Whether a business needs $2,500 to overhaul their recycling program or wants to install a $250,000 energy efficiency upgrade, access to financing — through grants, incentives, or loans — is essential. Experts and experienced members of our business community are available to help businesses and organizations in Peterborough and the Kawarthas “get the green.”

Pressure on businesses continues to grow from stakeholders, customers, and the public to buy-in to sustainability and contribute to collective emissions reduction targets. Simultaneously, with rising costs across the board, the business case for these projects is also growing stronger.

Businesses are agile and responsive to these challenges, proactively seeking out the financing they will need to take on sustainability projects, make impactful environmental change, and improve their bottom line.

Canadian banks, too, are responding to changing demands and can help with financing these projects.

“We are seeing phenomenal growth in the sustainable debt issuance market as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance standards) makes its way into the normal course of everyday business,” says Susan Thompson, director of sustainable finance and corporate transitions at TD Securities. “2021 was a barn burner of a year, with almost $1.8 trillion in sustainable debt issuance, making up 12 to 13 per cent of the overall market worldwide.”

There are now two greener options from Canadian banks that might appeal to corporate borrowers: green loans and sustainability-linked loans.

VIDEO: Green Economy Peterborough – A Project of GreenUP

The former is very similar to a typical corporate loan but governed by a set of green loan principles. These dictate that they can be used only for projects linked to an environmental objective, like installing renewable energy systems or converting to clean transportation.

Sustainability-linked loans (SLL), by contrast, can be used for any corporate purposes and are tied to predetermined sustainability targets. Those who choose to borrow with SLL demonstrate a tangible corporate commitment, as there is often a payoff to hitting your targets. This is by way of a one-to-five-per-cent basis point adjustment in your favour on the interest rate — and a corresponding penalty if the targets are missed.

It’s heartening to see these loans trending at mainstream banks and to note a sea change in the way that investment decisions are being made. Clearly, climate action is becoming an asset in the eyes of a financier.

Even more attractive to local businesses — and Green Economy Peterborough members — are sustainability grants and incentives that can help a business realize a quicker payback period.

Often though, businesses lack the time or capacity to tune into funding announcements or proactively search for opportunities.

“There is money (in sustainability) available … but they are through very sector-specific specialties based on government mandates and priorities,” says Gail Moorhouse, executive director of Community Futures Peterborough and Green Economy Peterborough member.

Green Economy Peterborough recommends learning from expert business community members and organizations with similar values to tackle these challenges proactively and with zest.

To start, if there are no grant opportunities directly linked to your project, Community Futures says it may be time to get creative. According to Moorhouse, if you put the right spin on your application, it can really make a difference in your success.

“When you are writing an application for grants, you need to make sure that you are including the keywords that the government is looking for,” she says. “If it doesn’t fit within the sector but is strong in all other areas, you may be successful anyway.”

Two Green Economy Peterborough members have recently been successful recipients of grants and provide some insight into their experiences.

“A grant isn’t going to fall in your lap, you have to go get it,” says Lesley Robb, owner of online retailer Swell Made Co., who recently received a $20,000 Desjardins GoodSpark grant to help make her shipping greener.

Robb recommends auditing your business to determine where you can improve, honing your writing skills, and knowing when to ask for help. Most importantly, she iterates that, if you don’t get the grant, to keep trying. Practice makes good enough!

For Steve and Anne Wildfong, co-owners of Lake Edge Cottages Inc, a federal Tourism Relief Fund grant of over $85,000 helped them fund a new building equipped with a solar array, engineered to meet 100 per cent of their resort’s electricity needs. Although this opportunity wasn’t explicitly related to sustainability, they were successful.

“The opportunity we went for was ‘product development’,” said Steve. “So we’re going to change the way that we do business to make it more sustainable and friendly to the environment.”

Green Economy Peterborough helps its members to identify, set, and achieve sustainability goals while improving their bottom line. Green Economy Peterborough is currently recruiting members for 2023, and is offering an early bird rate to those who join before November 1. If you are interested or know someone else who might be, please register for one of the upcoming membership information sessions, held online Tuesday afternoons until October 18, at eventbrite.ca/e/419855859177.

Interested in learning more about Green Economy Peterborough? Visit greeneconomypeterborough.ca or contact Hub Coordinator Natalie Stephenson at natalie.stephenson@greenup.on.ca or 705-745-3238 x223.

Peterborough’s Escape Maze, Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, and Showplace Performance Centre and Bobcaygeon’s Globus Theatre are among 15 tourism-related businesses and organizations in the greater Kawarthas region that are each receiving $100,000 in federal funding to recover from the pandemic and prepare for future growth. Another 22 businesses and organizations are receiving funding ranging $25,500 to $99,850.

