A thunderstorm over Bobcaygeon in Kawartha Lakes in May 2022. (Photo: Jay Callaghan / CalTek Design)
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for most of the greater Kawarthas region for Friday afternoon and evening (July 28).
The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Hastings Highlands.
Thunderstorms are expected to develop Friday afternoon and evening with the passage of a cold front.
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These thunderstorms are capable of producing up to nickel-size hail and wind gusts up to 90 km/h.
Large hail can damage property and cause injury. Strong wind gusts can toss loose objects, damage weak buildings, break branches off trees, and overturn large vehicles. Locally heavy rain is also possible.
Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.
Gannon's Narrows Bridge is located on County Road 16 in Peterborough County between Pigeon Lake and Buckhorn Lake. (Photo: Peterborough County)
Gannon’s Narrows Bridge on County Road 16 in Peterborough County is to be closed during the day on weekdays for five weeks beginning on Labour Day.
According to a media release issued by Peterborough County on Friday (July 28), the daily closure is needed to repair damaged structural components on the bridge, which is located between Pigeon Lake and Buckhorn Lake.
The damage was caused by an over-height vehicle, which struck overhead structural components that need to be replaced to maintain the structural capacity of the bridge.
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Although the timelines are approximate and may vary depending on weather and other factors, the bridge will be closed to all traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday from September 5 through October 13.
The closure also affects school buses which, along with other traffic, will need to use alternate routes. The bridge will be reopened to traffic at night and on weekends.
“The process to repair the overhead structural components requires that both lanes of traffic be closed completely to ensure worker safety and to allow damaged components to be removed and new components lifted into place and secured,” reads an FAQ page on the county’s website.
To prevent future damage from over-height vehicles using the bridge, the county has installed additional warning signs and flashing beacons on roads leading to the bridge and on the bridge itself, as well as maximum height signs (4.3 m).
The beach at the Selwyn Beach Conservation Area. (Photo: Township of Selwyn)
Every Friday during swimming season, we post The Beach Report™ — our weekly report of the results of water quality testing at beaches in the greater Kawarthas region and update it throughout the week as conditions change.
As of Wednesday, August 2, the following beaches are unsafe for swimming:
Rogers Cove – City of Peterborough (closed because of blue-green algae)
Squirrel Creek Conservation Area – Peterborough County
Lions Park – Coboconk
Harwood Waterfront & Dock – Northumberland County
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Below are the complete results of water quality testing at beaches in the City and County of Peterborough, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
In the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health Inspectors sample the beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead every business day, and public beaches in the County of Peterborough are sampled at least once a week (except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, and White’s Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July, and August).
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides weekly testing results for beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Northumberland County. Testing is based on the most recent test results from the provincial lab in Peterborough for water samples taken from these beaches.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health provides weekly testing results for beaches in Hastings County and Prince Edward County.
During the summer, local health units sample water at area beaches and test for bacteria such as E. coli to determine if the water quality at a beach is safe for public use. Popular beaches, like the beach at Roger’s Cove in Peterborough’s East City, are tested every business day while most other beaches are tested weekly. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Important note
The following test results may not reflect current water quality conditions. Water samples can take one to three days to process and heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity, large numbers of waterfowl near a beach, or large numbers of swimmers can rapidly change water quality.
You should always check current conditions before deciding to use a beach. You should also monitor other factors that might suggest a beach is unsafe to use, such as floating debris, oil, discoloured water, bad odours, and excessive weed growth.
Yukon pop-funk band Major Funk is performing at Jethro's Bar + Stage in downtown Peterborough on Friday night. (Photo: Mack Smith)
Every Thursday, we publish live music events at pubs and restaurants in Peterborough and the greater Kawarthas region based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, July 27 to Wednesday, August 2.
If you’re a pub or restaurant owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.
With the exception of karaoke, we only list events with performing musicians. Venues may also host other events during the week (e.g., dancing, DJs, comedy shows).
