Friday, July 18, 2025
Home Blog Page 712

businessNOW – September 24, 2019

By Bruce Head -
Elmhirst's Resort, located on the shores of Rice Lake in Keene, is a Tourism Employer of the Year finalist for the 2019 Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence. The award recognizes an organization that has developed an admirable reputation as a great place to work, and that has established itself as an upstanding example of Ontario's tourism industry. (Photo courtesy of Elmhirst's Resort)

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.

This week’s business and organizational news includes Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene being selected as a finalist for the 2019 Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence, Peterborough’s Signarama expanding into the custom apparel and promotional products industry, Lucky Strike Bait Works in Peterborough celebrating its 90th anniversary, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada rebranding with a new look.

Also featured this week are Pinnguaq Association launching Lindsay Makerspace, Spark Photo Festival announcing new festival director Jennifer MacKenzie, and the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce winning the annual Canadian Chamber of Commerce competition.

New regional business events added this week include the Cobourg job fair employer registration deadline on September 30th, Venture13 presenting a cyber security tech talk in Cobourg on October 5th and an IBM Lunch and Learn seminar in Cobourg on October 15th, and Small Business Week in Kawartha Lakes from October 21st to 25th.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene a finalist for the 2019 Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence

Stephen Elmhirst (right) and team picking apples at Elmhirst's Resort in Keene. The apples were then taken to Kawartha Country Wines for cider processing. (Photo: Elmhirst's Resort / Facebook)
Stephen Elmhirst (right) and team picking apples at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene. The apples were then taken to Kawartha Country Wines for cider processing. (Photo: Elmhirst’s Resort / Facebook)

Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene is a finalist in the 2019 Tourism Industry Awards of Excellence from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO).

For the Tourism Employer of the Year, Elmhirst’s Resort is up against Ottawa Tourism and Escape Manor (with locations in Toronto, Cornwall, Ottawa, Regina Hamilton, Saskatoon, and Brisbane in Australia).

The Tourism Employer of the Year award recognizes an organization that has developed an admirable reputation as a great place to work, and that has established itself as an upstanding example of Ontario’s tourism industry.

Established in 1903, Elmhirst’s Resort on the shores of Rice Lake is an all-season cottage resort and conference facility. It offers a spa, dining, and a activities for the whole family. Managed by a fifth generation of the Elmhirst family, the 240-acre property includes a farm that produces livestock, fowl, and fruit and vegetables that are served to resort guests.

The award winners will be announced on Wednesday, October 30th at the Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence gala evening at Blue Mountain Village Inn & Conference Centre in Collingwood, as part of the 2019 Ontario Tourism Summit.

 

Peterborough’s Signarama expands into custom apparel and promotional products industry

With its Fully Promoted sister franchise, Signarama is expanded its services to offer custom apparel and promotional products. (Supplied photos)
With its Fully Promoted sister franchise, Signarama is expanded its services to offer custom apparel and promotional products. (Supplied photos)

Signarama, a full-service sign, banner, and decal company in Peterborough, has now expanded into the custom apparel and promotional products industry.

Fully Promoted is a sister franchise to Signarama, and both businesses are now located in the same office 774 Rye Street Unit 10 to be able to offer more services and products to existing Signarama clients.

Signarama’s partnership with Fully Promoted, the world’s largest branded products franchise, means Signarama can now offer everything from storefront signage to uniforms to office pens and more.

The grand opening of Fully Promoted takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 24th. The free event will feature food and drink, prizes, giveaways, draws, and more.

 

Lucky Strike Bait Works in Peterborough celebrates its 90th anniversary

Lucky Strike Bait Works was founded in Peterborough in 1929 by Frank "Rusty" Edgar. (Photo courtesy of Lucky Strike Bait Works)
Lucky Strike Bait Works was founded in Peterborough in 1929 by Frank “Rusty” Edgar. (Photo courtesy of Lucky Strike Bait Works)

Lucky Strike Bait Works celebrated its 90th year in business on Saturday (September 21) at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough.

One of North America’s oldest and largest tackle and landing net manufacturers, Lucky Strike was founded in Peterborough in 1929 by Frank “Rusty” Edgar.

With a love of fishing, Edgar turned his hobby into a booming business from his garage. He began to improve wooden plug baits that he had previously fashioned out of broom handles. The plugs were quite heavy and ran deep in the Otonabee River where he loved to fish. The interest of local anglers was quickly peaked, and Edgar began selling his lures from his tackle box.

In 1939, after expanding the business for a decade, Edgar established a new shop where he could now compete with major U.S. companies. After World War II, during which time the Peterborough plant was switched to the war production of search light parts and machine work for armoured cars, an addition was added to the plant expanding production once again.

The anniversary event at the Evinrude Centre included displays of historical antique tackle collections from the Canadian Antique Tackle Association.

“It means a great deal to see our business still growing after 90 years,” says Lucky Strike president Dustin Rhodes. “I am very proud of the lures and nets we build in Peterborough and want to thank all of the great people in our community that have helped us along our journey.”

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada rebrands with new look

The new logo of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.
The new logo of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, a non-profit organization with a focus on mentoring programs for youth, has rebranded with a new modern look.

The 106-year-old organization has a new logo, with the three lines symbolizing the three players who help a young person forge a new path forward: the family, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the volunteer mentor (the “Big”).

The new look and brand reflect months of research and consultation with over 3,500 volunteer mentors, young people, parents and guardians, mentoring leaders, and members of the general public from coast to coast.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada worked with Bain & Co. (which has supported Big Brothers Big Sisters as a long-term pro bono project) and Barkley on the research and brand transformation.

VIDEO: Big Brothers Big Sisters: Empowering Youth and Igniting Potential

“Mentoring is an essential service, impacting childhood brain development and creating positive cognitive, education, employment, and health outcomes,” says W. Matthew Chater, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.

“Our modernization is meant to engage a new wave of volunteers and donors and give them an opportunity to make a true difference in this world, to change two lives: their own and the life of a young person.”

There are three charter agencies of Big Brothers Big Sisters in the Kawarthas: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kawartha Lakes-Haliburton, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland. All three have now rebranded with the new logo.

 

Pinnguaq Association launches Lindsay Makerspace

Pinnguaq Kawartha Lakes was at the Lindsay Exhibition in September 2019 to share information about the new Lindsay Makerspace. (Photo: Pinnguaq Kawartha Lakes / Facebook)
Pinnguaq Kawartha Lakes was at the Lindsay Exhibition in September 2019 to share information about the new Lindsay Makerspace. (Photo: Pinnguaq Kawartha Lakes / Facebook)

Pinnguaq Association is opening Lindsay Makerspace, a gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together to share, learn, create, experiment, and play with digital technology in a safe and fun environment.

Founded in Nunavut (“pinnguaq” means “play” in Inuktitut) and with offices in Nunuvat, Ontario, and British Columbia, the not-for-profit social enterprise organization incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) into unique learning applications that promote storytelling, health, wellness and growth with rural and remote communities.

Pinnguaq Kawartha Lakes will host an open house and grand opening of Lindsay Makerspace (87 Angeline St. N., Lindsay) from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 3rd. Everyone is welcome to attend to get an inside look on the services and programming the Makerspace has to offer.

Fall programming will begin on Tuesday, October 8th and will includes Tech Xploration, Ask An Expert, and Repair Cafe Drop-Ins, along with programs for registered participants to learn and experiment with specific skills including Create Comix, 3D Print A Piece, and Community Applied Workshop.

For more information, including the Makerspace schedule and program registration, visit pinnguaq.com/makerspace/ and follow Pinnguaq Kawartha Lakes on Facebook.

 

Spark Photo Festival announces new festival director Jennifer MacKenzie

Jennifer MacKenzie is the new festival director of the Spark Photo Festival, which returns in April 2020. (Supplied photo)
Jennifer MacKenzie is the new festival director of the Spark Photo Festival, which returns in April 2020. (Supplied photo)

The board of directors of the Spark Photo Festival has announced the appointment of Jennifer MacKenzie as the organization’s new festival director.

The former co-owner of Nuttshell Next Door Café in Lakefield, MacKenzie is a cookbook author and food writer who has run her own consulting business since 1999 and is an experienced special events coordinator. She brings her administrative, marketing, and organizational skills to her role at Spark, as well as a personal passion for photography.

“I’m excited to be part of the effort to nurture the ever-growing roster of participating photographers, to expand the array of venues across the region, and to keep increasing audiences for our exhibits,” MacKenzie says.

MacKenzie replaces Spark co-founder Robert Boudreau, who departed as festival director after six years in the role. Boudreau will remain involved in the Festival as a board member in an advisory role and special exhibits curator, while working on personal projects.

The 2020 Spark Photo Festival runs from April 1st to 30th, with ehibit registration opening in October. For more information, visit www.sparkphotofestival.org.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce wins annual Canadian Chamber of Commerce competition for “Power Hour”

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Stu Harrion, policy analyst and communications specialist Sandra Dueck, and board vice chair Dawn Hennessey at the annual general meeting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Saint John, New Brunswick on September 21, 2019. (Supplied photo)
Peterborough Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Stu Harrion, policy analyst and communications specialist Sandra Dueck, and board vice chair Dawn Hennessey at the annual general meeting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Saint John, New Brunswick on September 21, 2019. (Supplied photo)

At the annual general meeting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Saint John, New Brunswick on Saturday (September 21), the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce won the annual Canadian Chamber of Commerce competition.

The Peterborough Chamber was awarded first place by around 300 delegates from across Canada for its annual “Power Hour” event. First launched in 2016, the Power Hour brings together Peterborough’s elected officials for a discussion with the business community.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the staff and volunteers of the Chamber,” says Chamber president and CEO Stu Harrison. “To have the opportunity to not only showcase our Chamber at the national level, but to be judged the best, is truly an honour.”

 

Community Futures Peterborough hosts financial workshop in Peterborough on September 24

Community Futures Peterborough is hosting “Financial Foundations”, a workshop from 8:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24th in the boardroom at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).

At this workshop, entrepreneurs and those interested in starting a business will learn about federal and provincial funding, local resources available, and how to enter the Company Startup Plus program. Keynote speaker Marie Dietrich, partner at Grant Thorton, will discuss the top five common mistakes young companies make.

The workshop is free, but registration is requested at www.facebook.com/events/1643251439138969/.

