Founder Rose Wilton (left) with The Rose Project's personal care community cupboard, located behind Port Hope's Town Hall with the approval of the municipality. Designed and built out of donated materials by Courtney Sutton (middle) of Northern Revival Co., with the artwork on the back of the cupboard (pictured) created by Lee Higginson (right) of Fluke Craft, the cupboard is stocked with items such as soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, and more. The goal of the cupboard is to give people who are homeless or financially struggling access to personal care items they might not otherwise be able to afford, helping them to stay clean and healthy while allowing them to maintain their dignity. (Photo courtesy of The Rose Project)
The Rose Project founder Rose Wilton had an inspired idea to support struggling members of her community: creating a cupboard filled with personal care items for those in need in Port Hope.
Known for her drive to help others, she took her inspiration and made her “personal care community cupboard” into a reality by working with donors, local artisans, and other members of her community.
“The inspiration for the personal care community cupboard came from two places,” Wilton explains. “Firstly, Colborne’s food cupboard that is accessible 24 hours. Secondly, an initiative in Toronto where the city took old newspaper stands and turned them into feminine hygiene product containers. I thought ‘This is working so well for two very different communities, why not Port Hope?'”
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In cooperation with the Town of Port Hope, The Rose Project board chair Pam Royl began working towards the goal of opening the community cupboard, which is located downtown behind Town Hall where it can easily be accessed by members of the community.
“I believe this cupboard allows people to take control of their dignity,” says Wilton. “Not only by giving people access to personal items to be clean and healthy, but to be treated with dignity as well. The cupboard allows them to ‘go shopping’, as it were, for what they need. They can pick and choose what they would like or need, rather than be handed something generic. It’s nice to be able to have the choice.”
The community cupboard is a natural extension of The Rose Project initiative, which collects new, unopened, and unused toiletry donations and routinely provides items to people living on the streets and in shelters. By focusing on toiletries and personal items, the project has helped countless people in need to regain their dignity during a time when they are struggling just to keep a roof over their head and food in their stomach.
“This is a matter of health and it is a matter of personal dignity,” Royl observes. “Feeling unclean can make any of us feel badly about ourselves and potentially worsen health conditions. For this highly vulnerable group, it can be demoralizing and dehumanizing, which creates another barrier to rebuilding self-confidence and improving financial circumstances.”
Artwork by Lee Higginson of Fuke Craft on a side panel of The Rose Project’s personal care community cupboard in Port Hope. (Photo courtesy of Lee Higginson)
“Given the early uptake we have already had from our first cupboard, I think we are really on to something — assisting in meeting a real need in our community. We just hope it makes someone’s life a little easier. This is just the beginning as we hope to expand the idea throughout our area and maybe even beyond.”
Wilton and Royl worked with Port Hope’s director of parks, recreation and culture Jim McCormack, along with an advisory committee of council members, to gain approval for the community cupboard project.
“This project first came forward to our parks, recreation and culture advisory committee, who are an advisory committee of council comprised of residents from the municipality,” explains McCormack. “The committee, along with staff, are very supportive of this initiative. Thus the approval to have it installed close to Town Hall and Memorial Park.”
“Staff and committee members recognize the importance of filling gaps in services to those in need and recognize that this service, provided by volunteers, certainly fulfills that need. We worked with The Rose Project with respect to the design, building materials, and manner in which it would be erected to ensure it met our requirements.”
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The Rose Project was fortunate to have a great team working on the design and construction of the cupboard. Local carpenter Courtney Sutton of Northern Revival Co. designed the piece. Once it was constructed, local artist Lee Higginson of Fluke Craft was engaged to paint the finished cupboard. With Higginson’s vision, the cupboard looks as if The Rose Project is giving the community a hug.
“Courtney Sutton of Northern Revival Co. generously donated all of the materials as well as her time for building the cupboard,” Wilton says. “I had a rough idea of what I wanted and she ran with it and made it even more beautiful than I could have hoped for.”
“Lee Higginson of Fluke Craft also generously donated her time and materials to create the artwork that is on the cupboard. I had no idea what I wanted on it, only the name. Lee sat down with me and gave some amazing ideas that created the gorgeous work you see now. This wouldn’t have been possible without both of their creative talents.”
“I also greatly appreciate the parks, recreation and culture advisory committee for the town of Port Hope for working with us and allowing us to install this for the community.”
Artist Lee Higginson (left), The Rose Project founder Rose Wilton (middle), and designer and carpenter Courtney Sutton (right) with The Rose Project’s personal care community cupboard, located behind Town Hall in Port Hope. Wilton will keep the cupboard stocked with personal care items needed by the less fortunate, including as toiletries as well as seasonal items such as hats and gloves. (Photo courtesy of The Rose Project)
“It means so much to be asked to be a part of something with such a big heart,” adds Higginson. “Something community spirited, something so close to what Fluke Craft is built on. I have loved and supported The Rose Project since its beginnings, and this was a wonderful way to continue that relationship. The art and design came about naturally. The roses were an obvious component. In my discussions with Rose, the hug idea just came about. It was a joy to paint. It makes me happy every time I drive by.”
Courtney Sutton has also expressed her gratitude for involvement in this project. She was also an exhibitor at The Rose Project’s inaugural holiday craft show last year, helping to raise funds and awareness for the project.
“I am so grateful that The Rose Project reached out and trusted me with building this piece,” Sutton says. “It’s something that I know is near and dear to the project’s heart and I believe it will really help those who need it. I think it’s important to give back to the community if you’re able to, and I loved creating this larder with the thought in mind that I would be helping people who might be struggling.”
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“It’s difficult to articulate in words how I design anything I build,” Sutton adds. “It’s based on tidbits of designs I’ve seen, or the process of how I’ve built certain things in the past. When Rose asked me to design it as it would be integrated into the town as an art piece, I tried to keep it fairly basic — so Lee of Fluke Craft could put her wonderful art on it — but also make it accessible and sturdy enough to withstand the weather.”
All of the materials and time required to create, approve, and install the cupboard were generously donated to the project. One of the ideas behind the community cupboard was to ensure that people have access to personal care items at any time of the day or night, even if they aren’t receiving social services.
“Struggling to find a secure home or pay the rent or put food on the table sometimes means there is no money left for personal care items such as feminine hygiene products or toothpaste,” Royl explains. “For over five years, The Rose Project has been providing personal care products both directly to individuals struggling in our community, as well as to many social services agencies and schools.”
“It was through this involvement that Rose identified the need to provide a way for discreet 24/7 access. As a result, we have created our personal care cupboard. We want to provide discreet access, anytime, to feminine hygiene products, soap, toilet paper, or even a warm winter hat or gloves when and where these products are needed. This little cupboard provides an anonymous way to get a little help when a person might be most vulnerable and alone.”
