Environment Canada has now issued a winter storm warning for all of the Kawarthas, including Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Haliburton, and Hastings Highlands.
Light snow is expected to develop on Wednesday morning (February 26) and become heavy late in the day. Heavy snow will then continue through Wednesday night into Thursday morning, before tapering to flurries late Thursday.
In the southern Kawarthas, total snowfall amounts of 20 to 30 cm are likely by late in the day Thursday.
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Total snowfall amounts of 20 to 40 cm are likely in the northern Kawarthas, including northern Peterborough County, Haliburton, and Hastings Highlands.
Locally higher amounts in excess of 40 cm are possible, especially near the Quebec border.
Consider postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. Rapidly accumulating snow could make travel difficult over some locations. Prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions.
Take extra care when walking or driving in affected areas. There may be a significant impact on rush hour traffic in urban areas.
Watson & Lou owners Erin Watson and Anna Eidt display their new "economic nutrition label", which is designed to show shoppers where the money they spend goes. The two entrepreneurs, whose core mission is to do retail differently, were inspired by the economic nutrition label developed by Shorefast, a registered Canadian charity on Fogo Island in Newfoundland. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
Every week, our managing editor collects news and events related to businesses and organizations from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
The week’s news features downtown Peterborough creative arts hub Watson & Lou launching a new ‘economic nutrition label’, Telus Business forming a strategic alliance with Venture13 in Cobourg to develop next-generation IoT solutions, Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation announcing its new executive director Vincent Killen, Community Futures Peterborough announcing its new business and loan manager Braden Clark, and other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas.
New events added this week include women leaders in hospitality hosting an International Women’s Day Feast fundraiser in Peterborough on March 8th, the Kawartha Chamber hosting sexual harassment in the workplace seminar in Lakefield on March 25th, and the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce holding its annual general meeting in Peterborough on March 26th.
Owners Erin Watson and Anna Eidt in front of Watson & Lou at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough. Their creative hub helps local artists and makers reach a wider audience, offers a broad range of unique locally made goods, and hosts popular maker workshops. (Supplied photo)
Erin Watson and Anna Eidt, owners of creative arts hub Watson & Lou (383 Water St., Peterborough) have launched a new “economic nutrition label” designed to show shoppers where the money they spend goes.
A close-up of Watson & Lou’s economic nutrition label, which displays a percentage of how much of an item’s purchase price goes towards production processes, brick-and-mortar operations, and other areas such as marketing. The label also shows the geographical economic benefit of the purchase. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
Based on the familiar food nutrition labels, the economic nutrition label provides a percentage of how much of an item’s purchase price goes towards production processes (such as materials, design and development, and labour), brick-and-mortar operations (such as rent, utilities, and labour), and other areas such as marketing and charity.
The label also shows the geographical economic benefit of the purchase.
Watson and Eidt were inspired by the economic nutrition certification developed by Shorefast, a registered Canadian charity launched by Canadian businesswoman and social entrepreneur Zita Cobb. Shorefast’s mission to build economic and cultural resilience on Fogo Island in Newfoundland.
Shorefast’s economic nutrition labels are available for most of The Woodshop on Fogo Islands’ retail items as well as for the cost of a stay at Fogo Island Inn.
Watson & Lou — home to a gift shop, workshop space, and several private artist studios — showcases and celebrates local handmade art and goods. The Shorefast approach resonated with Watson and Eidt, whose core mission is to do retail differently, in a way that continually reinvests in the local community.
Watson & Lou at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough is home to a gift shop, workshop space, and several private artist studios where local handmade art and goods are showcased and celebrated. (Photo: Watson & Lou / Instagram)
“Since our very first conversation about going into business together, we’ve talked about doing things in a way that align with certain core values,” Watson says. “So our model is more about financial sustainability than profitability.”
The economic nutrition label not only lets shoppers know where their money is going, it helps Watson & Lou gather feedback on ways they can improve their business model.
“As consumers, we want to know who benefits from the money we spend,” Eidt explains. “So, as store owners, we want to be as transparent as possible.”
“We think more and more that companies need to do this in the for-profit sector. We’d love to see other local businesses join us in this initiative.”
Telus forms strategic alliance with Venture13 in Cobourg to develop next-generation IoT solutions
Representatives from Telus Business and Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre in Cobourg at the February 19, 2020 announcement of a new strategic alliance. (Photo courtesy of the Town of Cobourg)
Telus Business has entered into a strategic alliance with Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre in Cobourg to provide the centre with additional membership accelerator perks, mentorship and programming opportunities, and new hardware for Venture13’s MakerLab.
Venture13 and Telus Business will provide direct support to entrepreneurs, supplying access to both innovative tools and industry experts to help accelerate their businesses.
“We are thrilled to welcome Telus Business to not only the Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre but to our community as well,” said Cobourg Mayor John Henderson. “This partnership will further accelerate and empower our entrepreneurs to leverage IoT technologies to improve their businesses and reach their connectivity goals.”
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals, or people that are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. Telus Business’ world-class LTE-M network was purpose-built to connect IoT devices, offering secure, reliable connectivity so developers can design and deploy innovative IoT solutions for virtually any situation.
“Telus believes in the power of technology to create meaningful change on our communities,” says Telus VP of IoT Michael Cihra. “Supporting an organization like Venture13 that is working to foster Canadian innovation is a perfect fit and we’re pleased to provide support for that effort. Working together, we are confident that we can advance Venture13’s already stellar programming and provide the necessary resources for the innovative companies and individuals in their programs to thrive.”
The alliance will offer all VentureZone clients a three-month Telus LTE-M Starter Kit and support from Telus Business, enabling developers and tech companies to rapidly prototype cellular-connected IoT devices on their LTE-M network. They will also provide LTE-M Starter kits to Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation’s (CFDC) Top 10 finalists for N100, Northumberland biennial open invitational $250,000 technology startup competition, as well as Northumberland CFDC’s soon-to-launch DELIA program.
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation announces new executive director Vincent Killen
Vincent “Vince” Killen is the new executive director of Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation. (Photo courtesy of KLCFDC)
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (KLCFDC) has announced the appointment of Vincent “Vince” Killen as the organization’s new executive director effective February 11th.
Killen is a strategic economic development and financial services professional with more than 25 years’ experience in finance, banking, project management, and government investment strategies for entrepreneurs. He was previously executive director of the Community Futures Eastern Ontario Network and program manager for the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment and Innovation (SOFII), during which time he worked closely with KLCFDC.
“I look forward to working with the board of directors and staff of KLCFDC, along with our local community stakeholders and partners to enhance and elevate the terrific work that has been done at the KLCFDC for many years,” Killen says.
“As we move into a new innovation economy, we look forward to working with our government partners to deliver new initiatives, spur growth, and help entrepreneurs and small business owners scale their businesses, realize their dreams, and contribute to our local economic prosperity.”
Born and raised in Peterborough, Killen attended Trent University and is an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying hiking and kayaking as well as spending time with his family.
Community Futures Peterborough announces new business and loan manager Braden Clark
Braden Clark has joined Community Futures Peterborough as business and loan manager. (Photo: Braden Clark / LinkedIn)
Community Futures Peterborough has announced Braden Clark is the organization’s new business and loan manager.
