For the first time since the pandemic began, the spring opening event at the Ecology Park Nursery on May 21, 2022 will feature many annuals and veggies grown by students in the horticultural program at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Hi there! Vern Bastable here at Ecology Park. Everyone at GreenUP is excited to once again be preparing for our annual spring opening event this year! Gardening season is upon us, and we’re all ready to start fresh with some new shrubs, trees, and seedlings.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s column is by Vern Bastable, Director of GreenUP Ecology Park and Landscape Programs.
The annual spring opening event is Saturday, May 21st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the GreenUP Ecology Park Native Plant & Tree Nursery. While Ecology Park is located at 1899 Ashburnham Drive, the nursery is accessible only by foot from the parking lot at Beavermead Park. Vehicles can enter Ecology Park from Ashburnham Drive for compost and mulch pickup only.
Sorry, but there is no parking within the park.
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The Ecology Park Nursery is known as one of the best local sources for native plants, with over 150 types of edible and native varieties of plants, shrubs, and trees.
For the first time since the pandemic began, the spring opening event will also feature many annuals and veggies grown by students in the horticultural program at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just entertaining the thought of your first green thumb, there’s always something to learn and enjoy at the Ecology Park Nursery.
Landowners can keep their local “neighbourghwoods” green and vibrant by adding appropriate native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers to their properties. (Photo: Leif Einarson)
This year, before you go for the same old annuals or succumb to impulse-buying the first fancy flower that catches your eye, we’ve got something easier and better for you to consider.
Here’s the thing that many people don’t realize: selecting the right native species for your garden can deliver more beauty and benefits with less labour, less maintenance, and less cost than some common approaches to using introduced species and more cost-intensive landscaping.
Using native species allows you to enjoy your yard and garden while also investing in the future of your property and restoring nearby nature.
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Introduced or non-native species, by definition, do not belong here. Those introduced species can also introduce you to a lot of undesirable costs and drawbacks. They can demand extra attention and resources from you because they are not accustomed to the weather and soil of this region. They may also not play nicely with native species and pollinators. All of this together can increase the maintenance needs for your entire landscaping plan.
Maybe it’s just me, but I enjoy gardens and landscapes that give back in more ways than one.
Planting smarter, not harder, means choosing native species appropriate to your landscape. These species have developed complex evolutionary relationships with other native species. Even better, planting a diverse range of native species can create a vibrant legacy in your corner of wilderness that anticipates future climate changes.
A native bumblebee enjoys the nectar of a Dolgo Crabapple sapling for sale at the Ecology Park Nursery. Trees that bloom in early spring are crucial for native pollinators. The Dolgo crabapple provides relatively sweet fruit and easily cross-pollinates with other apple trees. (Photo: Leif Einarson)The Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) blooms in one of the demonstration gardens at GreenUP Ecology Park. The early blossoms of the redbud attract nectar-seeking insects and butterflies, while the seeds bring in songbirds like the chickadee. Eastern Redbuds prefer moist, well-drained and fertile soils, but can tolerate a range of soil conditions. (Photo: Leif Einarson)
Well-chosen native species can augment your property for decades to come in several ways: restore and protect local habitats, create vibrant landscaping that is often easier to care for, add property value, protect your home from flooding, draw in local birds and critters for your viewing enjoyment, reduce the cost of utilities (like heating, cooling, and water usage), and, last but not least, fight climate change.
Well-chosen native species can also help out during those extreme droughts and floods we’re seeing more regularly. The robust root systems of some native species help them survive long periods without rain. Those same root systems also soak up the rain during heavy rainfall events, preventing runoff and erosion that can damage your property and impact water quality.
Come get some tips from our team at Ecology Park Nursery’s spring opening event on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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If you have more questions, remember that the Ecology Park Nursery is open all spring and summer into the early fall, right up until closing on October 7. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
All proceeds from sales at the Ecology Park Nursery support GreenUP’s non-profit programming in communities throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
The American beech (Fagus grandifolia) at the entrance to Ecology Park Nursery is leafing out in time to welcome visitors at the spring opening event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2022. The American beech prefers acidic, loamy, and moist soil in full sun. (Photo: Leif Einarson)
After going virtual last year due to the pandemic, the 2022 IG Wealth Management Walk For Alzheimer's returns as an in-person event on May 28 at Trent University, with participants aiming to walk 10,740 steps and raise $107,400 to support the work of the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton. If they prefer, participants can also walk 10,740 step over several days at their own pace. (Photo courtesy of Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton)
Heather Marriott says she will never forget where she was and, more notably, what she heard on July 22, 2020.