A detail of the artwork by Lee Higginson of Fuke Craft on a side panel of The Rose Project’s personal care community cupboard in Port Hope. The rose symbolizes both The Rose Project and the concept of giving back to the community. (Photo courtesy of Lee Higginson)
While the cupboard does accept donations, it is important to note that it is not a donation box or drop-off point. Instead, it will be restocked by The Rose Project directly.
“For health, safety, and dignity purposes I am asking people to donate through me so that I may put items into the cupboard,” Wilton explains. “People wishing to donate can email or they can drop off items at Sugar Dust Bakery in downtown Port Hope, which has generously been a drop-off place for us for a few years now. I have so far found that winter gloves and feminine hygiene products have gone very quickly, so we could always use more of those to put in the cupboard.”
The cupboard will always aim to provide local folks in need with personal items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and feminine hygiene products. When there is a need for hats and gloves during the winter months or shampoo and body wash during the warmer months, these items will also be available.
The Town of Port Hope has twice awarded The Rose Project with a civic award for community service for the work that they do. The project is run by volunteers and relies on donations of items rather than cash. Community members can reach out to Wilton at theroseproject14@gmail.com to find out how to get more involved.
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According to Wilton, the most important goal that the community cupboard is that it enables The Rose Project to reach even more people in need in the community than ever before.
“While there are a lot of people who we can see who need help, there are also a lot of invisible people who are in need as well,” she points out. “Because the cupboard is located on the local bus route, people are able to stop off quickly and grab what they need.”
“Because it’s accessible in such a great location, it allows more people to get what they need at any time of the day or night. They don’t have to schedule around work or when they can get a ride, or to be available the one day and time that a social service is open. Now they can access supplies when it is convenient for them.”
You can find The Rose Project online at theroseproject14.wixsite.com/ontario. To donate to the community cupboard, email Rose Wilton at theroseproject14@gmail.com or drop off your donated items at Sugar Dust Bakery at 74 Walton Street in downtown Port Hope.
The Peterborough Police Service have advised that Cassandra Stanley has been located.
The Peterborough Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in locating missing person 15-year-old Cassandra Stanley.
She was last seen at approximately 8 a.m. on Tuesday (January 14) in the area of Scollard Drive in the City of Peterborough.
Cassandra is described as Caucasian, 5’1″, 104lbs, with long black hair going to her waist.
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She was last seen wearing a green Guess jacket, blue jeans, and a blue shirt.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service at 705-8796-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca,
Police are seeking this man who was captured on video surveillance breaking in to an Apsley business at around 4 a.m. on January 12, 2020. (Supplied photo)
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are seeking a suspect after they were called on Monday (January 12) to investigate break-ins to three separate businesses in Apsley in North Kawartha Township.
Between 9:30 p.m. on Sunday (January 11) and 5 a.m. on Monday, the suspect entered three separate locations. At two of the locations, the suspect was interrupted by the business owners and no items were found to be missing.
At the third location, the break-in was not discovered until the business opened on Monday morning. At this location, cash, alcohol, and lottery tickets were some of items that were stolen.
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The three break-ins all appear to be connected to the same suspect, who is described as a Caucasian male, approximately six feet tall with a thin build.
He was wearing light coloured track pants, black shoes, a black coat, a grey hoodie, and a blue cloth covering part of his face.
The suspect was also captured on video surveillance entering the passenger side of a dark coloured SUV prior to leaving one location.
A close-up of the suspect.
Police investigators are actively looking for information that may lead to a suspect or suspects in this case. Anyone with tips on this case can contact Peterborough OPP at 705-742-0401, the non-emergency line 1-888-310-1122, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Manjit Minhas on the set of the CBC Television series "Dragons' Den". Described on her website as "mother, beer baroness, entrepreneur, Dragon", Manjit will be speaking at the Innovation Cluster's Electric City Talks series at Showplace Performance Centre in Peterborough on March 10, 2020 in celebration of International Women's Day. The event is sponsored by Fleming College and will be free for all Fleming College students, and $10 for members of the public. (Photo: CBC)
Manjit Minhas, the Canadian entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and self-described beer baroness who is one of the celebrity investors on CBC Television’s popular Dragons’ Den series, will be speaking at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough) on Tuesday, March 10th.
Manjit is headlining the Innovation Cluster’s Electric City Talks series with a talk entitled “Empowering Women: Achieving Business Success in Male-Dominated Industries”. The event takes place during the week celebrating International Women’s Day.
As a female entrepreneur, Manjit has been able to do what few ever thought possible: break into the notoriously competitive and male-dominated beer and spirits industry.
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Born and raised in Calgary, Manjit was only 19 years old when she and her brother Ravinder launched a liquor and beer business, with Manjit selling her car to fund the start-up costs. In 2006, they purchased the second oldest brewery in the United States and renamed it “Minhas Craft Brewery.” At the time, this acquisition made the two Minhas siblings the youngest brewery owners in the world.
Today, Manjit is the sole owner, president, and CEO of the Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Winery, which has become the 10th largest brewery in the world under her leadership. The company produces more than 120 beers, spirits, liqueurs, and wines that ship all across Canada, the U.S., and overseas.
“Only 16 per cent of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises are majority-owned by women, and this percentage is even lower among women who own high-growth or exporting firms,” Manjit said in a 2019 Global News interview for International Women’s Day.
Manjit Minhas on the set of the CBC Television series “Dragons’ Den” with her fellow Dragons. (Photo: CBC)
“Creating supports and services that break down barriers and provide women with greater access to capital, networks and information will help increase these numbers, and that’s what we need to start doing more,” she added. “We also need to engage men in the conversation.”
Although Manjit trained as a petroleum engineer, she has become a specialist in brand development, marketing, sales management, and retail negotiations. She strives to minimize the environmental impact of her company, producing beer using the least amount of cleaning and water treatment chemicals, gas, electricity, and water.
Manjit has been named PROFIT magazine’s “Top Growth Entrepreneur”, Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs in Canada, Canada’s Top 40 under 40, Chatelaine Magazine’s Top Entrepreneur Woman of The Year 2011, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of The Year Prairie Region, and The Sikh Centennial Foundation Award 2015.
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Manjit’s appearance reflects the Innovation Cluster’s goal for its Electric City Talks series, to bring the best in technology and innovation to Peterborough and the Kawarthas.
“As the region grows as an entrepreneurial hub, we have seen a clear need to bring in global disruptors,” says Innovation Cluster president and CEO John Gillis.
The talk is sponsored by Fleming College, and admission will be free for Fleming College students.
VIDEO: DNA of a Dragon – Manjit Minhas (2017)
“Fleming College is proud to partner with the Innovation Cluster and welcome Manjit Minhas to Peterborough in celebration of International Women’s Day,” says Fleming College President Maureen Adamson.