Friday, August 4 3pm - Happy Hour with Bill Black (no cover); 9pm - Open mic
Saturday, August 5 3pm - Happy Hour with North Country Express (no cover)
Sunday, August 6 3pm - Happy Hour with Gord Kidd and Friends (no cover)
Tuesday, August 8 3-6pm - Tiki Tuesday with Recycled Teenagers (no cover)
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717
Thursday, July 27
8-11pm - Thursday Night Jam Session
Coming Soon
Saturday, August 19 1-4pm - Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association (PMBA) presents Guitar Summit ft Lucy Ferrill, Shelby Crego, and Chris Hiney w/ Al Black & JP Hovercraft (by donation, $10 suggested, with proceeds to PBMA)
8-10pm - The Venisons ; 10pm - The Marks Brothers Band
Sunday, July 30
3-6pm - Open Blues Jam
Monday, July 31
8pm - Karaoke w/ host Anne Shebib
Wednesday, August 2
9pm - Country & Bluegrass Jam w/ host Michelle Moran
Kawartha Country Wines
2452 County Road 36,, Buckhorn
705-657-9916
Sunday, July 30
1-4pm - Brandon Humphrey & Tony Silvestri
Coming Soon
Sunday, August 6 1-4pm - Megan, Bill, John, & Paul
Kelly's Homelike Inn
205 3rd Street, Cobourg
905-372-3234
Saturday, July 29
4-8pm - The Mike and Ronnie Show
The Locker at The Falls
9 Lindsay St., Fenelon Falls
705-887-6211
Thursday, July 27
7:30-10pm - North Country Express
The Lounge in the Hollow Valley Lodge
1326 Kawagama Lake Rd., Dorset
705-766-1980
Thursday, July 27
8pm - Acoustic Fleetwood Mac (SOLD OUT)
Friday, July 28
8pm - Davey Meloy
Saturday, July 29
8pm - Outcast
Sunday, July 30
2pm - Jim Allen; 7pm - Open Jam hosted by Sean Cotton
Coming Soon
Thursday, August 3 8pm - Bobby Dove
Friday, August 4 8pm - Hollow Valley Intimate Concert Series presents Peirson Ross & Dopamine Dream ($30-$40 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/681028964967)
Saturday, August 5 8pm - Junestone
Mainstreet Bar & Grill
1939 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn
(705) 657-9094
Thursday, July 27
8:30-11:30pm - Aubrey North
Saturday, July 29
8:30-11:30pm - SJ Riley
Sunday, July 30
2-5pm - Jennifer Doyle
McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery
13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600
Thursday, July 27
7-11pm - Karaoke
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McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Friday, July 28
9pm - Live music TBA
Saturday, July 29
9pm - Live music TBA
Sunday, July 30
7pm - Open mic
Tuesday, August 1
8pm - Live music TBA
Wednesday, August 2
9pm - Live music TBA
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177
Thursday, July 27
6-9pm - Melodi Ryan
Coming Soon
Thursday, August 3 6-9pm - Sweet Grass
Olympia Restaurant
106 Kent St. W., Lindsay
705-328-1444
Saturday, July 29
5-8pm - Jazz Night (reservations recommended)
Pattie House Smokin' Barbecue
6675 Highway 35, Coboconk
(705) 454-8100
Coming Soon
Sunday, August 6 4-8pm - Madhaus ($10)
Pie Eyed Monk Brewery
8 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay
(705) 212-2200
Coming Soon
Saturday, August 19 7pm - Music at the Monk 3 ft Cassie Noble, Gamekeeper, Sean Jamieson, Looking For Heather ($10 in advance at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/627735191857, $15 at door)
The Publican House
300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743
Thursday, July 27
7-9pm - SJ Riley
Friday, July 28
7-9pm - House Brand Trio
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078
Friday, July 28
7pm - Karaoke
Saturday, July 29
7pm - Live music TBA
Coming Soon
Friday, August 4 7pm - Sydney & Cody
Saturday, August 5 8pm - Bridgenorth Boys
Red Dog Tavern
189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400
Coming Soon
Friday, August 11 8pm - Critical Music Group presents Canada Loud Tour
Saturday, August 12 8pm - Hollow Core, Veinduze, Maiterya, Please Stand By ($10)
Monday, August 14 9pm - Master Nate & The Reprobates w/ Kathleen Turner Overdrive, Days of Thieves
Riverside Grill at the Holiday Inn
150 George St, Peterborough
705-740-6564
Thursday, July 27
6-10pm - Donny Woods Band (no cover)
Friday, July 28
6-10pm - Odd Man Rush (no cover)
Saturday, July 29
4-8pm - Mike Graham (no cover)
Sunday, July 30
12-5pm - Andy & The Boys (no cover)
The Rockcliffe - Moore Falls
1014 Lois Lane, Minden
705-454-9555
Thursday, July 27
7:30pm - Keith Taylor
Friday, July 28
7:30pm - Christina Hutt
Saturday, July 29
5pm - Jeff Moulton
Coming Soon
Saturday, August 5 7:30pm - Rockin' Bobs
Scenery Drive Restaurant
6193 County Road 45, Baltimore
905-349-2217
Saturday, July 29
4:30-7:30pm - Mike Tremblay
Southside Pizzeria
25 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
(705) 748-6120
Friday, July 28
9am-12pm - Open mic
Tuesday, August 1
1pm - Open mic
Springville Tap n' Grill
2714 Brown Line, Peterborough
(705) 876-9994
Saturday, July 29
7-10pm - Karaoke
The Thirsty Goose
63 Walton St., Port Hope
Friday, July 28
8pm-12am - Live music TBA
Saturday, July 29
8pm-12am - Live music TBA
The Venue
286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008
A 58-year-old Peterborough man is dead following a single-vehicle collision north of Ennismore on Wednesday night (July 26).