Well established in the Peterborough business community, Clark was previously an innovation specialist with the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas, where he was chair of the economic development committee. He is founding director and vice-chair for Norwood Pride, a non-profit organization supporting the local LGBTQ+ community, and is also a board member with YES Shelter for Youth and Families.
In his role at Community Futures Peterborough, Clark will be taking the lead in providing funding for entrepreneurs.
Other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas
Peterborough Petes forward Nick Robertson and Heads Up for Inclusion staff with donated socks intended for Peterborough Youth Services. (Photo courtesy of Heads Up for Inclusion)
Here’s a summary of other notable business and organizational news from across the Kawarthas over the past week:
Heads Up for Inclusion, a Peterborough not-for-profit organization that encourages full and meaningful community participation and belonging of any individual facing barriers to inclusion, has donated 390 pairs of socks to Peterborough Youth Services and Brock Mission. The socks, which were donated during the Hockey is for Everyone evening with the Peterborough Petes, will provide vulnerable individuals with a warm pair of socks this winter season.
Nominations are now open for the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s 14th Annual Business & Community Achievement Awards in 11 categories. Nominations close on Monday, March 2nd, with the awards gala taking place on April 4th at the Haliburton Legion on April 4, 2020. For nomination forms, visit www.haliburtonchamber.com.
Last Tuesday (February 18), Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) announced the launch of the Venture13 Policetech Accelerator in partnership with Cobourg Police Services. The accelerator will receive $100,000 in funding through FedDev Ontario’s Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario, matched by a $150,000 investment by Cobourg Police Service, to enable the development of transformative police technologies, resulting in the creation of up to 10 new full-time jobs. The Northumberland CFDC will provide additional investment of up to $150,000 through a competitive intake process-along with V13 VentureZone co-working space and strategic project support. The accelerator will offer research and development partnership opportunities, technology pilots (demonstration and validation) and investments through two streams (policetech start-ups and policetech scale-ups).
Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation will be launching its fintech lending platform called DELIA (Develop Educate Lead Innovate Accelerate) on Monday, March 9th. DELIA will provide an easy online application process and instant decisions on commercial loan applications up to $50,000. The priority of DELIA will be investment in innovative women-owned and women-led enterprises in Eastern Ontario. Successful recipients will be automatically inducted into a concurrent program providing advisory support services, networking opportunities, accelerator space and entrepreneurial skills development through Venture13 in Cobourg.
MicroAge Peterborough-Whitby has been named one of the 50 best-managed IT companies in Canada by TechnoPlanet, out of more than 6,000 applications received. In order to be chosen, companies must demonstrate their ability to excel in various areas of management including processes, financial management, and human resources and are evaluated through independent assessment and bench-marking protocols.
RTO8’s 2020-2021 Partnership Allocation Program is now accepting applications within the Kawarthas Northumberland region. Available categories include experience development and enhancement, photography and videography, and workforce development and training. Up to 50 per cent RTO8 funding is available for all projects, with a minimum of three partners committed to a project. For program guidelines and application forms, visit rto8.com/partnership/allocation/.
The Innovation Cluster and the City of Kawartha Lakes are accepting applications for the new business incubator in Lindsay. To apply, visit www.innovationcluster.ca/application/.
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg have announced that Garry Liboiron of Century 21 All-Pro Realty (1993) Ltd. is the recipient of this year’s James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award, to be officially presented at the Business Achievement Awards on Friday, March 6th at the at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre. The James Crossen Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement and contribution to the business community. The award is named after James Crossen, founder of Cobourg Car Works and one of Cobourg’s earliest and most successful entrepreneurs. Liboiron is a strong community and local business supporter who is an active member of the Rotary Club of Cobourg.
The Town of Cobourg has revoked all taxicab owner licenses for A1 Taxi, in accordance with the provisions of the town’s by-law to licence, regulate and govern taxicab owners and drivers, as A1 Taxi has failed to comply with the provisions of the by-law. This means that A1 Taxi is no longer a municipally licenced taxicab business in the Town of Cobourg and does not have the capacity to provide taxi services legally within the Town of Cobourg.
Michael Eatson, dealer principal at Peterborough Volkswagen, will become the new president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) — which represents more than 1,100 franchised, new car and truck dealers across Ontario — for a one-year term effective April 2020.
After a fire destroyed its Highway 36 location in December 2019, RDS Quality Cleaning Products has reopened in the LCBO plaza at 449 Kent Street West in Lindsay. RDS Quality Cleaning Products is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
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Trent Hills Chamber hosts lunchtime seminar on WSIB in Campbellford on February 25
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “lunch ‘n’ learn” seminar on the WSIB Health and Safety Excellence Program from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25th in the boardroom at Team Eagle (10 Trent Dr., Campbellford).
Find out more about the program and how it can help your bottom line. Bring your own lunch and a refreshment to the meeting.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts new venture session in Peterborough on February 25
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting a “New Venture Session” from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25th in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).
Intended for entrepreneurs starting a new business, the session will provide an overview of the foundations of starting and running a business, resources and programs available to entrepreneurs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, how to work with the Business Advisory Centre to build a plan of action for your business, and completing the start-up checklist
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts business planning workshop in Peterborough on February 26
Due to popular demand, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting another “Business Fundamentals: Business Planning” workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26th in the VentureNorth board room (270 George St., Peterborough).
The session is designed to give entrepreneurs a strong foundation in business planning and to explain the importance of a comprehensive business plan. Tools available for creating a business plan will be shared as well as top tips for creating a plan ready to share with banks and funding agencies to secure financing.
Port Hope Chamber holds annual general meeting in Port Hope on February 26
The Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26th in the Sculthorpe Theatre at Cameco Capitol Arts Centre (20 Queen St., Port Hope).
Open to all Chamber members, the meeting will include a review of by-law changes and “Fostering an ecosystem of entrepreneurship”, a presentation by Lindsay Jeremiah, manager of entrepreneurship services at Durham College.
A light lunch will be served by Brandon Manor Bed & Breakfast.
Brighton & Cramahe Chamber hold annual general meeting in Colborne on February 27
Brighton & Cramahe Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 27th at the Golden Rooster (5 Toronto St., Colborne).
The meeting will begin with breakfast and a guest speaker from Friends of Presqu’ile Park, followed by details from the Chamber’s new strategic plan.
Chamber members are encouraged to attend and others are welcome. The cost is $15 to cover the breakfast.
Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland presents “Scale Up Your Business” seminar in Cobourg on February 27
Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN), in partnership with local chambers, is presenting “Scale Up Your Business” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 27th in the BECN boardroom (600 William St., Cobourg).
This practical seminar for existing businesses, presented by Andrew Patricio of BizLaunch, will cover topics including how to create a business vision, how to set 10-year goals, how to determine your core focus, how to create a simple marketing strategy, how to set financial targets, and more.
Peterborough Chamber hosts networking event at Showplace in Peterborough on March 3
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next Peterborough Business Exchange (PBX) networking event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3rd at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).
PBX is for anyone in business looking to interact with other businesses, influencers, and community leaders. See what Showplace has to offer and take a tour of their facilities.
Everyone is invited to attend this event. Chamber members are welcome to bring a door prize for a plug at the podium.