“The doctor said ‘Your mother has Alzheimer’s’,” recalls the Roseneath resident, adding “Those are four words that just ripped my heart out. It was devastating to say the least.”
“I work in a health care-related field, so I have some knowledge of Alzheimer’s and dementia. I tried to prepare as much I could, and tried to prepare my dad, my sister and brother, and especially my kids. The worst-case scenario was that it was Alzheimer’s, but it was all theory until you hear the words.”
What followed was something that thousands of families have done when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s — the family rallied big time around its matriarch, Sheila Surerus.
VIDEO: Register for the 2022 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s
No better example of that can be found than its participation in the 2021 Walk For Alzheimer’s that saw Team Surerus raise about $14,000 for the work of the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton — the highest amount raised by any team that participated.
A year later, Team Surerus is back at it, fundraising for the 2022 walk at Trent University on Saturday, May 28th. Team members’ purple T-shirts, emblazoned with Forget-Me-Not flowers and the words Team Surerus, are ready to go.
After registering, teams will walk 10,740 steps around the Justin Chiu Stadium track — one step for each person currently living with dementia in the region.
According to event organizer Ryan Arnold, the local society’s donor relations coordinator, last year’s walk raised just under $100,000. In keeping with the 10,740 steps goal, it’s hoped $107,400 will be raised this time around with IG Wealth Management again on board as the title sponsor.
“I’m counting down the days,” says Arnold, noting 130 participants were registered as of May 5, most as members of 21 teams and the remainder as individuals. Last year at this time, 80 had signed up.
Wealth Management Walk For Alzheimer’s, walking for Heather Marriott’s mother Sheila Surerus who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Team Surerus)
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While the centre of the event universe will be at Trent University on May 28, Arnold notes participants can opt to get in their 10,740 steps over the course of several days — “Whatever fits their schedule and their physical abilities.”
All money raised, adds Arnold, goes directly to support the local society’s work, mostly to the provision of programs and services. The need, he adds, is clear.
“Our region has one of the highest percentages of dementia in Ontario,” he points out. “Anyone you talk to knows someone who has it, or has been affected by it. Everyone has some kind of story, some kind of connection, to Alzheimer’s.”
Marriott certainly knows that to be true when it comes to her mother.
“We kind of suspected something wasn’t right, probably at least two years before her actual diagnosis,” she says, describing the progression of the disease that is the most common type of dementia.
“She was always very generous and very involved in the community,” Marriott recalls. “She put everyone else’s needs before her own. She was very active. But her personality started to change. She was short with people. She was impatient. She was forgetting things.”
“She had gone through a lot of stress for a few years, so we kept explaining it away. It got to a point where it was like ‘Okay, this is not normal stress.’ Our gut instinct was there’s something wrong. Has she had a stroke? Is there a brain clot? There’s something going on that’s not normal for her.”
IG Wealth Management is once again the title sponsor of the 2022 Walk For Alzheimer’s. (Photo courtesy of Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton)
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That was confirmed when Surerus was diagnosed at age 68 following a doctor’s referral to the Kawartha Centre, a Peterborough healthy aging-focused facility where her memory was assessed.
“You picture someone with Alzheimer’s and it’s someone that’s frail and elderly,” says Marriott. “If you meet my mom, she presents so well you would never know that she has Alzheimer’s.”
“The people that are living with her and seeing her day-to-day have seen the changes in her but, to this day, if you met my mom, she would carry on a perfectly normal conversation. You wouldn’t have any idea that there’s a problem with her memory.”
Describing the current level of her mom’s Alzheimer’s as “fairly mild to moderate,” Marriott acknowledges there’s a rough road ahead — particularly for her father.
“It’s been hard on him. This isn’t something you sign up for when you get married. It’s a learning experience for us all, but he’s really been a champ.”
“We try not to look too far ahead. We know that functioning-wise, it’s not going to get any better. We need to make the most of every day. Our family is very close. She has a huge support group. And she’s involved with the Kawartha Centre and involved in a research study, so she’s on an experimental drug. There’s a little bit of hope that taking part in that study may delay the inevitable.”