 

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace information session in Lindsay on September 26

The Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council, in partnership with the Lindsay DBIA and the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce, is hosting an information session on diversity and inclusion in the workplace from 8 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 26th at Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lindsay (134 Angeline St. S., Lindsay).

The free session will feature guest speaker Lindsay Kretschmer, executive director of the Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council. Her areas of expertise include Indigenous social justice issues and well being, provincial and federal negotiations, program and training development, research and evaluation, policy and advocacy, and capacity and partnership building.

A webinar will be available for those unavailable to attend in person (details will be provided upon registration).

To register, visit eventbrite.ca/e/employer-education-series-diversity-inclusion-information-session-tickets-68623537849.

 

FLEX Fitness and AW Media Consulting host fall refresh women’s networking event in Lindsay on September 26

Fall Refresh Women's Networking Event by Ashley Webster - AW Media Consulting and Cathy Steffler - FLEX Fitness

Cathy Steffler of FLEX Fitness and Ashley Webster of AW Media Consulting are hosting a fall refresh women’s networking event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 26th at FLEX Fitness (66 William St. N., Lindsay).

The event features networking and conversation with like-minded business women along with wine and chocolate. Ashley Webster owner of AW Media Consulting will provide a 45-minute hands-on social media workshop focused on Instagram and Facebook, covering social media best practices, handling negative comments and reviews, social media advertising, building your brand online, and technical tips.

FLEX Fitness is a child-friendly space with a play area, so children are welcome.

The cost is $40 and includes one glass of wine, chocolate treats, and the social media workshop. To register, visit eventbrite.ca/e/fall-refresh-womens-networking-event-tickets-69820132897.

 

Ontario Chamber of Commerce presents “Scaling Up Small Business” in Peterborough on September 27

Scaling Up Small Business

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is presenting “Scaling Up Small Business”, a regional panel discussion and report launch event, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, September 27th at VentureNorth (270 George St. N., Peterborough).

The event will bring together private and public sector stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges related to growing a business in Ontario. Ontario Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Prabmeet Sarkaria will make remarks, followed by a keynote presentation by Diane Richard, Director of Product Development, Charlotte Products. A panel discussion moderated by Derek Newton (Assistant Vice President, Innovation Partnerships and Entrepreneurship, University of Toronto) will feature Rhonda Keenan (President and CEO, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development), Dylan Trepanier ( CEO, Alexander Optical), and John Porter (President and CEO, BarterPay).

The event is free. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/scaling-up-small-businesses-registration-68296656137.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Cobourg job fair employer registration deadline on September 30

Watton Employment Services is presenting a free job fair from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9th at Cobourg Lions Community Centre (157 Elgin St. E., Cobourg).

Interested employers must commit to attending for the full duration of the event, and will be supplied with and table and chairs (wi-fi will be available).

There is no charge for employers to participate. The deadline to register is Monday, September 30th.

For more information and to register, visit nccofc.ca/events/details/job-fair-employer-registration-1621.

 

Local business organizations host members-only all-candidates debate on economic growth and development in Peterborough on September 30

Local business organizations are hosting a members-only all-candidates debate on economic growth and development from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Monday, September 30th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough).

This event is hosted by the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Association of Realtors, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Homebuilders Association, Kawartha Manufacturers’ Association, Women’s Business Network of Peterborough, and the Peterborough and District Construction Association.

For more information and to register, visit www.peterboroughchamber.ca.

 

Venture13 hosts TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge in Cobourg on October 5

The TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th at Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).

This event is part of the global CyberLympics, sponsored by SiberX, Durham College AI-Hub, and Venture13. The purpose of the event is to encourage developers to bring forward innovative ideas for cybersecurity applications that are technically feasible and commercially viable.

Teams will have one day to advance their concepts and pitch them to a panel of experts. Mentors and advisors will be available to help teams rapidly iterate their concepts and prepare a pitch presentation to the judges. The winner of the TechXpo Cybersecurity Challenge and the $1,000 cash team prize will be announced at the Cyberlympics finale at Durham College on October 26th, 2019.

TechXpo is sponsored by Venture13 VentureZone Members Eagle Aerospace and ConnexHealth Inc. and the Cobourg Police Service.

For more information and to register, visit www.cobourg.ca/en/venture-13/techxpo.aspx.

 

Venture13 presents cyber security tech talk in Cobourg on October 5

I to Eye : Thinking Like A Hacker

Venture13 is presenting a tech talk called “I to Eye : Thinking Like A Hacker” from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 5th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).

Keynote speaker Mahdi Raza, co-founder of SiberX, will be speaking on cyber security. SiberX is a roaming customized platform for training, events, and skills development in the cyber security field.

To register for this free event, visit eventbrite.com/e/tech-talk-i-to-eye-thinking-like-a-hacker-tickets-71790032921.

 

Venture13 presents Fireside Chat on Technology Adaptation and Healthcare in Cobourg on October 7

Venture13 is presenting its next Fireside Chat, on the topic “Technology Adaptation and Healthcare”, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, October 7th in the Innovation Commons at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg)

Sponsored by ConnexHealth, the free event features a keynote by Dr. Mukesh Bhargava (Chief of Staff, Northumberland Hills Hospital) and a panel discussion with Dr. Bhargava, Ryan Doherty (President and Founder, Empower Health), and Medha Saraiya (Founder and CEO, ConnexHealth), moderated by Rhonda Cunningham (Director, Northumberland CFDC and Executive Director, Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation).

To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/fireside-chat-technology-adaptation-and-healthcare-tickets-71555332927.

 

Business & Entrepreneurship Conference Northumberland in Cobourg on October 10

Business & Entrepreneurship Conference Northumberland

The second annual Business & Entrepreneurship Conference Northumberland takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 10th at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre (930 Burnham St., Cobourg).

Presented by Northumberland County, Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland, Destination Ontario, and Kawarthas Northumberland, the one-day high-level business growth conference is designed to educate, motivate, and promote collaboration.

Keynote speakers include Ron Tsang on the topic “Influential Communication for Entrepreneurs” and Andrew Patrico on the topic “How to Cost and Price Your Products and Services Profitably”.

The cost is $45+HST, which includes breakfast and lunch.

For the full agenda and to register, visit www.becn.ca/conference/.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Kawartha Chamber hosts Awards of Excellence and Social Gala in Lakefield on October 10

The Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is hosting its 20th Annual Awards of Excellence and Social Gala from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, October 10th at Lakefield College School (4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield).

There will be a silent and live auction, light hor d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a social hour for networking in Upper Hadden Hall before the presentation of the awards in the Bryan Jones Theatre.

Tickets are available for $50 per person at business.kawarthachamber.ca/events/details/awards-of-excellence-social-gala-10424.

 

IBM Lunch and Learn seminar in Cobourg on October 15

Venture13 is presenting Lunch and Learn session with Sarmad Ibrahim, Tech Evangelist at IBB, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15th at Venture13 (739 D’Arcy St., Cobourg).

Find out about the IBM I3 program, discover IBM’s artificial intelligence, internet of things, and blockchain opportunities, network with entrepreneurs and innovators, and more.

The free seminar is by invitation only.

For more information and to request an invitation, visit calendar.cobourg.ca/venture13/Detail/2019-10-15-1000-OCE-IBM-I3-program-Lunch-and-Learn.

 

Peterborough Chamber hosts 2019 Business Excellence Awards in Peterborough on October 16

Awards in 20 categories will be presented at the 2019 Business Excellence Awards at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Peterborough Chamber of Commerce)
Awards in 20 categories will be presented at the 2019 Business Excellence Awards at Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough. (Photo: Peterborough Chamber of Commerce)

The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2019 Business Excellence Awards at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16th at Showplace Performance Centre (290 George St. N., Peterborough).

Awards will be presented in 20 categories, including Business Citizen of the Year.

The event begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. on the Nexicom Studio followed by the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. in the Erica Cherney Theatre.

Tickets are $50+HST, available at excellencepeterborough.ca/tickets. Your tickets includes one complimentary beverage and light hors d’oeuvres catered by The Imperial Tandoor.

 

Small Business Week in Kawartha Lakes from October 21 to 25

Kawartha Lakes Small Business Week takes place the week of Monday, October 21st, culminating with the presentation of the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 25th at the Lindsay Golf & Country Club (292 Lindsay st. S. Lindsay).

Nominations are now open for the awards, which feature a first prize of $750, a second prize of $500, and a third prize of $250.

For a list of all the events during Kawartha Lakes Small Business Week and to submit a nomination for the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Innovation Awards, visit www.smallbizweek.net.

 

For more business-related events in the Kawarthas, check out our Business Events column.

Enactus Fleming College wins People’s Choice Award at World Project Expo in Silicon Valley

By kawarthaNOW -
Members of Enactus Fleming College celebrate receiving the People's Choice Award at the World Project Expo at the Enactus World Cup 2019, which took place in San Jose, California from September 16 to 18, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Enactus Fleming College)

Enactus Fleming College has won the People’s Choice Award at the World Project Expo at the Enactus World Cup 2019, which took place in San Jose, California from September 16 to 18, 2019.

Presenting their Paper Planet Project, Enactus Fleming College was one of few select Canadian campuses chosen to highlight one of their projects during the event, which saw Enactus Canada’s team from Sarnia’s Lambton College defending their World Champion title (they came in second, with Egypt’s Cairo University claiming this year’s crown).

Enactus Fleming’s project, a social enterprise that creates biodegradable and inexpensive products while reducing our environmental footprint, focuses on diverting paper from landfill and recycling and turning it into products that can later be sold.

College's Paper Planet Project creates biodegradable and inexpensive products by diverting paper from landfill and recycling and turning it into products that can later be sold. (Photo courtesy of Enactus Fleming College)
College’s Paper Planet Project creates biodegradable and inexpensive products by diverting paper from landfill and recycling and turning it into products that can later be sold. (Photo courtesy of Enactus Fleming College)

The project’s first product, called the Paper Planter, is an education kit aimed at children from Kindergarten to Grade 3 that will teach them about composting and growing their own food. Future product lines will focus on packaging and protective cases for technology accessories.

“We are so proud of our team, who have invested time and passion into this project and it is an honour to be recognized on the world stage,” says Raymond Yip Choy, lead Enactus faculty advisor and professor of business studies at Fleming College. “This is validation that our project has value and the potential to grow and change our community.”