At around 8:45 p.m., Peterborough County OPP and emergency crews responded to the scene of a collision on Tara Road between Edenderry Line and Viner Line.
Police say the vehicle left the roadway, striking a hydro pole and entering a field.
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The driver, a 58-year-old man from Peterborough, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not released the victim’s name. There were no other occupants in the vehicle.
The collision also knocked out power overnight to almost 1,500 Hydro One customers.
Tara Road was closed for several hours while documented the scene and Hydro One crews worked to restore power.
Anyone who may have witnessed or has video/dash camera footage of the collision and has not yet spoken with police is asked to contact the Peterborough County OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.
Ennismore-born musician Melissa Payne will be taking centre stage at Peterborough Musicfest at Del Crary Park on July 29, 2023 for a free-admission concert featuring her local musical friends including Nicholas Campbell, James McKenty, Rob Foreman, Matt Greco, Kate Suhr, and Kate Brioux. (Photo: Melissa Payne / Facebook)
While Del Crary Park has proven to be a wonderful setting for Peterborough Musicfest over the course of 36 summers, because of its expansive size and its location near the busy downtown Peterborough, it has rarely if ever felt intimate.
When: Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 8 p.m. Where: Del Crary Park (100 George St. N., Peterborough) How much: Free admission
Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets (lawn chairs are available to rent). VIP seating available for sponsors. No smoking, alcohol, or pets permitted. There’s no public parking at Del Crary Park, but there’s neighbourhood street parking nearby and ample parking in downtown Peterborough.
Creating a kitchen party feel typically requires a kitchen, where family and friends come together to share not only a love of playing music but also the joy of simply being in each other’s company.
Raised in Ennismore as one of four siblings, Melissa Payne experienced that family music vibe early on, an experience furthered by her family’s close relationship with the musical Leahy clan.
Gifted with a fiddle at age four, she soon after learned how to play the instrument at the knee of Doug Leahy.
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Years later, when the touring Leahys were in need of a babysitter, Payne went on the road with the family, experiencing firsthand the magic that inevitably results when those on stage have a close connection with one another.
On Saturday, July 29th, Payne will headline Peterborough Musicfest, bringing the kitchen party to Del Crary Park with the help of a few of her musical friends. Admission to the 8 p.m. concert, as always, is free.
“I’m so proud to show off all the local talent that this city has,” says Payne. “Nicholas Campbell and James McKenty will be playing guitar and they’re going to sing a few of their own songs too. Rob Foreman is going to be up there with his rock-a-billy (stand up) bass and Matt Greco too, to name drop a couple more. Kate Suhr and Kate Brioux will be there too. It’s an all-Peterborough gang.”
VIDEO: “September Skies” – Melissa Payne
Payne admits to some trepidation taking centre stage to perform for a hometown crowd.
“I’ll be nervous,” she says. “We try to put on our best show wherever we go but when you get home to Peterborough, you want to make the city proud that it has local musicians of this calibre.”
Having released her latest album, Darker Than Your Dark, in early March 2020 just before the world got darker than it has ever been, Payne says things are “brighter” these days in her world.
