Not applicable
Collection from Fri
City of Peterborough Recycling Pickup Peterborough 705-876-1600
Moves to Mon Apr 10
Not applicable
Collection from Fri
City of Peterborough Social Services (for emergency shelter services call 705-926-0096) Peterborough 705-748-8830
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Cobourg Public Library 200 Ontario St., Cobourg 905-372-9271
Lindsay Human Services 322 Kent St. W., Lindsay 705-324-9870
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Lindsay Library 90 Kent St. W., Lindsay 705-324-9411 x1291
CLOSED
CLOSED
10:00am-8:00pm
Lindsay Ops Landfill 51 Wilson Rd., Lindsay 1-888-822-2225
CLOSED
CLOSED
8:00am-5:00pm
Lindsay Transit / LIMO Specialized Transit 180 Kent St. W., Lindsay 705-324-9411
NO SERVICE
Regular service
Regular service
Municipality of Port Hope Municipal Offices 56 Queen St., Port Hope 905-885-4544
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
North Kawartha Municipal Office 280 Burleigh St., Apsley 705- 656-4445
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
North Kawartha Township Recycling Collection 340 McFadden Rd., Apsley 705-656-3619
Not applicable
Not applicable
No change
North Kawartha Township Waste Collection 340 McFadden Rd., Apsley 705-656-3619
Not applicable
Not applicable
No change
Northumberland Material Recovery Facility (no material drop-off by public, but blue boxes, green bins, backyard composters are available for purchase) 280 Edwardson Rd., Grafton 1-866-293-8379
CLOSED
CLOSED
8:30am-4:30pm
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism Visitor Centre 1400 Crawford Dr., Peterborough 705-742-2201
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the greater Kawarthas region for Wednesday (April 5).
The rainfall warning is in effect for Peterborough County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Hastings Highlands, and eastern Northumberland County.
A Colorado low has brought rain, at times heavy, and thunderstorms to the area. The rain will continue Wednesday afternoon through the evening.
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Total rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 mm are expected, Locally higher amounts are possible for areas that receive multiple thunderstorms.
Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Heavy rainfall in combination with other weather factors, such as hail, wind and lightning will make outdoor activities unsafe.
In addition to the rainfall warning, a freezing rain warning remains in effect until late Wednesday morning or early afternoon.
Amanda Virtanen and Geoff Schultz are the owners of The Voima Group, a marketing agency based in Haliburton Highlands. The couple participated in the fall 2022 cohort of Starter Company Plus, a provincially funded entrepreneurial training program offered by the Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre. (Photo: Charlie O Photography)
Entrepreneurs in Haliburton County may not be aware they are eligible to participate in the Starter Company Plus program offered by the Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre.
The entrepreneurial training program, funded by the Ontario government and supported by both the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation and the Haliburton County Development Corporation, is accepting applications for its spring cohort until April 13.
Amanda Virtanen and Geoff Schultz are two Haliburton County entrepreneurs who participated in the fall 2022 cohort of Starter Company Plus. The couple own The Voima Group, a marketing agency based in Haliburton Highlands that is also a publishing partner of the Haliburton-based magazine Kabin: Escape with Colin + Justin and also owns the Instagram account @haliburtonlife.
Virtanen and Schultz learned about Starter Company Plus through Tracie Bertrand, Manager of Tourism Haliburton County, who informed them of the opportunity to apply for the program in an electronic newsletter last year.
Starter Company Plus provides entrepreneurs who are launching a new business, or expanding one that’s no more than three years old, with free access to business training and mentorship. Participants in the program are also eligible for a grant of up to $5,000. Along with The Voima Group, the program’s past program participants based in Haliburton County have included Beyond Plasters, Eco Herb, Highland Technical, TheOccurrence, and the Purple Door Pottery Studio.
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For Virtanen and Schultz, who launched The Voima Group last year, participating in Starter Company Plus was a “huge benefit” to them.
“The Voima Group had only been around for nine months, so we hit the ground running focused on our client needs and moving at a million miles an hour,” they say. “Starter Company Plus allowed us to take a step back and refocus on our own business goals and needs. It gave us a really good foundation to build on for the future in terms of planning and growth.”
The Voima Group provides marketing services, including brand development, creative content, media relations, social media management, and website creation, to a range of clients in the hospitality, retail, restaurant, and manufacturing sectors. On the strength of their business plan, they were one of the participants in the Starter Company Plus fall cohort who received a grant.
“The grant itself enabled us to enhance our home office with all new custom desks and cabinetry,” they say, noting they worked with Minden-based cabinetry company Chaulk Design Studio. “Our new home office is so efficient and has really helped us be more organized and comfortable.”