Many participants in the annual Walk For Alzheimer’s will be walking on behalf of a loved one who is living with Alzheimer’s. (Photo courtesy of Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton)
In the meantime, Marriott has made it her business to learn as much as she can about dementia as she can. The local society, she says, has been “amazing” in terms of education and support provided.
“I thought I knew a lot about dementia and Alzheimer’s but I had no idea. They do an online Minds In Motion webinar. It’s partly brain exercises and things that the person with Alzheimer’s and their caregiver can do together. Mom takes part and quite enjoys it.”
On May 28, Surerus’ family and friends will actually do two walks, first getting together in Roseneath at the fairground track “for those who can’t get up to Peterborough” before heading to Trent University for the main event.
As she reflects on the 2021 experience, that saw Team Surerus walk in Roseneath only as the regular event was held virtually only due to the pandemic, Marriott is buoyed by the memory of her mom’s happiness over simply being out and about with her family and friends.
“She was like a kid in a candy store. It was so great to see a permanent smile on her face all day. Getting pictures with everybody. Being herself.”
Teams and individuals can register for the 2022 IG Wealth Management Walk For Alzheimer’s until May 28, when the walk takes place at Trent University. (Photo courtesy of Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton)
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As for the 2022 walk, close to $27,000 — 24 per cent of the walk goal — had already been raised by the first week of May. Arnold says his focus now is on providing support to participants, adding teams and individuals can register right to up to walk day.
To register for the 2022 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, visit www.walklocal.ca, where donations to participating teams and individuals can also be made. Meanwhile, donations can be made directly to Team Surerus at www.alzgiving.ca/goto/Team-Surerus.
Whatever the outcome of the 2022 walk in terms of dollars raised, Arnold says the value of the heightened awareness piece can’t be underestimated.
“Not everyone knows we exist or what we do, so it’s really important to keep getting our name out there and let people know that we’re here,” he explains.
VIDEO: Who are you walking for?
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and progressively worsens. It is the cause of an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of dementia diagnoses, with over 500,000 Canadians currently living with dementia.
The most common early symptom is short-term memory loss or remembering recent conversations, details, and events. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation, mood swings, loss of motivation, self-neglect, and behavioural issues.
For more information about the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton and the services it provides, visit alzheimer.ca/pklnh.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton. If your business or organization is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Anishinaabe playwright Josh Languedoc of Indigenized Indigenous Theatre Company will perform "Rocko and Nakota: Tales From the Land" during the Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival, which runs June 21-26, 2022 at Trent University in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough. His is one of seven Indigenous-led shows that will be performed 34 times during the five days of the festival. (Photo courtesy of Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival)
Tickets are now on sale for the second annual Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival taking place this summer at Trent University in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough.
The festival will ceremonially open on Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) with 34 performances of seven shows over the following five days (June 22 to 26) on the Trent University East Bank campus, at outdoor locations as well as indoors at the Nozhem First Peoples Performance Space.
Tickets for each performance are $10, and are available in advance at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) or online at tickets.showplace.org. Tickets will also be available at the door (cash only), subject to availability.
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The seven shows and performers are:
Bone, Breath and Sound: Embodiment of the Traumatized and Resilient Form by Aerial Sunday-Cardinal. Showcasing a collection of new and existing works, Aerial Sunday-Cardinal provides the audience with unique, powerful and captivating performances through which she demonstrates a metamorphic timeline of her personal experiences.
Not Your Sacred Object by Indigibabes Burlesque. This adults-only show invites people to explore, celebrate, and reclaim themselves in ways that honour sexuality and challenge western standards of beauty, colonization and white supremacy.
Rocko and Nakota: Tales From the Land by Indigenized Indigenous Theatre Company. This one-person show by Josh Languedoc, which won pick of the fringe in Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Vancouver, tells the story of Nakota, a young boy trying to write the best story ever who is whisked away by his grandfather Rocko into a world of stories within the land.
Poetry on the Powwow Trail by Sarah Lewis. Sarah Lewis, Peterborough’s first poet laureate, takes the audience on a powerful journey through one Indigenous woman’s reclamation of identity, culture, and traditional teachings.
Independent artist sean beaver of the Driftpile Cree Nation will showcase his original electronic music during the Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival, which runs June 21-26, 2022 at Trent University in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival)
sean beaver Live by sean beaver. A showcase of original electronic music by independent artist sean beaver of the Driftpile Cree Nation, whose sound is described as a cross between Teenage Mutants, Chemical Brothers, and Richie Hawtin.
