Lakelands Public Health is the unified health unit serving the Kawarthas region that was formed by the merger of Peterborough Public Health and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit on January 1, 2025. (Graphic: Lakelands Public Health)
Lakelands Public Health is one of nine organizations across Canada receiving funding from the federal government to help prevent substance use by youth in the Kawarthas.
Last Tuesday (November 25), the Public Health Agency of Canada announced it is investing an additional $6 million in community-based projects across Canada through the Youth Substance Use Prevention Program (YSUPP) in response to the illegal toxic drug supply and overdose crisis.
Federal minister of health Marjorie Michel stated the funding is intended to help communities across Canada develop locally driven and needs-based approaches to prevent substance use among young people.
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“The overdose crisis continues to have devastating impacts in communities across the country,” Minister Michel said. “At the same time, the mental health challenges facing young Canadians are more complex. Prevention is essential to support our youth and by working together, we can help ensure that all young people in Canada grow up healthy, supported and free from the harms of substance use.”
Lakelands Public Health and the other eight organizations receiving the funding will continue to advance the implementation of the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM). Developed by the Icelandic Centre for Social Research and Analysis (ICSRA) in the 1990s and now implemented worldwide through the Iceland-based organization Planet Youth, IMP is an internationally acclaimed community-driven and collaborative approach to prevent substance use harms among youth.
The additional federal funding will support nine community projects, including seven that previously participated and will now expand their prevention efforts and strengthen local initiatives.
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That includes Lakelands Public Health, formed in January 2025 by the merger of Peterborough Public Health and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, which is receiving an additional $720,570 over 30 months in support of the Peterborough Youth Substance Use Prevention (PYSUP) initiative.
In July 2024, as part of an initial $6 million investment by the federal government through YSUPP, Peterborough Public Health received $125,000 in federal funding over 18 months for the PYSUP initiative, intended to prevent youth substance use and strengthen community resilience. The funding was used to establish a steering committee of youth-serving sectors and to mobilize community members to work upstream to influence risk and protective factors associated with substance use.
With the additional federal funding, the PYSUP initiative will launch Planet Youth school-based surveys to identify local risk and protective factors.
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Findings from the surveys will guide the creation of “Community Action Teams” and inform targeted, evidence-based interventions tailored to regional needs. A second survey in 2027 will track progress and refine strategies.
“Peterborough has brought together an exceptional network of community partners dedicated to strengthening the social environment for youth,” Dr. Piggott said.
“Through this initiative, which will benefit our entire Lakelands Public Health region, we aim to help youth feel a deeper sense of belonging and connection to their community and the natural environment around them — empowering them to make healthier choices and reducing the risks associated with substance use.”
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To support the continued implementation of the IPM, the Public Health Agency of Canada has funded Renison University College at the University of Waterloo to lead a knowledge development and exchange hub for youth substance use prevention. The hub will lead a national community of practice, support knowledge sharing, promote best practices among funded projects, and evaluate the Canadian experience and adaptation of the IPM.
According to a media release from Public Health Agency of Canada, YSUPP is already showing “real progress.”
“Protective factors are getting stronger, communities are more involved, and young people have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect them. This work is building resilience, belonging, and hope for youth and families, and it’s a strong step forward for prevention in Canada.”
encoreNOW for December 1, 2025 features (from left to right, top and bottom) Peterborough Theatre Guild's "The Emperor's New Clothes" at the Guild Hall, "Quartom Sings Noel" with the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra at Emmanuel United Church, New Stages Theatre's "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at Peterborough's Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, "Elvis' Wonderful World of Christmas" featuring Steve Michaels at Lindsay's Academy Theatre, and the Foley family's "A Cozy Christmas" as Peterborough's Showplace Performance Centre. (kawarthaNOW collage)
encoreNOW is a bi-weekly column by Paul Rellinger where he features upcoming music, theatre, film, and performing arts events and news from across the Kawarthas.
This week, it’s all about holiday entertainment as Paul highlights The Emperor’s New Clothes at Peterborough Theatre Guild, the return of the “In From The Cold” benefit concert to the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough, the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra’s “Quartom Sings Noel” concert at Emmanuel United Church, New Stages Theatre’s restaging of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at the Market Hall, “Elvis’ Wonderful World of Christmas” at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay, and the return of “A Cozy Christmas” with the Foley family to Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough.
Peterborough Theatre Guild’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes” fit perfectly with the season
Cast members display the emperor’s invisible clothes during a rehearsal of the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of Gerry McBride’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” The family-friendly musical adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen folktale runs for seven public performances from December 5 to 14, 2025. (Photo: Jordan Lyall Photography)
What started as a bid to keep pandemic-quarantined students engaged has, five years on, progressed to bigger and better things.
The Emperor’s New Clothes, written by Gerry McBride, opens Friday (December 5) for seven public performances at the Guild Hall on Rogers Street in East City. The third production of the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s 2025-26 season, the reimagined musical is based on the folktale penned by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen that was first published in 1837.
Featuring music composed by John Austin, the story begins on the eve of the prideful Emperor Von Gaston Von Schmidt’s 50th birthday celebration. Two cunning swindlers arrive in town posing as tailors. Equipped with the most “exquisite magical fabric,” the tailors teach the emperor, and indeed the whole town, a valuable lesson in humility.
What I like — really like — is the Guild is making the production as accessible as possible to all, with the ticket price set at just $15. For those looking to keep the kids entertained in the hectic lead-up to Christmas, there really isn’t a better bargain in the kingdom.