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Married last July, she’s now back in the studio with McKenty and writing new material with help from Blue Rodeo’s Greg Keelor and Jimmy Bowskill. Payne says a new single is scheduled for release in the fall.
“The songwriting has definitely taken a little bit of a brighter turn,” says Payne. “Since I met my wife, everything has come more into focus. There’s more determination to do well, not only for myself but also for her. She keeps me motivated and on track.”
“And people like James (McKenty) and Greg (Keelor) and that gang — they give you that boost to want to keep playing. When you take away all the ego stuff, it comes down to the love of playing music. This town and its music scene have kept me in it every time I’ve been motivated to throw in the towel. It’s this community and these musicians that keep bringing me back.”
VIDEO: Irish Millie and Melissa Payne play some traditional tunes
Of note, Payne wanted young fiddle sensation Irish Millie (Amelia Shadgett) to join her for the Musicfest show, but she’s presently touring the east coast.
“Even though Millie is quite a bit younger than me, I look up to her in many ways,” says Payne, fully acknowledging they share a similar a similar trajectory.
“Millie is such an amazing young talent — so much drive and work ethic. She just loves to play. I think that’s where we’re similar.”
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While Payne says she has always been anxious in large crowds, the stage has been and remains her “safe place.”
“I’m with my friends and we’re kind of in a bubble. You can each people and connect with people in a different way than socially at a gathering.”
“It seems like a thousand years ago, but I still feel like that shy awkward kid. I’m definitely more comfortable now in my own skin, but I remember all those lessons (with Leahy) and being mesmerized by the skill and talent and wanting to play like that.”
VIDEO: “Shake Me” – Melissa Payne and James McKenty
Reflecting on a still-evolving musical resumé that has brought her acclaim as both a performer and a songwriter, Payne says her ambition was anchored by a simpler goal when she was in her late teens and looking to break out.
“All I wanted to do was get on the Black Horse stage and play an open mic if they would let me,” she recalls.
“I look back at 18-year-old me and I’m like ‘Wow, I think she’d be super proud.’ I have to remind myself that I should be proud. It’s easy to bog yourself down with ‘I could be doing this or I could be doing that’, but I’m really happy that I’ve stayed true to my music and what I love.”
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To those who are following their own musical dream, Payne has some advice.
“Just play, and play because you love the music,” she says. “It’s such a magical thing. It touches so many people in different ways. Even if you’re singing off-key in the kitchen with your mom, like I did, you have to keep playing and singing like you love it and never quit. Always find the love in it.”
Now, as she readies to join her friends at a festival that has hosted big-name international acts since 1987, Payne isn’t the least bit intimidated.
“Hey, we’re a big-name act too,” she laughs. “Those big name acts inspire but I was inspired just as much by the people sitting in my kitchen and by playing on local stages. Come out with an open mind and let’s have fun. Sing with us. Dance with us. Open your heart to the music.”
VIDEO: “1000 Pieces” – Melissa Payne
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Back in 2014, in a sit-down with this writer for a feature for a local newspaper, Payne said the dream was to “find a rich man and play the fiddle on a cruise ship.” Close to 10 years on, that ship has sailed but her ambition still has wings.
“I just want to keep writing great songs and get better at my craft,” she says. “That’s the goal — always trying to get better at what I do. That makes me happy and more fulfilled in so many ways.”
“If I’m an 80-year-old woman still playing the fiddle and hopping around, my life will be complete. As long as I’m playing music, I’m going to be happy.”
VIDEO: “All On Me” – Melissa Payne with Ken Tizzard and Music For Goats
Peterborough Musicfest is presenting 15 free-admission concerts during its 36th season, each staged on Wednesday and Saturday nights until August 19th, and supported by more than 100 sponsors, kawarthaNOW among them.
Overseen by general manager Tracey Randall and staff, a board of directors, and numerous volunteers, Peterborough Musicfest’s stated mission remains “to provide diverse, affordable live music to enrich cultural and economic prosperity in our community.”
For more information on this concert and the entire 2023 season, visit www.ptbomusicfest.ca or phone the Peterborough Musicfest office at 705-755-1111.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a headline sponsor of Peterborough Musicfest’s 2023 season.