Enactus Canada is a community of student, academic, and business leaders enabling progress through entrepreneurial action. At the annual Enactus World Cup, a select group of 3,000 Enactus members from around the world gather to showcase their entrepreneurial action and shared innovation that address the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals transforming lives and creating a better future.

What’s new from Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development – September 23, 2019

By Keaton Robbins -
Cindy White, Business Development Assistant at Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, hands out a cup of ice cream at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre at the annual 'Get The Scoop' event on Friday, July 5, 2019. (Photo: Alyssa Cymbalista)

Every month, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) shares its latest news and information of interest for the local business community. This week’s edition features the work of Economic Development Officer for Tourism Joe Rees, the opening of a new intake for the Starter Company Plus program, Starter Company Plus success story Emerald Beauty, the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre, and an update on potential investors interested in land in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.

What’s Joe up to?

Joe Rees, Economic Development Officer - Tourism Sector, with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. Joe develops and converts leads and inquiries within the regional tourism industry into investment expansion, job creation and development activities that ultimately help Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development fulfill its mission to promote and facilitate business opportunities to create a thriving economy, resulting in regional prosperity. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
Joe Rees, Economic Development Officer – Tourism Sector, with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. Joe develops and converts leads and inquiries within the regional tourism industry into investment expansion, job creation and development activities that ultimately help Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development fulfill its mission to promote and facilitate business opportunities to create a thriving economy, resulting in regional prosperity. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)

There is a saying around the PKED office: ‘Joe knows’.

Joe Rees, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development Officer for Tourism, is always in the middle of the action.

Alyssa Rowe, who recently opened Comfort Keepers, a health services business in Peterborough, summed it up best.

“Once you have the Joe experience, it’s hard to say no,” she said of him welcoming her to Peterborough & the Kawarthas. That experience made them chose the region over Newmarket and Kitchener/Waterloo for their business.

Sports tourism is soaring

The sports tourism industry has been identified as an opportunity to increase economic impact in Peterborough & the Kawarthas. With our rich sporting culture and heritage, it’s a natural fit for potential sporting events. Canadian sports tourism is a $6.8 billion-a-year industry and we’re looking to grow our share of that.

What many people may not know is that Joe is the helpful resource behind many of the sporting events that choose Peterborough & the Kawarthas as their host destination.

For example, in August, Trent University and Fleming College hosted 28 lacrosse teams from around the world at the U19 Women’s Lacrosse World Championship. On the field and in the stands, volunteers, players, fans and family worked hard to make the event incredibly successful.

Behind the scenes, Joe worked with the event organizer to connect with local accommodators and the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance to secure an Economic Impact study of the event. The results of that study will be released to the public in late October.

The biennial Ontario 55+ Summer Games is coming to Peterborough from August 11 to 13, 2020. The Ontario government selected the City of Peterborough to host the 2020 games, with support from the County of Peterborough, Fleming College, Trent University, and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. All five are members of the organizing committee for the games.
The biennial Ontario 55+ Summer Games is coming to Peterborough from August 11 to 13, 2020. The Ontario government selected the City of Peterborough to host the 2020 games, with support from the County of Peterborough, Fleming College, Trent University, and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development. All five are members of the organizing committee for the games.

Joe also supported the bid for the 2020 Ontario 55+ Summer Games in Peterborough. There are over 19 different events offered through the Ontario 55+ Summer Games including team sports, racquet sports and card games. The games begin on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.

Finally, Joe’s also working to include Peterborough & the Kawarthas in a national racquet sport tournament as a stop on their Canadian tour.

 

Starter Company Plus is open

In December 2018, seven small businesses were awarded grants through Starter Company Plus, a Government of Ontario funded program administered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre, in the sixth intake of the program. The program, which has been running since March 2017, supports entrepreneurs in starting, growing or acquiring a business, offering a robust series of workshops to support the creation of a formalized business plan, culminating in the chance to pitch for competitive grant dollars. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
In December 2018, seven small businesses were awarded grants through Starter Company Plus, a Government of Ontario funded program administered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre, in the sixth intake of the program. The program, which has been running since March 2017, supports entrepreneurs in starting, growing or acquiring a business, offering a robust series of workshops to support the creation of a formalized business plan, culminating in the chance to pitch for competitive grant dollars. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)

Do you have a business idea that you’ve been itching to bring to life? Do you want to start or grow your new venture with support and training from accomplished experts?

Well, you’re in luck.

The latest intake for Starter Company Plus opened on Monday, September 9th.

The program is designed to provide business training for entrepreneurs (from aspiring to experienced), aged 18 and over in the City and County of Peterborough who are launching a business or expanding an existing business (that’s been operating for five years or less).

Starter Company Plus is a program offered through the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre, with funding from the Government of Ontario. If you’re a resident of the City and County of Peterborough, you will free receive support services through Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre.

If you live outside of Peterborough & the Kawarthas, please see the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs for information on an office that can support you. The Starter Company Plus program is offered throughout the Province of Ontario.

For full eligibility criteria, please see the eligibility requirements for Starter Company Plus.

Mandatory Workshop Dates 2019

All workshops take place at VentureNorth in the downstairs boardroom located at 270 George Street North, Peterborough.

  • Tuesday, October 15th – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Monday, October 21st – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Monday, October 28th – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Monday, November 4th – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 12th – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The business plan is due Monday, November 18th no later than 4 p.m., with the in-person business plan presentation to community judges on Monday, November 25th (times TBD).

 

Emerald Beauty grows

Niamh Bradley, owner and operator of nail and esthetics business Emerald Beauty, recently expanded relocated and expanded her business in downtown Peterborough. In 2017, Niamh enrolled in the Starter Company Plus program offered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
Niamh Bradley, owner and operator of nail and esthetics business Emerald Beauty, recently expanded relocated and expanded her business in downtown Peterborough. In 2017, Niamh enrolled in the Starter Company Plus program offered by the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)

One of the biggest challenges for Peterborough & the Kawarthas economy is spousal employment.

Quite frequently, one partner finds work in our region, while their partner or spouse has a difficult time finding opportunities in their field of work. This challenge often makes it hard to keep the couple and their family in our region long term, which has a ripple effect on the local economy.

Entrepreneurialism is a great solution to the spousal employment conundrum — and Niamh Bradley is the perfect poster girl for this timely issue.

Niamh and her fiancée Eamonn moved to Peterborough & the Kawarthas from Northern Ireland four and a half years ago, after he landed a job at McCloskey International Ltd.

Niamh wanted to open a nail and esthetics business but needed to put together a business plan and learn the ins-and-outs of doing business in Canada. So she enrolled and was accepted into the 2017 Starter Company Plus program offered by the Business Advisory Centre (a division of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development).

Shortly after, Emerald Beauty was born and quickly built a loyal clientele.

The business was booming at their Charlotte Mews location, so much so that Emerald Beauty moved to a larger storefront at 139 George Street North in August and hired four new employees.

You can read the full story Niamh and Emerald Beauty’s expansion on the PKED website. Give Emerald Beauty a follow on Instagram @emerald_beautyptbo to check out their colourful and creative work.

 

Visitor Services update

Trained travel counsellors at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre in downtown Peterborough are available to assist visitors and seasonal and local residents. The centre saw a 20 per cent increase of in-person inquiries during this past summer season. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
Trained travel counsellors at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre in downtown Peterborough are available to assist visitors and seasonal and local residents. The centre saw a 20 per cent increase of in-person inquiries during this past summer season. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)

The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre in downtown Peterborough is a popular resource not just for visitors but seasonal residents and locals alike.

The Visitor Centre has been in its downtown location for three summers now, and after adding more directional signage and visitor parking, there has been a significant increase in walk-in traffic. There was 20 per cent growth of in-person inquiries at the Visitor Centre during our summer season, which ran from May 13 to August 31, 2019.

“We’re starting to see an increase in walk-in traffic to our downtown Visitor Centre,” says Jaimie Eastabrook, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism’s Visitor Experience Officer. “It has proven to be a great location as it’s accessible by foot, bicycle, motorized vehicle and boat with the proximity to the Peterborough Marina.”

There was also a year-over-year increase of 33 per cent in Mobile Visitor Services throughout Peterborough & the Kawarthas this summer. Mobile Visitor Services were offered at over 25 locations, including Indian River Reptile Zoo (Asphodel-Norwood), Lock 31 – Buckhorn (Trent Lakes), Burleigh Falls Inn (North Kawartha), and Downtown Millbrook (Cavan Monaghan).

“Mobile Visitor Services allows our travel counsellors to get out and about in the County of Peterborough, visit the townships, and talk to visitors as they are out exploring the region — giving us an opportunity to encourage travellers to stay longer, spend more, and come back soon,” Jaimie explains.

Open year round, the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Visitor Centre is centrally located at 270 George Street North (Suite 101) in downtown Peterborough at the corner of King and George Streets.

The Visitor Centre provides a wide selection of information. This includes an online ‘live chat’ function at the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism website at thekawarthas.ca, and the opportunity to connect with trained travel counsellors to assist in building your personalized itineraries.

Keep up to date with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

Opportunities knock for investment in Peterborough & the Kawarthas

In the previous quarter, there was investor interest in land in the industrial, manufacturing, food processing, retail, and investment sectors in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, ranging from as large as a 175,000 to 250,000-square-foot buildings, to two smaller 10,000-square-foot buildings. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
In the previous quarter, there was investor interest in land in the industrial, manufacturing, food processing, retail, and investment sectors in Peterborough & the Kawarthas, ranging from as large as a 175,000 to 250,000-square-foot buildings, to two smaller 10,000-square-foot buildings. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)

Companies and investors are knocking on Peterborough & the Kawarthas’ doors.

“In the last quarter, there was sizeable interest from investors looking for land in the industrial, manufacturing, food processing, retail, and investment sectors,” says PKED CEO and President Rhonda Keenan.

These investors are from across Canada, but primarily come from the Greater Toronto Area and are very interested in what Peterborough & the Kawarthas has to offer.

For example, requests ranged from as large as a 175,000 to 250,000-square-foot buildings, to two smaller 10,000-square-foot buildings.

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development also received inquiries regarding two separate, two-acre commercial properties.

PKED is working closely with the County and City of Peterborough on their official plans to ensure clear strategies are implemented, and that potential investors considering Peterborough & the Kawarthas are receiving the assistance they need.

It’s important to keep in mind that sometimes, even if the inventory is there and all services are in place, there are other factors outside of our control that may result in an investor pulling out or choosing another region.