While McBride stayed true to the story for the most part, he has taken some creative liberties, the introduction of a new character being one. There are more than a few twists and surprises beyond that.
“I hope kids leave this thinking ‘I want to go to another one (play)’ or ‘I want to get involved in live theatre’ … that they see it and that makes them want to see more,” said McBride during a recent sit-down with kawarthaNOW. Amen to that.
The Emperor’s New Clothes stars Jack van Roosmalen as the Emperor, supported by leading cast members Tom Stanley, Karen Woolley, Aaron Black, Laura Yandt, David MacKinnon, Alice Loeb, Linnaea Couling-Fligg, and Mark Carravaggio.
Curtain is 7:30 p.m. on December 5, 10 and 12, with matinee performances at 1:30 p.m. on the weekends of December 6 and 7 and 13 and 14. Tickets are available by phone at 705-745-4211 or online at www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com.
Come In From The Cold to the great benefit of YES Shelter for Youth and Families
VIDEO: “In From the Cold” – A Film By Rodney Fuentes (2017)
There are unique Peterborough holiday season traditions, and then there’s In From The Cold, which is in a league all of its own.
The annual presentation of little-heard traditional and contemporary Christmas and winter-themed songs was first staged in 2000 and hasn’t missed a beat since, with the 26th coming of the concert taking to the stage at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough this Friday and Saturday (December 5 and 6).
The acoustic string and vocal band Carried Away — John Hoffman, Susan Newman, Rob Fortin, Michael Ketemer, and Tanah Haney — will be front-and-centre again, along with Curtis Driedger and the 28-member Convivio Chorus.
In addition, for the first time in quite awhile, a special guest is in the mix in the former of roots singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Benj Rowland. He’ll perform a set on his own and also join the others for a few songs.
According to Hoffman, the concert’s enduring popularity is partly rooted in the fact that the performers are friends that have been involved since the inaugural concert.
“We don’t necessarily see each other that often,” says Hoffman, noting In From The Cold “is always like a reunion. “When Susan (Newman) asks people if they want to be involved, it’s always ‘Yeah, bring it on. This is something we look forward to.’ It’s the same for the audience.”
That’s very good news for Peterborough’s YES Shelter for Youth and Families which remains the benefactor of the proceeds. More than $220,000 has been raised to date for the shelter’s programs.
New this year, the concert features an earlier Friday evening start at 7:30 p.m. and a new matinee show Saturday at 2 p.m.. Tickets cost $29 for regular assigned seating ($34 for assigned cabaret table seating) and are available at tickets.markethall.org.
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Peterborough Symphony Orchestra and Quebec’s vocal quartet Quartom get all festive
Maybe it’s my Catholic upbringing where attending midnight Mass was part of the deal, but traditional Christmas music performed in a church setting still tingles my senses and gives me goosebumps.
The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is hoping many will have that same sensation this Saturday night (December 6) when it performs with Québécois vocal quartet Quartom at Emmanuel United Church at George and McDonnel streets.
“Quartom Sings Noel,” the second concert of the PSO’s current season, will see Julien Patenaude, Benoit Le Blanc, Philippe Martel, and Joé Lampron-Dandonneau sing popular Christmas songs but also serve up some festive French tunes. Accompaniment by the Michael Newnham-conducted orchestra is the icing on the cake.
As well as accompanying Quartom, the PSO will perform the waltz from Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty as well as “Carillon and the Farandole” from French composer Georges Bizet’s L’Arlésienne suite.
There will also be music from Canadian composer Ronald Royer, who researched Canadian Christmas carols and holiday traditions for Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017 and subsequently composed “Fantasia on Canadian Christmas Carols” for orchestra.
Depending on the seat you choose, tickets to the 7:30 p.m. concert cost $60.04, $52.84, or $38.42 (all fees included), with student tickets costing $16.79 for all seats. Tickets are available at thepso.org/quartom.
New Stages Theatre reprises “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”
VIDEO: “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”
Back in 2023, Peterborough’s New Stages Theatre learned good things happen when you bring a version of what is one of the most beloved Christmas films to the stage.
So it is that artistic director Mark Wallace et al are restaging It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play for six performances from Wednesday, December 10 to Sunday, December 14 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough.
When it was first staged by New Stages, the production earned plaudits as the most acclaimed show it has ever presented. Well, if ain’t broke …
Returning is the entire original cast of M. John Kennedy, Megan Murphy, Kerry Griffin, Brad Breckenridge, and Ordena Stephens-Thompson, with musical direction by Gabriel Vaillant and Wallace in the director’s chair. New this time around is the addition of young actors Poppy Anderson, Faela Conroy, and Evie Wallace.
Joe Landry’s adaptation retells the 1946 holiday cult classic film, directed and produced by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, as a 1940s radio broadcast.
The play is set in a 1940s radio studio where cast member play all the characters from the film, as well as create all the scripted sound effects. An wholly immersive production, it invites audience members into the show as the live studio audience.
Curtain is 7 p.m. from December 10 to 13, with 2 p.m. matinee performances on December 13 and 14. With all fees included, tickets cost $44 ($24 for youth under 18) or $136 for a family of four, and there is a $34 “welcome rate” for those who need it, and a $54 “pay it forward” rate for those who can afford it (to help cover the costs of the welcome rate).
Tickets can be purchased at the Market Hall box office at 140 Charlotte Street, by calling 705-749-1146, or online at tickets.markethall.org/?category=20.