Northumberland Chamber and Town of Cobourg host 2019 Business Achievement Awards gala in Cobourg on March 6
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Cobourg are hosting the 2019 Business Achievement Awards gala beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 6th at Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).
The awards recognize excellence and honour high achievers in the local business community. Gala attendees can network during cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the awards ceremony beginning at 6:45 p.m.
Women leaders in hospitality host International Women’s Day Feast fundraiser in Peterborough on March 8
Susan Houde of Two Dishes Cookshop, Lisa Dixon of Black Honey, Bonnie Kubica of BE Catering, and Shannon Mak of Le Petit Bar have come together to host International Women’s Day Feast at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 8th at St Veronus Cafe and Tap Room (129 Hunter St. W., Peterborough).
Designed by Dixon, Kubica, and Houde, the five-course menu will feature: sour cherry and goat cheese terrine; two-way smoked trout with winter greens, apple and walnut; roasted sweet potato and red pepper soup; lemon thyme roasted Three Forks chicken with quinoa gravy and wild rice stuffing; and white chocolate-pumpkin mousse and almond dacquoise Napoleon. Wine and beer pairings will be provided by certified sommelier Shannon Mak.
The cost is $125 per person, with all proceeds benefitting YWCA Peterborough Halliburton. Tickets are available at Black Honey (217 Hunter St. W/, Peterborough,) and Le Petit Bar (399 Water St, Peterborough).
Peterborough Chamber and partners host business summit in Peterborough on March 11
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and RT08, is hosting “Business Summit 2020: Future Ready” from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11th at Ashburnham Funeral Home & Reception Centre (840 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
The half-day conference focused on strengthening business features author, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Daniel Lewis as keynote speaker along with a series of workshops and a panel discussion.
The cost is $75, which includes breakfast and lunch. Register at peterboroughchamber.ca.
Trent Hills Chamber holds annual general meeting in Campbellford on March 12
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12th at the Clock Tower Cultural Centre (36 Front St. S., Campbellford).
The event features networking and light refreshments at 6 p.m. followed by the annual general meeting, including a review of the Chamber events, activities, and programs that took place in 2019, at 6:30 p.m.
Kawartha Chamber hosts sexual harassment in the workplace seminar in Lakefield on March 25
The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism’s next Business Owners Sharing Solutions (B.O.S.S.) seminar, on the topic of sexual harassment in the workplace, takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25th at the Lakefield Legion (10 Nicholls St., Lakefield).
The seminar will help you to understand the duties and responsibilities of businesses and organizations including training, obligations to report and investigate, resources, domestic violence, how to deal with a disclosure, what can be considered sexual harassment, and more. The speaker (to be announced) will use real-life examples and encourage discussion amongst the attendees.
Peterborough Chamber of Commerce holds annual general meeting in Peterborough on March 26
Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli will be the keynote speaker at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting on March 26, 2020. (Photo: Vic Fedeli / LinkedIn)
The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26th at The StoneHouse Hall (2195 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough).
The meeting will include a look back at 2019 and will feature Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli will be the keynote speaker.
Chamber members will be asked to approve the audited financial statements of the corporation and the actions of the board of directors for 2019, as well as proposed by-law changes.
Registration takes place at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m., business at 12 p.m., and the guest speaker at 12:30 p.m.
The cost for the meeting, which includes lunch, is $30 plus HST for members and $40 plus HST for non-members. Register at www.peterboroughchamber.ca (registration deadline is Thursday, March 19th).
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
Kevin Matthew Wong performing in Broadleaf Theatre's "The Chemical Valley Project" in front of a projected photo of a refinery in Sarnia's Chemical Valley, where almost almost half of Canada's entire petrochemical industry is concentrated. Wong co-created the documentary theatre production with Julia Howman to document the activism of sisters Vanessa and Lindsay Beze Gray, two residents of Aamjiwnaang First Nation which is surrounded by Chemical Valley's petroleum refineries. Presented by Public Energy, the production runs for two performances on March 6, 2020 at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Graham Isador)
I was born inside a city where just about everyone you saw
Was workin’ in the factory just like their ma and pa
Inside multicorporations where their destinies were bought
And the profits shipped across the river to the Bank of America
The factories fed off the land and people of the place
To produce their products profitably, disposing of the waste
Without fear of any consequence, they threw it all away
Into the purity of the soil and the river and the lake.
– Excerpt from “Chemical Valley” by Sarnia-born folk singer Kyp Harness
On Friday, March 6th, Public Energy Performing Arts is bringing two performances of the highly acclaimed production The Chemical Valley Project to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough. This award-winning show about environmental activism and reconciliation is presented in documentary-theatre style by Toronto-based Broadleaf Theatre.
Public Energy Performing Arts presents The Chemical Valley Project from Broadleaf Theatre
When: Friday, March 6, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough) How much: $25, $12 for underwaged, or $7 for high school students, plus $3 box office fee
Each performance will feature American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and will be presented as a relaxed performance with enhanced accessibility features. Tickets are available in person at the box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online for the 12:30 p.m. performance and 7:30 p.m. performance.
In the southwestern Ontario city of Sarnia, 40 per cent of Canada’s entire petrochemical industry is concentrated within a 24-kilometre-wide industrial corridor just south of the city which has been known for decades as “Chemical Valley”. With its 62 oil refineries and chemical plants, the pollution from Chemical Valley has brutal impacts on the surrounding communities and environment.
In 2005, Chemical Valley emitted more than 131,000 tonnes of air pollution, resulting in Sarnia being ranked by the World Health Organization in 2011 as having the worst air quality in Canada. Overall cancer rates among men in the Sarnia area are 34 per cent higher than the provincial average, with a lung cancer rate that is 50 per cent higher.
Water pollution is also a significant concern, considering Chemical Valley’s close proximity to the St. Clair River. More than 700 chemical spills into the St. Clair River were documented from factories there between 1986 to 2000.
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One Sarnia-area community is particularly at risk: Aamjiwnaang First Nation, whose territory and more than 800 residents are surrounded by Chemical Valley’s industrial refineries. One statistic is especially alarming: the birth rate of males to females on Aamjiwnaang First Nation over four years was one to two — the lowest live male birth rate in Canada.
Due to the risk of chemical emergencies, 11 sirens are installed in the area, with three of these located on Aamjiwnaang First Nation. In the event of an emergency requiring immediate action by the public, the sirens are sounded for a three-minute period — and they’re tested every Monday afternoon, constantly reminding residents of the environmental risks they face.
Aamjiwnaang residents and sisters Vanessa and Lindsay Beze Gray have dedicated their lives to fighting the pollution threatening their community’s land, air, and water and the health of their fellow residents. In The Chemical Valley Project, theatre makers Julia Howman and Kevin Matthew Wong have documented their activism as land defenders and water protectors.
Performer Kevin Matthew Wong in “The Chemical Valley Project” with a photo of Aamjiwnaang First Nation residents and sisters Vanessa and Lindsay Beze Gray, who have dedicated their lives to fighting the pollution from Sarnia’s Chemical Valley that is threatening their community’s land, air, and water and the health of their more than 800 fellow residents. (Photo: Dahlia Katz)
Wong is the performer in this solo show, with Howman creating the imaginative production design that includes extensive video shot on location.