“Just because they’re knocking on our door doesn’t always mean they’re going to choose us in the end,” Rhonda says. “But we need to be as equipped as possible in our region to handle these investors’ requests to have the best opportunity to bring businesses here to our region.”

Keep up to date with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

And follow Rhonda Keenan on Twitter to see what business leaders she’s meeting with next.

This story was created in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.

Canadian wildlife artist and naturalist Robert Bateman honoured with Algonquin Park Legacy Award

By Bruce Head -
Renowned Canadian wildlife artists Michael Dumas and Robert Bateman in Algonquin Park at the 75th anniversary fundraiser for the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station on September 14, 2019, where Bateman was presented with the 2019 Algonquin Park Legacy Award by Dumas, the inaugural recipient of the award from the Algonquin Art Centre. Dumas also presented Bateman with a limited edition of "The Artists of Kawartha", the fourth art book in a series designed and published by Algonquin-area publisher Andrea Hillo. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Hillo)

Last Saturday (September 14), renowned Canadian wildlife artist and naturalist Robert Bateman received The Algonquin Park Legacy Award at a special event at the Algonquin Art Centre in Algonquin Park.

Bateman was presented the award by his long-time friend, the acclaimed wildlife artist and naturalist Michael Dumas — who was the recipient of the inaugural award last year.

Established by the Algonquin Art Centre, the Algonquin Park Legacy Award recognizes artistic excellence, outstanding contributions to art in Algonquin Park, and life-long dedication to nature and wildlife.

A 19-year-old Robert Bateman painting at the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station. (Photo: Algonquin Park Museum Collection)
A 19-year-old Robert Bateman painting at the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station. (Photo: Algonquin Park Museum Collection)

Besides honouring Bateman, the September 14th event was a fundraiser for the 75th anniversary of the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station, which was created in 1944 to provide facilities and logistical support for academic and government researches from Ontario and around the world.

Bateman first visited Algonquin Park in 1939 when he was nine years old during a family summer vacation, and began working at the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station at the age of 17. While he was there, working as a manual labourer and assisting researchers with their field work, he developed his skills as an artist — with the park’s natural landscapes and wildlife his subjects.

Bateman’s experiences at Algonquin Park were instrumental in forming his lifelong passion for both art and nature.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

During his career, Bateman has received numerous honours and awards, including Officer of the Order of Canada in 1994 and 14 honorary doctorates. He has also been the subject of several films and books, and was named one of the top 100 environmental proponents of the 20th century by the Audubon Society of Canada in 1999.

In 2012, he established The Bateman Foundation, a national non-profit organization that uses artwork to promote a connection to nature and the environment. Until 2016, Bateman and his Birgit owned a cottage in Haliburton.

As the September 14th event, Bateman was the keynote speaker and shared with the audience his connections to Algonquin Park and the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station.

Renowned Canadian wildlife artist and naturalist Robert Bateman speaking about his connections to Algonquin Park and the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station at a 75th anniversary fundraiser for the station at the Algonquin Art Centre in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2019. (Photo: Algonquin Wildlife Research Station)
Renowned Canadian wildlife artist and naturalist Robert Bateman speaking about his connections to Algonquin Park and the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station at a 75th anniversary fundraiser for the station at the Algonquin Art Centre in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2019. (Photo: Algonquin Wildlife Research Station)
Robert Bateman accepting the 2019 Algonquin Park Legacy Award from Michael Dumas, who was the inaugural recpient of the award in 2018, at a 75th anniversary fundraiser for the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station at the Algonquin Art Centre in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2019. (Photo: Linda Sorensen / Facebook)
Robert Bateman accepting the 2019 Algonquin Park Legacy Award from Michael Dumas, who was the inaugural recpient of the award in 2018, at a 75th anniversary fundraiser for the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station at the Algonquin Art Centre in Algonquin Park on September 14, 2019. (Photo: Linda Sorensen / Facebook)

As well as giving the award to Bateman, Dumas also presented a limited edition, numbered, and signed copy of The Artists of Kawartha, the fourth book in a series designed and published by Algonquin-area publisher Andrea Hillo. Dumas, who wrote the foreword in the book and contributed several of his art images, personalized the book with a hand-drawn sketch.

Before presenting the award, Dumas read a quote by Bateman from the first book in the series, The Artists of Algonquin, for which Bateman wrote the foreword.

“In 1947 at the age of 17, I landed a dream job at the Wildlife Research Camp, north of Lake of Two Rivers. I was a student ‘chore boy’ but I observed nature and drew and painted my surroundings for four glorious summers. The land is in my blood.”

A 17-year-old Robert Bateman with ornithologist and naturalist Bill Gunn at the Algonquin Park Wildlife Research Station in 1946. Gunn, who would become director of the station in the early 1950s, passed away in 1984. (Photo: Algonquin Park Museum Collection)
A 17-year-old Robert Bateman with ornithologist and naturalist Bill Gunn at the Algonquin Park Wildlife Research Station in 1946. Gunn, who would become director of the station in the early 1950s, passed away in 1984. (Photo: Algonquin Park Museum Collection)

The other two books in the series are The Artists of Muskoka and The Artists of Haliburton Highlands, and both Bateman and Dumas played large roles in the success of the locally produced series, according to Hillo.

For more information about Hillo’s book series, visit www.theartistsbooks.com.

“Robert Bateman and Michael Dumas have both shown incredible sensitivity, dedication and endless efforts in conservation and research of wildlife and the natural world,” Hillo says. “Their time spent immersed in, and observing nature is clearly documented with their awesome artistic talent, recognized world wide.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Until Sunday, October 20th, the Algonquin Art Centre is hosting “A Tribute to Robert Bateman”, a special exhibit that looks at his deep connections to Algonquin and its role in his development as an artist and environmentalist.

The Algonquin Art Centre, located on the shores of Found Lake in Algonquin Park, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is voluntary, but a valid Ontario Parks permit is required to visit the centre.

Robert Bateman with Andrea Hillo, the Algonquin-area designer and publisher of the art book series The Artists of Algonquin, The Artists of Muskoka, The Artists of Haliburton Highlands, and The Artists of Kawartha. Bateman wrote the foreword for the first book in the series. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Hillo)
Robert Bateman with Andrea Hillo, the Algonquin-area designer and publisher of the art book series The Artists of Algonquin, The Artists of Muskoka, The Artists of Haliburton Highlands, and The Artists of Kawartha. Bateman wrote the foreword for the first book in the series. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Hillo)

Singer-songwriter Séan McCann to share his inspiring journey September 29 at Market Hall

By Paul Rellinger -
Séan McCann, former founding member of Great Big Sea, will be performing a solo concert at the Market Hall in Peterborough on September 29, 2019. As well as being a singer-songwriter (and soon to be a published author along with his wife), McCann is a mental health and addiction recovery advocate. (Supplied photo)

If Old Brown could talk, he would no doubt refer to his lifelong friend as New Beginning.

Market Hall presents
Face to Face with Séan McCann of Great Big Sea

When: Sunday, September 29, 2019 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.

But here’s the thing. Old Brown does talk, every day, and Séan McCann hears every word.

“I tried to leave him home once and I paid a terrible price … he never forgave me for that,” says the folk-rock musician of the guitar he bought 30 years ago and has since always had by his side, first as a founding member of Great Big Sea and then as a solo artist.

“When I sobered up and started to deal with my problems, the first side effect of that sobriety was I lost all my friends,” McCann recalls. “My phone stopped ringing instantly. I thought I had lots of friends but, when the liquor wasn’t there, I was alone.”

“I was lucky Old Brown was there for me. We sat down together and I poured my heart and soul into that guitar and songs came out. Those songs are really conversations with myself, encouraging me to not give up and to find new friends and new ways to cope with the stresses of life.”

On Sunday, September 29th, Old Brown will be there for McCann once again as he takes to the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre stage. Tickets for Face To Face with Séan McCann cost $33 (including fees) and are available at the Market Hall box office, by phone at 705-749-1146, or online at markethall.org

VIDEO: “Help Your Self” – Séan McCann at TEDxOttawa

Along with a generous selection of songs culled from five solo albums, McCann will bring to his audience a refreshing openness about his battle with alcoholism — a painful journey that he willingly shares to inspire others struggling with and/or recovering from an addiction.

Three years ago, he brought his Road To Recovery Tour to Peterborough, with that concert presented in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge.

“It’s hard but it’s part of my job now,” says MCann who, since quitting drinking on November 9, 2011, has made a huge mark as an addiction recovery advocate.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

“That’s how I came out of my own denial: by witnessing people talk about their own addiction,” McCann explains. “I was sexually abused by a priest when I was a teenager. I didn’t admit to that until I saw someone else do that. I was floored that he could just get up and say that out loud.”

Saying his time with Great Big Sea — he co-founded the multi award-winning band in 1993 with Alan Doyle, Darrell Power and Bob Hallett — “never cost me one emotional minute,” McCann is now focused on “making a difference”.

“It gives me a sense of purpose. If you’re an addict, a sense of purpose is sometimes the thing that keeps you sober.”

VIDEO: “Take Off My Armour” – Séan McCann

Still, McCann is coming to Market Hall to perform and that he indeed will do, his song lyrics highlighted by the same healing words he speaks. Included will be selections from There’s A Place, his most recent album.

“The whole record is about being true to yourself,” he says of the album produced by Jeremy Fisher and featuring fellow East Coast musicians Joel Plaskett and Meaghan Smith — “The few friends in the musical world that never left me.”

“I tried to write a meditative soundtrack to ease people into that, to take anxiety away so they can sit and think about who they actually are,” he explains. “That’s what music’s purpose has always been: to guide you through life, giving examples of how good we can be and helping us navigate difficult questions. There’s A Place is really a meditation about trying to find out where I belong in the universe.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Where McCann belongs is clearly in front of people, sharing his journey through his words, both spoken and lyrical. As beneficial as that is upon the ears of those who hear his story, it’s a shared experience that has an equal, if not greater, impact on McCann.

“What I love doing most, the coolest thing about being Séan McCann, is I get to get in front of an audience,” says the 52-year-old Newfoundland native who now calls Ottawa home.

“Being with people, singing with people, and getting people to sing … it’s not just a career. It’s my recovery. It’s what keeps me sober. I’ll do that until I drop dead. It’s what I need to do. My wife is the first one to say ‘Sean, you only did three gigs this month. That’s why you’re surly. You need to go out. Get in your Subaru and find a gig and do it, wherever that is.'”