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Elvis is alive, sort of, in the form of one Steve Michaels
VIDEO: “Elvis’ Wonderful World of Christmas” featuring Steve Michaels
As the husband of a woman who lives, breathes, and loves Elvis, I’m forever walking in the shadow of The King.
I’m OK with that. I mean, you’ve got to admire a guy who’s as popular now as he was when he was alive all those years ago. In fact, arguably more popular.
After Elvis’ passing in 1977, tribute artists came out of the woodwork, with whole festivals dedicated to all things Presley, including not far from here in Collingwood. Some are good, most are terrible, and then there’s a handful that are exceptional.
Steve Michaels falls into the latter category. Mary and I have caught his tribute to The King a few times and he has never failed to deliver. It’s not just the voice, which is incredibly spot-on. It’s the strong-jawed look, the mannerisms, the lip curl.
The King is alive when Michaels is on stage — not working at a grocery store or anyone of a thousand places he has been spotted over the years.
On Saturday, December 13, Michaels will headline “Elvis’ Wonderful World of Christmas” at Lindsay’s Academy Theatre, backed by a full band ensemble.
Christmas was Elvis’ favourite time of year, and that spirit will be evident as Michaels delivers seasonal favourites lke “Blue Christmas,” “Silver Bells,” and “Do You Hear What I Hear,” as well as a few of Elvis’ classic hits.
If you’re going to see one Elvis tribute, this is it. Trust me on this one.
The Foley family gets all cozy again for its Christmas concert
The Foley family’s “A Cozy Christmas” is an annual holiday concert at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough that raises funds to help pay the salaries of teachers at a school in Liberia, West Africa. (Photo courtesy of the Foley family)
I love my family — no question of that — but this time of year has a little part of me wishing Peterborough’s Foley family would adopt me, at least long enough to join them for their annual Christmas-themed concert.
On December 14, the Foley family’s “A Cozy Christmas” returns to Showplace for its 21st year, with storyteller supreme Hugh Foley front and centre of a musical lineup featuring performances by Bridget Foley and the Gospel Girls, Woodhouse Crooks, Asante (Theresa Foley, Sheila Prophet, and Norma Curtis), Amelia Foley, Colleen (Foley) Anthony, a quartet of Foley grandkids, Lizeh Basciano, Butter, and more.
Meanwhile, the lower level Cogeco Studio will be home to vendors and a silent auction.
There’s a purpose to all this festive madness as, once again, the show is a fundraiser to pay teachers to do their good work in a small Liberian village in West Africa.
Tickets to the 2 p.m. event — it really is an event — cost $25 ($15 for students) at www.showplace.org.
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Encore
A new arts collective has sprung up, and it isn’t wasting any time getting out there. On December 13, Mosaic Arts Collective presents a “performance showcase” that’s billed as “a night of music, spoken word, poetry and more.” The collective’s debut fundraiser will be held at Sadleir House, 751 George Street North, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15 or pay-what-you-can at Bluestreak Records and at the door. In advance of the event, organizers asking those interested in performing to reach out at mosaicartscollective@gmail.com.
We have more new music to check out, this time courtesy of Nicholas Campbell. The singer and guitarist has released a new single, “I’ll Regret It In The Morning.” Check it out on Spotify — it’s quite good. But then it was produced by James McKenty at his In Record Time studio, so that pretty much goes without saying. The breadth and depth of talent in this town has never ceased to amaze me. Campbell’s new single is just another example of that.
For gatherings ranging from small meetings and seminars to large receptions and celebrations, the Township of Selwyn has six halls and meeting rooms available for rental, including the Marshland Centre in Lakefield with plenty of natural light, cathedral ceilings, and beautiful views. Other rental facilities include the Bridgenorth Community Hall, the Centennial Room in Lakefield, the Ennismore Auditorium at the Ennismore Community Centre, the Neils Pind Room in the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre, and The River Den in Lakefield. Each location is fully accessible, has ample parking and kitchen facilities, and is licensed under the LLBO. (Photo courtesy of the Township of Selwyn)
Hosting your next event at a rental facility operated by the Township of Selwyn means far more than just booking a room. It’s an opportunity to tap into expert guidance, personalized support, and a rich mix of indoor and outdoor amenities that help turn any gathering into a memorable one.
“We have a variety of meeting rooms and halls all over the township, from Ennismore to Bridgenorth to Lakefield,” says Amy Stevenson, administrative assistant with the Township of Selwyn’s Recreation Services Department. “They can all be structured to accommodate whatever gathering you want.”
The fully accessible facilities, each equipped with a ramp or elevator, can accommodate any size of gathering from 40 to 200 people. Flexible half-day and full-day rates include the use of chairs and rectangular tables that Recreation Services Department staff can arrange ahead of the event to accommodate any floor plan.
“We are always willing to help make the event what you want,” Stevenson says.
When you book a rental facility like the Bridgenorth Community Hall through the Township of Selwyn, you will not only get an affordable and unique event space, but will have access to a range of amenities including full kitchens, bartenders, sound systems and projectors, and nearby greenspace. Renters will work with the Township of Selwyn’s Recreation Services Department to ensure they find the venue best suited to their event and vision. (Photo courtesy of the Township of Selwyn)
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In addition to a range of unique amenities, each of the facilities offers at least a kitchenette with a full fridge, sink, and microwave, while most are equipped with a full kitchen, including a stove, in a separate space.
Since each facility is licensed under the LLBO, if you’re hosting a celebration you can work with township staff to add a bartender to the cost of the rental. The bartender will work with you to design a drink menu that matches your needs as well as the food from your chosen caterer.