The Chemical Valley Project engages audiences with a blend of documentary theatre, innovative projection design, a charismatic script, and playful solo performance.
A timely presentation given the recent nationwide rail blockades protesting the construction of a natural gas pipeline on Wet’suwet’en traditional territory in British Columbia, The Chemical Valley Project delves into difficult conversations on indigenous treaty rights and the nature of contemporary Canadian identity and values.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation is located in the heart of Sarnia’s Chemical Valley. Pictured is the front yard of the Aajimwnaang Resource Centre in 2012 adjoining a Dow Chemical plant. (Photo: TheKurgan / Wikipedia)
First performed in 2017, The Chemical Valley Project has achieved both critical and popular success. The critics’ pick by Toronto’s NOW Magazine at the 2017 SummerWorks Performance Festival, the performance toured across Canada and Germany in 2018 and premiered at Toronto’s Theatre Passe Muraille in 2019.
Tickets to The Chemical Valley Project cost $25 for general admission, $12 for underwaged, and $7 for high school students. In the past, the reduced ticket price for the underwaged has only been available to students and seniors; now it’s available as an option for everyone.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Market Hall box office (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough), by phone at 705-749-1146, or online for the 12:30 p.m. performance and 7:30 p.m. performance.
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Along with the low-cost ticket option, The Chemical Valley Project will also be more accessible as both performances will be “relaxed performances” with American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.
“Relaxed performances” are designed to make theatre spaces more comfortable and welcoming to audience members with autism spectrum disorders, sensory and communication disorders, or learning disabilities. Audiences are also permitted to stand, enter and exit, and make noise during the performance.
Two ASL interpreters will be signing throughout the performances, and ASL interpretation will be available at the box office as well. Six headsets available with amplified audio for theatre-goers with partial hearing loss.
VIDEO: The Chemical Valley Project at Theatre Passe Muraille
As part of Public Energy’s presentation of The Chemical Valley Project, Broadleaf Theatre will be offering two workshops for Peterborough artists on the Saturday (March 7) following the performances.
“Devised Theatre Workshop: Objects and Personal”, which runs from noon to 3 p.m. at The Theatre On King (171 King St., Peterborough), is a hands-on workshop with Kevin Matthew Wong.
“Isadora Digital Media Workshop”, running from noon to 3 p.m. at Artspace (378 Aylmer St. N., Peterborough), is an introduction by Julia Howman to the Isadora visual programming environment, widely used in contemporary performance to control images, sounds, movies, lights, and more.
Space is limited for both workshops, so register in advance by emailing admin@publicenergy.ca.
kawarthaNOW.com is pleased to be a sponsor of the 2019-20 season of Public Energy Performing Arts.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for all of the Kawarthas, including Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Haliburton, and Hastings Highlands.
A winter storm is likely for Wednesday and Wednesday night (February 26).
A winter storm from a Texas low appears likely to affect much of southern Ontario and parts of northeastern Ontario.
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The latest indications suggest that snow will move into southwestern Ontario and the Golden Horseshoe on Wednesday morning and spread northeastward reaching the Quebec border by late Wednesday afternoon.
While there remains much uncertainty about the track of this low, total snowfall amounts of 10 to 25 cm are possible by Thursday morning.
Motorists should be prepared for poor winter driving conditions due to low visibility in heavy snow and quickly accumulating snow.
This black gelding horse with a blue halter and western saddle was found the Burleigh Falls area on the afternoon of February 23, 2020. Police are looking for the owners. (Supplied photo)
The Peterborough County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are looking for the owner of a horse.
Update
The owner of the horse has been located.
Police were called to the Burleigh Falls area at around 3:15 p.m. on Sunday afternoon (February 23) to respond to a report of a found horse.
The owner of the horse can’t be located.
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The horse has been taken to a farm in the area.
The horse is described as a black gelding with a blue halter and western saddle.
The owner(s) can contact the Peterborough County OPP at 705-742-0401 or the non-emergency line at (888) 310-1122 to claim the horse.
Indo-Canadian singer-songwriter Beth Torbert, better known by her stage name Bif Naked, will be performing with her husband Steve "Snake" Allen at the Market Hall in downtown Peterborough on March 4, 2020 as part of her Songs And Stories 2020 tour. She will play her punk, pop and alt-rock tunes, including from her upcoming album "Champions", and will be reading excerpts from her 2016 memoir. Toronto singer-songwriter Frank Moyo will be opening. (Photo: Coco & Kensington Photography)
Among the number of beautifully drawn tattoos that cover much of Beth Torbert’s upper torso, the simple ‘Survivor’ inscription on her left bicep is her hands-down favourite.
Market Hall presents Bif Naked
When: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 8 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough) How much: $30 ($33 at the door) including fees
An acoustic duo performance with Steve “Snake” Allen and featuring special guest opener Frank Moyo. Cabaret table seats are assigned, with the remainder of the seats general admission. Tickets are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
Well it should be.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2007 at age 37, the Canadian alt-rock singer and songwriter — known more widely by her stage name Bif Naked — underwent a lumpectomy and subsequent chemotherapy treatment.
But go further back and consider her early life: born secretly to a teen in India, rejected and tucked away in a mental hospital, and adopted by missionaries who brought her and her adopted sister to North America.
Physical and sexual abuse followed until she fled, joining a touring punk rock band, marrying the drummer, becoming pregnant, and then ending the pregnancy and the marriage before overdosing in a Vancouver drug den. She was not yet 21 years old.
“I got that (survivor) tattoo long before I was diagnosed with cancer,” says Torbert, adding, “Little did I know what was ahead.”
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“You never know what each year is going to bring, good and bad,” she reflects. “Human beings are so resilient. It’s incredible to me and never ceases to amaze me. Everybody survives so much in their lives. I present myself as the chopping block and if it makes other laugh, well, I’m happy.”
On Wednesday, March 4th at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough), Bif Naked brings her acoustic Songs And Stories 2020 tour to the stage, joined by her third husband, guitarist Steve “Snake” Allen, with Canadian-Italian singer, songwriter, and guitarist Frank Moyo opening.
Tickets to the 8 p.m. performance cost $30 and are available in person at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org.
Throughout her life, Beth Torbert has battled and overcome physical and sexual abuse, drug addiction, an eating disorder, breast cancer, and more. Now approaching 50, with a new record and a new book on the way, she says she is in a good place. (Photo: Coco & Kensington Photography)
“I tell a lot of stories onstage about my first two husbands, so Snake drinks lots of wine and tries to get through the evening as best he can,” laughs Torbert, noting as well as performing new songs from her upcoming album Champions she’ll read excerpts from her 2016 memoir I, Bificus detailing her cancer journey.
“I get lot of people who are experiencing cancer, or their caregivers, coming to the show and we talk about it. It’s amazing. We laugh. We cry. It’s a rewarding show for me. I don’t do these types of tours very often, so this is something I’ve been looking forward to for some time.”
“I’m a people person. A lot of my fans grew up with me, so we are all now in our late 40s. We’re going through divorces and a number of different things, so I make fun of myself and my life and my 13 fiancés. It’s my favourite way to perform.”
As for Toronto-based Frank Moyo, whose debut EP Waves with its singles “OK Dolce” and “West End” is grabbing its share of attention, Torbert is thrilled he’s along for the ride.