“Fleming has a pivotal role to play in moving the dial and improving resources available to young women. Our continued partnership with the Innovation Cluster blaze new trails for women in our community, providing the education needed to thrive, and the resources needed to get there.”
Doors open at 6 p.m. and a cash bar will be available. Following Manjit’s keynote, there will be an opportunity for a question-and-answer session as well as a photo opportunity for all attendees.
Manjit Minhas will speak at Showplace Performance Centre on March 10, 2020, presented by the Innovation Cluster in partnership with Fleming College. (Poster: Innovation Cluster)
Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar are (left to right) Tafari Anthony on back-up vocals, Curtis Chaffey on guitar, Sherie Marshall on back-up vocals, Samantha Martin on lead vocals and guitar, Andrew Moljgun on keys and sax, Ian McKeown on bass, and Dani Nash on drums. The band brings its blues-soul sound to Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough on February 1, 2020. (Publicity photo / samanthamartinmusic.com)
While her upcoming tour of western Canada with Delta Sugar is front of mind, don’t be fooled — singer Samantha Martin is in it for the long haul.
Market Hall presents Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
When: Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 8 p.m. Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St. E, Peterborough) How much: $33 including fees
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.
“I’m constantly thinking about what I need to do to keep the momentum going,” says Martin, describing herself as “a 14-year overnight success.”
“For sure there have been pinch-me moments, but I’m like a freight train — I just keep going. The goal is to have longevity. I want to be able to support myself playing music.”
Full evidence of her ability to do just that will be presented Saturday, February 1st when Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar headline at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte Street, Peterborough, 705-749-1146).
Tickets to the 8 p.m. performance cost $33 and are available in person at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, and online at markethall.org.
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As one would expect from anyone with a university business degree, Martin has a plan. For sure, the creative side of what she does as a singer and a songwriter is a priority, but measured steps continue to be taken to ensure her chosen career path is as long as it is fruitful.
“Running a band isn’t easy, especially when you’re coming up and you’re trying to do big things on small budgets,” notes Martin.
“Everybody has bills to pay. If what I’m paying can’t pay the bills for those playing with me, then they have to go somewhere else.”
VIDEO: “All Night Long” – Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
But while Martin’s business acumen has been refined out of necessity, her love of music developed much as it does for many who eventually choose live music performance as a career path.
“I was seven (years old) when my dad bought me my first guitar,” recalls Martin. “I went to kitchen table parties with my family. My dad brought his guitar and seemed like he was having a good time. I thought ‘Wow, I want to do that.’ I enjoyed the positive attention because I was a bit of a brat … I believe the word is precocious.”
“My mom’s musical tastes influenced me. My dad was a big country guy, but the blues, funk, soul and R&B stuff was what I really loved. My mom would blast everything from Aretha Franklin to Sinead O’Connor. It wasn’t until I was 21 or 22 that I really started thinking ‘Hmmm, I can maybe do this more professionally.’ I was singing karaoke and that sort of thing. People were really blown away by my voice. I was like ‘Oh, thank you.'”
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One early open mic experience stands out for Martin.
“The band said they knew A Piece Of My Heart by Janis Joplin and they did not. Because there’s an element of perfectionism that I have, I kept going back until they learned the song. I was like ‘Guys, you told me you knew this song. I’m coming back next week. Learn it.’ That was how I caught the live music bug.”
In 2008, Martin released her first CD Back Home — “It was very country,” she says —- and then went on to form to front The Haggard, which released a self-titled CD in 2012 that featured nine songs written by her. Exclaim! magazine hailed Martin’s voice as “a force of nature … that grabs you by the throat while causing the hairs on the back of your neck to tingle.”
VIDEO: “Chasing Dreams” – Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
There things sat until 2014 when the band was asked to do perform at a Toronto showcase for Folk Alliance International.
“We couldn’t do the full band — no drums and no bass was the stipulation — so I thought, rather than just myself and the guitar player, why don’t we do me, guitar, and two back-up singers? We did the showcase and people lost their minds. They thought it was so good. I knew it was special, but I didn’t know how special. We did a good job but I didn’t think it would become the band.”
Initially, Delta Sugar featured back-up singers Sherie Marshall and Stacie Tabb. After Tabb received a call to tour with Amanda Marshall, Mwansa Mwansa filled the void. Currently, Tafari Anthony and Sherie Marshall comprise Delta Sugar.
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In 2015, Delta Sugar’s debut CD Send The Nightingale was released. At the time, the band was still small, featuring Martin and two back-up singers alongside guitarist Mikey McCallum.
“Artistically I felt we had room to grow,” recalls Martin.
“I didn’t really want to keep doing all the gospel music, but I had just lost my mom to cancer. I was dealing with a lot at the time. I was writing in the gospel realm because I was looking for answers as to why this was happening to my mom … looking for comfort and a way forward. I felt like I had to go down that path for this record and so I did.”
According to Martin, what followed was a seismic shift for the band.
“A year into touring Send The Nightingale, we added a drummer. Then we added a keyboard player. We were playing bigger stages. When I started writing for the next record I wrote more in a soul vein. That’s what I was listening to at the time and I really felt the band was ready to expand. The producer said the new songs need horns. I was like ‘Oh no! Okay, horns it is.’ Honestly, if I could play every show with the full 10-piece band I absolutely would. The songs lift so much differently.”
Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar’s latest album “Run to Me” received extensive airplay and earned a 2019 Juno Award nomination and four Maple Blues Award nominations. (Graphic: Gypsy Soul Records)
The band’s sophomore album, Run To Me, was another game changer in every respect for the band. Besides receiving extensive radio airplay in both North America and the United Kingdom, it earned a 2019 Juno Award nomination in the Blues Album of the Year category, as well as four Maple Blues Award nominations — including a nod for Martin as Female Vocalist of the Year.
And the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) also took notice, honouring Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar with the certification Road Gold for having sold more than 25,000 show tickets over a 12-month period.
“I had a really solid team for Run To Me, whereas I put out Send The Nightingale pretty much on my own,” says Martin.
“I’m constantly thinking about what I need to do to keep it going. If you don’t have a record out every two years, you start to lose steam. You don’t get as many bookings. You don’t tour as often. You don’t get the reviews. People aren’t streaming you because you’re not the flavour of the month. You release a record and then you have one year where everything goes crazy. What do I need to do to meet or exceed expectations?”
VIDEO: “Addicted” – Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
In answer to that, Martin went into full writing mode this past September and took to the recording studio with Delta Sugar in late October. The result will be a new album, The Reckless One, scheduled for release this May.
“There’s talk of strings on this record … Lord help me if I need to tour with a 15-piece band,” laughs Martin, her business mind crunching the numbers.