“The bartender will organize and work with the person renting, and they’ll bring everything to the hall and have it all set up at a reasonable rate for each drink,” says Stevenson. “The renter just needs to get their third-party liability insurance, but we will also support them in doing that.”
Whether you need a sound system, projector, microphone, or outdoor dining area, township staff can assist you in finding the best facility. They can also offer advice on how a space can be configured to best match your event needs.
“We’ve picked up things from past event organizers, like how they’ve decorated or set up the space, and can pass that on to renters,” says Meaghan Larocque, the Township of Selwyn’s communications and marketing coordinator. “We’re able to help a person narrow down the facility and what can be done there, because the department works so closely with the renters.”
Located in Lakefield, The River Den is one of many rental facilities available through the Township of Selwyn that offers a picturesque location with many surrounding amenities. With a capacity up to 40 people, the rental hall is near the Otonabee River and Lakefield Marina, as well as a skate park, playground, and pavilion. Its cozy size provides an intimate space ideal for hosting meetings, seminars, and exercise classes. (Photo courtesy of the Township of Selwyn)
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Ample parking is also available at each location for the convenience of your guests, and there’s also the opportunity to expand your event beyond the interior space to take advantage of nearby amenities.
“A lot of people don’t realize that these meeting spaces are so close to other amenities,” says Larocque. “You’re not just stuck to that square footage. You can go above and beyond because you’ve got all these different amenities right beside the facilities that you can utilize.”
For example, The River Den at 13 Water Street North in Lakefield is surrounded by natural spaces. As its name suggests, The River Den offers a view of the Otonabee River and is located next to the Lakefield Marina and Isabel Morris Park, with access to a pavilion, playground, and skatepark. With a capacity of up to 40 people, its intimate size makes it great for hosting committee meetings and exercise classes.
“If you’re having a kid’s birthday party, you can use the skatepark, the accessible kayak launch at the river, and the trails, before coming inside to cut the cake,” says Larocque. “There’s even a farmers’ market running on certain days.”
For a more rustic event location, the Marshland Centre in Lakefield provides a warm and inviting space with plenty of natural light, cathedral ceilings, and lake views. Use of the the Township of Selwyn facilities include collaboration with the Recreation Services Department, who will set up the included tables and chairs to match the desired floorplan and can help renters secure a bartender. (Photo courtesy of the Township of Selwyn)
Other popular spaces include the Niels Pind Room on the upper level of the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre at 20 Concession Street in Lakefield, and the Ennismore Auditorium located in the Ennismore Community Centre at 553 Ennis Road in Ennismore. With a capacity of up to 120 and 200 people respectively, these spacious and inviting rooms include access to full kitchens and are often used for team celebrations and banquets as well as birthday parties.
Another location immersed in nature is the Marshland Centre at 65 Hague Boulevard in Lakefield, which offers a more rustic setting near the Lakefield Beach and Playground and Lakefield Campground. The natural light, cathedral ceilings, and lake and park views make it an ideal space for gatherings of up to 75 people.
For outdoor gatherings, the Bridgenorth Community Hall at 836 Charles Street in Bridgenorth offers a large patio complete with furniture and seating areas as well as a large kitchen for caterers. Having earned coveted awards for its excellence in wood design, the building itself is a gorgeous venue that can host events of up to 125 people.
With a capacity of up to 30 people, the Centennial Room located in Lakefield’s historic town hall at 8 Queen Street is ideal for small meetings, offers a kitchenette, and is within walking distance of the Otonabee River and plenty of natural green spaces. The room is available free of charge or by donation to registered non-profit organizations, with an accessible fee for others. For booking inquiries, call the Selwyn Public Library at 705-292-5065.
With a capacity of up to 200 people and a full kitchen ideal for caterers, the Ennismore Auditorium in the Ennismore Community Centre is an ideal venue for large celebrations. (Photo courtesy of the Township of Selwyn)
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Regardless of the space you choose, the Township of Selwyn staff are available to help you ensure your event is a success.
“There’s so many things you can do with these spaces in the Township of Selwyn,” says Larocque. “Your imagination is the limit.”
The Township of Selwyn has six halls and meeting rooms available for rental, including (left to right, top and bottom) the Bridgenorth Community Hall, the Centennial Room in Lakefield, the Ennismore Auditorium at the Ennismore Community Centre, the Marshland Centre in Lakefield, the Neils Pind Room in the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre, and The River Den in Lakefield. (Photos courtesy of the Township of Selwyn)
This branded editorial was created in partnership with the Township of Selwyn. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
Fire crews responded to a fire at a 20-unit apartment building in Havelock on April 23, 2024. While all residents were safely evacuated, 18 people were displaced from their homes. Shortly after the fire started, police arrested and charged a 29-year-old Havelock man with multiple offences including arson disregarding human life. (Photo: Peterborough County OPP)
The Peterborough Housing Corporation (PHC) has announced the reopening of a 20-unit apartment building in Havelock, 19 months after it was extensively damaged by a deliberately set fire.
The fire at 37 George Street East in Havelock on April 23, 2024 displaced all of the building’s 18 residents. There were no injuries.
“Over the past year, PHC has been dedicated to the full restoration and enhancement of the building, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and resident well-being,” reads a media release. “The property has been reconstructed to modern standards, and is essentially a new building designed to provide long-term comfort and security for current and future residents.”