On Wednesday (October 5), Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) announced the 37 recipients of $2.8 million in funding through the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund — delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) — to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic, create jobs, and prepare for future growth.

Escape Maze in Peterborough is using the funding to improve accessibility by installing gender-neutral accessible washrooms, to modernize parking, and to convert the present pavilion into a meeting area for the creation of new shoulder-season activities to increase visitor traffic. Market Hall is installing a professional sound system, Showplace is updating its exterior signage and completing networking upgrades, and Globus Theatre is extending and enhancing its summer theatre production and promotion.

Other $100,000 recipients include the Campbellford Business Improvement Area, City of Peterborough, Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce, County of Peterborough, Curve Lake First Nation, Kawartha Region Conservation Authority, Municipality of Trent Hills, Peterborough & the Kawartha Tourism, Selwyn Township, North Kawartha Township, and Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is using the funding to upgrade of the visitor centre in Campbellford, install an EV charging station in Warkworth, install six permanent message centres throughout Trent Hills, providing infrastructure for a kayak rental facility, and updating washrooms for increased accessibility.

“Funding through the Tourism Relief Fund is a tremendous support that will provide us with opportunities for marketing, tourism development, and infrastructure projects to increase visitor spending in Trent Hills on both a short and long-term basis,” says Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce CEO Nancy Allanson in a media release. “We appreciate the federal government’s contribution to support the tourism economy in Trent Hills, vital to the success of local festivals and events, thriving downtown communities and the business community.”

In addition to the 15 recipients of $100,000, another 22 businesses and organizations have received funding ranging $25,500 to $99,850. A full list of recipients along with their funding and what it will be used for is provided below.

The federal government’s $2.8-million investment in RTO8 — funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport to promote regional tourism activity in Peterborough County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County — is part of $78-million investment to promote regional tourism activity in the area that is now branded as Kawarthas Northumberland.

“We at RTO8 are thrilled to be able to deliver the Tourism Relief Fund to Kawarthas Northumberland,” says RTO8 executive director Brenda Wood. “The funding provided by FedDev Ontario will continue to support our region’s vibrant and authentic tourism industry.”

The Government of Canada’s $2.8-million investment in RTO8 is part of a $78-million investment in Indigenous Tourism Ontario and regional tourism organizations in southern Ontario, coming from the federal government’s $500-million Tourism Relief Fund. FedDev Ontario is delivering nearly $120 million of the Tourism Relief Fund across southern Ontario

Recipients

Campbellford Business Improvement Area ($100,000)

This project will enhance the Campbellford Business Improvement Area though the installation of an accessible dock for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, the installation of a rainbow bench and self-watering planters, and a website redesign.

City of Peterborough ($100,000)

This project will install wayfinding signage and multiple public art projects displayed throughout the City of Peterborough.

Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce ($100,000)

This project will enhance the Coboconk and Norland tourism area experience through the installation of gender-neutral washrooms, a bike rack and repair stations, benches, and waste receptacles to increase tourism traffic. The project will also renovate the public boat ramp.

County of Peterborough ($100,000)

This project will expand access for the Peterborough area snowmobile trail through the preparation of bridge design and tender documentation, and the pre-purchase of new modular bridge superstructure.

Curve Lake First Nation ($100,000)

This project will create an eco-resort in Curve Lake First Nation with the installation of a glamping component and construction of eco-cabins to promote sustainable tourism in the area.

Escape Maze Inc. ($100,000)

This project will improve accessibility at the escape maze through the installation of gender-neutral accessible washrooms; modernize parking, and converting the present pavilion into a meeting area for the creation of new shoulder season activities to increase visitor traffic.

Globus Theatre Inc. ($100,000)

This project will extend and enhance the summer theatre production and promotion for the Globus Theatre to increase tourism traffic.

Kawartha Region Conservation Authority ($100,000)

This project will install a disc golf course on the site and create a Fall and Winter Festival to increase tourism and visitation traffic in the Kawartha region.

Market Hall Performing Arts Centre ($100,000)

This project will install a professional sound system at Market Hall to enhance visitor experience in downtown Peterborough.

Municipality of Trent Hills ($100,000)

This project will enhance the area of Trent Hills through upgrading municipal washroom facilities, the kayak launch, accessible picnic tables, and installing bike racks to increase eco-tourism demand in the area.

Peterborough & the Kawartha Tourism ($100,000)

This project will deliver an innovation and mentorship program and complete development of wayfinding and signage design guidelines of trail signage and non-vehicular directional signage to execute the wayfinding signage program.

Showplace Performance Centre ($100,000)

This project will update the exterior signage and networking upgrades for a larger online presence to increase theatre tourism in Peterborough.

Township of Selwyn ($100,000)

This project will install interlocking brick in the downtown of Selwyn and the installation of metal streetlight banners to enhance the tourism experience in the area.