“The new album has elements of ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ It’s still in the soul and vintage R&B vein but it will definitely have a little bit more of a rock ‘n’ roll edge to it.”
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Having played Peterborough clubs back in the day with The Haggard as well as having headlined with Delta Sugar on the Holiday Inn patio, Martin is no stranger to the city, but this is her first turn on the Market Hall stage. She says new songs will be featured as well as “a lot of Run To Me stuff and some covers.”
“We’re coming as a seven-piece band. It’s a high-energy show. I tell jokes. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. It’ll be a lot of fun.”
“I’m in a good place. I feel like I have more control over what I do than I used to, and I feel like I’m singing better. I’ve always kind of done what I do because I don’t know how to do it any other way. I’m not a trained singer. My natural voice … I have more control over it. I really feel I’ve found my unique voice.”
VIDEO: “Feel Good” – Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
In January, The Cork and Bean in Peterborough is offering a series of tasting workshops including whiskey and scotch. Whiskey and wine consultant Nick Cardwell (at back), will lead the tastings, which include charcuterie. (Photo: The Cork and Bean)
This month, food writer Eva Fisher clinks her glass to whiskey and scotch tastings at The Cork and Bean in Peterborough, steers into Riley’s Bar and Grill in Bobcaygeon, cooks with class with The Spice Co., and discovers that apple pies may not actually have to contain apples with the Cavan Monaghan Libraries’ Cookbook Club.
Pop a cork at The Cork and Bean’s upcoming whiskey tastings
Whiskey, charcuterie, and a story. What could be better than that?
The Cork and Bean (382 George St N, Peterborough, 705-742-0144) has two tasting events coming up: “Whiskey Tasting: Around the World”, taking place on Friday, January 17th at 7pm, and “Scotch Tasting”, which you can enjoy on Friday, January 31st at 7 p.m.
The tastings cost $50 per person (plus HST), which includes charcuterie. Nick Cardwell, who previously held the enviable job of product taster at the LCBO, will guide participants through the nuances of each whiskey and scotch.
Whiskey and scotch tasting events at The Cork and Bean offer a chance to try something new in a fun and relaxed setting. (Photo: The Cork and Bean)
Steve Francis, co-owner of The Cork and Bean, says that whiskey and scotch fans will learn a lot from Nick.
“He has a great palette and the ability to describe subtle differences in flavours. He explains how each whiskey or scotch is distilled and barrelled and why those flavours exist in that particular whiskey.”
The tastings allows people to try new whiskeys and scotches without the risk (and hefty price tag) of buying a bottle.
“The average price of the whiskeys is $80 to $120 a bottle,” Steve notes. “It gives people an opportunity to understand the different nuances between whiskeys and have the opportunity to taste whiskeys they might not otherwise try.”
Steve says it’s also a great time.
“It’s a fun couple of hours out, either on your own or with people you like to hang out with.”
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Not a fan of whiskey or scotch? The Cork and Bean has a number of tasting events in the works, including wine tastings and a mystery beer tasting.
“You buy a flight of four beers, you are told and shown the cans that those four beers came from, and you need to try to determine which beer in front of you belongs in which can,” Steve explains.
You can learn about upcoming tastings at The Cork and Bean on Instagram or Facebook.
Riley’s Bar and Grill set to open in Bobcaygeon
Riley’s Bar and Grill, which opens in Bobcaygeon on February 1, 2020, overlooks the water. (Photo: Riley’s Bar and Grill)
A new bar and grill is opening in Bobcaygeon. Don and Laurie Riley will open the doors to Riley’s Bar and Grill (50 Canal St E, Bobcaygeon, 705-738-1802) on Saturday, February 1st.
Christine Eliopoulos, owner of Eggsmart (40 Bolton St, Bobcaygeon, 705-731-0101), will run the kitchen.
The new restaurant will offer what Don describes as “high end pub food with a twist.”
Owners Don and Laurie Riley will also be hosting a grand opening of Riley’s Bar and Grill on the May long weekend. (Photo: Laurie Riley / Facebook)
The menu will include chili in a bread bowl, house-made nachos cut into Riley’s signature steer logo, and their signature Riley’s bread, which Christine describes as “crispy on the outside, fresh in the middle with a taste that you’ll remember forever.”
“It’s actually unbelievable,” Don adds.
The steer logo is important to Don. It references his other business, Steertech Performance, but it’s also a nod to his father, a farmer who loved the steer logo and always wanted to put it up in the farm laneway. Don says he takes inspiration from him.
The Riley’s Bar and Grill steer logo references Don Riley’s other business, Steertech Performance, and is also a nod to his farmer father. (Logo: Riley’s Bar and Grill)
“He loved work and looking after things,” Don recalls.
Riley’s Bar and Grill is scheduled to open on February 1st — the day before Don’s father’s birthday — for the Superbowl.
However, they will also host a grand opening on the May long weekend, which will feature live coverage from local radio stations and a performance by Tammy J. Wilde.
Spice up your cooking skills with The Spice Co.
At The Spice Co. cooking classes, tasting your creations is a must … unless you’re taking the Gone to Pot THC cooking class! (Photo: The Spice Co.)
Looking for a fun way to up your cooking game? The Spice Co.’s Chef Brian Henry offers a variety of cooking classes, including Filipino, Italian, Mexican, Cajun and even a “Gone to Pot” THC cooking class.
Brian has worked as a chef for 36 years. His work has taken him across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Turks and Caicos, and Belize. He is a food writer, has appeared on a number of television shows and commercials, and is currently working to launch his own line of cookbooks.
He also works in emergency food service, providing meals to communities that have been evacuated due to environmental, climate or social emergencies like forest fires and flooding. Through this work his team has provided 10 million meals over the past six years.
Cooking classes offered by The Spice Co. cover a variety of cuisines including Filipino, Italian, Mexican, and Cajun. They offer the chance to learn about new techniques and ingredients in a fun and relaxed environment. (Photo: The Spice Co.)
Brian started The Spice Co. as a retail line of spices, but since then the company has expanded. Cooking classes are hosted at the Angle Iron Kitchen (15 Charlotte St., Lakefield, 705-875-0428).
Brian says that the classes are a great way to experiment in a low pressure environment.
“We might make some mistakes but we learn from our mistakes,” he explains. “Then when you go home with the recipe package from the class, you just have a little more confidence in preparing those dishes or working with those ingredients that you may not be familiar with.”
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It’s not just about recipes and ingredients though.
“You get to understand a little bit of the body mechanics required for preparing the foods, the way your fingers or hands have to work, and the different knife skills that might be required.”
Home cooks interested in learning about international flavours might want to try “Thrilla in Manilla”, a Filipino cooking class. Brian got many of the recipes for this class from his mother-in-law, who he describes as “hands down one of the best cooks I know.”