Amanda Virtanen and Geoff Schultz, owners of marketing agency The Voima Group in Haliburton Highlands, were awarded a grant after their participation in the fall 2022 cohort of Starter Company Plus, a provincially funded entrepreneurial training program offered by the Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre. They used the grant to enhance their home office with new custom desks and cabinetry. (Photo: Haliburton County Economic Development & Tourism)
Aside from the grant, Virtanen and Schultz say they had “incredible support and advice” from Starter Company Plus program lead Sandy Greenberg, economic development officer for small business programs with the Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre.
“We love that the support is ongoing and, even after the official program ends, there’s continued monthly support and meetings with Sandy,” they explain. “We also have access to other business advisors and experts whenever needed. The sessions themselves included information from special guests focused on bookkeeping, legal, digital, and more.”
Since 2019, more than 45 aspiring local entrepreneurs have participated in Starter Company Plus and have successfully launched or expanded their businesses. Applicants participate in business training and receive coaching towards the development of a business plan. The program also helps de-mystify the marketing and sales process, explains financial forecasting, teaches business owners how to set attainable goals, and more. The goal of the program is to lead entrepreneurs on their path to success and to equip them to deal with the challenges of creating a sustainable business.
Thanks in part to Starter Company Plus, The Voima Group is well on that path to success.
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“We’ve worked with over 20 businesses and organizations since launching The Voima Group,” Virtanen and Schultz say. “We’ve received many leads and recommendations from the community, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.”
Their company’s name is tied to Virtanen’s Finnish heritage, with “voima” a Finnish noun that means force, power, and strength — an idea that reflects The Voima Group’s mission for its clients.
“Our goal is to enable businesses to become the strongest and most powerful force in their marketing and promotions,” they say. “We want to keep our agency focused on local businesses, to benefit not only the businesses themselves but to build up overall awareness and growth of Haliburton County. Ultimately, we want our clients to see us not only as valued partners, but as trusted advisors and a true extension of their business — a real part of their team.”
Geoff Schultz and Amanda Virtanen, owners of marketing agency The Voima Group in Haliburton Highlands, are life partners as well as business partners. They are not only passionate about their business, but about their life in Haliburton Highlands. (Photo: Charlie O Photography)
Virtanen and Schultz, who are life partners as well as business partners (they will marry in June), are not only passionate about their business but about their life in Haliburton Highlands.
“We’re both raised in the Greater Toronto Area, but always loved coming to Haliburton County as kids and then into our adult lives,” they say. “We’ve collectively lived here over 15 years full time and wouldn’t change a thing. The seasons, the people, the landscape … there’s so much opportunity and growth here. The businesses are so entrepreneurial, so enthusiastic, so creative — it really fuels us and keeps us going. And when the work day is done, we just step outside and enjoy the incredible nature that surrounds us.”
As for other anyone who is interested in starting their own business but unsure about where to start, Virtanen and Schultz have some simple advice: “do what you know best.”
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“Don’t try something that you don’t have any expertise in,” they say. “Make sure it’s your passion, because you better be okay to do it on a Friday night or Sunday morning too. Know that it’s a journey that changes from day to day. Be flexible. Be creative. When you’re forming your business plan, talk to other business owners and understand their path and learning. Most importantly, go with your gut. You know what you’re good at and how you can succeed. And apply for Starter Company Plus — it’s truly been invaluable to us.”
This branded editorial was created in partnership with Haliburton County Economic Development & Tourism. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Community Care Peterborough executive director Danielle Belair, Peterborough County warden Bonnie Clark, Peterborough city councillor Matt Crowley, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township mayor Jim Martin, and City of Peterborough community development program manager Chris Kawalec cut the ribbon to officially open the Havelock Health and Community Services Hub on April 4, 2023. The hub is located in the Peterborough Housing Corporation building on Smith Drive, right next to the Community Care Peterborough service office in Havelock. (Photo: Community Care Havelock)
With the aim of improving access to social and health services for rural residents, nine “hubs” are now available in eight communities across Peterborough County.
The Peterborough County Hubs Program — a partnership between the city and county of Peterborough, townships in the county, Community Care Peterborough, and Agilec Employment Services — was officially launched on Monday (April 3) in Havelock.
Located in Apsley, Douro, Keene, Havelock, Lakefield, Millbrook, Norwood, and Warsaw, the hubs provide free office and meeting space for agencies to deliver health and social services and conduct outreach with rural residents and remote communities. The hubs will provide services for local residents who would otherwise have to travel to the city of Peterborough, which is challenging for those who do not have easy access to transportation. Agency staff can meet with local residents in a private office.