VIDEO: “Hold Me Mother” – Séan McCann with Joel Plaskett

“I’ve met so many beautiful people who have continued to encourage me — people who suffer, people who are resilient, who encourage me to keep trying,” McCann says. “I go out after my show to the merchandise table and everyone tells me their stories. Some are devastating, but they’re not giving up. My former alcoholic-addicted self wouldn’t have met those people. I wouldn’t be exposed to their beautiful stories.”

If sharing his story through his music isn’t enough, McCann, with his wife, has spent the better part of the past two years detailing their journey that will be published as a yet-to-be-titled book in April 2020.

“The book is both of us telling our collective story — where we both come from, how we got together, and all the stuff we went through in recovery,” explains McCann.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

“We’re still together and we still love each other very much. I think if you’re a couple and you live through something that hard, you can live through just about anything. What we agreed to do is be completely honest, so it’s really impactful.”

“I’ve spent my entire creative writing life condensing big stories into 14-line sonnets in the form of songs, trying to encapsulate truth and meaning in very small pieces. Writing a book is the opposite. It’s like unravelling all the details that you’re used to condensing to one word. It’s digging deeper, shaking all the pieces of the puzzle onto the table, and putting it together from a different perspective.”

VIDEO: “One Good Reason” – Séan McCann with Meaghan Smith

While McCann admits to having great memories musically of his years with Great Big Sea, “a different person” emerges when he allows himself reflection.

“I was someone who was afraid, someone who was in the dark, someone who wasn’t not dealing with pain and hiding in plain view,” he assesses. “I was sober for the last Great Big Sea tour, which caused no end of tension. If I had my time back, I probably wouldn’t have done it.”

“I don’t think they (his band mates) would know what to make of me now. I’m not the person they knew. I remember that person. I was always in there but very little of me was seen. They were my brothers but we never had conversations like this. I wish those conversations had happened. Shanty Man (his Great Big Sea persona) was a character I played and I was happy to do it, but it wasn’t who I really am.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

McCann says this tour features him alone on stage, which he loves — “I can literally do whatever I want and change my mind on a dime and go in different directions” — but he won’t tolerate any passengers on this ride.

“The goal of my show is everybody has to sing,” he says. “You’re not going to just be there and mouth the words. I will know. I will come down (from the stage) and squeeze it out of you.”

“When you get in a group of people that are singing together, that’s really powerful. That’s what it’s about for me. I don’t get to Peterborough often, but when I do I want to make a noise that’s joyful and loud and strong enough that it’ll be layered for quite awhile on your heart.”

Since he quit drinking on November 9, 2011, Séan McCann has made a huge mark as an addiction recovery advocate. Along with his wife, he has spent the better part of the past two years detailing their journey to recovery that will be published as a yet-to-be-titled book in April 2020. (Supplied photo)
Since he quit drinking on November 9, 2011, Séan McCann has made a huge mark as an addiction recovery advocate. Along with his wife, he has spent the better part of the past two years detailing their journey to recovery that will be published as a yet-to-be-titled book in April 2020. (Supplied photo)

In retrospect, McCann very much likes the 2019 version of himself.

“I’m more productive, in business and musically,” he says. “I get a lot more done. I’m a better father and a better husband. I’m a healthier person, mind and body.”

“I don’t make anywhere near as much money but I’m alive. The people around me are thriving, and the people I’m supposed to be helping are getting what they need from me.”

“Alcohol and drugs build walls around us so we don’t feel. I’m headed in the opposite direction. I’m out there to reach in with my hand and squeeze your heart. It’s going to hurt a little, but it’s going to feel really good when I let go.”

For more information on Séan McCann, visit www.seanmccannsings.com.

nightlifeNOW – September 19 to 25

By kawarthaNOW -
British folk duo Winter Wilson (Kip Winter and David Wilson) are touring Canada in September, with a stop at The Garnet in downtown Peterborough on Wednesday, September 25th. Peterborough singer-songwriter Robert Atyeo will be opening. (Publicity photo)

Every Thursday, we publish live music and performance events at pubs and clubs 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, September 19 to Wednesday, September 25.

If you’re a pub or club owner and want to be included in our weekly listings, please email our Nightlife Editor at nightlife@kawarthanow.com.


Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Arlington Pub
Arthur's Pub
Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub
Black Horse Pub
Boiling Over's Coffee Vault
Canoe & Paddle
Capers Tap House
Castle John's Pub & Restaurant
The Cat & The Fiddle Lindsay
The Ceilie (Trent University student pub)
Champs Sports Bar
Chemong Lodge
The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse
Coach & Horses Pub
The Cow & Sow Eatery
Dominion Hotel
Dr. J's BBQ & Brews
Dreams of Beans
Fiddler's Green Pub & Grub
Ganarascals Restaurant
Ganaraska Hotel
The Garnet
Golden Wheel Restaurant
Gordon Best Theatre
Hot Belly Mama's
Junction Nightclub
Kawartha Coffee Co.
Lock 27 Tap and Grill
McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery
McThirsty's Pint
The Mill Restaurant and Pub
Moody's Bar & Grill
Next Door
Oasis Bar & Grill
Pappas Billiards
Publican House Brewery
Puck' N Pint Sports Pub
Red Dog Tavern
Riley's
Sapphire Room
Sideways Bar & Grill
The Social
Southside Pizzeria
Sticks Sports Pub
The Thirsty Goose
The Twisted Wheel

Arlington Pub

32990 Highway 62, Maynooth
(613) 338-2080

Saturday, September 21

9pm - FreeDubStar ($10)

Coming Soon

Saturday, September 28
9pm - West End Riverboat Band ($10)

Arthur's Pub

930 Burnham St., Cobourg
(905) 372-2105

Thursday, September 19

8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs

Friday, September 20

9pm - Busker Brothers

Saturday, September 21

9pm - Bruce Longman & Penny Skolski

Sunday, September 22

4:30-8pm - Celtic Music w/ Derek Morris

Monday, September 23

7pm - Local Talent Night ft Brian Ferris

Tuesday, September 24

7:30pm - British Invasion w/ Don Owen & Bruce Longman

Wednesday, September 25

8pm - Open mic

Coming Soon

Thursday, September 26
8pm - Karaoke w/ The Travelling Wilburs

Friday, September 27
9pm - Tyson Galloway

Saturday, September 28
9pm - James Higgins

Sunday, September 29
4:30-8pm - Celtic Music w/ Cris Devlin

Bancroft Eatery and Brew Pub

4 Bridge St., Bancroft
(613) 332-3450

Friday, September 20

9pm - Emily Burgess and Marcus Browne

Black Horse Pub

452 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-0633

Thursday, September 19

7:30-10:30pm - Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk

Friday, September 20

5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Parkside Drive

Saturday, September 21

5-8pm - Mike Nagoda; 8:30pm - Josh Gordon Band

Sunday, September 22

3-6pm - Washboard Hank & The Wringers; 6:30-9:30pm - Kane Miller

Monday, September 23

7pm - Rick & Gailie's Crash & Burn

Tuesday, September 24

7-11pm - The Randy Hill Band w/ Guest Ty Wilson

Wednesday, September 25

7-9pm - Nicholas Campbell & Friends

Coming Soon

Thursday, September 26
7:30-10:30pm - Rob Phillips Trio w/ Marsala Lukianchuk

Friday, September 27
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - Road Waves

Saturday, September 28
5-8pm - Rick & Gailie; 8:30pm - The Cadillacs

Sunday, September 29
3-6pm - The West End Riverboat Band; 6:30-9:30pm - Paige Warner

Boiling Over's Coffee Vault

148 Kent St. W., Lindsay
(705) 878-8884

Friday, September 20

6-9pm - Open mic hosted by Gerald Van Halteren

Coming Soon

Friday, September 27
7pm - Amanda & John

Canoe & Paddle

18 Bridge St., Lakefield
(705) 651-1111

Saturday, September 21

8pm - The Acoustically Hip

Capers Tap House

28 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-5262

Friday, September 20

7-10pm - Robert Keyes

Saturday, September 21

7-10pm - Randy Stewart

Coming Soon

Friday, September 27
7-10pm - Tom Eastland Triage

Saturday, September 28
7-10pm - Music for Goats

Castle John's Pub & Restaurant

1550 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
705-740-2111

Coming Soon

Saturday, October 5
7-11pm - Incase We Crash w/ Summer Heights (no cover)

The Cat & The Fiddle Lindsay

49 William St. N., Lindsay
(705) 878-4312

Saturday, September 21

6pm - Halfway to St. Patrick's Day ft The Pint of Blarney

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

The Ceilie (Trent University student pub)

1600 West Bank Dr., Peterborough
(705) 748-1011

Coming Soon

Friday, September 27
Open mic and karaoke night

Champs Sports Bar

203 Simcoe St., Peterborough
(705) 742-3431

Thursdays

7pm - Open mic

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)

The Church-key Pub & Grindhouse

26 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 653-0001

Thursday, September 19

8pm - Open mic

Coach & Horses Pub

16 York St. S., Lindsay
(705) 328-0006

Thursdays

10pm - Open Mic w/ Gerald Vanhalteren

Fridays

9:30pm - Karaoke Night w/ DJ. Ross

Wednesdays

7-11pm - Live music

The Cow & Sow Eatery

38 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
(705) 887-5111

Coming Soon

Saturday, September 28
9pm - Sly Violet

Dominion Hotel

113 Main St., Minden
(705) 286-6954

Thursday, September 19

7-10pm - Howard Ross and the Full Count Blues Band ($20 in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/howard-ross-and-the-full-count-blues-band-tickets-70330898611)

Saturday, September 21

7:30pm - Ray Montford with Lynn Moffatt ($20 in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/ray-montford-with-special-guest-lynn-moffatt-tickets-68612655299)

Coming Soon

Saturday, September 28
7:30pm - Sheri Hawkins and the Rockin' 88s

Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

282 Aylmer St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5717

Saturday, September 21

1:30-5pm - PMBA Deluxe Blues Jam hosted byThe Bridget Foley Band (by donation, all proceeds to musicians in need)

Dreams of Beans

138 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 742-2406

Thursday, September 19

8pm - Open mic hosted by Jacques Graveline

Fiddler's Green Pub & Grub

34 Lindsay St. St., Lindsay
(705) 878-8440

Saturday, September 21

9pm - Country Spice

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Ganarascals Restaurant

53 Walton St., Port Hope
905-885-1888

Coming Soon

Friday, October 11
7:30pm - Steve Marriner ($20, call 905-885-1888 or email to reserve)