The recipes covered include Adobo, Arozz caldo, and Pancit. “Thrilla in Manilla” is next offered on Thursday, January 30th from 6 to 10 p.m.
Those looking for an easy upgrade to their everyday meals will want to try “The Spice Trade” class, which takes place on Thursday, January 23rd from 6 to 10 p.m.
“It’s a class that has a blend of flavours that go all over the world,” Brian says. “We have Bengali flavours, Mediterranean flavours, tagines, achioji from Mexico, and then we bring in some different Chai spices and ginger — but we blend those with chocolate. There are a lot of different ways that you can work with spices and incorporate them into the different North American style preparations that we’re more familiar with.”
Head to The Spice Co.’s Facebook page for a full listing of upcoming cooking classes.
Try and taste new recipes at Cavan Monaghan Library’s Cookbook Club
This sweet potato pie was made by a Cookbook Club family from scratch. “It was the most delicious thing I think I’ve ever had,” says Melanie Crouch of Cavan Monaghan Libraries, which hosts the club. “I’m fully converted to sweet potato pie.” (Photo: Cavan Monaghan Libraries)
If you like to do your cooking by the book, the Bruce Johnston Branch of the Cavan Monaghan Library (2199 Davis Rd, Cavan-Monaghan, 705-741-1253) has a club for you. Cookbook Club meets on the third Saturday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m., with the next meeting on January 18th.
Participants of all ages sit over coffee and tea and each person takes turns presenting a recipe. Melanie Crouch, coordinator of programming, partnerships and outreach with Cavan Monaghan Libraries, leads the club.
“They’ll tell everyone why they chose the recipe, what it was about the cookbook that they really enjoyed, and then everyone gets to sample what they’ve prepared,” Melanie explains.
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The group setting is a great opportunity to get feedback about the recipe and to learn about adapting recipes.
Each month has a theme, and while the theme is sometimes decided collectively, Melanie usually likes to surprise members. Often themes are ingredient based.
“For September, we did zucchini because zucchini was just so prolific at that point. Someone did a mock apple pie, which is where you take the zucchini and substitute it as the apple. I was the only one that was privy to that information, and everyone else was asking ‘What kind of apples are these? Is it a couple of different varieties?’ And then there was the big reveal that, no, it was zucchini!”
Each Cookbook Club dish is sampled and commented on by the group at large. (Photo: Cavan Monaghan Libraries)
Melanie notes that, no matter the theme, there are always a few memorable dishes.
“Every time there’s something that stands out. One time we did lemons and one of our ladies, who came with her two children, made a Greek recipe called lemon soup. It’s pretty much rice in a chicken broth and lemon base, and her family were like ‘You’re not taking that to cookbook club, it’s not even edible.’ They couldn’t believe it when everyone at Cookbook Club was asking for the recipe because everyone really enjoyed it.”
At the first meeting of Cookbook Club, the memorable dish was Melanie’s own, but not for a good reason.
Cookbook Club meets at the Bruce Johnston Branch of Cavan Monaghan Libraries on the third Saturday of the month. (Photo: Cavan Monaghan Libraries)
“I felt like I had to do something really big and I decided to try my hand at choux pastry,” Melanie recalls. “I don’t have a lot of kitchen gadgets at my house so I thought ‘I can do this by hand, this is how it used to be done’. If you watch Downton Abbey when they show the kitchen scenes, they’re doing it all without the things we have these days. And I tried it and it was like concrete. But everyone was really polite and ate it.”
Facilities at the library include a freezer, a microwave, and a toaster oven, so attendees can reheat dishes or bring frozen foods like ice cream.
Karen Procyk of Peterborough collects her grand prize of $1,500 in "downtown money" at Wild Rock Outfitters on 169 Charlotte Street after her Holiday Shopping Passport was drawn at the culmination of the annual initiative by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) to encourage people to choose local. Also pictured is DBIA executive director Terry Guiel (left) and Wild Rock Outfitters co-owner Kieran Andrews. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
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 the conclusion of downtown Peterborough’s successful Holiday Shopping Passport program, the closing of boutique adult shop You’re Welcome in downtown Peterborough and the opening of “creation station” Omorfia in its place, Starks Barber Company coming to downtown Peterborough, Community Futures Peterborough seeking a business development manager, nominations opening for the County of Peterborough’s 2020 Recognition Awards, and a summary of other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas.
New events added this week include the WDB/LEPC’s gender and sexuality information session for employers in Peterborough on January 16th, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s business fundamentals workshop in Peterborough on January 20th, the Innovation Cluster’s workshop on patents in Peterborough on January 22nd, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development’s new venture session in Peterborough on January 22nd, the Innovation Cluster’s breakfast session on the Internet of Things in Peterborough on January 24th, and Northumberland Chamber’s annual general meeting and chair’s dinner in Cobourg on January 29th.
Downtown Peterborough Holiday Shopping Passport program is a “choose local” success
Last Thursday (January 9), Karen Procyk of Peterborough visited Wild Rock Outfitters in downtown Peterborough to claim the grand prize from this year’s Holiday Shopping Passport program, an annual initiative by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) to encourage people to choose local.
Karen is a regular downtown shopper and picked up her prize of $1,500 in “downtown money” — gift certificates that can be redeemed at participating businesses and organizations in downtown Peterborough.
DBIA executive director Terry Guiel and Dueling Grounds owner Wayne Mittlestead drew the winning Holiday Shopping Passport on January 8th at Dueling Grounds (304 George St. N., Peterborough).
The Holiday Shopping Passport program is an annual initiative by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) to encourage people to choose local. During the 2019 Holiday Shopping Passport Program, Downtown shoppers stamped approximately $2.3 million in downtown purchases on their passports. Pictured are DBIA executive director Terry Guiel and Dueling Grounds owner Wayne Mittlestead drawing the winning Holiday Shopping Passport, belonging to Karen Procyk of Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough DBIA)
“Congratulations to Karen on her big win and thanks to everyone who shopped downtown this holiday season and helped make the Holiday Shopping Passport program a big success,” Guiel said.
During the Holiday Shopping Passport program, which ran from November 12th to January 8th, shoppers were rewarded by receiving a stamp for every $10 they spent at a participating location. Each completed passport (20 stamps) was entered into a draw, including three early bird draws of $500 in downtown money and the $1,500 grand prize in downtown money.
The 2019 Holiday Shopping Passport Program proved to be a successful campaign to encourage people to choose local. There was an increase of 14 per cent in completed passports, with downtown shoppers stamping approximately $2.3 million in downtown purchases on their passports.