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According to the release, PHc implemented several major upgrades during the reconstruction of the rent-geared-to-income building:
Substantially increased insulation to support improved comfort and lower utility costs
Enhanced soundproofing to promote a quieter and more private living environment
High-efficiency heating systems to ensure consistent performance and long-term energy savings
Electrical and plumbing upgrades to meet current safety and performance standards
New energy-efficient windows and doors offering greater durability and security
A new roof designed for improved protection and extended lifespan
Updated brickwork and siding to strengthen structural integrity and enhance exterior appearance.
“The restoration of 37 George Street East represents more than the reopening of a building — it represents the resilience of the Havelock community,” says PHC CEO Travis Doak. “We are proud to return this important housing resource to residents and to provide a safe, modern, and welcoming place to call home.”
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PHC says it offered residents displaced by the 2024 fire the opportunity to return to the reconstructed building. While some have chosen to remain in their current homes and communities, others will be returning.
New and returning residents will be moving into the reconstructed building beginning next Monday (December 8).
After the 2024 fire, police arrested and charged a 29-year-old Havelock man with arson (disregard for human life), two counts of failure to comply with a probation order, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes, and uttering threats to damage property.
Give the gift of local this holiday season by shopping at Watson & Lou on Water Street in downtown Peterborough. Focusing on products handmade by artists and makers in the Peterborough area and from across Canada, the shop features a wide selection of candles, bath products, jewellery, stationery, artwork, and holiday-themed goods. During the First Friday art crawl on December 5, 2025, shoppers are also invited to browse and purchase work by Watson & Lou studio members and featured artists. (Photo courtesy of Watson & Lou)
Ceramics, candles, jewellery, cards, glassware, soaps, and lots and lots of art — whatever is on your holiday shopping list this year, Watson & Lou in downtown Peterborough has you covered with local and handmade versions of it all.
The beautiful shop and studio space has been a staple on Water Street since it was founded by Erin Watson and Anna Eidt in 2017. Now run by Katie Küntz, the store continues to support the local arts community by not only featuring work from independent artists, but by renting out studio space where these artists can hone their craft and create their masterpieces.
When you shop at Watson & Lou this holiday season, you support a carefully curated collection of local and Canadian-made products, with many pieces crafted by artists and makers from the Peterborough community.
“The holidays are such a fun time to be out shopping,” says Küntz. “We have tons of beautiful gifts and goodies for your loved ones, whether you’re shopping small, shopping local, or just looking for something meaningful and well-made.”
If you’re having trouble deciding on a gift for a loved one, you can find get inspiration from Watson & Lou’s curated gift guides posted on the store’s Instagram and Facebook pages throughout the holiday season.
So you can get ready for the holidays and spread some holiday cheer, Watson & Lou also stocks a range of holiday decorations and essentials from cards and wrapping paper to candy, scented candles, ornaments, socks, and so much more.
Founded in 2017 and now operated by Katie Küntz, Watson & Lou on Water Street in downtown Peterborough not only offers a wide range of local and Canadian-made products and artwork, but is home to the studios of several local artists. During the First Friday art crawl on December 5, 2025, drop in to browse and purchase work from the studio artists as well as guest artists. (Photo courtesy of Watson & Lou)
Since gathering as a community is one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit, during the First Friday art crawl on December 5, the studio artists who work in Watson & Lou will have their doors open, welcoming community members to explore their studios and their work.
Guest artist Wild Rabbit Beads will be featured alongside Watson & Lou’s studio members, including colour artist Cydnee Hosker, stained glass artist Kari Walmsley, mixed media artist Em Farquhar-Barrie, and sewist Christine Brown. The store will also have a never-before-featured artist in the gallery, oil painter Kerry Viggiani.
“It’s a really great chance to meet the local artists, explore the space, and find something really special,” says Küntz.
If you’re shopping at Watson & Lou on the evening of December 5, don’t forget to head out to the Bankers Commons Courtyard via the alley right beside the store where you can browse even more locally made goods at the Holiday Night Market, being held in partnership between First Friday Peterborough and The Neighbourhood Vintage.
For your holiday shopping convenience, Watson & Lou is open seven days a week right up until December 23, ensuring, as Küntz says, “There’s lot of time to pop in, browse, and soak up a little handmade holiday magic.”
Located at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough, Watson & Lou is open during December from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and Monday.
Shop The Boro is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in downtown Peterborough, created in partnership with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).
With a Boro gift card, supporting locally owned businesses in downtown Peterborough has never been easier. Buy a Boro gift card for your family, friends, or co-workers and let them choose their own adventure. Whether it’s a delicious meal and a night out, a one-of-a-kind find, or a day of relaxation, it’s truly the gift of possibility. You choose the value, they choose the gift.
With a Boro gift card, you are giving more than just a gift — you’re also supporting the people and places that make Peterborough/Nogojiwanong a truly special place to work, live, and play. Shop, dine, and explore the core with Boro gift cards, available online at theboro.ca/product/the-boro-gift-cards/.
Speech-language pathologist Ida Lloyd at Five Counties Children's Centre displays a few of the books that clinicians at the regional treatment centre recommend parents and caregivers put under the tree for children this holiday season. (Photo: Five Counties Children's Centre)
Five Counties Children’s Centre is encouraging parents to start a new chapter when it comes to gift-giving this year by including books under the tree for their children.
The regional treatment centre suggests parents should consider passing over the usual toys and electronic gadgets and instead give their children the gift of reading.
“The fact is that all of us spend way too much time in front of a screen,” Five Counties communications coordinator Bill Eekhof told kawarthaNOW. “Kids do too, and that isn’t always good for their growth and development.”
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Clinicians at Five Counties bring a special perspective to the benefits of reading, as they support children and youth with speech, language, and communication needs.