Ganaraska Hotel

30 Ontario St., Port Hope
(905) 885-9254

Friday, September 20

9pm - Dave Mowat and the Curbside Shuffle

Saturday, September 21

2pm & 10pm - Brave and Crazy

Coming Soon

Friday, September 27
8pm - Ontario Street Theatre presents Ode to Patsy Cline ($20)

Saturday, September 28
2pm & 10pm - Tamin Thunder

The Garnet

231 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 874-0107

Thursday, September 19

9:30pm - Quote The Raven ($10)

Friday, September 20

5-7pm - Forselli Fridays ft McDonnel Street Gospel Quartet; 9pm - Wine Lips / Bellyflop

Saturday, September 21

3pm & 9pm - Mayhemingways ($20, available in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/venues/2728/)

Wednesday, September 25

8-11pm - Winter Wilson w/ Robert Atyeo

VIDEO: "Ghost" - Winter Wilson

Coming Soon

Monday, September 30
9pm - Wax Mannequin 2, Ben Rough, Hush Hush Nois

Golden Wheel Restaurant

6725 Highway 7, Peterborough
(705) 749-6838

Coming Soon

Saturday, September 28
9pm - Them Crooked Craigs

Gordon Best Theatre

216 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 876-8884

Coming Soon

Saturday, October 12
9pm - James Clayton w/ Mary-Kate Edwards ($10)

Saturday, November 16
8-10pm - Emily Burgess & The Emburys "Never-Ending Fling" album release ($15 at door only)

Hot Belly Mama's

378 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 745-3544

Thursday, September 19

6-8pm - Live music

Monday, September 23

7-10pm - Black Suit Devil

Junction Nightclub

253 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 743-0550

Thursday, September 19

10pm - Wejam Ptbo, Peterborough Pride, & TCSA presents One Jungle ft house music by DJs Teebs, Shadlesky and Cody Mc ($5 in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4332090, $10 at door)

Kawartha Coffee Co.

58 Bolton St., Bobcaygeon
(705) 738-1500

Saturday, September 21

8pm - Karaoke w/ Suzy Q

Lock 27 Tap and Grill

2824 River Ave., Youngs Point
705-652-6000

Coming Soon

Saturday, September 28
2-6pm - Closing Season Party ft Ryan/Williams

McGillicafey's Pub & Eatery

13 Bridge St.. N., Hastings
(705) 696-3600

Thursday, September 19

7-11pm - Karoake w/ host Jefrey Danger

Friday, September 20

8pm - Jefrey Danger

Coming Soon

Friday, September 27
8pm - Cindy & Scott

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

McThirsty's Pint

166 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 743-2220

Thursdays

9pm - Live music hosted by Tony Silvestri and Greg Caven

Fridays

10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey

Saturdays

10pm - Live music with Brian Haddlesey

Sundays

8pm - Open stage hosted by Ryan Van Loon

Mondays

9:30pm - Trivia Night hosted by Cam Green

Wednesdays

9pm - Live music hosted by Kevin Foster

The Mill Restaurant and Pub

990 Ontario St., Cobourg
(905) 377-8177

Thursday, September 19

7pm - Ryan Lacroix

Moody's Bar & Grill

3 Tupper St., Millbrook
(705) 932-6663

Thursday, September 19

8pm - Weber Brothers Productions presents September Songwriters Sampler ft Tony Silvestri, Lance Isaacs, Tom Eastland (no cover, donations to musicians appreciated)

Saturday, September 21

2-5pm - Jazz, Pop and Soul ft Carin Redman w/ Rob Phillips, Howard Baer, and Curtis Conkwright (no cover, donations to musicians appreciated)

Next Door

197 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(647) 270-9609

Friday, September 20

9pm - Dylan Ireland

Oasis Bar & Grill

31 King St. E., Cobourg
(905) 372-6634

Sundays

5:30pm - PHLO

Pappas Billiards

407 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 742-9010

Thursdays

7-10pm - Open Mic

Friday, September 20

10pm - Joel Parkes

Saturdays

1-3pm - Shipwrecked Saturdays w/ Jacques Graveline

Publican House Brewery

300 Charlotte St., Peterborough
(705) 874-5743

Friday, September 20

6-9pm - Shai Peer

Saturday, September 21

6-9pm - House Brand

Coming Soon

Friday, September 27
6-9pm - Reg Corey

Saturday, September 28
6-9pm - Cameron Fraser

Puck' N Pint Sports Pub

871 Chemong Rd., Peterborough
(705) 741-1078

Friday, September 20

7:30pm - Boats and Horses

Saturday, September 21

9pm - High Waters Band

Red Dog Tavern

189 Hunter St. W., Peterborough
(705) 741-6400

Thursday, September 19

8pm - The Weber Brothers WE Thursdays Concert Series ft Nigel Wearne ($10); 10:30pm - Five Alarm Funk ($15, advance tickets at www.ticketscene.ca/events/25389/)

Friday, September 20

9pm - Dizzy Wright & Mad Child w/ Pimpton, Siege, Ruby Red, Othniel, Zack Weston, Koty Kolter ($30, in advance at www.eventbrite.ca/e/dizzy-wright-madchild-live-in-peterborough-tickets-65634216709)

Saturday, September 21

9pm - Paper Shakers and Love Wagon w/ Nathan Truax ($10)

Tuesday, September 24

9pm - Open mic

Coming Soon

Friday, September 27
9pm - Cold Creek County ($20, in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/26793/)

Saturday, October 12
9pm - Old Man Luedecke

Tuesday, October 29
9pm - Jeff Martin ($20 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/26825/)

Wednesday, October 30
8pm - Ariel Posen ($12 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/26976/)

Saturday, November 2
9pm - Peterborough Folk Festival presents Fast Romantics

Thursday, November 14
9pm - Hollerado - The Final Tour ($20 in advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/24633/)

Riley's

257 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 750-1445

Thursdays

Travis Berlinbach

Fridays

Travis Berlinbach

Saturdays

Josh Gontier

Sundays

Josh Gontier

Mondays

Josh Gontier

Tuesdays

Josh Gontier & Cale Gontier

Wednesdays

Guest performers

Sapphire Room

137 Hunter St., Peterborough
(705) 749-0409

Saturday, September 21

10pm - Soulful Pride dance party w/ DJ Fever

Wednesday, September 25

7:30-10:30pm - Peterborough Poetry Slam Season Opener ($5-10 or PWYC)

Sideways Bar & Grill

18-22 Bridge St. W., Campbellford
(705) 947-2333

Coming Soon

Friday, October 18
8:30pm - Ken Tizzard and Music For Goats

The Social

295 George St. N., Peterborough
(705) 874-6724

Wednesday, September 25

10pm - Cale Crowe

Southside Pizzeria

25 Lansdowne St. W., Peterborough
(705) 748-6120

Coming Soon

Saturday, October 26
9pm - In The Act Of Violence, After Sin, Price To Die & Doug Helle ($10 at door)

Sticks Sports Pub

500 George St. S., Peterborough
(705) 775-7845

Coming Soon

Saturday, October 5
1-4pm - Missy Knott

The Thirsty Goose

63 Walton St., Port Hope

Thursday, September 19

7pm - Cale Crowe

Friday, September 20

8pm - Live music (TBA)

Saturday, September 21

8pm - Live music (TBA)

The Twisted Wheel

379 Water St., Peterborough

Sunday, September 22

9pm - Movie Night ft "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" (1989)

Wednesday, September 25

10pm - Karaoke w/ Cheyenne and friends

Coming Soon

Monday, September 30
9pm - Open mic

Friday, October 4
2-5pm - Town Brewery Presents: Niall, Tijuana Jesus & The Effens ($10 at door)

Peterborough Public Health advises Kawartha Endodontics patients to get tested for bloodborne infections

By kawarthaNOW -
Due to a lapse in infection prevention and control practices at Kawartha Endodontics in downtown Peterborough, Peterborough Public Health is advising patients who received treatment at the dental clinic prior to July 16, 2019 to make an appointment with their healthcare provider to discuss testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (Photo: Google Maps)

Peterborough’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra held a media conference on Thursday (September 19) to advise patients of Kawartha Endodontics — a dental clinic in downtown Peterborough that specializes in root canal treatment and surgery — about a potential risk of bloodborne infection.

Peterborough Public Health is advising patients of Kawartha Endodontics (425 Water St., Suite 200, Peterborough) who received treatment before July 16, 2019 to make an appointment with their healthcare provider to discuss testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

As Kawartha Endodontics received referrals from across central Ontario, the advisory also applies to patients living outside the Peterborough area who had treatment before July 16th.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

While the health unit is not aware of any cases of bloodborne infection arising from treatment at Kawartha Endodontics, Dr. Salvaterra is advising patients of the clinic before July 16th to consult their healthcare provider on whether they should be tested.

“While the risk of infection at this clinic is believed to be low, the risk to an individual patient depends on the frequency and type of procedures that were performed,” Salvaterra said.

On July 11th, Peterborough Public Health received a complaint from a member of the public about the infection prevention and control practices at Kawartha Endodontics. After investigating the complaint on July 15th through an inspection, the health unit could not confirm proper sterilization of dental instruments.

Improperly cleaned and improperly sterilized instruments can spread infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, as well as other bacterial pathogens.

Immediately following the July 15th inspection, Peterborough Public Health issued an order to close the clinic and provided endodontist Dr. Rita Kilislian with a list of requirements as per the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee standards. The health unit completed a final re-inspection of Kawartha Endodontics on July 25th, was satisfied the dental clinic met the required standards, and rescinded the closure order. Kawartha Endodontics re-opened on July 26th.

The health unit states patients of Kawartha Endodontics who have received treatment on or after July 26, 2019 are not at an increased risk of infection.

Normally, Peterborough Public Health would order the dental clinic to provide patient contact information so the health unit could directly notify patients by mail, to ensure all patients receive the information they need to make a decision about testing for the possible presence of bloodborne infections. However, Kawartha Endodontics is appealing Dr. Salvaterra’s order for this information.

Since a hearing on the matter is not scheduled until mid-January 2020, the health unit has decided to notify patients using the media, social media, and on its website.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

If you were a patient at the clinic and received treatment prior to July 16, 2019, visit Peterborough Public Health’s website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/IPACLapseKawarthaEndodontics to download and print a copy of the patient letter, laboratory requisition, and letter for your healthcare provider.