Downtown Peterborough boutique adult shop You’re Welcome to close retail location, “creation station” Omorfia will take over space
Boutique adult shop You’re Welcome is closing its retail outlet at 410 George Street North in downtown Peterborough effective January 19, 2020, but will continue to run events, workshops, classes, pop-shops, and private parties. Creative hub Omorfia will be taking over the space. (Graphic: You’re Welcome)
Diana and Justina Stephens, owners of Peterborough boutique adult shop You’re Welcome, have announced they are closing their retail location at 410 George Street North in downtown Peterborough effective Sunday (January 19).
“We found that running two storefronts was too much to take on and we lost some of the joy and momentum we had because our focus was divided,” they wrote on social media in announcing the closure.
Diana Stephens, a licensed hairstylist, also owns and operates hair salon The Unicorn Salon at 412 George Street North.
While the retail location is closing, You’re Welcome will continue to run events, workshops, classes, pop-shops, and private parties.
They are holding a closing sale until Friday (January 17) with 40 to 70 percent off everything in store. Gift cards can be redeemed until then (any remaining gift cards will be honoured at The Unicorn Salon).
Kristal Jones will be taking over the You’re Welcome space with her “creation station” business Omorfia.
The multifunctional space is described as being for “anyone who requires a space to gather, create, facilitate, or educate”, including photographers, artists, musicians, and more.
Omofia will also offer a dry bar, gallery, and event space as well as a pop-up shop for local makers and artists.
For more information about Omorfia, including pricing and memberships, visit omorfia705.com.
Starks Barber Company coming to downtown Peterborough
Starks Barber Company is opening a location in downtown Peterborough.
Offering “traditional barber services in an upscale and sophisticated setting”, the men’s grooming business already has locations in Toronto, Unionville, Brooklin, and Stouffville.
Starks will be located at 379 George Street North, just beside Gentry Apparel in the space previously occupied by Shots.
The company is currently seeking salon managers and stylists.
For more information, follow Starks Barber Company Peterborough on Instagram and Facebook.
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Community Futures Peterborough seeks business development manager
Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) — a not-for-profit organization that stimulates economic development, diversity, and employment opportunities throughout Peterborough County — is seeking a business development manager.
The scope of the position will be to support CFP’s existing loan portfolio and work with the organization’s partners and prospects to recommend financial solutions. CFP is looking for an “entrepreneurial spirit” with an understanding of the economic ecosystem. Strong analytical skills are also required to understand business plans, cash flows, and financial statements.
Nominations open for County of Peterborough’s 2020 Recognition Awards
Nominations are now open for the County of Peterborough’s 2020 Recognition Awards.
Nominations will be accepted for any resident or group residing in the County of Peterborough who has raised the profile or made an extraordinary contribution to the community.
Categories for businesses and organizations include Accessibility Recognition, Agricultural Leadership, Business Leadership, Environmental/Sustainability Recognition, and Heritage Preservation.
Nomination forms are available at the County of Peterborough offices (470 Water St., Peterborough, from any local municipal office, township fire chiefs, local police service boards, schools, libraries, area Chambers of Commerce, and Community Care organizations. Nomination forms can also be completed online at www.ptbocounty.ca/awards.
Completed and signed nomination forms with supporting documents are to be provided to the County Clerk by 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 15th.
County Council will select and announce the recipients in May, with the Recognition Awards ceremony taking place on Friday, May 22nd at the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre.
Other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas
Joseph Miller has joined the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation as a business development officer. (Photo: N100 / Facebook)
Here’s a summary of other notable business and organizational news from across the Kawarthas over the past week:
Last Tuesday (January 7), Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini announced $100,000 to create an economic development corporation in Hiawatha First Nation. The funding is part of the Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs’ $8.2 million Indigenous Economic Development Fund.
The City of Peterborough, which has received $101,273.64 over two years under the Government of Ontario’s Main Street Revitalization Initiative, will be upgrading the majority of decorative street lights in the downtown core with a new powder-coated metal decorative base, improving the aesthetics of these lights and enhancing the downtown appearance.
Kim Cranfield, who is leaving Publican House Brewery after six years as marketing director to start her own company called South Bay Marketing and Events, will be maintaining an office space for her new business in Electric City Works (200 Charlotte St., Peterborough).
Joseph Miller has joined the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation as a business development officer. An entrepreneur and intellectual property and innovation specialist with extensive experience in technology transfer, Miller holds a B.Sc. in Science and Business from the University of Notre Dame. He will be leading special initiatives from the CFDC’s offices at the Venture13 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centre in Cobourg.
Financial services company Baker Tilly has announced that Matthew Brisbin, Steven German, Monica Howes, and Steve Szczepaniak of Peterborough and Jennifer Ellis of Lindsay are among 57 candidates from Baker Tilly firms across the country who successfully completed the 2019 Common Final Examination, a significant milestone toward attaining the Chartered Professional Accountant designation.
Nominations are open for the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Evening of Excellence Awards in 14 categories. The nomination deadline is Friday, February 28th. For more information and nomination forms, visit lindsaychamber.com.
A project team at Peterborough Public Health has won a team/group award from Health Promotions Canada, recognizing excellence in their 2018 submissions to the official plan reviews for the City and County of Peterborough.
According to a report from U-Haul released on Wednesday (January 8), two cities in the Kawarthas are on the list of top 25 Canadian growth cities of 2019 in terms of migration. Lindsay came in at #17 and Peterborough at #18 (Peterborough was #15 in 2018 and Lindsay did not make the list last year). The top city in Canada was North Vancouver, B.C. U-Haul states the migration trends data, compiled from more than two million one-way U-Haul truck sharing transactions that occur annually in the U.S. and Canada, does not correlate directly to population or economic growth but is a gauge of how well cities are attracting and maintaining residents.
Kassie Graham has joined the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism as engagement coordinator. A graduate of Fleming College’s Business Administration Marketing program and International Business program, she has extensive experience in the municipal sector, working previously with the Municipality of Trent Lakes and the County of Peterborough.
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Northumberland Chamber hosts networking event in Cobourg on January 14
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next “Meet and Greet” business networking event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14th at MASS Environmental Services (210 Willmott St., Unit 5B, Cobourg).
MASS Environmental Services will share information about reducing the environmental footprint of your business and related subjects.
SOLD OUT – Innovation Cluster and Cleantech Commons host Electric City Talks with Jason Wight in Peterborough on January 14
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas and Cleantech Commons are hosting “Electric City Talks: An Evening with Jason Wight” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough)
Jason Wight is director of engineering at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and founder of for Ontario Power Generation’s only accelerator X-LAB. He will discuss nuclear energy, its role in the current climate crisis, and how innovative technologies are changing to adapt to a world that emphasizes clean and sustainable energy.