For 12 years, Selwyn's Lakeshore Designs has been decorating the grand prize cottages in the Princess Margaret lotteries with expert touches from owner and principal designer Angela Jones. Pictured is the main living space in the $2.8-million grand prize in this summer's The Princess Margaret Cottage Lottery, an almost 3,000-square-foot open-concept cottage on Buckhorn Lake. (Photo: Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation)
This Friday (July 28) marks the final deadline to enter the Princess Margaret Cottage Lottery, and Angela Jones of Lakeshore Designs in Selwyn doesn’t want you to miss out.
For more than 25 years, the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation in Toronto has been organizing the world’s largest 50/50 draws, giving away millions of dollars in cash and dream homes to lucky winners, with all proceeds going to cancer research. This summer, the grand prizes include three dream cottages — two in the Kawarthas and one in Muskoka — each decorated by Lakeshore Designs.
Since 2004, the Kawarthas-based company has been designing and decorating homes, businesses, and cottages in the Kawarthas, Muskoka, and Prince Edward County. For the past 12 years, the company has been the official decorator for the cottage prizes in the spring and fall home lottery and the summer cottage lottery, with owner and principal designer Angela Jones’ eye for luxury at the helm of the creativity.
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Linwood Custom Homes, led by vice president Craig McFarlene, manages the building of the vacation homes. In the early years of the lottery, the cottages were left unfurnished, until Lakeshore Designs was added to the team to do the decorating.
“We started adding our Lakeshore flair to it,” Jones says. “Then it just became a great team between Linwood, the lottery, and our company.”
The Princess Margaret is one of the top five cancer research centres in the world, and purchasing a ticket in the lottery supports world-leading research that changes the lives of cancer patients and family members across Canada through the hospital’s mission to ‘Conquer Cancer in Our Lifetime’.
VIDEO: Buckhorn Lake cottage grand prize featuring Angela Jones
“It’s for a great cause,” explains Jones. “Everything that we do when we’re working together, it’s to change lives — whether it’s the fundraising that they’re doing for the lottery and what that could do at the research centre, and also for the winners who are winning a prize that’s going to change their lives.”
In the past 12 years Lakeshore Designs has been participating in the Princess Margaret lotteries, Jones has noticed an increase in the “level of décor and level of style that people are expecting” through the cottage and home prizes.
“Each time we do them better and better,” she says. “It’s not just a little cottage anymore. It’s becoming full lake houses and luxury cottages. Now it’s to the nines. It’s really done up and I find that it’s evolved over the years, and it becomes more and more full, more lush, (with) more luxury, and it is definitely a dream cottage to win.”
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But, rest assured, no matter how luxurious and modern these new vacation homes look, they’re still grounded in that cozy, welcoming atmosphere you want from a cottage.
“I specialize in feng shui as well,” notes Jones, referring to the ancient Chinese tradition that has been adopted for interior design. “When I set up a home, I think ‘How is the energy in the home?’.
“You want it to give the feeling that you could just picture yourself right in there. So the more you make it look comfortable and welcoming, the more it obviously portrays to everybody, and they could just put themselves in that home or cottage. We think about how we would live in it.”
Decorated by Selwyn’s Lakeshore Designs, this is the family room in the $2.8-million grand prize in this summer’s The Princess Margaret Cottage Lottery, an almost 3,000-square-foot open-concept cottage on Buckhorn Lake. (Photo: Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation)
Appealing to everybody, Jones explains, is especially necessary when furnishing the dream homes. Normally in her business, she consults with a home’s owners to create a space that matches their specific needs.
“When you’re decorating for a family, we go in and do a consultation with them because we really pull from what their needs are,” she explains. “We try to do it very functional, but then we also talk to the client. What is it that they want to achieve out of the space? Then we work around that to add the design factor and add the functionality to it.”
But, when it comes to the Princess Margaret cottages, she doesn’t know who will be owning the home or how they will want to use the space.
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“We put a little bit of our touch into it to make it very general for the public,” Jones explains. “We don’t want to be too trendy and we don’t want to be not-so-trendy, because you want it to appeal to the whole market so people can actually visualize themselves being there.”
Jones adds that much of her decorating depends on where the cottage is located. Fortunately, two of the three grand prize cottages this summer are based in the Kawarthas, a region she knows all too well since she lives here herself.
One of the grand prizes, valued at $2.8 million, is an open concept, modern lakefront cottage on Buckhorn Lake.