More information, including the infection prevention and control lapse report, fact sheets regarding hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, and a detailed question and answer section related to this lapse, is also available at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/IPACLapseKawarthaEndodontics.

And they’re off! Epic 4,300-km Monarch Ultra Relay Run departs Peterborough for Mexico

By Paul Rellinger -
The Monarch Ultra team beside their RV: co-founder, project director, and pollinator advocate Carlotta James; chef Guenther Schubert, who will feed the team; filmmaker Rodney Fuentes, who will document the run; and race director Clay Williams. On September 19, 2019, the team left Peterborough to accompany the runners on their 4,300-kilometre trip to the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico. The run, which follows the annual migration journey of the monarch butterfly, will raise awareness of the plight of the threatened pollinator. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)

When I ran, I felt like a butterfly that was free. – Olympic medallist Wilma Rudolph

One can get to Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains from Peterborough via any one of a number of ways, the 4,300-kilometre distance no big deal in a world that has become increasingly smaller.

That said, it’s a safe bet that running that distance has never been high on anyone’s list of options, if it’s listed at all. Then again not everyone is so concerned about the threat facing monarch butterflies that they would actually do just that.

VIDEO: The start of the Monarch Ultra Relay Run in Peterborough (September 19, 2019)

Early Thursday morning (September 19) at the Depave Paradise garden site in Peterborough, members of the Ultra Monarch Relay Run team departed in their collective bid to traverse the same migratory route followed by monarch butterflies at this time of the year.

When they arrive at the Cerro Pelon Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary near Zitácuaro, Mexico on Monday, November 4th, team members will have traversed three countries, all for the purpose of bringing wide attention to monarch butterflies’ declining population and what the loss of the pollinator would mean in terms of the adverse impacts on biodiversity and food security.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

“There are many messages, the first one being about pollinators and their decline,” says pollinator advocate and runner Carlotta James, whose vision prompted the project.

“Pollinator populations are in decline all over the world, so we’re trying to do something positive and hopeful and inspiring to raise awareness about pollinators and that citizens can do simple things like plant pollinator gardens.”

Dorothy Taylor from Curve Lake, who performed an opening blessing as well as a smudging for the runners and provided protective herbs for the Monarch Ultra runners, with the run's co-founder Carlotta James behind her and co-founder and filmmaker Rodney Fuentes at right documenting. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Dorothy Taylor from Curve Lake, who performed an opening blessing as well as a smudging for the runners and provided protective herbs for the Monarch Ultra runners, with the run’s co-founder Carlotta James behind her and co-founder and filmmaker Rodney Fuentes at right documenting. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)

“We have such a short time on earth, so why not do something as ambitious as this?” James asks. “Monarch butterflies are an incredible species but what really connects us to them is human beings, so if we want to do something positive we have to connect both. Ultra runners, because they run such long distances … well, we see that connection with monarch migration.”

“Another thing is to educate. We’re hoping schools across Canada, similar to the Terry Fox Run, will engage in positive ecological projects and hopefully do mini monarch ultras and get kids outside running and planting gardens.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

The Monarch Ultra relay run will see runners — 50 initially with room for another 20 to register — teamed in pairs where possible, covering 50- or 100-kilometre segments daily for 47 days.

Joining the runners is filmmaker Rodney Fuentes, the end result of his participation being a documentary about the migratory flight of the monarch butterfly and their plight, the participating runners, and conservation efforts across the continent.

Chef Guenther Schubert, who will ensure everyone stays well-fed during their seven-week journey from Peterborough to Mexico, speaks with Tim Haines, one of the two inaugural runners. Haines is the husband of Monarch Ultra co-founder Carlotta James and the owner of Bluestreak Records. The second inaugural runner is James' best friend Krystal LeBreton. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Chef Guenther Schubert, who will ensure everyone stays well-fed during their seven-week journey from Peterborough to Mexico, speaks with Tim Haines, one of the two inaugural runners. Haines is the husband of Monarch Ultra co-founder Carlotta James and the owner of Bluestreak Records. The second inaugural runner is James’ best friend Krystal LeBreton. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)

“Carlotta approached me in January 2018 with the idea,” recalls Fuentes, who hopes to have his documentary ready to screen by next spring.

“She asked me if I thought it was crazy and I said ‘You have no idea how much I love crazy. Let’s do this.’ We put our brains together and said ‘OK, how can we make this work?'”

“I have a vision of how this should look as a documentary, but it’s one of those projects that will unfold as we go, so it’s hard to plan. We have a vision but we don’t know if we’re going to get there. Despite having a framework in mind in terms of how the story is going to flow, there’s still going to be tons of improvisatio … a lot of filming on the fly. It’s very exciting because every day will be a learning experience.”

Monarch Ultra co-founder Rodney Fuentes (left, with camera), who is documenting the entire Monarch Ultra Relay Run, films the beginning of the race, which included the two inaugural runners (Krystal LeBreton and Tim Haines, pictured at the front left beside run co-founder Carlotta James) and runners from Lett Architects. Run co-founder and race director Clay Williams is pictured at the right (in the yellow hoodie). (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Monarch Ultra co-founder Rodney Fuentes (left, with camera), who is documenting the entire Monarch Ultra Relay Run, films the beginning of the race, which included the two inaugural runners (Krystal LeBreton and Tim Haines, pictured at the front left beside run co-founder Carlotta James) and runners from Lett Architects. Run co-founder and race director Clay Williams is pictured at the right (in the yellow hoodie). (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)

Key to the Ultra Monarch team’s success has been, and will be, the involvement of Clay Williams, serving as race director. Responsible for mapping out the route, he brings to the table five years’ experience as director of the Canal Pursuit for Mental Health Relay Run that annually traverses the Trent-Severn and Rideau canal systems.

“We sat in a little restaurant in town here and I got a glimpse of her (James’) vision,” says Williams.

“I saw the distance was more than I’d ever done before, but the logistics weren’t a huge challenge. Some of the challenges we are going to see included crossing two international borders and just being able to verify the course. Most of the work I’ve done I couldn’t have done 10 years ago. We didn’t have Google street view; we didn’t have Google satellite images.”

Dorothy Taylor from Curve Lake, who performed an opening blessing as well as a smudging for the runners and provided protective herbs for the Monarch Ultra runners, with the run's co-founder Carlotta James behind her and co-founder and filmmaker Rodney Fuentes at right documenting. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Dorothy Taylor from Curve Lake, who performed an opening blessing as well as a smudging for the runners and provided protective herbs for the Monarch Ultra runners, with the run’s co-founder Carlotta James behind her and co-founder and filmmaker Rodney Fuentes at right documenting. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)

“As I’ve gotten to know Carlotta and her vision and the kind of different world she lives in, there’s so much more we all can do. And I think we can encourage others to do something.”

Eileen Kimmett and her husband Joel needed little encouraging. The Peterborough couple signed to run back in February. On September 27th, they’ll run a 50-kilometre segment just south of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

“Being ultra runners, we saw this as a really unique experience,” says Eileen. “We read into it more and it really caught our interest, especially since our kids are getting very concerned about the environment.”

“We decided to plant a pollinator garden in our backyard. We planted milkweed seeds and we started to see some monarchs come. I’m so excited — I ran here this morning.”

Since beginning the Monarch Ultra project last October, the team has connected with conservation organizations across North America to support their work at the local and international level.

That has resulted in partnerships with Bee City Canada, Monarch City USA, Monarch Joint Venture, David Suzuki Foundation, Butterflies and Their People, Ecosistemica AC, Environmental Concern, Monarch: A Living Resort, Save Our Monarchs Foundation, Little River Wetlands Project, and the National Butterfly Centre.

All donations raised by runners’ fundraising efforts will go to Monarch City USA, a non-profit group committed to monarch conservation across the United States.

VIDEO: kawarthaNOW.com Publisher Jeannine Taylor talks about sponsoring Monarch Ultra

Jeannine Taylor from Kawartha Now

The effervescent Jeannine Taylor from kawarthaNOW.com shared with us why she decided to sponsor the Monarch Ultra…a local Peterborough project goes global with ultrarunners running a 50km or 100km leg each across North America in order to raise awareness of monarch butterflies whose populations are in decline. Our 4,300km ultra marathon & documentary project will engage communities in Canada, USA and Mexico as we aim to inspire people into environmental & climate action. And what better way to tell the epic story of the monarch's migration by running in their shoes! Please consider supporting our project by becoming a sponsor. With immense gratitude & respect, xx The Monarch Ultra Team

Posted by Monarch Ultra on Friday, July 19, 2019

In addition, the support of a number of local sponsors has been secured, kawarthaNOW among them.

Locally, donations to the project can be made via the Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha website at portal.clubrunner.ca/220 A large number of Rotarians were on hand for the launch to lend their support.

To follow along the Monarch Ultra’s journey, visit www.themonarchultra.com.

Students from Edmison Heights Public School in Peterborough released a monarch butterfly and read an ode to the threatened pollinator. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Students from Edmison Heights Public School in Peterborough released a monarch butterfly and read an ode to the threatened pollinator. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)

This original version of this story has been replaced with full coverage from the event.

Dragon Boat Festival raises $241,739 for cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre

By kawarthaNOW -
Pterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway (left) and PRHC Foundation board chair Gord McFarland (right) accept a cheque for $241,738.54 from incoming Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival chair Gina Lee, festival dragon Bill Thornton (in costume), and outgoing festival chair Michelle Thornton on September 18, 2019 at PRHC. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival)

On Wednesday (September 18) at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), volunteers from the Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival organizing committee and Survivors Abreast dragon boat racing team presented a cheque for $241,738.54 to representatives of the hospital and the PRHC Foundation.

The funds were raised during this year’s Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, which took place on June 8th at Del Crary Park in downtown Peterborough. The annual festival has now raised more than $3.6 million raised for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment at PRHC.

“It feels good to give back to your community and sharing that feeling with as many people and organizations that make the festival possible is important,” said outgoing festival chair Michelle Thornton.

“It is truly a pleasure to work with the talented, generous and enthusiastic members on the planning committee, as well as all of the participants and members of the community who donate their time and energy to the event as captains, paddlers, volunteers, and donors.”

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Thornton, who recently celebrated her five-year milestone as a breast cancer survivor, was also festival chair in 2018 and co-chair in 2017. In October, she is passing the leadership role to fellow Survivors Abreast member Gina Lee.