Doors open at 6 p.m., with introductions at 6:30 p.m. and the keynote at 6:45 p.m. A cash bar will be available.
Port Hope Chamber hosts a breakfast meeting with Mayor Bob Sanderson in Port Hope on January 15
The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a breakfast meeting with Mayor Bob Sanderson from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Railside Restaurant (112 Peter St., Port Hope).
Mayor Sanderson will provide an update on municipal affairs, strategic planning, and business within the municipality of Port Hope.
The cost is $20 for Chamber members or $30 for non-members (includes breakfast and tax and gratuity). Registration is required by January 10th by emailing admin@porthopechamber.com or calling 905-885-5519.
WDB/LEPC presents Employer Education Series – Gender & Sexuality Information Session in Peterborough on January 16
The Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council is presenting an employer education information session on gender and sexuality from 8 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 16th at Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough).
Guest speaker anya gwynne, education co-ordinator with PARN, will be presenting on best practices around gender and sexuality in the workplace.
The event will begin with breakfast and networking, with gwynne’s presentation on best practices around gender and sexuality in the workplace at 8:30 a.m. followed by a question-and-answer session at 9:30 a.m.
For those unable to attend in person, a webinar option will be available (register for the event to receive a calendar invite with further instructions about participating online).
Trent Hills Chamber hosts Trent-Severn Trail Town information session in Hastings on January 16
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting an information session on the Trent-Severn Trail Town initiative from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 16th at the Hastings Civic Centre (9 Albert St., Hastings).
Presented by the Hastings and Campbellford Trail Town Committees, the session will provide information about the Trent-Severn Trail Town initiative — designed to increase regional tourism — and the “Trail Town Friendly” business certification program.
This event will benefit businesses in the designated Trent-Severn Trail Town communities of Hastings and Campbellford. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts business fundamentals workshop in Peterborough on January 20
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting “Business Fundamentals: Branding, Marketing and Sales” from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, January 20th in the boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
The workshop will provide a robust structure for formulating and identifying your business’s brand, and how to develop a marketing strategy as well as a customer relations strategy.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development hosts new venture session in Peterborough on January 22
Due to a high volume of inquiries at its Business Advisory Centre, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development is hosting an additional “New Venture Session” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22nd 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
Innovation Cluster hosts workshop on patents in Peterborough on January 22
The Innovation Cluster is hosting “Hands-ON: Pizza and Patents” from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22nd at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).
This workshop is presented by Marcelo König Sarkis, senior patent agent with Prima IP. He will describe what a patent is, world and provisional patents (myth or reality), how to search patents, and tips for startups.
A pizza lunch will be supplied to attendees of the workshop.
Peterborough Chamber hosts lunch seminar on international students in Peterborough on January 22
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce’s next “Lunch Box Learning” session takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22nd at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (175 George St. N., Peterborough).
Tracey McConnery (Manager of English Programs & International Student Services, Fleming College) and Paul Longhurst (International Student Advisor, Trent University) will present on how international students can help you meet your labour needs and will discuss opportunities for collaboration.
The free event is open to Chamber members and members of the Women’s Business Network of Peterborough. Bring your own lunch.
Venture13 hosts “Fireside Chat: Smart Cities” in Cobourg on January 23
Venture13 is hosting “Fireside Chat: Smart Cities” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 23rd at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).
The discussion, featuring a panel of guest speakers, will cover how the development of “Smart Cities” presents new opportunities and advances in artificial intelligence and data science, which can be applied to manufacturing, health care, communications, transportation, and digital and physical infrastructure.
Innovation Cluster hosting breakfast session on the Internet of Things in Peterborough on January 24
The Innovation Cluster is hosting “Power Breakfast: The Internet of Things” from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Friday, January 24th at Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn (84 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough).
The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of all the internet-enabled devices that collect, send, and act on data they acquire from their surrounding environments using embedded sensors, processors, and communication hardware.
Over a hot breakfast you will hear from Adam Burley, senior IoT specialist for Telus Communications, who will speak about fleet management, remote monitoring, and more.
Betty Halman-Plumley of IG Wealth Management presents “Women and Wealth” seminar in Peterborough on January 27
Betty Halman-Plumley of IG Wealth Management is presenting “Women and Wealth” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 27th at Peterborough Golf & Country Club (1030 Armour Rd., Peterborough).
The in-depth seminar that will explore the unique financial concerns and opportunities facing women today. From wealth creation to retirement, estate planning, business success and charitable giving, the seminar will share expert insights.
Kawartha Lakes CFDC hosts Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario information sessions in Lindsay and Fenelon Falls on January 28 and 29
Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) is hosting information sessions on the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28th at the Lindsay Recreational Complex (133 Adelaide St. S., Lindsay) and from 12 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29th at Fenelon Falls Community Centre (27 Veteran’s Way, Fenelon Falls).
Kawartha Lakes CFDC will be accepting applications for projects that support small and medium-sized enterprises to foster innovation, technology adoption and digital connectivity in Kawartha Lakes. Priority sectors include advanced manufacturing, clean tech, digital industries, and agri-food and food processing. Minimum project size is $50,000, with the ability of participants to provide a 50 per cent ($25,000) matched cash contribution.
Northumberland Chamber holds its annual general meeting and chair’s dinner in Cobourg on January 29
The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual general meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29th at The Woodlawn Inn (420 Division St., Cobourg).
All members in good standing are invited to attend the meeting and hear an overview of the Chamber’s activities for the past year, including presentation of the Chamber’s audited year-end financial report. The 2020 executive will be introduced, and elections will be held to fill the available seats on the board of directors.
The annual chair’s dinner will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. following the meeting. For Chamber members and guests, the dinner features a four-course gourmet meal (vegetarian and vegan options are available). The cost is $69 per person.
Peterborough Chamber presents “Power Hour” in Peterborough on February 12
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is presenting “Power Hour” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12th at The Venue (286 George St. N., Peterborough).
The annual chat with elected officials is an interactive lunch event and question-and-answer session with Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith, City of Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien, and Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones. A moderator will present questions from the audience.
Peterborough city and county councillors and chief administrative officers, as well as First Nations leaders, will also be invited to attend.
The cost is $65 for Chamber members or $75 for non-members (tables for seven are also available for $450 for members and $525 for non-members). For more information and to register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.
For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.
This section of George Street South in downtown Peterborough between Sherbrook Street and Rink Street will be temporarily closed for a 15-minute period on January 15 and 22, 2020. (Photo: Google Maps)
The City of Peterborough has advised that a section of George Street in downtown Peterborough will be temporarily closed for a brief period on the next two Wednesdays.
George Street South between Rink Street and Sherbrooke Street will be closed for 15 minutes on Wednesday, January 15th and again for 15 minutes on Wednesday, January 22nd.