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“Agencies located in the city have often struggled to provide convenient service to rural residents,” says city councillor and social services chair Matthew Crowley in a media release. “The Peterborough County Hubs Program creates an opportunity for people living in the county to meet with service providers in their home communities.”
For rural residents who do have access to high-speed internet, reliable cell service, or technology, some of the hubs are equipped with a laptop so virtual meetings can be arranged with agency staff located in the city of Peterborough.
Here are the locations of the hubs:
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Apsley Hub (Community Care Office, 126 Burleigh St.)
Havelock Hub (Community Care Office, 17 Smith Dr.)
Lakefield Hub (Agilec Office, 14 Queen St.)
Keene Hub (Otonabee-South Monaghan Township Office, 20 Third St.)
Warsaw Hub (Douro-Dummer Township Office, 894 South St.)
Douro Hub (Douro-Dummer Public Library, 435 Douro 4th Line)
Norwood Hub at Township Office (Asphodel-Norwood Township Office, 2357 County Road 45)
Norwood Hub at Library (Norwood Public Library, 2363 County Road 45)
For more information about the Peterborough County Hubs Program, visit peterborough.ca/hubs, where agencies that wish to use the hubs can also find information on how to register.
City of Peterborough street-sweeping equipment. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
The signs of spring are here: nest-making robins, budding plants, and the sound of street sweepers.
The City of Peterborough has begun its annual spring street sweeping program, which involves street-sweeping equipment removing pollutants including residual salt and sand used during the winter.
During April and May, the city’s street sweepers will be cleaning all 958 lane kilometres of roadways in the city, as well as city-owned sidewalks, trails, and parking lots. Many areas receive a secondary sweep as required, based on the amount of residue on the surface.
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Each year, crews begin street sweeping at a different area of the city. This year, street sweeping will begin in the city’s south end, followed by the east, north, and west ends. The work typically takes seven weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions.
The city is asking residents to keep streets clear by placing garbage and recycling containers on lawns or driveways, removing sports nets, and not parking on the street. This ensures the sweeping equipment can reach the full street surface.
The city is also asking residents to proceed with caution when approaching street-sweeping vehicles, and allow for plenty of room for safe operations.
These seven rural entrepreneurs in Peterborough County all overcame pandemic challenges to operate successful community-focused businesses with the help of Starter Company Plus, an entrepreneurial training program offered locally by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Ontario government. Left to right, top and bottom: Lisa Burkitt of Burkitt's Gardening & Home Services, Lisa Mace of Eco Cabins, Patrick and Deanna Leahys of Leahy's Leor Farms, Katie Jackson of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience, Julie Drain of Your Furever Friend, and Jena Trimble of Zen Home & Cottage Cleaning Services. (Photos: Jenish Odigsk)
While many people associate the terms ‘entrepreneur’ and ‘start-up’ with big cities and urban areas, many of the most innovative and successful businesses are launched by rural entrepreneurs.
In fact, entrepreneurship is a backbone of rural communities. According to Statistics Canada, over 30 per cent of all small to medium businesses in Canada are operated by entrepreneurs in rural communities, almost double the 16 per cent of Canada’s population who live in those same communities.
Rural communities are home to some of Canada’s most passionate, creative, resourceful, and self-reliant entrepreneurs, who care deeply about their communities and nurture strong relationships with their neighbours, many of whom are their customers and other local business owners.
That deep connection with community means rural entrepreneurs focus on providing the best possible customer service. They often know their customers by name and benefit from word-of-mouth referrals. Their commitment to community also means many rural business owners strive to follow environmentally friendly business practices that help sustain the communities they serve.
For seven entrepreneurs in Peterborough County who launched or expanded their small businesses during the pandemic, those community-driven values are a big part of what helped them succeed despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Their enthusiasm for their businesses and desire to serve their communities also led them to participate in Starter Company Plus, an entrepreneurial training program offered locally by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Ontario government.
With the support of Starter Company Plus, these seven rural entrepreneurs have created successful community-focused businesses that offer professional garden maintenance services, environmentally conscious nature getaways, sustainably farmed high quality meat products, family-friendly nature visits with alpacas, personalized puppy and dog training, and eco-friendly cottage and home cleaning services.
Find out about their businesses, in their own words, below.
Lisa Burkitt, owner of Burkitt’s Gardening & Home Services. (Photo: Jenish Odigski)
Burkitt’s Gardening & Home Services serves residential and commercial clients, and friends, in Peterborough and surrounding area.