“Peterborough is a phenomenally giving community and I am grateful to have this opportunity to give back,” Lee said. “I have some big shoes to fill and very much look forward to the challenge.”

PRHC Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway said the proceeds of the 2019 Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival will be used in PRHC’s laboratory to support fast and accurate diagnosis of both breast cancer and other cancers.

Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival team captains, paddlers, sponsors, volunteers, and others participated in an interactive presentation where the 2019 donation amount was gradually revealed as photos of the festival were removed from the donation cheque. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough's Dragon Boat Festival)
Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival team captains, paddlers, sponsors, volunteers, and others participated in an interactive presentation where the 2019 donation amount was gradually revealed as photos of the festival were removed from the donation cheque. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival)

“Breast is just one of the cancers that this vital piece of technology will be used for,” Heighway said, noting that there would be no cancer care at the hospital without the laboratory. “PRHC’s lab processes more than 20,000 cancer-related cases annually. That number represents thousands of additional people who will benefit from the festival and its donors’ investment every single year.”

“We’re so grateful for the support of our partners Survivors Abreast and Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, and to every one of the paddlers, donors, volunteers and sponsors who helped make this amazing event such a success.”

Breast cancer now affects one in eight women in her lifetime and experts predict that one of every two Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetimes. Heighway said waiting for and uncertainty about a diagnosis are two of the hardest things that cancer patients and their loved ones have to deal with, so technological innovation that provides fast and accurate diagnosis is a huge benefit.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

“Doctors rely on lab results to determine and confirm cancer diagnoses and treatment decisions,” she explained. “So we’re investing in new laboratory automation technology known as Cellavision, a laboratory system that performs automated digital cell mapping of bloodwork, allowing doctors to determine and confirm 100 per cent of cancer diagnoses and make treatment recommendations with less waiting time and uncertainty for patients and their loved ones.”

For the 18th year in a row, Kawartha Credit Union has been the festival’s platinum sponsor. Crystal Dayman, vice president of marketing and corporate communications, said that caring for others is one of the financial institution’s core values, which it demonstrates through donations and volunteering in the community.

“Being the platinum sponsor of Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival allows us to provide financial support while also participating in a fun event that unites Peterborough and surrounding areas in a common goal to improve local health care resources,” Dayman said.

Planning is already underway for the next Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival, marking the festival’s 20th anniversary. The 2020 event is scheduled for Saturday, June 13th at Del Crary Park.

Want to attract tourists? Bikes can do that.

By GreenUP -
The new Pedalboro party bike tours that allow participants to visit downtown Peterborough establishments via a 15-passenger bike is one example of cycle tourism. Downtown Peterborough, one of only five bike-friendly business areas in Ontario according to Ontario By Bike,is a natural location for bike-themed experiences. (Photo courtesy of Pedalboro)

“Tally-ho!”

It’s a call you may have heard on the streets of downtown Peterborough this summer, shortly before a light green 15-passenger bike rolled past full of people smiling, laughing, and pedalling to their next destination.

Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Lindsay Stroud, GreenUP Transportation & Urban Design Manager.

That is PedalBoro, a local company that started this summer, offering group cycling tours of Peterborough’s vibrant food and beverage scene.

The PedalBoro “Tally-ho!” is the most recent call in an ongoing effort to build cycle tourism in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Benefits of cycle tourism

A key benefit of cycle tourism is that it can boost spending in downtown business areas. Cycling downtown encourages you to slow down and pay attention to your surroundings. In this way, cycle tourism shows off the amazing downtown businesses that residents and tourists might not otherwise appreciate.

“PedalBoro is creating a chance for groups of people to rediscover downtown Peterborough in a whole new way,” says Hillary Flood, co-owner of PedalBoro, Peterborough’s 15-passenger party bike.

“We find that many of our pedallers leave our tour feeling more connected to our city’s core. They are always commenting on how vibrant the downtown is and how they plan to come back to explore. Even after a tour, 89 per cent of our guests spend additional time in the downtown supporting local restaurants and pubs.”

According to PedalBoro co-owner Hillary Flood, 89 per cent of guests spend additional time in the downtown supporting local restaurants and pubs. (Photo courtesy of Pedalboro)
According to PedalBoro co-owner Hillary Flood, 89 per cent of guests spend additional time in the downtown supporting local restaurants and pubs. (Photo courtesy of Pedalboro)

It’s not just local residents who are jumping on board the new party bike: 60 per cent of PedalBoro’s tours host guests from out of town, and 48 per cent of those are overnight tourists.

The typical cycle tourist stays longer (3.4 nights versus 3.1) and spends more on average per trip than other visitors ($255 per trip versus $171 per trip).

Each year in Ontario, there are almost two million bike visitors, and they are collectively responsible for $428 million in spending.

Cycling and tourism are a win-win combination. Visitors enjoy a healthy trip, while our local economy benefits from increased spending without the adverse impacts of increased traffic from cars.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

Building cycle tourism

Have you ever wondered how Peterborough and the Kawarthas have become known as a prime cycling destination in Ontario? The answer might surprise you.

It all starts with how we — local residents and business owners — embrace bike-friendly culture as part of our daily lives. Only after that can our communities effectively attract cycle tourists.

In 2011, Ontario By Bike (www.ontariobybike.ca) began bike-friendly certification for businesses that offer cycling information, secure lock-up areas, access to washrooms, water and healthy local food.

There are now over 1,500 certified bicycle-friendly business across Ontario, and the bike-friendly businesses in Peterborough are leading the way. In 2018, Ontario By Bike recognized Peterborough’s downtown area as one of only five “Bicycle-Friendly Business Areas” in the province.

VIDEO: Experience Cycling in Peterborough & the Kawarthas

As our bike infrastructure improves, cycle tourism grows. Bike rentals have doubled at Wild Rock Outfitters in downtown Peterborough this year, and visitors often comment on how easy and fun it is to explore the area by bike, starting with the new bike lanes on George Street.

Tourists are also attracted to our city because it is a hub of cycling routes. Trails within Peterborough offer scenic routes connected to the Great Trail (also known as the Trans Canada Trail) that give access to destinations further afield, like Lakefield, Lindsay, Campbellford, and even Ottawa.

Many cyclists, however, prefer to take their trips on scenic country roads instead of trails. With this in mind, in 2015 Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism partnered with Shimano Canada and worked with local cyclists to develop three double-loop, signed cycling routes known as the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Classics. In 2019 alone, approximately 600 visitors reached out to the visitor centre about these routes.

Another way to build cycle tourism is by hosting events. For example, the Peterborough Cycling Club and partners successfully bid to host the 2018 Shimano Canadian Cyclocross Championships. Over 700 participants registered from seven provinces and three states, resulting in approximately $225,000 in spending in our city. Peterborough is once again hosting this event on November 2 and 3, 2019. Organizers expect even larger crowds this year.

 

The road forward

Peterborough's quiet rural roads–with picturesque countryside, waterfront vistas, and nature around every corner–are a special attraction for road cyclists. (Photo: Kris Sieber / Peterborough Cycling Club)
Peterborough’s quiet rural roads–with picturesque countryside, waterfront vistas, and nature around every corner–are a special attraction for road cyclists. (Photo: Kris Sieber / Peterborough Cycling Club)

When it comes to cycling tourism, there is still plenty of room for improvement.

For example, Ontario residents account for the majority of cycling visits in our province (84 per cent). That means we are not attracting many tourists from outside Ontario. Remember that Ontario gets just shy of two million cycle tourists and $428 million in spending per year. Compare that to Quebec, which gets over $700 million in cycling tourism spending and 1.6 million guest nights exclusively from visitors outside of Quebec.

“Why do I go to Quebec every summer to ride my bike?” asks Marilyn Freeman, avid cycle tourist and vice-chair of the Peterborough Bicycle Advisory Committee. “A variety of terrain, bike-friendly infrastructure, and a culture that welcomes people on bikes.”

“Just look at the economic success of Le P’tit Train du Nord. When the rail trail was built, formerly almost-dead ski villages and towns became alive again with the money and energy that bike tourism brought in. Bikes can do that! Just think of what can happen if we paved the shoulders on Highway 7 from Lindsay to Ottawa.”

The County of Peterborough has recently committed through their Active Transportation Master Plan to paving shoulders on many of our roads to make them more welcoming for cyclists.

Ongoing efforts like this to build bike-friendly culture and infrastructure will continue to make our communities healthier and also more welcoming for bicycle tourists.

Advertisement - content continues below

 

 

In 2018 the provincial voice for cycling, Share the Road, released an infographic titled Bikes Can Do That! It details seven benefits that can be achieved when bikes become the daily vehicle of choice for more people in your community.

Throughout 2019, GreenUP will be exploring the benefits that can be achieved by a city and its residents, when it commits to valuing the bike as a significant, useful, (and fun) mode of transportation, through the #BikesCanDoThat series. This is the fourth article in the series. Also check out Reduce traffic congestion? Bikes can do that., Want to build a vibrant downtown? Bikes can do that., and Want to promote active living? Bikes can do that.

If you’d like to contribute ideas to the #BikesCanDoThat series, please contact Lindsay Stroud, Manager of Transportation and Urban Design Programs at GreenUP, at 705-745-3238 or lindsay.stroud@greenup.on.ca.

1...711712713...1,105Page 712 of 1,105

Become a #kawarthaNOW fan

30,406FollowersLike
25,232FollowersFollow
17,705FollowersFollow
4,416FollowersFollow
3,569FollowersFollow
3,010FollowersFollow

Sign up for kawarthNOW's Enews

Sign up for our VIP Enews

kawarthaNOW.com offers two enews options to help readers stay in the know. Our VIP enews is delivered weekly every Wednesday morning and includes exclusive giveaways, and our news digest is delivered daily every morning. You can subscribe to one or both.




Submit your event for FREE!

Use our event submission form to post your event on our website — for free. To submit editorial content or ideas, please contact us.

EDITOR'S PICKS

SIGN UP FOR OUR ENEWS




© Copyright kawarthaNOW® 1996 - 2025. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission, or republication strictly prohibited. Trademarks owned by kawarthaNOW include kawarthaNOW®, Keep It In The Kawarthas®, Web Sites That Work®, Kawartha Localist™, Know Your Locals™, businessNOW™, musicNOW™, artNOW™, nightlifeNOW™, encoreNOW™, and KNosh™.