On both days, the temporary closure will takes place sometime between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
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Detour routes include Rink Street, Aylmer Street, and Sherbrooke Street.
Access to local businesses will remain open.
The closures are required for bridge work at Townsend Street for the construction of a new culvert, which is part of the Jackson Creek Flood Diversion Project. The culvert construction is scheduled for completion in late summer 2020.
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District (HKPR) Health Unit has issued a drinking water advisory for residents who draw their water from the Fenelon River, according to a media release from the City of Kawartha Lakes on Saturday night (January 11).
The drinking water advisory does not apply to homes and businesses connected to the Fenelon Falls municipal water system. That water continues to be safe to drink.
Residents who draw their water directly from the Fenelon River are advised to use a proper filtration and disinfection system before consuming the water.
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The reason for the drinking water advisory is because the Fenelon Falls sewage treatment plant is receiving higher than normal sewage flows due to the rain on Saturday. Raw sewage is bypassing into the river from the Colborne Street sewage pumping station located at the bottom of the locks.
While the impact of the spill on water quality is expected to be minimal given dilution due to significant rainfall, residents drawing water downstream from the Fenelon Falls sewage treatment plant should take precautions.
“Surface water can be contaminated by viruses, bacteria, or parasites that can cause illness,” says HKRP Health Unit public health inspector Dharminder Kaler. “It is important to treat the water before drinking or using the water to be sure it is safe.”
The Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council is presenting an employer education information session on gender and sexuality on January 16, 2020 at Holiday InnPeterborough-Waterfront in downtown Peterborough featuring guest speaker anya gwynne, education co-ordinator with PARN. At the session, they will be presenting on best practices around gender and sexuality in the workplace. (Stock photo)
Gender and sexuality in the workplace is the focus of an upcoming employer information session in Peterborough organized by the Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council (WDB/LEPC).
WDB/LEPC presents Employer Education Series – Gender & Sexuality
When: Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 8 – 10 a.m. Where: Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough) Cost: Admission is complimentary
Featuring guest speaker anya gwynne, Education Coordinator at PARN. Register online at eventbrite.ca. For those unable to attend in person, a webinar option will be available (register for the event to receive a calendar invite with further instructions about participating online).
Set for Thursday, January 16th at 8 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Peterborough Waterfront (150 George St. N., Peterborough), the featured speaker is anya gwynne, education co-ordinator with PARN – Your Community AIDS Resource Network in Peterborough.
The event will begin with breakfast and networking, with gwynne’s presentation on best practices around gender and sexuality in the workplace at 8:30 a.m. followed by a question-and-answer session at 9:30 a.m. Admission is complimentary, but those attending are asked to register in advance at eventbrite.ca.
According to WDB/LEPC project co-ordinator Wade Matthews, this is the sixth and final employer information session presented by the organization since June 2019.
Previous sessions have covered addiction and substance abuse, diversity and inclusion, accessibility, mental health and wellbeing, and managing different generations in the workplace — with each session building upon previously published employer guides made available by the WDB/LEPC.
The premise, says Matthews, is to introduce employers to best practices around each issue.
“In terms of our governance, we take our advice from the community and the various associations we’re affiliated with,” Matthew explains.
“From that, we get a sense of what employers are looking for and what they need. All six of these issues were flagged as important to employers to take into consideration for best practices in the workplace.”
“In addition, there are legal implications for employers they need to be aware of in relation to these kinds of issues. They’ve become something they can no longer simply avoid.”
While the sessions are primarily geared for employers in both the private and public sectors, human resources managers have attended past sessions and benefited, notes Matthews.
“And the sessions are great for small business, because small businesses often don’t have the resources to spend time looking into these issues. We help by short-cutting issues for them and provide them with best practices they can implement.”
“We’ve done surveys after each event. Generally speaking, participants have found the event helpful and have taken on practices suggested by the expert.”
Speaking directly to the upcoming session, Matthews says its subject is highly relevant.
“We still have an employment scenario where there’s a gap between the wages paid to men and the wages paid to women,” he notes. “And there’s research that clearly shows the more diverse workplace you have, the better productivity you have.”
Gender and Sexuality
In March 2019, WDB/LEPC released Gender and Sexuality, one of a series of guides designed to help employers navigate social issues that could have an impact on the area labour market.
A copy of Gender and Sexuality is available for download in English or French.
In WDB/LEPC’s recent guide entitled Gender and Sexuality, it’s noted that the Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits sexual and gender-based harassment in the workplace and employers are obligated to develop formal policies to address and prevent such instances.
Further, according to a 2013 report by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, gender-based harassment, unlike some forms of sexual harassment, is not generally motivated by sexual interest or intent. Rather, it is often rooted in hostility and intended to make another feel unwelcome.
The report goes on to note there’s a cost to employers who do nothing to put policies in place and address instances as they arise. Cited are decreased productivity, low morale, increased absences and higher health care costs, along with the potential for incurred legal expenses.
Workplace harassment and discrimination is particularly prevalent for members of the LGBTQ+ community, the WDB/LEPC guide concludes, with one of the biggest forms of discrimination seen around the issue of gender-specific pronouns.
“A lot of transgender people face barriers around their chosen name,” notes Alex Karn of Gender Journeys, a pilot project offered through the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge.
anya gwynne is the Education Coordinator at PARN in Peterborough, and also oversees the Rainbow Youth Program. They are the guest speaker at the Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council’s Employer Education Series information session on Gender and Sexuality on January 16, 2020 at the Holiday Inn in downtown Peterborough. (Photo courtesy of PARN)
“Education is the best place to start. A lot of it should be common sense. It comes down to treating people with respect. It’s important that employers be visible as an ally.”
The Ontario Human Rights Commission’s policy on sexualized and gender-specific dress codes states employers could be proactive by removing gender references from workplace documents and using gender-neutral language, such as “partner” or “spouse” as opposed to “husband” or “wife”.
According to a 2018 report by Addictions and Mental health Ontario, a number of approaches are recommended to better ensure inclusiveness in the workplace.
These include ensuring LGBTQ+ inclusiveness is woven throughout all organizational policies, ensuring those policies cover gender identity and gender expression, and having policies in place that offer privacy and accessibility for those who may be required to take hormone therapy medication.
For employers, the following strategies are contained in Beyond Diversity, a report compiled by Great Place To Work and Pride At Work Canada:
Create a formal policy in writing
Use gender-neutral language
Review employees’ dress code
Provide diversity training for employees
Provide management training
Support employee resource groups
Support gender transition
The WDB/LEPC guide concludes that an inclusive workplace is driven from the top by workplace leadership teams.
For more information on the Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council, visit www.wdb.ca and for more information about PARN and its varied programs, visit parn.ca.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
This story was created in partnership with WDB/LEPC.
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