“He’s a crooner with a sultry, soulful voice; a modern day Frank Sinatra, complete with the growing of tomatoes in his backyard.”
VIDEO: “Normally” – Frank Moyo (opening for Bif Naked)
After performing with a number of punk bands, Bif Naked embarked in earnest on a solo career with the 1996 release of her self-titled debut album. But it was her two follow-up albums — I Bificus (1998) and Purge (2001) — that pushed her to the forefront of the Canadian alt-rock music scene, with the singles “Spaceman”, “Chotee”, and “Lucky” bringing her commercial success and a legion of fans.
The albums Superbeautifulmonster (2005) and The Promise (2009) continued her momentum well into the new millennium.
VIDEO: “Chotee” – Bif Naked
The university theatre major’s acting talent has also taken her heavily into both the feature film and television mediums. Her credits include an early appearance in the 1990 film Archangel, roles in the Canadian indie films Lunch With Charles and Crossing, and in 2006, guest star appearances on The L Word and Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
In addition, alongside Johnny Rotten of The Sex Pistols fame, she served as a judge for the music reality series Bodog Battle that aired in the United States on Fuse Network and was the first host of CBC’s ZeD in 2002.
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Despite her acting success, she prefers music for at least a couple of reasons.
“I liked music better (than acting) because I was writing the words,” says Torbert. “Being able to write my poetry, which becomes lyrics, and being able to perform the songs that result, I love it. It’s cathartic for me and so much fun.”
“When I was doing feature films, I had two little dogs at home. I couldn’t stand being on the movie set away from my dogs. I just really wanted to be at home.”
Bif Naked is heavily tattooed, getting her first tattoo (an Egyptian Eye of Horus) when she was 16. Her tattoos include a symbol of the Tao, Japanese writing, Buddhist poetry and images, and Hindu imagery. Her favourite tattoo, on her left arm, reads “Survivor”. (Photo: Coco & Kensington Photography)
Reflecting on her time as a musical powerhouse in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Torbert says she doesn’t recognize the person she was then.
“I wish I could go back and do it all over again with how I am now,” she confesses.
“There was a lot of pressure on me and I was always stressed out. The day I was diagnosed with cancer, I was so happy. I thought ‘Thank God, I can stay at home.’ Now that’s pretty bad. If cancer looked better than what my life was, I needed to make some changes.”
VIDEO: “Spaceman” – Bif Naked
“I really should have had way more fun than I did. I was very serious and worked my butt off. We were in the rock ‘n’ roll circle with all the boy bands. I felt I had to be twice as tough to be considered half as good.”
“I have such a good time now. I don’t take myself so seriously. Now, I just have fun and I’m not so worried all the time. I think that comes with age. We relax.”
For someone who wasn’t always in the best of places, Torbert is certainly in one now. On February 14th, her new single “Jim” was released along with a video in advance of the pending release of Champion, her first studio album in several years.
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In addition, she’s writing a book about cancer — “It’s a really sciencey book compared to my memoir” — and she’s continuing her role as a motivational speaker, reminding others, despite what’s going on in their life, they have “a grateful heart”.
“Life just gets busy, life gets in the way, and people forget. I tell people what I do to stay positive in the face of adversity and try to give them key messages to take away. If I can get a laugh, then I know they’re listening. They say if you can laugh and cry with your audience, you’ll always remember each other.”
As she creeps up on age 50, Torbert isn’t exhibiting any of the dread typically associated by many with that milestone.
VIDEO: “Tango Shoes” – Bif Naked
“I can’t wait,” Torbert enthuses. ” It’s a medal of honour. My vision of 50 is Gwen Stefani. I mean come on, she has never looked better. Same with J-Lo. Same with Jennifer Aniston. They look the same. They don’t look phony baloney. I think ‘Wow, if that’s 50, I’m totally ready.'”
“How many years did Tina Turner run around in her miniskirt and high heels singing Proud Mary? That 20, 25 more years for me if I judge it by her. That’s a lifetime. I have a whole other life ahead of me.”
Buoying Torbert’s optimism for what’s ahead is her conviction that she’s “in the right shoes now.”
VIDEO: “Jim” – Bif Naked
“I didn’t become a woman until I went through breast cancer, and I don’t mean just physically. I was a living female jumping bean my entire adult life until I got breast cancer. During my treatment I was surrounded by women all the time. Cancer was transformational for me in so many ways. I feel now that I am who I was meant to be.”
As for her health now, Torbert says she can’t and won’t complain.
“Honestly, I always feel good. I even felt good when I was sick with cancer. If I can get up and make myself a sandwich and do a little yoga or go for a walk, that’s a good day.”
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As for the new record, Torbert says she’s “over the moon”.
“I haven’t been this excited about making a record in a long time. I haven’t been as moved by the songs as much as I am now. It’s exactly what I want to say.”
“Working with (Vancouver-based guitarist, producer and sound engineer) Doug Fury is a big part of that. I started working with him in 1996 and he was instrumental as a co-writer with me on songs like Tango Shoes and other songs that are still really meaningful to me.”
“To have it come full circle, to be able to write with both Snake and Doug, is a blessing.”
Police are seeking the public's help in identifying this vehicle of interest in connection with the shooting death of 18-year-old Alex Tobin of Omemee on February 18, 2020. The Grey Ford Focus was last seen westbound on Highway 7 in Omemee shortly after the shooting at 1 p.m. (Supplied photos)
Kawartha Lakes Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are seeking the public’s help in identifying a vehicle of interest in connection with the shooting death of 18-year-old Alex Tobin of Omemee.
The vehicle is described as a grey Ford Focus with tinted windows and steel winter rims.
It was last seen westbound on Highway 7 in the Town of Omemee shortly after the shooting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday (February 18).
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Update – Charges withdrawn
The second-degree murder charges against Aaron Simmonds and Zachary Simmonds were withdrawn on April 9, 2020. Police are still actively investigating this crime.
Police have already arrested 23-year-old Aaron Simmonds and 18-year-old Zachary Simmonds, both of Bethany, and charged them with second-degree murder. The accused men remain in custody.
Investigators are requesting any persons who may have witnessed this incident or can identify the vehicle to contact Kawartha Lakes OPP at 705-324-6741 or the Provincial Communication Centre at 1-888-310-1122.
Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at kh.crimestoppersweb.com.
Star Slade, who first acted on the Lindsay Little Theatre stage when she was 15, now has a blossoming career on television and plans to focus on more film work. She is best known for her role as Luna Spence in CBC's hit TV series "Burden of Truth", which is currently in its third season. (Photo: Charles Venzon)
Sitting over a pancake breakfast at a Queen West vegan restaurant in Toronto, actress Star Slade is telling me about her dog.
Spoiler warning
This story contains spoilers about the second and third season of the CBC TV series Burden of Truth.
“My dog’s name is Luna, but I didn’t name her after my character,” says Star, who plays Luna Spence on CBC’s hit investigative drama Burden of Truth. “Her name was Luna before I even adopted her. Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted a big dog named Luna, so when I saw her and learned her name was Luna I knew she was my dog.”
“I just loved that name. I loved the moon and I wanted my name to be Luna, mainly because of the character from Harry Potter. So it’s pretty cool how it all turned out.”