VIDEO: White Lake cottage grand prize featuring Angela Jones
“We did a fresh look with whites and blacks and then just made it very comfortable with a big harvest table,” Jones says. “It has a big veranda overlooking Buckhorn Lake, and so there we just thought, ‘OK, how is this lifestyle going to be?'”
With such nice waterfront views, she imagined afternoons spent curled up with a book in the library or evenings spent barbecuing with guests on the deck, or gathered around the spacious games room.
The other cottage in the Kawarthas, priced at $2.4 million, is located on White Lake south of Stoney Lake and has a screened-in porch offering views of the lake, with soft, warm tones throughout the luxury building.
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“It’s cozy and it’s got a nice feel to it,” Jones says. “We do it with a view of the lake so that when you wake up, you can see the lake. And then we (decorate) it based on how you would entertain there.”
Though Jones also does interior design for cottages in Prince Edward County and Muskoka, she recognizes that there’s something unique to the Kawarthas region.
“I find the Kawarthas just takes on a whole other level of calmness, beauty, and space,” she explains, adding that she often sees clients surprised by how much the region offers. “There are a lot of hidden gems in the Kawarthas. People just have to take that time to find (them).”
Decorated by Selwyn’s Lakeshore Designs, this is the main living space in the $2.4-million grand prize in this summer’s The Princess Margaret Cottage Lottery, a 2,000-square-foot cottage on White Lake. (Photo: Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation)
As the deadline for the Princess Margaret lottery approaches, Jones says she feels fortunate she and her team get to use their skills for such an important cause.
“We do it all together. It’s what we love to do and, at the end of the day, it’s going for a great cause. It’s a huge team that pulls the whole project off together and it’s something that we all take pride in.”
Lakeshore Designs is located at 2968 Lakefield Road in Selwyn, with a décor store at 1929 Lakehurst Road in Buckhorn. For more information, visit www.lakeshorehd.ca.
For more information about the Princess Margaret Cottage Lottery and this summer’s grand prizes, and to buy tickets before the deadline, visit princessmargaretlotto.com.
Tiny Greens owner and operator Tina Bromley, who opened her plant store in downtown Peterborough in 2017, was one of six local business owners who participated in Community Futures Peterborough's ScaleUP pilot program in 2022. Through a partnership with Scotiabank, the program returns in 2023 with 12 spaces available for entrepreneurs who need help scaling up their businesses. (Photo courtesy of Tiny Greens)
Community Futures Peterborough has announced applications are now open for the 2023 ScaleUP program designed to help Peterborough-area businesses grow.
The not-for-profit economic development organization first piloted the program last year to address a gap in available training for local entrepreneurs, since most training is only focused on the startup growth stage.
Six local women-led businesses participated in the pilot program, which delved into the topics of financial management, supply chain optimization and best practices, people management, crisis management, organizational design, and good governance policies.
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“Business owners in the community have told us they are facing roadblocks when making key decisions about when and how to scale their operations,” says Community Futures Peterborough executive director Devon Girard in a media release. “Encouraging sustainable employment within our region is central to our mission at Community Futures Peterborough. The ScaleUP 2023 program has been specially designed to address this, offering a custom roadmap that guides entrepreneurs through the complex landscape of sustainable growth.”
Through a partnership with Scotiabank, Community Futures Peterborough has been able to double the number of spaces available in the 2023 program to 12 local business owners.
“Scotiabank has long been committed to supporting entrepreneurs and we are excited to be part of this initiative in partnership with Community Futures Peterborough,” says Chris Skinner, Scotiabank’s vice president for central east Ontario. “The support this program offers to participants is aligned to the advice we deliver to our customers through personalized conversations and planning that can position them to grow their business.”
Dan Joyce Clothing owner Nancy Wiskel, who opened a second location in Apsley last year, was one of six local business owners who participated in Community Futures Peterborough’s ScaleUP pilot program in 2022. Through a partnership with Scotiabank, the program returns in 2023 with 12 spaces available for entrepreneurs who need help scaling up their businesses. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
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As was the case last year, the program will be led by Diane Richard, president at both Diatom Consulting and Professional Training Inc. as well as a previous board member with Community Futures Peterborough, and a team of regional experts.