With more than 15 years of professional experience, I have a lifelong love of gardening that I have transferred to my full garden maintenance service. Whether you are looking to restore a neglected garden to its former glory, need a one-time clean up and advice, or are looking for long-term maintenance and care, I have you covered.
I believe that gardening is an art form and is constantly changing and growing. With my team, I would love to help you create an outdoor space that you will enjoy for years to come. By choosing Burkitt’s Gardening & Home Services, you take the hassle out of your gardening maintenance, and give yourself peace of mind.
Lisa Mace, owner of Eco Cabins. (Photo: Jenish Odigski)
Eco Cabins is an environmentally conscious oasis for couples and individuals seeking to recharge in the solitude that only nature can provide.
Situated on 60 acres of otherwise uninhabited land, this off-the-grid tiny cabin has many modern amenities and comforts to make your stay cozy and relaxing while still considering your impact on the environment.
Should you desire to enhance your stay, we will be offering extra add-on experience packages that change seasonally.
Some experiences will be offered on the property, and some will be within the community, but all will further enhance your relaxing getaway in the heart of North Kawartha.
Patrick and Deanna Leahy, owners of Leahy’s Leor Farms. (Photo: Jenish Odigski)
Leahy’s Leor Farms is a mixed livestock farm In Douro offering a great variety of meat products, raised on our farm, and processed at local provincially certified facilities.
We offer a wide selection of beef and lamb cuts, chicken, geese, ducks, and eggs, sold primarily from our farm through our online presence.
We strive to use regenerative agricultural practices in a careful and ecologically sensitive manner and take pride in the quality of product we offer our customers.
Our diverse line of products makes us an attractive option to customers looking for unique quality cuts to sample or to stock their freezers with for the season ahead. We offer meat in bulk and by the cut — flexibility that customers appreciate.
Our children are the seventh generation involved in agriculture locally and, with that in mind, we truly value sound ecological practices that honour our past and preserve and nurture our future.
Katie Jackson, owner of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience. (Photo: Jenish Odigski)
Wanderlight Alpaca Experience connects you with a curious and wondrous animal, the alpaca — your companion for a private guided walk through the rolling hills of our farm.
Wanderlight Alpaca Experience is the only place in the Kawarthas where you can connect with friends, family, yourself, and nature in the company of a cute, fuzzy alpaca.
Julie Drain, owner of Your Furever Friend. (Photo: Jenish Odigski)
Your Furever Friend offers puppy and dog training classes as well as Registered Veterinary Technician services to pet owners. Puppy and dog training classes are offered online, and include hundreds of handouts, videos, weekly Zoom classes and access to daily email support. In-person training is also offered in clients’ homes.
I am a Registered Veterinary Technician, teacher, and dog trainer. My programs are customized to ensure pets and their owners are set up for success by having their unique needs met. I offer a holistic approach that includes health, wellness, and behaviour support for pets, combined with a kind, compassionate approach with pet owners. I am there for pet owners every step of the way. Your Furever Friend also offers exceptional, compassionate service to pet owners in a unique online delivery format. In-person support can also be arranged in clients’ homes.
I bring years of education, experience, and expertise to my work. I recognize the challenges pet owners face raising their furry loved ones and listen to my clients’ needs to customize programs to ensure success. I am an exceptional communicator, and compassion and empathy are my strengths.
Jena Trimble, owner of Zen Home & Cottage Cleaning Services. (Photo: Jenish Odigski)
We provide services to residential, commercial, and rental clients located in Havelock, Apsley, and their surrounding areas. We pride ourselves on being highly accommodating to all our clients, providing an all-encompassing service that is both detailed as well as individualized.
We are eco-friendly as well as kid and pet conscious. We use products that reflect those attributes as well as create our own all-purpose cleaner in house.
We are unique because we focus on the client’s needs and requests and then create a plan that fulfills those needs. We do this with our individually created checklists, created in partnership with clients. This allows us to provide a service that can be molded and shaped to fit the needs of everyone.
We recognize that, like properties, our clients’ needs are different and require different plans to get the job done in a way that fits the needs of each.
Another unique aspect of our company is that we use gentle cleaners, unless otherwise requested. We do not charge extra for this — it simply comes with our services.
This is one of a series of branded editorials created in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Environment Canada has now issued a freezing rain warning for most of the greater Kawarthas region for Tuesday overnight (April 4) and Wednesday morning.
The freezing rain warning is in effect for Peterborough County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Hastings Highlands, and eastern Northumberland County.
Ice pellets or freezing rain are expected to develop overnight Tuesday or early Wednesday morning and continue into the early afternoon before temperatures rise above the freezing mark.