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The 20-year-old actress from Lindsay, Ontario, who now splits her time between Lindsay and Toronto, has been making her mark on the Canadian television scene as the younger half-sister of Burden of Truth’s lead character Joanna Handley, played by Kristin Kreuk (who is also executive producer of the series).
Star has found a fan base among viewers for not only playing a character who is rebellious, outspoken, and strong willed, but who also simultaneously represents both the indigenous and LBGTQ+ communities. While TV has brought her fast success, Star also appears in the independent film Castle in the Ground, which made its debut last fall at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Bright, passionate, and talented, Star is one of the exciting young performers making up the new landscape of Canadian entertainment. But it was only five years ago that she went on stage for the first time at Lindsay Little Theatre. Already an accomplished ballet dancer with an interest in art and writing, it was a text message from her best friend and future Burden of Truth co-star Anwen O’Driscoll that got her on stage.
VIDEO: Star Slade as Luna Spence in season two of Burden of Truth
“I started acting at Lindsay Little Theatre when I was fifteen,” Star recalls. “I heard of it because Anwen messaged me and told me that her mom wrote this play called Forgotten and that she thought I’d have a lot of fun in it. I never auditioned before. I wouldn’t say that I never had any interest in acting at that time, but it had never come up in my life that I could do this. Then I auditioned and got cast, and that’s when I really understood how much I love acting.”
After a few years of performing on stage and screen, including an appearance in the popular Jason Momoa series Frontier and starring in the educational children’s web series Emerald Code, Star scored the key role of Luna in Burden of Truth.
One of the highest-rated shows for CBC, Burden of Truth is currently in its third season in Canada, and has a solid cult following in the United States where it appears on The CW Network — where Burden of Truth star Kristen Kruek originally found fame as Lana Lange in the long-running comic book inspired series Smallville.
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“Kristen is a good mentor,” Star says. “She’s a good person. She has so much knowledge about acting and the industry. She’s been doing it since she was my age and never stopped, and stayed grounded through it all. She is a big inspiration.”
“I realized our show was successful was when we got picked up for a second season,” Star says of Burden of Truth. “That meant we had both a viewership and strong ratings. People wanted to see more. So when I found out that we got picked up for another season, I was really excited.”
Although she was a popular supporting character in the first season, Star didn’t realize as filming began for the second season that she would become central to the show’s main storyline, when her character would be wrongly accused and convicted for a murder she did not commit — leading her to spend much of the season behind bars.
Star Slade as Luna Spence in a scene from the third season of CBC’s hit TV series “Burden of Truth”. (Photo: Shauna Townley)
“I didn’t know anything about season two going into it,” Star tells. “You get it script by script, and it’s filmed in blocks. So eventually I realized I was in it a lot … and I’m going to prison! To be able to sink your teeth into that kind of material was so exciting.”
Currently halfway through the third season of Burden of Truth, which airs on CBC on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and can be streamed online at gem.cbc.ca, Star’s character has been continuing to deal with the events of season two in a realistic way.
“Luna has been out of prison for a year and has a second lease on life,” explains Star. “But what she’s not dealing with is how she went to prison and how that affected her. A lot of her trauma is coming out in new ways she doesn’t always understand.”
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Meanwhile, the overall plot running through Burden of Truth deals with corruption within the child welfare system, which reflects stories ripped from today’s headlines.
“It’s a very relevant topic, but it’s difficult,” Star observes. “Our whole season is talking about something that isn’t talked about a lot. When I heard this season was going to be about the child welfare system, I was apprehensive going into it and I wanted to make sure they were going to be truthful telling that story. I think the writers have done an amazing job so far in presenting it. At the end of the day our writers are dedicated to telling the most honest story. They’re passionate about their work and I think it shows.”
Burden of Truth is also noteworthy for its strong storylines involving indigenous issues, and by putting indigenous actors — such as Star and her co-stars Meegwun Fairbrother and Jessica Matten — at the forefront of the series.
Star Slade as Simone with her best friend Anwen O’Driscoll as Lana in the 2017 STEM-related web series “Emerald Code”. Anwen and Star, who grew up together in Lindsay and performed at Lindsay Little Theatre, both have successful acting careers. (Photo: Shaftesbury Films)
“Representation in media is so important, especially in regards to the next generation,” Star says. “Growing up, I didn’t see many indigenous people in the media. But while I didn’t spend much time wondering why there weren’t any people who looked like me, it definitely impacted me. I remember just feeling that I was or looked like something else. Even when I was introduced to acting, I didn’t know if I should be doing it. Obviously it worked out.”
“But I’m always thinking about how I can be a good role model for young indigenous people. There are so many responsibilities you have as a young actor who has a following, so I always try to make decisions that will make a positive impact on youth.”
Not only is Star visible as an indigenous actress on television, but she also plays a lesbian character, which has connected her to the LGBTQ+ audience in a strong and positive way.
“I’ve heard from a lot of LGBTQ+ people in messages and letters,” Star says. “In particular, I have heard from indigenous gay people who feel like they’ve never been represented in an important way. I think what’s important on Burden with my character is that she’s written as a human first and she just happens to be gay. She just also happens to be indigenous.”
“Luna is not written as a token indigenous gay person. She’s just who she is, and I think that’s so important. I appreciate it and I really aligned with it in the writing.”
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However, while representation is important, Star points out it shouldn’t be the merit that defines her work.
“While it’s important to be heard and seen, I think it can be dangerous too,” she notes. “It’s great to be acknowledged as an indigenous actress, but I think it’s more important that the work and the love it puts out speaks for itself. At the end of the day we want the work to be the most important thing.”
With her successful television career in place, Star’s expansion to movies was the next logical move in her career. In early 2019, Star worked on director/writer Joey Kline’s film Castle in the Ground, starring Alex Wolff, Imogen Poots, and Neve Campbell. A drama focusing on Sudbury’s opioid crisis, the film made its debut at TIFF last fall where it received a nomination for Best Canadian Feature Film.
Although tight lipped on information about distribution, Star does reveal that the film will be appearing at the South By Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas later in 2020.
Her first time acting in a film (she appears as the character Rachel), it was an experience that Star loved.
“It was great, but I especially loved how I felt on the set compared to television,” Star recalls. “The television I’m used to doing is such a well-oiled machine and everyone knows what they’re doing. I loved the feeling of working on an indie movie — not that it was less structured, but there was more freedom to follow your impulses.”
“I was really nervous at first though,” she adds. “I wasn’t brought onto set until they were almost done filming, and I felt like everyone knew each other and had already established the dynamics. I felt like I’d be a new energy coming on the set. But everyone was really nice and kind and excited about the work.”
Beyond Burden of Truth and Castle in the Ground, Star will also be doing a guest appearance on an upcoming episode of CBC’s legal drama Diggstown.
“I’m guest starring in an episode of Diggstown in March,” Star sats, “I got to film in Halifax. It was my first time there and it was so beautiful in the summer.”
With a blossoming career on television, and plans to focus on more film work, Star has found her way far beyond her roots on the Lindsay Little Theatre stage and onto the Canadian entertainment landscape — which means getting recognized by fans and signing autographs.