“One of the biggest benefits of reading is having family time together without screens, without noise, and you can focus together on an activity that’s fun for the whole family,” said Five Counties speech-language pathologist Ida Lloyd. “You get to try and instill a skill in your child that they will need for their whole life … and you’re starting it from a fun way.”
Lloyd noted reading books benefits kids of all ages, especially by expanding the language and communication skills they will use throughout their lives.
“An engaging, age-appropriate book can take you to new worlds and introduce you to interesting characters,” she said. “Books allow families to connect and spend time together, having fun and discovering a mutual love of reading.”
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Reading with a newborn, toddler, or pre-schooler can give them comforting contact and establish an early reading routine. Reading also exposes young kids to new words and ideas, allowing them to become familiar with sounds and rhythms of language.
It doesn’t just have to be books, Lloyd added, noting that anything with print or letters can be read together with a young child — even traffic signs or grocery lists.
For older children and teens, reading can help them to think, better express themselves in new ways, and introduce them to a new topic that engages and interests them.
The speech-language pathology team at Five Counties has put together a list of different book authors and titles that make for great holiday gifts for children, including popular children’s authors such as Sandra Boynton, Richard Scarry, and Robert Munsch.
Specific titles include Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw, Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell, Where’s Spot? and Spot’s Birthday Party by Eric Hill, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann, and any of the Little People Lift the Flap books.
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“Five Counties is providing these tips to help families think outside the gift box, by selecting recommended titles and types of books that will appeal to children of all ages,” Eekhof said. “It’s meant as a reminder that the greatest holiday presents don’t all require batteries or screens.”
Five Counties’ speech-language pathology team recommends certain types of books that are better at capturing and holding a young child’s interest.
For very young readers, these include books that have few or no words, like Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann, because they give adults and children the opportunity to describe what is happening on the page.
Books like Where’s Spot? and Spot’s Birthday Party by Eric Hilland and the Little People Books that have flaps that lift or different textures to touch make reading more interactive and interesting, especially for kids with short attention spans.
Books with a repetitive structure like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle and Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw are fun for kids because they can start to fill in the blanks themselves when an adult pauses from reading.
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Books with words that vividly describe sounds, like any of Robert Munsch’s books, can let adults make silly sounds when they read, which are more likely to catch a child’s attention and make reading the book more fun for them.
Finally, search-and-find books like those by Richard Scarry and Little People Lift the Flap books can be fun for kids, because there is so much to talk about on each page.
When reading books with very young children who have short attention spans, Lloyd recommends parents and caregivers allow the child to choose what book they want to read and how they want to read it.
“Let them hold the book and show them how to turn the pages,” she said. “Those are all early skills that you need to become a reader. And remember, it needs to be fun, because if it’s not fun, kids will be gone.”
The Neighbourhood Vintage and First Friday Peterborough are teaming up once again to host the fourth annual Holiday Night Market, held in the Bankers Commons Courtyard off Water Street in downtown Peterborough on December 5, 2025. The outdoor market will feature 24 local artisans and makers selling art and homemade goods, as well as live music from five local musicians, and holiday treats and drinks from five downtown restaurants. (Photo: Luke Best)
First Friday Peterborough and The Neighbourhood Vintage are getting ready to deck the halls of downtown Peterborough with some holiday cheer and community pride for the fourth annual Holiday Night Market.
A festive celebration of some of the best artists and makers of Peterborough’s arts scene along with local live music and local food and drink, the market returns to the Bankers Commons Courtyard from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday (December 5). The courtyard can be accessed through the alley between Watson & Lou (383 Water St.) and Needles in the Hay (385 Water St.) south of Hunter Street.
“With the location being so central and with First Friday, the arts community, and that aspect of Peterborough’s culture, as well as it being outdoors during the holidays, it’s a really special mix,” says Jacquelyn Craft, owner of The Neighbourhood Vintage (391 Water St.).
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“People really feel that special holiday spirit and the community is right there in front of you,” Craft adds. “You have local musicians, you have local restaurants, you have local artists and makers, so it’s the perfect example of all these different (types of) community members coming together to provide an experience for Peterborough.”
Born and raised in Peterborough, Craft says she has always been passionate about First Friday, a free self-guided monthly art crawl that showcases local artwork at downtown galleries, studios, shops, and cafés. When she opened The Neighbourhood Vintage in 2022, it was on a First Friday and the store has participated in the crawl every month since.
“I think it’s just such a wonderful part of the arts community in Peterborough and such an important opportunity, especially for new artists, to set up and show at different gallery spaces and different businesses downtown,” she says. “It provides such a really valuable space for the community to take part in art in a fun social way that is, of course, free. I’ve always found it to be an important part of the downtown and the local arts scene.”
The fourth annual Holiday Night Market, held in the Bankers Commons Courtyard off Water Street in downtown Peterborough on December 5, 2025, takes place during the First Friday monthly art crawl. In addition to shopping at the holiday market, arts enthusiasts can visit various artist studios in the Commerce Building and Hunter and Water streets as well as exhibits and events at other locations in downtown Peterborough, which artwork will be available for purchase. (Photo: Luke Best)
Craft is now a committee member of the volunteer-run organization, but even before that partnered with First Friday to create the annual holiday market.
“We work really well together as a team and are really excited to continue to bring the holiday market to downtown because it’s getting bigger and better every year,” she says.
Also supported by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, this year’s Holiday Night Market will see 24 local arts vendors selling handmade goods perfect for gifting this holiday season.