Journey the Beautiful Canoe by the Beautiful Canoe Collective. A group of four Indigenous women, The Beautiful Canoe Collective have made this theatre piece with the goal of creating a collaborative artistic expression of Indigenous birth experiences.
Songs and Stories from a Modern Mohawk Part 2 by “Tiger” Will Mason. A hit at the inaugural festival, “Tiger” Will Mason returns with more songs and anecdotes. His music combines native contemporary sounds, with bluegrass/newgrass/Americana/Canadiana, country rock, blues rock, folk, and whatever else fits his fancy.
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Performances run daily from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22nd, 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 23rd, 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 24th, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 25th, and 1 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 26th.
The first Indigenous fringe festival in the world, the Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival was founded by a collective including Joeann Argue, Lee Bolton, Drew Hayden Taylor, and Muriel Miguel. The inaugural festival was originally scheduled for summer 2020 but was postponed until 2021 because of the pandemic.
For more information about this year’s festival, including more informaton about the participating artists, visit www.indigenousfringefest.ca.
UPDATE Mon May 16 2 p.m. – Peterborough police have advised the two missing girls have been located.
Peterborough police are asking for the public’s help in locating two missing youth.
10-year-old Odessa Broderick and 12-year-old Tayla Zwanepol were last seen around 8:45 p.m. on Sunday (May 15).
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Police and family are concerned for their well being.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at stopcrimehere.ca.
Serena Ryder accepting the Juno award for contemporary album of the year for "The Art of Falling Apart" at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on May 14, 2022. (kawarthaNOW screenshot)
Millbrook native Serena Ryder took home her seventh Juno award at the 2022 Juno Opening Night Awards on Saturday night (May 14) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Ryder won contemporary album of the year for The Art of Falling Apart, which she wrote about her “journey with mental illness toward mental wellness.”
“I think one of the biggest epidemics in the world right now is mental illness,” Ryder said when accepting the award. “This is something that I feel so blessed that I have the opportunity to speak about, because I did come through the other side. I’ve learned so much about how to take care of myself. I’m honoured to be up here with this award for this record and I’m going to keep on talking about this.”
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Born in Toronto and raised in Millbrook, the 39-year-old singer-songwriter won her first Juno in 2008 for new artist of the year.
In each of the following two years, she won adult alternative album of the year for Is It O.K. and video of the year for her song “Little Bit of Red.” She won another adult alternative album of the year award in 2013 for Harmony and, in 2014, won two Junos: songwriter of the year for her hit songs “Stompa” and “What I Wouldn’t Do” as well as artist of the year.
The top award winner at Saturday night’s opening night ceremony was Montreal’s pop-electro sensation Charlotte Cardin, who took home three awards: single of the year, artist of the year, and album of the year. The Weeknd followed with two awards for contemporary R&B recording of the year and songwriter of the year.
VIDEO: Serena Ryder accepts her Juno Award
Montreal singer-songwriter Allison Russell took home contemporary roots album of the year for her debut solo record Outside Child — one of 24 first-time winners this year. A full list of all the winners is available below.
The 51st annual Juno Awards continue at 8 p.m. on Sunday night with a ceremony hosted by Simu Liu and broadcast on CBC live from the outdoor venue Budweiser Stage in Toronto.
In addition to the presentation of more awards including the newest addition to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the broadcast will feature performances by Arcade Fire, Arkells, Avril Lavigne, bbno$, Charlotte Cardin, Deborah Cox, DJ Shub & Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Haviah Mighty, Lauren Spencer-Smith, Mustafa, and Tesher.