“Seeing the growth and evolution of local businesses is genuinely rewarding,” Richard says. “The ScaleUP program aims to drive expansion and equip entrepreneurs with long-term strategies for success. It’s about building thriving businesses, contributing to our local economy, and creating employment opportunities.”
Participating business onwers will learn through a combination of classroom sessions and one-on-one strategic consultations tailored to their unique growth opportunities. The 2023 program will follow the same curriculum as last year’s pilot, and each business owner with complete the program with a tailor-made growth plan for the sustainable expansion of their business.
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Three of the local businesses that participated in last year’s program were Tiny Greens, Dan Joyce Clothing, and Renew Medical Aesthetics.
“The program was so timely and very focused on business growth strategies,” said Tiny Greens owner Tina Bromley after completing the program. “I have already benefited from implementing small strategic changes that’s created big results in my business.”
Dan Joyce Clothing owner Nancy Wiskel, who has expanded to a second location in Apsley, also participated in the 2022 program.
“The program has positively influenced the health of my business,” Wiskel says. “I’m now more proactive with my staff and contractors and have developed a critical view of my supply chain, leading to open and constructive discussions with suppliers.”
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Roxanne McDonald-Brown, owner of Renew Medical Aesthetics, says last year’s program “far exceeded” her expectations, calling Richard “a powerhouse of support and knowledge.”
“But it was more than just a learning experience,” McDonald-Brown adds. “The bonds I formed with fellow entrepreneurs, who offered mutual support throughout the process, have become one of my favourite aspects of the program. Even post-program, we continue to meet at local restaurants, discussing triumphs and challenges. This sense of community and belonging we’ve cultivated is unparalleled.”
Applications for the 2023 ScaleUP program are open to any business located within the city or county of Peterborough. Interested entrepreneurs can apply by August 25 by visiting communityfuturespeterborough.ca/programs/scaleup/. Successful applicants will be selected at the beginning of September and the program will run from mid-September to mid-November.
A view of the Trans Canada Trail system off of Jackson Creek Trail in Peterborough during one of this summer's smoke-filled days caused by wildfires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario. As a result of climate change, Canadian ecosystems are becoming drier and the severity and length of the wildfire season is increasing. (Photo: Lili Paradi / GreenUP)
The recent smoke-filled days have left us in a daze, questioning why wildfires feel uncontrollable and more widespread than before.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s column is by Lili Paradi, Communications Manager, GreenUP.
The smoke that we experienced in and around June 7th, Clean Air Day, and on many days since, has been a heated topic of discussion. It is important to understand and address the wildfires behind the smoke, and the way that climate change is contributing to these fires.
Fires burning in our forests and our grasslands are not a new phenomenon. In fact, they can be prescribed.
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On June 21st, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Alderville Black Oak Savannah posted about a traditional burning practice held at Black Oak Savannah. In this post, they reflect on the connection between fires, ecosystems, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
“Each year, the team continues traditional burning practices in the form of prescribed restoration burning,” Alderville Black Oak Savannah wrote in their post. “Fire is central to countless Indigenous groups, across Turtle Island, and around the globe.”
“[Fire] is one of the four elements necessary for life on earth. The flames of the fire burn orange; another reminder that Indigenous communities and fire have always been interwoven. Today we reflect on the current state of wildfires across Turtle Island and how this land is affected by climate change each day … How can we improve our actions for both our neighbours and our earth?”
Reflecting on that question is part of this call to action.
We know that in particular ecosystems, fire can be a benefit to plant species with certain adaptations. It may seem counter-intuitive, but fires are natural and many ecosystems require fires to clear out organic material and promote regeneration.
Wildfires can be crucial to ecosystem stability, but under certain circumstances, can be out-of-the-ordinary.
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As a result of climate change, Canadian ecosystems are becoming drier and the severity and length of wildfire season we are presently seeing is new.
The warmer, drier climate that Canada is moving toward will further increase the risk of drought events and vegetation flammability, which are major drivers of wildfires.
Not every individual wildfire can be attributed to climate warming, but according to a Climate Change and Land report from the International Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) in 2019, “future climate variability is expected to enhance the risk and severity of wildfires in many biomes”.
The IPCC notes that fires in the boreal forest biome will increase in size and frequency. Canada’s land mass has 60 per cent boreal zone, giving some perspective to how uncontrolled wildfires can impact the country.