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In southern Peterborough County and for all of the City of Kawartha Lakes, ice accretion of 5 mm is possible. In northern Peterborough County and southern Haliburton County, 5 to 10 mm of ice accretion is possible.
In Hastings Highlands and eastern Northumberland County, ice accretion of 10 to 15 millimetres is possible. One potential complication is how much of the precipitation falls in the form of ice pellets versus freezing rain. If most of the precipitation falls in the form of freezing rain, this has the potential to be a significant ice storm for the region.
Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become icy and slippery. Ice build-up may cause tree branches to break. Utility outages may occur.
This story has been updated with the latest forecast from Environment Canada.
The eight entrepreneurs who successfully completed the fall 2022 intake of Starter Company Plus, offered locally by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development's Business Advisory Centre, with each receiving a $5,000 microgrant. Left to right: Vanessa Bruce, Ineke Turner, Lisa Mace, Jena Trimble, Lisa Burkitt, Kate Griffin, Jacquelyn Craft, and Nathan Truax. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
Entrepreneurs in the city and county of Peterborough looking to launch a new business or expand an existing one have until the end of April to apply for the spring intake of Starter Company Plus.
The entrepreneurial training program, offered locally by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s Business Advisory Centre with funding from the Ontario government, offers business training for aspiring entrepreneurs as well as established ones who are expanding an existing business that has been operating for five years or less.
The program provides one-on-one consultations with the program facilitator and in-person or virtual training featuring experts who guide entrepreneurs through writing a business plan.
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“For many, 2023 is a year where individuals are looking to take something they may have been operating on the side or a passion project developed throughout the pandemic and turn that business into a reality,” says Business Advisory Centre manager Madeleine Hurrell in a media release. “This is a comprehensive self-employment training program that sets entrepreneurs up for long-term success.”
Participants who successfully complete the five-week Starter Company Plus program and submit a final business plan and pitch to a panel of judges are eligible to receive one of six $5,000 microgrants to start or grow their business.
Since its launch in 2017, Starter Company Plus has assisted over 215 local entrepreneurs and more than 174 small businesses, creating over 200 jobs in the local economy.
Interested entrepreneurs can learn more and apply online at investptbo.ca/starter. Applications close on Sunday, April 30th.
One of the new climbing structures that are part of Peterborough's first naturalized playscape on public grounds, located in the children's garden at Ecology Park. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
With the promise of warmer weather on the way, Peterborough GreenUP has officially unveiled Peterborough’s first naturalized playscape on public lands at Ecology Park.
The naturalized playscape, located in the children’s garden near the education shelter, consists of a series of white cedar logs arranged in structures designed for climbing, along with logs, stumps, and rocks arranged for jumping and balancing, all on a soft sawdust surface.
On Friday (March 31), GreenUP invited the media and key community partners to celebrate the naturalized playscape. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hot cider, and remarks from Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith.
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Funded by a $52,800 grant from the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation in 2021 as well as support from GreenUP donors, the naturalized playscape was designed by Henry Kortekaas & Associates Inc. and constructed by The Little Building Company last fall.
“I hope that when children play on this natural playscape, they feel a stronger connection to their natural surroundings, and are given the opportunity to learn and engage in unstructured, imaginative play,” states Sean Harris, owner of The Little Building Company.
“They can test their limits with the unconventional climbing structure, or interact with the playground perimeter, which features rocks and logs for jumping and balancing.”
The Keresztesi family plays on the new naturalized playscape at Ecology Park during a celebration hosted by GreenUP on March 31, 2023. (Photo: Lili Paradi / GreenUP)
“The soft texture and irregularities of the locally sourced white cedar offer a refreshing change from the familiar plastic and metal surfaces,” Harris adds. “When I look at the playscape, I see not only a fun space for children to play and learn, but also an environmentally responsible play area with low embodied carbon cost and no landfill waste at the end of its lifetime.”
The naturalized playscape is the fourth of five capital projects for infrastructure improvements in Ecology Park that were launched by GreenUP in 2017. Along with the naturalized playscape, other capital projects included the rebuilding of the children’s education shelter and installing solar panels on the education shelter, developing accessible pathways, and integrating a sustainable irrigation system.
Longer-term plans also include a nursery greenhouse for Ecology Park that would allow for onsite native plant propagation.
The naturalized playscape is located in the children’s garden near the education shelter at Ecology Park. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)Constructed of locally sourced white cedar logs, the naturalized playscape at Ecology Park is an environmentally responsible play area with low embodied carbon cost and no landfill waste at the end of its lifetime. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
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