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Here is a complete list of winners from the opening night of the Juno awards:
Pop album of the year – Phoenix Charlotte Cardin
Reggae recording of the year – Easy Now, Kairo McLean
Jazz album of the year (group) – Worldview, Avataar
Album artwork of the year – Mykaël Nelson, Nicolas Lemieux, Albert Zablit
Contemporary R&B recording of the year – Take My Breath, The Weeknd
Contemporary Indigenous artist or group of the year – War Club, DJ Shub
Jazz album of the year (solo) – Change of Plans, Will Bonness
Classical album of the year (solo artist) – enargeia, Emily D’Angelo
Jack Richardson Producer of the year – WondaGurl
Breakthrough group of the year – Monowhales
Contemporary Christian/gospel album of the year – No Greater Love, The Color Dream
Classical album of the year (large ensemble) – Solfeggio, L’Harmonie des saisons, conducted by Eric Milnes ft. Hélène Brunet
Single of the year – Meaningless, Charlotte Cardin
Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award – Denise Jones
Comedy album of the year – Grandma’s Girl, Andrea Jin
Dance recording of the year – Caution, Kaytranada
Children’s album of the year – Falling in Africa, Garth Prince
Instrumental album of the year – That Tall Distance, David Myles
Musicounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award – Dallas Green
Alternative album of the year – When Smoke Rises, Mustafa
Classical composition of the year – Arras, Keiko Devaux
Traditional R&B/soul recording of the year – 24hrs, Savannah Ré
Rock album of the year – Sisters Not Twins (The Professional Lovers Album), The Beaches
Vocal jazz album of the year – Now Pronouncing: Caity Gyorgy
International album of the year – Sour, Olivia Rodrigo
Global music album of the year – Kalasö, Afrikana Soul Sister
Adult alternative album of the year – Inwards & Onwards, Half Moon Run
Humanitarian Award – Susan Aglukark
Country album of the year – What Is Life?, Brett Kissel
Francophone album of the year – Impossible à aimer, Cœur de pirate
Traditional roots album of the year – Joyful Banner Blazing, Maria Dunn
Adult contemporary album of the year – The Art of Falling Apart, Serena Ryder
Blues album of the year – Open Road, Colin James
Classical album of the year (small ensemble) – Beethoven: Sonates pour violon et piano/Violin Sonatas Nos. 1, 2, 3, & 5, Andrew Wan and Charles Richard-Hamelin
Recording engineer of the year – Hill Kourkoutis
Rap single of the year – BOLD, Charmaine
Metal/hard music album of the year – Bleed the Future, Archspire
Electronic album of the year – Oasis Sky, TOR
Music video of the year – Easy On Me (Adele), Xavier Dolan
Songwriter of the year – The Weeknd
Contemporary roots album of the year – Outside Child, Allison Russell
Underground dance single of the year – Shadows In The Dark ft. Elliot Moss HNTR
Traditional Indigenous artist or group of the year – Kakike, Fawn Wood
At The Lake Distributing owners Jason Pulchinski (front row, fourth from left) and Niki Pulchinski (front row, third from right) with their employees at their building at 1525 Chemong Road just outside Peterborough. As well as expanding their recreational water product wholesale distribution business thanks to a grant and support from Community Futures Peterborough, Jason and Niki have launched Shop The Lake, a patio furniture business also located in the building. (Photo courtesy of At The Lake Distributing)
Niki Pulchinski likes to tell the story about the family road trip where she and her husband Jason conceptualized their small business At The Lake Distributing. At the time, their family lived in Kitchener, where Niki stayed at home with their three young children while Jason worked for a large corporation in a job he wasn’t enjoying. They both wanted a change.
“We met in Peterborough years ago, and then our careers took us away,” says Niki.
When the couple set out on the road trip to South Carolina Myrtle Beach over 15 years ago, starting their own business was an idea they’d already floated around. Shortly after their return, Jason submitted his notice to work, and they packed up and moved their family to Peterborough — all with the plan of starting At The Lake Distributing.
As a wholesale distributor, At The Lake Distributing sources water-related recreational products, including inflatable water toys from Aquaglide, and brings them to their Peterborough warehouse where they resell them to retailers. (Photo: Aquaglide)
Fifteen years later, Jason and Niki’s waterfront recreational product distribution business has experienced significant growth and success. The business has come a long way from the eight-by-nine basement bungalow office it ran from during the first five years. But, Niki says, no step of the way was easy.
With growth came many unforeseen obstacles. A number of those obstacles, Niki says, they got through thanks to the support they received from Community Futures Peterborough.
One of 267 non-profit Community Futures organizations across Canada, Community Futures Peterborough receives funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to provide loans and financing, training and advice, and tools resources to small and medium-sized businesses in the County of Peterborough. The organization aims to assist the growth of the local business and employment opportunities, strengthening Peterborough’s communities and economy.
Employees of At The Lake Distributing at the Spring Cottage Life Show at The International Centre in Mississauga in April 2022. (Photo courtesy of At The Lake Distributing)
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As a small business owner, Niki pitched her vision for innovation and growth for At The Lake Distributing to Community Futures for the first time in 2019.