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Vendors at the market include Away Designs, Brooklin Stormie, Chrissy the Crafter, Emma K Moore Art, Emsbroideries, Fable Studio, Jillian Rumsey Art, Kari’s Glass Work, Keetarella, Kinglet Co., Knits by Mich, Leonine Crochet Designs, Olive Cedar Studio, Peterborough Museum & Archives, Sweet Fern Floral Studio, Taylormade Knitting, The Critter Co., The Doggery, The Little Creator, The Lovely Soap Co., Third Circle Ceramics, Vibrant Glass Studio, Victoria Scholes Art, and Whimsy & Wonder.
“A lot of people tell me they get most of their Christmas shopping done just in the one market because there are just so many different types of vendors to peruse,” Craft says.
“The type of people who are coming to our market are really excited and impressed to discover that all of this local talent is right here in one place — and really the market only represents a small percentage of that (local talent).”
Local musicians performing during the annual Holiday Night Market in the Bankers Commons Courtyard off Water Street in downtown Peterborough on December 5, 2025 include Bonhomme Vielle a Roue, VanCamp, and Cheyenne Buck and KStew. Presented by First Friday Peterborough and The Neighbourhood Vintage, the annual market is also supported by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. (Graphic: First Friday Peterborough)
To keep you warm and fed while you browse and shop the holiday market, downtown restaurants Love You, Mean It (135 Hunter St. W.), St Veronus and Bijoux Bar (129 Hunter St. W.), The Vanilla Room (386 Water St.), Bobo Tea (154 Charlotte St.), and The Vine (165 Sherbrooke St.) will be there serving sweet treats, spiced teas, mulled wine, pretzels, and other goodies.
To add to the festive atmosphere, there is a lineup of local musical talent slated for the evening. Bonhomme Vielle a Roue will kick off the festivities at 5:30 p.m., before VanCamp takes to the stage at 6:30 p.m. and Cheyenne Buck and KStew close out the night at 7:30 p.m.
“It’s an important aspect of the market that while you’re all bundled up, walking around with your mulled cider in your hand and treats in your belly, and you’re checking out all of these beautiful handmade pieces, you’re also listening to this nice holiday music to get you into the spirit,” says Craft. “It’s important for us to support local artists and local music talent.”
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Combined with the cozy intimate courtyard, Craft says, the market will be full of holiday spirit.
“It does add something to be tucked away in the courtyard,” she says. “It almost feels like you happened upon this secret special place and then you’ve got this beautiful Christmas market happening. It’s a really neat thing.”
Environment Canada has issued a “yellow warning” for snowfall for the entire Kawarthas region starting Saturday night (November 29) and continuing into Sunday.
The yellow warning is in effect for Peterborough County, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Hastings Highlands.
Heavy snow is expected to begin Saturday night and continue into Sunday, before tapering off Sunday afternoon and easing to scattered flurries by Sunday evening.
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Southern areas in the Kawarthas region will see near 10 cm, while 15 to 20 cm is possible in the northern areas of the region.
Environment Canada has a high confidence in its forecast.
Travel will likely be challenging, especially in areas receiving higher snowfall amounts. Roads and walkways will likely be difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow. Visibility will likely be reduced at times. Allow extra time for travel.
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Environment Canada recently launched new colour-coded alerts for weather advisories, watches, and warnings.
Yellow alerts, which are the most common, indicate hazardous weather that may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are moderate, localized, and/or short-term.
Orange alerts, which are uncommon, indicate severe weather that is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are major, widespread. and/or may last a few days.
Red alerts, which are rare, indicate very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption. Impacts are extensive, widespread, and prolonged.
Orange bows and explanatory cards are being displayed throughout Brighton to mark the UN's "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence" campaign that runs from November 25 to December 10, 2025. Municipality of Brighton council recently voted to support the campaign by proclaiming November 25 to December 10 as "Orange Days, End Violence Against Women and Girls" and by providing permission for orange bows to be affixed to municipally owned property such as park benches. (Photo: Municipality of Brighton)
Brighton’s benches and other municipally owned property are being adorned with orange bows to support both local efforts and a global campaign to end violence against women.
Municipality of Brighton council recently voted to support the UN’s “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” by proclaiming November 25 to December 10 as “Orange Days, End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
This past Tuesday (November 25) was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the first of the 16 days of activism.
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“Brighton council chose to support Orange Days because we believe strongly in promoting safety, equality, and respect within our community,” Municipality of Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander told kawarthaNOW.
“Violence against women and girls is a global issue, and it also affects women, girls and families locally. By joining this initiative, we aim to raise awareness and encourage conversations that lead to meaningful change.”
Ostrander said the orange bows throughout the municipality help make “a visible commitment” and a statement about “standing in solidarity” to help end gender-based violence.
“Our hope is that these ribbons spark dialogue, remind people of the importance of this cause, and inspire collective action to create a safer environment for everyone,” the mayor noted.
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The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign is supported by the UNiTE to End Violence against Women initiative, launched in 2008 under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General and managed by the United Nations Programme for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (also known as UN Women).
The theme of this year’s campaign is “End digital violence against all women and girls,” with UNiTE noting that 16 to 58 per cent of women and girls face violence online.
“Misogynistic content in the manosphere is fuelling the abuse and spreading disinformation and hate,” UNiTE states. “When these toxic ideas go viral, they shape how entire generations see and treat women and girls.”