“It’s cool, and it’s funny, and it’s kind of weird,” Star says. “I’m kind of thrown off when I get recognized. It’s a weird thing, but it’s a compliment for the show. But it’s still weird. I don’t know them personally, but the public knows me through a personal way through a character. But as a whole it’s a compliment to the hard work that we do.”
For Star, the fame is secondary to her passion for acting.
“I really love acting, exploring and understanding and questioning and feeling,” Star says. “It’s never boring, and there is so much more you can do with a character or a script. Just getting to perform and be present and honest is the greatest.”
Lindsay's indie alt-rockers Heaps (formerly The Kents), who recently released the first single "Softly" off their upcoming debut album 'What is Heaps', are performing at The Red Dog on Saturday, February 22nd along with Basement Revolver and Pleasure Craft. (Photo: Maya Fuhr Photography)
Every Thursday, we publish live music events at pubs, clubs, and restaurants in Peterborough and the Kawarthas based on information that venues provide to us directly or post on their website or social media channels. Here are the listings for the week of Thursday, February 20 to Wednesday, February 26.
If you’re a pub, club, or restaurant owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our nightlifeNOW editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com. For concerts and live music events at other venues, check out our Concerts & Live Music page.
Thursday, February 27 8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs
Friday, February 28 9pm - Exposure Exposure
Saturday, February 29 9pm - Exposure Exposure
Black Horse Pub
452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633
Thursday, February 20
7:30-11:30pm - The Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk
Friday, February 21
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Emily Burgess & The Emburys
Saturday, February 22
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Rye Street
Sunday, February 23
3-6pm - Pays d'en Haut; 6:30-9:30pm - Lance Isaacs
Monday, February 24
7-11pm - Rick & Gailie's Crash & Burn
Tuesday, February 25
7-11pm - Open Mic w/ Cameron Fraser
Wednesday, February 26
7-10pm - Morgan Rider
Coming Soon
Thursday, February 27 7:30-11:30pm - The Rob Phillips Trio w/ Carling Stephen
Friday, February 28 5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Midnight Shift
Saturday, February 29 5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 9pm - Pop Machine
Sunday, March 1 3-6pm - Bluegrass Menagerie; 6:30-9:30pm - Bailey Jordan Neil
Boiling Over's Coffee Vault
148 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 878-8884
Friday, February 21
6-9pm - Open mic
Coming Soon
Friday, February 28 7-9pm - The Kawartha Lakers
The Brickhouse Grill & Bar
123 Simcoe St., Peterborough
705-874-7474
Friday, February 21
4:30-9pm - Johnny "Goody" Goodchild
Canoe & Paddle
18 Bridge St., Lakefield
(705) 651-1111
Saturdays
8pm - Live music
Castle John's Pub & Restaurant
1550 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
705-740-2111
Saturday, February 22
9pm - High Waters Band
Chemong Lodge
764 Hunter St., Bridgenorth
(705) 292-8435
Thursdays
5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)
Wednesdays
5-9pm - Pianist Barry McMullen (dining room)
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Coach & Horses Pub
16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006
Thursdays
10pm - Open Mic
Fridays
9:30pm - Karaoke Night
Wednesdays
7-11pm - Live music
Coming Soon
Saturday, February 29 2-6pm - Leap Year Party ft Pinky Brown
Dominion Hotel
113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954
Saturday, February 22
7-10pm - Jim Love and friends
Coming Soon
Saturday, February 29 7-10pm - Highlands Trio
Fenelon Falls Brewing Co.
4 May St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 215-9898
Friday, February 21
7-10pm - Open Mic Night hosted by Andrew Bain (first come basis, sign-up starts at 6pm, each musician has up to 3 songs and 15 minutes in total, all skill levels welcome)
Sunday, February 23
2pm - Music Bingo
Coming Soon
Saturday, February 29 12-8pm - Leap Year Party ft live music, special menu, tournament games, prizes and more...
Friday, February 28 9pm - Black History Blowout ft Beth Bekele, Don Soul, Mongiwa Khumalo, Boho Fab, JONCRO, Dixie Que, DJ Cornbread and DJ Honey Ham ($10 at www.bestptbo.com/upcomingevents/bhmshowcase)
Saturday, February 29 8pm - Peterborough Folk Festival presents Michael C Duguay, Oberge, Sing Leaf ($12 in advance at The Only, $15 at door)
Saturday, March 28 8pm - Cancer Bats and the Anti-Queens w/ D Boy, Cross Dog, Marion Cinder (SOLD OUT)
The Grand Experience
177 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 324-9444
Coming Soon
Saturday, March 14 7pm - St. Paddy's Jam ft Sean Jamieson and Ryan Burton, Joe Dehaan, Vanessa Houthuys, The Dad Bods (Ryan Mcintyre, Glenn Danger, Riley Paxton, Adam Airhart), and Steve and Adam Airhart
Keene Centre for the Arts
12 1st St., Keene
(519) 993-0079
Thursday, February 20
1-4pm - Open stage hosted by Sharon Marie Doughty ($5)
Friday, February 28 7pm - Beat the Blues ft The Swingin' BlackJacks (no cover, call for reservations)
McThirsty's Pint
166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220
Thursdays
9pm - Live music
Fridays
9:30pm - Live music
Saturdays
10pm - Live music
Sundays
9pm - Open mic
Tuesdays
9pm - Live music
Wednesdays
9pm - Live music
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177
Thursday, February 20
7pm - Andy Earl
Coming Soon
Thursday, February 27 7pm - Lotus White
Moody's Bar & Grill
3 Tupper St., Millbrook
(705) 932-6663
Coming Soon
Saturday, February 29 2-5pm - Michael C. Duguay
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Next Door
197 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(647) 270-9609
Coming Soon
Thursday, February 27 9pm - Emily Burgess and Marcus Browne
Oasis Bar & Grill
31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634
Sundays
5:30pm - PHLO
Pappas Billiards
407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 772-9010
Friday, February 21
10pm - Joel Parkes
Pastry Peddler
17 King St., Millbrook
(705) 932-7333
Coming Soon
Friday, February 28 5:30pm & 7:45pm - Ladies of Jazz Dinner Series ft Lenni Stewart performing music of Ella Fitzgerald w/ Michael Monis on guitar and Howard Baer on bass ($50 per person)
Pie Eyed Monk Brewery
8 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay
(705) 212-2200
Sunday, February 23
4-8pm - Live Music Sundays ft Rick Fines hosted by Monk House Band (no cover)
Coming Soon
Sunday, March 1 4-8pm - Live Music Sundays ft Lance Anderson hosted by Monk House Band (no cover)
The Publican House
300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743
Friday, February 21
7-9pm - Shai Peer
Saturday, February 22
7-9pm - Cindy & Scott
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078
Friday, February 21
7:30pm - On Hip Dog
Red Dog Tavern
189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400
Thursday, February 20
8pm - Prada West w/ Stax and Dirty Doc ($20)
Friday, February 21
9pm - Johnson's Creek
Saturday, February 22
9pm - Heaps (formerly The Kents), Basement Revolver, Pleasure Craft ($10 at door)
Saturday, March 14 6-9pm - Cheryl Casselman and Allan Fehrenbach
Sideways Bar & Grill
18-22 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 947-2333
Saturday, February 22
8pm - Rod Rokk
The Social
295 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 874-6724
Friday, February 21
10pm - Live music (TBA)
Wednesday, February 26
9pm - Live music (TBA)
That Little Pub (formerly Church-Key Pub)
26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001
Tuesday, February 25
8pm - Open mic
Wednesday, February 26
8pm - Whiskey Wednesday w/ Ken Tizzard
The Thirsty Goose
63 Walton St., Port Hope
Thursday, February 20
7pm - Live music (TBA)
Friday, February 21
7pm - Live music (TBA)
Saturday, February 22
7pm - Live music (TBA)
The Twisted Wheel
379 Water St., Peterborough
Thursday, February 20
8:30pm - Ersatz, Mary-Kate Edwards, ELMS ($10 at door or PWYC)
Sunday, February 23
9pm - Pain Chain, Goth Girl, Victuals, Olias, Noise Workers of Ptbo ($10-15 or PWYC)
Monday, February 24