Ash from this summer’s wildfire smoke on the windshield of a car in Peterborough. Poor air quality resulting from wildfire smoke is a public health risk in Canada because of its impact on physical health, mental health, and well-being. (Photo: Eileen Kimmett / GreenUP)
Here in Peterborough, we may not have felt the burn of wildfires, but we do experience poor air quality resulting from smoke.
“Wildfires are considered a public health risk in Canada, due to their impacts on physical health, mental health, and well-being,” states the Government of Canada’s June 2023 public health risk profile of wildfires in Canada.
Uncontrolled wildfires and their smoke will disproportionately impact equity-deserving populations and marginalized people. Across Canada, individuals displaced by wildfires, individuals without housing, and individuals with health concerns will see greater impacts to their health, well-being, and social stability.
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Although wildfires can seem to be uncontrollable at times, Canadians can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and decrease the likelihood of even more severe climate events by acting to reduce our emissions.
Our governments have an important role to play by enacting policy that meet our emissions reductions targets, and ensure a healthy environment, now and in the future.
In 2019, Peterborough City Council declared a climate emergency and renewed their local commitment to enact strategies that significantly reduce the city’s corporate emissions and emissions community-wide.
People can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change by using active travel methods like biking, rolling, or walking. Ironically, during extremely poor air quality days (especially as a result of wildfire smoke), outdoor exercise is not recommended. Peterborough Public Health recommends checking the Ontario Air Quality Index before making a decision to use active travel. (Photo: Tegan Moss / GreenUP)
In the declaration, Peterborough city council identified the need to achieve a target of 45 per cent greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 below 2011 levels and net-zero by 2050.
As we see fluctuating smoke days in the Peterborough and the Kawarthas, perhaps you can help decrease our local greenhouse gas emissions.
While enjoying the great outdoors this summer, you can limit unnecessary fire use. Even outside of risky periods like a fire ban, personal fires create emissions.
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Plant drought-tolerant native plants or in your neighbourhood — these use less water and can handle warmer, drier seasons.
Use active travel methods like biking, rolling, or walking to cut down on driving-related emissions.
Replace indoor appliances that use natural gas with electric appliances.
A photo of wildfire smoke over the City of Peterborough from the top of Armour Hill, taken by GreenUP Home Energy Advisor Collin Richardson, whose role is to assess your home’s energy efficiency and recommend retrofits that decrease greenhouse gas emissions and also save energy. (Photo: Collin Richardson / GreenUP)
Assess the carbon emissions of your business and identify ways to decrease the environmental impact of your operations.
Even though it may seem daunting, there are many ways we can keep our emissions low and mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.
Together we can look through the smoke and act to create a clearer future.
A painted kayak created by Peterborough artist Jason Wilkins hangs in the Silver Bean Cafe in Millennium Park. (Photos: Silver Bean Cafe / Facebook)
A painted kayak by well-known local artist Jason Wilkins is now hanging in the popular Silver Bean Cafe, located in Millennium Park on the shores of the Otonabee River in downtown Peterborough.
Owner Dan Brandsma commissioned Wilkins to create the art installation to celebrate the cafe’s 20th year in business. The kayak, painted in Wilkins’ signature style with vibrant colours, is hanging inside the exterior ceiling of the cafe building where it covers the patio.
“We are grateful for each and every day that people choose to dine on our patio,” reads a post from Silver Bean Cafe on their Facebook page. “Thanks for bringing your vibrancy, personality, and community energy (like the colours here); your ongoing support for this little cottage in the city.”
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The Silver Bean Cafe opened in 2003 in the Millennium Park building owned by the City of Peterborough (the cafe leases the space from the city). Brandsma took over the cafe in 2019 from original owner Andrea Vanderherberg.
As well as celebrating the Silver Bean’s 20th anniversary, the painted kayak is also a nod to the future opening of the Silver Bean’s second location at the new Canadian Canoe Museum currently under construction on the shores of Little Lake.
Expected to open in the fall, the new museum will include a cafe that seats 30 people inside and 32 outside. Operated by the Silver Bean Cafe, it will offer drinks (including alcoholic beverages), light lunches, treats, and grab-and-go options for both museum visitors and local residents. Unlike the Millennium Park location, the Silver Bean’s museum location will be open year-round..
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