Township of North Kawartha ($100,000)

This project will install Level 3 EV charging stations, and create infrastructure to support the EV chargers to elicit increased sustainability focused tourism traffic in the North Kawartha Region.

Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce ($100,000)

This project will enhance the visitor experience throughout Trent Hills by improving the visitor centre in Campbellford, installing an EV charging station in Warkworth, providing marketing, infrastructure for a kayak rental facility, and updating washrooms for increased accessibility.

Critical Mass: A Centre for Contemporary Art ($99,850)

This project will enhance the centre through the ongoing installation of a large-scale immersive digital projection and public art program to increase visitor traffic.

Environmental Action Bobcaygeon ($99,598)

This project will enhance the eco-tourism experience in the Bobcaygeon area through the installation of a kayak rack, water refill station, an EV charging station, bike share maintenance, and the development of a heritage walking tour app.

Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area ($96,100)

This project will create the downtown vibrancy project through the delivery of public art projects, downtown events, map creation, and the Urban Park Grand Opening to renew the downtown core to elicit increased tourism traffic to the Peterborough area.

City of Kawartha Lakes ($92,300)

This project will enhance the Paddling Routes and Fall Driving routes at Kawartha Lakes, and update visitor information signage.

Fells Meadows Farms ($88,150)

This project will enhance the eco-tourism experience at Fells Meadows through the installation of a solar power system for yurts, infrastructure upgrades, and signage and website upgrades to increase visitor traffic.

Lindsay Downtown Business Improvement Area ($88,115)

This project will enhance downtown Lindsay through the installation of winter holiday lamppost décor and year-round banners.

Haute Goat Farm ($78,000)

This project will enhance the visitor experience at the goat farm through expanding the parking area, installing an EV charging station, signage, disc golf pavilion, benches, and a playground.

Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce ($69,939)

This project will create a bike share program in various locations in the surrounding area of Lindsay which will include the purchase of bike share equipment and signage to promote cycling tourism in the area.

Gamiing Nature Centre ($69,600)

This project will enhance the visitor experience of the nature centre through the installation of a boardwalk in the wetlands; docks to allow boaters access; and, a platform at the entrance to Turtle Bay Trail to increase tourism traffic.

Kawartha Gallery ($64,994)

This project will create the “Film Program Project” to adapt the Gallery’s current film program through Canadian film distributors to create a film programming festival to increase visitor traffic at the location.

4th Line Theatre ($60,000)

This project will deliver shoulder season productions and digital offerings for their 30th season, and barnyard sessions partnering with local musicians.

Lakeview Arts Barn ($50,000)

This project will enhance infrastructure at the venue including exterior renovations and landscaping to promote increased visitor levels to the region and location.

Municipality of Trent Lakes ($50,000)

This project will obtain the services of a consultant to deliver a Trent Lakes 5-year Economic Development Tourism Recovery Strategic Plan to elicit greater tourism and commercial demand in the area.

Buckhorn District Tourist Association ($49,900)

This project will enhance the community centre and area through the installation of bike racks, bike repair stations, and EV
charging stations.

Lindsay Agricultural Society ($48,700)

This project will upgrade the washroom facilities on the Lindsay agricultural fair grounds to include a gender neutral and family washroom as well as upgrade all fixtures in existing washrooms to touchless commercial grade fixtures that meet guest expectations for cleanliness.

Lang Hastings Trail ($46,150)

This project will resurface the Lang Hastings Trail, install a bike repair station, signage, and will create and deliver marketing and website upgrades to promote usage at the trail and Keene region.

Municipality of Port Hope ($40,000)

This project will install benches, waste receptacles, and bike racks to enhance downtown Port Hope. The project will also enhance the online tourism services presence of Port Hope via blog content, translation services, and tourism ambassador training to elicit greater visitor demand in the area.

Sky Haven Equestrian Centre ($38,815)

This project will update the barn, paddock, and trail area at the equestrian centre site to increase accessibility.

Indigenously Infused ($37,500)

This project will construct an outdoor building for visitors to learn about native botanical uses at the site. The project will also create trails through the forest and the promotion of attractions infusing indigenous knowledge into visitors’ ideas of Canadian plants.

Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce ($33,500)

This project will enhance the tourism experience in Fenelon Falls through the installation of street light décor and a marketing initiative including social media posts to encourage guests to visit during shoulder season.

Brighton Cramahe Chamber of Commerce ($27,321)

This project will enhance the tourist information area at Presqu’ile Park through the installation of benches, bike racks, and tourist information boards.

Township of Cavan Monaghan ($25,500)

This project will revitalize the Millbrook area trail through repairing the pedestrian bridge, installing benches along trail, trail signage with QR codes and parking space at trail entrance.