9pm - Open mic hosted by Trevor James (sign-up at 8:30pm)
Wednesday, February 26
10pm - Twisted Karaoke
Coming Soon
Friday, February 28 8pm - The Hype hosted by Billy Marks ft. P Doc, Whiteboy Scummy, DBDroh, B. Moss, Mvckro ($15 at w/ $5 to Canadian Red Cross in support of Australian bush fire victims)
Saturday, February 29 8pm - Tripsonix and Haus Of Dope
The Venue
286 George Street North, Peterborough
(705) 876-0008
Saturday, February 29 8pm - PTBOStrong and Waste Connections Canada present Destroyer (KISS tribute) w/ Baz Little Rock Band ($15 at door, $10 students)
The Grade 8 Transit Quest provides free Peterborough Transit passes to all Grade 8 students within the City of Peterborough for the duration of March Break, from March 13 to 22, 2020. Active School Travel PTBO and the Grade 8 Transit Quest seek to shift perspectives of adolescent freedom away from car ownership and towards transit and active forms of transportation. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
With March Break less than a month away, adolescents and parents are likely thinking two rather different things. Adolescents may be excited about a week of fun and freedom with friends. Meanwhile, parents and guardians may be wondering how to juggle work with adolescents who crave independence but depend increasingly upon a part-time chauffeur in order to enjoy that independence.
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Jaime Akiyama, GreenUP’s Transportation and Urban Design Program Coordinator.
Enter the Grade 8 Transit Quest program. This program is sponsored by the City of Peterborough and coordinated by Active School Travel Peterborough (AST PTBO for short), formerly known as Active & Safe Routes to School Peterborough. The Grade 8 Transit Quest provides free Peterborough Transit passes to all Grade 8 students within the City of Peterborough for the duration of March Break 2020 (from Friday, March 13th to Sunday, March 22nd).
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In addition to the free transit passes, many local destinations get involved with the Grade 8 Transit Quest by providing free or discounted admission to Grade 8 students who take the bus during March Break.
Whether you are a parent who needs to motivate your kid, or a kid who needs to make the case to your parents, here is your one-stop resource on the four key benefits of the Grade 8 Transit Quest.
Seize the moment
GreenUP’s Jaime Akiyama introduces a class of Grade 3 students to public transit through the On the Bus program, one of the many programs offered through Active School Travel PTBO. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
The Grade 8 Transit Quest increases youth familiarity with the Peterborough Transit system at a time in their lives when they are beginning to appreciate the ability to travel more independently.
This increase in independent mobility is more than just a gift for parents who would otherwise be chauffeurs. It also allows youth to better access activities, employment, and other opportunities.
Studies show that adolescence is a particularly influential period to introduce public transit as a way to be independent. Encouraging youth to use public transit increases the likelihood that they will use public transit in the future and be less reliant on cars as adults.
A 2018 study of youth transit users in Kingston, Ontario, suggests public transit provides a meaningful alternative mode of transportation for youth, and influences behavioural change for a more sustainable future.
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Take climate action
The environmental benefits of pubic transit include reduced air pollution and traffic congestion from fewer vehicles on the road. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Public transportation directly benefits youth and their community. The environmental benefits include reduced air pollution and traffic congestion from fewer vehicles on the road.
Studies show transportation currently represents 23 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Increased use of alternative transportation (including efficient public transit) is necessary to reduce emissions by decreasing the number of cars on the road.
Develop sustainable budget priorities
At one tenth the cost of car ownership, public transit is a compelling and healthy option for today’s youth to develop financial independence. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Even if a young person were legally able to drive a vehicle, the expense of owning and maintaining a vehicle is prohibitive for many people. Youth may not consider that the initial cost of the vehicle itself is only the beginning. Insurance, registration, maintenance, gas, and parking expenses amount to substantial ongoing costs.
Statistics Canada reports that in 2017, Ontario households spend on average one fifth of their income on private transportation — that’s more than we spend on food.
Buying a car should no longer be perceived as an adolescent right of passage, nor a symbol of independence. For many individuals and families, owning a car can be financially and environmentally unsustainable.
In 2017 Global News compared the expenses associated with vehicle ownership to adult public transit costs from the Canadian Urban Transit Association. They found that riding public transit is at least 10 times cheaper than owning a car.
Create safe and healthy habits
Introducing children and youth to public transit is a way to encourage a healthier lifestyle. Studies show that using public transit contributes to approximately a third of a child’s recommended daily physical activity. After all, transit trips often begin and end with a walk to or from a bus stop. (Photo courtesy of GreenUP)
Public transit is a safe mode of travel that encourages positive habits associated with healthier lifestyles.
Studies show that using public transit contributes to approximately a third of a child’s recommended daily physical activity. After all, transit trips often begin and end with a walk to or from a bus stop.
In 2017 the American Heart Association found public transit users are 44 per cent less likely to be overweight, 27 per cent less likely to have high blood pressure, and 34 per cent less likely to have diabetes compared to people who drive.
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Getting young people on public transit this March Break
This March Break, take a break from the car. The AST PTBO Grade 8 Transit Quest program builds competences and knowledge that helps foster the independent mobility that youth crave.
Grade 8 Transit Quest passes, program information, and educational material will be delivered to schools the week before March Break. AST PTBO thanks school administrators and Grade 8 teachers for distributing the passes before the students leave for March Break.
If you have younger kids in your life, Peterborough Transit also offers a day pass that is a great option for family travel. For $8, up to two adults and four children can ride the bus all day. An efficient and sustainable transportation option, the day pass gives younger children a foundational experience with public transit.
Day passes can be purchased at Peterborough Transit sales outlets, the Transit Terminal on Simcoe Street, and at Lansdowne Place Mall.
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About Active School Travel Peterborough
Active School Travel Peterborough (AST PTBO) promotes the use of active and sustainable transportation for the daily trip to school. AST PTBO works with local schools to implement programs that encourage students to walk, roll, or bus to school.
AST PTBO recognizes that public transit is also an important active and sustainable mobility choice, with numerous benefits for youth. Our various programs increase the knowledge and comfort levels of young transit riders, making public transportation both normal and accessible
Using public transit may be a new experience for youth. AST PTBO helps students prepare. AST PTBO transit programs, like On The Bus and School Trip By Transit, introduce young students to transit experiences, often for the first time, and help build familiarity with the transit system.
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