UNiTE is calling for perpetrators to be held accountable through better laws and enforcement and for tech companies to hire more women to create safer online spaces, remove harmful content quickly, and respond to reports of abuse. Other calls for action include supporting survivors with resources by funding women’s rights organizations and movements and investing in prevention and culture change through digital literacy and online safety training for women and girls, along with programs that challenge toxic online cultures.
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In Northumberland County, UNiTE and the 16 days of activism campaign is being supported by Grandmothers Advocacy Network (GRAN) Northumberland, which advocates for the human rights of grandmothers and vulnerable children who face violence in their daily lives, addressing the widespread issue of violence against women and girls globally, including in Canada.
Sharon Graham with GRAN Northumberland recently called for Brighton council to issue an official proclamation and recognize the UN’s 16 days of activism campaign, and asked for council’s permission to display orange ribbons in public spaces to help highlight UNiTE and the 16 days of activism campaign.
Other townships, municipalities, and community partners in Northumberland County are also supporting the 16 days of activism campaign, including the Cobourg Police Service, Port Hope Police Service, and Cobourg Fire Service, by participating in the efforts to end gender-based violence.
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November is also Woman Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness as gender-based violence continues to be a growing concern across Ontario. Cobourg’s Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre said those are a few organizations that are raising “Wrapped in Courage” flags to show their support for the cause.
The Wrapped in Courage campaign, organized by the Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses (OAITH), calls on gender-based violence agencies across Ontario to ask community members to wear a purple scarf to show their support for survivors of gender-based violence within their community.
OAITH has shared that there have been more than 35 femicides reported since November 26, 2024.
“Unfortunately, rates of gender-based violence remain high across Ontario, and the need for our services continues to grow,” said Cornerstone’s executive director, Nancy Johnston, in a statement. “Last year alone, Cornerstone provided service to more than 3,000 women, children and youth through shelter, counselling, housing, and prevention programming.”
Throughout November, supporters in Northumberland County have raised Wrapped in Courage flags to demonstrate compassion to those impacted by gender-based violence and make a commitment to work together to create a future free from violence.
At Needles in the Hay on Water Street in downtown Peterborough, owner Deanna Guttman has curated a collection of "Great Gifts for Makers" for the holiday shopping season, including this winter-themed pack of stitch markers from Canadian brand Firefly Notes. Other items in the collection include yarns, threads, project wallets, and other gifts that would appeal to fibre artists of all stripes. (Photo courtesy of Needles in the Hay)
If you’re holiday shopping for some crafters and fibre artists this year, Needles in the Hay in downtown Peterborough is stocked with a wide selection of gifts they are sure to love.
Founded in 2010 and owned by Deanna Guttman since 2016, the boutique yarn and fibre arts supply store on Water Street is one of the longest-running shops in Peterborough’s downtown and features everything needed to craft one-of-a-kind creations. Alongside a wide range of premium natural fibre yarns in a selection of price points, colours, and brands, you’ll find hooks and needles, project books, and accessories for knitting, crocheting, and other fibre arts.
This year, Needles in the Hay has curated a collection of “Great Gifts for Makers.” From guidebooks and fabric combs and brushes to threads, yarns and handy organizers, the collection is stocked with many ideas on quality items to gift the makers in your life — and that includes yourself!
Amongst the selection, you’ll find the adorable and functional aviary, winter, or “crow-chet” themed stitch marker packs from Firefly Notes, a small batch maker based in British Columbia. For loved ones with many tools to keep track of, the collection includes craft caddies and project wallets, including the On the Go wallet from Thread & Maple. Stocked with tapestry needles, mini scissors, and stitch markers, the pocket-size leather wallet was made in Ukraine and distributed through a women-owned business in Montréal.
Deanna Guttman, owner of Needles in the Hay in downtown Peterborough, leads a beginner knitting workshop in The Hayloft, a supportive workshop space located above the Water Street fibre arts supply store. In early 2026, Guttman will be launching new multi-day beginner knitting and crochet courses to guide new fibre artists on the basics of the craft. (Photo courtesy of Needles in the Hay)
If you or someone on your list wants to learn knitting or crocheting, there’s no better time to start than in the new year. Forget the gym and instead curl up with some needles and yarn in The Hayloft above Needles in the Hay and get hooked on a new hobby.
Guttman will be hosting multi-day beginner knitting and beginner crochet classes throughout January and February. Held on weekend afternoons and weekday evenings, each class will include two two-hour sessions that will prepare you with the basics of the craft.
“You don’t have to be talented — you just need to be determined and want to learn,” says Guttman. “It’s not hard but it does take a bit of persistence, like learning an instrument.”
While the classes are intended to support those with little to no experience, they are also intended to foster a positive and supportive learning environment to build community around what otherwise can be a solitary hobby. Guttman says The Hayloft was created as a place to “learn, connect, and enjoy” the craft and offer workshops that help participants reach their goals.
Located at 385 Water Street in downtown Peterborough, Needles in the Hay is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Fridays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. You can also browse and buy online at needlesinthehay.ca.
Shop The Boro is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in downtown Peterborough, created in partnership with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).
With a Boro gift card, supporting locally owned businesses in downtown Peterborough has never been easier. Buy a Boro gift card for your family, friends, or co-workers and let them choose their own adventure. Whether it’s a delicious meal and a night out, a one-of-a-kind find, or a day of relaxation, it’s truly the gift of possibility. You choose the value, they choose the gift.
With a Boro gift card, you are giving more than just a gift — you’re also supporting the people and places that make Peterborough/Nogojiwanong a truly special place to work, live, and play. Shop, dine, and explore the core with Boro gift cards, available online at theboro.ca/product/the-boro-gift-cards/.
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