“When we first moved to Peterborough to start our company back in 2007, I went around to all the organizations that support the business community and picked up literature and pamphlets,” Niki recalls. “Over the years, while our company was growing, I went to some Community Futures workshops, but the relationship really cemented when we were a semi-finalist in the Ignite 100 competition.”
The 2019 competition awarded one winner a grant to support an innovative project to expand and grow their business. While At The Lake Distributing did not win the competition, Niki and Jason then applied for a grant under the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario (RIIEO) program, aimed at helping traditional small and medium-sized businesses and manufacturers expand their business growth and adopt innovative business processes.
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Gail Moorhouse, executive director of Community Futures Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)
According to Gail Moorhouse, executive director of Community Futures Peterborough, there are multiple reasons At The Lake Distributing was chosen as one of eight businesses to receive the RIIEO that year.
“Niki put in the application that met the qualifications,” Moorhouse notes. “Her project was innovative, and it aligned with the government priorities. It improved productivity, enhanced her business, and created jobs.”
Niki and Jason used part of the grant to purchase an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for their growing business. Without the RIIEO grant, Niki says they would not have been able to afford the cloud-based software that helps businesses to manage day-to-day business such as accounting, procurement, supply chain operations, and more.
Acquiring the new technology was crucial for At The Lake Distributing which, as a waterfront recreational product distribution business, saw the demand for their products spike during the pandemic.
As a wholesale distributor, At The Lake Distributing sources water-related recreational products, including docks, boat lifts, and dock accessories from The Lighthouse Docks, and brings them to their Peterborough warehouse where they resell them to retailers. (Photo: The Lighthouse Docks)
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“Without it, we could not have handled the growth we experienced during COVID,” Niki explains. “We were one of the fortunate businesses that did well during COVID. Because people weren’t travelling, they were spending a lot of time at their homes, whether a waterfront home or cottage. A lot of those travel budgets went into purchasing a new dock or a boat or water toys.”
The ERP system eliminated time-consuming manual paper-based processes for the At The Lake Distributing team, freeing their time to fulfill more orders and grow the business.
“Now we’re scanning inventory in and out,” says Niki. “All our invoicing is done electronically and has a built-in customer resource management system. We can track leads, quotes, and customer orders. It lets us handle growth.”
As a wholesale distributor, At The Lake Distributing sources water-related recreational products — including docks, boat lifts, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, skis, inflatable water toys, water sports equipment, and more — and brings them to their Peterborough warehouse, where they resell them to retailers.
“When we talked about what business we were going to start, we both knew distribution and business from our own work experience,” Niki recalls. “Our passion is water sports and cottaging. We thought this would be the perfect marriage of the products we love and our expertise.”
Shop The Lake, Niki and Jason Pulchinski’s patio furniture store, is located at 1525 Chemong Road just outside Peterborough, the home of their recreational water product wholesale distribution business At The Lake Distributing. (Photo courtesy of Shop The Lake)
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Another benefit of the ERP system is that it allowed employees to work efficiently from home during the height of the pandemic — a period when the size of their staff also grew significantly.
“We’ve probably added at least 10 employees since we received the RIIEO grant,” Niki says.
After receiving the RIIEO grant, Niki and Jason also purchased a building at 1525 Chemong Road to run At The Lake Distributing While renovating the space, they also decided to launch a second business inside the new building.
“The main floor of that building had been a patio furniture business for the last 25 years,” Niki explains. “When we were getting close to the end of the deal with the previous owners running the lease, we told them we were going to divide the bottom part into two separate retail stores and rent them out to retailers.”
That’s when one of the previous owners suggested one of those retailers could be a patio furniture store.
“At the end of the day, Jason and I were chatting and we got thinking: patio furniture, why don’t we do that? Because it’s the same game — it’s just supply chain.”
At The Lake Distributing owners Niki Pulchinski (left) and Jason Pulchinski (right) celebrate the grand opening of Shop The Lake, their patio furniture store, on May 7, 2022. The store is located at 1525 Chemong Road just outside Peterborough, the home of their recreational water product wholesale distribution business At The Lake Distributing. (Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough)
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The couple launched their new patio furniture store, called ‘Shop The Lake’, just two weeks before the pandemic shut down Ontario. On May 7, two years later, the business celebrated its much-delayed grand opening.
In addition to the RIIEO grant, Niki and Jason have taken advantage of Community Futures’ business counselling services, which Niki says are invaluable for busy entrepreneurs caught up in the daily work of running a business.
“It’s so different working for a corporation because you have teams of people that deal with all these other details,” she explains. “I think a characteristic of entrepreneurs is where we try to do everything ourselves. We really started growing our company when we started reaching out more to other professionals.”
According to Community Future Peterborough’s executive director Gail Moorhouse, while not every small business achieves the same level of success as At The Lake Distributing, the ones that do succeed are the ones who seek out help.
“Build a network of people who can help you diversify areas of your business,” Moorhouse says. “Together, we go farther.”
As well as selling patio furniture, Shop The Lake provides design services to select furniture for your specific needs as well as the fabrics and finishes that suit your personal style. (Photo courtesy of Shop The Lake)
To learn more about Niki and Jason Pulchinski’s patio furniture business Shop The Lake, visit their website at www.atldistributing.ca. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.
This branded editorial was created in partnership with Community Futures Peterborough. If your business or organization is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
If you’re going camping or heading to a cottage in Haliburton County this weekend, you won’t be able to have a campfire.
Due to a lack of rainfall and extremely dry conditions, the fire chiefs in the four townships of Haliburton County have jointly declared a total fire ban for the entire county.
The fire ban went into effect on Thursday (May 12) and remains in effect until further notice for all residents, visitors, and contractors in Dysart et al, Algonquin Highlands, Highlands East, and Minden Hills. No outdoor fires of any kind are permitted. This includes bonfires, campfires (even for cooking or warmth), or any other open-air fires.
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No fireworks, flying lanterns, outdoor candles and lanterns, tiki torches, chimineas, or charcoal barbeques are permitted (propane barbeques for cooking are permitted). Burning of leaves and brush is prohibited, and all daytime burning permits and firework permits are suspended until further notice.
Although the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has identified much of the northern Kawarthas region — including Haliburton, northern Kawartha Lakes, northern Peterborough County, and Hastings County — at an “extreme” forest fire danger rating, a fire ban is currently only in place for Haliburton County.
However, North Kawartha Township in Peterborough County has a new fireworks by-law in effect that only allows consumer fireworks to be set off on set dates and times, including between 7 and 11 p.m. on the Victoria Day long weekend (including Victoria Day). The by-law prohibits the use of flying lanterns at any time.
Emergency vehicles on the scene of a two-vehicle collision on Lakefield Road at Buckhorn Road between Peterborough and Lakefield that claimed the life of an 87-year-old woman on May 12, 2022. (Photo: Ontario Provincial Police)
An 87-year-old woman is dead following a collision in Selwyn Township between Peterborough and Lakefield on Thursday evening (May 12).
At around 7 p.m., two vehicles collided on Lakefield Road at Buckhorn Road.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene and two other people were transported to hospital with minor injuries.
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Police have identified the deceased person as Dorothy Unrau, 87, of Selwyn Township.
Lakefield Road at Buckhorn Road was closed for four hours, with detours in place, while police documented the scene.
Police continue to investigate the cause of the collision. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dash cam footage and has not yet spoken with police is asked to contact the Peterborough County OPP Detachment at 705-742-0401 or 1-888-310-1122.
Three candidates vying to become Peterborough-Kawartha's next MPP debated environmental issues at Trent University on May 12, 2022. Greg Dempsey (Liberal), Jen Deck (NDP), and Robert Gibson (Green Party) participated in the debate, with incumbent Dave Smith (Progressive Conservative) withdrawing at the last minute due to a family emergency.
The second round of Peterborough-Kawartha candidates squaring off to demonstrate why they should become the region’s next MPP began on Thursday night (May 12) at Trent University — with one notable no-show.
Incumbent Dave Smith (Progressive Conservative), who was planning to attend, dropped out of the debate at the last minute because of a “family emergency.”
All parties with seats in the legislature were invited to participate and Jen Deck (NDP), Greg Dempsey (Liberal), and Robert Gibson (Green Party) turned up prepared to answered five questions they received in advance as well as never-before-seen questions submitted by community members.
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Capably moderated by Trent University students Malaika Collette, Gabriel Trozzo Stamou, and Mary Ellen Abberger, the night began with a question about the biggest challenges and opportunities related to the climate crisis each candidate sees in the riding.
Deck started by touting the NDP’s green new democratic deal, “the boldest, most effective and achievable plan Ontario’s ever had.”
Gibson began by saying past governments have failed to curtail sprawl “resulting in the loss of natural spaces, [which] also locks the region into fossil fuel and coal dependency.”
Dempsey answered, “The biggest challenge to climate action in Peterborough-Kawartha is the Doug Ford conservative government. They’ve ripped up climate contracts, they put stickers on gas pumps, [and] they pretended the climate emergency doesn’t exist.”
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In Smith’s absence, each candidate spent much of the night lambasting the Ford Government for the following:
Promising to build the 413 that, if built, would run 59 kilometres from Vaughn to Brampton through the Greenbelt.
The cancellation of Liberal-initiated green energy projects.
“Trying to carve up the Greenbelt three times.”
Going all in on gas-fired power plants thus increasing Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Firing the Ontario environmental commissioner.
Abuse of Minister’s zoning prders (which are only meant to be used in extraordinary circumstances) to override local planning authorities and allow for development on protected lands.
Closely matched on policy, Deck, Dempsey, and Gibson never meaningfully clashed. Instead, each took their time highlighting their respective party’s environmental philosophy, occasionally pausing for a respectful rebuttal or clarification.
Of special note was the thoughtful way in which each candidate centred Indigenous rights, knowledge, and ways of being in their remarks. At one point Dempsey said the Liberals would “meaningfully engage with Indigenous people.”
Gibson said the Green Party would “work towards decolonizing the environmental movement.”
Deck suggested the NDP, “is committed to implementing the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and apply it to provincial laws.”
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What else can Peterborough-Kawartha voters expect from each party on the environmental file if elected?
Gibson said the Green Party would push to cut Ontario’s pollution in half by 2030 and go to net zero by 2045. The Greens would do this by adopting a zero-carbon law that sets a “fair share carbon budget” for the rest of the century. They would also retrofit homes and businesses, electrify transit, de-carbonize electricity, and protect the natural environment.
Dempsey said the Liberal plan would reduce emissions by 50 per cent by 2030. They will also make all transit fares across the province $1, and the Liberals would protect 30 percent of greenspace by 2030, which would include the creation of five new provincial parks.
According to Deck, the NDP would mandate all newly built public, residential, and commercial buildings to be net zero emissions by 2030. They would establish a retrofit program the NDP claims will produce $15 billion of annual economic activity and create 100,000 new jobs.
Deck said the NDP would also initiate a “zero emission vehicle strategy” aiming for 100 per cent electric vehicle sales by 2035, and would electrify all transit by 2040. Finally, Deck said, her party will “restore integrity to the land use planning process by revoking ministerial zoning orders.”
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Organized by youth environmental activists, GreenUP, the Kawartha World Issues Centre, For Our Grandchildren, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association, the 70-minute debate was livestreamed on YouTube.
Peterborough-Kawartha candidates who were not invited to participate in the debate were Tom Marazzo (Ontario Party), Rebecca Quinnell (New Blue Party), and Dylan Smith (None Of The Above Party).
Police have charged a 26-year-old Ajax man in connection with the February 2020 murder of 18-year-old Alex Tobin in Omemee, a month after releasing new video, photos, and details about three suspects in the murder. (kawarthaNOW screenshot of OPP-supplied video)
A month after releasing new video, photos, and details about the 2020 murder of 18-year-old Alex Tobin in Omemee, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a 26-year-old Ajax man in connection with the murder.
On Friday (May 13), the OPP announced that, following information provided to the investigation team, police have charged Jeremy Brown, 26, of Ajax with second-degree murder and two counts of failing to comply with the condition of a release order.
Brown is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Lindsay on May 19. Police say the case is subject to a court-ordered publication ban.
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Police are seeking at least two additional suspects in connection with the murder of Tobin, who was shot in his girlfriend’s apartment at 36 King Street East in Omemee on February 18, 2020 and later died in hospital
On April 14, the OPP held a virtual media conference where they provided previously unreleased details of the murder, along with video and photos of two suspects fleeing the apartment building at the time of the murder as well as three suspects at a Scarborough park believed to be discarding evidence connected to the murder.
At that media conference, police also revealed they had recovered the firearm, during an unrelated investigation, believed to have been used to kill Tobin.
VIDEO: Suspects in February 18, 2020 murder of Alex Tobin
A $50,000 reward continues to be offered for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Tobin’s murder.
The OPP is urging anyone who may have information that would assist with the homicide investigation to call the OPP’s dedicated tip line at 1-844-677-5020.
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